JP4083406B2 - Image processing system, imaging apparatus, image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing system, an imaging apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to an image processing system that performs appropriate image processing on a captured image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional imaging apparatus records imaging condition information that is information indicating conditions for capturing an image of a subject, and outputs the image and imaging condition information in association with each other. A conventional image processing apparatus performs image processing on an image based on imaging condition information and an image received from the imaging apparatus.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the imaging device may not be able to accurately determine imaging conditions or may not be able to accurately record imaging condition information. In such a case, when the image processing apparatus performs image processing based on the imaging condition information, there is a problem that appropriate image processing cannot be performed on the image.
[0004]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system, an imaging apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program that can solve the above-described problems. This object is achieved by a combination of features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous specific examples of the present invention.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing system including an imaging device that captures an image of a subject, and an image processing device that performs image processing on the image. The imaging device captures an image. And an authorization information that is information indicating whether the image processing apparatus performs image processing on the image based on imaging condition information that is information indicating a condition when the imaging unit captures an image. A storage unit for storing, and an output unit for outputting the image, the imaging condition information, and the certification information. The image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving the image, the imaging condition information, and the certification information, and an imaging condition information And a determination unit that determines whether to perform image processing on the image based on the authorization information.
[0006]
The imaging apparatus further includes an encryption unit that encrypts the authorization information. In the imaging apparatus, the output unit outputs an image, imaging condition information, and encrypted authorization information. In the image processing apparatus, the reception unit The image processing apparatus may further include a decryption unit that receives the image, the imaging condition information, and the encrypted authorization information, and decrypts the encrypted authorization information.
[0007]
In the imaging device, the encryption unit further encrypts authentication information, which is information for authenticating the imaging device, and the output unit further outputs the authentication information and the encrypted authentication information. In the image processing device, the reception unit Further receives the authentication information and the encrypted authentication information, the decryption unit further decrypts the encrypted authentication information, and the image processing device decrypts the authentication information received by the reception unit and the decryption unit The information processing apparatus may further include a comparison unit that compares the authentication information.
[0008]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, an imaging device that captures an image of a subject, based on an imaging unit that captures an image, and imaging condition information that is information indicating a condition when the imaging unit captures an image. A storage unit that stores authorization information that is information indicating whether or not to perform image processing on the image, and an output unit that outputs the image, imaging condition information, and authorization information.
[0009]
An encryption unit that encrypts the authorization information may be further provided, and the output unit may output the image, the imaging condition information, and the encrypted authorization information.
[0010]
The encryption unit may further encrypt authentication information that is information for authenticating the imaging apparatus, and the output unit may further output the authentication information and the encrypted authentication information. The authentication information may be imaging device identification information that is information for identifying the imaging device.
[0011]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image, and imaging condition information that is information indicating conditions when an image is captured by the imaging apparatus, and imaging condition information. A receiving unit that receives authorization information, which is information indicating whether or not to perform image processing on an image based on the image, and whether or not to perform image processing on the image based on imaging condition information. And a determination unit for determining based on the determination. The reception unit may further include a decryption unit that receives the encrypted authorization information and decrypts the encrypted authorization information.
[0012]
The determination unit may determine that the image processing is performed on the image based on the image regardless of the imaging condition information when the reception unit does not receive the authorization information.
[0013]
The receiving unit further receives authentication information, which is information for authenticating the imaging apparatus, and encrypted authentication information, and the decrypting unit decrypts the encrypted authentication information and receives the authentication information received by the receiving unit. And a comparison unit that compares the decryption unit and the authorization information decrypted by the decryption unit, and the determination unit may determine whether to perform image processing on the image based on a comparison result by the comparison unit . The authentication information may be imaging device identification information that is information for identifying the imaging device.
[0014]
If the authentication information received by the receiving unit is the same as the authentication information decrypted by the decrypting unit, the determining unit may determine that image processing is to be performed on the image based on the imaging condition information and the image. Good.
[0015]
You may further provide the image processing part which performs image processing with respect to an image, and the printing part which prints the image by which the image process was performed by the image processing part.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for performing image processing on an image, the imaging condition information being information indicating conditions when the image is captured by the imaging device, and the imaging condition information. The reception stage for receiving the authorization information, which is information indicating whether or not to perform image processing on the image based on the image, and whether or not to perform image processing on the image based on the imaging condition information A determination step of determining based on the determination step.
[0017]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for an imaging apparatus that images a subject, the imaging module that causes the imaging apparatus to capture an image, and imaging condition information that is information indicating conditions when the image is captured And a storage module that stores authorization information that is information indicating whether or not to perform image processing on the image, and an output module that outputs the image, imaging condition information, and authorization information.
