JP5403333B2 - Imaging apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus and program having a voyeurism prevention function.

  A digital camera as a photographic device that receives light transmitted through the lens with an imaging device, acquires image data based on the photoelectric conversion output, and stores the still image or moving image data in a removable storage medium such as a memory card And mobile phones with camera functions.

  Since such a photographing apparatus does not generate a mechanical shutter sound unlike a conventional film camera, generally, when a user presses a photographing switch, a control unit built in the photographing apparatus interlocks with a pseudo sound on a speaker. Control to turn on the LED or turn on the LED to notify the surroundings that shooting has been performed. We are going to prevent it. In addition, an imaging apparatus has been developed that prevents voyeurism by providing voice guidance when the imaging mode is entered before the generation of the pseudo sound and notifying surrounding people that imaging is to be performed (for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  However, the voyeurism prevention function that emits simulated sound or voice guidance through the speaker can be removed by removing the speaker, blocking the sound emission part of the speaker, or cutting the signal line connected to the speaker. In some cases, the prevention function is canceled and mute shooting is executed. Similarly, with respect to the voyeurism prevention function for turning on the LED, the voyeurism prevention function may be canceled due to removal of the LED or the like.

  Therefore, in recent years, various proposals regarding a photographing apparatus having a voyeurism prevention function have been made. For example, in Patent Document 2, a shutter sound to which a predetermined signal is added is generated, the shutter sound is collected, the collected sound is analyzed, and a predetermined signal added to the shutter sound is preliminarily obtained. There has been proposed an imaging apparatus having a voyeurism prevention function that checks whether or not the signal matches a predetermined signal and does not perform shooting if the signal does not match.

JP 2005-136922 A JP 2006-135906 A

  Although the photographing apparatus described in Patent Document 2 is effective for a method of avoiding a voyeurism prevention function such as removal of a speaker or an LED, the speaker and the microphone are physically connected to connect the microphone and the speaker to a sound insulating plate. There is a problem that it is not possible to cope with an avoidance method such as covering the sound with the sound and analyzing the sound output inside the photographing apparatus without leaking it to the outside.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographing apparatus that can more reliably maintain a voyeurism prevention function in a photographing apparatus having a voyeurism prevention function.

An image capturing apparatus according to the present invention is an image capturing apparatus having a function of preventing voyeurism, an image capturing unit for capturing an image of a subject and generating image data, and an image capturing instruction for sending an image capturing instruction signal for causing the image capturing unit to perform image capturing. Means, image data storage means for storing image data generated by the photographing means, sound output means for outputting a predetermined sound, and detection for detecting characteristic data relating to frequency characteristics of input impedance of the sound output means Means, characteristic reference data storage means for storing characteristic reference data serving as a reference for the authenticity of the audio output means relating to the frequency characteristics of the input impedance, and causing the audio output means to output a predetermined sound at a predetermined timing, The characteristic data of the sound output means detected by the detection means at the time of the output and the special data stored in the characteristic reference data storage means. And a restriction means for preventing the image data generated by the photographing means from being stored in the image data storage means when comparing with reference data and determining that they are inconsistent. To do.

  Then, the restricting means causes the sound output means to output a predetermined sound at a predetermined timing, and the characteristic data of the sound output means detected by the detecting means at the time of the output and the characteristic reference data storage means When the stored characteristic reference data is compared and it is determined that the two do not match, the image data generated by the imaging unit is stored in the image data storage unit by forcibly turning off the power of the imaging apparatus. It can be prevented from memorizing.

The predetermined timing may be a timing different from that at the time of shooting.
The predetermined timing may be when a power switch is operated.
The detecting means can detect the characteristic data of the sound output means without using a microphone.
Further, the predetermined sound may be a characteristic determination sound for determining a characteristic of the sound output means different from a pseudo shutter sound when the photographing instruction means is operated.
Further, the predetermined sound, Ru can be made to be low-frequency sound or high frequency sound of a frequency band inaudible to humans.

The photographing apparatus according to the present invention further includes feedback means for storing the characteristic data as characteristic reference data in the characteristic reference data storage means when the restricting means determines that the characteristic data and the characteristic reference data substantially match. Sometimes .

Further, the feedback means, every time the long-term predetermined such as every few months has elapsed, Ru can be adapted to store the characteristic reference data to said characteristic reference data storing means.

