JP4487660B2 - Image protection device and imaging device - Google Patents

Description

One aspect of the present invention relates to an image protection device that realizes a function of selectively protecting an image in a designated image area of an input image.
The input image here includes a captured image, a reproduced image, and other images. Note that the present invention is also realized as an imaging device equipped with an image protection device .

Currently, surveillance cameras are required to be installed for the purpose of crime prevention and preservation of crime evidence. For example, settings for buildings, facilities, and places are required. The subject is not limited to people, animals and other living things, but also includes real estate and natural objects.
In the case of a conventional apparatus, the image range to be protected is replaced with a mask image for privacy protection. A monochromatic pattern is generally used for the mask image. For example, a black pattern, a gray pattern, a white pattern, and other colored patterns are used.
FIG. 1 shows a pattern example conventionally used. FIG. 1A shows a state in which a black pattern 3 is displayed on a generally bright screen 1. FIG. 1B shows a state in which a white pattern 7 is displayed on an entirely dark screen 5.
JP 2004-80669 A

However, such a mask image display method often gives the viewer a sense of discomfort due to differences in brightness and hue from the surrounding images. Further, since the mask image protects a collective range, the protection area is easily noticeable.
By the way, the area where the mask image is used is an area which does not need to be seen or should be kept secret. Therefore, as much as possible, it is preferable that the image is not as conspicuous as the surrounding image.

The inventor proposes the following technique based on the above fact recognition.
That is, as an image protection device,
An image signal and protection area data for designating a protection area are input, and (a) a mask image generation unit that generates a mask image that retains the brightness and hue in the protection area according to the image signal in the protection area And (b) a privacy protection unit having a protection processing unit that replaces an image in the protection region with a mask image ;
A data storage unit for storing the image signal output from the privacy protection unit and storing the protection area data;
Whether the privacy protection unit inputs an image signal from the outside and protected area data based on external input or setting in the apparatus, or an image signal reproduced from the data storage unit and protected area data reproduced from the data storage unit A switch equipped with an input selection switch for switching whether or not to input is proposed.
In this image protection apparatus, it is preferable that the mask image generation unit uses the mask image that is calculated as the average value of the brightness and hue of the image signal of the entire protection area.
In this case, the mask image is a single color. However, the brightness and hue of the original image before replacement are stored in the mask image.
For this reason, even if the mask image is arranged in the protection area, it can be matched with the surrounding images and the uncomfortable feeling of the entire screen can be reduced.

In this image protection apparatus, it is preferable that the mask image generation unit uses a mask image obtained by deleting lower-order bit information from the image signal in the protection area. In this case, the mask image is a mosaic image.
In this image protection apparatus, it is desirable that the mask image generation unit uses a mask image obtained by deleting the middle bit information from the image signal in the protection area. Also in this case, the mask image has a mosaic shape.
In this image protection apparatus, it is preferable that the mask image generation unit uses a mask image obtained by deleting high-order bit information from the image signal in the protection area.
Further, in this image protection apparatus, it is desirable that the mask image generation unit uses an image signal in the protection area that has been subjected to filtering processing, and the high-frequency component is removed as the mask image. In this case, an image in which the brightness and hue are averaged between adjacent pixels is obtained.
Note that the mask image generation unit preferably corresponds to a plurality of types of generation methods and generates a mask image using the selected generation method.

By employing the above-described technique, the mask image and the surrounding image are matched, and a protected image with less discomfort on the entire screen can be generated.
In addition, the image signal to be processed can be freely selected between the main signal system (external image signal) and the playback system (image signal reproduced from the data storage unit), improving the efficiency of image protection processing. it can.

Embodiments of an image protection apparatus that employs the technical technique according to the invention will be described below.
In addition, the well-known or well-known technique of the said technical field is applied to the part which is not illustrated or described in particular in this specification.
The embodiment described below is one embodiment of the present invention and is not limited thereto.

