JP2005136632A - Photographing apparatus, photographing limiting apparatus, communication apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately limit acquiring the video image of a subject while maintaining the degree of freedom of photographing. <P>SOLUTION: When receiving a function limiting signal from a cellular telephone 1100 as a photographing limiting apparatus possessed by the subject, a cellular telephone 1200 with a camera limits at least any one of a photographing function, an image storing function, and a viewing function of the photographing apparatus. Specifically, (b) the photographing function is limited and displays a limit notification display P4 indicating that photographing is not permitted on a display 1204. In this case, although a finder image P 5 is displayed, photographing cannot be performed even if photographing operation is attempted. (c) The storing function is limited and a limit notification display P6 indicating that the photographed image has not been stored. In this case, since the photographing function is not limited, a preview screen P7 of the photographed image is displayed. (d) The viewing function is limited and displays a limit notification display P9 indicating that the photographed image stored cannot be viewed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing function limiting device for restricting functions of a photographing device that electronically captures an image.

  A mobile phone called a “camera mobile phone” incorporating a small digital camera has been developed and is rapidly spreading not only in Japan but around the world. In addition to the telephone function (call function), the camera-equipped mobile phone also has a “photographing function” that allows the user to take a picture of the subject. The user can shoot the subject freely as if it were a digital camera. You can easily attach digital images to e-mails or send them to a PC for use.

  However, while it has become possible to take and use digital photos more easily with a camera-equipped mobile phone, there are cases where people who don't want to take a picture are taken for some time and feel unpleasant or voyeur As a result, there are many cases where copyrights are infringed by releasing images of subjects whose photography is prohibited.

In order to prevent such a problem, a technique for restricting photographing itself to a photographing apparatus such as a mobile phone with a camera has been proposed. For example, a shooting prohibition signal device that sends a shooting prohibition signal to an object or a prohibited area where shooting is prohibited is installed, and when the shooting device receives the shooting prohibition signal, the video data output is stopped to limit the shooting. Those are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-152217 A

  However, the conventional technique in which photographing is automatically prohibited on condition that a photographing prohibition signal is received has the following problems. That is, (1) the conventional photographing prohibition signal device is intended to be installed in a facility such as a bank or a movie theater to provide a fixed photographing prohibition area, and does not consider the act of photographing a moving person or the like. . (2) Since the shooting range does not match the shooting prohibited range where the shooting prohibition signal is received and shooting is prohibited, the shooting prohibited target is not within the shooting range, for example, the target is located behind Even in such a case, shooting may be prohibited because the shooting prohibition signal is received. (3) Even if the object is achieved if the portion where the subject of photographing prohibition is shown is made indistinguishable, there is an excessive restriction that the photographing itself is prohibited even if it is accidentally reflected in the background or the like.

  Further, assuming the situation where an individual user refuses to shoot, there are the following problems in usability. In other words, there are various levels of refusal to shoot, such as (4) when an individual user refuses the shooting act itself, or does not want to accept the storage or use of the shot image according to the shooting, In the prior art, it was impossible to set a level at which an individual who is a subject refuses to shoot. (5) An individual user does not want to be photographed by a stranger but wants to respond to photographing by a friend acquaintance. However, since the conventional technique makes no distinction and photographing is prohibited, snapshots and memorial You may not be able to take pictures freely. (6) Also, especially when the subject is a person, there is no chance of requesting permission for the subject to be photographed in spite of the possibility that the subject may be accepted depending on the conditions and circumstances. Will be. (7) I don't know when or who was going to take the picture.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of a situation in which such a problem may occur, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately limit acquisition of a subject image while maintaining a degree of freedom of shooting.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention (for example, the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 of FIG. 1) has photographing means for photographing a subject electronically (for example, the camera module 1202 of FIG. 1). 2, CPU 210, photographing unit 250, steps S64 to S66 in FIG. 5, steps S84 to S88 in FIG. 6, and image storage means (for example, the memory card in FIG. 1) for storing images photographed by this photographing means. 1212, slot 1214, CPU 210 in FIG. 2, storage medium reading unit 270, storage medium 272, step S 68 in FIG. 5, step S 98 in FIG. 6) and browsing means for browsing the image stored by this image storage means (for example, 1, display 1204, operation input key 1210, CPU 210 in FIG. 2, display unit 218, step S11 in FIG. To S116) and communication means (for example, the short-range wireless communication module 1207 in FIG. 1, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2, the short-range wireless communication unit 264, for communicating with the photographing restriction device (for example, the mobile phone 1100 in FIG. 1), Step S40 in FIG. 5 and when this communication means receives a function restriction signal (for example, the photographing rejection signal 222 in FIG. 4), at least one means among the photographing means, the image storage means, and the browsing means And function restriction means (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2 and steps S80 to S100 in FIG. 6) for executing a function restriction process for controlling the means so as to restrict the functions.

  According to a 29th aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for electronically photographing a subject by controlling the camera unit in a computer having a camera unit (for example, the camera module in FIG. 1 and the photographing unit 250 in FIG. 2). An image capturing function (for example, CPU 210 in FIG. 2, image capturing unit 250, steps S64 to S66 in FIG. 5) and an image storage function for storing an image captured by the image capturing function (for example, CPU 210 in FIG. 2, storage medium reading) Unit 270, storage medium 272, step S68 in FIG. 5, and a browsing function (for example, CPU 210 in FIG. 2, display unit 218, steps S110 to S116 in FIG. 7) for browsing images stored by this image storage function; A communication function (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2, the short-range wireless communication unit 264, and step S40 in FIG. 5) for communicating with the photographing restriction device; A function restriction function for restricting at least one of the photographing function, the image storage function, and the browsing function (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2 and the step in FIG. 6). S80 to S100).

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a function restriction signal transmitting means (for example, the short-range wireless communication module 1107 in FIG. 1, the PCU 110 in FIG. It is an imaging | photography restriction | limiting apparatus provided with the wireless communication part 164 and step S10 of FIG.

According to the invention described in claim 1 or 29, when the function restriction signal is received from the photographing restriction device according to claim 25, at least one function of the photographing function, the image storage function, and the browsing function of the photographing device. Can be limited. For example, when the image storage function and the browsing function are restricted, the act of taking a picture can be performed, and when the shutter is released, the still image at that moment remains temporarily, so the act of taking a picture can be enjoyed. However, since the photographed image is not stored, the portrait right or copyright problem of the subject is substantially prevented, and the undisclosed subject is not disclosed. Paradoxically speaking, the photographing restriction device according to claim 25 is possessed by a person who wants to prohibit photographing or is installed on a target, so that the function of the photographing device is selectively restricted, and the photographing device is photographed in a delusion. Can be prevented.
In this way, it is possible to selectively limit the shooting rather than simply limiting everything from the shooting itself as in the past, so that it is possible to respond to requests for rejection of shooting at various levels, particularly for individual users. Is possible.

  Further, as in the second aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect, when the communication means receives a function restriction signal, the processing for the image photographed by the photographing means or An image use process restriction unit (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 32 and steps S340 to S362 in FIG. 33) that detects execution of the process using the image and restricts execution of the detected process may be provided.

“Processing on a captured image or processing using the image” includes, for example, processing such as retouching, compression, transfer, link setting, attachment to an email or document, and copy and paste on the captured image. say.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to limit the use of the image in another application or the like by detecting the processing using such a photographed image and restricting the execution thereof. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a link from being set and made public on a website, or being used as if it were image-processed and different data.

  Even more preferably, as in the invention described in claim 3, the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the function restriction process is executed when the communication means receives a function restriction signal. It is desirable to provide notifying means (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2 and step S58 in FIG. 5) for notifying that it will be performed.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the first or second aspect of the invention can be obtained, and a user is informed in advance that the function is limited, so that, for example, it is mistaken for a failure. And it is possible to prevent that the intention that the photograph was taken is troublesome because it is not preserved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus according to the third aspect, the notification unit includes a light emitting unit (for example, the display 1204 in FIG. 2), and controls light emission of the light emitting unit. If it is a means to alert | report by doing, for example, since it can alert | report more clearly to the user who is paying attention to the composition and timing of imaging | photography, it is further suitable.

  Invention of Claim 5 is an imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-4, Comprising: When the said communication means receives a function restriction signal, the said imaging | photography restriction | limiting apparatus is image | photographed by the said imaging | photography means. An imaging range determination unit (for example, CPU 210 in FIG. 2, lens direction detection unit 252, position information acquisition unit 254, S54 to S56 in FIG. 5) for determining whether or not the image is included in the range is provided, and the function restriction unit includes The photographing range determination means is means for executing the function restriction process when it is determined that the photographing restriction device is included in the photographing range.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention can be achieved, and when the photographing restriction device is included in the photographing range, that is, subject to restriction. The function limitation can be executed only when the subject is photographed. Therefore, for example, even when the target is behind, it is possible to prevent a problem that photographing is prohibited because the function restriction signal is received.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the photographing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein when the communication unit receives a function restriction signal, the photographing restriction apparatus receives a function restriction release signal. Restriction release requesting means for transmitting a request signal for requesting transmission (for example, CPU 210 in FIG. 2, short-range wireless communication unit 264, steps S60 to S62 in FIG. 5) and the communication means from the imaging restriction device to the function restriction When the release signal is received, the function restriction release means (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2, the short-range wireless communication unit 264, step S46 in FIG. 5; YES →) that performs control to prohibit the execution of the function restriction process by the function restriction means. S50).

  In addition, a photographing restriction device according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is a function restriction signal transmitting unit (for example, the CPU 110, the short-range wireless communication unit 164 in FIG. 3) that transmits the function restriction signal to the photographing device according to the sixth aspect. Step S10 in FIG. 4), request signal receiving means for receiving the request signal from the imaging device (for example, CPU 110 in FIG. 3, short-range wireless communication unit 164, step S12 in FIG. 4), and reception of the request signal When the request signal for releasing the restriction is received by the means, permission input means for inputting permission / inhibition for the request signal (for example, the display 1104 in FIG. 1, the operation input key 1110, the CPU 110 in FIG. 3, the operation input unit 116, FIG. 4 and steps S14 to S16), and a function restriction release signal that transmits a function restriction release signal when the permission input means permits input. No. transmitting means (e.g., CPU 110 in FIG. 3, the wireless communication unit 164, step S16~S18 in FIG. 4) includes a, a.

The invention described in claim 6 achieves the same effect as the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5 and requests the photographing restriction device to release the function restriction even when the function is restricted. A signal can be transmitted. On the other hand, according to the invention of claim 26, when a request signal for releasing the restriction is received from the photographing apparatus, the user is asked whether or not to permit the request, and an input for permitting is made. In this case, a signal for canceling the photographing restriction can be transmitted. The invention according to claim 6 can release the function restriction by receiving the function restriction release signal from the photographing restriction device.
In other words, the user of the photographing apparatus can consult the photographing restriction apparatus or the user about the release of restriction, and can obtain photographing opportunities as much as possible.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the function restriction signal is received when the communication unit receives an imaging restriction invalid signal. Regardless of whether or not, the restriction invalidating means (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2, the short-range wireless communication unit 164, step S48 in FIG. 5; YES → S50).

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the first to sixth aspects of the invention can be obtained, and the function restriction can be invalidated regardless of whether or not the function restriction signal is received. .

