JP2000350132A - Electronic camera and rental service system for the electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera that is suitable for a rental service in a closed area and not applicable to any other purposes even when a user carries it. SOLUTION: The electronic camera 1 is provided with an ID-ROM 21a that stores identification information specific to the electronic camera 1, a built-in memory 17 that stores image data obtained through photographing and is incorporated in an enclosure, an IEEE 1394 terminal T1 to which the identification information is entered, a memory control circuit 16 that reads image data stored in the built-in memory 17, and a system controller 21 that discriminates matching between the entered identification information and the identification information stored in the ID-ROM 21a and regulates reading of image data from the built-in memory 17 by the memory control circuit 16 based on the result of discrimination.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera particularly suitable for renting in a closed area such as a theme park and a rental service system using the electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electronic cameras, which are becoming widespread and widely used, are still much more expensive than silver halide cameras, and in particular housewives who are unfamiliar with handling machinery, It has not spread to the elderly.

An electronic camera is different from a silver halide camera,
It is excellent in that printout can be done in a short time because there is no need to develop the film, etc., but printers that can be purchased by individuals are equivalent to printing silver halide films in general laboratories. In recent years, a service has been started to obtain high-quality prints by bringing digital image data to a lab because image quality cannot be obtained.

[0004] However, some rental services are conceivable in which an electronic camera can be rented in a closed area such as a theme park or an amusement park, and a high-quality print can be obtained by returning the camera when leaving the park. Have been.

[0005]

However, since the electronic camera itself is expensive and excellent in portability as described above, the electronic camera body and most types of electronic cameras are provided. It is also conceivable that a removable memory card as a recording medium is brought back. Therefore, it is necessary to take some measures against such a problem, and at present, there is no clear way to solve it.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is intended for rental services in a somewhat closed area such as a theme park or an amusement park. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera that cannot be used anymore and a rental service system using the electronic camera.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Identification information storage means for storing identification information unique to the camera, a recording medium incorporated in the camera housing for recording image data obtained by shooting, input means for inputting identification information, Reading means for reading the read image data; determining means for determining whether the identification information input by the input means matches the identification information stored in the identification information storing means; Read control means for restricting reading of image data from a recording medium by the read means.

With such a configuration, image data recorded on a non-removable built-in medium cannot be read out unless correct identification information is input. For example, a closed area such as a theme park or an amusement park is used. It is suitable for a rental service in a house and can be prevented from being taken back by the service user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera, a camera station device for reading image data recorded in the camera by setting the electronic camera, and an image read by the camera station device. A rental service system for an electronic camera having a printer device for printing out data, wherein the electronic camera records identification information storage means storing identification information unique to the camera, and records image data obtained by shooting. A recording medium built in a camera housing; first input means for inputting identification information sent from the camera station device; reading means for reading image data recorded on the recording medium; Determining means for determining whether or not the identification information input by the input means is identical to the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. And reading control means for restricting reading of image data from a recording medium by the reading means based on a result of the judgment by the judging means, wherein the camera station device transmits identification information unique to the set electronic camera. Second input means for inputting, and when image data can be read from the camera as a result of inputting the identification information by the second input means, print output of the image data by the printer device is controlled. And print control means.

With such a system configuration, it is impossible to read out image data recorded on a non-removable internal medium in the camera unless the correct identification information is input, assuming that the electronic camera has been rented. It is suitable for a rental service in a closed area such as a park or an amusement park, and can be prevented from being taken back by the service user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the camera station device further comprises a medium for reading out image data from the camera and for erasing recorded contents of a recording medium in the camera. It is characterized by comprising erasing means.

With such a system configuration, in addition to the operation of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save time and effort for erasing the contents of the recording medium in preparation for the next user. The burden on the service provider can be reduced in situations where the camera is frequently used.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the camera uses a rechargeable battery as an operation power supply, and the camera station device further reads the image data from the camera and then reads the image data from the camera. It is characterized by comprising charging control means for charging a rechargeable battery in the camera.

[0014] With such a system configuration, in addition to the operation of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save the trouble of charging the exhausted rechargeable battery for the next user, In particular, the burden on the service provider can be reduced in a situation where the use frequency of the electronic camera is high.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a recording device for writing the image data read by the camera station device on a recording medium.

