초록 ▼

A programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera's programmability. The camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming pa

A programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera's programmability. The camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming password is again entered and the camera is programmed to operate for another interval of time. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a programmable digital camera as above described wherein the camera is programmed to only capture a set number of images, at which point the programming password must again be entered and the camera reset for another quantity of images. A further alternate embodiment includes a camera system with a separate transmitter for radiating a signal designed to cover a designated area, the signal being modulated with a camera operational code. The camera is equipped with a corresponding receiver and demodulator to receive the operational code. The camera is programmed to check for the operational code periodically, and if the code is not received, the camera automatically shuts down, thereby limiting operation of the camera to the designated area. A still further embodiment includes a camera with a built-in apparatus for acquiring measured biometric data of a potential user, and comparing it with corresponding biometric signature data entered in the camera, and allowing camera operation only if there is a match.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A digital camera apparatus comprising:(a) a digital camera, said camera including a camera housing having a built-in conversion apparatus for converting a light image to digital image data; (b) biometric data apparatus built into said camera housing, said biometric data apparatus functioning inde

1. A digital camera apparatus comprising:(a) a digital camera, said camera including a camera housing having a built-in conversion apparatus for converting a light image to digital image data; (b) biometric data apparatus built into said camera housing, said biometric data apparatus functioning independently of said conversion apparatus for acquiring signature biometric data representing a body part of an authorized person and for measuring prospective user biometric data from a prospective user, wherein said biometric data apparatus includes (i) a light source for illuminating said iris; (ii) a charge coupled device (CCD) for detecting an image; and (iii) a beam splitter positionable to a first position for a user viewing an object, and positionable to a second position for reflecting light from said iris to said CCD, and for passing light from said object to said CCD; and (c) computer apparatus built into said camera housing for directing said biometric apparatus and for analyzing and storing said signature data, and for comparing said prospective user data with said signature data and for directing the taking of a picture if said prospective user data is a match to said signature data, wherein said signature biometric data is data derived from an iris of an eye of said authorized person, and said prospective user data is data derived from an iris of an eye of said prospective user.