JP2004343327A - Camera with communication function, and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera with a communication function and a communication system which can solve a problem of insufficient storage capacity of a storage means of a camera and also take the protection of privacy into consideration. <P>SOLUTION: Prior to making a memory independently provided on the outside of a camera store image data photographed using an image pickup element from a camera memory 101a, it is determined whether or not a private image or data having a high confidentiality is added to the image data. On a result of this determination, either an external storage control server 102 or a personal computer 103 is selected as a transmission destination and the image data are transmitted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a camera with a communication function and a communication system, and more particularly, to a camera with a communication function and a communication system having a function of storing a large amount of captured image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A digital camera that has become widespread in recent years stores an image captured by a digital imaging unit as digital image data in a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory. In such a digital camera, the number of pixels of the imaging means has been increased and a high-resolution image can be captured. However, such a high-resolution image generally has a large data amount. Here, the storage means of the digital camera includes a camera built-in type and a storage means detachable from the camera. However, if a large-capacity storage means is built in the camera, the portability of the camera may be impaired. On the other hand, if the storage capacity of the storage means built into the camera is limited and the rest is supplemented by a removable storage means, the portability of the camera is not impaired, but frequent replacement of the storage means is necessary. Become.
[0003]
In view of the above, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873 proposes storing image data in an external storage unit provided in an external server via a communication unit. This patent document 1 solves the shortage of the storage capacity of the storage unit by issuing a warning to the user when the image data in the storage unit of the camera exceeds a predetermined capacity and prompting the transmission of the image data to the server. It is a proposal to do so.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-128113 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By solving the problem of insufficient storage capacity of the storage means by a method like the proposal of Patent Document 1, the images to be photographed are diversified. For example, cameras are also used for photographing for visually transmitting information to many people, and for photographing wallpaper images used for a display unit of the camera.
[0006]
However, there is a problem of privacy protection, and it is not preferable to easily transmit image data that the third party does not want to show to a storage unit outside the camera. Here, the proposal in Patent Document 1 only urges the user to transmit image data to the server, and the user selects image data to be transmitted, so that an image that the user does not want to show to a third party is transmitted. Although there is little possibility, image data must be selected at the time of transmission, which is troublesome.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a camera with a communication function and a communication system that solves the problem of insufficient storage capacity of the storage means of the camera and that also considers privacy protection. Aim.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a camera with a communication function according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject; a storage unit that stores an output of the imaging unit as image data; A transmitting unit that transmits the stored image data to a predetermined destination outside the camera; and that the image data stored in the storage unit is a private image or highly confidential to a specific person. Adding means for adding data indicating that the image data is transmitted by changing the transmission destination of the image data according to whether the data is added by the adding means. A camera with a communication function characterized by the following.
[0009]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the transmission unit performs transmission with at least a personal computer or an Internet server as a transmission destination using wired communication or wireless communication. .
[0010]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the transmitting means may be configured such that, when the data is added to the image data by the adding means, the personal computer Is sent to the destination.
[0011]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the transmission means transmits the image data to the personal computer when the storage capacity of the storage means is small.
[0012]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the transmitting means may be configured such that when the data is not added to the image data by the adding means, Is sent to the destination.
[0013]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the transmission means performs transmission to the Internet server only when the communication state is good.
[0014]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the transmitting means may be configured such that the data is added to the image data by the adding means, and the storage means When there is no free space in the storage capacity, the image data is transmitted to the personal computer.
[0015]
According to the first to seventh aspects, the private image and the image data whose confidentiality is to be enhanced are transmitted to a destination different from a normal destination, so that the camera can store the image data without causing the user to feel troublesome. The problem of insufficient storage capacity of the means can be solved, and privacy can be protected.
[0016]
Also, in the camera with a communication function according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the storage means stores the image data transmitted by the transmission means when the transmission means transmits the image data. The image data is copied and the compressed image data is stored.
[0017]
According to the eighth aspect, when the image data is transmitted, the image data is copied, compressed, and stored, so that the storage capacity of the storage unit of the camera can be saved, and the image data can be easily searched. is there.
[0018]
Further, in the camera with a communication function according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the storage means further stores data indicating a destination of the image data.
[0019]
According to the ninth aspect, the destination is stored at the time of transmitting the image data, so that the camera can search for the image data.
