JP2003309788A - Imaging system, method for controlling the same, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging system and method for realizing succession of operation setting even after changing the kind of a device in an exhausting digital camera. <P>SOLUTION: In constitution of a digital camera (DC), a Bluetooth (BT), a portable telephone set (T), a portable telephone network, a picture gate wary (GW), the Internet and a print laboratory (P), setting state of the DC is fetched when printing by the P and stored in GW. The setting state whose fetching is finished is erased from the DC and made to be resellable after repair. When starting the use of a new DC, the setting state of the DC stored in the GW is read from the GW via the T and the BT and is used by operation setting stored in the GW. The setting state of the DC is managed linked with charging registration information. In particular, it is simple to use charging registration information of the T. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup system for picking up, storing, communicating, recording and reproducing still images and moving images, a control method therefor, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image pickup device such as an electronic camera for recording and reproducing a still image or a moving image using a memory card having a solid-state memory device as a recording medium has already been put on the market, and a mobile phone for communicating a voice or an image. Communication devices are also on sale.

By carrying an image pickup system composed of these electronic cameras and mobile phones, it becomes possible to flexibly carry out business operations outdoors without being restricted by work indoors such as in offices and homes. ing.

In particular, it is possible to construct a convenient imaging system by operating the electronic camera and the mobile phone in cooperation with each other, such as transferring image data taken by the electronic camera to the mobile phone. .

In addition, an image pickup device such as an electronic camera is sold at a relatively low price, for example, at a convenience store or a tourist destination where the user is out, and after photographing, the image pickup device is collected together with the photographed image data to a print lab company. Then, an imaging system that realizes a business model that makes profit by using a photo print service and recovers the cost of an imaging device sold at a low price is also being considered.

The collected image pickup device is sent from the print lab to the factory, is re-maintained, and is sold again at the store.

At the time of shipment from the factory, various settings of the image pickup apparatus are set to the initial state, and the purchaser of the image pickup apparatus can always purchase the image pickup apparatus in the same setting state at the store.

[0008]

In such a conventional image pickup system, each time the user of the image pickup apparatus purchases a new image pickup apparatus at a store, it is necessary to set the image pickup apparatus again. There was a problem that it was inconvenient.

In general, a user of an image pickup device often sets the image pickup device in a state in which he or she can easily use the image pickup device in consideration of the use, hobby, kind of subject, etc. of the image pickup, and these settings are set by the image pickup device. It was very inconvenient to do each time I bought it.

Even when a photograph print is requested after the photographing is finished, the print size, the presence / absence of the index print, the number of prints for each photographed image, and the like are always set to a constant state according to the preference of each user. It is often inconvenient to make these settings every time an imaging device is purchased.

When purchasing an image pickup device at a destination such as an overseas trip, it is necessary to constantly change the display language setting, date display format, etc. according to one's nationality or language, which is very inconvenient. .

Further, when the user information is added to the photographed image data, it is necessary to always set the user name and the fixed phrase, which is very inconvenient.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an image pickup system in which an image pickup device, a printing device and an image information management device are communicable with each other. The imaging device includes an imaging means, a print ordering means for making a print order of the captured image data, a submission means for submitting setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device to the printing device, and a request from the printing device. According to the erasing means for erasing the setting information related to the image pickup device, the printing device receives the print order information and the image data corresponding to the print order from the image pickup device, and according to the received print order information. A printing unit that prints the received image data, an acceptance unit that accepts setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device from the imaging device, and an imaging device. After accepting the setting information, an erasing request unit that requests the image capturing apparatus to erase the setting information about the image capturing apparatus, and a transfer unit that transfers the accepted setting information about the image capturing apparatus and billing identification information to the image management apparatus. The image information management device manages the setting information related to the imaging device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and at the time of using a new imaging device, the setting information related to the imaging device is stored. It is characterized by having a management means that can be provided to a new imaging device.

To achieve the above object, a second aspect of the present invention is a control method for an image pickup system in which an image pickup apparatus, a printing apparatus, and an image information management apparatus are communicable with each other. An imaging step, a print ordering step for making a print order for the imaged image data, a submission step for submitting setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging apparatus to the printing apparatus, and the imaging apparatus in response to a request from the printing apparatus And an image data corresponding to the print order information from the imaging device in the printing device, and prints the received image data according to the received print order information. A printing step, an acceptance step of accepting setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus, and setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus. After accepting, an erase request step of requesting the image capturing apparatus to erase the setting information about the image capturing apparatus, a transfer step of transferring the accepted setting information and billing identification information about the image capturing apparatus to the image management apparatus, and the image The information management device manages the setting information related to the imaging device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and provides the setting information related to the imaging device to the new imaging device when the new imaging device is used. It has a possible management process.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is an image pickup device configured to be communicable with a printing device and an image information management device, wherein an image pickup means and a print order of imaged image data are placed. When the print ordering means for performing the print order and the printing apparatus receive the print order information and the image data corresponding to the print order from the imaging apparatus, and print the received image data according to the received print order information, the image capturing is performed. Submission means for submitting setting information and billing identification information regarding the device to the printing device, and the printing device, after the printing device accepts the setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device, the erasing of the setting information regarding the imaging device When a request is made to the device, the printing device has an erasing means for erasing the setting information relating to the imaging device in response to the request from the printing device, and the printing device has accepted The setting information and billing identification information regarding the image pickup device are transferred to the image management device, and the image information management device manages the setting information regarding the image pickup device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, When the new image pickup apparatus is used, setting information about the image pickup apparatus can be provided to the new image pickup apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to a fourth aspect is a control method of an image pickup device configured to be communicable with a printing device and an image information management device.
A print order process for making a print order for the captured image data,
When the printing device receives the print order information and the image data corresponding to the print order from the imaging device, and when printing the received image data according to the received print order information,
A submitting step of submitting setting information and billing identification information relating to the imaging device to the printing device; and deleting the setting information relating to the imaging device after the printing device has accepted the setting information and billing identification information relating to the imaging device. A deletion step of erasing the setting information related to the imaging device in response to a request from the printing device when the imaging device is requested, wherein the printing device has accepted the setting information related to the imaging device and the billing identification information. To the image management device,
The image information management device manages the setting information related to the imaging device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and at the time of using a new imaging device,
It is characterized in that setting information about the imaging device can be provided to a new imaging device.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 5 is a storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image pickup device communicable with a printing device and an image information management device. The program receives an image capturing step, a print ordering step for making a print order for the captured image data, the printing apparatus receives print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the image capturing apparatus, and the received print order information Accordingly, when printing the received image data, a submitting step of submitting setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device to the printing device, and the printing device displaying the setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device. After accepting, when the image pickup apparatus is requested to erase the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus, the image pickup apparatus is instructed in response to the request from the printing apparatus. The printer includes a deletion process code for erasing the setting information, the printing device transfers the accepted setting information and billing identification information relating to the imaging device to the image management device, and the image information management device transfers the information from the printing device. It is characterized in that the transferred setting information regarding the image pickup device is managed based on the billing identification information, and the setting information regarding the image pickup device can be provided to the new image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 6 is a printing apparatus configured to be communicable with an image pickup apparatus and an image information management apparatus, and corresponds to print order information and print order from the image pickup apparatus. Printing means for receiving the image data to be received, and printing the received image data according to the received print order information; and an acceptance means for accepting the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the imaging device from the imaging device,
After accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, a deletion requesting unit that requests the image capturing apparatus to erase the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, and transfer the accepted setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus to the image management apparatus. The image information management device manages the setting information relating to the imaging device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and relates to the imaging device when a new imaging device is used. It is characterized in that setting information can be provided to a new imaging device.

In order to achieve the above object, a seventh aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a printing apparatus that is communicable with an image pickup apparatus and an image information management apparatus, wherein print order information and printing are performed from the image pickup apparatus. A printing step of receiving the image data corresponding to the order and printing the received image data according to the received print order information; and an acceptance step of accepting the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the imaging device from the imaging device. After accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, a deletion request step of requesting the image capturing apparatus to erase the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, and the setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image capturing apparatus are sent to the image management apparatus. And a transfer step of transferring, the image information management device,
The setting information on the image pickup device transferred from the printing device is managed based on the billing identification information, and the setting information on the image pickup device can be provided to the new image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used. And

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 8 is a storage medium storing a control program for controlling a printing device communicable with an imaging device and an image information management device. A printing process in which a program receives print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the imaging device, and prints the received image data in accordance with the received print order information, and the imaging device to the imaging device. An acceptance step of accepting the setting information and the billing identification information; an erase request step of requesting the imaging device to erase the setting information concerning the imaging device after accepting the setting information concerning the imaging device; and the accepted imaging device. The image information management apparatus includes a code for a transfer process for transferring the setting information and the billing identification information to the image management apparatus. Setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus transferred from the apparatus is managed based on the billing identification information, and setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus can be provided to the new image pickup apparatus when the new image pickup apparatus is used. .

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 9 is an image information management apparatus configured to be communicable with an imaging device and a printing device, wherein the printing device takes an image taken from the imaging device. When the print order information of the data and the image data corresponding to the print order are received, and the received image data is printed according to the received print order information, the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the image pickup apparatus from the image pickup apparatus After accepting the setting information about the image capturing apparatus, the image management apparatus requests the image capturing apparatus to erase the setting information about the image capturing apparatus, and deletes the setting information and the billing identification information about the accepted image capturing apparatus. When transferred to the device, the setting information relating to the imaging device transferred from the printing device is managed based on the billing identification information, and In use of the imaging device, characterized in that it has a management unit that can provide configuration information about the imaging device to a new imaging device.

In order to achieve the above object, a tenth aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling an image information management apparatus configured to be communicable with an imaging device and a printing device, wherein the printing device is configured to operate from the imaging device. When the print order information of the captured image data and the image data corresponding to the print order are received and the received image data is printed according to the received print order information, the setting information about the image pickup apparatus from the image pickup apparatus and After accepting the billing identification information and accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, the image capturing apparatus is requested to erase the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, and the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the accepted image capturing apparatus are displayed. When the image data is transferred to the image management device, the setting information on the imaging device transferred from the printing device is managed based on the billing identification information. Both, in use of the new imaging apparatus, characterized by having a possible control step provides configuration information about the imaging device to a new imaging device.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 11 is a storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image information management device communicable with an image pickup device and a printing device, the control medium comprising: When the program receives the print order information of the image data taken by the printing apparatus from the image pickup apparatus and the image data corresponding to the print order, and the program prints the received image data according to the received print order information. After accepting the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus and accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, the image capturing apparatus is requested to erase the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, and the information is erased and accepted. When the setting information and billing identification information relating to the image capturing apparatus are transferred to the image managing apparatus, the image capturing apparatus transferred from the printing apparatus is transferred. Together based managing the billing identification information setting information relating, in use of the new imaging apparatus, characterized by comprising a code can provide control step of setting information relating to the image pickup device to a new imaging device.

By means of the above means, every time the user of the image pickup device purchases a new image pickup device at the store, the setting of the image pickup device needs to be performed again, and there is no problem of inconvenience, and the control thereof. It is possible to provide a method and a storage medium.

In general, the user of the image pickup apparatus often sets the image pickup apparatus in a state in which he / she is comfortable to use, depending on the shooting application, hobby, type of subject, etc. It is possible to provide an imaging system, a control method thereof, and a storage medium that do not have the problem that it is very inconvenient to carry out the apparatus each time it is purchased.

Even when a photograph print is requested after the photographing is finished, the print size, the presence / absence of the index print, the number of prints for each photographed image, etc. are always set in a constant state according to the preference of each user. Therefore, it is possible to provide an imaging system, a control method therefor, and a storage medium that are free from the problem that it is very inconvenient to make these settings each time an imaging apparatus is purchased.

It is very inconvenient because it is necessary to constantly change the display language setting, date display format, etc. according to one's nationality or language when purchasing an image pickup device at a destination such as an overseas trip. It is possible to provide a problem-free imaging system, its control method, and a storage medium.

Further, when the user information is added to the photographed image data, it is necessary to always set the user name, fixed phrase, etc., and an image pickup system and its control method and storage medium which are not very inconvenient are provided. It becomes possible to do.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall system configuration in an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 100 denotes an image pickup device such as an electronic camera, 550.
Is a factory for manufacturing the image pickup apparatus 100, and 900 is the image pickup apparatus 1
Reference numeral 800 denotes a store that sells 00, and 800 denotes a printing device (print service).

The user of the image pickup apparatus 100 is the user of the image pickup apparatus 10
0 is purchased at the retail store 900 and is photographed, and the imaging device 100 that has finished photographing is a printing device (print service).
The photo print 850 can be obtained by bringing it to 800.

The above-mentioned structure will be described in detail.
Records the image data captured through the lens 10 in a recording medium 200 (not shown) built in the image capturing apparatus 100.
By sending the image pickup apparatus 100 recording the image data to the printing apparatus (print service) 800 by using a transportation means such as a courier or directly bringing it to the store, a photographic print 850 is printed in the printing apparatus (print service) 800. It is possible to print and receive the photographic print 850 using a transport such as courier or directly at the store.

Here, the printing device (print service) 8
With 00, it is possible to specify which captured image data is to be printed with any size and / or layout and / or number of sheets using a print order file.

In this case, in the image pickup apparatus 100, a print order file corresponding to the photographed image data is created, and the created print order file is recorded in the recording medium 200 built in the image pickup apparatus 100, and the image pickup apparatus 100 is recorded. Printing device (print service) 80
By using a delivery method such as a courier service or directly bringing it to a store, the photograph print 850 can be printed in a desired size, layout, and number of sheets.

300 is a communication device such as a mobile phone, 400 is an image information management device such as an image gateway, and 500 is installed in a factory 550 and stores and manages various information relating to the manufacturing of the image pickup device 100 and programs of the image pickup device 100. A factory server 630 is an information processing device such as a client computer or a portable information device normally used by a user, 60
0 is the Internet, 602 is a network connecting the Internet and the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400, 604 is a network connecting the Internet and the information processing apparatus (client computer) 630, 606 is the Internet and the printing apparatus (print service) 800 , 608 is a network connecting the Internet and the factory server 500, 610 and 620 are connected to the Internet,
WWW server that stores and distributes various content information, 70
0 is a packet network including a mobile telephone network such as a telephone base station, 70
A network 2 connects the packet network 700 and the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400.

Explaining the above-mentioned configuration in detail, the image pickup apparatus 100
Is a communication unit 114, an antenna 116, an antenna 33.
2. It is configured such that images and commands can be transmitted and received to and from the communication device 300 by wireless communication via the antenna 330.

Wireless communication between the image pickup apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 300 is performed by a spread spectrum method such as Bluetooth.

Further, the communication device 300 includes the communication means 32.
6, an antenna 328, a packet network 700 including a communication base station (not shown), a network 702, an image information management device 4
00, the network 602, and the Internet 600, it is possible to send and receive images and commands with various network devices such as the WWW server 610, the WWW server 620, the information processing device 630, the printing device 800, and the factory server 500. ing.

As a result, the printing apparatus (print service) 800 is transferred from the image pickup apparatus 100 to the packet network 70.
0, the network 702, the image information management device (image gateway) 400, the network 602, the Internet 600, the image data transmitted via the network 606 is printed, and the imaging device 1 is delivered by a physical distribution means such as a courier.
It is possible to deliver the printed photographic print 850 to the owner of 00.

The information processing apparatus (client computer) 630 is connected to the packet network 7 from the image pickup apparatus 100.
00, the network 702, the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400, the network 602, the Internet 600, and the network 604, it is possible to receive the image data transmitted.

The image pickup apparatus 100 is manufactured or redeveloped in the factory 550, and shipped to the store 900 by a physical distribution means such as a courier.

Here, when the factory 550 is shipped, various settings of the image pickup apparatus 100 are set to the initial state, and the download setting of the extended function program is set to the initial state, that is, the extended function program is erased. .

