JP5088132B2 - Digital camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera having a storage unit capable of reading and writing without contact.

  A variety of accessories are available for digital cameras, and appropriate accessories are attached and removed according to shooting conditions and shooting intentions. Some accessories are electrically connected to the digital camera body and controlled in operation based on a signal from the digital camera body, or transmit accessories information stored in the storage unit to the digital camera body. It has been. Examples of accessories having a function of transmitting information related to accessories to the digital camera body include, for example, a photographing lens or a strobe device having an AF (autofocus) function. Examples of accessories not having the above-described functions include, for example, There are various filters, hoods, close-up lenses, conversion lenses that are mounted between the interchangeable lens and the digital camera body, close-up rings, shutter release cables, tripods, etc.

  When publishing an image, information on accessories used at the time of capturing the image is often attached. Regarding the former group of accessories, the digital camera automatically captures information about the accessory from the accessory as necessary, and records it on the image data of the photographed image. In addition, information regarding the state of the accessory at the time of photographing is also automatically taken into the digital camera. For example, regarding the taking lens, in addition to the manufacturer name, focal length, and open aperture value, the actual aperture value at the time of shooting is also transmitted to the digital camera.

  Information on the latter group of accessories is added to the image data of an image photographed using the accessory by manual operation input by the user. The information is added using a digital camera that captures the target image or a personal computer that reads the image data of the target image.

  Obtaining subject identification information included in a subject and performing processing according to the characteristics of the subject on a captured image is known, for example, from Patent Document 1 below.

JP 2004-328202 A

  Patent Document 1 discloses a non-contact readable memory for storing article identification information, a photographing unit having a reading unit for reading the memory, a database for storing article information and identification information in association with each other, and image processing. An image processing system having image processing means for performing is disclosed. In this image processing system, the imaging unit reads the identification information stored in the memory, and provides the captured image and the identification information in association with each other to the image processing unit. The image processing means reads the corresponding article information from the database based on the identification information and performs image processing, so that each article in the image is actually reproduced when the image data is reproduced regardless of the photographing light source or the like. Can be reproduced with an appropriate color tone close to that.

  For the latter accessory, that is, an accessory whose operation is controlled based on a signal from the digital camera body, or information about itself cannot be transmitted to the digital camera body, information about the accessory is added to the image data. Since operation input is necessary, it is troublesome. In order to avoid the risk of missing a shooting opportunity by inputting information about accessories every time shooting is performed, it is also possible to input information on accessories used for each image at a later time. However, when a large number of images are taken while attaching and detaching various accessories, it is difficult to accurately memorize or make a note of which accessory was used for taking each image.

  Some functions of the digital camera have different functions depending on the destination. For example, the type of language used for display on the display unit varies depending on the destination. In order to change some functions according to the destination, etc., to select one of multiple execution programs or multiple execution conditions that cause the control unit to execute some of the functions of the digital camera under different execution conditions The data list to be referred to is stored in the storage unit, and any one processing program selected by a predetermined method according to the destination or the like or the execution condition selected from the data list is used.

  The processing program and data list to be used are determined by, for example, parameter values written in the program. If some of the functions can be changed by the user, the parameter value is initialized to a value corresponding to the destination in the manufacturing process of the digital camera manufacturer. There is also known a camera that stores parameter values in a storage medium, reads the parameter values from a storage medium attached to the camera, and uses them. There are also known IC cards and IC tags that have an antenna unit and a storage unit, receive power from the outside wirelessly, and read / write data in the storage unit in a non-contact manner based on an external signal. .

  The manufacturer of the digital camera, for example, installs a program having different parameter values according to the shipping destination in the storage unit of the digital camera, thereby setting the language type used for display on the display unit to the language corresponding to the shipping destination. . Therefore, when the shipping destination is changed after the program is installed, it is necessary to install a program having a different parameter value again, which requires much time and effort. When the shipping destination is changed after the completion of shipping packaging, unpacking work and repacking work for unpacking are also required. Although the parameter can be changed by applying a predetermined operation to the digital camera, it still requires a lot of labor. Such a problem applies not only to digital cameras but also to all electronic devices in which a firmware program is installed.

  Also known is a system for receiving services such as photo printing based on image data taken with a digital camera. In order to receive this service, the user delivers information about the service applicant together with the image data to the service provider. For example, a service application form in which information relating to a recording medium on which image data is recorded and a service applicant is entered is delivered to a service provider. In addition, image data and an electronic service application form are transmitted by e-mail, or service applicant information is recorded on a recording medium and delivered to a service provider.

  In the system described above, the service application form has to be created each time a service application is made, which is troublesome. Even when service applicant information is recorded on a medium and delivered to a service provider, it is necessary to record the service applicant information on the recording medium every time the recording medium becomes new.

  In addition, in order to manage products, there is a technology for managing products by attaching an IC tag, in which data in the storage unit is read and written without contact, to the product, and reading product information stored in the storage unit with an IC reader / writer. It is known (see JP 2004-213372 A).

  Conventional IC tags are usually separated from the product and discarded when the product is sold. For this reason, after the sale of the product, various information stored in the IC tag cannot be used.

