JP2002174842A - Camera providing device and camera providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To take a picture without carrying a camera and to enjoy the taken picture then and there. SOLUTION: The camera providing device is equipped with a provided camera keeping part to keep the camera to be provided to a user, a camera providing part to provide the camera to the user by taking out the camera from the provided camera keeping part when the user requires it, a camera receiving part to receive the camera from the user, an image data acquiring part to acquire image data from the camera when the camera receiving part receives the camera, and a product producing part to produce a product which can be provided to the user by utilizing the image data acquired by the image data acquiring part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a camera providing apparatus and a camera providing system for providing a camera to a user when requested.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, when photographing a camera at an amusement park or the like, a camera is brought to the amusement park or the like to take a picture. Also, if a photographed photograph is desired, after returning home from an amusement park, a negative film or image data is brought to a photo shop or the like, and a request is made to develop and print the photograph.

[0003]

However, when bringing a camera to an amusement park or the like, it is inconvenient because the photographer's luggage increases. Also, even if you take a picture, you can not develop and print the picture on the spot, so in the amusement park where you took the picture,
Or, on the way back from the amusement park, etc., the photographed photograph could not be enjoyed. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera providing device and a camera providing system that can solve the above-described problems. This object is achieved by a combination of features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0004]

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a providing camera storage unit for storing a camera to be provided to a user, and a providing camera storage unit when a user requests the same. A camera providing unit for taking out the camera from the unit and providing the camera to the user, a camera receiving unit for receiving the camera from the user, an image data obtaining unit for obtaining image data from the camera when the camera receiving unit receives the camera, A camera providing apparatus including a product manufacturing unit that manufactures a product that can be provided to a user by using image data acquired by a data acquiring unit is provided.

[0005] The camera providing apparatus further includes a recording medium recording unit capable of recording data on a computer-readable recording medium, and the product manufacturing unit records the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit on the recording medium recording unit. It may be recorded on a medium. Further, the camera providing device further includes a printing unit that can print an image,
The product manufacturing unit may cause the printing unit to print an image based on the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit.

[0006] The product manufacturing section includes a charge calculation section for calculating a print charge for printing an image using the image data, and an exemption from the print charge when the print charge exceeds a predetermined exemption amount. A print permission unit that permits the print unit to print on the condition that the user has paid the deducted amount may be further provided.

In this case, the product manufacturing unit further includes a subject determining unit that determines whether or not the image data is image data obtained by photographing a predetermined subject. It is desirable to calculate the print fee using the determination result of the copy. In addition, the subject determination unit
It is desirable to make the determination based on the supplementary information stored in the camera in association with the image data.

The camera providing device includes a designated data erasing unit for erasing image data designated by the user from the camera, and a camera re-providing unit for re-providing the camera to the user when the designated data erasing unit erases the image data from the camera. Unit may be further provided. The camera providing device may further include a camera transfer unit that can transfer the camera received by the camera receiving unit to the providing camera storage unit. In this case, it is preferable to further include an image data erasing unit that erases image data from the camera before the camera transferring unit transfers the camera to the providing camera storage unit.

The camera providing device includes a failed camera storage unit for storing the malfunctioning camera, a camera inspection unit for inspecting the camera, and a camera storage unit for providing the camera based on the inspection result of the camera inspection unit. A camera transfer unit that transfers the camera to any of the failed camera storage units. In this case, the camera inspection unit causes the camera to photograph the test subject and obtains image data of the test subject from the camera, and a shooting result inspection that tests the image data obtained by the test shooting unit. The camera transfer unit preferably transfers the camera to either the providing camera storage unit or the failed camera storage unit based on the inspection result of the photographing result inspection unit.

[0010] The camera providing device may further include a charging unit for recharging the storage battery of the camera received by the camera receiving unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a camera,
In a camera providing system including a camera providing device that provides a camera to a user and a receiving device that receives a camera from the user, the providing device includes a providing camera storage unit that stores a camera to be provided to the user, and a request from the user. And a camera providing unit that removes the camera from the providing camera storage unit and provides the user to the user,
A camera receiving unit that receives a camera from a user, an image data obtaining unit that obtains image data from the camera when the camera receiving unit receives the camera, and an image data obtaining unit that obtains image data from the user. A camera providing system comprising: a product manufacturing unit that manufactures a product that can be provided.

The camera providing system further includes a recording medium recording unit that can record data on a computer-readable recording medium, and the product manufacturing unit stores the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit in the recording medium recording unit. It may be recorded on a recording medium.

Further, the camera providing system may further include a print unit capable of printing an image, and the product manufacturing unit may cause the print unit to print an image based on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit. Good. In this case, the product manufacturing unit calculates a print fee for printing the image using the image data,
When the print fee exceeds a predetermined exemption amount, the printing unit may further include a print permitting unit that permits the print unit to perform printing on the condition that the user has paid the amount obtained by subtracting the exemption amount from the print fee. preferable.

Further, the product manufacturing unit further includes a subject determining unit for determining whether the image data is image data obtained by photographing a predetermined subject, and the fee calculating unit includes a subject determining unit. It is preferable that the print fee is calculated using the determination result of the copy. The camera further includes a subject signal output device attached to a preselected subject and outputting a predetermined subject signal, wherein the camera includes a subject signal detection unit that detects the subject signal, and a Further comprising a storage unit that stores the signal detection information indicating whether or not and the image data in association with each other,
It is preferable that the subject determination unit of the receiving device makes the determination using the signal detection information.

In the above camera providing device, the camera receiving device comprises: a designated data erasing unit for erasing image data designated by the user from the camera; and a camera when the designated data erasing unit erases the image data from the camera. And a camera re-providing unit that re-provides the camera to the user.

