JP2006101046A - Digital camera, electronic apparatus, and lock setting/release method and program in digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera and an electronic apparatus, and a lock setting/release method and a lock setting/release program for the digital camera capable of enhancing the security level more than that of a password. <P>SOLUTION: A flowchart for denoting processing procedures of lock setting processing includes: a step S301 of displaying a plurality of regions 1-1 to 2-3 comprising 2 rows and 3 columns on a liquid crystal display monitor; a step S302 of judging which of a plurality of the regions 1-1 to 2-3 is selected; a step S307 of selecting any of a plurality of images a, b, c, ... when any region is selected; and a step S308 of storing an image file name to an area of the image file name corresponding to the area selected in a lock setting table when any image is selected. When the processes from the step 303 and the succeeding steps are executed, e.g. three times, the image (a) is set to the region 1-1, the image (b) is set to the region 1-3, and the image (c) is set to the region 2-3 respectively. The similar processing is executed even in a lock release state, and when the relation between the region and the image at lock setting and lock releasing is completely coincident, the locking is released. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera and electronic apparatus having a lock function for restricting predetermined processing and an unlock function for releasing the restriction, a lock setting / releasing method, and a lock setting / releasing program in the digital camera.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital camera having a lock function that restricts playback and display of an image that has been captured and stored in a memory and a lock release function that releases this restriction is known. This digital camera displays a plurality of preset candidate images on the monitor when the lock is set. When the user selects an arbitrary number of images, for example, three images, from a plurality of candidate images displayed on the monitor, the selected images are set as key images, and the lock setting is completed.

Also, a plurality of candidate images are displayed on the monitor even when the lock is released. A person who wants to unlock the user selects an image that seems to be a key image from a plurality of candidate images displayed on the monitor. It is determined whether or not the image selected at the time of unlocking and the key image match, and if they match, the lock is released and the lock target image in the memory previously locked is displayed on the monitor. Enable. However, if the image selected at the time of unlocking and the key image do not match, the monitor display of the lock target image is prohibited without unlocking (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-32542 A

  However, in the lock setting and release function of the digital camera described above, the lock image is maintained or locked by determining whether or not the key image set at the time of lock matches the image selected at the time of lock release. The release is done. Therefore, the security level is less than or equal to the password whose consistency is the determination factor up to the order of numbers and symbols, and even if the consistency up to the order of the selected images is the determination factor, the security level is a character string. It stays on par with a certain password level and is not satisfactory at the security level.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and provides a digital camera and an electronic device capable of raising the security level beyond a password, a lock setting / release method, and a lock setting / release program in the digital camera. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the digital camera according to the first aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that captures an image, an image storage unit that stores an image captured by the imaging unit, a display unit, A first display control means for displaying a plurality of areas on the display means at the time of lock setting, and an area selection for selecting any of the plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the first display control means; A first selection means for executing image selection for selecting an image to be applied to the area selected by the area selection from the images stored in the image storage means, any number of times within the number of the areas; and Correspondence relationship storage means for storing the correspondence relationship between the area selected by the first selection means and the image, and when allowing the execution of predetermined processing, the display means displays the plurality of areas. Second display control means for selecting, area selection for selecting any one of the plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the second display control means, and an image applied to the area selected by the area selection Second selection means for executing image selection to be selected from images stored in the image storage means, correspondence between the area selected by the second selection means and the image, and the correspondence relation storage means Comparison means for comparing the correspondence between the stored area and the image, the correspondence between the area selected by the second selection means and the image as a result of comparison by the comparison means, and the correspondence relation storage And a lock release unit that allows the predetermined process to be executed when the correspondence between the area stored in the unit and the image all match.

  Therefore, at the time of lock setting, an arbitrary image selected is applied to an arbitrary region selected within the number of the regions, and the relationship between the region and the image is stored in the correspondence relationship storage means. Also, even when unlocking, the selected arbitrary image is applied to the selected arbitrary region, the relationship between the selected region and the image at the time of unlocking, and the region stored in the correspondence storage unit And the correspondence relationship between the images. When the correspondence between the two areas and the images all match, the lock is released and execution of the predetermined process is permitted. Therefore, in the comparison at the time of unlocking, the password using the coincidence of numbers and symbols and their order as a determination element is also a determination element in the arrangement area in the present invention. Security level is higher than security by password and password.

  In the digital camera according to a second aspect of the invention, the first and second selection means execute the area selection and the image selection a number of times less than the number of the areas. Therefore, there is an area where an image is not applied when the lock is set. For this reason, not only the relationship between the region and the image but also the region where the image is not applied exists, the system between the region and the image becomes complicated, and the security level is further increased.

  In the digital camera according to the third aspect of the invention, the first and second selection means can select the same image for different regions in the image selection. Accordingly, there is an area where the same image is applied when the lock is set. For this reason, not only the relationship between the region and the image, but also the presence of a plurality of regions where the same image is applied, the system between the region and the image becomes complicated and the security level is further increased.

