JP2010098588A - Imaging apparatus, method for storing image, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

It is possible to capture and record a digital image with high reliability as an evidence photograph.
A captured subject image is first stored in a memory 132 as data in a predetermined compression format, and time information (year, month, day, etc.), shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, etc. are stored in the image data stored in the memory. Is recorded in a tag to generate an image file in a predetermined image recording format (for example, Exif format). The generated image file is temporarily stored in the memory 132, and then stored in a storage medium via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116. At the same time, additional information is stored in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an image storage method, and a program, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus, an image storage method, and a program for taking evidence photographs.

  In Patent Document 1, when a storage medium that can be written only once is loaded, when the first step of the still image capturing button is pressed, an image is captured and a preview image is displayed. Disclosed is a digital camera that improves usability when a storage medium that can be written only once is mounted by preventing still image data from being written when the first stage is spoken without the eyes being pressed. ing.

  In Patent Document 2, a rewritable storage medium is set as a recording destination of an image that is likely to be erased, such as an image shot in the low image quality mode, and an image shot in the high image quality mode is erased. There is disclosed an electronic camera that sets a write-once storage medium as an image recording destination that is unlikely to be recorded.

Patent Document 3 describes a digital camera that stores image data in a storage medium and stores data management information of the image data in a built-in memory when a storage medium that can be written only once is loaded. Yes.
JP 2004-64677 A JP 2002-300511 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-244606

  However, in the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the photographed image is stored in a storage medium that can be written only once, but the image stored in the storage medium is a digital image. There is no change. Therefore, editing, that is, tampering is easy, and there is a problem that digital images have lost the ability as evidence photographs.

  Therefore, there is a problem that there is no method for ensuring reliability other than the original method of sealing the cover for attaching / detaching the recording medium when taking evidence photographs at the police or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus, an image storage method, and a program capable of capturing and recording a digital image with high reliability as an evidence photograph.

  In order to achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to claim 1, an imaging unit that captures a subject image, a first recording medium that is built in the apparatus body and that can write data only once, and A mounting unit for attaching / detaching an external second recording medium to / from the apparatus main body, and a subject image captured by the imaging unit are stored in the second recording medium, and the contents of the subject image or the subject image And control means for storing information proving the photographing state in the first recording medium as a photographing log.

  According to the imaging apparatus of claim 1, the subject image captured by the imaging unit is stored in the second external recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body via the mounting unit, and the contents of the subject image or Information that proves the shooting state of the subject image is stored in the main body of the apparatus as a shooting log in a first recording medium in which data can be written only once. Thereby, it can be confirmed afterwards whether or not the image stored in the recording medium has been edited. Therefore, it is possible to increase the reliability of the image and the evidence power.

  The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2 is an image pickup unit that picks up a subject image, a nonvolatile first recording medium built in the apparatus main body, and an external second recording medium attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. When the subject image is photographed by the mounting unit and the imaging means, the photographed subject image is stored in the second recording medium, and the contents of the subject image or the photographing state of the subject image is proved Control means for storing the information to be stored as a shooting log in the first recording medium and disabling the deletion / change of the stored shooting log.

  According to the imaging apparatus of claim 2, the subject image captured by the imaging unit is stored in the external second recording medium attached to the apparatus main body via the attachment unit, and the contents of the subject image or Information that proves the shooting state of the subject image is stored as a shooting log in a non-volatile first recording medium built in the apparatus body, and deletion / change of the stored shooting log is disabled. Thereby, it can be confirmed afterwards whether or not the image stored in the recording medium has been edited. Therefore, it is possible to increase the reliability of the image and the evidence power.

  The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3 is the image pickup apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein error detection information generation for generating an error detection code for detecting whether or not the subject image picked up by the image pickup means has been edited. And the control means stores the error detection code generated by the error detection information generation means in the first storage means as information proving the contents of the subject image.

  According to the imaging apparatus of claim 3, an error detection code for detecting whether or not the subject image captured by the imaging means has been edited as information certifying the content of the subject image is generated, and the generated error detection is performed. The code is stored in the first storage means. Thereby, the reliability of an image can further be improved.

  The imaging apparatus according to claim 4 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the error detection information generation unit generates a CRC code or a hash value as the error detection code.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the fourth aspect, a CRC code or a hash value is calculated as an error detection code as information proving the contents of the subject image. This makes it possible to prove that the images are the same when the error detection codes are the same.

