JP2011091741A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus capable of making an image, which is desired to be kept to be confidential, visible only for a specific operator on a specific display member. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus includes: an image storage section 34 for storing image data, to which security information specifying whether an image can be reproduced has been added in accordance with a combination of an operator and a display member for displaying the image; an identification section 7 for identifying the operator; a display member designation section 5 for designating the display member to display the image data; a display determination section 30 for determining whether the image can be displayed based on the image data by referring to the security information based on the operator identified by the identification section and the display member designated by the display member designation section; and a display control section 36 for performing display control on the display member designated by the display member designation section for the image based on the image data in accordance with a result of the determination by the display determination section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus.

  There is a digital camera that can prevent unauthorized use by another person and reference of a photographed image by another person based on the human body information of the photographer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this digital camera, when referring to a captured image, the image is displayed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display.

JP 2006-086795 A

  However, in this digital camera, when referring to a photographed image, the image is displayed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, so that it may be seen by people around.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can be viewed on a specific display member only by a specific operator for an image to be kept secret.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention identifies an operator from an image storage unit that stores image data to which security information that prescribes whether or not to reproduce an image is added according to a combination of an operator and a display member that displays an image. Refer to the security information based on an identification unit, a display member designating unit for designating a display member for displaying the image data, an operator identified by the identification unit and the display member designated by the display member designating unit And a display determination unit that determines whether or not to display an image based on the image data, and the display member that is instructed by the display member designation unit of the image based on the image data based on a determination result by the display determination unit And a display control unit that performs display control on the display.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, an image that is to be kept secret can be viewed on a specific display member only by a specific operator.

It is a rear view of the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the security information added to the image data in the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reproduction | regeneration processing of the image data in the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the security information added to the image data in the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reproduction | regeneration processing of the image data in the electronic camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  The imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below using an electronic camera as an example with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a rear view of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an eyepiece type electronic viewfinder (hereinafter referred to as EVF) 4 used for visually observing a subject or displaying a photographed image is operated near the lower part of the EVF 4 on the upper back of the electronic camera 2. An eye sensor 5 for detecting that the person is looking into the EVF is provided, and an LCD display unit 6 for displaying a photographed image and various information related to photographing is provided below the eye sensor 5. On the right side of the LCD display unit 6 are provided a fingerprint sensor 7 for detecting the fingerprint of the operator, and a multi-selector 8 used for setting the shooting mode, etc., which is selected by operating the multi-selector 8 inside. A decision button 8a that is pressed when an item is decided is provided. Further, on the left side of the LCD display unit 6, there are provided a playback button 10 for reproducing and displaying a photographed image on the LCD display unit 6 and a menu button 12 for displaying a menu screen for performing various settings in the electronic camera 2. In addition, a shutter button 14 for instructing photographing is provided on the upper surface of the electronic camera 2.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment. A CPU 30 that comprehensively controls each part of the electronic camera 2 has a CCD or CMOS that captures the subject light through the eye sensor 5, the fingerprint sensor 7, and the photographic lens and generates an image signal (analog signal as accumulated charge). An image sensor 32 configured to generate image data by A / D converting an image signal output from the image sensor 32 in an A / D converter (not shown), and temporarily storing the image data Data storage unit 34, display control unit 36 that performs display control of EVF 4 and LCD display unit 6, and image processing that performs image processing such as white balance adjustment and contour compensation on image data stored in image data storage unit 34 A unit 38, a memory card 40 for storing image data, and an operation unit 42 are connected. Here, the operation unit 42 includes a multi selector 8, a playback button 10, a menu button 12, a shutter button 14, and the like. The captured image data is stored in the memory card 40 in a predetermined file format such as Exif (Exchangeable image file format). In addition, security information that prescribes whether or not image data can be reproduced according to the combination of each operator and display member is written in advance in the tag of each image data.

  3A to 3C show the security information written in the tag of the image data. In FIGS. 3A to 3C, “playback to EVF” means that image playback is possible on EVF 4, and “playback to LCD display section” means that image playback is possible on LCD display section 6. Means. In addition, “operator A”, “operator B”, and “operator C” are detected specific fingerprints by the fingerprint sensor 7 in advance, and “other operators” are not yet registered. Registration operator. As shown in FIG. 3A, security information indicating that there is no playback restriction by the display member and the operator is written in the image data tag of the file name “001.JPG”. That is, the image data with the file name “001.JPG” can be reproduced by a specific operator and an unregistered operator for both the EVF 4 and the LCD display unit 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 3B, security information is written in the tag of the image data with the file name “002.JPG” indicating that playback by the EVF 4 is not restricted by the operator. That is, the image data with the file name “002.JPG” can be reproduced by a specific operator and an unregistered operator for EVF4, but none of the operators can be reproduced on the LCD display unit 6. Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, security information indicating that only “operator A” can be reproduced only by EVF 4 is written in the tag of the image data with the file name “003.JPG”. .