  The invention according to an eighth aspect is the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the function restricting unit includes the range specifying information (for example, FIG. When the image identification reference data 173) is received, specific range setting means (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 10, FIG. 20) sets a specific range from the image photographed by the photographing means based on the received range designation information. Steps S180 to S182), image processing means (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 10, steps S186, S188, and S200 in FIG. 20) for performing image processing for making the set specific range invisible, and the image processing means. A storage function control unit that restricts the function of the image storage unit by controlling the image storage unit so as to store an image that has been subjected to image processing by (E.g., CPU 210 in FIG. 10, step S96 of FIG. 18; NO → S98) and having a, a.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, while having the same effect as the invention described in any one of claims 1-7, the range is within a specific range that satisfies a specified condition from the captured images. Can be processed and stored. Therefore, by taking a picture that was taken but making the part in question invisible, it is essentially a portrait with a minimum restriction rather than an excessive restriction such as simply prohibiting photography as in the past. You can prevent rights, copyrights and non-disclosure issues.

  As for the image processing to make the image invisible, the image processing means in the photographing apparatus according to claim 8 is the designated image (for example, FIG. 11) together with the function restriction signal. When the overwriting designated image data 174) is received, the received designated image may be overwritten on the specific range to perform image processing. In this case, the designated image can be included in the captured image instead of the original appearance of the subject.

  Alternatively, as in the invention described in claim 10, the image processing means in the photographing apparatus according to claim 8 may be a means for performing the image processing by filling the specific range with a predetermined color. In this case, the specific range can be shown more clearly.

  More preferably, as in the invention described in claim 11, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, the image processing means outputs an image captured by the imaging means. It is preferable to provide preview display means (for example, the display 1204 in FIG. 1, the CPU 210 in FIG. 10, the display unit 218, and step S136 in FIG. 18) that specially displays the range to be processed so that it can be identified.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of any of the eighth to tenth aspects can be achieved, and the user can be informed of the range to be image-processed before shooting. . Thus, by giving the user an opportunity to change the composition of the shooting or to set the timing, the user can take a more satisfying shooting.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the photographing apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the communication unit is configured to perform a restriction release condition together with a function restriction signal (for example, a restriction release condition 141c in FIG. 12). When the information is received, the restriction release unit (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 10) performs control for prohibiting the execution of the function restriction process by the function restriction unit and releasing the restriction according to the received information on the restriction release condition. Steps S132 and S140 in FIG. 18 and Steps S230 to S236 in FIG. 21 are provided.

  In addition, a photographing restriction device according to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is a function restriction signal transmitting unit (for example, the CPU 110 of FIG. 11) that transmits the function restriction signal and the restriction release condition information to the photographing device according to the twelfth aspect. The short-range wireless communication unit 164 includes step S10) of FIG.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect, it is possible to transmit, together with the function restriction signal, information on the restriction release condition, which is a condition for releasing the function restriction, to the photographing apparatus.
And according to invention of Claim 12, while exhibiting the same effect as invention of any one of Claims 1-11, when satisfy | filling the restrictions cancellation conditions, it functions according to the conditions. The restriction can be lifted. Therefore, it is not simply prohibited to shoot, but by restricting functions under more detailed conditions, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of shooting while fulfilling the purpose of function restriction.

  More specifically, as in the invention of claim 13, as a restriction release condition in the photographing apparatus of claim 12, the restriction target user's telephone number is set, and a preset telephone number is used. Wireless telephone means for performing wireless telephone communication (for example, the wireless communication module 1206 in FIG. 1 and the mobile phone communication unit 263 in FIG. 10) is provided, and the restriction release means is used to release the restriction received by the preset telephone number. When the telephone number set in the condition is satisfied, the restriction release control may be performed.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the twelfth aspect of the present invention can be obtained, and a photographing apparatus including a wireless telephone unit set with a specific telephone number, specifically, with a camera The function restriction can be released for the photographing device such as a mobile phone. In other words, photographing can be permitted for a specific photographing apparatus.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 14, as a restriction release condition in the photographing apparatus according to claim 12, an electronic settlement procedure and the contents of the procedure are set, and the electronic settlement procedure is communicated with a predetermined financial institution system. Electronic settlement means (for example, the wireless communication module 1206 in FIG. 1, the mobile phone communication unit 263 in FIG. 10, steps S250 to S258 in FIG. 22) for executing the settlement process, The electronic settlement procedure may be configured to control the restriction release after causing the electronic settlement unit to execute the electronic settlement process according to the electronic settlement procedure set in step 1 and the contents of the procedure.

  According to the invention of the fourteenth aspect, the same effect as that of the invention of the twelfth aspect can be obtained, and the execution of the financial institution system and the electronic settlement process can be set as a condition for releasing the restriction. Therefore, it is possible to make a condition such as a transfer of a predetermined amount. This makes it possible to obtain a price based on portrait rights and copyrights from actions related to photography, rather than simply prohibiting photography. From the viewpoint of taking a picture, the function can be taken without restriction as long as the conditions are met, and the degree of freedom in taking a picture increases.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 15, a specific CM broadcast sets a setting as a restriction release condition in the photographing apparatus described in claim 12, and broadcast receiving means (for example, FIG. 10) receives the broadcast. A TV tuner unit 266), and the restriction releasing means may be a means for controlling the restriction release when the broadcast receiving means receives the CM broadcast set in the received restriction releasing condition.

  The “CM broadcast” is an advertisement film (CF), an advertisement image, or an advertisement sound broadcast to advertise a specific target. According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set a condition for releasing the restriction that a specific CM broadcast is received and viewed by the user of the photographing apparatus. Therefore, it is possible not to simply prohibit shooting, but to allow advertisements to be viewed as consideration based on portrait rights and copyrights from acts related to shooting.

  Alternatively, as in the invention described in claim 16, when the communication unit receives a function restriction signal, the image captured by the image capturing unit by the image capturing unit when the communication unit receives the function restriction signal. And a permission confirmation unit (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 10, the short-range wireless communication unit 264, and steps S202 to S206 in FIG. 20) that receives a signal indicating whether or not to permit the use of the transmitted image. May be a means for controlling the release of the restriction when a signal indicating that the permission confirmation means accepts is received.

  According to the invention of claim 16, the same effect as that of the invention of claim 12 can be obtained, and the photographed image can be once transmitted to the photographing restriction device and the use permission of this image can be obtained. . That is, censorship can be received through the imaging device.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 17, as a restriction release condition in the imaging apparatus of claim 12, an individual password for causing the restriction release unit to perform the restriction release control is set and a password is set. Password input means (for example, the operation input key 1210 in FIG. 1, the CPU 210 in FIG. 26, the operation input unit 216, and the password processing S300 in FIG. 29), and the restriction release means is input by the password input means. When the received password matches the individual password set in the received restriction release condition, the restriction release control may be performed.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 18, in the photographing apparatus according to claim 17, the restriction release condition includes a common password (for example, for causing the restriction release unit to perform the restriction release control) The first password 146a) of FIG. 28 is further set, and the restriction release means is input when the password input by the password input means matches the common password set in the received restriction release condition. Regardless of whether the password matches the individual password set in the restriction release condition, the restriction release control may be performed.

  According to the invention of the seventeenth aspect, the same effect as that of the invention of the twelfth aspect can be obtained, and the function restriction can be released when the input individual passwords match.

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a common password (so-called “wild password”) is further set, and when the common password is input, the function restriction can be released.

  A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the photographing apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein a password corresponding to each of the photographing unit, the image storage unit, and the browsing unit is preset. Password input means for inputting a password (for example, the operation input key 1210 in FIG. 1, the CPU 210 in FIG. 26, the operation input unit 216, and the password processing S300 in FIG. 29). And a restriction excluding means (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 10, steps S304 to S318 in FIG. 30) for excluding the means corresponding to the password input by the above.

  According to the invention described in claim 19, the same effect as that of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 11 can be obtained, and the function corresponding to the input password can be excluded from the restriction. it can. That is, it is possible to determine the contents of the restriction in the photographing apparatus according to the type of password taught to the user of the photographing apparatus in advance.

  A twentieth aspect of the present invention is the photographing apparatus according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, wherein when the communication unit receives a function restriction signal, the photographing unit executes photographing. 2 includes information transmission means (for example, CPU 210 in FIG. 2, short-range wireless communication unit 264, and step S102 in FIG. 6) for transmitting predetermined information (for example, transmission information 242 at the time of photographing in FIG. 2) to the photographing restriction device. It is characterized by that.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the invention, the same effect as the invention of any one of the first to twentieth aspects can be obtained, and predetermined information set in advance can be transmitted to the photographing restriction device after photographing. it can.

  For example, as in the invention described in claim 21, in the imaging apparatus described in claim 20, contact information storage means (for example, the built-in flash memory in FIG. 240, transmission information 242 at the time of photographing, and the information transmission means may be means for transmitting the stored contact information as the predetermined information. In this case, the photographing restriction device can acquire information about who photographed.

  The invention according to claim 22 is the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein sound data (for example, from the imaging restriction device that has transmitted the function restriction signal received by the communication means) When sound is received by sound data receiving means (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2, the short-range wireless communication unit 264, step S104 in FIG. 6) for receiving the ring tone data 142 in FIG. 3, and the photographing means, Photographed notifying means (for example, the speaker 1218 in FIG. 1, the CPU 210 in FIG. 2, the receiver 114, FIG. 1) that notifies that the sound is received by outputting the sound data received by the sound data receiving means from the speaker. 6 step S106).

  According to the invention described in claim 22, the same effect as in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 21 can be obtained, and sound data received from the imaging restriction device after execution of imaging can be output as sound. it can. From this sound, it is possible to quickly find out which shooting device was used for shooting.

  A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-second aspects, wherein the communication means (for example, the short-range wireless communication module 1207 in FIG. 1 or the short-range wireless in FIG. 2). The communication unit 264) is a means for performing short-range wireless communication.

  “Short-range wireless communication” is a wireless communication technology of a relatively short distance (communication distance is about several tens of meters) corresponding to, for example, a wireless LAN standard based on IEEE 802.11 or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Devices capable of short-range wireless communication corresponding to the same standard have a function of automatically forming an ad hoc network and communicating with each other when entering a wireless communication range. Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 23, the same effects as in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 22 can be obtained, and the imaging restriction device and the imaging device can communicate with each other such as a telephone number and an address. Since communication can be established even if information is not obtained, it is suitable for a daily photographing action that occurs at an unexpected timing.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus for photographing a subject electronically, and a subject for transmitting a subject signal (for example, a photographing completion signal in the fifth embodiment) in a photographing direction by the photographing means. Signal transmitting means (for example, CPU 210 in FIG. 36, directional short-range wireless communication unit 267, step S508 in FIG. 38).

  According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for controlling a camera equipped with a camera unit to electronically shoot a subject by controlling the camera unit and a shooting direction shot by the shooting function. And a subject signal transmission function for transmitting a subject signal (for example, the CPU 210 in FIG. 36, the directional short-range wireless communication unit 267, and step S508 in FIG. 38).

  According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, when the subject signal is received from the photographing apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect, a function restriction signal transmitting unit (for example, CPU 110 in FIG. 37, short distance) transmits a function restriction signal to the photographing apparatus. It is an imaging | photography restriction | limiting apparatus provided with the wireless communication part 164 and step S526 of FIG.

  According to the invention of claim 24 or 30, a subject signal can be transmitted in the shooting direction at the time of shooting. Therefore, by receiving this subject signal, it is possible to know that it is within the photographing range of the photographing apparatus. According to the invention of claim 28, when a subject signal is received, a function restriction signal can be transmitted to the photographing apparatus to restrict the function.

  The imaging device according to the present invention can restrict at least one of the imaging function, the image storage function, and the browsing function of the imaging device when a function restriction signal is received from the imaging restriction device. Paradoxically speaking, a person who wants to prohibit photographing is possessed by a person who wants to prohibit photographing or is installed on a target, thereby selectively restricting the function of the photographing apparatus, so that it can be prevented from being taken in a delusion. . In this way, it is possible to selectively limit the shooting rather than simply limiting everything from the shooting itself as in the past, so that it is possible to respond to requests for rejection of shooting at various levels, particularly for individual users. Is possible.

