JP2005012418A - Image reproducing apparatus, electronic camera, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inhibit the reproduction of an image which is already stored in a memory with a simpler operation. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus is provided with a memory card 29 (or built-in memory 30) for storing a plurality of image data, and a control section 22 for determining whether or not a predetermined operation is performed in a key input section 27 and for collectively inhibiting a display section 26 from reproducing the image data which are already stored in the memory card 29 when the determination is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reproducing apparatus, an electronic camera, and a program suitable for, for example, a digital still camera or a mobile phone with a camera function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, in place of cameras using silver halide films, digital still cameras (hereinafter referred to as “digital cameras”) capable of storing captured images as electronic data and reproducing them as needed are widely spread. is doing.
[0003]
With this type of digital camera, when the user rents the camera to someone else, the secret function is used so that the contents of the stored image are not played back or viewed accidentally. Many are equipped with a function called.
[0004]
This secret function is basically designed to prevent playback and deletion without entering the correct password, so that only the user who has set a password in advance can handle the stored image data. Usually, it is determined whether or not the secret function is applied to each piece of image data that has been shot and recorded in the memory.
[0005]
However, it is very complicated to determine whether or not to apply the secret function to each piece of image data recorded in the memory, and a technique for omitting such a complicated operation is also conceivable. ing. (For example, see Patent Document 1.)
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-146269
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 performs secreting processing on an image shot without requiring an operation for secretizing processing after shooting by setting a secret mode in advance before shooting, Secret processing is not performed on an image that has been shot and is already stored in memory.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reproduction apparatus and an electronic device that can prohibit reproduction of an image already stored in a memory with a simpler operation. To provide a camera and a program.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the storage means for storing a plurality of image data, the first determination means for determining whether or not the first predetermined key operation is performed, and the first determination means And a reproduction control unit for collectively prohibiting reproduction of a plurality of image data already stored in the storage unit when it is determined that one predetermined key operation is performed.
[0010]
With such a configuration, since the reproduction of the image data stored so far is prohibited by executing the first predetermined key operation, the user of the apparatus previously stores the first predetermined key operation. If you know the key operations by reading the instruction manual, you can easily lend the device to others without worrying about the contents of the stored image data.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the reproduction control unit stores the first predetermined key operation by the first determination unit after the first predetermined key operation is performed. The reproduction of the processed image data is permitted.
[0012]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the invention, the image data stored after lending the apparatus can be reproduced, so that the borrower is not inconvenienced.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, it is determined that the first predetermined key operation is performed by the time measuring means for measuring the current time and the first determining means. The information processing apparatus further includes holding means for reading and holding time information of the time point from the time measuring means, and the reproduction control means is the time information added to the time information held in the holding means and the image data stored in the storage means. Whether to reproduce individual image data is determined based on the information.
[0014]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the first predetermined key operation is performed in order to determine whether or not to reproduce based on the time when the image data is stored. Therefore, it is possible to easily classify the image data before and after, and as a result, it is possible to simplify the control of the presence or absence of reproduction.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the reproduction control according to any one of the first to third aspects further comprises second determination means for determining whether or not a second predetermined key operation has been performed. The means cancels the batch prohibition of the reproduction of the image data when it is determined by the second determination means that the second predetermined key operation has been performed.
[0016]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, since the batch prohibition of image data reproduction can be easily canceled by the second predetermined key operation, it is more easy. You can lend your device to others.
[0017]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the reproduction control means cancels the batch prohibition of reproduction of the image data by the first determination means by the first predetermined unit. The image data stored in the storage means is erased after it is determined that a key operation has been performed.
[0018]
According to such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 4 above, the image data stored in a state lent to another person is automatically deleted, so that the memory such as a memory having a limited capacity is stored. Even means, you can lend the device to others without worrying.
[0019]
The invention described in claim 6 is the invention described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the second predetermined key operation is a key operation not accompanied by a password input.
[0020]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 4 or 5, it is not complicated password input that must be individually set, for example, the power key is operated to turn off the power once. Since the prohibition of the batch reproduction of image data is canceled only by a simple key operation such as, etc., the burden on the user who normally uses the apparatus can be particularly reduced and it can be easily lent to others.
