JPH10248045A - Electronic image pickup device and electronic image pickup system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent image data requiring secrecy from being viewed by other party in the case of sending recorded image data to other device. SOLUTION: In an electronic still camera at a transmitter side, after a CPU 10 sets image data to be sent to a transmission enable state, a password stored in a flash memory 8 is added to the image data set to a transmission enable state, and a transmission reception section 13 and a light emitting element 14a are used to send the resulting data sequentially. In an electronic still camera at a receiver side, when the password added to the received image data is in matching with a password set in the camera, the received image data are stored in the flash memory 8. The user views the received image data by displaying the data on an LCD 16. On the other hand, when the passwords are dissident, since the image data are not stored and the user cannot view the data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electronic image pickup apparatus and an electronic image pickup system for recording a still image or the like on a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an electronic image pickup apparatus, an optical still image captured by a lens or the like is charged by a CCD (Charge Coupled).
2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electronic still camera that converts an electric signal by an image pickup device such as a device (charge coupled device) or a MOS and stores the electric signal in a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory or a floppy disk. In this electronic still camera, since a still image or the like is recorded as electrical information, it can be directly reproduced on a television receiver or transferred to a remote location using a communication line.
It is characterized in that it can be transferred to another device (for example, another electronic still camera, a computer, or the like) using infrared rays, or various image processing can be performed.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional electronic still camera, all image data or arbitrary image data is transmitted when a communication line is used or an infrared ray is transmitted. When transferring to other devices, if you transfer image data that you do not want others to receive or that you do not want others to see because it was transferred as it is, it will be easily received or viewed There was a problem.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an electronic image pickup apparatus and an electronic image pickup system which can prevent specific image data (confidential image data) from being seen by another person when transmitting recorded image data to another device. The purpose is to provide.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention captures an image of a subject, sequentially stores image data in a storage unit, and stores the image data in the storage unit during reproduction. In an electronic imaging apparatus having a display device for displaying image data, identification information setting means for setting identification information for specifying a receiving device of predetermined image data stored in the storage means; And transmitting means for reading out the image data, adding the identification information set by the identification information adding means to the image data, and transmitting the image data to an external device.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises transmission permission setting means for setting whether or not to transmit to each external device for each image data stored in the storage means. May be configured to add the identification information set by the identification information adding means to the image data permitted to be transmitted by the transmission permission setting means and transmit the image data.

Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a selection unit for selecting image data to be transmitted to an external device from the image data stored in the storage unit. The identification information set by the identification information setting means may be added to the image data selected by the selection means and transmitted.

Preferably, when displaying the image data on the display device, if the image data is image data permitted to be transmitted by the transmission permission setting means, the image data is transmitted. May be displayed on the display device in a recognizable manner together with the image data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic image pickup apparatus for picking up an image of a subject, sequentially storing the image data in a storage means, and displaying the image data stored in the storage means during reproduction. In an electronic imaging apparatus having a display device that performs, for each image data stored in the storage unit, identification information setting unit that sets identification information that specifies a receiving device of each image data, and that is stored in the storage unit. And transmitting means for adding the identification information set by the identification information adding means to each image data and transmitting the image data to an external device.

Preferably, the transmitting means includes an image data set by the identification information setting means with respect to the image data stored in the storage means. May be transmitted to an external device with the identification information added thereto, and the image data for which the identification information is not set may be directly transmitted to the external device.

[0011] Preferably, an input means for inputting identification information set by the identification information setting means may be provided.

[0012] Preferably, the identification information set by the identification information setting means may be stored in a storage medium detachable from the device.

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic image pickup apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention picks up an object, sequentially stores image data in a storage means, and displays the image data stored in the storage means during reproduction. Receiving means for receiving transmitted image data, identification information storage means for storing identification information, and identification information added to the image data received by the receiving means. A storage unit for storing received image data when the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit matches the identification information.

[0014] Preferably, the receiving means may receive only image data to which no identification information is added, for example, as set forth in claim 10.

[0015] Preferably, an input means for inputting identification information stored in the storage means may be provided.

[0016] Preferably, the storage means may be a storage medium detachable from the apparatus.

Preferably, the transmitting means and the receiving means may transmit and receive the image data either by wire or wirelessly.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic image pickup system, comprising: an image pickup means for photographing a subject; a storage means for storing a plurality of image data taken by the image pickup means; An identification information setting unit for setting identification information for specifying a receiving device of each image data for each of the image data stored in the storage unit, and an image data stored in the storage unit, and Transmitting means for adding identification information set for each data and transmitting the data to an external device; receiving means for receiving transmitted image data; identification information storage means for storing identification information; If the identification information added to the received image data matches the identification information stored in the identification information storage means, the received image data is Holding means for holding the storage means, characterized by comprising a display means for displaying the image data stored in the storage means.

Preferably, when no identification information is added to the image data received by the receiving means, the holding means stores the image data received unconditionally, for example, as in claim 15. You may make it hold | maintain in a means.