The digital camera according to claim 1, a photographing unit for photographing an image of a subject, a recording unit for recording digital image data of an image photographed by the photographing unit, an input unit for inputting a photographing instruction by the photographing unit, and A digital camera unit including a first control unit that controls each unit, and an accessory that does not have an information transmission function by electrical connection between the digital camera unit and the digital camera unit at the time of shooting And an IC tag provided in an accessory used together with a non-contact input / output unit for exchanging data in a non-contact manner, and when the accessory is a tripod, the non-contact input / output unit is receiving data relating to the tripod from the IC tag provided on the tripod, the first control unit is configured from the non-contact input portion when the shooting said IC tag three When receiving the data relating, on the basis of data relating to the received tripod, it is determined that the tripod is in use, when the automatic exposure control in the imaging, the digital to allow longer exposure The control on the camera unit is changed, and the received data relating to the tripod is recorded in association with the photographed digital image data .

According to the digital camera of the present invention, it is possible to automatically acquire information on accessories used at the time of shooting.
In addition, according to the present invention, a program installed in a digital camera unit or an electronic device unit or a parameter quoted by the program can be easily changed.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to hand over various kinds of information related to the digital camera that captured the image to the service provider without taking time and effort.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a merchandise distribution management system that can use the information stored in the IC tag even after the merchandise is sold.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which installed the digital camera on the tripod. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process which the control part of a digital camera part performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process which the control part of an IC reader part performs. It is a figure which shows the block structure which integrated the control part and the control part into one, and made the memory part a part of memory | storage parts. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera in 2nd Embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows the correspondence of the value of the parameter prepared beforehand, and the language to be used. It is a figure for demonstrating the manufacturing process of a digital camera. It is a figure for demonstrating the distribution process of a digital camera. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of a process when services, such as repair, are needed for a digital camera. It is a figure which shows the block structure which integrated the control part and the control part into one, and made the memory part a part of memory | storage parts.

-First embodiment-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to the first embodiment. The digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment includes a digital camera unit 10 and an IC reader unit (IC tag reader unit) 20, and transmits and receives various data to and from an IC tag 200 described later.

The digital camera unit 10 has a configuration and functions that a commercially available digital camera generally has, and includes a photographing unit 11, a storage unit 12, a recording unit 13, a control unit 14, an input unit 16, and the like. The imaging unit 11 includes at least an imaging unit 111, an exposure control unit 112, a focus control unit 113, and an image processing unit 114. The storage unit 12 includes a temporary storage unit 121 that temporarily stores an image captured by the imaging unit 11 and a nonvolatile storage unit 122 that stores a program executed by the control unit 14. Recording unit 13, an image stored in the temporary storage unit 121, posted to removably the record medium 15.

  The IC reader unit 20 includes an antenna unit 21, a memory unit 22, and a control unit 23, and sends a signal with a predetermined frequency (for example, 13.65 MHz) to the IC tag 200 based on a command from the digital camera unit 10. Send and receive with. Specifically, the IC reader unit 20 reads data recorded in the memory unit 220 of the IC tag 200 or writes and records predetermined data in the memory unit 220.

  The IC tag 200 is fixed to the accessory of the digital camera 100. Accessories for the digital camera 100 include a taking lens, strobe device, various filters and hoods attached to the tip of the taking lens, a close-up lens, a conversion lens attached between the interchangeable lens and the digital camera body, and a close-up ring. , Shutter release cable, tripod and so on.

  The IC tag 200 includes at least an antenna unit 210, a memory unit 220, and a control unit 230. When the IC tag 200 receives the radio wave output from the IC reader unit 20, electric power is induced in the antenna unit 210 by electromagnetic induction, and the IC tag 200 becomes operable. The antenna unit 210 transmits and receives the above-described signal having a predetermined frequency to and from the IC reader unit 20. That is, the data recorded in the memory unit 220 is transmitted to the IC reader unit 20 via the antenna unit 210 and the data received by the antenna unit 210 is recorded in the memory unit 220. The IC tag 200 may be a type of IC tag that incorporates a battery and performs the above-described operation with power supplied from the battery.

  Note that characteristics such as transmission / reception performance of both are set so that the communicable range when the IC reader unit 20 and the IC tag 200 transmit and receive data is within several tens of centimeters. Further, the IC reader unit 20 can transmit and receive data simultaneously with the plurality of IC tags 200, and can identify each IC tag.

  A part of the exterior parts of the digital camera 100 is made of a material such as plastic that transmits radio waves. The antenna unit 21 of the IC reader unit 20 is disposed inside a member that transmits radio waves.

  The record of the IC tag 200 can be read and written by an IC reader other than the IC reader unit 20. Since the technology for reading and writing data in the memory unit 220 of the IC tag 200 by the IC reader is a well-known technology that has already been put into practical use, a detailed description of the process for reading and writing data by the IC reader unit 20 is omitted. To do.

  The control unit 23 of the IC reader unit 20 is connected to the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10, and can exchange data with the control unit 14.