[0018]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image, and is information that indicates conditions when an image is captured by the image processing apparatus and an image is captured by the imaging apparatus. Image capturing condition information and a receiving module that receives authorization information that is information indicating whether to perform image processing on the image based on the image capturing condition information, and image processing on the image based on the image capturing condition information Whether or not based on the authorization information.
[0019]
The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be the invention.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are the solution of the invention. It is not always essential to the means.
[0021]
FIG. 1 shows an example of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system includes a digital camera 10, a printer 12, a personal computer 14, and a certification device 16. The digital camera 10, the printer 12, the personal computer 14, and the authorization device 16 transmit and receive data to and from each other via a data transmission path. The data transmission path is, for example, a wired interface such as IEEE1394 or USB, or a wireless interface such as IrDA, Bluetooth, or wireless LAN. The data transmission path may be a network network using a plurality of wired interfaces and wireless interfaces, for example, the Internet network. In addition, the data transfer between the digital camera 10, the printer 12, and the personal computer 14 may use a recording medium such as a removable medium.
[0022]
The digital camera 10 captures an image of a subject and transmits the captured image data to the printer 12 or the personal computer 14. Further, the digital camera 10 attaches imaging condition information, which is information indicating conditions when an image of the subject is captured, to the image data and transmits the image data to the printer 12 or the personal computer 14. The printer 12 or the personal computer 14 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data and outputs it. That is, the printer 12 prints and outputs image data, and the personal computer 14 outputs the image data to a monitor. The personal computer 14 transmits setting information to the digital camera 10 or the printer 12 and changes the setting information of the digital camera 10 or the printer 12.
[0023]
Further, when the authorization device 16 determines that the function of the digital camera 10 satisfies a predetermined condition, it issues authorization information to the digital camera 10. Specifically, the authorization information is information indicating that the imaging condition information output by the digital camera 10 attached to the image data is information having a predetermined accuracy. Then, the digital camera 10 attaches the authorization information together with the imaging condition information to the image data and transmits it to the printer 12. Then, the printer 12 determines that the imaging condition information transmitted together with the certification information is reliable information by confirming that the certification information is attached. The printer 12 performs image processing using the imaging condition information.
[0024]
The digital camera 10 is an example of an imaging device and / or an image processing device, and the printer 12 and the personal computer 14 are examples of an image processing device. In addition, the imaging device may be a digital still camera that captures a still image or a digital video camera that captures a moving image. The image processing apparatus may be a laboratory printing apparatus that automatically adjusts and prints the image quality of an image captured by a digital camera. The image processing apparatus of the present invention may include a display device such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, various electronic papers, and an organic EL display, and may perform image processing on an image output from the display device.
[0025]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment. The digital camera 10 stores information such as an imaging unit 20 that captures an image of a subject, an imaging condition detection unit 200 that detects an imaging condition that is a condition for capturing an image, and image data indicating the captured image. Storage section 120, an encryption section 204 that encrypts the authorization information acquired from the authorization apparatus 16, and an output section 202 that outputs the information stored in the storage section 120 to an external device.
[0026]
In addition to the image data, the storage unit 120 is imaging condition information indicating imaging conditions detected by the imaging condition detection unit 200, certification information acquired from the certification device 16, and information for identifying the digital camera 10. Stores identification information. The imaging device identification information is an example of authentication information. Further, the imaging device identification information may be device identification information assigned to each imaging device, or may be model identification information assigned to each model of the imaging device. Specifically, the imaging device identification information is preferably information indicating a manufacturer name and a model name.
[0027]
The encryption unit 204 encrypts the authorization information and the imaging device identification information stored in the storage unit 120. Then, the output unit 202 associates the imaging condition information, the imaging device identification information, and the encryption information obtained by encrypting the authorization information and the imaging device identification information with the image data, and outputs them to an external device such as a memory card or the printer 12. To do. That is, the output unit 202 outputs the authorization information to the external device as information indicating whether or not to perform image processing on the image based on the imaging condition information. Further, the output unit 202 outputs the imaging device identification information and the encrypted imaging device identification information in order to make an external device such as the printer 12 authenticate that the encrypted authorization information is not illegally copied information. To do.
