JPH10248046A - Electronic imaging apparatus, electronic camera system, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To store the image data of photographed images in a latter storage means as they are by storing the photographed images as image data in either an image data reloadable storage means or an image data unrelodable storage means. SOLUTION: A CCD 1 converts a still picture to an electric signal, that signal is converted to amplified and converted to digital data by a buffer 2 and an A/D converting part 3, after-wards, according to a generated timing signal, a timing generator(TG) 4 fetches image data and temporally stress them in a DRAM (dynamic memory) 6. Then, a compression/expansion part 7 compresses a luminance signal and a chrominance signal separated by color arithmetic processing and the compressed image data (luminance signal and chrominance signal) are stored in a storage/erasure enabled flash memory 8a or in an erasure disabled memory 8b with which image data can be stored but erasure is inhibited by a software or the like. These memories 8a and 8b can be attached/detached through a connector 20.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic imaging apparatus for capturing and storing an image, an electronic camera system for transmitting the captured image, and a storage medium storing a program code for controlling image capturing, storage, and reproduction. About.

[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]

By the way, the above-mentioned conventional electronic still camera is characterized in that normally the photographed image data can be freely rewritten. In other words, by storing captured video as digital image data, it is possible to erase captured image data or overwrite new image data on image data, which is impossible with a camera using film It has become. In this way, by writing newly shot image data on unnecessary image data or image data for which shooting has failed, the number of shot images can be ensured.

However, even in the use of the above electronic still camera, it is not necessary to modify the image data or to retake the image many times, but to use the image as it is, like a camera using a film. There are cases. However, since the image data is basically stored in a rewritable manner, there is a problem that it is not possible to store the captured video as it is, or it is not possible to confirm whether the captured video is the video as it is.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic imaging apparatus, an electronic camera system, and a storage medium that can store a captured video as image data.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, an electronic image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a photographing means for photographing an image; a first storage means for rewritably storing image data; A second storage unit for storing the image data in a non-rewritable manner, and the first storage unit or the second storage unit storing, as image data, a video taken by the shooting unit.
Storage control means for storing data in any one of the storage means.

Preferably, the first storage means and the second storage means are, for example,
It may be detachable, and either one may be attached at a time.

Preferably, the image processing apparatus further comprises a selection means for selecting which one of the first storage means and the second storage means stores the image data. The control means may store the video image captured by the image capturing means as image data in the storage means selected by the selecting means.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a fourth aspect of the present invention is provided.
In the electronic imaging apparatus according to the above description, an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject, an instruction unit that instructs image capturing by the imaging unit, and an image captured by the imaging unit in response to an operation of the instruction unit An electronic device comprising: a storage unit that stores an image; a storage control unit that controls writing and reading of the storage unit; and a reproduction unit that reproduces an image captured by the imaging unit or an image stored in the storage unit. The imaging apparatus further includes control means for adding identification information indicating that the image cannot be modified to the image in response to the operation of the instruction means, wherein the storage control means has already When the identification information is added to the stored image, the writing process is not performed again on the image, so that Characterized by the Call alter image identification information is added.

Preferably, the control means includes an encrypting means for encrypting the image together with the identification information, and a decrypting means for decrypting the encrypted data. May be.

Preferably, the control means includes an embedding means for embedding predetermined information in the image, and the predetermined information from the image in which the predetermined information is embedded. Separating means for separating.

Preferably, the control means warns that the image cannot be modified when the image picked up by the image pickup means is reproduced by the reproduction means. Warning means for displaying warning information may be provided.

Preferably, the indicating means has a two-step process, for example, as described in claim 8,
Operating the warning means in the control means in a first stroke;
In the second step, the storage control means may be controlled to write an image corresponding to the image picked up by the image pickup means into the storage means.

[0014] Preferably, the storage means may be configured to be detachable from the main body of the electronic imaging device.

[0015] Preferably, a communication means for transmitting and receiving the data stored in the storage means may be further provided.

Preferably, the information processing apparatus further comprises connection means for connecting to the information equipment, wherein the instruction means is operated by a signal from the information equipment connected by the connection means. It may be.

