JP2002218426A - Photographing service method and system therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing service method and system therefor with which a visitor can perform photographing without taking his own camera with the visitor himself, a photographing point and photographing timing are not limited and a photograph purchase procedure does not have to be done each time photographing is performed. SOLUTION: A camera device 10 for performing photographing and also transmitting photographing data specifying this picture data photographed by radio signal at the time of receiving a photographing instruction by a radio signal is installed in a facility, a controller 20 for transmitting a photographing instruction in response to an operation and receiving the photographing data from the camera device 10 to restore the photographing data is lent to the visitor, photographed picture data are stored together with the photographing data in a picture database 31, and when the visitor returns the controller 20, a picture data selling device 40 gives picture data corresponding to the photographing data stored in the controller 20 among pieces of the stored picture data in return for a monetary compensation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and a system for a facility operator to take a photograph in a facility and provide the data to a facility visitor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a visitor who visits a facility managed and operated by a single operator such as a theme park or an event venue attempts to take a picture, the camera has conventionally been carried out using a camera brought by the user.

[0003] However, when the user does not have a camera or forgets the camera, such as when accidentally dropped in, the user is forced to give up shooting or to purchase an inexpensive disposable camera. There was a problem.

On the other hand, in some facilities, an operator installs an automatic photographing device in which a camera (usually a digital still camera), a printer, a billing device and the like are integrated at a photographing point selected in advance, and There has been an example in which a photographer automatically takes a picture when a visitor reaches an installation location, and can print out the photographed picture only when the visitor pays a predetermined fee.

[0005]

In such a system, there is an advantage that a visitor can take a photograph without having to bring a camera, but on the other hand, the apparatus is relatively large and expensive. Therefore, there is a problem that the installation locations and the number of installations are limited, that is, the number of shooting points is limited, and the visitor side cannot select the shooting timing, and it is necessary to purchase a photo for each shooting location. was there.

An object of the present invention is to provide a photographing service method and a photographing service method capable of taking a photograph without bringing a camera, and in which a photographing point and a photographing timing are not limited.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a photographing service method and a photographing service method that can take a photograph without bringing a camera and do not have to perform a photograph purchase procedure every time a photograph is taken. It is in.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a photographing service method in which a facility operator performs photographing on behalf of a facility visitor, in order to achieve the above object, wherein a predetermined photographing is performed by a radio signal. When receiving the instruction, at least one camera device that performs photographing and transmits photographing data for specifying the photographed photograph data by wireless signal.
It is installed in a table, in a facility, and transmits a predetermined photographing instruction by the wireless signal in response to manual operation, receives photographing data transmitted by a wireless signal from the camera device, and sends a controller that stores this to the customer. The photograph data taken by the camera device is collected together with the photographed data via a communication line and stored in a storage device, and when a customer returns the controller, the photograph data stored in the storage device is stored in the storage device. Photograph data corresponding to the photographing data stored in the controller is delivered in exchange for a monetary value according to a visitor's request.

According to the above configuration, it is not necessary to provide a printer or a billing device or the like in the camera device itself, and the camera device can be configured small and inexpensively. Is not limited. Further, since the photographing itself is performed by operating the controller, the visitor himself / herself can determine the photographing timing. In addition, photographed photograph data is temporarily collected and stored in a storage device, and can be received at the time of return of the controller or at a later date in exchange for financial consideration, so that it is not necessary to perform a photograph purchase procedure every time photographing is performed.

In addition, if a controller having a display unit is used and the photograph data being photographed is transmitted from the camera device by a radio signal, photographing can be performed after confirming photographed photograph data. You can take photos as you wish.

The photograph data photographed by the camera device may be temporarily stored in the camera device together with the photographed data, collected at a predetermined timing via a communication line, and stored in a storage device. In particular, it is possible to prevent concentration of accesses to the storage device when many camera devices are installed.

As the photographing data for specifying the photograph data, an identifier unique to the camera device and the photographing time can be used. However, any data can be used as long as the data can specify the relationship between each photograph data and the visitor. May be something.

The delivery method of the photograph data includes a method of printing out a part or all of the photograph data corresponding to the photographing data stored in the controller, sending the photograph data by e-mail to a designated address of the visitor, and the like. It is possible to carry out the method according to the needs. At this time, when all the printouts are collectively performed, a service such as applying a discount fee or creating an album may be added.

