JP2008177784A - Recording and reproducing device and its control method, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording and reproducing technique for preventing private images from being freely reproduced when used by someone other than a user without the need of checking the private images that the user does not want to show to the others. <P>SOLUTION: The recording and reproducing device is equipped with: an imaging means for picking up images and generating image data; a recording means for recording the image data in a recording medium; a reproducing means for reproducing the image data recorded in the recording means; a mode switching means for switching a specified mode of having the recording means record the image data so that only a specified user can reproduce them, a first operation mode of having the recording means record the image data and enabling only the specified user to reproduce the image data recorded in the specified mode, and a second operation mode of having the recording means record the image data and enabling all the users to reproduce the image data recorded in the specified mode; and a control means for inhibiting changeover to the first operation mode when there are the image data recorded in the specified mode in the recording medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for recording and reproducing recorded content such as moving image data shot by a digital video camera or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a video camera that records captured image data on a built-in medium such as a hard disk (HDD) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The capacity of the HDD has been dramatically increased, and image data exceeding several tens of hours to over 100 hours can be recorded.

On the other hand, since the HDD is less reliable than a disk medium such as a DVD, an important scene can be backed up and stored in a disk medium.
JP 2005-354133 A

  However, since the capacity of the HDD is large, it may be possible not to erase it immediately after taking a backup. For this reason, when the user wants to use it, there remains anxiety depending on the use situation, for example, whether there are any images that the user does not want to see other than the family. In order to remove this anxiety, it is necessary to check all image data. If the recording capacity increases, the possibility of requiring a check time increases accordingly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is not to check a private image that the user does not want to show to others and to prevent the private image from being freely reproduced when used by others other than the user. It is to realize the recording / reproducing technology.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image and generates image data, a recording unit that records the image data on a recording medium, and the recording unit Reproduction means for reproducing the image data recorded on the recording medium, a specific mode for recording the image data so that only a specific user can reproduce the recording means, and the recording means for recording the image data and the identification data. A first operation mode in which only the user can reproduce the image data recorded in the specific mode, and the recording means records the image data and the image data in which all users are recorded in the specific mode. When there is mode switching means for switching between the second operation mode capable of reproducing the image and the image data recorded in the specific mode on the recording medium, the first And a control means for prohibiting the switching to the operation mode.

  The recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention also includes an imaging unit that captures an image and generates image data, a recording unit that records the image data on a recording medium, and a reproducing unit that reproduces the image data recorded on the recording unit. And a recording mode in which the recording means records the image data so that only a specific user can play back, and the recording means records the image data and only the specific user is recorded in the specific mode. A first operation mode in which the recorded image data can be reproduced, and a second operation mode in which the recording means records the image data and all users can reproduce the image data recorded in the specific mode. Mode switching means for switching, display control means for displaying an image related to the image data reproduced by the reproducing means on a display device, and the specific mode on the recording medium. If there is image data recorded in the first operation mode, the image data recorded in the specific mode is set to display prohibition in response to an instruction to switch to the first operation mode, and the first operation mode is set. Control means for controlling the mode switching means so as to switch to

  Also, the control method of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging unit for capturing an image and generating image data, a recording unit for recording the image data on a recording medium, and reproducing the image data recorded on the recording unit. A recording unit for controlling the recording and reproducing apparatus, wherein the recording unit records the image data so that only a specific user can reproduce, and the recording unit records the image data. And a first operation mode in which only the specific user can reproduce the image data recorded in the specific mode, and the recording means records the image data and all the users record in the specific mode. A mode switching step for switching between the second operation mode in which the reproduced image data can be reproduced, and image data recorded in the specific mode on the recording medium. If you, and a control step for prohibiting the switching to the first mode of operation.

