JP2002341490A - Lens-fitted photographic film unit, method for manufacturing the film unit and method for selling the film unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record photographing dates in a lens-fitted photographic film unit, to change the recorded dates and to reduce the cost of the film unit. SOLUTION: When a release button 12 is depressed, a photographic information generating circuit 26 generates photographing information concerned with photographing such as a photographing date before light emission of a strobe light source 16 and electrically records the information in an IC memory 20 provided with a non-contact interface with the external. When photographing information is inputted from the external (R/W 21) through an antenna 50, the photographing information recorded in the IC memory 20 is changed by overwriting or set contents concerned with the photographing information are changed. When reuse reference information is previously recorded in the IC memory 20 and a film with a lens 10 is developed, whether the IC memory 20 can be reused or not is judged on the basis of the recorded information, a part of the recorded information is copied to an IC memory 20 of a new lens-fitted photographic film and the film is sold to a user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a film unit with a lens, a method for manufacturing a film unit with a lens,
And how to sell film units with lenses.
In particular, an unexposed silver halide photographic film is loaded in advance, a lens-equipped film unit provided with a photographing mechanism for exposing and recording an image photographed on the silver halide photographic film, a manufacturing method thereof,
And its sales method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera (hereinafter referred to as a camera) for optically recording a photographed image on a silver halide photographic film has been used for photographing.
"Silver salt camera") is widely used. Also, in laboratories in various places, the provision of a print service that integrates the development and printing of a film photographed with a silver halide camera has already been established, and has become widespread in general.

[0003] These silver halide cameras are of a type in which a film is put in and taken out of the camera, and a type in which the film is loaded in the camera in advance, and after shooting, the film is handed over to a lab for film development and printed. There is a type of lens-fitted film unit (hereinafter referred to as "lens-fitted film").

[0004] Among them, the lens-equipped film does not require the film to be taken in and out, and is small and lightweight.
In addition, since the camera is collected in the lab during film development, parts can be reused and can be provided at low cost, but on the other hand, the structure of the camera becomes complicated when the functions are increased. Therefore, the functions that can be realized are restricted.

[0005] Films with lenses can be broadly classified into two types depending on the presence or absence of a strobe light source. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the film with lens 300A without a strobe light source does not have a strobe light source and therefore does not require a battery or the like.
And a manual mechanical shutter mechanism 304 and a film winding mechanism 306 are main components, and do not include an electronic circuit.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, in the case of a film with a lens 300B having a strobe light source, in addition to the components having no strobe light source,
A strobe light source 308, a strobe circuit 310 for performing charging and discharging for light emission of the strobe light source 308, and a battery 312 such as an AA battery are also provided. In addition, a film with a lens having a date function, which has a clock function and has a date exposure module 314 for exposing and recording the photographing date on the film 302, has been developed.

[0007] With the spread of the Internet in recent years, a form of providing a print service via a network has been proposed, such as a network photo system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-154218. Specifically, a large collection and delivery lab that develops and prints films is equipped with facilities such as film scanners, printers, and server computers with large-capacity storage disk systems. By accessing via a network, various services such as ordering a print of a photographic image, attaching a photographic image to an e-mail, and downloading a photographic image (image data) are provided.

[0008] When the print service is provided by this network photo system, the customer can execute print ordering and delivery instructions, payment settlement, and the like via the network without going to the lab or an agency to the lab. In the future, it is hoped that these will become viable from mobile phones.

The network photo system is based on the premise that various kinds of information such as photographic images are handled as digital data. In recent years, a memory, which is rapidly spreading, and which electronically records photographed images, is used for image recording. In the case of a digital still camera (hereinafter, referred to as "DSC") used as a medium, a captured image is recorded in a memory as digital data, so that an interface to a network photo system is easy.

[0010] However, in the case of a silver halide camera, the film after photographing requires development processing, and the image itself is analog data, which has been an obstacle to incorporation into a network photo system. Further, the interface means common to the DSC and the silver halide camera for entering the network photo system has not been realized, and it has been difficult to operate the network photo system.

[0011]

However, according to the prior art, the date cannot be changed in the date exposure module used for the film with the lens due to the limitation of the function to keep down the cost. For this reason, when the date of the date exposure module is shifted due to some trouble, or when used overseas, there is a problem that a date different from the actual one is exposed on the film. In the so-called APS film, the date and other photographing information can be recorded on the magnetic recording layer. However, the magnetic recording method requires a mechanical drive, and its power consumption is large. Not suitable.

