JP2001094852A - Electronic camera management system and electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera and an electronic camera management system capable of efficiently managing the camera in the case of lending it. SOLUTION: Even in the case of incorporating a new electronic camera 10 into management data, the identification(ID) number of the camera 10 is stored in a camera data memory 17 built in the camera 10 and thus the camera 10 can be easily incorporated into the management data by reading out the stored ID number, so that it is unnecessary to stick, e.g. a bar code and the trouble for inputting information can be saved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a rental electronic camera management system and an electronic camera used for such a purpose.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the improvement of electronic technology, electronic cameras such as digital still cameras that convert captured images into digital data and store the digital data have been developed and are already on the market.
A user can display an image captured by an electronic camera on, for example, a display of his / her personal computer, and can print the image via a printer, so that the application range is wide.

[0003] By the way, a high pixel CCD as an image pickup means
An electronic camera equipped with a computer and a liquid crystal screen is generally expensive. In particular, as technological innovations progress, electronic cameras with even higher performance will be launched in a short cycle,
Purchasing the latest electronic cameras at all times is often economically difficult for those who do personal imaging.
On the other hand, if there is a storage medium or the like that stores image data corresponding to the captured image, based on that, it is possible to display the image on the display of a personal computer or to receive a print service in a specific lab, Some believe that it is not necessary to have an expensive electronic camera.

[0004] Based on this idea, a system for renting an electronic camera when imaging is necessary has been considered. According to such a rental system, a subject image can be more economically captured than when an electronic camera is purchased.

[0005]

However, when considering a rental system for an electronic camera, how to manage the rental at a rental destination store becomes a problem. In such a case, if it is necessary to hand-write the return date on each lending notebook as in the case of lending a book, for example, it is troublesome and there is a risk of erroneous entry.

On the other hand, by attaching a bar code or the like to an electronic camera, it is conceivable to read the bar code at the time of lending and returning and electronically manage the lending state of the electronic camera with a personal computer or the like. However, there is no correspondence between the newly introduced electronic camera and the barcode to be pasted on it, so it is necessary to re-enter information that the barcode corresponds to the electronic camera into the personal computer or the like. is there. In addition, the barcode may be peeled off and lost during use of the electronic camera.In such a case, it is necessary to attach a new barcode, and information indicating the correspondence between the barcode and the electronic camera is again transmitted. There is also the problem of having to enter it.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the related art, and has as its object to provide an electronic camera management system and an electronic camera that can efficiently manage an electronic camera when renting the electronic camera. .

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an electronic camera management system according to the present invention comprises: an image pickup means for photoelectrically converting an optical image by an image pickup element to obtain image information;
An electronic camera including first storage means for storing information based on the obtained image information, second storage means for storing information for identifying the electronic camera itself, and a first storage means for identifying the electronic camera. Input means for inputting the first information, the second information about the customer who borrowed the electronic camera, and the third information about lending and returning the electronic camera;
And a third storage means for storing the input first to third information.

An electronic camera according to the present invention includes an image pickup device for obtaining image information by photoelectrically converting an optical image by an image pickup device, and a first storage device for storing information based on the obtained image information. The camera is characterized by having second storage means for storing information about a customer who borrowed the electronic camera and information about a place where the electronic camera was lent.

[0010]

According to the electronic camera management system of the present invention, there are provided an image pickup means for obtaining image information by photoelectrically converting an optical image by an image pickup device, a first storage means for storing information based on the obtained image information, An electronic camera including second storage means for storing information for specifying the electronic camera itself, first information for specifying the electronic camera, second information about a customer who borrowed the electronic camera, Input means for inputting third information relating to lending and returning of the electronic camera; and third means for storing the input first to third information.
And a management device having a storage means. Therefore, in order to identify the electronic camera, it is sufficient to read out the information for specifying the electronic camera stored in the second storage means. This eliminates the need to paste codes and the like, and saves the trouble of inputting information.

Further, if the information of the place where the electronic camera is lent is stored in the electronic camera, the place where the electronic camera is lent can be specified by reading out the information. Can be performed more easily.

Further, if the information on lending and returning includes a lending date and a return date, it is possible to easily predict a date on which the electronic camera is to be returned, and thus to more easily manage the electronic camera. It can be carried out.

Further, if means for checking the information for specifying the electronic camera stored in the management device and the information for specifying the electronic camera stored in the electronic camera is provided, the rented electronic camera can be provided. Is returned,
By comparing the information of the management device with the information of the electronic camera, even if, for example, a different electronic camera is returned by mistake, it is immediately recognized that such a return is erroneous, which is convenient.