  The digital camera according to a fourth aspect of the present invention further comprises third selection means for selecting an arbitrary image from images stored in the image storage means, and the first and first The second selection unit selects the image from the images selected by the third selection unit. That is, if all the images stored in the image storage means are selected, the security level is increased by increasing the number of images to be selected. However, because there are too many images to be selected, it is impossible to identify which image was used for lock setting when unlocking, and it is impossible for the person to unlock it. There arises a case. However, if the images that can be selected at the time of lock setting and unlocking are limited to images in a predetermined area, unlocking is facilitated. Therefore, it is possible to increase the security level more easily than the security using conventional images and the security using passwords while facilitating unlocking.

  In the digital camera according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the first and second display control means cause the image applied to each area to be displayed in the area. Therefore, the user can easily select a region and an image while visually recognizing a system between the selected image and the region.

  In the digital camera according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the first and second display control means may apply a predetermined image to each area when no image is applied to each area. Display. Therefore, in accordance with the operation of the first and second selection means, the image of each area is changed to the selected image on the display means, and it is possible to generate interest at the time of selection.

  The digital camera according to the invention of claim 7 further includes setting means for setting an arbitrary predetermined process among a plurality of predetermined processes, the second display control means, the second selection means, The comparison unit and the lock release unit operate when allowing the execution of the processing set by the setting unit. Therefore, it is possible to lock only a process important for the user, thereby eliminating the complexity that the user has to unlock when executing a minor process.

  The digital camera according to an eighth aspect of the present invention further includes deletion prohibiting means for prohibiting deletion of the image selected by the first selecting means. Therefore, deletion of the image selected at the time of lock setting from the image storage means is prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous deletion of an image necessary for the unlocking process, and to reliably develop the unlocking process function using a preset image.

  In the electronic device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the image storage means for storing the image, the display means, and the first display control for causing the display means to display a plurality of areas when the lock is set. And an area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the first display control means, and an image applied to the area selected by the area selection is stored in the image storage means. A first selection means for performing image selection to be selected from the number of images within an arbitrary number of times within the number of the areas, and a correspondence for storing a correspondence relationship between the area selected by the first selection means and the image A relation storage means; a second display control means for displaying the plurality of areas on the display means when allowing the execution of the predetermined process; and a display on the display means by the second display control means. A second selection unit that performs region selection for selecting any one of the plurality of regions and image selection for selecting an image to be applied to the region selected by the region selection from the images stored in the image storage unit. Comparing means for comparing the correspondence between the area selected by the second selecting means and the image and the correspondence relation between the area and the image stored in the correspondence storing means, As a result of the comparison, if the correspondence between the area selected by the second selection unit and the image and the correspondence between the area stored in the correspondence storage unit and the image all match, the predetermined process Unlocking means for allowing execution. Therefore, in the comparison at the time of unlocking, the password using the coincidence of numbers and symbols and their order as a determination element is also a determination element in the arrangement area in the present invention. Security level is higher than security by password and password.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lock setting / releasing method for a digital camera comprising an image pickup means for picking up an image, an image storage means for storing an image picked up by the image pickup means, and a display means. Then, at the time of lock setting, a first display control step for displaying a plurality of areas on the display means and a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the first display control step are selected. A first selection step of executing region selection and image selection for selecting an image to be applied to the region selected by the region selection from the images stored in the image storage means, any number of times within the number of the regions. A correspondence storage step for storing the correspondence between the area selected by the first selection means and the image, and the execution of the predetermined process. A second display control step for displaying the plurality of regions on the display means; a region selection for selecting any of the plurality of regions displayed on the display means by the second display control step; A second selection step for performing an image selection for selecting an image to be applied to the region selected by the selection from the images stored in the image storage unit; and the region and the image selected by the second selection step And a comparison step for comparing the correspondence relationship between the region stored in the correspondence relationship storage means and the image, and the region selected by the second selection step as a result of comparison in this comparison step When the correspondence relationship between the image and the image and the correspondence relationship between the area and the image stored in the correspondence storage step all match, And a Unlock step. Therefore, by performing the processing according to the described steps, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

  The lock setting / releasing program according to the invention described in claim 11 is a digital comprising an image pickup means for picking up an image, an image storage means for storing an image picked up by the image pickup means, and a display means. Any one of a first display control means for displaying a plurality of areas on the display means and a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the first display control means when the computer of the camera is locked. The area selection for selecting the image and the image selection for selecting the image to be applied to the area selected by the area selection from the images stored in the image storage means are executed any number of times within the number of the areas. Selection means, correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence between the area selected by the first selection means and the image, and execution of predetermined processing is permitted. A second display control means for displaying the plurality of areas on the display means; a region selection for selecting any of the plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the second display control means; Second selection means for executing image selection for selecting an image to be applied to the area selected by the area selection from the images stored in the image storage means; and an area selected by the second selection means; Comparison means for comparing the correspondence relationship with the image and the correspondence relationship between the region stored in the correspondence relationship storage means and the image, and the comparison result of the comparison means is selected by the second selection means. When the correspondence relationship between the region and the image and the correspondence relationship between the region and the image stored in the correspondence relationship storage unit all coincide with each other, it is made to function as an unlocking unit that allows the execution of the predetermined process. Therefore, when the computer executes processing according to this program, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, at the time of lock setting, an arbitrary image selected is applied to an arbitrary region selected within the number of a plurality of regions, and the relationship between the region and the image corresponds. The selected image is applied to the selected arbitrary area even when the lock is released, and the relationship between the selected area and the image at the time of unlocking, and the correspondence storage means The correspondence between the stored area and the image is compared, and when the correspondence between the two areas and the image all match, the lock is released and execution of the predetermined process is permitted. Therefore, in the comparison at the time of unlocking, the password using the coincidence of numbers and symbols and their order as a determination element is also a determination element in the arrangement area in the present invention. The security level can be increased more than security by passwords.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a cradle. When the digital camera 1 is attached to the cradle 51, the built-in rechargeable battery is charged, and image data can be transferred to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) (not shown) via the cradle 51. It has become.