  The imaging device according to claim 5 is the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least of position information and time information of the imaging device when the subject image is captured by the imaging unit. Position / time information acquisition means for acquiring one, and the control means proves the photographing state of the subject image based on at least one of the position information and time information acquired by the position / time information acquisition means The information is stored in the first recording medium and the second recording medium.

  According to the imaging device of the fifth aspect, at least one of the positional information and time information of the imaging device when the subject image is captured by the imaging unit is acquired as information for proving the photographing state of the subject image. Then, at least one of the acquired position information and time information is stored in the first recording medium and the second recording medium. Thereby, the reliability of an image can further be improved.

  The imaging device according to claim 6 is image data for generating image data in which at least one of the position information and the time information is added to the subject image as tag information in the imaging device according to claim 5. The image forming apparatus includes a generating unit, and the control unit stores the image data generated by the image data generating unit in the second recording medium.

  According to the imaging device of claim 6, image data is generated by adding at least one of position information and time information acquired as information proving the shooting state of the subject image to the subject image. Image data is stored in a second recording medium. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether or not the image data has been edited by comparing the information stored in the first recording medium with the information stored in the second recording medium.

  The imaging apparatus according to claim 7 is the imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the position information and the time information acquired by the position / time information acquisition unit are added to the subject image captured by the imaging unit. Combining means for combining at least one of them is provided, and the control means stores the subject image combined with time information by the combining means in the second recording medium.

  According to the imaging device of the seventh aspect, at least one of the position information and time information acquired as information proving the shooting state of the subject image is combined with the subject image, and the combined image is the second image. Save to the recording medium. Thereby, it is possible to confirm whether or not the image data has been edited by comparing the information stored in the first recording medium with the image stored in the second recording medium.

  An imaging apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the position / time information acquisition unit is configured so that a subject image is captured by the imaging unit. The position information and the time information are acquired, and the position information and the time information of the imaging device are acquired every predetermined period, and the control unit obtains the position information and the time information when the subject image is captured. And storing the position information and time information acquired for each predetermined period in the first recording medium.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the eighth aspect, the first recording medium stores the position information and time information acquired for each predetermined period, and the second recording medium captures the subject image. The position information and time information at that time are stored. Thereby, the reliability of the positional information at the time of imaging | photography memorize | stored in the image file can be improved.

  The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9 is the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit uses, as information for proving a shooting state of the subject image, a shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and the image pickup. At least one of the numbers unique to the apparatus is stored as a shooting log in the first recording medium.

  An imaging device according to a tenth aspect is the imaging device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein a recording medium on which data can be written only once is mounted as the second recording medium. Recording medium determining means for determining whether or not the recording medium determining means has mounted a recording medium into which data can be written only once by the recording medium determining means as the second recording medium. When it is determined and shooting is performed by the imaging unit, a shooting log is stored in the first recording medium.

  According to the imaging device of the tenth aspect, it is determined whether or not a recording medium capable of writing data only once is mounted on the mounting portion as the second recording medium, and data can be written only once. When it is determined that the recording medium is attached to the apparatus unit as the second recording medium, the shooting log is stored in the first recording medium. Thereby, a subject image with high reliability as an evidence photo can be taken and stored without the user setting.

  The image storage method according to claim 11 includes a step of imaging a subject image by an imaging unit, and a second external recording provided in such a manner that the captured subject image is detachably attached to the apparatus main body via a mounting unit. A write-once type first recording medium in which information is stored in the apparatus body and data can be written only once. And a step of saving as a shooting log.

  The image storage method according to claim 12 includes a step of imaging a subject image by an imaging unit, and a second external recording provided on the apparatus main body so as to be detachable from the captured subject image via a mounting unit. A step of saving in a medium, and storing the captured subject image or information that proves the shooting state of the subject image as a shooting log in a non-volatile first recording medium built in the apparatus main body; And a step of disabling log deletion / change.

  A program according to a thirteenth aspect causes an arithmetic device to execute the image storage method according to the eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to take and record a digital image with high reliability as an evidence photograph.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a best mode for carrying out an imaging apparatus, an image storage method, and a program to which the invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the digital camera 1 mainly includes a CPU 110, a shutter switch 111, and an operation unit (power / mode switch, mode dial, zoom button, cross button, MENU / OK button, DISP button, BACK button, etc.) 112 , Media interface (IF) (1) 114, media IF (2) 116, timing generator (TG) 118, lens unit 120, shutter / aperture 122, imaging device 124, analog signal processor (CDS / AMP) 126, A A / D converter 128, a digital signal processing unit 130, a memory 132, a ROM 134, an image display unit 136, a communication, an option IF 138, and a write-once memory 140.