In order to achieve the above object, a storage medium according to the present invention is a storage medium which stores a program code which can be read and executed by a computer, wherein the image data is taken and stored. A program code for adding identification information to a program code, a program code for determining whether transmission is possible, a program code for controlling transmission, and a program code for adding the identification information to image data determined to be transmittable and transmitting the image data. A program code for controlling reception, a program code for recognizing identification information of received image data, a program code for storing received image data according to a recognition result of the identification information, and the stored image And program code for displaying data.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below as an example applied to an electronic still camera with reference to the drawings. A. Configuration of the present embodiment A-1. Configuration of Electronic Still Camera FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic still camera according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a CCD
(Or MOS), which converts a still image formed through a lens (not shown) into an electric signal and supplies the electric signal to the buffer 2. The buffer 2 amplifies the still video signal to a predetermined level and supplies the signal to the A / D converter 3. The A / D converter 3 converts the still video signal into digital data (hereinafter, referred to as image data), and then converts the still video signal into a TG (Timing Generate
r; timing generator) 4. TG4 is CCD
In addition to generating a timing signal for controlling the driving circuit 4 for driving the driving circuit 1 and supplying the same to the driving circuit 5, the image data is taken in according to the timing signal and output to the data bus.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a DRAM (Dynamic Memory), which is a storage medium for temporarily storing the image data output by the TG 4. This image data is read out at the time when the photographing for one screen is completed, and is subjected to a color calculation process for separating a luminance signal and a color signal. Reference numeral 7 denotes the luminance signal and the color signal separated by the color operation processing, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group).
A compression / decompression unit that performs a process of decompressing compressed image data while compressing by a compression method such as the p) method. Reference numeral 8 denotes a flash memory for storing the compressed image data (luminance signal and color signal).

In this embodiment, the flash memory 8
As shown in FIG. 2, stores a password described later, an address where image data is stored for each image data, and a header portion storing transmission permission / non-permission information indicating whether transmission is possible or not. Used as a last memory unit. In the header section, the transmission permission / non-permission information indicates whether the corresponding image data is set to transmission permission ("0") or transmission non-permission ("1").

Reference numeral 9 denotes a key input unit which operates the electronic still camera (shutter key, playback key,
An image feed key, a transmission permission / non-permission switching key), a switch for setting various setting values, and the like. The state of the key input unit 9 is taken in by a CPU (central processing unit) 10.

The CPU 10 controls the operation of each unit according to the program in the ROM 11 and the state of the switch of the key input unit 9. In particular, the CPU 10 performs transmission image selection processing for designating transmission permission / non-permission during reproduction, and transmits the recorded image data to another device according to the transmission permission / non-permission setting. An image transmission process is performed in which a password stored in the flash memory 8 is added to a data header and transmitted.

The password is input in advance from the key input unit 9 or selected from a database before transmitting the image data. In the operation of the first embodiment described later, the password is transmitted to the image data to be transmitted. One input password is added and transmitted. In the operation of the second embodiment, a password is input for each image, and when transmitting each image data, a corresponding password is added and transmitted. It has become. When receiving image data, a password for reception is used. The password for reception needs to be input to the electronic still camera on the receiving side before receiving the image data. However, as will be described later, the transmitting side may transmit image data for which a password has not been set. In this case, the receiving side must input the password to receive and display the image data. No need.

When transmitting image data to another device, the CPU 10 allows the user to manually select image data to be transmitted, and a batch transmission process of sequentially transmitting image data permitted to be transmitted. If the transmission of the image data is permitted, a manual transmission process of transmitting the image data is executed.

The ROM 11 may be a storage medium constituted by a magnetic or optical recording medium other than the semiconductor memory, and stores programs and data executed by the CPU 10. The storage medium (ROM 11)
Are fixedly provided or detachably mounted. The program, data, and the like recorded on the storage medium (ROM 11) may be configured to be received and stored from another device connected via a communication line or the like. The storage medium (ROM 11) is provided on the other device side, and the storage medium (R
The program, data, and the like stored in the OM 11) may be used via a communication line.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a random access memory (RAM), which is used as a working area of the CPU 10. Further, the light emitting element 14a and the light receiving element 14b serve as an IrDA (Infra-red Data Ass
The transmission / reception unit transmits and receives image data to and from another device (for example, an electronic still camera, a computer, or the like) in accordance with a standard according to an association. Reference numeral 14a denotes an infrared light emitting element, which is modulated by the transmitting / receiving unit 13 according to the IrDA standard.
The video signal is transmitted. Reference numeral 14b denotes an infrared light receiving element that receives infrared light transmitted from another device. Next, reference numeral 15 denotes an SG (Signal Generator), which superimposes a chrominance signal on the luminance signal expanded by the compression / expansion unit 7 and adds a synchronization signal and the like to create a digital video signal. , VRAM (Video RAM)
16 and the D / A converter 17.