[0020]
Further, a camera with a communication function according to a tenth aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject, a storage unit that stores an output of the imaging unit as image data, and an image data that is stored in the storage unit. Transmitting means for transmitting to a predetermined destination outside the camera, and adding data indicating that the image data is a private image or has high confidentiality to a specific person to image data stored in the storage means. The image processing apparatus further includes an adding unit, and an encrypting unit that encrypts the image data stored in the storage unit when the data is added by the adding unit.
[0021]
According to the tenth aspect, a private image can be encrypted and transmitted.
[0022]
In the camera with a communication function according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, when the data is added to the image data by the adding means, the communication line of the transmitting means is wired. Or a communication state determining means for determining whether or not the communication speed is high, wherein the transmitting means determines that the communication line is wired or the communication speed is high by the communication state determining means. Only when the determination is made, the image data in which the data is added to the image data by the adding means is transmitted.
[0023]
According to the tenth aspect, even if the private image is encrypted and transmitted, the possibility of data corruption is small.
[0024]
In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention comprises: an imaging unit that images a subject; a first storage unit that stores an output of the imaging unit as image data; Transmitting means for transmitting the image data stored in the first storage means to a predetermined destination outside the camera, and a private image for the image data stored in the first storage means Or an adding unit for adding data indicating that the confidentiality to a specific person is high, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the image data according to whether the data is added by the adding unit. A personal computer having a camera with a communication function for changing the destination and transmitting the image data, and a second storage means for receiving the image data transmitted from the transmission means and storing the received image data. And Yuta, the image data transmitted from said transmitting means and received via a public telephone line or the base station, and the internet server having a third storage means for storing image data obtained by the reception, and a.
[0025]
Also, in a communication system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the transmitting means transmits the personal computer when the data is added to the image data by the adding means. The personal computer performs the above-mentioned transmission, and the personal computer stores the image data transmitted by the transmission unit in the second storage unit.
[0026]
Also, in a communication system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the transmitting means transmits the Internet server when the data is not added to the image data by the adding means. The above-mentioned transmission is performed, and the Internet server stores the image data transmitted by the transmission unit in the third storage unit.
[0027]
Further, in the communication system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the transmission means performs transmission to the Internet server only when the communication state is good.
[0028]
In a communication system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the storage means copies the image data transmitted by the transmission means when the transmission means transmits the image data. At the same time, it stores the compressed image data.
[0029]
In the communication system according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixteenth aspect, the storage means further stores data of a transmission destination.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a communication system including a camera with a communication function according to a first embodiment of the present invention. That is, this communication system includes a camera with a communication function (hereinafter, referred to as a camera) 101, an external storage unit control server (hereinafter, referred to as a server) 102, a personal computer (PC) 103, and data communication between them. And a communication unit (not shown) that mediates the communication. In FIG. 1, data communication between the camera 101 and the server 102 is performed by wireless communication. That is, the image data transmitted from the camera 101 is first received by the base station 104. Then, the image data is transmitted from the base station 104 to the server 102 via the network (Internet) 110. In the exchange 107 provided between the base station 104 and the Internet 110, line switching is performed.
[0032]
On the other hand, data communication between the camera 101 and the PC 103 is performed by wired communication using USB or the like, or short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth. Also, the PC 103 can be connected to the Internet 110 via a communication line such as a telephone line.
[0033]
The communication system of FIG. 1 is used, for example, in a form as shown in FIG. In this figure, the camera 101 can also transmit and receive data to and from the PC 103. In such an embodiment, for example, image data captured by the camera 101 can be transferred to the PC 103, and the transferred image can be confirmed on the monitor of the PC 103. A communication line 103c such as a telephone line is connected to the PC 103. Reference numeral 103b in FIG. 2 indicates a power adapter of the PC 103.
[0034]
Next, the camera 101 of FIG. 1 will be described. The camera 101 is assumed to be a so-called digital camera. A first storage unit (camera memory) 101a for storing an image captured by an image sensor inside the camera as a digital image, and the camera 101 is stored in the camera memory 101a. And a communication unit (not shown) for communicating the image data with the outside. Here, the camera memory 101a corresponds to a first storage unit in the claims. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the camera memory 101 a outside the camera 101, the camera memory 101 a may be built in the camera 101. Here, a small and lightweight camera memory 101a is used to maintain portability of the camera. Therefore, the storage capacity of the camera memory 101a is not so large.
