JP2006287514A - Camera device and control program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure the security of images so that the third person is unaware that images which a user keeps secret to the others are recorded, in a camera device having a security function of photographic images. <P>SOLUTION: In the case that camouflage is set when photographing a subject, regular photographic image data Pn recorded in a data area 32 of a pre-camouflage image file 14Pn is camouflaged by saving or embedding, and instead, dummy image data Pin resembling the regular image data Pn is recognized and selected from image data to which camouflage is not set, to generate a recorded post-camouflage image file 14Pin. In the case that an inputted password doesn't coincide with a preliminarily registered user password when reproducing recorded photographic images, the dummy image data Pin recorded in a data area 32 of the post-camouflage image file 14Pin being a reproduction object is reproduced and displayed without giving a warning (notification) of password non-coincidence neither inhibiting reproduction of recorded images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera device having a security function for a captured image and a control program thereof.

  In recent years, not only image data captured by a digital camera but also a photographic image captured by a silver salt camera can be captured as digital image data by a scanner. For this reason, the image data captured and recorded by the camera device can be displayed not only on the main body display unit of the captured camera device but also stored in a card-type memory and taken outside, or by using a communication network. Also, other camera devices and PCs (Personal Computers) can be easily displayed and browsed.

  On the other hand, since it is now possible for anyone to easily display and browse the image data recorded and recorded in this way, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure the security of the image data that is not desired to be seen by others.

  Therefore, a user authentication function such as a password is provided to prevent display and browsing of image data recorded and recorded by the camera device when someone other than the authorized user operates the camera device body. Is considered.

  That is, in the camera device provided with the user authentication function based on this password, the user input of the password is requested in accordance with the operation instruction for browsing and displaying the image data, and if the password does not match the password of the registered regular user, The display process of data is prohibited and a warning message not permitting browsing is displayed.

  Also, in order to prevent others from seeing image data that is stored in a card-type memory and taken outside or transmitted to the outside via a communication network, the image data itself is encrypted to ensure security. The technique “imaging device and image data delivery method” is also considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a browsing display state of image data by a conventional camera device with a security function equipped with a user authentication function using a password and an image encryption technique.

  That is, when an instruction to view and display an image recorded in the camera device is given, first, a password input request screen G1 is displayed as shown in FIG. 11A, where the password entered by the user is registered in advance as a regular user. If it is determined that the password does not match, a password mismatch warning screen G2 is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (B), and then an image non-display screen Gx is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (C). The browsing display of recorded images is prohibited.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the password input by the user in accordance with the password input request screen G1 shown in FIG. 11A matches the password of the regular user registered in advance, as shown in FIG. The recorded image is browsed and displayed as a thumbnail display screen G3. On the thumbnail display screen G3 of the recorded images, the two encrypted image files P2s and P6s that have been pre-encrypted and recorded as secret images among the recorded images are, for example, scrambled image displays. The non-encrypted image files P1, P3, P4, and P5 other than the non-encrypted image files are displayed as normal images. For example, when the non-encrypted image file P3 is selected and operated, as shown in FIG. When an encrypted image file P6s is selected and displayed as an image (P3), it is displayed as an unknown encrypted image (P6s) as shown in FIG.
JP 2003-333519 A

  However, like the conventional camera device with a security function, it is requested to input a user password in response to an instruction to display and browse image data, or a warning message is displayed when the passwords do not match, and the browsing prohibition display state is set. Or even displaying an encrypted image file, it turns out that an authorized user of the camera device hides an image that the other user does not want to be known to others, or only to a specific user If there is a situation in which it is known that there is a hidden image, and a malicious third party gets the camera device main body or a memory card that records the image, the secret image is managed somehow. There is an increased risk of being seen and motivated to see.

  Therefore, if a more advanced image encryption processing technology is introduced, the risk of seeing a secret image will be reduced, but it will take time for processing during recording and browsing and display. New problems arise, such as loss of comfort in use and management of encrypted information.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is possible to ensure the security of the image while preventing a third party from realizing that an image that is not desired to be known to others is recorded. It is an object to provide a camera device and a control program thereof.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera device for photographing a subject image, an image recording device for recording subject image data photographed by the photographing device as an image file of a predetermined format, and the image recording device. And the camouflage recording means for replacing the camouflage image data recorded with the camouflage image data with the camouflaged image data and concealing the subject image data in the same image file.

  The camera device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the camera device according to claim 1, wherein the identification information input means for inputting user identification information in response to a user operation, and the input by the identification information input means. When the registered user identification information does not match the pre-registered user identification information, the camouflaged image data replaced with the image file is displayed by the camouflage recording means. It further comprises reproduction control means for displaying the subject image data concealed and recorded.

  The camera device according to claim 3 of the present invention is the camera device according to claim 1, wherein the image file of the predetermined format is disguised when the file is reproduced by an image file reproduction processing program of the predetermined format. When the image data is read and displayed, and the file is played back by a predetermined format image file playback processing program that supports the camouflage function, the hidden subject image data is read and can be displayed. It is characterized by.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the camera apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the camouflaged recording means uses the subject image data recorded by the image recording means as the photographing time of the subject image. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the image data is replaced with camouflaged image data, and the subject image data is concealed and recorded in the same image file.