The VRAM 16 is a storage medium for storing the digital video signal. Also, the D / A converter 17
Converts the digital video signal output by the SG 15 into an analog signal (hereinafter, referred to as an analog video signal), and outputs the converted signal via a buffer 18 from an output terminal to an LCD (liquid crystal display) 16. LCD16
Displays an image according to the analog video signal supplied via the buffer 18.

A-2. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of devices when transmitting and receiving image data between the electronic still cameras described above. In this embodiment, image data is transmitted and received by the infrared light emitting element (transmitting side) and the light receiving element (receiving side) described above. The data transmission by infrared rays is performed according to, for example, IrDA standards. Usually, Figure 3
As shown in FIG. 3A, transmission and reception are performed on a one-to-one basis. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. May be transmitted and received.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, one or both of the electronic still cameras may be connected to the computer 21 via a predetermined interface (for example, RS-232C). in this case,
The computer 21 includes a unit for adding identification information (password) to the image data, a unit for transmitting and receiving the image data, a unit for determining whether transmission is possible, a unit for recognizing the identification information added to the received image data, The means for storing the received image data in response thereto is realized by reading and executing a program stored in the built-in or removable storage medium 22.

In any case, if the password input in advance does not match the password added to the received image data, the electronic still camera or computer 21 on the receiving side holds the received image data. Not to be. In other words, the received image data can be displayed only when the passwords match.

In particular, when a password is set for each image (second embodiment), in the example shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of electronic still cameras each having a different password input are arranged on the receiving side. Then, in the electronic still camera on the transmitting side, the corresponding image data can be transmitted to each electronic still camera in a single transmission process, and the electronic still camera on the receiving side can transmit the image addressed to itself. Only data can be displayed. In addition, among the electronic still cameras on the receiving side, if there is an electronic still camera for which a password has not been input, image data to which no password is added, which is transmitted from the electronic still camera on the transmitting side, can be displayed. That is, on the receiving side, the password does not need to be input to all the electronic still cameras.

B. Next, the operation of the above-described electronic still camera according to the first embodiment will be described. In the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment, at the time of normal photographing, video is recorded in a series of sequences similar to the conventional one, and a description thereof will be omitted. Also, in the following, FIG.
Description will be made assuming that image data is transmitted and received in the configuration shown in FIG.

(A) Setting Process FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the above-described setting process of the electronic still camera. The program shown in the flowchart is stored in the ROM 11. First, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the "+" key is pressed when the power is turned on. "+"
The key is used as an instruction key for advancing the recorded image data by one, and the “−” key is used to move the recorded image data by one.
It functions as an instruction key for moving backward. here,
If the "+" or "-" key has been pressed, the flow advances to step S12 to send (advance) the image data according to the image data address in the header portion.
D16 is displayed (reproduction mode).

Here, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example in the reproduction mode. In the figure, the number attached to the upper right corner of each image data is the number of the image data, and "T" indicates that the image data is image data set to be transmittable. . That is, image data with image data numbers “2”, “4”, “6”,..., “N” are set to be transmittable.

Next, in step S16, it is determined whether or not the transmission permission / non-permission switching key has been pressed. The transmission permission / non-permission switching key is a key for switching whether image data being displayed can be transmitted to another device or cannot be transmitted in the reproduction mode. If the transmission permission / non-permission switching key has not been pressed, the determination result in step S16 is "NO", and the process returns to step S10 described above. That is, when the "+" or "-" key other than the transmission permission / non-permission switching key is pressed, steps S10 to S16 are repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, if the transmission permission / non-permission switching key is pressed, the flow advances to step S18, and the current
It is determined whether or not the transmission is permitted by referring to the header part of the image data displayed in (1). Then, if transmission permission is set at present, the process proceeds to step S20, in which non-permission is set in the header portion, and the process returns to step S10. If transmission is not permitted at present, the process proceeds to step S22, permission is set in the header portion, and the process returns to step S10.

(B) Password setting processing On the other hand, if the "+" and "-" keys or the transmission permission / non-permission switching key has not been pressed, the flow advances to step S24 to determine whether or not the password input key has been operated. ,
When the password input key is operated, the process proceeds to step S26, and it is determined whether the call key of the database is operated. Here, if the database is not called, the process proceeds to step S28, and the password is input from the key input unit 9. Here, FIG. 6A is a conceptual diagram showing a situation where a password is being input. In the figure, L
A window for inputting a password is displayed below the CD 16, and the input password is displayed. The password is stored in the flash memory 8. After inputting the password, the process returns to step S10.

On the other hand, if the database is called, the process proceeds to step S30, where the database is stored in the LCD 16
To be displayed. Here, FIG. 6B shows that the database is L
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example displayed on a CD 16. In the figure, the LCD 16 displays a name and a password input and set in association with the name. In step S32, the reverse cursor on the LCD 16 is moved up and down to select a desired password. The selected password is stored in the flash memory 8. After inputting the password, the process returns to step S10.