  Here, the units 21 to 23 of the IC reader unit 20 are preferably arranged on the same substrate as the control unit 14 and the storage unit 12 of the digital camera unit 10. By arranging them on the same substrate, each part of the IC reader part 20 can be made at the same time in the manufacturing process of each part of the digital camera part 10, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the digital camera 100 is installed on a tripod 700 for photographing. The digital camera 100 is equipped with a strobe 500 and a photographing lens 400. A filter 600 is attached to the tip of the photographing lens 400. The photographic frames 400 can be appropriately replaced with other photographic lenses. Similarly, the filter 600 can be appropriately replaced with other filters.

  The accessory is electrically connected to the main body of the digital camera, and has an operation control based on a signal from the main body of the digital camera, or has a storage unit that records information about the accessory. The information about the accessory is stored in the main body of the digital camera. Some can communicate and others do not have such a function. Examples of the former accessory include a photographing lens having an AF (autofocus) function and a strobe device. The latter accessories include, for example, various filters and hoods attached to the tip of the taking lens, a close-up lens, a conversion lens attached between the interchangeable lens and the digital camera body, a close-up ring, and a shutter release cable. There are tripods. The photographing lens 400 and the strobe 500 in FIG. 2 correspond to the latter accessory and do not have a function of transmitting information about the accessory to the digital camera body.

The IC tags 250, 260, 270, and 280 are attached to each accessory (the photographing lens 400, the strobe 500, the filter 600 , and the tripod 700 ) so that they cannot be separated or easily separated. Hereinafter, the IC tags 250 to 280 attached to the accessories are collectively referred to as an IC tag 200. Information on the corresponding accessory is recorded in the IC tags 250 to 280 attached to each accessory. The information about the accessory includes information for identifying the manufacturer, type, and type of the accessory. These pieces of information can also be used as data for merchandise management or sales management, for example, by being read by an IC reader installed in the store. The information on the accessory may further include information indicating the characteristics of the accessory, for example, information indicating characteristics such as the spectral transmission characteristics of the filter.

The control unit 14 of the digital camera 100 instructs the control unit 23 of the IC reader unit 20 to exchange information with the IC tag 200 at the time of shooting. The control unit 23 emits radio waves from the antenna unit 21 and performs an operation for reading information from the IC tag 200. As a result, the information related to the accessory is read by the IC reader unit 20 from all the IC tags 200 within the communicable range and recorded in the memory unit 22. Note that the time of photographing is when the shutter of the digital camera unit 10 is fully pressed or half pressed. In order to prioritize the data processing of the photographed image, the information about the accessory is read and recorded in the memory unit 22 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the shutter was fully pressed or after the processing of the image data is completed. Also good. That is, depending on how using information read from the IC tag, Re to determine the timing of obtaining the information about the accessory.

  As described above, information about all accessories attached to the digital camera 100 at the time of shooting is read from the IC tag 200 attached to the accessory to the IC reader unit 20 and recorded in the memory unit 22. Since the communicable range of the IC reader unit 20 is about several tens of centimeters, information can be read from an accessory attached to the digital camera 10 and an IC tag attached to an accessory in the vicinity of the digital camera 100. Can do. On the other hand, information cannot be read from an IC tag attached to an accessory that is carried by the user but not used, that is, an accessory that is not in the vicinity of the digital camera 10 at the time of photographing.

  When recording the image data of the captured image on the recording medium 15 attached to the recording unit 13, the control unit 14 acquires the information recorded in the memory unit 22 via the control unit 23 to obtain the image Record in association with the data. The information acquired from the memory unit 22 is recorded, for example, in the header part of the image data. As a result, information indicating which accessory was used when the image was taken is automatically attached to each image data.

  Note that information attached to the image data, that is, information recorded in the memory unit 22 is information acquired at the time of the latest photographing. For this purpose, the control unit 14 acquires information from the memory unit 22 and simultaneously erases information recorded in the memory unit 22. Instead of erasing the information, the control unit 23 may be configured to distinguish and manage the information acquired at the latest photographing and the past information. Note that the control unit 14 can also directly acquire the information of the IC tag 200 received by the antenna unit 21 from the control unit 23 without using the memory unit 22.

  The control unit 14 further determines the type of accessory used based on the information acquired from the IC tag 200, and changes the control of the operation of the digital camera 10 according to the determination result. For example, when it is determined that a tripod is used, the control is changed so as to permit longer exposure with automatic exposure. This is because if a tripod is used, there is less risk of camera shake even with long exposure.

  In addition, it is possible to determine the type of photographing lens being used and change the processing method of image processing performed in the digital camera 100 according to the optical characteristics of the photographing lens, or a specific filter is used. If it is determined that the image processing is performed, the processing method of image processing performed inside the digital camera 100 can be changed according to the optical characteristics of the filter. In this case, it is assumed that the digital camera 100 includes an image processing program for performing image processing by a method according to optical characteristics. The optical characteristics are recorded in advance on an IC tag attached to the photographing lens or filter, and are acquired by the digital camera unit 10 via the IC reader unit 20.

  Generally, the image processing according to the optical characteristics of the photographing lens and the filter described above is performed according to the following procedure. That is, an image photographed by a digital camera is recorded as RAW data, and the RAW data is read into a computer having optical characteristics of a photographing lens or filter and a correction program, and is performed as post-processing work after photographing.