The program of the present invention includes a photographing means for photographing a subject to generate image data by a computer having a function for preventing voyeurism, a photographing instruction means for sending a photographing instruction signal for causing the photographing means to perform photographing, the photographing image data storage means, audio output means for outputting a predetermined sound, detection means for detecting the characteristic data relating to the frequency characteristic of the input impedance of the voice output means for storing image data generated by the means, the frequency of the input impedance Characteristic reference data storage means for storing characteristic reference data that is a reference for the authenticity of the sound output means relating to the characteristics, causing the sound output means to output a predetermined sound at a predetermined timing, and at the time of this output by the detection means The detected characteristic data of the sound output means and the characteristic reference data stored in the characteristic reference data storage means; Comparison, if both are determined to be mismatched, and characterized in that said regulating means the image data generated by the imaging means so as not to be stored in said image data storage means functions as a.

  According to the present invention, an imaging apparatus having a voyeurism prevention function has characteristic reference data storage means for storing characteristic data of the audio output means, and the characteristic reference data stored in the characteristic reference data storage means and immediately before shooting. It is possible to provide an imaging device capable of maintaining the voyeurism prevention function more reliably by comparing whether or not the voyeurism prevention function is avoided by comparing with the characteristic data of the audio output means detected at a predetermined timing. it can.

It is a functional block diagram of the imaging device which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow in the case of exhibiting a voyeurism prevention function with the imaging device which concerns on the Example of this invention.

  A mode for carrying out the present invention will be described. The image capturing apparatus 1 of the present invention is an image capturing apparatus 1 having a function of preventing voyeurism, the image sensor 15 and the lens unit 2 as image capturing means for capturing an image of a subject and generating image data, and image capturing on the image capturing means. An input unit 3 as a shooting instruction means for sending a shooting instruction signal for causing the image to be generated, a memory card 14 as an image data storage means for storing image data generated by the shooting means, and an audio output means for outputting a predetermined sound The speaker 6 and the speaker drive circuit 5 as the above, the characteristic data detection circuit 7 as the detection means for detecting the characteristic data of the sound output means, and the characteristic reference data to be compared with the characteristic data detected by the detection means A flash ROM 13 as characteristic reference data storage means, a CPU 10 as restriction means, and feedback means are provided.

  The restricting means causes the audio output means to output a predetermined sound such as a sound that is a shutter pseudo sound (specific sound) in conjunction with the shooting instruction signal being output by operating the shooting instruction means, Characteristic data (hereinafter referred to as input characteristic data) of the voice output means detected by the detection means at the time of the predetermined sound output and characteristic reference data (hereinafter referred to as input characteristic reference data) stored in the characteristic reference data storage means. )) And the image data of the subject is generated by the photographing means and stored in the image data storage means.

  In addition, when it is determined that the input characteristic data and the input characteristic reference data do not match, the restricting unit forcibly turns off the power of the image capturing apparatus 1, thereby converting the image data generated by the image capturing unit into an image. The data storage means is not stored.

  The feedback means determines that the characteristic data of the voice output means detected by the detection means substantially coincides with the input characteristic reference data by the regulating means when the predetermined voice output is performed by the voice output means at the time of shooting in a predetermined period. When this characteristic data is updated and stored in the input characteristic reference data storage means as input characteristic reference data, it is possible to cope with changes in the characteristic data caused by aging deterioration of the audio output means.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a photographing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control flow when the photographing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention exhibits a voyeurism prevention function.

  The photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a photographing apparatus 1 that exhibits a function of preventing voyeurism, and includes a CPU 10 as a microcomputer as a control means, a ROM 11 as a storage means in which various system programs are stored, and RAM 12 as work memory, input unit 3 as input means, display unit 4 as display means, image sensor 15 and lens unit 2 as photographing means, memory card 14 as image data storage means, speaker as sound output means 6 and a speaker driving circuit 5 are provided.

  The input unit 3 is used as an input means, and includes various keys and switches, and performs shooting mode selection operations, custom setting operations that allow the user to arbitrarily set image resolution, zoom, and focus adjustments. When various operations such as an operation to be performed are performed by the user, an operation signal is sent to the control means. The components of the input unit 3 also include a photographing switch as photographing instruction means for sending a photographing instruction signal. Then, when the input unit 3 serving as a photographing instruction unit is operated, the photographing apparatus 1 sends a photographing instruction signal from the photographing instruction unit, and inputs the photographing instruction signal to the control unit, and a shutter described later. After exhibiting a voyeurism prevention function such as outputting a pseudo sound, photographing by the photographing means is executed.

  The display unit 4 is a liquid crystal display serving as display means. The display means displays a selection menu for various settings, messages regarding various processes, and the like based on an operation signal from the input means.