(C) Transmission Processing Next, image transmission processing for transmitting image data recorded from the electronic still camera to another device (electronic still camera) will be described. Here, FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an image transmission process on the image data transmitting side, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an image receiving process on the image data receiving side. The program shown in the flowchart is stored in the ROM 11. 9 and 10 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the image transmission processing.

First, each other's electronic still cameras are
(A) or face to face in a form as shown in FIG. 3 (b). In this state, in each of the electronic still cameras on the master side and the slave side, appropriate image data is displayed on the respective LCDs 16 as shown in FIG. 9A or 10A. Next, a predetermined key (shutter key) is operated on one electronic still camera side. The electronic still camera becomes a master and the other becomes a slave. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B or FIG. 10B, the electronic still camera on the master side transmits and receives the transmission / reception for selecting between the transmission side for transmitting the image data and the reception side. A selection screen is displayed. And
If the user selects, for example, transmission, a transmission mode is set in which image data is transmitted from the electronic still camera on the master side to the electronic still camera on the slave side. In addition,
When reception is selected, a transmission mode is set in which image data is transmitted from the electronic still camera on the slave side to the electronic still camera on the master side.

A. Batch transmission Next, in the electronic still camera on the master side, in step S40, the batch transmission is performed to batch transmit the image data set to be transmittable, or any of the image data set to be transmittable. It is determined whether the transmission is manual transmission in which the image data is selected and transmitted. Here, when the user selects batch transmission by a predetermined key operation, the process proceeds to step S42, where a counter for counting image data to be transmitted is reset, and in step S44, the counter is incremented by "1".

Next, in step S46, it is determined whether or not the image data of the number indicated by the counter is set to be permitted to be transmitted.
At 48, a preset password is added to the header of the image data, modulated by the transmission / reception unit 13, and transmitted by the light emitting element 14a. Next, in step S50, it is determined whether the slave-side electronic still camera has received an ACK signal for confirming that the image data has been received. It is determined whether or not the image data is final data. If not, the process returns to step S44.

Thereafter, steps S44 to S52 are repeatedly executed, a password is added to the image data set to be permitted to be transmitted while incrementing the counter, and the image data is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 13 and the light emitting element 14a. At this time, the LCDs 16 on the master and slave sides are
As shown in (c), a message “WAIT” indicating that the image is being transmitted (or being received), a bar indicating the transmission (reception) state, a password, and the number of the image data being transmitted (received) Is displayed. When the transmission of the final image data is completed, the process proceeds from step S52 to step S54, where EOF indicating the end of transmission (end of the file) is transmitted, and the process is terminated.

B. Manual Transmission Next, in the electronic still camera on the master side, in step S40, when manual transmission for selecting and transmitting arbitrary image data from the image data set to be transmittable is selected, the process proceeds to step S56. , "+" Or "-"
Judge whether the key is pressed, "+" or "-"
If the key has been depressed, the process proceeds to step S58, in which the image data is sent (advance / retreat) in accordance with the image data address in the header portion, and the image data to be transmitted is displayed on the LCD 16 as shown in FIG. .

Next, in step S60, it is determined whether or not the transmission key (shutter key) has been pressed. If the transmission key has been pressed, the image data currently displayed on the LCD 16 is transmitted in step S62. It is determined whether or not transmission is permitted. If transmission is permitted, a preset password is added to the header of the image data in step S64, modulated by the transmission / reception unit 13, and modulated by the light emitting element 14a. Send by Next, in step S66, it is determined whether or not the electronic still camera on the slave side has received an ACK signal for confirming that the image data has been received. When the ACK signal is received, the process returns to step S56.

Hereinafter, by repeatedly executing steps S56 to S66, the image data to be transmitted is stored in the LCD 1
6 and transmit the image data with a password added. At this time, the master side and slave side L
As shown in FIG. 10D, the CD 16 includes a message “WAIT” indicating that an image is being transmitted (or being received), a password, a bar indicating the transmission (reception) state, and a transmission (reception). The number of the middle image data is displayed. Then, when a key other than “+”, “−” or a transmission key (shutter key) is pressed, step S6 is performed.
Then, after transmitting EOF indicating the end of transmission (end of file), the process ends.

(C) Reception process In the transmission process described above, the reception-side electronic still camera receives the transmission signal from the transmission-side electronic still camera by the light receiving element 14b in step S70 shown in FIG. The transmission / reception unit 13 demodulates and determines whether or not data has been received. If the data has been received, it is determined in step S72 whether or not the data is EOF. And
If it is not EOF, in step S74, the password added to the header of the received image data is compared with the previously input reception password to determine whether they match. If they match, the received image data is stored in the flash memory 8 in step S76. Next, in order to notify the transmission-side electronic still camera that the image data has been received, step S78 is performed.
After transmitting the above-mentioned ACK signal, step S70
Return to In response to this, on the transmitting side, as described above,
Send the next image data.