  Furthermore, by detecting processing that uses a captured image and restricting its execution, it is possible to restrict use of the image in another application or the like. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a link from being set and made public on a website, or being used as if it were image-processed and different data.

  As for the execution of the function restriction, when the photographing restriction device is included in the photographing range, that is, when the restriction is performed only when the subject to be restricted is captured, for example, when the target is located behind Even so, it is possible to prevent a problem that photographing is prohibited because the function restriction signal is received.

  In addition, by notifying the user in advance that the function is limited, it is possible to prevent, for example, misunderstanding that it is a malfunction or saying that it is not necessary to save the intention of taking a picture.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to transmit a signal requesting release of the function restriction from the photographing apparatus to the photographing restriction apparatus even when the function is restricted. Conversely, when the imaging device receives a request signal for canceling the restriction, the imaging device allows the user to input whether to permit the request. Can be sent. That is, the function restriction can be released by receiving a function restriction release signal from the photographing restriction device. As a result, the user of the photographing apparatus can consult with the photographing restriction device or the user about release of the restriction, and can obtain photographing opportunities as much as possible.

  In addition, when saving the captured image, it is problematic that the image is captured by performing image processing that makes the range invisible to a specific range that satisfies the specified condition from the captured image. By making the part unrecognizable, it is not necessary to overshoot such as simply prohibiting shooting as in the past. Can not be.

  In addition, when image processing is performed, the range is identifiable and displayed in a preview so that the user can be informed of the range to be image processed before shooting. By giving an opportunity to achieve timing, it is possible to allow the user to perform more satisfactory shooting.

  In addition, when the restriction release condition that can release the restriction on the function is received together with the function restriction signal and the restriction release condition is satisfied, the shooting is simply prohibited by releasing the restriction according to the condition. Rather than end, by restricting functions under more detailed conditions, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of shooting while fulfilling the purpose of function restriction.

  In addition, a password for performing the restriction release control can be set, and the function restriction can be released when the input passwords match.

  When a password is used, a password corresponding to each function to be restricted is set in advance, and the function corresponding to the input password is excluded from the restriction target. Depending on the type, it is possible to determine the content of the restriction in the photographing apparatus.

  In addition, according to the present invention, when sound data is received from the photographing restriction device that has transmitted the function restriction signal, and photographing is executed, the received sound data is output from the speaker to indicate that photographing has been performed. Can be notified. Therefore, from the subject side, it is possible to immediately know from which sound the photographing apparatus was photographed.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the photographing apparatus can transmit a subject signal in the photographing direction. Therefore, by receiving this subject signal, it is possible to know that it is within the photographing range of the photographing apparatus. When a subject signal is received, a function restriction signal can be transmitted to the photographing apparatus to restrict the function.

  As the best mode for carrying out the present invention, a “camera mobile phone” which is one of photographing apparatuses will be described as an example. The present invention is not limited to a camera-equipped mobile phone, and may be a digital camera having a communication function. The present invention is also applicable to other electronic devices such as a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminal having a digital photographing function, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a wristwatch, an electronic notebook, an electronic dictionary, and a portable game machine.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, a camera-equipped cellular phone 1200, a cellular phone 1100 possessed by a subject person (hereinafter simply referred to as "model 4") and transmitting a photographing rejection signal, and sightseeing spots are generally used. A transmitter 1300, which is set in a place where photographing is desired to be performed freely (in this case, the church 6) and transmits a photographing rejection invalid signal that invalidates photographing rejection, can freely communicate data with each other via the communication line 2. It has become.
The “communication line” here refers to a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. In addition, the communication method does not matter whether it is wired or wireless.

A camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 includes a camera module 1202 including an optical lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Diode) element, a display 1204 that displays a preview of a captured image, various operation screens, and the like, and a base station of a cellular phone network A wireless communication module 1206 for wireless communication, a short-range wireless communication module 1207 for forming an ad hoc communication network with a relatively short-range device, and a lens direction (photographing direction) for the camera module 1202 An imaging direction sensor 1208 and a positioning module 1209 that receives a reference radio wave for detecting position information and acquires position information are provided.
In addition, an operation input key 1210 for inputting a dial and a shooting operation, a slot 1214 capable of reading and writing data to a removable memory card 1212, a speaker 1218, a microphone 1216, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and various ICs A control unit 1220 that includes a memory or the like and controls the apparatus in an integrated manner through arithmetic processing, and a power supply unit (not shown) are provided.

  When the user of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 inputs a predetermined photographing operation from the operation input key 1210 with the lens of the camera module 1202 directed toward the model 4 serving as a subject, the control unit 1220 includes a CCD element mounted on the camera module 1202. The image data can be created based on the luminance information acquired in step S1, and the image data can be stored in the memory card 1212 and stored.

  The mobile phone 1100 includes a display 1104 for displaying an operation screen, a wireless communication module 1106 for wireless communication with a base station of the mobile phone network, and a short-range wireless for forming an ad hoc communication network with a relatively short-range device. A communication module 1107 and a positioning module 1109 that receives a reference radio wave for detecting position information and acquires position information are provided. Also, a control unit 1120 that is equipped with operation input keys 1110 for inputting dials and photographing operations, a speaker 1118, a microphone 1116, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), various IC memories, and the like, and controls the apparatus in an integrated manner through arithmetic processing. And a power supply unit (not shown). The mobile phone 1100 is not limited to the mobile phone, and may be an electronic device such as a PHS terminal, a PDA, a personal computer, or a wristwatch.

  The transmitter 1300 includes a short-range wireless communication module 1307, forms an ad hoc communication network with the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 that enters the short-range wireless communication range, and transmits a preset shooting rejection invalid signal. it can.

  The short-range wireless communication modules 1107, 1207, and 1307 can be realized by, for example, a wireless LAN standard based on IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 includes a CPU 210, a transmitter 212, a receiver 214, an operation input unit 216, a display unit 218, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 220, a ROM ( Read Only Memory) 230, built-in flash memory 240, imaging unit 250, lens direction detection unit 252, position information acquisition unit 254, and communication unit 260 that enables data communication with the external device 262 via the communication line 2. And a storage medium reading unit 270 that reads and writes data from and to the storage medium 272. These are connected by a data bus 280.

  The CPU 210 reads various programs and data stored in the ROM 230 and the storage medium 272, and performs arithmetic processing while using the RAM 220 as a temporary storage area, thereby controlling the functional blocks described above to control the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200. Integrated control.

  The RAM 220 is composed of rewritable semiconductor elements, and temporarily stores various programs executed by the CPU 210 and data processed by these programs. Specifically, the RAM 220 is transmitted from (1) a captured image data storage area 221R that temporarily stores image data captured by the capturing unit 250 and (2) a mobile phone 1100 received by the communication unit 260. It has a shooting rejection signal storage area 222R for storing a shooting rejection signal, and (3) a position information storage area 223R for storing position information.

  The built-in flash memory 240 is a kind of ROM that can be electrically erased and written any number of times, and is realized by, for example, a NOR flash memory. In the present embodiment, transmission-time transmission information 242 to be transmitted to the model 4 mobile phone 1100 that is the subject when shooting is performed is stored.

  The transmission information 242 at the time of shooting includes, for example, an electronic mail 242a and a telephone number 242b of an e-mail, and an electronic document 242c such as a thank you letter, and is set in advance by the user of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200.

  The ROM 230 has a system program 231 for causing the CPU 210 to realize basic functions as a mobile phone, a function restriction program 232 for realizing function restrictions relating to photographing, and a function for browsing stored photographed images. An image browsing program 233 to be realized is stored. In the present embodiment, a function for browsing stored captured images is referred to as a “browsing function”.

  The transmitting unit 212 and the receiving unit 214 are means for inputting the voice of the transmitting voice as a telephone and means for outputting the received voice of the receiving unit. The receiver 214 also serves as an output for ringtones. The transmitter 212 and the receiver 214 correspond to the microphone 1216 and the speaker 1218 of FIG.

  The operation input unit 216 receives various inputs from the user and outputs operation input signals to the CPU 210. Specifically, it can be realized by a button switch, a lever, a jog dial, a touch panel, or the like. In FIG. 1, the operation input key 1210 corresponds to this. In this embodiment, a predetermined key of the operation input unit 216 corresponds to a shooting operation key (a so-called shutter key or a release button), and when the key is input, a trigger signal for execution of shooting is output to the CPU 210.

  The display unit 218 displays and outputs an image photographed by the photographing unit 250, various operation screens, text, graphics, and the like. Specifically, it is realized by a display element such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or ELD (Electronic Luminescent Display), a driver circuit thereof, or a buffer memory for display. In FIG. 1, the display 1204 corresponds to this.

  The photographing unit 250 includes an optical lens made of glass or plastic, an image pickup device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), a timing generator, and the like, and is input via the optical lens. Image data is generated by converting an image of a subject to be converted into an electrical signal by an imaging device. The generated image data is temporarily stored in the captured image data storage area 221R of the RAM 220. In the present embodiment, a series of functions until image data is stored in the captured image data storage area 221R is referred to as “imaging function”. In FIG. 1, the camera module 1202 corresponds to the photographing unit 250.

  The lens direction detection unit 252 detects the direction in which the lens of the photographing unit 250 is facing, and outputs the detection result to the CPU 210. For example, it is realized by a combination of an orientation sensor, a triaxial acceleration sensor, and a tilt sensor. In FIG. 1, the photographing direction sensor 1208 corresponds to this.

  The position information acquisition unit 254 receives radio waves for detecting position information, calculates current position information (for example, latitude, longitude, altitude), and outputs the calculated position information to the CPU 210. For example, an antenna for receiving radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite or an antenna for receiving radio waves from a base station whose position information is known in advance, and position information is calculated based on the radio waves received by these antennas. This is realized by an arithmetic unit or the like. In FIG. 1, the positioning module 1209 corresponds to this.

  The communication unit 260 includes a mobile phone communication unit 263 realized by an antenna, an RF converter, and the like for transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from a radio base station installed by a mobile phone communication service provider, and a wireless communication based on IEEE 802.11. And a short-range wireless communication unit 264 realized by a LAN standard or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In FIG. 1, the former corresponds to the wireless communication module 1206, and the latter corresponds to the short-range wireless communication module 1207.

  The storage medium 272 stores captured image data, various programs, and the like. Specifically, it is realized by a removable information storage medium such as a flash memory. In FIG. 1, the memory card 1212 corresponds to this. The storage medium 272 stores captured image data 273 captured by the capturing unit 250 with a file name and date / time information attached thereto as appropriate. In the present embodiment, a series of functions until image data stored in the captured image data storage area 221R is stored as captured image data 273 in the storage medium 272 is referred to as a “save function”.

  The storage medium reading unit 270 writes data to and reads data from the storage medium 272. Specifically, it is realized by a read / write device corresponding to the type of medium of the storage medium 272, its driver circuit, and the like. In FIG. 1, the slot 1214 corresponds to this.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile phone 1100 possessed by the model 4 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone 1100 includes a CPU 110, a transmitter 112, a receiver 114, an operation input unit 116, a display unit 118, a RAM 120, a ROM 130, a built-in flash memory 140, a position, The information acquisition unit 154, a communication unit 160 that enables data communication with the external device 162 via the communication line 2, and a storage medium reading unit 170 that reads and writes data from and to the storage medium 172 are provided. These are connected by a data bus 180.