  In the digital camera 1, a power key 3 and a shutter key 4 are provided on the upper surface of the camera body 2, and an optical viewfinder 5 is switched on the back surface of the camera body 2 between a recording (REC) mode and a playback (PLAY) mode. A mode switch 6, a liquid crystal monitor 7 that displays a recorded image and various types of information and functions as an electronic viewfinder, a menu (MENU) key 8 for displaying a menu screen, selection of a displayed menu item, and image increment There are provided a cursor key 9 to be used for setting, a SET key 10 to be used for a confirmation operation, and a DEL key 11 to be used for deleting a recorded image. The cursor key 9 is a key that can be pressed at each of the vertical and horizontal portions.

  On the other hand, the cradle 51 starts a USB button 53 for starting transfer of an image file or the like to the PC in the digital camera 1 and a slide display of the recorded image on the front side of the main body 52 accommodating the digital camera 1. A PHOTO button 54 to be turned on, a first LED 55 that is lit during transfer of the image file, and a second LED 56 that is lit during charging are arranged.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 includes a CCD 41 that is an image pickup device disposed behind the optical axis of a photographing lens 40 disposed on the front side (not shown) of the camera body 2. The CCD 41 is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 12 and a vertical driver 13 and outputs an image signal for one screen at a constant period.

  The output signal of the CCD 41 is appropriately adjusted for each RGB primary color component in the state of an analog signal, then sampled and held by a sample hold circuit (S / H) 14 and converted into digital data by an A / D converter 15. It is sent to the color process circuit 16. The color process circuit 16 generates digital value luminance signals Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr by color process processing including image interpolation processing, and outputs them to a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 17.

  The DMA controller 17 once writes the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr into the buffer in the DMA controller 17 using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 16, and the DRAM interface (I / F) DMA transfer to DRAM 19 via 18. The control unit 20 reads the image data from the DRAM 19 through the DRAM interface 18 and writes it into the VRAM 22 through the VRAM controller 21 after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signal data, that is, image data to the DRAM 19 is completed.

  The digital video encoder 23 periodically reads out the image data from the VRAM 22 via the VRAM controller 21, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 24. The display unit 24 is a display unit according to the present invention, and includes the liquid crystal monitor 7 and its drive circuit. The display unit 24 performs display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 23, and at that time, the VRAM controller 21. A through image based on the image information captured from is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7.

  The key input unit 25 includes keys such as the shutter key 4 to the DEL key 11 described above, and generates a trigger signal for starting shooting when the shutter key 4 is operated in a state where a through image is displayed.

  During still image shooting in the recording mode, the control unit 20 stops the path from the CCD 41 to the DRAM 19 in response to the trigger signal, and reads out one frame of image data written in the DRAM 19 via the DRAM interface 18. To the JPEG circuit 26. The JPEG circuit 26 compresses and encodes the transmitted image data, and the compressed image data is read by the control unit 20 and recorded as a still image file in a data memory 270 provided in a flash memory 27 which is a nonvolatile memory. Is done. During moving image shooting in the recording mode, reading of image data from the DRAM 19 and compression encoding of the image data are continuously performed, and the compressed image data for a plurality of frames is stored in the data memory 270 as a moving image file. Recorded in each folder.

  An image (still image) file recorded in a folder in the data memory 270 is read into the JPEG circuit 26 in accordance with the selection operation by the cursor key 9 or the like in the reproduction mode, and is decoded into image data there, and then the VRAM controller 21. To the VRAM 22 and displayed on the display unit 24.

  The USB interface 31 outputs an image file (still image file) recorded in the data memory 270 to the cradle 51 via the USB connector 32 provided on the bottom surface of the camera body 2, and supplies the image file from the cradle 51. The direct current power to be sent is sent to the charging control unit 33. The charge control unit 33 adjusts the supplied DC power supply and charges a rechargeable battery (not shown) according to a command from the control unit 20.

