JP2001268418A - Reutilization processor for electronic image recorder and reprocessing system for electronic image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the reutilization processor and reprocessing system of an electronic image recorder for efficiently securing the reutilization of components. SOLUTION: Since the CPU of an electronic still camera 100 whose using time limit is determined limits photographing corresponding to the fact that a photographed number or the like becomes a prescribed number after being sold, a user having the electronic still camera 100 by which photographing cannot be performed anymore is required to bring the electronic still camera 100 to a prescribed place such as a laboratory where this reutilization processor 200 is installed or the like at the time of desiring images on the basis of photographed image data and thus, the recovery rate of the electronic still camera 100 is improved. Further, in the laboratory or the like, since limitation by the CPU is cancelled by a limitation canceling device 207, by making a maker recover the electronic image recorder which is made usable, required components are reutilized and thus, a new electronic still camera 100 is provided at a low cost.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reusable processing apparatus and a reprocessing system for an electronic image recording apparatus such as a reusable electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic still camera is a CCD (Char).
Ge-coupled devices), CMOS
(Complementary Metal-Oxid
The optical image is photoelectrically converted on a pixel-by-pixel basis by an image pickup means such as an image sensor such as an e-semiconductor, and the data is stored in a storage means. The digital data stored in the storage means is printed by a color printer or the like.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An electronic still camera is
It is useful in terms of the immediacy of image output and the ease with which images can be processed after shooting.On the other hand, the complexity of image output operations using personal computers and printers, and the high price including these devices is expensive. This is a problem, and further simplification of operation and cost reduction are desired.

In the field of cameras using photographic film, a film with a lens (a single-use camera or a single-use camera) is loaded in advance, and after taking a number of film frames, it is taken to a lab or the like. A type of developing camera is on the market.
This type of camera eliminates the need for the user to load and unload the film, which has been done by users in the past, and since the processing such as printing is performed in a lab, etc., it reduces the user's labor and is very inexpensive. It is easy to use for.

[0005] On the other hand, in an electronic still camera, as one means for realizing simplification of printing and the like and reduction in price, a photographed electronic camera is collected and reused at a print shop or the like. It is thought that there is a way to keep prices low by selling them on the assumption that they will be used. With this method, the user can also bring the printer to the print shop and make a print request, thereby reducing the user's trouble of creating a print by himself. In order to realize such a method, it is important that the electronic still camera is reliably recirculated to the print shop and that the recirculated electronic still camera is reusable after inspection and adjustment.

However, with the current electronic still camera, it is possible to continue shooting freely, and it is difficult to reduce the price on the premise of circulation. The purpose of the present invention is to
An object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost electronic image recording apparatus such as an electronic still camera suitable for such a method.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first aspect of the present invention is a recycling processing apparatus, comprising: a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal; Signals are transmitted and received between an electronic image recording apparatus having storage means for storing an image signal and restriction means for restricting the photographing according to predetermined conditions from the start of the photographing. The image processing apparatus includes a conversion unit that reads the first image signal, converts the read first image signal into a second image signal, and a release unit that releases the restriction by the restriction unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reprocessing system comprising: a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal; a storage unit for storing an image signal based on the electric signal; Converting means for reading out an image signal stored in the image recording apparatus by transmitting and receiving signals to and from an electronic image recording apparatus having a restricting means, and converting the read image signal into a second image signal; ,
The electronic apparatus further includes a reuse processing device having a release unit for releasing the restriction by the restriction unit, and a reproduction processing device for performing a predetermined process for reusing the electronic image recording device.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reuse processing apparatus comprising: a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal; a storage unit for storing a first image signal based on the electric signal; The first image signal stored in the electronic image recording device is read by transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the electronic image recording device having a limiting unit that restricts shooting according to a condition, and the read first image signal is read. The image processing apparatus includes a conversion unit that converts the image signal into a second image signal, and a release unit that releases the restriction by the restriction unit. Therefore, since the limiting means limits the shooting, for example, when the number of shots reaches a predetermined number after being sold, the user cannot use the electronic image recording apparatus because the shooting expires. I understand that On the other hand, since the user cannot arbitrarily take out the image data, the user having the electronic image recording device that has become unable to take the photograph has installed the reuse processing device when he wants the image based on the taken image data. It is necessary to bring the electronic image recording device to a predetermined place such as a lab or the like, whereby the collection rate of the electronic image recording device can be improved. Further, in a laboratory or the like, since the restriction by the restriction means can be released by the release means, the electronic image recording device that can be used is collected by the manufacturer,
Necessary parts can be reused, so that a new electronic image recording apparatus can be provided at low cost. Note that the electronic image recording device refers to, for example, an electronic camera that converts an optical image into an electric signal, but is not limited thereto.
The “first image signal” may be, for example, an analog signal from a CCD or a digital signal obtained by A / D converting the analog signal.