  The camera device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the camera device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the camouflage recording means records an image in an image file of a predetermined format by the image recording means. The subject image data recorded in the area is replaced with camouflaged image data, and the subject image data is saved in an extended area in the same image file and concealed and recorded.

  The camera device according to claim 6 of the present invention is the camera device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the camouflaged recording unit uses the camouflaged image of the subject image data recorded by the image recording unit. It is characterized by being concealed and recorded in a form embedded in data by replacing it with the camouflaged image data.

  The camera device according to claim 7 of the present invention is the camera device according to claim 1, wherein the subject image data is recorded by the camouflaged recording unit by replacing the camouflaged image data with the subject image data. Is further provided with storage medium writing means for storing an image file recorded in a concealed manner in an external storage medium.

  The camera device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the camera device according to the first aspect, in which the subject image data is recorded by the camouflaged recording unit by replacing the camouflaged image data with the subject image data. Is further provided with a communication means for transmitting an image file recorded in a concealed manner to an external electronic device.

  The camera device according to claim 9 of the present invention is the camera device according to claim 1, wherein the camouflaged image data to be replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit includes a plurality of camouflages prepared in advance. It is characterized by being selected from image data.

  The camera device according to claim 10 of the present invention is the camera device according to claim 1, wherein the camouflaged image data to be replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is captured by the imaging unit. It is characterized in that it is selected from a plurality of subject image data not set to be camouflaged previously recorded by the image recording means.

  According to the camera device (camera device control program) according to claim 1 (camera device control program), when subject image data photographed by the photographing means is recorded as an image file of a predetermined format by the image recording means, The recorded subject image data is replaced with the camouflaged image data by the camouflage recording means, and the subject image data is concealed and recorded in the same image file. For example, a third party takes this image file outside. When a predetermined reproduction process for reproducing an image file in a predetermined format is performed, the camouflaged image data is read and displayed for reproduction, and it is noticed that the normal subject image data is hidden. Therefore, the security of the subject image data can be reliably ensured.

  According to the camera device (camera device control program) according to claim 2 (claim 12), in the camera device (camera device control program) according to claim 1 (claim 11), identification information input If the user identification information input by the means does not match the pre-registered user identification information, the camouflaged image data replaced with the image file by the camouflage recording means is reproduced and displayed. Since the subject image data concealed and recorded in the image file is reproduced and displayed, even when a third party operates the camera device to reproduce the image file, the camouflaged image data is read and reproduced. It is displayed and the security of the subject image data is ensured without realizing that the regular subject image data is hidden. It will be able to ensure.

  According to the camera device of the third aspect, in the camera device of the first aspect, when the image file of the predetermined format is reproduced by the image file reproduction processing program of the predetermined format, the camouflaged image data is read. In the case where the file is reproduced by being displayed and reproduced and displayed by an image file reproduction processing program of a predetermined format corresponding to the camouflage function, for example, the subject image data concealed and recorded according to the match of the user password can be read and reproduced and displayed. Therefore, when this image file is taken out to the outside, only the fake image data is played back and displayed on the file playback device incorporating the image file playback processing program of the predetermined format, and the image file of the predetermined format corresponding to the camouflage function The file playback device with a built-in playback processing program recorded hidden Utsushitai image data becomes reproducible display, it becomes possible to conceal unnoticed the subject image data to a third party.

  According to the camera device of claim 4, in the camera device of claim 1, in the camouflaged recording unit, the subject image data recorded by the image recording unit is stored after a lapse of a predetermined time from the photographing time of the subject image. Since it is replaced with camouflaged image data and the subject image data is concealed and recorded in the same image file, the subject image data photographed by the photographing means is immediately replaced with camouflaged image data, which adversely affects the confirmation of the photographed image. Can be prevented from coming out.

  According to the camera device of claim 5, in the camera device of claim 1 or 4, the camouflaged recording unit records the image in the image recording area in the image file of a predetermined format by the image recording unit. Since the subject image data is replaced with the camouflaged image data, and the subject image data is saved and concealed in the extended area in the same image file, the subject image data is stored in an image file playback processing program (external playback device) in a predetermined format. ) Can be concealed by evacuating to an extended area that cannot be read.

  According to the camera device of claim 6, in the camera device of claim 1 or claim 4, in the camouflaged recording unit, the subject image data recorded by the image recording unit is embedded in the camouflaged image data. Since it is replaced with the camouflaged image data as a form and concealed and recorded, the image file reproduction processing program (external reproduction device) in a predetermined format can reproduce only the camouflaged image data that is concealed by embedding the subject image data.

  According to the camera device of claim 7, in the camera device of claim 1, the subject image data is recorded by the camouflaged recording unit while being replaced with the camouflaged image data, and the subject image data is concealed. Since the recorded image file can be stored in an external storage medium by the storage medium writing means, the image file concealed without being noticed by a third party by replacing the subject image data with the fake image data is externally provided. Can be taken out.