In the case of a film with a lens of a type having a strobe light source, photographing information is stored for each frame.
That is, it is necessary to record each time a photograph is taken. In general,
Film with a lens of the type having a strobe light source,
It is designed so that the flash fires at the same time as the shooting (shutter is opened), and then the charging current immediately flows to the flash charging circuit. At this time, the initial charging current temporarily shows a large current value, so that the power supply voltage drops and falls below the lower limit of the normal operating voltage of the peripheral electronic circuit, or the ground potential fluctuates greatly due to electromagnetic induction, and the electronic circuit Might not work properly.

Further, the configuration is simpler than the magnetic recording method,
For electronic recording media such as IC memory with low power consumption,
Although it is conceivable to electronically record photographing information and the like, in order to realize an easy-to-use film with a lens at low cost, it is necessary that data necessary for the IC memory can be input by a simple method. is there. Further, in the case of a film with a lens, when electronic components and the like are used for effective use of resources, it is desirable to reduce the cost by reusing them. Electronic components, unlike photographic films, can be repeatedly used by performing appropriate quality control. Therefore, when an electronic recording medium such as an IC memory is used, its reuse is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a film unit with a lens which records a photographed date and can change the recorded date. It is another object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method and a selling method of a lens-fitted film unit that can be reduced in cost.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an unexposed silver halide photographic film is loaded in advance, and an image photographed on the silver halide photographic film is recorded by exposure. A photographing information generating circuit for generating photographing information relating to the photographing for each photographing, and electronically recording the photographing information generated by the photographing information generating means. And electronic recording means capable of reading and writing from outside and changing the photographing information.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the film unit with the lens, every time a photograph is taken, the photographing information such as date (year, month, day) of the photographing is generated by the photographing information generating circuit. Then, the information is recorded in an electronic recording means such as an IC memory in which information is electronically recorded. That is, photographing information can be recorded without requiring a date exposure module as in the related art.

Also, since the electronic recording is performed, the recorded contents can be easily changed. The electronic recording means is readable and writable (accessible) from the outside. It is possible to change shooting information that has already been recorded or shooting information that is to be recorded. Thus, for example, even if a date different from the actual date is recorded as the photographing information in the electronic recording means, the date can be corrected later to the correct date. Also, if the date information generated by the shooting information generation circuit is misaligned due to some problem, set it to the correct date, or set it to the destination date beforehand when using it overseas, and shoot Can also be performed.

As described in claim 8,
If the photographing information generating circuit and the electronic recording means are formed on the same substrate, the space for mounting the photographing information generating circuit and the electronic recording means can be reduced, and the risk of disconnection and the like can be reduced.

Also, as described in claim 2,
The electronic recording unit includes a non-contact communication unit that communicates with the outside in a non-contact state, and a power supply unit that converts an external electromagnetic wave into a power supply voltage, and the non-contact communication unit is converted by the power supply unit. It is preferable that information is exchanged with the outside using the power supply voltage thus obtained, and that the power supply means stop its operation during recording of the photographing information. Thus, the power supply means can generate the power supply voltage by the power supply recording means itself, and can access the electronic recording means even when the battery is exhausted. Further, even if the electronic recording means can be accessed by two systems, ie, from inside the film unit with the lens (photographing information generating circuit) and from the outside (by non-contact communication means), the power supply means during recording of the photographing information photographing information. Is stopped, that is, the shooting information is recorded in a state where the communication with the outside by the non-contact communication means is cut off, so that the shooting information recording operation can be stably performed without being affected by the outside. it can.