[0028]
FIG. 3 shows an example of the format of data output from the output unit 202. Data output by the output unit 202 includes imaging condition information 250, encryption information 252, incidental information 254, and image data 256. The imaging condition information 250 includes a luminance value indicating the luminance of the imaged subject, flash information indicating whether or not the strobe is blown during imaging, subject distance information indicating the distance from the digital camera 10 to the subject at the time of imaging, and information at the time of imaging. For example, focal length information indicating a focal length. The encryption information 252 is information obtained by encrypting the authentication information and the imaging device identification information that is authentication information. The incidental information 254 includes imaging device identification information such as manufacturer information and model information of the digital camera 10 which is an example of authentication information, date information indicating the date when the image was captured, and position information indicating the position where the image was captured. Etc. The image data 256 is data indicating an image, for example, data in JPEG format.
[0029]
FIG. 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the printer 12 according to the present embodiment. The printer 12 includes a receiving unit 300 that receives image data from an external device, a decrypting unit 302 that decrypts encrypted information, and a comparing unit 304 that compares information decrypted by the decrypting unit 302 with other information. An image processing unit 308 that performs image processing on an image, a control unit 306 that controls image processing by the image processing unit 308, and a printing unit 310 that prints an image that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 306. Prepare. The control unit 306 is an example of a determination unit.
[0030]
The receiving unit 300 receives image data, imaging condition information, and imaging device identification information from an external device such as a memory card or the digital camera 10. When encryption information that is information obtained by encrypting the authorization information and the imaging device identification information is attached to the image data output from the digital camera 10 that has captured the image, the reception unit 300 further receives the encryption information.
[0031]
The decryption unit 302 receives encryption information obtained by encrypting the authorization information and the imaging device identification information from the reception unit 300. Then, the decryption unit 302 decrypts the encryption information. Further, the comparison unit 304 receives the imaging device identification information from the reception unit 300 and receives the decoded imaging device identification information from the decoding unit 302. Then, the comparison unit 304 compares the imaging device identification information received from the reception unit 300 with the decoded imaging device identification information received from the decoding unit 302.
[0032]
The control unit 306 determines whether or not to perform image processing based on the imaging condition information depending on whether or not the reception unit 300 has received encryption information that is information obtained by encrypting the authentication information and the imaging device identification information. The determination is made based on the information, and the image processing unit 308 is controlled. That is, when the receiving unit 300 receives the encryption information, the control unit 306 determines that the imaging condition information attached by the digital camera 10 has a predetermined accuracy, and performs image processing using the imaging condition information. The image processing unit 308 is controlled to perform. If the receiving unit 300 does not receive the encryption information, the control unit 306 determines that the imaging condition information attached by the digital camera 10 does not have a predetermined accuracy, and the image processing performed by the image processing unit 308. Limit. For example, the control unit 306 controls the image processing unit 308 to perform image processing without using the imaging condition information. In addition, the control unit 306 may prohibit image processing by the image processing unit 308. Further, the control unit 306 may prohibit printing of an image by the printing unit 310.
[0033]
In addition, the control unit 306 receives the comparison result of the imaging device identification information from the comparison unit 304. Then, the control unit controls the image processing of the image processing unit 308 based on the comparison result. That is, when the imaging device identification information received by the receiving unit 300 and the imaging device identification information decoded by the decoding unit 302 are the same, the control unit 306 determines that the authorization information received by the receiving unit 300 is valid by the authorization device 16. The image processing unit 308 is controlled to perform image processing using the imaging condition information. If the image capturing apparatus identification information decoded by the decoding unit 302 is different, the control unit 306 determines that the authorization information received by the receiving unit 300 has been illegally copied and does not use the image capturing condition information. The image processing unit 308 is controlled to perform image processing.
[0034]
The authorization information is information indicating that only predetermined imaging condition information of a plurality of imaging condition information such as luminance value, flash information, subject distance information, and focal length information has a predetermined accuracy. May be. Then, the control unit 306 may control the image processing unit 308 so as to perform image processing using only predetermined imaging condition information indicated by the authorization information to have a predetermined accuracy. .
[0035]
The image processing unit 308 receives image data and imaging condition information from the receiving unit 300. Then, the image processing unit 308 analyzes the data distribution of the image data. Then, the image processing apparatus 308 performs image processing on the image based on the analysis value of the image data and / or the imaging condition information in accordance with the instruction to the control unit 306. Then, the printing unit 310 prints the image that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 306.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printer 12 according to the present embodiment. First, the receiving unit 300 receives image data, imaging condition information, and imaging device identification information (S100). Then, the control unit 306 determines whether or not the receiving unit 300 further receives encryption information that is information obtained by encrypting the authorization information and the imaging device identification information in S100 (S102). If it is determined in S102 that the encryption information has not been received, the process proceeds to S112. When it is determined that the encryption information is received in S102, the decryption unit 302 decrypts the authorization information and the imaging device identification information included in the encryption information (S104). Then, the comparison unit 304 compares the imaging device identification information received by the reception unit 300 with the imaging device identification information decoded by the decoding unit 302 (S106).