  According to the camera device of the eighth aspect, in the camera device of the first aspect, the subject image data is recorded by the camouflaged recording unit while being replaced with the camouflaged image data, and the subject image data is concealed. Since the recorded image file can be transmitted to an external electronic device by means of communication means, an external camera device can conceal the image file that is hidden without being noticed by a third party by replacing the subject image data with camouflaged image data. And PC (Personal computer).

  According to the camera device of claim 9, in the camera device of claim 1, the camouflaged image data to be replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is selected from a plurality of camouflaged image data prepared in advance. Therefore, the subject image data can be easily replaced with the camouflaged image data and concealed.

  According to the camera device of claim 10 of the present invention, in the camera device of claim 1, camouflaged image data to be replaced with subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is photographed by the photographing unit and image recording unit. Thus, it is possible to select from a plurality of pre-recorded non-fake subject image data, so that the subject image data can be easily replaced by hiding the imitation image data similar to the subject image data.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of a digital camera device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The digital camera device 10 includes a control unit (CPU) 11, a storage device 12, a RAM 13, an imaging unit 14, a light irradiation unit 14a, an image memory 14b, a liquid crystal display unit 15, an input unit 16, a sound generation unit 17, and a storage medium reading. The unit 18 and the communication control unit 19 are connected to each other via a bus.

  In response to an input signal from the input unit 12, the control unit (CPU) 11 receives a camera control program stored in advance in the storage device 12 or an external storage medium 18 a such as a small memory card via the storage medium read / write unit 18. The camera control program read into the storage device 12 or connected to a PC (Personal Computer) 20 by the communication control unit 19 from the storage device 22 of the external computer terminal (program server 21) via the communication network (Internet) 20 Then, the camera control program read into the storage device 12 is activated, and the operation of each part of the circuit is controlled using the RAM 13 as a work memory.

  The storage device 12 is composed of a ROM of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device HDD, or the like, and impersonates a photographed image together with the camera control program read out by the control unit (CPU) 11 immediately after the digital camera device 10 is turned on. In addition, a captured image recording / playback processing program with a camouflage function for recording and playing back is stored in advance.

  The RAM 13 temporarily stores various data that needs to be held in accordance with various processing operations such as shooting mode setting data, camouflaged presence / absence data for each shooting process, and password data input by the user.

  The imaging unit 14 includes an imaging lens, a CCD, a zoom / focus drive adjustment mechanism, and the like, and an optical image formed through the imaging lens in accordance with a shutter operation by the input unit 16 is captured by a CCD (Charge coupled device). Convert to digital image data.

  When the imaging operation by the imaging unit 14 is performed in accordance with the shutter operation, the light irradiation unit 14a performs the light emission according to the necessity / unnecessity of the strobe light emission setting and irradiates in the shooting direction.

  In the image memory 14b, image data captured by the imaging unit 14 is stored by the number corresponding to the memory capacity. In this case, each captured image data is stored, for example, in the recording form of the DCF file system. At the same time, the user is grouped and stored according to an arbitrary group setting.

  The display unit 15 includes a liquid crystal display monitor screen, and displays an image captured by the imaging unit 14, displays a guide message for various shootings, displays a selection item, and the like.

  The input unit 16 includes various operation keys (buttons) such as a power key, a shooting mode (including camouflage setting / non-setting) setting key, a shutter key, a zoom key, a reproduction key, a selection key, and a determination key.

  The sound generation unit 17 generates an operation confirmation sound according to the operation of various keys (buttons) such as a shutter sound “pasha” according to the operation of the shutter key of the input unit 16 by an electronic sound.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a format of an image file stored in the image memory 14b of the digital camera device 10 in the form of a DCF file, and FIG. The figure which shows the format of the image file 14P, The figure (B) is a figure which shows the format of the image file 14Pi after the 1st camouflage process (saved to an expansion area) which image | photographed setting camouflage mode, The figure (C) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a format of an image file 14Pi after second camouflage processing (embedded in a regular image) shot with a camouflage mode set.

  That is, each image file 14Pn (14pin) in the DCF file form includes a file header 31, a data area 32, and an extension area 33, and as shown in FIG. 2A, the data area 32 of the image file 14Pn before the camouflage processing. The regular image data Pn as captured by the imaging unit 14 is recorded in, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format, and the extended area 33 includes Exif information 33a such as shooting recording date / time and user password, the image A camouflaged presence / absence flag 33f indicating whether or not the file 14Pn has been camouflaged has been recorded.