  The CPU 110 performs overall control of the entire digital camera 1 according to a predetermined control program based on operation signals input from the shutter switch 111 and the operation unit 112.

  In addition, the CPU 110 cuts out signals in the AF area (for example, the center of the screen) and integrates absolute value data in the AF area. CPU 110 divides one screen into a plurality of areas (for example, 16 × 16) as physical quantities necessary for AE control, and calculates an integrated value of R, G, and B image signals for each divided area.

  In addition, the CPU 110 converts the image signal generated by the digital signal processing unit 130 into a video signal (for example, an NTSC signal, a PAL signal, or a SCAM signal) for display on the image display unit 136 and outputs the video signal to the image display unit 136. To do.

  The media IF (1) 114 and the media IF (2) 116 each control reading / writing of data with respect to a storage medium (for example, a memory card, CD-R) loaded in the media slot. In the present embodiment, two media slots and two memory cards IF are provided, but one may be used.

  The lens unit 120 is a focus lens composed of a plurality of lenses, and adjusts the angle of view by moving each lens in the optical axis direction based on drive amount data output from the CPU 110.

  The shutter / aperture 122 adjusts the amount of light incident on the imaging device 124.

  The imaging device 124 includes, for example, a large number of photodiodes (light receiving elements) via red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color filters arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure (Bayer, G stripe, etc.). Is composed of a color CCD having light receiving surfaces arranged two-dimensionally. The subject light that has passed through the lens unit 120 and the shutter / aperture 122 is received by each photodiode and converted into a signal charge in an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light. The TG 118 outputs a timing signal for driving the imaging device 124 in response to a command from the CPU 110.

  The analog signal processing unit 126 samples and holds the R, G, and B signals for each pixel with respect to the image signal output from the imaging device 124, and amplifies and amplifies the A / D converter. It outputs to 128.

  The A / D converter 128 converts the analog R, G, and B signals output from the analog signal processing unit 126 into digital R, G, and B signals and outputs them. Digital R, G, and B signals output from the A / D converter 128 are sent to the digital signal processing unit 130.

  The digital signal processing unit 130 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with a color filter array of a single CCD), a white balance correction circuit, and a gamma correction. Circuit, contour correction circuit, luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, etc., and according to a command from the CPU 110, the input image signal is subjected to necessary signal processing to obtain luminance data (Y data) and color difference data (Cr, Cb data). ) Is generated.

  The digital signal processing unit 130 includes a compression / decompression processing unit circuit. The compression / decompression processing unit circuit performs compression processing in a predetermined format on the input image data in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 to generate compressed image data. Further, in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, the input compressed image data is subjected to a decompression process in a predetermined format to generate uncompressed image data.

  The image display unit 136 is composed of a liquid crystal display capable of color display, and is used as an image display panel for displaying a photographed image in the reproduction mode, and a user interface display panel for performing various setting operations. Used as In the photographing mode, a through image is displayed as necessary, and is used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view.

  The memory 132 is used as a calculation work area for the CPU 110 and also as a temporary storage area for image data and the like.

  The ROM 134 stores a control program executed by the CPU 110, various data necessary for control, various setting information regarding the operation of the digital camera 1, and the like.

  The communication / option IF 138 outputs image data stored in the memory 132 to an external device such as a printer or a PC.

  The write-once memory 140 is a storage medium that can be written only once, and is built in the digital camera 1 so that it cannot be replaced. An example of the write-once memory 140 is a CD-R. The write-once memory 140 can additionally write new data in addition to the previous data, but cannot erase or overwrite data once written.

  The operation of the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, the photographing process will be described.

  By setting the power / mode switch to the shooting position, the digital camera 1 is set to the shooting mode and shooting is possible. Then, by setting the shooting mode, the lens unit 120 is extended and enters a shooting standby state.

  Under this shooting mode, the subject light that has passed through the lens unit 120 forms an image on the light receiving surface of the imaging device 124 and is converted into a signal charge in an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on the drive pulse given from the TG 118 and added to the analog signal processing unit (CDS / AMP) 126. .

  The analog R, G, B signals output from the analog signal processing unit 126 are converted into digital R, G, B signals by the A / D converter 128 and added to the digital signal processing unit 130.

  A luminance / color difference signal is generated by the digital signal processing unit 130, and the CPU 110 converts the luminance / color difference signal into a display signal format (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) and outputs it to the image display unit 136. As a result, an image captured by the imaging device 124 is displayed on the image display unit 136.