[0037]
Next, the control unit 306 determines whether the imaging device identification information received by the receiving unit 300 and the imaging device identification information decoded by the decoding unit 302 are the same based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 304. (S108). When it is determined in S108 that the imaging device identification information is the same, the control unit 306 controls the image processing unit 308 to perform image processing using the imaging condition information, and the image processing unit 308 Then, image processing is performed on the image based on the image data (S110). If it is determined in S108 that the imaging device identification information is different, the control unit 306 controls the image processing unit 308 to perform image processing without using the imaging condition information, and the image processing unit 308 is related to the imaging condition information. First, image processing is performed on the image based on the image data (S112). The printing unit 310 converts the image processed by the image processing unit 308 into a data format for printing and prints it (S114). This is the end of the operation flowchart of the printer 12 of this example.
[0038]
FIG. 6 shows a hardware configuration of the personal computer 14 according to the present embodiment. The personal computer 14 includes a CPU 700, ROM 702, RAM 704, communication interface 706, hard disk drive 708, database interface 710, floppy disk drive 712, and CD-ROM drive 714. The CPU 700 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 702 and the RAM 704 and controls each unit. The communication interface 706 communicates with the digital camera 10 and the printer 12. The database interface 710 writes data into the database and updates the contents of the database.
[0039]
The floppy disk drive 712 reads data or a program from the floppy disk 720 and provides it to the communication interface 706. The CD-ROM drive 714 reads data or a program from the CD-ROM 722 and provides it to the communication interface 706. The communication interface 706 transmits data or a program provided from the floppy disk drive 712 or the CD-ROM drive 714 to the digital camera 10 or the printer 12. The database interface 710 is connected to various databases 724 to transmit / receive data.
[0040]
The program provided to the printer 12 is stored in a recording medium such as the floppy disk 720 or the CD-ROM 722 and provided by the user. The program stored in the recording medium may be compressed or uncompressed. The program is read from the recording medium, installed in the digital camera 10 or the printer 12 via the communication interface 706, and executed in the digital camera 10 or the printer 12.
[0041]
A program stored and provided in a recording medium and installed in the digital camera 10 includes an imaging module, an imaging condition determination module, a storage module, an encryption module, and an output module as functional configurations. The operation that each module causes the digital camera 10 to perform is the same as the operation of the corresponding member in the digital camera 10 described with reference to FIGS.
[0042]
The program stored and provided in the recording medium and installed in the printer 12 includes a receiving module, a decoding module, a comparison module, a control module, an image processing module, and a printing module as functional configurations. . The operation that each module causes the printer 12 to perform is the same as the operation of the corresponding member in the printer 12 described with reference to FIGS.
[0043]
A floppy disk 720 or a CD-ROM 722 as an example of the recording medium shown in FIG. 6 can store a part or all of the functions of the digital camera 10 or the printer 12 in the embodiment described in the present application. .
[0044]
These programs may be read directly from the recording medium by the digital camera 10 or the printer 12 and executed, or may be executed by the digital camera 10 or the printer 12 after being installed in the digital camera 10 or the printer 12. Further, the program may be stored in a single recording medium or a plurality of recording media. Further, it may be stored in an encoded form.
[0045]
As recording media, in addition to floppy disks and CD-ROMs, optical recording media such as DVD and PD, magneto-optical recording media such as MD, tape media, magnetic recording media, semiconductor memories such as IC cards and miniature cards, etc. Can be used. Further, a storage device such as a hard disk or a RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet may be used as a recording medium, and the program may be provided to the digital camera 10 or the printer 12 via the communication network. Such a recording medium is used only for manufacturing the digital camera 10 or the printer 12, and the manufacture and sale of such a recording medium as a business constitutes infringement of patent rights based on the present application. It is clear to do.
[0046]
FIG. 7 shows an example of a detailed configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment. The digital camera 10 includes an imaging unit 20, an imaging control unit 40, a system control unit 60, a display unit 100, an operation unit 110, a storage unit 120, an image processing unit 130, and an external connection unit 140.
[0047]
The imaging unit 20 includes a photographic lens unit 22, a diaphragm 24, a shutter 26, an optical LPF 28, a CCD 30, an imaging signal processing unit 32, a finder 34, and a strobe 36.