Further, it is convenient if a means for performing a predetermined process for reuse is provided. Here, the predetermined process for reusing may be a function inspection process of the electronic image recording device, or an I / O process recorded in the electronic image recording device.
It is preferable to include a process of changing D information, a process of initializing the electronic image recording device, and a process of erasing the content stored in the storage unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an unusable part is replaced. If the electronic image recording apparatus has a rechargeable battery, the charging process is included.

Further, the second image signal is, for example, JP
A general-purpose image signal such as the EG format is preferable because it can be arbitrarily formed as an image by a personal computer or the like.

If the predetermined condition is the time from the start of photographing or the number of photographed images, the use of the electronic image recording apparatus can be efficiently and rationally restricted, and the collection thereof can be promptly performed.

[0013] Further, when the electronic image recording device has a reproducing means, the predetermined condition may be a reproducing time.

If the processing device has a recording means, the second image signal can be conveniently provided to the user by recording it on an image recording medium.

Further, if the recording means is capable of performing a printing process, it is convenient that the user does not have to print by himself.

Further, if the recording means electronically records on the recording medium, it is convenient to obtain a recording which hardly deteriorates with time.

Furthermore, if the output of the image signal to the outside is restricted, the user can be prevented from arbitrarily taking out image data on the user side. It can be performed efficiently.

Also, the above-mentioned restriction is applied to a specific password or ID.
If the password is released by inputting information such as a number, it is convenient, for example, in a lab that knows the password and the like, because the image signal can be easily taken out.

Further, it is possible that the output of the image signal from the electronic image recording device to the outside can be performed only by the reuse device.
It is convenient because there is no need to provide an interface or the like.

If the number of images recorded in the electronic image recording apparatus is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and if there is a notifying means for notifying that the number is equal to or less than the predetermined number, for example, a lab or the like may be provided if the number of images is equal to or less than the predetermined number. In the electronic image recording apparatus brought to the company, it is preferable that the user can be allowed to continue using the electronic image recording apparatus because it is determined that the photographing is still possible by the notification of the notification means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reprocessing system comprising: a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal; a storage unit for storing an image signal based on the electric signal; Converting means for reading out an image signal stored in the image recording apparatus by transmitting and receiving signals to and from an electronic image recording apparatus having a restricting means, and converting the read image signal into a second image signal; ,
There is a reuse processing device having a release unit for releasing the restriction by the restriction unit, and a reproduction processing device for performing a predetermined process for reusing the electronic image recording device.

Therefore, the limiting means restricts the photographing according to, for example, the number of photographed images having reached a predetermined number after being sold.
The user knows that the electronic image recording device has expired. On the other hand, since the user cannot arbitrarily take out the image data, the user having the electronic image recording device that has become unable to take an image can use a lab equipped with a reprocessing system when the user wants an image based on the taken image data. It is necessary to bring the electronic image recording device to a predetermined place, such as, for example, so that the collection rate of the electronic image recording device can be improved. Further, in a lab or the like, since the restriction by the restriction means can be released by the release means, it is possible to reuse the necessary parts by collecting the electronic image recording device that can be used by the manufacturer. As a result, a low-cost electronic image recording apparatus can be provided.

In a lab, for example, only a reuse processing device may be provided, and a maker or the like may be provided with a reproduction processing device, thereby enabling division of labor for reuse of an electronic image recording device. . The electronic image recording device refers to, for example, an electronic camera using an imaging unit that converts an optical image into an electric signal, but is not limited thereto. The “first image signal” may be, for example, an analog signal from a CCD or a digital signal obtained by A / D converting the analog signal. The recording means may be any as long as it can store one or both of an analog signal and a digital signal.

As the predetermined condition, any condition may be used as long as it gives a limit for promoting the recirculation of the electronic image recording apparatus, such as the number of photographed images, the storage capacity of the photographed images, and the time since the purchase of the electronic image recording apparatus. And so on.

