JP2010267039A - Portable recording / reproducing apparatus and image reproducing means in a personal computer of a memory card used for the portable recording / reproducing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable recording / reproducing apparatus which prevents a recorded image file in a memory card from leaking or being stolen and the settings of the apparatus main body cannot be freely changed, and a memory used for the portable recording / reproducing apparatus An image reproducing means for a card personal computer is provided.
A first security means included in a portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is an access means for a memory card when an access password set in a memory card 14 matches a first input password input from an operation unit 12. And the control means 20 is executed. Further, when displaying and reproducing on a personal computer, the recorded image file cannot be reproduced on the personal computer unless the conversion password set in the memory card matches the third input password inputted from the personal computer. This can prevent a recorded image file in the memory card from being viewed by a third party.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a portable recording / reproducing apparatus that records an image sent from an imaging apparatus on a memory card or reproduces an image stored in the memory card, and in particular, stores data in an internal memory of the memory card or the portable recording / reproducing apparatus. The present invention relates to a device having security means that prevents leakage or theft and prevents the setting of the apparatus main body from being easily changed.
The present invention also relates to an image playback means for playing back a recorded image file of a memory card on which an image captured by a portable recording / playback device is recorded on a personal computer. In particular, a recorded image file on a memory card cannot be played back by a third party without permission. It is related with what has a security means to do.

  Conventionally, small digital devices such as mobile phones and digital cameras use memory cards conforming to various standards as external storage media. The memory card is widely used because it is small and light and has a large capacity storage area.

As one of the above-mentioned small digital devices, a video camera disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-060196 includes a camera head and a portable recording / playback apparatus as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, a card slot into which a memory card is detachably inserted is formed on the bottom surface of the portable recording / playback device. Images captured by the camera head are converted into image data and stored in the memory. Recorded on the card.

Here, data recorded on an external storage medium such as a memory card is intangible, so it is difficult to notice when it is leaked or stolen. Therefore, a security function is added to the data by encrypting the data.
A security system for a hard disk device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-7216 compares security data D1 stored in the hard disk with security data D2 stored in a memory card, and compares the security data D1 with the security data. When it is detected that D2 is the same, the hard disk is made usable.

JP 2009-060196 A JP 2002-007216 A

However, since the portable recording / playback apparatus is small and light, there is a risk that the main body of the apparatus may be in the hands of a third party due to loss or theft. Therefore, in the security system as described above, when a memory card as an external storage medium is left in the card reader, data in the memory card may be leaked by freely accessing the memory card. There is.
If the portable recording / reproducing device is lost, the found portable recording / reproducing device may not be returned if the setting of the device main body can be freely changed by a third party who has found it.

  In addition, since the memory card set in the portable recording / reproducing apparatus is smaller and lighter than the portable recording / reproducing apparatus, there is a possibility that the main body of the apparatus may be transferred to a third party due to loss or theft. Therefore, when only the memory card is in the hands of a third party, if the memory card is not provided with any security measures, for example, an image recorded on a personal computer may be viewed.

  Therefore, the present invention which aims to solve the above-described problem prevents portable recording that prevents the recorded image file in the memory card from being leaked or stolen, and also prevents the setting of the apparatus main body from being freely changed. An object of the present invention is to provide a playback device and an image playback means in a personal computer of a memory card used in the portable recording / playback device.

The portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a memory card,
A card reader / writer for writing or reading data to or from the memory card;
A monitor screen for displaying an image when recording an image on the memory card or reproducing an image recorded on the memory card;
An operation in which a predetermined operation is input when an image is recorded on the memory card, when a recorded image file is read out from the memory card and played back, or when the setting of the apparatus main body related to image recording or playback is changed. And
Access means for recording an image to the memory card or reading a recorded image file from the memory card via the card reader / writer, and control means for recording the image or reproducing the recorded image file And a board on which an internal memory storing the settings of the apparatus main body is arranged,
The control means is
An encoder function for converting an image signal transmitted from the imaging device to the portable recording / reproducing device into predetermined image data constituting an image to be recorded on the memory card, and the encoder function via the card reader / writer Recording control means for forming an image file in the memory card on the basis of the image data converted in step, and performing control related to recording;
A decoder function for decoding and converting image data constituting the recorded image file in the memory card into a predetermined image signal is provided, and the recorded image file read via the card reader / writer is decoded by the decoder function. A reproduction control means for controlling the reproduction by forming an image to be displayed on the monitor screen;
When the image signal transmitted from the imaging device to the portable recording / playback device is displayed on the monitor screen, or when the image processed by the playback control means is displayed on the monitor screen, the control relating to the display is performed. Display control means for performing
When a predetermined recording operation is performed on the operation unit, an image transmitted from the imaging device is previewed on the monitor screen and a recording target is recorded on the memory card, or a predetermined reproduction is performed on the operation unit. In the case of the operation, in the portable recording / playback apparatus for playing back and displaying the recorded image file in the memory card on the monitor screen,
The memory card and / or the internal memory includes a predetermined identification code,
When an input code input from the operation unit of the portable recording / playback device matches the identification code,
The access means for the memory card is activated, or the setting of the apparatus main body recorded in the internal memory is changed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first aspect, the memory card includes a predetermined access password as the identification code.
A first security means for restricting the access means is provided before the control means,
The first security means comprises:
Authentication means for authenticating that the memory card protected by the access password is set in the card reader / writer;
First determination means for determining whether or not the access password included in the memory card authenticated by the authentication means matches the first input password input from the operation unit;
A first rejection means for rejecting the access means when the access password does not match the first input password;
When the access password and the first input password match, the access means is permitted, the recording control means is executed, or the reproduction control means is limitedly allowed, and the first permission means is limited.
When the memory card is set in the card reader / writer, the first security means determines whether the first input password and the access password match,
The access means for the memory card is activated to shift to the control means.

The portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 3 is the portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portable recording / reproducing apparatus activates the access means by the first security means, and When moving to control means,
As the identification code, the internal memory includes a predetermined security password,
When the control parameter of the control means is changed to an arbitrary value by an input operation from the operation unit, and the setting of the apparatus main body related to image recording or reproduction is changed,
A second security means for disabling an input operation from the operation unit for the internal memory protected by the security password and recorded with the control parameter;
The second security means comprises:
Second determination means for determining whether or not the security password matches a second input password input from the operation unit;
Second rejection means for invalidating the input operation on the internal memory when the security password does not match the second input password;
When the security password and the second input password match, the input operation for the internal memory is validated and the recorded content of the internal memory is changed, so that the input operation from the operation unit is further permitted. Consisting of means,
After activating the access means with the first security means and moving to the control means,
Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the security password and the second input password input from the operation unit match with the second security means,
By changing the control parameter used by the control means to an arbitrary value, the image recorded on the memory card by the recording control means, the recorded image file to be reproduced by the reproduction control means, or the display The setting of the apparatus main body related to the image displayed on the monitor screen is changed by the control means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first aspect, the input password matches the access password in the first determination unit of the first security unit. When
Record the access password in the internal memory,
When a predetermined recording operation is performed on the operation unit, the recording control unit is activated avoiding the first security unit,
The image transmitted from the imaging device is recorded on the memory card as soon as possible.

6. An image reproducing means in a personal computer of a memory card used for the portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the memory card is used for a portable recording / reproducing apparatus that records an image on a memory card or reads a recorded image file from the memory card. When,
A card reader capable of reading at least the recorded image file of the memory card, and a personal computer provided with image reproducing means for reproducing and displaying the recorded image file on a monitor;
Image reproducing means in the personal computer of a memory card used in the portable recording / reproducing device for reproducing and displaying the recorded image file recorded on the memory card by the portable recording / reproducing device on the personal computer;
A third security means is provided in front of the image reproduction means of the personal computer to restrict the image reproduction means from reproducing and displaying the recorded image file read from the memory card via the card reader,
The third security means comprises a conversion means and a post-conversion authentication means;
The converting means encrypts and converts the recorded image file read from the memory card to form a converted image file, and as an identification code for identifying the converted image file and releasing the encryption, Set a conversion password for the converted image file,
The converted image file is temporarily recorded on an external storage medium of the personal computer,
The post-conversion authentication means determines whether or not a third input password input from an input device such as a keyboard of the personal computer matches the conversion password, and then the conversion password and the third input password match. Only when the converted image file is allowed to be played back by the image playback means,
When playing back the recorded image file recorded on the portable recording / playback apparatus on a personal computer,
The recorded image file is encrypted and converted by the third security means to form the converted image file, the converted image file is decrypted with the conversion password, and then the converted image file is stored in a personal computer. It is characterized in that the image is reproduced and displayed by the image reproducing means.

According to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, the storage medium of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus having recording control means for recording an image on a memory card and reproduction control means for reading out and reproducing a recorded image file from the memory card. An identification code is set in the memory card and / or the internal memory, and only when the identification code matches the input code input from the operation unit of the portable recording / playback device, Can be started, or an access means for reading a recorded image file from a memory card can be activated, or settings of the apparatus main body can be changed.
Thereby, access to the memory card and the internal memory can be limited to those who input the input code that matches the identification code.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the recorded image file in the memory card from being leaked or stolen by a third party, and it is possible to prevent the third party from freely changing the settings of the apparatus body. .

According to the portable recording / playback apparatus of claim 2, the memory card is protected by a predetermined access password, and a first security means is provided, and the access password and the first input password input from the operation unit are provided. The access means arranged after the first security means cannot be activated unless the two match.
Therefore, when a portable recording / reproducing apparatus is dropped or stolen, even if a third party newly sets a memory card, the portable recording / reproducing apparatus cannot be used.
In addition, if the access password is not correctly input from the operation unit of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus, the access to the memory card with the access password is rejected by the first rejection function.
Thereby, when a portable recording / reproducing apparatus is dropped or stolen, it is possible to prevent a third party who obtains the portable recording apparatus from seeing the recorded image file in the memory card.

According to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus of claim 3, the first security means determines whether the first input password matches the access password of the memory card, authenticates the memory card, and then accesses the memory card. Enter the second input password from the operation unit when changing the settings of the main body of the device, for example, the recording size or recording speed when recording an image, etc. A second security means is provided for operating to determine whether or not the second input password matches the security password.
Accordingly, in order to change the setting of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus, it is necessary to go through two steps of security means.
Therefore, when a third party obtains the portable recording / reproducing apparatus by an unauthorized method, the third party can be prevented from freely changing the setting of the apparatus main body.