Alternatively, the above-mentioned camera providing system comprises:
The camera further includes a camera detection device that detects the camera, the camera has a signal output unit that outputs a camera detection signal, and the camera detection device includes a detection unit that detects the camera detection signal, and the detection unit detects the camera detection signal. An alarm unit that issues an alarm when a signal is detected may be provided. The above summary of the present invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these features may also constitute the present invention.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the present invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention and have the features described in the embodiments. Not all combinations are essential to the solution of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a camera providing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The camera providing system 10 includes a camera providing device 100, a camera 300, a camera detection device 400, and a subject signal output device 420a,
420b. Camera providing device 100, camera detecting device 400, and subject signal detecting units 420a and 420
b is arranged, for example, in the theme park 20.
Here, the theme park 20 is an example of an area or a building in which access of people is restricted to a specific entrance.

The camera providing apparatus 100 includes a plurality of cameras 3
00 is stored inside. The user pays a predetermined amount of money to make the camera 30
You can get 0 loan. By receiving the loan of the camera 300, the user can freely shoot in the theme park. Further, after the photographing, the user can return the camera 300 to the camera providing apparatus 100 and request the camera providing apparatus 100 to print a photographed image. When the above request is made, the camera providing apparatus 100
The image data is acquired from the returned camera 300, and a photograph is printed based on the image data. Thereby, the user can obtain a photo taken at the theme park 2 at the theme park 20 and enjoy it.

Subject signal output devices 420a, 420b
(Hereinafter, it is collectively referred to as “subject signal output device 420”)
Is a device that outputs a predetermined subject signal using, for example, radio waves or infrared rays. The subject signal output device 420
In the theme park 20, a predetermined subject (hereinafter, referred to as a “specific subject”) is prepared among subjects such as buildings and monuments that the user is likely to shoot. In the present embodiment, the subject signal output device 420a outputs a subject signal A, and the subject signal output device 420b outputs a subject signal B different from the subject signal A. Camera 300
Detects whether the subject to be photographed is a specific subject by using the above-mentioned subject signal.

The camera 300 outputs a predetermined camera detection signal. The camera detection device 400 is a device that detects the camera detection signal. In the case of the present embodiment, the camera detection device 400 is installed at the entrance 22 of the theme park 20. When there is a camera 300 passing through the entrance 22, the camera detection device 400
The camera detection signal output from 0 is detected and an alarm is issued. Thus, in the present embodiment, the camera 300 can be prevented from being stolen.

The camera providing system 10 includes, in addition to the above,
It has a server 500 and a user terminal device 600.
The server 500 can receive image data transmitted from the camera providing apparatus 100 via a communication network 800 such as the Internet, and store the image data. The user terminal device 600 is a personal computer or the like that can be used by a user at home, for example. User terminal device 600
Can communicate with the server 500 via the communication network 800 and acquire image data stored in the server 500.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the camera 300. The camera 300 includes an imaging unit 306 that captures an image of a subject and generates image data of the subject image.
The imaging unit 306 includes, for example, an optical system for photographing a subject, a CCD disposed on an image forming surface of the optical system, and a CCD.
And an image processing unit (both not shown) for converting the output signal of FIG.

The camera 300 further includes a storage unit 308 that can store various data including the image data generated by the imaging unit 306, and a communication unit 310 that establishes communication with the camera providing apparatus 100. Also, the camera 300
Includes a camera detection signal output unit 312 that outputs the camera detection signal described above. Camera detection signal output unit 3
It is preferable that the signal output by 12 is a signal by radio waves or magnetism. In the present embodiment, a high-frequency transmission circuit that generates and outputs a predetermined high-frequency signal is used as the camera detection signal output unit 312.

Further, the camera 300 includes a subject signal detection unit 314 that can detect a subject signal output from the subject signal output device 420. Subject signal detector 3
Reference numeral 14 denotes an antenna that receives a radio wave coming from the shooting direction of the camera 300 when the subject signal output device 420 outputs a predetermined radio signal as a subject signal, and a signal that detects the subject signal from the radio wave received by the antenna. It consists of a detection circuit. Also, the subject signal output device 420
However, when outputting a predetermined infrared signal as a subject signal, the subject signal detection unit 314 includes an infrared sensor and a signal detection circuit that detects a subject signal from a signal received by the infrared sensor. In this case, it is preferable that the infrared sensor is disposed on the front surface of the camera 300 so as to face the optical axis direction of the optical system included in the imaging unit 306.

The camera 300 has a control unit 302 for controlling the operation of the entire camera 300, and a power storage unit 304 for supplying power to the control unit 302 and the like via a power supply line (not shown).

In the present embodiment, when the release switch (not shown) is pressed, the control unit 302
Let the subject photograph. Further, the control unit 302 stores the image data output by the imaging unit 306 in the storage unit 308. Further, the control unit 302 determines whether or not the subject signal detection unit 314 has detected a subject signal based on the output signal of the subject signal detection unit 314 at the time of shooting (hereinafter, “signal detection”). Information ”) is stored in the storage unit 308. At this time, the signal detection information is stored as additional information of the image data in association with the image data.

The control unit 302 includes a subject signal detection unit 314
If the object signal A is detected, the signal detection information A is stored in the storage unit 308. Further, the control unit 302
When the subject signal detection unit 314 detects the subject signal B, the signal detection information B different from the signal detection information A is stored in the storage unit 308. Further, the control unit 302 stores the signal detection information 0 in the storage unit 302 when the subject signal detection unit 314 does not detect any of the subject signals A and B.
To save.

