JP2005164805A - Photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing device which enables a user to detect that photographing will be performed in a location where photographing is limited, without having a special receiver. <P>SOLUTION: The photographing device discriminates whether a present position is a position where photographing is limited or not and detects performance of preparatory operations for photographing. The photographing device outputs warning information in the case of discriminating that the present position is a position where photographing is limited and detecting that preparations for photographing have been performed. For example, it is discriminated whether the present position is a position where photographing is limited or not by reception of a signal transmitted from a limit signal transmission device 101. The outputted warning information is transmitted to a warning device 103, and a warning 104 is outputted from the warning device 103. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an imaging device that determines whether or not shooting is restricted, and outputs warning information if it is determined that shooting is restricted.

  As digital cameras and mobile phones with cameras become popular, people can easily shoot things around them. Along with this, there have been increased opportunities for shooting in places where shooting is not permitted and for shooting things that should not be shot. For example, the act of photographing specific pages such as books and magazines sold at bookstores without permission from the bookstore, and voyeur photography of women's skirts, etc., have become social issues It has become.

As a conventional technique for solving such a problem, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a camera is provided with a transmitter, and a signal transmitted from the transmitter is received by a receiver, and photographing is performed. It has been proposed to detect whether or not.
JP 2003-163822 A

  However, even if the camera is equipped with a transmitter as in the prior art, there is a problem that it is impossible to know whether or not the user is photographed unless the receiver corresponding to the transmitter is possessed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus that can detect that photographing is performed at a position where photographing is restricted even if each individual does not have a special receiver. .

  Therefore, in the present invention, it is determined whether or not the current position is a position where photographing is restricted, and it is detected that preparation for photographing is performed, and the current position is a position where photographing is restricted. When it is determined that the image is prepared and it is detected that the preparation for photographing is performed, a photographing device that outputs warning information is provided.

  Thereby, for example, the warning information is displayed in a finder provided in the photographing apparatus, so that the photographer can know that the current position is a position where photographing is restricted. Further, the warning information is transmitted to a device that issues a warning, and the device emits a warning sound or the like, so that it is possible to inform the surrounding people that shooting is about to be performed, and the problem is solved.

  The warning information may be transmitted to a device that issues a warning through a network. In addition, in order to determine whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted, information indicating that the current position is inside or outside the restricted area is acquired. It may be. For example, if a gate is prepared, a signal is transmitted from the gate, and it is detected that the gate passes from the outside to the inside of the area, the current position is an area where photographing is restricted. You may judge.

  In order to determine whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted, information indicating a place may be acquired. In particular, as information indicating a location, a signal from a GPS (global positioning system) artificial satellite or information based on such a signal may be used.

  Further, the “current position” may be a position in a temporal sense, not a position in a spatial sense. For example, after the passage of the gate is detected, it may be determined that shooting is limited for a certain period of time. Alternatively, it may be determined that shooting is restricted only during a specific time period (including after or before a specific time), or it may be determined that shooting is restricted only during a specific time period. May be. By using the concept of position in a temporal sense in this way, for example, it is possible to limit shooting only while a movie is being projected or during a performance such as a play.

  The present invention also provides a warning device that issues warning information by acquiring warning information transmitted from the imaging device via a network or the like. When the warning device receives the warning information, the warning device may flash the light, generate a warning sound, display a video, etc., and give a warning to surrounding people.

  Further, the operation of the photographing device or the warning device may be changed according to the number of times the warning information is issued from the photographing device. For example, when warning information is output or transmitted for the first time, a warning message is displayed in the viewfinder of the photographing device or the warning device simply displays an image, but the warning information is output the second time. Or a warning sound may be emitted when the message is transmitted.

  Moreover, the imaging device may hold identification information for identifying the imaging device, and the warning information may include an identification number. As a result, it is possible to detect which photographing device is about to photograph, and it is possible to penalize the photographing device and its owner.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent photographing by a photographing device at a position where photographing is restricted, and it is possible to contribute to protection of copyright, portrait right, trade secret and the like.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to these embodiments at all, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

(Outline 1 of the present invention)
FIG. 1 shows a first overview of the present invention. A restriction signal transmission device 101 is installed in a photographing restriction area 100 that is a restricted area. The restriction signal transmitting apparatus 101 transmits a signal indicating that photographing using radio waves or infrared rays is restricted toward the inside of the photographing restricted area 100. If the photographing device 102 exists in the photographing restricted area 100, the photographing device 102 receives a signal transmitted from the restriction signal transmitting device 101, and the current position is a restricted photographing position. to decide. In this state, if an operation for turning on the power is performed on the photographing apparatus 102 or a preparatory operation for photographing such as opening the lens cover is performed, the photographing apparatus 102 displays warning information. Output. This warning information is output from the imaging device 102 by radio waves, for example. A warning device 103 is installed in the photographing restricted area 100. The warning device 103 is a device that issues a warning 104 when it receives warning information output from the imaging device 102. The warning 104 may include, for example, any one of blinking light, sound generation, video display, or a combination thereof. The warning 104 informs the person in the restricted photographing area 100 that photographing is about to be performed, and the person can take a defensive action against photographing. Further, by notifying that the warning 104 is issued by posting or the like, it is possible to give up to the owner of the photographing apparatus 102 to shoot. In addition, when the shooting preparation operation is performed, a warning 104 is issued, and a notice that the surrounding people are informed can be posted, so that it is possible to abandon performing the shooting preparation operation before the shooting. .

  In FIG. 1, since the photographing apparatus 102 needs to receive a signal from the limit signal transmitting apparatus 101, for example, a mobile phone with a camera is preferable. This is because the communication module for making a call with a mobile phone can also be used for receiving a signal from the restriction signal transmitting apparatus 101 and outputting warning information. In addition, there is a person who thinks that the photographing device 102 should not be able to receive a signal from the limiting signal transmission device 101 by preventing the photographing by the camera if the communication module of the mobile phone does not operate. However, if the communication module is destroyed, shooting cannot be performed, and it is impossible to avoid limitations on shooting. Further, since the imaging apparatus 102 outputs warning information while receiving a signal from the restriction signal transmitting apparatus 101, warning information is not output outside the imaging restriction area, and power is wasted. Consumption can be prevented.

(Outline 2 of the present invention)
FIG. 2 shows a second overview of the present invention. As in the case of FIG. 1, a restriction signal transmission device 201 is installed in the photographing restriction area 200 and transmits a signal. When receiving a signal from the restriction signal transmitting device 201, the photographing device 202 existing in the photographing restricted area 200 determines that photographing is restricted, and if a preparatory operation for photographing is performed, photographing is performed. The device 202 outputs warning information to the base station 203. In addition to receiving the warning information, the base station 203 may have a function for performing a phone call or data communication. The base station 203 transmits to the warning device 205 installed in the imaging restricted area 200 through the network 204. When the warning device 205 receives the warning information, a warning 206 is issued. In this overview, it is necessary to include the destination of which warning device the warning information output from the imaging device 202 should reach. For example, the destination may be included in a signal transmitted by the limit signal transmitting apparatus 201.