An image output means is provided for transmitting an output signal to the electronic camera and extracting information based on the image information stored in the electronic camera when both information match as a result of the collation by the collation means. If this is the case, for example, it is possible to prevent information based on image information from being output to places other than the rented place, thereby preventing repetitive commercial imaging using the lent electronic camera.

Further, even if the electronic camera cannot output information based on image information due to the operation of the customer, the electronic camera may repeatedly perform commercial imaging using the lent electronic camera. Can be prevented.

If the first storage means is detachable from the electronic camera, for example, a memory card or the like as the first storage means which can be used by the customer himself can be used. In such a case, when the electronic camera is returned, the memory card is extracted in a state where the image data obtained by the imaging is stored and stored by the customer himself / herself, which is necessary through a means such as a personal computer owned by the customer. The image data can be called up accordingly.

Further, the electronic camera is provided with storage means for storing the expected return date, timing means, and means for controlling the operation of the imaging means based on a comparison result between the timing means and the expected return date. Then, for example, for an electronic camera whose return date has passed, regardless of the number of images taken, it is also possible to prohibit the imaging, thereby informing the customer implicitly that the return date has passed. At the same time, unauthorized use of the electronic camera beyond the date of return can be prevented.

In the electronic camera, display means, storage means for storing the expected return date, clock means, and display of the display means are controlled based on a result of comparison between the clock means and the expected return date. If the control means is provided, for example, for an electronic camera whose return date has passed, it is also possible to prohibit the display of the captured image, thereby informing the customer implicitly that the return date has passed. While you can
Unauthorized use of the electronic camera beyond the date of return can also be prevented. For electronic cameras whose return date has passed, the above-mentioned display means, such as "Return date has passed, please return to the rented place." Or "Additional fee is XX yen." Message can be displayed.

Further, if the information on the rented place includes address information on the network related to the rented place, for example, by connecting the rented electronic camera to a personal computer or the like, the information is stored in the electronic camera. Also, the URL and E of the server at the rented location
Address information on a network such as a mail address can be read out to a personal computer or the like, thereby enabling communication with the place where the electronic camera is rented out via the Internet via the personal computer or the like. As a result, the customer can appropriately obtain information such as a return date and an additional charge.

An electronic camera according to the present invention includes an image pickup means for obtaining image information by photoelectrically converting an optical image by an image pickup device, and a first storage means for storing information based on the obtained image information. A camera that has second storage means for storing information about the customer who borrowed the electronic camera and information about the place where the electronic camera was lent, and Thus, for example, even when a different electronic camera is returned by mistake, such a wrong return is immediately recognized and convenient. Further, even if the rented electronic camera is misplaced, if the person who has found it can read the information on the customer or the information on the rented place, the electronic camera is returned to the customer or the rented place. It is also possible.

Further, if the stored information cannot be changed or deleted by the operation of the customer, for example, the name of the customer who borrowed the electronic camera can be changed without permission, or the place where the electronic camera has been rented can be deleted. In addition, troubles such as losing the rented location can be prevented.

It is preferable that the first storage means and the second storage means are the same storage means, for example, the same memory built in an electronic camera, because the number of memories can be reduced.

Further, if a means for recording the information together with the image information in the first storage means is provided, it is convenient because information relating to the information can be recorded according to the customer or the rented store.

When the first storage means is detachable from the electronic camera, the first storage means is recorded by removing the first storage means from the electronic camera and making it accessible by a personal computer or the like. This is convenient because the read image information can be read arbitrarily.

Further, if the information on the rented place includes address information on the network related to the rented place, the personal computer accesses the rented place via the Internet based on the address information. This is convenient because the user can obtain necessary information.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic camera lending system including an electronic camera and a management device according to the present embodiment.

In the electronic camera 10 shown in FIG. 1, an optical image is formed on a light receiving surface by a photographing lens (not shown).
The imaging means 11 such as D performs so-called photoelectric conversion for outputting an analog signal corresponding to an optical image.
The D conversion device 12 converts an analog signal input from the imaging unit 11 into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal.
The image data output from the A / D conversion circuit 12 is temporarily stored in the image memory 13.

The image data stored in the image memory 13 is subjected to various types of image processing by a camera CPU 15 which is a control means, and finally passes through a reading / writing device 14 connected to the camera CPU 15. Is stored in a non-volatile memory such as a memory card. The camera CPU 15
Is connected to the personal computer 3 using IrDA (infrared communication) or serial communication via the interface 18.
0, or can communicate with the management device 20 of the shop that rents the electronic camera.