[0035]
Therefore, in the first embodiment, in order to save the storage capacity of the camera memory 101a, the image data stored in the camera memory 101a is stored in a storage unit outside the camera existing at a predetermined destination. In the first embodiment, the storage unit outside the camera is, for example, a second storage unit (PC memory) 103a such as a hard disk provided in the PC 103 or a third storage unit (server memory) provided in the server 102. 102a. Here, the PC memory 103a corresponds to a second storage unit described in the claims, and the server memory 102a corresponds to a third storage unit described in the claims. The storage capacity of these three types of storage units is the smallest in the camera memory 101a and the largest in the server memory 102a. However, transferring image data from the camera memory 101a to the server memory 102a takes longer than transferring image data from the camera memory 101a to the PC memory 103a, and image data can be seen by a third party during or after the transfer. It is highly possible that
[0036]
Therefore, in the first embodiment, a private image or highly confidential image data that is not desired to be seen by a third party is stored in the PC memory 103a by designating the PC 103 as a transmission destination. Such control is performed by the control unit inside the camera according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0037]
First, the control unit determines whether there is image data set as a private image or a highly confidential image (hereinafter, referred to as a private image) (step S1). The determination as to whether or not the image is a private image can be made by, for example, adding data indicating whether or not the image is a private image (corresponding to the data described in the claims) to the image data. It is possible to determine whether or not a private image exists based on whether or not there is image data to which is added.
[0038]
If it is determined in step S1 that there is no private image, the image data is transmitted to the server memory 102a of the server 102 via, for example, wireless communication or a public telephone line. Prior to this, the control unit determines whether or not the current communication state is a good state in which there is a high possibility that the communication of the image data is successful (step S2). If it is determined in step S2 that the communication state is not good, the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the communication state is good, the control unit starts transmitting the image data to the server 102 and stores the image data in the server memory 102a (step S3). After the image data transmission is completed, the control unit stores that the destination of the image data is the server 102 (step S4). By storing the transmission destination in this way, the image data stored in the server memory 102a can be returned to the camera memory 101a, and the user can freely display the image displayed on the display unit or the like of the camera 101. It is possible to browse.
[0039]
If it is determined in step S1 that a private image exists, or if it is determined in step S2 that the communication state is not good, the control unit determines whether there is a free storage space in the camera memory 101a. (Step S5). If the result of this determination is that there is still room in the storage capacity of the camera memory 101a, the control of this flowchart ends without transmitting the image data. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S5, when it is determined that there is no free space in the storage capacity of the camera memory 101a, the control unit determines whether communication with the PC 103 is currently possible (step S6). Here, “communicable” refers to a case where communication with a high probability of protecting private information can be performed, such as a case where wired communication with the PC 103 is possible or a case where short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth is possible.
[0040]
If it is determined in step S6 that communication with the PC 103 is possible, the control unit starts transmitting image data to the PC 103 and stores the image data in the PC memory 103a (step S7). Then, the control unit stores that the transmission destination of the image data is the PC 103 (Step S8).
[0041]
On the other hand, if it is determined that communication with the PC 103 is not possible, the control of this flowchart ends without transmitting image data.
[0042]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, by transmitting the image data stored in the camera memory to the outside, it is possible to save the capacity of the camera memory, and in particular, to the third party. Since image data that is not desired to be transmitted is transmitted using a communication destination and a communication method with a low probability of being seen by a third party, personal privacy can be protected.
[0043]
[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4A illustrates a scene in which a user 21 is photographing a subject 20 at a travel destination or the like as an example of using the camera with a communication function according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4A, the user 21 determines a composition while looking at the display unit 8 of the camera 101, and waits for a photo opportunity. The camera 101 in FIG. 4A is assumed to be a camera having a call function, and has a microphone 12 below the camera and a speaker 14 above the camera. Note that the camera 101 does not need to have a call function.
[0044]
That is, the voice of the user 21 is converted into an electric signal through the microphone 12 and transmitted as a radio wave via the antenna 11 at the time of a telephone call as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when receiving a radio wave, the radio wave received via the antenna 11 is converted into an audio signal and can be heard as audio via the speaker 14.
[0045]
Further, the taking lens 2 of the camera 101 is arranged on the back side of the display unit 8 as shown in FIG. 4C, for example.