  In this outline, if the base station 203 has a function for a telephone call using a mobile phone, if the photographing device 202 is a mobile phone with a camera, most of the communication module can be used. There is an advantage that the structure of the device 202 can be simplified.

(Outline 3 of the present invention)
FIG. 3 shows a third overview of the present invention. In the first outline and the second outline, the restriction signal transmission device is installed inside the restricted shooting area. However, in this outline, the restriction signal transmitting apparatus needs to be installed inside the restricted photography area. There is no.

  In FIG. 3, the imaging apparatus 301 determines whether or not the current position is inside the imaging restricted area 300 based on a signal transmitted from the base station 302. For example, it is determined whether or not the current position is within the imaging restricted area 300 by measuring the intensity of radio waves transmitted from the base station 302 or comparing radio waves from other base stations. In this determination, base station information (for example, base station identification ID, base station position information, base station radio wave output, etc.) that is information about the base station included in the radio waves transmitted from the base station is used. As a result, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the current position is inside the restricted area 300. If it is determined that the current position is inside the photographing restricted area 300 and a preparation operation for photographing is performed, the photographing apparatus 301 outputs warning information to the base station 302. The processing is performed in the same manner as the second outline, and a warning 305 is issued from the warning device 304.

(Outline 4 of the present invention)
FIG. 4 shows a fourth outline of the present invention. In this overview, the imaging device 402 detects the current position based on a signal from a radio wave transmitted from a GPS satellite 401 or the like. Then, it is determined whether or not the current position is inside the photographing restricted area 400. If so, the same processing as in the second and third outlines is performed, and a warning 406 is issued from the warning device 405. . In this overview, the imaging device 402 obtains the current position from the signal from the GPS satellite 401 and determines whether or not the current location is inside the imaging restricted area 400 inside the imaging device 402. Alternatively, the current position is obtained from the signal from the GPS satellite 401, the current position is transmitted to a server device or the like, the server device is made to determine whether or not the position is within the restricted shooting area 400, and the result is received. It may be like this. According to the configuration of this outline, there is no need to install a restriction signal transmission device for each photographing restriction area 400. In this specification, the term “GPS satellite” is used, but the present invention can also be implemented using a quasi-zenith satellite instead.

(Outline 5 of the present invention)
FIG. 5 shows a fifth outline of the present invention. In this outline, in order to enter the photographing restricted area 500, it is necessary to pass through the gate 501. The gate 501 is provided with a transmitter that transmits a signal indicating whether or not the photographing restricted area has been entered. When the photographing apparatus 502 determines that it has passed through the gate and entered the photographing restricted area 500 based on a signal transmitted from the transmitter, and detects that a preparatory operation for photographing has been performed, warning information is output. To do. When the warning device 503 receives the warning information, a warning 504 is issued. As in the third and fourth outlines, the warning information output from the imaging device may be received by the base station and transmitted to the warning device via the network. Further, in this overview, as a method for determining that the user has gone out of the restricted shooting area 500, there is a method for determining that the shooting apparatus 502 has detected the passage of the gate and has gone out of the restricted shooting area 500. is there. In this method, the gate for entering the imaging restricted area 500 and the gate for exiting may be the same or different. When the gate going into the gate and the gate going out are the same, for example, it is judged whether the number of times of passing through the gate is an even number or an odd number, and it is within the photographing restricted area. When the gate to enter and the gate to exit are different, each gate sends a different signal to determine whether it has passed through the gate for entering or exiting. To do. As another method for determining that the user has gone out of the restricted shooting area 500, the camera shoots after a certain time has passed after entering the restricted shooting area 500 through the gate 501 or after a certain time. It may be determined that the vehicle has gone out of the restricted area 500. In other words, if a preparatory operation for photographing is performed before a certain time has elapsed after passing through the gate 501 or before a certain time has elapsed, warning information is output. It may be. For example, the shooting restricted area 500 is a movie theater or the like, and the time until the movie is finished is designated by the passage of a certain time after passing through the gate 501 or the arrival of a certain time. Thus, warning information can be output if a preparatory operation for shooting is performed before the end of movie screening or the like.

(Relationship between embodiment and claims)
The relationship between the embodiments of the present invention described below and the claims is as follows. The first embodiment mainly corresponds to claims 1, 25, and 26. The second embodiment mainly corresponds to claim 2. The third embodiment mainly corresponds to claim 3. The fourth embodiment mainly corresponds to claim 4. The fifth embodiment mainly corresponds to claim 5. The sixth embodiment mainly corresponds to claim 6. The seventh embodiment mainly corresponds to the seventh aspect. The eighth embodiment mainly corresponds to claim 8. The ninth embodiment mainly corresponds to the ninth aspect. The tenth embodiment mainly corresponds to claims 10, 11, and 12. The eleventh embodiment mainly corresponds to the thirteenth aspect. The twelfth embodiment mainly corresponds to the fourteenth aspect. The thirteenth embodiment mainly corresponds to the fifteenth aspect. The fourteenth embodiment mainly corresponds to the sixteenth aspect. The fifteenth embodiment mainly corresponds to the seventeenth aspect. The sixteenth embodiment mainly relates to claims 18, 19, 27, and 28. The seventeenth embodiment mainly relates to claim 20. The eighteenth embodiment mainly relates to claims 21 and 22. The nineteenth embodiment mainly corresponds to the twenty-third aspect. The twentieth embodiment mainly corresponds to the twenty-fourth aspect.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 6 illustrates a functional block diagram of the photographing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 600 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, and a warning information output unit 603. Needless to say, the photographing apparatus 600 may include a photographing unit such as a photographing lens, a shutter, and a photosensitive unit such as a CCD or a silver salt film.

  The “shooting restriction determination unit” 601 determines whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted. The “position” indicates a place where the imaging apparatus 600 currently exists, and the “existing place” can be expressed in a spatial concept or / and temporally. That is, when spatially representing “locations”, there are locations specified by latitude and longitude altitudes on the earth. In addition, in terms of “location”, there is a time in the flow of time from the past to the future. The position can also be specified by the function including the space including the position and the spread of time. For example, there are a space where a movie is shown, a private space such as a train, a home, a bedtime, a commute. In order for the shooting restriction determination unit 601 to determine whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted, the shooting apparatus 600 may obtain an input of the current position. Alternatively, the current position may be acquired by providing a position sensor, a clock, or the like. In addition, the current position may be obtained by acquiring information transmitted by radio waves or sound waves from surrounding devices. The shooting restriction determination unit 601 determines whether the current position input or acquired in this way is a position where shooting is restricted. For example, the table data in which the position and the presence / absence of shooting restrictions are associated is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted. Alternatively, the information transmitted from the surrounding devices is interpreted, and it is determined whether the position is a position where photographing is restricted as a result of the interpretation. Note that “interpretation” includes detecting whether information can be received.

  The “shooting preparation operation detection unit” 602 detects that an operation for preparing for shooting has been performed. “Operation for preparation for shooting” means an operation for shooting. For example, there are an operation of supplying power to a part for taking a picture, an operation of removing a lens cover, and an operation of fixing the focus by pressing a shutter button halfway.