Further, the electronic camera 10 is provided with a display means 16 such as a liquid crystal display, which can display an image under the control of the camera CPU 15 based on the image data stored in the memory card. It has become. The electronic camera 10 has a camera data memory 1 for storing information for identifying the electronic camera 10 itself.
7 is provided. The camera data memory 17 of the new electronic camera 10 stores, for example, a model name and a lot number of the electronic camera 10 which are input at the time of manufacturing.

In addition, the electronic camera 10 has input means 19
The input means 19 is integrated with the display means 16 as, for example, a touch-type liquid crystal panel, and can appropriately input by pressing on the liquid crystal panel.

On the other hand, the management device 20 adds information specifying the electronic camera, information on the borrowed customer, and information on the lending date and the scheduled return date to the management data memory 22 which can store the information as described later. , Reading means 23, display means 24, input means 25, printer 26, timing means 27, and a device CPU 21 capable of controlling these.

Next, the operation of the rental system according to the present embodiment will be described. First, the electronic camera 10
If a rental store is newly introduced for rental,
The device CPU 21 of the management device 20
, The camera data memory 17 of the new electronic camera 10 is accessed, and the model name and lot number of the electronic camera 10 are read. Further, the device CPU 21 checks whether the newly introduced electronic camera 10 is the same as the electronic camera already managed by the management device 20 based on the model name and the lot number, and confuses the electronic cameras. To prevent. If the electronic camera 10 is a new electronic camera, the model name and the lot number should be new. In such a case, the device CPU 21 uses an identification number unique to the electronic camera 10 (as information for identifying the electronic camera, For example, ID 3) is created, transferred to the electronic camera 10 and stored in the camera data memory 17, and also stored in the management data memory 22. As a result, the management device 20 recognizes that the electronic camera 10 associated with the identification number ID3 has come under the management of the lending store.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a rental mode of the rental system according to the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the customer U is a member of the rental shop S and has, for example, a memory card C as a storage medium of the electronic camera 10 as a membership card. At the time of registration as a member, the name of the customer U is input to the memory card C.
Or from the input unit 24 of the management device 20.

When renting the electronic camera 10, the customer U first goes to the lending shop S, designates the electronic camera 10 to be rented, and presents the memory card C as a membership card brought. At the lending store S, the memory card C is inserted into the designated electronic camera 10, and the electronic camera 10 is connected to the management device 20.

Then, the device CPU 21 of the management device 20
Accesses the camera data memory 17 of the designated electronic camera 10 via the interface 18 and reads an identification number (for example, ID2) unique to the electronic camera 10. As a result, an area (an area corresponding to the column in FIG. 3) in which the information related to the lending of the electronic camera 10 corresponding to the identification number ID2 is to be recorded is formed in the management data memory 22. The predetermined information is recorded in an appropriate manner.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of the contents of the information stored in the management data memory 22, and the list can be arbitrarily displayed by the display means 24. On May 2, the customer U receives the electronic camera 10 (identification number I
To borrow D2), the device CPU 21 of the management device 20 accesses the electronic camera 10 (ID2), and via the reading / writing device 14, the memory card C loaded in the electronic camera 10 , The customer name (for example, Mr. Yamada) is read out from the
The electronic camera 10 with the identification number ID2 is stored in the area corresponding to the customer name to be borrowed.

On the other hand, the device CPU 21 reads out today's date (for example, May 2) from the timekeeping means 27, and in the management data memory 22, rents out the electronic camera 10 with the identification number ID2. It is stored in the corresponding area. At the same time, the device CPU 21 sets the date obtained by adding the lending period (for example, three months) on the lending date to the electronic camera 10 with the identification number ID2 in the management data memory 22 as the expected return date (August 1). The information is stored in an area corresponding to the scheduled return date, which is the deadline to return by that date. The input of the customer name and the date is performed via an input means 25 having a keyboard and numeric keys.
May be stored.

On the other hand, information (such as a telephone number, a fax number, a URL, an e-mail address, etc.) on the lending store S is stored in the memory card C of the electronic camera 10 via the read / write device 14. Information) and the expected return date (for example, August 1). As described above, the input of the information regarding the lending is completed, so that the customer U can receive the electronic camera 10. Note that the customer name, the information about the lending store S, and the scheduled return date stored in the memory card C require a password or the like in order to change or delete the customer name. I have.