[0046]
It is important for the camera 101 having such a calling function and a camera function to be compact and lightweight. For this reason, the camera 101 does not use a large-sized battery and does not use a large-sized and large-capacity storage unit for storing captured image data. Instead, in the second embodiment, the data of the captured image is not always stored in a storage unit (not shown) in the camera, but is stored in an external storage unit, that is, the server memory of FIG. The image data is transferred to the server memory 102a and the PC memory 103a, and the image data is stored in the server memory 102a and the PC memory 103a.
[0047]
What is important when transferring the image data to the external storage unit in this way is whether or not the image data is correctly transferred. In particular, when wireless communication as shown in FIG. 4A is assumed, the user 21 can move, and the image transfer is not always performed in a good communication state. If it takes a long time to transfer the image data, the call may be hindered and the telephone may not be connected in an important situation. Generally, when transferring a moving image, a bit rate of 64 kilobits / second or more is required, but the current mobile communication has a bit rate of less than half of that. In recent years, megapixels have also been adopted in still image shooting. For example, in a camera having 1 million pixels, when an image having 8-bit gradation data is transmitted at a bit rate of mobile communication, even if the data is transmitted at a bit rate of mobile communication, for example, Even if it is compressed, it takes time in minutes. If no other communication can be performed during this time, the camera 101 cannot serve as a telephone. During this time, it is also difficult to always maintain good communication. If the communication is poor during the call, the conversation is only interrupted, but if the communication is poor during the transfer of the image data, the data may be damaged. Therefore, in the second embodiment, when transferring image data, the data is divided to shorten the communication time required for one communication.
[0048]
FIG. 5 shows a configuration diagram of a communication system including a camera with a communication function according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the configurations also illustrated in FIG. That is, this communication system includes a camera 101, a server 102, a PC 103, a base station 104, an indoor terminal 105, a connection device 106, a switching device 107, a control device 108, and a server computer (provider internal). (Hereinafter referred to as a provider) 109 and the Internet 110.
[0049]
First, the configuration and operation of the camera 101 will be described. That is, the camera 101 includes a control unit 1, a photographing lens 2, a lens driving unit 3, a distance measuring unit 4, an image sensor 5, an analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit 6, a digital signal processing Unit 7, camera memory 101a, display unit 8, data division unit 9, modulation / demodulation unit 10, communication unit 11, audio input unit (microphone) 12, digital / analog (D / A) conversion It comprises a unit 13, an audio output unit (speaker) 14, and an operation unit 15.
[0050]
The control unit 1 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and controls each operation of the camera 101. An operation unit 15 is connected to the control unit 1, and the control unit 1 determines the ON / OFF state of each switch of the operation unit 15 according to a user operation, and performs control corresponding to the determined operation of the switch. I do. In addition, the control unit 1 performs communication with the base station 104 and the indoor stationary terminal 105 via the communication unit 11 to determine a communication state.
[0051]
The taking lens 2 is composed of at least one lens. The control unit 1 controls the driving of the lens driving unit 3 to control the focusing of the photographing lens 2. The lens driving unit 3 includes a lens driving mechanism (not shown), a lens position detecting circuit, and the like. At the time of such focusing control of the photographing lens 2, the distance to the subject 20 is detected by the distance measuring unit 4, and the control unit 1 drives and controls the lens driving unit 3 based on the detected subject distance. As a result, an image of the subject 20 in focus is formed on the image sensor 5.
[0052]
The image pickup device 5 includes an image pickup device such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor and an image pickup circuit (not shown) that drives the image pickup device. The image pickup device 5 converts an image of the formed subject 20 into an electric signal (image signal). I do. After that, the image signal is subjected to analog processing such as noise removal in the image pickup circuit, and then output to the A / D converter 6 in the next stage. The A / D converter 6 converts the image signal input from the image sensor 5 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the digital signal processor 7. The digital signal processing unit 7 is controlled by the control unit 1 to perform image processing such as gamma conversion processing, color balance adjustment, and edge enhancement processing on the input digital image signal to adjust the image output, and to perform predetermined image processing. After digital processing such as digital compression processing using an encoding format is performed, the data is recorded in a camera memory 101a including a built-in semiconductor memory or a detachable semiconductor memory.
[0053]
In addition, the control unit 1 displays the image signal processed by the digital signal processing unit 7 on a display unit 8 including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).