  In the case of this embodiment, for example, the first camouflaging process (evacuation to an expanded area) using the implant JPEG or the second camouflaging process using the cloaking bitmap (regular image) is used as the camouflage form for the image file 14Pn photographed in the camouflage setting mode. Embedded in) is selected.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the pre-prepared camouflaged image data Pin is recorded in the data area 32 of the image file 14Pin after the first camouflage processing (saved in the extension area), and the extension area 33 is recorded in the extension area 33. Exif information 33a such as shooting recording date / time and user password, and regular image data Pn recorded in the data area 32 before the camouflage processing are saved (hidden) and recorded. In this first camouflage processing form, the image data itself of the camouflaged image data Pin and the regular image data Pn is not subjected to the processing, and only the two image data are connected in the JPEG file. There is no particular limitation on the size of the file, but the data amount of the file after the camouflage processing is the sum of the data amount of each image data.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, in the data area 32 of the image file 14Pin after the second camouflage process (embedded in the regular image), the regular image data recorded in the data area 32 before the camouflage process. Pn is embedded and concealed in pre-prepared camouflaged image data Pin similar to the regular image data Pn, and recorded in the extended area 33 is Exif information 33a such as shooting recording date / time and user password. Is done. In this second camouflage processing form, the information of the regular image data Pn is included in each pixel of the camouflaged image data Pin as long as the change in the appearance of the camouflaged image data Pin does not increase, and can be embedded. Although the size of the image data is limited, a change in the data amount of the file due to camouflage processing can be reduced. Therefore, there is no worry that the file capacity is abnormally large compared to the displayed image size.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the camouflaged image data Pin prepared and selected in advance for camouflage processing for the pre-camera image file 14Pn of the digital camera device 10, and FIG. Is a pre-prepared camouflaged image data Pia, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing camouflaged image data Pib selected from other regular image data Pn... It is.

  That is, for the image file 14Pin after the first camouflage processing (saved in the extended area) shown in FIG. 2B, in the normal file reproduction processing program, the camouflaged image data Pin recorded in the data area 32 is While the normal image data Pn saved and recorded in the extended area 33 cannot be reproduced and displayed while being reproducible and displayed, the third party does not know that the normal image data Pn is hidden. The reproduced and displayed camouflaged image data Pin is recognized as a correct image that has been captured and recorded.

  In addition, with respect to the image file 14Pin after the second camouflage processing (embedded in the regular image) shown in FIG. 2C, the regular image data Pn recorded in the data area 32 in the normal file reproduction processing program. While the camouflaged image data Pin embedded in can be reproduced and displayed, only the regular image data Pn is extracted and cannot be reproduced and displayed. Therefore, the third party has the regular image data Pn embedded and concealed. Without knowing that it is, the reproduced and displayed camouflaged image data Pin is recognized as a correct image that has been captured and recorded.

  As with the digital camera device 10 in the present embodiment, the user passwords do not match even in other digital camera devices or PCs that have a captured image recording / playback processing program with a camouflage function as a control program. In this case, instead of prohibiting password mismatch warning and recording image playback display, the camouflaged image file 14Pin reproduces and displays the camouflaged image data Pin recorded in the data area 32 so that a regular image is displayed. Since the data Pn cannot be reproduced and displayed, the third party does not know that the regular image data Pn is embedded and hidden, and the correct image in which the reproduced and displayed camouflaged image data Pin is captured and recorded. Recognize that

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an externally available route of each image file 14Pn (14pin) photographed and recorded by the digital camera device 10. As shown in FIG.

  That is, each image file 14Pn (14pin) photographed and recorded by the digital camera device 10 is recorded on an external recording medium 18a such as a memory card and taken out to the outside, or attached to an e-mail and others on the communication network N. Can be browsed and displayed by the digital camera devices 10A, 10B,... And the PCs 20A, 20b,. However, the digital camera device (browsing non-permitted camera) 10B having a normal file reproduction processing program without a camouflaged function image recording / reproduction processing program similar to the digital camera device 10 of the present embodiment, and a PC ( In the non-permitted PC) 20B, the post-impersonation image file 14pin is recorded in the data area 32. Even if the digital camera device (browsing-permitted camera) 10A... Or PC (browsing-permitted PC) 20A has a camouflaged function recorded image recording / playback processing program, the user password is displayed. In a state where they do not match, the camouflaged image file 14pin reproduces and displays the camouflaged image data Pin recorded in the data area 32 in the same manner as described above, so that the camouflaged image data Pin remains hidden from the regular image data Pn for the third party. Can be recognized as a correct image recorded and recorded.

  Next, the recording / reproducing operation of the captured image with a camouflage function of the digital camera device 10 having the above configuration will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a shooting mode process of the digital camera device 10.

  In the shooting mode processing set to be camouflaged, a desired subject is captured and displayed on the display unit 15 by the imaging unit 14, and when shooting of the subject is instructed by operating the shutter key of the input unit 16 (step S1), The image data captured by the imaging unit 14 is recorded and stored as regular image data P1 in the data area 32 of the pre-fake image file 14P1 in the image memory 14b, and the Exif information 33a such as the shooting date and time is stored in the extended area 33. A camouflaged no flag 33f indicating that the camouflaging process has not been processed is recorded (steps S2 and S3). At this time, the user password registered in advance in the storage device 12 is recorded in the Exif information 33a in the extended area 33.

  Each time the shutter key of the input unit 16 is operated, the pre-fake image file 14Pn in the image memory 14b of the same photographing process, the photographed normal image data Pn and the Exif information 33a and the non-fake flag 33f, respectively. Is recorded (steps S1 to S4), and a pre-impersonation image file 14P storing a plurality of pre-impersonation image files 14P1 to 14Pn is generated in the image memory 14b.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a camouflage process performed in parallel with the shooting mode process in which the digital camera device 10 is camouflaged.