  Then, the CPU 10 serving as a control means starts a system program stored in the ROM 11 in advance, a control program stored in the memory card, or the like in response to a key or switch operation signal from the input unit 3 The operation of each part of the circuit is controlled using the RAM 12 as a work memory.

  The ROM 11 serves as a program storage unit, and stores various programs for executing shooting, shooting mode setting, and the like. The RAM 12 is used as a temporary storage means, and a data memory for storing setting contents when the shooting mode is custom-set, a display for storing display data such as a message screen for guiding operations to the user. Each area such as a data memory is secured, and a register, a counter, and the like are provided for temporarily storing data necessary for photographing processing.

  The photographing means shoots a subject and generates image data, and includes an imaging element 15, a lens unit 2 as an optical system, and a photographing control circuit 16. The photographing control circuit 16 outputs the electrical signal output from the image sensor 15 as image data to the image data storage means via the control means. Here, the imaging element 15 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), or the like, and converts light into an electrical signal. The lens unit 2 has a fixed lens group and a movable lens group, and is controlled in focus adjustment and magnification adjustment by the imaging control circuit 16 so that reflected light from the subject enters the image sensor 15.

  Then, when the shooting instruction signal sent from the shooting instruction unit is input to the control unit, the control unit controls the shooting control circuit 16 through the lens unit 2 after exhibiting a voyeurism prevention function described later. The light input to the image sensor 15 is converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor 15, and the electrical signal can be stored in the image data storage means as image data.

  The memory card 14 serves as image data storage means, and stores image data generated by the photographing means. The memory card 14 is detachable, and the stored image data can be sent to the external device by connecting to the external device.

  The speaker 6 and the speaker drive circuit 5 are used as sound output means, and when a shooting instruction signal is output by the shooting instruction means, a pseudo sound simulating a shutter sound is output as a specific sound in conjunction with the output. To do. That is, when a shooting instruction signal is sent from the shooting instruction unit and the signal is input to the control unit, the control unit controls the speaker drive circuit 5 to cause the speaker 6 to output a pseudo sound. As a result, when the user presses the shooting switch, a pseudo sound is output from the speaker 6 to inform the surroundings that shooting has been performed.

  Then, the imaging device 1 of the present embodiment is used as a detection unit in order to determine whether or not modification has been made to avoid a voyeurism prevention function such as removing the speaker 6 and covering the sound emission part of the speaker 6. A characteristic data detection circuit 7, a regulation means, and a flash ROM 13 as input characteristic reference data storage means are provided.

  The characteristic data detection circuit 7 as a detection means detects the characteristic data of the speaker 6 from the signal fed back from the speaker 6 when the speaker 6 is driven by the speaker driving circuit 5, and detects the characteristic data of the speaker 6. Thus, the detection signal can be sent to the control means. Here, the characteristics of the speaker 6 include impedance characteristics, frequency characteristics, distortion characteristics, and the like.

  Further, the control means of the present embodiment controls the speaker drive circuit 5 so that this pseudo sound (specific sound), or a predetermined sound (audible sound or a frequency band inaudible to humans) together with this pseudo sound. Low frequency sound and high frequency sound) are output to the speaker 6. Then, the control means temporarily stores the characteristic data of the speaker 6 (hereinafter referred to as input characteristic data) detected by the detection means at the time of outputting the predetermined sound (sound from low frequency band to high frequency band including audible sound). The data is stored in the RAM 12, which is a storage means.

  Then, the control means compares the input characteristic data as the restricting means with the input characteristic reference data stored in advance in the flash ROM 13, evaluates whether or not they match, and the speaker 6 is not modified. It is determined whether or not the speaker 6 is correct. Then, when it is determined that the speaker 6 is genuine without modification, the control unit causes the photographing unit to generate image data and store the image data in the image data storage unit.

  Further, when the control means determines that the speaker 6 has been modified as the restriction means, the image data generated by the photographing means is stored in the image data storage means by forcibly turning off the power of the photographing apparatus 1. It is configured not to memorize.

  Here, the determination of the speaker 6 by the restricting means is made by comparing the input characteristic data with the input characteristic reference data, and determining that the speaker 6 is genuine when it substantially matches. In this way, by setting a predetermined allowable range for the coincidence determination, it is possible to cope with a change in the characteristics of the speaker 6 over time.

