US20050280723A1 - Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data - Google Patents

Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050280723A1
US20050280723A1 US11/199,149 US19914905A US2005280723A1 US 20050280723 A1 US20050280723 A1 US 20050280723A1 US 19914905 A US19914905 A US 19914905A US 2005280723 A1 US2005280723 A1 US 2005280723A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
image data
data
electronic watermark
digital camera
embedded
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/199,149
Inventor
Akira Ohmura
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nikon Corp
Original Assignee
Nikon Corp
Nikon Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP25654899A external-priority patent/JP4218147B2/en
Priority claimed from JP2000105973A external-priority patent/JP2001292362A/en
Application filed by Nikon Corp, Nikon Technologies Inc filed Critical Nikon Corp
Priority to US11/199,149 priority Critical patent/US20050280723A1/en
Publication of US20050280723A1 publication Critical patent/US20050280723A1/en
Assigned to NIKON CORPORATION reassignment NIKON CORPORATION COMPANY TO COMPANY ASSIGNMENT Assignors: NIKON TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76Television signal recording
    • H04N5/91Television signal processing therefor
    • H04N5/913Television signal processing therefor for scrambling ; for copy protection
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06TIMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T1/00General purpose image data processing
    • G06T1/0021Image watermarking
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32101Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N1/32144Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title embedded in the image data, i.e. enclosed or integrated in the image, e.g. watermark, super-imposed logo or stamp
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/32Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device, e.g. between a still-image camera and its memory or between a still-image camera and a printer device
    • H04N1/32101Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
    • H04N1/32144Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title embedded in the image data, i.e. enclosed or integrated in the image, e.g. watermark, super-imposed logo or stamp
    • H04N1/32149Methods relating to embedding, encoding, decoding, detection or retrieval operations
    • H04N1/32315Selecting a particular method from amongst a plurality of methods
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N19/00Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals
    • H04N19/60Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76Television signal recording
    • H04N5/91Television signal processing therefor
    • H04N5/913Television signal processing therefor for scrambling ; for copy protection
    • H04N2005/91307Television signal processing therefor for scrambling ; for copy protection by adding a copy protection signal to the video signal
    • H04N2005/91335Television signal processing therefor for scrambling ; for copy protection by adding a copy protection signal to the video signal the copy protection signal being a watermark
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N2101/00Still video cameras
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76Television signal recording
    • H04N5/765Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76Television signal recording
    • H04N5/765Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
    • H04N5/77Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television camera
    • H04N5/772Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television camera the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/76Television signal recording
    • H04N5/907Television signal recording using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N9/00Details of colour television systems
    • H04N9/79Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
    • H04N9/7921Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording for more than one processing mode
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N9/00Details of colour television systems
    • H04N9/79Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
    • H04N9/80Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback
    • H04N9/804Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components
    • H04N9/8042Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components involving data reduction
    • H04N9/8047Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components involving data reduction using transform coding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a digital camera, and more specifically to a digital camera that is capable of embedding an electronic watermark into electronic image data of the digital camera.
  • a technology that embeds an electronic watermark into electronic image data is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 10-164349, and a digital camera that embeds the electronic watermark into the image data is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 10-248046.
  • a photographer sometimes contracts a plurality of publishers and newspaper companies.
  • the photographer brings the image data directly to the publishers and newspaper companies or sends the image data to them via a telephone line or the Internet. Since each publisher or newspaper company uses its own embedding program and authentication key with respect to the electronic watermark, it is necessary to embed an unique electronic watermark data corresponding to each publisher or newspaper company.
  • a plurality of photographers sometimes share one digital camera. In this case, it is necessary for each photographer to use its own embedding program and authentication key different from others.
  • the setting operation of the digital camera for the purpose of embedding the electronic watermark into the digital image is apt to cause a photographer to loose a shutter chance.
  • each digital camera maker sometimes adopts an original format for storing image data, such as a raw image data storing format.
  • image data such as a raw image data storing format.
  • JPEG compression image data or non-compression image data such as a bitmap image data
  • the invention provides a digital camera comprising a memory for storing a plurality of programs each to embed a watermark on a digital image data and an embedding circuit for embedding the watermark on the image data according to the program selected by a program selector. This makes it possible to select the watermark needed.
  • a digital camera comprises a transmitter for transmitting a digital image data to a place remote from the camera and a controller for inhibiting the transmitter from transmitting the digital image data on which the watermark is failed to be embedded.
  • a digital camera comprises a controller for controlling a embedding circuit to surely embed the watermark on a digital image data on which the watermark is failed to be embedded. This feature makes it possible to avoid the watermark being failed to be embedded.
  • a digital camera comprises an embedding circuit for embedding a watermark on a digital image data and a controller forgiving a warning if a watermark is failed to be embedded. This feature makes it possible to avoid the watermark being failed to be embedded.
  • a digital camera comprises a processor for getting a first and second picture image data on the basis of a same digital image data from the imaging device and an embedding circuit for embedding the watermark on one of the first and second picture image data with the other kept without the watermark.
  • a digital camera comprises a setting circuit for setting whether or not to have an embedding circuit embed a watermark and a controller for forcibly controlling the embedding circuit to embed the watermark if the setting by the setting circuit is failed.
  • the invention further provides a digital camera comprising a processor for processing a digital image data in accordance with one of a plurality of selective data forms, one of the data forms being suitable for a watermark, and another unsuitable.
  • the digital camera further comprises a controller for controlling the processor to replace the unsuitable data form by the suitable one under the necessity of embedding the watermark on the digital image data.
  • the invention provides a digital camera comprising a processor for processing a digital image data in accordance with one of a plurality of selective data forms, one of the data forms being suitable for a watermark, and another unsuitable.
  • the digital camera further comprises a controller for giving a warning if the processor is to process the digital image data in accordance with the unsuitable data form under the necessity of embedding the watermark on the digital image data.
  • FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the function of the digital camera according to embodiments of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control for transmitting image data in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control for transmitting image data in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control for transmitting image data in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control performed in the digital camera in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control performed in the digital camera in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the control performed in the digital camera in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 9, 10 are flowcharts illustrating the control of photographing and storing image data of the digital camera in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the control of settings that is performed in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is an external view of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the digital camera comprises LCD display 101 , shutter-release button 102 , menu button 103 and setting dial 104 .
  • LCD display 101 includes a liquid crystal device for displaying an image of an object to be taken or a reproduced image. LCD display 101 also displays menu screens that are used in various settings. Shutter-release button 102 starts the process of taking a picture. Menu button 103 and setting dial 104 perform various settings. Menu button 103 is for causing a display of a menu screen on LCD display 101 . Dial 104 enables settings for various kinds of photographing control and image processing control.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the function of the digital camera according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • CPU 201 controls other circuits to take a picture and store the image data.
  • Imaging circuit 202 includes an imaging device and an A/D converter, and outputs an image signal of a photographed object.
  • Image processing circuit 203 processes the signal output from imaging circuit 202 in various manner to output the image data.
  • Embedding circuit 204 embeds electronic watermark data into the image data that is output from image processing circuit 203 .
  • JPEG circuit 205 JPEG-compresses the image data output from image processing circuit 203 or the embedding circuit 204 .
  • JPEG circuit 205 on the other hand expands the compressed image data stored in memory 207 .
  • Storing circuit 206 stores the image data into memory 207 and reads out the image data stored in memory 207 .
  • Storing circuit 206 also stores the image data into a memory card (not shown) which is detachable from the digital camera, and reads out the image data stored in the memory card.
  • Memory 207 is a nonvolatile memory that stores the image data.
  • Memory 207 also stores a control program for controlling the digital camera and a plurality of embedding programs each to embed a electronic watermark into the image data.
  • memory 207 stores necessary information for identifying destination companies such as publishers and newspaper companies, as well as information for identifying the kind of electronic watermark that is used by each of the destination companies.
  • Memory 207 also stores folder information that is used to classify the image data, and stores electronic watermark information that is assigned to each folder.
  • Switch circuit 208 is electrically connected to shutter-release button 102 , menu button 103 and dial 104 . When any of these buttons is operated, switch circuit 208 detects the operation of the button to transmit a signal to CPU 201 .
  • Display circuit 209 drives LCD display 101 in order to display images on the screen. Transmitting circuit 210 transmits image data to a selected destination.
  • the digital camera can set durability of the electronic watermark. If the durability is set at high level for the electronic watermark, the electronic watermark remains against any edition, such as copying, changing the size and cutting, so that it is valid for protecting copyright. If the durability is set at low level, on the contrary, even a slight edition causes a change in the electronic watermark, so that it is valid for proving that the image has been tampered.
  • the digital camera according to the present invention has a plurality of watermark embedding programs, one of which is selectable in accordance with a specific need.
  • the digital camera according to the invention can select one of a plurality of authentication keys and embed it into the image data by using the above-mentioned program. This is advantageous for a photographer who contracts with a plurality of publishers and newspaper companies in that it is possible to select a desired one of authentication keys in accordance with the publisher or newspaper company.
  • the digital camera determines whether or not electronic watermark data should be embedded into the image data. If the electronic watermark data should be embedded for the destination, then it is checked whether or not the electronic watermark data has been embedded into the image data. If the electronic watermark data has not been embedded into the image data, then the corresponding electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data. Embedding the corresponding electronic watermark data is possible by designating only the destination according to a database in which each destination corresponds to destination's electronic watermark data and each user of the electronic watermark data corresponds to user's electronic watermark data, in memory 207 . If the electronic watermark data has been embedded, and the embedded watermark data does not correspond to the destination's watermark data, then the embedded electronic watermark data is replaced to the destination's electronic watermark data.
  • FIGS. 3 through 5 are flowcharts illustrating control performed during transmitting the image data.
  • the process starts when the digital camera is set so that the image data is transmitted to a destination.
  • step S 101 it is determined whether or not the destination is selected. If the destination is selected, then the process advances to step S 102 . If the destination is not selected, then the process turns back to step S 101 and performs the operation of step S 101 again.
  • step S 102 it is determined whether or not the electronic watermark data should be embedded into the image data for the selected destination.
  • the electronic watermark data should be embedded in order to protect copyright.
  • the destination is a destination such as photographer's home, the electronic watermark data need not be embedded.
  • Information on whether the electronic watermark data should be embedded is stored in memory 7 in advance. If the electronic watermark data should be embedded for the destination, then the process advances to step S 103 . If not, the process advances to step S 105 .
  • step S 103 it is determined whether or not the electronic watermark data has been embedded into the image data. If the electronic watermark data has been embedded, then the process advances to step S 104 . If not, the process advances to step S 201 in FIG. 4 . The operation of step S 201 will be described later.
  • step S 104 it is determined whether or not the selected destination corresponds to the electronic watermark data embedded in the image data. If the selected destination corresponds to the electronic watermark data embedded in image data, then the process advances to step S 105 . If not, the process advances to step S 301 in FIG. 5 . The operation of step S 301 will be described later.
  • step S 105 the image data is transmitted to the selected destination.
  • step S 201 in FIG. 4 the digital camera warns a user that copyright may not be protected because the electronic watermark data is not embedded in the image data, and the digital camera asks him whether to embed the electronic watermark data.
  • step S 202 it is determine whether or not a command to embed the electronic watermark is set. If the command is set, then the process advances to step S 203 . If not, the process advances to step S 204 , and prevents the image data from being transmitted.
  • step S 301 in FIG. 5 the digital camera warns the user that the electronic watermark data embedded in the image data does not correspond to the destination, and asks him whether to change the destination or the electronic watermark data.
  • step S 302 it is determined whether or not a command to change the destination is set. If the command to change the destination is set, the process turns back to step S 101 . If not, the process advances to step S 303 .
  • the digital camera creates a folder on each destination and a folder on each photographer in advance, and embeds the electronic watermark corresponding to the folder into the image data at the time when the image data is stored into the folder, thereby preventing an improper watermark from being embedded into the image data. And the digital camera also can prevent the user from forgetting to embed the electronic watermark data.