The non-contact communication means may communicate with an external dedicated reader / writer in order to read and write information from and to the information recording means. Alternatively, the non-contact communication means may communicate with an information terminal. For information terminals, for example,
A so-called PDA (Personal) such as a mobile phone, PHS, and electronic organizer
Digital Assistant) can be used.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flash circuit in which charging for strobe light emission is performed by the battery, In the case of discharging, control means for controlling so as to perform next charging after recording the photographing information in at least the electronic recording means is further provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in a film with a lens having a strobe light source, a battery is commonly used for writing photographing information to electronic recording means and charging for strobe light emission. When discharging the charged strobe circuit, that is, when shooting with flash emission, the control unit writes the shooting information related to the shooting at least before charging for the next shooting is performed, for example, It is executed before or during flash emission or after flash emission and before charging for the next photographing is started, so that it is possible to prevent the power supply voltage from being affected by fluctuations due to charging. More preferably, as set forth in claim 5, the control means may record the photographing information before the start of the discharge.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the electronic recording means determines whether or not the electronic recording means can be reused. It is characterized by recording reuse reference information for use.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the electronic recording means records the reuse reference information. When the electronic recording means is reused, it is determined whether the electronic recording means can be reused by using the reuse reference information. If it is determined that the film unit can be reused, the recorded contents can be reused by erasing the recorded contents or the like, and the cost of the lens-fitted film unit can be reduced. The reuse reference information may include, for example, at least one of the number of reuses of the electronic recording means and the expiration date, as described in claim 7.

Specifically, a lens-fitted film unit that reuses the electronic recording means may be manufactured as follows. That is, as described in claim 9, an unexposed silver halide photographic film is loaded in advance, and a photographic mechanism for exposing and recording an image photographed on the silver halide photographic film and ordering a print of the photographed image are ordered. Identification information used at the time, and at least one of the shooting information for each shooting is a method of manufacturing a film unit with a lens including an electronic recording unit electronically recorded, before assembling the film unit with a lens, Or, after assembling, the electronic recording means records reuse determination reference information for determining whether the electronic recording means can be reused, and when the film unit with the lens is used and collected, the electronic When the reusability determination criterion information recorded in the recording means indicates reusability, the reusable film unit with a new lens is reused. The recorded contents to be erased may be a part or all of the recorded contents of the electronic recording means.

At this time, for example, as set forth in claim 10, the reuse reference information includes at least information indicating the number of reuses of the electronic recording means, and the number of reuses is less than a predetermined number. Preferably, the electronic recording unit is reused, the number of reuses is incremented, and if the number of reuses exceeds a predetermined number, the reuse of the electronic recording unit may be stopped. Further, for example, claim 1
As described in 1, the reuse reference information includes at least information indicating an expiration date of the electronic recording means,
When the expiration date has passed, the reuse of the electronic recording means may be stopped.

Further, when the electronic recording means is reused, it is preferable to delete unnecessary recording contents at least after reuse.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when an unexposed silver halide photographic film is loaded in advance, an exposure mechanism for exposing and recording an image captured on the silver halide photographic film, and when a print of the captured image is ordered. A method for selling a film unit with a lens, comprising: electronic recording means for electronically recording at least one of identification information used for photographing and photographing information for each photographing, wherein the recording information of the electronic recording means of the film unit with lens is provided. Is recorded in electronic recording means of an unused film unit with a lens, and the unused film unit with a lens is sold.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when an unused film unit with a lens is sold, the unused film unit with a lens is, for example, photographed and developed for use. Since part of the information recorded in the electronic recording means of another film unit with a lens, such as a film unit with a lens, is recorded, information input work by a store clerk or a user (customer) can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. Will lead to

[0030]

Next, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Structure of Film with Lens] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a film with lens 10 to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG.
Has a release button 12 operated by a user at the time of photographing, a film winding operation member 14 operated in the direction of arrow A to wind up the film for the next photographing, and a strobe light source 16, and On the surface of the package 18, as an electronic recording means, an IC memory 20 for electronically storing photographing information and the like (details will be described later)
Is attached. The recorded information recorded in the IC memory 20 can be used for a network photo system described later.

The mounting position of the IC memory 20 is as follows.
As long as the operation and the optical function of the camera are not affected, they can be freely arranged. In this embodiment, the case where the IC memory 20 is mounted on the surface of the package 18 will be described as an example. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be embedded in a part of the package 18 or mounted on a substrate inside the package 18, for example.

The IC memory 20 is used as an interface with an external device by wireless communication (for example, the international standard of a non-contact IC card (ISO / IEC14443), Bluetooth).
Standards, IrDA standards, etc.), so-called non-contact interfaces are used.
Reading is performed by a reader / writer (R /
W) 21 is performed by wireless communication. That is, transmission and reception of data between the IC memory 20 and the R / W 21 are performed by wireless communication in a non-contact state.