[0021]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first predetermined key operation is a key operation not accompanied by a password input.
[0022]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, it is not complicated password input that must be individually set. For example, the power is operated by operating the power key. Since it is possible to shift to batch prohibition of image data playback with only a simple key operation such as operating the shutter key at the same time when turning it on once, especially the burden on the user who normally uses the device is reduced, and others can feel free You can lend it to.
[0023]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging means for taking an image, a storage means for storing a plurality of image data obtained by the imaging means, a display means for reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the storage means, First determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined key operation is performed, and when it is determined by the first determining means that the first predetermined key operation is performed, it is already stored in the storage means. And a reproduction control means for collectively prohibiting reproduction of the plurality of image data.
[0024]
With such a configuration, by executing the first predetermined key operation, the reproduction of the image data stored so far by photographing is prohibited all at once. If you know the predetermined key operations by reading the instruction manual, you can easily lend the device to others without worrying about the contents of the image data you have photographed and stored.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, wherein the reproduction control means is obtained by the imaging means after it is determined by the first determination means that the first predetermined key operation has been performed. The reproduction of the image data stored in the storage means is permitted.
[0026]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 8, since the image data stored by photographing after the camera is lent can be reproduced, there is no inconvenience to the lent partner. .
[0027]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth or ninth aspect, it is determined that the first predetermined key operation is performed by the time measuring means for measuring the current time and the first determining means. It further comprises holding means for reading and holding the time information of the time point from the time measuring means, and the storage means adds the time information of the photographing time point read from the time measuring means to the image data obtained by the imaging means and stores it. The reproduction control means determines whether to reproduce individual image data based on the time information held in the holding means and the time information added to the image data stored in the storage means. Features.
[0028]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 8 or 9, the first predetermined key operation is performed to determine whether or not to reproduce based on the time when the image data was taken. The classification of the previous and subsequent image data can be easily performed, and as a result, the control of the presence or absence of reproduction can be simplified.
[0029]
An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the invention according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, further comprising second determination means for determining whether or not a second predetermined key operation has been performed, wherein the reproduction control is performed. If the second determination means determines that the second predetermined key operation has been performed, the means determines that the first predetermined key operation has been performed by the first determination means, and then performs the imaging. The image data obtained by the means and stored in the storage means are erased, and the batch prohibition of reproduction of the image data is canceled.
[0030]
With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of claims 8 to 10, the image data captured and stored in a state lent to another person by the second predetermined key operation is stored. Since the batch prohibition of image data reproduction can be canceled after being automatically deleted, the camera can be lent to another person more easily without worrying about the capacity of the storage means such as a memory.
[0031]
The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that a storage step for storing a plurality of image data, a determination step for determining whether or not a predetermined key operation is performed, and the first predetermined key operation is performed in this determination step. If determined, the computer is caused to execute a reproduction control step for collectively prohibiting reproduction of the plurality of image data already stored in the storage step.
[0032]
With such a program content, since the reproduction of the image data stored so far is prohibited by executing the first predetermined key operation, the user of the apparatus preliminarily performs the first operation. Knowing the predetermined key operations by reading the instruction manual, etc., you can easily lend the device to others without worrying about the contents of the stored image data.
[0033]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an imaging step for capturing an image, a storage step for storing a plurality of image data obtained in the imaging step, a display step for reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the storage step, a predetermined step, A determination step for determining whether or not a key operation has been performed, and if it is determined in this determination step that the first predetermined key operation has been performed, a plurality of image data already stored in the storage step is reproduced. It is characterized in that the computer executes a reproduction control step prohibited in a lump.
[0034]
With such a program content, the first predetermined key operation is executed, so that the reproduction of the image data stored by photographing is prohibited at once. If one knows the predetermined key operation by reading the instruction manual, the user can easily lend the device to others without worrying about the contents of the image data that he / she has photographed and stored.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0036]
FIG. 1 shows an electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera 10. In the same figure, in the recording mode which is the basic mode, the CCD 13 which is an image sensor disposed behind the photographing optical axis of the lens optical system 12 whose focus position and aperture position are moved by driving the motor (M) 11 is shown. The photoelectric conversion output corresponding to the optical image which is scanned and driven by the timing generator (TG) 14 and the vertical driver 15 and is imaged at regular intervals is output for one screen.