Preferably, the control means selects whether the image stored in the storage means can be modified or not modified in response to the operation of the instruction means. May be provided. Preferably, further, for example, as in claim 13, further comprising editing means for editing the image stored in the storage means, wherein the reproducing means has the identification information added when editing by the editing means The reproduction of the image may not be performed.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is provided.
4. The electronic camera system according to item 4, wherein the electronic camera system includes an electronic camera connected via a communication line, a communication unit, and an information device, and transmits an image captured by the electronic camera via the communication line. The electronic camera has means for setting the image as immutable and transmitting the image. If the image received through the communication line is set as immutable, the electronic camera receives the image on the receiving side. Cannot be modified. Preferably, the image set to be unmodifiable is encrypted together with identification information indicating that the image is non-modifiable, for example, as set forth in claim 15, and the encrypted image is received on the receiving side. If the identification information indicating that the image cannot be modified is added even after decoding, the image may not be modified.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to claim 1.
The storage medium according to Item 6, which is a storage medium that stores a program code that is readable and executable by a computer, the program code for capturing an image of a subject, the program code for performing a shutter operation, and a program code that responds to the shutter operation. A program code for storing an image corresponding to the captured image in a storage unit, a program code for controlling writing and reading of the storage unit, and a program code for storing the captured image or an image stored in the storage unit. A program code to be reproduced; a program code for adding identification information indicating that the image cannot be modified to the image in response to the shutter operation; and detecting the identification information during writing control to the storage unit. If the identification information is added to the To control not to perform only processing, characterized by comprising a program code that allowed modifying the image stored in the storage means.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below as an embodiment applied to an electronic still camera with reference to the drawings. A. Configuration of First Embodiment A-1. Configuration of Electronic Still Camera FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CCD (or MOS), which converts a still image formed through a lens (not shown) into an electric signal,
Supply to The buffer 2 amplifies the still video signal to a predetermined level and supplies the signal to the A / D converter 3. A / D
The conversion unit 3 converts the still video signal into digital data (hereinafter, referred to as image data), and then converts the TG (Timing G
enerater (timing generator) 4. TG4
Generates a timing signal for controlling a driving circuit 4 for driving the CCD 1, supplies the timing signal to a driving circuit 5, captures the image data according to the timing signal, and outputs the image data to a data bus.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a DRAM (Dynamic Memory), which is a storage medium for temporarily storing the image data output from 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 numerals 8a and 8b denote memories which store the plurality of compressed image data (luminance signals and color signals) and which are detachable from the apparatus via the connector 20, and 8a is capable of storing / erasing (overwriting). A flash memory 8b is a non-erasable memory that can store image data but is prohibited from being erased (overwritten) by software or hardware.

In the first embodiment, either the flash memory 8a or the non-erasable memory 8b is used by fitting it to the connector 20.
In the case of normal use including an operation of erasing any image data already stored and storing new image data again in the area, the flash memory 8a is mounted and used, and the image data once stored is deleted. In the case of use in which data cannot be erased or overwritten while being held as it is, the non-erasable memory 8b is mounted and used.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a key input unit, which comprises an operation mode (shutter key 9a, reproduction key, image feed key) of the electronic still camera, and switches for setting various set values. 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 switches of the key input unit 9. In particular, the CPU 10 stores the image data once stored in the DRAM 6 in the flash memory 8a or the non-erasable memory 8b.

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. Reference numeral 13 denotes an I / O port that functions as an interface for inputting and outputting a video signal or the like converted to a serial signal. In the first embodiment, in particular, other devices (for example, an electronic still camera, (For example, a computer). Next, reference numeral 15 denotes an SG (Signal Generater; video signal generator), which superimposes a color signal on the luminance signal expanded by the compression / expansion unit 7, adds a synchronization signal, and the like.
A digital video signal is created and output to the LCD 16.
An LCD (liquid crystal display) 19 displays an image according to a digital video signal supplied via the buffer 18.

A-2. Next, an operation of the electronic still camera according to the above-described first embodiment will be described. In the following description, an example will be described in which the above-mentioned erasable memory 8b cannot be erased (overwritten) by software. (A) Memory Detection Processing FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the above-described memory detection processing of the electronic still camera. The program shown in the flowchart is stored in the ROM 11. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the memory detection process. First, in step S10, the attached memory (flash memory or non-erasable memory) is accessed via the connector 20, and it is determined according to the response whether the flash memory 8a is attached. Here, as shown in FIG. 3A, if the flash memory 8a is attached to the connector, the process proceeds to step S12, and as shown in FIG.
The flag F1 indicating the type of the mounted memory is set to “0”
And

On the other hand, if the flash memory 8a is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S14, where the non-erasable memory 8
It is determined whether or not b is mounted. And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4A, if the non-erasable memory 8b is attached to the connector, the process proceeds to step S16, and FIG.
As shown in the figure, the flag F1 is set to "1". Also,
If no memory is mounted, step S1
Proceeding to S8, the LCD 16 displays that the memory for storing image data is not mounted.

(B) Image Recording Process FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the image recording process of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment. The program shown in the flowchart is a ROM.
11 is stored. First, in step S20, CC
The video captured by D1 is captured. Next, in step S22, a synchronizing signal or the like is added to the captured image data from SG15 to create a digital video signal.
After converting to an analog signal by the A / A converter 17, the LCD 1
6 is displayed. Then, in a step S24, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 9a of the key input unit 9 is pressed.
If not, the process returns to step S20. Therefore, an image photographed by the CCD 1 is displayed on the LCD 9 at a predetermined sampling timing (real time).