[0048]
The taking lens unit 22 takes in a subject image and performs processing. The photographing lens unit 22 includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like, and forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the CCD 30. The stop 24 stops light that has passed through the photographing lens unit 22, and the optical LPF 28 passes wavelength components that are longer than a predetermined wavelength included in the light that has passed through the stop 24. Each sensor element of the CCD 30 accumulates charges according to the amount of light of the imaged subject image (hereinafter, the charges are referred to as “accumulated charges”).
[0049]
The shutter 26 is a mechanical shutter and controls whether or not the light that has passed through the photographing lens unit 22 is imaged on the CCD 30. The digital camera 10 may have an electronic shutter function instead of the shutter 26. In order to realize the electronic shutter function, the sensor element of the CCD 30 has a shutter gate and a shutter drain. By driving the shutter gate, the accumulated charge is swept out to the shutter drain. By controlling the shutter gate, the time for accumulating charges in each sensor element, that is, the shutter speed can be controlled. In the CCD 30, the accumulated charge is read to the shift register by the read gate pulse, and sequentially read as a voltage signal by the register transfer pulse.
[0050]
The imaging signal processing unit 32 color-separates a voltage signal indicating an object image output from the CCD 30, that is, an analog signal, into R, G, and B components. Then, the imaging signal processing unit 32 adjusts the white balance of the subject image by adjusting the R, G, and B components. The imaging signal processing unit 32 performs gamma correction on the subject image. The imaging signal processing unit 32 performs A / D conversion on the analog signal decomposed into R, G, and B components, and digital image data (hereinafter referred to as “digital image data”) of the subject image obtained as a result. Output to the system control unit 60.
[0051]
The finder 34 may have a display means, and may display various types of information from the main CPU 62 described later in the finder 34. The strobe 36 has a discharge tube 37 that discharges the energy stored in the capacitor, and functions when the discharge tube 37 emits light when energy is supplied to the discharge tube 37.
[0052]
The imaging control unit 40 includes a lens driving unit 42, a focus driving unit 44, an aperture driving unit 46, a shutter driving unit 48, an imaging system CPU 50 that controls them, a distance measuring sensor 52, and a photometric sensor 54. The imaging system CPU 50 is an example of the imaging condition detection unit 200. The lens driving unit 42, the focus driving unit 44, the aperture driving unit 46, and the shutter driving unit 48 each have driving means such as a stepping motor, and drive a mechanism member included in the imaging unit 20. In response to pressing of a release switch 114 described later, the distance measuring sensor 52 measures the distance to the subject, and the photometric sensor 54 measures the subject brightness. The distance measuring sensor 52 and the photometric sensor 54 respectively measure the measured distance to the subject (hereinafter simply referred to as “distance data”) and the subject luminance data (hereinafter simply referred to as “photometric data”). It supplies to CPU50.
[0053]
The imaging system CPU 50 adjusts the zoom magnification and focus of the photographing lens 22 by controlling the lens driving unit 42 and the focus driving unit 44 based on photographing information such as zoom magnification designated by the user. Further, the imaging system CPU 50 controls the lens drive unit 42 and the focus drive unit 44 based on the distance measurement data received from the distance measurement sensor 52 and / or the photometry data received from the photometry sensor 54 to adjust the zoom magnification and focus. Adjustments may be made.
[0054]
The imaging system CPU 50 determines the aperture value and the shutter speed based on the RGB digital signal integrated value of one image frame, that is, automatic exposure information. In accordance with the determined values, the aperture driving unit 46 and the shutter driving unit 48 respectively control the aperture amount of the aperture 24 and the opening / closing of the shutter 26.
[0055]
Further, the imaging system CPU 50 controls the light emission of the strobe 36 based on the photometric data, and adjusts the aperture amount of the aperture 24 at the same time. When the user instructs to capture an image, the CCD 30 starts charge accumulation, and outputs the accumulated charge to the imaging signal processing unit 32 after a lapse of the shutter time calculated from the photometric data.
[0056]
The system control unit 60 includes a main CPU 62, a character generation unit 84, a timer 86, and a clock generation unit 88. The main CPU 62 controls the entire digital camera 10, particularly the system control unit 60. The main CPU 62 exchanges necessary information with the imaging CPU 50 by serial communication or the like.
[0057]
The clock generator 88 generates an operation clock for the main CPU 62 and supplies it to the main CPU 62. The clock generator 88 generates operation clocks for the imaging system CPU 50 and the display unit 100. The clock generator 88 may supply operation clocks having different frequencies to the main CPU 62, the imaging system CPU 50, and the display unit 100.