  On the other hand, according to the digital camera 100 in the first embodiment, even when the photographing lens and the filter are frequently replaced, the image data of the image corrected appropriately without requiring any special operation by the user. Are generated in the digital camera 100 simultaneously with shooting. That is, the post-processing work by the computer as described above is not required.

  The control unit 23 further emits radio waves from the antenna unit 21, and additionally writes information in the memory unit 220 of the IC tag 200. Since this writing process may be performed until the next shooting, the image processing of the shot image is given priority and is performed after a predetermined time of shooting execution. The predetermined time is determined based on the time required for the image processing by the image processing unit 114 and the writing to the recording medium 15 by the recording unit 13. It may be performed when image processing by the image processing unit 114 or writing to the recording medium 15 by the recording unit 13 is completed.

  The information written in the memory unit 220 is, for example, date / time information at the time of shooting. The date and time information is obtained from a clock unit (not shown) built in the IC reader unit 20 or from a clock unit (not shown) included in the digital camera unit 10 via the control unit 14. Thereby, the use history of the accessory is recorded in the IC tag 200 attached to the accessory.

  By reading the usage history data of an accessory from the IC tag 200 attached to the accessory using an IC reader, it is possible to know how much the accessory has been used. And it can use as a judgment material at the time of making various judgments based on the use frequency of the accessory. For example, it can be used as a reference when purchasing an accessory, purchasing a similar accessory, or selecting an accessory to carry.

  An example of the flow of processing performed by the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the digital camera 100 is set to a photographing mode capable of photographing, the process of step S31 is started.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not there is an input for instructing photographing to the input unit 16. The input for instructing photographing is a half-press operation of the shutter. If it is determined that there is no input for instructing the photographing to the input unit 16, the process stands by in step S31. If it is determined that there is an input, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S <b> 32, the controller 23 of the IC reader unit 20 is requested for data recorded in the memory unit 220 of the IC tag 200. That is, it instructs to read and transmit data from the IC tag 200. In response to this instruction, the control unit 23 acquires data related to the accessory from the IC tag 200 and records it in the memory unit 22.

  In step S33 following step S32, data related to the accessory recorded in the memory unit 22 is acquired. As described above, the number of data related to accessories recorded in the memory unit 22 is not limited to one, and there may be a plurality of data.

  In step S34 following step S33, the type of accessory corresponding to the data is determined based on the acquired data. In step S35 following step S34, if the accessory type determined in step S34 is an accessory that affects exposure control, the exposure control method is changed according to the accessory type. When the exposure control method is changed according to the type of accessory, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, it is determined whether the shutter is fully pressed or half-pressed is released. If it is determined that the shutter is fully pressed, the process proceeds to step S37. If it is determined that the half-press is released, the process returns to step S31.

  In step S37, the subject image is photographed using the changed exposure control method, and the process proceeds to step S38. In step S38, if the accessory type determined in step S34 is an accessory that affects image processing, the image processing method is changed according to the accessory type, and the image is captured in step S37 using the changed image processing method. Perform image processing of image data.

  In step S39 following step S38, the information on the accessory type determined in step S34 is recorded on the recording medium 15 in association with the image data. In step S40 following step S39, the control unit 23 of the IC reader unit 20 is instructed to record date / time data or the like as usage history data in the IC tag.

  In step S41 following step S40, it is determined whether or not the shooting mode is continued. If it is determined that the shooting mode is continued, the process returns to step S31 to repeat the processes in and after step S31. If it is determined that the shooting mode is not continued, the process is terminated.

  As described above, it is preferable to execute steps S32 to S35 by detecting half-press of the shutter in step S31, and to execute the processing of steps S37 to S41 after detecting the shutter full-press in step S36. It is also possible to detect all the shutter presses in S31 and execute all the processes in steps S32 to S41.

  Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the control unit 23 of the IC reader unit 20 in response to the processing of the control unit 14 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the digital camera 100 is set to a photographing mode capable of photographing, the process of step S50 is started.

  In step S50, the memory in the memory unit 22 is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S51. In step S <b> 51, it is determined whether there is a request for data recorded in the memory unit 220 of the IC tag 200 from the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10. If it is determined that there is no data request, the process waits in step S51. If it is determined that there is a data request, the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S <b> 52, a radio wave for inducing power to the antenna unit 210 of the IC tag 200 is transmitted from the antenna unit 21, and data recorded in the memory unit 220 of the IC tag 200 is read and stored in the memory unit 22. In step S53 following step S52, the data read from the IC tag 200 is output to the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10.

  In step S54 subsequent to step S53, it is determined whether or not there is a usage history write instruction to the IC tag 200 from the control unit 14. If it is determined that there is no instruction, the process waits in step S54. If it is determined that there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, radio waves are transmitted from the antenna unit 21 in order to record use history data such as date and time data in the IC tag 200. The control unit 230 of the IC tag 200 that has received the radio wave records the use history data in the memory unit 220. When the usage history data is recorded in the memory unit 220, the processing performed by the control unit 23 ends.