  Also, the control method of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging unit for capturing an image and generating image data, a recording unit for recording the image data on a recording medium, and reproducing the image data recorded on the recording unit. A recording unit for controlling the recording and reproducing apparatus, wherein the recording unit records the image data so that only a specific user can reproduce, and the recording unit records the image data. And a first operation mode in which only the specific user can reproduce the image data recorded in the specific mode, and the recording means records the image data and all the users record in the specific mode. A mode switching step for switching between the second operation mode in which the reproduced image data can be reproduced, and an image related to the image data reproduced by the reproducing means. And when the image data recorded in the specific mode is present on the recording medium, the image recorded in the specific mode in response to an instruction to switch to the first operation mode. And a control step of controlling the data to be set to display prohibition and switching to the first operation mode.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a private image from being freely reproduced when used by another person other than the user, without checking a private image that the user does not want to show to others.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed according to the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. It is not limited to the embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a video camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a lens unit, which has a function of correcting an imaging position moved by the movement of a fixed lens group for focusing, a variable power lens group, a diaphragm, and a variable power lens group, and a function of performing focus adjustment. It is comprised by the correction lens group which also has. The lens unit 101 finally forms a subject image on an imaging surface of a CCD 102 described later. Reference numeral 102 denotes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), which converts light into electric charges and generates an imaging signal. Reference numeral 103 denotes a camera signal processing circuit, which performs predetermined processing on the imaging signal and outputs digital image data.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes a compression / decompression circuit, which compresses digital image data by the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 method or the like to generate compressed video data. The compression / decompression circuit 104 also has a function of inputting compressed video data and decompressing it.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes a microcomputer that controls the entire system. A flash ROM 108 stores a program executed by the microcomputer 107. In addition, a part of the flash ROM 108 is used for backup and is used for maintaining the system state and the like. Reference numeral 109 denotes a memory, which is a volatile memory used as a work area by the microcomputer 107, the compression / decompression circuit 104, and the like.

  Reference numeral 113 denotes a bus. Reference numeral 112 denotes a hard disk (HDD) that is mounted so as not to be detachable from the camera body, and is a recording medium for recording the compressed video data generated by the compression / decompression circuit 104 as a moving image file according to a predetermined format. . The predetermined format may be compatible with a file system of a PC (personal computer) such as FAT.

  An on-screen display unit (OSD) 105 supplies image data from the compression / decompression circuit 104 to the liquid crystal panel 106 and displays an image. In addition, the OSD 105 has a function of displaying various setting menus, titles, time, and other information superimposed on the digital image data. A liquid crystal panel 106 receives the output of the OSD 105 and displays information such as image data, various setting menus, a title, and time. In addition to this, an actual video camera generally has a terminal for connecting to an external device such as a television receiver. Audio data is also provided with input / output devices such as a microphone unit and a speaker, and is compressed and recorded together with image data. However, the description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

  In the video camera according to the present embodiment, the HDD 112 is built in the video camera body, and cannot be easily removed by a specific mounting / ejecting mechanism or the like like a removable medium such as a DVD.

  Reference numeral 111 denotes a group of operation switches for the user to input operations. The operation switch group 111 is mainly provided with a switch for selecting a camera mode for capturing an image, a reproduction mode for reproducing image data, and a power-off mode for turning off the power. Reference numeral 114 denotes a USB terminal, which is provided for connection to an external device such as a PC or a printer.

  In the video camera according to the present embodiment, a series of moving image data recorded in the HDD 112 between a shooting start instruction and a shooting stop instruction by the operation switch 111 is managed as one file. At the time of reproduction, an image file of a scene designated by the user is read by the operation switch 111 from among a plurality of moving image files recorded in the HDD 112, decompressed, and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 106.

  Here, the video camera according to the present embodiment has a function of setting whether to permit reproduction of an image recorded by a user in a rental mode described later. In the following, a mode for shooting / recording in a state where reproduction by another person is prohibited is referred to as a private mode (specific mode), and a reproduction prohibited image shot in the private mode is referred to as private image data.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a GUI (Graphic User Interface) when setting to the private mode. A FUNC key 111 a is provided in the operation switch group 111. The FUNC key 111a is a switch operated when the user selects a function. The microcomputer 107 receives the operation input of the FUNC key 111a and creates and displays the GUI screen 801 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 802 denotes a function selection bar, in which functions that can be set by the user are arranged vertically. Reference numeral 803 denotes an option, which is selected by the function selection bar 802 and changes its contents depending on the function. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the above-described private mode can be set, and the user can specify ON / OFF from the option 803 with the cross key of the operation switch group 111 or the like. Note that the setting of the private mode is valid only when the standard mode, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, is switched to the lending mode.

  Once the user sets the private mode, the video camera maintains the private mode setting until the private mode is canceled or until the rental mode described later is switched. That is, for example, even after the main power is turned off (battery is dead, power is turned off by a user operation, etc.), the private mode setting is saved, and the next mode is started when the power is turned on. In the private mode, a private flag (Private Flag 302 in FIG. 3), which will be described later, is added to all image data captured during the mode setting and recorded as private image data.

  In the private mode, all image data recorded in the HDD 112 can be reproduced.