  As described above, the mobile phone 1100 basically has the same functional blocks as the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200. For example, the CPU 110 corresponds to the CPU 210. Similarly, the transmitter 112 is the transmitter 212, the receiver 114 is the receiver 214, the operation input unit 116 is the operation input unit 216, the display unit 118 is the display unit 218, and the position information acquisition unit 154 is The position information acquisition unit 254, the communication unit 160 corresponds to the communication unit 260, and the storage medium reading unit 170 corresponds to the storage medium reading unit 270.

  The RAM 120 of the mobile phone 1100 has a position information storage area 122R for storing the current position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 154.

  The ROM 130 has a system program 131 for causing the CPU 110 to implement various basic functions as a mobile phone, a shooting rejection program 132 for realizing functions related to setting of shooting rejection, transmission of a shooting rejection signal, and the like. A device ID 133 that enables individual identification is stored.

  The built-in flash memory 140 is a kind of ROM that can be electrically erased and written any number of times, and is realized by, for example, a NOR flash memory. In the present embodiment, the ring tone data 142 of the mobile phone 1100 that is downloaded and stored in advance from a predetermined website or the like, and the shooting rejection setting 141 are stored.

  The shooting rejection setting 141 can be set by a user of the mobile phone 1100 in advance by a predetermined setting operation. For example, it includes a shooting rejection execution flag 141a indicating whether or not to reject shooting and a function restriction flag 141b for setting a type of function restriction on the mobile phone with camera 1200. In the present embodiment, the function restriction flag 141b can be set for each of the photographing function, the storage function, and the browsing function. In this case, since the shooting rejection execution flag 141a is “1”, the mobile phone 1100 issues a shooting rejection signal, and the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 that has received the shooting rejection signal receives the shooting function and the shot image in the storage medium 272. It is shown that the storage function for saving the image and the browsing function for browsing the stored captured image data 273 are restricted.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the mobile phone 1100 according to this embodiment. 5 to 6 are continuous flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to this embodiment. The processing described here is realized by the mobile phone 1100 reading the photographing rejection program 132 and the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 reading and executing the function restriction program 232.

As shown in FIG. 4A, first, the mobile phone 1100 forms an ad hoc network with the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 and the short-range wireless communication unit 164 (step S2).
Next, the CPU 110 of the mobile phone 1100 refers to the shooting rejection setting 141 (step S4). If the shooting rejection execution flag 141a is “1 (execute)” (step S6; YES), the position information acquisition unit 154 Is acquired and stored in the position information storage area 122R (step S8). Then, the photographing rejection signal 222 is transmitted to the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 connected through the ad hoc network (step S10). For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the photographing rejection signal 222 is a function ID of the device ID 133 stored in the ROM 130, the position information 122 stored in the positional information storage area 122R, and the function restriction of the photographing rejection setting 141. Flag 141b. Further, the transmission of the photographing rejection signal 222 is automatically repeated at a predetermined time interval.

  In FIG. 5, the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 forms an ad hoc network with the cellular phone 1100, and can receive signals from the cellular phone 1100 (step S40).

  When the shooting rejection signal 222 is received (step S42; YES), the CPU 210 of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 stores the received shooting rejection signal 222 in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R of the RAM 220 (step S44).

  When a function restriction release signal to be described later is received (step S46; YES), the shooting rejection signal 222 currently stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R of the RAM 220 is deleted and cleared (step S50). As a result, the rejection of photographing is cancelled.

  Even when the shooting location is a public tourist spot and the transmitter 1300 is arranged in the vicinity and a shooting rejection invalid signal transmitted from the transmitter 1300 is received (step S48; YES), the shooting already received In order to invalidate the rejection signal, the imaging rejection signal 222 stored in the imaging rejection signal storage area 222R is erased and cleared (step S50).

Next, it is determined whether or not the photographing rejection signal 222 is currently stored in the photographing rejection signal storage area 222R of the RAM 220 (step S52).
When the photographing rejection signal 222 is not stored (step S52; NO), the function of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 is not limited at all, and a predetermined photographing operation is detected from the operation input key 1210 as in the conventional case. (Step S64), an image is captured by the camera module 1202, and the generated image data is stored in the captured image data storage area 221R (step S66). Then, the image data stored in the photographed image data storage area 221R is stored and saved in the memory card 1212 (step S68).

When the shooting rejection signal 222 is stored (step S52; YES), the CPU 210 obtains the relative position between the mobile phone 1100 that transmitted the shooting rejection signal 222 and the mobile phone with camera 1200 (step S54). Specifically, the current position information is acquired by the positioning module 1209, and the shooting direction is detected by the shooting direction sensor 1208. Then, the relative position is obtained from the position information 122 of the mobile phone 1100 included in the photographing rejection signal 222, its own position information, the detected photographing direction, and the lens specifications that are known in advance.
Then, as a result of obtaining the relative position, it is determined whether or not the mobile phone 1100, that is, the model 4 that owns the mobile phone 1100 is within the photographing range (step S56).

  When the mobile phone 1100 is not within the shooting range (step S56; NO), the function is not limited even if the shooting rejection signal 222 is received, and shooting and saving of the shot image are possible (steps S64 to S64). S68).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the mobile phone 1100 is within the shooting range (step S56; YES), the CPU 210 refers to the function restriction flag 141b included in the shooting rejection signal 222 of the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R, and functions. The restricted content is notified (step S58). For example, an item whose function is restricted is displayed on the display 1204, and a voice or warning sound is read out from the speaker 1218. Alternatively, a light-emitting body such as an LED may be provided separately, and control may be performed so that functions are restricted by the light-emitting color or light-emission pattern of the light-emitting body and the function-restricted items are notified.

  Next, a screen for selecting whether to continue shooting in a state where the function is restricted or to request the mobile phone 1100 to release the function restriction is displayed on the display 1204 to allow the user to select (step S60). ).

  When the selection to execute the release request is input (step S60; release request), the CPU 210 transmits a predetermined function restriction release request signal to the mobile phone 1100 of the device ID 133 included in the photographing rejection signal 222. (Step S62), the process proceeds to Step S42.

In FIG. 4, when the CPU 110 of the mobile phone 1100 receives the function restriction release request signal (step S12; YES), the CPU 110 displays on the display 1104 that there is a function restriction release request and agrees with the request. The selection screen is displayed to allow the user to make a selection (step S14). When the selection to meet the request is input (step S16; YES), the CPU 110 transmits a function restriction release signal to the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 that has transmitted the function restriction release request signal, and shoots for a certain period of time. Transmission of the rejection signal is interrupted (step S18).
As a result, in FIG. 5, the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 receives the function restriction release signal (step S46; YES), and the CPU 210 clears the shooting rejection signal 222 currently stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R of the RAM 220. In effect, the restriction is invalidated (steps S80 to S84).

On the other hand, in FIG. 5, when the selection to continue shooting is input (step S60; continue shooting), the CPU 210 executes function restriction based on the function restriction flag 141b.
As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 210 first refers to the function restriction flag 141b of the shooting rejection signal 222 stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R, and determines whether or not the flag corresponding to the shooting function is “1”. That is, it is determined whether or not the restriction on the photographing function is set (step S80).

  If the shooting function is a restriction target (step S80; YES), the display 1204 displays that shooting cannot be performed due to shooting rejection (step S82), and the process proceeds to step S42 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, although the current viewfinder image is displayed on the display 1204, it is not photographed even if the user of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 performs a photographing operation. That is, the model 4 that owns the mobile phone 1100 can be prevented from being photographed by the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200.

  If the shooting function is not a restriction target (step S80; NO), the CPU 210 detects a shooting operation (step S84), and stores an image shot by the camera module 1202 in the shot image data storage area 221R of the RAM 220 (step S86). ), A preview of the photographed image is displayed on the display 1204 for a predetermined time (step S88). At this stage, the captured image is temporarily stored in the RAM 220 and is not stored in the memory card 1212.

Next, the CPU 210 refers to the function restriction flag 141b of the photographing rejection signal 222 stored in the photographing rejection signal storage area 222R, and determines whether or not the flag corresponding to the storage function is “1”, that is, the captured image. It is determined whether or not a restriction on the storage function is set (step S90).
When the restriction to the storage function is set (step S90; YES), the CPU 210 displays on the display 1204 that the image cannot be stored due to photographing rejection, and outputs a predetermined sound from the speaker 1218 to notify the user (step S92). ). Then, after a predetermined time elapses, the photographed image data stored in the photographed image data storage area 221R of the RAM 220 is automatically deleted (step S94). Therefore, the user of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 can enjoy shooting on the spot, but cannot substantially use the shot image.

On the other hand, when the restriction to the storage function is not set (step S90; NO), the CPU 210 refers to the function restriction flag 141b of the photographing rejection signal 222 stored in the photographing rejection signal storage area 222R, and the browsing function. It is determined whether or not the flag corresponding to “1” is set, that is, whether or not the restriction on the browsing function of the stored captured image is set (step S96).
When the restriction on the browsing function is not set (step S96; NO), the CPU 210 stores and saves the captured image data stored in the RAM 220 in the memory card 1212 (step S98). On the other hand, when the restriction to the browsing function is set (step S96; YES), the CPU 210 encodes the captured image data stored in the RAM 220 so that it cannot be browsed as it is, and stores and stores it in the memory card 1212 ( Step S98). The encoding referred to here is not encoding related to compression for compressing the data size, but encoding in the sense that the file cannot be opened. Therefore, the captured image data cannot be browsed unless it is decoded.

  Next, the CPU 210 of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 transmits a photographing completion signal including the photographing transmission information 242 to the cellular phone 1100 because photographing has been completed (step S102).

In FIG. 4, when the mobile phone 1100 receives the shooting completion signal (step S20; YES), the ring tone data 142 stored in the built-in flash memory 140 is transmitted to the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 that has transmitted the shooting completion signal. A reply is made (step S22). Then, the content of the transmission information 242 at the time of shooting included in the received shooting completion signal is displayed on the display 1104 (step S24). As a result, the user of the mobile phone 1100 can know that the user has been photographed, and when the mail address 242a and the telephone number 242b are correctly registered in the transmission information 242 at the time of photographing, who has photographed. You can get information to know. From the viewpoint of the user of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200, communication with the user (model 4) of the cellular phone 1100 can be performed by setting a thank-you sentence for accepting the shooting in the electronic document 242c. It becomes possible to get a chance to take.
If the ad hoc network has not been resolved, the process returns to step S2 (step S26; NO).

  In FIG. 6, the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 receives the ring tone data 142 from the cellular phone 1100 (step S104), and reproduces and outputs it from the speaker 1218 for a predetermined time (step S106). Therefore, the user of the mobile phone 1100 can easily know who took the picture on the spot where the picture was taken by listening to the ring tone selected by the mobile phone with camera 1200. As a result, the user of the mobile phone 1100 can have an opportunity to discuss the treatment of the captured image with the imaged partner.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of image browsing processing in the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 of this embodiment. The processing described here is realized by the CPU 210 reading and executing the image browsing program 233.

  As shown in the figure, when image browsing is executed, the CPU 210 first displays a list of photographed image data stored in the memory card 1212 (step S110). In the list display, for example, only information such as thumbnails, file names, and shooting dates / times is displayed as in the conventional case. The encoded photographed image may display a predetermined substitute thumbnail.

If an image is selected by a predetermined selection operation (step S112), it is determined whether or not the selected image is coded.
If the selected image is not coded (step S114; NO), this image is displayed on the display 1204 to allow the user to browse (step S116). If the browsing process is not finished, the display returns to the list display (step S120; NO). On the other hand, if the selected image is coded (step S114; YES), it is displayed that the browsing is impossible due to the rejection of photographing (step S118), and if the browsing process is not finished, the list display is returned. (Step S120; NO). Therefore, when the browsing function is restricted, even if an image can be taken and saved, the user (photographer) of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 cannot see it.

