Imaging apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience of an apparatus which records information of a photographer in association with an image.SOLUTION: Authentication information is acquired. A user of an imaging apparatus is identified based on the authentication information. A first use condition of the imaging apparatus is set. When the imaging apparatus performs imaging in a state where the user is identified, it is controlled to record a captured image obtained by imaging and information of the user in association. When the imaging apparatus performs imaging in a state where the user is not identified and the first use condition is satisfied, it is controlled to record the captured image obtained by the imaging and the information of the user corresponding to the first use condition in association.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for means for identifying and recording the photographer of an image or video in order to manage copyrights and guarantee authenticity. Patent Document 1 proposes a method for monitoring the biometric information of the photographer when identifying and recording the photographer in an image file, and if there is a change in the biometric information, it is determined that the photographer has been replaced and the authentication of the photographer is cancelled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-191194 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the method of Patent Document 1, authentication may be cancelled during a series of image captures, which may reduce the convenience of image capture.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the convenience of a device that records photographer information in association with an image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the object of the present invention, for example, an imaging device according to one embodiment comprises the following configuration: an acquisition unit that acquires authentication information, an identification unit that identifies a user of the imaging device based on the authentication information, a setting unit that sets a first usage condition of the imaging device, and a first control unit that controls, when the imaging device captures an image in a state in which the user has been identified by the identification unit, to associate and record an image obtained by the image capture with information about the user, and, when the imaging device captures an image in a state in which the user has not been identified by the identification unit and the first usage condition is satisfied, to associate and record an image obtained by the image capture with information about the user corresponding to the first usage condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] To improve the convenience of a device that records photographer information in association with an image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of an imaging device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross section of an imaging device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an imaging apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an imaging device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an imaging device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration Description> 1(a) and 1(b) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the appearance of a camera 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1(a) is a front perspective view, and FIG. 1(b) is a rear perspective view. The camera 100 according to this embodiment is an imaging device, and will be described as an interchangeable lens digital still camera, but is not limited to the following configuration as long as it can capture images in a similar manner. In the following description, when simply referring to an "imaging device," this refers to the camera 100.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the camera 100 has a lens unit 100A and a camera housing 100B. A release button 101, which is an operation member that accepts image capture operations from the user (photographer), is disposed on the camera housing 100B. As shown in FIG. 1(b), an eyepiece 102 (finder) is disposed on the rear surface of the camera housing 100B, through which the user looks to view a display device 214 (display panel) (described later) contained within the camera housing 100B. Operation members 103 to 105 that accept various operations from the user are also disposed on the rear surface of the camera housing 100B. For example, the operation member 103 is a touch panel that accepts touch operations, the operation member 104 is an operation lever that can be pushed down in each direction, and the operation member 105 is a four-way key that can be pressed in each of four directions. FIG. 1(c) shows an example of an input to the operation member 104 according to this embodiment. Here, for example, tilting the operation member 104, which is an operation lever, may perform an operation in the operation UI displayed on the operation member 103, or control of the imaging mechanism such as zoom magnification or focus position. The operation member 103 (touch panel) is equipped with a display panel (for example, a liquid crystal panel) and has a function of displaying an image on the display panel.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the camera 100 taken along the YZ plane defined by the Y-axis and Z-axis shown in FIG. 1(a), illustrating an example of a rough internal configuration of the camera 100. The lens unit 100A includes two lenses 201 and 202, an aperture 203, an aperture driver 204, a lens drive motor 205, a lens drive member 206, a photocoupler 207, a pulse plate 208, a mount contact 209, and a focus adjustment circuit 210. The lens drive member 206 includes a drive gear. The photocoupler 207 detects the rotation of the pulse plate 208, which is linked to the lens drive member 206, and transmits this information to the focus adjustment circuit 210. The focus adjustment circuit 210 drives the lens drive motor 205 based on information from the photocoupler 207 and information from the camera housing 100B (information on the lens drive amount) to move the lens 201 and change the focus position. Mount contact 209 is an interface between lens unit 100A and camera housing 100B. Although two lenses 201 and 202 are shown in Figure 2, this is for simplification purposes and does not limit the number of lenses included in lens unit 100A. Lens unit 100A can include more than two lenses.

[0013] The camera housing 100B includes an image sensor 211, a CPU 212, a memory unit 213, a display device 214, and a drive circuit 215. The image sensor 211 is disposed at a planned imaging plane of the lens unit 100A. The CPU 212 is a central processing unit of a microcomputer, and controls the entire camera 100. The memory unit 213 stores various information. For example, the memory unit 213 stores images captured by the image sensor 211. The display device 214 displays various information on a screen (display surface) of the display device 214. For example, the display device 214 is a liquid crystal panel, and displays a captured image (subject image) on the screen. The drive circuit 215 drives the display device 214. A user can view the screen of the display device 214 through the eyepiece 102.

[0014] The camera housing 100B also includes light sources 216a and 216b, a light splitter 217, a light receiving lens 218, and an eye imaging element 219. The light sources 216a and 216b are light sources that irradiate light into the viewfinder (eyepiece 102) (toward the eyeball 220 of the user looking through the eyepiece 102). Here, light sources 216a and 216b may be light sources that have traditionally been used in single-lens reflex cameras to detect the line of sight from the relationship between the pupil and a reflection image of light reflected by the cornea (corneal reflection image). For example, the light sources 216a and 216b may be infrared light-emitting diodes that emit infrared light that is insensitive to the user and that are arranged around the eyepiece 102. The illuminated optical image of the eyeball 220 passes through the eyepiece 102 and is reflected by the light splitter 217. Here, an optical image formed by light emitted from light sources 216a and 216b and reflected by eyeball 220 is referred to as an "eye optical image." The eye optical image is formed by light receiving lens 218 on eye imaging element 219, which has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (e.g., CCD or CMOS) arranged two-dimensionally. Light receiving lens 218 positions the pupil of eyeball 220 and eye imaging element 219 in a conjugate imaging relationship. Therefore, it is possible to detect the line of sight of eyeball 220 from the position of the corneal reflection image in the eye optical image formed on eye imaging element 219. For example, at least one of information indicating the line of sight direction (direction of line of sight) and information indicating the viewpoint (position where the line of sight is fixed) on the screen of display device 214 can be obtained as information regarding the line of sight. This viewpoint may be the position on the screen where the user is looking, or may be the position of eyeball 220.

[0015] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration (hardware configuration) of the camera 100. The CPU 212 executes various control processes in the camera 100. The CPU 212 according to this embodiment is connected to a gaze detection circuit 301, a photometry circuit 302, a focus detection circuit 303, a signal input circuit 304, a drive circuit 215, and a light source drive circuit 305. The CPU 212 transmits signals to a focus adjustment circuit 210 disposed in the lens unit 100A and an aperture control circuit 306 included in an aperture drive unit 204 in the lens unit 100A via mount contacts 209. The memory unit 213 associated with the CPU 212 stores programs for executing various processes and various information such as processing results. The memory unit 213 according to this embodiment has a function for storing image signals from the image sensor 211 and the eye image sensor 219, and a function for storing parameters related to gaze detection.

[0016] The gaze detection circuit 301 detects the gaze of the user based on the captured image. Here, the output of the eye imaging element 219 (an image of the eye (eyeball 220)) when an optical image of the eye is formed on the eye imaging element 219 is A / D converted, and the result is sent to the CPU 212. Next, the CPU 212 extracts feature points required for gaze detection from the eye image, and detects the user's gaze from the positions of the feature points.

[0017] The photometry circuit 302 performs predetermined processing (e.g., amplification, logarithmic compression, and A / D conversion) on a signal obtained from the image sensor 211, which also functions as a photometry sensor, such as a luminance signal corresponding to the brightness of the field, and sends the result to the CPU 212 as field luminance information.

[0018] The focus detection circuit 303 detects the focus position in autofocus. For example, the focus detection circuit 303 can A / D convert signals from multiple detection elements (multiple pixels) included in the image sensor 211 that are used for phase difference detection, and send the converted signals to the CPU 212. The CPU 212 then calculates the distance to the subject corresponding to each focus detection point from the signals from the multiple detection elements. This is a well-known technique known as image plane phase difference AF, and any other method may be used for detecting the focus position by the focus detection circuit 303.

[0019] The signal input circuit 304 is connected to switches SW1 and SW2. The switch SW1 is a switch that is turned ON by the first stroke of the release button 101. When the switch SW1 is turned ON, an ON signal from the switch SW1 is input to the signal input circuit 304 and transmitted to the CPU 212, thereby starting an image capture preparation operation (e.g., photometry and distance measurement) of the camera 100. The switch SW2 is a switch that is turned ON by the second stroke of the release button 101. When the switch SW2 is turned ON, an ON signal from the switch SW2 is input to the signal input circuit 304 and transmitted to the CPU 212, thereby starting an image capture operation. The ON signals from the switches SW1 and SW2 are input to the signal input circuit 304 and transmitted to the CPU 212. Note that this group of switches is an example, and gaze detection may be started, for example, when the switch SW1 is turned ON. The light source drive circuit 305 drives the light sources 216a and 216b.

[0020] 3, operation members 103 to 105 are also connected to CPU 212. When the user operates operation members 103 to 105, operation members 103 to 105 output operation signals according to the user's operation to CPU 212, and CPU 212 performs processing (control) according to the input operation signals. For example, CPU 212 may move the position of a frame (item, indicator) displayed at the viewpoint according to the operation signal.

[0021] In the example of FIG. 3 , the CPU 212 is also connected to a communication unit 307, a GPS receiver 308, a timer 309, an inertial sensor 310, and an image recognition unit 311. The communication unit 307 wirelessly communicates with an information device, such as a user's smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or PC, and acquires GPS location information of the information device. The wireless communication is assumed to be, but is not limited to, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The GPS receiver 308 receives radio waves from a GPS satellite and acquires GPS location information of the camera 100. The timer 309 outputs the current time. The inertial sensor 310 is, for example, an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor, and detects the movement of the camera 100. The image recognition unit 311 performs recognition processing on the captured image. The recognition processing by the image recognition unit 311 can use any commonly used image recognition technology, such as artificial intelligence or a feature extractor.

[0022] In the following description, it is assumed that the CPU 212 of the camera 100 controls each process. However, as long as the operation of the camera 100 can be controlled in a similar manner, the configuration is not particularly limited to this. For example, an external device (not shown) of the camera 100 may have some or all of the functional units shown in FIG. 4 (described later) and execute similar processes to control the operation of the camera 100. This external device of the camera 100 may be, for example, a server, a personal computer, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and any device can be used.

[0023] <Functional configuration> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of camera 100 according to this embodiment. Each functional unit shown in Fig. 4 functions by CPU 212 electrically controlling each unit of camera 100. Camera 100 includes a registration unit 400, a condition setting unit 410, a condition determination unit 420, an operation control unit 430, a recording control unit 431, a function control unit 432, an operation unit 440, a user setting unit 450, an imaging unit 460, a device status acquisition unit 470, and an external information acquisition unit 480.

[0024] The registration unit 400 registers the user of the camera 100. By registering the user in advance, the registration unit 400 can record the captured image in a recording control unit 431 (described later) in association with (linked to) the user information. As the user information, for example, metadata that guarantees the authenticity of the photographer can be used, and this will be described in detail later.

[0025] The condition setting unit 410 sets the usage conditions for the imaging device. The condition determination unit 420 determines whether the usage conditions set by the condition setting unit 410 are satisfied. The usage conditions for the imaging device are, for example, conditions under which, when the usage conditions are satisfied, a user corresponding to the usage conditions is deemed to be using the camera 100. Hereinafter, the term "user corresponding to the usage conditions" refers to a user who is deemed to be using the camera 100 when the usage conditions are satisfied, and the term "usage conditions corresponding to a user" refers to the usage conditions under which the user is deemed to be using the camera 100. A detailed description of the usage conditions will be given later.

[0026] The operation control unit 430 controls the association of a captured image with user information. In the example of Fig. 4, the operation control unit 430 includes a recording control unit 431 and a function control unit 432. The recording control unit 431 controls whether or not to record a captured image in association with user information, based on the result of the determination by the condition determination unit 420. The function control unit 432 controls the functions of the imaging device based on the result of the determination by the condition determination unit 420. The processing by the function control unit 432 will be described in embodiment 3 below.

[0027] The operation unit 440 acquires the content of the operation by the user. The operation unit 440 can acquire information indicating the content of the operation on the imaging device via the operation members 103, 104, and 105, for example.

[0028] The user setting unit 450 sets users of the imaging device. The user setting unit 450 may set all users registered in advance by the registration unit 400 as users, or may register only some of them as users. The condition setting unit 410 can set usage conditions for each user set by the user setting unit 450.

[0029] The imaging unit 460 captures a photo or video by converting an imaging signal from the imaging element 211 into video information. The device status acquisition unit 470 acquires the device status including position information, time information, motion information of the imaging device, information on the imaging target, etc. using the GPS receiving unit 308, timer 309, inertial sensor 310, and image recognition unit 311. The external information acquisition unit 480 acquires information from an external device (a device different from the camera 100) using the communication unit 307.

[0030] <Contents of Embodiment 1> In the camera 100 according to this embodiment, the user of the imaging device sets the conditions (usage conditions) for using the device in advance, and the camera 100 determines whether the usage conditions are met. The camera 100 then controls its operation based on the determination result of whether the usage conditions are met. For example, if the usage conditions are met at the time of capturing an image, the camera 100 can record authenticity assurance information indicating that the image was captured by a user corresponding to the usage conditions, without authenticating the user. An example of such processing will be described below.

[0031] In the camera 100 according to the present embodiment, a user, "Person A," is registered with the imaging device. Then, the location condition is set as "City B, Prefecture A," the time condition is set as "Y-Date, 20XX, between 8:00 and 17:00," and the imaging target condition is set as "Person" as the usage conditions (conditions under which "Person A" is deemed to be using the imaging device if these usage conditions are met). Here, the usage conditions are met if an image is captured at a location that satisfies the location condition, at a time that satisfies the time condition, and if a subject recognized from the captured image satisfies the imaging target condition. In this embodiment, the usage conditions include multiple conditions, and the usage conditions are met if all of the conditions are met. However, the usage conditions may also be met if only some (e.g., one or more) of the conditions included in the usage conditions are met. Alternatively, the usage conditions may include only one condition rather than multiple conditions.

[0032] The condition setting unit 410 according to this embodiment can set, as the usage conditions, conditions related to the state of the device acquired by the device state acquisition unit 470. For example, the condition setting unit 410 may set, as the device state, usage conditions including conditions related to the position of the imaging device, the time of imaging, or the subject of imaging by the imaging device, as described above. Furthermore, for example, the condition setting unit 410 may set usage conditions including conditions related to the movement of the imaging device, which will be described later. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the condition setting unit 410 can set, as the usage conditions, conditions related to information acquired from an external device by the external information acquisition unit 480.

[0033] Camera 100 completes the setting of the usage conditions after checking whether the usage conditions to be set overlap with those of other users (if they overlap, it resets them). When capturing an image, camera 100, after capturing one image, determines using condition determination unit 420 whether the location at the time of capturing is "City B, Prefecture A," whether the time at the time of capturing is "between 8:00 and 17:00 on Month Z, Year Y, 20XX," and whether the subject of the image is a "person." If all of these conditions are met, camera 100 determines that the user is "Person A" himself, and can record the captured image by associating it with "Person A." Here, the captured image associated with user information may be a still image or a video captured by camera 100.

[0034] <Flowchart> The process of the camera 100 according to this embodiment for the user of the imaging device to perform registration and condition setting will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 5(a).

[0035] <User registration> First, in S500, the registration unit 400 registers a user of the imaging device. Here, user registration refers to registering a person who will be using the imaging device in advance in the imaging device. In this example, the following explanation will be given assuming that the registration unit 400 registers "Person A" as a user of the imaging device.

[0036] <User settings> In S501, the user setting unit 450 sets the user of the imaging device. Here, setting the user refers to identifying and selecting the user who will actually use the imaging device from among the users registered in the imaging device. Here, after the user setting is performed, the condition setting unit 410 sets the usage conditions for the user in subsequent processing. Next, the condition determination unit 420 performs a determination using the usage conditions for the user, and if the conditions are met, the information of the user is recorded in association with the captured image. In this example, the following description will be given assuming that the user setting unit 450 sets "Person A" as the user of the imaging device.

[0037] <Condition settings> In S502 to S506, the condition setting unit 410 sets the usage conditions based on the information acquired by the operation unit 440. Here, the person to be registered in S500 is set as "Person A", and the usage conditions corresponding to Person A are set in S502 to S506.

[0038] (Setting location conditions) In S502, the condition setting unit 410 sets a condition (location condition) based on the location information of the imaging device as a usage condition. In this example, the operation unit 440 acquires an input of the location condition "A prefecture, B city" by the user, and the condition setting unit 410 sets the location condition based on the input information.

[0039] In this example, the conditions based on various information included in the usage conditions are assumed to be conditions that are met when the information is in a predetermined state. In this example, the condition based on location information is set to be met when the location of the imaging device is "A prefecture, B city."

[0040] (Setting time conditions) In S503, the condition setting unit 410 sets a condition based on time information (time condition) as a usage condition. In this example, the operation unit 440 acquires an input of the time condition "20XX year Y month Z day between 8:00 and 17:00" by the user, and the condition setting unit 410 sets the time condition based on the input information.

[0041] (Setting imaging conditions) In S504, the condition setting unit 410 sets conditions (imaging target conditions) based on information about the imaging target as usage conditions. Here, the information about the imaging target is assumed to be information about the subject (imaging target) recognized from the captured image, but is not particularly limited to information about the imaging target, such as information specifying the imaging target. The information about the imaging target can be acquired, for example, by the device status acquisition unit 470 using the image recognition unit 311 from the imaging target in the captured image. In this example, information indicating the imaging target category is used as the imaging target information, and the operation unit 440 acquires the user's designation of the imaging target category as "people," and the condition setting unit 410 sets the imaging target conditions based on the input information. The designation of the imaging target category may be performed, for example, by designating the subject in the image, or by inputting characters, etc.

[0042] <Check for overlapping conditions> In S505, the camera 100 determines whether the usage conditions entered in S502 through S504 are appropriate. For example, if the usage conditions for the user currently being set overlap with the usage conditions of another user already set in the imaging device, it may become unclear which user to associate with an image when satisfying the usage conditions. From this perspective, the camera 100 determines whether a user who satisfies the usage conditions entered in S502 through S504 is already registered. If a user is already registered, the camera 100 determines that the usage conditions to be set are inappropriate, and terminates the processing of FIG. 5(a) without setting the usage conditions. If a user is not already registered, the usage conditions to be set are deemed appropriate, and the processing proceeds to S506. In this example, it is assumed that no users are registered in the imaging device at the time of execution of the processing flow, and the conditions entered in S502 through S504 are determined to be appropriate.

[0043] In S506, the condition setting unit 410 sets the conditions input in S502 to S504 as the usage conditions, and ends the processing in FIG. 5(a).

[0044] <Condition Judgment> Next, an example of the condition determination process and recording process performed by the camera 100 when a user of the imaging device takes an image will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 5(b).

[0045] First, in S510, the imaging unit 460 captures an image. Next, in S511, the user setting unit 450 acquires information about the set user.

[0046] In S512 to S514, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether or not each condition included in the usage conditions is satisfied.

[0047] (Determining the position condition) In S512, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether the location information of the imaging device satisfies the location condition. Here, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether the current location coordinates are within the set location range based on the current location coordinates acquired by the device status acquisition unit 470 using the GPS receiving unit 308. In this example, the location condition is set to "A prefecture, B city," the current location coordinates are acquired as "A prefecture, B city," and it is determined that the location condition is satisfied.

[0048] (Determining time conditions) In S513, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether the time information of the imaging device satisfies the time condition. Here, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether the current time is within a set time range based on the current time acquired by the device status acquisition unit 470 using the GPS receiving unit 308. In this example, the time condition is set to "between 8:00 and 17:00 on Y / Z / 20XX" in S503, and the current time is acquired as "9:00 on Y / Z / 20XX," and it is determined that the time condition is satisfied.

[0049] (Determining imaging conditions) In S514, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether the imaging target information of the imaging device satisfies the conditions. Here, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether the category of the imaging target is the set category based on the category information of the imaging target recognized from the captured image by the device status acquisition unit 470 using the image recognition unit 311. In this example, the imaging target condition is set to "person" in S504, the category of the subject in the captured image is acquired as "person", and it is determined that the imaging target condition is satisfied.

[0050] In S515, it is determined whether the usage conditions are satisfied. Here, it is assumed that the usage conditions are satisfied when all of the conditions included in the usage conditions are satisfied. If the usage conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to S516; if not, the process ends without linking the user to the captured image. In this example, the location of the imaging device is "City B, Prefecture A," the time is "9:00 on Day Z of Month Y of 20XX," and the category of the imaged subject is "People," so it is determined that all of the conditions are satisfied, and the process proceeds to S516.

[0051] In S516, the recording control unit 431 records the user information in association with the captured image. Here, the recording control unit 431 assigns metadata to the image that guarantees the authenticity of the photographer, such as "the photographer is person A." Note that if a guarantee of authenticity is not required, processing such as recording the user information as metadata may be performed.

[0052] The format of the user information recorded in association with the captured image is not limited to metadata. For example, the user information may be recorded in the form of a table that associates the hash value of the video data with the user information, or may be recorded by connecting to an external server via wireless communication and uploading the video data and the user information in the form of a record. This information may further include information to prevent tampering or ensure authenticity, such as encryption or a digital signature. Furthermore, if the usage conditions are not met, the user information may not be added to the captured image, or information indicating that the "photographer is unidentified" may be linked to the captured image.

[0053] According to this configuration, usage conditions for the imaging device can be set in the imaging device, and the operation of the imaging device can be controlled based on whether or not the usage conditions are met. In particular, the above-described location information, time information, and imaging target information can be used as usage conditions, and when these conditions are met, user information corresponding to the usage conditions can be associated with the captured image. In this way, by setting the planned conditions for using the imaging device in advance as described above, when the usage conditions are met, user information can be associated with the captured image and recorded without performing personal authentication during image capture.

[0054] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the use conditions are described as being location conditions, time conditions, and imaging target conditions. Here, as a modified example, a case where movement information of the imaging device or external information of the imaging device is used as the use conditions will be described.

[0055] For example, when a fixed-point imaging device that captures images at regular intervals is fixed on a tripod, if an image is captured while the imaging device is stationary, it may be determined that such an image was captured by a user. For example, the device status acquisition unit 470 may acquire motion information about the imaging device (e.g., information indicating whether the imaging device is stationary, acquired using an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor). In this case, the condition setting unit 410 may set a condition based on the motion information as a usage condition corresponding to the user. For example, the condition setting unit 410 may determine that the usage condition is satisfied when it is determined that the imaging device is not moving (fixed) based on the motion information. Here, the "imaging device is fixed" state can be arbitrarily defined by the user as long as it is a state defined based on the motion information. For example, the condition setting unit 410 may determine that the imaging device is not moving for a predetermined period (e.g., five minutes) immediately prior to the execution of imaging as the "imaging device is fixed" state. Furthermore, when the condition setting unit 410 uses a condition based on motion information as a usage condition, the condition setting unit 410 may further include conditions other than the condition based on such motion information (for example, the above-mentioned position condition, time condition, or imaging target condition) in the usage condition.

[0056] Furthermore, even when an image is captured by a photographer away from the imaging device, such as with a drone, it may be desirable to associate the captured image with a user's image. From this perspective, the condition setting unit 410 can set, as a usage condition, a condition (external condition) based on information (external information) acquired from an external device linked to the imaging device. The external information acquisition unit 480 can link, for example, a token device that issues one-time passwords with the imaging device and acquire the result of personal authentication by the token device as external information. In this case, the usage condition is satisfied if the personal authentication by the token device is successful. Furthermore, when using external conditions as usage conditions, the condition setting unit 410 may further include conditions other than the external condition in the usage conditions. Furthermore, an expiration date may be set for the result of personal authentication used here. Such processing requires the user to periodically perform personal authentication, enabling more secure imaging.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the user's personal name (real name, handle name, etc.) such as "Person A" is used in various processes such as registration, but the present invention is not limited to this so long as the user can be identified. The name associated with the captured image may be the user's personal name or the name of a group to which the user belongs. For example, the name associated with the captured image may be the name of the imaging team to which the user belongs, or a specific character string such as an ID. Furthermore, user information such as this registrant information may be acquired by the user directly entering the information into the camera 100, or may be acquired via an external device.

[0058] The number of users that can be registered in the imaging device is not limited. When multiple users are registered, the usage conditions may be set for each user. When a previously registered user is re-registered, the information of the previously registered user may be overwritten, or changes may be obtained from the stored change history and displayed to the user.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, when setting the usage conditions for the imaging device, a check is performed in S505 to ensure that the user's setting conditions do not overlap. Therefore, in this example, there will be no overlapping users corresponding to one usage condition. In FIG. 5B, the user setting unit 450 sets a user in S511 and determines whether the usage conditions corresponding to the set user are satisfied. However, it is also possible to automatically select a user who satisfies the usage conditions based on the various acquired information without performing the processing of S511.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the condition setting unit 410 is described as setting a location condition of a range such as "A prefecture, B city." However, the location condition is not limited to this, as long as it is a condition that specifies a range of a specific location. For example, the location condition may be set as "a range of a specific distance from specific location coordinates."

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the determination of the location condition is performed using the location information acquired by the device status acquisition unit 470 using the GPS receiving unit 308. However, the acquisition of the location information is not limited to such a method, and the location information may be acquired by communication via Wi-Fi, a beacon, a base station, or the like, for example.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the condition setting unit 410 is described as setting the time condition within the range of "20XX year Y month Z day between 8:00 and 17:00." However, the time condition is not particularly limited to this as long as it is a condition that specifies a specific time range, and may be set as, for example, "from a specific time until a specific time has passed," or "from the current time onwards."

[0063] In the present embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the determination of the time condition is performed using time information acquired by the device status acquisition unit 470 using the GPS receiving unit 308. However, acquisition of the current time is not particularly limited to such a method, and for example, time information set in the imaging device or time information acquired by the external information acquisition unit 480 from an external device may be used.

[0064] In the present embodiment, it has been described that the determination as to whether or not the category of the imaging target is the set category is made based on category information of the imaging target recognized from the captured image by the device status acquisition unit 470 using the image recognition unit 311. However, it is not necessary to use category information as imaging target information in the captured image, and any information acquired using a known method of acquiring information about the subject using image recognition can be used. For example, the imaging target condition may be whether or not "the subject is a specific color (for example, it is a blue object)," or the moving speed of the imaging target may be calculated and a condition regarding the moving speed may be used.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, the motion information of the imaging device is acquired using an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor provided in the imaging device, but this is not a limitation as long as the motion of the imaging device can be acquired. For example, the motion of the imaging device may be determined using image feature amount information acquired from the captured image.

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment, the result of personal authentication by the token device is used as the external information, but any external information may be used as long as it is information that can identify the photographer as the person in question. For example, specific signal information transmitted from a smartphone may be used as the external information.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment, the recording control unit 431 has been described as recording a captured image in association with a user when the usage conditions are satisfied, but the content of the control is not particularly limited to this as long as the recording control is performed depending on whether the usage conditions are satisfied. For example, a condition for prohibiting recording by the recording control unit 431 may be set. The condition determination unit 420 outputs a determination result based on the combination of conditions set in this way.

[0068] Furthermore, the use conditions may be freely combined with position conditions, time conditions, imaging subject information, conditions based on information on the movement of the imaging device, and external conditions, and the order in which these conditions are determined may be any combination. Furthermore, it is not necessary to set all of these conditions as use conditions, and the number of setting items may be increased or decreased as necessary, and multiple settings may be made for the same step condition.

[0069] In this embodiment, the conditions are set by directly inputting them into the image capture device, but this is not necessarily required. For example, complex conditions including conditional branching, such as "link information of 'Person A' to images between 8:00 and 17:00 on Y / Z / 20XX, and link information of 'Person B' to images between 18:00 and 22:00 on Y / Z / 20XX," may be input as a script file.

[0070] (Embodiment 2) The imaging device according to the first embodiment has been described as recording a captured image in association with user information when pre-set usage conditions are met. The imaging device according to this embodiment performs user identity authentication when setting usage conditions, thereby preventing other people's information from being linked to the captured image. In this embodiment, personal authentication is also performed when capturing an image, thereby preventing anyone other than the user from linking the user's information to the captured image.

[0071] In this embodiment, an example is described in which personal authentication is performed when setting usage conditions and when capturing images to confirm that the user of the imaging device is the person in question, and authenticity assurance information indicating that the captured image was captured by the user is recorded on the captured image.

[0072] The imaging device according to this embodiment registers a user, "Person A," and "eye feature information," which is biometric information of "Person A." Thereafter, when setting usage conditions, personal authentication is performed using the eye feature information, and if the identity of the person is confirmed, the location condition is set (here, the location condition is set to "A prefecture, B city"). Furthermore, personal authentication is also performed using the eye feature information when capturing an image, and if the identity of the person is confirmed, authenticity assurance information is recorded on the captured image indicating that the image was captured by the user.

[0073] In the following description, it is assumed that the above-described biometric information is used as authentication information for authentication. However, the authentication information is not limited to this, and any information that can be used for authenticating an individual can be used. For example, an ID and a password may be set in the imaging device, and the individual may be authenticated by receiving the ID and password from the user during personal authentication. Alternatively, instead of this ID, any information for distinguishing the user may be registered in association with the password. For example, the external authentication information acquisition unit 602 may acquire the results of personal authentication performed by an external device, thereby authenticating that the photographer is the user.

[0074] The camera 100 according to this embodiment has the same appearance, cross-sectional view, and hardware configuration as those of embodiment 1. Furthermore, the camera 100 according to this embodiment has the same functional configuration as that shown in Fig. 4 except that it includes an authentication unit 600, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0075] The authentication unit 600 performs personal authentication processing and processing for acquiring information required for performing the authentication processing. The authentication unit 600 according to this embodiment includes a biometric information acquisition unit 601, an external authentication information acquisition unit 602, and an authentication information management unit 603. The biometric information acquisition unit 601 acquires biometric information of a user. In this embodiment, eye feature information is used as the biometric information. The external authentication information acquisition unit 602 acquires authentication information from outside the imaging device. The authentication information management unit 603 manages the acquired authentication information.

[0076] An example of processing performed by the camera 100 according to this embodiment when a user of the imaging device registers authentication information (eye feature amount information) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7(a).

[0077] <Registering biometric information in association with the user> In S700, the registration unit 400 starts the process of registering authentication information for the user of the imaging device. Here, the following explanation will be given assuming that the registration unit 400 acquires input indicating that the person performing the authentication information registration process is "Person A." Note that, although the explanation will be given assuming that biometric information is used as authentication information in FIG. 7(a), as described above, different authentication information such as an ID and password may also be registered and used.

[0078] In S701, the biometric information acquisition unit 601 acquires authentication information of a user. Here, the biometric information acquisition unit 601 acquires feature amount information of the eyeball of the user looking through the eyepiece 102, which is biometric information, as the authentication information.

[0079] In S702, the authentication information management unit 603 determines whether the user and authentication information can be associated and registered. For example, if the eye feature information to be registered has not yet been registered, the authentication information management unit 603 can determine that the feature information and the user can be associated and registered. Here, it is assumed that no users have been registered in advance and that it is determined that the user can be registered. If there are already registered users, the eye feature information is used to determine whether the user currently being registered is already registered, and if the user is already registered, the registration of the user is canceled.

[0080] In S703, the registration unit 400 registers the user's biometric information, and the process in Fig. 7(a) ends. Note that if anyone were able to perform this registration process, the reliability of the recorded content of the image capture device could be compromised. Therefore, a password may be set in the image capture device so that user registration is not possible unless the password is entered, thereby increasing the reliability of the recorded content.

[0081] Next, an example of processing performed by the camera 100 when a user of the imaging device performs personal authentication using eye feature amount information when setting conditions will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7(b).

[0082] <Personal authentication using biometric information and setting conditions> First, in S710, the user setting unit 450 sets the user who will set the corresponding usage conditions. Here, it is assumed that "Person A" registered by the process shown in Fig. 7(a) is set. In S711, the biometric information acquisition unit 601 acquires authentication information (here, eye feature amount information).

[0083] In S712, the authentication unit 600 performs personal authentication to determine whether the eye feature amount information acquired in S711 is eye feature amount information of "Person A" who is set as the user. In S713, the authentication unit 600 determines whether the personal authentication in S712 was successful or not, and if the personal authentication was successful, the process proceeds to S714, and if it was unsuccessful, the process in Fig. 7(b) is terminated.

[0084] In S714, the condition setting unit 410 sets the usage conditions corresponding to the user. The processing in S714 can be performed in the same manner as that described in FIG. 5(a) of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Here, it is assumed that authentication of "Person A" is successful and the location condition is set to "A Prefecture, B City." If authentication fails, the usage conditions are not set.

[0085] Next, the personal authentication process using eye feature amount information in the recording process of the user of the imaging device will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0086] <Personal authentication using biometric information and recording control during imaging> First, in S720, the imaging unit 460 captures an image. Next, in S721, the user setting unit 450 acquires information about the set user. Here, it is assumed that information about "Person A" is acquired as the user.

[0087] In S722, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether the usage conditions are met, and if so, proceeds to S723, otherwise ends the processing. In this example, the usage conditions for "Person A" are set as "A Prefecture, B City," and since the image capture location is "A Prefecture, B City," it is determined that the conditions are met.

[0088] In S723, the biometric information acquisition unit 601 acquires eye feature amount information. In S724, the authentication unit 600 performs personal authentication to determine whether the eye feature amount information acquired in S723 is biometric information of "Person A" who is set as the user.

[0089] In S725, the recording control unit 431 determines whether or not to record the captured image in association with the user information, based on the result of the personal authentication in S724. If the personal authentication is successful, the process proceeds to S726, where the recording control unit 431 records the captured image in association with the user information and ends the process. If the personal authentication is unsuccessful, the process ends without recording the captured image in association with the user information. In this embodiment, it is confirmed by biometric authentication that the photographer is "Person A" who has been set as the user, and the captured image is recorded in association with the user information.

[0090] According to this type of processing, personal authentication is performed when setting the usage conditions and when capturing an image, and only when it is confirmed that the user of the imaging device is the person in question can the photographer's information be added to the captured image in a form that guarantees its authenticity.

[0091] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which feature amount information of the user's eyeballs is used as biometric information, but any personal authentication method using biometric information may be used. For example, personal authentication may be performed using fingerprint information or voiceprint information of the user.

[0092] Camera 100 may also include an information change unit (not shown) that changes the usage conditions based on input from an external device. For example, if the imaging device is accidentally taken by someone else, there is a possibility that the user's information may be associated with and recorded in an image captured by the imaging device if the conditions are met. From this perspective, the information change unit of camera 100 may acquire new usage conditions to be changed along with the successful personal authentication result from the external device and change the usage conditions.

[0093] In addition, in the present embodiment, the user setting unit 450 sets a user and performs personal authentication by comparing the acquired authentication information with authentication information associated with the set user. However, this process is not particularly limited to this as long as it is possible to perform comparison with registered users. For example, if the acquired registration information matches the authentication information of any of the registered users, personal authentication may be considered successful, and the process of S714 or S726 may be executed.

[0094] Furthermore, any person may be able to register a user to an imaging device, and restrictions on registration may be set to improve security. For example, the user registration process for an imaging device may be started when a predetermined condition is met, such as "entering a password set in the imaging device" or "connecting a dongle to the imaging device" before registering the user.

[0095] (Embodiment 3) The camera 100 according to the second embodiment performs personal authentication at the time of registration, condition setting, and image capture, and controls the process of recording the user's information in association with the captured image depending on whether the personal authentication is successful. This prevents anyone other than the user from recording the user's information in association with the captured image. The camera 100 according to the present embodiment sets second usage conditions and controls the functions of the imaging device depending on whether the second usage conditions are met. An example of such processing will be described below. The camera 100 according to the present embodiment has a similar configuration to that according to the second embodiment and can execute similar processing, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0096] The condition setting unit 410 according to this embodiment sets second usage conditions. Specific examples of the second usage conditions will be described later, but they are usage conditions for the imaging device that are set in the same manner as the usage conditions in the first embodiment (hereinafter, these may be referred to as "first usage conditions" to distinguish them from the second usage conditions). The second usage conditions may be the same as the first usage conditions, or may be set separately from the first usage conditions. The condition determination unit 420 can determine whether the second usage conditions are satisfied, similar to the processing for the first usage conditions.

[0097] The function control unit 432 according to this embodiment controls the functions of the camera 100 depending on whether the second usage condition is satisfied. For example, the function control unit 432 can restrict the functions of the camera 100 when the second usage condition is not satisfied. Restricting the functions of the camera 100 may mean, for example, stopping the image capturing function. Such control (restriction) of functions will be described below with specific examples.

[0098] For example, the effect of controlling the functions of the imaging device can be confirmed in the following cases. (1) If the usage time agreed upon when renting the imaging device has expired (2) If the imaging device is used by a user other than the user who signed the rental contract. (3) If the imaging device is stolen

[0099] Controlling the functions of the imaging device may mean, for example, controlling the device so that it cannot perform imaging processing (stopping or restricting the imaging function). The functions of the imaging device controlled here are not limited to the imaging function, and may include, for example, "prohibiting recording of captured images," "prohibiting uploading of data to the cloud," or "prohibiting display of setting information for the imaging device" when the following conditions are not met.

[0100] In the case of (1), for example, the condition setting unit 410 sets a time-related condition in advance (for example, when a rental contract for the imaging device is concluded). When the imaging device no longer satisfies such a time-related condition, the function control unit 432 can stop the imaging function of the imaging device. The conditions used here may also include a location-related condition.

[0101] In the case of (2), for example, the camera 100 registers the eye feature amount information of the user in advance (for example, when the rental contract for the imaging device is concluded). If the authentication unit 600 determines that the user of the imaging device is not the registered user, the function control unit 432 can stop the imaging function of the imaging device.

[0102] In the case of (3), for example, the condition setting unit 410 sets a condition related to a location in advance. If the imaging device no longer satisfies the condition related to the location, the function control unit 432 can stop the imaging function of the imaging device, assuming that the imaging device may have been stolen. The conditions used here may also include a condition related to time.

[0103] (Embodiment 4) The camera 100 according to this embodiment acquires authentication information and identifies the user of the camera 100 based on the authentication information. Next, when capturing an image, if the user is identified based on the authentication information, the camera 100 controls the recording process to record the user's information in association with the captured image, and if the user is not identified and the usage conditions are met, the camera 100 controls the recording process to record the user's information corresponding to the usage conditions in association with the captured image. The camera 100 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0104] The camera 100 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as that according to the second embodiment and can execute the same processes, so a redundant description will be omitted. The authentication unit 600 according to this embodiment identifies the user of the camera 100 based on authentication information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 601. Here, it is assumed that the user and the authentication information are associated and registered in advance by the process shown in FIG. 7(a). Identification based on the authentication information from the pre-registered user can be performed using any general authentication process, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Alternatively, the authentication unit 600 may set a user to be authenticated as in S710, and identify the user of the camera 100 by determining whether the authentication information associated with the user matches the biometric information acquisition unit 601.

[0105] When the user has not been identified based on the authentication information and the usage conditions are met, the recording control unit 431 controls the recording process so that the captured image is recorded in association with user information corresponding to the usage conditions. Furthermore, when the user has not been identified based on the authentication information and the usage conditions are not met, the recording control unit 431 does not associate the user information with the captured image. An example of such processing performed by the camera 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0106] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing according to whether or not a user can be identified, performed by the camera 100 according to this embodiment. Note that in this embodiment, the usage conditions are set in advance by the condition setting unit 410, as in the first embodiment.

[0107] In S800, the biometric information acquisition unit 601 acquires authentication information. This process can be executed in the same manner as in S711.

[0108] In S801, the authentication unit 600 identifies the user of the imaging device based on the authentication information acquired in S800. In S802, the authentication unit 600 determines whether the user has been identified, and if the user has been identified, the process proceeds to S803, and if the user has not been identified, the process proceeds to S804. In S803, the recording control unit 431 sets the information of the user identified in S801 to be recorded in association with the captured image, and the process of Fig. 8 ends. When a captured image is captured with these settings, the captured image is recorded in association with the information of the user identified in S801.

[0109] In S804, the condition determination unit 420 determines whether the usage conditions are satisfied, and if satisfied, the process proceeds to S805, and if not, the process proceeds to S806. Here, the condition determination unit 420 can determine whether the usage conditions are satisfied by determining whether any of the pre-registered users satisfies the corresponding usage conditions, based on various information used to determine the usage conditions, such as the position of the imaging device or the current time, which is acquired in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0110] In S805, the recording control unit 431 sets the information of the user whose usage conditions are determined to be satisfied in S804 to be recorded in association with the captured image, and ends the processing in Fig. 8. When a captured image is captured in this setting, the captured image is recorded in association with the information of the user whose usage conditions are determined to be satisfied in S804.

[0111] In S806, the recording control unit 431 sets the captured image so that user information is not associated with the captured image, and ends the processing in Fig. 8. When a captured image is captured in this setting, the captured image is recorded without being associated with user information.

[0112] When the camera 100 according to this embodiment captures a captured image after completing the process shown in Fig. 8, it controls the recording process, including associating user information with the captured image, in accordance with the processing result shown in Fig. 8. Here, if the user is identified based on the authentication information, control is performed so that the information of the identified user is associated with the captured image. Also, if the user is not identified and the usage conditions are satisfied, control is performed so that the information of the user corresponding to the satisfied usage conditions is associated with the captured image. Here, for example, the setting of the recording process as described in S804 to S806 may be performed before starting imaging, or may be performed when acquiring the captured image, and similarly for captured images under the same conditions.

[0113] With this configuration, the user of the imaging device is identified based on the acquired authentication information, and if the user is identified, the recording process can be controlled to record the identified user's information in association with the captured image. Furthermore, if the user is not identified and the usage conditions are met, the recording process can be controlled to record the user's information corresponding to the usage conditions in association with the captured image. This allows the user to associate the user's information corresponding to the usage conditions with the captured image even if the user cannot be identified based on the authentication information, particularly biometric information, if the usage conditions are met, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0114] As described above, the camera 100 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the camera 100 according to the second embodiment, and therefore can be configured to simultaneously execute the processes described as being performed in the first to third embodiments. For example, in addition to the processes shown in Fig. 8, the camera 100 may also control the functions of the imaging device according to the result of personal authentication.

[0115] The disclosure of this specification includes the following imaging device, information processing method, and program. (Item 1) An imaging device, an acquisition means for acquiring authentication information; an identification means for identifying a user of the imaging device based on the authentication information; a setting means for setting a first usage condition of the imaging device; When the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user has been identified by the identification means, the imaging device controls the image to be recorded in association with information about the user, and When the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user is not identified by the identification means and the first usage condition is satisfied, the image captured by the imaging device is controlled so as to be recorded in association with the user information corresponding to the first usage condition. a first control means; An imaging device comprising: (Item 2) 2. The imaging device according to item 1, wherein the first usage conditions include conditions related to the state of the imaging device. (Item 3) 3. The imaging device according to item 2, characterized in that the first usage conditions include conditions relating to the position of the imaging device, the time at which the imaging device captures an image, the subject of the imaging device, or the movement of the imaging device. (Item 4) 4. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first usage conditions include conditions related to information acquired from an external device of the imaging device. (Item 5) 5. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the setting unit sets the first usage condition for each user of the imaging device. (Item 6) 6. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the authentication information is biometric information of a user of the imaging device. (Item 7) 6. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the authentication information is a result of personal authentication of a user of the imaging device in an external device of the imaging device. (Item 8) the setting means further sets a second condition of use, 8. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a second control means for controlling the function of the imaging device depending on whether the second usage condition is satisfied. (Item 9) 9. The imaging device according to item 8, wherein the second control means restricts the functions of the imaging device when the second usage conditions are not satisfied. (Item 10) 10. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising a change unit that changes the first usage conditions based on an input from an external device of the imaging device. (Item 11) 11. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the image captured by the imaging device is a still image or a video. (Item 12) The imaging device described in any one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that when the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user is not identified by the identification means and the first usage condition is not satisfied, the first control means controls the image obtained by the capture to be recorded without being associated with user information. (Item 13) An imaging device, a setting means for setting usage conditions of the imaging device; a determination means for determining whether the usage conditions are satisfied; a control means for controlling the operation of the imaging device depending on whether the usage conditions are satisfied; An imaging device comprising: (Item 14) An information processing method using an imaging device, obtaining authentication information; identifying a user of the imaging device based on the authentication information; setting a first usage condition for the imaging device; When the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user has been identified in the identifying step, the imaging device controls the image to be recorded in association with information about the user; When the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user is not identified in the identifying step and the first usage condition is satisfied, the image captured by the imaging device is controlled so as to be recorded in association with information about the user corresponding to the first usage condition. The process and An information processing method comprising: (Item 15) An information processing method using an imaging device, setting a usage condition for the imaging device; determining whether the conditions of use are met; controlling the operation of the imaging device depending on whether the usage conditions are satisfied; An information processing method comprising: (Item 16) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device described in any one of items 1 to 13.

[0116] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0117] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 100: camera, 101: release button, 102: eyepiece, 103: operation unit, 104: operation member, 105: operation member

Claims

1. An imaging device, an acquisition means for acquiring authentication information; an identification means for identifying a user of the imaging device based on the authentication information; a setting means for setting a first usage condition of the imaging device; When the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user has been identified by the identification means, the imaging device controls the image to be recorded in association with information about the user, and When the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user is not identified by the identification means and the first usage condition is satisfied, the image captured by the imaging device is controlled so as to be recorded in association with the user information corresponding to the first usage condition. a first control means; An imaging device comprising:

2. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first usage conditions include a condition regarding a state of the imaging device.

3. The imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the first usage condition includes a condition related to a position of the imaging device, a time when the imaging device captures an image, a subject to be captured by the imaging device, or a movement of the imaging device.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the first usage conditions include conditions regarding information acquired from an external device of the imaging device.

5. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein said setting means sets said first usage condition for each user of said imaging device.

6. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information is biometric information of a user of the imaging device.

7. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information is a result of personal authentication of a user of the imaging device in an external device of the imaging device.

8. the setting means further sets a second usage condition; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising second control means for controlling functions of said imaging device depending on whether said second usage condition is satisfied.

9. 9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein the second control means restricts functions of the imaging device when the second usage conditions are not satisfied.

10. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a change unit that changes the first usage condition based on an input from an external device of the imaging device.

11. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the image captured by said imaging device is a still image or a video.

12. The imaging device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user is not identified by the identification means and the first usage condition is not satisfied, the first control means controls the image obtained by the capture to be recorded without associating it with user information.

13. An imaging device, a setting means for setting usage conditions of the imaging device; a determination means for determining whether the usage conditions are satisfied; a control means for controlling the operation of the imaging device depending on whether the usage conditions are satisfied; An imaging device comprising:

14. An information processing method using an imaging device, obtaining authentication information; identifying a user of the imaging device based on the authentication information; setting a first usage condition for the imaging device; When the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user has been identified in the identifying step, the imaging device controls the image to be recorded in association with information about the user; When the imaging device captures an image in a state where the user is not identified in the identifying step and the first usage condition is satisfied, the image captured by the imaging device is controlled so as to be recorded in association with information about the user corresponding to the first usage condition. The process and An information processing method comprising:

15. An information processing method using an imaging device, setting a usage condition for the imaging device; determining whether the conditions of use are met; controlling the operation of the imaging device depending on whether the usage conditions are satisfied; An information processing method comprising:

16. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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