  Furthermore, the video camera of the present embodiment has a standard mode (second operation mode) mainly used by the user and the family, and a rental that prohibits playback of private image data when rented to a person other than the user or the family. The mode (first operation mode) can be switched. Furthermore, it has a return mode (third operation mode) for performing preprocessing to return from the lending mode to the standard mode.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the standard mode can be used for daily use only by a family including the user himself, and the rental mode can be set for use by a friend or a person other than the family.

  FIG. 4 illustrates each state transition in the standard mode, the lending mode, and the return mode.

  In FIG. 4, 401, 402, and 403 indicate each mode, and 404, 405, and 406 indicate transitions between the modes. A transition 404 from the standard mode 401 to the lending mode 402 and a transition 405 from the lending mode 402 to the return mode 403 are switched by a user operation through the GUI. A GUI for switching between these modes is mounted as one item of a menu for setting, for example, image quality during recording. Note that the transition 406 from the return mode 403 to the standard mode 401 is configured so that it cannot be switched unless information that only the owner knows, such as a password, is input.

  In the lending mode 402 and the return mode 403, the operation of the image file shot / recorded in the standard mode 401 is prohibited. In other words, in each of these modes, at least “media format” and “operations related to editing such as erasure and division of image files shot in the standard mode” are prohibited. Even when a batch delete function such as “Delete all image files” is executed, it is excluded from the files to be deleted.

  In addition, information (flag or the like) indicating which mode is set is stored in the flash ROM 108 and is initialized when, for example, the main power is turned off (battery dead, power off by user operation, etc.). It will start in the same mode when the power is turned on next time.

  FIG. 2 exemplifies a file structure when moving image data is recorded in the HDD 112.

  In FIG. 2, 201 is a route. Reference numeral 202 denotes a directory for recording a moving image file group recorded by this file system, and is named “SD-VIDEO”. Further, subdirectories are provided as 203 and 204, and directories for storing moving image files are classified according to a predetermined number of files or according to other conditions. The names of these directories are “PRG” plus a three-digit number. Reference numerals 205 to 208 denote moving image data files as recorded contents, and two files are generated and recorded by one recording. Each is composed of two files, the extension “MOD” is a stream file, and the extension “MOI” is a management file. The file name is “MOV” plus a three-digit number + period + extension.

  3 illustrates the contents of the management file (MOVXXX.MOI), and 302 is a private flag, which is information used to determine whether or not the image is private image data. In addition, information necessary for reproduction such as a time table is generally described, but the description is omitted in this embodiment.

  Next, processing when switching to the lending mode using the Private Flag 302 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process when switching to the lending mode using the Private Flag 302 according to the first embodiment.

  The following steps are realized by the CPU (arithmetic processing unit) of the microcomputer 107 executing a program stored in the flash ROM 108.

  In FIG. 5, in S502, it is determined whether or not there is a request for switching to the lending mode by a user operation through the operation switch group 111 and the GUI, and if there is a switching request, the process proceeds to S503.

In S503, it is checked whether or not all image files are private image data. Here, it is determined whether or not the image data is private image data based on the private flag 302 shown in FIG.
In S504, it is determined whether there is any private image data as a result of the check in S503. If it is determined that at least one private image data is included, the process proceeds to S506. If it is determined that no private image data is included, the process proceeds to S505.

  S506 is a warning display process. For example, a warning display screen 601 as shown in FIG. 6 is output to the liquid crystal panel 106 or the like using the OSD 105 for a predetermined time. At this time, this process is terminated without switching to the lending mode.

  S505 is a lending mode switching process, and the mode is switched from the standard mode 401 to the lending mode 402 in FIG. Here, information indicating that the lending mode is set is recorded in the flash ROM 108, and a directory for recording image data to be taken is newly created. For example, if the “PRG001” directory has already been created, a “PRG002” directory is newly created. Furthermore, information for enabling discrimination from where the image data is recorded in the lending mode is also recorded in the flash ROM 108.

  In addition, a message 702 indicating that the lending mode is being set is displayed on the display screen 701 shown in FIG. Further, the return mode 403 may not be essential. In this case, when switching from the lending mode 402 to the standard mode 401, it is necessary to devise such that switching is not possible unless information that only the owner knows, such as a password, is input.

  In addition, the image data recorded in the lending mode 402 may be deleted when switching from the lending mode 402 to the return mode 403 and the standard mode 401.

  Further, the image data recorded in the lending mode 402 at the time of switching from the lending mode 402 to the return mode 403 and the standard mode 401 may be grouped by a playlist or XML and stored in a newly created directory.