[0037]
The photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by a sample hold circuit (S / H) 16, and digital data by an A / D converter 17. The color process circuit 18 performs color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing to generate a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr as digital values.
Memory Access) Controller 19
[0038]
The DMA controller 19 once uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 18 by using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 18 once. And the DMA transfer to the DRAM 21 used as a buffer memory through the DRAM interface (I / F) 20.
[0039]
The control unit 22 includes a CPU, a ROM in which an operation program executed by the CPU including various processes in a secret mode described later is stored, a RAM used as a work memory, and the like. It controls overall control operations. After the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals to the DRAM 21 is completed, the luminance and color difference signals are read from the DRAM 21 via the DRAM interface 20 and written to the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23.
[0040]
The digital video encoder 25 periodically reads the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 26.
[0041]
The display unit 26 is composed of a color TFT liquid crystal display panel with a backlight and a drive circuit thereof, and functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the recording mode, and is based on a video signal from the digital video encoder 25. By performing the display, the through image based on the image information fetched from the VRAM controller 23 at that time is displayed in real time.
[0042]
When the shutter key constituting the key input unit 27 is operated at a timing when it is desired to take a still image while the current image is displayed on the display unit 26 in real time as a monitor image in this way, a trigger signal is generated. appear.
[0043]
In response to this trigger signal, the controller 22 immediately stops the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 immediately after the completion of the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one screen captured from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 at that time, Transition to record save state.
[0044]
In this record storage state, the control unit 22 outputs the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 21 through the DRAM interface 20 for each of Y, Cb, and Cr components of 8 pixels × 8 pixels. Are read in units called basic blocks of the data and written in a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) circuit 28, which is an ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform), an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as conversion.
[0045]
Then, the obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 28 as a data file of one image, and the memory card 29 is detachably mounted as a recording medium of the digital camera 10 or is fixedly incorporated in the digital camera 10. To either one of the built-in memories 30.
[0046]
Then, along with the compression processing of the luminance and color difference signals for one frame and the completion of writing all the compressed data to the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30, the control unit 22 activates the path from the CCD 13 to the DRAM 21 again.
[0047]
Further, a timer unit 31 and a strobe drive unit 32 are connected to the control unit 22.
[0048]
The clock unit 31 counts the current time information, specifically information in units of year / month / day and hour / minute / second, regardless of the sound / off state of the power source. Read to 22.
[0049]
The strobe driving unit 32 charges a large-capacitance capacitor for strobe (not shown) at the time of still image shooting, and then drives the strobe light emitting unit 33 to flash based on the control from the control unit 22.
[0050]
The key input unit 27 includes a power key, a mode switch, a menu key, a cross key, a set key, and the like in addition to the shutter key described above, and signals associated with these key operations are directly transmitted to the control unit 22. Is sent to.
[0051]
However, at the time of shooting a moving image instead of a still image, while the shutter key of the key input unit 27 continues to be operated, the above-described recording of the still image data in the DRAM 21 is performed continuously in time. When the operation of the shutter key ends or when a predetermined time limit, for example, 30 seconds elapses, the series of still image data is compressed by the JPEG circuit 28, and then a motion JPEG data file is generated collectively. Records in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30.
[0052]
In the playback mode which is the basic mode, the control unit 22 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30, and the procedure is completely opposite to the procedure in which the data is compressed in the recording mode by the JPEG circuit 28. The decompressed image data is decompressed, and the decompressed image data is retained in the DRAM 21 via the DRAM interface 20, and the retained content of the DRAM 21 is stored in the VRAM 24 via the VRAM controller 23. The image data is periodically read out to generate a video signal, which is reproduced and output by the display unit 26.
[0053]
When the selected image data is not a still image but a moving image, the playback of the individual still image data constituting the selected moving image file is executed continuously in time, and the playback of all the still image data is finished. At that time, the image is reproduced and displayed using only the still image data located at the head until the next reproduction instruction is given.
[0054]
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
The operation according to the present embodiment is basically executed by the control unit 22 based on an operation program stored in advance in the ROM.