  The imaging device 124 periodically captures an image signal from the imaging device 124, periodically rewrites the image data in the memory 132 with the luminance / color difference signal generated from the image signal, and outputs the image data to the image display unit 136. The captured image is displayed in real time. The user can check the shooting angle of view by viewing an image (through image) displayed in real time on the image display unit 136.

  Shooting is performed by pressing the shutter switch 111. When the shutter switch 111 is half-pressed, an S1 ON signal is input to the CPU 110.

  First, an image signal captured from the imaging device 124 is input to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 controls the focus lens driving unit 116 based on the absolute value data in the AF area calculated by the CPU 110 and moves the lens unit 120 while moving the focus evaluation values (AF evaluation values) at a plurality of AF detection points. And the lens position where the evaluation value is maximized is determined as the in-focus position. Then, the focus lens driving unit 116 is controlled so that the focus lens group moves to the obtained in-focus position.

  Further, the CPU 110 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) based on the calculated integrated value of the R, G, and B image signals, and calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for shooting. Then, an aperture value and a shutter speed are determined from the obtained shooting EV value and a predetermined program diagram, and an appropriate exposure amount is obtained by controlling the electronic shutter and the shutter / aperture 122 of the imaging device 124 according to this.

  The CPU 110 obtains the ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area from the calculated integrated value of R, integrated value of B, and integrated value of G, and R of the calculated R / G and B / G values. The light source type is discriminated based on the distribution in the color space of / G and B / G. Then, according to the white balance adjustment value suitable for the discriminated light source type, for example, the value of each ratio is approximately 1 (that is, the RGB integration ratio is R: G: B≈1: 1: 1 on one screen). As described above, the gain value (white balance correction value) for the R, G, and B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit is controlled to correct the signal of each color channel.

  As described above, the AE process, the AF process, and the AWB process are performed by half-pressing the shutter switch 111. During this time, the user operates the zoom button 38 as necessary to zoom the lens unit 120 to adjust the angle of view, and the CPU 110 continues to perform the AE / AF process and the AWB process.

  Thereafter, when the shutter switch 111 is fully pressed, an S2 ON signal is input to the CPU 110, and the CPU 110 starts photographing processing. That is, the imaging device 124 is exposed with the shutter speed and aperture value determined based on the photometric result.

  The image signal output from the imaging device 124 is converted into a luminance / color difference signal by the analog signal processing unit 126, the A / D converter 128, and the digital signal processing unit 130, and compressed according to a predetermined compression format (for example, JPEG format). Stored in the memory 132.

  Next, a method for recording an image shot in this way will be described.

  The CPU 110 records additional information such as time information (year / month / day, time, etc.), shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and the like in data in a predetermined compression format stored in the memory 132 and records the predetermined image recording format (for example, (Exif format) image file is generated. Then, the CPU 110 stores the generated image file in the memory 132. As the time information, the time of a clock (not shown) provided in the digital camera 1 can be used.

  The CPU 110 stores the image file stored in the memory 132 in a storage medium via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116. At the same time, the CPU 110 stores the additional information in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log. Thus, information that can prove the situation at the time of shooting can be stored in the write-once memory 140.

  According to the present embodiment, since additional information is stored in the write-once memory built in the digital camera, the tag information of the image file stored in the storage medium is compared with the information stored in the write-once memory. By doing so, it can be confirmed afterwards whether or not the image file stored in the storage medium has been edited. Therefore, the reliability of the photographed image can be improved and the evidence can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since it is the character information that is written in the non-replaceable write-once memory built in the digital camera, a large number of pieces of information can be written on the write-once medium. Therefore, there is no problem in use even if the write-once medium cannot be replaced.

  In this embodiment, the additional information is stored in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log at the same time that the image file is stored in the storage medium. However, if the shooting log cannot be deleted or changed, the additional information is stored. Saving is not limited to write-once memory. For example, the CPU 110 may store the shooting log in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM and protect the shooting log so that the stored shooting log cannot be deleted or changed.

  In the present embodiment, the additional information is stored in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log at the same time that the image file is stored in the storage medium. However, the timing of storing the image file in the storage medium and the additional information are stored in the shooting log. As described above, the timing of storing in the write-once memory 140 does not have to be the same. The image file may be stored in a storage medium after the additional information is stored in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log, or the additional information may be stored in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log after the image file is stored in the storage medium. May be saved.

  In this embodiment, when the image file is stored in the storage medium, the additional information is always stored in the write-once memory in the digital camera. However, the user operates whether or not the additional information is stored in the write-once memory. The setting may be made by operating the unit 112.