  This camouflage process is started when the first pre-impersonation image file 14P1 is recorded and stored in the image memory 14b by the photographing mode process. First, the Exif information 33a in the extension area 33 of each pre-impersonation image file 14Pn. The presence of the pre-fake image file 14Pn in which the camouflaging process is unprocessed (set state of no impersonation flag) and a predetermined time or more has passed since the shooting time is searched. (Step A1).

  When it is determined that the pre-impersonation image file 14Pn is unprocessed (set state of the no-impersonation flag) and has passed a predetermined time or more from the photographing time (step A2). In step 7, the camouflage process is performed on the pre-fake image file 14Pn.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a camouflage processing process accompanying the camouflage process of the digital camera device 10.

  When the camouflage processing is started, first, for example, the camouflage processing form is a first camouflage process form (for example, saved in an extended area) by implant JPEG or a second camouflage process form by cloaking bitmap (embedded in a regular image). A camouflage processing form selection screen (not shown) for allowing the user to select from any of the above is displayed on the display unit 15 (step B1).

  In this camouflage processing mode selection screen, it is determined that the camouflage processing mode selected based on the recording format of each image file 14Pn... And the user's designation is the first camouflage processing mode (saved in the extended area). In this case (step B2), the regular image data Pn recorded in the data area 32 of the pre-fake image file 14Pn (see FIG. 2A) to be processed is as shown in FIG. 2B. It is saved (hidden) in the extended area 33 and recorded (step B3).

  Then, when the image data for camouflage is recognized and selected from other normal image data Pn... Not set for camouflage similar to the normal image data Pn saved in the extended area 33 (step B4). The selected fake image data Pin is recorded and stored in the data area 32 in the post-fake image file 14Pin (see FIG. 2B) in which the regular image data Pn is saved in the extended area 33 (step B5).

  As a result, the pre-impersonation image file 14Pn which is impersonated and stored in the image memory 14b as shown in FIG. 2A is stored in the first impersonation processing form (extended) as shown in FIG. Is saved and converted into a post-impersonation image file 14Pin that has been subjected to the impersonation process.

  On the other hand, in the display state of the camouflage processing mode selection screen (step B1), the camouflage processing mode selected based on the recording format of each image file 14Pn. If it is determined that it is embedded in the image (step B2), the regular image data Pn recorded in the data area 32 for the pre-fake image file 14Pn (see FIG. 2A) to be camouflaged. The image data for camouflaging is selected by image recognition from the other regular image data Pn... That are not set to camouflage (step B6).

  Then, the regular image data Pn is embedded in the selected camouflaged image data Pin, for example, in the form of a cloaking bitmap, and is concealed. As shown in FIG. Recorded and stored (step B7).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 2A, the pre-impersonation image file 14Pn that has been impersonated and stored in the image memory 14b as shown in FIG. It is generated and converted into a post-impersonation image file 14Pin that has been subjected to an impersonation process by embedding in the image) and stored.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the playback mode processing of the digital camera device 10.

  When a desired image file stored in the image memory 14b is selected and designated as an image file to be played back (step C1), it is determined whether or not the viewing mode is set in accordance with the captured image recording / playback processing program with a camouflage function. (Step C2).

  Here, for example, when the image playback control program in the digital camera device 10 is a normal file playback processing program and is not set to the viewing mode, the image file designated as the playback target is the image file. In the case of the post-impersonation image file 14Pin (see FIGS. 2B and 2C), the impersonation image data Pin recorded in the data area 32 is read and displayed (step C3). At this time, when the image file designated as the reproduction target is the image file 14Pn (see FIG. 2A) that is not set to be camouflaged, the regular image data Pn recorded in the data area 32 is read out. Displayed.

  For this reason, with respect to the photographic recording image including the image file 14Pin camouflaged by the photographing mode process and the camouflage process in FIGS. 5 to 7, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a memory card (external recording medium 18a) Or when it is played back on a camera device 10B or PC 20B that is not permitted to browse and that contains only a normal file playback processing program, as shown in FIG. 9 (A), for example, The regular image data P1, P3 to P5 are read for the set image files 14P1 and 14P3 to 14P5, and the fake image data Pi2 and Pi6 are read for the post-fake image files 14Pi2 and 14Pi6. It will be displayed as Gi.

  Then, on the camouflaged thumbnail screen Gi, for example, when the camouflaged image data Pi6 is selected, the selected camouflaged image data Pi6 is enlarged and displayed as one sheet as shown in FIG. 9B. Similarly, When the regular image data P3 is selected, as shown in FIG. 9C, the selected regular image data P3 is enlarged and displayed as one sheet.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image display state when an image file that has been subjected to camouflage processing by the digital camera device 10 is played back by a camera device 10B or PC 20B that is not permitted to browse and that has only a normal file playback processing program. is there.