  The control unit 20 is a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU and its peripheral circuits, and a built-in clock having a calendar function. Based on a program stored in a program area secured in the flash memory 27, the RAM 28 Is operated as a work area, and the operation of each unit described above is controlled. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 functions as the first and second display control means, the first and second selection means, the comparison means, and the lock release means in the present invention. As will be described later, the lock setting table 34 stores the file name of the image selected at the time of lock setting.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing details of the data memory 270 provided in the flash memory 27. The data memory 270 is provided with a plurality of folders 271... As shown in FIG. Among these folders, a specific folder is a dedicated security folder 275 that stores only an image file used for lock setting and unlocking together with a file name. Each of the folders 271 and 275 is provided with an image file name area 273 and an image file area 274 for storing the image file for each record number 272, as shown in FIGS. ing.
As shown in FIG. 3C, the record number “1” of the security folder 275 stores the image data of the default image DP together with the file name “dp.jpg” in advance. The DP has a protection setting that prohibits its deletion.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing details of the lock setting table 34. In the lock setting table 34, for each record number 342, there are an area number area 343 in which area numbers 1-1 to 2-3 are stored in advance, and an image file name area 344 in which an image file name is stored when lock setting is described later. Is provided. In the image file name area 344, in the initial setting state before the lock setting process to be described later is executed, as shown in (A), the default is corresponding to all the area numbers 1-1 to 2-3. Image file name dp. jpg is stored.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the lock release table 281 provided in a part of the RAM 28. This lock release table 281 has the same configuration as the lock setting table 34 shown in FIG. 4 and is an area number area 283 in which area numbers 1-1 to 2-3 are stored in advance. An image file name area 284 for storing names is provided. In the image file name area 284, as in the lock setting table 34, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the initial setting state, the default image corresponding to all the area numbers 1-1 to 2-3 are stored. Image file name dp. jpg is stored.

Here, the area number is a number indicating a plurality of areas displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 at the time of lock setting and unlocking to be described later. In the present embodiment, since six regions of 2 rows and 3 columns are displayed, the number of rows and the number of each region number, such as “1-1”, “1-2”... A numerical value combined with the number of columns is used.
In this embodiment, a part of the RAM 28 is provided with the lock release table 281 in advance. However, the lock release table 281 may be provided in a buffer or the like when unlocking, which will be described later.

  In the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, the user removes the digital camera 1 from the cradle 51 and carries it, turns on the power key 3 when imaging, and then sets the recording (REC) mode with the mode switch 6. When shooting is performed in the recording mode, an image file such as a record number (NO.) “1” is stored in the designated folder of the data memory 270 as shown in FIG. The name “aaa.jpg” and the image file “still image a” are recorded. Further, by repeating the shooting, the image file names “bbb.jpg”, “ccc.jpg”, the image files “still image b”, “still image c”, and the like are recorded in the folder 271, and other folders 271 are also stored. Also, the image file is recorded together with the file name.

  On the other hand, when the user operates the menu key 8 in the recording mode or the reproduction mode, the control unit 20 follows the general flow shown in FIG. 6 based on the program stored in the program area secured in the flash memory 27. Processing is started, and a REC / PLAY common screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 (step S101). By the processing in step S101, the recording mode menu screen shown in FIG. 7A or the playback mode menu screen shown in FIG. Next, it is determined whether or not “security” has been selected from either of the menu screens (step S102). If any item other than “security” is selected, the processing of the other items is performed. Is executed (step S103).

  If “security” is selected, a lock release process described later is executed (step S104). Then, it is determined whether or not the lock is released by this lock release process (step S105). If the lock is not released, the process proceeds to the end without executing the subsequent processes. When the lock is released, the security selection screen display process is executed, and a transition is made to a security selection menu screen including “image registration”, “image deletion”, “security setting”, and “security item” shown in FIG. Step S106).

  Next, it is determined whether or not “image registration” is selected on the security selection menu screen (step S107), and if selected, an image registration process described later is executed (step S108). Similarly, if “image erasure” is selected (step S109; YES), an image erasure process described later is executed (step S110), and if “security setting” is selected (step S111; YES). ), A lock setting process described later is executed (step S112). If “security item” is selected (step S113; YES), a security item selection setting process described later is executed (step S114).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the image registration processing in step S108 in the general flow of FIG. First, a plurality of folders stored in the data memory 270 are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7. At this time, the first image stored in each folder is displayed (step S201). Next, when one of the folders is selected by pressing the left or right part of the cursor key 9 and the operation of the SET key 10 (step S202; YES), the first image file in the folder is reproduced to display an image. Full screen display is performed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 (step S203).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the upper or lower part of the cursor key 9 has been pressed (step S204). If operated, the process returns to step S203 to reproduce the next image file corresponding to the operated direction in the folder. To do. If the cursor key 9 is not operated, it is determined whether or not the SET key 10 has been operated (step S205). When the SET key 10 is operated, an image reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 at this time is selected (step S206). Next, it is determined whether or not the image file and the file name of the selected image are already stored (registered) in the security folder 275 (step S207). Are copied and stored in the security folder 275 (step S208). Further, it is determined whether or not there has been an end instruction by operating the shutter key 4 (step S208), and the processing from step S201 is repeated until there is an end instruction. Therefore, by repeating the processing from step S201 a plurality of times, as shown in FIG. 3C, the security folder 275 contains the image file name “dp.jpg” of the default image and the image file of the default image DP. In addition, the image file names “aaa.jpg”, “bbb.jpg”, “ccc.jpg” and the image files of these images a, b, and c are stored.

  Since the lock setting process and the unlock process described later are performed based on the selection from the images stored in the security folder 275, the security level is proportional to the number of images registered in the security folder 275. Will increase.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the lock setting process of step S112 in the general flow of FIG. First, a plurality of areas 1-1 to 2-3 having 2 rows and 3 columns are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 (step S301), and image files stored in the lock setting table 34 in the areas 1-1 to 2-3 are displayed. An image based on the name is displayed (step S302). Therefore, at this time, as shown in FIG. 4A, the image file name “dp.jpg” of the default image DP is stored in all the image file name areas 344 of the lock setting table 34. As shown in FIG. 10A, a plurality of areas 1-1 to 2-3 are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7, and a default image DP is displayed in each area area 1-1 to 2-3. The Rukoto.