When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the photographing may be restricted in such a manner that the release of the electronic image recording apparatus is not cut off, that the photographing cannot be performed, and that the image is not stored in the memory. Control such as preventing the power supply from starting up may be considered.

Here, the predetermined process for reuse includes a function inspection process of the electronic image recording device, a process of changing ID information recorded in the electronic image recording device,
It is preferable to include a process of initializing the electronic image recording device and a process of erasing the content stored in the storage unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a process of replacing an unusable part or an electronic image recording device In the case where a rechargeable battery is provided, the charging process and the like are included.

Further, if the second image signal is, for example, JP
A general-purpose image signal such as the EG format is preferable because it can be arbitrarily formed as an image by a personal computer or the like.

If the predetermined condition is the time from the start of photographing or the number of photographed images, the use of the electronic image recording device can be efficiently and rationally restricted, and the collection thereof can be promptly performed.

Further, when the electronic image recording device has a reproducing means, the predetermined condition may be a reproducing time.

When the processing device has a recording means, it is convenient because the second image signal can be provided to a user by recording it on an image recording medium.

Further, if the recording means can perform a printing process, it is convenient that the user does not need to print by himself.

If the recording means electronically records on the recording medium, it is convenient to obtain a recording which hardly deteriorates with time.

Further, if the output of the image signal to the outside is restricted, the user can be prevented from arbitrarily taking out the image data, so that the collection of the electronic image recording device can be prevented. It can be performed efficiently.

Further, the above-mentioned restriction is applied to a specific password or ID.
If the password is released by inputting information such as a number, it is convenient, for example, in a lab that knows the password and the like, because the image signal can be easily taken out.

If the number of images recorded in the electronic image recording apparatus is equal to or less than a predetermined number, if there is a notifying means for notifying that the number is equal to or less than the predetermined number, for example, a lab or the like may be provided if the number of images is equal to or less than the predetermined number. In the electronic image recording apparatus brought to the company, it is preferable that the user can be allowed to continue using the electronic image recording apparatus because it is determined that the photographing is still possible by the notification of the notification means.

[0036]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire system according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic still camera 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the electronic still camera 100. FIG. 4 is a rear view thereof.

The user performs photographing using an electronic image recording device such as the electronic still camera 100. By taking a predetermined condition, for example, taking a predetermined number of images, the photographing is restricted, for example, the photographing cannot be performed. As shown in FIG. 1, the user brings the photographed electronic still camera 100 into a lab or the like, so that the reuse processor 200 reads out the image signal stored in the electronic still camera 100 and converts it into image data. . Printing can be performed by the printing system 400 having a printing function using the converted image data. Then electronic still camera 1
In the case of 00, the restriction made earlier in the reuse processing device 200 is released. Thereby, the electronic still camera 100
Can be reused. Furthermore, in the reproduction processing device 300 installed in a maker or the like, the electronic still camera 100
Inspection of parts, functions, etc. is performed. Hereinafter, the electronic still camera 100, the reuse processing device 200,
The reproduction processing device 300 will be specifically described.

In the electronic still camera 100 shown in FIG. 2, a CPU 110 is supplied with power from a power source 112 such as a battery in response to an operation of turning on a main switch 111, and is provided with an imaging unit 103 such as a CCD and a memory 104 as a recording unit. And the strobe 113. The strobe 113 including the light emitting capacitor starts charging for light emission only when the strobe switch 114 is turned on.

When the charging mechanism 107 drives the shutter 102 in response to the ON operation of the release switch 108, the photoelectric conversion in which an optical image is formed on the light receiving surface by the photographing lens 101 through the opened shutter 102. The imaging unit 103 as a unit is controlled by the CPU 110,
A so-called photoelectric conversion for outputting an analog signal corresponding to an optical image of a subject is performed. An analog signal obtained by photoelectric conversion is recorded in the memory 104 as an analog signal or as an A / D converted digital signal (first image signal). The number of photographed images is displayed on the number display device 109 in accordance with the operation of the charging mechanism 107. The first image signal stored in the memory 104 is C
Under the control of PU 110, buffer 105 and connector 1
06 to the outside. C
The PU 110 can store the ID number and the number of shots in the internal memory. The electronic still camera 100 according to the present embodiment
Since there is no image processing means, a simpler and cheaper configuration can be achieved. Note that the first image signal stored in the memory 104 can be output to the outside only when it is connected to the reuse processing device 200 described later. The output may be used as the output condition.