With such a system configuration, in addition to the effect of the second aspect of the present invention, the user can utilize image data captured by the rented electronic camera for additional printing or the like later.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an electronic camera rental service system used in a theme park will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the basic configuration of the service system will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an electronic camera to be rented, and a built-in rechargeable battery is fully charged.
Similarly, it is lent to the service user with the built-in image data recording memory completely erased.

When the electronic camera 1 is returned after use, the electronic camera 1 is placed and set on the camera station device 2 and the identification number unique to each of the electronic cameras 1 is correctly entered by keying. It is possible to read out image data from the memory, and obtain a high-quality print equivalent to a silver halide print by the printer device 4 while displaying an image on the monitor device 3 as appropriate.
The CD-R (compact dis
and the print and the CD-R are distributed to a service user.

The electronic camera 1 has a built-in memory for recording image data in a fixed manner and cannot be detached from the outside of the camera housing. To read out the image data recorded in the memory, In a state where the electronic camera 1 is placed and set on the camera station device 2, the operator must input the correct identification number by the key input unit 2a of the camera station device 2 as described above.

For example, a bar code label 1a is attached in advance to a position where it does not interfere with the housing of each of the plurality of electronic cameras 1, and the bar code label 1a is read by a bar code reader to obtain a corresponding identification. A ledger system (not shown) in which a number is displayed may be built in a service counter of a center that performs this rental service.

In this case, the displayed identification number does not necessarily need to be visible to the user, and the contents of the ledger system, that is, the bar code label 1a attached to the electronic camera 1 and the electronic camera 1 are stored in the electronic camera 1. The identification number may be periodically rewritten and changed.

By constructing such an electronic camera rental service system, even if the service user takes the electronic camera 1 out of the theme park,
Since it is not possible to output the recorded image data, it is possible to prevent unnecessary theft and the like.

The camera station device 2 places the electronic camera 1 thereon, reads out image data, and then automatically starts charging the depleted rechargeable battery and erases the memory at the same time. Is displayed on the charging lamp 2b, and the other overall operation state is displayed on the guide panel 2c.

FIG. 1 illustrates the basic structure of the present service system. However, in an actual service center in a theme park, a large number of electronic cameras 1 and camera station devices are provided according to the scale. 2 will be handled.

Therefore, each camera station device 2
Instead of having a key input unit 2a and a guide panel 2c for each, for example, each output device of the monitor device 3, the printer device 4, and the CD-R device 5, and each man-machine interface of the key input unit 2a and the guide panel 2c Equipment including equipment is arranged for each operator of the service counter,
On the other hand, it is considered that a camera station device 2 having charging lamps 2b is arranged by the number of electronic cameras 1 and a system in which these are connected to a network is constructed.

However, in the present embodiment,
In order to simplify the description, the description will be made based on the basic configuration shown in FIG.

Next, a specific circuit configuration of the electronic camera 1 is illustrated in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the optical lens system 1 is in the recording mode.
1 forms an optical image of a subject on a CCD 12 serving as an image pickup device, and outputs the output of the CCD 12 to an A / D converter 13.
Buffer memory 1 after digitized in pixel units by
4

The buffer memory 14 stores image data in a bitmap format for a plurality of frames. The image data stored in the buffer memory 14 is compressed at any time by a compression circuit 15 in a predetermined file format, for example, JPEG. The electronic camera 1 is sent to a memory control circuit 16 and written into a built-in memory 17 which is a recording medium of the electronic camera 1, for example, a flash memory.

At this time, when a color TFT-LCD panel 20 provided with a backlight, which is provided on the back of the electronic camera 1 as an EVF (electronic view finder), is used, a display control circuit 19 is provided from the buffer memory 14.
The image data is also read out to the TFT-L.
By driving the display of the CD panel 20, the content imaged by the CCD 12 is displayed in real time.

On the other hand, in the reproduction mode, the built-in memory 17
A file of image data recorded in the compression circuit 1 is read out by the memory control circuit 16 and expanded by the decompression circuit 18.
The data is decompressed in the procedure opposite to the processing in step 5 and expanded into a bitmap format, and then stored in the buffer memory 14.