[0054]
In the second embodiment, the camera memory 101a has a small size and a small capacity because of the portability required for the camera. Therefore, the camera 101 transfers the image data stored in the camera memory 101a to a storage unit outside the camera, such as the server memory 102a or the PC memory 103a. At this time, if all the image data is transferred by one communication, the above-described problem occurs. In the second embodiment, first, the image data stored in the camera memory 101a is first divided by the data dividing unit. At 9, the packet is divided into packets, and the packets are modulated at the modulation / demodulation unit 10 and transmitted as radio waves via the communication unit 11. Conversely, when radio waves are received via the communication unit 11, the modulation / demodulation unit 10 extracts the packet, and then the digital signal processing unit 7 restores the image data.
[0055]
When the camera 101 is used as a telephone, the sound input by the user is converted into an electric signal by the sound input unit (microphone) 12 and then converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 6. The audio signal thus converted into a digital signal is compressed in a predetermined encoding format in the digital signal processing unit 7, and then divided into packets in the data division unit 9 as described above. This packet is modulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 10 and then transmitted from the communication unit 11 as a radio wave. Conversely, when a radio wave is received via the communication unit 11, the modulation / demodulation unit 10 extracts the packet and then restores the audio data in the digital signal processing unit 7. Thereafter, the audio data is converted into an analog audio signal by the D / A converter 13 and reproduced as audio via the audio output unit (speaker) 14.
[0056]
Next, the operation of the system after the image data is transmitted from the communication unit 11 will be described.
[0057]
The data transmitted from the communication unit 11 in FIG. 5 is received by the PC 103, the base station 104, or an indoor stationary telephone (indoor stationary terminal) 105 generally called a master unit. The indoor stationary terminal 105 is connected to an exchange 107 via a dedicated line, and the exchange 107 is controlled by a control device 108 to switch the line.
[0058]
On the other hand, the base station 104 is connected to the connection device 106 via a line such as ISDN, for example, and further connected to the exchange 107 via the connection device 106.
[0059]
Control device 108 controls exchange 107. The control device 108 periodically communicates with the camera 101 via the base station 104 to register and update the position information of the camera 101 in order to grasp the position of the user. By controlling switch 107 based on the registered position information, control device 108 can grasp the position of camera 101 even if the user moves, and can control line switching correctly.
[0060]
Further, the exchange 107 can be connected to the Internet 110 via a provider 109. From the Internet 110, the server 102 can be accessed.
[0061]
The main computer of the server 102 restores the original image data by extracting and combining the data portions from all the transmitted packets, and restores the restored image data according to the source information written in the header portion of the packet. It is stored in the server memory 102a.
[0062]
The data transferred from the camera 101 via the exchange 107 is stored in advance in a storage unit external to the camera managed by the provider or server desired by the user according to the destination information written in the header. .
[0063]
Further, another service can be received from the server 102. For example, the album creating unit 102b can request to create an electronic album based on the transmitted image data. In the photo printing unit 102c, the transmitted image is printed out as a photo, and the user 21 can request that the photo be delivered. In addition, the mail attachment distribution unit 102d can transmit an electronic mail with an image file attached to a personal computer or the like owned by the sender, for example.
[0064]
Next, control of the control unit 1 in the camera with a communication function according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. It is assumed that the camera has a photographing mode for photographing an image and a telephone mode for talking. First, control in the photographing mode will be described with reference to FIG.
[0065]
In this shooting mode, the control unit 1 measures the subject distance using the distance measuring unit 4 (step S11). Next, the control unit 1 controls the lens driving unit 3 based on the measurement result of the subject distance to focus the photographing lens 2 (step S12). Thereafter, exposure control is performed (step S13).
[0066]
Next, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the captured image data has been designated as a private image by a user operation or the like (step S14). Data indicating that the image is a private image is added (step S15). Note that, when an operation instruction is given by the user, data indicating that the image is a private image is added even in the shooting mode.
[0067]
Then, after the photographed image data is stored in the camera memory 101a (step S16), the control of the photographing mode ends.
[0068]
Next, control in the telephone mode will be described with reference to FIGS. In this telephone mode, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the camera 101 and the PC 103 are currently communicably connected (step S21). When it is determined in step S21 that the connection with the PC 103 is being established, the control unit 1 determines whether or not a setting is made to transmit a private image (step S22). If it is determined that the private image is to be transmitted, the private image stored in the camera memory 101a is transmitted to the PC 103 and stored in the PC memory 103a (step S23). Thereafter, the control unit stores that the transmission destination of the image data is the PC 103 (Step S24).