(A) Example 1
(A) Device Configuration FIG. 2 shows one configuration example of an image protection device. The image protection device 11 includes a setting state determination unit 13, a privacy protection unit 15, a digital / analog conversion unit 17 (hereinafter referred to as “D / A conversion unit 17”) as constituent elements.
The setting state determination unit 13 is a processing device that determines whether image protection is requested through user interface operations and settings. For the user interface, for example, buttons, switches, GUIs and the like are used. For storing the setting information, a semiconductor storage device, a hard disk or other recording medium is used.
The setting state determination unit 13 outputs the determination result as a protection function signal Ssw. When instructing the privacy protection unit 15 to execute the protection process, the setting state determination unit 13 controls the protection function signal Ssw to be in an “on” state. On the other hand, when the input image is output as it is, the setting state determination unit 13 controls the protection function signal Ssw to the “off” state.

The privacy protection unit 15 is a signal processing device that processes a specified image area in an input image. Here, the image area to be processed (hereinafter referred to as “protected area”) is given by the protected area data Sp. The protected area data Sp is given through an external device or a storage device that stores setting information.
In the privacy protection unit 15, signal processing units 15A and 15B are mounted for the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc, respectively.
The signal processing units 15A and 15B are devices that selectively apply a predetermined protection process to the protection area. Note that the signal processing units 15A and 15B do not process the image signals (luminance signal Vy and color signal Vc) other than the protected area.
Here, execution or stop of the predetermined protection process is controlled by a protection function signal Ssw given from the setting state determination unit 13. The protection process is executed when image protection is requested.

The signal processing units 15A and 15B are equipped with a function as a protection processing unit and a function as a mask image generation unit.
Here, the processing content as the protection processing unit is the replacement of the image in the protection area with the mask image.
Further, the processing content as the mask image generation unit is generation of a mask image that retains the brightness and hue in the protected area.
For example, as a mask image generation process, a process for calculating the average value of the brightness and hue of the image signal of the entire protected area, a process for deleting lower bit information from the image signal in the protected area, and an image signal in the protected area The process of deleting the middle bit information, the process of removing the high frequency component by the filtering process, and other processes are applied. Further, the mask generation process includes a combination of these processes.

Here, when the average value calculation process is employed, the brightness and hue of the protection area can be reflected in the single-color mask image. In general, the brightness and hue of the protection area matches the brightness and hue of the image around the protection area. Therefore, a natural relationship with surrounding images can be expected.
In addition, when adopting a process of deleting lower bit information, a mosaic image of a protected area can be generated. The mosaic image reflects the brightness and color of the image in the protected area. Therefore, it matches the brightness and hue of the image around the protected area. This processing method is suitable for expressing only the atmosphere of the image in the protected area.
Incidentally, the deletion amount (the number of bits to be deleted) of the lower bit information to be deleted can be freely selected. An appropriate deletion amount may be selected according to the relationship between the purpose of image protection and the atmosphere allowed for expression. Of course, if the deletion amount is increased, the degree of the mosaic image is advanced, and if the deletion amount is reduced, the original image is approximated.

In addition, when a process of deleting the middle bit information is employed, an image with advanced mosaicing can be generated. Of course, the mosaic image reflects the brightness and hue of the image in the protected area. Therefore, it matches the brightness and hue of the image around the protected area. This processing method is also suitable when only the atmosphere of the image in the protected area is desired to be expressed.
In addition, the deletion amount (number of bits to be deleted) of the middle bit information to be deleted can be freely selected. An appropriate deletion amount may be selected according to the relationship between the purpose of image protection and the atmosphere allowed for expression. Of course, if the deletion amount is increased, the degree of the mosaic image is advanced, and if the deletion amount is reduced, the original image is approximated.

In addition, when a filtering process that removes high frequency components is employed, an image in which the brightness and hue are averaged between adjacent pixels can be obtained. Of course, the obtained image reflects the brightness and hue of the image in the protected area. Therefore, it matches the brightness and hue of the image around the protected area. This processing method is also suitable when only the atmosphere of the image in the protected area is desired to be expressed.
The amount of components to be removed can be freely changed by changing the filter coefficient. As the low-frequency component increases, it approaches a mask image having a single brightness hue, and as the high-frequency component increases, it approaches the original image.
By executing these processing methods, the image in the protected area is converted into a mask image reflecting its brightness and hue.
Note that the mask image generation method used by the signal processing units 5A and 5B is determined in advance, and the corresponding processing device is stored in advance.