[0055]
First, the structure of image data obtained by one still image shooting will be described with reference to FIG.
[0056]
FIG. 2A illustrates the structure of additional data added to image data. In addition to the file number (No.) and time information indicating the shooting time, various shooting condition information includes predetermined data. Stored according to the format.
[0057]
Among these, the time information specifically includes date (year / month / day) and time (hour / minute / second) information as described above.
[0058]
The shooting condition information specifically includes image size (number of pixels), image quality, storage memory (memory card 29 / built-in memory 30), strobe mode, white balance, metering method, ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, aperture value ( F value).
[0059]
After adding the additional data, the main image data shown in FIG. 2B, the thumbnail image data shown in FIG. 2C, and the preview image data shown in FIG. And stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30.
[0060]
In this case, in the main image data in FIG. 2B, the image size (number of pixels) and image quality are arbitrarily set by the user, while the thumbnail image data shown in FIG. Each of the preview image data shown in FIG. 4 has a fixed image size and image quality.
[0061]
Specifically, the data capacity of each image data is
Main image> Preview image> Thumbnail image
The thumbnail image is determined according to the EXIF standard, and the preview image is determined by the screen size of the display unit 26 of the digital camera 10 and the number of display gradations.
[0062]
Next, the operation when the secret mode is set will be described with reference to FIG.
[0063]
Here, as a predetermined key operation, when the power key and the shutter key are operated at the same time from the power-off state, this is determined, the power is turned on, and the mode immediately shifts to the secret mode.
[0064]
Initially, it waits for the power to be turned on by operating the power key (step A01). If it is determined that the power key has been operated, it is next determined whether or not the shutter key has also been operated (step A02).
[0065]
If it is determined that the shutter keys have not been operated at the same time, the secret mode is not set and the power is turned on as it is to shift to a normal operation.
[0066]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A02 that the shutter key is operated simultaneously with the power key, the secret mode is immediately set (step A03), and the current time information, specifically, the timekeeping unit 31 at that time is set. Information in units of year / month / day and hour / minute / second is read out and stored in the work memory inside the control unit 22 (step A04). Thereafter, the operation in the recording mode or the reproduction mode based on the secret mode is executed. .
[0067]
The operation in the recording mode under the secret mode setting is not particularly restricted, and detailed description thereof is omitted. However, as described in FIG. 2, time information at the time of shooting is added as additional data. The set image data is stored in a free area of the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30.
[0068]
Next, FIG. 4 shows a basic processing flow in the reproduction mode. Initially, an initial value “1” is set to the variable n of the image number (step B01), and it is determined whether or not the secret mode is in effect (step B02).
[0069]
If it is determined that the secret mode is in effect, the image data corresponding to the image number “1” is searched for in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30, and time information in the additional data is obtained (step B03), whether the content is a value after the time information at the time of setting the secret mode stored and held in the control unit 22, that is, whether the image data was taken after setting the secret mode It is determined whether or not (step B04).
[0070]
Here, when it is determined that the time information content of the image data acquired from the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30 is after the time information when the secret mode is set, the image data was shot after the secret mode was set. Assuming that the image data of the image number “1”, specifically the preview image data shown in FIG. 2D, for example, is read out and reproduced and displayed on the display unit 26 (step B05), key input is performed. It waits for a page turning operation by the cross key operation of the unit 27 (step B06).
[0071]
If it is determined in step B02 that the secret mode is not in effect, the processing in steps B03 and B04 is omitted, and the process proceeds unconditionally to step B05, and the image data indicated by the image number n at that time is stored in the memory. The data is read from the card 29 or the built-in memory 30 and reproduced and displayed on the display unit 26.
[0072]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step B04 that the time information of the image data indicated by the image number n in the secret mode is taken before the secret mode is set, not after the time information when the secret mode is set, Since the image data is not reproduced and displayed, the processes in steps B05 and B06 are omitted.
[0073]
If it is determined in step B06 that the page feed key operation has been performed, and if it is determined in step B04 that the time information of the image data indicated by the image number n is not after the time information when the secret mode is set. Next, the image number n at that time is the last taken image of all the image data stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30, in other words, the number m indicating the latest image data. It is determined whether or not there is (Step B07). Otherwise, the image number n is updated by "+1" (Step B08), and the processing from Step B02 is performed again to display an image corresponding to page feed. Return to.