In FIG. 3, the electronic still camera 100
Is entirely covered by a camera body 120, a lens 101 is disposed in the center of the front, a subject-side lens 121a of a finder is disposed at the upper left of the lens 101, and a strobe 113 is disposed at an upper right of the lens 101. Have been. Also, on the upper left side of the electronic still camera 100,
A release switch 108 is provided, and a number display device 109, which is a reflective liquid crystal panel, is provided at the center of the upper surface.

In FIG. 4, an eyepiece 121b of a finder is arranged above the center of the back of the electronic still camera 100, and a rectangular opening 120a is formed in the camera body 120 below the center of the back. 10
6 are arranged. In addition, since the shape of the connector 106 is special, it can be connected only to the signal reading device 201 or the reproduction processing device 300 of the reuse processing device 200, which will be described later, thereby preventing unauthorized reading and restriction release. .

FIG. 5 shows a reuse processing apparatus 20 constituting a reuse system of an electronic still camera according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a reproduction processing apparatus 300 and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the reuse processing apparatus 200. In FIG. 5, a reuse processing device 200 is connected to the connector 106 of the electronic still camera 100 and reads out a first image signal. And performs predetermined image processing such as compression and A / D conversion for analog signals.
An image conversion unit 202 as a conversion unit for generating image data (second image signal) in a general format such as PEG; a display control unit 203 for driving a display device 204 such as a liquid crystal panel to perform display. Operating under the control of the system control device 209, a restriction release device 207 as release means for releasing the restriction on the photographing of the electronic still camera 100, a USB for communicating with an external device,
It has an interface 208 such as RS232C and a system control device 209 connected thereto for controlling.

Further, the reproduction processing device 300 is connected to the interface 208 of the reusable processing device 200, so that the user interface 301 can perform data transfer.
And a reproduction processing CPU 30 connected thereto for performing control.
6. Further, the printing system 400 includes a recording device 4 as a recording unit that records image data input from the reuse processing device 200 via the interface 208 on a recording medium M such as a CD-R or a DVD-ROM.
01 and a printer 402 as recording means for generating an image on paper or the like based on image data input similarly to generate a print P.

The reproduction processing apparatus 300 can be provided with a function inspection apparatus 308 as processing means for inspecting the function of the electronic still camera 100. As a mode of releasing the restriction, it is conceivable that the CPU 110 enters a photographable state by inputting a specific password, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the release switch of the electronic still camera 100 may be mechanically or electromagnetically pressed. It is also conceivable to release the lock such as losing it. Reproduction processing device 300
Is set up by the manufacturer.

In FIG. 6, the reuse processing device 200
The entire surface is covered by a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 220, and an opening 220a for receiving the electronic still camera 100 is formed on the upper surface thereof. A cable connected to the interface 208 extends from the lower side of the reuse processing apparatus 200 toward the print system 400.

Next, the operation of the reuse processing apparatus 200 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the entire system including the operation of the reuse processing device 200 according to the present embodiment. The reuse processing device 200 is connected to the print system 400,
The storage or printing on the storage medium is performed by the print system 400. The reuse processing device 200 is provided separately from the reproduction processing device 300. First, as shown in step S101, the electronic still camera 100 provided by the manufacturer is sold at a retail store and passed to the user. At this point the number of shots is zero,
It is assumed that the user is informed in advance that, for example, up to 24 images can be shot as the expiration date of the electronic still camera 100.

CPU 110 of electronic still camera 100
In step S102, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of images (24 in this embodiment) have been shot. At this time, since the number of shots is zero, the CPU 110 determines that the number of shots is less than the predetermined number. In step S104, the user is allowed to shoot, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of images have been shot each time shooting is performed (step S102). It is to be noted that the user is free to bring or consign the electronic still camera 100 to the next store or lab before taking a predetermined number of images.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the photographing for the predetermined number of images has been completed, the CPU 110 as the restricting means controls the photographing means 103 to prohibit the subsequent photographing (step S103). At this time, for example, the release switch 1
If 08 cannot be pressed or the number display device 109 blinks, it is easy to know that the user can no longer take a picture.

As described above, the user cannot arbitrarily take out the first image signal obtained by photographing with the electronic still camera 100. Therefore, when a predetermined number of images have been photographed, the user cannot take the first image signal. You will be prompted to bring or consign this to a distributor or lab. Here, as shown in step S105, when the electronic still camera 100 is brought into the agency, a predetermined order is received and the electronic still camera 100 is sent to the laboratory.