  Next, image data reproduction processing in the electronic camera 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the fingertip of the operator touches the fingerprint detection area of the fingerprint sensor 7, the CPU 30 detects the operator's fingerprint by the fingerprint sensor 7 and identifies the operator (step S10). Then, it is detected by the eye sensor 5 whether or not the operator is looking into the EVF 4 (step S11). When looking into the EVF 4 (step S11, Yes), the file names of all the image data stored in the memory card 40 are displayed on the EVF 4 (step S12). On the other hand, when the user does not look into the EVF 4 (No at Step S11), the file names of all the image data are displayed on the LCD display unit 6 (Step S13). When the operator selects the file name of the image data to be reproduced from the file names displayed on the EVF 4 or the LCD display unit 6 by operating the operation unit 42 (step S14), the selected image data is displayed. The added security information is read (step S15).

  When the operator is looking into the EVF 4 (step S16, Yes), the CPU 30 determines whether the image data selected in the step S14 can be reproduced in the EVF 4 based on the security information (step S17). . That is, it is determined whether or not the operator identified in step S10 can reproduce the image in the EVF 4. If the image can be reproduced in the EVF 4 (step S18, Yes), the image is reproduced in the EVF 4 (step S19). On the other hand, if the reproduction cannot be performed (No in step S18), the image is not reproduced, and a warning such as “no reproduction authority” is displayed on the EVF 4 (step S20).

  On the other hand, if the EVF 4 is not looked at in step S16 (step S16, No), it is determined based on the security information whether the image data selected in step S14 can be reproduced on the LCD display unit 6 ( Step S21). That is, it is determined whether or not the operator identified in step S10 can reproduce the image on the LCD display unit 6. If the image can be reproduced on the LCD display unit 6 (step S22, Yes), the image is reproduced on the LCD display unit 6 (step S23). On the other hand, if the reproduction cannot be performed (No in step S22), the image is not reproduced, and a warning such as “no reproduction authority” is displayed on the LCD display unit 6 (step S24).

  According to the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, since the reproduction of the image can be restricted by the combination of the operator and the display member based on the security information previously written in the tag of the image data, About the image to hold | maintain, only a specific operator can visually recognize on a specific display member.

  Next, an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The external appearance and system configuration of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment are the same as the external appearance and system configuration of the electronic camera shown in FIGS. In the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, at the same time as photographing a subject, the operator is identified and security information is written in the tag of the image data. Here, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the security information written in the tag of the image data of the file names “004.JPG” to “006.JPG” at the time of shooting will be described. FIG. 5A shows a case where the operator identified using the fingerprint sensor 7 is an unregistered operator, and the unregistered operator observes the subject with the LCD display unit 6 and takes a picture. Security information. That is, the image data with the file name “004.JPG” can be reproduced by a specific operator and an unregistered operator for both the EVF 4 and the LCD display unit 6. FIG. 5B shows security information when an unregistered operator observes and shoots a subject with the EVF 4. That is, the image data of the file name “005.JPG” can be reproduced by a specific operator and an unregistered operator for EVF4, but none of the operators can be reproduced on the LCD display unit 6. Further, FIG. 5C shows that when the operator identified using the fingerprint sensor 7 is a registered specific “operator A”, the registered specific “operator A” is displayed by the EVF 4. This is security information when the subject is observed and photographed. That is, the image data of the file name “006.JPG” can be reproduced only by the “operator A” only with the EVF 4.

  Next, image data reproduction processing in the electronic camera 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The CPU 30 detects the operator's fingerprint by the fingerprint sensor 7 and identifies the operator (step S30). Then, it is detected by the eye sensor 5 whether or not the operator is looking into the EVF 4 (step S31). When looking into the EVF (step S31, Yes), the image data that can be reproduced in the EVF 4 is selected from the image data stored in the memory card 40 based on the security information added to the image data at the time of shooting. The image data that can be reproduced by the operator identified in step S30 is selected (step S32). Then, a thumbnail image based on the selected image data is displayed on the EVF 4 (step S33). On the other hand, when the user is not looking into the EVF 4 (No at step S31), the image is reproduced on the LCD display unit 6 based on the security information added to the image data at the time of shooting from the image data stored in the memory card 40. Possible image data is selected, and image data that can be reproduced by the operator identified in step S30 is selected (step S34). Then, a thumbnail image based on the selected image data is displayed on the LCD display unit 6 (step S35).

