JP2012060255A - Image recording apparatus, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording apparatus capable of preventing leakage of or imposing a restriction on browsing of a high-sensitively captured image.SOLUTION: In the case of performing high-sensitivity capturing, a high-sensitively captured image is recorded in an internal memory 31 while a low-sensitively captured image created from the high-sensitively captured image is recorded in an external record medium 200 or PC 210. Thus, the low-sensitively captured image in which a subject cannot be visually recognized or which is processed so that the subject is not easily visually recognized is recorded in the external record medium, thereby, even when an image in the record medium is placed in an environment where the image is browsable by a third party, it is possible to protect privacy of the subject. Further, the high-sensitively captured image is recorded in the internal memory 31 and prohibited to be output to an external display device 220, and user authentication is performed in the case of copying or moving the image, thereby it is possible to prevent leakage of the image to the environment where the image is browsable by the third party.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, method, and program suitable for handling images taken with high sensitivity.

  There are high-sensitivity cameras that can shoot even under low illumination, such as celestial photography and night animal photography. The high-sensitivity camera is used for photographing in a dark situation where a device that emits light such as a strobe that may be noticed by an animal as a subject cannot be used, for example, in the nighttime ecological survey of animals. High-sensitivity cameras include very expensive ones used for broadcasting and the like and relatively low image quality and low resolution used for surveillance cameras and the like.

  In recent years, high-sensitivity photography has become possible even with digital cameras that are easily used by many users. In particular, even single-lens reflex cameras capable of shooting with high image quality and high resolution are capable of high-sensitivity shooting.

  Also, images taken with a digital camera can be easily captured on a computer through a recording medium such as a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card or an SD card. Therefore, an increasing number of users enjoy using the Internet such as e-mails and homepages, or outputting them to a TV or the like to easily publish and browse images with friends and family members. However, there is an increasing number of cases where an unspecified number of third parties can use the Internet to access a situation where an unspecified number of third parties can browse without knowing the subject.

  On the other hand, in recent years, not only a recording medium such as a CF card or an SD card but also a camera that has a large-capacity memory inside a camera and can record an image without a recording medium is increasing. In this way, by providing a large-capacity memory inside the camera, it is possible not only to record images without a recording medium, but also to store images that you do not want to show to others, for example, inside the camera, The image can be used to protect the user's privacy, such as saving the image on a recording medium and using the image stored in the recording medium when showing it to others.

  As a method for recording an image in at least one of a memory and a recording medium inside the camera, a method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

JP 2006-86810 A

  The camera described in Patent Document 1 records an image with a different compression ratio, number of pixels, or recording format in a recording medium or a memory inside the camera.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the technology for changing the recording destination of a captured image can protect the privacy of the user, but the outflow of the captured image and the ability of a third party to freely view the captured image It is difficult to prevent.

  Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism that prevents shooting images from being leaked or viewed. In particular, since high-sensitivity shooting allows shooting without being noticed even in the dark, it is necessary to take measures such as preventing image leakage and restricting viewing in order to protect the privacy of the subject.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to enable prevention of leakage of high-sensitivity photographed images and restriction of browsing.

  The image recording apparatus of the present invention includes a photographing sensitivity setting unit that sets a photographing sensitivity when photographing a subject, a photographing unit that photographs a subject according to the photographing sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting unit, and the photographing sensitivity setting unit. From the high-sensitivity photographed image recorded by the high-sensitivity photographed image recording means, and the high-sensitivity photographed image recording means for recording the high-sensitivity photographed image on the internal recording medium. A low-sensitivity photographed image creating means for creating a low-sensitivity photographed image, and a low-sensitivity photographed image recording means for recording the low-sensitivity photographed image created by the low-sensitivity photographed image creating means on an external recording medium And

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent leakage of high-sensitivity photographed images and restrict browsing.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view of the camera concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the image recording process at the time of imaging | photography with the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the quick review process of the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the image reproduction process of the camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a copy / move process of the camera according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the image recording process at the time of imaging | photography with the camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the image reproduction process of the camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment that functions as an image recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied, more specifically an interchangeable lens type digital single lens reflex camera, and FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of FIG. It is. As shown in FIG. 1, an accessory shoe 110, an optical viewfinder 104, an AE (automatic exposure) lock button 112, and an AF (autofocus) distance measuring point selection button 113 are provided on the upper portion of the camera body 100. Further, a release button 114 for shooting operation, an electronic dial 411, a mode dial switch 60, and an external display device 409 are provided.

  The electronic dial 411 is a multi-function signal input device that is used in combination with other operation buttons to input numerical values to the camera and to switch shooting modes. The external display device 409 includes a liquid crystal display device, and displays shooting conditions such as shutter speed, aperture, and shooting mode, and other information.