[0074]
If it is determined in step B07 that the image number n at that time is the last imaged image data and is the number m indicating the latest image data, the above-described processing is performed to perform cyclic page feed. Returning to the process from step B01, the initial value “1” is set to the image number n and the process is continued.
[0075]
As described above, during the setting of the secret mode, image data to which time information before the time information at the time when the secret mode is set is not reproduced and displayed. For example, the user of the digital camera 10 sets the secret mode and then performs digital display. If the camera 10 is lent to another person, it will not be seen by the other person who rented the image data taken by himself / herself, and the other person who borrowed the digital camera 10 also reproduces and displays the image data taken by himself / herself. The digital camera 10 can be used without feeling any unnaturalness or trouble.
[0076]
Finally, the operation when releasing the secret mode will be described with reference to FIG.
[0077]
Here, when the secret mode is set, the mode setting is forcibly canceled by operating the power key of the key input unit 27 when the power is turned on to turn off the power.
[0078]
In the figure, when the power is turned on, it waits for the power to be turned off by operating the power key (step C01). When it is determined that the power-off key operation has been performed, it is determined whether or not the secret mode has been set up to that point (step C02).
[0079]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the secret mode has been set, the secret mode is canceled again (step C03), and whether or not an image has been shot during the secret mode is determined by the memory card 29 or the built-in memory. 30 is searched, and it is determined whether or not image data to which time information after the time information at the time of setting the secret mode is added is stored (step C04).
[0080]
Here, only when it is determined that an image has been shot even in the secret mode, all the image data to which time information after the time information at the time of setting the secret mode is added is erased from the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30 all at once. (Step C05), the secret mode canceling process is completed, and the power is turned off.
[0081]
Thus, since the secret mode is set and canceled by a very simple key operation, the user of the digital camera 10 reads the instruction manual of the digital camera 10 in advance and performs the key operation. If you remember, you can easily lend the digital camera 10 to another person without worrying about the contents of the image data stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30 by shooting.
[0082]
As described above, when the secret mode is canceled, the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30 is limited in its storage capacity by automatically erasing the stored image data in the secret mode. Even in some cases, there is no need to worry about the capacity reduction due to the use of the other party who lent the digital camera 10, and unnecessary image data taken and stored by the other party lent after the digital camera 10 is returned is a key. Since it is not necessary to erase by operation, the digital camera 10 can be lent easily.
[0083]
In the above embodiment, the secret mode is set when the power key is turned on and the shutter key is operated simultaneously. However, a dedicated secret mode key may be provided. Also, for example, the secret mode is set by an operation such as simultaneously operating a shutter key and a display key for setting the display state of the display unit 26, selecting a secret mode from a menu item, and inputting a password. Also good.
[0084]
In this case, when setting the secret mode by entering the password, the password is registered and set in advance, and the password that is registered and set is automatically entered by another simple key operation without entering the password. It is desirable to set the secret mode as described above.
[0085]
In the above embodiment, the secret mode is canceled by turning off the power key. However, a dedicated secret mode cancel key may be provided. In addition, for example, the secret mode is selected from the menu items. The secret mode may be canceled by an operation such as selecting and executing a canceling operation, or inputting a password input and set when setting the secret mode.
[0086]
In addition, if the secret mode is set and canceled by the same key operation, the secret mode can be set and canceled by a key operation that is easier for the user to remember, and image data can be easily Since the batch prohibition of reproduction can be canceled, the device can be lent to other people more easily.
[0087]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the secret mode is canceled, the image data shot during the secret mode and stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30 are automatically erased collectively. It is assumed that all image data stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30 can be reproduced and displayed without being erased, after being released from the secret mode, including those shot during the secret mode. Also good.
[0088]
In the embodiment, the time information at the time when the secret mode is set is held, and the held time information is compared with the time information at the time of shooting stored in addition to each image data. In this case, the prohibition and the permission of the reproduction display are determined. However, instead of the determination based on the time information, for example, all the data stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30 when the secret mode is set. It is assumed that a reproduction prohibition flag is additionally set to the image data, and is stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30 when the method of prohibiting reproduction of the image data to which the reproduction prohibition flag is additionally set or when the secret mode is set. Identification information such as the image number and file name of each image data is held, and the identification information is held It may take the way to prohibit the reproduction and display of in Secret mode with respect to image data.
