JP4462094B2 - Camera device and control program thereof - Google Patents

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The camera apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, imaging means and an image recording means for recording the photographed object image data by the imaging means, the object that is stored in the image recording means for capturing the object image A determination unit that determines presence / absence of camouflage processing for image data, a specification unit that specifies an elapsed time from shooting by the shooting unit for subject image data stored in the image recording unit, and an image recording unit A subject image identified from the plurality of stored subject image data by the discriminating means that the camouflaging process is unprocessed and specified by the specifying means that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the photographing. search means for searching the data for the retrieved object image data by said retrieval means, again come to the image recording unit by performing impersonation machining And disguise recording means for, characterized by comprising a.
In the camera device according to claim 2 of the present invention, the image recording unit further records the subject image data captured by the imaging unit with information indicating that the camouflage processing has not been processed. The camouflage recording means adds information indicating that camouflage processing has been processed to the subject image data subjected to camouflage processing, and re-records the information in the image recording means.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the image recording means further determines in advance an image recording area for storing normal subject image data in a state where the subject image data photographed by the photographing means is not disguised. In the image file of the predetermined format, the camouflaged recording means stores and records in the image recording area in the image file of the predetermined format. The normal subject image data stored in the image recording area is replaced with camouflaged image data, and the normal subject image data is concealed and recorded in the same image file.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the camouflage recording unit further includes image data similar to the regular subject image data, and other regular subject image data recorded in the image recording unit. This is selected from the above, and the selected other regular subject image data is replaced with the regular subject image data as camouflaged image data.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the camera apparatus further includes identification information input means for inputting user identification information in response to a user operation, and user identification in which user identification information input by the identification information input means is registered in advance. If it does not match the information, the camouflaged image data replaced with the image file by the camouflage recording means is displayed, and if it matches, the subject image data concealed and recorded in the same image file is displayed. And a reproduction control means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the camera device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is further configured so that when the image file of the predetermined format is played back by the image file playback processing program of the predetermined format, the camouflaged image data is read and displayed, and the camouflage function When file reproduction is performed by a corresponding image file reproduction processing program of a predetermined format, it is characterized in that it is a file format in which subject image data that is concealed and recorded can be read and displayed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the camera device, the camouflaged recording unit further converts the normal subject image data stored in the image recording area in the image file of a predetermined format by the image recording unit as camouflaged image data. In addition to the replacement, the regular subject image data is concealed and recorded in an extended area different from the image recording area in the same image file.

The camera device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the camera device according to the first or fourth aspect, wherein the camouflaged recording means is the normal subject image data recorded by the image recording means. Is embedded in camouflaged image data, and the camouflaged image data in which the regular subject image data is embedded is stored in the image recording area in the image file of the predetermined format.
The camera device according to claim 9 of the present invention is further characterized in that the image file of the predetermined format is a standard image file format for a digital camera.
The camera apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention is further characterized in that the image file of the predetermined format is an image file format corresponding to a standard DCF file system for a digital camera.

In the camera device according to claim 11 of the present invention, the normal subject image data is recorded by the camouflaged recording unit by replacing the camouflaged image data with the camouflaged image data, and the normal subject image data is concealed and recorded. The image processing apparatus further includes storage medium writing means for storing an image file of a predetermined format in an external storage medium.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the normal subject image data is recorded by the camouflaged recording unit by replacing the camouflaged image data with the camouflaged image data, and the normal subject image data is concealed and recorded. The image processing apparatus further includes a communication unit that transmits an image file in a predetermined format to an external electronic device.

The camera device according to claim 13 of the present invention is further characterized in that the camouflaged image data to be replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is selected from a plurality of camouflaged image data prepared in advance. To do.

In the camera device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the camouflaged image data that is replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is captured by the imaging unit and prerecorded by the image recording unit, and is not camouflaged. Selected from a plurality of subject image data.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for a camera device that controls a computer of a camera device including a photographing unit that captures a subject image and an image recording unit that records subject image data captured by the photographing unit. A control program for determining the presence or absence of camouflage processing for the subject image data stored in the image recording means, the subject image data stored in the image recording means, A specifying unit for specifying an elapsed time from shooting by the shooting unit, a plurality of subject image data stored in the image recording unit is determined to be unprocessed by the determining unit, and Search for subject image data specified by the specifying means that a predetermined time or more has passed since shooting. Search means for retrieved object image data by the search means, characterized in that as re-recording impersonate recording means, to the to function to the image recording means performs impersonation process.