The image data stored in the buffer memory 14 is read out to the display control circuit 19, and the display control circuit 1
Reference numeral 9 appropriately performs pixel thinning based on the image data to drive and display the TFT-LCD panel 20, thereby reproducing and displaying the recorded image.

The operation of the CCD 12, the A / D converter 13, the buffer memory 14, the compression circuit 15, the memory control circuit 16, the expansion circuit 18 and the display control circuit 19 are all controlled by the system controller 21.

The system controller 21 has an ID-ROM 21a composed of an EEPROM in which an identification number unique to the electronic camera 1 is stored.
The electronic flash control circuit controls the operation of all the flash circuits, and further includes another flash control circuit 22, a key input unit 23, a guide panel 24, a charging circuit 25, and an IEEE 1394 interface (I
/ F) 26 to control these.

Under the control of the system controller 21, the strobe control circuit 22 charges the strobe capacitor C with the electric charge supplied from the charging circuit 25, and then controls the strobe 2 having a discharge tube composed of a xenon tube and a reflector.
7. Flash drive is performed.

The key input unit 23 has a power switch for turning on / off the power, a release switch for instructing a shooting timing of a still image, a mode key for switching between a recording mode and a reproduction mode, a self-timer key, and the like. The operation signal is sent directly to the system controller 21.

The guide panel 24 is provided on the upper surface of the housing of the electronic camera 1 and is constituted by a monochrome LCD panel. The remaining amount and the like are displayed as 8-character segments, and the others are displayed as symbols and symbols.

The charging circuit 25 includes the system controller 2
When the electronic camera 1 is mounted on the camera station device 2, the power supplied from the charging terminal T2 is charged to the rechargeable battery BT, and the electronic camera 1 is mounted on the camera station device 2. When the power supply switch is not set and the power switch of the key input unit 23 is set to ON, power is supplied to necessary circuits.

The IEEE 1394 interface 26 is
In a state where the electronic camera 1 is mounted on the camera station apparatus 2, the camera station apparatus 2 connected via the IEEE1394 terminal T1 and the system controller 21 intervene to transmit and receive various control data and image data according to the IEEE 1394 standard. Control based on

Next, a circuit configuration in the camera station device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the camera station device 2 includes guide panels 2c, I
EEE1394 interface (I / F) 31, 33,
It has a charging circuit 32, a control unit 34, a video circuit 35, a key input unit 2a, and a charging lamp 2b.

The IEEE 1394 interface 31
When the electronic camera 1 is mounted on the camera station device 2, the electronic camera 1 and the control unit 34 are interposed between the electronic camera 1 and the control unit 34 via the IEEE 1394 terminal T3 which is connected to the IEEE 1394 terminal T1 by a connector. Transmission and reception are controlled based on the IEEE 1394 standard.

The charging circuit 32 is the same as the electronic camera 1
When the camera is mounted on the camera station apparatus 2, the power is supplied through the charging terminal T4 connected to the charging terminal T2 and the connector to charge the rechargeable battery BT. Is obtained from an AC power supply connected via a terminal T5.

The IEEE 1394 interface 33 is
It is interposed between the printer unit 4, the CD-R unit 5 and the control unit 34, which are digitally connected via the output terminals T6 and T7, and mainly relates to image data output from the control unit 34 to the devices 4 and 5. Perform control.

The control unit 34 controls the key input unit 2a while the electronic camera 1 is mounted on the camera station device 2.
While controlling various operations corresponding to the key operation signal input from the electronic camera 1, the image data read from the electronic camera 1 is transmitted to the printer device 4 and the CD-R device 5 via the IEEE1394 interface 31. The video signal is output to the video circuit 35 and converted into an analog video signal. The video signal is output from the video output terminal T8 to the monitor device 3. The power supply to the electronic camera 1 by the charging circuit 32 is checked. To display and control a red or green LED lamp according to the state of charge of the rechargeable battery BT.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 mainly shows the system controller 2 in the electronic camera 1 from the power-off state.
1 shows the contents of the processing performed.

In the figure, the system controller 21 determines whether or not the power switch of the key input unit 23 has been turned on from the power-off state, or determines whether or not the IEEE1394 terminal T1, IEEE
It is determined whether or not an activation signal has been input from the camera station device 2 via the E1394 interface 26 (steps A01 and A02), and the input is awaited.