[0069]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the PC 103 is not connected, the private image is not transmitted. This is because transmitting image data that is not desired to be viewed by a third party to the server 102 by long-distance wireless communication is not preferable in terms of privacy protection. That is, when it is determined in step S21 that the PC 103 is not connected, the control unit 1 determines whether a call is currently being made or a call start operation has been performed (step S25). This determination is made periodically during the subsequent processing.
[0070]
If it is determined in step S25 that a call is not currently being made, the control unit 1 detects the current communication state (step S26). This is an operation of transmitting a signal from the camera 101 to the base station 104 and the indoor stationary terminal 105 and receiving a response signal. Thus, even when the camera 101 receives data from the outside, the line is connected via the base station closest to the camera 101, and the data can be received.
[0071]
When the indoor stationary terminal 105 receives a signal from the camera 101, the indoor stationary terminal 105 transmits a signal notifying that the signal has been received to the camera 101. The camera 101 determines from the content of the received signal whether or not the indoor stationary terminal 105 is nearby (step S27). In the determination of step S27, when it is determined that the indoor stationary type terminal 105 is present nearby, the control unit 1 divides the image data stored in the camera memory 101a into indoor packets without dividing the image data into packets. It is transmitted to the type terminal 105 (step S28). After the transmission is completed, the process proceeds to step S39. That is, the indoor stationary terminal 105 generally has a short communicable distance. Therefore, when the indoor stationary terminal 105 can communicate with the indoor stationary terminal 105, the user 21 is located near the indoor stationary terminal 105 as shown in FIG. It is considered that communication will not be interrupted on the way. In such a situation where stable communication can be performed, image data is transmitted by continuous communication without being divided into packets. The image data transmitted to the indoor stationary terminal 105 in this manner is stored in the server memory 102a in the server 102 via the Internet 110. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the indoor stationary terminal 105 does not exist nearby, continuous data transmission is not performed.
[0072]
If it is determined in step S25 that a call is in progress or that a call is in progress, the control unit 1 detects a communication state (step S29) and determines whether the current communication state is good (step S30). ). If it is determined in step S30 that the communication state is good, the control unit 1 causes the display unit 8 to display a character display or the like indicating that the communication state is good (step S31). Then, the operation standby state such as telephone number input, mail address, mail text input, etc. is entered (step S32). In this operation standby state, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the line is being connected (step S33). When it is determined in step S33 that the line is not connected, the control unit 1 determines whether the communication state is good for a predetermined time (step S34). For example, at the time of inputting an e-mail message, communication is not performed for a predetermined time, and the camera simply functions as an input device. During this time, if the communication state is good for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S36. That is, in this case, it is determined that the moving speed of the user is low and the possibility of communication interruption is small, and the image data is transmitted. However, if data is transmitted for a long time during a call, the connection to the line may be affected, or the user may suddenly move to a place where radio waves cannot reach. Send.
[0073]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the line is being connected, it is unlikely that the user will dare go to a place with a poor communication state, so that the image data is transmitted by packet communication also in this case. That is, when it is determined in step S33 that the line is being connected, it is determined whether or not data is currently being received (step S35). Here, "during reception of data" means the timing at which the other party of the telephone is talking. If it is determined in step S35 that data is not being received, the process returns to step S32.
[0074]
That is, if it is determined in step S34 that the communication state is good for a predetermined time or if it is determined in step S35 that data is being received, the control unit 1 divides the image data into packets. The data is transmitted to the base station 104 (step S36). Next, the controller 1 determines whether the transmission of the image data has been completed (step S37). If it is determined that the transmission of the image data has been completed, the process proceeds to step S39. On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission of the image data has not been completed, the process returns to step S32.
[0075]
If it is determined in step S30 that the communication state is poor, the control unit 1 issues a warning to the user (step S38) and ends the control of this flowchart.
[0076]
After the transmission of the image data is completed, the control unit 1 determines whether or not a notification of the completion of the image data storage has been received from the server 102 (step S39). If it is determined in step S39 that the notification of the completion of the storage of the image data has not been received, for example, it is determined that there is a request for the missing packet from the server 102, the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S39 that the notification of the completion of the storage of the image data has been received from the server 102, the control unit 1 causes the display unit 8 to display the fact (step S40). Note that this display need not be performed during a call or the like. Next, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the user has performed an erasing operation on the image data (step S41). When it is determined that the erasing operation has been performed, the control unit 1 determines whether the image transmission has been completed. The data is erased (step S42). Thereafter, the control of this flowchart ends.