  The “warning information output unit” 603 is determined by the shooting restriction determination unit 601 to determine that the current position is a position within the area where shooting is restricted, and the shooting preparation operation detection unit 602 prepares for shooting preparation. When it is detected that an operation has been performed, warning information which is information indicating that is output. “Area” means the area around the current position, and includes, for example, an area based on an administrative division, the inside of a building, a time zone, and the like. There are various forms of warning information. For example, according to the type of information represented by the warning information, the warning information is classified into video information, character information, audio information, and the like. There are modes that humans cannot recognize (for example, radio waves, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, etc.). In addition, the destination of “output” may be inside the imaging apparatus 600 or outside. If the output destination is inside the photographing apparatus 600, for example, warning information is displayed in the viewfinder, or a warning sound is output from a speaker provided in the photographing apparatus. Alternatively, vibration may be generated. If the output destination is outside the imaging apparatus 600, for example, radio waves, infrared rays, and ultrasonic waves modulated so as to indicate warning information are transmitted.

  FIG. 7 exemplifies a process flowchart of the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The imaging apparatus 600 performs the process illustrated in FIG. 7 regularly or irregularly. As an example of performing the process illustrated in FIG. 7 irregularly, the process is performed when a change in position is detected, or the process is performed when an operation is performed on the photographing apparatus 600. In step S701, the shooting restriction determination unit 601 determines whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted (shooting restriction determination step). If the determination result is affirmative, the process proceeds to the next step S702. Otherwise, the process ends. In step S702, whether or not an operation for preparing for photographing has been performed is determined by the photographing preparation operation detecting unit 602 (photographing preparation operation detecting step). If the result of the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to the next step S703. Otherwise, the process ends. In step S703, the warning information output unit 603 outputs warning information (warning information output step).

  In order to perform the processing of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, for example, the photographing apparatus represented by the functional block diagram illustrated in FIG. 8 may be realized by a computer. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 8, it may be realized by a computer 800 in which a CPU 801, a memory 802, an input unit 803, and an output unit 804 are connected to each other via a bus. The memory 802 is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor memory, and a program stored in the memory 802 is executed by the CPU 801. For example, a program for causing a computer to execute a shooting restriction determination step, a shooting preparation operation detection step, and a warning information output step is executed. The input unit 803 is a unit for detecting an operation on the photographing apparatus realized by the computer 800 and inputting information. For example, it may be a communication module for reception that acquires information by wireless / wired communication and inputs it to a computer. The output unit 804 is a unit for outputting information by the imaging device realized by the computer 800. For example, it may be a communication module for transmission that transmits information by wireless / wired communication. Addresses are assigned to the input unit 803 and the output unit 804, and a program executed by the CPU 801 uses the addresses to acquire information input to the input unit 803 and output information through the output unit 804. To do.

  For example, whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted is determined using information input to the input unit 803 by the program. Similarly, whether or not an operation for preparing for photographing has been performed is also determined using information input to the input unit 803. The warning information is output via the output unit 804.

  According to the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when an operation for preparing for photographing is performed in a place where photographing is restricted, warning information is output, and thus photographing is restricted to an operator of the photographing apparatus. It is possible to give a notice that it is a place and give up taking a picture, or to inform people around the picture taking apparatus that a picture is about to be taken.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 illustrates a functional block diagram of a photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 900 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, and a second warning information output unit 901. That is, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment further includes a second warning information output unit 901. In the present specification, the same reference numerals are assigned to parts to which the same definition can be applied. In actual manufacturing, the internal configuration may be different even for parts to which the same reference numerals are assigned.

  The “second warning information output unit” 901 is second warning information which is information indicating that when the shooting restriction determination unit 601 determines that the current position is within an area where shooting is restricted. Is output. The output of the second warning information may be inside the photographing apparatus 900 or outside, like the warning information. When the second warning information is output to the inside of the photographing apparatus 900, for example, the current position may be within an area where photographing is restricted in the viewfinder of the photographing apparatus or a display unit such as a liquid crystal display. Is displayed. When the output of the second warning information is made outside the imaging apparatus 900, the apparatus that has acquired or received the second warning information displays a warning indicating that the imaging apparatus exists in the area.

  In the processing of the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment, in addition to the processing according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, the photographing restriction determination unit 601 determines whether or not the current position is a position where photographing is restricted. If the determination is positive, the second warning information is output by the second warning information output unit. FIG. 10 exemplifies a flowchart of processing of the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 is the same as the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, but after step S1001, a process of outputting the second warning information by the second warning information output unit is performed as step S1002. The point is different.

  In the present embodiment, since the second warning information is output when entering an area where shooting is restricted, the owner of the shooting apparatus is restricted from shooting without actually performing an operation for shooting. You can know if you are. In addition, it is possible to notify a person who is in an area where photographing is restricted that the photographing apparatus exists in the vicinity.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11 illustrates a functional block diagram of a photographing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 1100 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, and a warning information output unit 603, and the warning information output unit includes a network transmission unit 1101. That is, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the warning information output unit 603 of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment includes the network transmission unit 1101.

  “Network transmission means” 1101 is means for transmitting warning information through a network. The “network” is not limited to a network to which a computer is connected, and includes, for example, a communication network for communicating voice and data with a mobile phone. When the network transmission unit 1101 transmits warning information, information indicating the current position may be included in the warning information. By including information indicating the current position in the warning information in this way, the server device or the like that has received the warning information can recognize the destination of the warning information. That is, the server device or the like can transfer the warning information to a warning device installed in an area including the current position included in the warning information.

  With the configuration according to the present embodiment, the warning information can be transmitted to the warning device through the network connected to the base station as in the second to third outlines of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, warning information can be transmitted through a network. For example, when the photographing apparatus has a mobile phone function, the configuration can be simplified by using the communication module also. it can.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 12 illustrates a functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 1200 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, and a warning information output unit 603. The photographing restriction determination unit 601 includes a location information acquisition unit 1201 and outputs warning information. The unit 603 includes current position transmission warning information generation means 1202. Therefore, in the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the photographing restriction determination unit and the warning information output unit of the photographing apparatus according to any one of the first to third embodiments respectively include a location information acquisition unit, a current position transmission warning information generation unit, and It has composition which has.

  A “location information acquisition unit” 1201 acquires location information. Here, “location information” is information indicating a location. “Place” means the current position or a region or area including the current position. The place need not be fixed to the ground or the like, and may be associated with a moving body such as a train or a car. For example, the location is a specific vehicle inside a train. In addition, as a method of acquiring location information, for example, a method of acquiring location information input by the owner of the imaging device 1200, or extracting location information included in a signal transmitted from a device installed in the vicinity There are ways to get it.

  The shooting restriction determination unit 601 may determine whether the current position is a position where shooting is restricted based on the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 1201. For this purpose, for example, the photographing restriction determination unit 601 may manage the table illustrated in FIG. This table stores location information in a column 1301, and a column 1302 in the same row stores information indicating whether or not the location indicated by the location information is a location where shooting is restricted. For example, “photographable” is stored for “location A”, which indicates that photographing is not restricted at location A. Therefore, if the current position is a position inside the place A, shooting is not restricted.