When it is determined in step A01 that the power switch has been turned on, it is determined that the power switch has been turned on for photographing an image using the electronic camera 1, and that the power switch has been turned on for the auto power off function. Fixed time by a register built in the system controller 21,
For example, after a timer for counting 10 minutes is reset to start a timekeeping operation (step A03), it is determined whether or not the power switch is turned off (step A04).
These inputs are waited for by repeatedly determining whether or not the count value of the timer has reached a predetermined time (step A05) or whether or not the release switch has been turned on (step A06).

When it is determined in step A04 that the power switch has been turned off, or in step A05
When it is determined that the count value of the timer has reached a predetermined time, that is, that the predetermined time has elapsed without any operation being performed, the power is turned off again and the above-described step A01 is performed.
Return to the processing from.

If it is determined in step A06 that the release switch has been turned on, the distance to the subject image at that time is immediately measured based on the operation of this switch, the proper exposure is measured, and at the same time the proper white balance is measured. Is adjusted, and if necessary, the strobe 27 is caused to emit light by the strobe control circuit 22 to perform imaging (step A).
07).

In this case, after the image data obtained from the CCD 12 by the image pickup is digitized by the A / D converter 13 for each constituent pixel and stored in the buffer memory 14,
The compression circuit 15 performs data compression based on a predetermined file format to make a file, and at the same time, creates a thumbnail image as a preview image in which constituent pixels are greatly thinned out. 17 are written (step A08).

Thereafter, the timer is reset again to start the timekeeping operation (step A09), and then it is determined whether or not the already used capacity of the built-in memory 17 is full by writing the image (step A09). A10).

This is because the system controller 21 allows the memory control circuit 16 to determine the state of the built-in memory 17, and the used capacity of the built-in memory 17 is not full, and the photographing of the image can be continued. If it is determined, the process returns to the process from step A04 again.

If it is impossible to write further image data into the built-in memory 17 by executing the above-described image photographing as needed, this is determined in step A10, and an appropriate A warning message indicating that the built-in memory 17 is full on the guide panel 24 together with the warning sound of, for example, "The shooting of the expected number of images has been completed. Please bring the camera to the service center." The power is automatically turned off (step A11) after displaying a second, and a predetermined beep sound or the like is generated as necessary, and the process returns to the step A01 again.

If it is determined in step A02 that the start signal from the camera station device 2 has been input, the electronic camera 1 is brought into the service center, placed on the camera station device 2 and set. Thereafter, the power is turned on using the power supplied from the camera station device 2 through the charging terminal T2 instead of the power of the rechargeable battery BT (step A12), and the data stored in the built-in memory 17 is stored. The processing shifts to the reading processing of the image data which is being performed and the subsequent processing.

FIG. 5 mainly shows the processing performed by the control unit 34 from the state where the electronic camera 1 is placed on standby in the camera station apparatus 2 until the electronic camera 1 is placed and the image is read out and further post-processed. Hereinafter, the operation of the camera station device 2 and the electronic camera 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The camera station device 2 waits for the electronic camera 1 to be mounted (step B0).
1) When it is determined that the electronic camera 1 is mounted, a start signal is transmitted to the electronic camera 1 via the IEEE 1394 interface 31 and the IEEE 1394 terminal T3, and the charging circuit 32 transmits the activation signal via the charging terminal T4. Then, the power of the electronic camera 1 is turned on by supplying power (step B02).

Thereafter, a guide message prompting the user to input the identification number of the electronic camera 1 on the guide panel 2c,
For example, "Please enter the camera ID" is displayed (step B03), and then the process waits until an identification number having a predetermined number of digits is actually input by the key input unit 2a (step B04).

At this time, the operator of the service center reads the bar code label 1a of the electronic camera 1 with a bar code reader connected to the ledger system before placing the electronic camera 1 on the camera station device 2. The identification number unique to the electronic camera 1 is read out from the ledger system, and the identification number is operated and input through the key input unit 2a.

If it is determined in step B04 that the input of the identification number of the mounted electronic camera 1 has been completed, then the unidentified number is set to the IEEE 1394 interface 3
1 and the electronic camera 1 via the IEEE1394 terminal T3
(Step B05).