  Further, an LCD monitor device 417 for displaying captured images, various setting screens, and the like is provided on the back of the camera body 100. In addition, a playback switch 66 for displaying a photographed image on the LCD monitor device 417, a single / continuous shooting switch 68, a cross arrangement switch 116, a SET button 117, a menu button 124, and a power switch 72 are provided.

  The single shooting / continuous shooting switch 68 is used to set a single shooting mode and a continuous shooting mode. In the single shooting mode, when the shutter switch SW2 (64) is turned on by pressing the release button 114, one frame is shot and a standby state is set. In the continuous shooting mode, shooting is continuously performed while the shutter switch SW2 (64) is ON. Also, a cross-shaped switch 116 composed of four buttons arranged vertically, horizontally, and a SET button 117 disposed in the center instructs the camera to select and execute menu items displayed on the LCD monitor device 417. Used to do. The menu button 124 is a button for causing the LCD monitor device 417 to display a menu screen for performing various camera settings. For example, when selecting and setting the shooting mode, after pressing the menu button 124, the user operates the cross placement switch 116 to select the desired mode, and presses the SET button 117 while the desired mode is selected. This completes the setting.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the camera according to this embodiment includes a camera body 100 and an interchangeable lens type lens unit 300. Reference numeral 401 denotes a photographing optical axis.

  In the lens unit 300, reference numeral 310 denotes an imaging lens composed of a plurality of lenses, and 312 denotes an aperture. Reference numeral 306 denotes a lens mount of the lens unit 300. The lens unit 300 is detachably mechanically coupled to the camera body 100 via the lens mount 306, and both are electrically connected.

  In the camera body 100, reference numeral 130 denotes a mirror disposed in the photographing optical path, and a position for guiding the subject light from the lens unit 300 to the finder optical system (referred to as a position shown in FIG. 2 and an oblique position) and outside the photographing optical path. It can be moved between retreat positions (referred to as retreat positions). The mirror 130 may be either a quick return mirror or a half mirror.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a focusing plate, on which subject light guided from the mirror 130 to the optical viewfinder 104 is imaged. Reference numeral 205 denotes a condenser lens for improving the visibility of the optical viewfinder 104. Reference numeral 132 denotes a pentagonal roof prism that guides subject light that has passed through the focusing plate 203 and the condenser lens 205 to an eyepiece lens 208 and an optical viewfinder 104 for viewfinder observation.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes an image sensor that is a solid-state image sensor. Reference numerals 209 and 207 denote a rear curtain and a front curtain constituting a shutter. By opening the rear curtain 209 and the front curtain 207, the image sensor 14 disposed behind the shutter is exposed for a necessary time. Reference numeral 418 denotes an optical low-pass filter disposed in front of the image sensor 14 and adjusts the spatial frequency of the subject image formed on the image sensor 14.

  A printed circuit board 211 holds the image sensor 14. Reference numeral 215 denotes a display substrate which is another printed circuit board disposed behind the printed circuit board 211. A transmissive LCD monitor device 417 and a backlight illumination device 416 are arranged on the opposite surface of the display substrate 215. The LCD monitor device 417 and the backlight illumination device 416 constitute the image display unit 28 shown in FIG.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium for recording image data, and reference numeral 86 denotes a battery (portable power source). These recording medium 200 and battery 86 are detachable from the camera body 100.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the camera according to the present embodiment. In the lens unit 300, 320 is an interface for connecting the lens unit 300 to the camera body 100, and 322 is a connector for electrically connecting the lens unit 300 to the camera body 100. The connector 322 transmits a control signal, a status signal, a data signal, and the like between the camera body 100 and the lens unit 300, and also has a function of supplying or supplying various voltage currents. The connector 322 may be configured to transmit not only electrical communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

  Reference numeral 340 denotes an aperture control unit that controls the aperture 312 based on photometric information from the photometry control unit 46 in cooperation with a shutter control unit 40 that controls the shutter 12 of the camera body 100 described later. A focus control unit 342 controls focusing of the imaging lens 310. A zoom control unit 344 controls zooming of the imaging lens 310. A lens system control circuit 350 controls the entire lens unit 300 and includes a memory for storing operation constants, variables, programs, and the like. Further, a non-volatile memory that holds identification information such as a number unique to the lens unit 300, management information, function information such as an open aperture value, a minimum aperture value, and a focal length, current and past setting values, and the like is also provided.