[0014]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a photographing service system according to the present invention.
Is a camera device, 20 is a controller, 30 is a photo data management device, 40 is a photo data vending device, and 50 is a network.

As shown in FIG. 2, the camera device 10 receives a predetermined photographing instruction by a radio signal from the controller 20 and specifies photographed photograph data, here, digital image data corresponding to a digital still image. A radio communication unit 11 for transmitting the photographing data to the controller 20 by a radio signal, a camera unit 12 for photographing a digital still image in response to the photographing instruction, and producing photographing data in response to the photographing instruction Photographing data creation unit 13
And a communication unit 14 for transmitting photographed photograph data to the photograph data management device 40 via the network 50 together with the photographed data.

The camera devices 10 are respectively installed at photographing points in the facility selected by the operator in advance.
Unlike a conventional device, it does not have a printer, a billing device, or the like, and can be configured to be about the size of a normal digital camera.

The controller 20 includes, as shown in FIG.
An operation instruction unit 21 for accepting a manual operation, and a wireless communication unit for transmitting a predetermined imaging instruction by a wireless signal to the camera device 10 in response to the manual operation and receiving imaging data transmitted by a wireless signal from the camera device 10 22 and
A storage unit 23 for storing the received photographing data.

The controller 20 is about the size of a remote control of a television, and is lent to a visitor from the operator when entering the facility, and is usually installed near the exit when leaving the facility. Is returned to the operator through the processing in the photograph data vending device 40.

The photograph data management device 30 includes the camera device 1
A photograph database 31 is provided for storing photograph data and photographing data received from the camera 50 through the network 50. In the first to third embodiments, the photograph data management device 30 is used.
And the photo database 31 are collectively expressed as a storage device.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the contents stored in the photograph database 31. Here, as photographing data, identifiers (Camera001, Camera002, Camera003,...) Unique to the camera device and photographing times (00/10/31/10: 03, 00/10/31/14: 43, 00/11/01) / 2
0:06, ...).

As shown in FIG. 5, the photographic data vending apparatus 40 includes a data reading section 41 for reading photographic data stored in the controller 20 and a photographic data corresponding to the read photographic data. A display unit 43 for displaying searched photo data, a selection instructing unit 44 for selecting photo data desired to be purchased from the displayed photo data based on a visitor's instruction, A payment processing unit 4 that calculates a financial consideration corresponding to the photograph data and performs payment processing with a customer.
5, and a photo data output unit 46 that prints out the photo data for which payment has been completed according to the customer's request, for example, prints out the photo data.

The plurality of camera devices 10, the photograph data management device 30, and the photograph data vending device 40 are connected via a network 50.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation at the time of photographing, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation at the time of purchasing a photograph. The operation of the present system will be described below.

First, a controller 20 is lent to a visitor who has visited the facility from the operator side (s1, s2). This way of lending may be handed from person to person, or an appropriate lending device may be used. When the visitor is a group, one controller 20 may be lent to the entire group or may be lent to each person.

The visitor holds the controller 20,
Tour and browse the facility, but on the way,
When a photographing operation is performed on the operation instructing unit 21 of the controller 20 at the place where is installed (s3), the photographing instruction is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 22 of the controller 20 to the camera device 10 (s4).

In the camera device 10, when the radio communication unit 11 receives the photographing instruction (s5), the camera unit 1
2 performs photographing and creates photograph data (digital image data), and the photographing data creating unit 13 creates photographing data, here, photographing data including the time at that time and an identifier unique to the camera device 10 (s6). .

The photographing data is transmitted as a radio signal from the radio communication unit 11 to the controller 20 (s7), and the photograph data and the photographing data are transmitted from the communication unit 14 to the photograph data management device 30 via the network 50. Is performed (s8).

In the controller 20, the photographing data received by the wireless communication section 22 (s9) is stored in the storage section 23 (s10). Also, the photograph data management device 30
In, the received photograph data and photographing data (s11) are registered in the photograph database 31.

The operation described above is performed when the visitor
Each time the operation instructing unit 21 of the controller 20 is operated at the place where 0 is installed, the operation is repeated. The photographing data at that time is stored in the storage unit 23, and the photograph data and the photographing data are stored in the photograph database 31.

On the other hand, when the customer leaves the facility, the customer returns the controller 20 to the operator (s21, s21).
22).