As described above, at the store 900, the purchaser of the image pickup apparatus 100 always has the same setting state.
It is possible to purchase 00.

Then, the imaging device 100 is returned directly to the factory 550 or, if necessary, returned to the factory 550 via the store 900 after the completion of photographing, and after being repaired, sold again. It is shipped to the store 900.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the image pickup device and the communication device in the embodiment of the present invention.

The image pickup apparatus 100 has the communication means 114 and the antenna 116, and the communication apparatus 300 has the communication means 330.
Data including a command and a captured image are transmitted and received mutually via wireless communication via the antenna 332.

Wireless communication between the image pickup apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 300 is performed by a spread spectrum method such as Bluetooth.

The image pickup apparatus 100 is provided with identification information (device address) 58, and the communication apparatus 300 is provided with identification information (device address) 356.
It is possible to communicate data including a command and a captured image by a communication method such as a spread spectrum method such as tooth.

In the authentication process, a common character string called a passkey is input to each of the operation unit 70 (not shown) of the image pickup apparatus 100 and the operation means 362 of the communication apparatus 300, and those input passkeys are input to the image pickup apparatus. It is performed by collating between the two of 100 and the communication device 300.

Once the authentication is performed, the authenticated device address is the registered device information list 74 in the case of the imaging device 100, and the device address of the communication device 300 is the communication device 30.
In the case of 0, since the device address of the image pickup device 100 is registered in the registered device information list 358, it is possible to omit the need to perform the authentication procedure every time thereafter.

<Description of Configuration of Imaging Device 100> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the imaging device 100 of the present invention.

Reference numeral 10 is a photographing lens, 12 is a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 is an image pickup device for converting an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 is an A / D converter for converting an analog signal output of the image pickup device 14 into a digital signal. is there.

Reference numeral 18 designates an image pickup device 14 and an A / D converter 1.
6, a timing generation circuit for supplying a clock signal and a control signal to the D / A converter 26, and the memory control circuit 22
And controlled by the system control circuit 50.

An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22.

Further, in the image processing circuit 20, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed using the imaged image data, and the system control circuit 50 causes the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 to operate based on the obtained arithmetic result. TTL to control
(Through the lens) AF (auto focus)
Processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing are performed.

Further, in the image processing circuit 20, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed using the captured image data, and TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing is also performed based on the obtained arithmetic result.

A memory control circuit 22 includes an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image processing circuit 20,
Image display memory 24, D / A converter 26, memory 30,
The compression / expansion circuit 32 is controlled.

The data of the A / D converter 16 is passed through the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or the data of the A / D converter 16 is passed directly through the memory control circuit 22. Written in 30.

Reference numeral 24 is an image display memory, 26 is a D / A converter, and 28 is an image display section composed of a TFT LCD or the like. The image data for display written in the image display memory 24 is D
The image is displayed on the image display unit 28 via the / A converter 26.

The electronic viewfinder function can be realized by sequentially displaying the image data picked up by using the image display unit 28.

Further, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and when the display is turned off, the power consumption of the image pickup apparatus 100 is significantly reduced. You can do it.

Reference numeral 30 is a memory for storing the photographed still images and moving images, and has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time.

This makes it possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot.

Further, the memory 30 is a system control circuit 50.
It can also be used as a work area.

32 is an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADC)
T) is a compression / decompression circuit that compresses / decompresses image data by wavelet transformation or the like, reads an image stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and writes the processed data to the memory 30.

Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control means for controlling the shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, which also has a flash dimming function in cooperation with the flash 48.

Reference numeral 42 is a distance measurement control means for controlling the focusing of the taking lens 10, 44 is a zoom control means for controlling the zooming of the taking lens 10, and 46 is a barrier control means for controlling the operation of the protection means 102 which is a barrier. .

Reference numeral 48 denotes a flash, which also has an AF auxiliary light projection function and a flash light control function.

The exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 are TT
It is controlled using the L method, and based on the calculation result of the captured image data calculated by the image processing circuit 20,
The system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42.

Reference numeral 50 is a system control circuit for controlling the entire image pickup apparatus 100, and 52 is a memory for storing constants, variables, programs and the like for the operation of the system control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device and a speaker for displaying operating states and messages using characters, images, voices, etc. according to the execution of the program in the system control circuit 50. A single or multiple locations are installed near the operation part of the device for easy visual confirmation.
It is composed of a combination of LED, sound generator, etc.

The display unit 54 has some of its functions installed in the optical finder 104.

Of the display contents of the display section 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like is, for example, a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, a remaining image display. Possible number display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, clock battery level display, battery level display, error display,
Information display by a plurality of digits, recording media 200 and 21
There are 0 attachment / detachment status display, communication I / F operation display, date / time display, display showing connection status with external computer, etc.

Of the display contents of the display section 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 are, for example, a focus display, a shooting preparation completion display, a shake warning display, a flash charging display, a flash charging completion display, and a shutter. There are speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, recording medium writing operation display, etc.

Further, among the contents displayed on the display unit 54, LE
The items displayed on D etc. are, for example, focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, camera shake warning display, flash charging display, flash charging completion display, recording medium writing operation display, macro shooting setting notification display, two There is an indication of the charging status of the secondary battery, etc.

Among the display contents of the display section 54, what is displayed on a lamp or the like is, for example, a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be used in combination with the AF auxiliary light.

Reference numeral 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and for example, an EEPROM, a flash memory or the like is used.

Reference numeral 58 is identification information (device address), which is used by the communication device 114 and the antenna 116 to communicate with the communication device 300.
When wireless communication by Bluetooth or the like is performed, various identification information for performing authentication before communication is stored.

Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 70, and 72 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, and are a single unit such as a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by visual axis detection, and a voice recognition device. Alternatively, it is composed of a plurality of combinations.

Here, a concrete description of these operating means will be given.

Reference numeral 60 is a power switch (main switch)
Thus, it is possible to switch and set each mode of power-on and power-off of the image processing apparatus 100. Further, the power-on and power-off settings of various accessory devices connected to the image processing apparatus 100 can also be switched and set together.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on during operation of a shutter button (not shown), and is AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, EF (flash pre-flash).
Instruct to start operation such as processing.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2 which is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed,
2 is an exposure process for writing image data to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22, a development process using calculation in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, and a memory 30. The image data is read from the storage medium 200, compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 32, and stored in the recording medium 200.
It is instructed to start the operation of a series of processes of recording the image data.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit including various buttons and a touch panel, which includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, and a menu move + (Plus) button, Menu move- (Minus) button, Playback image move + (Plus) button, Playback image- (Minus) button, Shooting image quality selection button, Exposure compensation button, Date / time setting button, Image display ON / OFF A button, a compression mode switch, a quick review switch for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing and displaying the image data captured immediately after the image capturing using the image display unit 28,
Selection / selection switch that sets selection and switching of various functions when performing shooting and / or playback and / or communication, determination / execution that sets determination and execution of various functions when performing shooting and / or playback and / or communication There are switches, etc.

In the compression mode switch, JP
It is a switch for selecting the compression rate of EG (Joint Photographic Expert Gpoup) compression, or for selecting the CCD RAW mode in which the signal of the image pickup device is directly digitized and recorded on the recording medium.

As the JPEG compression mode, for example, a normal mode and a fine mode are prepared.

The user of the image pickup apparatus 100 selects the normal mode when the data size of the photographed image is emphasized, and the fine mode when the image quality of the photographed image is emphasized.
You can select each and shoot.

In the JPEG compression mode, the image sensor 1
4 read out from the A / D converter 16 and the image processing circuit 2
0, the image data written in the memory 30 is read out via the memory control circuit 22, compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 32 to the set compression rate, and a predetermined encryption processing is performed by the encryption / decryption circuit 34 as necessary. After performing the recording medium 2
Recording at 00.

In the CCD RAW mode, the image data is read out line by line in accordance with the pixel array of the color filter of the image sensor 14, and the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 2 are read.
The image data written in the memory 30 is read via 2, and the encryption / decryption circuit 34 performs a predetermined encryption process as necessary, and then records the image on the recording medium 200.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a mode dial switch which can switch and set each function mode such as an automatic photographing mode, a photographing mode, a panoramic photographing mode, a reproducing mode, a multi-screen reproducing / erasing mode and a PC connection mode.

In the description of this embodiment, in particular,
The image capturing apparatus 100 has a shooting mode and a playback mode.

Reference numeral 74 is a list of registered device information, which is the communication device 30.
This is a database for registering the identification information (device address) of the communication device 300 acquired from the communication device 300 when the authentication with 0 is successful.

In the authentication process, a common character string called a passkey is input to the operation unit 70 of the image pickup device 100 and the communication device 3.
00 is input to each of the operation means 362, and the input passkeys are collated between the imaging device 100 and the communication device 300.

Once the authentication is performed, the authenticated device address of the communication device 300 is registered in the registered device information list 74, so that it is not necessary to perform the authentication procedure with the communication device 300 each time. It is possible.

Reference numeral 80 is a power supply control means, which is a battery detection circuit, a DC
-It is composed of a DC converter, a switch circuit that switches the blocks to be energized, and the like, detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, and based on the detection result and the instruction from the system control circuit 50, the DC- It controls the DC converter and supplies the required voltage to each unit including the recording medium for the required period.

82 is a connector, 84 is a connector, 86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a NiCd battery,
It is a power source consisting of a secondary battery such as a NiMH battery and a Li-ion battery, and an AC adapter.

Reference numeral 90 is an interface with a recording medium such as a memory card or hard disk, and 92 is a connector for connecting with a recording medium such as a memory card or hard disk.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a protection means that is a barrier that covers the image pickup section including the lens 10 of the image pickup apparatus 100 to prevent the image pickup section from being soiled or damaged.

Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder, which enables photographing using only the optical viewfinder without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. Further, in the optical finder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, etc. are installed.

Reference numeral 114 denotes a communication means, which is Bluetooth.
Spread spectrum communication such as, infrared communication such as IrDA,
It has various short-distance high-speed data communication functions.

Reference numeral 116 denotes the image pickup apparatus 1 by the communication means 114.
00 is an antenna for connecting other devices such as the communication device 300.

Reference numeral 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

The recording medium 200 includes a recording section 202 including a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, the image pickup apparatus 100.
An interface 204 and a connector 206 for connecting to the image pickup apparatus 100.

Note that the recording medium 200 is described as a structure incorporated in the image pickup apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

<Description of Configuration of Communication Device 300> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the communication device 300 of the present invention.

Reference numeral 310 is a microphone for converting voice into an electric signal, and 312 is an A / D converter for converting an analog output signal of the microphone into a digital signal.

Reference numeral 314 denotes a memory control circuit. The output data of the A / D converter 312 is written in the memory 320 via the memory control circuit 314, and the data read from the memory 320 is a D / A converter. 316 is input.

Reference numeral 316 is a D / A converter for converting a digital signal into an analog signal, and 318 is a speaker for converting an electric signal into a voice signal.

Reference numeral 320 denotes a memory for storing the voice input by the microphone 310 or the still image or moving image transmitted from the image pickup apparatus 100. The memory 320 stores a voice for a predetermined time, or a predetermined number of still images, or a moving image for a predetermined time. It has enough storage to store the image.

Reference numeral 322 denotes a D / A for converting still image data or moving image data stored in the memory 320 into an analog signal.
The converter 324 is an image display means for displaying the output image signal of the D / A converter 322.

A communication means 326 is a TDMA (Time Division).
Multiple Access) method and CDMA (Code Division Multiple
Access) method, W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multipl)
It has a mobile phone communication function such as an e Access (PS) method and a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) method.

Reference numeral 328 denotes the communication device 3 by the communication means 326.
00 is an antenna for connecting a line to another communication device and / or a communication base station.

The communication device 300 is connected to the image information management device (image gateway) 400 via the communication means 326, the antenna 328, the packet network 700, and the network 702, and further connected via the network 602 and the Internet 600. It is possible to connect with equipment.

Reference numeral 330 denotes a communication means, which is Bluetooth.
Spread spectrum communication such as, infrared communication such as IrDA,
It has various short-distance high-speed data communication functions.

Reference numeral 332 denotes the communication device 3 by the communication means 330.
00 is an antenna that connects 00 to another device, such as the imaging device 100.

Reference numeral 350 is a communication system control circuit for controlling the entire communication device 300, and 352 is a communication system control circuit 3.
It is a memory for storing constants, variables, programs and the like for the operation of 50.

Reference numeral 354 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, for which an EEPROM or the like is used.

The 356 identification information (device address) is used to communicate with the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication means 330 and the antenna 332.
When wireless communication by Bluetooth or the like is performed, various identification information for performing authentication before communication is stored.

Identification information (device address) 356
Is a communication unit 326, an antenna 328, a packet network 70.
0, various identification information for performing authentication when communicating with the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400 via the network 702 and / or for performing charge management when storing / retrieving captured image data is stored. Has been done.

These pieces of identification information are sent to the communication device 300 in the image information management device (image gateway) 400.
It is used when updating the accounting information database when performing various services for the.

Reference numeral 358 denotes a registered device information list, which is the image pickup apparatus 1
Identification information (device address) of the image capturing apparatus 100 acquired from the image capturing apparatus 100 when the authentication with 00 is successful.
Is a database for registering.

In the authentication process, a common character string called a passkey is input to the operation unit 70 of the image pickup device 100 and the communication device 3.
00 is input to each of the operation means 362, and the input passkeys are collated between the imaging device 100 and the communication device 300.

Once the authentication is performed, the authenticated device address of the image pickup apparatus 100 is registered in the registered device information list 370.
It is possible to omit the need to perform the authentication procedure with the image capturing apparatus 100 every time since the registration is performed.

Reference numeral 360 denotes a display means such as a liquid crystal display device and a speaker for displaying an operating state, a message and the like by using characters, images, voices and the like according to the execution of the program in the communication system control circuit 350. One or a plurality of them are installed near the operation means 300 at a position where they are easily visible, and are composed of, for example, a combination of an LCD, an LED, a sounding element and the like.

Reference numeral 362 denotes an operating means for inputting various operation instructions of the communication system control circuit 350, which is composed of a single or a combination of switches, dials, touch panels, pointing by visual axis detection, voice recognition devices and the like. .

According to the operating means 362, the communication device 300
Power on / off, call execution (off-hook) / stop (on-hook), phone number input, phone number search, communication mode switching, etc. can be performed.

Numeral 364 is an incoming call notifying means, which gives a ringing tone when an incoming call is received from another communication device or communication base station.
Communication device 30 using voices such as vocalization, music, and / or icons, moving images, still images, images such as light emission, and / or vibration.
It is possible to notify 0 users of the incoming call.

Reference numeral 380 is a power supply control means, which is a battery detection circuit,
It is composed of a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches the blocks to be energized, etc.
The type of battery and the remaining battery level are detected, the DC-DC converter is controlled based on the detection result and the instruction of the communication system control circuit 350, and the required voltage is supplied to each unit including the recording medium for the required period.

382 is a connector, 384 is a connector, 3
86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery or NiCd
It is a power source that consists of batteries, NiMH batteries, Li-ion batteries, secondary batteries such as Li polymers, and AC adapters.

<Description of Configuration of Image Information Management Device 400> Next, the above-described image information management device (image gateway) 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 402 is a control means for controlling the entire image information management device (image gateway).

Reference numeral 404 denotes a storage means, which is a main storage memory for the control means 402 to execute various applications.
Generally, SDRAM, RDRAM, etc. are used.

Reference numeral 406 is a display means composed of a liquid crystal display device, a speaker and the like, and displays necessary characters, images, sounds and the like according to the execution of the program by the control means 402.

Reference numeral 408 denotes an operating means composed of a keyboard, a microphone, etc., for inputting various settings necessary for the operation of the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400 and / or for inputting various operation instructions to the control means 402. Make an input.