  The “current position transmission warning information generation unit” 1202 generates warning information including the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 1201. That is, the warning information includes means for including location information. For example, when the format of the warning information is determined, the location information is described in the portion where the location information is described, and the warning information is generated.

  According to this embodiment, warning information including location information is output. For example, when the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment is based on the first or second embodiment, the finder or the like of the photographing apparatus displays what kind of place the photographing is restricted. Is possible. Further, when the information is based on the third embodiment, the warning information can be transmitted to a warning device installed at the location indicated by the location information.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 14 illustrates a functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 1400 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, and a warning information output unit 603. The photographing restriction determination unit 601 includes a photographing restriction area inside / outside information reception unit 1401. doing. That is, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the imaging restriction determination unit of any one of the imaging apparatuses according to Embodiments 1 to 4 includes the imaging restriction area inside / outside information receiving unit.

  The “shooting restricted area inside / outside information receiving means” 1401 is means for receiving shooting restricted area inside / outside information from the shooting restricted area inside / outside information transmitting apparatus. Here, “shooting restricted area inside / outside information” is information for notifying that the shooting is restricted within the shooting restricted area or outside the restricted shooting area. Further, the “shooting restricted area inside / outside transmission device” is a device for transmitting shooting restricted area inside / outside information. Examples of information inside / outside the restricted area are included in the inside / outside restricted information, “If you can receive this information, your current location is within the restricted area” or “I was able to receive this information. In this case, there is information indicating that the current position is outside the restricted shooting area (for example, information indicated by turning on / off a specific bit in the information). Alternatively, if reception is possible, for example, there is information that determines that the current position is within the imaging restricted area. In addition, there is information that is determined to have moved into or out of the restricted shooting area by being received. Such information is transmitted from, for example, a transmitter installed at a gate installed at the boundary of the imaging restricted area as shown in the fifth outline. Therefore, a representative example of the transmission / reception device inside / outside the photographing restricted area is a transmitter installed at the gate illustrated in FIG. Further, an apparatus that transmits information inside / outside the restricted shooting area, which is installed in the restricted shooting area and is determined that the current position is within the restricted shooting area when received, is given as an example. Such an apparatus transmits information on the inside / outside of the restricted shooting area by wireless means such as radio waves and infrared rays.

  In the present embodiment, the photographing restriction determination unit 601 performs the determination based on the photographing restricted area inside / outside information received by the photographing restricted area inside / outside information receiving unit. Here, the “determination” is a determination as to whether or not the current position is a position where photographing is restricted. Further, “based on information inside / outside the restricted shooting area” means that the information inside / outside the restricted shooting area is referred to in the determination.

  According to this embodiment, since it is determined whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted based on the inside / outside information of the restricted shooting area, the determination can be made automatically.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 15 illustrates a functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 1500 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, a first photographing restriction area inside / outside information receivability determination unit 1501, and a warning information output suppression unit 1502. The photographing restriction determination unit 601 includes photographing restriction area inside / outside information receiving means 1401. That is, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the imaging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes the first imaging restricted area inside / outside information receivability determination unit 1501 and the warning information output suppression unit 1502.

  “First photographing restricted area inside / outside information receivable determination unit” 1501 periodically or irregularly determines whether or not the photographing restricted area inside / outside information can be received. For example, when information on the inside and outside of the restricted shooting area is transmitted by radio waves, the electric field strength of the radio wave carrying the inside and outside information on the restricted shooting area is measured regularly or irregularly to determine whether it is above the receivable level. to decide. This determination is performed, for example, every elapse of a fixed time of every 30 seconds or at random time intervals. Examples of performing this at random time intervals include specifying a time interval with a generated random number, or providing an imaging device with an acceleration sensor, and when the acceleration sensor detects acceleration above a certain level, Judgment may be made by measuring strength or the like. In addition, when information on the inside and outside of the restricted shooting area is carried by radio waves output from the base station, and base station information is also carried by the radio waves, the base station information is identified and the time interval is set based on the result. May be.

  The “warning information output suppression unit” 1502 displays warning information output by the warning information output unit 603 when the first shooting restricted area inside / outside information reception possibility determination unit 1501 determines that the shooting restricted area inside / outside information cannot be received. Suppress output.

  FIG. 16 exemplifies a flow chart of processing by the first imaging restricted area inside / outside information receivability determination unit 1501 and the warning information output suppression unit 1502. In step S1601, the first photographing restricted area inside / outside information receivability determining unit 1501 determines whether or not the photographing restricted area inside / outside information is receivable. If it is determined that reception is not possible, the process proceeds to step S1602, and the warning information output suppression unit 1502 suppresses the output of warning information. For example, the warning information output suppression unit 1502 outputs a special signal to the warning information output unit 603, thereby suppressing the warning information output unit 603 from outputting the warning information. Therefore, in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a signal for suppressing the output of the warning information is output from the warning information output suppression unit 1502 before the process of step S703 is performed. If not, the process proceeds to step S703, and if output, the process ends.

  According to the present embodiment, if the information on the inside / outside of the restricted shooting area is not receivable, the output of the warning information is suppressed. For example, the inside / outside information on the restricted shooting area is information indicating that the current position is within the restricted shooting area. In this case, warning information is not output outside the restricted shooting area, so that useless operations are not performed, and battery consumption and the like can be prevented.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 17 illustrates a functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 1700 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, and a second photographing restriction area inside / outside information receivability determination unit 1701, and the photographing restriction determination unit 601. Has a photographing restricted area inside / outside information receiving means 1401 and a photographing restricted area inside / outside information storage means 1702. Therefore, in the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the photographing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes the second photographing restricted area inside / outside information receivable determination unit 1701, and the photographing restriction determining unit 601 includes the photographing restricted area inside / outside information storage unit. 1702 is provided.

  The “second imaging restricted area inside / outside information receivability determination unit” 1701 periodically or irregularly determines whether the imaging restricted area inside / outside information can be received. Therefore, the same description as the first imaging restricted area inside / outside information receivable determination unit in the sixth embodiment can be applied.

  The “shooting restricted area inside / outside information storage unit” 1702 stores the shooting restricted area inside / outside information received last by the shooting restricted area inside / outside information receiving unit 1401. “Last” means the end of the repetition in the case where the shooting restricted area inside / outside information is repeatedly received by the shooting restricted area inside / outside information receiving means 1401. Therefore, when the shooting restricted area inside / outside information is received in a certain repetition, the last received shooting restricted area inside / outside information is defined, and once the shooting restricted area inside / outside information is not received, When the shooting restricted area inside / outside information is repeatedly received, the last received shooting restricted area inside / outside information is defined again. For example, a semiconductor memory is used for the photographing restricted area inside / outside information storage unit 1702 to store the photographing restriction area inside / outside information received last.