In the electronic camera 1, the above step A
After the power is turned on by the power supplied from the camera station apparatus 2 at 12, the camera station apparatus 2 waits for an identification signal of a predetermined number of digits to be transmitted from the camera station apparatus 2 via the IEEE 1394 terminal T1 and the IEEE 1394 interface 26. (Step A13), when the identification signal is transmitted from the camera station device 2, the determination is made, and then the ID-R in the system controller 21 is determined.
By referring to the identification number of the own device fixedly stored in the OM 21a (step A14), it is determined whether or not to permit image reading based on whether or not the identification numbers sent from the camera station device 2 match. (Step A1
5).

Here, if the identification number sent from the camera station device 2 does not match the one stored in the ID-ROM 21a, the process returns to the step A13 again, and this time is correct. It waits for the identification number to be sent from the camera station device 2.

On the other hand, in the camera station device 2, after transmitting the identification number by the operation on the key input section 2 a to the electronic camera 1 in step B 05, is it possible to read an image from the electronic camera 1? (Step B06). If the transmitted identification number does not correspond to the electronic camera 1, the image cannot be read out.
A guide message prompting re-entry of a correct identification number, for example, "Please input a correct camera ID" is displayed (step B07), and then the above step B04 is performed again.
Return to the processing from.

However, when the correct identification number is sent from the camera station device 2, the electronic camera 1 determines this in the above-described step A 15, thereafter releases the internal memory 17, and issues a request from the camera station device 2. The image data recorded in the built-in memory 17 is appropriately read out and sent to the camera station device 2 in accordance with the above (Step A16), and at the same time, the consumed battery BT is completely charged by the power supplied from the camera station device 2. Waits for a signal indicating that charging has been completed from the charging circuit 25 (step A17).

On the other hand, in the camera station device 2, the input and transmission of the correct identification number causes the above-described step B to be performed.
If it is determined in step 06 that the image data can be read from the electronic camera 1, the electronic camera 1 then causes the printer device 4 to output an index print of all the thumbnail images recorded in the built-in memory 17 (step B 08). ) Then, using the frame image using the character unique to the theme park, the printer device 4 obtains a print output of all image data in high quality print equivalent to silver halide print (step B09).

Further, at the request of the user of this service, all image data read from the electronic camera
Recording is performed on a CD-R having a diameter of, for example, 8 cm by the -R device 5 (step B10).

It should be noted that only the necessary image data may be printed out in step B09 upon receiving the request of the service user based on the index print in step B08 or the display on the monitor device 3.

At this point, the service operator hands over the obtained print and, if necessary, the CD-R to the service user in exchange for a fee.

In the camera station device 2, after the reading of the image data from the electronic camera 1 is completed, the power is again supplied to the electronic camera 1 by the charging circuit 32 to start charging the consumed rechargeable battery BT. Then, the process waits until the rechargeable battery BT is fully charged (step B12).

At this time, the charging lamp 2b indicates that the battery is still being charged, for example, by driving a red LED lamp to light up.

Thereafter, when the rechargeable battery BT is fully charged and a signal indicating this is sent from the electronic camera 1 side, this is determined in step B12, and the charging circuit 32
Power supply to the electronic camera 1 by the
The completion of the charging by the charging lamp 2b is notified by, for example, switching to a driving operation of a green LED lamp (step B13), and the built-in memory 1 of the electronic camera 1 is also notified.
A control signal for instructing the erasure of the contents of step 7 is sent out, and a series of processes in the camera station apparatus 2 according to FIG.

On the other hand, in the electronic camera 1, when the charging circuit 25 detects in step A17 that the rechargeable battery BT is in a fully charged state, it informs the system controller 21 of the fact that the charging is completed to the camera controller 2 side. After a signal to be transmitted is sent, the built-in memory 17 composed of a flash memory is collectively erased based on a control signal sent from the camera station device 2, and the power is turned off (step A18). A series of processes in the electronic camera 1 according to No. 4 is completed to prepare for the next lending.

As described above, even if the electronic camera 1 is rented by the service, the image data recorded in the built-in memory 17 in the electronic camera 1 which cannot be detached unless the service user inputs correct identification information that cannot be known. Cannot be read out, so even if a service user takes this electronic camera 1 home without permission, it cannot be used like a general electronic camera, and as a result, theft of the electronic camera 1 is suppressed. It is especially suitable for rental services in closed areas such as theme parks and amusement parks.