[0077]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the destination of the image data is determined to be either a PC or a server according to whether or not the image is a private image. You can concentrate on shooting without worrying about the storage capacity.
[0078]
[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is an example in which a private image is stored in a server memory. The PC memory has a larger storage capacity than the camera memory, but does not store only image data. For this reason, it is conceivable that, even if an attempt is made to store image data in the PC memory, there is no room in the PC memory, or there is no case where the user does not want to store the image data in the PC memory. For this reason, in the third embodiment, a private image is also stored in the server memory. Regarding the configuration, any of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be used.
[0079]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a main control procedure of the camera with a communication function according to the third embodiment. First, the control unit 1 determines a state of a user's release switch operation or the like, and determines whether or not to capture an image (step S51). If it is determined in step S51 that the image is to be shot, the shooting control as described in the second embodiment is performed (step S52). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the photographed image has been designated as a private image (step S53). As a result of the determination in step S53, when it is determined that the private image has been designated, the control unit 1 performs an encryption process on the designated image data (step S54), and stores the image data in the camera memory. The data is stored in 101a (step S55).
[0080]
This encryption processing may be performed by a known method. In general, the data amount increases when the encryption processing is performed. This means that the communication time becomes longer. For this reason, if the encrypted image data is transmitted in an unstable communication state, data corruption as described in the second embodiment occurs. Becomes easier. Therefore, in the third embodiment, transmission of a private image is performed only when the communication state such as wired communication is stable or when high-speed communication is possible.
[0081]
If it is determined in step S51 that shooting is not to be performed, the control unit 1 determines whether untransmitted image data exists in the camera memory 101a (step S56). If it is determined that there is no untransmitted image data, the process returns to step S51. On the other hand, if it is determined that untransmitted image data exists, it is determined whether or not image data designated as a private image exists in the untransmitted image data (step S57). In this determination, when it is determined that there is no private image, the flow shifts to step S59 to transmit image data.
[0082]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S57 that a private image exists, the camera 101 is currently connected to a wired communication line, or the communication speed of the currently connected line is higher than a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not (step S58). The determination in step S58 corresponds to the communication state determination means described in the claims. If it is determined in step S58 that the camera is connected to the wired communication line or the communication speed is high, the private image data is transmitted (step S59). On the other hand, if the communication is wireless and the communication speed is low, the private image is not transmitted.
[0083]
Next, control at the time of transmitting image data in step S59 will be described with reference to FIG. First, after the transmission destination of the image data is determined by determining whether or not the image is a private image (step S61), the control unit 1 can detect the communication state and transmit the image data to the transmission destination. Is determined (step S62). If it is determined in step S62 that transmission is not possible, the process returns to step S61. On the other hand, when it is determined that the image data can be transmitted, the image data to be transmitted is copied (step S63), and the copied image data is compressed (reduced) (step S64). Thereafter, the non-compressed image data is transmitted to the transmission destination (step S65). Thereafter, the compressed image and the transmission destination are stored in the camera memory 101a (step S66).
[0084]
The compressed image can be used, for example, as an icon by displaying it on the display unit 8 as shown in FIG. At this time, if the URL of the transmission destination is also displayed, the transmission destination of the image data can be easily understood by the user.
[0085]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, since encryption is performed before transmitting a private image, private image data can be transmitted to a server. Further, by storing the compressed image in the camera memory, it is easy to search for image data.
[0086]
Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the present invention. is there.
[0087]
Further, the embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent features. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments, the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects described in the column of the effect of the invention can be solved. When the effect is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera with a communication function and a communication system that solve the problem of insufficient storage capacity of the storage unit of the camera and that also considers privacy protection.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a communication system including a camera with a communication function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a usage mode of the camera with a communication function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating control performed when the camera with a communication function according to the first embodiment of the present invention transmits image data.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a usage pattern of a camera with a communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system including a camera with a communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control in a shooting mode of a camera with a communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a first half of a flowchart showing control in a telephone mode of a camera with a communication function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a latter half of a flowchart showing control in a telephone mode of the camera with a communication function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a main control procedure of the camera with a communication function according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure when transmitting image data of the camera with a communication function according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a compressed image.