The D / A conversion unit 17 is a device that converts the digital signal format image signal output from the privacy protection unit 15 into an analog signal format. However, in the case of outputting the image signal subjected to the protection process in the digital signal format, it is not necessary to mount the D / A conversion unit 17. FIG. 2 shows a case corresponding to two types of signal formats.
Although not shown, a synchronization pulse is given to the privacy protection unit 15 and the D / A conversion unit 17.

FIG. 3 exemplifies two points for providing protection area data Sp for providing a protection area. FIG. 3 corresponds to a screen example in which the output signal of the image protection device 11 is displayed on the monitor.
The protected area data Sp is given by a start point 23 of the protected area 21 and an end point 25 which is a diagonal coordinate thereof.
For example, a coordinate input device shown in FIG. 4 is used to designate the protection area. Position information of the pointer through the mouse 31 is detected by the position detector 33. The position information of the pointer detected by the position detection unit 33 is displayed on the monitor screen.
The position detection unit 33 includes a horizontal dot counter 33A, a vertical line counter 33B, and a position input unit 33C.
The horizontal dot counter 33A is a counter that detects the movement of the mouse in the X direction by counting pulses. The vertical line counter 33B is a counter that detects the movement of the mouse in the Y direction by counting pulses. The position input unit 33C is a device that detects a click on the switch 31A.

The protection area 21 is designated as follows, for example. First, the operator moves the pointer on the screen to a position where it is used as the start point 23, and clicks the switch 31A. The click of the switch 31A is detected by the position input unit 33C. The position input unit 33C specifies the X and Y coordinates at that time through two counters.
Next, the operator moves the pointer in the diagonal direction while clicking the switch 31A, and stops the click state at the position used as the end point. The position where the click on the switch 31A is stopped is detected by the position input unit 33C. The position input unit 33C specifies the X and Y coordinates at that time through two counters.
Through these operations, a protection area is specified. Note that the end point may be specified first, and then the start point may be specified. Further, when the position of the lower left corner and the position of the upper right corner are inputted, the coordinate values of the start point and the end point may be calculated based on these coordinate values.

(B) Processing Operation FIG. 5 conceptually shows protection processing using the image protection apparatus 1. FIG. 5 shows a display example when a generally bright screen 41 is displayed.
First, a case where an image signal captured by the imaging camera is input to the image protection device 11 will be described. It is assumed that the protection area has already been set.
FIG. 5A shows an example of a screen when no protection process is added. In this case, the protection function signal Ssw is in the “off” state.
The protection function signal Ssw is given to the privacy protection unit 15 through the setting state determination unit 13 and defines the processing operation of the privacy protection unit 15. That is, the privacy protection unit 15 outputs the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc input from the imaging camera as they are input.

FIG. 5B shows an example of a screen when a protection process is added. In this case, the protection function signal Ssw is in the “on” state.
The protection function signal Ssw is given to the privacy protection unit 15 through the setting state determination unit 13 and defines the processing operation of the privacy protection unit 15. In this case, when an image signal corresponding to the protection area 43 specified by the protection area data Sp is input, the privacy protection unit 15 calculates an average value of the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc of the entire protection area, The value is output as a mask image signal for the entire protection area 43.
Here, the average value of the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc reflects the brightness and hue of the protection area 43. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort with the surrounding image while protecting the image in the protected area.
Note that image portions other than the protected area are output as they are input.

Of course, the same result can be obtained when the dark screen 45 is displayed as a whole.
FIG. 6 conceptually shows protection processing using the image protection apparatus 1. FIG. 6A shows an example of a screen when no protection process is added, and FIG. 6B shows an example of a screen when a protection process is added.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the protection area 47 can be displayed with the same brightness and color as the surrounding image without any sense of incongruity.

(C) Effect As described above, the mask image can be made inconspicuous with respect to the peripheral image by reflecting the brightness and the hue of the image in the protection area in the protection of the protection area. In other words, it is possible to realize an image protection apparatus that can significantly reduce the uncomfortable feeling after the protection process.