  In the camera body 100, a lens mount 106 mechanically couples the camera body 100 and the lens unit 300. A shutter 12 includes a rear curtain 209 and a front curtain 207. The light beam incident on the imaging lens 310 is guided by the single-lens reflex system through the aperture 312 that is a light amount limiting unit, the lens mounts 306 and 106, the mirror 130, and the shutter 12, and forms an optical image on the imaging element 14.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. A timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, respectively, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the image data output from the A / D converter 16 as necessary. TTL (through-the-lens) AF processing, AE processing, and flash pre-flash (EF) for the system control circuit 50 to control the shutter control unit 40 and the focus adjustment unit 42 based on the obtained calculation result. Processing can be performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the image data output from the A / D converter 16, and also performs TTL auto white balance (AWB) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result. . In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the focus adjustment unit 42 and the photometry control unit 46 are provided exclusively. Therefore, the AF adjustment process, the AE process, and the EF process are performed using the focus adjustment unit 42 and the photometry control unit 46, and the AF process, the AE process, and the EF process using the image processing circuit 20 are not performed. It does not matter. Further, AF processing, AE processing, and EF processing are performed using the focus adjustment unit 42 and the photometry control unit 46, and further, AF processing, AE processing, and EF processing using the image processing circuit 20 are performed. It does not matter as a configuration.

  Reference numeral 21 denotes an encryption circuit that performs encryption processing on image data via the system control circuit 50. A memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. Image data output from the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or only through the memory control circuit 22. Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory. Reference numeral 26 denotes a D / A converter. An image display unit 28 includes an LCD monitor device 417, a backlight illumination device 416, and the like. Display image data written in the image display memory 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26. Is done. An electronic viewfinder (EVF) function can be realized by sequentially displaying captured image data using the image display unit 28. Further, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and when the display is turned off, the power consumption of the camera body 100 can be significantly reduced. it can.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images, which has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images. This makes it possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot. Reference numeral 31 denotes an internal memory. A compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses / decompresses image data using a known compression method. The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads an image stored in the memory 30, performs a compression process or an expansion process, and writes the processed data to the memory 30 again.

  A shutter control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 in cooperation with the aperture control unit 340 that controls the aperture 312 based on photometry information from the photometry control unit 46. Reference numeral 42 denotes a focus adjustment unit for performing AF processing. A light beam incident on the imaging lens 310 in the lens unit 300 is incident as a single lens reflex system through a diaphragm 312, lens mounts 306 and 106, a mirror 130, and a focus adjustment sub-mirror (not shown), thereby forming an optical image. The in-focus state of the captured image is measured. A photometry control unit 46 performs AE processing. A light beam incident on the imaging lens 310 in the lens unit 300 is incident as a single-lens reflex system through a diaphragm 312, lens mounts 306 and 106, a mirror 130, and a photometric sub-mirror (not shown), thereby forming an optical image. Measure the exposure of the image. A flash 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function. The photometry control unit 46 also has an EF processing function in cooperation with the flash 48. Further, AF control may be performed using the measurement result obtained by the focus adjustment unit 42 and the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data from the A / D converter 16 by the image processing circuit 20. Further, exposure control may be performed using the measurement result obtained by the photometry control unit 46 and the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data from the A / D converter 16 by the image processing circuit 20.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire camera body 100, and incorporates a known CPU or the like. A memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operating the system control circuit 50. Reference numeral 54 denotes a notification unit for notifying the outside of an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. As the notification unit 54, for example, a display unit that performs visual display using an LCD, an LED, or the like, a sound generation element that performs voice notification, and the like are used. In particular, in the case of a display unit, for example, as in the case of the external display device 409, the display unit is installed at a single or a plurality of locations in the vicinity of the operation unit 70 of the camera body 100, which is easy to see. In addition, the notification unit 54 has a part of its functions installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the display contents of the notification unit 54, the following are displayed on the image display unit 28 such as an LCD. First, there are displays relating to shooting modes such as single-shot / continuous-shot shooting display, self-timer display, and the like. In addition, there are displays relating to recording such as compression rate display, recording pixel number display, recording number display, and remaining image number display. In addition, there are displays relating to photographing conditions such as shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, dimming correction display, external flash emission amount display, and red-eye reduction display. In addition, there are a macro photographing display, a buzzer setting display, a battery remaining amount display, an error display, an information display by a multi-digit number, and an attachment / detachment state display of the recording medium 200 and the personal computer (PC) 210. Furthermore, there are a lens unit 300 attachment / detachment state display, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, and a display indicating a connection state with an external computer. In addition, among the display contents of the notification unit 54, examples of what is displayed in the optical finder 104 include the following. In-focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, recording medium writing operation display, and the like.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory in which programs and the like to be described later are stored. For example, an EEPROM or the like is used.

  Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, and may be a single unit such as a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by line-of-sight detection, a voice recognition device, Consists of multiple combinations.

  Here, a specific description of these operating means will be given. Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch for switching and setting each function shooting mode such as an automatic shooting mode, a program shooting mode, a shutter speed priority shooting mode, an aperture priority shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, and a focus depth priority (depth) shooting mode. Can do. In addition, it is also possible to switch and set each function shooting mode such as a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night scene shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and a moving image shooting mode.

  Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on during the operation of the release button 114 (for example, half-pressed), and instructs to start operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing. Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned on when the release button 114 is completely operated (for example, fully pressed), and instructs the start of a series of processing operations including exposure processing, development processing, and recording processing. First, in the exposure process, the signal read from the image sensor 14 is written into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. In the development process, the development process using the calculation in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 is performed. In the recording process, image data is read from the memory 30 and compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32 and written to the internal memory 31 that is an internal recording medium, or image data is written to the recording medium 200 or PC 210 that is an external recording medium. Or send.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes a playback switch, which instructs to start a playback operation for reading an image shot in the shooting mode state from the memory 30, the recording medium 200, or the PC 210 and displaying it on the image display unit 28. Reference numeral 68 denotes a single / continuous shooting switch, which can set the single shooting mode and the continuous shooting mode as described above.

  An operation unit 70 includes various buttons and a touch panel. As an example, a live view start / stop button, a moving image recording start / stop button, a menu button 124, a SET button 117, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single / continuous / self-timer switching button, and a cross switch 116, an AE lock button 112, an AF AF point selection button 113, and an electronic dial 411. Furthermore, a playback image movement + (plus) button, a playback image movement-(minus) button, a shooting image quality selection button, an exposure correction button, a light adjustment correction button, an external flash emission amount setting button, a date / time setting button, and the like are also included. In addition, each function of the up / down / left / right buttons of the cross placement switch 116 can be selected more easily by providing a rotary dial switch. In addition, there are playback switches that can set each function mode such as a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, and a PC connection mode. In addition, there is an image display ON / OFF switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28, and a quick review ON / OFF switch for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data taken immediately after shooting. In addition, there is a compression mode switch that is a switch for selecting a compression rate for JPEG compression or for selecting a RAW mode in which a signal from an image sensor is directly digitized and recorded on a recording medium. In addition, there is an AF mode setting switch capable of setting a one-shot AF mode and a servo AF mode. In the one-shot AF mode, an autofocus operation is started when the shutter switch SW1 (62) is turned on, and once focused, the focused state is maintained. In the servo AF mode, the autofocus operation is continued while the shutter switch SW1 (62) is ON.

  Reference numeral 72 denotes a power switch, which can switch and set each mode of the camera body 100 for power ON and power OFF. Also, the power ON / OFF settings of various accessory devices such as the lens unit 300, the external flash 115, the recording medium 200, and the PC 210 connected to the camera body 100 can be switched.

  A power control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. The power supply control unit 80 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and requires a necessary voltage. It is supplied to each part including the recording medium for a period. Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, and 86 denotes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or lithium battery, or a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, NiMH battery, Li-ion battery, or Li polymer battery. Note that a power source including an AC adapter may be used.

  Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces with the recording medium 200 and the PC 210, and 95 denotes an interface with an external monitor 220 such as a TV as an external display device. Reference numerals 92 and 96 denote connectors for connecting to the recording medium 200 and the PC 210, and 97 denotes a connector for connecting to the external monitor 220. Reference numeral 98 denotes a connector attachment / detachment detection circuit that detects whether the recording medium 200 or the PC 210 is attached to the connectors 92 and 96 and whether the external monitor 220 is connected to the connector 97.

  In this embodiment, the recording medium 200 and the PC 210 are described as having two interfaces and connectors. However, a single or a plurality of systems may be provided. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with combining the interface and connector of a different standard. As the interface and the connector, it is possible to configure using interfaces that comply with various storage medium standards. For example, a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, an SD card, or the like. When the interface 90 and the connector 92 are configured using a standard conforming to a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, various communication cards can be connected. Communication cards include LAN cards, modem cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) cards, and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 cards. In addition, there are P1284 card, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) card, PHS, and the like. By connecting these various communication cards, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred to and from other computers and peripheral devices such as a printer.

  Further, the interface 95 and the connector 97 with the external monitor 220 can be configured to transmit analog signals and digital signals. For example, a video output terminal, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection terminal, or the like.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes an external flash device that is attached via the accessory shoe 110. Reference numeral 120 denotes an interface for connecting the camera body 100 to the lens unit 300 in the lens mount 106. A connector 122 electrically connects the camera body 100 to the lens unit 300. Further, whether or not the lens unit 300 is attached to the lens mount 106 and / or the connector 122 is detected by a lens attachment / detachment detection unit (not shown). The connector 122 transmits a control signal, a status signal, a data signal, and the like between the camera body 100 and the lens unit 300, and also has a function of supplying currents of various voltages. Various optical information (aperture, zoom position, pupil distance, focal length, etc.) communicated via the connector 122 is stored in the memory 30 of the camera body 100. The communication request may be made from the camera side, or may be communicated from the lens side every time information is updated. The connector 122 may be configured to transmit not only electrical communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, which includes a recording unit 202 constituted by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the camera body 100, and a connector 206 for connecting with the camera body 100. As the recording medium 200, a memory card such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, a hard disk, or the like can be used. Of course, it may be constituted by a micro DAT, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk such as CD-R or CD-WR, a phase change optical disk such as DVD, or the like.