According to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus of claim 4, when the first input password that matches the access password input by the first security means is recorded in the internal memory and a predetermined recording operation is performed by the operation unit, By avoiding the first security means, the access means can be activated to shift to the recording control means as quickly as possible.
This makes it possible to avoid missing a photo opportunity when suddenly encountering a scene that requires recording.
Here, even if the access password is not requested during recording, the image transmitted from the imaging device is first recorded in the empty area of the storage area of the memory card. Can be protected. Furthermore, when the empty space is filled, the recorded image file is overwritten on the already recorded image file, so that the recorded image file can be seen by a third party who illegally obtained the portable recording / playback device. Can be prevented.

According to the image reproducing means in the personal computer of the memory card used for the portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, when the recorded image file of the memory card is reproduced and displayed on the monitor of the personal computer, the converting means included in the third security means The recorded image file is encrypted and converted into an optimum format for playback and display on a personal computer monitor to form a converted image file, and a conversion password is set for the converted image file. In the post-conversion authentication means included in the means, a third input password that matches the conversion password is input from the input device of the personal computer, and the encrypted image file after conversion is decrypted.
Thereby, when the memory card set in the portable recording / reproducing apparatus is picked up or stolen, the recorded image file in the memory card cannot be viewed on a personal computer not equipped with the third security means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the recorded image file in the memory card from being viewed by a third party who has illegally obtained the memory card.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to a first embodiment, including a front side, a right side, and an upper side of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to a first embodiment, including a rear surface, a left side surface, and a lower surface of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed the card slot part of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus based on 1st Example. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control means provided in the portable recording / reproducing apparatus based on 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of operation | movement of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus based on 1st Example, and the example of a display of the monitor screen of this portable recording / reproducing apparatus. It is a flowchart figure which shows the outline of the control means of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus based on 1st Example, and a 1st security means and a 2nd security means. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a connection of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus based on 2nd Example, and a personal computer. It is a flowchart figure which shows the outline of the 3rd security means regarding the memory card used for the portable recording / reproducing apparatus based on 2nd Example.

Embodiments relating to a portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention and embodiments relating to a memory card used in the portable recording / reproducing apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a video camera 1 including a portable recording / playback apparatus 10 and a camera unit 2 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, a portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is connected to a camera unit 2 by a cable 3 to constitute a video camera 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portable recording / playback apparatus 10 has a monitor screen 11 on the front, an operation unit 12 on the lower and side surfaces of the front, and a card reader / writer 13 on the lower surface. .
The camera unit 2 indicated by the dotted line and the cable 3 indicated by the dotted line also perform signal processing on the image captured in the camera unit 2, convert it to image data, and transmit it to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
In the present embodiment, the camera unit 2 is preferably an analog camera that captures an image using the NTSC or PAL system, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a digital camera may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the memory card 14 is set in the card reader / writer 13 by inserting the memory card 14 into the card slot 13 a of the card reader / writer 13.

The card reader / writer 13 is formed so that data can be written to the memory card 14. Therefore, by recording the encoded image data, the recorded image file formed by the recording control means described later can be recorded on the memory card 14.
The card reader / writer 13 is formed so as to be able to read data recorded on the memory card 14. Therefore, the recorded image file can be read from the memory card 14. The read recorded image file can be displayed on the monitor screen 11 by the reproduction control means and display control means described later.

Here, the memory card 14 refers to an external storage medium formed by housing a flash memory such as a ROM capable of electrically erasing and writing data in a card-like casing.
In this embodiment, an SD card (Secure Digital card) is used.

A monitor screen 11 arranged on the front surface of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a liquid crystal, an organic EL, etc., displays a preview of an image transmitted from the camera unit 2, and records the image on a memory card. In this case, the imaging target can be visually recognized.
Further, when the recorded image file in the memory card 14 is reproduced on the monitor screen 11, the recorded image file can be reproduced and displayed.

The operation unit 12 is arranged on the right side of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10, the recording key 12 a arranged in the lower center of the front surface of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10, the selection keys 12 b and 12 c arranged on the left and right of the recording key 12 a. It comprises a power switch 12d, an enter key 12e, and a menu key 12f.
Further, a USB input / output terminal 12g and a power input terminal 12h are arranged on the left side surface portion of the portable recording / playback apparatus.

The recording key 12a can execute a recording operation when an image transmitted from the camera unit 2 to the memory card 14 is recorded. At this time, as will be described later, depending on the length of time for which the recording key 12a is pressed, it is possible to select whether recording is to be performed after shifting to the recording standby state or to perform one-touch recording.
The selection keys 12b and 12c can select a predetermined image from a list of recorded recording files displayed on the monitor screen 11 when reproducing an image recorded on the memory card 14. Further, it is used to input a first input password by a first security means, which will be described later, and to input a second input password by a second security means.
When the enter key 12e is pressed, it can be selected with the selection keys 12b and 12c, or an input operation related to a changed parameter or the like can be determined.
By pressing the menu key 12f, a setting menu for adjusting various settings of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can be opened. Further, by using the selection keys 12b and 12c, a menu desired to be changed can be selected, and the setting parameters such as the image quality and the recording time when recording on the memory card 14 can be changed.
The power switch 12d has a slide structure, and a slide switch for switching the power on or off is formed on one side. A hold for fixing and holding the power switch 12d is formed on the side opposite to the slide switch side.