On the other hand, if the passwords do not match, the ACK signal is transmitted in step S78 without storing the received image data in the flash memory 8, and the process returns to step S70. If the passwords do not match, a message indicating that the password does not match and the image data cannot be received may be displayed on the LCD 16 in the electronic still camera on the receiving side.

Thereafter, by repeatedly executing steps S70 to S76, the transmitted image data is stored in the flash memory only when the password added to the header of the image data transmitted from the transmitting side matches. 8 sequentially. And E from the sending side
When the OF signal is received, the process ends. If the passwords match and the received image data is
The user can display the received image data on the LCD 16 for viewing by the above-described reproduction operation.

As described above, in the above-described first embodiment, the password is added to the image data set to be permitted to be transmitted, and the image data is transmitted collectively or one by one. The received image data can be viewed only by the electronic still camera in which the password that matches the password is input and set, and leakage of information to other devices can be prevented.

C. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. Book second
In the embodiment, a password can be set for each image data, and when transmitting image data, a password set for the image data is added and transmitted, and image data for which a password is not set is transmitted. Is transmitted as it is.

In other words, image data for which a password is set can only be displayed on an electronic still camera with a matching password, and cannot be displayed on an electronic still camera with a mismatching password.
Image data for which a password has not been set can be displayed by any electronic still camera, regardless of whether the passwords match. In other words, the second embodiment is particularly effective in the case of one-to-many transmission and reception as shown in FIG. 3B described above. Only the image data having the selected confidentiality (the image data with the password set) is displayed so as to be displayed only on the one with the matching password, and the electronic still camera and the others are kept secret. This is effective when image data having no property (image data for which a password is not set) is transmitted so as to be displayed.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the flash memory 8 stores, for each image data, an address at which the image data is stored and transmission permission / non-permission information indicating whether or not to transmit. , A header part storing a password is stored. In the header section, the transmission permission / non-permission information indicates whether the corresponding image data is set to transmission permission ("0") or non-permission ("1").

D. Next, the operation of the above-described second embodiment will be described. (A) Setting Process FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the above-described setting process of the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment.
1 is stored. First, in step S80,
It is determined whether or not the "+" key has been pressed when the power is turned on. If the "+" or "-" key has been pressed, the flow advances to step S82 to send (advance) image data in accordance with the image data address in the header portion. As shown in FIG. Is displayed on the LCD 16 (reproduction mode). Next, in step S86, it is determined whether the transmission permission / non-permission switching key has been pressed,
If the transmission permission / non-permission switching key has not been pressed, the process returns to step S80 described above.

On the other hand, if the transmission permission / non-permission switching key is depressed, the process proceeds to step S88, where
It is determined whether or not the transmission is permitted by referring to the header part of the image data displayed in (1). Then, if the transmission is currently set to be permitted, the process proceeds to step S90, in which non-permission is set in the header portion, and the process returns to step S10. If transmission is not permitted at present, the flow proceeds to step S92, permission is set in the header portion, and the flow proceeds to the password setting process after step S94.

(B) Password setting process In step S94, it is determined whether or not the password input key has been operated.
Proceeding to step S96, it is determined whether the call key of the database has been operated. Here, if the database is not called, the process proceeds to step S98, in which a window for inputting a password is displayed below the LCD 16 as shown in FIG. . The password is stored in the flash memory 8. After inputting the password, the process returns to step S80 again.

On the other hand, when the database is called, the process proceeds to step S100, and the database is displayed on the LCD 16, as shown in FIG. In step S102, the reverse cursor on the LCD 16 is moved up and down to select a desired password. The selected password is stored in the flash memory 8.
After inputting the password, the process returns to step S10.

(C) Transmission Process Next, an image transmission process for transmitting image data recorded from the electronic still camera to another device (electronic still camera) will be described. Here, FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the image transmission processing on the side that transmits the image data.
It is stored in OM11. The display example of the LCD in the reception processing and the transmission / reception is described in the above-described first example.
The description is omitted because it is similar to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 of the embodiment.

First, each other's electronic still cameras are
(A) or face to face in a form as shown in FIG. 3 (b). In this state, in each of the electronic still cameras on the master side and the slave side, appropriate image data is displayed on each LCD as shown in FIG. 9A or 10A. Next, a predetermined key (shutter key) is operated on one electronic still camera side.
The electronic still camera becomes a master and the other becomes a slave. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B or FIG. 10B, the electronic still camera on the master side transmits and receives the transmission / reception for selecting between the transmission side for transmitting the image data and the reception side. A selection screen is displayed. If the user selects, for example, transmission, a transmission mode is set in which image data is transmitted from the electronic still camera on the master side to the electronic still camera on the slave side. When reception is selected, a transmission mode is set in which image data is transmitted from the electronic still camera on the slave side to the electronic still camera on the master side.