  According to the digital camera in the first embodiment, information about the accessory is acquired from the external device (IC tag) and recorded in the recording medium 15 in association with the image data of the captured image at the time of shooting. Information about accessories used for shooting can be automatically acquired. This eliminates the need for the user to manually input information about the accessory every time shooting is performed.

  Moreover, according to the digital camera in the first embodiment, since the control at the time of shooting is changed based on the automatically acquired information about the accessory, it is possible to perform appropriate shooting according to the type of accessory. . In addition, since the data processing method of the captured image is changed based on the automatically acquired information on the accessory, it is possible to perform appropriate image processing according to the type of accessory.

  Note that the flow of processing illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is an example, and the order of the processing can be changed or some of the processing can be omitted. In addition, other processing can be added to an appropriate place as necessary. In any of the flowcharts, the processing is also ended when the shooting mode of the digital camera 100 is canceled.

  In the above description, a tripod, a photographing lens, a strobe, and a filter are given as examples of accessories, but the types of accessories are not limited to these. For example, various filters and hoods attached to the front end of the photographing lens, a close-up lens, a conversion lens attached between the interchangeable lens and the digital camera body, a close-up ring, a shutter release cable, a tripod, and the like are included. In other words, it has a storage unit that is electrically connected to the digital camera body and is controlled in operation based on a signal from the digital camera body and records information about its accessories, and the information in the storage unit is transmitted to the digital camera body All accessories that are attached to a digital camera, such as accessories that can be used, are included. Moreover, even if it is not directly attached to the digital camera, it can be applied to accessories used in the vicinity thereof.

  Further, the control unit 23 of the IC reader unit 20 can also serve as the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10, and the memory unit 22 of the IC reader unit 20 uses a part of the storage unit 12 of the digital camera unit 10. be able to. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration in which the control unit 14 and the control unit 23 are integrated into one, and the memory unit 22 is a part of the storage unit 12. In FIG. 5, the IC reader unit 20 is indicated by a broken line.

-Second Embodiment-
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to the second embodiment. The same components as those in the digital camera according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The digital camera 100 according to the second embodiment includes a digital camera unit 10 and an IC memory unit 30. The IC memory unit 30 includes an antenna unit 31, a memory unit 32, and a control unit 33. A part of the exterior parts of the digital camera 100 is made of a material such as plastic that transmits radio waves. The antenna unit 31 of the IC memory unit 30 is disposed inside a member that transmits radio waves.

  The IC memory unit 30 operates by electric power induced by electromagnetic induction in the antenna unit 31 by receiving radio waves from the IC reader 300, and generates a signal having a predetermined frequency (for example, 13.65 MHz) as an IC reader to be described later. Send and receive to / from 300. That is, the data transmitted from the IC reader 300 is received by the antenna unit 31 and recorded in the memory unit 32, and the data recorded in the memory unit 32 is transmitted to the IC reader 300 through the antenna unit 31. To do. Note that a battery may be built in the IC memory unit 30 and the above-described operation may be performed by power supplied from the battery.

  The memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 includes a rewritable area 321 where data can be rewritten many times and a non-rewritable area 322 where data cannot be rewritten. The non-rewritable area 322 is realized, for example, by allowing storage control by the control unit 33 to allow write access only once for a predetermined address of the memory unit 32. The hardware structure of the non-rewritable area 322 may be a structure that can be written only once. Data can be freely read in any area.

  The IC reader 300 includes an antenna unit 310, a memory unit 320, and a control unit 330, and is stored in the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 by transmitting and receiving a signal having a predetermined frequency to and from the IC memory unit 30. Data is read or predetermined data is written in the memory unit 32.

  The control unit 33 of the IC memory unit 30 is connected to the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10, and can exchange data with the control unit 14. The digital camera unit 10 supplies power to the IC memory unit 30 while the power of the digital camera unit 10 is turned on. As a result, the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10 can read and write data recorded in the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 via the control unit 33. In other words, data recorded in the IC memory unit 30 can be read and written by both the IC reader 300 and the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10. The control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10 and the memory unit 32 may be directly connected so that the control unit 14 can directly read and write data in the memory unit 32. When the capacity of the temporary storage unit 121 is insufficient, the control unit 14 can temporarily store the captured image in the memory unit 32 or can continuously store the captured image in the memory unit 32.

  Here, the units 31 to 33 of the IC memory unit 30 are preferably arranged on the same substrate as the control unit 14 and the storage unit 12 of the digital camera unit 10. By disposing them on the same substrate, each part of the IC memory unit 30 can be made at the same time in the manufacturing process of each part of the digital camera unit 10, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The digital camera 100 may be required to perform different operations depending on the shipping destination. For example, the contents of image processing performed inside the digital camera are changed so that the language type of the menu screen displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the digital camera can be changed, or an image preferred by the shipping destination can be generated. Such an operation change can be performed by changing a program executed by the control unit 14.