  The USB input / output terminal 12g is fitted with a USB cable terminal when the portable recording / playback apparatus is connected to a personal computer, and the power input terminal 12h is a power supply when the portable recording / playback apparatus is driven by a household power source. The cable terminals are mated. The USB input / output terminal 12g and the power input terminal 12h are covered with a terminal cover 15.

  The portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 has a substrate (not shown), and a circuit such as a control circuit and a power supply circuit is formed on the substrate, and a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”), an internal memory, etc. The device is in place. The first security unit 25 and the second security unit, and the access unit 20a and the control unit 20 are executed by the control circuit and the device.

Here, the ROM in the memory card 14 is given an identification code by an identification code provision means provided in advance in the personal computer. It is determined whether or not the identification code matches the input code input from the operation unit 12. Only when the identification code matches, the access to the memory card is permitted. As the identification code, for example, a fingerprint, vein, or iris converted into a numerical value and patterned, or a password made up of a plurality of numbers and characters is used.
In this embodiment, an access password composed of arbitrarily set numbers of 4 to 6 digits is used.
When the card reader / writer 13 records an image on the memory card 14 or when the recorded image file is read from the memory card 14, the access password is released from the first security means 25 and the access means 20a is activated. It is a password for shifting to the control means 20.
It should be noted that the access password is rewritten by the operation unit 12 of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 by setting the access password separately from the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 by the identification code providing means of the personal computer. Can be prevented.

  Then, the first security means 25 released with the access password determines whether or not the memory card 14 has the access password, and the input operation of the first input password input by the operation unit 12 is the access password. When they match, the access means 20a is activated so that the memory card 14 can be accessed, and the control means 20 can be executed.

In addition, an identification code is set in the internal memory arranged on the substrate of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus by the identification code providing means provided in the personal computer or the operation unit 12 in advance. It is determined whether or not the identification code provided in the internal memory matches the input code input from the operation unit 12 and permits access to the internal memory only when they match.
In the present embodiment, in this embodiment, a security password is used which is composed of arbitrarily set numbers of 4 to 6 digits.
The security password releases the first security means, activates the access means, and releases the second security means in the portable recording / playback apparatus transferred to the control means, changes and adjusts the control parameter of the control means, This is a password for changing the settings of the device body.
Thus, by providing the security password for changing the setting of the apparatus main body, it is possible to prevent a third party from freely changing the setting of the apparatus main body.

  When the first security means 25 is released and the access means 20a is activated and the control means 20 becomes executable, the second security means further changes and adjusts the control parameters of the control means 20 to In order to change and adjust the setting, it is determined whether or not the internal memory can be accessed. When the second input password input by the operation unit 12 matches the security password of the internal memory, the control is performed. The setting of the apparatus main body can be changed by changing and adjusting the parameters.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 20 of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 includes a recording control unit 21, a reproduction control unit 22, and a display control unit 23. Further, an access unit 20 a that records an image on the memory card 14 or reads a recorded image file from the memory card 14 and interlocks with the control unit 20 is provided in the preceding stage of the control unit 20.
The recording control means 21 is provided with an encoder function 21 a that converts the image signal transmitted from the camera unit 2 to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 into predetermined image data that is optimal for recording on the memory card 14.
The image data converted by the encoder function 21a is recorded in a predetermined format on the memory card 14 via the card reader / writer 13, and a recorded image file is generated in the memory card.
In this embodiment, the camera unit 2 transmits an analog image converted according to the NTSC system or the PAL system. The image signal related to the analog image is compressed and converted into the FAT format by the encoder function 21 a and recorded in the memory card 14.

When the recorded image file in the memory card 14 is read by the card reader / writer 13, the reproduction control means 22 decodes and converts image data having a predetermined format constituting the recorded image file into a predetermined image signal. A decoder function 22a is provided.
Then, the image signal decoded and converted by the decoder function 22 a is reconstructed into an image that can be viewed on the monitor screen 11, and the image signal is controlled so that it can be reproduced by the display control means 23.

The display control means 23 displays a preview display for displaying the image signal transmitted from the camera unit 2 to the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 on the monitor screen 11 and reproduces the image processed by the reproduction control means 22 on the monitor screen 11. Control to display.
In this embodiment, the analog image sent from the camera unit 2 is digitally converted by the recording control means 21 and displayed on the monitor screen 11. Therefore, when recording on the memory card 14, the recording target can be confirmed in the preview display. When the recorded image file in the memory card 14 is reproduced and displayed on the monitor screen 11, the image file is decoded and displayed in an image suitable for the resolution of the monitor screen 11.

  Further, the control means 20 of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can change and adjust the settings of the apparatus main body as follows, for example, by arbitrarily changing the initially set control parameters.

The number of frames (number of frames) per second can be set to a predetermined value. As a result, the recording speed can be adjusted when an analog image captured and transmitted by the camera unit 2 is recorded on a memory card 14 set in the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 in units of frames in time series. . Therefore, the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can record from the still image to the moving image on the memory card 14.
Further, the resolution or image quality of the image file to be recorded can be set to a predetermined value. Thereby, when the analog image signal transmitted from the camera unit 2 is encoded into image data, an image file having a predetermined capacity can be formed in accordance with the storage capacity of the memory card 14.
Therefore, by arbitrarily adjusting settings such as recording speed, resolution, image quality, etc., it is possible to record arbitrarily set images from images recorded for a short time with high image quality to images recorded for a long time with low image quality. Can do.
Further, three recording modes can be alternatively selected and set, such as video only recording, video and audio recording, and audio only recording.
Once the selected recording speed, resolution, image quality combination, and recording mode setting are set, they are recorded and stored in the internal memory until the setting is changed again.