  When the operator selects the thumbnail image to be reproduced from the thumbnail images displayed on the EVF 4 or the LCD display unit 6 by operating the operation unit 42 (step S36), the thumbnail image is displayed on the EVF 4. In this case, the image is reproduced on the EVF 4, and if the thumbnail image is displayed on the LCD display unit 6, the image is reproduced on the LCD display unit 6 (step S37).

  According to the electronic camera according to the second embodiment, since the reproduction of the image can be restricted by the combination of the operator and the display member based on the security information written in the tag of the image data at the time of shooting, As for an image that the user wants to hold, only a specific operator can view it on a specific display member.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the EVF 4 or the LCD display unit 6 is used to reproduce an image, but an LCD display unit capable of switching one viewing angle may be used. That is, when the viewing angle of the LCD display unit is set to be narrow, only the operator can view the reproduced image in the same manner as the EVF 4 in the above-described embodiment. On the other hand, when the viewing angle of the LCD display unit is set wide, the operator and others can visually recognize the reproduced image in the same manner as the LCD display unit 6 in the above-described embodiment.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the operator is identified by the fingerprint, but the operator's face, iris or vein may be detected to identify the operator. Further, the operator may be identified using the operator's personal ID.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the reproduction of an image on a specific display member is restricted based on the security information, but the display area of the image data reproduced on the display member based on the security information is limited. Also good. For example, if there is a registered face of a specific operator in the display area of the image reproduced on the display member, display of areas other than the face area may be restricted based on the security information. .

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the reproduction of an image is restricted by security information. However, not only the reproduction but also copying, editing, and deletion may be restricted. That is, when security information for restricting reproduction, copying, editing and deletion is written in the tag of image data, reproduction, copying, editing and deletion of the image data are restricted.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the security information for restricting the reproduction of the image to the EVF 4 or the LCD display unit 6 is written in the image data tag, but in addition to the EVF 4 or the LCD display unit 6, Security information for restricting image reproduction may be written on a television screen, a video camera display unit, or a personal computer display.

  In the second embodiment described above, the storage destination of the captured image data may be switched according to the display member used for observing the subject at the time of shooting. That is, when shooting is performed using the EVF 4, it is stored in a predetermined folder of the memory card 40 that stores only image data shot using the EVF 4. Further, when shooting is performed using the LCD display unit 6, only image data shot using the LCD display unit 6 is stored in a predetermined folder of the memory card 40.

  In the second embodiment described above, the security information written to the tag of the image data at the time of shooting may be edited or changed. For example, in the tag of the image data, security information indicating that “operator A”, which is a specific operator, can be reproduced but operators other than “operator A” cannot reproduce it is written. When the operator operates the operation unit 42, the specific operator “operator B” can be played back, but operators other than “operator B” cannot play back. It may be possible to change to security information or the like.

  The present invention can be used for an imaging apparatus such as an electronic camera.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Electronic camera, 4 ... EVF, 5 ... Eyepiece sensor, 6 ... LCD display part, 7 ... Fingerprint sensor, 30 ... CPU, 32 ... Image sensor, 34 ... Image data storage part, 38 ... Image processing part, 42 ... Operation Department.

Claims (7)

An image storage unit for storing image data to which security information defining whether or not image reproduction is possible according to a combination of an operator and a display member that displays an image;
An identification unit for identifying the operator;
A display member designating unit for designating a display member for displaying the image data;
A display determination unit that determines whether or not to display an image based on the image data with reference to the security information based on the operator identified by the identification unit and the display member designated by the display member designation unit;
A display control unit that performs display control on the display member instructed by the display member designation unit of an image based on the image data based on a determination result by the display determination unit;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The display member includes a first display member that displays the image data so that only the operator can see it, and a second display member that displays the image data so that the operator and others can see it. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first display member is an eyepiece type electronic viewfinder.   The display member is a display member that can be used as the first display member when the viewing angle is set narrow and is used as the second display member when the viewing angle is set wide. The imaging device according to claim 2. An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
When the identification unit identifies that the operator who performed the imaging is an unregistered operator that has not been registered in advance, the image data based on the imaging signal output by the imaging unit is related to the operator. 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the security information indicating that display is possible on all the display members is added. An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
When the identification unit identifies that the operator who performed the imaging is a registered operator registered in advance, the registered operator adds the image data based on the imaging signal output by the imaging unit to the registered operator. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the security information indicating that display is possible only on the display member used for confirming the subject at the time of imaging is added.   The display determination unit displays a warning on the display member when it is determined that the image cannot be displayed on the display member specified by the display member specifying unit. The imaging device according to any one of the above.

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