A. Batch Transmission Next, in the electronic still camera on the master side, in step S110, it is determined whether the transmission is batch transmission in which all image data is transmitted collectively or manual transmission in which arbitrary image data is selected and transmitted. . Here, when the user selects batch transmission by a predetermined key operation, step S11 is performed.
Proceeding to 2, the counter for counting the image data to be transmitted is reset, and in step S114, the counter is set to "1".
Only increment.

Next, in step S116, it is determined whether or not a password has been set for the image data of the number indicated by the counter. If a password has been set, in step S118, the password is set in the header of the image data. Is added, and the process proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if the password has not been set, the process proceeds to step S120.
Proceed to. In step S120, the image data to which the password has been added or only the image data
And transmitted by the light emitting element 14a. next,
In step S122, it is determined whether the electronic still camera on the slave side has received an ACK signal for confirming that image data has been received.
In step S124, it is determined whether or not the transmitted image data is final data. If not, the process returns to step S114.

Thereafter, steps S114 to S124 are repeated, and while the counter is incremented, a password is added in the case of image data for which a password has been set, and the image data is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 13 and the light emitting element 14a. In the case of image data for which is not set, the image data is transmitted as it is. When the transmission of the final image data is completed, the process proceeds to step S126,
After transmitting the EOF indicating the end of transmission (end of the file), the process ends.

B. Manual Transmission Next, in the electronic still camera on the master side, when manual transmission for selecting and transmitting arbitrary image data is selected in step S110, the process proceeds to step S128.
Determines whether the "+" or "-" key has been pressed,
If the "+" or "-" key has been pressed, the flow advances to step S130 to send (advance or retreat) the image data in accordance with the image data address in the header portion, and display the image data on the LCD 16 as shown in FIG. .

Next, at step S132, it is determined whether or not the transmission key (shutter key) has been pressed.
It is determined whether or not a password has been set for the image data displayed in 6, and if a password has been set,
In step S136, a password set in advance is added to the header of the image data.
Proceed to 8. On the other hand, if no password is set,
Proceed directly to step S138. And step S
At 138, the image data to which the password is added or the image data as it is is modulated by the transmission / reception unit 13,
Transmitted by the light emitting element 14a. Next, step S14
In step S12, it is determined whether the electronic still camera on the slave side has received an ACK signal for confirming that image data has been received.
Return to 8.

Hereinafter, by repeatedly executing steps S128 to S140, the image data to be transmitted
D16 is displayed. If a password is set for the image data, the image data is transmitted after adding a password. If no password is set, the image data is transmitted as it is. At this time, the LCDs 16 on the master and slave sides are
As shown in (d), a message “WAIT” indicating that the image is being transmitted (or being received), a password, a bar indicating the transmission (reception) state, and the number of the image data being transmitted (received) Is displayed. And
If a key other than “+”, “−”, or a key other than the transmission key (shutter key) is pressed, the process proceeds to step S142, where EOF indicating transmission end (end of file) is transmitted, and the process ends.

(C) Receiving Process In the transmitting process described above, the electronic still camera on the receiving side receives image data in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 described above, and stores a password added to the image data and a key input unit in advance. Then, the flash memory 8 compares the image data with which the password has been input or the image data to which the password has not been added to the flash memory 8. So, in this case,
The receiving-side electronic still camera can display image data to which no password has been added, in addition to the image data to which the matched password has been added. Even when there is no image data to which a matching password is added, image data to which no password is added can be displayed. In addition, since a password is set for each image data, it is possible to specify a destination to be sent for each image data.

As described above, in the second embodiment described above, the password is added to the image data for which the password is set, and the image data for which the password is not set is transmitted as it is, collectively or one by one. Therefore, the specific image data can be viewed only by the electronic still camera for which the matching password is set, and the other image data can be viewed by any electronic still camera. Even when electronic still cameras with different passwords or electronic still cameras with no password input are mixed, leakage of information to other devices can be prevented.

E. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic still camera according to a third embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a removable storage medium (floppy disk, memory card, or the like) in which a password is stored. The storage medium is mounted on the electronic still camera on the transmitting side in advance, and the password stored in the flash memory 8 is copied by a predetermined operation. After that, it is mounted on a predetermined electronic still camera on the receiving side.

In the electronic still camera on the receiving side, when the received image data includes image data to which a password has been added, it is determined whether or not the image data matches the password stored in the storage medium. If the passwords match, the image data is stored in the flash memory 8. This eliminates the need to convey the password verbally or to write it in a memo or the like, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of the user, and it is possible to eliminate the trouble of inputting an incorrect password or inputting the wrong password.

Further, ID data for identifying a user (or a receiving-side electronic still camera) is stored in the storage medium, and the receiving-side electronic still camera gives the user the ID data before receiving the image data. May be input to determine whether a legitimate user is using the device. And if the ID data matches,
That is, the password stored in the storage medium can be used only when it is determined that the authorized user is using the password. As a result, more advanced security leakage prevention can be realized.