  The program executed by the control unit 14 is installed in the digital camera 100 during the manufacturing process of the camera manufacturer. This program causes the digital camera 100 to perform different operations as described above in accordance with the parameter values. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a correspondence table between parameter values prepared in advance and languages to be used is prepared, and a language corresponding to a specified parameter value is used with reference to the correspondence table. , Display. Also, a plurality of processing programs having different processing contents are installed in the digital camera 100 in advance, and the processing program to be used is selected according to the parameter value. An example of the processing program is an image processing program.

  The value of the parameter is set to a predetermined value when the program is installed according to a predetermined shipping destination. At the time of installation, most of the programs are stored in the storage unit 12 of the digital camera unit 10, but the parameter values are stored in the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30. When the power switch of the digital camera 100 is turned on, the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10 reads the parameter value from the memory unit 32 and controls the operation of the digital camera 100 according to the read value.

  The control unit 14 may read the parameter value from the memory unit 32 when the digital camera unit 10 is set to a predetermined operation mode. This method is effective when the program is a program for a specific operation mode of the digital camera unit 10, for example, a shooting mode.

  Hereinafter, the manufacturing and distribution process of the digital camera 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. First, the manufacturing process of the digital camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. A manufacturer that manufactures the digital camera 100 stores manufacturer information about the digital camera 100 in the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 of the digital camera 100 using the IC reader 300 provided in the computer 1000 for the digital camera manufacturing system. Let The manufacturer information includes, for example, a manufacturer, a model, a manufacturing factory, a lot number, a manufacturing date, a firmware version number, a product number, and a shipping inspection date. A part of the manufacturer information may be stored as a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code which is a common product code.

  When storing the manufacturer information, some items, particularly the unique information unique to the digital camera, such as the serial number, are stored in the non-rewritable area 322. Since the unique information is written in the non-rewritable area 322 of the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 that is inseparably integrated with the digital camera 100, the digital camera is similar to the serial number engraved on the main body of the digital camera 100. It cannot be separated from 100 or rewritten. That is, the unique information corresponds completely one-to-one with the digital camera.

  When the manufacturing system computer 1000 directly connected to the digital camera 100 stores the program in the storage unit 12 of the digital camera unit 10, manufacturer information can also be stored in the IC memory unit 32 at the same time. The digital camera 100 is shipped from a manufacturer's logistics department to a dealer and sold to a user at the dealer. On the way, it goes through the distribution base of the manufacturer, the distribution base of the wholesaler, and the distribution base of the dealer. Each manufacturer's distribution base and each distribution base are provided with an inventory management system computer using the IC reader 300 as input / output means. The inventory management system computers included in the manufacturer's distribution base, the wholesaler's distribution base, and the distributor's distribution base are set to 2000, 3000, and 4000, respectively.

  A cash register 5100 using the IC reader 300 as an input / output means is provided at the store front. The cash register 5100 is connected to a sales management system computer 5000 to constitute a so-called POS system. At each distribution base, manufacturer information is read from the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 by the IC reader 300 and input to the inventory management system computers 2000, 3000, and 4000 when the digital camera is received and delivered. At the same time, distribution information such as the date and time of entry / exit and the shipping destination is added to the memory unit 32 by the IC reader 300. As a result, the distribution history of the digital camera 100 is recorded in the memory unit 32 of each digital camera 100.

  According to the above-described method, in order to read / write data in the memory unit 32 at each distribution base, it is possible to perform processing while the digital camera 100 is packed or individually packaged. Compared to the conventional method that has been confirmed by taking out each one, the labor is greatly reduced.

  When selling the digital camera 100 to a user at a store, the salesperson reads the information in the memory unit 32 with the IC reader 300 connected to the cash register 5100. The read information is input to the sales management system computer 5000. Processing for managing sales of the digital camera is performed based on information input by the cash register 5100 and the sales management system computer 5000. The IC reader 300 adds sales information such as a sales date and a store name to the memory unit 32 at the same time as reading the information. Further, the salesperson inputs owner information regarding the owner of the digital camera 100 such as the purchaser's name, address, and telephone number into the sales management system computer 5000. The digital camera owner information is sent from the sales management system computer 5000 to the IC reader 300 and added to the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30.

  The owner information of the digital camera can be changed by the owner of the digital camera 100 through a menu operation, but cannot be changed by anyone other than the owner. For example, a program that allows the owner information to be changed after a predetermined password known only by the owner is input by a menu operation of the digital camera 100 to the control program of the digital camera 100. The program authenticates with a predetermined password and prohibits rewriting of owner information only after authentication. When the digital camera 100 is transferred to another person, the owner information is rewritten. Since the manufacturer information, distribution history, sales information, and owner information are stored in the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 that cannot be separated from the digital camera unit 10, the digital camera 100 remains in the market even after being sold. Information is always available.

  A flow of processing when a service such as repair is required for the digital camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. When a service such as repair is required for the digital camera 100 at a later date, the service management computer 6000 of the service department of the store or manufacturer is transferred from the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 by the IC reader 300 provided. Read sales records, owner information, manufacturer information, and product numbers. Further, the distribution history is also read from the memory unit 32 as necessary. The verification unit 6100 in the service management computer 6000 verifies whether the digital camera 100 is within the free service period based on the sales date and time of the sales record. The service management computer 6000 issues different service slips or charges different service fees according to the verification result of the verification unit 6100. Further, the service information of the digital camera 100 is stored in the service management information database of the service management computer 6000.