  In the present embodiment, the shooting restriction determination unit 601 stores the shooting restriction area inside / outside information when the second shooting restriction area inside / outside information reception possibility determination unit 1701 determines that the shooting restriction area inside / outside information cannot be received. The above determination is made based on the inside / outside shooting restricted area information stored in the means 1702. Here, the “determination” is a determination as to whether or not the current position is a position where photographing is restricted.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the shooting restriction area inside / outside information cannot be received for some reason, the current position is a position where shooting is restricted based on the last received shooting restriction area inside / outside information. It is judged whether or not. As a result, for example, even if the photographing restriction area inside / outside information transmitting device breaks down and the photographing restricted area inside / outside information cannot be transmitted, the photographing apparatus can determine whether or not photographing is restricted. Become.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 18 illustrates a functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 1800 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, and a time information acquisition unit 1801, and the photographing restriction determination unit 601 includes photographing restriction area inside / outside information. The warning information output unit 603 includes a warning information control unit 1802. Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the imaging apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes the time information acquisition unit 1801 and the warning information output unit 603 includes the warning information control unit 1802.

  The “time information acquisition unit” 1801 acquires time information related to the time after the shooting restricted area inside / outside information receiving unit 1401 receives the shooting restricted area inside / outside information. There is arbitrary time information, but as an example, there is information indicating the time after the photographing restricted area inside / outside information receiving means 1401 receives the photographing restricted area inside / outside information. Further, there is information indicating how much time has elapsed since the photographing restricted area inside / outside information receiving unit 1401 received the photographing restricted area inside / outside information. Therefore, when the time information acquisition unit 1801 detects that the photographing restricted area inside / outside information receiving unit 1401 has received the photographing restricted area inside / outside information, the time information acquisition unit 1801 starts a timer and displays information indicating how much time has passed. You may make it obtainable.

  “Warning information control means” 1802 controls the output of warning information based on the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit 1801. “Based on time information” means that the time information has some influence on the control of the output of the warning information. For example, control is performed so that the output of warning information is suppressed until the time information indicates that a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, when the time information indicates that a predetermined time has elapsed, control is performed so that output of the warning information is suppressed. Further, control is performed so that the output of warning information is suppressed until a specific time, or control is performed so that output of warning information is suppressed at a specific time. Note that the “predetermined time” and “specific time” mentioned here may be included in the shooting restricted area inside / outside information received by the shooting restricted area inside / outside information receiving unit 1401 and extracted from the inside / outside shooting restricted area information. May be used for control.

  According to the present embodiment, the output of warning information is controlled based on information related to the time from when the shooting restricted area inside / outside information is received. The shooting can be limited for a certain period of time.

(Embodiment 9)
The ninth embodiment of the present invention provides the photographing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment, in which information relating to the time during which the warning information control means 1802 controls the output of warning information is included in the photographing inside / outside information.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the output of warning information is not suppressed for 30 minutes after receiving this information, or the warning is issued 30 minutes after receiving this information. Information related to time such as preventing output of information or suppressing output of warning information until a specific time is included.

  In this way, for example, it is possible to limit shooting only during the movie screening in a movie theater.

(Embodiment 10)
FIG. 19 illustrates a functional block diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 1900 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, and a warning information output unit 603. The photographing restriction determination unit 601 includes a photographing restriction area inside / outside information reception unit 1401 and a current time. Information acquisition means 1901 and comparison means 1902 are provided. Therefore, the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the photographing restriction determination unit 601 of the photographing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes the current time information acquisition unit 1901 and the comparison unit 1902. Note that, in the present embodiment, time information that is information indicating the time is included in the shooting restriction area inside / outside information.

  The “current time information acquisition unit” 1901 acquires current time information. “Current time information” is information indicating the current time. For example, the current time information acquisition unit 1901 acquires current time information using a CMOS clock when the photographing apparatus is realized by a computer. Alternatively, the current time information may be acquired by transmitting information requesting the current time information to an external server or the like and receiving the current time information returned in response thereto.

  The “comparison means” compares the time information included in the photographing restricted area inside / outside information received by the photographing restricted area inside / outside information receiving means 1401 with the current time information obtained by the current time information obtaining means 1901. That is, it is determined whether the time indicated by the time information is the same as the time indicated by the current time information, or whether the time is earlier or later.

  In the present embodiment, the photographing restriction determination unit 601 performs the determination based on the result of comparison by the comparison unit 1902. The “determination” is a determination as to whether or not the current position is a position where photographing is restricted. For example, if the time indicated by the current time information is later than the time indicated by the time information, it is determined that the position is restricted for photographing. More specifically, when the time indicated by the current time information is 9:07 and the time indicated by the time information is 9:05, it is determined that the position is restricted for photographing. Alternatively, if the time indicated by the current time information is later than the time indicated by the time information, it may be determined that the position is not restricted for shooting.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, by including the time when movie projection ends in the shooting restricted area inside / outside information, shooting during movie projection can be restricted.

(Embodiment 11)
An eleventh embodiment of the present invention is such that in the third embodiment, the photographing restricted area inside / outside information transmitting apparatus transmits photographing restricted area inside / outside information through the network. Here, “the network” is a network used by the network transmission unit 1101 to output warning information. For example, the base station that receives the output warning information is the same as the base station that transmits the photographing restricted area inside / outside information transmitted by the photographing restricted area inside / outside information transmitting apparatus to the photographing apparatus. Such a case is shown in FIG.

  In this way, by making the network in which the imaging restricted area inside / outside information transmitting device transmits the imaging restricted area inside / outside information and the network used for outputting the warning information the same, one communication is performed within the imaging apparatus. The module can be used for receiving information on the inside and outside of the photographing restricted area and for outputting warning information, so that the construction of the photographing apparatus can be simplified.

Embodiment 12
The imaging device according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention is an imaging device in which the location information acquisition unit 1201 acquires location information using GPS in the imaging device according to the fourth embodiment. That is, the imaging device 402 described in the fourth outline. By acquiring location information using GPS, location information can be obtained with high accuracy. For example, with the current technology, the current position can be obtained with an accuracy of about 10 m. Further, it is not necessary to install a device for transmitting information indicating the position of the location to the photographing device for each location. Further, instead of using the GPS, the location information may be acquired by comparing radio waves transmitted from a plurality of base stations of the wireless LAN.

(Embodiment 13)
The imaging device according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention is the imaging device according to Embodiment 5, wherein the imaging restricted area inside / outside information is intrusion information inside the imaging restricted area or exit information outside the imaging restricted area. Device. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when installing a gate at the boundary of the restricted shooting area, an entrance gate for entering the restricted shooting area and an exit gate for exiting the restricted shooting area are prepared. . At the entrance gate, information indicating that the shooting restricted area is entered is transmitted as the shooting restricted area inside / outside information, and at the exit gate, the exit from the shooting restricted area is indicated as the shooting restricted area inside / outside information. Also, although the same gate is used as the entrance gate and the exit gate, two transmitters that transmit information of different contents are installed in the direction passing through the gate, and based on the order in which the information of different contents is received. Thus, it may be determined whether the user has entered the restricted shooting area or has moved out of the restricted shooting area. In this case, a set of information transmitted by the two transmitters installed in the direction passing through the gate is the imaging restricted area inside / outside information. Alternatively, it is usually determined that the subject is outside the restricted shooting area, and when the information on the inside or outside of the restricted shooting area is received, it is determined that the camera has entered the restricted shooting area. It may be determined that the user has left the area.