The returned controller 20 is set in the photograph data vending apparatus 40 and its data reading section 41
In, the photographing data stored in the storage unit 23 is read (s23). The reading of data at this time can be performed by a wireless signal with the wireless communication unit 22 or an electric signal via a connector, a contact, or the like (not shown).

The read image data is transmitted from the search unit 42 as search data to the photograph data management device 30 via the network 50 (s24). The photo data management device 30 reads out the photo data corresponding to the photographing data from the photo database 31 as the relevant photo data (s25), and transmits this to the photo data vending device 40 via the network 50 (s26).

When the photograph data selling device 40 receives the photograph data corresponding to the photographing data (s27), the photograph data is displayed on the display unit 43 (s28) and presented to the customer.

Here, when the customer operates the selection instructing section 44 to select the photograph data desired to be purchased from the photograph data displayed on the display section 43 (s29), the settlement processing section 45 performs this selection. Upon receipt (s30), a financial consideration corresponding to the selected photograph data is calculated and displayed (s31).

Further, the customer performs a settlement operation such as inserting cash into a cash slot (not shown) (s3).
2) When the payment processing unit 45 confirms (s33), the photo data output unit 46 prints out the selected photo data (s34), and the customer receives it (s35).

As a method of transferring the data, a method of attaching the selected photograph data to an e-mail and sending it to a designated address of a visitor, or a method of recording and transferring the data on a recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk or the like may be used. It is conceivable that the method of transferring the data may be selectable at the same time when the photograph data is selected.

FIG. 8 shows details of a controller corresponding to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a photographed image can be checked in advance by a customer. That is, the present controller is characterized by including a display unit 24 for displaying photograph data. Further, the wireless communication unit 22 of the present controller performs processing slightly different from that of the first embodiment, and in response to a manual operation in the operation instruction unit 21, starts a predetermined shooting by a wireless signal or issues a predetermined shooting instruction by a camera. The image data is transmitted to the device, and the photograph data and the photographing data transmitted from the camera device by wireless signals are received.

The basic configuration of a camera device corresponding to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs in the processing of each unit. That is, the wireless communication unit 11 receives a predetermined photographing start or a predetermined photographing instruction by a wireless signal from the controller, and transmits photographing data for photographing and photographing data for specifying the photographed photograph data to the controller. Send by signal. The camera section 12 starts shooting in response to the start of shooting, and shoots in response to a shooting instruction.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation at the time of photographing according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the present system will be described.

The lending of the controller is the same as in the first embodiment.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the visitor
The user tours and browses the facility while holding the controller 20. In the middle of the tour, the user operates the operation instruction unit 21 of the controller 20 to start shooting at the place where the camera device 10 is installed (s41). Is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 22 to the camera device 10 (s42).

In the camera device 10, when the radio communication unit 11 receives the photographing start (s43), the camera unit 12 starts photographing and creates photograph data (digital image data) (s44). The photograph data is transmitted as a wireless signal from the wireless communication unit 11 to the controller 20 (s45).

In the controller 20, the photograph data received by the wireless communication unit 22 (s46) is displayed on the display unit 24.
Is displayed (s47).

The transmission of the above-mentioned photograph data is repeated, for example, for a certain period of time. During that time, if the customer changes his / her own position, the photograph data corresponding to the change is displayed on the display unit 24.

When the customer performs a photographing operation on the operation instructing section 21 of the controller 20 when the most favorite photograph data is displayed, the photograph data at that time is photographed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The photographing data is created and stored in the storage unit 23 of the controller 20, and the photograph data and the photographing data are stored in the photograph database 31.
Registered in.

The other configuration and the operation at the time of photo purchase are the first.
This is exactly the same as the embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments described above, when a photograph is taken by the camera device, the photograph data is immediately sent to the photograph data management device together with the photographed data. A temporary storage unit for temporarily storing data together with the photographing data may be provided, and may be sent to the photo data management device at a predetermined timing, for example, every time the temporary storage unit is full.