According to the present invention, subject image data that is determined that camouflage processing is unprocessed from a plurality of photographed and recorded subject image data and that a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the photographing is performed. Since the searched subject image data is camouflaged and re-recorded, the camouflage processing is automatically performed without adversely affecting the confirmation of the shot image immediately after shooting. can be, for example, even if a third party has taken out an image file to an external, so the security of the subject image data can be reliably ensured.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explanation of symbols

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

Claims (15)

Photographing means for photographing a subject image;
An image recording means for recording the subject image data taken by the imaging means,
A discriminating unit that discriminates the presence or absence of camouflage processing for the subject image data stored in the image recording unit,
A specifying means for specifying an elapsed time from shooting by the shooting means for the subject image data stored in the image recording means;
Among the plurality of subject image data stored in the image recording means, it is determined that the camouflaging process is unprocessed by the determining means, and a predetermined time or more has passed since the photographing by the specifying means A search means for searching for specified subject image data;
Camouflage recording means for subjecting the subject image data searched by the search means to camouflage processing and re- recording in the image recording means ;
A camera device comprising: The image recording means adds and records information indicating that the camouflage processing is unprocessed for the subject image data photographed by the photographing means,
The said camouflage recording means adds the information which shows that camouflage processing has been processed with respect to the to-be-photographed object image data, and re-records on the said image recording means. Camera device. The image recording means stores the subject image data photographed by the photographing means in an image recording area in an image file of a predetermined format in which a regular subject image data is stored in a state in which the subject image data is not camouflaged. Store and record ,
The camouflage recording means replaces the legitimate subject image data stored in the image recording area in the image file of the predetermined format with camouflaged image data when camouflaging the subject image data recorded by the image recording means. with camera device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that recorded by hiding the object image data of the normal to the same image file. The camouflage recording unit selects image data similar to the regular subject image data from other regular subject image data recorded in the image recording unit, and the selected other regular subject 4. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein image data is replaced with the regular subject image data as camouflaged image data. Identification information input means for inputting user identification information in response to a user operation;
When the user identification information input by the identification information input means does not match the pre-registered user identification information, the camouflaged image data replaced with the image file by the camouflage recording means is displayed and matched. Reproduction control means for displaying the subject image data concealed and recorded in the same image file,
The camera device according to claim 1 , further comprising: When the image file of the predetermined format is played back by the image file playback processing program of the predetermined format, the camouflaged image data is read and displayed, and the file is played back by the image file playback processing program of the predetermined format corresponding to the camouflage function. 6. The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the camera device has a file format in which the concealed and recorded subject image data can be read and displayed. The camouflage recording means replaces the normal subject image data stored in the image recording area in the image file of a predetermined format by the image recording means with the camouflaged image data, and the normal subject image data is stored in the same image file. The camera apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the camera apparatus performs concealment recording by retracting to an extended area different from the image recording area. The camouflage recording unit is configured to embed the normal subject image data recorded by the image recording unit in the camouflaged image data, and convert the camouflaged image data in which the normal subject image data is embedded into the image of the predetermined format. The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the camera device is stored in the image recording area in a file. 9. The camera apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image file in the predetermined format is a standard image file format for a digital camera. 10. The camera apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the image file of the predetermined format is an image file format corresponding to a standard DCF file system for a digital camera. The image data of the predetermined format in which the normal subject image data is recorded by being replaced by the camouflaged image data by the camouflage recording means and the normal subject image data is concealed and recorded is stored in an external storage medium. The camera device according to claim 9 , further comprising a storage medium writing unit. The subject image data is recorded by replacing the forged image data with the camouflaged image data by the camouflage recording means, and the image file of the predetermined format in which the legitimate subject image data is concealed and recorded is transmitted to an external electronic device. The camera device according to claim 9 , further comprising a communication unit. 4. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the camouflaged image data to be replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is selected from a plurality of camouflaged image data prepared in advance. . The camouflaged image data to be replaced with the subject image data by the camouflage recording unit is selected from a plurality of camouflaged non-set subject image data captured by the imaging unit and recorded in advance by the image recording unit. The camera apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the camera apparatus is characterized in that: A control program for controlling a computer of a camera apparatus provided with a photographing unit for photographing a subject image and an image recording unit for recording subject image data photographed by the photographing unit ,
The computer,
A discriminating unit for discriminating the presence or absence of camouflage processing for the subject image data stored in the image recording unit;
A specifying means for specifying an elapsed time from shooting by the shooting means for the subject image data stored in the image recording means;
Among the plurality of subject image data stored in the image recording means, it is determined that the camouflaging process is unprocessed by the determining means, and a predetermined time or more has passed since the photographing by the specifying means Search means for searching for specified subject image data;
Camouflage recording means for subjecting the subject image data searched by the search means to camouflage processing and re-recording in the image recording means;
A control program for a camera device that functions as a computer program.

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