  Note that, when the browsing function is limited, the target captured image data is encoded and stored. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of encoding, the target captured image data has a predetermined non-viewable flag. The captured image data for which this flag is set during the browsing process may be configured not to be displayed on the display 1204.

[Description of screen display example]
8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of screen display of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200. FIG.
FIG. 8A corresponds to step S58. The display 1204 receives a shooting refusal signal, the function is restricted, a restriction notification display P1 for displaying the restricted function, an option display P2 for executing a function restriction release request, and photographing with the restriction. An option display P3 to be continued is displayed. When the keys corresponding to the option displays P2 and P3 are operated from the operation input key 1210, the respective selection contents are executed.

  FIG. 8B corresponds to step S82. On the display 1204, a restriction notification display P4 for displaying that photographing is not possible because the photographing function is restricted is displayed. Although the current viewfinder image P5 (in this case, the operation of the model 4 playing a musical instrument is displayed as it is) is displayed, no shooting is performed even if a shooting operation is performed.

  FIG. 8C corresponds to step S92. The display 1204 displays a restriction notification display P6 that indicates that the captured image could not be saved because the saving function is limited. Since the photographing function is not limited, a preview screen P7 of the photographed image is displayed (P7).

  FIG. 8D corresponds to steps S110 and S118. When an image is selected from the image list display P8 on the display 1204, a restriction notification display P9 is displayed to display that the stored photographed image cannot be browsed because the browsing function is limited.

  FIG. 9 corresponds to steps S102 and S106. As shown in FIG. 5A, when shooting is completed with the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200, a shooting completion signal including shooting-time transmission information 242 is transmitted to the mobile phone 1100. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the ring tone data 142 is returned from the mobile phone 1100 that has received the photographing completion signal, and the ring tone data 142 is output from the speaker 1218 by the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200. On the display 1104 of the cellular phone 1100, the mail address P10, the telephone number P11, and the electronic document P12 included in the transmission information 242 at the time of shooting are displayed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, in addition to the functions of the first embodiment, when the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 cancels the restriction when the restriction release condition included in the photographing rejection signal is satisfied, and when saving the photographed image A mode having a function of performing various image processing and saving will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to 1st Embodiment, and detailed description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, in particular, the ROM 230 has a function restriction program 232-2 corresponding to the function restriction program 232 in the first embodiment and an image browsing program equivalent to the image browsing program 233 in the first embodiment. 233-2 and a website browsing program 235 for causing the CPU 210 to realize a function of browsing the website by connecting to the Internet are stored.
Furthermore, the function restriction program 232-2 includes a function restriction release program 234 for causing the CPU 210 to realize a function of releasing the function restriction depending on whether or not the restriction release condition included in the photographing rejection signal is satisfied. Yes.

  In addition, the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 includes a TV tuner unit 266 that can receive radio waves of television broadcasting and capture video and audio. The TV tuner unit 266 can acquire an image or sound as broadcast content from a broadcast radio wave, a control signal for controlling a device, and the like and output the control signal to the CPU 210.

  FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the mobile phone 1100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, an image serving as a reference for identifying a portion in which a user of the mobile phone 1100 (in this case, model 4; see FIG. 1) is captured from images captured on a storage medium 172. The discriminating reference data 173 and the overwriting designated image data 174 for concealing the portion identified based on the image discriminating reference data 173 are stored.

  The image identification reference data 173 is information serving as a reference for determining whether or not a registrant is included in a captured image. For example, image information such as a registrant's face, head, and whole body image, or It is information such as a feature value that represents a feature as a numerical value. In the present embodiment, the person identification (also referred to as “personal recognition” or “person verification”) is performed using the image identification reference data 173, and the registrant is reflected in the image photographed by the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200. It can be determined whether or not. As a specific method, for example, a pattern matching technique called “unique face” or a technique for comparing the RGB value statistics of the head portion with the RGB value statistics of the facial expression registered in the image identification reference data 173 For example, it can be realized by known person identification, individual identification, image processing technology for personal authentication, or pattern matching technology.

  Further, the ROM 130 stores a shooting rejection program 132-2 corresponding to the shooting rejection program 132 in the first embodiment. The CPU 110 implements a function of setting a restriction release condition that can release the shooting rejection by reading and executing the shooting rejection program 132-2.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the shooting rejection setting 141-2 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the shooting rejection setting 141-2 includes a restriction release condition 141c. The restriction release condition 141c is a condition for allowing the user of the mobile phone 1100 to perform shooting, storage, and browsing functions on the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200, and a shooting permission condition 143 for releasing the restriction of the shooting function and allowing shooting. It includes a storage permission condition 144 for canceling the function restriction and permitting saving of the photographed image, and a browsing permission condition 145 for releasing the restriction of the browsing function and permitting browsing of the stored photographed image.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the photographing permission condition 143 in the present embodiment. As the imaging permission condition 143, for example, an individual identification condition 143a for identifying an individual of the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 can be set. Specifically, the condition is a device ID or a telephone number.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the storage permission condition 144 in the present embodiment. The storage permission condition 144 includes, for example, a concealment instruction 144a on the condition that image processing is performed so as not to know what is captured in a part of the photographed image, and a condition that the photographed image is censored by the mobile phone 1100. The censorship condition 144b to be set can be set.
Specifically, as the concealment instruction 144a, image identification reference data 173 for specifying a concealment target location or overwriting designated image data 174 can be set. Further, a flag indicating that the concealment target is a copyrighted work or an image processing (for example, mosaic etc.) is designated within a range of radius Xm (meter) from the position of the mobile phone 1100 in the captured image (hereinafter referred to as mosaic etc.). This is called “Ambient Designation.”) A flag can be set.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the browsing permission condition 145 in the present embodiment. As the viewing permission condition 145, for example, a billing condition 145a on condition of transfer to a designated account, a designated file of a designated website, a specific CM (commercial) viewing, or a predetermined broadcast broadcasted in the same CM A viewing condition 145b on the condition that the control signal is received can be set. When viewing a specific CM (commercial) is a condition, for example, image data of a specific product, commercial audio, or a control signal broadcast in the same manner is specified to determine whether or not the user has viewed Set as CM data.

  Note that the settable items of the photographing permission condition 143, the storage permission condition 144, and the browsing permission condition 145 shown here are not limited to the above-described combinations, and may be freely combined. For example, the individual identification condition 143a may be set as the browsing permission condition 145, and conversely, the charging condition 145a may be set as the photographing permission condition 143.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the mobile phone 1100 according to this embodiment. 17 to 18 are continuous flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to this embodiment. The process described here is realized by the mobile phone 1100 reading and executing the shooting rejection program 132-2. Further, this is realized by the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 reading and executing the function restriction program 232-2.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the mobile phone 1100 forms an ad hoc network with the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and generates a shooting rejection signal 222 based on the shooting rejection setting 141-2. It transmits to the mobile phone 1200 with a camera (steps S2-S10). However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the photographing rejection signal 222 is transmitted including the restriction release condition 141c of the photographing rejection setting 141-2.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment from the formation of the ad hoc network until the user is prompted to select whether to cancel the shooting rejection cancellation or to continue shooting (step S2). To S62). When the selection to continue shooting with the function restricted is input (step S60; continue shooting), the CPU 210 executes function restriction based on the function restriction flag 141b.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 210 first refers to the function restriction flag 141b of the shooting rejection signal 222 stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R, and determines whether or not the flag corresponding to the shooting function is “1”. That is, it is determined whether or not the restriction on the photographing function is set (step S130).

  When the photographing function is a restriction target (step S130; YES), the CPU 210 refers to the restriction release condition 141c included in the photographing rejection signal 222 and determines whether or not the photographing permission condition is satisfied (step). S132). For example, when the photographing permission condition 143 shown in FIG. 13 is set, the CPU 210 compares the device ID or telephone number of the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 with that specified by the photographing permission condition 143, and if they match, the condition is satisfied. It is determined that

  When it is determined that the photographing permission condition 143 is not satisfied (step S132; NO), the display 1204 indicates that photographing cannot be performed due to photographing refusal, as in the first embodiment (step S134; equivalent to S82). After the elapse of time, the process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, when it is determined that the photographing permission condition 143 is satisfied, photographing is possible (step S132; YES). That is, the user of the mobile phone 1100 can permit photographing to a partner he / she knows by setting the telephone number of a family member or an acquaintance in the photographing permission condition 143 in the photographing permission condition 143, for example.

When the photographing permission condition 143 is satisfied and the photographing becomes possible, the CPU 210 refers to the restriction release condition 141c of the photographing rejection signal 222 stored in the photographing rejection signal storage area 222R, and the storage permission condition 144 is set. It is determined whether or not there is (step S134).
When the storage permission condition 144 is set (step S134; YES), the CPU 210 executes a finder display correction process to correct the image in the finder display displayed on the display 1204 in the shooting standby state, and the storage permission condition 144. A notice is given as to how much image processing is to be performed if the condition is satisfied (step S136).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the finder display correction process in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the CPU 210 first checks whether or not the image identification reference data 173 is set in the storage permission condition 144 (step S150). If set (step S150; YES), a portion in which the object to be concealed (in this case, the appearance of the model 4) is shown based on the image identification reference data 173 from the image currently displayed in the finder display. Is identified (step S152).

  Further, when the overwriting designated image data 174 is set in the storage permission condition 144 (step S154; YES), the outline of the portion where the overwriting designated image data 174 is overwritten is displayed on the finder display. Drawing is performed (step S156). Specifically, a magnification for displaying the overwritten designated image data 174 so as to cover the identification portion is calculated, and a line is drawn, for example, in yellow on the outline when overwritten at this magnification. When the overwriting designated image data 174 is not set in the storage permission condition 144 (step S154; NO), the outline of the identified part is drawn on the finder display (step S158).

Next, when the copyrighted work determination flag is set in the storage permission condition 144 and it is “1 (worked material)” (step S160; YES), the CPU 210 treats the confidential object as a copyrighted material. Therefore, it is determined that attention is required, and the previously drawn contour line is drawn with a predetermined designated color (step S162).

  Next, the CPU 210 determines whether or not a surrounding designation flag is set in the storage permission condition 144 (step S164). If set (step S164; YES), first, the position information of the mobile phone 1100, the current position information of the mobile phone with camera 1200 included in the photographing rejection signal 222, and the lens direction detection unit 252 are detected. From the lens direction and the lens specifications, the position of the mobile phone 1100 in the image displayed in the viewfinder is geometrically calculated and determined (step S166). Next, from the image displayed in the finder, a portion corresponding to the specified range around the determined position is geometrically calculated and determined (step S168), and the outline of the corresponding portion is drawn on the finder display. (Step S170).

  Accordingly, the display 1204 in the shooting standby state by these processes displays the outline of the image processing range when the storage permission condition 144 is satisfied, so that the photographer knows in advance the state after shooting and the shooting is performed. You can think about the timing and composition. Although the contour line is displayed, it is needless to say that a shaded display including the inside of the contour line may be used instead of the contour line.

  In FIG. 18, when a shooting operation is detected in the state where the finder display correction process is executed (step S84), the CPU 210 temporarily stores the shot image data in the shot image data storage area 221R, and replaces the viewfinder display. Then, a preview of the photographed image is displayed (steps S86 to S88).

  Next, the CPU 210 checks whether or not a restriction on the storage function is set. If it is set (step S90; YES), it is further determined whether or not the storage permission condition 144 is set with reference to the restriction release condition 141c included in the photographing rejection signal 222 (step S140).