[Description of Signs] 1 ... control unit, 2 ... photographing lens, 3 ... lens drive unit, 4 ... distance measuring unit, 5 ... image sensor, 6 ... analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit, 7 ... digital signal processing Unit, 8 display unit, 9 data division unit, 10 modulation / demodulation unit, 11 communication unit, 12 audio input unit, 13 digital / analog (D / A) conversion unit, 14 audio output unit, Reference numeral 15: operation unit, 100: camera with communication function (camera), 101a: camera memory, 102: external storage unit control server (server), 102a: server memory, 102b: album creation unit, 102c: photo printing unit, 102d ... Mail attachment distribution unit, 103: personal computer (PC), 103a: PC memory, 104: base station, 105: indoor stationary terminal, 106: connecting device, 107: exchange, 108: control device, 10 ... provider, 110 ... network (the Internet)

Claims (17)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Storage means for storing the output of the imaging means as image data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data stored in the storage means to a predetermined destination outside the camera;
An adding unit that adds data indicating that the image data is a private image or that confidentiality to a specific person is high, to the image data stored in the storage unit;
With
A camera with a communication function, wherein the transmitting means changes the transmission destination of the image data and transmits the image data in accordance with whether or not the data is added by the adding means. 2. The camera with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit performs transmission using at least a personal computer or an Internet server as a destination using wired communication or wireless communication. 3. 3. The communication function according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit performs transmission to the personal computer when the data is added to the image data by the addition unit. camera. The camera with a communication function according to claim 3, wherein the transmission unit transmits the image data to the personal computer when a storage capacity of the storage unit is small. 3. The communication function according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit performs transmission with the Internet server as a transmission destination when the data is not added to the image data by the addition unit. 4. camera. 6. The camera with a communication function according to claim 5, wherein the transmission unit performs transmission to the Internet server only when the communication state is good. The transmitting means transmits the image data to the personal computer when the data has been added to the image data by the adding means and there is no free space in the storage capacity of the storage means. The camera with a communication function according to claim 1. 2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein when the transmission unit transmits the image data, the storage unit copies the image data transmitted by the transmission unit and further stores the compressed image data. Camera with communication function as described. 9. The camera with a communication function according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit further stores data indicating a destination of the image data. Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Storage means for storing the output of the imaging means as image data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data stored in the storage means to a predetermined destination outside the camera;
An adding unit that adds data indicating that the image data is a private image or that confidentiality to a specific person is high, to the image data stored in the storage unit;
Encryption means for encrypting the image data stored in the storage means when the data is added by the addition means;
A camera with a communication function, comprising: When the data is added to the image data by the adding means, the communication state determining means for determining whether the communication line of the transmitting means is wired or the communication speed is high is further provided. Equipped,
Only when the communication state determining means determines that the communication line is wired or the communication speed is high, the transmitting means determines whether the image data is added to the image data by the adding means. The camera according to claim 10, wherein the camera transmits data. Imaging means for imaging a subject, first storage means for storing the output of the imaging means as image data, and transmitting the image data stored in the first storage means to a predetermined destination outside the camera Transmission means, and addition means for adding, to the image data stored in the first storage means, data indicating that the image data is a private image or has high confidentiality to a specific person. A camera with a communication function, wherein the transmitting unit changes the transmission destination of the image data and transmits the image data depending on whether the data is added by the adding unit,
A personal computer that receives image data transmitted from the transmission unit and has a second storage unit that stores the received image data;
An Internet server having third storage means for receiving the image data transmitted from the transmission means via a public telephone line or a base station, and storing the received image data;
A communication system comprising: The transmitting means transmits the personal computer as a destination when the data is added to the image data by the adding means, and the personal computer transmits the image transmitted by the transmitting means. 13. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein data is stored in said second storage means. The transmitting means performs transmission with the Internet server as a destination when the data is not added to the image data by the adding means, and the Internet server transmits the image transmitted by the transmitting means. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein data is stored in said third storage means. 15. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein the transmission unit performs transmission to the Internet server only when the communication state is good. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein when the transmitting unit transmits the image data, the storing unit copies the image data transmitted by the transmitting unit and further stores the compressed image data. A communication system as described. 17. The communication system according to claim 16, wherein said storage means further stores transmission destination data.

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