  A PC 210 is connected to the camera, and includes a recording unit 212 formed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like, an interface 214 with the camera body 100, and a connector 216 for connecting with the camera body 100.

  An external monitor 220 is connected to the camera, and includes a display unit 222, an interface 214 with the camera body 100, and a connector 216 for connecting with the camera body 100.

  Next, the flow of image recording processing at the time of shooting by the camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This processing is performed by the system control circuit 50 executing an image recording processing program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56. Note that the photographing sensitivity is set by notifying the system control circuit 50 of signals from a number of switches including the electronic dial 411 from the operation unit 70. In this case, the operation unit 70 functions as a photographing sensitivity setting unit.

  First, in step S401, when the release button 114 is fully pressed, the start of the photographing operation is notified from the shutter switch SW2 (64) to the system control circuit 50. Thereby, under the control of the system control circuit 50, the above-described exposure processing is performed according to the photographing conditions such as the preset photographing mode, aperture, shutter speed, and sensitivity. Further, in step S402, development processing using calculation in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 is performed. In this case, the system control circuit 50 functions as a photographing unit.

  Next, in step S403, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the sensitivity setting in the shooting performed in step S401 is high sensitivity. Note that even when the camera is set to a mode that automatically adjusts sensitivity (auto ISO) to prevent camera shake due to slow shutter speed when the subject is dark, when the shooting is started It is determined whether or not the sensitivity is high using the adjusted sensitivity value. Here, the condition for high sensitivity is, for example, ISO sensitivity 10,000 or more, but is not limited to this.

  If it is determined that the high sensitivity shooting has been performed in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S 404, the image data is read from the memory 30 under the control of the system control circuit 50, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and recorded in the internal memory 31. Recording in the internal memory 31 is performed in the form of a DCF (Design Rule For Camera File System) file that is widely used in digital cameras. At this time, it is necessary to use the same DCF object as the file created in step S405 and thereafter. A DCF object is defined as a group of files having the same file number so that related file groups can be handled together. If the file numbers are the same, the extension may be different. Yes. This ensures that the high-sensitivity captured image created in step S404 and the image created in step S405 and subsequent steps are images created by the same shooting operation. Therefore, the high-sensitivity photographed image is recorded in the internal memory 31 as the same file number (for example, ABCD0001.HJP) having a different extension. In this case, the system control circuit 50 functions as high-sensitivity photographed image recording means, and controls the compression processing of the compression / decompression circuit 32 and the recording to the internal memory 31.

  Next, in step S405, the image data is read again from the memory 30 under the control of the system control circuit 50, and digitally multiplied and gained by the image processing circuit 20 via the memory control circuit 22. So-called digital gain correction (gain-down correction) is performed. As a result, the entire image is darkened, and a low-sensitivity photographed image is created as if it were photographed underexposed with a low sensitivity setting. Next, in step S406, compression processing is performed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and image data is written to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210 with the same file name (for example, ABCD0001.JPG) given in step S404. Send. In this case, the image processing circuit 20 functions as a low-sensitivity photographed image creation unit, and the system control circuit 50 functions as a low-sensitivity photographed image recording unit, and the compression processing of the compression / decompression circuit 32 or the image on the recording medium 200 or the PC 210. Control recording or transmission of data.

  In the present embodiment, an image that is dark overall and underexposed is created by gain-down correction. However, humans cannot visually recognize the subject on the recording medium 200 or the like that can be easily taken out during high-sensitivity shooting. Since it is only necessary to record an image that is difficult to visually recognize, for example, mosaic processing may be performed on the entire image.

  In addition, Exif information based on the Exif standard attached to JPG image data in the JPG format generally describes various shooting conditions such as exposure time, shutter speed, sensitivity, and flash emission. Therefore, in the case of a high-sensitivity photographed image, the sensitivity at the time of photographing is described in the Exif information, and the sensitivity at the time of photographing is also described in a low-sensitivity photographed image created separately.

  On the other hand, if the high-sensitivity shooting is not performed in step S403, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, under the control of the system control circuit 50, the image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and written or transmitted to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210.

  In the above description, the recording destination of the image at the time of normal sensitivity shooting is the recording medium 200 or the PC 210 and is recorded in the internal memory 31 only at the time of high sensitivity shooting. It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a camera that can change the image recording destination to the internal memory 31.