  • step S 401 it is determined whether or not a folder for storing image data has been selected. When a plurality of photographers share one camera, the folders on photographers are used. If the folder has been selected, then the process advances to step S 402 . If not, then the process advances to step S 405 , and the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data is stored in a predetermined folder.
  • step S 402 the electronic watermark data corresponding to the selected folder is searched through information stored in memory 207 .
  • step S 403 the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data.
  • step S 404 the image data is stored in the selected folder.
  • the digital camera When a destination to which the image data is transmitted is designated, the digital camera embeds the electronic watermark data of the destination into the image data and stores the image data into a folder corresponding to the destination.
  • step S 501 it is determined whether or not a destination has been designated. If the destination has been designated, then the process advances to step S 502 . If not, the process advances to step S 506 and the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into a predetermined folder.
  • step S 502 the electronic watermark data corresponding to the designated destination is searched.
  • step S 503 the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data.
  • step S 504 the folder corresponding to the destination is searched.
  • step S 505 the found folder stores the image data.
  • the digital camera creates a folder on each electronic watermark, a folder on each authentication key and a folder on each durability, and stores the image data into the corresponding folder. Since each image data is classified and stored into the corresponding folder, it is possible to avoid transmitting the image data to an improper destination. And it is easy to search for the image data having the same electronic watermark data.
  • step S 601 it is determined whether or not the electronic watermark has been selected and whether or not the authentication key has been selected. If both of the electronic watermark and authentication key have been selected, then the process advances to step S 602 . If not, then the process repeats step S 601 .
  • step S 602 the folder corresponding to the electronic watermark is searched.
  • step S 603 it is determined whether or not the corresponding folder searched in step S 602 is present. If the corresponding folder is present, then the process advances to step S 604 . If not, then the process advances to step S 605 .
  • step S 604 the electronic watermark is embedded into the image data and the image data is stored into the found folder.
  • step S 605 a new folder is created and the electronic watermark is embedded into the image data and the image data is stored into the created folder.
  • Pressing menu button 103 enables display 101 to display a menu screen that presents description of settings for controlling various shooting manners and image processing.
  • a setting of an electronic watermark embedding mode and a setting of an image data storing mode are performed as follows.
  • the setting of an electronic watermark embedding mode includes a mode for storing only the image data having the embedded electronic watermark data, a mode for storing only the image data having no embedded electronic watermark data, and a mode for storing both of the image data with and without embedded electronic watermark data. These modes are selectable.
  • the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data is automatically stored in the memory.
  • the digital camera is set automatically so as that the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into the memory.
  • the digital camera stores the embedded electronic watermark data.
  • the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into the memory at a higher compression rate, i.e., at lower resolution than that of the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data.
  • This storage of the image data allows the image data to occupy smaller space of the memory and enables the digital camera to store much more image data in the memory.
  • the photographer doesn't desire to compress the image data, he may choose to store the image data at the same compression rate and resolution as those of the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data.
  • durability of the embedded electronic watermark data can be set, as described previously. If the durability is set at high level, the quality of the image data, in which the electronic watermark data is embedded, is deteriorated. Setting the durability is dependent on the purpose of using the image data. That is, the durability intended for protecting copyright is different from the durability intended for preventing tampering. If the durability has not been set for the digital camera, the prevention of tampering should be preceded, with the durability being set at low level. Protecting copyright can be set at a later time because even the durability setting at a later time will bring the effect of protecting copyright. On the contrary, in preventing tampering, if the setting is not performed at the beginning, tampering could be conducted before setting the durability.
  • the setting of the image data storing mode includes a raw data storing mode for storing raw image data that is hardly processed from a signal generated by an imaging device, a non-compression storing mode for storing uncompressed image data that is processed from a signal generated by the imaging device in a predetermined manner, and a JPEG compression storing mode for storing JPEG compressed image data that is compressed by JPEG compression after processed in a predetermined manner.
  • These image data storing modes are selectable.
  • the JPEG compression mode allows the selection of a compression rate and the selection of resolution (or the image size) of the image data.
  • the compression rate of the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is made equivalent to or higher than that of the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data
  • the resolution of the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is made equivalent to or lower than that of the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data.
  • the image data is stored according to the set compression rate and the set resolution.
  • FIGS. 9, 10 are flowcharts illustrating the process between taking a picture and storing the image data.
  • CPU 201 implements the process in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9 , a flowcharts starts with the press of shutter-release button 102 .
  • step S 1101 shooting is controlled according to set imaging conditions.
  • step S 1102 it is determined whether or not the digital camera has been set so as to store only the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data. If the digital camera has been set so as to store only the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S 1103 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1107 .
  • step S 1103 it is determined whether or not the raw data storing mode has been selected. If the raw data storing mode has been selected, then process advances to step S 1104 . If not, the process advances to step S 1105 .
  • step S 1104 the image data, in the form of the raw data, is stored into a predetermined folder in the memory.
  • step S 1105 the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data with set durability. If the durability has not been set, the electronic watermark data is embedded with low durability.
  • step S 1106 according to the selected image data storing mode, the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is processed with JPEG compression or non-compression and stored into a predetermined folder in the memory. If the image data is the raw data, high quality and uncompressed image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into a raw data folder in the memory.
  • a file name for the image data is assigned as follows; if the image data of a subject, which is stored as the raw data, is named “DSC001”, the image data of the same subject, which has the embedded electronic watermark data, is named “DSC001WM”.
  • names relating to the two image data files are correlated each other, and the two image data files are stored in the same folder.
  • step S 1107 it is determined whether or not the digital camera has been set so as to store both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data. If the digital camera has been set so as to store both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S 1108 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1111 .
  • step S 1108 according to the selected image data storing mode, JPEG-compression image data, non-compression image data, or raw-data image data is stored into predetermined folders.
  • step S 1109 the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data with set durability. If the setting of the durability has not been made, the electronic watermark data is embedded with low durability.
  • step S 1110 according to the setting of the image data storing mode, the JPEG-compression or the non-compression image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into a folder for storing the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data. If the raw data storing mode has been selected, the high quality and uncompressed image data is stored into the memory. Thus, the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data are stored in different folders in the memory respectively. It is, therefore, convenient to transmit only the image data with the electronic watermark data to other place outside. Each image data file's name is correlated each other as well as in step S 1106 .
  • step S 1107 it is determined whether or not the digital camera has been set so as to store only the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data in step S 1111 . If the digital camera has been set so as to store only the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S 1112 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1113 . In step S 1112 , according to the setting of the image data storing mode, the JPEG-compression, the non-compression, or the raw-data image data without the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into the memory.
  • step S 1111 if the digital camera has not been set so as to store only the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data, it means that the digital camera is not set at all with respect to embedding the electronic watermark data. This situation, for example, could occur at the time such as when the digital camera is set fully automatic, or at the time when the photographer has no time for setting the digital camera because a shutter chance has come suddenly. However, even the image data taken in such a situation could be tampered or copied, it is, therefore, necessary to perform prevention of tampering and protection of copyright.
  • step S 1113 according to the setting of the image data storing mode, the JPEG-compression, the non-compression, or the raw-data image data is stored into the memory.
  • step S 1114 the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data with low durability.
  • step S 1115 the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is JPEG-compressed and stored into the memory.
  • step S 1115 not likely step S 1110 , the setting is not used, and the image data is JPEG-compressed at a high compression rate, i.e., at low resolution, and is stored into the memory. The image data is also stored in a temporary folder for temporary retention.
  • the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is JPEG-compressed at a predetermined compression rate because it is a waste of memory space if the photographer stores the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, which could be unnecessary, into the memory without data compression.
  • the image data may be stored into the memory according to the setting of the image data storing mode as well as in step S 1110 .
  • step S 1116 the digital camera displays an query whether or not to store the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data.
  • step S 1117 it is determined whether or not “YES” is displayed on the LCD display according to an answer to the query. If “YES” is displayed on the LCD display, then the process advances to step S 1118 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1119 .
  • step S 1118 the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, which is stored in the temporary file in step S 1115 , is transferred to a predetermined folder in order to be stored.
  • step S 1119 it is determined whether or not “NO” is displayed on the LCD display. If “NO” is displayed on the LCD display, then the process advances to step S 1120 . If not, the process advances to step S 1121 .
  • step S 1120 the image data with the embedded electronic watermark, which is stored in the temporary folder in step S 1115 , is deleted.
  • step S 1121 it is determined whether or not a predetermined period has been passed. Also in step S 1121 it is determined whether or not the shutter-release button has been pressed. If the predetermined period has been passed or the shutter-release button has been pressed, then the process advances to step S 1122 . If the predetermined period has been not passed nor the shutter-release button has been pressed, then the process returns to step S 1116 . In step S 1122 , the indication displayed in step S 1116 is deleted. And the present flowchart ends.
  • the digital camera can store both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data into the memory, so that the digital camera can store the image data without deterioration of image quality and can have the effect on protection of copyright and prevention of tampering.
  • the quality of the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is allowed to be lower than the quality of the original image data.
  • the digital camera can obtain the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data by using the embedding circuit and the embedding program for the electronic watermark. And, even if the image data is set in one of the image data storing modes other than the raw data storing mode, which do not allow the digital camera to embed the electronic watermark, the digital camera can have the same effect as that in the raw data storing mode.
  • both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data are stored into the memory.
  • This storage of both image data enables the photographer to surely obtain the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, even if an abrupt shutter chance occurs. Therefore, by checking the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, It is possible to verify whether or not the image data has been tampered. In this case, the electronic watermark is embedded into the image data with low durability, in advance. As to the protection of copyright, even if the electronic watermark is embedded at a later time, it is possible to protect copyright, as described previously.
  • each of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data into a different folder, it is easy to individually handle each of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data; for example, it is possible to prevent image data, of which copyright is not protected yet, from being transmitted outside carelessly.
  • the digital camera having plural card slots, it is possible to store the image data into different memory cards instead of storing the image data into different folders.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating control of settings that is implemented by CPU 201 in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Since an external view and a functional block diagram of the digital camera of the sixth embodiment is the same as those of the fifth embodiment, explanation is omitted.
  • the present flowchart starts with the press of menu button 103 .
  • step S 1201 it is determined whether or not the selection for changing the setting has been made. If the selection for changing the setting has been made, then the process advances to step S 1202 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1208 .
  • step S 1202 it is determined whether or not the raw image data storing mode has been selected. If the raw image data storing mode has been selected, then the process advances to step S 1203 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1204 .
  • step S 1203 it is determined whether or not the setting has been made so as to embed electronic watermark data. If the setting has been made so as to embed electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S 1206 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1204 . In step S 1204 , it is determined whether or not selection has been made so as to embed electronic watermark data. If the selection has been made so as to embed electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S 1205 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1207 .
  • step S 1205 it is determined whether or not the raw data storing mode is selected. If the raw data storing mode is selected, then the process advances to the step S 1206 . If not, then the process advances to step S 1207 .
  • step S 1206 since the selection made in step S 1201 is to select the raw data storing mode and to select the electronic watermark data to be embedded into the image data simultaneously, an alert indicating that the raw data storing mode and the embedding of the electronic watermark data cannot be selected simultaneously is displayed on LCD display 101 . And the process turns back to step. S 1201 .
  • step S 1207 since the selection made in step S 1201 is not to select the raw data storing mode and the embedding of the electronic watermark data simultaneously, the setting is changed according to selected operation.
  • step S 1208 it is determined whether or not menu button 103 has been operated. If menu button 103 has been operated, then the present flowchart ends. If not, then the process turns back to step S 1201 .
  • the embedding circuit cannot simultaneously select the raw data storing mode, in which an electronic watermark cannot be embedded, and the embedding of the electronic watermark, the contradictions and problems in storing settings do not arise.