On the other hand, if the shutter key 9a is depressed in the above process, the flow advances to step S26 to determine whether or not the flag F1 indicating the type of the mounted memory is "0", that is, whether the flash memory 8a is mounted. It is determined whether or not it has been performed. If the flash memory 8a is mounted, the process proceeds to step S30, and when the shutter key 9a is pressed, the image data output by the TG 4 is temporarily stored in the DRAM 6, and then compressed by the compression / expansion unit 7. And according to the current write address,
Installed memory, in this case, flash memory 8
Stored in a. Next, in step S32, the write address is updated, and the process returns to step S20.

On the other hand, if the flag F1 is "1", that is, if the non-erasable memory 8b is mounted, the flow advances to step S28 to determine whether or not the memory area indicated by the current write address is a free area. Judge. If the memory area is a free area, that is, an area in which image data has not been recorded yet, the process proceeds to step S30 described above, and when the shutter key 9a is pressed, the image data output by the TG 4 is temporarily stored in the DRAM 6 Then, the data is compressed by the compression / expansion unit 7 and stored in the attached memory, in this case, the non-erasable memory 8b, according to the current write address. Next, step S
At 32, the write address is updated, and the process returns to step S20.

If the installed memory is the non-erasable memory 8b and the memory area indicated by the current write address is not an empty area and image data has already been recorded, the program proceeds to step S34 to disable writing. Is displayed on the LCD 16, and the process returns to step S20 without recording image data.

Hereinafter, by repeatedly executing steps S20 to S34, the image captured by the CCD 1 is
At that time, it is recorded as image data in the attached memory.
At this time, the installed memory is the flash memory 8
In the case of a, the new image data is recorded in the memory area regardless of whether the image data is already recorded in the memory area indicated by the write address, and the mounted memory is the non-erasable memory. In the case of 8b, even if an attempt is made to record new image data in a memory area in which image data has already been recorded, it is rejected as being unwritable.

As described above, in the above-described first embodiment, when the non-erasable memory 8b is mounted, erasing or overwriting of the already recorded image data is prohibited. The recorded image data can be made non-erasable without need. If the erasable memory 8b is erasable by hardware, accessing the new image data at the address where the image data has already been stored is refused access. The recorded image data can be made unerasable without performing. Note that if the erasable memory 8b runs out of free space, the erasable memory 8b may be replaced with a new one.

B. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. B-1. Configuration of Second Embodiment FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic still camera according to a second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to FIG. In the figure,
In the second embodiment, the rewritable flash memory 8a is permanently provided, and the non-erasable memory 8b can be detachably mounted. The selection circuit 21 selects one of the flash memory 8a and the non-erasable memory 8b according to an instruction from the CPU 10, and sets the data bus and the address bus of the memory to C
It is connected to the data bus and address bus of PU10.
The CPU 10 stores image data in the memory selected by the selection circuit 21. Further, the CPU 10 can detect through the selection circuit 21 whether or not the non-erasable memory 8b is mounted.

B-2. Next, the operation of the above-described second embodiment will be described. (A) Non-erasable memory detection processing FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the processing for detecting whether or not the non-erasable memory is mounted in the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment described above. The program shown in the flowchart is RO
It is stored in M11. First, in step S40, the mounting of the non-erasable memory 8b is detected via the selection circuit 21, and in step S42, it is determined whether or not the non-erasable memory 8b is mounted based on the detection result. When the non-erasable memory 8b is not mounted,
At step S44, as shown in FIG. 8, the flag F3 indicating attachment / non-attachment is set to "0 (unattached)", and when the non-erasable memory 8b is attached, at step S46,
As shown in FIG. 8, the flag F3 is set to "1 (attached)". Since the flash memory 8a is permanent, the flag F2 for the memory is "1".

(B) Selection Process Next, FIG. 9 shows an operation of a selection process for allowing the user to select either the flash memory 8a or the non-erasable memory 8b in the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explanation, and a program shown in the flowchart is stored in the ROM 11. First, in step S50, it is determined whether or not the memory selection key of the key input unit 9 has been operated. If the memory selection key has not been operated, the process proceeds to another process or a process corresponding to the operated key. If the selection key is operated, the process proceeds to step S52.

The user selects the flash memory 8a when the photographed image can be rewritten, and selects the non-erasable memory 8b when the photographed image cannot be rewritten. In step S52, it is determined whether or not the flash memory 8a has been selected. If the flash memory 8a has been selected, in step S54, FIG.
As shown in (1), the flag F4 indicating the selected memory is set to "0 (flash memory)".

On the other hand, when the non-erasable memory 8b is selected, the process proceeds to step S56, and it is determined whether or not the non-erasable memory 8b is mounted by referring to the flag F3. If the non-erasable memory 8b is mounted, that is, if the flag F3 is “1”, the process proceeds to step S58, and as shown in FIG. 10, the flag F4 indicating the selected memory is set to “1 (non-erasable memory). ) ".