  Next, the flow of the quick review process of the camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing is performed by the system control circuit 50 executing a quick review processing program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56. First, in step S501, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the quick review function is ON (step S501). If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S502. In step S502, the sensitivity setting at the time of shooting is high. It is determined whether or not it is sensitivity. If it is determined that the high sensitivity shooting is performed in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, under the control of the system control circuit 50, the high-sensitivity photographed image (ABCD0001.HJP) recorded in the internal memory 31 is displayed on the image display unit 28. On the other hand, when it is not high sensitivity photography in Step S502, it progresses to Step S504. In step S <b> 504, the image recorded on the recording medium 200 or the PC 210 is displayed on the image display unit 28 under the control of the system control circuit 50.

  Next, a flow of image reproduction processing of the camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. This process is performed by the system control circuit 50 executing an image reproduction program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56. When the user presses the playback switch 66, an instruction to start a playback operation for reading a captured image from the recording medium 200 (or PC 210) and displaying it on the image display unit 28 is given. When a playback image is selected using the cross arrangement switch 116 in step S601, in step S602, the system control circuit 50 uses the same DCF object (high sensitivity) as the selected image recorded on the recording medium 200 (or PC 210). A search is performed to determine whether the captured image) exists in the internal memory 31. If a file of the same DCF object as the selected image exists in the internal memory 31, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether or not the external monitor 220 is connected to the camera body 100. This determination is performed by the system control circuit 50 using the connector attachment / detachment detection circuit 98.

  If the external monitor 220 is not connected to the camera body 100 in step S603, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S 604, under the control of the system control circuit 50, the corresponding DCF object is written from the internal memory 31 to the image display memory 24 and displayed on the image display unit 28.

  On the other hand, if a file having the same DCF object as the selected image does not exist in the internal memory 31 in step S602, and if the external monitor 220 is connected to the camera body 100 in step S03, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S 605, under the control of the system control circuit 50, the selected image is written from the recording medium 200 (or PC 210) to the image display memory 24 and displayed on the image display unit 28. That is, when the image selected from the recording medium 200 (or the PC 210) is a low-sensitivity photographed image created from a high-sensitivity photographed image, it is prohibited to output the high-sensitivity photographed image to the external monitor 220. In this case, the system control circuit 50 acts as output prohibiting means.

  Next, a flow of processing for copying or moving a high-sensitivity photographed image recorded in the internal memory 31 in the camera according to the present embodiment to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is performed by the system control circuit 50 executing a copy / move program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56. The copy / move process may be performed by selecting from a menu item, or may be performed sequentially at the time of shooting.

  First, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the copy or movement source is the internal memory 31 (step S701). If the copy or movement source is the internal memory 31 in step S701, the process proceeds to step S702. In step S <b> 702, the system control circuit 50 performs user authentication processing from the LCD monitor device 417 and the operation unit 70 of the camera body 100 or the PC 210. Here, as user authentication processing, an ID and a password are registered in the camera main body 100 using an application from the PC 210 in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a known technique may be used. In this case, the system control circuit 50 functions as an authentication unit.

  In step S703, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the authentication is permitted. If the authentication is not permitted, the copying and moving of the image in the internal memory 31 is prohibited, and the process ends. In this case, the system control circuit 50 acts as a movement prohibiting unit.

  On the other hand, if authentication is permitted in step S703, the process proceeds to step S704. In step S <b> 704, the system control circuit 50 causes the user to select an image to be copied or moved from among the images recorded in the internal memory 31 of the camera body 100. The user selects an image using the cross arrangement switch 116 of the camera body 100 or the PC 210. In this case, the system control circuit 50 acts as a movement permission unit.

  Next, in step S705, the system control circuit 50 determines the sensitivity set at the time of shooting from the Exif information of the selected image. If it is a high-sensitivity photographed image in step S705, the process proceeds to step S706. In step S706, the system control circuit 50 performs encryption processing on the high-sensitivity photographed image using the encryption circuit 21. In this case, the system control circuit 50 and the encryption circuit 21 function as authentication means. As the encryption technique used here, a known technique such as a public key cryptosystem may be used. Further, in addition to the encryption process, the photographer information may be described using a digital watermark technique or a photographer information column of Exif information. In step S707, the selected image is copied or moved to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210. On the other hand, if it is not a high-sensitivity photographed image in step S705, the process proceeds directly to step S707, where the selected image is copied or moved to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210.

  If the copy or movement source is not the internal memory 31 in step S701, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S708, the system control circuit 50 allows the user to select an image to be copied or moved from the images recorded on the recording medium 200 of the camera body 100 or the PC 210. The user selects an image using the cross arrangement switch 116 of the camera body 100 or the PC 210. Next, in step S709, the selected image is copied or moved to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the case where images are selected one by one has been described. However, when copying or moving recorded images all at once, if the copy or movement source is the internal memory 31, steps are performed. S705 to S707 can be realized by repeating step S709 for the number of images if the copy or movement source is the recording medium 200 or the PC 210.