  Next, when any region is selected by pressing the left or right part of the cursor key 9 and the operation of the SET key 10 (step S303; YES), the selected region is stored in the security folder 275. The first image file, that is, the image file of the default image is reproduced to display the image (step S304). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the upper or lower portion of the cursor key 9 has been pressed (step S305), and if it is operated, the process returns to step S304 to reproduce the next image file corresponding to the operated direction.

  At this time, if the security image registration described above is not performed in the digital camera 1 and the security folder 275 is still in the initial setting state, only the image file of the default image is stored in the security folder 275. Therefore, in this case, even if the upper or lower portion of the cursor key 9 is pressed, the default image is displayed again in step S304, and the default image continues to be displayed in the area selected by the user. As a result, the user can be made aware that the security image registration has not yet been performed, and the user can be prompted to finish the lock setting process and perform the above-described security image registration.

  On the other hand, if the security image has already been registered, as shown in FIG. 3C, not only the image file of the default image but also the image files of other images are stored in the security folder 275 together with the file names. Has been. Therefore, if the security folder 275 is in the storage state shown in the figure, and the user selects the area 1-1 and operates the upper part or the lower part of the cursor key 9, this operation is performed as shown in FIG. ), An image a is displayed in the area 1-1.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the set key 10 has been operated (step S306). If the set key 10 has been operated, an image displayed in the selected area of the liquid crystal monitor 7 at this time is selected. (Step S307), the file name of the image is overwritten on the image file name area 344 corresponding to the selected area of the lock setting table 34 (Step S308). In other words, in the image file name area 344 of the lock setting table 34, the file name “dp.jpg” of the default image DP is stored in all of the image file name areas 344 as shown in FIG. It is remembered. Therefore, if the area 1-1 is selected and the image a is selected in this state, the image file name area 344 corresponding to the area 1-1 is selected this time as shown in FIG. 4B. The file name “aaa.jpg” of the image is overwritten.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the lock setting process has already been executed, and the file name “bbb.jpg” of the image selected in the image file name area 344 corresponding to the selected area 1-1. Is stored, the file name “aaa.jpg” of the currently selected image is overwritten in the image file name area 344 corresponding to the area 1-1, as shown in FIG. At this time, if the file name stored in the image file name area 344 corresponding to the selected area 1-1 is the same as the file name of the selected image, that is, the same image is selected again in the area. If overwritten, it is overwritten. Note that it may be determined whether or not the same image has been selected, and in the case of the same image, overwriting may not be performed.

  Next, it is determined whether there is a newly added file name or a deleted image file name in the lock setting table 34 by this overwriting (step S309). That is, when the lock setting table 34 changes from the state of FIG. 4A to the state of (B), a new file name “aaa.jpg” is added in the state of (B). The determination in S309 is “addition”. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S310, where it is determined whether or not the added image is a default image. Since this is not the default image, the new file name “aaa.jpg” added in the security folder 275 is determined. "Protect setting processing for prohibiting deletion of the image file a" is executed (step S311).

  If the lock setting table 34 changes from the state of FIG. 4C to the state of (D), a new file name “aaa.jpg” is added in the state of (D). The determination in S309 is “addition” and the file name “bbb.jpg” is deleted, so the determination in step S309 is also “deletion”. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds to step S312, and it is determined whether or not the added image is a default image. Since this is not the default image, the new file name “aaa.jpg” added in the security folder 275 is determined. ”Is executed to prohibit the deletion of the image file“ a ”, and the process proceeds to step S 311 to execute the processing for canceling the protection of the image file“ b ”having the deleted file name“ bbb.jpg ”in the security folder 275. To do.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an end instruction has been given by operating the shutter key 4 (step S314), and the processing from step S303 is repeated until the end instruction is given. When the process from step S303 is repeated, after the user selects an area, the same image as the lock setting image displayed in another area that has not been selected is selected as the lock setting image. The same image is displayed in different areas, and the same image file name is stored in the different image file name area 344 in the lock setting table 34.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4E, the file name “dp.jpg” of the default image DP is stored in the image file name area 344 corresponding to the area 2-2, and the image file corresponding to the area 2-3. When the file name “ccc.jpg” of the image c is stored in the name area 344, when the user selects the area 2-2 and selects the image c as the lock setting image, the process in step S308 is performed. As shown in (F), the same file name “ccc.jpg” of the image c as in the area 2-3 is also stored in the image file name area 344 corresponding to the area 2-2. As a result, the liquid crystal monitor 7 enters the display state shown in FIG.

  That is, in the extreme example, it is possible to set the same image in all of the areas 1-1 to 2-3.