  In this embodiment, the time information, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and the like are described as additional information. However, the content of the additional information is not limited to this, and the information can be written on the tag and the subject image is captured. Any data that can prove the situation can be used.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, when an image file is stored in a storage medium, additional information is always stored in the write-once memory in the digital camera. However, the additional information is always stored in the write-once memory. There is a possibility of not doing so.

  In the second embodiment, additional information is stored in the write-once memory in the digital camera only when the storage medium is a write-once memory. Hereinafter, the digital camera 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the digital camera 2 is the same as that of the digital camera 1, description thereof is omitted. Further, since the shooting process of the digital camera 2 is the same as that of the digital camera 1, the description thereof will be omitted, and the recording process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of recording processing of the digital camera 2. The following processing is mainly performed by the CPU 110.

  First, the CPU 110 records additional information such as shooting date / time, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and the like in a predetermined compression format data stored in the memory 132 in an image file of a predetermined image recording format (for example, Exif format). Is generated. Then, the CPU 110 stores the generated image file in the memory 132.

  Then, the CPU 110 determines whether the storage medium connected to the digital camera 2 via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116 is a write-once memory (for example, a CD-R) (step S1). S1).

  If the storage medium connected to the digital camera 2 is a write-once memory (YES in step S1), the additional information is stored in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log (step S2). Thereafter, the CPU 110 stores the image file stored in the memory 132 in the write-once memory that is a storage medium via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116. Thus, information that can prove the situation at the time of shooting can be stored in the write-once memory 140.

  If the storage medium connected to the digital camera 2 is not a write-once memory (NO in step S1), the image file stored in the memory 132 is transferred via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116. Save to storage medium.

  According to the present embodiment, when taking a photograph that requires reliability, such as an evidence photograph, the user automatically connects the write-once memory to the digital camera, and automatically adds additional information to the built-in write-once memory. Can be saved. Thereby, usability can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 110 determines whether or not a write-once medium is connected to the digital camera at the time of recording. However, the CPU 110 determines before recording processing and displays the determination result on the image display unit 136. May be. Thus, the user can recognize which medium is connected and what recording process is performed before the recording process.

  In addition, when it is determined that the write-once medium is connected to the digital camera, the CPU 110 may perform control so that writing other than saving of the image file after shooting cannot be performed.

  Further, when the CPU 110 determines that the write-once medium is connected to the digital camera, the data written in the write-once medium may be once read into the memory 132 and verified. Thereby, the reliability can be further improved.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, when an image file is stored in a storage medium, additional information is stored in a write-once memory in the digital camera. A method for improving the reliability of an image file is described here. Not limited to.

  In the third embodiment, an error detection code code is stored in a write-once memory in a digital camera as information that can prove the contents of a subject image. Hereinafter, the digital camera 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. The same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the digital camera 3. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 3 mainly includes a CPU 110, a shutter switch 111, an operation unit 112, a media IF (1) 114, a media IF (2) 116, a TG 118, a lens unit 120, a shutter / aperture 122, and an imaging. Device 124, analog signal processing unit 126, A / D converter 128, digital signal processing unit 130, memory 132, ROM 134, image display unit 136, communication, option IF 138, write-once memory 140, and error detection encoder 142 The

  The error detection encoder 142 calculates a number unique to the image data such as a CRC code and a hash value as an error detection code code from the image data stored in the post-shooting memory 132. Therefore, if the error detection code code is the same, it can be proved that the images are the same. The error detection code code is not limited to a CRC code or a hash value, but any form can be used as long as it becomes another value when image data is lost, such as when image data is edited. May be used.

  The operation of the digital camera 3 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, the photographing process will be described. Since the shooting process of the digital camera 3 is the same as that of the digital camera 1, the description thereof will be omitted and the recording process will be described.

  The CPU 110 records additional information such as shooting date / time, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, etc. in a tag in data in a predetermined compression format stored in the memory 132, and generates an image file in a predetermined image recording format (eg, Exif format). To do. Then, the CPU 110 stores the generated image file in the memory 132.

  Further, the CPU 110 inputs image data from the memory 132 to the error detection encoder 142, and the error detection encoder 142 calculates an error detection code code from the input image data.

  The CPU 110 stores the image file stored in the memory 132 in a storage medium via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116. At the same time, the CPU 110 reads the error detection code code from the error detection encoder 142 and stores the error detection code code in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log. As a result, information that can prove the content of the photographed image can be stored in the write-once memory 140.