In this embodiment, the R / W 21 mainly transmits and receives identification information and photographing information to be described later. The identification information includes, for example, a (serial) number of a product for identifying the film with a lens, ID information and a personal identification number for identifying an individual user, a user address, a name, and a telephone number required when ordering a print. , The number of prints, other desired conditions, and information indicating the settlement method for ordered prints.

The film with lens 10 has an unexposed film 22 loaded in a package 18. The film 22 is provided at an image forming position of a lens (not shown) that forms external light on the surface of the film 22 when the release button 12 is pressed by a user.
Normally, the shutter 23 in the closed state is temporarily opened, and an image is recorded on the film 22 by exposure. When the film winding operation member 14 is operated by the user, the film winding mechanism 24 operates in conjunction with the operation, and the film 22 is wound one frame at a time.

The film with lens 10 generates photographing information, and the photographing information generating circuit 26 for writing into the IC memory 20 oscillates at a predetermined frequency.
The crystal oscillator 28 for outputting the oscillation signal, the strobe light source 1
A flash circuit 30 for causing the device 6 to emit light and a battery (battery) 32 are provided. The battery 32 supplies a power supply voltage to the photographing information generating circuit 26 and the strobe circuit 30 and also supplies a driving power supply voltage VCC for recording the photographing information to the IC memory 20.

In this embodiment, a film with a lens having a strobe light source will be described as an example. However, a type without a strobe light source may be used. Also, a case where the battery 32 is shared by the photographing information generating circuit 26 and the flash circuit 30 will be described as an example.
The strobe circuit 30 may be provided with a dedicated battery separately. Further, as in an IC memory 20 described later, the imaging information generating circuit 26 may be configured to be supplied with a power supply voltage by a power supply circuit that generates a power supply voltage from an external radio wave. In addition, a solar cell can be used.

The photographing information generating circuit 26 includes the quartz oscillator 2
8, connected to a strobe circuit 30, an IC memory 20, a release button 12 and a driver (not shown)
Connected through. In the photographing information generating circuit 26,
An oscillation signal of a predetermined frequency and a signal (hereinafter, referred to as “shutter signal”) corresponding to the state of the release button 12 (whether or not the shutter button is pressed) are input from the crystal oscillator 28.

The photographing information generating circuit 26 generates a clock signal and measures time, a photographing information generating circuit 36 for generating photographing information, and a shutter signal corresponding to a shutter opening / closing operation as control means. And a strobe control circuit 38 for generating a strobe light emission and strobe charge control signal.

The timer circuit 34 generates a clock signal by dividing the oscillation signal input from the crystal oscillator 28, and measures time by counting the number of clocks of the clock signal.

The photographing information generating circuit 36 generates photographing information by the photographing information generating circuit 36, triggered by pressing the release button 12. The shooting information mentioned here is
Information for each frame includes, for example, date and time of shooting, whether or not strobe light is emitted, shooting screen size (Wide, Tale, standard, etc.), designated logo, presence or absence of a message, and the like. For the date at the time of shooting, the time measurement result of the timer circuit 34 is used, and the specific date and time are recorded in the IC memory 20 (more specifically, the nonvolatile memory cell array 56 described later). Is calculated using initial setting values related to shooting information such as country name, measurement start date and time.

The photographing information is not limited to information for each frame, but may be information common to the film 22. A combination of information for each frame and information common to the film may be used.

Further, the photographing information generation circuit 36 sends the generated photographing information (D
ATA) is serially transferred in synchronization with the clock signal (CLK). If the strobe lighting is set, the strobe control circuit 38 controls the strobe circuit 3.
A light emission instruction signal is output to 0, and then a charge instruction signal is output. The strobe circuit 30 receives these signals,
The stored electricity is discharged to cause the strobe light source 16 to emit light, and charge for the next light emission. Further, the photographing information generation circuit 36 outputs a reset signal (Reset) for resetting an internal circuit of the IC memory 20 as necessary.
It is also possible to send the data to the C memory 20.

Incidentally, the photographing information generating circuit 26 and the IC memory 20 may be formed on one chip on the same substrate. Since the wiring between the photographing information generating circuit 26 and the IC memory 20 becomes unnecessary by using the same substrate, the photographing information generating circuit 26
In addition, the space required for mounting the IC memory 20 can be reduced, and the risk of disconnection and the like can be reduced.