  When the lock setting table 34 changes from the state shown in FIG. 4E to the state shown in FIG. 4F, the file name “ccc.jpg” already exists in the state shown in FIG. It is not an additional name. Further, when the state (E) is changed to the state (F), “dcc.jpg” corresponding to the area 2-2 is overwritten with “ccc.jpg”. Since there is “dp.jpg” corresponding to the area, the image file name is not deleted from the lock setting table 34. Therefore, in this case, the determination in step S309 is “None”, and the process proceeds to step S314 without executing the processes in steps S310 and S311. Then, if there is an end instruction by operating the shutter key 4 (step S314; YES), the process returns to the general flow of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the image erasing process in step S110 in the general flow of FIG. First, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the image registration process based on the above-described flowchart of FIG. 8 has already been executed (step S401). If the image registration process has not yet been executed, only the default image is stored in the security folder 275, and no image to be erased is stored. Therefore, in this case, a message to that effect such as “There is no image to be erased” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 (step S402), and the process returns.

  If the image registration processing has already been executed, the first image file (first image file excluding the default image image file) stored in the security folder 275 is reproduced to display an image (step S403). ). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the upper or lower part of the cursor key 9 has been pressed (step S404). If operated, the process returns to step S403 to reproduce the next image file corresponding to the operated direction. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the DEL key 11 has been operated (step S405). If the DEL key 11 has been operated, the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 at this time is protected by the image file of the image file. It is determined whether or not (step S406). If it is not an image of the protected image file, the image file of the image is deleted in the security folder 275 (step S407). That is, in the security folder 275, regarding the image file that is not protected, it is possible to freely change the configuration of the security folder image stored by being deleted.

  However, as a result of the determination in step S406, if the image file to be deleted is protected, the deletion is prohibited. Therefore, the processing in step S407 is not performed, and “protect setting” is performed. “It is an image”, “It is a lock setting image”, and so on are displayed (step S408). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent erroneous deletion of an image file necessary for the unlocking process described later, and to surely develop the unlocking function using a preset image. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not there has been an end instruction by operating the shutter key 4 (step S409), and the processing from step S403 is repeated until there is an end instruction, and the process returns when there is an end instruction.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, even if an image is protected, the image is prohibited from being erased. However, in the image erasure mode, the protected image is not displayed. Thus, the deletion may be prevented.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the security item setting process in step S114 in the general flow of FIG. First, a security item screen display process is executed to display the security item screen shown in FIG. 13 on the liquid crystal monitor 7 (step S501). Here, the security item is processing on the condition that the control unit 20 unlocks, and “activation”, “private folder”, “deletion” (image file), “format”, “reset” shown in FIG. “Security folder”, “Security file”, and the like, and the security items are stored in the RAM 28.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the security item has been selected by operating the cursor key 9 above or below, and the security item “ON / OFF” has been changed by the left or right operation of the cursor key 9 ( Step S502). If there is a change, “ON / OFF” of the security item in the liquid crystal monitor 7 is changed according to the operation (step S503). Further, it is determined whether or not there has been an end instruction by operating the shutter key 4 (step S504), and the processing from step S502 is repeated until there is an end instruction. When an end instruction is issued, the “ON / OFF” state of each security item is stored in the RAM 28 and updated (step S505). Therefore, the control unit 20 can determine which security item is on by referring to the stored contents of the RAM 28.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of other processes other than the items shown on the menu screen of FIG. When executing the process, the control unit 20 refers to the stored contents of the RAM 28 as described above to determine whether or not the process is set (turned on) as a security item (step S601). If it is not set as a security item, the process advances to step S604 to execute the process. Therefore, processing that is not set as a security item is executed without any limitation.

  However, for example, when “security folder” in FIG. 13 is turned on and set as a security item, a lock release process described later is executed (step S602). Then, it is determined whether or not the unlocking has been performed by this unlocking process (step S603), and the process is executed only when the unlocking has been performed (step S604). Therefore, the processing set as the security item is executed on the condition that the lock is released.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the unlocking process of step S104 in the general flow of FIG. 6 and step S602 of the other processing flow of FIG. First, a plurality of areas 1-1 to 2-3 having 2 rows and 3 columns are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 (step S701), and a default image is displayed in each area 1-1 to 2-3 (step S702). Accordingly, by the processing in steps S701 and S702, a plurality of areas 1-1 to 2-3 are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 7 as shown in FIG. 10A, and each area area 1-1 to 2 is displayed. The default image DP is displayed in -3.

  Next, when one of the areas is selected by pressing the left or right part of the cursor key 9 and the operation of the SET key 10 (step S703; YES), the selected area is stored in the security folder 275. The first image file, that is, the image file of the default image is reproduced to display an image (step S704). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the upper or lower portion of the cursor key 9 has been pressed (step S705). If operated, the process returns to step S704, and the next image file in the security folder 275 corresponding to the operated direction. Play.

  At this time, as in the case of the lock setting process described above, if the security image registration is not performed in the digital camera 1 and the security folder 275 is still in the initial setting state, the default image is stored in the security folder 275. Only image files are stored. Accordingly, in this case, even if the upper or lower portion of the cursor key 9 is pressed, the default image is displayed again in step S704, and the default image is continuously displayed in the area selected by the user.

