JP4663491B2 - Imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus connectable to a network.

  In recent years, imaging devices such as digital cameras that can capture images and store them as digital data have become widespread. In addition, it is common to browse e-mails and home pages using a network such as the Internet.

  Based on such technology, for example, in Patent Document 1, a camera has an IP address, and when the camera receives an image transmission request via a network, a system that publishes the requested image on the network is disclosed. It is disclosed.

In addition, with the advent of digital society and network society, information security is required. For example, in Patent Document 2, both the recording medium and the device have key data, the rights are mutually confirmed between the recording medium and the device, and the history information of the data used under appropriate rights is obtained. Accumulation and settlement are disclosed.
JP 2003-143518 A JP 2001-332023 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the user to know in advance the IP address of the camera having the desired image, and it is difficult for the user to use other than the user having knowledge about the network.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 refers to performing mutual rights confirmation between a device and a recording medium, but does not refer to rights confirmation between devices loaded with a medium having the same information.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus that allows each imaging apparatus to browse each other's images without being aware of the network environment.

Imaging device according to the present invention comprises a storage means for the image data is stored, and an access means for accessing the external device, in the reproduction mode for reproducing the image data, to be reproduced the image data of the external device Mode selection means for selecting a mode, mode determination means for determining whether or not a mode for reproducing image data obtained by accessing the external device by the access means is selected, and the mode determination means by the external If it is determined that the mode for reproducing the image data obtained by accessing the device is selected, the authentication means for performing authentication necessary for access to the external device, and the authentication result by the authentication means based on an external image data acquisition means for acquiring image data from the external device, the stored image data in the storage unit or the external device Instructing means for instructing a frame advance operation for sequentially reproducing the obtained image data, and when the frame advance operation is performed on image data other than the final image data of the storage means, the image is stored in the storage means. The image data is sequentially sent to display the next image data, and when the frame advance operation is performed on the final image data in the storage means, the first image data of the image data obtained from the external device is displayed. a display mode control means for, characterized in that it comprises a.

In the imaging apparatus, the external device is the imaging apparatus.
In the imaging apparatus, the storage unit is a detachable recording medium.

  The imaging apparatus further includes an authentication information acquisition unit that acquires first authentication information from a detachable recording medium, and the authentication unit receives the second authentication information from the external device. The authentication is performed based on the second authentication information and the acquired first authentication information.

  In addition, the imaging device may further delete or edit the image data arranged in the display storage unit in which the image data is arranged in response to the access from the external device based on the access from the external device. And a data editing prohibiting means for prohibiting data editing.

The imaging apparatus further includes a duplicating unit that duplicates the image data of the external apparatus to the imaging apparatus.

The imaging apparatus further includes a first frame selection unit that selects a first frame of the image data, and the display control unit stores the image data stored in the storage unit when the first frame is selected. Select the first image of and display it.

The imaging apparatus further includes a final frame selection unit that selects a final frame of the image data, and the display control unit is configured to store image data obtained from the external device when the final frame is selected. The last image data is selected and displayed.

The storage means stores the image data duplicated by the duplication means as image data subsequent to the image data previously stored in the storage means.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an imaging device connectable to an external device via a network. In the playback mode for playing back the image data, a mode for enabling playback of the image data of the external device is selected, It is determined whether or not a mode for reproducing image data obtained by accessing the device is selected, and when it is determined that a mode for reproducing image data obtained by accessing the external device is selected. Performs authentication necessary for access to the external device, acquires image data from the external device based on the authentication result, and performs frame advance operation on image data other than the final image data in the storage means. The image data stored in the storage means is sequentially sent to display the next image data, and the frame advance operation is performed on the final image data in the storage means. Expediently, and displaying the first image data of the image data obtained from the external device.

  By using the present invention, even a user with little knowledge about the network can mutually view images held between the respective imaging devices without being aware of the network environment.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image sharing system in the present embodiment. The image sharing system 1 includes at least an access point 2, a network 3, an imaging device 4, and a removable memory 5.

  The imaging device 4 is a digital camera, for example, and has a function of photographing a subject and recording it as image data. The network 3 is a communication network such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, a dedicated line, a wired line, or a wireless line.

  The access point 2 is a base station for connecting the imaging device 4 to the network 3. In the present embodiment, the imaging device 4 can communicate with the access point 3 wirelessly and connect to the network 3. The wireless may be a wireless LAN, for example. In the present embodiment, the imaging device 4 and the network 3 are connected wirelessly. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging device 4 may be connected to the network by wire.

  The removable memory 5 stores information necessary for the connection and ID information for authenticating the other imaging device so that the imaging device 4 loaded with the removable memory 5 can be easily connected to the network 3. Yes.

  According to the image sharing system 1 of FIG. 1, when a card having common information (or a pair of predetermined information) is loaded into each of at least two imaging devices 4 that can be connected to the access point 2 wirelessly, The image stored in the imaging device can be browsed.