  That is, the sales record and the owner information stored in the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 serve as a conventional warranty. The warranty card is often lost or requires a lot of time to find it, but since the sales record and owner information are stored in the memory unit 32 incorporated in the digital camera 100, there is a problem such as loss. It does not occur. The IC reader 300 provided in the service management computer 6000 can also change the parameter values and upgrade the program described above.

  Here, although not shown in FIG. 10, after the digital camera 100 is completed by the manufacturer, it may be necessary to change the shipping destination. In such a case, the manufacturer rewrites the value of the parameter in the memory unit 32 to a value corresponding to the new shipping destination by the IC reader 300 of the inventory management system computer 2000 at the physical distribution base. The rewriting of the parameter value can be performed by an appropriate computer of the manufacturer provided with the IC reader 300, for example, the computer 1000 for the manufacturing system, but here, it is assumed that it is performed by the IC reader 300 of the computer 2000 for the inventory management system. .

  By rewriting the parameter values, the digital camera 100 can be adapted to a new shipping destination. It should be noted that the parameter cannot be changed depending on other than the manufacturer. For example, the control unit 23 performs authentication using a predetermined password known only by the manufacturer, and prevents the parameter from being rewritten unless the authentication is obtained.

  The parameter includes a parameter that permits the operation of the digital camera 100. The control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10 detects that this parameter is a predetermined value, and enables the digital camera unit 10 to be used. This parameter is set to a value other than a predetermined value at the final stage of manufacture by the manufacturer, and the digital camera unit 10 is disabled. When the digital camera 100 is sold to the user and the IC reader 300 connected to the cash register 5100 adds sales information to the memory unit 32, the parameter is changed to a predetermined value. As a result, the digital camera 100 is ready for use. By doing so, the digital camera 100 that is not properly sold cannot be used.

  As described above, the case of changing the parameter value has been described as an example. Similarly, a program for operating the digital camera unit 10 is stored in the memory unit of the IC reader 300, and the program is stored in the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30. The program can be written in a non-contact manner and transferred to the storage unit 12 of the digital camera unit 10 in accordance with a predetermined operation on the digital camera 100. This makes it possible to easily upgrade the program stored in the digital camera 100.

  By the way, the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 can also store a relatively small program that performs a part of the functions of the digital camera unit 10. The control unit 33 of the IC memory unit 30 performs predetermined processing using a program in response to a request from the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10, and delivers the result to the digital camera unit 10. Information such as data necessary for the predetermined processing is obtained from the control unit 14 as necessary. The control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10 controls the operation of the digital camera 100 using the processing result received from the IC memory unit 30. This program can also be easily upgraded by writing the program stored in the memory unit of the IC reader 300 into the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 in a non-contact manner.

  The program stored in the memory unit 32 can be rewritten to a new program by the IC reader 300 of the manufacturer's inventory management system computer 2000 as necessary. The IC reader 300 obtains a new program in advance from the manufacturer's manufacturing system computer 1000 or the like. It is suitable for a program in which a new program for improving functions may be released in a short period of time, such as a program for newly developed functions.

  The parameter change and the program rewrite are performed simultaneously when the IC reader 300 of the manufacturer's inventory management server 2000 reads / writes the unique information and the distribution information. Further, a wholesaler or a store who has received a request from a manufacturer and provided necessary data, an IC reader 300 connected to the inventory management system computer 3000, 4000, or an IC reader 300 connected to a cash register 5100. Can also be performed simultaneously when reading / writing specific information, distribution information, and sales information.

  The description will be continued again with reference to FIG. When the recording medium 15 is mounted on the recording unit 13, the digital camera 100 reads the sales information from the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 and records it on the recording medium 15. Further, the distribution information is read and recorded in the recording medium 15. Further, every time shooting is performed, the data of the shot image is recorded in the recording medium 15. The user gives the recording medium 15 to the service provider in order to receive a service using the image data. For example, in order to print an image, the recording medium 15 on which the image data is recorded is taken out from the digital camera 100 and handed over to a printing company. The service provider provides a predetermined service such as creating an image print using the image data in the recording medium 15.

  The service provider receives the recording medium 15 when receiving a service application from the user and attaches it to the computer 7000 for service providing system. The service providing system computer 7000 reads the owner information included in the sales information from the recording medium 15 and prints it out on the service application form. This eliminates the need for the service orderer to fill in the name, address, telephone number and the like.

  The service providing system computer 7000 includes a verification unit 7100. The verification unit 7100 verifies whether the distribution information, sales information, and owner information read from the recording medium 15 are appropriate. If the result is appropriate, the verification unit 7100 performs predetermined service processing. If it is not appropriate, a notification output for notifying that effect is output. If sales information or owner information is not recorded, the camera may not be properly sold. If the distribution information is not continuous, there is a possibility that the camera is irregularly distributed, for example, a camera exported to a foreign country and reimported. In addition, if the unique information such as the product number of the camera that has been stolen is registered in the service providing system computer 7000 in advance, the stolen product can be found. Here, the theft information is also included in the distribution information.