  According to the present embodiment, the error detection code code calculated from the image file stored in the storage medium is compared with the error detection code code stored in the write-once memory, thereby being stored in the storage medium. You can check later whether the image file has been edited. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the reliability and evidence of the photographed image.

  In this embodiment, the error detection code code is stored in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log. However, it is determined whether the write-once medium is connected as a storage medium to the digital camera, and the write-once medium is connected. In such a case, a number unique to the digital camera 3 may be written to the write-once medium. This makes it clear which digital camera captured the image data, so that it is easy to check the error detection code code stored in the write-once medium built in the digital camera.

  In order to calculate the error detection code code from the image file stored in the storage medium, the error detection code code may be calculated by inputting the image file again to the error detection encoder 142, or the error code file can be calculated. You may calculate by inputting into the apparatus.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, when an image file is stored in a storage medium, additional information is stored in a write-once memory in the digital camera. A method for improving the reliability of an image file is described here. Not limited to.

  In the fourth embodiment, time information when an image is taken is stored in a write-once memory in the digital camera as information for proving the situation at the time of shooting. Hereinafter, the digital camera 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the digital camera 4. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 4 mainly includes a CPU 110, a shutter switch 111, an operation unit 112, a media IF (1) 114, a media IF (2) 116, a TG 118, a lens unit 120, a shutter / aperture 122, and an imaging. In the device 124, the analog signal processing unit 126, the A / D converter 128, the digital signal processing unit 130, the memory 132, the ROM 134, the image display unit 136, the communication, the option IF 138, the write-once memory 140, and the time acquisition block (BLK) 144 Composed.

  The time acquisition BLK 144 includes an antenna, a receiver, a CPU, and the like, and acquires an accurate current time by receiving a standard time radio wave. Since the method of receiving the standard time radio wave and acquiring the current time is a known content, the description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of the digital camera 4 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. Since the procedure until the shutter switch is fully pressed is the same as that of the digital camera 1, the description is omitted and the processing after the full press is described.

  When the shutter switch 111 is fully pressed, an S2 ON signal is input to the CPU 110, and the CPU 110 starts photographing processing. That is, the imaging device 124 is exposed with the shutter speed and aperture value determined based on the photometric result.

  When the S2 ON signal is input to the CPU 110, the CPU 110 issues a command to the time acquisition BLK 144, and the time acquisition BLK 144 acquires the current time. Thereby, accurate time information at the time of photographing can be acquired. The acquired current time is output from the time acquisition BLK 144 to the memory 132.

  The image signal output from the imaging device 124 is converted into a luminance / color difference signal by the analog signal processing unit 126, the A / D converter 128, and the digital signal processing unit 130, and compressed according to a predetermined compression format (for example, JPEG format). Stored in the memory 132.

  Next, a method for recording an image shot in this way will be described.

  The CPU 110 records additional information such as time information, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity output from the time acquisition BLK 144 to the memory 132 in a predetermined compression format stored in the memory 132 in a predetermined image recording format. An image file (for example, Exif format) is generated. Then, the CPU 110 stores the generated image file in the memory 132.

  The CPU 110 stores the image file stored in the memory 132 in a storage medium via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116. At the same time, the CPU 110 stores the time information output from the time acquisition BLK 144 to the memory 132 in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log. Thus, information that can prove the situation at the time of shooting can be stored in the write-once memory 140.

  According to the present embodiment, the image file stored in the storage medium is edited by comparing the time information in the tag information of the image file stored in the storage medium with the time information stored in the write-once memory. It can be confirmed afterwards whether it was done. Therefore, the reliability of the photographed image can be improved and the evidence can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the time information acquired by the time acquisition BLK 144 is stored in the tag. However, the time information may be combined with the captured image, and the combined image may be stored in the storage medium. Various known methods can be used for image synthesis.

  In this embodiment, the time acquisition BLK 144 receives the standard time radio wave to acquire the accurate shooting time. However, the method for acquiring the current time is not limited to this, and the GPS or radio radio wave is used. It may be used.

<Fifth embodiment>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, when an image file is stored in a storage medium, additional information is stored in a write-once memory in the digital camera. A method for improving the reliability of an image file is described here. Not limited to.

  In the fifth embodiment, position information at which shooting has been performed is stored in a write-once memory in a digital camera. Hereinafter, a digital camera 5 according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the digital camera 5. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 5 mainly includes a CPU 110, a shutter switch 111, an operation unit 112, a media IF (1) 114, a media IF (2) 116, a TG 118, a lens unit 120, a shutter / aperture 122, and imaging. Device 124, analog signal processing unit 126, A / D converter 128, digital signal processing unit 130, memory 132, ROM 134, image display unit 136, communication, option IF 138, write-once memory 140, GPS position acquisition block (BLK) 146 Consists of.