Reference numeral 410 is a recording means for accumulating a plurality of applications for the control means 402 to operate, which is under the control of the above-mentioned control means 402.

Generally, a hard disk or the like is used.

A bus 412 connects the control means 402, the storage means 404, the display means 406, the operation means 408, the recording means 410, the communication means 414, the communication means 416, the image storage means 418, and the charge management means 420, Control means 4
This is for transferring the data processed by 02 to each unit, or for transferring data at high speed between each unit (DMA transfer).

Reference numeral 414 is a network means for connecting the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400 to the network 702, and is for transmitting / receiving data to / from the network. The network to be connected is generally Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like. The image information management device (image gateway) 400 can be connected to the packet network 700 including a mobile telephone network such as a telephone base station via the network unit 414 and the network 702.

Reference numeral 416 is a network means for connecting the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400 to the network 602, and is for transmitting / receiving data to / from the network. The network to be connected is generally Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like. The image information management device (image gateway) 400 can be connected to the Internet 600 via the network unit 416 and the network 602.

Reference numeral 418 denotes an image storage means, which is the image pickup apparatus 100.
The captured image data transmitted from the packet network 700,
Data can be sequentially stored in a predetermined area via the network 702, the communication unit 414, and the bus 412.

Further, in response to a request from the image pickup apparatus 100 and / or the information processing apparatus (client computer, portable information equipment, mobile phone, etc.) 630, the photographed image data stored in a predetermined area of the image storage means 418 is sequentially read out. , Bus 412, communication means 414, network 702, packet network 700, or bus 41
2, it can be sent via the communication means 416, the network 602, and the Internet 600.

The image data storing / retrieving operation in the image storing means 418 is executed in cooperation with the charge database information managing operation in the charge managing means 420.

Reference numeral 420 denotes a charging means, which stores the image data photographed by the image pickup apparatus 100 in the image storage means 418 and / or stores the image data when the image data stored in the image storage means 418 is taken out. Equipment to be taken out (imaging device 100 and / or information processing device 50
The identification / authentication of 0) is performed, and update management of the accounting database included in the accounting means 420 can be performed according to the authentication result and the storage / retrieval operation of the image data.

Then, in order to register billing identification information for billing the image pickup apparatus 100 and / or the information processing apparatus 630, the image pickup apparatus 100 and / or the information processing apparatus 50.
Based on the identification information transmitted from 0, the billing database included in the billing means 420 can be updated.

Further, the charging means 420 is the image storage means 4
The image data read from 18 is sent to the printing apparatus (print service) 800, and the printing apparatus (print service)
When printing is performed by the printing unit 820 included in 800, identification and authentication are mutually performed with the printing apparatus (print service) 800, and the authentication result and the printing apparatus (print service) 800 are obtained.
According to the printing operation of the image data by the charging unit 420
It is possible to manage the update of the accounting database provided by.

The charging means 420 and the charging means 828 included in the printing apparatus (print service) 800 can mutually update and manage the charging information.

Identification and authentication are performed so that image data can be stored and / or retrieved from other WWW servers 610, 620, etc., and the charging means 420 is operated according to the authentication result and the storage / retrieval operation of these image data. It is also possible to manage the update of the accounting database provided in the.

Further, it may be configured to share the information of the charging database with other WWW servers 610, 620 and the like.

Also, the charging means 420 is the imaging device 100.
It is possible to store the user registration information of the image pickup apparatus 100 sent from the device, and provide various extended functions to the image pickup apparatus 100 from the extended function program storage unit 424 according to the registered user information.

Reference numeral 424 denotes an image pickup device information management means, which is the device address uniquely provided to the image pickup device 100 and transmitted from the factory server 500 via the network 608, the Internet 600, and the network 602.
00 model information, a correction program for the image pickup apparatus 100, and the like can be stored and managed.

These data and programs are stored in the factory 55
0 every time the imaging device 100 is manufactured and shipped, and / or whenever a correction program for operating the imaging device 100 is released, the factory server 500 transmits the correction program to the image information management device 500 for storage management.

<Description of Configuration of Printing Device 800> Next, referring to FIG.
3 by using the above-mentioned printing device (print service) 8
00 will be described.

Reference numeral 802 denotes a printing device (print service) 8
00 is a control means that controls the entire control.

Reference numeral 804 denotes a storage means, which is a main storage memory for the control means 802 to execute various applications.
Generally, SDRAM, RDRAM, etc. are used.

Reference numeral 806 denotes a display means composed of a liquid crystal display device, a speaker and the like, and displays necessary characters, images, sounds and the like according to the execution of the program by the control means 802.

Reference numeral 808 denotes an operating unit composed of a keyboard, a microphone and the like, which inputs various settings necessary for the operation of the printing apparatus 800 and / or various operating instructions to the control unit 802.

Reference numeral 810 is a recording means for accumulating a plurality of applications for the control means 802 to operate, which is under the control of the above-mentioned control means 802.

In general, a hard disk or the like is used.

Reference numeral 812 denotes a bus, which is a control unit 802, a storage unit 804, a display unit 806, an operation unit 808, a recording unit 810, a communication unit 814, a communication unit 816, and a printing unit 8.
20 to connect the data processed by the control unit 802 to each unit and to transfer data at high speed between each unit (DMA transfer).

Reference numeral 814 designates the printer 800 as the network 6.
A network means for connecting to the network 06 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the network. The network to be connected is generally Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like. The printing apparatus 800 can be connected to the Internet 600 via the network unit 814 and the network 606.

Reference numeral 816 denotes an encryption / decryption means, which is used by the image pickup apparatus 10.
0 and / or the image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 500 and / or the image information management apparatus 400 can be subjected to encryption processing or decryption processing as necessary.

These encryption / decryption processing operations are executed in cooperation with the charging database information in the charging management means 420 provided in the image information management device (image gateway) 400.

Reference numeral 818 denotes a compression / expansion means, which is used for the image pickup apparatus 10.
0 and / or the image data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 500 and / or the image information management apparatus 400 can be subjected to compression processing or decompression processing as necessary.

Reference numeral 820 denotes a printing means, which receives the photographed image data transmitted from the image pickup apparatus 100 and / or the information processing apparatus 500 and / or the image information management apparatus 400 via the network 606, the communication means 814 and the bus 812 and stores it. It is possible to store the image data in the means 804 and / or the recording means 810, read the stored image data, and perform printing by the printing means 820.

The image data printing operation of the printing means 820 is stored in the accounting database information management operation of the accounting management means 828 and the accounting management means 420 of the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400. It is executed in cooperation with the management operation of the identification information (unique identification information of the imaging device).

Reference numeral 822 denotes a communication means, which is Bluetooth.
Spread spectrum communication such as, infrared communication such as IrDA,
It has various short-distance high-speed data communication functions.

Reference numeral 824 denotes the printer 8 by the communication means 882.
00 is an antenna that connects 00 to another device, such as the imaging device 100.

Reference numeral 826 is identification information, which is unique identification information set and stored in order to specify and manage each printing apparatus (print service) 800.

By notifying other equipment of this identification information, the printing apparatus (print service) 800 can exchange commands and data with other equipment.

Reference numeral 828 denotes a charging management means which, when the image data sent from the image information management apparatus 400 is printed by the printing means 820, mutually identifies and authenticates with the device (image information management apparatus 400) which sends the image data. The charging means 828 is executed according to the authentication result and the printing operation of the image data.
It is possible to manage the update of the accounting database provided by.

The charge management means 828 is the charge management means 420 of the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400.
It is possible to mutually update and manage billing information.

Reference numeral 830 denotes a registered device information list, which is the image pickup apparatus 1.
Identification information (device address) of the image capturing apparatus 100 acquired from the image capturing apparatus 100 when the authentication with 00 is successful.
Is a database for registering.

In the authentication process, a common character string called a passkey is input to the operation unit 70 of the image pickup apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 8.
It is performed by inputting the input passkeys to the respective operation means 808 of 00 and collating the input passkeys between the imaging device 100 and the printing device 800.

Once the authentication is performed, the authenticated device address of the image pickup apparatus 100 is registered in the registered device information list 830.
It is possible to omit the need to perform the authentication procedure with the image capturing apparatus 100 every time since the registration is performed.

<Description of Operation of Imaging Device 100> The operation of the embodiment of the imaging device 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 shows an image pickup apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
00 shows a flowchart of a main routine.

The operation of the image pickup apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

Upon power-on such as battery replacement, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags and control variables, and
Initialization processing of each unit of the image pickup apparatus 100 is performed (S100
1).

The system control circuit 50 uses the power switch 6
The setting position of 0 is judged, and if the power switch 60 is set to the power OFF (S1002), the process proceeds to S1003.

If the power switch 60 is set to power ON (S1002), the process proceeds to S1004.

The system control circuit 50 comprises the power supply control means 8
It is determined whether there is a problem in the operation of the image pickup apparatus 100 based on the remaining capacity of the power supply 86 configured by a battery or the like or the operating condition (S1004). If there is a problem, the display unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28 After a predetermined warning is displayed by using an image or a voice using (S1005), the process proceeds to S1003.

If there is no problem with the power source 86 (S100
4) and proceeds to S1006.

The system control circuit 50 changes the display of each display unit to the end state, and sets the necessary parameters including flags and control variables, setting values, and setting modes in the nonvolatile memory 56.
In step S1003, the power supply control unit 80 performs predetermined termination processing such as cutting off unnecessary power of each part of the image processing apparatus 100 including the image display unit 28 (S1003), and then the process returns to S1002.

The system control circuit 50 includes the communication device 300.
From communication means 330, antenna 332, antenna 11
6. If no command or data is received via the communication unit 114 (S1006), the process proceeds to S1012.

The system control circuit 50 includes the communication device 300.
From communication means 330, antenna 332, antenna 11
6. If a command or data is received via the communication means 114 (S1006), the process proceeds to S1007.

The system control circuit 50 confirms the registration status of the device address of the communication device 300 in the registered device information list 74 (S1007), and proceeds to S1008.

If the device address of the communication device 300 is not registered in the registered device information list 74, that is, if the device address of the communication device 300 is not yet authenticated (S10).
08) and proceeds to S1012.

If the device address of the communication device 300 is registered in the registered device information list 74, that is, if the device address of the communication device 300 has already been authenticated (S100).
8), the system control circuit 50 determines the model type of the destination of the received command or data (S1009).

If the destination of the received command or data is the communication device 300 (S1009), the system control circuit 50 executes the communication device process (S101).
0), and proceeds to S1012.

Details of this communication device processing S1010 are shown in FIG.
It will be described later using 1.

If the destination of the received command or data is the printing device 800 (S1009), the system control circuit 50 executes the printing device process (S101).
1) proceeds to S1012.

Details of the printing apparatus processing S1011 are shown in FIG.
It will be described later using 2.

The system control circuit 50 uses the display section 54 to display various setting states of the image pickup apparatus 100 by images and sounds. If the image display of the image display unit 28 is ON, the image display unit 28 is also used to display various setting states of the image pickup apparatus 100 by images and voice (S101).
2).

If the authentication process execution is not selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation unit 70 (S1013), the process proceeds to S1017.

If the authentication process execution is selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation unit 70 (S1013), the system control circuit 50
The search-side authentication process is executed (S1014), and the process proceeds to S1015.

Details of this search-side authentication processing S1014 will be described later with reference to FIG.

A specific example of the name of “execute authentication processing” selected from the menu is “Bluetooth setting menu”.

The system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S10.
The model type of the partner device authenticated in the search-side authentication processing in 14 is determined (S1015).

If the authenticated model type is another device other than the communication device 300 or a non-authenticated device (S1015), the process proceeds to S1017.

If the authenticated model type is the communication device 300 (S1015), the system control circuit 50 causes the URL (Uniform Resource Locato) of the image information management device 400.
r) is notified to the communication device 300 (S1016), and S10
Proceed to 17.

As will be described later, the communication device 300, which has received the notification of the URL indicating the holding location of the information unique to the image pickup device 100 from the image pickup device 100, the image pickup device registration setting process S301.
By performing step 5, it becomes possible to obtain the setting information regarding the imaging device 100.

Then, the image pickup apparatus 100 can receive the setting information about the image pickup apparatus 100 from the mutually authenticated communication apparatus 300.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the user of the image pickup apparatus uses the image pickup apparatus 100 newly purchased at the store 900, the user can obtain the setting information about the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication device 300. It can be obtained and used.

The system control circuit 50 judges the setting position of the mode dial 72, and if the photographing mode is set (S1017), executes the photographing mode process (S101).
8) If the processing is completed, the process returns to S1002.

Details of the shooting mode process S1018 are shown in FIG.
Will be described later.

The system control circuit 50 judges the set position of the mode dial 72, and if the mode dial 72 is set to the reproduction mode (S1017), executes the reproduction mode process (S1019) and finishes the process. Then S1
Return to 002.

Details of the reproduction mode process S1019 will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed flowchart of the searchee side authentication processing in S1014 of FIG.

If the search acceptance mode is not selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation unit 70, the system control circuit 50 (S15).
01), and ends the search-side authentication processing routine S1014.

If the search acceptance mode is selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation unit 70 (S1501), the system control circuit 50
Determines whether a search is being performed on the imaging device 100 from another communication device such as a communication device existing in the communication range of the imaging device 100 via the communication unit 114 and the antenna 116 (S1502). .

If a search has not been performed on the image pickup apparatus 100 from another communication device such as a communication apparatus (S1
502) and proceeds to S1514.

If a search is being performed on the imaging device 100 from another communication device such as a communication device (S150
2), the system control circuit 50 receives the device address of the other party from the communication device 300, that is, the device address of the communication device 300 via the communication means 330, the antenna 332, the antenna 116, and the communication means 114, and the system control circuit 50 The data is stored in the internal memory 50 and / or the memory 52 (S1503), and the process proceeds to S1503.

Subsequently, the system control circuit 50 replies the device address of its own side, that is, the device address of the image pickup device 100 to the communication device 300 via the communication means 114, the antenna 116, the antenna 332, and the communication means 330 ( The process proceeds to S1504) and S1505.

The system control circuit 50 uses the communication means 33.
0, antenna 332, antenna 116, communication means 114
It is determined whether or not the encrypted passkey is received from the communication device 300 via (S1505).

If the passkey is not received from the communication device 300 (S1505), the process proceeds to S1514.

When the passkey is received from the communication device 300 (S1505), the system control circuit 50 decrypts the received passkey and stores it in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 and / or the memory 52 (S1506).
Proceed to 507.

The system control circuit 50 controls the image display unit 28.
And or, the display unit 54 displays the device address of the other party received in step S1503, that is, the device address of the communication device 300 (S1507), and displays an image or voice requesting the input of a passkey (S).
1508) and proceeds to S1509.

If there is no pass key input from the operation unit 70 (S1509), the process proceeds to S1514.

If there is a passkey input from the operation unit 70 (S1509), the system control circuit 50 causes the passkeys of the other party and the own party, that is, the communication device 300 that has been received and decrypted in steps S1505 to S1506. And the passkey transmitted from the imaging device 1 in step S1509.
The passkey entered in 00 is collated (S1510), S
Proceed to 1511.

If the verification result of the passkey is incorrect (S1511), the process proceeds to S1514.

If the result of the passkey verification is correct (S1511), the system control circuit 50 sends the communication means 114,
The authenticated reply is notified via the antenna 116, the antenna 332, and the communication unit 330 (S1512), and the device address of the partner, that is, the device address of the communication device 300 is registered in the registered device information list 74 (S1513). The search side authentication processing routine S1014 ends.

The system control circuit 50 uses the display unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28 to display a predetermined warning with an image or sound (S1514), and then terminates the search-side authentication processing routine S1014.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed flowchart of the photographing mode process in S1018 of FIG.

The system control circuit 50 operates the various switches included in the operation unit 70 to change various settings relating to photographing by the user (S110).
1), the operation setting related to shooting is changed according to the changed contents (S1102).