  As described above, when high-sensitivity shooting is performed, a high-sensitivity shot image is recorded in a large-capacity memory (internal memory 31) inside the camera, and the recording medium 200 or the PC 210 has a low-sensitivity shot image created from the high-sensitivity shot image. Record the sensitivity image. As a result, a low-sensitivity photographed image in which the subject cannot be visually recognized or is difficult to visually recognize is recorded on a recording medium such as a CF card or an SD card, so that an image in the recording medium can be viewed by a third party. It is possible to protect the privacy of the subject even if it is placed in a different environment. Further, by recording the high-sensitivity photographed image in the internal memory 31 and prohibiting the output to the external display device 220, it is possible to prevent leakage to an environment where a third party such as the Internet can view. Furthermore, when copying or moving, user authentication processing is performed, so that even if high-sensitivity shooting is used with a stolen camera, it is prevented from leaking to an environment where third parties can view it. can do. Furthermore, by encrypting a high-sensitivity shot image when copying or moving, even if it leaks to an environment where a third party can view it, the image cannot be viewed on a PC or the like unless it can be decrypted. , Can restrict the viewing of third parties.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example using the DCF object has been described in order to identify that the high-sensitivity captured image and the low-sensitivity captured image are images generated by the same shooting operation. It is not limited to the method. For example, since it is possible to include manufacturer-specific information in the Exif information, the file names of the high-sensitivity photographed image and the low-sensitivity photographed image are described in the Exif information and generated by the same photographing operation. It may be identified that the image has been processed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when a high-sensitivity captured image is copied or moved from the internal memory 31, the high-sensitivity captured image is encrypted after user authentication and written or transmitted to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210. In the second embodiment, a method for recording a high-sensitivity photographed image by encrypting at the time of photographing will be described. Note that the basic configuration and processing operation of the camera are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the following description will focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the flow of image recording processing at the time of shooting by the camera according to the present embodiment will be described. This processing is performed by the system control circuit 50 executing an image recording processing program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56. Here, only differences from FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment will be described.

  First, in steps S401 to S403, under the control of the system control circuit 50, a photographing process is performed, a photographed image is developed, and it is determined whether the sensitivity setting at the time of photographing is high sensitivity. If the high-sensitivity shooting is performed in step S403, the encryption process is performed (step S801), and the process proceeds to step S404 to record a high-sensitivity captured image. Here, the recording destination of the high-sensitivity photographed image may be the recording medium 200 or the PC 210 since it has already been encrypted. Note that, in the encryption process in step S801, the encryption process is performed on the high-sensitivity photographed image using the encryption circuit 21, as in the encryption process in step SS706. As the encryption technique used here, a known technique such as a public key cryptosystem may be used. Further, in addition to the encryption process, the photographer information may be described using a digital watermark technique or a photographer information column of Exif information. Thereafter, in steps S405 to S406, a low-sensitivity photographed image is created from the high-sensitivity photographed image, and written or transmitted to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210.

  If it is determined in step S403 that the high sensitivity shooting has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, under the control of the system control circuit 50, the image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and written or transmitted to the recording medium 200 or the PC 210.

  Next, a flow of image reproduction processing of the camera according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. This process is performed by the system control circuit 50 executing an image reproduction program stored in the nonvolatile memory 56. Here, only differences from FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that an encrypted high-sensitivity photographed image is recorded on the recording medium 200 or the PC 210 by the image recording process of FIG. When a playback image is selected in step S601, in step S901, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the selected image recorded on the recording medium 200 (or PC 210) is a high-sensitivity captured image. This refers to the sensitivity set at the time of shooting from the Exif information. If the selected image is a high-sensitivity photographed image, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S <b> 603, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the external monitor 220 is connected to the camera body 100.

  If the external monitor 220 is not connected to the camera body 100 in step S603, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, under the control of the system control circuit 50, the high-sensitivity photographed image is decoded and displayed on the image display unit 28.

  On the other hand, if the selected image is not a high-sensitivity photographed image in step S901, and if the external monitor 220 is connected to the camera body 100 in step S603, the process proceeds to step S902. In step S902, the selected image is displayed on the image display unit 28 under the control of the system control circuit 50.

  The quick review process is the same as in the first embodiment. In the copy / move process, since the copy or move source is not the internal memory 31, the process proceeds from step S701 to steps S708 and S709.

  As described above, since the high-sensitivity photographed image is encrypted at the time of image recording, even if the image is recorded on the recording medium 200 or PC 210 outside the camera and the image leaks, the image is still encrypted. Browsing is impossible, and browsing by a third party can be restricted.