In the present embodiment, the control section 302 communicates with the camera providing apparatus 100 via the communication section 310. Through this communication, the control unit 302 receives a command from the camera providing apparatus 100. The control unit 302 reads or deletes the image data and the signal detection information stored in the storage unit 308 according to the received command. Further, the control unit 302 transmits the image data and the like read from the storage unit 308 to the camera providing apparatus 100. The control unit 302
Causes the imaging unit 306 to execute imaging according to the received command, and transmits image data output by the imaging unit 306 to the camera providing apparatus 100.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the storage unit 308. The storage unit 308 stores captured image data and signal detection information in association with each other. In the example shown,
The three image data 01, 02, and 0 are stored in the storage unit 308.
3 is stored. Signal detection information 0 is stored in association with the image data 01.
It is shown that the subject signal was not detected by the camera 300 when the image was shot. Signal detection information A and B are stored in association with each of the image data 02 and 03, and image data obtained by performing photographing when the subject signals A and B are detected, respectively. Is shown.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the camera detection device 400. The camera detection device 400 has a camera detection unit 402 and an alarm unit 404. The camera detection unit 402 is a camera detection signal output unit 31 of the camera 300.
2 detects the camera detection signal output. Alarm unit 40
Reference numeral 4 monitors the output signal of the camera detection unit 402 and issues an alarm by sound or light when an output signal indicating that the camera detection signal has been detected is received.

As described above, in the case of the present embodiment, the camera detection device 400 is installed at the entrance 22 of the theme park 20. Therefore, when the user attempts to pass through the entrance 22 while carrying the camera 300, the camera detection unit 402 detects a camera detection signal output from the camera 300 and issues an alarm. This can prevent the user from taking the camera 300 out of the theme park 20.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera providing apparatus 100. The camera providing apparatus 100 includes a providing camera storage unit 128 that can store a plurality of cameras 300.
And an outlet 13 for providing the camera 300 to the user
0 and a receiving port 122 for receiving the camera 300 returned from the user.

Further, the camera providing apparatus 100 includes a temporary storage unit 124 in which the returned camera 300 is temporarily stored.
Having. The test object 125 is stored in the temporary storage unit 124.
Is installed. The test subject 125 is the camera 30
A subject to be photographed when performing test photographing using 0, for example, a flat plate on which a specific test pattern is printed. The camera 300 is stored in the temporary storage unit 124 in a direction in which the test subject 125 can be photographed.

The camera providing device 100 further operates abnormally among the cameras 300 returned from the user.
It has a faulty camera storage unit 126 for storing what should not be provided to the user again. In addition, the camera providing device 10
0 has a camera transfer device 132. The camera transfer device 132 is used to remove the outlet 130 from the providing camera storage unit 128.
Alternatively, the camera 300 can be transferred from the receiving port 122 to the temporary storage unit 124. In addition, the camera transfer unit 132 can transfer the camera 300 stored in the temporary storage unit 124 to the failed camera storage unit 126 or the providing camera storage unit 128.

The camera providing apparatus 100 further includes a display unit 104 for displaying a menu of services that can be provided to the user, various information such as images, and the like. An input unit 102 that can be used to input information. In addition, the camera providing apparatus 100 includes a money receiving unit 106 that receives money paid by the user. When money is received, the money receiving unit 106 calculates and outputs the amount.

The camera providing apparatus 100 further includes a printing unit 108 for printing an image based on the input image data, and recording the input image data on a smart media, a compact flash (registered trademark), a CD-R, or the like. And a recording medium recording unit 110 for recording on a medium.

The camera providing device 100 further includes a power storage unit 30 of the camera 300 stored in the temporary storage unit 124.
4 has a charging unit 112 capable of recharging. Further, the camera providing apparatus 100 includes a camera communication unit 114 that establishes communication with the camera 300 stored in the temporary storage unit 124,
And a network communication unit 120 for establishing communication with the server 500 via the communication network 800. Further, the camera providing apparatus 100 has a print charge table 118 in which charges for printing an image by the print unit 108 are stored.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the print fee table 118. The print charge table 118 stores print charges for each subject and for each print size. In the present embodiment, different print fees are set depending on the size of the print size. Further, in the present embodiment, the print fee of the specific subject is discounted from the print fee of the non-specific subject. That is, when the subject is a specific subject, small-size prints are free, and large-size prints are reduced by half.

Returning to FIG. 5, the camera providing apparatus 100
It also has a control unit 116. The control unit 116 controls the overall operation of the camera providing apparatus 100. The control unit 11
Reference numeral 6 denotes the camera 300 via the camera communication unit 114. In addition, it communicates with the server 500 via the network communication unit 120.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 116. In the present embodiment, the control unit 116 has a camera providing unit 142 and a camera receiving unit 144. The camera providing unit 142 takes out the camera from the providing camera storage unit 128 and provides the camera to the user when the user requests the camera lending. In the present embodiment, the user places a predetermined amount of money in the money receiving unit 106 and further inputs
By performing a predetermined operation in 02, it is possible to request the camera providing unit 142 to lend the camera 300.

When the user makes the above request, the camera providing unit 142 checks the amount of money paid by the user based on the output signal of the money receiving unit 106. If the confirmed amount exceeds a predetermined camera providing fee, the camera providing unit 142 controls the camera transfer device 132 to
The camera 30 stored in the providing camera storage unit 128
0 is transferred to the outlet 130. As a result, the user can obtain the camera 300 from the outlet 130. In the present embodiment, the camera provision fee includes a price for renting the camera 300 to the user (for example, 500 yen),
0 includes the print fee of the photograph taken or the price of the recording medium (for example, 500 yen).