  Under such a browsing environment, for example, when browsing an image with its own imaging device, it is possible to browse images of other imaging devices following the image stored in the imaging device. At this time, the image of another imaging device can be operated under a certain condition using the operation member of the imaging device of its own.

  FIG. 2 shows the back surface of the imaging apparatus 4 in the present embodiment. As an example, an operation member 11, a display member 12, and a viewfinder 13 are provided on the back surface of the imaging device 4. The operation member 11 includes, for example, a flash button, a self-timer button, a macro button, a menu button, a determination button, a cross key, and the like.

  FIG. 3 shows an outline of the hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 4 in the present embodiment. The imaging device 4 includes a lens 21, an imaging element 22, an imaging circuit 23, an AE (automatic exposure) control circuit 24, an AF (autofocus) control circuit 25, an image processing circuit 26, a removable memory 5, a built-in memory 28, and a communication unit 29. , Power SW (switch) 30, battery 31, power supply circuit 32, CPU 33, browsing prohibition setting means 34, mode SW (switch) 35, operation member 11, first storage means 37, second storage means 38, display drive circuit 39 , The display member 12 and the bus 41.

  The lens 21 forms a subject image on the image sensor 22. The image sensor 22 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed on the image sensor 22 by the action of the photographing lens 21 and outputs an electrical signal representing the image. The image sensor 22 is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

  The imaging circuit 23 includes CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) that reduces noise components, AGC (Automatic Gain Control) that stabilizes the signal level, A / D that converts an analog electric signal into a digital electric signal, and the like. Thus, the imaging circuit 23 reduces the noise component of the analog electrical signal output from the imaging device 22, stabilizes the signal level, converts it to a digital electrical signal, and outputs it.

  The AE (automatic exposure) control circuit 24 is a mechanism that controls exposure. The AF (autofocus) control circuit 25 is a circuit that performs contrast AF processing or AF processing by a distance measuring sensor using image data.

  The image processing circuit 26 performs various processing such as correction processing such as gamma correction and white balance correction performed at the time of recording image data, and image enlargement / reduction processing (resizing processing) for increasing / decreasing the number of pixels constituting the image. Perform image processing.

  The removable memory 5 is a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera, and is a storage recording medium on which image data representing a still image or a moving image shot by the digital camera is recorded. For example, the removable memory 5 is a memory card such as an xD card, smart media (registered trademark), or compact flash (registered trademark). The detachable memory 5 exchanges data between the imaging device 4 and the detachable memory 5 by connecting to an interface (not shown) provided in the imaging device 4.

  In the present embodiment, the removable memory 5 has a predetermined ID and information necessary for connecting to the access point 2 (for example, SSID (Service Set ID) of the connection destination network, ad hoc mode, or infrastructure) -Mode designation, channel, character string for encryption when performing WEP encryption, communication mode (speed), etc.) are stored.

In the present embodiment, the built-in memory 28 is, for example, image data (image data representing a still image or a moving image, the same applies hereinafter) that is a digital electrical signal output from the imaging circuit 23, and various images generated by the image processing circuit 26. Memory used for temporary storage of image data being processed in processing, used as a work area for execution of control processing by the CPU 33, or used for storage for storing a certain amount of data It is a general term. The built-in memory 28 is a non-volatile memory that can be electrically rewritten. In addition to the camera program executed by the CPU 33, various data used during the execution of the camera program are stored. Stored.

The communication means 29 is an interface having a transmission function and a reception function for communicating with the access point 2.
The CPU 33 is a central processing unit. The CPU 33 controls the overall operation of the digital camera by reading and executing a predetermined camera program stored in the built-in memory 28.

  The power SW (switch) 30 is a switch for supplying power from the battery 31 to each circuit that is a component of the imaging device 4 via the power supply circuit 32. The power supply circuit 32 is a circuit including a booster circuit, a protection circuit, and the like.

  The browsing prohibition unit 34 has a function of prohibiting browsing of an image held by another imaging device via a network in a share mode to be described later. As will be described later, an image captured with the browsing prohibiting function of the browsing prohibiting unit 34 turned ON cannot be browsed from another imaging device. Further, even after shooting with the viewing prohibition function turned OFF, an image that is desired to be prohibited from being viewed on the display member 12 is selected, and the browsing prohibition function is turned ON for the selected image to prohibit browsing. You can also. In addition, an image that has been prohibited from being viewed by turning on the browsing prohibition function can be viewed again by turning off the browsing prohibition function.

  The mode SW (switch) 35 is a switch for switching various modes at the time of imaging or various modes at the time of reproduction, or switching between a share mode and a non-share mode.

  The operation member 11 is various buttons for receiving various instructions from the photographer and notifying the CPU 33 of them. The operation member 11 is, for example, a menu button, a cross button, an OK button, a release button, a recording start button, a recording end button, or the like.