[0089]
On the contrary, a reproduction permission flag is added to the image data which is shot after the secret mode is set and stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30, and the reproduction permission flag is additionally set. And a method for reproducing and displaying only existing image data, and storing identification information such as an image number and a file name of each image data shot after setting the secret mode and stored in the memory card 29 or the built-in memory 30, A method of permitting reproduction display in the secret mode only for the image data holding the identification information may be used.
[0090]
Further, the above embodiment describes the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a video (movie) camera, a mobile phone with a camera function, and a PDA (Personal Digital). (Assistant: personal information device for personal use), personal computers with cameras, etc. provided with an image playback function, and mobile phones without a camera function, PDAs, personal computers, television receivers, etc. with an image playback function The present invention can be applied to any electronic device provided with an image reproduction function.
[0091]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0092]
Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, at least one of the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and described in the column of the effect of the invention. In a case where at least one of the obtained effects can be obtained, a configuration in which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the reproduction of the image data stored so far is prohibited by executing the first predetermined key operation, the user of the apparatus previously performs the first operation. If you know the predetermined key operations by reading the instruction manual, you can easily lend the device to others without worrying about the contents of the stored image data.
[0094]
According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, since the image data stored after lending the apparatus can be reproduced, the borrower is not inconvenienced.
[0095]
According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the first predetermined key operation is performed in order to determine whether or not to reproduce based on the time when the image data is stored. The image data before and after the image data can be easily classified, and as a result, the presence / absence of reproduction can be simplified.
[0096]
According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any of claims 1 to 3, the prohibition of batch reproduction of image data can be easily canceled by the second predetermined key operation. You can lend the device to others more easily.
[0097]
According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 4, a memory having a limited capacity by automatically erasing image data stored in a state lent to others. Even with this storage means, the device can be lent to another person without worrying.
[0098]
According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 4 or 5, it is not complicated password input that must be individually set. For example, the power is temporarily turned on by operating the power key. Since the batch prohibition of the reproduction of image data is canceled only by a simple key operation such as turning it off, the burden on the user who normally uses the apparatus is particularly reduced, and it can be easily lent to others.
[0099]
According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6, it is not complicated password input that must be individually set, for example, by operating a power key. Since it is possible to shift to batch prohibition of image data playback by simple key operations such as operating the shutter key at the same time when the power is turned on, the burden on the user who normally uses the device is reduced. You can lend it to others.
[0100]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first predetermined key operation is executed, so that the reproduction of the image data stored so far by photographing is prohibited in a lump. If you know the first predetermined key operation by reading the instruction manual etc., you can easily lend the device to others without worrying about the contents of the image data you photographed and stored. .
[0101]
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the eighth aspect of the invention, since it is possible to reproduce the image data stored by photographing after renting the camera, inconvenience is imposed on the lent partner. There is no.
[0102]
According to the invention described in claim 10, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 8 or 9, the first predetermined key operation is performed in order to determine whether or not to reproduce based on the time when the image data was captured. It is possible to easily classify the image data before and after being performed, and as a result, it is possible to simplify the control of the presence or absence of reproduction.
[0103]
According to the invention of claim 11, in addition to the effect of the invention of any of claims 8 to 10, an image photographed and stored in a state lent to another person by the second predetermined key operation Since the batch prohibition of image data reproduction can be canceled after the data is automatically deleted, the camera can be lent to another person more easily without worrying about the capacity of the storage means such as a memory.
[0104]
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the reproduction of the image data stored so far is prohibited by executing the first predetermined key operation, the user of the apparatus previously performs the first operation. If you know the predetermined key operations by reading the instruction manual, you can easily lend the device to others without worrying about the contents of the stored image data.