  Therefore, when a third party performs such an image reproduction operation, the third party does not know at all that the reproduced and displayed camouflaged image data Pi2 and Pi6 are camouflaged captured image data. The corresponding regular image data P2 and P6 are concealed safely and reliably.

  FIG. 10 shows an image display state when an image file subjected to camouflage processing by the digital camera device 10 is played back by a viewing-permitted camera device 10A or PC 20A that incorporates a photographic image recording / playback processing program with a camouflage function. FIG.

  In step C2, if the image playback control program in the digital camera device 10 is a photographic image recording / playback processing program with a camouflage function and is set to the viewing mode, a password as shown in FIG. The input screen G1 is displayed (step C2 → C4).

  If it is determined that the password input by the user according to the password input screen G1 does not match the user password recorded as the Exif information 33a of the extension area 33 in the image file designated as the reproduction target, the password does not match When the image file designated as the reproduction target is the post-impersonation image file 14Pin (see FIGS. 2B and 2C), the impersonation image data recorded in the data area 32 is displayed. Pin is read and displayed (step C5 → C3). At this time, when the image file designated as the reproduction target is the image file 14Pn (see FIG. 2A) that is not set to be camouflaged, the regular image data Pn recorded in the data area 32 is read out. Displayed.

  For this reason, with respect to the photographic recording image including the image file 14Pin camouflaged by the photographing mode process and the camouflage process in FIGS. 5 to 7, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a memory card (external recording medium 18a) Or when it is taken out via the communication network N and played on another viewing-permitted camera device 10A or PC 20A that incorporates a photographic image recording / playback processing program with a camouflage function, even if the passwords do not match For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the normal image data P1, P3 to P5 are read for the image files 14P1, 14P3 to 14P5 which are not set to be camouflaged, and the image after camouflaging is displayed. For the files 14Pi2 and 14Pi6, the camouflaged image data Pi2 and Pi6 are read and displayed as a camouflaged thumbnail screen Gi. It becomes so that.

  Then, on the camouflaged thumbnail screen Gi, for example, when the camouflaged image data Pi6 is selected, the selected camouflaged image data Pi6 is enlarged and displayed as one sheet as shown in FIG. When the regular image data P3 is selected, as shown in FIG. 10C, the selected regular image data P3 is enlarged and displayed as one sheet.

  Therefore, even when a third party performs an image playback operation using another viewing-permitted camera device 10A or PC 20A incorporating such a camouflaged function-captured image recording / playback processing program, the third party has a password. Despite the discrepancy, the camouflaged image data Pi2 and Pi6 that were reproduced and displayed without the warning (notification) are correct captured image data with matching passwords, without knowing that the camouflaged image data is the camouflaged captured image data. Therefore, the regular image data P2 and P6 corresponding to this can be safely and reliably concealed.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the password input by the user according to the password input screen G1 shown in FIG. 10A matches the user password recorded as the Exif information 33a of the extended area 33 in the image file designated as the reproduction target. If it is determined, if the image file specified as the reproduction target is the post-impersonation image file 14Pin (see FIG. 2B) which is the first impersonation processing form, it is saved and recorded in the expansion area 33. When the regular image data Pn is read and displayed, and is the post-impersonation image file 14Pin (see FIG. 2C) which is the second impersonation processing form, the impersonation image data Pin in the data area 32 is displayed. The regular image data Pn embedded and concealed is extracted and displayed (steps C5 → C6). At this time, if the image file designated as the reproduction target is the image file 14Pn (see FIG. 2A) that is not set to be camouflaged, of course, the regular image data Pn recorded in the data area 32 is read. Is displayed.

  For this reason, with respect to the photographic recording image including the image file 14Pin camouflaged by the photographing mode process and the camouflage process in FIGS. 5 to 7, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a memory card (external recording medium 18a) If the user passwords match even if they are taken out via the communication network N and reproduced on another viewing-permitted camera device 10A or PC 20A that incorporates a photographic image recording / playback processing program with a camouflage function, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 10E, the regular image data P1 to P6 are read out regardless of whether the image files 14P1, 14P3 to 14P5 or the post-impersonation image files 14Pi2 and 14Pi6 are not set to be camouflaged. The screen G is displayed.

  Then, for example, when the regular image data P3 is selected on the regular thumbnail screen G, the selected regular image data P3 is enlarged and displayed as one sheet as shown in FIG. When the regular image data P6 is selected, the selected regular image data P6 is enlarged and displayed as one sheet as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, even when an image reproduction operation is performed by another viewing-permitted camera device 10A or PC 20A that incorporates such a camouflaged function-captured image recording / reproduction processing program, all image files can be obtained only by a regular user operation. The regular image data Pn can be reproduced and displayed, and each image file photographed and recorded by the camouflage setting can be safely and reliably hidden from the third party.