  The GPS position acquisition BLK 146 acquires its own position information by simultaneously knowing the distances from four or more GPS satellites. Since the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 is a known technique, the description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of the digital camera 5 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. Since the procedure until the shutter switch is fully pressed is the same as that of the digital camera 1, the description is omitted and the processing after the full press is described.

  When the shutter switch 111 is fully pressed, an S2 ON signal is input to the CPU 110, and the CPU 110 starts photographing processing. That is, the imaging device 124 is exposed with the shutter speed and aperture value determined based on the photometric result.

  When the S2ON signal is input to the CPU 110, the CPU 110 issues a command to the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 to acquire position information. This makes it possible to acquire accurate position information at the time of shooting. The acquired position information is output from the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 to the memory 132.

  The image signal output from the imaging device 124 is converted into a luminance / color difference signal by the analog signal processing unit 126, the A / D converter 128, and the digital signal processing unit 130, and compressed according to a predetermined compression format (for example, JPEG format). Stored in the memory 132.

  Next, a method for recording an image shot in this way will be described.

  The CPU 110 records additional information such as position information, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity output from the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 to the memory 132 in data in a predetermined compression format stored in the memory 132, and performs predetermined image recording. An image file in a format (for example, Exif format) is generated. Then, the CPU 110 stores the generated image file in the memory 132.

  The CPU 110 stores the image file stored in the memory 132 in a storage medium via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116. At the same time, the CPU 110 stores the position information output from the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 to the memory 132 in the write-once memory 140 as a shooting log. Thus, information that can prove the situation at the time of shooting can be stored in the write-once memory 140.

  According to the present embodiment, by comparing the position information in the tag information of the image file stored in the storage medium with the position information stored in the write-once memory, the image file stored in the storage medium is It can be confirmed afterwards whether it has been edited. Therefore, the reliability of the photographed image can be improved and the evidence can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the position information acquired by the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 is stored in the tag. However, the position information may be combined with the captured image, and the combined image may be stored in the storage medium. Various known methods can be used for image synthesis.

<Sixth Embodiment>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, when an image file is stored in a storage medium, additional information is stored in a write-once memory in the digital camera. A method for improving the reliability of an image file is described here. Not limited to.

  In the sixth embodiment, time information is acquired at predetermined intervals and stored in a write-once memory in the digital camera. Hereinafter, the digital camera 6 according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration inside the digital camera 6. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 6 mainly includes a CPU 110, a shutter switch 111, an operation unit 112, a media IF (1) 114, a media IF (2) 116, a TG 118, a lens unit 120, a shutter / aperture 122, and an imaging. Device 124, analog signal processing unit 126, A / D converter 128, digital signal processing unit 130, memory 132, ROM 134, image display unit 136, communication, option IF 138, write-once memory 140, GPS position acquisition BLK 146, timer 148 Composed.

  The timer 148 counts the remaining time up to a preset time, and outputs a signal to the CPU 110 when the remaining time becomes zero. When the signal is input from the timer 148, the CPU 110 issues a command to the GPS position acquisition BLK 146, and the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 acquires the current position information. The position information periodically acquired in this way is output from the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 to the memory 132 and sequentially stored in the write-once memory 140 together with time information of a clock (not shown) inside the digital camera 6. Thus, information that can prove the situation at the time of shooting can be stored in the write-once memory 140.

  The operation of the digital camera 6 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. Since the shooting process of the digital camera 6 is the same as that of the digital camera 5, the description thereof will be omitted and the recording process will be described.

  The CPU 110 converts the position information output from the GPS position acquisition BLK 146 to the memory 132, the time information of the clock (not shown) inside the digital camera 6, the shutter speed, the ISO sensitivity, into data of a predetermined compression format stored in the memory 132. Is recorded in a tag to generate an image file in a predetermined image recording format (for example, Exif format). Then, the CPU 110 stores the generated image file in the memory 132.

  The CPU 110 stores the image file stored in the memory 132 in a storage medium via the media IF (1) 114 or the media IF (2) 116.

  According to the present embodiment, the position information and time information at the time of shooting stored in the tag information of the image file of the storage medium, and the position information and time information acquired by the enemy stored in the write-once memory, To check the positional relationship before and after shooting, to improve the reliability of the position information at the time of shooting and to check whether the position information and time information at the time of shooting stored in the image file have been altered. It can be confirmed after the fact.