If the non-erasable memory 8b is not mounted, that is, if the flag F3 is "0", the flow advances to step S60 to display on the LCD 16 that the non-erasable memory 8b is not mounted. , The flag F4 is set to “0 (flash memory 8a)”.

(C) Image Recording Process Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the image recording process of the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment, and the program shown in the flowchart is an RO program.
It is stored in M11. First, in step S70, C
The video captured by CD1 is taken in, and step S
At 72, a digital video signal is created by adding a synchronization signal or the like to the captured image data from the SG15, and the D / A
After being converted into an analog signal by the converter 17, it is displayed on the LCD 16. Then, in a step S74, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 9a of the key input section 9 is pressed, and if not, the process returns to the step S70. Therefore, an image photographed by the CCD 1 is displayed on the LCD 9 at a predetermined sampling timing (real time).

On the other hand, if the shutter key 9a is depressed in the above process, the flow advances to step S76 to determine whether or not the flag F4 indicating the selected memory is "0".
That is, it is determined whether or not the flash memory 8a has been selected. If the flash memory 8a has been selected, the process proceeds to step S80, and when the shutter key 9a is pressed, the image data output by the TG 4 is temporarily stored in the DRAM 6, and then compressed by the compression / decompression unit 7. Then, according to the current write address, the data is stored in the mounted memory, in this case, the flash memory 8a. Next, in step S82, the write address is updated, and the process returns to step S70.

On the other hand, if the flag F4 is "1", that is, if the non-erasable memory 8b has been selected, the flow advances to step S78 to determine whether or not the memory area indicated by the current write address is a free area. Judge. If the memory area is a free area, that is, an area in which image data has not been recorded yet, the process proceeds to step S80, and when the shutter key 9a is pressed, the image data output by the TG 4 is temporarily stored in the DRAM 6. Then, the data is compressed by the compression / expansion unit 7 and stored in the attached memory, in this case, the non-erasable memory 8b, according to the current write address. Next, step S
At 82, the write address is updated, and the process returns to step S70.

If the selected memory is the non-erasable memory 8b, the memory area indicated by the current write address is not a free area, and image data has already been recorded, the process proceeds to step S84. A message to the effect that writing is not possible is displayed on the LCD 16,
The process returns to step S70 without recording the image data.

Hereinafter, by repeatedly executing steps S70 to S84, the image captured by the CCD 1 is
The image data is recorded in the selected memory. At this time, the selected memory is the flash memory 8a.
In the case of, new image data is recorded in the memory area irrespective of whether image data has already been recorded in the memory area indicated by the write address. On the other hand, if the selected memory is the non-erasable memory 8b, any attempt to record new image data in the memory area where the image data has already been recorded is rejected as being unwritable.

As described above, in the above-described second embodiment, when the non-erasable memory 8b is selected, erasing or overwriting of the already recorded image data is prohibited, so that a complicated operation is performed. The recorded image data can be made non-erasable without need. If the erasable memory 8b cannot be erased by hardware, as in the first embodiment, if new image data is to be stored at the address where the image data has already been stored, the access Is rejected, so that the recorded image data can be made unerasable without performing any special processing. In addition,
If there is no more free space in the non-erasable memory 8b, the non-erasable memory 8b may be removed and a new one installed.

C. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. C-1. Configuration of Third Embodiment FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic still camera according to the third embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to portions corresponding to FIG. In the figure, in the third embodiment, only the rewritable flash memory 8a is permanently provided, and the flash memory 8a has image data (luminance signal and color signal) compressed by the compression / decompression unit 7. As shown in FIG. 13, for each image data (storage area), the address where the image data is stored and the erasable / unavailable information WE indicating whether erasing is possible or not are shown. Is stored. The erasable / non-erasable information WE becomes “0” when no image data is stored, and becomes erasable “1” once the image data is stored. When the erasable / unavailable information WE is set to the erasable "1", image data cannot be newly stored (overwritten). However, the erasable / non-erasable information WE can be set to “0” by inputting a password by a process described later, and the erasure disabled can be canceled.

C-2. Operation of Third Embodiment Next, the operation of the above-described third embodiment will be described. (A) Image Recording Process FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the image recording process of the electronic still camera according to the third embodiment.
1 is stored. First, in step S90, the CCD
1 is fetched, and the process proceeds to step S92.
Then, a synchronizing signal or the like is added to the captured image data from the SG 15 to create a digital video signal.
To display. Then, in step S94, the key input unit 9
It is determined whether or not the shutter key 9a has been pressed, and if not, the process returns to step S90. Therefore, an image photographed by the CCD 1 is displayed on the LCD 9 at a predetermined sampling timing (real time).