(Other embodiments)
In the present invention, a software program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments may be supplied directly or remotely to each apparatus. Further, it includes a case where the processing unit of the apparatus reads out and executes the supplied program code so that the above-described embodiment can be executed. Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention. In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  20: Image processing circuit, 21: Encryption circuit, 31: Internal memory, 50: System control circuit, 70: Operation unit, 100: Camera body, 200: Recording medium, 210: PC, 220: External monitor

Claims (11)

Photographing sensitivity setting means for setting photographing sensitivity when photographing a subject;
Photographing means for photographing a subject according to the photographing sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting means;
When the shooting sensitivity set by the shooting sensitivity setting means is high sensitivity, the high sensitivity shot image recording means for recording the high sensitivity shot image on an internal recording medium;
Low-sensitivity photographed image creating means for creating a low-sensitivity photographed image from the high-sensitivity photographed image recorded by the high-sensitivity photographed image recording means;
An image recording apparatus comprising: a low-sensitivity photographed image recording means for recording a low-sensitivity photographed image created by the low-sensitivity photographed image creating means on an external recording medium.   The low-sensitivity photographed image creating unit performs image processing on the high-sensitivity photographed image recorded by the high-sensitivity photographed image recording unit so that the subject cannot be visually recognized or difficult to visually recognize. The image recording apparatus described in 1.   The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movement prohibiting unit that prohibits copying and moving a high-sensitivity photographed image recorded on the internal recording medium to an external recording medium.   4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output prohibiting unit that prohibits the high-sensitivity photographed image recorded on the internal recording medium from being output to an external display device. 5. . An authentication means for performing user authentication processing;
A movement permission means for permitting a user who has been authenticated by the authentication means to copy and move a high-sensitivity captured image recorded on the internal recording medium to an external recording medium;
When copying and moving are permitted by the movement permission means, an encryption means for encrypting the high sensitivity photographed image when copying or moving the high sensitivity photographed image recorded on the internal recording medium to the external recording medium The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   2. The image according to claim 1, further comprising an encryption unit that encrypts the high-sensitivity photographed image when the high-sensitivity photographed image recording unit records the high-sensitivity photographed image on the internal recording medium. Recording device. Photographing sensitivity setting means for setting photographing sensitivity when photographing a subject;
Photographing means for photographing a subject according to the photographing sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting means;
A high-sensitivity photographed image recording means for encrypting the high-sensitivity photographed image and recording it on an external recording medium when the photographing sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting means is high;
Low-sensitivity photographed image creating means for creating a low-sensitivity photographed image from the high-sensitivity photographed image recorded by the high-sensitivity photographed image recording means;
An image recording apparatus comprising: a low-sensitivity photographed image recording means for recording the low-sensitivity photographed image created by the low-sensitivity photographed image creating means on the external recording medium. An image for recording an image photographed by an imaging device comprising photographing sensitivity setting means for setting photographing sensitivity when photographing a subject and photographing means for photographing a subject according to the photographing sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting means A recording method,
When the shooting sensitivity set by the shooting sensitivity setting means is high sensitivity, recording the high-sensitivity shot image on an internal recording medium;
Creating a low sensitivity photographic image from the high sensitivity photographic image;
And a step of recording the created low-sensitivity photographed image on an external recording medium. An image for recording an image photographed by an imaging device comprising photographing sensitivity setting means for setting photographing sensitivity when photographing a subject and photographing means for photographing a subject according to the photographing sensitivity set by the photographing sensitivity setting means A recording method,
When the shooting sensitivity set by the shooting sensitivity setting means is high sensitivity, the step of encrypting the high sensitivity shot image and recording it on an external recording medium;
Creating a low sensitivity photographic image from the high sensitivity photographic image;
And a step of recording the created low-sensitivity photographed image on the external recording medium. Processing for recording an image shot by an imaging apparatus including shooting sensitivity setting means for setting shooting sensitivity when shooting an object, and shooting means for shooting an object according to the shooting sensitivity set by the shooting sensitivity setting means A program for causing a computer to execute
When the shooting sensitivity set by the shooting sensitivity setting means is high sensitivity, a process of recording the high sensitivity shot image on an internal recording medium;
A process of creating a low-sensitivity shot image from the high-sensitivity shot image;
A program for causing a computer to execute processing for recording the created low-sensitivity photographed image on an external recording medium. Processing for recording an image shot by an imaging apparatus including shooting sensitivity setting means for setting shooting sensitivity when shooting an object, and shooting means for shooting an object according to the shooting sensitivity set by the shooting sensitivity setting means A program for causing a computer to execute
When the shooting sensitivity set by the shooting sensitivity setting means is high sensitivity, processing for encrypting the high sensitivity shot image and recording it on an external recording medium;
A process of creating a low-sensitivity shot image from the high-sensitivity shot image;
A program for causing a computer to execute processing for recording the created low-sensitivity photographed image on the external recording medium.

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