  Further, the memory card 14 having the access password corresponding to the first security means according to the present embodiment requires the conversion required when the recorded image file in the memory card 14 is reproduced and displayed by the image reproducing means provided in the personal computer. Have a password. The conversion password will be described in the second embodiment.

The portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 having the above configuration is used as follows.
After the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is turned on, on the monitor screen 11, as shown in FIG. 5, an activation screen m1 is displayed, and then an authentication screen m2 for requesting input of a password is displayed.
Here, the first input password is input by the operation unit 12 so as to match the access password set in the memory card 14.
At this time, if the memory card 14 is not inserted into the card reader / writer 13 or if the access password is not set in the memory card 14, a screen m3 indicating that the memory card 14 cannot be recognized is displayed. Is done.
If the input first input password matches the access password, a file list showing a list of recorded image files in the memory card 14 is displayed on the monitor screen 11, and recording to the memory card 14 or portable recording is performed. A screen m4 is displayed on which settings relating to control parameters of the control means of the recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can be adjusted.

On the other hand, if the input first input password does not match the access password, a screen m5 indicating that the password is incorrect is displayed, and an authentication screen m2 requesting the password input again is displayed. If the first input password is not matched even after being input three times, the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is automatically turned off.
This prevents a recorded image file in the memory card 14 from being viewed by a third party even when the portable recording / reproducing device 10 is dropped or the portable recording / reproducing device 10 is stolen. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first security means 25 is executed for the memory card 14 as shown in FIG. Has been.

  The first security means 25 is normally executed in the following steps. However, the recording control unit 21 is configured to perform one-touch recording while avoiding the first security unit 25, as will be described later, when the recording key is pressed for a predetermined time. The first security means 25 when the power switch 12d is turned on will be described below.

When the power switch 12d is turned on (step 100), a process for determining whether or not the power switch 12d is held (step 105) is performed.
If it is held, the portable recording / playback apparatus 10 is not turned on (step 110). On the other hand, if not, the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is turned on (step 115).
As a premise of Step 100, it is necessary that the memory card 14 is correctly set in the card reader / writer 13 of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 (Step 90).

Step 120 is a step of performing processing for confirming whether or not the memory card 14 is correctly set in the card reader / writer 13.
If it is not set correctly, if the memory card 14 is not inserted in the card slot 13a, or if the access password is not set in the memory card 14, an error message is displayed on the monitor screen (step 125), and the portable device The recording / playback apparatus is turned off (step 130).
If it is set correctly, the routine proceeds to step 135.

Step 135 is a step of determining whether the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by pressing the recording key 12a or whether the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by the power switch 12d.
In this case, since the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by turning on the power switch 12d, the process proceeds to step 140.
If the recording key 12a has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 335, which will be described later.

Step 140 is a step in which an authentication screen m2 is displayed on the monitor screen 11 and processing for requesting input of an access password is performed.
The access password is preferably a password composed of 4 to 6 digits or characters. With respect to the access password, numbers or characters are input as the first input password by the selection keys 12b, 12c and the enter key 12e of the operation unit 12 (step 145), and whether or not the first input password matches the access password As a result, the memory card 14 is authenticated (step 150).
Here, when the first input password input in step 145 matches the access password of the memory card 14, the first input password is recorded in the internal memory. Thereby, in step 270 related to the recording control means 21 described later, the first input password in the internal memory and the access password of the memory card 14 are compared, and the trouble of inputting the first input password can be saved.

If the authentication determination in step 150 is successful, the process proceeds to step 155.
On the other hand, if the authentication determination fails, re-entry of the first input password is required (step 160). In this embodiment, if the re-entry fails three times, the portable recording / playback apparatus is turned off (step 165). ).

Step 155 is a step of performing processing for displaying a list of recorded image files in the memory card 14 on the monitor screen 11. At this time, an image transmitted from the camera unit 2 may be displayed on the background of the list.
Here, when the recorded image file is reproduced and displayed (step 170), the setting of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is changed (step 175), or the recording is started (step 180), it is alternatively selected. Can do.

  When the recorded image file is reproduced and displayed on the monitor screen 11 after step 170, the recorded image file desired to be reproduced and displayed is selected from the list using the selection keys 12b and 12c (step 185), and the enter key 12e is used. The recorded image file is reproduced and displayed on the monitor screen 11 (step 195).

When reproduction of the selected recorded image file is completed (step 200), access to the memory card 14 is prohibited by the auto logout process (step 205), and the authentication screen m2 is displayed again on the monitor screen (step 140).
Therefore, when the same recorded image file is reproduced again, or when another newly recorded image file is selected and reproduced, the input operation of the first input password in step 145 must be performed.
However, the re-input operation can be canceled by changing the setting of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10.

  If the recorded image file is not to be viewed again, the power switch 12d is turned off (step 210), and the operation of the portable recording / playback apparatus can be terminated (step 215).