On the other hand, if the shutter key 9a is depressed in the above process, the flow advances to step S96 to refer to the header portion of the flash memory 8a corresponding to the storage area of the image data indicated by the current write address, and It is determined whether or not the erasure enable / disable information WE to be executed is “0”, that is, whether erasure is possible (overwriting is possible). If the erasure enable / disable information WE is "0", the process proceeds to step S98. At the time when the shutter key 9a is pressed, the image data output from the TG 4 is temporarily stored in the DRAM 6, and then the compression / decompression unit is operated. 7 and stored in the flash memory 8a according to the current write address. Next, in step S100, the corresponding erasable / non-erasable information WE is set to "1", that is, erasable.
At 102, the write address is updated, and step S90
Return to

On the other hand, when the erasable / non-erasable information WE is "1", that is, when the storage area (image data) of the image data indicated by the current write address is set to non-erasable, in other words, when the image is already erased. If the data is stored, the process proceeds to step S104,
After displaying a message informing that writing is impossible, the process returns to step S90. So, in this case,
Image data already stored is not rewritten.

In the reproduction mode for displaying the image data stored in the flash memory 8a on the LCD 16, "+" which functions as an instruction key for advancing the recorded image data by one or the recorded image data is used. When the "-" key, which functions as an instruction key for moving backward by one, is pressed, image data is sent (advance / retreat) according to the image data address in the header portion and displayed on the LCD 16. Here, FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example when reproducing image data. In the figure, the number attached to the upper right corner of each image data is the number of the image data, and "WP" indicates that the image data cannot be erased ("1").
Indicates that the image data is set to.
That is, the image data “2”, “4”, “6”,..., “N” is set to be unerasable.

(B) Release Processing FIG. 16 shows that in the third embodiment, the erasable / non-erasable information WE is released by inputting a password to already stored image data, and the erasure is performed. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a release process of enabling (writing permitted), and a program shown in the flowchart is stored in the ROM 11. First, step S110
It is determined whether the "+" key has been pressed when the power is turned on. If the "+" or "-" key has been pressed, the flow advances to step S112 to send (advance) image data in accordance with the image data address in the header portion, and display it on the LCD 16 in step S114. As described above, the image data cannot be erased on the LCD 16 ("1").
"WP" indicating that the image data is set to
Is displayed.

Next, in step S116, it is determined whether or not the user has input a password from the key input section 9.
Then, if the password is not input, step S1
Return to 10. The user presses the "+" and "-" keys until the image data whose deletion-prohibited setting is to be released is displayed, and moves the image data forward and backward. Then, when predetermined image data is displayed, a password is input. When the password is input, the process proceeds to step S118, where the previously set password is read from the RAM 12 (or the flash memory 8a), and it is determined whether the input password matches the previously set password, If they do not match, the process returns to step S110. Therefore, in this case, the setting of non-erasable for the image data displayed on LCD 16 is not canceled.

On the other hand, if the two passwords match, the flow advances to step S120 to determine whether the corresponding image data can be erased.
The prohibition information WE is set to "0", that is, erasable, and the process returns to step S110. Therefore, in this case, the setting of non-erasable for the image data displayed on the LCD 16 is released, and newly captured image data can be stored.

As described above, in the third embodiment described above, erasable / non-erasable information WE indicating whether erasable or non-erasable is provided for each image data (storage area) is settable. Once the image data is stored, the corresponding erasable / non-erasable information WE is set to non-erasable, and thereafter erasing (overwriting) is rejected, so that the stored image data can be protected. Further, when a preset password is input, the erasable / unavailable information WE corresponding to the currently displayed image data is canceled to allow erasing (overwriting). Even if the image data becomes unnecessary by transferring the image data, the hardware resources (flash memory 8b)
Can be used as it is without waste.

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. May be transmitted via the Internet.

D. Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. D-1. Configuration of Fourth Embodiment FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electronic camera system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the electronic camera 21 has a configuration substantially the same as that described in FIG. The electronic camera 21 has a predetermined communication protocol, and may be directly connected to the communication line 22.
The connection may be made via a personal computer (PC) 23. Further, the electronic cameras 21 and 21 may be connected to each other by the infrared communication 24 or the like. Further, by connecting the provider 25 to the communication line 22, various services related to image transmission can be performed.

D-2. Operation of Fourth Embodiment Next, the operation of the above-described fourth embodiment will be described. FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment. The electronic camera 21 according to the fourth embodiment has an imaging mode, a reproduction mode, and an editing mode. First, a mode is determined in step S201. When it is determined that the mode is the imaging mode,
Proceed to step S202.