When the storage permission condition 144 is not set (step S140; NO), as in the first embodiment, the CPU 210 displays on the display 1204 that the image cannot be stored due to shooting rejection and outputs a predetermined sound from the speaker 1218. To the user (step S142; corresponding to step S92). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the photographed image data stored in the photographed image data storage area 221R of the RAM 220 is automatically deleted (step S144; corresponding to step S94).
On the other hand, when the save permission condition 144 is set (step S140; YES), the CPU 210 executes the save permission condition handling process on the shot image data temporarily stored in the shot image data storage area 221R and saves it. Image processing is performed so as to satisfy the permission condition 144 (step S146).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the storage permission condition handling processing in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the CPU 210 first checks whether or not the image identification reference data 173 is set in the storage permission condition 144. If it is set (step S180; YES), the CPU 210 is based on the image identification reference data 173 from the captured image data temporarily stored in the RAM 220 (in this case, the appearance of the model 4). The part in which is shown is identified (step S182).

  If the overwriting designated image data 174 is set in the storage permission condition 144 (step S184; YES), the center of the identified portion and the center of the overwriting designated image data 174 are combined and photographed. The designated image data 174 for overwriting is overwritten with the image data (step S186). Specifically, an appropriate magnification is calculated so that the overwriting designated image data 174 covers the identification portion, and the identification portion is rewritten with the overwriting designated image data 174 enlarged to this magnification. If the overwriting designated image data 174 is not set in the storage permission condition 144 (step S184; NO), image processing is performed so as to conceal the identification portion (step S188). Specifically, for example, mosaic processing is performed.

  Next, when a copyrighted work discrimination flag is set in the storage permission condition 144 and it is “1 (authorized work)” (step S190; YES), the CPU 210 performs overwriting composition on the identification part or first. The part is changed to a predetermined designated color (step S192). For example, the identification portion may be filled, a monotone display of a specified color may be displayed, or a specific color component may be increased.

Next, the CPU 210 determines whether or not a surrounding designation flag is set in the storage permission condition 144 (step S194). If set (step S194; YES), first, the position information of the mobile phone 1100 included in the photographing rejection signal 222, the current position information of the mobile phone with camera 1200, and the lens direction by the lens direction detector 252 are displayed. The position of the mobile phone 1100 in the captured image is geometrically calculated and determined from the lens specifications (step S196). Next, a portion corresponding to the range designated around the determined position is geometrically calculated and determined from the photographed image (step S198), and the portion corresponding to the range designated around is determined to be concealed. The image is processed (step S200).
Thus, image processing is performed on a range around the mobile phone 1100 (for example, a radius of 1 m) regardless of the distance from the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 to the model 4 that is the subject.

  Next, the CPU 210 determines whether or not the censorship condition 144b is set in the storage permission condition 144 (step S202). If set (step S202; YES), the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 transmits the captured image data to the cellular phone 1100 that has transmitted the imaging rejection signal 222 (step S204).

  In FIG. 16, when the cellular phone 1100 receives the captured image data (step S220; YES), the cellular phone 1100 displays the received captured image data on the display 1104, and whether to permit the storage of the image. The selection screen is displayed (step S222). If the user inputs selection of permission or non-permission (step S224), the result is returned as a permission signal to the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 that has transmitted the photographed image data (step S226).

  In FIG. 20, the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 receives the permission signal (step S206), and if the permission signal indicates disapproval (step S208; NO), the display 1204 cannot satisfy the storage condition, so Is not stored, and the speaker 1218 informs by voice (step S210). Then, the photographed image data temporarily stored in the RAM 220 is automatically deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Therefore, by the storage permission condition handling process, it is possible to perform image processing on the part of the photographed image where the model 4 that is the user of the mobile phone 1100 is captured, thereby making it impossible to know that the model 4 is captured. In addition, it is possible to perform censorship, confirm the photographed image with the model 4 itself, and determine whether to permit storage.

  In FIG. 18, if the storage permission condition handling process is executed, the CPU 210 performs the storage permission condition handling process according to whether or not the restriction to the browsing function is set, as in the first embodiment. Is stored in the memory card 1212 (steps S96 to S100). Then, a shooting completion signal is transmitted to the mobile phone 1100, the returned ringtone data 142 is received, and is reproduced and output by the speaker 1218 for a predetermined time (steps S102 to S106).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of image browsing processing in the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to the present embodiment. The processing described here is realized by the CPU 210 reading and executing the image browsing program 233-2.

  As shown in the figure, when the image browsing process is executed, the CPU 210 first displays a list of photographed image data stored in the memory card 1212 (step S110), and an image is selected by a predetermined selection operation. If so (step S112), it is determined whether or not the selected image is coded (step S114).

If the selected image is not coded (step S114; NO), this image is displayed on the display 1204 to allow the user to browse (step S116). Step S120; NO).
When the selected image is coded (step S114; YES), the CPU 210 refers to the restriction release condition 141c of the shooting rejection signal 222 stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R, and the browsing permission condition 145. Is displayed on the display 1204, and whether to cancel the restriction, that is, whether to comply with the viewing permission condition 145 is displayed on the display 1204 (step S230). For example, when the billing condition 145a is set in the browsing permission condition 145, it is displayed that the transfer is necessary for browsing, and an option of whether or not to execute the transfer process is displayed.

  The user confirms the viewing permission condition 145 displayed and inputs whether or not to release the restriction (step S232). When selection not to perform restriction release is input (step S234; NO), the browsing process is performed. If no ending operation is performed, the display returns to the list display (step S120; NO). Therefore, when the browsing function is restricted, even if an image can be taken and saved, the user (photographer) of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 cannot see it. On the other hand, when the selection for executing the restriction release is input (step S234; YES), the CPU 210 executes a browsing permission condition handling process (step S236).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing for corresponding to the viewing permission condition in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the CPU 210 refers to the restriction release condition 141c of the photographing rejection signal 222 stored in the RAM 220 and confirms the viewing permission condition 145 (step S250).

  When the charging condition is set (step S252; YES), the CPU 210 accesses the server device for electronic payment of the financial institution via the Internet (step S254) and designates the designated account designated by the charging condition 145a. A procedure for transferring the amount is executed (step S256). If the transfer confirmation indicating that the transfer has been made is received from the server device (step S258; YES), the CPU 210 determines that the viewing condition is satisfied, and decodes the captured image data to be browsed ( Step S260).

  Next, when viewing conditions 145b are set as browsing permission conditions 145 so as to browse a specific website (step S262; YES). The CPU 210 reads out and executes the website browsing program 235, accesses the designated website (step S264), downloads the viewing designation file designated by the viewing condition 145b, and displays and outputs it (step S264). S266). If the viewing designation file is downloaded and output (step S268; YES), the CPU 210 determines that the viewing permission condition is satisfied, and decodes the captured image data to be browsed (step S270).

  When viewing condition 145b is set to view CM as viewing permission condition 145 (step S272; YES). The CPU 210 receives the TV broadcast radio wave at the TV tuner unit 266 and displays the TV broadcast on the display 1204 (step S274). When the broadcast contents are compared with the designated CM data designated by the viewing condition 145b one by one (step S276; YES), the CPU 210 determines that the viewing permission condition is satisfied, and the captured image data to be browsed is determined. Decode (step S278).

  In FIG. 21, when the browsing permission condition handling process is completed, the process proceeds to step S114. Since the image that has been subjected to the browsing permission condition handling process is decoded and can be displayed, it is reproduced and displayed (step S226). Therefore, the viewing restriction is released, and the user can view the stored image.

[Description of screen display example]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 in the finder display correction process of the present embodiment. FIG. 9A corresponds to step S158. In the finder image P20, a contour line L1 is drawn along the outer edge of the portion identified based on the image identification reference data 173. When the overwriting designated image data 174 is set, the outline L1 is drawn along the outer edge of the overwriting designated image (corresponding to step S156), as shown in FIG. . FIG. 10C corresponds to step S170, and a contour line L2 is drawn in a range designated around the position P22 of the mobile phone 1100 in the finder image P20.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image that has been subjected to storage permission condition handling processing according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6A corresponds to step S188. Mosaic processing P25 is applied to the portion where the model 4 is reflected in the captured image P24. When the overwriting designated image data is set, the overwriting designated image data P26 is overwritten in the portion where the model 4 is reflected in the photographed image P24 as shown in FIG. Equivalent to step S186).
Further, when the subject corresponds to a copyrighted work, for example, the overwritten designated image data portion is changed to a designated color as shown in FIG. 5C (corresponding to step S192). FIG. 6D corresponds to step S200, and mosaic processing P28 is performed on a range designated around the position P27 of the mobile phone 100 in the captured image P24.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a screen display example of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 in the image browsing process in the present embodiment. FIG. 6A corresponds to step S110. On the display 1204, a list display P8 of captured images already stored in the memory card 1212 is displayed. In the list display P8, when the selected image (in this case, “FILE0014”) is coded, as shown in FIG. 5B, a condition display P30 for displaying a browsing permission condition 145 on the display 1204. Then, an option P31 for determining whether or not to perform restriction cancellation is displayed (corresponding to step S230).

  When viewing of the website is a viewing permission condition, the designated website is accessed and the designated file is displayed (corresponding to step S266), as shown in FIG. In this case, an image P32 notifying the new release of the notebook personal computer corresponding to the designated file is displayed. When the designated file is displayed, the captured image data to be browsed is decoded, and the captured image P24 is displayed on the display 1204 as shown in FIG. 4D (steps S236 → S114; NO → S116). Equivalent).

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, an example in which the function restriction is released by inputting a password will be described. The present embodiment can be basically realized by the same configuration as that of the second embodiment. The same components as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the ROM 230 particularly corresponds to the function restriction program 232-3 corresponding to the function restriction program 232-2 in the second embodiment and the function restriction release program 234 in the second embodiment. The function restriction release program 234-3 is stored. The CPU 210 can realize the function of releasing the function restriction when the input password matches the password included in the photographing rejection signal 222 by reading and executing the function restriction release program 234-3.

  FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the mobile phone 1100 according to the present embodiment. Particularly in the present embodiment, the shooting rejection setting 141 includes a password setting 146. The ROM 130 also stores a shooting rejection program 132-3 corresponding to the shooting rejection program 132-2 in the second embodiment. The CPU 210 can set the password setting 146 in advance by the photographing rejection program 132-3.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of the password setting 146 in the present embodiment. The password setting 146 is a password for releasing the function restriction on the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200. For example, a plurality of types of passwords such as a first password 146a to a fourth password 146d can be set as the password, and the user of the mobile phone 1100 sets the password in advance. The password setting 146 is transmitted to the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 by being included in the photographing rejection signal 222.

  The first to fourth passwords have different function restrictions that can be released. For example, the first password 146a has a meaning as a so-called “wild password” or “common password”, and when the first password 146a is input by the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200, the general function restriction is released. In other words, shooting rejection becomes invalid. Similarly, the second password 146b can release the browsing restriction, and the third password 146c can release the browsing restriction and the storage restriction. Further, the fourth password 146d can clear and invalidate the browsing permission condition. It should be noted that the type of password and the combination of functions capable of releasing the password may be set as appropriate.

[Description of process flow]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, it is basically the same as that of the second embodiment, but when the continuation of photographing is selected after the notification of the function restriction (step S60; continuation of photographing), password processing is executed to restrict the function. Release (step S300).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of password processing in the present embodiment. The CPU 210 first receives a password input (step S302). Specifically, a predetermined password input screen is displayed on display 1204 and the user is allowed to input a password from operation input key 1210.