  Information necessary for each operation described above is also recorded in the flash ROM 108.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the lending mode 402, prohibit the switching of the lending mode 402 when private image data exists, and issue a warning to notify the user. Become. Therefore, it is not necessary for users to check private images that they do not want to show to others, so that private images cannot be played freely when used by others other than users, and private images can be inadvertently seen by others. Can be prevented in advance.

  In this embodiment, a private flag is added to all the image data shot before the release after the private mode is set. However, the private mode is set every time one scene is shot. It may be possible to select whether or not.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, processes of S911 and S912 are added to the flow of FIG. 5, and the same processes as those of FIG.

  In FIG. 9, as a result of the check in S503, if it is determined in S504 that any private image data is included, the process proceeds to S911. If it is determined that no private image data is included, the process proceeds to S505. Migrate each one.

  In S911, it is determined whether the private image data has been backed up by transferring it to an external device such as the flash ROM 108 or PC, and if it has been backed up, the process proceeds to S912, and if not backed up, the process proceeds to S506. For example, file archive information is used to determine whether or not the backup has been completed, but a flag may be provided in the management information.

  S 912 is a deletion process, and all image files are deleted from the HDD 112.

  By adding the above processing, even if private image data is present, it is possible to switch to the lending mode if the backup has been completed, and the usability can be improved.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the process of S1011 is added to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the process of S506 is omitted, and the same processes as in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, as a result of the check in S503, if it is determined in S504 that any private image data is included, S1011 is performed. If it is determined that no private image data is included, the process proceeds to S505. Migrate each one.

  In step S1011, processing is performed to hide the private image data (cannot be displayed). Here, the display attribute of the file is manipulated and set to non-display.

  By adding the above processing, even if private image data exists, it is possible to switch to the lending mode by hiding the private image data, and usability can be improved.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a video camera according to the fourth embodiment. The same blocks as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1120 denotes an encryption circuit, which is a circuit for encrypting or decrypting image data. The encryption circuit 1120 performs encryption using a certain ID as a key, and the ID is given from the microcomputer 107.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the encryption recording process of image data according to the fourth embodiment.

  In FIG. 12, in S1202, it is determined whether there is a request for recording image data by a user operation through the operation switch group 111 and the GUI. If there is a recording request, the process proceeds to S1203.

  In S1203 to S1205, the private image data is encrypted and recorded by the encryption circuit 1120 only when the private image data exists in the standard mode. If there is no standard mode or private image file, the image data is recorded without being encrypted (S1206).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing image data reproduction processing.

  In FIG. 13, it is determined whether there is a request for reproduction of image data by a user operation through the operation switch group 111 and the GUI. If there is a reproduction request, the process proceeds to S1303.

  Next, when the standard mode is selected in S1303, all image data are set to be reproducible regardless of the presence or absence of encryption (S1305). In S1303, only non-encrypted image data is set to be reproducible in a mode other than the standard mode (lending mode) (S1306).

  In S1306, when connected to an external device such as a PC through a USB or the like, the private image data encrypted by the video camera can be reproduced by the PC only when the above-described encryption ID is input.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by performing encryption recording processing on private image data, a private image is inadvertently prepared even when connected to an external device such as a PC in the rental mode. Can be prevented from being seen by others.

  Needless to say, the object of the present invention can be achieved by combining the above embodiments.

[Other Embodiments]
The object of the present invention can also be achieved by the following method. That is, a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus. Then, the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but the present invention includes the following cases. That is, based on the instruction of the program code, an operating system (OS) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, the following cases are also included in the present invention. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion card or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the procedure described above.

It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the video camera of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the file structure when recording a moving image on HDD. It is a figure which illustrates the contents of a management file. It is a figure which illustrates each state transition of standard mode, rental mode, and return mode. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of switching to the rental mode of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates a warning display screen. It is a figure which illustrates the display screen at the time of rental mode. It is a figure which illustrates GUI when setting to a private mode. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of switching to the rental mode of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of switching to the rental mode of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the video camera of 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the encryption recording process of the image data of 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reproduction | regeneration processing of image data.