The camera receiving section 144 performs a process for receiving the camera 300 returned from the user. When the user returns the camera 300 to the receiving port 122, the camera receiving unit 144 controls the camera transfer device 132 to transfer the camera 300 from the receiving port to the temporary storage unit 124. In the temporary storage section 124, the camera 300 is arranged in a direction in which the test subject 125 can be photographed.

The control unit 116 further includes an image data acquisition unit 146, a designated data deletion unit 148, and a camera re-providing unit 150. The image data obtaining unit 146 obtains the image data stored in the storage unit 308 and the signal detection information associated with the image data from the camera 300 stored in the temporary storage unit 124. More specifically, the image data acquisition unit 146 includes the camera communication unit 11
4, a command to transmit the image data and the signal detection information is transmitted to the camera 300.
The image data and the like transmitted from 00 are acquired.

The designated data erasing section 148 erases image data designated by the user from the camera 300. Specifically, the designated data erasing unit 148 is a
6 causes the display unit 104 to display the image of the acquired image data. In addition, the designated data erasing unit 148 is connected to the input unit 102.
, The user receives a designation of an image to be deleted from the displayed images. Next, the designated data erasing unit 148
Transmits to the camera 300 a command to delete the image data of the designated image and the signal detection information associated with the image data. As a result, the camera 300
Stores the designated image data and signal detection information in the storage unit 3
Delete from 08. As a result, an image that the user considers unfavorable, such as an image with camera shake, is deleted. The user can take a picture again by the amount of free space in the storage unit 308 that has been increased by erasing the data.

The camera re-providing unit 150 stores the camera 300 whose image data has been erased by the designated data erasing unit 148.
To the user. That is, the camera re-providing unit 15
0 controls the camera transfer device 152 to temporarily store
The camera 300 stored in 24 is transferred to the exit 130. Thus, the user can obtain the camera 300 from which the specified image data has been deleted from the storage unit 308 again.

The control unit 116 further includes a product manufacturing unit 15
2, an image transfer unit 154, and a camera re-storage unit 156. The product manufacturing unit 152 includes an image data acquisition unit 146
Manufactures a product that can be provided to a user using the image data acquired by the user. In the present embodiment, the product that can be provided to the user refers to a photograph printed by the print unit 108 or a recording medium on which the recording medium recording unit records image data. Details of the product manufacturing unit 152 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image storage unit 154 includes the image data acquisition unit 1
The image data acquired by 46 is transmitted to the server 500, and stored in the server 500. In addition, the image storage unit 154
The shooting location information and the shooting date information are transmitted to the server 500 and stored in the server 500. The shooting location information refers to information relating to a location where the transmitted image data was captured, and the shooting date information refers to information relating to the date or time when the created image data was captured. As the shooting location information, a name, a common name, an address, or a name of an area where the address is located, such as an area where the camera providing apparatus 100 is installed, can be used. Also, as the shooting date information, the date when the camera 300 was lent or returned, or
The date of transmitting the image data can be used.

Further, the image storage unit 154 includes the server 50
From 0, the registration number of the stored image data is received. The image storage unit 154 stores the received registration number in, for example, the display unit 1
04 to inform the user. The user can access the image data stored in the server 500 from the user terminal device 600 using the registration number, as described later.

The camera re-storage section 156 tests whether the camera returned from the user operates normally, and provides the camera 300 which operates normally to the camera providing section 128 for providing.
The camera 300 that does not operate normally is stored in the failed camera storage unit 126. Details of the camera re-storage unit 156 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the product manufacturing unit 152. The product manufacturing unit 152 includes a recording medium providing unit 160
And a print providing unit 162. The recording medium providing unit 160 causes the recording medium recording unit 110 to record the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit 146 on the recording medium.
The recording medium on which the image data is recorded is provided to the user.

The print providing unit 162 includes the print unit 10
8 causes the image data acquisition unit 146 to print the image of the image data acquired. The printed image is provided to the user. The print providing unit 162 includes a print condition specifying unit 164, a subject determining unit 166, a fee calculating unit 168, and a print permitting unit 170.

The print condition designation section 164 receives designation of an image to be printed and designation of the number and size of the designated image to be printed from the user. The print condition designation unit 164 causes the display unit 104 to display an image of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 146 first. Next, the print condition designating unit 164 receives designation of an image to be printed from the user via the input unit 102. Further, the print condition designation unit 164 receives designation of the size and the number of images to be printed from the user via the input unit 102. The print condition specifying unit 164 further stores image data of the image specified to be printed,
Information on the number and size of the images to be printed is transmitted to the print unit 108.

The subject determining unit 166 determines whether the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit is a specific subject, that is, image data obtained by photographing a predetermined subject. In the present embodiment, the subject determination unit 166
Performs the above determination based on the signal detection information stored in the camera 300 in association with the image data. For example, when it is determined that the subject provided with the subject signal output device 420a is a specific subject, the subject determining unit 166 determines that the image data associated with the signal detection information A captures the specific subject. It is determined that it is obtained.

The charge calculating section 168 calculates a print charge for printing the image of the image data. The charge calculation unit 168 acquires the print size and the number of prints specified from the print condition specification unit 164 in order to calculate the print charge. In addition, the fee calculation unit 168 acquires, from the print condition specification unit 164, information regarding which image data is to be printed. Further, the print condition specifying unit 164 acquires from the subject determining unit 166 information on whether or not the image data designated to be printed is image data of a specific subject. Charge calculator 1
68 is the acquired information and the print charge table 1
18 to calculate the print fee.