(B) Example 2
(A) Device Configuration FIG. 7 shows another configuration example of the image protection device. In FIG. 7, parts corresponding to those in FIG.
The image protection device 51 includes a setting state determination unit 13, a privacy protection unit 53, and a D / A conversion unit 17 as constituent elements. That is, the configuration other than the privacy protection unit 53 is the same as that in FIG. Below, the privacy protection part 53 is demonstrated.
The privacy protection unit 53 is different from the privacy protection unit 15 described above in that it supports a plurality of protection processes and selectively uses any one of them to execute the protection process.
The privacy protection unit 53 uses the average value of the brightness and hue of the image signal obtained for the entire protection area as a mask image, the process of deleting lower bit information from the image signal in the protection area, and the image in the protection area The processing corresponds to processing for deleting middle bit information from a signal, processing for removing a high-frequency component by filtering processing, and combination processing thereof.

It is assumed that the privacy protection unit 53 stores a plurality of processing devices corresponding to the plurality of protection processes in advance. These processing devices are provided corresponding to the signal processing units 53A and 53B corresponding to the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc.
The privacy protection unit 53 is equipped with a function of selectively switching the processing by the plurality of processing devices based on the method selection signal Ssel1.
The system selection signal Ssel1 is given through an external device or a storage device that stores setting information.
Here, the processing method for realizing the protection processing may be one arbitrarily selected method. This selection can be performed through a user interface or a random number generator prepared in the image protection device 51.
In the protection process, the selected processing method may be used in a fixed manner, or the processing method may be switched over and over.
The switching timing includes a method of switching at an arbitrary timing (including a case where timing is specified through a user interface) and a method of switching periodically or periodically.

In addition, as a method of selecting a processing method to be used, there are a method of selecting through a user interface, a method of switching randomly, a method of switching in a predetermined order, and the like.
When the processing method is switched at random, the method selection signal Ssel1 is given through a random number generated by a random number generator. The random number includes a pseudo random number.
(B) Effect As described above, by preparing a plurality of processing methods used for image protection processing, it is possible to select an optimal processing method according to the user's purpose of use, image design, protection strength, and the like.
As a result, the usability for the user can be further improved.

(C) Example 3
(A) Device Configuration FIG. 8 shows another configuration example of the image protection device. In FIG. 8, parts corresponding to those in FIG.
The image protection device 61 includes a setting state determination unit 13, a privacy protection unit 15, a D / A conversion unit 17, a data storage device 63, and input selection switches 65, 67, and 69. That is, the configuration other than the data storage device 63 and the input selection switches 65, 67, and 69 is the same as in the case of FIG. Hereinafter, the data storage device 63 and the input selection switches 65, 67, and 69 will be described.

The data storage device 63 is a storage device that stores the image signal output from the privacy protection unit 15 in a storage medium.
That is, it is a storage device that stores an image signal that has undergone protection processing in the protected area or an image signal that has not undergone protection processing in the protected area.
Note that the image signal is stored in synchronization with the synchronization pulse. The protected area data Sp is also saved together with the image signal. Also, the recording date and other management information are saved at the same time for retrieval at the time of decoding.

As the storage medium, for example, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk or other magnetic recording medium, an optical disk for optically reading information, a semiconductor memory or other various media is used.
The storage medium may be detachable from the main body of the image protection device 61. Of course, the storage medium may be an internal storage device. Further, the storage medium may be mounted on an external storage device externally connected to the image protection device 61.
The input selection switch 65 is a switch for switching the input of the luminance signal Vy. Here, it is used to switch between the luminance signal Vy of the main signal system and the luminance signal Vy (PB) of the reproduction system.
The input selection switch 67 is a switch for switching the input of the color signal Vc. Here, it is used for switching between the main signal color signal Vc and the reproduction color signal Vc (PB).
The input selection switch 69 is a switch for switching the input of the protection area data Sp. Here, the protection area data Sp (PB) reproduced together with the image data and the protection area data Sp based on the external input or the setting in the apparatus.
Used to switch between.
Note that switching of these input selection switches 65, 67 and 69 is realized by an input switching signal Ssel2 for switching input between the main signal system and the reproduction system.

(B) Processing Operation Next, the processing operation of this embodiment will be described.
First, the case where the input switching signal Ssel2 indicates the main signal system will be described.
This case is exactly the same as in the first embodiment. That is, protection processing for the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc input from the main signal system is selectively executed according to the protection function signal Ssw.
In this case, the data storage device 63 stores the protection area data Sp together with the image signal. On the other hand, when the protection process is not applied to the protection area, only the image signal is stored in the data storage device 63.