Abstract

A digital camera has a memory for storing a plurality of programs each to embed a watermark on a digital image data. The digital camera embeds the watermark on the image data according to the program selected by a program selector. In the case of a digital camera capable of selecting whether or not to embed a watermark, the digital camera forcibly controls to embed the watermark if the selection is failed. The digital camera has a processor for processing a digital image data in accordance with one of a plurality of selective data forms, one of the data forms being suitable for a watermark, and another unsuitable. In this case, the digital camera controls the processor to replace the unsuitable data form by the suitable one under the necessity of embedding the watermark on the digital image data.

Description

  • This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/655,917, filed Sep. 6, 2000, which is based upon and claims priority of Japanese Patent Applications No. 11-256548 filed on Sep. 10, 1999, and No. 2000-105973 filed on Apr. 7, 2000, the contents being incorporated herein by reference.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more specifically to a digital camera that is capable of embedding an electronic watermark into electronic image data of the digital camera.
  • 2. Description of Related Art
  • Many publishers and newspaper companies or the like post image data taken by a digital camera on their home pages on the Internet. Since the image data on home pages is electronic image data, it is easy to copy it from the home pages. The image data on home pages is apt to be used or sold without approval of image data's owner, such as a publisher, a newspaper company, or a photographer. Accordingly, publishers and newspaper companies embed electronic watermarks into the electronic image data in order to check whether the image data on their home pages has been used without publisher's or newspaper company's approval.
  • A technology that embeds an electronic watermark into electronic image data is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 10-164349, and a digital camera that embeds the electronic watermark into the image data is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 10-248046.
  • A photographer sometimes contracts a plurality of publishers and newspaper companies. The photographer brings the image data directly to the publishers and newspaper companies or sends the image data to them via a telephone line or the Internet. Since each publisher or newspaper company uses its own embedding program and authentication key with respect to the electronic watermark, it is necessary to embed an unique electronic watermark data corresponding to each publisher or newspaper company. Furthermore, a plurality of photographers sometimes share one digital camera. In this case, it is necessary for each photographer to use its own embedding program and authentication key different from others.
  • Furthermore, the setting operation of the digital camera for the purpose of embedding the electronic watermark into the digital image is apt to cause a photographer to loose a shutter chance.
  • Furthermore, each digital camera maker sometimes adopts an original format for storing image data, such as a raw image data storing format. As to the raw image data storing, it is sometimes impossible to embed the electronic watermark into the raw image data using a normal embedding program, although it is possible to embed the electronic watermark into JPEG compression image data or non-compression image data (such as a bitmap image data) using the normal program. Accordingly, when the electronic watermark is embedded into the raw image data, it is necessary to develop an original embedding program for the electronic watermark, and it is costly.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In order to overcome the problems and disadvantages, the invention provides a digital camera comprising a memory for storing a plurality of programs each to embed a watermark on a digital image data and an embedding circuit for embedding the watermark on the image data according to the program selected by a program selector. This makes it possible to select the watermark needed.
  • According to another feature of the invention, a digital camera comprises a transmitter for transmitting a digital image data to a place remote from the camera and a controller for inhibiting the transmitter from transmitting the digital image data on which the watermark is failed to be embedded.
  • According to still another feature of the invention, a digital camera comprises a controller for controlling a embedding circuit to surely embed the watermark on a digital image data on which the watermark is failed to be embedded. This feature makes it possible to avoid the watermark being failed to be embedded.
  • According to a further feature of the invention, a digital camera comprises an embedding circuit for embedding a watermark on a digital image data and a controller forgiving a warning if a watermark is failed to be embedded. This feature makes it possible to avoid the watermark being failed to be embedded.
  • According to a still further feature of the invention, a digital camera comprises a processor for getting a first and second picture image data on the basis of a same digital image data from the imaging device and an embedding circuit for embedding the watermark on one of the first and second picture image data with the other kept without the watermark.
  • According to another feature of the invention, a digital camera comprises a setting circuit for setting whether or not to have an embedding circuit embed a watermark and a controller for forcibly controlling the embedding circuit to embed the watermark if the setting by the setting circuit is failed. This feature makes it possible to avoid the watermark being failed to be embedded.
  • More specifically, the invention further provides a digital camera comprising a processor for processing a digital image data in accordance with one of a plurality of selective data forms, one of the data forms being suitable for a watermark, and another unsuitable. The digital camera further comprises a controller for controlling the processor to replace the unsuitable data form by the suitable one under the necessity of embedding the watermark on the digital image data.
  • Or, the invention provides a digital camera comprising a processor for processing a digital image data in accordance with one of a plurality of selective data forms, one of the data forms being suitable for a watermark, and another unsuitable. The digital camera further comprises a controller for giving a warning if the processor is to process the digital image data in accordance with the unsuitable data form under the necessity of embedding the watermark on the digital image data.
  • Other features and advantages according to the invention will be readily understood from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the function of the digital camera according to embodiments of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control for transmitting image data in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the control for transmitting image data in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control for transmitting image data in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control performed in the digital camera in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the control performed in the digital camera in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the control performed in the digital camera in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 9, 10 are flowcharts illustrating the control of photographing and storing image data of the digital camera in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the control of settings that is performed in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • FIG. 1 is an external view of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera comprises LCD display 101, shutter-release button 102, menu button 103 and setting dial 104.
  • LCD display 101 includes a liquid crystal device for displaying an image of an object to be taken or a reproduced image. LCD display 101 also displays menu screens that are used in various settings. Shutter-release button 102 starts the process of taking a picture. Menu button 103 and setting dial 104 perform various settings. Menu button 103 is for causing a display of a menu screen on LCD display 101. Dial 104 enables settings for various kinds of photographing control and image processing control.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the function of the digital camera according to embodiments of the present invention. CPU 201 controls other circuits to take a picture and store the image data. Imaging circuit 202 includes an imaging device and an A/D converter, and outputs an image signal of a photographed object. Image processing circuit 203 processes the signal output from imaging circuit 202 in various manner to output the image data. Embedding circuit 204 embeds electronic watermark data into the image data that is output from image processing circuit 203. JPEG circuit 205 JPEG-compresses the image data output from image processing circuit 203 or the embedding circuit 204. JPEG circuit 205 on the other hand expands the compressed image data stored in memory 207.
  • Storing circuit 206 stores the image data into memory 207 and reads out the image data stored in memory 207. Storing circuit 206 also stores the image data into a memory card (not shown) which is detachable from the digital camera, and reads out the image data stored in the memory card. Memory 207 is a nonvolatile memory that stores the image data. Memory 207 also stores a control program for controlling the digital camera and a plurality of embedding programs each to embed a electronic watermark into the image data. Furthermore, memory 207 stores necessary information for identifying destination companies such as publishers and newspaper companies, as well as information for identifying the kind of electronic watermark that is used by each of the destination companies. Memory 207 also stores folder information that is used to classify the image data, and stores electronic watermark information that is assigned to each folder. Switch circuit 208 is electrically connected to shutter-release button 102, menu button 103 and dial 104. When any of these buttons is operated, switch circuit 208 detects the operation of the button to transmit a signal to CPU 201. Display circuit 209 drives LCD display 101 in order to display images on the screen. Transmitting circuit 210 transmits image data to a selected destination.
  • Furthermore, the digital camera can set durability of the electronic watermark. If the durability is set at high level for the electronic watermark, the electronic watermark remains against any edition, such as copying, changing the size and cutting, so that it is valid for protecting copyright. If the durability is set at low level, on the contrary, even a slight edition causes a change in the electronic watermark, so that it is valid for proving that the image has been tampered.
  • Furthermore, the digital camera according to the present invention has a plurality of watermark embedding programs, one of which is selectable in accordance with a specific need.
  • The digital camera according to the invention can select one of a plurality of authentication keys and embed it into the image data by using the above-mentioned program. This is advantageous for a photographer who contracts with a plurality of publishers and newspaper companies in that it is possible to select a desired one of authentication keys in accordance with the publisher or newspaper company.
  • The following explains functions performed in a CPU 201 of the digital camera in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • The First Embodiment