  Therefore, according to the recording / playback processing of the captured image with the camouflage function of the digital camera device 10 having the above-described configuration, when the camouflage setting is performed when shooting the subject, the image is recorded in the data area 32 of the image file 14Pn before the camouflage Instead of concealing the regular photographed image data Pn by saving or embedding, for example, image data Pi for disguise that is similar to the regular image data Pn is selected, recorded, and recorded from among image data that is not impersonated. A post-impersonation image file 14Pin is generated. If the input password does not match the pre-registered user password during the playback process of the recorded image, the playback target is disguised without warning of password mismatch (notification) or prohibition of playback of the recorded image. When the camouflaged image data Pin recorded in the data area 32 of the subsequent image file 14Pin is reproduced and displayed, and when it matches the user password, the regular captured image data Pn that is concealed is reproduced and displayed. When the user performs a playback operation, the password is not recognized at all without knowing that the forged image data Pin reproduced and displayed without the warning (notification) despite the mismatched password is the forged image data. Then, it can be assumed that the correct photographed image data is reproduced and displayed, and the corresponding regular photographed image data Pn is obtained. So we can all surely hiding.

  Further, according to the recording / playback processing of the captured image with the camouflage function of the digital camera device 10 having the above-described configuration, the camouflaged image file 14Pin to be played back is played back on the camera device 10B or the PC 20B incorporating a normal file playback processing program. In such a case, since the camouflaged image data Pin recorded in the data area 32 is immediately read out and displayed without confirmation of the user password associated with the setting of the viewing mode, the third party can display the camouflaged image data Pin. It can be assumed that the correct captured image data is reproduced and displayed without knowing that it is camouflaged captured image data, and the regular captured image data Pn corresponding to this can be safely and reliably hidden. It becomes like this.

  Further, according to the recording / playback processing of the captured image with a camouflage function of the digital camera device 10 having the above-described configuration, the regular captured image data Pn recorded in the data area 32 of the pre-fake image file 14Pn in accordance with the shooting processing is predetermined. After the elapse of time, forgery processing is performed. For example, the regular image data Pn is saved in the extended area 33, and instead, the forged image data Pin is generated and converted as a post-impersonation image file 14Pin of the first impersonation form recorded in the data area 32. Therefore, it can be prevented that the image is converted into the camouflaged image data Pin immediately after shooting and cannot be displayed on the monitor as the normal shot image data Pn.

  In the embodiment, the password is used for confirmation / identification of the authorized user. However, the authorized user may be confirmed / identified using human body identification information such as a fingerprint image or an iris image.

  Then, each processing method by the digital camera device 10 described in the above embodiment, that is, the shooting mode process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, and the camouflage shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 executed in parallel following the start of the shooting mode process. Each method such as the process, the camouflage processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the playback mode process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is executed as a program that can be executed by the computer. (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), external recording medium 18a such as semiconductor memory, etc. can be distributed. Then, the computer (control unit (CPU) 11) of the electronic apparatus having the photographing / recording function reads the program stored in the external recording medium 18a into the storage device 12, and the operation is controlled by the read program. Thus, it is possible to realize the recording / reproduction processing of the captured image with a camouflage function described in the above-described embodiment, and execute the same processing by the above-described method.

  Further, program data for realizing each of the above methods can be transmitted on a communication network (Internet) N as a program code form, and a computer terminal (program server) connected to the communication network (Internet) N ) The program data from 21 can be taken in via the communication control unit 19 and stored in the storage device 12 to realize the recording / playback processing of the photographic image with the camouflage function described above.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention at the stage of implementation. Further, each of the embodiments includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some configuration requirements are deleted from all the configuration requirements shown in each embodiment or some configuration requirements are combined, the problems described in the column of problems to be solved by the invention can be solved, When the effects described in the “Effects of the Invention” can be obtained, a configuration in which these constituent elements are deleted or combined can be extracted as an invention.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of a digital camera device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the format of the image file memorize | stored in the image memory 14b of the said digital camera apparatus 10 in the form of a DCF file, The figure (A) is the image file 14P before the camouflaging process image | photographed by setting camouflage mode. FIG. 5B shows the format of the image file 14Pi after the first camouflage processing (saved in the extended area) photographed with the camouflage mode set, and FIG. 5C shows the camouflage mode. The figure which shows the format of the image file 14Pi after the 2nd camouflage process (it embeds in a regular image) image | photographed by setting. It is a figure which shows the camouflaged image data Pin prepared and selected beforehand at the time of camouflage processing with respect to the image file 14Pn before the camouflage process of the said digital camera apparatus 10, The figure (A) shows beforehand the message "There is no file." The prepared camouflaged image data Pia, FIG. 5B is a diagram showing camouflaged image data Pib selected from the other regular image data Pn... That are not impersonated and are similar to the regular image data Pn. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an externally available route for each image file 14Pn (14pin) photographed and recorded by the digital camera device 10. 5 is a flowchart showing a shooting mode process of the digital camera device 10; 7 is a flowchart showing a camouflage process performed in parallel with the shooting mode process for which camouflage is set in the digital camera device 10; 6 is a flowchart showing a camouflage processing process associated with the camouflage process of the digital camera device 10; 4 is a flowchart showing a playback mode process of the digital camera device 10. The figure which shows the image display state at the time of reproducing | regenerating by the camera apparatus 10B and PC20B which are not permitted to view the image file which the camouflage process process was performed by the said digital camera apparatus 10 only with a normal file reproduction | regeneration processing program. The figure which shows the image display state at the time of reproducing | regenerating by the camera apparatus 10A of browsing permission and PC20A which incorporated the imaging | photography image recording / reproduction | regeneration processing program with a camouflage function for the image file to which the camouflage process process was performed by the said digital camera apparatus 10. FIG. The figure which shows the browsing display state of the image data by the conventional camera apparatus with a security function which mounts the user authentication function and image encryption technique by a password.