Next, the case where the input switching signal Ssel2 indicates the reproduction system will be described.
In this case, the reproduction luminance signal Vy (PB), the reproduction color signal Vc (PB) and the protection area data Sp (PB) at the position specified by the reproduction address are read from the data storage device 63, and the input selection switch 65, Input to the privacy protection unit 15 through 67 and 69.
The contents of the protection processing for the input reproduction luminance signal Vy (PB) and reproduction color signal Vc (PB) are the same as those in the first embodiment. For example, the addition of protection processing can be realized. Of course, it is also possible to output the input image signal as it is being input.
(C) Effect As described above, since the image signal to be processed can be freely selected between the main signal system and the reproduction system, the work efficiency of the protection process for the image can be improved. This is particularly suitable when a protection area is additionally written.

(D) Example 4
FIG. 9 shows another configuration example of the image protection apparatus. In FIG. 9, parts corresponding to those in FIG.
The image protection apparatus 71 is characterized in that an automatic tracking function of a protection area is added to the configuration of the third embodiment. Below, the protection area tracking part 73 which is a structure peculiar to this Example is demonstrated.
The protection area tracking unit 73 is a processing device for shifting the position of the protection area following a change in imaging direction (so-called pan / tilt).
FIG. 10 shows the following operation. In FIG. 10, the movement in the imaging direction during imaging is indicated by a thick arrow. Further, the position of the protection area 81 before movement is indicated by a broken line, and the position of the protection area 81 after movement is indicated by a solid line. The movement of the protection area 81 is indicated by a thin arrow.

As can be seen by comparing the two arrows, the protection area follower 73 moves the position of the protection area 81 in the direction opposite to the movement in the imaging direction. This is because the object to be protected moves relative to the screen corner from the center of the screen by moving in the imaging direction.
The protection area tracking unit 73 receives the protection area data Sp and the imaging direction change information Sm, and generates protection area data Sp ′ in which the position of the protection area is changed. Here, the change information Sm is information that gives the direction and amount of movement in which the imaging direction during imaging has moved in unit time. Protected area data Sp 'after change
Is applied to one input terminal of the input selection switch 69.
(B) Effect As described above, by installing the protection area automatic tracking function, even when the imaging direction is changed after the protection area is set, the position of the protection area can be moved following this. it can. As a result, the work of resetting the protection area can be omitted.

(E) Example 5
FIG. 11 shows another configuration example of the image protection apparatus. Also in FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to the portions corresponding to FIG. 8.
The image protection apparatus 91 is characterized in that an automatic protection area setting function is added to the configuration of the third embodiment. Below, the protection area setting part 93 which is a structure peculiar to this Example is demonstrated.
The protected area setting unit 93 is a processing device that realizes a function of automatically setting a moving area in the screen as a protected area. The protection area setting unit 93 includes a motion detection unit 93A, a frame memory 93B, and a motion coordinate extraction unit 93C.
Here, the luminance signal Vy (Vy (PB)) and the color signal Vc (Vc (PB)) selected by the input selection switches 65 and 67 are input to the motion detector 93A. The motion detection unit 93A compares these signals with signals for several frames stored in the frame memory 93B, and detects a region part with motion. The detection result is given to the motion coordinate extraction unit 93C.
Note that it is possible to freely set a range that is detected as a moving region portion according to the determination criterion. For example, if the threshold value of the motion vector is increased, it is possible to detect only an area portion having a relatively large motion.

The motion coordinate extraction unit 93C obtains the coordinates of the detected region portion and uses this as the protection region data Sp ″. The protection region data Sp ″ generated by the motion coordinate extraction unit 93C is one of the input selection switches 99. Input to the input terminal.
Note that the switching of the input terminal by the input selection switch 69 is realized by an input switching signal Ssel3 that switches the input among the main signal system, the reproduction system, and the automatic setting system.
FIG. 12 shows an example of setting a protection area when this protection area setting unit 93 is used. FIG. 12A shows a state in which a plurality of moving area portions are set as the protection area 101. FIG. 12B shows a state in which the protection area 101 moves so as to follow the movement of the subject.
(B) Effect As described above, by mounting a function that can automatically set a moving area portion as a protection area, it is possible to reduce a work burden when protecting a moving object. Also, the protection area can be moved according to the movement of the subject.