  • When the image data is to be transmitted to a destination, the digital camera determines whether or not electronic watermark data should be embedded into the image data. If the electronic watermark data should be embedded for the destination, then it is checked whether or not the electronic watermark data has been embedded into the image data. If the electronic watermark data has not been embedded into the image data, then the corresponding electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data. Embedding the corresponding electronic watermark data is possible by designating only the destination according to a database in which each destination corresponds to destination's electronic watermark data and each user of the electronic watermark data corresponds to user's electronic watermark data, in memory 207. If the electronic watermark data has been embedded, and the embedded watermark data does not correspond to the destination's watermark data, then the embedded electronic watermark data is replaced to the destination's electronic watermark data.
  • FIGS. 3 through 5 are flowcharts illustrating control performed during transmitting the image data. Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, the process starts when the digital camera is set so that the image data is transmitted to a destination. Referring to FIG. 3, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the destination is selected. If the destination is selected, then the process advances to step S102. If the destination is not selected, then the process turns back to step S101 and performs the operation of step S101 again. In step S102, it is determined whether or not the electronic watermark data should be embedded into the image data for the selected destination.
  • When the destination is a company such as a publisher or a newspaper company, the electronic watermark data should be embedded in order to protect copyright. When the destination is a destination such as photographer's home, the electronic watermark data need not be embedded. Information on whether the electronic watermark data should be embedded is stored in memory 7 in advance. If the electronic watermark data should be embedded for the destination, then the process advances to step S103. If not, the process advances to step S105.
  • In step S103, it is determined whether or not the electronic watermark data has been embedded into the image data. If the electronic watermark data has been embedded, then the process advances to step S104. If not, the process advances to step S201 in FIG. 4. The operation of step S201 will be described later. In step S104, it is determined whether or not the selected destination corresponds to the electronic watermark data embedded in the image data. If the selected destination corresponds to the electronic watermark data embedded in image data, then the process advances to step S105. If not, the process advances to step S301 in FIG. 5. The operation of step S301 will be described later. In step S105, the image data is transmitted to the selected destination.
  • In step S201 in FIG. 4, the digital camera warns a user that copyright may not be protected because the electronic watermark data is not embedded in the image data, and the digital camera asks him whether to embed the electronic watermark data. In step S202, it is determine whether or not a command to embed the electronic watermark is set. If the command is set, then the process advances to step S203. If not, the process advances to step S204, and prevents the image data from being transmitted.
  • In step S301 in FIG. 5, the digital camera warns the user that the electronic watermark data embedded in the image data does not correspond to the destination, and asks him whether to change the destination or the electronic watermark data. In step S302, it is determined whether or not a command to change the destination is set. If the command to change the destination is set, the process turns back to step S101. If not, the process advances to step S303.
  • The Second Embodiment
  • The second embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention will be explained. The digital camera creates a folder on each destination and a folder on each photographer in advance, and embeds the electronic watermark corresponding to the folder into the image data at the time when the image data is stored into the folder, thereby preventing an improper watermark from being embedded into the image data. And the digital camera also can prevent the user from forgetting to embed the electronic watermark data.
  • Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart starts when the image data is formed after a picture is taken. In step S401, it is determined whether or not a folder for storing image data has been selected. When a plurality of photographers share one camera, the folders on photographers are used. If the folder has been selected, then the process advances to step S402. If not, then the process advances to step S405, and the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data is stored in a predetermined folder.
  • In step S402, the electronic watermark data corresponding to the selected folder is searched through information stored in memory 207. In step S403, the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data. In step S404, the image data is stored in the selected folder.
  • The Third Embodiment
  • The third embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention will be explained. When a destination to which the image data is transmitted is designated, the digital camera embeds the electronic watermark data of the destination into the image data and stores the image data into a folder corresponding to the destination.
  • Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart starts when the image data is formed after a picture is taken. In step S501, it is determined whether or not a destination has been designated. If the destination has been designated, then the process advances to step S502. If not, the process advances to step S506 and the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into a predetermined folder. In step S502, the electronic watermark data corresponding to the designated destination is searched. In step S503, the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data. In step S504, the folder corresponding to the destination is searched. In step S505, the found folder stores the image data.
  • The Fourth Embodiment
  • The fourth embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention will be explained. The digital camera creates a folder on each electronic watermark, a folder on each authentication key and a folder on each durability, and stores the image data into the corresponding folder. Since each image data is classified and stored into the corresponding folder, it is possible to avoid transmitting the image data to an improper destination. And it is easy to search for the image data having the same electronic watermark data.
  • Referring to FIG. 8, a flowchart starts when the image data is formed after a picture is taken. In step S601, it is determined whether or not the electronic watermark has been selected and whether or not the authentication key has been selected. If both of the electronic watermark and authentication key have been selected, then the process advances to step S602. If not, then the process repeats step S601. In step S602, the folder corresponding to the electronic watermark is searched. In step S603, it is determined whether or not the corresponding folder searched in step S602 is present. If the corresponding folder is present, then the process advances to step S604. If not, then the process advances to step S605. In step S604, the electronic watermark is embedded into the image data and the image data is stored into the found folder. Instep S605, a new folder is created and the electronic watermark is embedded into the image data and the image data is stored into the created folder.
  • The Fifth Embodiment
  • The fifth embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention will be explained.
  • Pressing menu button 103 enables display 101 to display a menu screen that presents description of settings for controlling various shooting manners and image processing. In the present embodiment, a setting of an electronic watermark embedding mode and a setting of an image data storing mode are performed as follows.
  • The setting of an electronic watermark embedding mode includes a mode for storing only the image data having the embedded electronic watermark data, a mode for storing only the image data having no embedded electronic watermark data, and a mode for storing both of the image data with and without embedded electronic watermark data. These modes are selectable.
  • When the setting is not established in the digital camera, the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data is automatically stored in the memory. At the same time the digital camera is set automatically so as that the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into the memory. After that, the digital camera stores the embedded electronic watermark data. In this case, the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into the memory at a higher compression rate, i.e., at lower resolution than that of the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data. This storage of the image data allows the image data to occupy smaller space of the memory and enables the digital camera to store much more image data in the memory. However, if the photographer doesn't desire to compress the image data, he may choose to store the image data at the same compression rate and resolution as those of the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data.
  • In addition, durability of the embedded electronic watermark data can be set, as described previously. If the durability is set at high level, the quality of the image data, in which the electronic watermark data is embedded, is deteriorated. Setting the durability is dependent on the purpose of using the image data. That is, the durability intended for protecting copyright is different from the durability intended for preventing tampering. If the durability has not been set for the digital camera, the prevention of tampering should be preceded, with the durability being set at low level. Protecting copyright can be set at a later time because even the durability setting at a later time will bring the effect of protecting copyright. On the contrary, in preventing tampering, if the setting is not performed at the beginning, tampering could be conducted before setting the durability.
  • The setting of the image data storing mode includes a raw data storing mode for storing raw image data that is hardly processed from a signal generated by an imaging device, a non-compression storing mode for storing uncompressed image data that is processed from a signal generated by the imaging device in a predetermined manner, and a JPEG compression storing mode for storing JPEG compressed image data that is compressed by JPEG compression after processed in a predetermined manner. These image data storing modes are selectable.
  • The JPEG compression mode allows the selection of a compression rate and the selection of resolution (or the image size) of the image data. As described later, the compression rate of the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is made equivalent to or higher than that of the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data, and the resolution of the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is made equivalent to or lower than that of the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data. However, in the case where the compression rate and the resolution have been set for the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, the image data is stored according to the set compression rate and the set resolution.
  • FIGS. 9, 10 are flowcharts illustrating the process between taking a picture and storing the image data. CPU 201 implements the process in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, a flowcharts starts with the press of shutter-release button 102.
  • In step S1101, shooting is controlled according to set imaging conditions. In step S1102, it is determined whether or not the digital camera has been set so as to store only the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data. If the digital camera has been set so as to store only the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S1103. If not, then the process advances to step S1107. In step S1103, it is determined whether or not the raw data storing mode has been selected. If the raw data storing mode has been selected, then process advances to step S1104. If not, the process advances to step S1105.
