JP2006101150A - Imaging apparatus and image providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify transmission and reception of image data obtained by photographing. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus 2 comprises an imaging unit 13 for imaging an object, a memory 14 to store image data obtained from the imaging unit 13, a communication control unit 15 for transmitting and receiving signals at least with the imaging apparatus 1, and an image control unit 16 for extracting image data included in the signal received with the communication control unit 15 in order to record the image data extracted from the image control unit 16 to the memory 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and an image providing system including the imaging apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, commemorative photography has been performed in various forms with a person as a subject at resorts such as the sea and mountains, sightseeing spots, amusement parks and theme parks. For example, friends and acquaintances photograph each other, use a tripod, use a commemorative photo service of a photographer, and hand over their camera to others who are there And so on.

At theme parks and the like, commemorative photography is also performed using a photography system installed at a key point of the attraction. This photographing system is a system that automatically takes a picture when a vehicle approaches and prints an image desired by the user (a photographed picture) at the exit of the attraction. In addition, the user's images taken at each attraction in this way are collected and stored in the server, and the user later gives various instructions via the image processing system installed in the center. Thus, there has also been proposed an image photographing system that enables printing of own images stored in a server, output of a recording medium on which the images are recorded, and the like (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-177750 A

  By the way, when a friend or the like shoots each other as described above, the photographer himself often takes a picture with a camera owned by the friend. In this case, the image data obtained by the shooting is later transferred from the owner of the camera to the person who becomes the subject via a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a CD-R (CD Recordable). Or it was handed over via e-mail. For this reason, passing image data to the person who becomes the subject has caused a burdensome work for the camera owner. In particular, when the number of photographers and the number of shots are large, the burden is further increased.

  In addition, when using a shooting system (including the image shooting system disclosed in Patent Document 1) installed in the above-mentioned theme park or the like, shooting can be performed only at the place where the shooting system is installed. Considering shooting in places where the shooting system cannot be used, the above-mentioned problems remain.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and an image providing system including the imaging device that simplify delivery of image data obtained by photographing.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there are provided imaging means for imaging a subject, recording means for recording image data obtained by the imaging means, transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from at least the second imaging device, And an image data extraction unit that extracts image data included in the signal received by the transmission / reception unit, and records the image data extracted by the image data extraction unit in the recording unit. .

  According to said structure, image data can be easily acquired from a 2nd imaging device by receiving the signal containing the image data transmitted from the 2nd imaging device. Therefore, delivery of image data obtained by photographing can be simplified.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging means for imaging a subject, a recording means for recording image data obtained by the imaging means, a transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from at least the second imaging device, Image specifying information extracting means for extracting image specifying information for specifying image data included in the signal received by the transmitting / receiving means, and the image specifying information extracted by the image specifying information extracting means An imaging apparatus for recording in a recording unit.

  According to said structure, by receiving the signal containing the image specific information transmitted from the 2nd imaging device and acquiring image specific information, it specifies later by the image specific information based on image specific information Image data can be easily acquired. Therefore, delivery of image data obtained by photographing can be simplified.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image providing system including a first imaging device, a second imaging device, and a server device, wherein the second imaging device specifies the second imaging device. Image identification information including first ID information for identification and second ID information for identifying image data managed by the second imaging device is transmitted to the first imaging device, and the image data, A signal including the first ID information and the second ID information is transmitted to the server device, and the first imaging device includes a signal including the image specifying information transmitted by the second imaging device. And transmitting an image data request signal including the first ID information and the second ID information included in the image specifying information to the server device, and the server device uses the second imaging device. Receive transmitted signal The image data request signal transmitted from the first image pickup apparatus by recording the image data included in the received signal, the first ID information, and the second ID information in association with each other in a recording unit. The recording means is searched based on the first ID information and the second ID information included in the image, the corresponding image data is read out, and a signal including the read image data is transmitted from the transmission source of the image data request signal. An image providing system for transmitting to the first imaging device.

  According to the above configuration, the first imaging device acquires the image specifying information from the second imaging device and transmits it to the server device, thereby easily obtaining the image data specified by the image specifying information. Can be acquired. Therefore, delivery of image data obtained by photographing can be simplified.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image providing system having a first imaging device and a second imaging device, wherein the first imaging device is obtained by an imaging means for imaging a subject and the imaging means. A first recording unit for recording the received image data, a first transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the second imaging device, and an image included in the signal received by the first transmission / reception unit Image data extraction means for extracting data, the image data extracted by the image data extraction means is recorded in the recording means, and the second imaging device includes imaging means for imaging a subject, A second recording unit for recording image data obtained by the imaging unit; and a second transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the first imaging device, wherein the second transmission / reception unit includes: , The image data Transmitting a is an image providing system.

  According to the above configuration, the first imaging device can easily acquire image data from the second imaging device by receiving a signal including image data obtained by imaging by the second imaging device. Can do. Therefore, delivery of image data obtained by photographing can be simplified.

  As described above, according to the present invention, delivery of image data obtained by photographing can be simplified.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image providing system including an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, this system is configured to include an imaging device 1 as a photographing side camera and an imaging device 2 as a subject side camera.
The imaging apparatus 1 is an apparatus capable of selectively capturing still images or moving images, and includes a shutter button 3 that starts a shooting operation in response to a pressing operation, and an imaging unit that images a subject when the shooting operation starts. 4, an image control unit 7 for performing control related to various image data such as display of image data, recording in the memory 5, reading from the memory 5, output to the communication control unit (transmission / reception means) 6, A display unit 8 for performing various displays such as display of an image related to the image, display of an index image related to one or more image data, and the like according to a selection instruction from the index images displayed on the display unit 8 An image selection unit 9 that selects image data related to the selected image, a communication control unit 6 that transmits / receives a signal using infrared rays (an example of a light wave) to / from another device such as the imaging device 2, and the imaging device And a controller (CPU) that controls the overall operation of the imaging apparatus 1 by reading and executing the control program stored in the program memory 10. 11 etc.