The electronic still camera 10 brought into the lab
0 is connected to the reuse processing device 200, and the first image signal stored in the memory 104 of the electronic still camera 100 is read out via the signal reading device 201 (step S106). The first image signal is subjected to predetermined image processing such as color conversion and compression in the image conversion means 202, is converted into a general-purpose format such as JPEG, and the second image signal is generated. Is sent to the print system 400 capable of printing based on the digital signal (step S1).
07).

The processing performed in the print system 400 will be described. In step S108, the second image signal generated by the image conversion means 202 is transmitted to the print system 400 via the interface 208 in response to a user request. Then, the print P is recorded on the recording medium M via the recording device 401 or the print P is output by the printer 402 based on the second image signal. The recording medium M and / or the print P can be sent or received (step S110) to the user via an agent (step S109) or directly. Since the second image signal recorded on the recording medium M is a general-purpose image signal such as a JPEG format,
The user can arbitrarily form an image on a personal computer or the like. Further, since the second image signal is recorded electronically on the recording medium M, it hardly deteriorates with the passage of time, so that an image having an initial image quality can be obtained at any time.

Further, the system control device 209 of the reuse processing device 200 is connected to the connector 1 of the electronic still camera 100.
06, the CPU 110 can determine whether or not a predetermined number of images have been captured (step S11).
1). In such a case, the display device 204 as a notification unit
Alternatively, the remaining number of recordable images of the electronic still camera 100 may be displayed. When the reproduction processing CPU 306 determines that the remaining number of images can be photographed since the predetermined number of images have not been photographed, the electronic still camera 100 transmits the information via the agency (step S112) or directly to the user. Sent or picked up (step S11
3) You can. Similar steps can be performed when the user has finished taking the remaining number.

On the other hand, since the system controller 209 has already taken a predetermined number of images, the electronic still camera 10
0, it is determined that no further photographing is possible.
0 to access the limit (step S11).
4). After that, the electronic still camera 1 after taking a predetermined number of images
00 is sent from the lab to the manufacturer.

On the maker side, the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100
Is accessed and rewritten with a new ID number (step S115). After that, the electronic still camera 100
In step S116, after the function test is performed by the function test device 308 of the reproduction processing device 300 in step S116, and repair / replacement is performed for the component whose function has deteriorated (step S11).
7), it will be sold again at the retail store (step S101). When the reproduction processing apparatus 300 is installed in a lab, the lab may perform a function test on the electronic still camera 100 and then return the electronic still camera 100 to the manufacturer.

According to the present embodiment, since the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100 as the limiting means limits the shooting according to the predetermined number of shots or the like, the shooting becomes impossible. The user knows that the expiration date of the electronic still camera 100 has expired. On the other hand, since the user cannot arbitrarily take out image data, the electronic still camera 100 can no longer shoot.
Of the electronic still camera 100 can be improved. Further, in the lab or the maker from which the electronic still camera has been collected, the restriction of the CPU 110 is released by the restriction release device 207 as the restriction release means, so that necessary parts can be reused, and the function inspection device as the processing means. 308
Thus, by performing a predetermined inspection or the like for reusing the collected electronic still camera, the reusable parts can be easily determined.

As the predetermined processing for reuse, in addition to the function inspection processing of the electronic still camera 100 and the processing of changing the ID information stored in the CPU 110, the processing of initializing the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100, the processing of memory The processing includes erasing the contents stored in the storage 104. Furthermore,
For example, it also includes a process for replacing an unusable part, and when the electronic image recording apparatus has a rechargeable battery, a charging process for the rechargeable battery. In addition, the reuse processing device 200 can be installed in a manufacturer.

It should be noted that the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. For example, the predetermined condition for restricting shooting may be a predetermined time from the start of shooting instead of the predetermined number of shots. In the case where the electronic still camera has playback means such as an LCD for playing images, Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be that a predetermined reproduction time is reached.