In the present embodiment, the fee calculating unit calculates the case where the subject discriminating unit 166 determines that the image to be printed is an image of a specific subject and the case where it is determined that the image is a non-specific subject. Printing fee is different. As is clear from the print fee table 118 shown in FIG. 6, for example, when printing 20 images of a non-specific subject in a small size, the print fee is 1000 yen. However, when printing an image of a specific subject, the print fee is free. As described above, when the photographed subject is the specific subject, the discount or free print fee gives the user motivation to perform the commemorative photography with the specific subject. For this reason, it becomes possible for the user to expect to go to a place where the specific subject is located, particularly in the theme park 20.

The print permitting section 170 includes the charge calculating section 16
If the print fee calculated in step 8 exceeds a predetermined exemption amount, the print unit 108 is permitted to print on condition that the user has paid the amount of money obtained by subtracting the exemption amount from the print fee. As described above, in the present embodiment, the camera providing fee paid by the user to the camera providing apparatus 100 includes the printing fee of an image taken by the camera 300, that is, 500 yen. In the present embodiment, the print fee corresponds to a predetermined exemption amount.

For example, if the print charge calculated by the charge calculation unit 168 is 1000 yen, the print permission unit 1
70 displays on the display unit 104 a message indicating that the difference of 500 from the exemption amount should be paid. When the user puts money exceeding the amount requested in the message into the money receiving unit 106, the print permitting unit 170
A command to permit printing is transmitted to the printing unit 108. As a result, the print unit 108 prints an image based on the image data transmitted from the print condition specifying unit 164 and the information on the print size and the number of prints, and provides the image to the user.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the camera re-storage unit 156. The camera re-storage 156 stores the camera 300 returned by the user in the providing camera storage unit 128 or the failed camera storage unit 126 as described above. The camera re-storage unit 156 includes an image data erasing unit 180, a camera inspection unit 182, a charging unit 188, and the camera transport unit 1
90.

The image data erasing unit 180 erases image data from the storage unit 308 of the camera by transmitting a command to the camera 300 via the camera communication unit 114.
In the case of the present embodiment, the image data deletion unit 180 deletes all the image data captured by the user from the storage unit 308. The image data is erased before the camera 300 is transferred to the providing camera storage unit 128. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the image data erasing unit 180 is
After the product is manufactured in step 2, the image data is erased before the camera inspection unit 182, which will be described later, inspects the camera.

The camera inspection section 182 inspects the camera 300. The inspection refers to an inspection as to whether the camera operates normally. For example, the inspection is performed by the storage unit 308 and the communication unit 31 of the camera.
0, the camera detection signal output unit 312, the subject signal detection unit 314, and the power storage unit 304 perform a scheduled operation and check whether the scheduled function is being performed. In the present embodiment, the camera inspection unit 182 performs an inspection as to whether the camera 300 performs normal imaging.

The camera inspection section 182 includes a test photographing section 182
And a photographing result inspection unit 186. Test shooting unit 182
Sends a command to the camera 300 stored in the temporary storage unit 124 via the communication unit 114, and
At 00, the test subject 125 is photographed. In the camera 300 having received the command, when the imaging unit 306 captures an image of the test subject 125 and outputs the image data (hereinafter, referred to as “test data”), the test capturing unit 182 transmits the data via the communication unit 310. The test data is obtained and output to the photographing result inspection unit 186.

The photographing result inspection unit 186
The test is performed by comparing the test data output from the test data 2 with standard data prepared in advance. Photographing result inspection unit 186
For example, if the error of the test data with respect to the standard data is within a predetermined allowable value, it is determined that the camera 300 operates normally. On the other hand, when the error of the test data with respect to the standard data is within a predetermined allowable value, the photographing result inspection unit 186 determines that the camera 300 does not operate normally. The photographing result inspection unit 186 outputs the above determination to the charging unit 188 and the camera transfer unit 190 as an inspection result.

The charging unit 188 recharges the storage battery 304 of the camera 300 when the inspection result indicating that the camera 300 operates normally is obtained from the photographing result inspection unit 186. When the charging unit 188 recharges the camera 300, the camera 300 can be newly provided to the user and can be used for shooting. Note that, in the present embodiment, the imaging result inspection unit 186
The charging unit 188 does not recharge the camera 300 when an inspection result indicating that the camera 300 does not operate normally is obtained from the following.

The camera transfer section 190 is provided with the photographing result inspection section 1
The camera 300 is transferred to either the providing camera storage unit 128 or the failed camera storage unit 126 based on the inspection result of 86. When the inspection result indicating that the camera 300 operates normally has been obtained from the photographing result inspection unit 186, the camera transfer unit 190 controls the camera transfer device 132 so that the provisional camera storage unit The camera 300 is transferred to 128. Thus, the camera 300 can be newly provided to the user. On the other hand, when an inspection result indicating that the camera 300 does not operate normally is obtained from the imaging result inspection unit 190, the camera transfer unit 190
By controlling the camera transfer device 132, the camera 300 is transferred from the temporary storage unit 124 to the failed camera storage unit 126.
Thus, the camera 300 is not provided to the user again.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 500. The server 500 includes a communication unit 502 that establishes communication with the camera providing device 100 or the user terminal device 600 via the communication network 800, and an image data database 506 for storing image data and the like. Further, the server 500 has a control unit 504 that controls the operation of the server 500 in an integrated manner.

The control section 504 communicates with the camera providing apparatus 100 via the communication section 502. Control unit 504
Is image data, shooting location information, and shooting date information (hereinafter, referred to as “image data, etc.”) obtained from the camera providing apparatus 100 by the camera 300 through the communication.
To receive. The control unit 504 having received the image data and the like,
A dedicated registration number is assigned to the image data or the like. Further, the control unit 504 stores the image data and the like in the image data database 506. The control unit 504 transmits the registration number given to the image data and the like to the camera providing apparatus 100.