If the shutter switch SW1 is not pressed (S1103), the system control circuit 50 ends the photographing mode processing routine S1014.

If the shutter switch SW1 is pressed (S1103), the system control circuit 50 performs distance measurement processing to focus the taking lens 10 on the subject, and performs photometry processing to determine the aperture value and shutter time. Yes (S1
104). In the photometric processing, the flash is set if necessary.

Details of the distance measurement / photometry processing S1104 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0228] The shutter switch SW2 is not pressed (S1
105) and if the shutter switch SW1 is also released (S1106), the shooting mode processing routine S101
Finish 4

If the shutter switch SW2 is pressed (S1105), the system control circuit 50 causes the image sensor 1
2, an exposure process for writing the image data captured in the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22 or directly from the A / D converter via the memory control circuit 22. , And the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20,
The image data written in 0 is read out, and the shooting process including the developing process for performing various processes is executed (S110).
7).

Details of the photographing process S1107 will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the photographing process S1107 is completed, the system control circuit 50 reads the photographed image data written in the memory 30, and uses the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20 to set a predetermined pixel. Development processing such as interpolation processing and color conversion processing is performed, and the developed image data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 (S110
8) and proceeds to S1109.

The system control circuit 50 reads out the image data stored in the predetermined area of the memory 30 and, using the compression / expansion circuit 32, performs the compression process for performing the image compression process according to the set mode, The compressed image data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 (S110
9) proceeds to S1110.

The system control circuit 50 reads the compressed image data stored in the predetermined area of the memory 30, performs the predetermined encryption processing using the encryption / decryption circuit 34 (S1110), and outputs the identification information. Add (S111
1), store the processed image data in a predetermined area of the memory 30, and proceed to S1112.

The image data encrypted in step S1110 can be decrypted by the encryption / decryption means 422 included in the image information management device (image gateway) 400.

At this time, the decoding process is executed in cooperation with the charging database information in the charging management means 420.

As described above, the encryption in cooperation with the accounting management by the accounting management means 420 of the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400, the image storage management by the image storage means 418 and the decryption processing by the encryption / decryption means 422. By performing the processing in the image capturing apparatus 100, the image capturing apparatus 100 can enjoy various services provided by the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400, for example, image management services by uploading and / or downloading captured image data. Become.

The system control circuit 50 reads the compressed image data written in the memory 30 and records it on the recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a compact flash (registered trademark) card through the interface 90 or 94 and the connector 92. Is performed (S1112).

If the shutter switch SW1 is released (S1113), the system control circuit 50 ends the series of shooting operations and ends the shooting mode processing routine S1018.

If the shutter switch SW1 is still pressed (S1113), the system control circuit 50
Judges the setting state of the continuous shooting / single shooting switch included in the operation unit 70 (S1114).

If the setting state of the continuous shooting / single shooting switch is the single shooting setting (S1114), the process returns to S1113.

If the continuous shooting / single shooting switch is set to continuous shooting (S1114), the process returns to S1104 to repeat a series of shooting operations.

FIG. 8 shows the distance measurement / measurement in S1109 of FIG.
The detailed flowchart of a photometric process is shown.

The system control circuit 50 reads out the charge signal from the image pickup device 14 and sequentially reads the photographed image data into the image processing circuit 20 through the A / D converter 16 (S12).
01). Using this sequentially read image data, the image processing circuit 20 uses a TTL (through the lens) type AE.
(Automatic exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, AF
A predetermined calculation used for (autofocus) processing is performed.

Note that in each processing here, a specific portion of the total number of photographed pixels, which is necessary, is cut out and extracted for a necessary portion, and is used for the calculation. This makes it possible to perform optimal calculations for different modes such as the center-weighted mode, average mode, and evaluation mode in the TTL AE, EF, AWB, and AF processes.

Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20,
The system control circuit 50 performs AE control using the exposure control means 40 until it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate (S1202) (S1203).

Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not a flash is necessary (S1204), and if a flash is necessary, sets the flash flag and charges the flash 48 ( S120
5).

If it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate (S1
202), measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20 and the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50
Until the white balance (AWB) is judged to be appropriate (SWB
1206), the color processing parameters are adjusted using the image processing circuit 20, and AWB control is performed (S1207).

When it is determined that the white balance (AWB) is appropriate (S1206), the measurement data and / or the setting parameter are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control and AWB control, the system control circuit 50 uses the distance measurement control means 42 to perform AF control until the distance measurement (AF) is determined to be in focus (S1208). Is performed (S1209).

If it is determined that the distance measurement (AF) is in focus (S1
208), the measurement data and / or the setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52, and the distance measurement / photometry processing routine S1109 ends.

FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of the photographing process in S1112 of FIG.

In accordance with the photometric data stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52, the system control circuit 50 causes the exposure control means 40 to open the shutter 12 having the aperture function according to the aperture value and the image pickup device. 10 is exposed (S1301, S1302).

Flash 48 by flash flag
It is determined whether or not is necessary (S1303), and if necessary, the flash is emitted (S1304).

The system control circuit 50 waits for the exposure of the image pickup device 12 to be completed according to the photometric data (S1305), closes the shutter 12 (S1306), reads the charge signal from the image pickup device 14, and the A / D converter 16 displays the image. The captured image data is written to the memory 30 via the processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22 (S1307).

When the series of processing is completed, the photographing processing routine S1112 is completed.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed flowchart of the reproduction mode process in S1019 of FIG.

The system control circuit 50 transfers the selected image data from a predetermined area of the memory 30 or the recording medium 200.
Stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 and then read (S1
401), after performing predetermined decompression processing by the compression / decompression circuit 32 (S1402), the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20 perform predetermined image processing to perform the memory control circuit 22, Reproduction display is performed by the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26 (S140
3) and proceeds to S1404.

If the print order processing has not been set by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation unit 70 (S1404), the system control circuit 50 proceeds to S1406.

When the print order processing is set by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation unit 70 (S1404), the set print order is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 and / or the memory 52. It is stored (S1405) and the process proceeds to S1406.

If the setting for reproducing the next image is made by the operation of the switch included in the operation unit 70 (S14).
06), and returns to S1401.

If the setting for reproducing the next image is not made (S1406), the process proceeds to S1407.

The system control circuit 50 judges the setting position of the mode dial 72, and if the reproduction mode has been completed (S1407), the process proceeds to S1408.

If the reproduction mode has not been completed (S1407), the process returns to S1404.

If it is determined in step S1405 that no print order has been set for one or more photographed image data (S1408), the reproduction mode processing routine S1019 is terminated.

In step S1405, if a print order relating to any one or a plurality of photographed image data has been set (S1408), the process proceeds to S1409.

The system control circuit 50 records the print order file on the recording medium 200 (S140).
9) The reproduction mode processing routine S1019 ends.

FIG. 11 shows a detailed flowchart of the communication device processing in S1010 of FIG.

The system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S10.
Judge the contents of the command or data received in 06 (S
1601).

[0270] The received command or data is transferred to the image pickup apparatus 1
If it is not the notification of the setting information of 00 (S160
1) The communication device processing routine S1010 ends.

The received commands and data are transferred to the image pickup apparatus 1
If it is the notification of the setting information of 00 (S1601), S
Proceed to 1602.

The system control circuit 50 includes the communication device 300.
From communication means 330, antenna 332, antenna 11
6. The setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 and the billing information of the communication apparatus 300 are received via the communication unit 114 (S1602), the setting of each unit of the image pickup apparatus 100 is executed according to the received setting information (S1603), and S1604. Proceed to.

Note that, as an example of the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100, the setting states of the mode dials or mode switches such as the automatic shooting mode, the manual shooting mode, the panorama synthesizing shooting mode, the playback mode, the red-eye reduction auto flash mode, Strobe mode, strobe always on mode, strobe always off mode, slow sync cross strobe mode, and other strobe mode settings, continuous shooting mode, single-shot shooting mode, self-timer shooting mode, and other shooting mode settings, macro shooting mode , Setting of shooting mode such as distant view shooting mode, auto focus,
Manual focus, AF point selection, etc., white balance settings such as auto white balance, sunlight white balance, cloudy white balance, bulb white balance, fluorescent white balance, black and white white balance, etc. Settings, compression ratio settings, recording pixel settings, electronic zoom on / off
Off setting status, movie shooting mode setting status, shooting confirmation on / off immediately after shooting, shooting confirmation time setting status,
Single playback mode, index playback mode, auto play mode, and other playback mode settings, image deletion permission / prohibition settings, date / time display status, display language setting status, standard print, index print, date stamp Print style setting status in print order information such as print and file number print,
Add to file number reset function on / off setting status, electronic sound on / off setting status, volume setting status, power saving function setting status, video output method setting status, image data such as user name and fixed phrase User information settings, etc.

The system control circuit 50 receives the billing information of the communication device 300 from the internal memory and / or the memory 52 and / or the non-volatile memory 56 of the system control circuit 50.
And / or storing in the memory 30 and ending the communication device processing routine S1010.

[0275] As described above, in step S1016, the URL indicating the holding location of the information unique to the image pickup apparatus 100.
Is notified from the image capturing apparatus 100 to the communication apparatus 300, and in step S3015, the communication apparatus 300 that has received the notification performs image capturing apparatus registration setting processing, and the image information managing apparatus 400 sets the information regarding the image capturing apparatus 100, as described below. It becomes possible to obtain information.

Then, the image pickup apparatus 100 can receive the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 from the mutually authenticated communication apparatus 300.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the user of the image pickup apparatus uses the image pickup apparatus 100 newly purchased at the store 900, the user of the image pickup apparatus picks up an image from the image information management apparatus 400 via the communication apparatus 300. It becomes possible to obtain and use the setting information of the device 100.

FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart of the printing device processing in S1011 of FIG.

The system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S10.
As a result of judging the contents of the command or data received in 06, if the received command or data is not the print order information request (S1701), the process proceeds to S1704.

If the received command or data is a print order information request (S1701), the system control circuit 50 causes the communication means 326, antenna 328, packet network 700, network 702, image information management device (image gateway). ) 400, the network 602, the Internet 600, and the network 606 to the printing apparatus (print service) 800, and step S1409
In addition to reading out and transmitting the print order information (print order) recorded in the recording medium 200 in step S170.
2) Set the print order information transmitted flag (S170
3) proceeds to S1711.

The print order information transmitted flag is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 and / or the memory 52.

The system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S10.
As a result of determining the contents of the command or data received in 06, if the received command or data is not an image data request (S1704), the process proceeds to S1708.

If the received command or data is an image data request (S1704), the system control circuit 50 causes the communication means 326, antenna 328, packet network 700, network 702, image information management device (image gateway). Image data requested by the printing apparatus (print service) 800 is sequentially transmitted via the network 400, the network 602, the Internet 600, and the network 606 (S1705, S1706), the image data transmitted flag is set (S1707), Proceeds to S1711.

The image data transmitted flag is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 and / or the memory 52.

The system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S10.
As a result of judging the contents of the command or data received in 06, if the received command or data is not the setting information request (S1708), the process proceeds to S1711.

If the received command or data is a setting information request (S1708), the system control circuit 5
0 is communication means 326, antenna 328, packet network 7
00, the network 702, the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400, the network 602, the Internet 600, and the network 606 to the printing apparatus (print service) 800, and the system control circuit 50.
Imaging device 1 stored in the internal memory and / or the memory 52 and / or the non-volatile memory 56 and / or the memory 30
00 setting information and accounting information of the communication device 300 are transmitted (S
1709), the setting information transmitted flag is set (S17
10) and proceeds to S1711.

The setting information transmitted flag is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 and / or the memory 52.

Here, as an example of the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100, an automatic photographing mode, a manual photographing mode,
Settings of mode dials or mode switches such as panorama composite shooting mode and playback mode, red-eye reduction auto strobe mode, auto strobe mode, strobe always on mode, strobe always off mode, slow sync cross strobe mode, etc. , Continuous shooting mode, single shooting mode, self-timer shooting mode and other shooting mode settings, macro shooting mode, distant view shooting mode and other shooting mode settings, auto focus, manual focus, focus detection point selection, etc. Setting status, auto white balance, sunlight white balance, cloudy white balance, bulb white balance,
White balance settings such as fluorescent white balance and black and white white balance, exposure correction step settings,
Compression ratio setting, recording pixel setting, electronic zoom on / off setting, movie shooting mode setting,
Shooting confirmation on / off immediately after shooting, setting status such as shooting confirmation time, setting status of playback mode such as single playback mode, index playback mode, auto play mode, setting status of permission / prohibition of image deletion, date / time Display status, display language setting status, standard print, index print, date print, file number print, etc., print style setting status, file number reset function on / off setting, electronic sound on ON / OFF setting status, volume setting status, power saving function setting status, video output method setting status,
There is a setting state of user information added to image data such as a user name and a fixed phrase.

The system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S10.
As a result of determining the contents of the command or data received in 06, if the received command or data is not an initialization request (S1711), the process proceeds to S1718.

If the received command or data is an initialization request (S1711), the system control circuit 50
Determines the state of the print order information transmitted flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 and / or the memory 52 (S1712).

If the print order information transmitted flag is cleared (S1712), the process advances to S1714.

If the print order information transmitted flag has been set (S1712), the system control circuit 50 records it in the recording medium 200 in step S1409, and transmits it to the printing apparatus (print service) 800 in step S1702. The order information (print order) is deleted (S1713), and the process proceeds to S1714.

The system control circuit 50 judges the state of the image data transmitted flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 and / or the memory 52 (S171).
4).

If the image data transmitted flag has been cleared (S1714), the flow proceeds to S1716.

If the image data transmitted flag has been set (S1714), the system control circuit 50 records in the recording medium 200 in step S1112, and the printing apparatus (print service) in step S1705.
Delete the image data sent to 800 (S171
5) proceeds to S1716.

The system control circuit 50 judges the state of the setting information transmitted flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 and / or the memory 52 (S1716).

If the setting information transmitted flag has been cleared (S1716), the flow proceeds to S1718.

If the setting information transmitted flag has been set (S1716), the system control circuit 50 takes the image data stored in the internal memory and / or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50 and / or the nonvolatile memory 56 and / or the memory 30. The setting information of the device 100 and the billing information of the communication device 300 are erased (S1717), and the process proceeds to S1718.

The system control circuit 50 returns to step S1701 until a predetermined time has elapsed (S1718),
Repeat a series of processes.

If the predetermined time has passed (S171
8) Then, the printing apparatus processing routine S1011 ends.

<Description of Operation of Communication Device 300> The operation of the embodiment of the communication device 300 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 14.

13 to 14 show the communication device 3 of this embodiment.
00 shows a flowchart of a main routine.

The communication device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The operation of 0 will be described.

Upon power-on such as battery replacement, the communication system control circuit 350 initializes flags and control variables (S3001).

The communication system control circuit 350 judges the setting state of the power switch included in the operating means 362, and if the power switch is set to the power OFF state (S300
2) Go to S3003.

If the power switch included in the operation means 362 has been set to power ON (S3002), the communication system control circuit 350 causes the power supply control means 380 to determine the remaining capacity and operation of the power supply 386 including a battery or the like. It is determined whether there is a problem in the operation of the communication device 300 depending on the situation (S3004).

If the remaining capacity of the power source 386 has a problem in continuing the operation of the communication device 300 (S3004), the communication system control circuit 350 uses the display means 360 to display a predetermined warning display by image or sound. After going (S30
05), and proceeds to S3003.

If the remaining capacity of the power source 386 is sufficient to continue the operation of the communication device 300 (S3004), S3
Proceed to 006.

The communication system control circuit 350 changes the display of each display means to the end state, records necessary parameters including the flag and control variable, setting values, and setting mode in the non-volatile memory 354, and the power supply controlling means. After performing predetermined termination processing such as cutting off unnecessary power of each unit of the communication device 300 including the image display unit 324 by 380 (S300
3) and returns to S3002.