In addition, the built-in memory 17 of the electronic camera 1 is erased for the next user, and at the same time, the trouble of recharging the exhausted rechargeable battery BT for the next user is eliminated. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the burden on the service provider especially in a situation where the electronic camera is frequently used.

Further, since the image data photographed by the rented electronic camera 1 can be written to a CD-R as a recording medium and passed to the service user in addition to the print, the service user can use the image data for additional printing later. can do.

If such a rental service system becomes widespread and many people can easily use the electronic camera, it will help to activate not only rental applications but also the entire electronic camera market. Can also be.

In the above embodiment, the image data obtained by photographing by the service user is recorded on the CD-R and distributed to the service user. However, the recording medium is recorded on the CD-R. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a floppy disk or the like which is more widely used.

In addition, the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.

[0080]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, image data recorded on a non-removable built-in medium cannot be read out unless correct identification information is input. It is suitable for a rental service in a closed area, and can be prevented from being taken back by the service user.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image data recorded on the non-removable built-in medium in the camera cannot be read out unless the correct identification information is input assuming that the electronic camera is rented. It is suitable for a rental service in a closed area such as a theme park or an amusement park, and can be prevented from being taken back by the service user.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save time and effort for erasing the contents of the recording medium in preparation for the next user. The burden on the service provider can be reduced in a situation where the electronic camera is frequently used.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save the trouble of charging the exhausted rechargeable battery for the next user. In particular, the burden on the service provider can be reduced in a situation where the electronic camera is frequently used.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect of the present invention, the user can utilize the image data taken by the rented electronic camera later for additional printing or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the electronic camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the camera station device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart showing processing contents in the electronic camera according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing contents in the camera station device according to the embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera 1a ... Bar code label 2 ... Camera station device 2a ... Key input part 2b ... Charge lamp 2c ... Guide panel 3 ... Monitor device 4 ... Printer device 5 ... CD-R device 11 ... Optical lens system 12 ... CCD 13 ... A / D converter 14 ... Buffer memory 15 ... Compression circuit 16 ... Memory control circuit 17 ... Built-in memory 18 ... Decompression circuit 19 ... Display control circuit 20 ... TFT-LCD panel 21 ... System controller 21a ... ID-ROM 22 ... Strobe Control circuit 23 ... Key input unit 24 ... Guide panel 25,32 ... Charging circuit 26,31,33 ... IEEE 1394 interface (I / F) 27 ... Strobe 34 ... Control unit 35 ... Video circuit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An identification information storage means for storing identification information unique to the camera; a recording medium built in a camera housing for recording image data obtained by photographing; an input means for inputting identification information; Reading means for reading image data recorded on a recording medium; determining means for determining whether the identification information input by the input means matches the identification information stored in the identification information storage means; An electronic camera, comprising: read control means for restricting reading of image data from a recording medium by the reading means based on the judgment result. 2. An electronic camera, a camera station device for reading image data recorded in the camera by setting the electronic camera, and a printer for printing out image data read by the camera station device A rental service system for an electronic camera, comprising: an identification information storage unit that stores identification information unique to the camera; and a camera housing that records image data obtained by shooting. A recording medium, first input means for inputting identification information sent from the camera station device, reading means for reading image data recorded on the recording medium, and input means for the first input means. Determining means for determining a match between the identification information obtained and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means; Reading control means for restricting reading of image data from a recording medium by the reading means based on the judgment result of the above, wherein the camera station device inputs identification information unique to the set electronic camera.
Input means, and as a result of inputting identification information by the second input means, when image data can be read from the camera, print control means for controlling print output of the image data by the printer device. A rental service system for an electronic camera, comprising: 3. The camera station device according to claim 2, further comprising a medium erasing means for erasing the recorded contents of a recording medium in said camera after reading image data from said camera. Electronic camera rental service system. 4. The camera uses a rechargeable battery as an operation power supply, and the camera station device further includes a charge control unit for charging a rechargeable battery in the camera after reading image data from the camera. The electronic camera rental service system according to claim 2, wherein: 5. The electronic camera rental service system according to claim 2, further comprising a recording device for writing the image data read by said camera station device to a recording medium.