Explanation of symbols

101 Lens unit 102 CCD
103 Camera signal processing circuit 104 Compression / decompression circuit 105 OSD
106 Liquid crystal panel 107 Microcomputer 108 Flash ROM
109 Memory 111 Operation switch group 112 HDD
113 Bus 114 USB
1120 Encryption circuit

Claims (20)

Imaging means for capturing an image and generating image data;
Recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium;
Reproducing means for reproducing the image data recorded in the recording means;
A specific mode in which the recording means records the image data so that only a specific user can play back, and an image in which the recording means records the image data and only the specific user is recorded in the specific mode. A mode for switching between a first operation mode in which data can be reproduced and a second operation mode in which the recording unit records the image data and all users can reproduce the image data recorded in the specific mode. Switching means;
And a control unit that prohibits switching to the first operation mode when image data recorded in the specific mode is present on the recording medium.   The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying that the switching to the first operation mode is prohibited.   The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is built in the apparatus main body.   The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit includes a generation unit that generates information indicating that the image data is recorded in the specific mode.   The recording means has management means for managing image data recorded on the recording medium according to a predetermined file system, and the management means records the image data recorded in the specific mode and the first operation mode. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recorded image data is stored in different directories. Backup means for copying and recording image data recorded on the recording medium for backup;
Determining means for determining whether or not the image data has been backed up by the backup means;
When it is determined that the image data recorded in the specific mode exists in the recording medium and has been backed up, the control means stores the image data in response to an instruction to switch to the first operation mode. When it is determined that the image data recorded in the specific mode has not been backed up, the image data is deleted from the recording medium and allowed to be switched to the first operation mode by the mode switching unit. 3. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the notification means is notified of a warning determined in advance in accordance with an instruction to switch to the first operation mode without deleting. Imaging means for capturing an image and generating image data;
Recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium;
Reproducing means for reproducing the image data recorded in the recording means;
A specific mode in which the recording means records the image data so that only a specific user can play back, and an image in which the recording means records the image data and only the specific user is recorded in the specific mode. A mode for switching between a first operation mode in which data can be reproduced and a second operation mode in which the recording unit records the image data and all users can reproduce the image data recorded in the specific mode. Switching means;
Display control means for displaying an image related to the image data reproduced by the reproducing means on a display device;
When image data recorded in the specific mode exists on the recording medium, the image data recorded in the specific mode is set to display prohibition in response to an instruction to switch to the first operation mode. And a control means for controlling the mode switching means so as to switch to the first operation mode. The recording means has an encryption means for encrypting image data recorded in the specific mode,
The recording means records the image data encrypted by the encryption means on the recording medium in the specific mode, and the image data not encrypted by the encryption means in a mode other than the specific mode. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein recording is performed on the recording medium.   9. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit performs switching to the first operation mode using a password input as a trigger.   The recording means deletes image data recorded in the first operation mode from the recording medium when the mode switching means switches from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The recording / reproducing apparatus of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 9.   The recording unit groups and records the image data recorded in the first operation mode when the mode switching unit switches from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The recording / reproducing apparatus of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 9. A third operation mode for performing a process for switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode;
The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation mode is switched from the first operation mode via the third operation mode.   The recording means deletes image data recorded in the first operation mode from the recording medium when the mode switching means switches from the first operation mode to the third operation mode. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 12.   The recording unit groups and records the image data recorded in the first operation mode when the mode switching unit switches from the first operation mode to the third operation mode. The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 12.   The recording according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the mode switching unit performs switching from the third operation mode to the second operation mode using a password input as a trigger. Playback device.   The recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data includes at least moving image data. Imaging means for capturing an image and generating image data;
Recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium;
A recording / reproducing apparatus control method comprising: reproducing means for reproducing image data recorded in the recording means,
A specific mode in which the recording means records the image data so that only a specific user can play back, and an image in which the recording means records the image data and only the specific user is recorded in the specific mode. A mode for switching between a first operation mode in which data can be reproduced and a second operation mode in which the recording unit records the image data and all users can reproduce the image data recorded in the specific mode. A switching step;
And a control step of prohibiting switching to the first operation mode when image data recorded in the specific mode exists on the recording medium. Imaging means for capturing an image and generating image data;
Recording means for recording the image data on a recording medium;
A recording / reproducing apparatus control method comprising: reproducing means for reproducing image data recorded in the recording means,
A specific mode in which the recording means records the image data so that only a specific user can play back, and an image in which the recording means records the image data and only the specific user is recorded in the specific mode. A mode for switching between a first operation mode in which data can be reproduced and a second operation mode in which the recording unit records the image data and all users can reproduce the image data recorded in the specific mode. A switching step;
A display control step of displaying an image related to the image data reproduced by the reproducing means on a display device;
When image data recorded in the specific mode exists on the recording medium, the image data recorded in the specific mode is set to display prohibition in response to an instruction to switch to the first operation mode. And a control step of controlling to switch to the first operation mode.   A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 17 or 18.   A computer readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 19.

Images