When recording is started (step 180), the recording key 12a is first pressed (step 220). At this time, it is determined whether or not the recording key 12a has been pressed for a predetermined time, for example, 1 second or more (step 225). If the recording key 12a has not been pressed for a predetermined time, an image transmitted from the camera unit 2 to the monitor screen 11 is determined. Is displayed as a preview and the recording standby state is entered (step 230). When the recording key 12a is pressed again (step 235), recording is started (step 240).
On the other hand, if the button has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the process jumps to step 240 to start recording.
When ending the recording, it is determined whether the enter key 12e is pressed for a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds or more (step 245), or whether the recording key 12a is pressed for a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds or more (step 250). If it has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the video recording is terminated (step 255).
Thereby, when the enter key 12e or the recording key 12a is touched during recording, it is possible to prevent the recording from being terminated due to a malfunction.

The recorded image file formed from the image data sequentially sent to the memory card 14 is recorded in the memory card 14, and when the recording is finished, the file identification information including the shooting date, the shooting time, the file name, etc. is recorded. The recorded image file is completed by being attached to the completed image file (step 260).
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the power switch 12e is turned off (step 265). If the power switch 12e is turned off, the operation of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can be terminated (step 215).
On the other hand, when the power switch 12e is not turned off, the process proceeds to step 270, and as described above, the first input password recorded in the internal memory and the access password of the memory card 14 are automatically compared. Automatic authentication is performed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the one-touch recording is performed by pressing the recording key 12a to activate the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 (step 275). In this case, the recording control means 21 that has been operating is temporarily stopped. Therefore, the process proceeds to the recording process after step 180, and the image from the camera unit 2 is previewed on the monitor screen 11 until the recording button is pressed again (step 220).
Since the subsequent processing is the same as the recording step of the recording control means 21 described above, description thereof is omitted.

Next, a case where the setting of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is changed (step 175) will be described.
When the menu key 12f is pressed (step 280), an authentication screen requesting input of a security password according to the second security means is displayed (step 285). The authentication screen requesting input of the security password is displayed in accordance with the authentication screen m2 requesting input of the access password.
In step 290, it is determined whether or not the second input password input by the selection keys 12b and 12c and the enter key 12e of the operation unit 12 matches the security password set in the internal memory of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10. (Step 295).
If they match, the setting menu is opened, the setting menu to be changed / adjusted is selected with the selection keys 12b and 12c, and the control parameters relating to the recording control means 21, the reproduction control means 22 and the display control means 23 are changed. Or it can be adjusted (step 300).
On the other hand, if they do not match, the portable recording / playback apparatus is turned off (step 305).

When the menu key 12f is pressed again, the setting menu is closed and the processing relating to the setting change is completed (step 310), access to the memory card is prohibited by the auto logout processing (step 205), and the authentication screen m2 is displayed on the monitor screen. It is displayed (step 140).
Therefore, when the recording control unit 21 or the reproduction control unit 22 is executed, the input operation of the first input password in step 145 is required.

  When the recorded image file is reproduced or the captured image is not recorded, the operation of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 can be terminated (step 215) by turning off the power switch 12d (step 210).

  Next, a case will be described in which the recording control unit 21 executes the one-touch recording while avoiding the first security unit 25 by pressing the recording key 12a for a predetermined time from the state where the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is not operated. .

When the recording key 12a is pressed (step 315), it is determined whether or not the recording key 12a has been pressed for a predetermined time, for example, 1 second or more (step 320). If the button has not been pressed for a predetermined time, the portable recording / playback apparatus 10 is not turned on (step 325). On the other hand, if the button has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is turned on (step 330).
As a result, it is possible to prevent a malfunction that starts recording only by touching the recording key 12a.
As a premise of step 315, it is necessary that the memory card 14 is correctly set in the card reader / writer 13 of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 (step 90).

Step 120 is a step of performing processing for confirming whether or not the memory card 14 is correctly set in the card slot 13a.
If it is not set correctly, if no memory card is inserted in the card slot 13a, or if an access password is not set for the memory card 14, an error message is displayed on the monitor screen (step 125), and portable recording is performed. The playback device 10 is turned off (step 130).
If it is set correctly, the routine proceeds to step 135.

Step 135 is a step of determining whether the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by pressing the recording key 12a or whether the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by the power switch 12d.
In this case, since the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by pressing the recording key 12a, the process proceeds to step 335.

  Step 335 is a step of performing processing for determining whether or not the memory card 14 has already been authenticated by the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10. When the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is the memory card 14 to be authenticated for the first time, the process proceeds to step 140, and if the first input password is not input from the operation unit 12 as described above, the control means 20 is executed. I can't.

If the memory card 14 has already been authenticated by the portable recording / playback apparatus 10, the first input password is recorded in the internal memory, so the recorded first input password, the access password of the memory card 14, and Are compared for automatic authentication (step 270).
Then, it is determined whether or not it is one-touch recording in which the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by pressing the recording key 12a (step 275). In this processing, since the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by the recording key 12a, the process jumps to step 240 to start recording.
Even in the case of one-touch recording, when the recording is once ended, as in the case where the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 is activated by the power switch 12d, the process proceeds to the normal recording processing after step 180, and again the recording key 12a. The image from the camera unit 2 is previewed on the monitor screen 11 until is pressed.
Since the subsequent processing is the same as the recording processing step of the recording control means 21 described above, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 5 are connected by the USB cable 6, and the recorded image is recorded from the memory card 14 set in the card reader / writer 13 of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10. When reading a file, or when reading an image recorded on the memory card 14 by the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 in the personal computer 5 having a card reader having a reading means capable of reading at least a recorded image file from the memory card 14 Will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and the personal computer 5 are connected by the USB cable 6, a file (hereinafter referred to as "conversion source file") obtained by copying the recorded image file in the memory card 14 is a personal computer. 5 is transferred.
Here, the personal computer 5 includes at least an image reproducing means including image reproducing software for reproducing and displaying an image on the monitor screen of the personal computer 5, and the transferred recorded image file is encrypted before being reproduced by the image reproducing means. And third security means composed of conversion software for restricting reproduction is installed.