(A) Photographing Mode In the fourth embodiment, the shutter key 9a has a two-stage structure, and the pre-shutter (shutter key 9
a), a predetermined process such as auto focus is performed, and an image is recorded by pressing the shutter. Until the pre-shutter is pressed, steps S202, S
The image taken from the CCD 1 by the loop of 203 is
After performing predetermined image processing, it is taken into the DRAM 6 and
A monitor is displayed on the CD 16 as a viewfinder. When the pre-shutter press is detected in step S202, the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, it is determined whether or not the mode is the alteration-impossible mode. In the fourth embodiment, it is possible to select and switch between a mode in which the captured image is captured as unchangeable and a mode in which the captured image is captured as editable.
If the mode is set to the non-modifiable mode, step S20
Proceed to 5 to display a warning. This warning indicates that images captured in the immutable mode cannot be edited or rewritten,
This is a warning message that prompts the user to determine whether imaging is OK in that state. Whether erasure of an image captured in the alteration-impossible mode is prohibited or erasable can be appropriately designed.

Next, in step S206, for example, auto focus or predetermined processing to be performed before the main shutter is pressed is performed, and in step S207, it is determined whether or not the main shutter has been pressed. Then, the loop of steps S202 to S207 is repeated until the main shutter is pressed. When the main shutter is detected in step S207, the process proceeds to step S208.

Here, it is determined again whether or not the mode is the non-modifiable mode.
Proceeding to 9, the normal imaging processing is performed. That is, DRAM
The image taken in 6 is subjected to predetermined compression processing by the compression / expansion unit 7 and written into the flash memory 8a. If the mode is the alteration-impossible mode, in step S210, a predetermined process described later is performed, and the image is written in the flash memory 8a as being immutable. At this time, in the case where the existing image data stored in the flash memory 8a is to be overwritten, it is determined whether or not a non-modifiable flag described later is added to the existing image data. If so, writing is not performed. At this time, a message for notifying the user that the modification is not allowed may be displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the existing image data stored incapable of being altered from being altered (overwritten). Then, the process proceeds to step S211 to detect a key such as mode switching, and returns to step S201.

Next, the details of step S210 for storing an image as non-modifiable will be described with reference to FIG. In step S221, the image is temporarily stored in the DRAM 6 in association with the alteration impossible flag. The alteration-impossible flag is a specific code stored or generated in the main body of the electronic camera 21. Then, in step S222, the image is encrypted together with the alteration impossible flag. Various encryption methods are known, such as RSA, but in the present invention, an existing encryption method can be adopted, and therefore the description is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b), the method of combining the image and the alteration-impossible flag may be simply added at the beginning or end of the image, or as shown in FIG. 21 (c). As shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the image may be synthesized so as to overlap the image and the alteration-impossible flag. In this case, the alteration disable flag may have the same number of pixels as the image or a different number of pixels.

On the other hand, although slightly different from encryption, digital watermarking is known. The outline is shown in FIG. The predetermined text information is embedded in the original image, and in step S223,
It is stored in the flash memory 8a. The original image referred to here is an image with the alteration-impossible flag combined, but the image before the modification-impossible flag is also combined may be used as the original image. Here, a simple example is given as the text information to be embedded. However, the text information may be more complicated and may be image information. Further, a non-modifiable flag can be adopted as embedded text information. In addition, as the technology of digital watermarking, for example, USP 5,530,859, USP5,6
36,292, USP 5,568,570, and international patent application WO96-36163, WO
96-27259, WO95-14289 and the like. In the present invention, since an existing digital watermarking technique can be adopted, the description is omitted.

(B) Reproduction Mode Next, the reproduction operation will be described with reference to FIG.
When the reproduction mode is set by operating the key input unit 9, an image is specified by some method in step S231. This designation may be the last image taken,
It may be specified by a number or the like. Then, step S23
At 2, it is determined whether or not the designated image is encrypted. If not, at step S234, the reproduction and display process is performed as it is. On the other hand, if it is encrypted, it is decrypted and displayed in step S233. If the digital watermark is embedded, step S233
Separation within. This separation processing may be a method of reproducing the text information while leaving the image in which the text information is embedded, or a method of completely removing the text information.

Then, display processing of the image decoded in step S234 is performed. An image that cannot be altered is always encrypted, so that it is not reproduced by an image processing apparatus that does not have a decryption function. In the display process in step S234, the output is designed so that only the output to the built-in LCD 16 can be performed, and the video output cannot be analog output or digital output. This is because if a video is output, it may be received by another image processing device or the like and may be altered.

(C) Transmission Mode Here, the operation of image transmission by the communication means of the electronic camera 21 will be described with reference to FIG. Step S24
0, S241, and S242 correspond to steps S2 shown in FIG.
31, S232, and S233, and a description thereof will be omitted. If the designated image can be modified, step S2
At 43, it is transmitted as it is. On the other hand, if the designated image cannot be modified, a message indicating that transmission is impossible is displayed in step S244.