Explanation of symbols

10: Digital camera device 11: Control unit (CPU)
12 ... Storage device 13 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Image pick-up part 14a ... Light irradiation part 14b ... Image memory 14P ... Image file before camouflage process 14Pn ... Image file before camouflage process 14Pi ... Image file after camouflage process 14Pin ... Image file after camouflage Pn ... Regular image data Pin ... Impersonation image data 15 Display unit 16 Input unit 17 Sound generation unit 18 Storage medium read / write unit 18a External recording medium 19 Communication control unit 20 PC (Personal Computer)
21 ... Program server (Web server)
22 ... Web server storage device 31 ... File header 32 ... Data area 33 ... Extension area 33a ... Exif information 33f ... Impersonation presence / absence flag G ... Regular thumbnail display screen Gi ... Impersonation thumbnail display screen

Claims (13)

Photographing means for photographing a subject image;
Image recording means for recording subject image data photographed by the photographing means as an image file of a predetermined format;
A camouflage recording unit that replaces the subject image data recorded by the image recording unit with camouflaged image data, and conceals and records the subject image data in the same image file;
A camera device comprising: Identification information input means for inputting user identification information in response to a user operation;
When the user identification information input by the identification information input means does not match the pre-registered user identification information, the camouflaged image data replaced with the image file by the camouflage recording means is displayed and matched. Reproduction control means for displaying the subject image data concealed and recorded in the same image file,
The camera device according to claim 1, further comprising:   When the image file of the predetermined format is played back by the image file playback processing program of the predetermined format, the camouflaged image data is read and displayed, and the file is played back by the image file playback processing program of the predetermined format corresponding to the camouflage function. 2. The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is in a file format that allows the subject image data that is concealed and recorded to be read and displayed.   The camouflage recording means replaces the subject image data recorded by the image recording means with camouflaged image data after a predetermined time has elapsed from the photographing time of the subject image, and conceals and records the subject image data in the same image file. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein:   The camouflage recording means replaces the subject image data recorded in the image recording area in the image file of a predetermined format by the image recording means with the camouflaged image data, and saves the subject image data in the extension area in the same image file. 5. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein concealment recording is performed.   5. The camouflage recording unit according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the subject image data recorded by the image recording unit is embedded in the camouflaged image data and replaced with the camouflaged image data. Camera device.   The image processing apparatus further comprises storage medium writing means for storing the image file in which the subject image data is recorded by being replaced with the camouflaged image data by the camouflaged recording means and the subject image data is concealed and recorded in an external storage medium. The camera apparatus according to claim 1.   The image processing apparatus further includes a communication unit that transmits the image file in which the subject image data is recorded by being replaced with the camouflaged image data by the camouflage recording unit and is recorded while the subject image data is concealed. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein:   The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camouflaged image data to be replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is selected from a plurality of camouflaged image data prepared in advance.   The camouflaged image data to be replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is selected from a plurality of camouflaged non-set subject image data captured by the imaging unit and recorded in advance by the image recording unit. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein: A control program for controlling a computer of a camera device provided with photographing means for photographing a subject image,
The computer,
Image recording control means for recording subject image data photographed by the photographing means in an image memory as an image file of a predetermined format;
The camouflage recording control means for replacing the subject image data recorded in the image memory by the image recording control means with the camouflaged image data, and concealing and recording the subject image data in the same image file,
A control program for a camera device that functions as a computer program. Said computer further
Identification information input means for inputting user identification information in response to a user operation;
When the user identification information input by the identification information input means does not match the user identification information registered in advance, the camouflaged image data that has been replaced with the image file and recorded by the camouflage recording means is displayed on the display unit, Reproduction control means for displaying the subject image data concealed and recorded in the same image file on the display unit when they match,
The control program for a camera device according to claim 11, wherein the control program is made to function as: Image capturing means for capturing the subject image, image recording means for recording the subject image data captured by the image capturing means as an image file of a predetermined format, and subject image data recorded by the image recording means are replaced with fake image data. And a control program for controlling the computer of the image reproducing apparatus for reproducing the image file acquired by the camera apparatus provided with the camouflaged recording means for concealing and recording the subject image data in the same image file. ,
The computer,
Identification information input means for inputting user identification information in response to a user operation;
When the user identification information input by the identification information input means does not match the user identification information registered in advance in the image file, the camouflaged image data that has been replaced with the image file by the camouflage recording means is recorded. Reproduction control means for displaying on the display unit subject image data concealed and recorded in the same image file when displayed on the display unit,
A control program for an image playback apparatus that is configured to function as a computer program.

Images