Next, the CPU 210 compares the input password with the password setting 146 of the shooting rejection signal 222 stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R of the RAM 220.
When the input password matches the first password 146a (step S304; YES), the CPU 210 determines that a wild password has been input, and the function restriction flag of the shooting rejection signal 222 stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R. The flags corresponding to the functions “view”, “save”, and “shoot” in 141b are updated to “0 (no limit)” (steps S312 to S316), and the password process is terminated. Accordingly, it is determined that the function restriction is not set in the subsequent processing, and the restriction is effectively released.

  Similarly, when the input password matches the second password 146b (step S306; YES), the CPU 210 “saves” the function restriction flag 141b of the shooting rejection signal 222 stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R. And the flag corresponding to each function of “shooting” is updated to “0 (no limit)” (steps S314 to S316). For example, when the function restriction is set for all “browsing”, “storing”, and “photographing”, the restriction can be lifted only for the browsing function.

  When the input password matches the third password 146c (step S308; YES), the CPU 210 sets a flag corresponding to “shooting” of the function restriction flag 141b of the shooting rejection signal 222 stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R. Is updated to “0 (no limit)” (step S316). For example, when function restrictions are set for all “browsing”, “saving”, and “photographing”, restrictions can be left for the browsing function and the saving function.

  When the input password matches the fourth password 146d (step S310; YES), the CPU 210 sets the browsing permission condition 145 among the restriction release conditions 141c of the shooting rejection signal 222 stored in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R. The accounting condition 145a is cleared (step S318). Therefore, it is possible to browse without charging.

[Description of screen display example]
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display related to password processing in the present embodiment. FIG. 9A corresponds to step S58. The display 1204 displays a restriction notification display P1 for displaying a function for which restriction is set, an option display P2 for executing a shooting rejection cancellation request, and photographing with the restriction. An option display P30 for entering a password to continue is displayed. When the keys corresponding to the option displays P2 and P30 are operated from the operation input key 1210, the respective selection contents are executed. FIG. 5B shows an example of a password input screen corresponding to step S302. The user inputs the password of the number of characters in the input field P31 from the operation input key 1210. Then, the function restriction is released according to the input password.

Such a function restriction cancellation using a password is particularly effective in the following situation. For example, in the case of a new product launch or a new movie launch, the organizer will give the first password 146a only to the news media in advance, so that the general attendees will be restricted from taking pictures, Can be allowed to shoot.
Further, for example, when group shooting is performed, a plurality of mobile phones 1100 are included in the shooting range. In this case, the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 receives shooting rejection signals from a plurality of locations and stores a plurality of types of shooting rejection signals in the shooting rejection signal storage area 222R. In order to perform group photography, it is necessary to cancel the restriction for each photographing rejection signal, which is very troublesome. However, by arranging a common password as the first password 146a in advance, the photographer can release the function restriction at once by simply inputting the common password to the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which browsing restrictions are extended to use of stored captured image data by another application program, that is, browsing via the application. The present embodiment can be basically realized by a configuration similar to that of the second or third embodiment, and the same components as those of the second and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description will be given. Shall be omitted.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 32 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, in particular, the ROM 230 stores a function restriction program 232-4 corresponding to the function restriction program 232-3 in the third embodiment and an e-mail program 237 that is one of application programs. The function restriction program 232-4 includes a use restriction program 236. The use restriction program 236 causes the CPU 210 to realize a function of restricting processing that uses captured image data by an application program.
The processing using the captured image data by the application program includes, for example, attaching a captured image created and stored by an e-mail program 237, retouching the captured image by a retouch program, Is transferred to a personal computer. The use restriction program 236 restricts these processes as part of the browsing function, and makes attachment, retouching, transfer, and the like impossible.

  Since the mobile phone 1100 can be realized by the same functional configuration as that of the third embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing will be described by taking as an example a case where the photographed image data 273 is attached / transmitted to the e-mail by the e-mail program 237.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the use restriction process in the present embodiment. The processing described here is realized by the CPU 210 reading and executing the system program 231 and the usage restriction program 236.
As shown in the figure, if the CPU 210 detects a file operation on the photographed image data 273 stored in the storage medium 272 at the operating system level (step S340), the CPU 210 of the application program that has requested the file operation. The execution of the process is temporarily suspended (step S342).

  Next, when the file operation is performed by the image browsing program 233 (step S344; YES), the execution of the image browsing process (see the second embodiment) is resumed (step S346). That is, when an image to be browsed is selected in the image browsing process, it is detected as a file operation for developing the stored captured image data 273 in step S340. Since the processing for restriction is folded, the processing is resumed as it is.

  When the file operation is performed by the e-mail program 237 (step S348; YES), the CPU 210 refers to the photographing rejection signal storage area 222R and determines whether or not the restriction on the browsing function is set (step S350). When the restriction on the browsing function is set (step S350; YES), the CPU 210 causes the display permission condition 145 to be displayed on the display 1204, and whether or not the restriction is canceled, that is, the viewing permission condition 145 is set. The choice whether or not to respond is displayed on the display 1204 (step S352). For example, when the billing condition 145a is set in the browsing permission condition 145, it is displayed that the transfer is necessary for browsing, and an option of whether or not to execute the transfer process is displayed.

The user confirms the viewing permission condition 145 displayed, and inputs whether or not to release the restriction (step S354). When a selection not to perform restriction release is input (step S356; NO), the photographing is rejected. A message that the photographed image cannot be used is displayed, and a notification is given by voice (step S358). Therefore, when the browsing function is limited, even if an image can be taken and saved, it cannot be used in another application.
On the other hand, when the selection for executing the restriction release is input (step S356; YES), the CPU 210 executes the browsing permission condition handling process (see FIG. 22) and releases the restriction according to the browsing permission condition 145 (step S356). S360). For example, when the accounting condition 145a is set as the viewing permission condition 145, the predetermined financial institution server device is automatically accessed, the transfer procedure is executed, and the photographed image data 273 is decoded. Then, the process of the interrupted application is resumed (step S362). Therefore, it is possible to use the data encoded by the browsing restriction and use it by attaching it to an e-mail.

[Description of screen display]
FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a screen display example of the usage restriction process in the present embodiment, and shows a case where the accounting condition 145 a is set as the viewing permission condition 145.

  FIG. 11A shows a state in which the e-mail program 237 is executed to select the captured image data 273 stored after the mail text is created. The display 1204 displays the text display P40 and the selection display P41. Is displayed.

  When photographed image data to be attached (strictly speaking, a file of photographed image data to be attached) is selected on the selection display P41, a file operation is detected and the attachment process is interrupted. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, a restriction release condition display P42 and an option P43 for selecting whether to execute the release are displayed (corresponding to step S352).

  When selection of cancellation execution is input here, as shown in FIG. 5C, the transfer to the accounting server is executed by connecting to the financial institution server device (corresponding to step S360). Then, as shown in FIG. 4D, when the transfer is completed, attachment processing by the email program 237 is resumed, and the selected photographed image can be attached to the email (corresponding to step S362).

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a mode will be described in which the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 transmits a predetermined shooting completion signal toward the shooting direction when shooting is performed, and the mobile phone 1100 that receives the signal returns a shooting rejection signal. In addition, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected about the component similar to 1st-4th embodiment, and detailed description shall be demonstrated.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to the present embodiment, (a) a front external view, (b) a rear external view, and (c) a directivity of short-range radio. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the short-range wireless communication module 1211 in this embodiment includes a patch antenna 1219. The patch antenna 1219 is a kind of planar antenna composed of patch-like conductors and derivatives, and has directivity on the main radiation surface. In the present embodiment, the main radiation surface of the patch antenna 1219 is set so as to be directed to the photographing direction of the lens 1202a of the camera module 1202, and the directivity range M of the patch antenna 1219 is as shown in FIG. The angle of view is set to be larger than the angle of view θ of the lens 1202a. When such a directivity range cannot be secured with a single antenna, a configuration using a plurality of antennas having different installation angles may be employed. Note that the communication distance of the patch antenna 1219 is approximately the same as or longer than that of the short-range wireless communication module 1107 of the mobile phone 1100. That is, the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 can communicate only with the cellular phone 1100 that is within the shooting range.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 36 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 according to the present embodiment is a directional short-range wireless communication unit 267 having directivity in the signal transmission direction, instead of the short-range wireless communication unit 264 according to the first embodiment. Is provided. In FIG. 35, the short-range wireless communication module 1211 and its patch antenna 1219 correspond to this.

  In addition, the ROM 230 has a function of transmitting a predetermined shooting completion signal from the directional short-range wireless communication unit 267 to the CPU 210 after shooting an image by the shooting unit 250 and storing the shot image in the storage medium 272. An imaging completion signal transmission program 238 is stored.

  FIG. 37 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the mobile phone 1100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the cellular phone 1100 according to the present embodiment stores a photographing rejection program 132-5 corresponding to the photographing rejection program 132 according to the first embodiment in the ROM 130. The photographing rejection program 132-5 has a function of returning a photographing refusal signal to the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 when the short-range wireless communication unit 164 receives the photographing completion signal sent from the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 to the CPU 210. Is realized.

  The photographing rejection signal in the present embodiment can include document data 149 such as a warning text indicating that the user of the mobile phone 1100 does not want to photograph. The contents are set in advance by a predetermined procedure and stored in the shooting rejection setting 141 of the built-in flash memory 140.

[Description of process flow]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the present embodiment. The processing described here is realized by the mobile phone 1100 reading and executing the shooting rejection program 132-5, and the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 reading and executing the shooting completion signal transmission program 238.

  As shown in the figure, an ad hoc network is first formed between the directional short-range wireless communication unit 267 of the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 and the short-range wireless communication unit 164 of the mobile phone 1100 (steps S500 and S520). . As shown in FIG. 35 (c), the directivity range of the directional short-range wireless communication unit 267 is set to be larger than the angle of view of the image capturing unit 250, and therefore is within the image capturing range and within the communication distance. Communication is established with the short-range wireless communication unit 164 of the mobile phone 1100.

Next, the CPU 210 of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 detects a photographing operation (step S502) and performs a photographing process (step S504). Then, the photographed image is stored (step S506). Specifically, when a predetermined photographing operation (release operation) is input by the operation input key 1210 by the user, an image photographed by the photographing unit 250 is temporarily stored in the photographed image data storage area 221R of the RAM 220. After performing predetermined processing such as image compression processing, the image data is stored and saved as captured image data 273 in the storage medium 272.
Then, the CPU 210 sends a predetermined shooting completion signal from the directional short-range wireless communication unit 267 to the mobile phone 1100 forming the ad hoc network (step S508). That is, since this photographing completion signal serves to notify that the user of the mobile phone 1100 (in this case, model 4; see FIG. 1) has become a subject, it can also be said to be a “subject signal”.

  When the cellular phone 1100 receives this imaging completion signal by the short-range wireless communication module 1107 (step S522; YES), the imaging rejection execution flag is set to “1 (execute imaging rejection) with reference to the imaging rejection setting 141 of the RAM 120. ”” (Step S524; YES), a shooting rejection signal is returned to the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 that has sent the shooting completion signal (step S526).

  The camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 waits for reception of the imaging refusal signal for a predetermined time at the directional short-range wireless communication unit 267, and when receiving the imaging refusal signal during that time (step S510; YES), the camera 120 is rejected to shoot. And a voice is output from the speaker 1218 to notify the user (step S512). If document data such as a warning text is included in the photographing rejection signal, this may be displayed. Then, after performing the notification for a certain period of time, the photographed image data 273 that has been photographed and stored in the storage medium 172 is automatically deleted (step S514).

  Therefore, if the user of the mobile phone 1100 does not want to take a picture, the user sets shooting execution in advance, so that the user can take a picture even when the user takes a picture with the camera-equipped mobile phone 1200 without knowing. It is possible to automatically erase the recorded image and protect its own portrait right.