  • In step S1104, the image data, in the form of the raw data, is stored into a predetermined folder in the memory. In step S1105, the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data with set durability. If the durability has not been set, the electronic watermark data is embedded with low durability. In step S1106, according to the selected image data storing mode, the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is processed with JPEG compression or non-compression and stored into a predetermined folder in the memory. If the image data is the raw data, high quality and uncompressed image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into a raw data folder in the memory. In this case, a file name for the image data is assigned as follows; if the image data of a subject, which is stored as the raw data, is named “DSC001”, the image data of the same subject, which has the embedded electronic watermark data, is named “DSC001WM”. Thus, names relating to the two image data files are correlated each other, and the two image data files are stored in the same folder.
  • In the case where the digital camera has not been set so as to store only the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data in step S1102, the process advances to step S1107 as described previously. In step S1107, it is determined whether or not the digital camera has been set so as to store both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data. If the digital camera has been set so as to store both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S1108. If not, then the process advances to step S1111. In step S1108, according to the selected image data storing mode, JPEG-compression image data, non-compression image data, or raw-data image data is stored into predetermined folders. In step S1109, the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data with set durability. If the setting of the durability has not been made, the electronic watermark data is embedded with low durability.
  • In step S1110, according to the setting of the image data storing mode, the JPEG-compression or the non-compression image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into a folder for storing the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data. If the raw data storing mode has been selected, the high quality and uncompressed image data is stored into the memory. Thus, the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data are stored in different folders in the memory respectively. It is, therefore, convenient to transmit only the image data with the electronic watermark data to other place outside. Each image data file's name is correlated each other as well as in step S1106.
  • In the case where the digital camera has not been set so as to store both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data in step S1107, it is determined whether or not the digital camera has been set so as to store only the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data in step S1111. If the digital camera has been set so as to store only the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S1112. If not, then the process advances to step S1113. In step S1112, according to the setting of the image data storing mode, the JPEG-compression, the non-compression, or the raw-data image data without the embedded electronic watermark data is stored into the memory.
  • In step S1111, if the digital camera has not been set so as to store only the image data without the embedded electronic watermark data, it means that the digital camera is not set at all with respect to embedding the electronic watermark data. This situation, for example, could occur at the time such as when the digital camera is set fully automatic, or at the time when the photographer has no time for setting the digital camera because a shutter chance has come suddenly. However, even the image data taken in such a situation could be tampered or copied, it is, therefore, necessary to perform prevention of tampering and protection of copyright. In step S1113, according to the setting of the image data storing mode, the JPEG-compression, the non-compression, or the raw-data image data is stored into the memory.
  • In step S1114, the electronic watermark data is embedded into the image data with low durability. In step S1115, the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is JPEG-compressed and stored into the memory. In step S1115, not likely step S1110, the setting is not used, and the image data is JPEG-compressed at a high compression rate, i.e., at low resolution, and is stored into the memory. The image data is also stored in a temporary folder for temporary retention.
  • As described above, the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is JPEG-compressed at a predetermined compression rate because it is a waste of memory space if the photographer stores the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, which could be unnecessary, into the memory without data compression. However, if it is necessary, the image data may be stored into the memory according to the setting of the image data storing mode as well as in step S1110.
  • In step S1116, the digital camera displays an query whether or not to store the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data. In step S1117, it is determined whether or not “YES” is displayed on the LCD display according to an answer to the query. If “YES” is displayed on the LCD display, then the process advances to step S1118. If not, then the process advances to step S1119.
  • In step S1118, the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, which is stored in the temporary file in step S1115, is transferred to a predetermined folder in order to be stored. In step S1119, it is determined whether or not “NO” is displayed on the LCD display. If “NO” is displayed on the LCD display, then the process advances to step S1120. If not, the process advances to step S1121.
  • In step S1120, the image data with the embedded electronic watermark, which is stored in the temporary folder in step S1115, is deleted. In step S1121, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period has been passed. Also in step S1121 it is determined whether or not the shutter-release button has been pressed. If the predetermined period has been passed or the shutter-release button has been pressed, then the process advances to step S1122. If the predetermined period has been not passed nor the shutter-release button has been pressed, then the process returns to step S1116. In step S1122, the indication displayed in step S1116 is deleted. And the present flowchart ends.
  • In accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the digital camera can store both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data into the memory, so that the digital camera can store the image data without deterioration of image quality and can have the effect on protection of copyright and prevention of tampering.
  • When the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is used for verifying whether the image data has been tampered or not by comparing unused image data with used image data, the quality of the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data is allowed to be lower than the quality of the original image data.
  • Furthermore, even if the image data storing mode is set in the raw data storing mode, the digital camera can obtain the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data by using the embedding circuit and the embedding program for the electronic watermark. And, even if the image data is set in one of the image data storing modes other than the raw data storing mode, which do not allow the digital camera to embed the electronic watermark, the digital camera can have the same effect as that in the raw data storing mode.
  • Furthermore, when the setting on whether or not the electronic watermark data is embedded in the image data is not made, both of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data are stored into the memory. This storage of both image data enables the photographer to surely obtain the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, even if an abrupt shutter chance occurs. Therefore, by checking the image data with the embedded electronic watermark data, It is possible to verify whether or not the image data has been tampered. In this case, the electronic watermark is embedded into the image data with low durability, in advance. As to the protection of copyright, even if the electronic watermark is embedded at a later time, it is possible to protect copyright, as described previously.
  • Furthermore, by storing each of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data into a different folder, it is easy to individually handle each of the image data with and without the embedded electronic watermark data; for example, it is possible to prevent image data, of which copyright is not protected yet, from being transmitted outside carelessly. In the case of the digital camera having plural card slots, it is possible to store the image data into different memory cards instead of storing the image data into different folders.
  • The Sixth Embodiment
  • In the fifth embodiment, when the digital camera stores the image data according to the setting indicated on the menu, problems and contradictions have arisen. However, these problems and contradictions have been resolved by implementing the process shown in FIGS. 9, 10. In the sixth embodiment, by limiting setting conditions, the problems and contradictions are resolved referring to FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating control of settings that is implemented by CPU 201 in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Since an external view and a functional block diagram of the digital camera of the sixth embodiment is the same as those of the fifth embodiment, explanation is omitted. The present flowchart starts with the press of menu button 103.
  • In step S1201, it is determined whether or not the selection for changing the setting has been made. If the selection for changing the setting has been made, then the process advances to step S1202. If not, then the process advances to step S1208. In step S1202, it is determined whether or not the raw image data storing mode has been selected. If the raw image data storing mode has been selected, then the process advances to step S1203. If not, then the process advances to step S1204.
  • In step S1203, it is determined whether or not the setting has been made so as to embed electronic watermark data. If the setting has been made so as to embed electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S1206. If not, then the process advances to step S1204. In step S1204, it is determined whether or not selection has been made so as to embed electronic watermark data. If the selection has been made so as to embed electronic watermark data, then the process advances to step S1205. If not, then the process advances to step S1207.
  • In step S1205, it is determined whether or not the raw data storing mode is selected. If the raw data storing mode is selected, then the process advances to the step S1206. If not, then the process advances to step S1207. In step S1206, since the selection made in step S1201 is to select the raw data storing mode and to select the electronic watermark data to be embedded into the image data simultaneously, an alert indicating that the raw data storing mode and the embedding of the electronic watermark data cannot be selected simultaneously is displayed on LCD display 101. And the process turns back to step. S1201.
  • In step S1207, since the selection made in step S1201 is not to select the raw data storing mode and the embedding of the electronic watermark data simultaneously, the setting is changed according to selected operation. In step S1208, it is determined whether or not menu button 103 has been operated. If menu button 103 has been operated, then the present flowchart ends. If not, then the process turns back to step S1201.
  • In accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention, since the embedding circuit cannot simultaneously select the raw data storing mode, in which an electronic watermark cannot be embedded, and the embedding of the electronic watermark, the contradictions and problems in storing settings do not arise.
  • Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (5)