  On the other hand, if the security image has already been registered, as shown in FIG. 3C, not only the image file of the default image but also the image files of other images are stored in the security folder 275 together with the file names. Has been. Therefore, if the security folder 275 is in the storage state shown in the figure, and the user selects the area 1-1 and operates the upper part or the lower part of the cursor key 9, this operation is performed as shown in FIG. ), An image a is displayed in the area 1-1.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the set key 10 has been operated (step S706). If the set key 10 has been operated, an image displayed in the selected area of the liquid crystal monitor 7 at this time is selected. (Step S707), the file name of the image is overwritten on the image file name area 284 corresponding to the selected area of the unlock table 281 (Step S708). That is, in the image file name area 284 of the unlock table 281, the file name “dp.jpg” of the default image DP is stored in all the image file name areas 284 in the initial setting state as shown in FIG. It is remembered. Therefore, if the area 1-1 is selected and the image a is selected in this state, the image file name area 284 corresponding to the area 1-1 is selected this time as shown in FIG. 5B. The file name “aaa.jpg” of the image is overwritten.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an end instruction by operating the shutter key 4 (step S709), and the processing from step S703 is repeated until there is an end instruction. When an end instruction is issued, it is determined whether “lock setting table 34 = unlock table 281”, that is, whether the stored contents of the lock setting table 34 and the stored contents of the unlock table 281 completely match. Is determined (step S710). If the two match completely, the lock is released (step S711), and if some of them do not match, the liquid crystal monitor 7 displays an error without releasing the lock (step S712).

  That is, the process from step S704 is performed, for example, four times, and the user selects region 1-1 and image a, region 1-3 and image b, region 2-2 and image c, and region 2-3 and image c. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the file name “aaa.jpg” of the image a is stored in the image file name area 284 corresponding to the area number 1-1 of the record number “1” in the unlock table 281. The file name “bbb.jpg” of the image b is stored in the image file name area 284 corresponding to the area number 1-3 of the record number “3”, and the area number 2- of the record numbers “5” and “6” is stored. The file name “ccc.jpg” of the image c is stored in the image file name area 284 corresponding to 2 and 2-3, respectively. At this time, if the lock setting table 34 is in the storage state of FIG. 4 (F), “lock setting table 34 = lock release table 281” (FIG. 4 (F) = FIG. 5 (B)) is obtained. The stored contents are completely matched and unlocked. That is, at the time of unlocking, when the display state of the liquid crystal monitor 7 becomes the same screen as FIG. 10C, which is the end screen at the time of lock setting, the unlocking is performed. However, in the unlock table 281, for example, another image file name is stored in the image file name area 284 corresponding to the area number 2-2 of the record number “5”, or the file name of the default image is stored. In this case, the file name “aaa.jpg” is stored in the image file name area 284 corresponding to the area number 1-1, and the file name is stored in the image file name area 284 corresponding to 1-3. Even if “bbb.jpg” is stored and the file name “ccc.jpg” is stored in the image file name area 284 corresponding to the area number 2-3 of the record number “6”, the “lock setting table 34 ≠ The lock release table 281 ”is obtained, and the stored contents of the two do not completely match, and the lock is not released.

  Therefore, in the unlocking, for the password whose number or symbol and the consistency of the order are the determination elements, in the present embodiment, the arrangement area is also the determination element, so that the security and security using conventional images can be improved. Security level can be increased more than password security.

  When the lock is released in step S711, the determination in step S105 in the flow of FIG. 6 described above becomes YES, and lock setting and other processing are possible. If the lock is not released, the determination in step S105 is NO, and lock setting and other processing are impossible.

  If the lock release or error display is performed in this way, the lock release table 281 is set to the initial setting state shown in FIG. 5A, and all the region numbers 1-1 to 2-3 are handled. Default image file name dp. Write jpg (step S713), and return. Therefore, data at the time of unlocking does not remain in the unlock table 281, so that security can be ensured.

  As described above, in the lock setting table 34 in the initial setting state, as shown in FIG. 4A, the image file names dp. jpg is stored, and the lock release table 281 also has an image file name of a default image corresponding to all of the area numbers 1-1 to 2-3 in the initial setting state as shown in FIG. dp. jpg is stored. Therefore, immediately after the user purchases the digital camera 1 and before the lock setting process is performed, when the unlocking process in step S104 is executed, the user simply operates the shutter key 4 to give an end instruction (step S709). YES), the determination in step S710 is YES in “lock setting table 34 = unlock table 281”, and the lock is released (step S711). Therefore, even after the user purchases the digital camera 1 and before setting the lock, the processing after step S106 in the general flow of FIG. 6 can be executed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the initial setting state before the lock setting process is executed, all the region numbers 1-1 to 2-3 are supported. Default image file name dp. jpg is stored, and a default image is displayed in the region numbers 1-1 to 2-3 during the lock setting process. However, in the initial setting state, the image file names are not stored in all of the area numbers 1-1 to 2-3, and the area numbers 1-1 to 2-3 are displayed blank at the time of the first lock setting process. You may make it make it.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various devices having an image display function and an image storage function. In this case, the image used for lock setting and release is not limited to the captured image, but may be a downloaded image, an illustration, a character, or the like.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state with which the digital camera which concerns on one embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn with the cradle. It is a block diagram of the digital camera. (A) is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a data memory, and (B) and (C) are conceptual diagrams showing a configuration of a folder. It is a transition diagram which shows the detail of a lock setting table. It is a transition diagram which shows the detail of a lock release table. It is a general flowchart. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an image registration process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a lock setting process. It is a display transition diagram. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an image deletion process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a security item setting process. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of another process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a lock release process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 1-1 to 2-3 area | region 2 Camera body 4 Shutter key 6 Mode change switch 7 Liquid crystal monitor 10 Set key 11 Deletion key 20 Control part 24 Display part 25 Key input part 26 JPEG circuit 27 Flash memory 28 RAM
34 Lock setting table 270 Data memory 271 Folder 272 Record number 273 Image file name area 274 Image file area 275 Security folder 281 Unlock table 283 Area number area 284 Image file name area 342 Record number 343 Area number area 344 Image file name area DP Default image