In the above-described embodiment, in the image transmission process, both electronic still cameras communicate with each other by infrared rays to transmit image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
You may make it transmit via a communication line by radio | wireless or a modem.

[0075]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the identification information setting means sets the identification information for specifying the receiving device when transmitting the predetermined image data stored in the storage means, and transmits the image data. Means for adding the identification information set by the identification information adding means to the predetermined image data stored in the storage means and transmitting the image data to an external device. At the time of transmission, an advantage is obtained that specific image data, for example, confidential image data can be prevented from being viewed by others.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the transmission permission setting means sets, for each image data stored in the storage means, whether or not the image data is to be transmitted to an external device. Since the identification information set by the identification information adding means is added to the image data permitted to be transmitted by the transmission permission setting means and transmitted, the image data set to be permitted to be transmitted can be transmitted collectively. The advantage is obtained that the image data can be prevented from being viewed by others.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the selecting means selects image data to be transmitted to an external device from the image data stored in the storage means, and the transmitting means selects the image data. Since the identification information set by the identification information setting means is added to the image data selected by the means and transmitted, it is possible to prevent the image data from being viewed by others and to any image data. Confidentiality can be provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when displaying the image data on the display device, it is determined that the image data is image data whose transmission is permitted by the transmission permission setting means. Since the image data is displayed so as to be recognizable together with the image data, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the image data has been permitted to be transmitted.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, identification information for specifying a receiving side device is set for each image data stored in the storage means, and the image data stored in the storage means is set. Since the identification information set by the identification information adding means is added to each image data and transmitted to an external device, an electronic still camera or identification information with different identification information set on the receiving side is set. Even when electronic still cameras that are not used are mixed, it is possible to prevent information leakage to other devices and to transmit each image data to a specific receiving device. Is obtained.

According to the present invention, the image data to which the identification information is set by the identification information setting means is transmitted to an external device after adding the identification information, and the identification information is set. Since the image data with no identification information is sent to the external device as it is, the image data with the identification information is received only by the device with the identification information, and the image data without the identification information can be received by any device. This has the advantage that confidential image data and non-confidential image data can be transmitted simultaneously.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the identification information set by the identification information setting means is input by the input means, the identification information can be changed to an arbitrary one. This has the advantage that information leakage can be more reliably prevented.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the identification information set by the identification information setting means is stored in a storage medium that is detachable from the apparatus. When the identification information added to the received image data matches the identification information stored in the storage medium on the receiving side, the image data is displayed if the identification information is displayed. Orally,
Since there is no need to write the information in a memo or the like, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the user, and it is possible to obtain the advantage that the identification information can be erroneously input or the trouble of inputting can be eliminated.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the image data transmitted from the external device is received by the receiving means, and the identification information added to the received image data is stored in the storage means. When the stored identification information matches, the received image data is stored in the holding unit. Only when the identification information matches, the received image data can be displayed. An advantage is obtained that devices that do not match or do not have certain image data, for example, confidential image data, can be prevented from being viewed.

According to the tenth aspect, only the image data to which the identification information is not added is received, so that there is an advantage that the image data having no confidentiality can be viewed by any device. Can be

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the identification information stored in the storage means is input by the input means, so that the identification information can be changed to an arbitrary one. This has the advantage that leakage can be more reliably prevented.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the identification information for specifying the receiving device is stored in the storage medium detachable from the device, so that the storage medium can be stored in the receiving device. If the identification information attached to the received image data is matched with the identification information stored in the storage medium on the receiving side and the identification information stored in the storage medium is displayed, the identification information can be verbally displayed. It is not necessary to convey it in a memo or write it in a memo, etc., so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of the user and to input identification information by mistake,
The advantage that the trouble of inputting can be eliminated is obtained.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the image data is transmitted by either the wired or wireless means by the transmitting means, so that the image data can be transmitted irrespective of the use mode. Is obtained.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image data taken by the image pickup means are stored in the storage means, and the identification information setting means sets each of the image data stored in the storage means. The identification information for specifying the receiving device of the image data is set, and the transmission means adds the image data stored in the storage means to the external device by adding the identification information set for each image data by the identification information addition means. While transmitting to the device, the receiving unit receives the transmitted image data, and when the identification information added to the received image data matches the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit, By the holding means,
Since the received image data is stored in the storage unit and the image data stored in the storage unit is displayed on the display unit, when transmitting the recorded image data to another device, the specific image data For example, there is an advantage that image data having confidentiality can be prevented from being viewed by others.