  On the other hand, the imaging device 2 has substantially the same configuration as the imaging device 1 except that it does not have a configuration corresponding to the image selection unit 9 of the imaging device 1. That is, the imaging apparatus 2 is an apparatus capable of selectively capturing still images or moving images, and captures an image of a subject when the shooting operation is started, and a shutter button 12 that starts a shooting operation in response to a pressing operation. The imaging unit 13 and various image data such as display of image data, recording to the memory 14, reading from the memory 14, extraction of image data included in a signal received by the communication control unit (transmission / reception means) 15 and the like An image control unit 16 that performs control, a display unit 17 that performs various displays such as display of an image related to image data and display of an index image related to one or a plurality of image data, and other devices such as the imaging device 1 And a communication control unit 15 that transmits and receives signals using infrared rays (an example of a light wave), and a program that stores a control program for controlling the operation of the imaging apparatus 2. A program memory 18, and has a controller (CPU) 19 for controlling the image pickup device 2 overall operation by reading and executing the control program stored in the program memory 18. In addition, the imaging device 2 can also be provided with the structure corresponding to the image selection part 9 of the imaging device 1 as needed.

Subsequently, the operation of the above-described system will be described.
Here, as an example, an operation in a case where the photographer takes a picture of a person who has the imaging apparatus 2 using the imaging apparatus 1 as a subject will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation.
In the figure, the processes of S201 to S203, S204 to S206, and S211 are processes performed in the imaging apparatus 1, and are executed by the controller 11 reading and executing the control program stored in the program memory 10. Process. Further, the processing of S207 to S210 is processing performed in the imaging apparatus 2, and is processing performed when the above-described controller 19 reads and executes the control program stored in the program memory 18.

  First, in the image pickup apparatus 1, in S201, a photographer presses the shutter button 3 to perform shooting. In other words, a shooting operation is started in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button 3, and imaging by the imaging unit 4 is performed with a person who has the imaging device 2 as a subject.

In subsequent S <b> 202, image data obtained by imaging in the previous step is recorded in the memory 5.
In subsequent S 203, an index image related to the image data recorded in the memory 5 is displayed on the display unit 8. In this step, for example, when shooting has already been performed a plurality of times and a plurality of pieces of image data have been recorded in the memory 5, index images related to the plurality of pieces of image data are displayed on the display unit 8. .

Here, when the photographer gives an instruction to select a desired image from the index images displayed on the display unit 8, the processing after S204 is started.
In S <b> 204, the image selection unit 9 selects image data relating to an image that is selected and instructed by the photographer.

In subsequent S205, the image data selected in the previous step is read from the memory 5 and acquired.
In subsequent S206, the communication control unit 6 wirelessly transmits a signal including the image data acquired in the previous step by infrared rays. However, at this time, the imaging device 2 is assumed to be within a range in which a signal wirelessly transmitted by the infrared rays can be received.

Subsequently, in the imaging apparatus 2, in S207, the signal transmitted in S206 described above is received by the communication control unit 15, and the process proceeds to S208 and S210.
In S208, the image data included in the signal received in the previous step is extracted and recorded in the memory 14, and in S209, an index image related to the image data recorded in the memory 14 is displayed.

  In addition, when displaying the index image, each image in the index image relates to the image data included in the signal received by the communication control unit 15 or is captured by the imaging device 2 It is also possible to display so as to be distinguishable. In this case, for example, an image related to the image data included in the received signal is displayed with a mark or an image captured by the imaging device 2 by providing a frame. It can be displayed in a distinguishable manner.

  In S210, a signal including the generated reception confirmation information (image acquisition confirmation information) is wirelessly transmitted by infrared rays by the communication control unit 15. However, at this time, the imaging device 1 is assumed to be within a range in which a signal wirelessly transmitted by the infrared rays can be received. The reception confirmation information is information for allowing the photographer to confirm that the image data included in the signal transmitted from the imaging device 1 has been acquired, and is generated by the controller 19.

  Subsequently, in S <b> 211, in the imaging device 1, the signal transmitted in S <b> 210 is received by the communication control unit 6, and for example, display based on the reception confirmation information included in the signal is performed on the display unit 8. Accordingly, the photographer can confirm that the image data transmitted from the imaging device 1 has been acquired by the imaging device 2.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a photographer takes an image using the imaging apparatus 1 and selects and designates a desired image from the index images displayed on the display unit 8, image data related to the image is obtained. Since it is transmitted to the imaging device 2 possessed by the person who becomes the subject, the photographer can easily deliver the image data to the person who becomes the subject.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging device 2 further includes a device information recording unit in which device information for specifying the imaging device 2 is recorded, and the device information recording unit is included in the reception confirmation information. It is also possible to include the device information recorded in. Thereby, the photographer can specify the device that is the transmission destination of the image data by acquiring the device information.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 2 further includes an input unit for inputting user specifying information for specifying a user and a user information recording unit for recording the user specifying information. The above-described reception confirmation information may include user identification information recorded in the user information recording unit. Thereby, the photographer can specify the user of the apparatus that is the transmission destination of the image data by acquiring the user specifying information. For example, if information such as a credit card number is included in the user identification information, when the photographer or the like provides a photo service such as a commemorative photo using the imaging device 1, the service is provided. Charges can be collected from the person who acquired the image data.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 2 includes the above-described device information recording unit, the above-described input unit, and user information recording unit, and records the reception confirmation information in the device information recording unit. It is also possible to include the device information recorded and the user identification information recorded in the user information recording unit.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the communication control unit 6 of the imaging device 1 and the communication control unit 15 of the imaging device 2 transmit and receive signals using infrared rays, but for example, transmit and receive signals using sound waves. It is also possible to do this.

  In the imaging apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, the communication control unit 15 that transmits and receives signals can be configured to be divided into a transmission unit that transmits signals and a reception unit that receives signals. .

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the present embodiment, in the image providing system according to the first embodiment described above, signal transmission / reception is performed by radio waves instead of infrared rays.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image providing system including an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the present system is configured to include an imaging device 1a as a photographing side camera and an imaging device 2a as a subject side camera.