[Description of Modification]
As described above, the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and as long as it does not depart from the gist of the invention and exhibits the same operations and effects, the components are appropriately configured. May be added, omitted or changed.

  For example, although the mobile phone 1100 has been described as being carried by a human, the mobile phone 1100 or a device corresponding thereto may be included in the exhibit. For example, it is possible to refuse photographing by installing a mobile phone 1100 or a device corresponding thereto in this new product so that photographing is not carried out without permission at a new product presentation. The same can be said for the display of characters such as paintings and animations. In addition, when it is desired to restrict shooting in a store or vehicle, shooting can be limited by arranging an appropriate number of mobile phones 1100 or devices corresponding thereto in the store or vehicle.

  Further, when the camera cellular phone 1200 informs the user when a photographing rejection signal is received, the image is displayed on the display 1204 and the voice is output from the speaker 1218 (pseudo human voice or warning sound). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a light emitting element such as an LED may be provided to blink, or a movable element such as a vibrator may be driven to notify the user by bodily sensation.

  In addition, although the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 and the cellular phone 1100 obtain the respective positional information using the GPS or the like included in each method, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in step S8 (see FIG. 4) and step S54 (see FIG. 5), a location information service provided by a mobile phone service provider provided to the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 and the cellular phone 1100 may be used. good. In step S54 and step S166 (see FIG. 19), if the camera module 1202 of the camera-equipped cellular phone 1200 has an AF (autofocus) function, the relative position to the cellular phone 1100 is obtained. At this time, the distance to the subject (model 4 having the mobile phone 1100) in focus may be measured by the AF function ranging.

  Moreover, although the digital imaging using a CCD element etc. was demonstrated as object, it is not restricted to this, You may apply to the system control of the camera which uses a silver salt film. In this case, for example, when a shooting rejection signal is received, control is performed so that the shutter is not driven to limit shooting, and exposure control is not intentionally changed to a value exceeding the latitude of the film or frame loading is not executed. By limiting the storage, the function can be similarly limited.

The figure which shows an example of the system configuration | structure in 1st Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the mobile telephone with a camera in 1st Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the function structure of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment. The continuous flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of the mobile telephone with a camera in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart continued from FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the image browsing process in the mobile telephone with a camera of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a screen display when the imaging | photography function in the mobile telephone with a camera of 1st Embodiment is restrict | limited. The figure which shows the example of a screen display in the mobile telephone with a camera of 1st Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the mobile telephone with a camera in 2nd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the mobile telephone in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the imaging | photography refusal setting in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the imaging | photography permission conditions in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the preservation | save permission conditions in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the browsing permission conditions in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of the mobile telephone in 2nd Embodiment. The continuous flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of the mobile phone with a camera in 2nd Embodiment. 18 is a flowchart continued from FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the finder display correction process in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the preservation | save permission condition corresponding | compatible process in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the image browsing process of the mobile telephone with a camera in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the browsing permission condition corresponding | compatible process in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen display in the finder display correction process of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image by which the storage permission condition corresponding | compatible process in 2nd Embodiment was carried out. The figure which shows the example of a screen display in the image browsing process in 2nd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the mobile telephone with a camera in 3rd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the mobile telephone in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the password setting in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of the mobile phone with a camera in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the password process in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen display which concerns on the password process in 3rd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the mobile telephone with a camera in 4th Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the use restriction process in 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a screen display of the use restriction process in 4th Embodiment. (A) Front external view for explaining the configuration of a camera-equipped mobile phone in the fifth embodiment, (b) Rear external view, and (c) A diagram for explaining the directivity of short-range radio. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the mobile telephone with a camera in 5th Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the mobile telephone in 5th Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

110 CPU
130 ROM
132 Shooting refusal program 140 Built-in flash memory 141 Shooting refusal setting 141b Function restriction flag 141c Restriction release condition 143 Shooting permission condition 144 Storage permission condition 145 Browsing permission condition 146 Password setting 154 Position information acquisition unit 160 Communication unit 164 Near field communication unit 172 Storage medium 173 Image identification reference data 174 Overwritten designated image data 210 CPU
220 RAM
222R Shooting rejection signal storage area 230 ROM
232 Function restriction program 233 Image browsing program 234 Function restriction cancellation program 235 Website browsing program 236 Usage restriction program 237 E-mail program 238 Shooting completion signal transmission program 240 Built-in flash memory 242 Shooting transmission information 250 Shooting unit 252 Lens direction detection unit 254 Position information acquisition unit 260 Communication unit 264 Short-range wireless communication unit 267 Directional short-range wireless communication unit 272 Storage medium 273 Captured image data 1100 Mobile phone 1104 Display 1107 Short-range wireless communication module 1200 Camera-equipped mobile phone 1202 Camera module 1204 Display 1206 Wireless communication module 1207 Short-range wireless communication module 1208 Imaging direction sensor 1209 Positioning module 1217 short-range wireless communication module 1219 patch antenna 1300 transmitter 1307 short-range wireless communication module P1, P4, P6, P9 limiting notification display P5, P20 viewfinder image P7 preview screen P24 captured image L contour

Claims (30)

Photographing means for electronically photographing a subject;
Image storage means for storing an image photographed by the photographing means;
Browsing means for browsing the image stored by the image storage means;
A communication means for communicating with the photographing restriction device;
A function of executing a function restriction process for controlling the means so as to restrict the function of at least one of the photographing means, the image storage means, and the browsing means when the communication means receives a function restriction signal. Limiting means,
An imaging device comprising:   An image use processing restriction unit that detects execution of processing on an image captured by the imaging unit or processing using the image when the communication unit receives a function restriction signal, and restricts execution of the detected processing; The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the function restriction process is executed when the communication unit receives a function restriction signal.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notifying unit includes a light emitting unit, and is a unit that notifies by controlling light emission of the light emitting unit. When the communication unit receives a function restriction signal, the photographing unit includes a photographing range determination unit that determines whether the photographing restriction device is included in a photographing range by the photographing unit,
The function restriction means is a means for executing the function restriction process when the photographing range determination means determines that the photographing restriction device is included in the photographing range.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein When the communication means receives a function restriction signal, restriction release request means for sending a request signal for requesting the photographing restriction device to transmit a function restriction release signal;
Function restriction release means for performing control to prohibit execution of function restriction processing by the function restriction means when the communication means receives the function restriction release signal from the photographing restriction device;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:   When the communication means receives an imaging restriction invalid signal, the communication means comprises restriction invalidation means for performing control to prohibit execution of the function restriction processing by the function restriction means regardless of whether the function restriction signal is received or not. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The function limiting means is
A specific range setting unit configured to set a specific range from an image captured by the photographing unit based on the received range designation information when the communication unit receives the range designation information together with the function restriction signal;
Image processing means for performing image processing for making the set specific range invisible;
A storage function control unit that limits the function of the image storage unit by controlling the image storage unit to store an image that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit;
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   9. The image processing means according to claim 8, wherein when the communication means receives a designated image together with a function restriction signal, the image processing means overwrites the received designated image on the specific range and performs image processing. Shooting device.   9. The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image processing means is means for performing the image processing by painting the specific range with a predetermined color.   11. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a preview display unit that specially displays an image photographed by the photographing unit so that a range in which the image processing unit performs image processing can be identified and previews the image. The imaging device according to item.   When the communication unit receives the restriction release condition information together with the function restriction signal, the function restriction unit prohibits execution of the function restriction process by the function restriction unit according to the received restriction release condition information, and performs control to release the restriction. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restriction releasing unit. In the restriction release condition, the phone number of the user who is subject to the restriction release is set,
A wireless telephone means for performing wireless telephone communication with a preset telephone number;
The restriction release means is means for controlling the restriction release when the preset telephone number corresponds to the telephone number set in the received restriction release condition.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 12. In the restriction cancellation condition, an electronic settlement procedure and the contents of the procedure are set.
Comprising an electronic payment means for performing electronic payment processing by communicating with a predetermined financial institution system;
The restriction release means is means for controlling the restriction release after the electronic payment procedure is executed by the electronic payment means in accordance with the electronic payment procedure set in the received restriction release condition and the contents of the procedure.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 12. In the restriction release condition, a specific CM broadcast is set,
Broadcast receiving means for receiving broadcasts,
The restriction release means is means for controlling the restriction release when the broadcast receiving means receives a CM broadcast set in the received restriction release condition.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 12. When the communication means receives a function restriction signal, the communication means includes an authorization confirmation means for transmitting an image photographed by the photographing means to the photographing restriction device, and receiving a signal indicating permission or disapproval of the use permission of the transmitted image,
The restriction release means is a means for controlling the restriction release when a signal indicating that the permission confirmation means accepts is received.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 12. In the restriction release condition, an individual password for allowing the restriction release means to perform the restriction release control is set,
It has a password input means to input a password,
The restriction release means is means for controlling the restriction release when the password input by the password input means matches the individual password set in the received restriction release condition.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 12. In the restriction release condition, a common password for allowing the restriction release means to perform the restriction release control is further set,
When the password input by the password input unit matches the common password set in the received restriction release condition, the input password matches the individual password set in the restriction release condition. A means for controlling the restriction release regardless of whether or not
The imaging device according to claim 17, wherein: Passwords corresponding to the photographing unit, the image storage unit, and the browsing unit are set in advance,
It has a password input means to input a password,
The function restriction means includes a restriction exclusion means for excluding a means corresponding to the password input by the password input means from a restriction target.
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   Any one of 1 to 19, further comprising: an information transmission unit configured to transmit predetermined information to the photographing restriction device when photographing is performed by the photographing unit when the communication unit receives the function restriction signal. The imaging device according to one item. Contact information storage means for storing contact information of the user of the self-photographing device;
The information transmitting means is means for transmitting the stored contact information as the predetermined information.
21. The photographing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein Sound data receiving means for receiving sound data from the photographing restriction device that has transmitted the function restriction signal received by the communication means;
A photographed informing means for informing that photographing has been executed by outputting sound data received by the sound data receiving means from a speaker when photographing is performed by the photographing means;
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising:   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is a unit that performs short-range wireless communication. Photographing means for electronically photographing a subject;
Subject signal transmission means for transmitting a subject signal in the direction of photographing by the photographing means;
An imaging device comprising:   A photographing restriction device comprising a function restriction signal transmission unit for sending the function restriction signal to the photographing device according to claim 1. A function restriction signal transmitting means for transmitting the function restriction signal to the photographing apparatus according to claim 6;
Request signal receiving means for receiving the request signal from the imaging device;
Permission / rejection input means for inputting permission / refusal for the request signal when the request signal for restriction release is received by the request signal receiving means;
A function restriction release signal transmitting means for transmitting a function restriction release signal when an input for permission is given by the permission / refusal input means;
A photographing restriction device comprising:   An imaging restriction apparatus comprising: a function restriction signal transmission unit that transmits the function restriction signal and information on the restriction release condition to the photographing apparatus according to claim 12.   25. A photographing restriction device comprising function restriction signal transmission means for sending a function restriction signal to the photographing device when the subject signal is received from the photographing device according to claim 24. To a computer with a camera part,
A shooting function for controlling the camera unit to electronically shoot a subject;
An image storage function for storing images shot by this shooting function;
Browsing function to browse images saved by this image saving function,
A communication function for communicating with the photographing restriction device;
A function restriction function for restricting at least one of the photographing function, the image storage function, and the browsing function when a function restriction signal is received by the communication function;
A program to realize To a computer with a camera part,
A shooting function for controlling the camera unit to electronically shoot a subject;
A subject signal transmission function for transmitting a subject signal in the shooting direction of shooting by this shooting function;
A program to realize

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