1. A digital camera comprising:
an imaging device for forming a digital image data of an object;
a processor for getting a first and second picture image data on the basis of the same digital image data from the imaging device; and
an embedding circuit for embedding the watermark on one of the first and second picture image data with the other kept without the watermark.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing the first and second picture image data under a specified relationship with each other.
3. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing the first and second picture image data, wherein one of the first and second picture image data is stored in the memory with an amount of data different from that of the other.
4. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing the picture image data and a selector for selecting whether to store both the first and second picture image data in the memory or to store only a selected one of the first and second picture image data in the memory.
5. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing the picture image data and a selector for selecting one of the first and second picture image data to be store in the memory.
US11/199,149 1999-09-10 2005-08-09 Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data Abandoned US20050280723A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/199,149 US20050280723A1 (en) 1999-09-10 2005-08-09 Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP11-256548 1999-09-10
JP25654899A JP4218147B2 (en) 1999-09-10 1999-09-10 Electronic camera
JP2000105973A JP2001292362A (en) 2000-04-07 2000-04-07 Electronic camera
JP2000-105973 2000-04-07
US09/655,917 US6963363B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2000-09-06 Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data
US11/199,149 US20050280723A1 (en) 1999-09-10 2005-08-09 Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/655,917 Division US6963363B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2000-09-06 Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050280723A1 true US20050280723A1 (en) 2005-12-22