The control unit 504 communicates with the user terminal device 600 via the communication unit 502. Control unit 5
04, when there is a request from the user terminal device 600,
The image data and the like registered in association with the registration number transmitted from the user terminal device 600 are acquired from the image data database 506 and transmitted to the user terminal device 600.

FIG. 11 shows a database 50 for image data.
6 shows an example of the configuration of FIG. As shown in the figure, in the image data database 506, the image data, the registration number, the shooting location information, the shooting date, and the image data are stored in association with each other. For example, the registration number 1234 stores image data taken at the zoo on August 10, 2000 in association with each other.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the user terminal device 600. The user terminal device 600 includes a communication unit 602 that establishes communication with the server 500 via the communication network 800, an input unit 606 such as a keyboard, and a display unit 608 such as a liquid crystal display. Further, the user terminal device 600 includes a control unit 604 that controls the operation of the user terminal device 600.

In this embodiment, the user can obtain image data and the like stored in the server 500 using the user terminal device 600. That is, the server 5
When the user inputs a registration number of image data or the like stored in 00 to the input unit 606, the control unit 604 transmits the registration number to the server 500 via the communication unit 602,
Request transmission of image data or the like associated with the registration number. When server 500 transmits image data or the like according to this request, control unit 604 receives the image data or the like and causes display unit 608 to display the data. This allows
The user can enjoy the image shot at the theme park 20 at home, for example.

FIG. 13 shows a camera providing apparatus 100 for erasing image data designated by the user from the camera 300.
And the operation of the camera 300. When erasing the image data specified by the user from the camera 300, first, the user places the camera 300 in the receiving port 122 of the camera providing apparatus 100. When the camera 300 is arranged in the receiving port 122, the camera receiving unit 144 of the camera providing device transfers the camera 300 to the one storage unit 124 (the above description).
S102).

Next, the image data acquisition unit 146 of the camera providing device requests the camera 300 to transmit image data (S104). As a result, the control unit 302 of the camera acquires the image data and the signal detection information associated with the image data from the storage unit 308, and the image data acquisition unit 1
Is transmitted to S46 (S106). Next, the camera providing device 1
At 00, the designated data erasing unit 148 displays the image of the transmitted image data on the display unit 104, and receives designation of an image to be erased from the user (S108). Further, the designated data erasing unit 148 transmits a request to erase the image data and the signal detection information of the designated image to the camera 300 (S110).

In the camera 100, the control section 302 deletes the designated image data and signal detection information from the storage section 308 according to the above-mentioned deletion request (S112). After erasing the image data and the like, the control unit 302 reports to the designated data acquisition unit 146 that the erasure has been completed (S114). In the camera providing apparatus 100 that has received the report, the camera re-providing unit 150 transfers the camera 300 in the temporary storage unit 124 to the exit 130 (S116). As a result, the camera 300 after the designated image data or the like has been deleted is provided to the user again. The user who has been re-provisioned can take a further image at least for the erased image.

FIG. 14 shows the camera providing apparatus 10 when the user returns the camera 300 to the camera providing apparatus 100.
0, the operation of the camera 300, and the operation of the server 500. When the user places the camera 300 in the receiving port 122 of the camera providing device for return, the camera receiving unit 144 first transfers the camera to the temporary storage unit 124 (S20).
2). Subsequently, the image data acquisition unit 146 acquires image data from the storage unit 308 of the camera (S204).

If the user desires to provide a storage medium, the recording medium providing unit 160 records the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit 146 on the recording medium, and stores the image data on the recording medium. Provide to the user (S206, S2
08). On the other hand, if the user wants to print the image, the print providing unit 162 prints the image and provides it to the user (S210). That is, here, the print condition designation unit 164 receives designation of an image to be printed and designation of a print size and the number of prints from the user.
The subject determining unit 166 determines whether the image data is obtained by photographing a specific subject. Further, the fee calculation unit 168 calculates a print fee based on the output of the print condition designation unit 164 and the output of the subject determination unit 166.
Further, the print permission unit 170 checks whether or not the user has paid the print fee based on the output of the fee calculation unit 168, and prints the image to the print unit 108 on condition that the print fee has been paid. Allow

When the provision of the recording medium (S208) or the printing and provision of the image (S210) is completed, the image storage unit 154 of the camera providing apparatus stores the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit with the photographing location information and the photographing location. The information is transmitted to the server 500 together with the date information (S212). Server 500
Then, the transmitted image data and the like are stored in the image data database (S214). Also, the server 500
The registration number of the saved image data or the like
0 (S216). In the camera providing apparatus 100, the registration number transmitted by the image storage unit 154 is displayed on the display unit 1.
04 to provide to the user (S218).

Next, in the camera providing apparatus 100, the image data erasing unit 180 sends a request to the camera 300 to erase the image data (S220). As a result, in the camera 300, the control unit 302 deletes all the image data stored in the storage unit 308 and the signal detection information associated with the image data (S222). After deleting the image data, the control unit 302
To the user that the image data has been deleted (S22).
4).

In the camera providing apparatus 100 having received the report of step 224, the camera inspection section 182 inspects the camera (S230). The camera inspection unit 182 is the camera 300
Outputs the inspection result indicating that it operates normally,
88 charges the camera 300, and the camera transfer unit 190 transfers the camera 300 to the providing camera storage unit 128 (S
228, S230, S232). Provision camera storage unit 1
The camera 300 transferred to 28 can be newly provided to the user.