  Since image data generated by a digital camera is often brought to a service provider in order to receive a service based on the image data, it is effective to perform the above verification when a service application is received by the service provider. .

  The control unit 33 of the IC memory unit 30 can also serve as the control unit 14 of the digital camera unit 10, and the memory unit 32 of the IC memory unit 30 uses a part of the storage unit 12 of the digital camera unit 10. be able to. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration in which the control unit 14 and the control unit 33 are integrated into one, and the memory unit 32 is a part of the storage unit 12. By adopting such a configuration, it can be configured in a compact manner and can be manufactured at a lower cost.

  Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these contents. Other embodiments conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention are also included in the scope of the present invention.

The disclosure of the following priority application is hereby incorporated by reference.
・ Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-79212 (filed on Mar. 18, 2005)
・ Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-79213 (filed on Mar. 18, 2005)
・ Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-79214 (filed on Mar. 18, 2005)
・ Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-361192 (filed on Dec. 15, 2005)

Claims (15)

In digital cameras,
An imaging unit that captures an image of a subject, a recording unit that records digital image data of an image captured by the imaging unit, an input unit that receives an imaging instruction from the imaging unit, and a first control unit that controls each unit A digital camera unit,
An accessory that does not have an information transmission function by electrical connection with the digital camera unit, and an IC tag provided on the accessory used together with the digital camera unit at the time of shooting. , Equipped with a non-contact input / output unit to send and receive data without contact,
When the accessory is a tripod,
The non-contact input / output unit receives data on the tripod from the IC tag provided on the tripod,
When the non-contact input / output unit receives data about the tripod from the IC tag during the photographing , the first control unit uses the tripod based on the received data about the tripod. In the automatic exposure control in the shooting, the control for the digital camera unit is changed so as to allow a longer exposure, and the received data regarding the tripod is associated with the taken digital image data. Digital camera to record . The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein
The accessory includes an optical filter having inherent optical characteristics,
The first control unit is a digital camera that corrects an image captured by the imaging unit by image processing based on data related to the optical characteristics of the filter received by the non-contact input / output unit from the IC tag of the filter. . The digital camera according to claim 2,
The accessory of the optical system includes a lens,
The first control unit is a digital camera that changes the content of image processing of an image captured by the imaging unit based on data relating to the lens received by the non-contact input / output unit from the IC tag of the lens. The digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The non-contact input / output unit includes a first antenna unit that transmits and receives radio waves, a first storage unit that stores information, and a second control unit that controls storage of the first storage unit,
The first control unit is a digital camera that receives, via the second control unit, data related to accessories acquired by the non-contact input / output unit from the IC tag. The digital camera according to claim 4 , wherein
The non-contact input / output unit induces power for operating the IC tag in the communication unit of the IC tag by radio waves transmitted from the first antenna unit, and then communicates with the communication unit of the IC tag. A digital camera that sends and receives data on the Internet. The digital camera according to claim 4 , wherein
The communication unit of the IC tag includes a second antenna unit for transmitting and receiving radio waves, a second storage unit for storing data, and a third control unit for controlling the storage of the second SL 憶 portion, the non-contact input between the parts, a digital camera for exchanging data stored in the second Symbol 憶 portion without contact. The digital camera according to claim 4 , wherein
The communication unit of the IC tag, a second antenna unit for transmitting and receiving radio waves, a second storage unit for storing data, and a third control unit for controlling the storage of the second SL 憶 unit, the radio waves from the outside by induced received by the second antenna power, the with the non-contact input-output unit, a digital camera for exchanging data stored in the second Symbol 憶 portion without contact. The digital camera according to claim 6 or 7 ,
The IC tag is a digital camera fixed to the accessory. The digital camera according to any one of claims 4 to 8 ,
The first control unit is a digital camera that issues an instruction to the second control unit so as to read data from the IC tag in response to an input of the photographing instruction to the input unit. The digital camera according to any one of claims 6 to 8 ,
The first control unit, in response to the input of the photographing instruction to the input section, to said second control unit, so as to record data relating to usage history of the accessory to the second SL 憶 portion of the IC tag A digital camera that gives instructions. The digital camera according to claim 10 , wherein
The first control unit, after the photographing instruction input given time to the input unit, to said second control unit, which records data on the use history of the accessory to the second SL 憶 portion of the IC tag Digital camera that gives instructions. The digital camera according to claim 11 , wherein
The first control unit, after completion of image processing on the image captured by the photographing unit in response to input of a shooting instruction to the input section, the second SL 憶 of the IC tag data on the use history of the accessory A digital camera that gives instructions to record in the department. The digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A memory unit for storing data on the accessory acquired through the non-contact input / output unit;
The memory unit is a digital camera that updates stored data each time the non-contact input / output unit acquires data from the IC tag. The digital camera according to claim 10 , wherein
The non-contact input / output unit is a digital camera that transmits shooting date / time information to the IC tag in response to shooting by the shooting unit. The digital camera according to claim 14 , wherein
The non-contact input / output unit is a digital camera that transmits date and time information regarding the photographing operation to the IC tag after the photographing operation is performed and before the next photographing operation is performed.

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