After the communication system control circuit 350 uses the display means 360 to display various setting states of the communication device 300 including the state of the remaining battery capacity by image and sound (S
3006), stand by in a standby state waiting for an incoming call from another communication device or communication base station (S3007).

If the authentication process execution is selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operating means 362 (S3008), the communication system control circuit 350 executes the search side authentication process (S3009),
When the processing is completed, the process proceeds to S3010.

Details of the search side authentication processing S3009 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0313] A specific example of the name of "execute authentication process" selected from the menu is "Bluetooth setting menu".

If the communication system control circuit 350 does not receive a command or data from the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication means 114, the antenna 116, the antenna 332, and the communication means 330 (S3010), the process proceeds to S3021.

When the communication system control circuit 350 receives a command or data from the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication means 114, the antenna 116, the antenna 332, and the communication means 330 (S3010), the process proceeds to S3011.

The communication system control circuit 350 confirms the registration status of the device address of the image pickup apparatus 100 in the registered device information list 358 (S3011), and proceeds to S3012.

The image pickup apparatus 100 is displayed in the registered device information list 358.
Is not registered, that is, if the device address of the imaging device 100 has not been authenticated yet (S3
012) and proceeds to S3021.

The image pickup apparatus 100 is displayed in the registered device information list 358.
Is registered, that is, if the device address of the imaging device 100 has already been authenticated (S30
12), the communication system control circuit 350 determines the model type of the destination of the received command or data (S301).
3).

If the destination of the received command or data is the communication device 100 (S3013), the communication system control circuit 350 receives the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the image information management device 400 from the imaging device 100. (S3014), the imaging device registration setting process is executed (S3014).
3015) and proceed to S3021.

According to the image pickup apparatus registration setting process S3015, the communication apparatus 300 obtains and executes an extension program for performing various setting processing for using the image pickup apparatus 100 with the image information management apparatus 400. Then, with the execution of this extension program, the image information management device 400
The image information management device 40
It is possible to obtain a correction program having the latest functions related to the image pickup apparatus 100 from 0.

Details of the image pickup apparatus registration setting process S3015 will be described later with reference to FIG.

If the destination of the received command or data is another device other than the imaging device 100 (S3
013) and proceeds to S3021.

The communication system control circuit 350 determines whether or not there is an incoming call from another communication device or communication base station via the antenna 328 and the communication means 326 (S3021).

If there is no incoming call from another communication device or communication base station (S3021), the process proceeds to S3022.

If there is an incoming call from another communication device or communication base station (S3021), the process proceeds to S3027.

If the off-hook (call start) switch included in the operating means 362 is not set (S3022), the communication system control circuit 350 returns to S3002.

If the off-hook (call start) switch included in the operation means 362 is set (S3022) and the outgoing call is set by the operation means 362 (S3022).
3023), the communication system control circuit 350 makes an outgoing call according to the set telephone number to another communication device or communication base station (S3024).

While the line with another communication device or communication base station is not connected (S3025), until the on-hook (call cutoff) switch included in the operating means 362 is set (S3026), the communication system control circuit 350 S
Returning to 3024, a series of processing is repeated.

If a line with another communication device or communication base station is connected (S3025), the process proceeds to S3033.

The communication system control circuit 350 uses the ringing tone, vibration, etc. of the incoming call notification means 364 to communicate with the communication device 3.
After starting the incoming call notification to the user of 00 (S302
7) proceeds to S3028.

If the off-hook (call start) switch included in the operating means 362 is not set (S302)
8), the communication system control circuit 350 determines whether or not the incoming call from another communication device or the communication base station has ended (S3029), and if the incoming call has ended, the incoming call notifying means 364 calls the incoming call. The notification of the incoming call to the user of the communication device 300 using sound, vibration, etc. is terminated (S3
030) and returns to S3002.

If the incoming call is not completed (S3
029) and the process returns to S3028.

If the off-hook (call start) switch included in the operating means 362 is set (S3028),
The communication system control circuit 350 terminates the incoming call notification to the user of the communication device 300 using the ringing sound, vibration, etc. by the incoming call notification means 364 (S3031), and the antenna 32
8. Connect a line to another communication device that has called the communication device 300 via the communication means 326 or to another communication device via a communication base station (S3032), and connect the other communication device or A call operation is performed with another communication device via the communication base station (S3033).

In a call operation, the antenna 32 is transmitted from another communication device or another communication device via a communication base station.
8. The voice data received via the communication means 326 is stored in the memory 320, the voice data read from the memory 320 is subjected to predetermined decoding processing and voice processing by the memory control circuit 314, and then the D / A converter 316. A speaker 318 can be used to convert and transmit a voice signal.

Also, the uttered voice is transferred to the microphone 310, A / D
The memory control circuit 314 performs predetermined voice processing and encoding via the converter 316, stores the voice data in the memory 320, and the voice data read from the memory 320 is transmitted to another communication device or communication via the communication unit 326 and the antenna 328. It can be transmitted to another communication device via the base station.

Even if a call from another communication device via another communication device or a communication base station has ended (S3034), or even if the call has not ended (S3034), an on-hook (call If the (discontinue) switch is set (S3035), the communication system control circuit 350 disconnects the line with the other communication device that was in the call or via the communication base station (S3).
036), and returns to S3002.

FIG. 15 shows a detailed flowchart of the search side authentication processing in S3009 of FIG.

If the search mode is not selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operating means 362 (S3101), the communication system control circuit 350 ends the search side authentication processing routine S3009.

If the search mode is selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation means 362 (S3101), the communication system control circuit 350 causes the communication means 330 and the antenna 332 to operate.
A search is made for another communication device such as an imaging device existing in the communication range of the communication device 300 (S3102), and the process proceeds to S3103.

If there is no response from the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication means 114, the antenna 116, the antenna 332, and the communication means 330 regarding the search processing in step S3102 (S3103), the flow proceeds to S3111.

From the image pickup apparatus 100, step S3102
If there is a reply regarding the search processing of (S310
3), the communication system control circuit 350 uses the communication means 11
4, antenna 116, antenna 332, communication means 330
Through the device address of the other party from the imaging device 100,
That is, the device address of the imaging device 100 is received, and the internal memory of the communication system control circuit 350 and / or the memory 3 is received.
It is stored in 52 (S3104) and the process proceeds to S3105.

The communication system control circuit 350 causes the display means 360 to display an image and / or sound requesting the input of a passkey (S3105), and proceeds to S3106.

If there is no passkey input by the operating means 362 (S3106), the flow proceeds to S3111.

If there is a passkey input from the operating means 362 (S3106), the communication system control circuit 35
0 performs predetermined encryption on the input passkey (S3107), and the imaging device 10 via the communication unit 330, the antenna 332, the antenna 116, and the communication unit 114.
Send the encrypted passkey to 0 (S3108), S31
Go to 09.

If there is no authenticated response from the image pickup apparatus 100 regarding the passkey transmission processing in step S3108 (S3109), the flow proceeds to S3111.

If there is an authenticated response from the image pickup apparatus 100 regarding the passkey transmission processing in step S3108 (S3109), the communication system control circuit 350 sets the device address of the image pickup apparatus 100 in a predetermined area of the registered device information list 370. Is registered (S3110), and the search side authentication processing routine S3009 ends.

The communication system control circuit 350 uses the display means 360 to display a predetermined warning by an image or a sound (S3111), and then, the search side authentication processing routine S300.
9 is completed.

FIG. 16 shows a detailed flowchart of the image pickup apparatus registration setting process in S3015 of FIG.

The communication system control circuit 350 is a URL (Uniform Resource Locato) representing the address of the image information management apparatus 400 obtained from the image pickup apparatus 100 on the Internet.
r), via the communication means 326, the antenna 328, the packet network 700, and the network 702, the home page (HT) of the image information management device (image gateway) 400.
Accessing a whole set of information written in ML) (S3201), the process proceeds to S3202.

The homepage of the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400 is the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400 via the Internet 600.
It may be configured to be provided in cooperation with a WWW server other than.

The communication system control circuit 350 describes the logical structure of information provided from the image information management device (image gateway) 400 via the network 702, the packet network 700, the antenna 328 and the communication means 326 on the Internet. HTML (Hyper Text Markup Languag
e) Read the file and its related information (S3202),
The home page of the image information management device 400 (the whole information in a group written in HTML) according to the format of the read HTML file.
24 and / or displayed on the display means 360 (S320
3) proceeds to S3204.

The communication system control circuit 350 is set by the user of the communication means 300 to download the extension program using the operation means 362 in accordance with the instruction of the homepage image or voice displayed on the image display means 324 and / or the display means 360. Is performed (S
3204).

If the setting for downloading the extension program is not made (S3204), the communication system control circuit 350 uses the image display means 324 and / or the display means 360 to display a predetermined warning by an image or sound. Later (S3205), the imaging device registration setting processing routine S3015 ends.

If the setting for downloading the extension program is made (S3204), the communication system control circuit 350 causes the image pickup device information management means 424 of the image information management device 400 to communicate with the communication means 414 and the network 70.
2, packet network 700, antenna 328, communication means 32
6, the extension program relating to the registration setting of the image pickup apparatus 100 is downloaded and stored in a predetermined area of the memory 320 (S3206), and the process proceeds to S3207.

A typical example of this extended program is a Java (registered trademark) applet, which is a program created in the programming language Java (registered trademark).

The communication system control circuit 350 uses the memory 3
The extension program stored in a predetermined area of 20 executes extension program processing for performing charging registration of the communication device 300 and downloading of the correction program of the imaging device 100 (S
3207), when the processing is completed, the imaging device registration setting processing routine S3015 is ended.

Details of the extension program execution processing S3207 will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart of the extension program execution process in S3207 of FIG.

The communication system control circuit 350 has the memory 3
Start the extension program stored in the predetermined area of 20 (S
3301) and proceeds to S3302.

The communication system control circuit 350 judges the state of the identification information 356 and / or the charging registration execution flag stored in the predetermined area of the non-volatile memory 354, and the communication device 300 causes the image information management device (image gateway) 400 to operate.
It is determined whether or not the billing information necessary to enjoy the various services provided by the user has been registered (S330).
2).

If the charging registration execution flag has been cleared (S3302), the communication system control circuit 350 determines that the charging registration has not been executed yet, and the charging provided in the image information management device (image gateway) 400. A billing registration process for registering necessary billing management information to the management means 420 is executed (S3303), and the process proceeds to S3304.

Details of this charging registration processing S3303 are shown in FIG.
It will be described later using 8.

If the charging registration execution flag has been set (S3302), the communication system control circuit 350 determines that the charging registration has already been executed, and proceeds to S3306.

At the time of charge registration processing in step S3303, the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 40
If there is no error notification from 0 (S3304), S3
Proceed to 306.

At the time of charging registration processing in step S3303, the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 40
If there is an error notification from 0 (S3304), S33
Go to 05.

After the communication system control circuit 350 uses the image display means 324 and / or the display means 360 to display a predetermined warning with an image or a sound (S3305), S
Proceed to 3313.

The communication system control circuit 350 confirms the registration status of the device address of the image pickup apparatus 100 in the registered device information list 358 (S3306), and proceeds to S3307.

The image pickup apparatus 100 is added to the registered device information list 358.
Is not registered, that is, if the device address of the imaging device 100 has not been authenticated yet (S3
307), and proceeds to S3305.

The image pickup apparatus 100 is displayed in the registered device information list 358.
Is registered, that is, if the device address of the imaging device 100 has already been authenticated (S10
04), the communication system control circuit 350 uses the communication means 32.
6. The accounting information of the communication device 300 is attached via the antenna 328 to request the image information management device 400 for the setting information of the imaging device 100 (S3308), and the process proceeds to S3309.

Imaging device 10 in step S3308
In the setting information request process of 0, if there is no error notification from the image information management device (image gateway) 400 (S3309), the process proceeds to S3310.

Imaging device 10 in step S3308
If an error notification is sent from the image information management device (image gateway) 400 in the setting information request process of 0 (S3309), the process proceeds to S3305.

Image information management device (image gateway) 4
00 through the network 702, the packet network 700, the antenna 328, and the communication unit 326 (S3310), S3313.
Proceed to.

Image information management device (image gateway) 4
00 through the network 702, the packet network 700, the antenna 328, and the communication unit 326, if a command or data is received, the communication system control circuit 350.
Stores the received command or data in a predetermined area of the memory 320 (S3310), and proceeds to S3311.

If the contents of the received command or data relate to the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 (S
3311), the communication system control circuit 350 receives the setting information of the imaging device 100 received from the image information management device 400 from the communication unit 330, the antenna 332, and the antenna 11.
6. The data is transmitted to the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication unit 114 (S3312), and the process proceeds to S3313.

As an example of the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100, the setting states of the mode dials or mode switches such as the automatic shooting mode, the manual shooting mode, the panorama synthesizing shooting mode, and the reproduction mode, the red-eye reduction automatic strobe mode, the automatic Strobe mode, strobe always on mode, strobe always off mode, slow sync cross strobe mode, and other strobe mode settings, continuous shooting mode, single-shot shooting mode, self-timer shooting mode, and other shooting mode settings, macro shooting mode , Setting of shooting mode such as distant view shooting mode, auto focus,
Manual focus, AF point selection, etc., white balance settings such as auto white balance, sunlight white balance, cloudy white balance, bulb white balance, fluorescent white balance, black and white white balance, etc. Settings, compression ratio settings, recording pixel settings, electronic zoom on / off
Off setting status, movie shooting mode setting status, shooting confirmation on / off immediately after shooting, shooting confirmation time setting status,
Single playback mode, index playback mode, auto play mode, and other playback mode settings, image deletion permission / prohibition settings, date / time display status, display language setting status, standard print, index print, date stamp Print style setting status in print order information such as print and file number print,
Add to file number reset function on / off setting status, electronic sound on / off setting status, volume setting status, power saving function setting status, video output method setting status, image data such as user name and fixed phrase User information settings, etc.

If the user of the communication means 300 uses the operating means 362 to make a setting to end the processing of the series of extension programs (S3313), the extension program execution processing routine S3207 is ended.

If the setting for ending the processing of the series of extension programs has not been made (S3313), the procedure returns to S3302.

FIG. 18 shows a detailed flowchart of the charging registration process in S3303 of FIG.

The communication system control circuit 350 displays the charging registration screen on the display means 360 (S3401), and then S34.
Go to 02.

If the user of the communication device 300 operates the operation means 362 to select an input item (S3402), the communication system control circuit 3
50 switches the display of the input screen displayed on the display unit 360 according to the selection of the input item (S3403), and S34.
Go to 04.

The communication system control circuit 350 accepts the information input by the user of the communication device 300 by operating the operation means 362 in response to the displayed input screen (S3404), and the received input information has no problem. If so (S3405), the communication system control circuit 350
Is stored in the internal memory or the memory 352 of the communication system control circuit 350 (S3406), and proceeds to S3407.

When continuously inputting the next item (S34
07) and returns to S3402 to continue the processing.

When the necessary items have been input (S3
407), the communication system control circuit 350 uses the identification information 3
The device-specific information necessary for charging registration is read from 56 (S3408), the charging input contents stored in the internal memory of the communication system control circuit 350 or the memory 352 in step S3406 are read (S3409), and the communication means 32 is used.
6, device-specific information and billing input contents are transmitted to the image information management device (image gateway) 400 via the antenna 328, the packet network 700, and the network 702 to transmit billing registration information (S3410).

Here, as the device-specific information used for charging registration, there are a manufacturer code, a model code, a serial number of the communication device 300, information regarding a function to be equipped, and the like. In addition, there are shooting history information and the like that inform the registered state of the user of the communication device 300 and the used state of the communication device 300.