The flash ROM 13 is used as an input characteristic reference data storage means. In an initial state, the flash ROM 13 stores in advance the frequency characteristics of the input impedance as the input characteristic reference data as the characteristic data of the speaker 6 in the initial state. ing. In order to cope with the change in the characteristics of the speaker 6 due to deterioration over time, the control means uses a predetermined sound that is the same as the predetermined sound output when determining the authenticity of the speaker 6 as a feedback means. The input characteristic data of the speaker 6 detected by the detection means at the time of output can be updated and stored in the flash ROM 13 as input characteristic reference data. And this update storage process can be performed at the time of the audio | voice output by the audio | voice output means at the time of imaging | photography, for example at the time of predetermined time progress.
That is, the flash ROM 13 erases the previously stored input characteristic reference data and stores new input characteristic reference data as appropriate.

  The update storage process by the feedback means can be executed at a predetermined timing by storing a predetermined program in the ROM 11 in advance. Therefore, as described above, the present invention is not limited to the case where the update storage process is executed when the photographing instruction means when the authenticity of the speaker 6 is determined when several months have elapsed, for example, the previous update storage When a period of several months elapses from the process and the power switch is operated, the update storage process by the feedback means can be executed. The update storage process may be executed every few days. However, since the characteristics of the speaker 6 do not change suddenly, the update storage process is performed each time a predetermined long period of time such as every several months elapses. It is preferable to execute.

  That is, the imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment updates the input characteristic data acquired at a predetermined timing such as when the power is turned on or when the imaging instruction unit is operated when a predetermined long period of time such as every several months has elapsed. Comparing the stored input characteristic reference data (prestored input characteristic reference data in the initial stage of use) with the input characteristic data of the speaker 6 detected by the detecting means at the time of shooting (before shooting permission determination) When the characteristics of the two are substantially the same, it is possible to exhibit a sneak shot prevention function that executes shooting and stores the image data in the image data storage means.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the photographing control that can prevent the voyeurism in the photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be specifically described.
First, as shown in the control flowchart of FIG. 2, when the user turns on the power switch and activates the photographing apparatus 1, the system is activated (step S101).

  Next, when a shooting instruction signal is sent to the control means by the user operating the shooting instruction means (input means), the control means sends a pseudo sound as a specific sound and a low frequency as a predetermined sound to the sound output means. A sound output process (step S103) for outputting the sound of the band and the high frequency band is executed. The control means starts detection by the detection means when the photographing instruction signal is inputted.

  When a predetermined band sound is output in the audio output process (S103), the detection means detects the input characteristic data of the speaker 6 and executes the detection process of sending the data to the control means (same step). When input characteristic data is input to the control means, the control means temporarily stores the input characteristic data in the temporary storage means. And a control means performs the determination process (step S105) which compares this input characteristic data and the input characteristic reference data previously memorize | stored in the input characteristic reference data storage means as a control means.

  In the determination process (step S105), when the input characteristic data substantially matches the input characteristic reference data, the process as the normal photographing apparatus 1 is executed (step S107). In other words, when the control means determines that the input characteristic data and the input characteristic reference data substantially match, the sound is reliably output by the speaker 6, and it is detected that the speaker 6 has not been remodeled. The means is caused to perform photographing, and the image data generated by the photographing means is stored in the image data storage means.

  In the determination process (step S105), when the control unit determines that the input characteristic data does not match the input characteristic reference data, that is, the speaker 6 has been modified, the control unit executes shooting by the shooting unit. Forcibly turn off the power without creating image data. In this way, the configuration in which the power is forcibly turned off can surely prevent voyeurism. The control means may be configured not to execute photographing by the photographing means without turning off the power when it is determined that the input characteristic data and the input characteristic reference data do not coincide with each other. Although the data is created, the image data storage unit can be configured not to execute the process of storing the image data.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when a method for avoiding the voyeurism prevention function is performed, such as removing the speaker 6, cutting off the signal line of the speaker 6, or blocking the sound emission part of the speaker 6, shooting is performed. The input characteristic data of the speaker 6, which is an audio output means that is fed back at a predetermined timing, is stored as input characteristic reference data. And the input characteristic data detected at the time of photographing can be determined to determine whether or not photographing is permitted. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a change in characteristics of the sound output means due to deterioration over time. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the photographing apparatus 1 that can maintain the voyeurism prevention function over a long period of time.

And this invention is not limited to the above Example, A change and improvement are possible freely in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention. For example, the determination process by the regulation unit is not limited to the time of shooting (immediately before shooting), and can be executed at a predetermined timing. For example, regardless of shooting, the determination process is executed when the power switch is operated. If the speaker 6 has been modified, shooting is performed by forcibly turning off the power immediately after turning on the power. It may not be executed.
In this case, an audible sound corresponding to system activation different from the shutter sound at the time of shooting can be adopted as the predetermined band sound.