[0058]
The character generation unit 84 generates character information and graphic information to be combined with a captured image such as a shooting date and time and a title. The timer 86 is backed up by a battery or the like, for example, always counts time, and supplies time information such as information related to the shooting date and time of the shot image to the main CPU 62 based on the count value. It is desirable that the timer 86 counts the time even when the power source of the digital camera body is off by the power supplied from the storage battery. The character generation unit 84 and the timer 86 are preferably provided in the main CPU 62.
[0059]
The storage unit 120 includes a memory control unit 64, a nonvolatile memory 66, and a main memory 68. The memory control unit 64 controls the nonvolatile memory 66 and the main memory 68. The non-volatile memory 66 is composed of an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), a FLASH memory, or the like, and should be retained even when the power of the digital camera 10 is off, such as setting information and adjustment values at the time of shipment. Store the data. The nonvolatile memory 66 may store a boot program, a system program, and the like for the main CPU 62.
[0060]
The main memory 68 is preferably composed of a relatively inexpensive memory having a large capacity, such as a DRAM. The main memory 68 has a function as a frame memory for storing data output from the imaging unit 20, a function as a system memory for loading various programs, and other functions as a work area. The nonvolatile memory 66 and the main memory 68 exchange data with each unit inside and outside the system control unit 60 via the bus 82. The nonvolatile memory 66 may further store digital image data.
[0061]
The image processing unit 130 includes a YC processing unit 70, an encoder 72, and a compression / decompression processing unit 78. The external connection unit 140 includes an optional device control unit 74 and a communication I / F unit 80. The encoder 72, the option device control unit 74, and the communication I / F unit 80 are examples of the output unit 202.
[0062]
The YC processing unit 70 performs YC conversion on the digital image data, and generates a luminance signal Y and color difference (chroma) signals BY and RY. The main memory 68 stores the luminance signal and the color difference signal based on the control of the memory control unit 64.
[0063]
The compression / decompression processing unit 78 sequentially reads out the luminance signal and the color difference signal from the main memory 68 and compresses them. Then, the option device control unit 74 writes the compressed digital image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “compressed data”) to a memory card that is an example of the option device 76.
[0064]
The encoder 72 converts the luminance signal and the color difference signal into a video signal (NTSC or PAL signal) and outputs it from the terminal 90. When a video signal is generated from the compressed data recorded in the option device 76, the compressed data is first supplied to the compression / decompression processing unit 78 via the option device control unit 74. Subsequently, the data that has undergone the necessary decompression processing in the compression / decompression processing unit 78 is converted into a video signal by the encoder 72.
[0065]
The optional device control unit 74 performs necessary signal generation, logical conversion, and / or voltage conversion between the bus 82 and the optional device 76 in accordance with the signal specifications allowed by the optional device 76 and the bus specifications of the bus 82. . The digital camera 10 may support, for example, a standard I / O card conforming to PCMCIA as the optional device 76 in addition to the memory card described above. In this case, the option device control unit 74 may be configured by a PCMCIA bus control LSI or the like.
[0066]
The communication I / F unit 80 performs control such as protocol conversion according to communication specifications supported by the digital camera 10, such as USB, RS-232C, Ethernet, and the like. The communication I / F unit 80 may output the compressed data or digital image data to an external device including a network via the terminal 92. The communication I / F unit 80 includes a driver IC as necessary, and communicates with an external device via a terminal 92. The communication I / F unit 80 may be configured to exchange data with an external interface such as a printer, a karaoke machine, or a game machine.
[0067]
The display unit 100 includes an LCD monitor 102, an LCD panel 104, a monitor driver 106, and a panel driver 108. The monitor driver 106 controls the LCD monitor 102. The panel driver 108 controls the LCD panel 104. The LCD monitor 102 is provided on the rear side of the camera with a size of about 2 inches, for example, and the current shooting / playback mode, zoom magnification for shooting / playback, battery level, date / time, mode setting screen, subject image, etc. Is displayed. The LCD panel 104 is a small black and white LCD, for example, provided on the upper surface of the camera, and displays information such as image quality (FINE / NORMAL / BASIC, etc.), strobe light emission / flash inhibition, standard number of shoots, number of pixels, battery capacity / remaining capacity, etc. .
[0068]
The operation unit 110 includes a power switch 112, a release switch 114, a function setting unit 116, and a zoom switch 118. The power switch 112 turns on / off the power of the digital camera 10 based on a user instruction. The release switch 114 has a two-stage pushing structure of half-pressing and full-pressing. As an example, when the release switch 114 is half-pressed, the imaging control unit 40 performs automatic focus adjustment and automatic exposure adjustment, and when fully pressed, the imaging unit 20 captures a subject image.