On the other hand, the camera inspection unit 182
When a test result indicating that the device does not operate normally is output, charging by the charging unit 188 is not performed. In addition, the camera transfer unit 1
90 transfers the camera 300 from the temporary storage unit 124 to the failed camera storage unit 126 (S228, S234). This prevents a situation in which a malfunctioning camera is provided to the user.

As described above, in the camera providing system according to the present embodiment, the camera is provided to the user in response to the user's request. When the user returns the camera after shooting, image data is acquired from the returned camera, and the image is printed. Therefore, the user can enjoy shooting with a camera without having to carry a camera belonging to the user from home with him or her on the road, and also can obtain and enjoy a photograph taken on the spot.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment of the present invention relates to a camera providing apparatus 100.
Instead of providing device 8 exclusively for providing the camera to the user
00 and the receiving device 81 that receives the camera exclusively from the user
Although the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in having 0, the other points are the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the components already described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the components will be omitted.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration of a providing device 800 used in the second embodiment of the present invention. The providing device 800 includes an input unit 102, a display unit 104, and a money receiving unit 106. Further, the providing device 800 includes the providing camera storage unit 1.
28, an outlet 130, and a camera transfer unit 132. Further, the providing device 800 includes a control unit 802 that controls the operation of the entire device.

The control unit 802 includes a camera providing unit 142. Therefore, the providing device 800 removes the camera 300 stored in the providing camera storage unit 128 when receiving a request from the user via the input unit 102.
To be provided to the user. On the other hand, the providing device 800 can receive the camera 30
There is no means for receiving 0. Therefore,
The providing device 800 can provide the camera 300 to the user, but cannot receive the camera returned from the user.

FIG. 16 shows the configuration of a receiving device 810 used in the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the receiving device 810 differs from the camera providing device 100 also in having a control unit 812 instead of the control unit 116.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 810. The control unit 812 differs from the control unit 116 of the camera providing apparatus 100 in that the control unit 812 does not include the camera providing unit 142. Otherwise, control unit 812 includes control unit 116
Is the same as The receiving device 810 of the present embodiment receives the camera 300 from the user and stores it in the providing camera storage unit 128 or the failed camera storage unit 126 because the receiving device 810 does not have the camera providing unit 142. The camera 300 stored in the storage unit 128 is not provided to the user.

When the providing device 800 and the receiving device 810 are prepared as in the present embodiment, the providing device 800 is placed at the entrance and the receiving device 810 is placed at the exit in a theme park where the entrance and the exit are separated from each other. Can be installed respectively. In this case, the user can obtain the camera from the providing device 800 when entering the theme park, return the camera to the receiving device 810 when returning from the theme park after shooting, and shoot the image. This is convenient because you can get images.

As described above, the present invention has been described using the embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It should be noted that such modified or improved embodiments may be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
It is clear from the description of the claims.

1) For example, in the above embodiment, the camera detecting device 400 is one independent device, but the camera detecting device 400 is provided in the camera providing device 100, the providing device 800, or the receiving device 810. May be.

2) In the above embodiment, the case where the camera providing apparatus 100 lends the camera 300 to the user has been described.
00 may be transferred instead of being lent to the user. That is, the transfer is an example of providing the camera 300 to the user together with the lending. When the camera 300 is transferred from the camera providing apparatus 100 to the user,
The camera providing apparatus 100 may return the camera 300 received for providing a service such as printing to the user after providing the service, or
The camera 300 may be kept as it is, assuming that the ownership of the camera has been transferred to the camera providing apparatus 100.

3) As an example of a region or a building in which access of persons is restricted to a specific entrance, a theme park has been illustrated in the above embodiment. In addition, zoos, parks, exhibition halls, etc. are also included. 4) In the above embodiment, the print unit prints a photograph by printing the image on photographic paper. However, this is because the print unit prints the image using a color printer or the like. Is also good.

5) The camera 300 has a recording medium such as a smart medium or a compact flash which can be attached to and detached from the camera 300, and the image data and signal detection information obtained as a result of shooting are recorded on the recording medium. There may be. In this case, the camera providing apparatus 100 includes, instead of the camera communication unit 114, a unit capable of reading, erasing, or writing information on a recording medium such as the smart media, and the control unit 116 or the control unit 812.
May be to obtain or delete image data and signal detection information recorded on a recording medium via the unit.

6) The print unit 108 of the camera providing device
When printing the image of the image data transmitted from the product manufacturing unit 152, the name or place name of the installation location of the camera providing device, character information such as the shooting date and time, an image of a character or template such as an amusement park The information may be printed together.

[0094]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a camera can be provided to a user when requested by the user, and a product manufactured using photographed image data can be provided. Provided are a camera providing device and a camera providing system that can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a camera providing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera 300.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage unit 308.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera detection device 400.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the camera providing apparatus 100.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print fee table 118.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a control unit 116.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a product manufacturing unit 152.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the camera re-storage unit 156.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server 500.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image data database 506.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a user terminal device 600.

FIG. 13 shows an image data designated by a user in a camera 300;
Providing device 100 and camera 3 when deleting from camera 3
It is a figure showing operation of 00.

FIG. 14 shows a camera 300 provided by the user to the camera 300;
Camera providing device 100 and camera 30 when returned to 0
0 and the operation of the server 500.

FIG. 15 shows a providing device 80 used in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a zero.