[0105]
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the first predetermined key operation is executed so that the reproduction of the image data stored so far by photographing is prohibited in a lump. If you know the first predetermined key operation by reading the instruction manual etc., you can easily lend the device to others without worrying about the contents of the image data you photographed and stored. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the structure of data obtained by one still image shooting according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of secret mode setting processing according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing contents in a playback mode according to the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of secret mode release processing according to the embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Motor (M), 12 ... Lens optical system, 13 ... CCD, 14 ... Timing generator (TG), 15 ... Vertical driver, 16 ... Sample hold circuit (S / H), 17 ... A / D converter, 18 ... color process circuit, 19 ... DMA controller, 20 ... DRAM interface (I / F), 21 ... DRAM, 22 ... control unit, 23 ... VRAM controller, 24 ... VRAM, 25 ... digital video encoder, 26: Display unit, 27: Key input unit, 28 ... JPEG circuit, 29 ... Memory card, 30 ... Built-in memory, 31 ... Timekeeping unit, 32 ... Strobe drive unit, 33 ... Strobe light emitting unit.

Claims (13)

Storage means for storing a plurality of image data;
First determination means for determining whether or not a first predetermined key operation has been performed;
A reproduction control unit for collectively prohibiting reproduction of a plurality of image data already stored in the storage unit when it is determined by the first determination unit that the first predetermined key operation has been performed; An image reproducing apparatus characterized by that. 2. The reproduction control means permits reproduction of image data stored in the storage means after the first determination means determines that the first predetermined key operation has been performed. The image reproducing device described. A time measuring means for measuring the current time;
And further comprising holding means for reading and holding time information from the time measuring means when the first determining means determines that the first predetermined key operation has been performed,
The reproduction control means determines whether or not to reproduce individual image data based on the time information held in the holding means and the time information added to the image data stored in the storage means. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A second judging means for judging whether or not a second predetermined key operation has been performed;
The reproduction control means cancels the batch prohibition of reproduction of the image data when it is determined by the second determination means that the second predetermined key operation is performed. The image reproducing device according to any one of the above. The reproduction control means cancels the batch prohibition of reproduction of the image data, and the image stored in the storage means after the first determination means determines that the first predetermined key operation is performed. 5. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the data is erased. 6. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second predetermined key operation is a key operation not accompanied by a password input. 7. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined key operation is a key operation not accompanied by a password input. Imaging means for taking an image;
Storage means for storing a plurality of image data obtained by the imaging means;
Display means for reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the storage means;
First determination means for determining whether or not a first predetermined key operation has been performed;
A reproduction control unit for collectively prohibiting reproduction of a plurality of image data already stored in the storage unit when it is determined by the first determination unit that the first predetermined key operation has been performed; An electronic camera characterized by The reproduction control unit permits the reproduction of the image data obtained by the imaging unit and stored in the storage unit after the first determination unit determines that the first predetermined key operation has been performed. 9. The electronic camera according to claim 8, wherein A time measuring means for measuring the current time;
And further comprising holding means for reading and holding time information from the time measuring means when the first determining means determines that the first predetermined key operation has been performed,
The storage means adds the time information at the time of photographing read out from the time measuring means to the image data obtained by the imaging means, and stores it.
The reproduction control means determines whether or not to reproduce individual image data based on time information held in the holding means and time information added to image data stored in the storage means. The electronic camera according to claim 8 or 9. A second judging means for judging whether or not a second predetermined key operation has been performed;
The reproduction control means determines that the first predetermined key operation is performed by the first determination means when it is determined that the second predetermined key operation is performed by the second determination means. 11. The electronic camera according to claim 8, wherein image data obtained later by the imaging unit and stored in the storage unit are erased, and the prohibition of batch reproduction of the image data is canceled. A storage step of storing a plurality of image data;
A determination step of determining whether or not a predetermined key operation has been performed;
If it is determined in this determination step that the first predetermined key operation has been performed, the computer executes a reproduction control step for collectively prohibiting the reproduction of the plurality of image data already stored in the storage step. A program characterized by letting An imaging step for taking an image;
A storage step for storing a plurality of image data obtained in the imaging step;
A display step for reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the storage step;
A determination step of determining whether or not a predetermined key operation has been performed;
If it is determined in this determination step that the first predetermined key operation has been performed, the computer is caused to execute a reproduction control step for collectively prohibiting the reproduction of the plurality of image data already stored in the storage step. A program characterized by that.

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