  The imaging device 1a has substantially the same configuration as that of the imaging device 1 shown in FIG. 1, but further includes an operation member 21 and a channel setting unit 22, and also includes a communication control unit 6 that transmits and receives signals using infrared rays. Instead, it has a communication control unit 23 that transmits and receives signals using radio waves.

  The channel setting unit 22 selects and sets a channel for transmitting and receiving signals according to the operation of the operation member 21. The channel indicates, for example, a frequency band used for signal transmission / reception, or indicates a time slot to be used when transmitting / receiving a signal in one frequency band, or This indicates a frequency band used for transmission / reception and a time slot in the frequency band, or indicates a spreading code to be used when transmitting / receiving a signal using spread spectrum at one frequency. The communication control unit 23 transmits / receives signals by radio waves to / from other devices such as the imaging device 2a according to the channel set by the channel setting unit 22. Thereby, transmission / reception of signals can be performed with an apparatus in which the same channel as the channel set by the channel setting unit 22 is set. Other configurations are the same as those of the imaging apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, the imaging device 2a has substantially the same configuration as the imaging device 2 shown in FIG. 1, but further includes an operation member 24 and a channel setting unit 25, and a communication control unit that transmits and receives signals using infrared rays. The difference is that a communication control unit 26 for transmitting and receiving signals by radio waves is provided instead of 15.

  The channel setting unit 25 selects and sets a channel for transmitting and receiving signals according to the operation of the operation member 22. The channels are as described above. The communication control unit 26 transmits / receives signals by radio waves to / from other devices such as the imaging device 1a according to the channel set by the channel setting unit 25. Thereby, transmission / reception of signals can be performed with a device in which the same channel as the channel set by the channel setting unit 25 is set. Other configurations are the same as those of the imaging device 2 shown in FIG.

Subsequently, the operation of the above-described system will be described.
Here, as an example, as in the first embodiment, an operation when a photographer takes a picture of a person who has the imaging apparatus 2a using the imaging apparatus 1a as a subject will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation.
In the figure, the processes of S401 to S403, S404, S406 to 408, and S413 are processes performed in the imaging apparatus 1a, and the controller 11 of the imaging apparatus 1a reads out and executes the control program stored in the program memory 10. It is a process performed by doing. Further, the processes of S405, S409 to S412 are processes performed in the imaging apparatus 2a, and are processes performed when the controller 19 of the imaging apparatus 2a reads and executes a control program stored in the program memory 18.

First, in S <b> 401 to S <b> 403, the same processing as S <b> 201 to S <b> 203 illustrated in FIG. 2 is performed in the imaging device 1 a.
Subsequently, in S404, channel alignment with the communication partner is performed. That is, according to the operation of the operation member 21 by the photographer, a channel used for transmission / reception of signals with the imaging device 2a is selected / set by the channel setting unit 22.

  Similarly, in the imaging apparatus 2a, channel alignment with the communication partner is performed in S405. That is, according to the operation of the operation member 24 by the user, a channel used for transmission / reception of signals with the imaging device 1a is selected / set by the channel setting unit 25.

  By the processing of S404 and S405, transmission / reception of signals between the imaging device 1a and the imaging device 1b becomes possible. It should be noted that such channel matching may be performed at any time before starting transmission / reception of signals between the two.

  Subsequently, in the imaging apparatus 1, when an instruction to select a desired image from the index images displayed on the display unit 8 is performed in the process of S403, the processes after S406 are started.

In subsequent S406 and S407, the same processing as S204 and S205 in FIG. 2 described above is performed.
In subsequent S408, the signal including the image data acquired in S407 is wirelessly transmitted by radio according to the channel set in S404 by the communication control unit 23.

Subsequently, in the imaging apparatus 2a, in S409, the signal transmitted in S408 described above is received by the communication control unit 26, and the process proceeds to S410 and S412.
In S410 and S411, the same processing as S208 and S209 in FIG. 2 described above is performed.

  In S412, the communication control unit 26 wirelessly transmits a signal including the generated reception confirmation information (image acquisition confirmation information) using radio waves according to the channel set in S405 described above. The reception confirmation information is information for allowing the photographer to confirm that the image data included in the signal transmitted from the imaging device 1a has been acquired, and is generated by the controller 19.

  Subsequently, in the imaging device 1a, in S413, the signal transmitted in S412 described above is received by the communication control unit 23, and for example, display based on the reception confirmation information included in the signal is performed on the display unit 8. Thereby, the photographer can confirm that the image data transmitted from the imaging device 1a is acquired by the imaging device 2a.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if signals are transmitted and received by radio waves, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
In the present embodiment, the imaging device 2a further includes a device information recording unit in which device information for specifying the imaging device 2a is recorded, and the device information recording unit is included in the reception confirmation information. It is also possible to include the device information recorded in. Thereby, the photographer can specify the device that is the transmission destination of the image data by acquiring the device information.

In the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 2a further includes an input unit for inputting user specifying information for specifying the user and a user information recording unit for recording the user specifying information. The above-described reception confirmation information may include user identification information recorded in the user information recording unit. Thereby, the photographer can specify the user of the apparatus that is the transmission destination of the image data by acquiring the user specifying information. For example, if information such as a credit card number is included in the user identification information, when the photographer or the like provides a photo service such as a commemorative photo using the imaging device 1a, the service is provided. In this embodiment, the imaging device 2a includes the device information recording unit, the input unit, and the user information recording unit. It is also possible to include the device information recorded in the device information recording unit and the user specifying information recorded in the user information recording unit in the reception confirmation information.

  In the imaging device 2a according to the present embodiment, the communication control unit 26 that transmits and receives signals can be configured to be divided into a transmission unit that transmits signals and a reception unit that receives signals. .

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the present embodiment, delivery of image data obtained by shooting is performed via a server device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image providing system including an imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, this system includes an imaging device 1b as a photographing side camera, an imaging device 2b as a subject side camera, and a server device 31 in which image data is recorded.