By performing this charge registration process, the communication device 300 becomes the image information management device (image gateway) 4
It is possible to enjoy various services provided by 00.

When the series of processes is completed, the charging registration process routine S3303 ends.

<Description of Operation of Image Information Management Device 400> The operation of the embodiment of the image information management device 400 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 20 shows the image information management apparatus 40 of this embodiment.
The flowchart of the main routine of 0 is shown.

When the image information management device 400 is turned on, the control means 402 initializes flags, registers, control variables, etc., and executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the recording means 410.
It is read into the storage means 404 via the bus 412 and executed. Then, the control means 402 controls the image information management device 40.
Each part of 0 is initialized (S4001).

The control means 402 controls the communication device 300 to the packet network 700, the network 702, and the communication means 414.
Via the Internet or from various devices connected to the Internet 600.
02, it is determined whether or not a command, data, or the like has been notified via the communication unit 416 (S4002).

When a command or data is notified (S4002), the control means 402 receives the command and / or image data and / or their additional information, and stores them in a predetermined area of the storage means 404 and / or the recording means 410. It is stored in a predetermined area (S4003).

The control means 402 determines the type of destination of the received command, data, etc. (S4004).

If the destination of the received command or data is the communication device 300 (S4004), the control means 402 executes the process related to the notification from the communication device 300 (S4005), and if the process is completed. If so, return to S4002.

Details of the processing S4005 relating to the notification from the communication device 300 will be described later with reference to FIG.

If the destination of the received command or data is the printing apparatus 800 (S4004), the control means 402 executes the processing related to the notification from the printing apparatus 800 (S4006), and if the processing is completed. If so, return to S4002.

Details of the processing S4006 regarding the notification from the printing apparatus 800 will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 21 shows a detailed flowchart of the processing relating to the notification from the communication device 300 in S4005 of FIG.

If the result of judging the contents of the received command or data is not an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) file request notification describing the logical structure of information provided on the Internet (S4101), S4103.
Proceed to.

If the content of the received command or data is judged to be an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) file request notification describing the logical structure of information provided on the Internet (S4101), the control means 4
02 is HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) in the communication device 300 via the communication unit 414, the network 702, the packet network 700, the antenna 328, and the communication unit 326.
ge) file is transmitted (S4102), and the communication device 30
The processing routine S4005 regarding the notification from 0 is ended.

As described above, the URL (Uniform Resou) indicating the holding location of the information peculiar to the imaging device 100 from the imaging device 100.
(rce Locator), when the communication device 300 further requests the image information management device 400 to transmit an HTML file using this URL, the image information management device 400
Can provide the requested HTML file to the communication device 300.

As a result of judging the contents of the received command, data, etc., if it is not the extension program download request notification (S4103), the process proceeds to S4105.

When the contents of the received command, data, etc. are judged to be the extension program download request notification (S4103), the control means 402 controls the communication means 414, network 702, packet network 700, antenna 328, communication. Communication means 300 via means 326
The extended program is transmitted to the server (S4104), and the processing routine S4005 regarding the notification from the communication device 300 ends.

As described above, when the communication device 300 requests the expansion program for performing various setting processes for using the image pickup device 100 with the image information management device 400, the image information management device 400 Can provide the requested extension program to the communication device 300.

As a result of judging the contents of the received command, data, etc., if it is not the charging registration notice (S410
5) and proceeds to S4109.

As a result of judging the contents of the received command, data, etc., if it is a billing registration notification (S410
5) The control unit 402 stores the received identification information and / or the received billing input content in the billing database included in the billing management unit 420 and registers them (S4106), and proceeds to S4107.

If there is no problem in charging registration in the charging database (S4107), the processing routine S4005 regarding the notification from the communication device 300 is ended.

If there is a problem with the charging registration in the charging database (S4107), the control means 402 transmits the communication device 30 via the communication means 414, the network 702, the packet network 700, the antenna 328 and the communication means 326.
An error notification is transmitted to 0 (S4108), and the processing routine relating to the notification from the communication device 300 S4005
To finish.

As a result of judging the contents of the received command, data, etc., if it is not the setting information request notification of the image pickup apparatus 100 (S4109), the processing routine S4005 regarding the notification from the communication apparatus 300 is ended.

As a result of judging the contents of the received command, data, etc., if it is the setting information request notification of the image pickup apparatus 100 (S4109), the process proceeds to S4110.

The control means 402 determines whether or not the charge management means 420 has the charge registration information of the communication device 300 (S4110).

If the billing management means 420 does not have the billing registration information of the communication device 300 (S4110), the control means 402 passes through the communication means 414, the network 702, the packet network 700, the antenna 328, and the communication means 326. Send an error notification to the communication device 300 (S
4111) and the processing routine S4005 regarding the notification from the communication device 300 is ended.

If the charge management means 420 has the charge registration information of the communication device 300 (S4110), the control means 4
Reference numeral 02 denotes the imaging device 10 in the imaging device information management means 424.
Confirm the registration status of the setting information of 0 (S4112), S41
Proceed to 13.

The control means 402 determines whether or not there is the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 in the image pickup apparatus information management means 424 (S4113).

The image pickup device 1 is stored in the image pickup device information management means 424.
If the setting information of 00 is not stored (S411
3), the control unit 402 transmits an error notification to the communication device 300 via the communication unit 414, the network 702, the packet network 700, the antenna 328, and the communication unit 326 (S4111). The processing routine S4005 regarding the notification ends.

[0415] The image pickup device information management means 424 stores the image pickup device 1
If the setting information of 00 is stored (S411
3), the control unit 402 reads the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 from the image pickup apparatus information management unit 424 (S411
4), via the communication means 414, the network 702, the packet network 700, the antenna 328, and the communication means 326,
The setting information of the imaging device 100 is transmitted to the communication device 300 (S4115), and the processing routine S4005 regarding the notification from the communication device 300 is ended.

[0416] Note that, as an example of the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100, setting states of mode dials or mode switches such as an automatic shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a panorama synthesizing shooting mode, and a reproduction mode, a red-eye reduction automatic flash mode, and an auto mode are set. Strobe mode, strobe always on mode, strobe always off mode, slow sync cross strobe mode, and other strobe mode settings, continuous shooting mode, single-shot shooting mode, self-timer shooting mode, and other shooting mode settings, macro shooting mode , Setting of shooting mode such as distant view shooting mode, auto focus,
Manual focus, AF point selection, etc., white balance settings such as auto white balance, sunlight white balance, cloudy white balance, bulb white balance, fluorescent white balance, black and white white balance, etc. Settings, compression ratio settings, recording pixel settings, electronic zoom on / off
Off setting status, movie shooting mode setting status, shooting confirmation on / off immediately after shooting, shooting confirmation time setting status,
Single playback mode, index playback mode, auto play mode, and other playback mode settings, image deletion permission / prohibition settings, date / time display status, display language setting status, standard print, index print, date stamp Print style setting status in print order information such as print and file number print,
Add to file number reset function on / off setting status, electronic sound on / off setting status, volume setting status, power saving function setting status, video output method setting status, image data such as user name and fixed phrase User information settings, etc.

As described above, the image information management device 400 is
It is possible to judge the model information of the imaging device 100 from the device address of the imaging device 100 notified from the communication device 300, select the setting information of the imaging device 100, and provide the setting information to the imaging device 100.

FIG. 22 shows a detailed flowchart of the processing relating to the notification from the printing apparatus 800 in S4006 of FIG.

As a result of judging the contents of the received command, data, etc., if it is not the setting information notification of the image pickup apparatus 100 (S4201), the processing routine S4006 regarding the notification from the printing apparatus 800 is ended.

As a result of judging the contents of the received command, data, etc., if it is the notification of the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 (S4201), the control means 402 causes the printing apparatus 800 to operate.
The setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 received from the image pickup apparatus 100 is stored in the image pickup apparatus information management unit 424 (S4202), and the process proceeds to S4203.

The control means 402 controls the image pickup apparatus 100.
When receiving and storing the setting information of the image pickup device 100, the device address of the image pickup device 100 is also received, and the setting information of the image pickup device 100 corresponding to the device address is received by the image pickup device information management means 42.
Store in 4.

Here, as an example of the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100, an automatic photographing mode, a manual photographing mode,
Settings of mode dials or mode switches such as panorama composite shooting mode and playback mode, red-eye reduction auto strobe mode, auto strobe mode, strobe always on mode, strobe always off mode, slow sync cross strobe mode, etc. , Continuous shooting mode, single shooting mode, self-timer shooting mode and other shooting mode settings, macro shooting mode, distant view shooting mode and other shooting mode settings, auto focus, manual focus, focus detection point selection, etc. Setting status, auto white balance, sunlight white balance, cloudy white balance, bulb white balance,
White balance settings such as fluorescent white balance and black and white white balance, exposure correction step settings,
Compression ratio setting, recording pixel setting, electronic zoom on / off setting, movie shooting mode setting,
Shooting confirmation on / off immediately after shooting, setting status such as shooting confirmation time, setting status of playback mode such as single playback mode, index playback mode, auto play mode, setting status of permission / prohibition of image deletion, date / time Display status, display language setting status, standard print, index print, date print, file number print, etc., print style setting status, file number reset function on / off setting, electronic sound on ON / OFF setting status, volume setting status, power saving function setting status, video output method setting status,
There is a setting state of user information added to image data such as a user name and a fixed phrase.

If there is a problem in storing the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 (S4203), the control means 402 controls the communication means 416, the network 602, the internet 60.
0, an error notification is transmitted to the printing apparatus 800 via the network 606 (S4204), and the printing apparatus 80
The processing routine S4006 regarding the notification from 0 is ended.

If there is no problem in storing the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 (S4203), the control means 402 associates the received billing information of the communication apparatus 300 with the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 to manage the billing. The billing information of the means 420 is registered (S4205), and the processing routine S4006 regarding the notification from the printing apparatus 800 is ended.

<Description of Operation of Printing Apparatus 800> With reference to FIGS. 24 to 26, the operation of the embodiment of the printing apparatus 800 according to the present invention will be described.

24 and 25 show the printer 8 of this embodiment.
00 shows a flowchart of a main routine.

When the printing apparatus (print service) 800 is turned on, the control means 802 initializes flags, registers, control variables, etc., and executes a control program such as an operating system stored in a part of the area of the recording means 810. , And reads it into the storage unit 804 via the bus 812 and executes it. Then, the control unit 802 controls the printing apparatus 800.
Are initialized (S8001).

If the authentication process execution is selected by the menu button, the selection button, the set button, etc. included in the operation means 808 (S8002), the control means 802
The search side authentication process is executed (S8003), and when the process is completed, the process proceeds to S8004.

Details of the search side authentication processing S8003 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0430] A specific example of the name of "execute authentication process" selected from the menu is "Bluetooth setting menu".

The control means 802 controls the registered device information list 83.
The registration status of the device address of the imaging device 100 at 0 is confirmed (S8004), and the process proceeds to S8005.

The registered device information list 830 contains the image pickup device 100.
Is not registered, that is, if the device address of the imaging device 100 is not yet authenticated (S8
005) and returns to S8002.

[0433] The registered device information list 830 shows the image pickup apparatus 100.
Is registered, that is, if the device address of the imaging device 100 has already been authenticated (S80
05), and proceeds to S8006.

If the print order information acquisition is selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation means 808 (S8006), the control means 8
02 is a communication means 822, an antenna 824, an antenna 1
16. The print order information is requested to the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication unit 114 (S8007), and the process proceeds to S8008.

The control means 802 controls the image pickup apparatus 100 to
When the requested print order information is received via the communication unit 114, the antenna 116, the antenna 824, and the communication unit 822 (S8008), the received print order information is stored in the internal memory of the control unit 802 and / or the storage unit 804 and / or. The data is stored in the recording means 810 (S800
9) Read and analyze the stored print order information (S
8010) and proceeds to S8011.

If image data is to be taken in according to the analyzed print order information (S8011), the control means 80
2 is a communication means 822, an antenna 824, an antenna 11
6. Request image data from the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication unit 114 (S8012), and proceed to S8013.

The control means 802 controls the image pickup apparatus 100 to
When the requested image data is received via the communication unit 114, the antenna 116, the antenna 824, and the communication unit 822 (S8013), the received image data is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 804 and / or a predetermined area of the recording unit 810. It is stored (S8014) and the process proceeds to S8015.

If the next image data is taken in (S80
15) and returns to S8010.

If the next image data is not captured (S
8015) and proceeds to S8021.

The control means 802 reads the image data stored in the predetermined area of the storage means 804 and / or the predetermined area of the recording means 810 (S8021), and the encryption / decryption means 81
6 performs a predetermined decoding process (S8022) and compresses /
After performing the predetermined expansion processing by the expansion means 818 (S
8023), the printing unit 820 performs a printing process according to the instruction content of the printing information (S8024), and in order to reflect the printing process result, the billing information included in the billing management unit 828 is updated (S8025), and the process proceeds to S8026. move on.

If the next printing is to be performed (S8026), S8
Return to 021.

By using the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation means 808, the image pickup apparatus 100 can be selected.
If the import of the setting information of is selected (S802
7), the control means 802 includes the communication means 822 and the antenna 8
The setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 3 are provided to the image pickup apparatus 100 via the antenna 24, the antenna 116, and the communication unit 114.
Request the billing information of 00 (S8028), and proceed to S8029.

The control means 802 controls the image pickup apparatus 100 to
When the requested setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 is received via the communication unit 114, the antenna 116, the antenna 824, and the communication unit 822 (S8029), the received setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 and the billing information of the communication apparatus 300 are displayed. Stored in the internal memory of the control means 802 and / or the storage means 804 and / or the recording means 810 (S8030), S80
Proceed to 31.

In step S8030, when the control unit 802 receives and stores the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100 from the image pickup apparatus 100, it also receives and stores the device address of the image pickup apparatus 100.

Here, as an example of the setting information of the image pickup apparatus 100, an automatic photographing mode, a manual photographing mode,
Settings of mode dials or mode switches such as panorama composite shooting mode and playback mode, red-eye reduction auto strobe mode, auto strobe mode, strobe always on mode, strobe always off mode, slow sync cross strobe mode, etc. , Continuous shooting mode, single shooting mode, self-timer shooting mode and other shooting mode settings, macro shooting mode, distant view shooting mode and other shooting mode settings, auto focus, manual focus, focus detection point selection, etc. Setting status, auto white balance, sunlight white balance, cloudy white balance, bulb white balance,
White balance settings such as fluorescent white balance and black and white white balance, exposure correction step settings,
Compression ratio setting, recording pixel setting, electronic zoom on / off setting, movie shooting mode setting,
Shooting confirmation on / off immediately after shooting, setting status such as shooting confirmation time, setting status of playback mode such as single playback mode, index playback mode, auto play mode, setting status of permission / prohibition of image deletion, date / time Display status, display language setting status, standard print, index print, date print, file number print, etc., print style setting status, file number reset function on / off setting, electronic sound on ON / OFF setting status, volume setting status, power saving function setting status, video output method setting status,
There is a setting state of user information added to image data such as a user name and a fixed phrase.

The control means 802 controls the network 606,
Via the Internet 600 and the network 602,
The setting information about the imaging device 100 is transmitted to the image information management device 400 together with the billing information of the communication device 300 (S8
031) and proceeds to S8032.

As described above, when the user of the image pickup apparatus 100 brings the image pickup apparatus 100 into the printing apparatus 800 and requests the photographic print, the printing apparatus 800 receives the print order information from the mutually authenticated image pickup apparatus 100. The image capturing apparatus 100 according to the description content of the captured print order information.
It is possible to sequentially receive the photographed image data from the device to print the image data, and to load the setting information about the imaging device 100 from the imaging device 100.

Then, the printing apparatus 800 is the image pickup apparatus 10.
Setting information about the image pickup apparatus 100 taken from 0
It is possible to notify the image information management device 400 together with the device address of the imaging device 100.