[0048] The term "radio signal" as used in the present invention includes any signal that does not require a tangible transmission medium, such as electromagnetic waves, light, and sound waves.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Upon receiving a predetermined photographing instruction by a wireless signal, at least one camera device that performs photographing and transmits photographing data for specifying the photographed photograph data by wireless signal is installed in the facility, In response to the manual operation, the camera transmits a predetermined photographing instruction by the wireless signal and receives photographing data transmitted by a wireless signal from the camera device, lends a controller that stores the photographing data to the customer, and captures the image by the camera device. The photograph data is collected via a communication line together with the photograph data and stored in a storage device, and when a visitor returns to the controller, the photograph data stored in the controller among the photograph data stored in the storage device. The camera device itself can be printed or charged by transferring the photo data corresponding to There is no need to provide a 置等, since the camera apparatus can be inexpensively configured with small, can be installed camera device to various locations within a facility, there is no possibility that photographic point is limited. Further, since the photographing itself is performed by operating the controller, the visitor himself / herself can determine the photographing timing. In addition, photographed data is once collected and stored in a storage device, and can be received at the time of return of the controller or at a later date in exchange for financial consideration. This has the advantage that there is no need to purchase a photograph every time a photograph is taken. is there.

Further, in the present invention, if a controller having a display unit is used and the photograph data being photographed is transmitted from the camera device by a radio signal, the photograph data to be photographed is confirmed before photographing. To be able to do
There is an advantage that a photograph can be taken as desired.

Further, in the present invention, the photograph data photographed by the camera device is temporarily stored in the camera device together with the photographed data, collected at a predetermined timing via a communication line, and stored in the storage device. This is advantageous in that access to the storage device can be prevented from being concentrated particularly when many camera devices are installed.

Further, in the present invention, if the visitor's own camera is prohibited from being brought in and used, the operator does not install a camera device in a place where he does not want to take a picture, thereby making it impossible to take a picture in that place. Thus, it is possible to take a photograph according to the visitor's request at the maximum. Further, in the present invention, not only a still image but also a short moving image may be photographed, or sound may be combined.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a photographing service system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing details of a camera device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing details of a controller in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of storage contents of a database in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing details of the photograph data selling device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of photographing;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of purchasing a photograph.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing details of a controller corresponding to a second embodiment of the photography service system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of photographing corresponding to the second embodiment of the photographing service system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: Camera device, 11: Wireless communication unit, 12: Camera unit, 13: Image data creation unit, 14: Communication unit, 20: Controller, 21: Operation instruction unit, 22: Wireless communication unit, 2
3: storage unit, 24: display unit, 30: photo data management device, 31: photo database, 40: photo data sales device, 41: data reading unit, 42: search unit, 43: display unit, 44: selection instruction unit , 45: settlement processing unit, 46: photo data output unit, 50: network.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03B 15/00 G03B 15/00 RN X 17/38 17/38 B 19/02 19/02 19/02 H04N 5 / 222 H04N 5/222 Z 5/232 5/232 B 5/76 5/76 BE // H04N 101: 00 101: 00 (72) Inventor Atsushi Nakano 2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Sun F-term (for reference) within the Telegraph and Telephone Corporation 2H020 FB01 2H054 AA01 BB11 5C022 AA01 AA13 AB65 AC01 AC31 CA04 5C052 AA01 AA12 AA17 AB04 AC08 DD02 DD04 FA02 FA07 FB05 5C064 BA07 BB10 BC01 BC18 BC23 BC25 BD02 BD08 BD09