Claims (11)

An imaging means for capturing an image;
Image storage means for storing an image captured by the imaging means;
Display means;
A first display control means for displaying a plurality of areas on the display means at the time of lock setting;
Area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the first display control means, and an image stored in the image storage means for an image applied to the area selected by the area selection First selection means for performing image selection to be selected from any number of times within the number of the regions;
Correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence between the area selected by the first selection means and the image;
Second display control means for causing the display means to display the plurality of areas when allowing execution of predetermined processing;
Area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the second display control means, and an image stored in the image storage means for an image applied to the area selected by the area selection Second selection means for performing image selection to be selected from:
A comparison means for comparing the correspondence between the area selected by the second selection means and the image and the correspondence between the area stored in the correspondence storage means and the image;
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the correspondence between the region selected by the second selection unit and the image and the correspondence between the region stored in the correspondence storage unit and the image all match, A digital camera comprising: a lock release unit that allows execution of the predetermined process.   2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the first and second selection units execute the area selection and the image selection a number of times less than the number of the areas.   3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the first and second selection means can select the same image for different areas in the image selection. A third selecting means for selecting an arbitrary image from the images stored in the image storing means;
4. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the first and second selection means select the image from images selected by the third selection means.   5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the first display control unit and the second display control unit display an image applied to each region in the region.   6. The first and second display control means display a predetermined image in each area when no image is applied to each area. Digital camera. A setting unit for setting an arbitrary predetermined process among the plurality of predetermined processes;
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second display control unit, the second selection unit, the comparison unit, and the lock release unit operate when allowing the execution of the processing set by the setting unit. The digital camera described in Crab.   8. The image lock release processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a deletion prohibiting unit that prohibits deletion of an image selected by the first selection unit. Image storage means for storing images;
Display means;
A first display control means for displaying a plurality of areas on the display means at the time of lock setting;
Area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the first display control means, and an image stored in the image storage means for an image applied to the area selected by the area selection First selection means for performing image selection to be selected from any number of times within the number of the regions;
Correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence between the area selected by the first selection means and the image;
Second display control means for causing the display means to display the plurality of areas when allowing execution of predetermined processing;
Area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the second display control means, and an image stored in the image storage means for an image applied to the area selected by the area selection Second selection means for performing image selection to be selected from:
A comparison means for comparing the correspondence between the area selected by the second selection means and the image and the correspondence between the area stored in the correspondence storage means and the image;
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the correspondence between the region selected by the second selection unit and the image and the correspondence between the region stored in the correspondence storage unit and the image all match, An electronic apparatus comprising: a lock release unit that allows execution of the predetermined process. A lock setting / releasing method in a digital camera comprising an image pickup means for picking up an image, an image storage means for storing an image picked up by the image pickup means, and a display means,
A first display control step of displaying a plurality of areas on the display means at the time of lock setting;
Area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means in the first display control step, and an image stored in the image storage means for an image applied to the area selected by the area selection A first selection step of performing image selection to be selected from any number of times within the number of the regions;
A correspondence storage step for storing the correspondence between the area selected by the first selection means and the image;
A second display control step for displaying the plurality of areas on the display means when allowing execution of the predetermined process;
Area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means in the second display control step, and an image stored in the image storage means for an image applied to the area selected by the area selection A second selection step for selecting an image to be selected from the image, a correspondence relationship between the region selected by the second selection step and the image, and a region and the image stored in the correspondence relationship storage means. A comparison step for comparing the correspondences;
As a result of the comparison in this comparison step, the correspondence between the region selected in the second selection step and the image and the correspondence between the region stored in the correspondence storage step and the image all match. And a lock releasing / permitting method for permitting execution of the predetermined process. A computer included in a digital camera including an imaging unit that captures an image, an image storage unit that stores an image captured by the imaging unit, and a display unit;
A first display control means for displaying a plurality of areas on the display means at the time of lock setting;
Area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the first display control means, and an image stored in the image storage means for an image applied to the area selected by the area selection First selecting means for performing image selection to be selected from any number of times within the number of the regions;
Correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence between the area selected by the first selection means and the image;
Second display control means for causing the display means to display the plurality of areas when allowing execution of predetermined processing;
Area selection for selecting one of a plurality of areas displayed on the display means by the second display control means, and an image stored in the image storage means for an image applied to the area selected by the area selection Second selection means for performing image selection to be selected from:
Comparison means for comparing the correspondence between the area selected by the second selection means and the image and the correspondence between the area stored in the correspondence storage means and the image;
As a result of the comparison by the comparison unit, when the correspondence between the region selected by the second selection unit and the image and the correspondence between the region stored in the correspondence storage unit and the image all match, A lock setting / release program that functions as a lock release unit that allows execution of the predetermined process.

Images