As described above, in the case of transmitting an image by the communication means of the electronic camera 21 according to the fourth embodiment, it is designed not to transmit an image which is set to be unchangeable. Even when all the images stored in the flash memory 8a are transmitted collectively, only the images that are not set to be unchangeable are selectively transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image data from being received, viewed, or altered by another image processing device or the like.

(D) Editing Mode Next, the editing operation will be described with reference to FIG.
Steps S251, S252, and S253 are the same as steps S231, S232, and S233 shown in FIG. The difference from the reproduction is that in the reproduction, only the image is viewed, whereas in the editing, the image can be modified and rewritten. That is, in step S254, it is determined whether or not the designated image is set to be unchangeable. If modification is possible, step S25
At 5, the reproduction display processing is performed in the same manner as in step S234 of FIG. Then, after performing the editing process in step S256, the edited image is written in the flash memory 8a in step S257. Therefore, the image will be altered. Since the editing process itself is publicly known, the description is omitted. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S254 that the alteration is impossible, a message indicating that the editing is impossible is displayed in step S258, and the process returns to the step. Therefore, the image is not altered.

[0071]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the image captured by the image capturing means is stored as image data in one of the first storage means and the second storage means by the storage control means. Because I tried to memorize, the second
The storage means has the advantage that the captured video can be stored as image data.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first storage means and the second storage means are made detachable,
Since one of them is attached at a time,
In the storage means, the photographed video can be stored as image data, and if it is desired to store the photographed image data in a rewritable manner, the first storage means is attached, and the photographed image data cannot be rewritten. If the user wants to store the image, the user can obtain the advantage that the user can take a picture by either method depending on the purpose by installing the second storage means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the selection means selects which of the first storage means and the second storage means stores image data, and the storage control means Since the image photographed by the photographing unit is stored as image data in the storage unit selected by the selecting unit, the second storage unit can store the photographed image as image data, When the photographed image data is to be stored in a rewritable manner, the first storage means is selected. When the photographed image data is to be stored in a non-rewritable manner, only the second storage means is selected. The advantage is that the photographing can be performed by either method.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in response to the operation of the instructing means, the picked-up image is added with identification information indicating that the image cannot be modified, and stored. The advantage is obtained that the modification can be prevented. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the image set to be immutable is encrypted and stored together with the identification information, the image cannot be decrypted without the decryption means. Since the identification information is also decoded and recognized, it is possible to prevent the alteration, thereby obtaining an advantage that it is effective especially when the image is reproduced by a device other than the electronic camera that has captured the image.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined information is embedded in the image set to be unchangeable, the image cannot be decrypted without a separating means for separating the predetermined information, and the separated information cannot be separated. If there is a means and decoding is performed, the identification information is also recognized, so that alteration can be prevented, thereby obtaining an advantage that it is effective especially when trying to play back on a device other than the electronic camera that captured the image. . According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the photographer can recognize that the image cannot be altered when the image is taken while the reproducing means is being monitored as a finder toward the subject. Is obtained. Further, according to the invention of claim 8, there is an advantage that the photographer can recognize that the image cannot be modified once the image is taken before the shutter is pressed.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there is an advantage that a plurality of storage means can be used, or the storage means detached from the electronic camera body can be used in another electronic camera or another device. can get. Further, according to the tenth aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to select whether an image to be captured can be edited later or cannot be changed depending on the situation. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, an image that cannot be edited is not displayed at the time of editing, and only an editable image is reproduced. According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is an advantage that the captured image can be transmitted to another electronic camera or another device via the communication unit.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is an advantage that a shutter operation can be performed from another information device or another electronic camera. Claim 14
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the described invention, in the electronic camera system consisting of the electronic camera, the communication means, and the information device connected via the communication line, there is an advantage that the captured image can be prevented from being altered later. can get. According to the fifteenth aspect, an advantage is obtained that even if an image is exchanged via a communication line, an image set to be immutable cannot be altered on the receiving side. Claim 1
According to the invention described in the sixth aspect, by reading and executing the program code on the computer, it is possible to obtain an advantage that the imaging unit can be controlled and the captured image can be stored in a non-modifiable state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a memory detection process of the electronic still camera.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a memory detection process.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a memory detection process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image recording process of the electronic still camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic still camera according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a process for detecting whether or not a non-erasable memory is mounted according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a flag indicating whether or not a non-erasable memory is mounted in the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a selection process for allowing a user to select whether to use a flash memory or a non-erasable memory in the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a flag indicating a memory selected by a user in the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an image recording process of the electronic still camera according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic still camera according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for describing information stored in a flash memory in the electronic still camera according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an image recording process of the electronic still camera according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a display example when reproducing image data.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a release process in which erasing is enabled (writing is enabled) by inputting a password in the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electronic camera system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a shooting mode operation (（) according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows a photographing mode operation (2) according to the fourth embodiment.
It is a flowchart for explaining / 3).

FIG. 20 shows a photographing mode operation (3) according to the fourth embodiment.
It is a flowchart for explaining / 3).

FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a method of adding a modification-impossible flag when image data is not modified.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram for describing a method of adding a non-modifiable flag when image data is not modifiable.

FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram when a digital watermark is used.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a playback mode operation according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission mode operation according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an edit mode operation according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 CCD (photographing means) 3 A / D converter 4 TG 5 drive circuit 6 DRAM 7 compression / expansion unit 8a flash memory (first storage means, storage means) 8b non-erasable memory (second storage means) 9 key Input unit (selection unit, input unit) 9a Shutter key (instruction unit) 10 CPU (storage control unit, rewrite disable setting unit, determination unit, switching unit, control unit, encryption unit, decryption unit, embedding unit, separation unit, Warning means) 11 ROM (storage control means, rewritable setting means, control means, encryption means, decoding means, embedding means, separation means, warning means) 12 RAM 13 I / O port (communication means) 15 SG 16 LCD ( Display means, warning means) 20 connector (detection means) 21 selection circuit

Claims (16)

[Claims] A photographing means for photographing an image; a first memory means for storing image data in a rewritable manner; a second memory means for storing image data in a non-rewritable manner; As image data,
An electronic imaging apparatus comprising: a storage control unit that stores data in one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit. 2. An electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second storage means are detachable and either one of them is mounted at a time. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects which one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit stores the image data, wherein the storage control unit stores the image data selected by the selection unit. 2. The electronic image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image stored in the means is image data captured by the image capturing means. 4. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject, an instruction means for instructing image pickup by the image pickup means, and an image corresponding to an image picked up by the image pickup means in response to an operation of the instruction means. An electronic imaging apparatus comprising: a storage unit for storing; a storage control unit for controlling writing and reading of the storage unit; and a reproduction unit for reproducing an image taken by the imaging unit or an image stored in the storage unit. In response to the operation of the instructing means, further comprising a control means for adding identification information indicating that the image is unmodifiable in response to the operation of the instruction means, wherein the storage control means is already stored at the time of writing control to the storage means If the identification information is added to the image, the writing process is not performed again on the image, so that the identification information is An electronic imaging device, wherein an added image cannot be modified. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said control means includes: an encrypting means for encrypting said image together with said identification information; and a decrypting means for decrypting the encrypted data. Electronic imaging device. 6. The control unit includes an embedding unit that embeds predetermined information in the image, and a separating unit that separates the predetermined information from the image in which the predetermined information is embedded. The electronic imaging device according to claim 4, wherein 7. The control unit includes a warning unit that displays warning information that warns that modification is not possible when an image captured by the image capturing unit is being reproduced by the reproduction unit. The electronic imaging device according to claim 4, wherein: 8. The instruction means has a two-step process. The control means activates the warning means in a first stroke, and the image is taken by the imaging means in the storage control means in a second stroke. 8. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein control is performed to write an image corresponding to the image into the storage unit. 9. The electronic imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit is configured to be detachable from the electronic imaging device main body. 10. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising communication means for transmitting and receiving data stored in said storage means. 11. The electronic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising connection means for connecting to the information equipment, wherein said instruction means is operated by a signal from the information equipment connected by said connection means. . 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes a selection means for selecting whether the image stored in the storage means can be modified or not modified in response to an operation of the instruction means. The electronic imaging device according to claim 4. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an editing unit configured to edit the image stored in the storage unit, wherein the reproduction unit does not reproduce the image to which the identification information is added at the time of editing by the editing unit. The electronic imaging device according to claim 4, wherein 14. An electronic camera system comprising an electronic camera, communication means, and information equipment connected via a communication line, wherein an image captured by the electronic camera can be transmitted via the communication line, The electronic camera has means for setting the image as unmodifiable and transmitting the image. When the image received via the communication line is set as immutable, the image cannot be modified on the receiving side. An electronic camera system, characterized in that: 15. The image set to be unchangeable is encrypted together with identification information indicating that the image cannot be changed, and even if the encrypted image is decrypted on the receiving side, the image cannot be changed. 15. The electronic camera system according to claim 14, wherein the image cannot be modified when identification information indicating that the image is present is added. 16. A storage medium for storing a program code read and executable by a computer, the program code causing an image of a subject to be captured, the program code causing a shutter operation to be performed, A program code for storing an image corresponding to the captured image in a storage unit, a program code for controlling writing and reading of the storage unit, and reproducing the captured image or an image stored in the storage unit A program code, in response to the shutter operation, a program code for adding identification information indicating that the image cannot be modified to the image, and at the time of writing control to the storage unit, detecting the identification information, If identification information is added, The to control not to perform a storage medium characterized by comprising a program code that the stored images not modified in the storage means.