As a result, when the user of the image pickup apparatus uses the image pickup apparatus 100 newly purchased at the store 900, he / she obtains the setting information about the image pickup apparatus 100 via the image information management apparatus 400 and the communication apparatus 300. Then, the image pickup apparatus 100 can be used after the operation setting of each unit of the image pickup apparatus 100 is performed.

Then, the user of the image pickup device is the store 90
It is not necessary to perform the operation setting from the beginning every time when the image pickup apparatus 100 is newly purchased in 0, and the image pickup apparatus 100 can always be used in the same operation setting state.

When transmitting the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus 100 in step S8031, the image information management apparatus 40
If there is no error notification from 0 (S8032), S8
Proceed to 034.

When transmitting the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus 100 in step S8031, the image information management apparatus 40
If there is an error notification from 0 (S8032), the control unit 802 uses the display unit 806 to display a predetermined warning by an image or sound (S8033), and then S800.
Return to 2.

The image pickup apparatus 100 is operated by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operating means 808.
If the execution of the initialization request for is selected (S803
4), the control means 802 includes the communication means 822 and the antenna 8
The image pickup apparatus 100 is requested to initialize the image pickup apparatus 100 via the antenna 24, the antenna 116, and the communication unit 114 (S80
35) and returns to S8002.

As described above, the printing apparatus 800 fetches the setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus 100 from the image pickup apparatus 100 and then instructs the image pickup apparatus 100 to the image pickup apparatus 100.
It is possible to request deletion of the setting information regarding.

Then, the printing apparatus 800 is the image pickup apparatus 10.
The print order information is captured from 0, the captured image data is sequentially received from the image capturing apparatus 100 according to the description content of the captured print order information, and printing is performed.
It is possible to request the deletion of the print order information and the image data.

As a result, the printing apparatus 800 can fetch the setting information about the imaging apparatus 100 and initialize the imaging apparatus 100 after finishing the printing process for the imaging apparatus 100 brought into the printing apparatus 800. Become.

FIG. 26 shows a detailed flowchart of the search side authentication processing in S8003 of FIG.

If the search mode is not selected by the menu button, selection button, set button, etc. included in the operation means 808, the control means 802 will select the search mode (S800).
1) The search side authentication processing routine S8003 is ended.

When the search mode is selected by the menu button, the selection button, the set button, etc. included in the operation means 808 (S8001), the control means 802 causes the printing device 80 via the communication means 822 and the antenna 824.
A search is made for another communication device such as an imaging device existing in the communication range of 0 (S8002), and the process proceeds to S8003.

If there is no response from the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication means 114, antenna 116, antenna 824, and communication means 822 regarding the search processing in step S8002 (S8003), the flow proceeds to step S8011.

From the image pickup apparatus 100, step S8002
If there is a reply regarding the search processing of (S800
3), the control unit 802 includes the communication unit 114 and the antenna 1.
16, the device address of the other party, that is, the device address of the imaging device 100 is received from the imaging device 100 via the antenna 824 and the communication unit 822, and is stored in the internal memory of the control unit 802 and / or the storage unit 804 (S800).
4) and proceeds to S8005.

The control means 802 displays the image and / or sound requesting the input of the passkey by the display means 806 (S8005), and proceeds to S8006.

If there is no passkey input by the operating means 808 (S8006), the process proceeds to S8011.

If there is a passkey input by the operating means 808 (S8006), the control means 802 performs predetermined encryption on the input passkey (S800).
7), communication means 822, antenna 824, antenna 11
6. The encrypted passkey is transmitted to the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication unit 114 (S8008), and the process proceeds to S8009.

If there is no authenticated response from the image pickup apparatus 100 regarding the passkey transmission processing in step S8008 (S8009), the process advances to step S8011.

If there is an authenticated response from the image pickup apparatus 100 regarding the passkey transmission processing in step S8008 (S8009), the control means 802 registers the device address of the image pickup apparatus 100 in a predetermined area of the registered device information list 870. (S8010), search side authentication processing routine S800
Complete 3.

The control means 802 uses the display means 360 to display a predetermined warning by an image or sound and then (S8
011), and ends the search side authentication processing routine S8003.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention,
A user of the image pickup apparatus 100 attaches the image pickup apparatus 1 to the printing apparatus 800.
When requesting a photographic print by bringing 00, the printing apparatus 800 takes in print order information from the mutually authenticated image pickup apparatus 100, and obtains captured image data from the image pickup apparatus 100 in accordance with the description content of the fetched print order information. It is possible to sequentially receive and print, and to load the setting information regarding the imaging device 100 from the imaging device 100.

Further, when the setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus 100 is fetched, the image pickup apparatus 100 transfers to the communication apparatus 300.
It is also possible to take in the billing information of.

Then, the printing apparatus 800 is the image pickup apparatus 10.
Setting information about the image pickup apparatus 100 taken from 0
The image information management device 40 together with the billing information of the communication device 300
It is possible to notify 0.

Then, the image information management device 400 responds to the inquiry from the mutually authenticated communication device 300.
The setting information about the image pickup apparatus 100 is provided to the communication apparatus 30.
0 can be provided.

Then, the communication device 300 is the image pickup device 10.
URL indicating the holding place of information unique to the imaging device 100 from 0
This URL after receiving the notification of (Uniform Resource Locator)
The image information management apparatus 400 is used to obtain and execute an extended program for performing various setting processes for using the imaging apparatus 100 with the image information management apparatus 400,
Then, along with the execution of this extended program, it becomes possible to perform the charging registration with respect to the image information management device 400 and obtain the setting information regarding the imaging device 100 from the image information management device 400.

Then, the image pickup apparatus 100 can receive the setting information about the image pickup apparatus 100 from the mutually authenticated communication apparatus 300.

As a result, when the user of the image pickup apparatus uses the image pickup apparatus 100 newly purchased at the store 900, he or she obtains the setting information about the image pickup apparatus 100 via the communication device 300 and each unit of the image pickup apparatus 100. It is possible to use the image pickup apparatus 100 after performing the operation setting.

As described above, each time the user of the image pickup apparatus newly purchases the image pickup apparatus 100 at the store 900,
It is not necessary to set the operation from the beginning, and the imaging device 100 can always be used in the same operation setting state.

The printing apparatus 800 is the image pickup apparatus 100.
It is possible to request the image pickup apparatus 100 to delete the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus 100 after fetching the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus 100 from.

Then, the printing apparatus 800 is the image pickup apparatus 10.
The print order information is captured from 0, the captured image data is sequentially received from the image capturing apparatus 100 according to the description content of the captured print order information, and printing is performed.
It is possible to request the deletion of the print order information and the image data.

As a result, the printing apparatus 800 can fetch the setting information about the imaging apparatus 100 and initialize the imaging apparatus 100 after finishing the printing process for the imaging apparatus 100 brought into the printing apparatus 800. Become.

In addition, the image information management apparatus 400 uses the URL when the communication apparatus 300 receives the notification of the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the holding location of the information unique to the imaging apparatus 100 from the imaging apparatus 100. When the image information management device 400 is requested to send an HTML file, the requested HTML file can be provided to the communication device 300.

Then, the image information management apparatus 400, when the communication apparatus 300 requests an extended program for performing various setting processing for using the image pickup apparatus 100 with the image information management apparatus 400, The requested extension program can be provided to the communication device 300.

Further, the image information management device 400 stores the image pickup device 1 stored in the image pickup device management means 424 from the device address of the image pickup device 100 notified from the communication device 300.
It is possible to read the setting information of 00 and provide it to the imaging device 100.

Then, the device address of the image pickup apparatus 100 is notified from the factory server 500 to the image information management apparatus 400 every time the image pickup apparatus 100 is manufactured or reconditioned in the factory 550 and shipped. It is adapted to be stored and managed in the image pickup apparatus management means 424 included in.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26.

In the description of the embodiments, the steps
In S8027, if the acquisition of the setting information of the imaging device 100 is selected by the menu button, the selection button, the set button, etc. included in the operation unit 808, the setting information acquisition request is issued to the imaging device 100. If a series of printing processes are performed, there is no problem with the configuration in which step S8028 is directly executed without performing step S8027.

If it is determined in step S8034 that execution of the initialization request to the image pickup apparatus 100 is selected by the menu button, the selection button, the set button, etc. included in the operation means 808, the image pickup apparatus 100 is initialized. Although it has been described that the request is made, if the transmission of the setting information of the imaging device 100 to the image information management device 400 is successful,
Without performing step S8034, directly perform step S80
There is no problem with the configuration for executing 35.

In the description of the embodiment, the steps
In S3206, the communication device 300 determines that the imaging device 10
It is described that the extension program related to the registration setting of 0 is downloaded from the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400, and the downloaded extension program is executed in step S3207 to perform the registration setting regarding the imaging apparatus 100. Instead of downloading, the information presented on the home page of the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400 may be browsed to select and / or fill in necessary items to perform registration settings for the imaging apparatus 100.

In the description of the embodiments, the image pickup device 100 and the communication device 300 are described as separate components, but the image pickup device 100 and the communication device 300 may be integrated.

Further, the communication device 300 is the packet network 700.
There is no problem even if the configuration is such that it can be directly connected to the image information management device (image gateway) 400 via the Internet 600 without going through.

There is no problem even if the dealer 900 and the printing apparatus (print service) 800 are integrated. Alternatively, there is no problem even if the functions provided by the store 900 and the printing apparatus (print service) 800 are combined.

Further, there is no problem even if the factory server 500 and the printing apparatus (print service) 800 are integrated. Alternatively, the functions provided by the factory server 500 and the printing apparatus (print service) 800 may be combined to cause no problem.

[0491] Furthermore, the store 900 and the factory server 5
00 and the printing apparatus (print service) 800 may be integrated. Alternatively, the store 900, the factory server 500, and the printing device (print service) 80
There is no problem even if the configuration provided by the functions provided by 0 is combined.

Also, there is no problem if the image information management device (image gateway) 400 and the factory server 500 are integrated. Alternatively, the functions provided by the image information management device (image gateway) 400 and the factory server 500 may be combined to cause no problem.

In the description of the embodiment, the image pickup apparatus 100, the communication apparatus 300, the image information management apparatus (image gateway) 400, the printing apparatus (print service) 80.
0, information processing device (client computer) 63
0, the factory server 550 has been described as one each, but the imaging device 100 has a single or a plurality of configurations, the communication device 300 has a single or a plurality of configurations, and the image information management device (image gateway) 400 has a single or a plurality of configurations. Configuration, printing device (print service) 800 is single or plural, information processing device (client computer) 630 is single or plural, factory server 55
0 may be either a single number or a plurality of combinations.

The packet network 700 including the mobile phone base station may have either a single structure or a plurality of structures.

The recording medium 200 is a PCMCIA (Person
al Computer Memory Card International Associatio
n) Card or CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark))
Card, MMC (multimedia card), memory card such as SD card, hard disk, etc., as well as micro
DAT, magneto-optical disk, optical disk such as CD-R and CD-WR, DV
Of course, there is no problem even if it is composed of a phase change type optical disc such as D.

Also, there is no problem if the recording medium 200 is a composite medium in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. Furthermore, there is of course no problem even if a part of the composite medium is detachable.

In the description of the embodiments, the recording medium 200 has been described as being built in the image pickup apparatus 100, but of course there is no problem if it can be connected separately from the image pickup apparatus 100. .

In addition, the recording medium 200 is attached to the image pickup apparatus 100.
However, a single number or a plurality of arbitrary numbers may be incorporated or connected.

(Other Embodiments) Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or apparatus, and to supply the storage medium to the system or apparatus. It is needless to say that it can be achieved by the computer (or the CPU or MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk,
Hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-
ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that this also includes the case where () etc. perform part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, Needless to say, this also includes the case where the CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0504]

As can be easily understood from the above description, according to the first aspect of the invention, there is provided an image pickup system in which the image pickup apparatus, the printing apparatus and the image information management apparatus are communicable with each other. The imaging device includes an imaging means, a print ordering means for making a print order of the captured image data, a submission means for submitting setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device to the printing device, and a request from the printing device. According to the erasing means for erasing the setting information related to the image pickup device, the printing device receives the print order information and the image data corresponding to the print order from the image pickup device, and according to the received print order information. A printing unit that prints the received image data, an acceptance unit that accepts setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus, and a setting regarding the image capturing apparatus. After accepting the information, an erasing request means for requesting the imaging device to erase the setting information about the imaging device, and a transfer means for transferring the accepted setting information and billing identification information about the imaging device to the image management device. The image information management apparatus manages the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus transferred from the printing apparatus based on the billing identification information, and updates the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus when using a new image capturing apparatus. It is possible to provide an image pickup system characterized by having management means that can be provided to various image pickup apparatuses.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an image pickup system in which an image pickup apparatus, a printing apparatus, and an image information management apparatus are communicable with each other. A print ordering step for making a print order, a submitting step for submitting setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device to the printing device, and an erasing step for erasing the setting information regarding the imaging device in response to a request from the printing device. A printing step of receiving print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the image pickup apparatus in the printing apparatus, and printing the received image data in accordance with the received print order information; An acceptance step of accepting the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the imaging device, and after accepting the setting information regarding the imaging device,
In the image information management apparatus, a deletion request step of requesting the imaging apparatus to delete the setting information related to the imaging apparatus, a transfer step of transferring the accepted setting information and billing identification information related to the imaging apparatus to the image management apparatus, A management step of managing setting information related to the image pickup device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information and providing setting information related to the image pickup device to the new image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used. It becomes possible to provide the control method of the imaging system characterized by having.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging device configured to be communicable with a printing device and an image information management device, the imaging device, a print ordering device for making a print order of the imaged image data, and the printing. When the apparatus receives print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the imaging apparatus and prints the received image data according to the received print order information, setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging apparatus A submitting means for submitting to the printing device, the printing device, after accepting the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the imaging device, when requesting the imaging device to delete the setting information regarding the imaging device, An erasing unit for erasing the setting information relating to the imaging device in response to a request from the printing device, wherein the printing device has accepted the setting information relating to the imaging device and Transferring billing identification information to the image management device, the image information management device manages the setting information relating to the image capturing device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and at the time of using a new image capturing device. Thus, it becomes possible to provide an image pickup device characterized by enabling setting information relating to the image pickup device to be provided to a new image pickup device.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image pickup apparatus configured to be communicable with a printing apparatus and an image information management apparatus, the image pickup step, and a print order step for making a print order of picked-up image data. When the printing apparatus receives print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the imaging apparatus and prints the received image data according to the received print order information, setting information regarding the imaging apparatus and A submitting step of submitting billing identification information to the printing device, and when the printing device requests the image pickup device to erase the setting information regarding the image pickup device after accepting the setting information regarding the image pickup device and the billing identification information. And an erasing step of erasing setting information relating to the imaging device in response to a request from the printing device, the printing device relating to the accepted imaging device. The fixed information and the billing identification information are transferred to the image management apparatus, and the image information management apparatus manages the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus transferred from the printing apparatus based on the billing identification information and a new image pickup apparatus. It is possible to provide a method for controlling an image pickup device, which is capable of providing setting information relating to the image pickup device to a new image pickup device in use of the above.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image pickup apparatus configured to communicate with a printing apparatus and an image information management apparatus, the control program including an image pickup step and an image pickup step. A print ordering step for making a print order for the image data, and the printing apparatus receives print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the imaging apparatus, and the received image data according to the received print order information. A step of submitting the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the imaging device to the printing device when printing the image, and the printing device after the printing device accepts the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the imaging device. A deletion step of deleting the setting information relating to the imaging device in response to a request from the printing device when the imaging device is requested to delete the setting information. The image-capturing device transferred from the printing device, wherein the printing device transfers setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image-capturing device to the image management device. While managing the setting information based on the billing identification information,
It becomes possible to provide a storage medium characterized in that setting information relating to the image pickup device can be provided to the new image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus is configured to be communicable with the image pickup apparatus and the image information management apparatus, and receives print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the image pickup apparatus and receives the print order information. According to the print order information, a printing unit that prints the received image data, an acceptance unit that accepts setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device from the imaging device, and an acceptance unit after accepting the setting information regarding the imaging device. The image processing apparatus includes: an erasing request unit that requests the image capturing apparatus to erase setting information about the image capturing apparatus; and a transfer unit that transfers the accepted setting information about the image capturing apparatus and billing identification information to the image management apparatus. The information management device manages the setting information related to the image pickup device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and at the same time, a new image pickup device. In use of, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus characterized by enabling providing configuration information relating to the image pickup device to a new imaging device.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus configured to be communicable with an image pickup apparatus and an image information management apparatus, wherein print order information and image data corresponding to the print order are received from the image pickup apparatus. Then, according to the received print order information, a printing step of printing the received image data, an acceptance step of accepting setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging apparatus from the imaging apparatus, and setting information regarding the imaging apparatus are displayed. After accepting, it has a deletion request step of requesting the image pickup apparatus to delete the setting information about the image pickup apparatus, and a transfer step of transferring the setting information and billing identification information about the accepted image pickup apparatus to the image management apparatus. The image information management device manages the setting information relating to the imaging device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and In use of an image pickup apparatus, it is possible to provide a control method for a printing apparatus, characterized in that to enable provide configuration information about the imaging device to a new imaging device.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a control program for controlling a printing device communicable with the imaging device and the image information management device, wherein the control program prints from the imaging device. A printing step of receiving the image data corresponding to the order information and the print order, and printing the received image data according to the received print order information;
An accepting step of accepting setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus, and an erase request step of requesting the image capturing apparatus to erase the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus after accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus. When,
The image information management apparatus includes a transfer process code for transferring the accepted setting information and accounting identification information about the imaging apparatus to the image management apparatus, and the image information management apparatus charges the setting information about the imaging apparatus transferred from the printing apparatus. It is possible to provide a storage medium which is managed based on the identification information and is capable of providing setting information relating to the image pickup device to the new image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an image information management apparatus configured to be communicable with an imaging device and a printing device, wherein the printing device print order information and print order of image data captured from the imaging device. When the received image data is printed according to the received print order information, the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus are accepted from the image capturing apparatus, and the image capturing apparatus related to the image capturing apparatus is received. After accepting the setting information, the image pickup apparatus is requested to delete the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus, and is deleted.
When the setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image pickup apparatus are transferred to the image management apparatus, the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus transferred from the printing apparatus is managed based on the billing identification information, and a new image pickup is performed. It becomes possible to provide an image information management apparatus characterized by having a management means capable of providing setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus to a new image pickup apparatus when the apparatus is used.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an image information management apparatus configured to be communicable with an imaging device and a printing device, wherein the printing device includes print order information of image data captured by the imaging device. And, receiving the image data corresponding to the print order, according to the received print order information, when printing the received image data, accept the setting information and billing identification information from the imaging device,
After accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, the image capturing apparatus is requested to erase the configuration information regarding the image capturing apparatus, and the configuration information and the billing identification information regarding the accepted image capturing apparatus are transferred to the image management apparatus. At this time, the setting information about the image pickup device transferred from the printing device can be managed based on the billing identification information, and the setting information about the image pickup device can be provided to the new image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used. It is possible to provide a control method for an image information management device, which has a management step.