  Here, the image reproduction means converts the recorded image file in the memory card 14 recorded by the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 into an optimum format for reproduction and display on the personal computer 5, and once records it on the personal computer 5. Means to reproduce and display on the monitor screen of a personal computer.

  The third security means is a means provided in the preceding stage of the image playback means, and encrypts the recorded image file transferred from the portable recording / playback apparatus 10 to the personal computer to form a conversion source file and is encrypted. It is determined whether the conversion source file can be decrypted into a viewable file (hereinafter referred to as “conversion destination file”) or whether the third input password input from the input device of the personal computer 5 matches the conversion password, This means means for decrypting the encrypted conversion source file when it matches and forming the conversion destination file so that it can be reproduced by the image reproduction means.

The conversion password can be set for each memory card 14, but can also be set so as to be common to a plurality of memory cards 14.
When the setting is made for each memory card 14, the confidentiality of the memory card 14 can be improved, and when the setting is common, the management of recorded image files can be facilitated.

Before the conversion source file transferred from the memory card 14 to the personal computer 5 is reproduced by the image reproduction means, the conversion source file is encrypted by the third security means, so that the recorded image is recorded on the personal computer on which the conversion software is not installed. You can prevent the file from being viewed.
Also, since the conversion password for image transfer to the personal computer 5 is set in the memory card 14, for example, it is assumed that the recorded image file is directly transferred from the memory card 14 to the personal computer 5 without going through the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10. In addition, the recorded image file can be prevented from being reproduced on the personal computer.

  In order to view the recorded image file in the memory card 14 on the personal computer 5, the following processing is performed in the personal computer 5. This process is shown in FIG.

  First, it is detected whether a memory card in which an image is recorded by the portable recording / playback apparatus is set in the card reader of the personal computer 5 or whether the portable recording / playback apparatus is connected to the personal computer (step 505).

If it is detected, the conversion software starts up and the third security means is activated (step 510).
If the conversion software is not installed, the image reproduction software starts up (step 515).
When the conversion source file transferred from the memory card to the personal computer is selected (step 520), an error message indicating that the conversion source file cannot be reproduced is displayed on the personal computer monitor (step 525). The image reproduction software ends (step 526).

On the other hand, when the conversion software starts up (step 510) and a conversion source file is selected on the conversion software (step 530), a screen requesting input of the conversion password is displayed on the monitor of the personal computer (step 535). .
Here, when an input operation of the third input password is performed from an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse (step 540), comparison authentication is performed to determine whether or not the converted password matches the third input password (step 545). .
If they do not match, an error message indicating that conversion cannot be performed is displayed on the monitor of the personal computer (step 550), and the conversion software ends (step 555).

  If they match, the encrypted conversion source file is decrypted, and the conversion destination folder for saving the conversion destination file converted into a format that can be played back by the image playback software is specified. The file is saved (step 560).

When the saving of the conversion destination file is completed, the image playback software starts up (step 565). When the conversion destination file in the conversion destination folder is selected (step 570), the conversion destination file is played back on the image playback software (step 570). Step 575).
When the reproduction of the conversion destination file is finished, the conversion software and the image reproduction software are finished (step 580).

As described in the first and second embodiments, a security password is set in the internal memory of the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. Then, an access password and a conversion password are set in the memory card 14 for recording and storing images recorded by the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10.
As a result, even if the memory card 14 or the portable recording / reproducing device 10 is lost, the recorded image file in the memory card 14 is reproduced by a third party who has picked up the lost memory card 14 or the portable recording / reproducing device 10. Thus, it is possible to prevent the recording contents from being confirmed.
Further, even if a third party steals the memory card 14 or the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10, it is possible to prevent the recorded image file from being reproduced and confirmed unless the password is known.
Therefore, even if the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 and the memory card 14 are lost due to the person's negligence, or even when a third party steals the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 or the memory card 14, the portable recording / reproducing apparatus 10 It is possible to prevent the setting of the apparatus 10 from being changed and the recorded image file from being leaked.

1 ... video camera, 2 ... camera unit, 3 ... cable,
5 ... PC, 6 ... USB cable,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Portable recording / reproducing apparatus, 11 ... Monitor screen, 12 ... Operation part, 12a ... Recording key, 12b, 12c ... Selection key, 12d ... Power switch, 12e ... Enter key, 12f ... Menu key, 12g ... USB input / output terminal , 12h ... power input terminal, 13 ... card reader / writer, 13a ... card slot, 14 ... memory card, 15 ... terminal cover,
20 ... control means, 20a ... access means, 21 ... recording control means, 22 ... reproduction control means, 23 ... display control means,
25. First security means.