Family

ID=35207017

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/655,917 Expired - Lifetime US6963363B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2000-09-06 Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data
US11/199,149 Abandoned US20050280723A1 (en) 1999-09-10 2005-08-09 Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/655,917 Expired - Lifetime US6963363B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2000-09-06 Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US6963363B1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7404083B2 (en) 2000-07-18 2008-07-22 Nikon Corporation Image signal analysis for watermark detection and decoding
US9224145B1 (en) 2006-08-30 2015-12-29 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Venue based digital rights using capture device with digital watermarking capability
US9280773B1 (en) 2006-08-30 2016-03-08 Qurio Holdings, Inc. System and method for managing first party rights to content captured by third parties
US9930288B2 (en) 2015-03-26 2018-03-27 Olympus Corporation Information recording apparatus and tamper prevention method for information recording apparatus

Families Citing this family (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7391929B2 (en) * 2000-02-11 2008-06-24 Sony Corporation Masking tool
US7231359B2 (en) * 2000-03-24 2007-06-12 Eastman Kodak Company Configuring image storage devices to enable imaging services
US7663670B1 (en) * 2001-02-09 2010-02-16 Digital Imaging Systems Gmbh Methods and systems for embedding camera information in images
US20030204736A1 (en) * 2002-04-25 2003-10-30 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus for authenticated recording and method therefor
US7580063B2 (en) * 2002-05-07 2009-08-25 Fujifilm Corporation Digital camera for outputting image correction information
US7111171B2 (en) * 2002-07-09 2006-09-19 Kaleidescope, Inc. Parallel distribution and fingerprinting of digital content
US7190806B2 (en) * 2002-08-30 2007-03-13 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. System and method for data encryption/decryption
US20040042634A1 (en) * 2002-08-30 2004-03-04 Cazier Robert P. Referencing information in an image
JP4235426B2 (en) * 2002-09-20 2009-03-11 キヤノン株式会社 Imaging device
EP1401188A3 (en) * 2002-09-20 2005-08-10 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image sensing apparatus and its method of control
JP4093833B2 (en) * 2002-09-25 2008-06-04 シャープ株式会社 Electronics
US7221865B2 (en) * 2002-11-25 2007-05-22 Olympus Corporation Electronic camera, information device and portable information apparatus
KR20040083177A (en) * 2003-03-21 2004-10-01 삼성테크윈 주식회사 Method for hiding image information in digital camera and digital camera capable of hiding image information
JP4142982B2 (en) * 2003-05-13 2008-09-03 株式会社Pfu Image reading device
US7463289B2 (en) * 2004-05-07 2008-12-09 Aptina Imaging Corporation Digital camera producing image embedded with diagnostic characteristic
KR100633778B1 (en) * 2004-06-17 2006-10-16 삼성전자주식회사 Method of controlling image data output, image processing device, and portable device having the same
US8315424B2 (en) * 2007-03-19 2012-11-20 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program product
JP5094341B2 (en) * 2007-11-16 2012-12-12 キヤノン株式会社 Information processing apparatus and information processing method
KR101240467B1 (en) * 2009-06-30 2013-03-11 한국전자통신연구원 Apparatus of protecting digital rights for motion-picture, protecting method of digital rights for motion-picture and recording medium thereof
US8297649B2 (en) * 2009-07-16 2012-10-30 Autoliv Asp, Inc. Inflatable knee airbag having two chambers separated by an internal tether
JP2011244368A (en) * 2010-05-21 2011-12-01 Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co Ltd Recording method
JP2011244367A (en) * 2010-05-21 2011-12-01 Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co Ltd Recording method
EP2698977A1 (en) * 2011-04-11 2014-02-19 NEC CASIO Mobile Communications, Ltd. Data transmission device, method for adding copyright notice, and program
US9253433B2 (en) 2012-11-27 2016-02-02 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for tagging media with identity of creator or scene
US11403674B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2022-08-02 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods for capturing time series dataset over time that includes secured representations of distributed ledger addresses
US11250466B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2022-02-15 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods for using secured representations of user, asset, and location distributed ledger addresses to prove user custody of assets at a location and time
US11488160B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2022-11-01 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods for using captured time series of secured representations of distributed ledger addresses and smart contract deployed on distributed ledger network to prove compliance
US11184175B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2021-11-23 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods for using secured representations of location and user distributed ledger addresses to prove user presence at a location and time
US11356443B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2022-06-07 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods for associating a user claim proven using a distributed ledger identity with a centralized identity of the user
US11270403B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2022-03-08 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods of obtaining verifiable image of entity by embedding secured representation of entity's distributed ledger address in image
US11233641B2 (en) 2018-07-31 2022-01-25 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods for using distributed attestation to verify claim of attestation holder
US11271908B2 (en) 2018-07-31 2022-03-08 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods for hiding identity of transacting party in distributed ledger transaction by hashing distributed ledger transaction ID using secured representation of distributed ledger address of transacting party as a key
US11488161B2 (en) 2018-07-31 2022-11-01 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp Systems and methods for providing transaction provenance of off-chain transactions using distributed ledger transactions with secured representations of distributed ledger addresses of transacting parties