[0069]
The function setting unit 116 is, for example, a rotary mode dial or a cross key, and accepts settings such as “file format”, “special effect”, “print”, “decision / save”, “display switching”, and the like. The zoom switch 118 accepts the setting of the zoom magnification of the subject image acquired by the imaging unit 20.
[0070]
The main operation of the above configuration is as follows. First, the power switch 112 is pressed to supply power to each part of the digital camera 10. The main CPU 62 reads the state of the function setting unit 116 to determine whether the digital camera 10 is in the shooting mode or the playback mode.
[0071]
When the digital camera 10 is in the shooting mode, the main CPU 62 monitors the half-pressed state of the release switch 114. When the half-pressed state of the release switch 114 is detected, the imaging system CPU 50 obtains photometry data and distance measurement data from the photometry sensor 54 and the distance measurement sensor 52, respectively. The imaging control unit 40 adjusts the focus, aperture, and the like of the imaging unit 20 based on the photometry data and the distance measurement data obtained by the imaging system CPU 50. When the adjustment is completed, the LCD monitor displays characters such as “standby” to inform the user accordingly.
[0072]
Subsequently, the main CPU 62 monitors the fully pressed state of the release switch 114. When the fully depressed state of the release switch 114 is detected, the shutter 26 is closed after a predetermined shutter time, and the accumulated charge of the CCD 30 is swept out to the imaging signal processing unit 32. Digital image data generated as a result of processing by the imaging signal processing unit 32 is output to the bus 82. The digital image data is temporarily stored in the main memory 68, then processed by the YC processing unit 70 and the compression / decompression processing unit 78, and recorded in the option device 76 via the option device control unit 74. The captured image based on the recorded digital image data is displayed on the LCD monitor 102 for a while in a frozen state, and the user can confirm the captured image. This completes a series of shooting operations.
[0073]
On the other hand, when the digital camera 10 is in the playback mode, the main CPU 62 reads a photographed image taken from the main memory 68, the non-volatile memory 66, and / or the optional device 76 and displays it on the LCD monitor 102 of the display unit 100. .
[0074]
In this state, when the user instructs “forward” and “reverse” in the function setting unit 116, the main CPU 62 displays other captured images stored in the main memory 68, the nonvolatile memory 66, and / or the option device 76. This is read and displayed on the LCD monitor 102 of the display unit 100.
[0075]
According to the image processing system according to the present embodiment, the authorization information indicating whether or not the imaging condition information output by the digital camera 10 attached to the image data has a predetermined accuracy is output to the printer 12. The printer 12 can determine whether or not to perform image processing using the imaging condition information based on the authorization information, and can perform appropriate image processing. That is, it is possible to prevent the printer 12 from performing image processing using imaging condition information that does not have a predetermined accuracy.
[0076]
In addition, according to the image processing system according to the present embodiment, the digital camera 10 outputs the unencrypted imaging device identification information, and the encrypted authorization information and imaging device identification information attached to the image data. Thus, the printer 12 can determine whether or not the encrypted imaging device identification information is the imaging device identification information of the digital camera 10, and confirms that the encrypted certification information is not illegally copied information. be able to.
[0077]
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing system that performs appropriate image processing on a captured image.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of data output by an output unit 202. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printer 12 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printer 12 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a personal computer 14 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Digital camera
12 Printer
14 Personal computer
16 Certified equipment
20 Imaging unit
40 Imaging control unit
60 System controller
100 display section
110 Operation unit
120 storage
130 Image processing unit
140 External connection
200 Imaging condition detector
202 Output unit
204 Cryptographic part
250 Imaging condition information
252 Encryption information
254 incidental information
256 image data
300 Receiver
302 Decoding unit
304 Comparison unit
306 Control unit
308 Image processing unit
310 Printing section
700 CPU
702 ROM
704 RAM
706 Communication interface
708 hard disk drive
710 Database interface
712 Floppy disk drive
714 CD-ROM drive
720 floppy disk
722 CD-ROM
724 Databases

Claims (20)

An image processing system comprising: an imaging device that captures an image of a subject; and an image processing device that performs image processing on the image,
The imaging device
An imaging unit that captures the image;
It is issued when it is determined by an external authorization device that the function of the imaging device satisfies a predetermined condition, and imaging condition information indicating an imaging condition when the imaging unit captures an image has predetermined accuracy. A storage unit for storing the certification information to be shown ;
An output unit that outputs the image, the imaging condition information, and the authorization information;
The image processing apparatus includes:
A receiving unit for receiving the image, the imaging condition information, and the authorization information;
An image processing system comprising: a determination unit that determines, based on the authorization information, whether to perform image processing on the image based on the imaging condition information. The imaging apparatus further includes an encryption unit that encrypts the authorization information,
In the imaging apparatus, the output unit outputs the image, the imaging condition information, and the encrypted authorization information,
In the image processing apparatus, the reception unit receives the image, the imaging condition information, and the encrypted authorization information,
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus further includes a decryption unit that decrypts the encrypted authorization information. In the imaging apparatus,
The encryption unit further encrypts authentication information, which is information for authenticating the imaging device,
The output unit further outputs the authentication information and the encrypted authentication information;
In the image processing apparatus,
The receiving unit further receives the authentication information and the encrypted authentication information,
The decryption unit further decrypts the encrypted authentication information,
The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus further includes a comparison unit that compares the authentication information received by the reception unit with the authentication information decrypted by the decryption unit. An imaging device that captures an image of a subject,
An imaging unit that captures the image;
It is issued when it is determined by an external authorization device that the function of the imaging device satisfies a predetermined condition, and imaging condition information indicating an imaging condition when the imaging unit captures an image has predetermined accuracy. A storage unit for storing the certification information to be shown ;
An imaging apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs the image, the imaging condition information, and the authorization information. An encryption unit for encrypting the authorization information;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit outputs the image, the imaging condition information, and the encrypted authorization information. The encryption unit further encrypts authentication information, which is information for authenticating the imaging apparatus,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the output unit further outputs the authentication information and the encrypted authentication information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the authentication information is imaging apparatus identification information that is information for identifying the imaging apparatus. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image,
Issued when the image, imaging condition information, which is information indicating a condition for capturing the image in the imaging device, and an external recognition device determines that the function of the imaging device satisfies a predetermined condition A receiving unit that receives authorization information indicating that the imaging condition information has a predetermined accuracy ;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines, based on the authorization information, whether to perform image processing on the image based on the imaging condition information. The determination unit, when the receiving unit does not receive the certification information, on the basis of the said image irrespective of the imaging condition information, according to claim 8 for determining that you perform image processing on the image Image processing device. The receiving unit receives the encrypted authorization information;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a decryption unit that decrypts the encrypted authorization information. The receiving unit further receives authentication information that is information for authenticating the imaging apparatus, and the encrypted authentication information,
The decryption unit decrypts the encrypted authentication information,
A comparison unit that compares the authentication information received by the reception unit with the authorization information decrypted by the decryption unit;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not to perform image processing on the image based on a comparison result by the comparison unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the authentication information is imaging apparatus identification information that is information for identifying the imaging apparatus. When the authentication information received by the reception unit and the authentication information decrypted by the decryption unit are the same,
The determination unit is configured based on the imaging condition information and the image, the image processing apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12 determines to perform the image processing on the image. An image processing unit for performing the image processing on the image;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a printing unit that prints the image that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit. An image processing method for performing image processing on an image,
Issued when the image, imaging condition information, which is information indicating a condition for capturing the image in the imaging device, and an external recognition device determines that the function of the imaging device satisfies a predetermined condition Receiving reception information indicating that the imaging condition information has a predetermined accuracy ;
An image processing method comprising: a determination step of determining, based on the authorization information, whether to perform image processing on the image based on the imaging condition information. The receiving step receives the authorization information encrypted,
The image processing method according to claim 15, further comprising a decrypting step of decrypting the encrypted authorization information. A program for an imaging apparatus for imaging a subject, wherein a computer is
An imaging unit for capturing an image;
It is issued when it is determined by an external authorization device that the function of the imaging device satisfies a predetermined condition, and imaging condition information indicating an imaging condition when the imaging unit captures an image has predetermined accuracy. A storage unit for storing the certification information shown ,
An output unit for outputting the image, the imaging condition information, and the authorization information
Program to function as . The computer,
Further function as an encryption unit for encrypting the authorization information,
The program according to claim 17, wherein the output unit outputs the image, the imaging condition information, and the encrypted authorization information. A program for an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image, the computer ,
Issued when the image, imaging condition information, which is information indicating a condition for capturing the image in the imaging device, and an external recognition device determines that the function of the imaging device satisfies a predetermined condition A receiving unit for receiving authorization information indicating that the imaging condition information has a predetermined accuracy ;
A determination unit that determines whether to perform image processing on the image based on the imaging condition information, based on the authorization information.
Program to function as . The receiving unit receives the encrypted authorization information;
  The computer,
The program according to claim 19, further functioning as a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted authorization information.

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