  In addition, when the imaging device detects that the gate has been passed, a timer provided in the imaging device is activated, and exit information may be generated inside the imaging device after a certain period of time has elapsed. . For example, if the shooting restricted area is inside an art museum or the like and the average stay time of visitors is 60 minutes, exit information is generated inside the shooting apparatus after 60 minutes and shooting is restricted. (For example, a state in which warning information is output when an operation for preparing for photographing is performed) may be automatically canceled. Note that the fixed time until the exit information is generated may be set inside the photographing apparatus, or may be carried by radio waves transmitted from the gate and acquired by the photographing apparatus. . Also, the time when the shooting restriction is released by the radio wave transmitted from the gate is conveyed, and if such a radio wave is taken by the imaging device, the shooting is restricted, and then the time when the radio wave is carried The exit information may be generated inside the photographing apparatus and the photographing may be restricted. In this way, it is not necessary to go through the gate for exiting to the photographing restricted area.

(Embodiment 14)
FIG. 20 illustrates a functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 2000 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, and a photographing restriction signal generation unit 2001. Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment includes the imaging restriction signal generation unit 2001.

  The “shooting restriction signal generation unit” 2001 generates a shooting restriction signal based on the warning information output from the warning information output unit 603. Here, the “photographing restriction signal” is a signal for restricting photographing. For example, when a shooting restriction signal is generated, shooting by the shooting device cannot be performed. Or, even if you can shoot, you can't do it completely. For example, the shutter button cannot be pressed. Alternatively, even if the shutter button is pressed, it is ignored, or it takes time until the actual shooting is performed after the shutter button is pressed. Or the focus is lost. Alternatively, in the case of a digital camera, image information read by a CCD cannot be stored in a storage medium such as a memory card. Note that “based on warning information” means, for example, that warning information is output as a condition.

  According to the present embodiment, since photographing is restricted inside the photographing apparatus, even when photographing is restricted, the output of the warning information is ignored and an operation for photographing is actually performed. May not be performed, or satisfactory results may not be obtained.

(Embodiment 15)
FIG. 21 illustrates a functional block diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 2100 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, and a photographing restriction signal generation unit 2001. The photographing restriction signal generation unit 2001 includes a photographing apparatus warning. Information attribute determining means 2101 is provided. Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the imaging restriction signal generation unit 2001 of the imaging apparatus according to the 14th embodiment includes the imaging apparatus warning information attribute determination unit 2101.

  An “imaging device warning information attribute determination unit” 2101 determines an attribute of warning information output from the warning information output unit 603. There are arbitrary attributes that match the meaning and definition of the warning information. For example, the contents indicated by the warning information (for example, location information included in the warning information), the number of times the warning information is output, immediately before The elapsed time since the warning information was output to

  In the present embodiment, the shooting restriction signal generation unit 2001 generates different types of shooting restriction signals based on the determination result of the shooting apparatus warning information attribute determination unit. For example, when warning information is output for the first time, a shooting restriction signal is generated that causes the camera to become out of focus. When warning information is output for the second time, shooting restrictions that are ignored even when the shutter button is pressed. A signal is generated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to restrict photographing at a place where photographing is restricted.

(Embodiment 16)
FIG. 22 illustrates a functional block diagram of the warning device according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. The warning device 2200 includes a warning information receiving unit 2201 and a warning generating unit 2202.

  The “warning information receiving unit” 2201 receives the warning information. The “warning information” means warning information output by the warning information output unit 603 of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiments so far. For this reason, since the warning information receiving unit 2201 receives the warning information, the warning information output unit 603 of the photographing apparatus needs to output the warning information in a manner that the warning information receiving unit 2201 can receive the warning information. For example, warning information is output using radio waves or infrared rays.

  The “warning generation unit” 2202 issues a warning for giving a warning to a person based on the warning information received by the warning information receiving unit. As a warning to be issued, for example, one or more of blinking light, generation of sound, and display of an image may be included. The blinking of light is, for example, a change in the brightness of surrounding illumination. The generation of sound is, for example, that a warning sound is generated. The display of an image is, for example, a display indicating that shooting is about to be performed on an electronic bulletin board or the like. “Based on warning information” means that there is some relationship between the warning information and the generated warning. For example, the type or strength of warning may be selected so that the type or strength of warning changes based on the attribute of the warning information.

  FIG. 23 exemplifies a process flowchart of the warning device according to the present embodiment. In step S2301, a process of waiting until the warning information receiving unit 2201 receives the warning information is performed. If the warning information receiving unit 2201 receives the warning information (warning information receiving step), the process proceeds to step S2302, and the warning generation unit 2202 generates a warning (warning generation step). When the process of step S2302 ends, the process may be newly started again from step S2301.

  Note that the warning device according to the present embodiment can be realized by a computer. FIG. 24 illustrates a functional block diagram of such a computer. In the computer 2400, a CPU 2401, a memory 2402, an input unit 2403, an output unit 2404, a communication interface 2405, and an external device interface 2406 are mutually connected via a bus. For example, the memory 2402 stores a program for executing the processing represented by the flowchart of FIG. 23, that is, a warning information reception step and a warning generation step in the computer, and is executed by the CPU 2401. The input unit 2403 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse for operating a computer. The output unit 2404 is a display device for operating the computer. The communication interface 2405 is an interface for wireless or infrared communication for acquiring warning information. The external device interface 2406 is an interface with a device for generating a warning. For example, a device that changes the brightness of illumination is connected, an acoustic device such as a speaker, an electronic bulletin board, or the like is connected. Input / output of information to / from the input unit, the output unit, the communication interface, and the external device interface from the program executed by the CPU 2401 is performed through a memory address assigned to the input unit or the like.

  According to the present embodiment, a warning based on the output warning information can be generated, and a warning can be given to surrounding people when preparation for photographing is performed.

(Embodiment 17)
FIG. 25 illustrates a functional block diagram of the warning device according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. The warning device 2500 includes a warning information reception unit 2201 and a warning generation unit 2202, and the warning generation unit 2202 includes a warning device warning information attribute determination unit 2501. That is, the warning device according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the warning generation unit 2202 of the warning device according to the sixteenth embodiment includes the warning device warning information attribute determination unit 2501.

  “Warning device warning information attribute determining means” 2501 determines the attribute of the warning information received by the warning information receiving unit 2201. For example, the number of times of warning information is determined.

  In the present embodiment, the warning generation unit 2202 performs different types of warnings based on the warning device warning information attribute determination unit 2501. For example, if it is the first warning information, an image is displayed, and if it is determined that it is the second warning information, a sound is generated.

  According to the present embodiment, since warning is performed according to the attribute of the received warning information, for example, a weak warning is given at first, and then the strength of the warning is gradually increased every time warning information is received. It is possible to go, and it is possible to give a warning of the minimum necessary strength and not to break the atmosphere of the place.

(Embodiment 18)
Embodiment 18 of the present invention relates to a warning device and a photographing device. FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process of exchanging information between the warning device and the imaging device according to this embodiment. For example, it is assumed that the photographing apparatus determines that the current position is a position where photographing is restricted and detects that an operation for preparing for photographing has been performed. Then, as shown in step S2601, the imaging device outputs warning information and the warning device receives it. The warning device generates warning device warning information in response to the received warning information. Then, as shown in step S2602, the warning device transmits the warning device warning information and the imaging device receives it. By performing such processing between the imaging device and the warning device, for example, when the warning information and the warning device warning information include information indicating the number of times, the warning device receives the warning information how many times. It is possible to indicate to the photographing apparatus whether or not the kind and aspect of the photographing restriction on the photographing apparatus side can be changed. Similarly, it is possible to obtain how many times the warning device has issued the warning information, and to change the warning according to the number of times.

  FIG. 27 illustrates a functional block diagram of the warning device according to the present embodiment. The warning device 2700 includes a warning information reception unit 2201, a warning generation unit 2202, and a warning device warning information transmission unit 2702. The warning generation unit 2202 includes warning device warning information generation means 2701. Therefore, the warning device according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the warning device according to the sixteenth embodiment includes the warning device warning information transmission unit 2702 and the warning generation unit 2202 includes the warning device warning information generation unit 2701. ing.

  “Warning device warning information generating means” 2701 generates warning device warning information based on the warning information. Here, the “warning information” means warning information received by the warning information receiving unit 2201. “Warning device warning information” is information to be transmitted as a reply to the warning information. “Based on the warning information” indicates that the content of the generated warning device warning information has some relationship with the content of the warning information. For example, when the warning information includes information indicating the number of times, and the warning device warning information includes information indicating the number of times, the information indicating the number of times included in the generated warning device warning information is included. The number of times indicated may be one greater than the number indicated by the information indicating the number of times included in the warning information.

  The “warning device warning information transmission unit” 2702 transmits the warning device warning information generated by the warning device warning information generation unit to the photographing apparatus. The “photographing device” means a photographing device in which the warning information output by the warning information output unit is received by the warning information receiving unit 2201. The warning device warning information may be transmitted to the photographing device using a network, for example.

  FIG. 28 illustrates a functional block diagram of the photographing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The photographing apparatus 2800 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, and a warning device warning information reception unit 2801. The warning information output unit 603 includes network transmission means. 1101. Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment includes the warning device warning information receiving unit 2801.

  The “warning device warning information receiving unit” 2801 is a unit for receiving the warning device warning information transmitted from the warning device warning information transmitting unit. The “warning device warning information transmission unit” is the warning device warning information transmission unit included in the warning device according to the present embodiment.

  With this configuration, for example, when the warning device warning information and the information indicating the number of times are included in the warning information, the warning device warning information receiving unit 2801 receives the warning device warning information, and then the warning information output unit. When the warning information is output by the warning device warning information 603, the information indicating the number of times included in the warning device warning information received by the warning device warning information receiving unit 2801 is copied as it is and included in the warning information. It is possible to know how many times warning information and warning device warning information have been exchanged between the apparatus and the photographing apparatus.

(Embodiment 19)
FIG. 29 illustrates a functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 2900 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, and a password information acquisition unit 2901. The warning information output unit 603 includes a warning information stop unit 2902. Have Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment includes the password information acquisition unit 2901 and the warning information output unit 603 includes the warning information stop unit 2902.

  A “password information acquisition unit” 2901 acquires password information. “Password information” is information indicating a password. There are arbitrary methods for acquiring password information. For example, a photographing apparatus is provided with a numeric keypad, and which numeric key is pressed and in what order is acquired as password information.

  The “warning information stop unit” 2902 stops the output of warning information when the password information acquired by the password information acquisition unit 2901 matches the predetermined information. “Password information matches predetermined information” means that a predetermined relationship is established between the password information and the predetermined information. Examples of the predetermined relationship may be the same. Or, it is the same when a predetermined operation (for example, an operation for obtaining a hash value) is performed on password information and a predetermined operation (for example, an operation for obtaining a hash value) is performed on predetermined information. Or other predetermined relationship may be established.

  FIG. 30 exemplifies a process flowchart of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. In step S3001, the password information acquisition unit 2901 acquires password information. In step S3002, for example, the warning information stop unit 2902 determines whether the password information acquired by the password information acquisition unit 2901 matches the predetermined information. If it is determined that it matches, the process proceeds to step S3003, and if not, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 30 ends. In step S3003, the warning information stop unit 2901 stops the output of warning information. Note that if warning information is not output, there is no need to do anything in step S3003. Further, instead of the process of step S3003, a process for preventing the warning information from being output from the warning information output unit 603 may be performed only for a certain period of time. Further, a process for preventing the warning information from being output from the warning information output unit 603 may be performed until password information that matches the predetermined information is acquired from the password information acquisition unit 2901 again.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, the output of warning information can be stopped by inputting a correct password, so that only a specific person can perform shooting in a place where shooting is restricted.

(Embodiment 20)
FIG. 31 illustrates a functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to the twentieth embodiment of the present invention. The photographing apparatus 3100 includes a photographing restriction determination unit 601, a photographing preparation operation detection unit 602, a warning information output unit 603, and an identification information holding unit 3101. Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment includes the identification information holding unit 3101.

  An “identification information holding unit” 3101 holds photographing apparatus identification information. “Photographing device identification information” is information for identifying itself, and “self” means the photographing device 3100. Various pieces of information can be used as the photographing apparatus identification information, and examples thereof include a manufacturing number. Further, when the photographing apparatus 3100 has a network interface, the MAC address may be used. Alternatively, it may be an IP address assigned to the network interface. In short, it is only necessary to identify which imaging device corresponds to a certain imaging device identification information during at least a certain time.

  In the present embodiment, the warning information output unit outputs warning information including the imaging device identification information held by the identification information holding unit 3101.

  According to the present embodiment, the imaging device identification information included in the output warning information makes it possible to identify an imaging device that has performed an operation for preparing for shooting in an area where shooting is restricted. Thus, it is possible not to provide a service to the photographing apparatus on which such an operation has been performed, or to impose a penalty such as penalizing the owner.

  The photographing apparatus according to the present invention can prevent photographing by the photographing apparatus at a position where photographing is restricted according to the present invention, can contribute to protection of copyright, portrait right, trade secret, etc., and photographing is restricted. It is useful as an imaging device or the like that outputs warning information if it is determined whether shooting is restricted.

The figure which shows the 1st outline | summary of this invention The figure which shows the 2nd outline | summary of this invention The figure which shows the 3rd outline | summary of this invention The figure which shows the 4th outline | summary of this invention The figure which shows the 5th outline | summary of this invention 1 is a functional block diagram of a photographing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Flowchart of processing of photographing apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a computer for realizing an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention Flowchart of processing of photographing apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention Functional block diagram of a photographing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention An example of a table for determining whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention Flow chart of processing by the first imaging restricted area inside / outside information receivable determination unit and the warning information output suppression unit Functional block diagram of an imaging device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention Functional block diagram of the photographing apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. Functional block diagram of a warning device according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention Flowchart of processing of warning device according to embodiment 16 of the present invention. Functional block diagram of a computer for realizing a warning device Functional block diagram of a warning device according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention Sequence diagram illustrating the process of exchanging information between the warning device and the imaging device according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. Functional block diagram of a warning device according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention Flowchart of processing of photographing apparatus according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention Functional block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 20 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image | photographing restriction area 101 Restriction signal transmitter 102 Image | photographing apparatus 103 Warning apparatus 104 Warning

Claims (28)

A shooting restriction determination unit that determines whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted;
A shooting preparation operation detecting unit for detecting that an operation for preparing for shooting has been performed;
When the shooting restriction determination unit determines that the current position is within the restricted area and the shooting preparation operation detection unit detects that an operation for preparing for shooting has been performed. In addition, a warning information output unit that outputs warning information that is information indicating that, and
An imaging apparatus having   A second warning information output unit that outputs second warning information, which is information indicating that when the current position is determined to be a position within the area where shooting is restricted by the shooting restriction determination unit. The imaging device according to claim 1, comprising:   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning information output unit includes network transmission means for transmitting warning information through a network. The photographing restriction determination unit includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information that is information indicating a location,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the warning information output unit includes a current position transmission warning information generation unit that generates warning information including the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit. The shooting restriction determination unit
Shooting restriction area for receiving shooting restriction area inside / outside information from the shooting restriction area inside / outside information transmission device for transmitting the shooting restriction area inside / outside information, which is information notifying that it is inside or outside the shooting restriction area It has inside / outside information receiving means,
5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made based on information on the inside / outside of the restricted shooting area received by the inside / outside shooting restricted information receiving unit. A first photographing restricted area inside / outside information receivable determination unit that periodically or irregularly determines whether or not photographing restricted area information can be received;
A warning information output suppression unit that suppresses output of warning information by the warning information output unit when it is determined by the first shooting restricted area inside / outside information receivable determination unit that the shooting restricted area inside / outside information is not receivable,
The imaging device according to claim 5. It has a second photographing restricted area inside / outside information receivable determination unit that periodically or irregularly determines whether or not photographing restricted area information can be received,
The shooting restriction determination unit
The photographing restricted area inside / outside information storage means for storing the photographing restricted area inside / outside information last received by the photographing restricted area inside / outside information receiving means,
When the second restricted shooting area inside / outside information receivability determining unit determines that the restricted shooting area inside / outside information cannot be received, based on the restricted shooting area inside / outside information stored in the restricted shooting area inside / outside information storage unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the determination is performed. A time information acquisition unit for acquiring time information related to the time from when the shooting restricted area inside / outside information receiving means receives the shooting restricted area inside / outside information;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the warning information output unit includes warning information control means for controlling output of warning information based on the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit.   9. The photographing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the photographing restriction area inside / outside information includes information related to a time during which the warning information control unit controls output of the warning information. The shooting restriction area inside / outside information includes time information which is information indicating time,
The shooting restriction determination unit
Current time information acquisition means for acquiring current time information which is information indicating the current time;
Comparing means for comparing the time information included in the photographing restricted area inside / outside information received by the photographing restricted area inside / outside information receiving means and the current time information obtained by the current time information obtaining means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the determination is performed based on a result of comparison by the comparison unit.   The imaging restriction determination unit determines that the imaging is restricted if the comparison result by the comparison means indicates that the time indicated by the current time information is after the time indicated by the time information. Shooting device.   11. The photographing limitation determination unit according to claim 10, wherein if the comparison result by the comparison unit indicates that the time represented by the current time information is after the time represented by the time information, the photographing restriction determination unit determines that the photographing is not restricted. Shooting device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the imaging restricted area inside / outside information transmitting apparatus transmits imaging restricted area inside / outside information through the network.   The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the location information acquisition unit acquires location information using GPS.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the inside / outside shooting restricted area information is entry information into or outside the restricted shooting area.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a photographing restriction signal generation unit that generates a photographing restriction signal that is a signal for restricting photographing based on warning information output from the warning information output unit. The shooting restriction signal generation unit further includes a shooting device warning information attribute determination unit that determines an attribute of warning information output from the warning information output unit,
The imaging device according to claim 16, wherein different types of imaging restriction signals are generated based on a determination result of the imaging device warning information attribute determination means. A warning information receiving unit for receiving the warning information;
Based on the warning information received by the warning information receiving unit, a warning generating unit that generates a warning for giving a warning to a person,
Warning device having.   The warning device according to claim 18, wherein the warning is performed by including one or more of sound generation and video display such as blinking light, a light spot, and the like. The warning generating unit further includes warning device warning information attribute determining means for determining an attribute of the warning information received by the warning information receiving unit,
19. The warning device according to claim 18, wherein different types of warning are performed based on a determination result of the warning device warning information attribute determination means. The warning generation unit, warning device warning information generating means for generating warning device warning information based on the warning information;
A warning device warning information transmitting unit for transmitting the warning device warning information generated by the warning device warning information generating means to the photographing device;
The warning device according to claim 18, further comprising:   The imaging device according to claim 3, further comprising a warning device warning information receiving unit for receiving the warning device warning information transmitted from the warning device warning information transmission unit. It has a password information acquisition unit that acquires password information, which is information indicating a password,
The warning information output unit
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising warning information stop means for stopping output of warning information when password information acquired by the password information acquisition unit matches predetermined information. It has an identification information holding unit that holds imaging device identification information that is information for identifying itself,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning information output unit outputs warning information including imaging apparatus identification information held by the identification information holding unit. A shooting restriction determination step for determining whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted;
A shooting preparation operation detecting step for detecting that an operation for preparing for shooting has been performed;
When it is determined in the shooting restriction determination step that the current position is a position in the area where shooting is restricted, and it is detected that an operation for preparing for shooting has been performed in the shooting preparation operation detection step, A warning information output step for outputting warning information which is information indicating that;
Shooting program to make the computer execute. A shooting restriction determination step for determining whether or not the current position is a position where shooting is restricted;
A shooting preparation operation detecting step for detecting that an operation for preparing for shooting has been performed;
When it is determined in the shooting restriction determination step that the current position is a position in the area where shooting is restricted, and it is detected that an operation for preparing for shooting has been performed in the shooting preparation operation detection step, A warning information output step for outputting warning information which is information indicating that;
Including shooting method. A warning information receiving step for receiving the warning information;
Based on the warning information received in the warning information reception step, a warning generation step for generating a warning for giving a warning to a person;
Warning program to make the computer execute. A warning information receiving step for receiving the warning information;
Based on the warning information received in the warning information reception step, a warning generation step for generating a warning for giving a warning to a person;
Warning method including.

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