According to the fifteenth aspect, when identification information is not added to the image data received by the receiving means, the image data received unconditionally is stored in the storage means. Therefore, there is an advantage that image data having no confidentiality can be viewed on any device.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, by reading and executing a program code on a computer, it is possible to transmit and receive recorded image data between computers or between a computer and an electronic imaging apparatus. There is an advantage that specific image data (confidential image data) can be prevented from being viewed by others.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic still camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a header section in a flash memory of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement of devices when transmitting and receiving image data between electronic still cameras according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a setting process of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example in a reproduction mode.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a password input method.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an image transmission process on the image data transmission side according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an image receiving process on the image data receiving side according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image transmission process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an image transmission process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a header section in a flash memory of an electronic still camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a setting process of the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an image transmission process according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic still camera according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CCD 3 A / D converter 4 TG 5 Drive circuit 6 DRAM 7 Compression / expansion part 8 Flash memory (storage means) 9 Key input part (transmission permission setting means, selection means, input means) 10 CPU (identification information setting means) , Transmission permission setting means,
Selection means) 11 ROM (identification information setting means, transmission permission setting means,
Selection means) 12 RAM 13 transmission / reception unit (transmission means, reception means) 14a light emitting element (transmission means) 14b light reception element (reception means) 15 SG 16 VRAM 17 D / A converter 19 LCD (display device) 20 storage medium (storage) means)

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 5/225 H04N 5/781 510L

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An electronic imaging apparatus having a display device for capturing an image of a subject, sequentially storing image data in a storage unit, and displaying the image data stored in the storage unit during reproduction, wherein the storage unit stores the image data. Identification information setting means for setting identification information for specifying a receiving device of predetermined image data; reading predetermined image data from the storage means; and adding identification information set by the identification information adding means to the image data An electronic imaging device comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the data to an external device. 2. A transmission permission setting means for setting whether to transmit to an external device for each image data stored in the storage means, wherein the transmission means is permitted to transmit by the transmission permission setting means. 2. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information set by the identification information adding means is added to the image data, and the image data is transmitted. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects image data to be transmitted to an external device from the image data stored in the storage unit, wherein the transmission unit transmits the image data selected by the selection unit to the image data. 2. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information set by the identification information setting means is transmitted. 4. When displaying image data on the display device, if the image data is image data permitted to be transmitted by the transmission permission setting means, it is notified to the display device that transmission is permitted. 3. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electronic imaging apparatus is displayed so as to be recognizable together with the image data. 5. An electronic imaging apparatus having a display device for capturing an image of a subject, sequentially storing image data in a storage unit, and displaying the image data stored in the storage unit during reproduction, wherein the image stored in the storage unit is stored. Identification information setting means for setting identification information for specifying a receiving device of each image data for each data; and image data stored in the storage means set by the identification information adding means for each image data Transmitting means for adding the identification information to the external device and transmitting the information to an external device. 6. The transmitting means adds the identification information to the image data in which the identification information has been set by the identification information setting means with respect to the image data stored in the storage means, and transmits the image data to an external device. 6. The image data to be transmitted and image data for which identification information is not set is transmitted to an external device as it is.
An electronic imaging device according to claim 1. 7. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit configured to input identification information set by the identification information setting unit. 8. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information set by the identification information setting means is stored in a storage medium detachable from the apparatus. . 9. An electronic image pickup apparatus having a display device for picking up an image of a subject, sequentially storing the image data in a storage means, and displaying the image data stored in the storage means during reproduction, receiving the transmitted image data. Receiving means for performing identification, identification information storing means for storing identification information, identification information added to image data received by the receiving means, and identification information stored in the identification information storage means And an holding unit for holding the received image data. 10. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said receiving means receives only image data to which identification information is not added. 11. An input means for inputting identification information stored in said storage means.
An electronic imaging device according to claim 1. 12. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said storage means is a storage medium detachable from said apparatus. 13. The transmitting means and the receiving means,
The electronic imaging device according to claim 1, wherein image data is transmitted or received by wire or wirelessly. 14. An image capturing means for capturing an image of a subject, a storage means for storing a plurality of image data captured by the image capturing means, and a receiving device for each image data stored in the storage means. Identification information setting means for setting identification information to be specified; transmission of transmitting image data stored in the storage means to an external device by adding identification information set for each image data by the identification information addition means; Means, receiving means for receiving the transmitted image data, identification information storing means for storing identification information, identification information added to the image data received by the receiving means, and When the stored identification information matches, the holding means for holding the received image data in the storage means, and the image data stored in the storage means. An electronic imaging system, comprising: display means for displaying data. 15. The storage unit according to claim 14, wherein the storage unit stores the image data received unconditionally when identification information is not added to the image data received by the reception unit. An electronic imaging system according to any of the preceding claims. 16. A storage medium storing a program code which can be read and executed by a computer, comprising: a program code for adding identification information to captured and stored image data; and a program code for determining whether or not transmission is possible. A program code for controlling transmission, a program code for transmitting the image data determined to be transmittable by adding the identification information, a program code for controlling reception, and identification of the received image data. A storage medium comprising: a program code for recognizing information; a program code for storing received image data according to a recognition result of the identification information; and a program code for displaying the stored image data.