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A photographing service method in which an operator of a facility takes a photograph for a visitor of the facility, wherein when the photographer receives a predetermined photographing instruction by a radio signal, the photographer performs photographing and takes the photographed photograph. At least one camera device for transmitting photographing data for specifying data by radio signal is installed in the facility, and a predetermined photographing instruction is transmitted by the radio signal in response to the manual operation and the camera device transmits the photographing instruction. Receiving photographing data transmitted by a wireless signal, lending a controller for storing the photographing data to a customer, collecting photographing data photographed by a camera device together with the photographing data via a communication line, and storing the photographing data in a storage device; When the customer returns the controller, the photograph data corresponding to the photographing data stored in the controller among the photograph data stored in the storage device is deleted. Photography service method, characterized in that the hand over in exchange for monetary consideration depending on the wishes of visitors. 2. A photographing service method in which a facility operator acts as a photographer on behalf of a facility visitor, wherein when a predetermined photographing start is received by a wireless signal, photographing is started and photographing is started. At least a camera device that transmits photograph data by wireless signal and, when receiving a predetermined photographing instruction by wireless signal, performs photograph photographing and transmits photographing data for specifying the photographed photograph data by wireless signal. One of them is installed in the facility, transmits a predetermined photographing start or a predetermined photographing instruction by the wireless signal in response to the manual operation, and receives photograph data transmitted by a wireless signal from the camera device. Is displayed on the display unit, and the camera device receives photographing data transmitted by a wireless signal from the camera device, lends a controller storing the photographing data to the customer, The photograph data taken together with the photograph data is collected via a communication line and stored in a storage device. When the customer returns the controller, the photograph data stored in the controller out of the photograph data stored in the storage device is returned. A photographing service method characterized in that photograph data corresponding to the data is delivered in exchange for financial consideration according to a visitor's request. 3. The photograph data photographed by the camera device is temporarily stored together with the photographed data in the camera device, collected at a predetermined timing via a communication line, and stored in a storage device. Item 3. The photography service method according to item 1 or 2. 4. The photographing service method according to claim 1, wherein the photographing data for specifying the photograph data is an identifier unique to the camera device and a photographing time. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the delivery of the photograph data is performed by printing out a part or the whole of the photograph data corresponding to the photographing data stored in the controller. Photography service method. 6. The delivery of the photograph data is performed by sending a part or all of the photograph data corresponding to the photographing data stored in the controller to a designated address of a visitor by e-mail. Claims 1 to 4
Any of the photography service methods described. 7. A photographing service system in which a facility operator acts as a photographer for a facility visitor, wherein at least one camera device installed in the facility and a controller lent to each visitor. And a photograph data management device connected to the camera device via a communication line, and at least one photo data vending device, wherein the camera device receives a predetermined photographing instruction by a wireless signal from a controller and A wireless communication unit that transmits photographing data for specifying photographed photograph data to the controller by a radio signal, a camera unit that performs photographing in response to the photographing instruction, and transmits photographing data in response to the photographing instruction. A photographing data creating unit to be created, and a communication unit transmitting the photographed photograph data together with the photographed data to the photograph data management device via a communication line The controller comprises: an operation instructing unit that receives a manual operation; and transmits a predetermined imaging instruction by a wireless signal to the camera device in response to the manual operation, and receives imaging data transmitted by a wireless signal from the camera device. A wireless communication unit, and a storage unit for storing the received photographing data, the photograph data management device includes a database for storing photograph data and photographing data received from a camera device, and the photograph data vending device includes a controller. A data readout unit for reading out the photographing data stored therein, a retrieval unit for retrieving photograph data corresponding to the retrieved photographing data from the photograph data management device, a display unit for displaying the retrieved photograph data, A selection instructing unit for selecting photo data desired to be purchased from the photo data based on a visitor's instruction. A payment processing unit that calculates a financial consideration corresponding to the selected photo data and performs a payment process with the customer; and a photo data output unit that transfers the completed photo data in a form according to the customer's request. A photographing service system comprising: 8. A photographing service system in which a facility operator acts as a photographer for a facility visitor, wherein at least one camera device installed in the facility and a controller lent to each visitor. A photograph data management device connected to the camera device via a communication line, and at least one photograph data vending device, wherein the camera device starts predetermined photographing or performs predetermined photographing by a wireless signal from a controller. A wireless communication unit that receives an instruction and transmits photographing data for photographing as well as photographing data for specifying photographed photograph data to a controller by a radio signal, and starts photographing in response to the photographing start, A camera unit for performing photographing in response to the instruction, a photographing data creating unit for creating photographing data in response to the photographing instruction, and a photographed photograph data A communication unit that transmits the photographing data to the photograph data management device via a communication line together with the photographing data. Alternatively, a predetermined communication instruction is transmitted to the camera device, and a wireless communication unit that receives the photographic data and the photographic data transmitted by a wireless signal from the camera device, a display unit that displays the received photographic data, A storage unit that stores the data, the photo data management device includes a database that stores the photo data and the photograph data received from the camera device, and the photo data vending device reads the photograph data stored in the controller. A reading unit for managing the photograph data corresponding to the read photographing data in the photograph data management; A search unit for searching from the display, a display unit for displaying the searched photo data, a selection instruction unit for selecting photo data desired to be purchased from the displayed photo data based on a visitor's instruction, and a selected photo data. A payment processing unit that calculates a monetary consideration corresponding to, and performs a payment process with the customer, and a photo data output unit that delivers the photo data for which payment has been completed in a form desired by the customer. Characteristic photography service system. 9. The photographing service system according to claim 7, wherein a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing photographed photograph data together with the photographed data is provided in the camera device.