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5499294A (en) * 1993-11-24 1996-03-12 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Digital camera with apparatus for authentication of images produced from an image file
US5606609A (en) * 1994-09-19 1997-02-25 Scientific-Atlanta Electronic document verification system and method
US5862218A (en) * 1996-04-04 1999-01-19 Fotonation, Inc. Method and apparatus for in-camera image marking and authentication
US5898779A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-04-27 Eastman Kodak Company Photograhic system with selected area image authentication
US6005936A (en) * 1996-11-28 1999-12-21 Ibm System for embedding authentication information into an image and an image alteration detecting system
US6064764A (en) * 1998-03-30 2000-05-16 Seiko Epson Corporation Fragile watermarks for detecting tampering in images
US6128411A (en) * 1998-08-25 2000-10-03 Xerox Corporation Method for embedding one or more digital images within another digital image
US6137952A (en) * 1998-04-02 2000-10-24 Hewlett-Packard Company Apparatus and method for degrading the quality of unauthorized copies of color images and video sequences
US6216228B1 (en) * 1997-04-23 2001-04-10 International Business Machines Corporation Controlling video or image presentation according to encoded content classification information within the video or image data
US6532039B2 (en) * 1997-09-17 2003-03-11 Flashpoint Technology, Inc. Method and system for digital image stamping
US6567531B1 (en) * 1998-08-06 2003-05-20 Sony Corporation Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and providing medium
US6700989B1 (en) * 1997-08-29 2004-03-02 Fujitsu Limited Device for generating, detecting, recording, and reproducing a watermarked moving image having a copy preventing capability and storage medium for storing program or the moving image

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3649537B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2005-05-18 日本アイ・ビー・エム株式会社 Data hiding method and data extracting method
JPH10248046A (en) 1996-12-30 1998-09-14 Casio Comput Co Ltd Electronic image pickup deivce, electronic camera system and recording medium

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5499294A (en) * 1993-11-24 1996-03-12 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Digital camera with apparatus for authentication of images produced from an image file
US5606609A (en) * 1994-09-19 1997-02-25 Scientific-Atlanta Electronic document verification system and method
US5862218A (en) * 1996-04-04 1999-01-19 Fotonation, Inc. Method and apparatus for in-camera image marking and authentication
US6005936A (en) * 1996-11-28 1999-12-21 Ibm System for embedding authentication information into an image and an image alteration detecting system
US5898779A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-04-27 Eastman Kodak Company Photograhic system with selected area image authentication
US6216228B1 (en) * 1997-04-23 2001-04-10 International Business Machines Corporation Controlling video or image presentation according to encoded content classification information within the video or image data
US6700989B1 (en) * 1997-08-29 2004-03-02 Fujitsu Limited Device for generating, detecting, recording, and reproducing a watermarked moving image having a copy preventing capability and storage medium for storing program or the moving image
US6532039B2 (en) * 1997-09-17 2003-03-11 Flashpoint Technology, Inc. Method and system for digital image stamping
US6064764A (en) * 1998-03-30 2000-05-16 Seiko Epson Corporation Fragile watermarks for detecting tampering in images
US6137952A (en) * 1998-04-02 2000-10-24 Hewlett-Packard Company Apparatus and method for degrading the quality of unauthorized copies of color images and video sequences
US6567531B1 (en) * 1998-08-06 2003-05-20 Sony Corporation Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and providing medium
US6128411A (en) * 1998-08-25 2000-10-03 Xerox Corporation Method for embedding one or more digital images within another digital image

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7404083B2 (en) 2000-07-18 2008-07-22 Nikon Corporation Image signal analysis for watermark detection and decoding
US9224145B1 (en) 2006-08-30 2015-12-29 Qurio Holdings, Inc. Venue based digital rights using capture device with digital watermarking capability
US9280773B1 (en) 2006-08-30 2016-03-08 Qurio Holdings, Inc. System and method for managing first party rights to content captured by third parties
US9930288B2 (en) 2015-03-26 2018-03-27 Olympus Corporation Information recording apparatus and tamper prevention method for information recording apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6963363B1 (en) 2005-11-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6963363B1 (en) Digital camera capable of embedding an electronic watermark into image data
US7139407B2 (en) Image generation apparatus, image file generation method, image verification apparatus and image verification method
US6687829B1 (en) Data transmission apparatus and method for management of user identification data allocated to image data
JP4714951B2 (en) Digital camera
US7710467B2 (en) Image processing apparatus and control method, computer program, and recording medium storing a program determining or identifying whether date information is added to an image
US6600571B1 (en) Method, apparatus and recording medium for image printing
US20050219637A1 (en) Digital camera and image data
US7405753B2 (en) Data storage management system for camera and camera system
KR101387984B1 (en) Photographing apparatus
JP4218147B2 (en) Electronic camera
JP2000013720A (en) Digital camera
JP3656368B2 (en) Copier
JP4154554B2 (en) Digital camera
JPH0744777A (en) Copying machine monitoring system
US6825950B1 (en) Image reproduction apparatus, control method thereof, printing information generation method, and storage medium
EP1639811B1 (en) A method and a system for image processing, a device, and an image record
JP4328610B2 (en) Imaging device
US7639281B2 (en) Image sensing apparatus and control method therefor
JP4019176B2 (en) Image processing method and apparatus
JP3594472B2 (en) Copier management system
JP2002314931A (en) Electronic camera
JP2001094745A (en) Image recorder
JP2007159010A (en) Imaging apparatus
JP2001292362A (en) Electronic camera
JP3894310B2 (en) Shooting system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: NIKON CORPORATION, JAPAN

Free format text: COMPANY TO COMPANY ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:NIKON TECHNOLOGIES INC.;REEL/FRAME:018535/0684

Effective date: 20061023

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION