Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience by reducing complication even when using a plurality of devices for authenticating and recording a photographer.SOLUTION: Registration information for identifying a user of a first imaging apparatus is acquired. The acquired registration information is held. A user of a second imaging apparatus different from the first imaging apparatus is identified on the basis of the held registration information. It is determined whether or not the registration information can be copied from the first imaging apparatus to the second imaging apparatus. When it is determined that copying is not permitted, any one of processing for acquiring the registration information, processing for holding the registration information, and processing for identification is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for a method 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, 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, when a plurality of imaging devices are used, it is cumbersome to register the photographer's information in each imaging device.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique for reducing complexity and improving convenience even when multiple devices are used to authenticate and record photographers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention comprises a first acquisition means for acquiring registration information identifying a user of a first imaging device, a storage means for storing the acquired registration information, an identification means for identifying a user of a second imaging device different from the first imaging device based on the stored registration information, a first determination means for determining whether the registration information can be copied from the first imaging device to the second imaging device, and a restriction means for restricting any one of the processes performed by the first acquisition means, the storage means, and the identification means if it is determined that the copying is not possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for reducing complexity and improving convenience even when a plurality of devices for authenticating and recording a photographer are used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A is a front perspective view of the camera 100, FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the camera 100, and FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating an operation lever. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the camera 100 cut along the YZ plane. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration within the camera 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a camera including an information processing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by the second camera. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing details of the process in S501. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing details of the process in S501 according to a modified example. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing details of the process in S501 according to a modified example. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing details of the process of S505 according to the fifth 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] [First embodiment]

[0011] The information processing device according to the first embodiment performs a process of acquiring registration information for identifying a user of a first imaging device, a process of storing the acquired registration information, and a process of identifying a user of a second imaging device different from the first imaging device based on the stored registration information. The information processing device according to the present embodiment also determines whether or not copying of the registration information is permitted, and if it determines that copying is not permitted, restricts any of the process of acquiring the registration information, the process of storing the registration information, and the process of identifying the user of the second imaging device.

[0012] An example of the appearance of a camera 100 (digital still camera; interchangeable lens camera) that is an example of an imaging device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1(a) is a front perspective view of the camera 100, and Fig. 1(b) is a rear perspective view of the camera 100. For the sake of explanation, in Fig. 1, the optical axis direction of the camera 100 is defined as the Z-axis direction, and of the two axes perpendicular to the Z-axis, the horizontal direction is defined as the X-axis and the vertical direction is defined as the Y-axis.

[0013] 1(a), camera 100 has imaging lens unit 100A and camera housing 100B. Camera housing 100B is provided with release button 101, which is an operating member that receives operational input for capturing an image from a user (photographer) of camera 100.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1(b), an eyepiece 102 (finder) through which the user looks to view a display device 214 (display panel) included in the camera housing 100B is disposed on the back of the camera housing 100B. Also disposed on the back of the camera housing 100B are operation members 103-105 that accept various operations from the user. The operation member 103 is, for example, a touch panel that accepts touch operations from the user, and the operation member 104 is, for example, an operation lever that can be pushed down in all directions as shown in FIG. 1(c). The operation member 105 is, for example, a four-way key that can be pressed in each of four directions. The operation member 103 (touch panel) is equipped with a display panel (for example, a liquid crystal panel), and various information such as images and text is displayed on the display panel.

[0015] 2 is a cross-sectional view of camera 100 cut along the YZ plane defined by the Y axis and Z axis shown in Fig. 1(a), and shows a rough internal configuration of camera 100, including the configuration related to the following description. In Fig. 2, functional units similar to those shown in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as those functional units, and descriptions of those functional units will be omitted.

[0016] The imaging lens unit 100A includes two lenses 201 and 202, an aperture 203, an aperture driver 204, a lens drive motor 205, a lens driver 206, a photocoupler 207, a pulse plate 208, a mount contact 209, and a focus adjustment circuit 210.

[0017] The lens drive member 206 includes a drive gear, and a photocoupler 207 detects the rotation of a pulse plate 208, which is linked to the lens drive member 206, and transmits the detection result to a focus adjustment circuit 210. The focus adjustment circuit 210 drives a lens drive motor 205 based on the detection result from the photocoupler 207 and information (lens drive amount information) from the camera housing 100B, moving the lens 201 and changing the focus position. The mount contact 209 is an interface for communication between the imaging lens unit 100A and the camera housing 100B. Note that, for simplicity, two lenses 201 and 202 are shown in FIG. 2, but in reality, more than two lenses are included in the imaging lens unit 100A. An aperture drive unit 204 drives and controls the aperture 203 to open and close the aperture.

[0018] The camera housing 100B includes an image sensor 211, a CPU 212, a memory unit 213, a display device 214, and a display device drive circuit 215. The image sensor 211 photoelectrically converts an image of a subject that has entered through the lenses 201 and 202 into a RAW image. The CPU 212 is a central processing unit of a microcomputer and controls the overall operation of the camera 100 using computer programs and data stored in the memory unit 213. The memory unit 213 is a memory unit that can store various information. For example, the CPU 212 performs various image processing, including development processing, on a RAW image output from the image sensor 211 to generate a captured image and stores it in the memory unit 213. The display device 214 displays various information, such as images and text. For example, the display device 214 is a liquid crystal panel that displays the captured image and various information. The display device drive circuit 215 drives and controls the display device 214. A user can view the screen of the display device 214 through the eyepiece 102.

[0019] Camera housing 100B further includes light sources 216a and 216b, a beam splitter 217, a light receiving lens 218, and an eye imaging element 219. Light sources 216a and 216b are light sources conventionally 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 from the cornea (corneal reflection image), and are light sources for illuminating eyeball 220 of a user looking through the viewfinder (eyepiece 102). For example, light sources 216a and 216b are infrared light-emitting diodes that emit infrared light that is insensitive to the user, and are arranged around eyepiece 102. An eye optical image (an optical image formed by light emitted from light sources 216a and 216b and reflected by eyeball 220), which is an optical image of the illuminated eyeball 220, passes through eyepiece 102 and is reflected by beam splitter 217. The eye optical image is then formed by the light receiving lens 218 on the eye imaging element 219, which has a two-dimensional arrangement of multiple photoelectric conversion elements (e.g., CCD or CMOS). The light receiving lens 218 positions the pupil of the eyeball 220 and the eye imaging element 219 in a conjugate imaging relationship. The line of sight of the eyeball 220 can be detected from the position of the corneal reflection image in the eye optical image formed on the eye imaging element 219, and information about the line of sight is obtained as a result of the detection. For example, the information about the line of sight may include at least one of information indicating the line of sight direction (the direction of the line of sight) and information indicating the viewpoint (the position where the line of sight is fixed) on the screen of the display device 214. The viewpoint can be regarded as the position at which the user is looking or as the line of sight position. The eye imaging element 219 then outputs the formed eye optical image (an image obtained by capturing the eyeball 220) as an eye image (an analog image signal).

[0020] Next, the electrical configuration within the camera 100 will be described using the block diagram of Fig. 3. The CPU 212 can transmit signals via the mount contacts 209 to the focus adjustment circuit 210 arranged in the imaging lens unit 100A and to the aperture control circuit 306 of the aperture drive section 204 in the imaging lens unit 100A. For example, the CPU 212 can transmit information about the lens drive amount to the focus adjustment circuit 210 via the mount contacts 209. The CPU 212 can also transmit information about the drive amount of the aperture 203 to the aperture control circuit 306 via the mount contacts 209. The CPU 212 also controls the operation of the other sections.

[0021] The memory unit 213 is a memory unit capable of storing captured images, eye images, and gaze correction parameters, which are parameters for correcting the detected gaze. The gaze detection circuit 301 A / D converts the eye image (analog image signal) output from the eye imaging element 219 when an eye optical image is formed on the eye imaging element 219 to generate an eye image, which is a digital image signal. The gaze detection circuit 301 then extracts feature points necessary for gaze detection from the eye image, which is the generated digital image signal, detects the user's gaze from the positions of the feature points, and outputs information about the gaze as a result of the detection. The gaze detection circuit 301 also stores the eye image, which is the generated digital image signal, in the memory unit 213.

[0022] The photometry circuit 302 performs predetermined processing (e.g., amplification, logarithmic compression, and A / D conversion) on the image 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.

[0023] The autofocus detection circuit 303 A / D converts output signals from multiple detection elements (multiple pixels) used for phase difference detection included in the image sensor 211, and calculates the distance to the subject corresponding to each focus detection point from the A / D converted output signals. This is a well-known technique known as image plane phase difference AF.

[0024] The signal input circuit 304 is connected to the switches SW1 and SW2 of the release button 101. The switch SW1 outputs an ON signal when the release button 101 is pressed for the first time, starting the image capture preparation operation (e.g., photometry and distance measurement) of the camera 100. The switch SW2 outputs an ON signal when the release button 101 is pressed for the second time, starting the 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. When the CPU 212 receives the ON signal from the switch SW1, it controls the operation of each unit to start the image capture preparation operation of the camera 100. When the CPU 212 receives the ON signal from the switch SW2, it controls the operation of each unit to start the image capture operation. When the switch SW1 is turned ON, line-of-sight detection may be started. The light source drive circuit 305 drives and controls the light sources 216a and 216b.

[0025] Furthermore, 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 operation from the user to CPU 212, and CPU 212 performs processing (control) according to the operation signals. For example, CPU 212 moves a frame (item, indicator) displayed at the viewpoint according to the operation signal.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Next, the processing performed by the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. The first camera and second camera described below are each a specific example of camera 100. Note that the first camera and second camera will be described as having the same hardware configuration and being able to execute the same processing, but they are not limited to such configurations as long as they are each able to execute authentication processing using the same authentication information.

[0029] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the first camera 410 and the second camera 420 according to this embodiment. Here, the information processing device according to this embodiment will be described as being built into the second camera 420 and controlling each process, but the information processing device does not need to be built into the second camera as long as it can control the processes in the second camera 420. For example, the information processing device according to this embodiment may be a server device and control both the first camera and the second camera. In the following, it is assumed that the information processing device executes some or all of the processes controlled by the second camera 420.

[0030] 4 function by the CPU 212 electrically controlling each part of the camera 100. Note that, hereinafter, when the term "each camera" is used, it collectively refers to the first camera 410 and the second camera 420 shown in FIG.

[0031] The first camera 410 includes a first registration information holding unit (holding unit) 401, an output unit 403, and a first copy permission determination unit (determination unit) 405. The second camera 420 includes a second registration information holding unit (holding unit) 402, an input unit 404, an authentication unit 406, and a second copy permission determination unit (determination unit) 407.

[0032] The storage unit 401 stores registration information for identifying a user in the first camera 410. The registration information may include identification information such as biometric information used to identify a user by iris, as described below. The registration information may also include contact information such as a name, an email address, or a telephone number, or official document information for verifying the user's identity. Such registration information may be used to identify a user in S505, as described below, or may be used when adding a name or other photographer information to a captured image.

[0033] The output unit 403 outputs various information including the registration information to the second camera 420. The output unit 403 can output, for example, the location information of the first camera 410 acquired using the location receiving unit 308 of the second camera to the second camera 420. The determination unit 405 determines whether or not the authentication information can be copied. The determination of whether or not copying is permitted by the determination unit 405 is the same as the processing by the determination unit 407, and will be described in detail later.

[0034] The input unit 404 acquires registration information for identifying the user of the first camera 410. The input unit 404 according to this embodiment can acquire the registration information stored in the storage unit 401 of the first camera 410. The storage unit 402 stores the registration information acquired by the input unit 404. Here, the storage unit 402 can store the registration information after adding a flag indicating that the registration information is copied when copying the registration information.

[0035] The authentication unit 406 identifies the user of the second camera 420 based on the registration information held in the holding unit 402. Here, the authentication unit 406 can identify the user by comparing the biometric information of the user of the second camera 420 with the registration information. As the biometric information, for example, an image of the eyeball 220 of the operator operating the camera captured by the eye imaging element 219 may be used to identify the user by calculating the similarity by known iris authentication using a registered iris.

[0036] The determination unit 407 determines whether the authentication information can be copied. "Whether or not copying is permitted" refers to whether or not the authentication information used in the authentication process in the first camera 410 can be copied (replicated) and used in the process in the second camera 420. For example, the determination unit 407 can determine whether or not copying is permitted based on the position information of the first camera and the position information of the second camera. The determination of whether or not copying is permitted may be performed by the determination unit 407, the determination unit 405, or both. For example, the determination unit 405 and the determination unit 407 may perform a determination process to determine whether or not copying of the authentication information is permitted based on different conditions, and if either or both of the conditions are satisfied, the authentication information may be determined as being permitted to be copied as a whole. For example, the determination unit 405 may acquire the position information of the second camera 420 and determine whether or not copying is permitted based on the position information of the first camera and the position information of the second camera. Note that the determination process described below with reference to Figure 6 is just one example, and whether or not the authentication information can be copied may be determined based on any condition that can be set as allowing copying of the authentication information when certain conditions are met.

[0037] When it is determined that copying of the authentication information is not permitted, the determination unit 407 restricts the copy process. The determination unit 407 may restrict the copy process by, for example, stopping any of the process of acquiring the registration information by the input unit 404, the process of storing the registration information by the storage unit 402, and the process of identifying the user of the second camera 420 by the authentication unit 406.

[0038] The process of the camera 100 according to this embodiment for a user of the imaging device to perform registration and condition setting will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 5. The example of FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the process of acquiring registration information by the input unit 404 is stopped when the determination unit 407 determines that copying of authentication information is not permitted. The process illustrated in FIG. 5 is started, for example, when the first camera 410 and the second camera 420 are in a transmission / reception standby state and the operator instructs transmission / reception of user information using the touch panel. Here, for example, the operator can use the touch panel of the operation member 103 to set the first camera to a user information transmission state and the second camera to a user information reception state.

[0039] In S501, the determination unit 407 determines whether or not the authentication information can be copied. Details of S501 will be described later with reference to Fig. 6. In S502, the determination unit 407 branches the process depending on whether or not the authentication information can be copied. Here, if the authentication information can be copied, the process proceeds to S503, and if not, the process in Fig. 5 ends.

[0040] In S503, the input unit 404 acquires registration information for identifying the user of the first camera 410. In S504, the storage unit 402 stores the registration information acquired in S503.

[0041] In S505, the authentication unit 406 identifies the user of the second camera 420 based on the registration information held in S504. Here, the authentication unit 406 acquires biometric information of the user of the second camera 420 and performs identification by comparing it with the registration information held in S504.

[0042] Next, the process of determining whether copying is permitted in S501 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by second camera 420 or first camera 410 (here, the description will be given assuming that the processing is by second camera 420).

[0043] In S601, the input unit 404 acquires the position information of each camera. Here, the input unit 404 acquires the GPS position information acquired via the position receiving unit 308 for each camera.

[0044] In S602, the determination unit 407 calculates the distance between the first camera 410 and the second camera 420 based on the position information acquired in S601, and determines whether the distance is within a predetermined threshold. If the distance is within the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to S603; if not, the process proceeds to S604. In S603, the determination unit 407 determines that copying of the registered information is possible, and ends the process in FIG. 6. In S604, the determination unit 407 determines that copying of the registered information is not possible, and ends the process in FIG. 6. At this time, information including the fact that copying of the registered information is not possible may be output to the memory unit 213.

[0045] According to this processing, even when multiple imaging devices are used, the registration information of a user in a first imaging device can be copied and used in a second imaging device to identify the user. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to separately register registration information in each imaging device, reducing the hassle. In particular, by allowing the registration information to be copied when the first camera position information and the second camera position information are within a predetermined threshold, it becomes possible to copy the registration information to the second camera when it is determined that the possibility of spoofing or interception is low because the two cameras are close to each other (e.g., in the same space). Therefore, it is possible to easily register photographers while reducing the risk of unauthorized copying of registration information, thereby improving the convenience of information processing devices.

[0046] (Variation 1) Next, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the first camera 410 and the second camera 420 are close to each other based on the position information of each of the cameras, and whether or not the authentication information can be copied is determined based on the result of such determination. On the other hand, in this modification, a determination is made as to whether or not the cameras are close to each other based on whether or not communication is possible between the first camera 410 and the second camera 420. The processing according to this modification can be executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that instead of the processing according to S601 to S602, a determination is made as to whether or not the cameras are close to each other based on whether or not communication is possible as described above.

[0047] Determination unit 407 can determine whether first camera 410 and second camera 420 are close to each other based on the communication strength of communication between the first camera and the second camera via short-range communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example. Determination unit 407 may determine that the cameras are close to each other and that registration information can be copied when measurable communication strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or may determine that the cameras are close to each other and that registration information can be copied when a signal for measuring whether communication is possible is receivable.

[0048] According to the processing of this modified example, even in a situation where the absolute positions of the first and second cameras cannot be measured, it is possible to determine whether the two cameras are nearby based on the communication status of short-range communication, and to determine whether or not the registration information can be copied.

[0049] (Variation 2) Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first modification, whether the cameras are close to each other is determined based on whether short-range communication between the cameras is possible. In this modification, on the other hand, the content displayed on the first camera is captured by the second camera, and if it is determined that the displayed information matches the information contained in the captured image, the cameras are determined to be close to each other.

[0050] Details of the process of S501 in this modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The process according to this modified example can be executed in the same way as in the first embodiment, except that the content of S501 is different.

[0051] In S701, the second camera displays an instruction to capture, with the second camera, a code representing a numerical value specific to the first camera that is stored in advance in memory unit 213 and displayed on display device 214 present in the first camera. The display format of this code is not limited as long as it can be a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode, etc., as long as it can be recognized by capturing an image.

[0052] In S702, the input unit 404 acquires the image capturing operation of the second camera 420. Here, the second camera 420 transmits the captured image by the image capturing operation or information on the code recognized in the captured image to the first camera, and the process proceeds to S703.

[0053] In S703, it is determined whether the above-mentioned numerical value specific to the first camera matches the code recognized in the captured image acquired by the second camera in S702. If it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to S704; if not, the process proceeds to S705. Here, it is assumed that the determination is made in the first camera and the determination result is transmitted to the second camera 420, but the determination may also be made in the second camera 420 using similar information. In S704, the determination unit 407 determines that copying of the registration information is possible, and the process in FIG. 7 ends. In S705, the determination unit 407 determines that copying of the registration information is not possible, and the process in FIG. 7 ends.

[0054] According to the processing of this modified example, even in a situation where the distance between the cameras cannot be measured, it is guaranteed that the first camera and the second camera are physically close to each other, thereby reducing the risk of illegal copying of registration information.

[0055] In S701, the information displayed on the first camera is a unique code stored in the camera, but it may also be a code generated randomly each time. Using a predetermined code here has the effect of further reducing the risk of unauthorized copying.

[0056] (Variation 3) Next, a third modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first and second modifications, it was determined that copying of the registration information was possible when it was confirmed that each camera was nearby. On the other hand, in this modification, whether copying of the registration information is possible is determined depending on whether the first camera and the second camera are in a specific location.

[0057] In this embodiment, it is assumed that a range of corresponding positions (corresponding range) for enabling copying is set in advance for each camera. Here, the corresponding range may be, for example, within the company that owns the camera, thereby allowing copying of registered information only within the company, thereby preventing the camera from being taken out and the registered information from being copied. Note that, here, it is assumed that the corresponding range for each camera is set as a common range, but the corresponding range may be different between the first camera 410 and the second camera 420.

[0058] The processing in this modified example can be executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that instead of the processing related to S601 to S602, a determination is made as to whether the position of each camera is within the corresponding range as described above, and if it is within the corresponding range, it is determined that the registration information can be copied.

[0059] The input unit 404 according to this modification further acquires the corresponding range of the first camera 410. If the corresponding range is common to each camera, the process of acquiring the corresponding range may be omitted. Furthermore, the determination unit 407 according to this modification can determine that copying of registration information is possible when it is determined that both the first camera 410 and the second camera 420 are within the corresponding range. Here, coordinates are specified as the corresponding range, and when the distance from the specification is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the camera is within the corresponding range.

[0060] Note that, although the description has been given assuming that the determination as to whether each camera is present within the corresponding range is performed by determination unit 407 of second camera 420, the determination as to whether first camera 410 is present within the corresponding range may be performed by first camera 410, and the determination result may be transmitted to second camera 420. Furthermore, the entire process may be performed within first camera 410.

[0061] According to the process of this modified example, it is possible to reduce the risk of the camera being taken out and the registration information being illegally copied.

[0062] (Variation 4) Next, a fourth modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first to third modifications, whether or not the registered information can be copied is determined based on the position of each camera, such as the relative positions of the cameras or the location of each camera. In contrast, in this modification, a constraint is set on the time required for the operation to copy the registered information, and whether or not the registered information can be copied is determined based on whether or not the operation is performed within the set time constraint. Hereinafter, the time set aside for such an operation will be referred to as the "time constraint."

[0063] In this embodiment, the time limit is stored in advance in the memory unit 213 of the first camera 410 or the second camera 420. The time required for performing a copy operation in this modified example is the time from when an instruction to start copying registered information is given on the first camera to when an instruction to start copying is given on the second camera. Here, a time limit that is considered necessary and sufficient for performing such an operation is set as the time limit to prevent the registered information from being copied to a camera not intended by the operator. The time limit is, for example, 30 seconds, but can be set arbitrarily depending on the user's settings, environment, etc.

[0064] The processing in this modified example can be executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that instead of the processing related to S601 to S602, a determination is made as to whether the time required to perform the copy operation as described above exceeds the time limit, and if the copy operation is completed before the time limit is exceeded, it is determined that the registered information can be copied.

[0065] In S501, in this embodiment, the input unit 404 acquires the time constraint. The input unit 404 also acquires a first time, measured by the timer 309, when the first camera 410 accepts a copy operation by the operator. The input unit 404 can also acquire a second time, measured by the timer 309, when the operator accepts an operation to select the second camera 420 as the copy destination camera. Next, the determination unit 407 can determine that copying of the registered information is possible if the difference between the first time and the second time is within the time constraint. Here, the determination unit 407 can determine that copying of the registered information is not possible if the difference between the first time and the second time exceeds the time constraint or if the second time cannot be acquired.

[0066] Note that, although the description has been given here assuming that each process is executed in the second camera 420, if it is determined whether or not the registration information can be copied in a similar manner, the second time may be transmitted to the first camera 410 and each process may be executed in the first camera 410. Furthermore, if the time limit has elapsed from the time the copy operation in the first camera was accepted until the operation to select the second camera 420 as the copy destination camera is accepted, each process may be terminated at that point.

[0067] According to the process of this modified example, it is difficult to move the camera, and therefore the risk of illegal copying of registration information can be reduced.

[0068] (Variation 5) Next, a fifth modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the fourth modification, whether or not copying is permitted is determined based on the time constraints imposed on the operation of copying the registered information. On the other hand, in this modification, whether or not copying is permitted is determined based on whether or not the first operator operating the first camera and the second operator operating the second camera are the same person. In the following example, whether or not the first operator and the second operator are the same person is determined by comparing the eye images acquired by each camera.

[0069] In this modified example, first camera 410 and second camera 420 are assumed to be in a state where they can perform short-distance communication using their respective communication units 307. The processing in this modified example can be executed in the same way as in the first embodiment, except that instead of the processing in S601 to S602, it is determined whether the operators of the cameras are the same person as described above, and if they are the same person, it is determined that the registration information can be copied.

[0070] The input unit 404 acquires a first eye image captured by the eye image sensor 219 of the first camera 410, capturing an image of the operator's eye, and a second eye image captured by the second camera 420. Next, the determination unit 407 according to this modification determines whether the first person using the first camera 410 and the second person using the second camera 420 are the same person based on the first and second eye images. If the determination unit 407 determines that the persons are the same person, it can determine that the registered information can be copied. Here, it is assumed that the first and second persons are determined to be the same person when a degree of matching (similarity) equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is obtained by matching multiple eye images using a commonly used matching technique. However, such processing is not necessary as long as person matching can be performed based on images. For example, each camera may acquire a facial image of the operator, and a determination as to whether the operators match based on the facial image may be performed.

[0071] According to the process of this modified example, it is difficult for anyone other than the authorized user to copy the registration information, thereby reducing the risk of illegal copying of the registration information.

[0072] (Variation 6) Next, a sixth modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the fifth modification, whether or not copying of the registration information is possible is determined based on whether or not the operators of the first camera and the second camera are the same person. On the other hand, in this modification, it is determined whether or not the operation content displayed on the first camera and the operation content performed on the second camera are the same, and if they are the same, it is determined that copying of the registration information is possible.

[0073] In this modified example, the first camera and the second camera are assumed to be in a state where they can perform short-distance communication using their respective communication units 307. The processing in this modified example can be executed in the same way as in the first embodiment, except that instead of the processing in steps S601 to S602, it is determined whether the operations performed on each camera are the same as described above, and if they are the same, it is determined that the registration information can be copied.

[0074] The input unit 404 according to this modification acquires the operation content to be performed by the operator, which is displayed on the display device 214 of the first camera 410. Here, the operation content to be performed by the operator is, for example, a specified operation specification such as "Please press the up switch of the second camera 420" or "Please input a string of specified numbers or symbols." The determination unit 407 acquires the operation content by the operator (for example, via the operation member 105) accepted by the second camera 420, and determines whether or not the acquired operation content to be performed by the operator matches. Next, the determination unit 407 determines that the registered information can be copied if they match, and can determine that the registered information cannot be copied if they do not match.

[0075] Also, although the explanation here has been given assuming that each process is executed in the second camera 420, if it is determined whether or not the registration information can be copied in a similar manner, the operation content performed in the second camera 420 may be transmitted to the first camera 410, and the first camera may determine whether or not the operation content matches.

[0076] Here, a time limit may be set from when the operation content to be performed by the operator is displayed on display device 214 until the operation on second camera 420 is acquired. For example, determination unit 407 may determine that the registered information cannot be copied if no operation corresponding to the operation content has been performed even after a predetermined time limit has elapsed since the time when the operation content to be performed by the operator was displayed on display device 214. Furthermore, in addition to the above-described condition that the operation content instructed on the first camera matches the operation content performed on the second camera, the condition that the operator performs the same operation on the first camera and the operation content on the first camera also match may be set as a condition for allowing copying of the registered information.

[0077] In addition, although the description has been given assuming that one type of operation is specified as the operation content to be performed by the operator, multiple types of operations may be specified. In this case, it may be determined that copying of the registered information is possible if all of the operation content matches, or it may be determined that copying of the registered information is possible if only a part (e.g., any one) of the operation content matches. Furthermore, the operation content to be performed by the operator may be a complex operation including multiple single operations, such as specifying the pressing of specified operation members in a specified order, or, if the operation member is a rotating member, specifying the number of rotations and the direction of rotation in order.

[0078] Furthermore, the operation content and procedure specified as the operation content to be performed by the operator may be different for each individual camera, and may be different each time, without being limited to a specific operation. By making the operation content different for each individual camera, or by making the operation content different each time a copy process is performed, the risk of illegal copying can be further reduced.

[0079] According to the process of this modified example, it is possible to reduce the risk of registration information being illegally copied remotely.

[0080] (Variation 7) Next, a seventh modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the sixth modification, the combination of the first camera and the second camera is restricted based on the operation content on the camera. On the other hand, in this modification, it is confirmed that each camera is a pair of cameras from which registration information can be copied based on the identification information of each camera and the group identification information.

[0081] The first camera 410 according to this modification stores individual identification information, which has a number unique to the camera, in the memory unit 213. The first camera 410 also stores group identification information, which has the same number within a specific group with which the camera is associated, such as the company that owns the camera or the filming crew. The individual identification information and group identification information according to this modification are authenticated by a specific certification authority, making it possible to check whether the information has been tampered with. This specific certification authority may be a public certification authority or, for example, a private certification authority operated within the company. The second camera 420 according to this modification also stores individual identification information and group identification information.

[0082] The processing according to this modification can be executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that, instead of the processing according to S601 to S602, a determination is made as to whether the individual identification information or group identification information held by each camera is identical, and if they are identical, it is determined that the registration information can be copied. For example, the determination unit 407 can read the group identification information of the first camera 410 and the second camera 420, and determine that the registration information can be copied if they are identical. Furthermore, the determination unit 407 can determine that copying is not permitted if the group identification information differs between the cameras, or if neither of the cameras holds group identification information.

[0083] According to the process of this modified example, it is possible to reduce the risk of registration information being illegally copied to an unregistered camera.

[0084] (Variation 8) Next, an eighth modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the seventh modification, information indicating the groups to which the first camera and the second camera belong is registered in advance, and if it is determined that the first camera and the second camera belong to the same group based on such information, copying of the registered information is permitted. On the other hand, in this modification, whether or not copying of the registered information is permitted is determined using a token.

[0085] The user information registered in the first camera 410 according to this modification includes the user's contact information, such as an email address or a phone number. The first camera 410 or the second camera 420 according to this modification can transmit a one-time password to the contact information registered in the user information and can accept input of the transmitted one-time password by the operator. Here, the determination unit 407 according to this modification determines whether the transmitted one-time password matches the password entered by the operator, and if they match, can determine that copying of the registered information is permitted. Furthermore, if the transmitted one-time password does not match the password entered by the operator, or if no password is entered by the operator, the determination unit 407 determines that copying of the registered information is not permitted.

[0086] The processing in this modified example can be executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, except that instead of the processing related to S601 to S602, a determination is made as to whether the one-time passwords match as described above, and if they match, it is determined that the registration information can be copied.

[0087] Although the explanation here is based on the use of a one-time password, this is not limited to this as long as the process uses information known only to the user. For example, a secret question can be set, the question displayed on the first camera, and the answer entered on the second camera.

[0088] According to the process of this modified example, even if the copy source or copy destination camera is illegally taken out, the risk of illegal copying of registration information can be reduced.

[0089] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The information processing device according to the first embodiment determines whether or not to allow copying of registered information based on the distance between cameras or the operation of the cameras. On the other hand, the information processing device according to this embodiment limits the information to be copied when copying registered information.

[0090] The registration information stored in the storage unit 401 according to this embodiment includes all or part of the user's eye image information, name, contact information such as email address or telephone number, and official document information verifying the user's identity. In this embodiment, when copying registration information from the first camera to the second camera, the camera operator can select which of the registration information can be copied. For example, if the copyable information is limited to only eye images and names, the photographer information added to the image captured by the second camera can be limited to the name alone. Furthermore, by including official document information in the copyable information, the user can have the option of adding sufficient information to verify the user's identity to the photographer information added by the second camera.

[0091] The information processing device according to this embodiment includes a setting unit (not shown) that sets the registered information to be copied to the second camera 420 from among the registered information stored in the storage unit 401. The setting unit according to this embodiment sets the registered information to be copied based on an input by the operator via the operation member 103, and can store the setting content in the storage unit 401 or 402. In this case, the input unit 404 acquires only the registered information that has been set by the setting unit as the information to be copied. This processing may be performed on the first camera 410 side, with output by the output unit 403 being restricted, or may be performed on the second camera 420 side.

[0092] The process of copying registered information after selecting an object to copy according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. The process of Fig. 9 is executed when the operator inputs an operation to instruct copying of registered information (for example, when an operation UI is displayed on the display device 214 of the first camera and the operator of the camera gives an instruction using the touch panel of the operation member 103).

[0093] In S801, the setting unit acquires information indicating the target of the registration information to be copied from the first camera 410 to the second camera 420, for example, based on an input via the touch panel of the operation member 103. In S802, the determination unit 405 determines whether the operator performing the copy operation of the registration information and the person registered in the registration information to be copied are the same person. Here, the determination unit 405 can determine whether they are the same person by comparing the eye image information included in the registration information with the eye image of the camera operator.

[0094] In S803, the determination unit 405 proceeds to S804 if it is determined based on the determination result in S802 that they are the same person, and if not, ends the processing in Fig. 8. Here, as described above, it is possible to use the similarity (degree of matching) of the eye images calculated from the two images and determine that they are the same person if it exceeds a threshold, for example.

[0095] In S804, the determination unit 405 determines that the information set in S801 among the registered information is copyable and copies it.

[0096] According to this process, even if the registration information is copied from the copy destination camera to another camera, the range of the registration information can be limited, thereby reducing the impact of illegal copying.

[0097] Although the setting of the items to be copied from the registered information has been described as being performed when copying the registered information, it may also be performed when the user of the camera registers the registered information. That is, when registering the registered information in advance, information indicating whether each item included in the registered information is copyable may be obtained, and the information may be stored in the storage unit 401 or 402 together with the registered information.

[0098] 8, in S802 and S803, it is determined whether the operator matches the person registered in the registration information, but such processing is not particularly essential. Also, in the example of Fig. 8, a description has been given of matching based on eye image information, but as long as matching of people can be performed, the processing is not particularly limited to this, and for example, a password may be set and the password may be required to be entered when copying.

[0099] (Variation 1) Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the information to be copied is restricted by setting the target of copying among the registered information. On the other hand, in the first modification, the range of the registered information to be copied is set according to the degree of matching between the registered eye image information and the eye image information acquired from the user. In the first modification,

[0100] The setting unit according to this modification sets the threshold used to determine the similarity in step S803 in multiple stages (two stages in this example) and sets the range of registered information to be copied based on the determination result using these two thresholds. For example, if the calculated similarity is higher than a predetermined first threshold and lower than a second threshold higher than the first threshold, the setting unit can impose a restriction such that only the registered user's name is to be copied. Furthermore, if the similarity is higher than the second threshold, the setting unit can set, in addition to the user's name, information that more strongly indicates the user's identity, such as the registered user's driver's license number, as the target to be copied. Note that, although the threshold is set in two stages here, the number of stages is not particularly limited as long as the range of registered information to be set as the target to be copied changes depending on the stage.

[0101] According to the process of this modified example, even if someone spoofs the camera user, the risk of the registration information being leaked can be reduced.

[0102] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which a determination is made as to whether registration information held in the holding unit 401 can be copied to the holding unit 402, and copying of the registration information is controlled. On the other hand, the information processing device according to this embodiment sets a predetermined condition (holding condition) for the holding unit 402 to continue holding the copied registration information, and when the holding condition is no longer satisfied, the copied registration information is erased. By such processing, the copied registration information can be limited to temporary use, thereby improving security.

[0103] The holding condition according to this embodiment may be, for example, a state in which first camera 410 and second camera 420 are continuously in close proximity. Here, the determination for determining whether each camera is in close proximity will be described as using the process based on whether short-range communication is possible, which was used in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, but a different determination, such as that used in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1, may also be adopted. Furthermore, the holding condition may be, for example, until a predetermined period (e.g., one week) has elapsed, or other conditions may be set.

[0104] Hereinafter, the process of whether to retain or delete registered information by the retaining unit 402 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. The process shown in Fig. 9 starts when, for example, registered information acquired by the input unit 404 is retained by the retaining unit 402.

[0105] In S901, the holding unit 402 determines whether the first camera 410 and the second camera 420 are close to each other. Here, the holding unit 402 determines whether each camera is capable of short-distance communication. If short-distance communication is possible, the process proceeds to S902, and if short-distance communication is not possible, the process proceeds to S903.

[0106] In S902, the storage unit 402 stores the copied registration information and returns the process to S901. In S903, the storage unit 402 deletes the copied registration information and ends the process in Fig. 9. When the copied registration information is deleted, the authentication unit 406 will no longer perform authentication using the deleted registration information.

[0107] The process of this embodiment reduces the risk of unauthorized copying of registration information from a copy destination camera to another camera. In particular, when short-range communication between a first camera and a second camera becomes impossible, it is determined that the cameras are separated, and the period for retaining the copied registration information has elapsed, and the registration information can be deleted.

[0108] As described above, if it is possible to determine that each camera is nearby, the determination may be made using information other than short-range wireless communication. For example, whether each camera is nearby may be determined based on the proximity of each camera to a device other than a camera, such as a user's smartphone or smartwatch. Furthermore, as the predetermined retention condition, any of the predetermined conditions that allow the authentication information to be copied, as described in the first embodiment and the modified example of the first embodiment, may be used.

[0109] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the information processing device according to this embodiment, when a captured image is saved in the second camera 420, the photographer information includes information indicating that the image has been authenticated using the copied registration information.

[0110] As described in the first and second embodiments, the user's registration information is copied from the first camera to the second camera, and the copied registration information is stored in the storage unit 402. In addition, a flag indicating that the registration information is copied is associated with the registration information stored in the storage unit 402 when the registration information is copied. The second camera 420 has a recording unit, and writes captured images and information accompanying the images to the memory unit 213. This process is controlled by the CPU 212, and various information is written to the memory unit 213.

[0111] In this embodiment, the process of recording the captured image, the registration information of the photographer, and the information indicating that the registration information is copied is executed in the second camera mainly by the memory unit 213 and the CPU 212. The process described below according to the fourth embodiment is started when, for example, the operator presses the release button 101 of the second camera.

[0112] When the release button 101 is pressed, image processing such as imaging processing, which converts light received by the image sensor 211 into an electrical signal, and image processing such as development processing and encoding processing are performed within the camera to generate image data. Then, along with the generation of image data, the generation of registration information for the photographer is also performed as follows: When the release button 101 is pressed, an image of the eye 220 is captured by the eye image sensor 219 and sent to the CPU 212. The CPU 212 collates the captured eye image with the registration information held in the holding unit 402 to authenticate the photographer. If the photographer is authenticated, the captured image and the registration information for the authenticated photographer stored in the holding unit 402 are read out.

[0113] Next, the recording unit associates the acquired image data, the photographer's registration information, and a flag indicating that the registration information has been copied, and records these in the memory unit 213.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the description has been given of recording information indicating that registration information used for photographer authentication has been copied in association with the captured image. However, the information recorded in association with the captured image is not limited to this, and for example, some or all of the information identifying the individual camera from which the copy was made, the information used for determination by the determination unit 407 or 405, and the authentication level when the photographer was authenticated may be recorded in association with the captured image.

[0115] According to the processing of this embodiment, it becomes possible to verify the authenticity of the photographer.

[0116] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a method will be described in which the authentication unit 406 of the second camera 420 performs authentication using the registration information and eye image information copied from the first camera 410, and the first authentication is performed more strictly than in the first embodiment.

[0117] Details of S505 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. In S1001, the authentication unit 406 sets the similarity threshold used when determining whether authentication is successful when comparing the registration information held in S504 with the eye image acquired by the second camera 420 to a second threshold that is a predetermined value higher than the initially set first threshold. Setting the threshold higher allows for stricter identity verification.

[0118] Next, in S1002, the authentication unit 406 compares the registration information held in S505 with the eye image acquired by the second camera 420, and determines whether the calculated similarity is equal to or greater than the second threshold set in S1001, i.e., whether authentication of the user has been successful. If authentication has been successful, the process proceeds to S1003, and if authentication has not been successful, the process in FIG. 12 ends.

[0119] In S1003, the authentication unit 406 sets the threshold value for matching to the initial first threshold value, and ends the process. In S1004, the authentication unit 406 deletes the registration information held in S504.

[0120] In this embodiment, the threshold for matching is set higher than a predetermined value, thereby realizing a process for performing strict authentication for the first time after copying registration information. For example, as another method for realizing this process, a method for performing strict authentication that prevents spoofing by acquiring eye images by instructing various gaze directions when acquiring eye images and performing authentication may be considered. Furthermore, a threshold higher than the first threshold described above may be used not only for the first authentication but also for multiple authentications.

[0121] According to the process of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that someone other than the registered user of the camera will use copied registration information.

[0122] [Other embodiments] In the embodiments described so far, the matching is performed using eye image information in particular, but a different matching method may be used as long as it is possible to match a person. For example, a person may be matched using other biometric information such as fingerprint information.

[0123] As described above, various controls depending on whether or not the authentication information can be copied may be performed by controlling the output unit 403 of the first camera, or by controlling the input unit 404, the holding unit 402, or the authentication unit 406 of the second camera. Furthermore, the functional units of the information processing device described so far are not necessarily located within the camera, and the information processing device may be configured to exist on a server or cloud and realize its functions, for example.

[0124] (Other embodiments) 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.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0125] The invention of this specification includes the following imaging device and imaging device control method. (Item 1) a first acquisition means for acquiring registration information identifying a user of the first imaging device; a storage means for storing the acquired registration information; an identification means for identifying a user of a second imaging device different from the first imaging device based on the stored registration information; a first determination means for determining whether or not the registration information can be copied from the first image capture device to the second image capture device; a restriction unit that restricts any one of the processes performed by the first acquisition unit, the storage unit, and the identification unit when it is determined that the copying is not permitted; An information processing device comprising: (Item 2) The information processing device described in item 1, characterized in that the first determination means determines whether copying from the first imaging device to the second imaging device is possible based on the position of the first imaging device and the position of the second imaging device. (Item 3) 3. The information processing device according to item 2, wherein the first determination means determines that the copying is not permitted when the distance between the first imaging device and the second imaging device is greater than a predetermined threshold. (Item 4) The information processing device described in item 2, characterized in that the first determination means determines that the copying is not possible when the first imaging device is present in a predetermined first range and the second imaging device is present in a predetermined second range. (Item 5) 5. The information processing device according to item 4, wherein the first range and the second range are the same range. (Item 6) further comprising a second determination means for determining whether communication between the first imaging device and the second imaging device is possible; Item 1. The information processing device according to item 1, characterized in that the first determination means determines that the copy is not possible when it is determined that communication between the first imaging device and the second imaging device is not possible. (Item 7) The information processing device described in item 1, characterized in that the first determination means determines whether the copy is possible based on a first time when the first imaging device accepts an operation to copy the registration information to the second imaging device, and a second time when the second imaging device accepts an operation to select the second imaging device as the imaging device to copy the registration information. (Item 8) 8. The information processing device according to item 7, wherein the first determination means determines that the copy is not possible when the difference between the first time and the second time exceeds a predetermined threshold time. (Item 9) further comprising a third determination means for determining whether a first operator of the first image capture device and a second operator of the second image capture device are the same person; Item 1. The information processing device according to item 1, characterized in that the first determination means determines that the copying is not permitted if it is determined that the first operator and the second operator are not the same person. (Item 10) a fourth determination means for determining whether a first operation content instructed on the first imaging device matches a second operation content executed on the second imaging device; 2. The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the first determination means determines that the copying is not permitted when the first operation content and the second operation content do not match. (Item 11) a fifth determination means for determining whether a first group associated with the first imaging device and a second group associated with the second imaging device match; 2. The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the first determination means determines that the copying is not permitted when the first group and the second group do not match. (Item 12) a second acquisition means for acquiring a matching degree of the operator of the first imaging device; a first setting means for setting the registration information acquired by the first acquisition means from information about the operator of the first imaging device that is registered in the first imaging device based on the degree of matching; 2. The information processing device according to item 1, further comprising: (Item 13) a second setting unit that sets a condition for the storage unit to continue storing the registration information; 2. The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the storage means deletes the stored registration information when the condition is no longer satisfied. (Item 14) Item 14. The information processing device according to item 13, wherein the second setting means sets the condition as being that communication between the first imaging device and the second imaging device is ongoing. (Item 15) Item 14. The information processing device according to item 13, wherein the second setting means sets the condition as until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. (Item 16) the registration information further includes information about a user of the first imaging device; the storage means stores the registration information in association with information indicating that the registration information is information copied from the first imaging device; a recording means for recording information about the user and information indicating that the information is copied in association with the image captured by the second imaging device; 2. The information processing device according to item 1, further comprising: (Item 17) 2. The information processing device according to item 1, wherein the registration information includes biometric information for identifying a user of the imaging device. (Item 18) Item 18. The information processing device according to item 17, wherein the biometric information is an image of an eyeball or a feature of an image of an eyeball. (Item 19) an acquisition step of acquiring registration information that identifies a user of the first imaging device; a storage step of storing the acquired registration information; an identification step of identifying a user of a second imaging device different from the first imaging device based on the stored registration information; a determination step of determining whether or not the registration information can be copied from the first imaging device to the second imaging device; a limiting step of limiting any one of the processes in the acquiring step, the storing step, and the identifying step when it is determined that the copying is not permitted; An information processing method comprising: (Item 20) A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 18.

[0126] 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]

[0127] 401: storage unit 402: storage unit 403: output unit 404: input unit 405: determination unit 406: authentication unit 407: determination unit

Claims

1. a first acquisition means for acquiring registration information identifying a user of the first imaging device; a storage means for storing the acquired registration information; an identification unit that identifies a user of a second imaging device different from the first imaging device based on the stored registration information; a first determination means for determining whether or not the registration information can be copied from the first image capture device to the second image capture device; a restriction unit that restricts any one of the processes performed by the first acquisition unit, the storage unit, and the identification unit when it is determined that the copying is not permitted; An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first determination means determines whether copying from the first imaging device to the second imaging device is permitted based on the position of the first imaging device and the position of the second imaging device.

3. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first determination means determines that said copying is not permitted when a distance between said first image capturing device and said second image capturing device is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

4. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first determination means determines that the copying is not permitted when the first imaging device is present within a predetermined first range and the second imaging device is present within a predetermined second range.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first range and the second range are the same range.

6. a second determination unit that determines whether communication between the first imaging device and the second imaging device is possible; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first determination means determines that the copying is not possible when it is determined that communication between the first image capture device and the second image capture device is not possible.

7. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first determination means determines whether the copying is possible based on a first time when the first imaging device receives an operation to copy the registration information to the second imaging device, and a second time when the second imaging device receives an operation to select the second imaging device as the imaging device to copy the registration information.

8. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said first determining means determines that said copying is not permitted when a difference between said first time and said second time exceeds a predetermined threshold time.

9. a third determination means for determining whether a first operator of the first image capture device and a second operator of the second image capture device are the same person; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first determination means determines that the copying is not permitted when it is determined that the first operator and the second operator are not the same person.

10. a fourth determination means for determining whether a first operation content instructed on the first imaging device matches a second operation content executed on the second imaging device; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first determination means determines that said copying is not permitted when said first operation content and said second operation content do not match.

11. a fifth determination means for determining whether a first group associated with the first image capture device and a second group associated with the second image capture device match each other; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first determining means determines that said copying is not permitted when said first group and said second group do not match.

12. a second acquisition means for acquiring a matching degree of the operator of the first imaging device; a first setting means for setting the registration information acquired by the first acquisition means from information about the operator of the first imaging device that is registered in the first imaging device based on the degree of matching; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

13. a second setting unit that sets a condition for the storage unit to continue storing the registration information; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage means deletes said stored registration information when said condition is no longer satisfied.

14. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second setting means sets the condition as a condition that communication between the first image capture device and the second image capture device is ongoing.

15. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said second setting means sets said condition as a period until a predetermined period has elapsed.

16. the registration information further includes information about a user of the first imaging device; the storage means stores the registration information in association with information indicating that the registration information is information copied from the first imaging device; a recording means for recording information about the user and information indicating that the information is copied in association with the image captured by the second image capturing device; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

17. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration information includes biometric information for identifying a user of the imaging device.

18. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the biometric information is an image of an eyeball or a feature of an image of an eyeball.

19. an acquisition step of acquiring registration information identifying a user of the first imaging device; a storage step of storing the acquired registration information; an identification step of identifying a user of a second imaging device different from the first imaging device based on the stored registration information; a determination step of determining whether the registration information can be copied from the first image capture device to the second image capture device; a limiting step of limiting any one of the processes in the acquiring step, the storing step, and the identifying step when it is determined that the copying is not permitted; An information processing method comprising:

20. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images