  The menu button is for enabling a menu display instruction to the display member 12. The cross button is used to enable selection of various items and images displayed on the display member 12. The OK button is used to enable an instruction to determine the selected item or image. The release button is for enabling a shooting instruction.

  Each of the first storage unit 37 and the second storage unit 38 is a display memory for displaying an image, and is, for example, an SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM). The first storage means 37 is a display memory for displaying an image on its own display member 12. The second storage means 38 is a display memory for displaying an image on the display member 12 of another machine.

  The display member 12 is, for example, an LCD display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The display drive circuit 39 is a circuit for driving the display member 12 so that an image can be displayed on the display member 12.

  The bus 41 is a bus for the CPU 33 to connect to such a circuit (mechanism) in order to control various circuits and mechanisms. The bus 41 is further connected to a video signal generation circuit and a compression / decompression circuit (not shown).

  A video signal generation circuit (not shown) performs processing such as generating a video signal that can be displayed on the display member 12 from the image data processed by the image processing circuit 26 and outputting the video signal to the display member 12. Thereby, the display member 12 displays an image (a still image, a moving image, or the like) based on the image signal.

  A compression / decompression circuit (not shown) performs image data compression / decompression processing by, for example, a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method for recording / reproducing image data.

Next, functions realized in the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 shows an image displayed on the display member of each imaging apparatus when the two imaging apparatuses are in the non-share mode. Here, the two imaging devices are referred to as camera A and camera B, respectively.

  FIG. 4A shows an image displayed by the camera A. These images are images stored in the camera A. Camera A can display images A-1 to A-10. The images A-1 to A-10 are stored in the removable memory 5 or the built-in memory 28, read by the CPU 33, developed in the first storage means 37, and displayed on the display member 12.

  FIG. 4B shows an image displayed by the camera B. These images are images stored in the camera B. Camera B can display images B-1 to B-13. The images B-1 to B-13 are stored in the removable memory 5 or the built-in memory 28, read by the CPU 33, developed in the first storage means 37, and displayed on the display member 12.

  In the figure, an image stored in each camera can be displayed only by each camera. That is, the images A-1 to A-10 stored in the camera A can be displayed only by the camera A. Further, the images B-1 to B-13 stored in the camera B can be displayed only by the camera B. This is similar to the case where a conventional individual camera can only refer to an image stored in itself.

  FIG. 5 shows images displayed on the display members of the respective imaging devices in the share mode in the present embodiment. In the figure, the cameras A and B described in FIG. 4 are set to the share mode.

  FIG. 5A shows an image displayed by the camera A. In camera A, images A-1 to A-10 and images B-1 to B-13 can be displayed. Images A-1 to A-10 are images stored in the camera A. Images B-1 to B-13 that can be browsed by the camera A are thumbnail images of the images B-1 to B-13 stored in the camera B.

  The images A-1 to A-10 are stored in the removable memory 5 or the built-in memory 28 of the camera A, read by the CPU 33, developed in the first storage means 37, and displayed on the display member 12. The images B-1 to B-13 that can be browsed by the camera A are developed as thumbnail images in the second storage means 38 of the camera B itself, and the images B-1 to B-13 stored in the camera B are A thumbnail image is viewed on the camera A side via the network 3.

  FIG. 5B shows an image displayed by the camera B. In the camera B, images B-1 to B-13 and images A-1 to A-10 can be displayed. Images B-1 to B-13 are images stored in the camera B. Images A-1 to A-10 that can be browsed by the camera B are thumbnail images of the images A-1 to A-10 stored in the camera A.

  The images B-1 to B-13 are stored in the removable memory 5 or the built-in memory 28 of the camera B, read by the CPU 33, developed in the first storage means 37, and displayed on the display member 12. The images A-1 to A-10 that can be browsed by the camera B are developed as thumbnail images in the second storage means 38 of the camera A itself. A thumbnail image is viewed on the camera B side via the network 3.

  In the figure, the images stored in the respective cameras can be displayed with each other's camera. That is, the images A-1 to A-10 stored in the camera A can be displayed by the camera A and can be displayed as thumbnail images by the camera B. Further, the images B-1 to B-13 stored in the camera B can be displayed also by the camera B, and can also be displayed as thumbnail images by the camera A.

  FIG. 6 shows an example when an image stored in one imaging device B is copied to the other imaging device A in the share mode. In the same figure, it is a mode that it copied to the imaging device A of the side which is browsing image B-2 from the state of Fig.5 (a).

In FIG. 6A, an image A-11 is added as compared to FIG. This is a copy of the main image of image B-2 (thumbnail image) as image A-11.
In FIG. 6B, compared to FIG. 5A, the image A-11 is added and the image B-2 (thumbnail image) is deleted. This is obtained by copying the main image of image B-2 (thumbnail image) as image A-11 and deleting thumbnail image B-2 instead.

Next, detailed processing of the imaging apparatus in the non-share mode and the share mode described above will be described below.
FIG. 7 shows a basic operation flow of the imaging apparatus in the present embodiment. First, the user turns on the power SW 30 to activate the imaging device 4 (step 1, hereinafter, “step” is referred to as “S”).

  Next, the CPU 33 detects whether the camera mode switched by the SW 35 of the imaging device 4 is “shooting mode” or “reproduction mode” (S2). CPU33 determines which mode was selected by the user by detecting the signal transmitted according to switching of mode SW35.

  If the CPU 33 determines in S2 that the camera mode of the imaging device 4 is the “shooting mode”, the mode of the imaging device 4 is shifted to the shooting mode state (S3). Here, the CPU 33 performs various initial setting processes necessary for the imaging apparatus 4 to perform a shooting operation, such as initialization of each component of the imaging apparatus 4. Furthermore, the program according to the present embodiment stored in the built-in memory 28 is read from the CPU 33, and a flow described later is executed.

  If it is determined in S2 that the camera mode of the imaging device 4 is “reproduction mode”, the CPU 33 further detects “share mode” or “non-share mode” (S4). As described above, the CPU 33 determines which mode has been selected by the user by detecting a signal transmitted in response to the switching of the mode SW 35.

  If the CPU 33 determines in S4 that the camera mode of the imaging device 4 is the “non-share mode”, it shifts to the normal playback mode state (S5). Here, the CPU 13 performs various initial setting processes necessary for causing the display member 12 of the imaging device 4 to reproduce an image. For example, the program according to the present embodiment stored in the built-in memory 28 is read from the CPU 33, and a flow described later is executed.

  In S4, when the CPU 33 determines that the camera mode of the imaging device 4 is the “share mode”, the CPU 33 performs a process for preparing an authentication process (authentication preparation) necessary to operate in the share mode (S6). . Here, for example, it is detected whether or not the detachable memory 5 is loaded, whether or not an ID is recorded in the detachable memory 5, and the detected ID is stored in a recording area for authentication. .

After the authentication preparation process in S6, the CPU 33 shifts to a share reproduction mode described later (S7).
Next, a flowchart of the shooting process in the shooting mode will be described. The shooting mode includes a flow that is executed when a setting for prohibiting browsing of a photographed image is performed and a flow that is executed when a setting for prohibiting browsing of a captured image is performed. This setting can be set by the browsing prohibition setting means 34. Depending on this setting, the process moves from S3 in FIG. 7 to execute the flow in FIG. 8 or FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the shooting mode (when browsing prohibition is not set) in this embodiment. First, the CPU 33 determines whether or not the shutter button is half-pressed (S11). Here, the CPU 33 determines that the shutter button is half-pressed when it detects a signal that is transmitted when it is half-pressed among the signals that are transmitted according to the pressed state of the shutter button.

  When determining that the shutter button is half-pressed, the CPU 33 further determines whether or not the shutter button is fully pressed (S12). Here, the CPU 33 determines that the shutter button is fully pressed when it detects a signal that is transmitted when it is fully pressed among the signals that are transmitted according to the pressed state of the shutter button.

  If it is determined that the shutter button is fully pressed, the CPU 33 sets shooting conditions such as AF (autofocus) (S13). For example, the CPU 33 drives the AE control circuit 24 based on information input by the operation member 11 or information input by various sensors or the like, and causes the AE control circuit 24 to perform AE control or an AF control circuit. 25 is driven to cause the AF control circuit 25 to perform AF control. Then, the CPU 33 performs shooting processing, acquires image data, and records the image in the removable memory 5 (S14).

  If it is determined in S12 that the shutter button has not been fully pressed, the CPU 33 determines whether or not setting of shooting conditions such as AF (autofocus) has been completed (S15).

  If the CPU 33 determines in step S15 that the setting of shooting conditions such as AF (autofocus) has already been completed, the process returns to step S11. If the CPU 33 determines in S15 that the setting of shooting conditions such as AF (autofocus) has not yet been completed, the CPU 33 sets shooting conditions such as AF (autofocus) (S16), Return to processing. The process of S16 is the same as S13.

  If it is determined in S11 that the shutter button is not half-pressed, or if the processing in S14 is completed, the CPU 33 determines whether or not a setting operation has been performed on the imaging device 4 (S17). Here, when the CPU 33 detects a signal transmitted according to the operation content when operated by the operation member 11, the CPU 33 performs setting according to the operation.

  If it is determined in S17 that the setting operation has been performed on the imaging device 4, the CPU 33 sets the imaging device 4 based on the setting content (operation signal) of the operation (S18). S18 is repeated until all the settings corresponding to the operation are completed (S19).

  When it is determined in S17 that the operation setting has not been made, or when S19 ends, the CPU 33 determines whether or not the mode has been changed (S20). Here, a signal notifying the mode after switching that is transmitted when the mode SW 35 is switched (set) is detected.

If it is detected in S20 that the mode has been changed (set), the process proceeds to the mode after the change (set) (S21).
The CPU 13 repeats the processes of S11 to S21 described above until the power is turned off by the power SW 30 (S22). When the power is turned off by the power SW 30, the CPU 33 shifts the imaging device 4 to the power off state (S23).

When shooting is completed in this way, the CPU 33 ends this flow, and the process returns to the flow of FIG.
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the shooting mode (when browsing prohibition is set) in the present embodiment. This figure is obtained by adding the processes of S30 to S31 to the flow of FIG. Therefore, only the added process will be described here, and the other processes are the same as those in FIG.

  If the CPU 33 determines in S11 that the shutter button is not half-pressed, or if the processing in S14 is completed, it determines whether or not to release the image captured in S14 (S30). Here, since it can be set by the operation member 11 whether the image is disclosed or not, the CPU 33 captures the image pickup apparatus 4 based on the detection result of the instruction signal by the setting in S14. It is possible to determine whether or not to release the image. Here, “publication” means that the image is made public on the network in the share mode described later.

When the instruction signal detected in S30 indicates prohibition of disclosure of the captured image, the CPU 33 adds information indicating prohibition of disclosure to the image (S31).
When the instruction signal detected in S30 indicates the release of the photographed image, or when the process of S31 ends, the CPU 33 records the image (S32). Here, the CPU 33 stores the captured image in the removable memory 5 (which may be stored in the built-in memory 28).

  In S18, the CPU 33 sets the imaging device 4 on the basis of the setting content (operation signal) of the operation. In this setting content, the setting as to whether or not the above disclosure is prohibited is also included. included.

  FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the normal playback mode in the present embodiment. The flow of FIG. 7 shows the details of the process of S5 of FIG. First, the CPU 33 reads the image to be reproduced from the removable memory 5 (or the built-in memory 28 when the image to be reproduced is stored in the built-in memory 28) and mounts it on the first storage means 37 (S41). . Here, in addition to mounting the image, the CPU 33 mounts information associated with the image, mounts the number of images stored in the removable memory 5, and the like.

  Next, CPU33 detects the signal transmitted according to each operation of the operation member 11, and performs the process according to each operation. When the frame advance operation is performed (S42), the CPU 33 displays the next image (S43). When the frame return operation is performed (S44), the CPU 33 displays the previous image (S45).

  When the top frame out operation is performed (S46), the CPU 33 displays the top image (S47). When the final frame out operation is performed (S48), the CPU 33 displays the final image (S49). When various operations of the reproduction function are performed (S50), the CPU 33 executes a function corresponding to the operation (S51).

  When the public prohibition setting operation is performed (S52), the CPU 33 adds prohibition information to the target image (S53). The disclosure prohibition setting can be set at the time of shooting as described with reference to FIG. 9, but can also be set at the time of reproduction. This disclosure prohibition setting can be set on a predetermined setting screen that can be changed from a menu screen displayed on the display member 12.

When the mode change operation is performed by the mode SW 35 (S54), the CPU 33 shifts to the changed (set) mode (S55).
The CPU 33 repeatedly executes the processes of S42 to S55 until the power is turned off by the power SW 30 (S56). Note that the end of the reproduction is, for example, a case where the reproduction mode is switched to another mode (shooting mode or the like) or another interruption process is entered. The same applies to the flows described below. When the power is turned off by the power SW 30, the CPU 33 changes the imaging device 4 to the power off state (S57).

When shooting is completed in this way, the CPU 33 ends this flow, and the process returns to the flow of FIG.
Next, the ID authentication preparation process in the share mode described in S6 of FIG. 7 will be described in detail. As an example of the ID authentication preparation process in the share mode, two authentication types will be described. One is an authentication type (hereinafter referred to as type 1) (see FIG. 11) performed by reading predetermined information from the removable memory 5 loaded in the imaging device 4, and the other is stored in advance. It is an authentication type (hereinafter, type 2) performed by reading predetermined information (see FIG. 12). In the following, the processing flow of these authentication types will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows a flowchart (type 1) of the authentication preparation process in the present embodiment. First, the CPU 33 determines whether or not the removable memory 5 is loaded (S61). When it is determined that the removable memory 5 is loaded, the CPU 33 reads predetermined information (for example, information conforming to a predetermined standard) from the removable memory, thereby determining whether the removable memory 5 is a share ID card. Is determined (S62).

When determining that the removable memory 5 loaded in S62 is a share ID card, the CPU 33 reads the ID from the removable memory 5 (S63).
After reading the ID in S63, the CPU 33 performs a preparation process for ID authentication (ID authentication preparation) (S64). Here, ID authentication preparation refers to a pre-authentication for authenticating whether or not the other device is a regular image pickup device when another image pickup device (other device) accesses itself (own device) in the share mode. This refers to preparatory work. For example, the CPU 33 performs a process of storing the acquired ID in a predetermined area of the built-in memory 28 used during an ID authentication process described later.

  After preparing for ID authentication in S64, the CPU 33 further reads information necessary for wireless communication from the removable memory 5, sets it, starts communication with the access point 2 (S65), and ends this flow.