[0058]

According to the present invention, an electronic image recording apparatus such as a low-cost electronic still camera can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an electronic still camera 100 according to the embodiment.
It is a block diagram of.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the electronic still camera 100.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the electronic still camera 100.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a reuse processing device 200 and a reproduction processing device 300 that constitute the electronic still camera reuse system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reuse processing apparatus 200.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the entire system including the operation of the reuse processing device 200 according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 electronic still camera 101 lens 102 shutter 103 imaging means 104 memory 105 buffer 106 connector 107 charging mechanism 108 release switch 109 number display device 110 CPU 111 main switch 112 power supply 113 strobe 114 strobe switch 200 reuse processing device 201 signal reading device 202 image Conversion unit 203 Display control unit 204 Display device 207 Limit release device 208 Interface 209 System control device 300 Reproduction processing device 306 Reproduction processing device CPU 308 Function inspection device 400 Printing system 401 Recording device 402 Printer M Recording medium P Print

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Kozue Yokata 1 Sakuracho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation (72) Inventor Masami Fujita 1 Sakuracho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation (72) Invention Person Masaaki Takasaki 1 Sakura-cho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation (72) Inventor Hiroshi Kibayashi 1 Sakura-cho, Hino-shi, Tokyo F-term (reference) 5C022 AA13 AB00 AC00 AC31 AC69 5C052 AA17 DD02 FA02 FA03 GA02 GB09 GC00 GF00

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal, a storage unit for storing a first image signal based on the electric signal, and a limiting unit for restricting photographing according to predetermined conditions from the start of photographing. The first image signal stored in the electronic image recording device is read out by transmitting and receiving signals to and from the electronic image recording device having
A re-use processing device for an electronic image recording apparatus, comprising: a conversion unit for converting the image signal into a second image signal; 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing predetermined processing for reuse. 3. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined processing for reuse is a function inspection processing of the electronic image recording apparatus. 4. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined processing for reuse is processing for changing ID information recorded in the electronic image recording apparatus. . 5. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing for reuse includes processing for initializing the electronic image recording apparatus. 6. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processing for initializing includes processing for erasing the contents stored in the storage means. 7. The reuse processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second image signal is a general-purpose image signal. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a time from the start of shooting or the number of shots.
The recycling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic image recording apparatus has a playback unit, and the predetermined condition is a playback time. 10. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing apparatus has a recording unit, and records the second image signal on an image recording medium. 11. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the recording unit performs a printing process. 12. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the recording unit performs electronic recording on the recording medium. 13. The reusable processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic image recording apparatus restricts output of the image signal to the outside. 14. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the restriction is released by inputting specific information. 15. The reuse processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein output of the image signal from the electronic image recording apparatus to the outside can be performed only by the reuse processing apparatus. 16. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying that the number of images recorded on said electronic image recording apparatus is equal to or less than a predetermined number when said number is equal to or less than a predetermined number. The reuse processing device according to any one of the above. 17. An electronic image, comprising: a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal; a storage unit for storing an image signal based on the electric signal; A conversion unit that reads out an image signal stored in the image recording device by transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the recording device, and converts the read image signal into a second image signal; A reprocessing system for an image recording / recording device, comprising: a reuse processing device having a release unit for performing the processing; and a reproduction processing device for performing a predetermined process for reusing the electronic image recording device. 18. The predetermined process for reusing,
The reprocessing system according to claim 17, wherein the reprocessing system is a function inspection process of the electronic image recording apparatus. 19. The predetermined process for reusing,
19. The reprocessing system according to claim 17, wherein the process is a process of changing ID information recorded in the electronic image recording device. 20. The reprocessing system according to claim 17, wherein the process for reusing includes a process for initializing the electronic image recording device. 21. The reprocessing system according to claim 20, wherein the processing for initializing includes processing for erasing the contents stored in the storage means. 22. The reprocessing system according to claim 17, wherein said second image signal is a general-purpose image signal. 23. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a time from the start of photographing or a number of photographed images.
23. The reprocessing system according to any one of 7 to 22. 24. The reprocessing system according to claim 17, wherein the electronic image recording device has a reproducing unit, and the predetermined condition is a reproducing time. 25. The reprocessing system according to claim 17, wherein the processing device has a recording unit, and records the second image signal on an image recording medium. 26. The reprocessing system according to claim 25, wherein said recording means performs a printing process. 27. The reprocessing system according to claim 25, wherein the recording unit performs electronic recording on the recording medium. 28. The reprocessing system according to claim 17, wherein in the electronic image recording apparatus, output of the image signal to the outside is restricted. 29. The reprocessing system according to claim 28, wherein the restriction is released by inputting specific information. 30. An electronic device according to claim 17, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying that the number of images recorded on said electronic image recording apparatus is equal to or less than a predetermined number when the number is smaller than a predetermined number. The reprocessing system according to any one of the above.