Patent ID: 6999588
Filing Date: 2006-02-14
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image input apparatus comprising: connecting means for locally connecting a key storage device to the image input apparatus; generating means for generating a digital image in the image input apparatus; reading means for reading an encryption key stored in the key storage device connected to the connecting means; storage means for storing, in the image input apparatus, said read encryption key to execute an encryption process; encryption means for encrypting the generated digital image with said encryption key stored in the storage means; output means for outputting the encrypted digital image to a memory in the image input apparatus; erasing means for erasing said encryption key stored in said storage means after encrypting the digital image by said encryption means; obtaining means for obtaining, from said key storage device, a decryption key corresponding to said encryption key; and decryption means for decrypting the stored encrypted digital image by using said decryption key obtained by said obtaining means.