  The imaging device 1b has substantially the same configuration as the imaging device 1a shown in FIG. 3, but further includes an image specifying information generation unit 32, an encryption unit 33, and a history information memory 34. Different.

  The image specifying information generation unit 32 generates image specifying information and adds the image specifying information to the image data obtained by the imaging unit 4 and recorded in the memory 5. The image specifying information includes a device ID for specifying the imaging device 1b (an example of first ID information) and an image ID for specifying image data managed by the imaging device 1b (second). Example of ID information). As a result, when shooting is performed, image data to which image specifying information is added is recorded in the memory 5. The encryption unit 33 encrypts the image data using the encryption key. Distribution history information transmitted from the server device 31 is recorded in the history information memory 34. The distribution history information is information of a person who is a distribution destination when the image data transmitted from the imaging device 1b recorded in the server device 31 is distributed (transmitted). It is also user-specific information. The other configuration is the same as that of the imaging device 1a shown in FIG.

  The imaging device 2b has substantially the same configuration as the imaging device 2a shown in FIG. 3, but further includes an input unit 35, a user information memory 36, an encryption key generation unit 37, and a decryption unit 38. Is different.

  The input unit 35 inputs user identification information in response to an input instruction from the user of the imaging device 2b. In the user information memory 36, user identification information input by the input unit 35 is recorded. The encryption key generation unit 37 generates an encryption key and a decryption key. The decryption unit 38 decrypts the encrypted image data using the decryption key generated by the encryption key generation unit 37. In the present embodiment, the image control unit 16 further extracts image specifying information included in the signal received by the communication control unit 26, and the image specifying information is recorded in the memory 14. Other configurations are the same as those of the imaging device 2a shown in FIG.

  The server device 31 includes two communication control units 39a and 39b that transmit and receive signals by radio waves according to a predetermined channel, a memory 40 that records encrypted image data to which image specifying information is added, an image When the communication control unit 39b transmits the encrypted image data recorded in the memory 40, the search unit 41 that searches the memory 40 based on the specific information and reads the corresponding encrypted image data. A history information memory (an example of image providing history recording means) 42 in which user identification information of a person who is a transmission destination is recorded, and a program memory in which a control program for controlling the operation of the server device 31 is stored 43 and the control program stored in the program memory 43 is read and executed, And a controller (CPU) 44 for controlling the over device 31 overall operation.

  In this example, the communication control unit 39a of the server device 31 and the imaging device 1b communicate using a predetermined channel, and the communication control unit 39b of the server device 31 and the imaging device 2b use a predetermined channel. To communicate.

Subsequently, the operation of the above-described system will be described.
Here, as an example, as in the second embodiment, an operation when a photographer takes a picture of a person who has the imaging apparatus 2b using the imaging apparatus 1b as a subject will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation.
In the figure, the processes of S601 to S604, S605, S607 to S611, S616 to S618, and S634 are processes performed in the imaging apparatus 1b, and the controller 11 of the imaging apparatus 1b stores the control stored in the program memory 10. This process is performed by reading and executing a program. The processes of S606, S612 to S615, S621 to S624, and S628 to S631 are processes performed in the imaging apparatus 2b, and the controller 19 of the imaging apparatus 2b reads out and executes the control program stored in the program memory 18. It is a process performed by doing. The processes of S619 to S620, S625 to S627, and S632 to S633 are processes performed in the server apparatus 31, and the controller 44 of the server apparatus 31 reads and executes the control program stored in the program memory 43. It is the process performed by.

First, in the imaging apparatus 1b, in S601, the same processing as in S401 in FIG. 4 described above is performed.
In subsequent S602, the image specifying information (including the device ID and the image ID) generated by the image specifying information generating unit 32 is added to the image data obtained by the imaging in the previous step.

In subsequent S603, the image data to which the image specifying information is added in the previous step is recorded in the memory 5.
In the subsequent S604, the same processing as that in S403 of FIG. 4 described above is performed.

Subsequently, in S605, channel alignment with the communication partner is performed. That is, the same process as S404 in FIG. 4 described above is performed.
Similarly, in the imaging device 2b, in S606, channel alignment with the communication partner is performed. That is, the same processing as S405 in FIG. 4 is performed.

  Through the processing in S604 and S605, signals can be transmitted and received between the imaging device 1b and the imaging device 2b. It should be noted that such channel matching may be performed at any time before starting transmission / reception of signals between the two.

Subsequently, when an instruction to select a desired image from the index images displayed on the display unit 8 is given in the process of S604, the processes after S607 are started.
In subsequent S607 and S608, the same processing as in S406 and S407 of FIG. 4 described above is performed.

In subsequent S609, reduced image data (index image data) related to the image data acquired in the previous step is generated.
In subsequent S610, image specifying information added to the image data acquired in S608 described above is extracted.

  In subsequent S611, the reduced image data generated in S609 described above is included in the image specifying information extracted in the previous step, and a signal including the image specifying information is set by the communication control unit 23 in S605 described above. Wirelessly transmitted by radio waves according to the selected channel.

Subsequently, in the imaging device 2b, in S612, the signal transmitted in the above-described 611 is received by the communication control unit 26, and the process proceeds to S613 and S614.
In S613, the image specifying information included in the signal received in the previous step is recorded in the memory 14.

In S614, the encryption key generation unit 37 generates an encryption key and a decryption key.
In S615, the encryption key generated in the previous step is included in the generated reception confirmation information, and the communication control unit 26 transmits a signal including the reception confirmation information by radio waves according to the channel set in S611 described above. Wirelessly transmitted. Note that the reception confirmation information is information for allowing the photographer to confirm that the image specifying information included in the signal transmitted from the imaging device 1b has been acquired, and is generated by the controller 19.

  Subsequently, in the imaging device 1a, in S616, the signal transmitted in S615 described above is received by the communication control unit 23, and for example, display based on the reception confirmation information included in the signal is performed on the display unit 8. Thereby, the photographer can confirm that the image specifying information included in the signal transmitted from the imaging device 1b in S610 is acquired by the imaging device 2b.

In subsequent S617, the encryption unit 33 encrypts the image data acquired in S608 described above using the encryption key included in the reception confirmation information acquired in the previous step.
In the subsequent S618, the same channel as the predetermined channel used when the communication control unit 39a of the server device 31 transmits / receives a signal is set, and the image data encrypted in the previous step is acquired in the above-described S607. A signal including the image specifying information added to the image data is wirelessly transmitted by radio waves according to the set channel.

Subsequently, in the server device 31, in S619, the signal transmitted in S618 described above is received by the communication control unit 39a.
In subsequent S620, the encrypted image data and the image specifying information included in the signal received in the previous step are associated with each other and recorded in the memory 40.

  In the memory 40, encrypted image data and image specifying information included in a signal transmitted by another imaging device other than the imaging device 1b may be recorded in association with each other. Searching for desired image data is possible based on the device ID and the image ID of the image specifying information associated with the data.

  On the other hand, in the imaging device 2b, in S621, the reduced image data desired to be acquired is selected from the reduced image data recorded in the memory 14 and included in the image specifying information by the owner of the imaging device 2b. . In this selection, for example, an index image based on one or a plurality of reduced image data is displayed on the display unit 17, a desired image is selected from the index image, and reduced image data related to the image is selected. Is done by.

In subsequent S622, the image specifying information including the reduced image data selected in the previous step is read from the memory 14 and acquired.
In subsequent S623, the user specifying information recorded in the user information memory 36 is included in the image specifying information acquired in the previous step. The user specifying information is recorded in advance in the user information memory 36 in response to an input instruction from the user of the imaging apparatus 2b via the input unit 35.

  In subsequent S624, the same channel as the predetermined channel used when the communication control unit 39b of the server device 31 transmits and receives signals is set, and the image specifying information including the user specifying information in the previous step is stored. The included image data request signal is wirelessly transmitted by radio waves according to the set channel.

  Subsequently, in the server device 31, in S625, the image data request signal transmitted in S624 described above is received by the communication control unit 39b, and the process proceeds to S626 and S632.

  In S626, the search unit 41 encrypts the image identification information included in the image data request signal received in the previous step and the image identification information including the same device ID and image ID as the image ID. The obtained image data is retrieved from the memory 40 and read out.

  In S627, the communication control unit 39b wirelessly transmits a signal including the encrypted image data searched and read in the previous step by radio waves according to a predetermined channel.

Subsequently, in the imaging device 2b, in S628, the signal transmitted in S627 described above is received by the communication control unit 26.
In subsequent S629, the decryption unit 38 decrypts the encrypted image data included in the signal received in the previous step. For the decryption, the decryption key generated in 614 described above is used.

In subsequent S630, the image data decoded in the previous step is recorded in the memory 14.
In subsequent S631, an index image is displayed based on the image data and the reduced image data recorded in the memory. A display example of the index image displayed at this time will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 (a), (b), (c), and (d).

  On the other hand, in S632 after S625 in the server device 31, the user specifying information of the image specifying information included in the image data request signal received in S625 described above is recorded in the memory 14 as distribution history information.

  In S633, the communication control unit 39a wirelessly transmits a signal including the distribution history information recorded in the previous step by radio waves according to a predetermined channel. However, at this time, in the imaging device 1b, the same channel as that channel is set.

  Subsequently, in the imaging device 1b, in S634, the signal transmitted in S633 described above is received by the communication control unit 23, and the distribution history information included in the signal is recorded in the history information memory 34. Thus, by acquiring the distribution history information, the photographer can acquire the information (user specifying information) of the person who is the distribution destination of the captured image data.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show display examples of the index image displayed in S631 described above, and FIGS. 7C and 7D show other display examples.
In the index images shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the images 51, 52, 54, and 56 are images related to the image data acquired from the server device 31 and recorded in the memory 14 in S630 described above, or The image which concerns on the image data obtained by imaging | photography with the imaging device 2b is shown. On the other hand, the images 53 and 55 with the circles 57 and 58 in FIG. 5A but the images 53 and 55 with the thick frame in FIG. 5B are recorded in the memory 14 in S613 described above. The image is related to the reduced image data included in the image specifying information, and the image data that is the main image has not yet been acquired from the server device 31.

  In this way, in the index image, images that have not yet acquired the main image are displayed with circles 57 and 58 or thick frames, and images that have not acquired the main image and images that are not. Can be displayed in a distinguishable manner, the user can confirm which image has not been acquired.

In addition, when an image 51 is instructed to be selected in (a) or (b) of the figure, the image instructed to be selected is displayed as shown in (c) of the same figure.
In addition, when the image 53 or the image 55 is instructed to be selected in the same figure (a) or (b), as shown in the same figure (d), the image related to the main image of the instructed image is displayed. A display indicating that the data is in the server device 31 is performed. Incidentally, after the display shown in FIG. 4D is performed, a predetermined instruction is given, so that the processing after S621 described above can be performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, image data obtained by photographing is once recorded in the server device 31, so that a person who wants to acquire image data can only obtain a desired image as necessary. It can be acquired from the server device 31. In addition, since the image data obtained by photographing is encrypted, the contents of the image data are not disclosed to others. Further, since the photographer can acquire the information of the person who acquired the image data as distribution history information (user identification information), for example, information such as a credit card number should be included in the distribution history information. For example, when a photographer or the like provides a photo service such as a commemorative photo using the image pickup apparatus 1b, it is possible to collect a fee from the person who acquired the image data by providing the service. Reception confirmation information for confirming that the imaging device 2b has acquired the image data included in the signal transmitted from the server device 31 when the image data is recorded in the memory 14 in S630 described above. It is also possible to transmit (image acquisition confirmation information) to the server device 31. This reception confirmation information is generated by the controller 19.

  In this embodiment, as shown in S623 to S625 and S632 to S634 described above, the user identification information is transmitted from the imaging device 2b to the imaging device 1b via the server device 31. For example, the user identification information may be included in the reception confirmation information transmitted in S615 described above and transmitted to the imaging apparatus 1b. Alternatively, as described above, when the image data is recorded in the memory 14 in S630 and the reception confirmation information is transmitted to the server device 31, the user confirmation information is included in the reception confirmation information and transmitted. It is also possible to transmit the user specifying information to the imaging device 1b via the.

  In the present embodiment, for example, instead of the user information memory 36 of the imaging device 2b, a memory in which a device ID (an example of third ID information) for specifying the imaging device 2b is recorded is provided. It is also possible to transmit the device ID to the imaging device 1b via the server device 31. Alternatively, the device ID may be included in the reception confirmation information transmitted in S615 described above and transmitted to the imaging device 1b. Alternatively, as described above, when the image data is recorded in the memory 14 in S630 and the reception confirmation information is transmitted to the server device 31, the device ID is included in the reception confirmation information and transmitted via the server device 31. It is also possible to transmit the device ID to the imaging device 1b. As a result, the history information memory 34 records the device ID of the imaging device 2b as distribution history information. In this case, if the imaging device 1b has information in which the device ID of another device is associated with the user specifying information, the user can be specified from the acquired device ID. . When a device ID is transmitted via the server device 31, the device ID is recorded as distribution history information in the history information memory 42 of the server device 31.

  In the present embodiment, for example, a memory in which a device ID (an example of third ID information) for specifying the imaging device 2b is recorded is provided separately from the user information memory 36 of the imaging device 2b. The user specifying information and the device ID may be transmitted to the imaging device 1b via the server device 31. Alternatively, the user identification information and the device ID may be included in the reception confirmation information transmitted in S615 described above and transmitted to the imaging device 1b. Alternatively, as described above, when the image data is recorded in the memory 14 and the reception confirmation information is transmitted to the server device 31 in S630, the user identification information and the device ID are included in the reception confirmation information. In addition, the user specifying information and the device ID can be transmitted to the imaging device 1b via the server device 31. As a result, the user information and the device ID of the imaging device 2b are recorded in the history information memory 34 as distribution history information. When the user identification information and the device ID are transmitted via the server device 31, the user identification information and the device ID are recorded as distribution history information in the history information memory 42 of the server device 31. It will be.

  In the present embodiment, for example, in S611 described above, image size information related to the image size of the image data is further transmitted in the image specifying information, and when the imaging apparatus 2b receives the image size information, the image size is received. An empty area corresponding to the image size related to the information is secured in the memory 14, and when the image data is received from the server device 31, the image data is recorded in the reserved empty area on the memory 14. Is also possible. Further, in this case, if a free area corresponding to the image size related to the image size information cannot be secured on the memory 14 due to a small free space in the memory 14 or the like, a warning display is displayed on the display unit 17. It is also possible to issue a warning such as to notify the user that there is no free space in the memory 14 necessary for recording the image data. It should be noted that the controller 19 performs such processing related to securing an empty area and warning.

  Further, in the imaging device 2b according to the present embodiment, the communication control unit 26 that transmits and receives a signal is connected to one or more transmission units provided for each device that transmits the signal and the partner that receives the signal. It is also possible to divide and configure one or a plurality of receiving means provided for each device.

  In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 23 of the imaging device 1b, the communication control unit 26 of the imaging device 2b, and the communication control units 39a and 39b of the server device 31 all transmit and receive signals using radio waves. However, any one or more of them may be configured to transmit and receive signals using light waves such as infrared rays or sound waves.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging device 2b performs generation of the encryption key and the decryption key and decrypts the encrypted image data, and the imaging device 1b performs the encryption of the image data. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8D, 8E, 8C, 8D, 8D, 8E, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8E, 8E , (f), it is possible to use other combinations of devices.

  (A) in the figure shows the generation of the encryption key and the decryption key (generation in (a) in the figure), and the image pickup apparatus 2b decrypts the encrypted image data, and the image data is encrypted. This is an example in which the server device 31 performs the processing. In this case, the imaging device 2 b generates an encryption key and a decryption key, and transmits the encryption key to the server device 31. When the server device 31 receives the image data from the imaging device 1b, the server device 31 encrypts and records the image data using the encryption key received from the imaging device 2b. Upon receiving the encrypted image data from the server device 31, the imaging device 2b decrypts the image data using the generated decryption key.

  FIG. 5B shows the generation of the encryption key and the decryption key (generation of FIG. 5B) and the image data encryption by the image pickup apparatus 1b, and the decryption of the encrypted image data. This is an example in which the imaging apparatus 2b performs the above. In this case, the imaging device 1b generates an encryption key and a decryption key, and encrypts image data using the encryption key. When the encrypted image data is transmitted to the server device 31, the generated decryption key is transmitted to the imaging device 2b. At this time, the decryption key is transmitted, for example, included in the image specifying information. When the server device 31 receives the encrypted image data from the imaging device 1b, the server device 31 records it. Upon receiving the encrypted image data from the server device 31, the imaging device 2b decrypts it using the decryption key received from the imaging device 1b.

  In FIG. 8C, the imaging device 1b generates the encryption key and the decryption key (generate in FIG. 10C), and the server device 31 encrypts the image data. In this example, the image pickup apparatus 2b performs decoding of the image data. In this case, the imaging device 1b generates an encryption key and a decryption key, and when transmitting image data to the server device 31, transmits the generated encryption key together with the image data, and captures the decryption key. Transmit to device 2b. When the server device 31 receives the image data and the encryption key from the imaging device 1b, the server device 31 encrypts and records the image data using the encryption key. Upon receiving the encrypted image data from the server device 31, the imaging device 2b decrypts it using the decryption key received from the imaging device 1b.

  At the same time (d), the server device 31 performs generation of an encryption key and a decryption key (generation in FIG. 4D) and encryption of the image data, and decrypts the encrypted image data. This is an example in which the imaging apparatus 2b performs the above. In this case, the server device 31 generates an encryption key and a decryption key, and transmits the decryption key to the imaging device 1b. When transmitting the image data to the server device 31, the imaging device 1b transmits the decryption key received from the server device 31 to the imaging device 2b. When the server device 31 receives the image data from the imaging device 1b, the server device 31 encrypts and records the image data using the previously generated encryption key. Upon receiving the encrypted image data from the server device 31, the imaging device 2b decrypts it using the decryption key received from the imaging device 1b.

  Also, in FIG. 6E, the image data is encrypted by the imaging device 1b, and the encryption key and the decryption key are generated by the server device 31 (generation of FIG. 5E). In this example, the image pickup apparatus 2b performs decoding of the image data. In this case, the server device 31 generates an encryption key and a decryption key, and transmits them to the imaging device 1b. When transmitting the image data to the server device 31, the imaging device 1 b encrypts the image data using the encryption key received from the server device 31, transmits the encrypted image data, and receives it from the server device 31. The decrypted key is transmitted to the imaging device 2b. When the server device 31 receives the encrypted image data, it records it. Upon receiving the encrypted image data from the server device 31, the imaging device 2b decrypts it using the decryption key received from the imaging device 1b.

  Further, in FIG. 6F, the image data is encrypted by the imaging device 1b, and the encryption key and the decryption key are generated by the server device 31 (generation of FIG. 5F). In this example, the image pickup apparatus 2b performs decoding of the image data. In this case, the server device 31 generates an encryption key and a decryption key, and transmits the encryption key to the imaging device 1b and the decryption key to the imaging device 2b. When transmitting the image data to the server device 31, the imaging device 1b encrypts the image data using the encryption key received from the server device 31, and transmits the encrypted image data. When the server device 31 receives the encrypted image data from the imaging device 1b, the server device 31 records it. When receiving the encrypted image data from the server device 31, the imaging device 2b decrypts the encrypted image data using the decryption key received from the server device 31 described above.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, a single subject-side camera has been described. However, a plurality of subject-side cameras may be used. In this case, in the first and second embodiments, image data is acquired by each of the plurality of subject-side cameras. In the third embodiment, image data is acquired from the server device 31 as necessary in each of the plurality of subject-side cameras.

  The imaging apparatus and the image providing system including the imaging apparatus according to the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course it is also good.

It is the figure which showed the example of a structure of the image provision system containing the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation example of the image provision system containing the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structural example of the image provision system containing the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation example of the image provision system containing the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structural example of the image provision system containing the imaging device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation example of the image provision system containing the imaging device which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (a), (b) shows the display example of the index image displayed by S631, (c), (d) is the figure which showed the other display example. (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) are used to generate an encryption key and a decryption key, encrypt image data, and decrypt encrypted image data. It is a figure explaining the example which divides | segments by the apparatus of another combination.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b Imaging device 2, 2a, 2b Imaging device 3 Shutter button 4 Imaging part 5 Memory 6 Communication control part 7 Image control part 8 Display part 9 Image selection part 10 Program memory 11 Controller 12 Shutter button 13 Imaging part 14 Memory DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 Image control part 17 Display part 18 Program memory 19 Controller 21 Operation member 22 Channel setting part 23 Communication control part 24 Operation member 25 Channel setting part 26 Communication control part 31 Server apparatus 32 Image specific information generation part 33 Encryption part 34 History information Memory 35 Input unit 36 User information memory 37 Encryption key generation unit 38 Decryption unit 39a, 39b Communication control unit 40 Memory 41 Search unit 42 History information memory 43 Program memory 44 Controller 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 Picture 7,58 mark

Claims (32)

Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Recording means for recording image data obtained by the imaging means;
Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from at least the second imaging device;
Image data extraction means for extracting image data contained in the signal received by the transmission / reception means;
Have
Recording the image data extracted by the image data extracting means in the recording means;
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. Confirmation that generates image acquisition confirmation information for confirming that the image data has been acquired when the image data included in the signal transmitted by the second imaging device is received by the transmission / reception means Information generation means,
Further comprising
The transmission / reception means transmits the image acquisition confirmation information generated by the confirmation information generation means to the second imaging device.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. Device information recording means for recording device information for specifying the imaging device;
Further comprising
Including the device information recorded in the device information recording means in the image acquisition confirmation information,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. An input means for inputting user identification information for identifying a user;
User information recording means for recording the user identification information;
Further comprising
Including the user identification information recorded in the user information recording means in the image acquisition confirmation information,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2. Display means for displaying an index image of the image data recorded in the recording means;
Further comprising
The display means displays the index image so as to distinguish whether the image is related to image data included in the signal received by the transmission / reception means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The transmitting / receiving means includes
Comprising a transmitting means for transmitting a signal and a receiving means for receiving a signal;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Recording means for recording image data obtained by the imaging means;
Transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from at least the second imaging device;
Image specifying information extracting means for extracting image specifying information for specifying image data included in the signal received by the transmitting / receiving means;
Have
Recording the image specifying information extracted by the image specifying information extracting unit in the recording unit;
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The image specifying information includes first ID information for specifying the second imaging device and second ID information for specifying image data managed by the second imaging device.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 7. The image specifying information further includes index image data related to image data managed by the second imaging device,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 8. The transmission / reception means transmits a signal including the first ID information and the second ID information recorded in the recording means to a server apparatus in which image data is recorded, and is transmitted from the server apparatus. In addition, a signal including image data specified by the first ID information and the second ID information is received,
Recording the image data included in the signal received by the transmission / reception means on the recording means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 8. Confirmation information generating means for generating image acquisition confirmation information for confirming that the image data has been acquired when the image data included in the signal transmitted by the server device received by the transmission / reception means is acquired. ,
Further comprising
The transmission / reception means transmits the image acquisition confirmation information generated by the confirmation information generation means to the server device.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 10. Device identification information recording means for recording third ID information for identifying the imaging device;
Further comprising
Including the third ID information recorded in the device specifying information recording means in the image acquisition confirmation information generated by the confirmation information generating means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 11. An input means for inputting user identification information for identifying a user;
User information recording means for recording the user identification information;
Including the user identification information recorded in the user information recording means in the image acquisition confirmation information generated by the confirmation information generating means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, Display means for displaying an index image based on index image data included in the image specifying information and index image data related to image data obtained by the imaging means, recorded in the recording means;
Further comprising
The display means displays the index image so as to distinguish whether the image is based on the index image data included in the image specifying information.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 9. When an image related to the index image data included in the image specifying information is selected from the index images displayed by the display unit, the transmission / reception unit transmits the first image included in the image specifying information. Transmitting a signal including ID information and the second ID information to the server device;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 14. An operation member operated by a user; and the transmission / reception means transmits / receives a signal according to a channel selected according to an operation of the operation member.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 7. The image specifying information further includes a decryption key,
Decrypting the encrypted image data included in the signal transmitted from the server device received by the transmission / reception means, using the decryption key;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 10. The image specifying information further includes image size information,
An area securing means for securing an empty area corresponding to the image size related to the image size information in the recording means;
Further comprising
When the image data specified by the image specifying information is received by the transmission / reception means, the image data is recorded in an empty area corresponding to the image size secured in the recording means by the area securing means. ,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 7. A warning is given when the area securing means cannot secure an empty area corresponding to the image size according to the image size information in the recording means;
The imaging device according to claim 18. The transmitting / receiving means includes
One or a plurality of transmission means provided for each destination device that transmits a signal and one or a plurality of reception means provided for each destination device that receives a signal,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 7. The transmission / reception means transmits and receives signals by at least one of radio waves, light waves, and sound waves.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is an image pickup apparatus. An image providing system having a first imaging device, a second imaging device, and a server device,
The second imaging device includes:
Image specifying information including first ID information for specifying the second imaging device and second ID information for specifying image data managed by the second imaging device is used for the first imaging. Transmitting the image data, the first ID information, and the signal including the second ID information to the server device,
The first imaging device includes:
The server receives the signal including the image specifying information transmitted by the second imaging device, and receives the image data request signal including the first ID information and the second ID information included in the image specifying information as the server. To the device,
The server device is
Receiving a signal transmitted by the second imaging device, associating the image data included in the received signal with the first ID information and the second ID information, and recording them in a recording unit;
The recording means is searched based on the first ID information and the second ID information included in the image data request signal transmitted by the first imaging device, and the corresponding image data is read out. Transmitting a signal including image data to the first imaging device which is a transmission source of the image data request signal;
An image providing system characterized by that. The first imaging device includes:
Transmitting the image data request signal further including at least one of third ID information for specifying the first imaging device and user specifying information for specifying a user to the server device;
The server device is
An image providing history recording means for recording at least one of the third ID information and the user specifying information;
Receiving the image data request signal transmitted by the first imaging device, and recording at least one of the third ID information and the user specifying information included in the signal in the image providing history recording unit;
23. The image providing system according to claim 22, wherein The server device is
A signal including at least one of the third ID information and the user specifying information recorded in the image providing history recording unit is transmitted to the second imaging device specified by the first ID information. ,
24. The image providing system according to claim 23. The second imaging device includes:
Receiving a signal transmitted by the server device, and recording at least one of the third ID information and the user specifying information included in the received signal;
25. The image data providing system according to claim 24. The first imaging device includes:
Imaging means for imaging a subject;
First transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals;
Image specifying information extracting means for extracting the image specifying information contained in the signal received by the first transmitting / receiving means;
First recording means for recording either or both of the image specifying information extracted by the image specifying information extracting means and the image data obtained by the imaging means;
Have
The first transmission / reception means performs at least one of or both of reception of a signal including the image specifying information and transmission of the image data request signal.
23. The image providing system according to claim 22, wherein The second imaging device includes:
Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Second recording means for recording image data obtained by the imaging means;
Second transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving signals;
Have
The second transmission / reception means at least transmits the image specifying information, transmits the image data, the first ID information, and a signal including the second ID information, the third ID information, and the Any one or more of receiving a signal including at least one of the user identification information,
The image providing system according to claim 22 or 25. The first imaging device further includes:
Generating an encryption key and a decryption key, and transmitting a signal including the encryption key to the second imaging device;
Receiving the signal transmitted by the server device, decrypting the encrypted image data included in the signal using the decryption key;
The second imaging device includes:
Furthermore, image data is encrypted using an encryption key included in the signal transmitted by the first imaging device, and the encrypted image data is transmitted as image data to be transmitted to the server device.
23. The image providing system according to claim 22, wherein The first imaging device further includes:
Generating an encryption key and a decryption key, and transmitting a signal including the encryption key to the server device;
Receiving the signal transmitted by the server device, decrypting the encrypted image data included in the signal using the decryption key;
The server device is
Further, the image data included in the signal transmitted by the second imaging device is encrypted using an encryption key included in the signal transmitted by the first imaging device, and the first ID information and the Recording the encrypted image data as image data associated with second ID information and recorded in the recording means;
23. The image providing system according to claim 22, wherein The second imaging device further includes:
Generating an encryption key and a decryption key, including the decryption key in the image specifying information and transmitting it to the first imaging device;
The image data is encrypted using the encryption key, and the encrypted image data is transmitted as image data to be transmitted to the server device,
The first imaging device further includes:
Decrypting encrypted image data included in the signal transmitted by the server device, using a decryption key included in the signal transmitted by the second imaging device;
23. The image providing system according to claim 22, wherein An image providing system having a first imaging device and a second imaging device,
The first imaging device includes:
Imaging means for imaging a subject;
First recording means for recording image data obtained by the imaging means;
First transmission / reception means for performing transmission / reception of signals with at least the second imaging device;
Image data extraction means for extracting image data contained in the signal received by the first transmission / reception means;
Have
Recording the image data extracted by the image data extraction means in the recording means;
The second imaging device includes:
Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Second recording means for recording image data obtained by the imaging means;
Second transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the first imaging device;
Have
The second transmission / reception means transmits the image data;
An image providing system characterized by that. In the second imaging device, the second transmission / reception unit receives a signal transmitted from the first imaging device, and identifies the first imaging device included in the received signal. Recording at least one of device information and user specifying information for specifying a user of the first imaging device;
32. The image providing system according to claim 31.

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