  In this embodiment, the time information is acquired from the clock inside the digital camera as the time information. However, the time information may be acquired by GPS position acquisition BLK.

  The application of the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, but can also be applied to an imaging apparatus such as a mobile phone with a camera or a video camera. It can also be provided as a program applied to a device such as a digital camera. Further, the present invention is not limited to the first to sixth embodiments, and may be implemented by combining the above embodiments.

2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of storage processing of the digital camera 2. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera 4. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 5. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera 6. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Digital camera, 110: CPU, 111: Shutter switch, 112: Operation unit, 114: Media IF (1), 116: Media IF (2), 118: TG, 120 : Lens unit, 122: Shutter / aperture, 124: Imaging device, 126: Analog signal processor (CDS / AMP), 128: A / D converter, 130: Digital signal processor, 132: Memory, 134: ROM, 136: Image display unit, 138: Communication, option IF, 140: Write-once memory, 142: Error detection encoder, 144: Time acquisition BLK, 146: GPS position information acquisition BLK, 148: Timer

Claims (13)

Imaging means for capturing a subject image;
A first recording medium built in the apparatus body and capable of writing data only once;
A mounting portion for attaching and detaching an external second recording medium to the apparatus main body;
When a subject image is captured by the imaging means, the captured subject image is stored in the second recording medium, and information that proves the content of the subject image or the capturing status of the subject image is stored in the first recording medium. Control means for storing as a shooting log in one recording medium;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Imaging means for capturing a subject image;
A non-volatile first recording medium built in the apparatus body;
A mounting portion for attaching and detaching an external second recording medium to the apparatus main body;
When a subject image is captured by the imaging means, the captured subject image is stored in the second recording medium, and information that proves the content of the subject image or the capturing status of the subject image is stored in the first recording medium. Control means for storing as a shooting log in one recording medium and disabling the deletion / change of the stored shooting log;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Comprising error detection information generating means for generating an error detection code for detecting whether or not the subject image picked up by the image pickup means has been edited;
3. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores the error detection code generated by the error detection information generation unit in the first storage unit as information proving the content of the subject image. Imaging device.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the error detection information generation unit generates a CRC code or a hash value as the error detection code. Position / time information acquisition means for acquiring at least one of position information and time information of the imaging device when a subject image is captured by the imaging means;
The control means uses at least one of the position information and the time information acquired by the position / time information acquisition means as information for proving the shooting situation of the subject image, and the second recording medium and the second information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is stored in a recording medium. Image data generating means for generating image data in which at least one of the position information and the time information is added to the subject image as tag information;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit stores the image data generated by the image data generation unit in the second recording medium. A synthesis unit that synthesizes at least one of the position information and the time information acquired by the position / time information acquisition unit with the subject image captured by the imaging unit;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit stores the subject image combined with time information by the combining unit in the second recording medium. The position / time information acquisition unit acquires the position information and time information of the imaging device when a subject image is captured by the imaging unit, and also acquires the position information and time information of the imaging device for each predetermined period. Acquired,
The control unit stores the position information and time information when the subject image is captured in the second recording medium, and the position information and time information acquired for each predetermined period of time as the first information. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the imaging apparatus is stored in a recording medium.   The control means stores at least one of a shutter speed, an ISO sensitivity, and a number specific to the imaging device as information for proving the shooting state of the subject image as a shooting log in the first recording medium. An imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A recording medium discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not a recording medium capable of writing data only once in the mounting unit is mounted as the second recording medium;
When the recording medium determining unit determines that a recording medium into which data can be written only once is attached to the apparatus unit as the second recording medium, the control unit captures an image on the first recording medium. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a log is stored. Imaging a subject image by an imaging means;
Storing the imaged subject image in an external second recording medium detachably provided on the apparatus body via a mounting unit;
A step of storing the captured subject image or information proving the photographing state of the subject image as a photographing log in a write-once first recording medium built in the apparatus body and capable of writing data only once When,
An image storage method comprising: Imaging a subject image by an imaging means;
Storing the imaged subject image in an external second recording medium detachably provided on the apparatus body via a mounting unit;
The photographed subject image or information that proves the photographing state of the subject image is stored as a photographing log in a non-volatile first recording medium built in the apparatus body, and the photographing log cannot be deleted / changed. And steps
An image storage method comprising:   A program causing an arithmetic device to perform the image storage method according to claim 11 or 12.

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