Note that this flow also ends when it is determined in S61 that the removable memory 5 is not loaded, or when it is determined in S62 that the removable memory 5 is not a share ID card.
FIG. 12 shows a flowchart (type 2) of the authentication preparation process in the present embodiment. First, the CPU 33 reads the built-in memory 28 and determines whether or not ID information is already stored (S71).

  When the ID information is stored, the CPU 33 reads the ID information and prepares for ID authentication (S72), and then starts communication with the access point 2 (S73). S72 and S73 are processes corresponding to S64 and S65 of FIG. 11, respectively. Then, this flow ends.

  When the ID information is not stored, the CPU 33 determines whether or not the removable memory 5 is loaded (S74). When it is determined that the removable memory 5 is loaded, the CPU 33 reads predetermined information from the removable memory 5 to determine whether the removable memory 5 is a share ID card (S75).

  When determining that the removable memory 5 loaded in S75 is a share ID card, the CPU 33 reads the ID from the removable memory 5 (S76). Then, the CPU 33 prepares for ID authentication (processing corresponding to S64 in FIG. 11) based on the ID, and further stores the ID in the removable memory 5 or the built-in memory 28 (S77).

  After preparing for authentication in S77, the CPU 33 further reads information necessary for wireless communication from the removable memory 5, sets it, starts communication with the access point 2 (S78), and ends this flow.

If it is determined in S75 that the removable memory 5 is not loaded, or if it is determined in S75 that the removable memory 5 is not a share ID card, this flow ends.
Next, the share reproduction mode described in S7 of FIG. 7 will be described in detail. This share reproduction mode is a mode in which an image recorded in an imaging device connected via a network can be browsed together with an image recorded in its own imaging device. In this share playback mode, an image recorded in the own imaging device can be edited, but an image recorded in the other imaging device cannot be edited from the own imaging device. Now, this share reproduction mode will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the share playback mode in this embodiment. In the figure, a subscript a is given to one imaging device, and a subscript b is given to the other imaging device.

  First, the CPU 33a reads an image to be reproduced from the removable memory 5a and mounts it on the first storage unit 37a (S81). Here, in addition to mounting the image, the CPU 33a mounts, for example, information associated with the image on the first storage unit 37a, or sets the number of images stored in the removable memory 5a to the first storage unit 37a. To mount on.

  Next, the CPU 33a of the imaging device 4a determines whether or not there is another imaging device 4b that can communicate (S82). Here, the imaging device 4a is already in an environment where the network 3 has been joined. Therefore, the imaging device 4a transmits, for example, predetermined access request information to the network 3. When another imaging device 4b exists on the network, the CPU 33b of the imaging device 4b that has received the access request information transmits response information. The CPU 33a of the imaging device 4a that has received the response information transmits its own ID to the imaging device 4b. The imaging device 4b that has received the ID determines whether or not the ID stored in a predetermined area of its own internal memory 28 matches the received ID (or whether or not it is a paired ID). If the two IDs match as a result of the determination, the CPU 33b regards the imaging device 4a as a regular imaging device (or a regular user) and sends it to the imaging device 4a to the second storage means 38b of itself (the imaging device 4b). Allow access (authentication). In this way, the imaging device 4a can receive authentication for accessing the second storage unit 38b of the imaging device 4b. The same applies to the opposite case (access permission request from the imaging device 4b to the imaging device 4a).

  Next, the CPU 33a requests the image pickup apparatus 4b to mount the reproduction target image of the image pickup apparatus 4b that has been authenticated on the second storage unit of the image pickup apparatus 4b (S83). Here, the CPU 33a of the imaging device 4a transmits instruction information for mounting the reproduction target image included in the imaging device 4b to the second storage unit 38b included in the imaging device 4b to the imaging device 4b. The CPU 33b of the imaging device 4b that has received the instruction information via the network 3 mounts the reproduction target image on the second storage unit 38b. The reproduction target image mounted on the second storage unit 38b of the imaging device 4b can be viewed on the display member 12 on the imaging device 4a side via the network 3.

Next, CPU33a detects the signal transmitted according to each operation of the operation member 11a, and performs the process according to each operation.
When the frame advance operation has been performed (S84), the CPU 33a determines whether or not the image displayed so far is an image stored in the own device (that is, the imaging device 4a) (S85). .

  In S85, when the image displayed so far is not the image stored in the own device 4a (that is, the image of the other device 4b), the CPU 33a displays the next image stored in the other device 4b. It is displayed (S87).

  In S85, when the image displayed so far is an image stored in the own device 4a, the CPU 33a determines whether or not the image is the final image among the images stored in the own device 4a. (S86).

  If the image is the final image of the own device 4a in S86, the CPU 33a displays the first image among the images stored in the other device 4b (S88). If the image is not the final image of the own device 4a in S86, the CPU 33a displays the next image stored in the own device 4a (S87).