While the customer U borrows the electronic camera 10, the camera CPU 15 responds to the operation by displaying the return date (for example, August 2) and the name of the rental shop S on the liquid crystal display as the display means 16. Can be displayed above. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the customer U forgets the expected return date, and it is possible to always clarify the location of the rental store S to which the customer U returns. The subject image displayed by the display unit 16 of the electronic camera 10 can be viewed based on the captured image data (information related to image information). However, the image data is output to the outside via the interface 18. Requires the entry of a password. This makes it impossible for a customer who does not know the password to output image data.

Further, the customer U has forgotten the expected return date,
If the electronic camera 10 cannot be returned by the scheduled return date, the camera CPU 15 displays, via the display unit 16, "The return date has passed. Please return the electronic camera. Return location Is a message. " Also, in some cases,
A message may be displayed stating that "The return date has passed, so an additional fee of $ 100 is required." A notice message such as "Return date is coming soon" can be displayed before the scheduled return date.

When the expected return date has passed, even if the image data obtained by the imaging is stored in the memory card C, the image cannot be displayed or cannot be displayed based on the image data. It is also conceivable to make it impossible to perform the imaging itself and to prompt the customer U to return.

On the other hand, during the lending period of the electronic camera 10, the customer U, for example, connects the electronic camera 10 to his / her own personal computer 30 and stores the URL of the lending store S stored in the memory card C into the personal computer 30. After that, it is also possible to access the management device 20 via the Internet, for example. Therefore, for example, when the customer U stores the contents in the management data memory (for example, an
Or by requesting the customer via the Internet to extend the scheduled return date at the lending store.

In the case where the customer U has left the electronic camera somewhere, the finder of the customer U accesses the management apparatus 20 via the electronic camera 10 to find the customer U or the return location. It is also possible to contact the rental shop S.

The customer U (for example, Mr. Sato) rents the store S
When the electronic camera 10 is connected to the management apparatus 20 when the electronic camera 10 is brought to the lending store S in order to return the borrowed electronic camera 10 (for example, ID3), the apparatus CPU 21
The electronic camera 1 specified via the interface 18
By accessing the camera data memory 17 of No. 0, an identification number (for example, ID3) unique to the electronic camera 10 is read. This indicates that the electronic camera 10 associated with the identification number ID3 has been borrowed from the lending store S and has certainly been returned to the lending store S. In such a case, the reading unit 23 can access the memory card C of the electronic camera 10 via the interface 18 and read out the stored image data. In this case, if the customer U creates a print order file including information such as the number of prints in the memory card C using the input unit 19 of the electronic camera 10 in advance, the reading unit 23
Can read the print order file together with the image data and perform printing in a manner desired by the customer U.

On the other hand, if the electronic camera borrowed from another lending store is mistakenly returned to the lending store S, the management device 20 accesses the camera data memory of the erroneously returned electronic camera. , It can be immediately understood that it does not correspond to the identification number stored in the management data memory 22. In such a case, it is possible to display, via the display means 24, a warning message or the like that the electronic camera is not lent from the lending store S.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the device CPU 21 reads out today's date (for example, May 2) from the clocking means 27 and stores it in the area of the management data memory 22 corresponding to the return date. At this time, in response to the password input from the management device 20, the information on the rental shop S and the information on the scheduled return date in the memory card C are automatically deleted. When the customer U desires to print a captured image, based on the image data read by the reading unit 23, the corresponding image is output as an image created by the printer 26, and information indicating that a print order has been issued is provided. The print fee ($ 1500) is stored in the corresponding area of the management data memory 22. Such information is used for confirmation when there is an inquiry from the customer U later. The memory card C on which the predetermined processing has been performed stores a customer name and image data obtained by image capturing.
It is extracted and returned to the customer U, and used at the time of new lending.

It is to be noted that the lending store is provided with a storage means such as a large-capacity server to store all the image data read from the memory card,
You may make it accessible from a customer side. Thereby, the image data can be transferred to the customer side according to the request of the customer, or the image can be printed based on the specific image data according to the print order.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the electronic camera 1 having the identification number ID 1 is displayed on the display 24 of the management device 20.
0 warns that it has not yet been returned as of today (May 2), so that the scheduled return date (April 30) is highlighted and the like, and the renting out shop S then sends the customer U ( Necessary measures, such as urging a return to Mr. Tanaka, can be taken. If the electronic camera 10 is returned after the scheduled return date, an additional charge corresponding to the passed period is displayed on the display means 24 of the management device 20 or stored in the management data memory 22. May be.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and that modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. is there. For example, instead of a memory card,
The customer may bring a magnetic card storing the customer name or a membership card on which the customer name is written to the lending shop, read the customer name from the magnetic card, or input the customer name using a keyboard or the like. Further, the storage means for storing the customer name and the rental store may be another storage medium built in the electronic camera instead of the memory card.