  Furthermore, when the power switch is operated and when the shooting instruction means is operated, the control means is configured so that a predetermined sound can be output and the determination process can be executed, so that the voyeurism prevention function can be more reliably performed. It may be demonstrated. In addition, as the predetermined timing for executing this determination processing, various other timings can be set, such as regularly, immediately after shooting, or when a timer is set.

  Further, the predetermined sound to be output to the sound output means at a predetermined timing may be a full-band sound including an audible sound from a low frequency sound to a high frequency sound, or may be a whole sound from a low frequency sound including an audible sound to a high frequency sound. Of the bands, only low frequency sounds in a frequency band that cannot be heard by humans, or only high frequency sounds, or only audible sounds such as startup sounds may be used. Further, a specific pseudo sound such as a shutter sound output at the time of shooting may be used as the predetermined sound. When the predetermined sound is only a low-frequency sound or high-frequency sound that cannot be heard by the human ear, the low-frequency sound output at a predetermined timing for updating and storing the input characteristic reference data is not heard by the user. Therefore, the photographing apparatus 1 can maintain a quiet state in a state where photographing is not performed. In addition, since the input characteristic data can be acquired more accurately by outputting the sound in the low frequency band to the high frequency band as the predetermined sound, the determination process can be easily performed. In addition, a single sound may be used as the predetermined sound, or a sweep sound may be used.

1 Shooting device 2 Lens unit
3 Input section 4 Display section
5 Speaker drive circuit 6 Speaker
7 Characteristic data detection circuit 10 CPU
11 ROM 12 RAM
13 Flash ROM 14 Memory card
15 Image sensor 16 Shooting control circuit

Claims (10)

In a photographing device having a function to prevent voyeurism,
Photographing means for photographing a subject and generating image data;
Photographing instruction means for sending a photographing instruction signal for causing the photographing means to perform photographing;
Image data storage means for storing image data generated by the photographing means;
Audio output means for outputting a predetermined sound;
Detecting means for detecting characteristic data relating to frequency characteristics of input impedance of the audio output means;
A characteristic reference data storage means for storing characteristic reference data which is a reference for the authenticity of the audio output means related to the frequency characteristic of the input impedance ;
The sound output means outputs a predetermined sound at a predetermined timing, the characteristic data of the sound output means detected by the detection means at the time of the output, and the characteristic reference data stored in the characteristic reference data storage means, And a restricting means for preventing the image data generated by the photographing means from being stored in the image data storage means when the two are determined to be inconsistent with each other. .   The restricting means causes the sound output means to output a predetermined sound at a predetermined timing, and is stored in the characteristic data of the sound output means detected by the detecting means at the time of output and the characteristic reference data storage means. When the characteristic reference data is compared with each other and it is determined that they are inconsistent, the image data generated by the photographing unit is not stored in the image data storage unit by forcibly turning off the power of the photographing apparatus. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is a timing different from a time when photographing is performed.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined timing is when a power switch is operated. The detecting device, imaging apparatus according to characteristic data of said audio output means, to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the detection not through the microphone.   2. The characteristic determination sound according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined sound is a characteristic determination sound for determining a characteristic of the audio output unit different from a simulated shutter sound when the photographing instruction unit is operated. Item 6. The photographing device according to any one of Items 5.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined sound is a low-frequency sound or a high-frequency sound in a frequency band that cannot be heard by humans. And a feedback means for storing the characteristic data in the characteristic reference data storage means as the characteristic reference data when the restricting means determines that the characteristic data and the characteristic reference data substantially match. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . 9. The photographing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the feedback unit stores the characteristic reference data in the characteristic reference data storage unit every time a predetermined long period of time elapses. A photographing means for photographing a subject and generating image data with a computer having a function for preventing voyeurism,
Photographing instruction means for sending a photographing instruction signal for causing the photographing means to perform photographing;
Image data storage means for storing image data generated by the photographing means;
Audio output means for outputting a predetermined sound;
Detecting means for detecting characteristic data relating to frequency characteristics of input impedance of the audio output means;
Characteristic reference data storage means for storing characteristic reference data which is a reference for the authenticity of the audio output means related to the frequency characteristics of the input impedance ;
The sound output means outputs a predetermined sound at a predetermined timing, the characteristic data of the sound output means detected by the detection means at the time of the output, and the characteristic reference data stored in the characteristic reference data storage means, And restricting means for preventing image data generated by the photographing means from being stored in the image data storage means when they are determined to be inconsistent,
Program to function as.

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