Claims (5)

A memory card,
A card reader / writer for writing or reading data to or from the memory card;
A monitor screen for displaying an image when recording an image on the memory card or reproducing an image recorded on the memory card;
An operation in which a predetermined operation is input when an image is recorded on the memory card, when a recorded image file is read out from the memory card and played back, or when the setting of the apparatus main body related to image recording or playback is changed. And
Access means for recording an image to the memory card or reading a recorded image file from the memory card via the card reader / writer, and control means for recording the image or reproducing the recorded image file And a board on which an internal memory storing the settings of the apparatus main body is arranged,
The control means is
An encoder function for converting an image signal transmitted from the imaging device to the portable recording / reproducing device into predetermined image data constituting an image to be recorded on the memory card, and the encoder function via the card reader / writer Recording control means for forming an image file in the memory card on the basis of the image data converted in step, and performing control related to recording;
A decoder function for decoding and converting image data constituting the recorded image file in the memory card into a predetermined image signal is provided, and the recorded image file read via the card reader / writer is decoded by the decoder function. A reproduction control means for controlling the reproduction by forming an image to be displayed on the monitor screen;
When the image signal transmitted from the imaging device to the portable recording / playback device is displayed on the monitor screen, or when the image processed by the playback control means is displayed on the monitor screen, the control relating to the display is performed. Display control means for performing
When a predetermined recording operation is performed on the operation unit, an image transmitted from the imaging device is previewed on the monitor screen and a recording target is recorded on the memory card, or a predetermined reproduction is performed on the operation unit. In the case of the operation, in the portable recording / playback apparatus for playing back and displaying the recorded image file in the memory card on the monitor screen,
The memory card and / or the internal memory includes a predetermined identification code,
When an input code input from the operation unit of the portable recording / playback device matches the identification code,
A portable recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein the access means for the memory card is activated or the setting of the apparatus main body recorded in the internal memory is changed. As the identification code, the memory card has a predetermined access password,
A first security means for restricting the access means is provided before the control means,
The first security means comprises:
Authentication means for authenticating that the memory card protected by the access password is set in the card reader / writer;
First determination means for determining whether or not the access password included in the memory card authenticated by the authentication means matches the first input password input from the operation unit;
A first rejection means for rejecting the access means when the access password does not match the first input password;
When the access password and the first input password match, the access means is permitted, the recording control means is executed, or the reproduction control means is limitedly allowed, and the first permission means is limited.
When the memory card is set in the card reader / writer, the first security means determines whether the first input password and the access password match,
2. The portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the access means for the memory card is activated to shift to the control means. When the portable recording / playback apparatus starts the access means with the first security means and moves to the control means,
As the identification code, the internal memory includes a predetermined security password,
When the control parameter of the control means is changed to an arbitrary value by an input operation from the operation unit, and the setting of the apparatus main body related to image recording or reproduction is changed,
A second security means for disabling an input operation from the operation unit for the internal memory protected by the security password and recorded with the control parameter;
The second security means comprises:
Second determination means for determining whether or not the security password matches a second input password input from the operation unit;
Second rejection means for invalidating the input operation on the internal memory when the security password does not match the second input password;
When the security password and the second input password match, the input operation for the internal memory is validated and the recorded content of the internal memory is changed, so that the input operation from the operation unit is further permitted. Consisting of means,
After activating the access means with the first security means and moving to the control means,
Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the security password and the second input password input from the operation unit match with the second security means,
By changing the control parameter used by the control means to an arbitrary value, the image recorded on the memory card by the recording control means, the recorded image file to be reproduced by the reproduction control means, or the display 3. The portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting of the apparatus main body relating to the image displayed on the monitor screen is changed by the control means. When the input password matches the access password in the first determination means of the first security means,
Record the access password in the internal memory,
When a predetermined recording operation is performed on the operation unit, the recording control unit is activated avoiding the first security unit,
4. The portable recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image transmitted from the imaging apparatus is recorded on the memory card as soon as possible. The memory card used in a portable recording / playback apparatus for recording an image on a memory card or reading a recorded image file from the memory card;
A card reader capable of reading at least the recorded image file of the memory card, and a personal computer provided with image reproducing means for reproducing and displaying the recorded image file on a monitor;
Image reproducing means in the personal computer of a memory card used in the portable recording / reproducing device for reproducing and displaying the recorded image file recorded on the memory card by the portable recording / reproducing device on the personal computer;
A third security means is provided in front of the image reproduction means of the personal computer to restrict the image reproduction means from reproducing and displaying the recorded image file read from the memory card via the card reader,
The third security means comprises a conversion means and a post-conversion authentication means;
The converting means encrypts and converts the recorded image file read from the memory card to form a converted image file, and as an identification code for identifying the converted image file and releasing the encryption, Set a conversion password for the converted image file,
The converted image file is temporarily recorded on an external storage medium of the personal computer,
The post-conversion authentication means determines whether or not a third input password input from an input device such as a keyboard of the personal computer matches the conversion password, and then the conversion password and the third input password match. Only when the converted image file is allowed to be played back by the image playback means,
When playing back the recorded image file recorded on the portable recording / playback apparatus on a personal computer,
The recorded image file is encrypted and converted by the third security means to form the converted image file, the converted image file is decrypted with the conversion password, and then the converted image file is stored in a personal computer. An image reproducing means in a personal computer of a memory card used in a portable recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein the image is reproduced and displayed by an image reproducing means.

Images