[0050]

The management system for an electronic camera according to the present invention comprises:
Imaging means for photoelectrically converting an optical image by an imaging element to obtain image information; first storage means for storing information based on the obtained image information; and second storage means for storing information for identifying the electronic camera itself. An electronic camera comprising:
Input means for inputting first information for specifying the electronic camera, second information on a customer who borrowed the electronic camera, and third information on lending and returning of the electronic camera; And a management device having third storage means for storing the first to third information, so that the electronic camera stored in the second storage means is identified in order to identify the electronic camera. It is sufficient to read out the information to be performed, so that, for example, it is not necessary to attach a bar code or the like, and the labor for inputting the information can be saved.

An electronic camera according to the present invention includes an image pickup means for obtaining image information by photoelectrically converting an optical image by an image pickup device, and a first storage means for storing information based on the obtained image information. A camera that has second storage means for storing information about the customer who borrowed the electronic camera and information about the place where the electronic camera was lent, and Thus, for example, even when a different electronic camera is returned by mistake, such a wrong return is immediately recognized and convenient. Further, even if the rented electronic camera is misplaced, if the person who has found it can read the information on the customer or the information on the rented place, the electronic camera is returned to the customer or the rented place. It is also possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic camera lending system including an electronic camera and a management device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a rental mode of the rental system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a list of contents of information stored in a management data memory 22 which can be displayed by a display means 24;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 electronic camera 11 imaging means 12 A / D converter 13 image data memory 14 read / write device 15 camera CPU 16 display means 17 camera data memory 18 interface 19 input means 20 management device 21 device CPU 22 management data memory 23 reading Means 24 Display means 25 Input means 26 Printer 27 Timing means U Customer S Lending shop

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup unit for obtaining image information by photoelectrically converting an optical image by an image pickup device, a first storage unit for storing information based on the obtained image information, and information for specifying the electronic camera itself. An electronic camera comprising: a second storage unit for storing the electronic camera; first information for specifying the electronic camera; second information about a customer who borrowed the electronic camera; and lending and returning the electronic camera. Electronic camera management, comprising: a management device including an input unit for inputting third information and a third storage unit for storing the input first to third information. system. 2. The electronic camera management system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera stores information on a place where the electronic camera is lent. 3. The information on the rental and return is as follows:
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a rental date and a return date.
Or the electronic camera management system according to 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for comparing information for specifying an electronic camera stored in said management device with information for specifying an electronic camera stored in said electronic camera. 3. The management system for an electronic camera according to claim 3. 5. An image output means for transmitting an output signal to the electronic camera and extracting information based on the image information stored in the electronic camera when the two information match as a result of the collation by the collation means. The electronic camera management system according to claim 4, further comprising: 6. The electronic camera management according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera cannot output information based on image information due to an operation of the customer. system. 7. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit is detachable from the electronic camera.
The management system for an electronic camera according to any one of the preceding claims. 8. The electronic camera has a storage unit for storing a scheduled return date, a clock unit, and a unit for controlling the operation of the imaging unit based on a comparison result between the clock unit and the scheduled return date. The management system for an electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: 9. The electronic camera controls display on the display unit based on a display unit, a storage unit for storing a scheduled return date, a clock unit, and a comparison result between the clock unit and the scheduled return date. 9. The electronic camera management system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit. 10. The information on the rented place is:
10. The electronic camera management system according to claim 1, further comprising address information on the network related to the rented place. 11. An electronic camera comprising: an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts an optical image by an imaging element to obtain image information; and a first storage unit that stores information based on the obtained image information. An electronic camera, comprising: a second storage unit that stores information on a customer who borrowed the electronic camera and information on a place where the electronic camera was lent. 12. The electronic camera according to claim 12, wherein the stored information cannot be changed or erased by a customer operation. 13. The storage device according to claim 11, wherein the first storage unit and the second storage unit are the same storage unit.
3. The electronic camera according to 2. 14. The electronic camera according to claim 11, further comprising means for recording the information together with image information in the first storage means. 15. The electronic camera according to claim 11, wherein the first storage unit is detachable from the electronic camera.
15. The electronic camera according to any one of items 14 to 14. 16. The information on the rented place is as follows:
The electronic camera according to any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising address information on the network related to the rented place.