Next, when a frame return operation is performed (S89), the CPU 33a determines whether the image displayed so far is an image stored in the other device 4b (S90).
In S90, when the image displayed so far is not an image stored in the other device 4b (that is, an image of the own device 4a), the CPU 33a displays the previous image stored in the own device 4a. Is displayed (S92).

  In S90, when the image displayed so far is an image stored in the other device 4b, the CPU 33a determines whether or not the image is the first image among the images stored in the other device 4b. (S91).

  If the image is the head image of the own device 4b in S91, the CPU 33a displays the final image among the images stored in the own device 4a (S93). If the image is not the first image of the other device 4b in S91, the CPU 33a displays the previous image stored in the other device 4b (S92).

When the top frame out operation is performed (S94), the CPU 33a displays the top image stored in the own device 4a (S95).
When the final frame out operation is performed (S96), the CPU 33a displays the final image stored in the other device 4b (S97).

When the copy operation is performed (S98), the CPU 33a transfers the main image data of the target image (target thumbnail image) from the removable memory 5 of the other device 4b to the first storage means 37a of the own device 4a, the built-in memory 28a, Alternatively, the copy is made to the removable memory 5a (S99). Specifically, the CPU 33a transmits instruction information for transmitting the main image data of the target image (target thumbnail image) to the imaging device 4b. In the imaging apparatus 4b side, CPU33b which has received the instruction signal, the main image data of the target image of the imaging device 4b (target thumbnail image), and transmits to the image pickup device 4 a. On the imaging device 4a side, the CPU 33a that has received the main image data stores the main image data in the first storage unit 37a, the built-in memory 28a, or the removable memory of the own device 4a.

  When various operations of the playback function are performed (S100), the CPU 33a determines whether the image currently displayed on the display member 12a is an image of the other device 4b (S101). In S101, if the image currently displayed on the display member 12a is an image of the other device 4b, the CPU 33a permits the execution of the operation for updating the image content such as editing the image. do not do.

  In S101, when the image currently displayed on the display member 12 is not an image of the other device 4b (that is, an image of the own device 4a), the CPU 33a executes a function corresponding to the operation (S102). .

When the mode change operation is performed (S103), the CPU 33 shifts to the changed (set) mode (S104).
The CPU 13 repeatedly executes the processes of S82 to S104 until the power is turned off by the power SW 30 (S105).

  In S82, when the CPU 33a of the imaging device 4a determines that there is no other imaging device 4b capable of communication, the CPU 33a performs the same processing in the non-share mode described in FIG. Specifically, CPU33 detects the signal transmitted according to each operation of the operation member 11, and performs the process according to each operation.

When the frame advance operation is performed (S106), the CPU 33a displays the next image of the own device 4a (S107).
When the frame return operation is performed (S108), the CPU 33a displays the previous image of the own device 4a (S109).

When the top frame out operation is performed (S110), the CPU 33a displays the top image of the own device 4a (S111).
When the final frame out operation is performed (S112), the CPU 33a displays the final image of the own device 4a (S113).

When various operations of the playback function are performed (S114), the CPU 33a executes a function corresponding to the operation (S115).
When the mode change operation is performed (S116), the CPU 33 shifts to the changed (set) mode (S117).

The CPU 33a repeatedly executes the processing of S106 to S117 until the power is turned off by the power SW 30 (S118).
When the power is turned off by the power SW 30 in S105 or S118, the CPU 33a causes the imaging device 4a to transition to the power off state (S119).

When the reproduction is completed in this way, the CPU 33a ends this flow, and the process returns to the flow of FIG.
In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where an image was shared between two imaging devices, it is not limited to this, You may share an image between three or more imaging devices.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to browse images between imaging devices that have recognized the same ID. In addition, when the ID is recorded in the removable memory (which may be a dedicated card) and the card is loaded into the imaging device and the ID is recognized, other imaging that recognizes the same ID (or paired ID) Images can be browsed with each other.

  Note that information necessary for accessing the network is stored in the removable memory, and it is possible to participate in the network simply by loading the removable memory into the imaging apparatus. Therefore, a user with little knowledge about the network can easily access the network.

  In this way, a plurality of removable memories storing IDs and network access information can be manufactured. Therefore, it is possible to easily browse images between the imaging devices only by loading the removable devices storing the same ID (or corresponding ID) into the respective imaging devices.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a memory (first storage unit) that develops information necessary for the own device to operate, and a memory (second storage unit) for access by another device. . By physically dividing the memory into two in this way, even when another device is browsing the image of its own device, the operation performance when browsing or operating on the own device side is reduced. Because there is no, it can be operated comfortably.

  Further, when the imaging device recognizes the ID of the loaded removable memory, it connects to the network wirelessly, and the other device access memory (second storage means) for the other imaging device is requested to access the imaging device. Open. Thereby, access permission can be issued only to a regular imaging device.