(F) System Example FIG. 13 shows an application example of the image protection apparatus described above. FIG. 13 shows an application example of the image protection apparatus to the security camera system 111.
The security camera system 111 has a configuration in which a captured image transmission side system (imaging cameras 115, 117, and 119 and an image processing device 121) and a captured image reception side system (a storage device 123 and a monitor 125) are connected to a network 113. It becomes.
Among these, the imaging camera 115 has a device configuration in which the front-end signal processing unit 115A, the image protection device 11, and the transmission unit 115B are stored in a casing. The above-described protection processing is added to the image signal captured by the imaging camera 115 and transmitted to the network 113.
The imaging camera 117 has a device configuration in which a front-end signal processing unit 117A, an image protection device 61, and a transmission unit 117B are stored in a housing. Again, the above-described protection processing is applied to the image signal captured by the imaging camera 117 and transmitted to the network 113.

The imaging camera 119 has a device configuration in which a front end signal processing unit 119A and a transmission unit 119B are stored in a housing. The imaging camera 119 is not equipped with an image protection device, but an image processing device 121 is connected to the subsequent stage, and image protection devices 71 and 91 are installed therein. Accordingly, the image signal subjected to the protection process is transmitted to the network 113.
Some of these image signals are stored in the storage device 123 connected through the network 113, and some are displayed on the monitor 125.
With this system configuration, privacy and secrets can be protected even when an image with high privacy is transmitted through a network.

(F) Other Embodiments (a) In the above-described embodiment, the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc are input as image signals. However, the present invention is also applicable to the case where an RGB signal is input and a luminance signal and a color difference signal are input. it can.
Note that the RGB signal may be converted into the signal format of the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc, and the same processing as in the above-described embodiment may be applied. Of course, the luminance signal Vy and the color signal Vc may be changed to the RGB signal format, or may be changed to the luminance signal and color difference signal formats.
(B) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the processing device corresponding to the protection process is stored in advance in the privacy protection unit 15 as hardware has been described. However, the corresponding protection process may be realized by software. In this case, the processing module used for the protection process is executed on the computer.

(C) In the above-described embodiment, the protected area data Sp is used for designating a protected area, but it may be used for designating a non-protected area. In this case, the area excluding the area specified by the protection area data Sp is the protection area.
(D) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image protection apparatus is applied to the security camera system has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the fields of broadcasting systems and communication systems.
(E) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image protection apparatus is mounted only on the transmission side system has been described. However, the image protection apparatus can also be mounted on the reception side system.
(F) In the above-described embodiment, the partial region with motion detected by the motion detection unit 93A is set as the protection region, but the position of the protection region is moved based on the motion vector detected by the motion detection unit 93A. May be. Even if such a method is employed, the protection region can be moved so as to follow the movement of the protection target.

(G) In the above-described embodiments, the case where the image protection device is mounted on the imaging camera has been described. However, the image protection device can be mounted on any device.
For example, a computer, a printing device, a video camera, a digital camera, a game machine, a scanner, a portable information terminal (a portable computer, a mobile phone, a portable game machine, an electronic book, etc.), a clock, an image reproducing device (for example, an optical disc device) , Home server), monitors, television receivers, processing boards and processing cards equipped with the functions according to the invention.
Each of the image processing apparatuses has a common configuration of a housing, a signal processing unit, and an external interface, and is configured by combining peripheral devices according to the product form.
For example, in the case of a video camera or a digital camera, in addition to the above-described configuration, a camera unit and a writing circuit for storing captured video data in a storage medium are provided.
In addition, for example, a mobile phone or other electronic device having a communication function includes a transmission / reception circuit and an antenna in addition to the above-described structure.
(H) Various modifications can be considered in the above-described embodiments within the scope of the gist of the invention. Various modifications and application examples created based on the description of the present specification are also conceivable.