As can be easily understood from the above description,
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image information management device configured to be communicable with an imaging device and a printing device, the control program including: When the print order information of the image data captured from the image capturing apparatus and the image data corresponding to the print order are received, and the received image data is printed according to the received print order information, the image capturing apparatus acquires the image data from the image capturing apparatus. After accepting the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus and accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, the image capturing apparatus is requested to erase the configuration information regarding the image capturing apparatus, and the setting information regarding the accepted image capturing apparatus and When the billing identification information is transferred to the image management device, the setting information relating to the imaging device transferred from the printing device is transferred to the billing identification information. Together based managing the information,
It becomes possible to provide a storage medium characterized by including a management process code capable of providing the new image pickup device with setting information relating to the image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used.

By the above means, every time the user of the image pickup apparatus purchases a new image pickup apparatus at the store, the setting of the image pickup apparatus needs to be performed again, and there is no problem of inconvenience. It is possible to provide a method and a storage medium.

[0516] In general, the user of the image pickup apparatus often sets the image pickup apparatus in a state in which he / she is comfortable to use, depending on the shooting application, hobbies, type of subject, and the like. It is possible to provide an imaging system, a control method thereof, and a storage medium that do not have the problem that it is very inconvenient to carry out the apparatus each time it is purchased.

[0517] Further, even when a photograph print is requested after photographing, the print size, the presence or absence of index print, the number of prints for each photographed image, etc. are always set to a constant state according to the preference of each user. Therefore, it is possible to provide an imaging system, a control method therefor, and a storage medium that are free from the problem that it is very inconvenient to make these settings each time an imaging apparatus is purchased.

[0518] When purchasing an image pickup device at a destination such as an overseas trip, it is very inconvenient because it is necessary to constantly change the display language setting, date display format, etc. according to one's nationality or language. It is possible to provide a problem-free imaging system, its control method, and a storage medium.

[0519] Further, when adding user information to photographed image data, it is necessary to always set a user name, a fixed phrase, etc., and an image pickup system, a control method therefor, and a storage medium which are not very inconvenient are provided. It becomes possible to do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of an imaging device and a communication device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of an image pickup apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram of a communication device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main routine of the image pickup apparatus in this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a search-side authentication processing routine of the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a shooting mode processing routine of the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a distance measurement / photometry processing routine of the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a shooting processing routine of the image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a reproduction mode processing routine of the image pickup apparatus in this embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a communication device processing routine of the image pickup device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a printing device processing routine of the imaging device according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a part of a flowchart of a main routine of the communication device in this embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a part of a flowchart of a main routine of the communication device in this embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a search side authentication processing routine of the communication device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an imaging device registration setting processing routine of the communication device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an extended program execution processing routine of the communication device in this embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a charging registration processing routine of the communication device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a configuration block diagram of an image information management device of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a main routine of the image information management device in this embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a processing routine relating to notification from the communication device 300 of the image information management device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a processing routine related to notification from the printing apparatus 800 of the image information management apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a configuration block diagram of a printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a part of a flowchart of a main routine of the printing apparatus in this embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a part of a flowchart of a main routine of the printing apparatus in this embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a search side authentication processing routine of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: Photographing lens 12: Shutter 14: Image sensor 16: A / D converter 18: Timing generation circuit 2
0: Image processing circuit 22: Memory control circuit 24: Image display memory 26: D / A converter 28: Image display unit
30: Memory 32: Image compression / decompression circuit 34: Encryption
/ Composite circuit 36: Charge management means 40: Exposure control means 42: Distance measurement control means 44: Zoom control means 46:
Barrier control means 48: Flash 50: System control circuit 52: Memory 54: Display unit 56: Non-volatile memory 58: Identification information 60: Power switch (main switch) 62: Shutter switch SW1 64: Shutter switch SW2 70: Operation unit 72 : Mode dial switch 74: List of registered device information 80: Power supply control means 82: Connector 84: Connector 86: Power supply means 90: Interface 92: Connector 10
0: Imaging device 102: Protecting means 104: Optical finder 114: Communication means 116: Antenna 200:
Recording medium 202: Recording unit 204: Interface
206: Connector 300: Communication device 310: Microphone 312: A / D converter 314: Memory control circuit 3
16: D / A converter 318: Speaker 320: Memory 322: D / A converter 324: Image display means
326: Communication means 328: Antenna 330: Communication means 332: Antenna 350: Communication system control circuit 352: Memory 354: Nonvolatile memory 356:
Identification information (device address) 358: Registered device information list 360: Display means 362: Operation means 364: Incoming call notification means 380: Power supply control means 382: Connector 3
84: Connector 386: Power supply means 400: Image information management device (image gateway) 500: Factory server 550: Factory 600: Internet 602: Network 604: Network 606: Network 608: Network 610: WWW server 6
20: WWW server 630: Information processing device (client computer) 700: Packet network 702: Network 800: Printing device (print service)
850: Photo print 900: Dealer

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An imaging system in which an imaging device, a printing device, and an image information management device are configured to be able to communicate with each other,
The printing device receives print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the imaging device, and according to the received print order information,
A printing unit that prints the received image data, an accepting unit that accepts setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus, and a setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus after accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus. The image information management apparatus includes: an erase request unit that requests the image capturing apparatus to erase; and a transfer unit that transfers setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image capturing apparatus to the image management apparatus. A management unit capable of managing the setting information related to the image pickup device transferred from the device based on the billing identification information and providing the setting information related to the image pickup device to the new image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used. Characteristic imaging system. 2. A method for controlling an imaging system, wherein an imaging device, a printing device, and an image information management device are communicable with each other, wherein the printing device handles print order information and print orders from the imaging device. Image data to be received, and according to the received print order information,
A printing step of printing the received image data, an acceptance step of accepting setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus, and a setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus after accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus. In the image information management apparatus, a deletion request step of requesting the image pickup apparatus to delete, a transfer step of transferring the setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image pickup apparatus to the image management apparatus, And managing the setting information about the image pickup device based on the billing identification information, and providing the setting information about the image pickup device to the new image pickup device when the new image pickup device is used. Method of controlling an imaging system for controlling. 3. An imaging device configured to be communicable with a printing device and an image information management device, the imaging device, a print ordering device for placing a print order for the imaged image data, and the printing device When receiving the print order information and the image data corresponding to the print order from the device and printing the received image data according to the received print order information, the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the imaging device are sent to the printing device. And a request from the printing device when the printing device requests the imaging device to delete the setting information about the imaging device after the printing device accepts the setting information about the imaging device and the billing identification information. Erasing means for erasing the setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus according to the above, and the printing apparatus accepted the setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus and the billing identification. Information to the image management device, the image information management device manages the setting information related to the imaging device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and at the time of using a new imaging device, An image pickup apparatus, which is capable of providing setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus to a new image pickup apparatus. 4. A method of controlling an imaging device configured to be communicable with a printing device and an image information management device, comprising: an imaging step; a print ordering step for placing a print order for the imaged image data; When the print order information and the image data corresponding to the print order are received from the imaging device and the received image data is printed according to the received print order information, the setting information and the billing identification information about the imaging device are described above. A submitting step of submitting to the printing device, and when the printing device requests the imaging device to erase the setting information about the imaging device after accepting the setting information and the billing identification information about the imaging device, the printing device And an erasing step of erasing the setting information regarding the imaging device in response to a request from the printing device, Transferring billing identification information to the image management device, the image information management device manages the setting information relating to the image capturing device transferred from the printing device based on the billing identification information, and at the time of using a new image capturing device. A method for controlling an image pickup device, wherein setting information regarding the image pickup device can be provided to a new image pickup device. 5. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image pickup apparatus configured to be communicable with a printing apparatus and an image information management apparatus, the control program including an image pickup step and printing of image data of the image pickup. A print ordering step of placing an order, and when the printing device receives print order information and image data corresponding to the print order from the imaging device, and prints the received image data according to the received print order information. A submitting step of submitting setting information and billing identification information regarding the image pickup apparatus to the printing apparatus, and deleting the setting information regarding the image pickup apparatus after the printing apparatus accepts the setting information and billing identification information regarding the image pickup apparatus. A code for an erasing step of erasing the setting information relating to the imaging device in response to a request from the printing device when the imaging device is requested Then, the printing device transfers the accepted setting information and billing identification information regarding the imaging device to the image management device, and the image information management device forwards the setting information regarding the imaging device transferred from the printing device. A storage medium which is managed based on billing identification information and is capable of providing setting information relating to the new imaging device to the new imaging device when the new imaging device is used. 6. A printing device configured to communicate with an imaging device and an image information management device, wherein print order information and image data corresponding to the print order are received from the imaging device, and the received print order information is added to the received print order information. Depending on,
A printing unit that prints the received image data, an accepting unit that accepts setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus, and a setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus after accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus. The image information management apparatus includes an erase request unit that requests the image capturing apparatus to erase, and a transfer unit that transfers the setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image capturing apparatus to the image management apparatus, wherein the image information management apparatus is the printing apparatus. The setting information relating to the image pickup device transferred from the device is managed based on the billing identification information, and when the new image pickup device is used, the setting information relating to the image pickup device can be provided to the new image pickup device. apparatus. 7. A method for controlling a printing apparatus, which is configured to be communicable with an imaging apparatus and an image information management apparatus, wherein print order information and image data corresponding to the print order are received from the imaging apparatus, and the received printing is performed. Depending on the order information
A printing step of printing the received image data, an acceptance step of accepting setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus, and a setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus after accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus. A deletion request step of requesting the image pickup apparatus to delete, and a transfer step of transferring the setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image pickup apparatus to the image management apparatus, wherein the image information management apparatus is the printing apparatus. The setting information relating to the image pickup device transferred from the device is managed based on the billing identification information, and when the new image pickup device is used, the setting information relating to the image pickup device can be provided to the new image pickup device. Device control method. 8. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling a printing device communicable with the imaging device and the image information management device, the control program including print order information and print order from the imaging device. The image data corresponding to is received, and according to the received print order information,
A printing step of printing the received image data, an acceptance step of accepting setting information and billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus from the image capturing apparatus, and a setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus after accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus. The image information management apparatus comprises a deletion request step of requesting the image pickup apparatus to delete, and a transfer step code of transferring the setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image pickup apparatus to the image management apparatus, Setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus transferred from the apparatus is managed based on the billing identification information, and setting information relating to the image pickup apparatus can be provided to the new image pickup apparatus when the new image pickup apparatus is used. Storage medium. 9. An image information management device configured to be communicable with an imaging device and a printing device, wherein the printing device includes print order information of image data captured by the imaging device and image data corresponding to the print order. When the received image data is printed according to the received print order information, the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus are accepted from the image capturing apparatus, and the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus is accepted. After that, when the image forming apparatus is requested to delete the setting information related to the image capturing apparatus and erased, and the accepted setting information related to the image forming apparatus and the billing identification information are transferred to the image managing apparatus, the information is transferred from the printing apparatus. The setting information about the imaging device is managed based on the billing identification information, and the usage information about the imaging device is changed when a new imaging device is used. Image information management apparatus characterized by having a possible provision management means configuration information to the new imaging device that. 10. A control method of an image information management device configured to be communicable with an imaging device and a printing device, wherein the printing device responds to print order information and print orders of image data taken from the imaging device. When receiving the image data to be received and printing the received image data according to the received print order information, the setting information and the billing identification information regarding the image capturing apparatus are accepted from the image capturing apparatus, and the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus is received. After accepting the setting information, the image forming apparatus is requested to erase the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, and the setting information and billing identification information regarding the accepted image capturing apparatus are transferred to the image management apparatus. The setting information on the image pickup device transferred from the device is managed based on the billing identification information, and when the new image pickup device is used, Method for controlling the image information management apparatus characterized by having a possible control step provides configuration information about the image device to the new image pickup apparatus. 11. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image information management apparatus configured to be communicable with an imaging device and a printing device, wherein the control program is used by the printing device to capture an image from the imaging device. When the print order information of the image data and the image data corresponding to the print order are received, and when the received image data is printed according to the received print order information, the setting information and the charge related to the image pickup apparatus are charged from the image pickup apparatus. After accepting the identification information and accepting the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, the image capturing apparatus is requested to erase the setting information regarding the image capturing apparatus, and the configuration information and the billing identification information regarding the accepted image capturing apparatus are described. When transferred to the image management device, the setting information relating to the imaging device transferred from the printing device is based on the billing identification information. As well as management, storage medium in use, characterized by comprising a code can provide control step of setting information relating to the image pickup device to a new imaging device with a novel imaging device.