In addition, browsing from other devices can be prohibited for each image or image group. As a result, an image that is not shown to others can be set in advance.
In addition, when viewing images from other devices, you can use the operation members of your own device (for example, frame advance, frame reverse, first image display, last image display, etc.), but certain operations are restricted. (For example, it cannot be deleted or edited).

  Further, when viewing an image of another device by the own device, since the image is a thumbnail image with a small data capacity, it is difficult to cause a network traffic jam or the like. Therefore, it is possible to view the image of the other device on its own device in a comfortable network environment.

  Further, when copying an image of another device to a storage device of the own device, it is possible to copy the main image instead of the thumbnail image. The copied image is displayed as the next frame after the last frame of the own device. At this time, the frame (thumbnail image) copied by the other device may be visible as it is or may not be visible.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can take various configurations or shapes without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The conceptual diagram of the image sharing system in this embodiment is shown. The back surface of the imaging device 4 in this embodiment is shown. An outline of a hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 4 in the present embodiment is shown. The image displayed on the display member of each image pick-up device when two image pick-up devices are in non-share (non-share) mode is shown. The image displayed on the display member of each imaging device in the share (share) mode in this embodiment is shown. An example in which an image stored in one imaging device in the share mode is copied to the other imaging device is shown. 2 shows a basic operation flow of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. The flowchart of the imaging | photography mode in this embodiment (when browsing prohibition setting is not carried out) is shown. The flowchart of the imaging | photography mode in this embodiment (when browsing prohibition setting is carried out) is shown. The flowchart of normal reproduction mode in this embodiment is shown. The flowchart (type 1) of the authentication preparation process in this embodiment is shown. The flowchart (type 2) of the authentication preparation process in this embodiment is shown. The flowchart of the share reproduction | regeneration mode in this embodiment is shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image share system 2 Access point 3 Network 4 Imaging device 5 Detachable memory 11 Operation member 12 Display member 13 Finder 21 Lens 22 Image sensor 23 Imaging circuit 24 AE control circuit 25 AF control circuit 26 Image processing circuit 28 Built-in memory 29 Communication means 30 Power SW
31 Battery 32 Power supply circuit 33 CPU
34 Browsing prohibition setting means 35 Mode SW
37 First storage means 38 Second storage means 39 Display drive circuit 41 Bus

Claims (10)

Storage means for storing image data;
And access means for accessing the external device,
Mode selection means for selecting a mode in which the image data of the external device can be reproduced in the reproduction mode for reproducing the image data;
Mode determining means for determining whether or not a mode for reproducing image data obtained by accessing the external device by the access means is selected;
If it is determined that the mode for reproducing the image data obtained by accessing the external device is selected by the mode determination unit , an authentication unit for performing authentication necessary for access to the external device ;
External image data acquisition means for acquiring image data from the external device based on the authentication result by the authentication means;
Instruction means for instructing a frame advance operation for sequentially reproducing the image data stored in the storage means and the image data obtained from the external device;
When the frame advance operation is performed on image data other than the final image data of the storage means, the image data stored in the storage means is sequentially sent to display the next image data, and the storage means Display mode control means for displaying the first image data of the image data obtained from the external device when a frame advance operation is performed on the final image data ;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the external device is the imaging device. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is a detachable recording medium. The imaging device further includes:
Comprising authentication information acquisition means for acquiring first authentication information from a removable recording medium;
When the second authentication information is transmitted from the external device, the authentication unit performs the authentication based on the second authentication information and the acquired first authentication information. The imaging device according to claim 1. The imaging device further includes:
Data editing prohibiting means for prohibiting erasure or editing of the image data arranged in the display storage means in which the image data is arranged corresponding to access from the external apparatus based on access from the external apparatus The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 . The imaging device further includes:
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a duplicating unit that duplicates the image data of the external apparatus to the imaging apparatus.   The imaging device further includes:
  A first frame selection means for selecting a first frame of the image data;
  The display control means selects and displays the top image of the image data stored in the storage means when the top frame is selected.
  The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The imaging device further includes:
  A final frame selection means for selecting a final frame of the image data;
  The display control means selects and displays the last image data of the image data obtained from the external device when the last frame is selected.
  The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The storage means stores the image data duplicated by the duplication means as image data subsequent to the image data previously stored in the storage means.
  The imaging apparatus according to claim 6. A method of controlling an imaging device connectable to an external device via a network,
In a playback mode for playing back the image data, a mode for enabling playback of the image data of the external device is selected,
Determining whether a mode for reproducing image data obtained by accessing the external device is selected;
If it is determined that a mode for reproducing image data obtained by accessing the external device is selected, authentication necessary for access to the external device is performed,
Based on the authentication result, obtain image data from the external device,
When a frame advance operation is performed on image data other than the final image data of the storage means, the image data stored in the storage means is sequentially sent to display the next image data, and the final image of the storage means An image pickup apparatus control method , comprising: displaying first image data of image data obtained from the external device when a frame advance operation is performed on the image data .

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