It is a figure which shows the example of a display after the protection process by a conventional process. It is a figure which shows the example of an image protection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a protection area and protection area data. It is a figure which shows an example of a coordinate input device. It is a figure which shows the example of a display before and behind a process in the case of adding a protection process to a bright screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display before and after the process in the case of adding a protection process to a dark screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an image protection apparatus carrying multiple types of protection processing functions. It is a figure which shows the example of an image protection apparatus carrying the input switching function of an image signal. It is a figure which shows the example of an image protection apparatus carrying the automatic setting function with respect to the change of an imaging direction. It is a figure which shows the example of automatic tracking of the protection area with respect to the change of an imaging direction. It is a figure which shows the example of an image protection apparatus carrying the automatic setting function of a protection area. It is a figure which shows the example of automatic setting of a protection area. It is a figure which shows the example of application to a security camera system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11, 61, 71, 91 Image protection apparatus 13 Setting state determination part 15 Privacy protection part 15A, 15B Signal processing part 73, 93 Protection area follow-up part 111 Security camera system

Claims (11)

A mask image generation unit that receives an image signal and protection area data that designates a protection area, and generates a mask image that retains the brightness and hue in the protection area according to the image signal in the protection area; , a privacy protection unit and a protection processing section for replacing the image of the protected area in the mask image,
A data storage unit that stores the image data output from the privacy protection unit and stores the protection area data;
Whether the privacy protection unit is input with an external image signal and the protected area data based on external input or setting in the apparatus, or is reproduced from the image signal reproduced from the data storage unit and the data storage unit An input selection switch for switching whether to input the protection area data;
An image protection device. The image protection apparatus according to claim 1.
The mask image generation unit, an image protection apparatus calculates an average value of the brightness and hue of the image signal of the entire protected area shall be the mask image. The image protection apparatus according to claim 1.
The mask image generation unit, an image protection apparatus that generates a mask image by removing the lower bit information from the image signal of the protected area. The image protection apparatus according to claim 1.
The mask image generation unit, an image protection apparatus that generates a mask image by removing the bit information medium from the image signal of the protected area. The image protection apparatus according to claim 3 or 4,
Reduction of the bit information is freely increased or decreased can Ru image protection apparatus. The image protection apparatus according to claim 1.
The mask image generation unit, and filtering the image signal of the protected area, an image protection apparatus that generates a mask image obtained by removing the components in the high frequency side. The image protection apparatus according to claim 6.
The amount of removed frequency component image protection apparatus that can freely increase or decrease. The image protection apparatus according to claim 1.
The mask image generation unit, an image protection apparatus that generates a mask image using the generated method selected among a plurality of types of generation method. The image protection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The protection area data based on the external input or the setting in the apparatus, and the change information that gives the direction and amount of movement in which the imaging direction at the time of imaging of the image signal from the outside moves in unit time are input, A protection area tracking unit that generates protection area data in which the position of the designated protection area is changed in the direction opposite to the movement in the imaging direction by the change information, and causes the input selection switch to input the generated protection area data
Further comprising
The input selection switch causes the privacy protection unit to input an image signal from the outside and the protection area data generated by the protection area tracking unit, or the image signal and the data reproduced from the data storage unit Switch whether to input the protected area data reproduced from the storage unit
Image protection device. The image protection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Protected area setting unit having a motion detection unit, a frame memory, and a motion coordinate extraction unit
Further comprising
The motion detection unit receives an image signal selected by the input selection switch, compares the image signal with several frames of image signals stored in the frame memory, and detects an area portion having motion. ,
The motion coordinate extraction unit generates the protection region data by obtaining the coordinates of the region portion detected by the motion detection unit, and causes the input selection switch to input the generated protection region data.
Regarding the switching of the protection area data, the input selection switch includes the protection area data based on an external input or a setting in the apparatus, the protection area data reproduced from the data storage section, and the motion coordinate extraction section. Switch which of the generated protected area data is input to the privacy protection unit
Image protection device. An image output unit for outputting a captured image in the form of an image signal;
A mask image generation unit that receives an image signal and protected area data that designates a protected area, and generates a mask image that retains the brightness and hue in the protected area according to the image signal in the protected area; A privacy protection unit having a protection processing unit for replacing an image in the protection area with the mask image;
A data storage unit that stores the image signal output from the privacy protection unit and stores the protection area data;
Whether the privacy protection unit inputs the image signal output from the image output unit and the protected area data based on external input or setting in the apparatus, or the image signal reproduced from the data storage unit and the data storage An input selection switch for switching whether to input the protected area data reproduced from the unit;
With
Imaging device with protection function.

Images