FIG. 16 shows a receiving device 81 used in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a zero.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of a control unit 810.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Camera providing device 108 Printing unit 110 Recording medium recording unit 112 Charging unit 116 Control unit 122 Receiving port 126 Faulty camera storing unit 128 Providing camera storing unit 130 Removal 142 Camera providing unit 144 Camera receiving unit 146 Image data obtaining unit 148 Designation Data deletion unit 150 Camera re-providing unit 152 Product manufacturing unit 154 Image storage unit 156 Camera re-storage unit 300 Camera 308 Storage unit 312 Camera detection signal output unit 314 Subject signal detection unit 400 Camera detection device 402 Camera detection unit 404 Alarm unit 420 Subject signal output device 500 server 600 user terminal device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 342 G06F 17/60 342 502 502 502

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A providing camera storage unit for storing a camera to be provided to a user, and a camera providing, when requested by the user, removing the camera from the providing camera storage unit and providing the camera to the user A camera receiving unit that receives the camera from the user; an image data obtaining unit that obtains image data from the camera when the camera receiving unit receives the camera; and an image data obtaining unit that obtains the image data. A camera providing apparatus, comprising: a product manufacturing unit that manufactures a product that can be provided to the user using the image data. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a recording medium recording unit capable of recording data on a computer-readable recording medium, wherein the product manufacturing unit records the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit on the recording medium recording unit. 2. The camera providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is recorded on a medium. 3. The printer according to claim 2, further comprising a print unit capable of printing an image, wherein the product manufacturing unit causes the print unit to print an image based on the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit. Item 2. The camera providing device according to Item 1. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the product manufacturing unit calculates a print fee for printing an image using the image data, and the print fee exceeds a predetermined exemption amount. 4. The camera according to claim 3, further comprising: a print permitting unit for permitting the print unit to print on condition that the user pays the amount obtained by subtracting the exemption amount from the print fee. apparatus. 5. The product manufacturing unit further includes a subject determination unit that determines whether the image data is image data obtained by photographing a predetermined subject, and the fee calculation unit includes: 5. The camera providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print fee is calculated using a determination result of the subject determination unit. 6. The camera providing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the subject determination unit makes the determination based on supplementary information stored in the camera in association with the image data. 7. A designated data erasing unit for erasing the image data specified by the user from the camera, and when the designated data erasing unit erases the image data from the camera, the camera is returned to the user. The camera providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a camera re-providing unit that provides the camera. 8. The camera providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a camera transfer unit that can transfer the camera received by the camera receiving unit to the providing camera storage unit. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an image data erasing unit for erasing the image data from the camera before the camera transferring unit transfers the camera to the providing camera storage unit. The camera providing device according to the above. 10. A failed camera storage unit for storing the camera that does not operate normally, a camera inspection unit for inspecting the camera, and a camera storage unit for providing the camera based on an inspection result of the camera inspection unit. The camera providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a camera transfer unit that transfers the camera to any one of the failed camera storage units. 11. The camera inspection unit, comprising: a test imaging unit configured to cause the camera to photograph an object to be tested and acquire image data of the object to be tested from the camera; A photographing result inspection unit for inspecting image data, wherein the camera transfer unit transfers the camera to either the providing camera storage unit or the failed camera storage unit based on the inspection result of the imaging result inspection unit. The camera providing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the camera is transported. 12. The camera providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a charging unit for recharging the storage battery of the camera received by the camera receiving unit. 13. A camera providing system including a camera, a camera providing device for providing the camera to a user, and a receiving device for receiving the camera from the user, wherein the providing device includes: the camera to be provided to the user. A camera providing unit that stores the camera from the providing camera storage unit and provides the camera to the user when requested by the user. A camera receiving unit that receives the camera from the user; an image data obtaining unit that obtains image data from the camera when the camera receiving unit receives the camera; and the image data obtained by the image data obtaining unit And a product manufacturing unit that manufactures a product that can be provided to the user by using the camera. Temu. 14. A recording medium recording unit capable of recording data on a computer-readable recording medium, wherein the product manufacturing unit records the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit on the recording medium recording unit. 14. The camera providing system according to claim 13, wherein recording is performed on a medium. 15. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a printing unit capable of printing an image, wherein the product manufacturing unit causes the printing unit to print an image based on the image data obtained by the image data obtaining unit. Item 14. The camera providing system according to item 13. 16. The product manufacturing unit, further comprising: a charge calculating unit that calculates a print charge for printing an image using the image data; and wherein the print charge exceeds a predetermined exemption amount. 16. The camera providing system according to claim 15, further comprising: a print permitting unit for permitting the print unit to print on condition that the user pays the amount obtained by subtracting the exemption amount from the print fee. . 17. The product manufacturing unit further includes a subject determination unit that determines whether the image data is image data obtained by photographing a predetermined subject, and the fee calculation unit 17. The camera providing system according to claim 16, wherein the print fee is calculated using a determination result of the subject determination unit. 18. A subject signal output device attached to a preselected subject and outputting a predetermined subject signal, wherein the camera comprises: a subject signal detection unit for detecting the subject signal; and a subject signal detection unit. Further includes a storage unit that stores signal detection information indicating whether or not a subject signal is detected and the image data in association with each other, wherein the subject determination unit of the receiving device uses the signal detection information. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the determination is performed by:
2. The camera providing system according to 1. 19. The camera receiving device, comprising: a designated data erasing unit for erasing the image data designated by the user from the camera; and wherein the designated data erasing unit erases the image data from the camera. 14. The camera providing system according to claim 13, further comprising a camera re-providing unit for re-providing a camera to the user. 20. A camera detection device for detecting the camera, wherein the camera has a signal output unit for outputting a camera detection signal, wherein the camera detection device detects the camera detection signal. And an alarm unit that issues an alarm when the detection unit detects the camera detection signal.
2. The camera providing system according to 1.