[Configuration of IC Memory] Next, a detailed configuration of the IC memory 20 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the IC memory 20 includes an antenna 50 as a non-contact communication means including an antenna coil and a capacitor for realizing data transmission / reception with the R / W 21 in a non-contact manner, and an IC memory chip 52. It is composed of Note that the antenna 50 may be externally attached to the IC memory chip 52 or may be formed on the same chip as the IC memory chip 52 (on-chip).

The antenna 50 functions as a non-contact interface with the outside by converting an electric signal into an electromagnetic wave and outputting it to the outside, and receiving an external electromagnetic wave and converting it into an electric signal.

The IC memory chip 52 includes a digital circuit 60 including a controller 54 such as a CPU, a non-volatile memory cell array (hereinafter referred to as “non-volatile memory”) 56 and an encryption processing circuit 58, and a data modulation circuit 6.
2, an analog circuit 70 including a data demodulation circuit 64, a reset circuit 66, and a power supply circuit 68 as power supply means, and a power supply switching circuit 71. The photographing information, the driving power supply Vcc, the clock signal, and the reset signal from the photographing information generating circuit 26 are
Input to the digital circuit 60.

Specifically, a semiconductor nonvolatile memory (EEPROM, flash memory) is used as the nonvolatile memory 56, and various data are stored in the nonvolatile memory 56. The non-volatile memory 56 has a storable data capacity of 1K bytes to 100K, although it depends on the data to be stored.
Approximately bytes can be used.

The data to be recorded includes, in addition to the identification information and the photographing information, reuse reference information used for judging whether the IC memory 20 is suitable for reuse. The reuse reference information includes the number of reuses and the expiration date.

The use of the non-volatile memory 56 to make the IC memory 20 a non-contact and rewritable non-volatile IC memory means that the stored data can be updated and used repeatedly, and the confidentiality of the information is high. This is because it is excellent in protecting information and privacy. In addition to semiconductor non-volatile memory (EEPROM, flash memory),
Ferroelectric memory (FRAM) and magnetic memory (MRAM)
The same effect can be obtained by using.

The controller 54 controls the reading and writing of data from the outside via the photographing information generating circuit 26 and the antenna 50 to and from the nonvolatile memory 56, and operates the encryption processing circuit 58 as necessary to read and write the data. Encrypt or decrypt the data.

The data modulation circuit 62 includes a nonvolatile memory 56
And generates a modulated signal based on the data read from.
The electromagnetic wave modulated based on this modulation signal is transmitted to the antenna 5
Sent from 0 to R / W21. The data demodulation circuit 64 demodulates a signal received from the R / W 21 via the antenna 50 into data. The demodulated data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 under the control of the controller 54.

When receiving a signal for instructing reset via the antenna 50, the reset circuit 66 generates a reset signal and sends it to the digital circuit 60. The controller 54 resets the electronic circuit in response to the reset signal or the reset signal from the photographing information generating circuit 26.

The power supply circuit 68 generates a power supply voltage from an electromagnetic wave using a smoothing circuit. The power supply voltage 68 is used as a drive power supply for the analog circuit 70 and can be supplied to the digital circuit 60 via the power supply switching circuit 71.

The power supply switching circuit 71 includes a digital circuit 60
And the connection between the power supply circuit 68 and the battery 32 is selectively switched, and the connection between only one of the power supply circuit 68 and the battery 32 to the digital circuit 60 is turned on.
In the present embodiment, as an example, the photographing information generation circuit 26
The connection is switched based on the switching signal from. The digital circuit 60 receives the drive power supply Vcc from the photographing information generation circuit 26 described above.
The power supply line from the power supply circuit 68 to the digital circuit 60 is turned off.

In other words, the IC memory 20 turns off the connection with the power supply circuit 68 and cuts off the communication with the outside (R / W 21) during recording of the photographing information. The photographing information can be stably recorded without receiving it. The IC memory 20 can operate without receiving power supply from a battery or the like during wireless communication with the R / W 21, generates power by itself by the power supply circuit 68, and transmits the power from the R / W 21. The received data is written to the non-volatile memory 56, and the data in the non-
Read to W21. In other words, R / W21
Communication with the outside is possible by the IC memory 20 alone by wireless communication with the
Even after being removed, the IC memory 20 can be accessed to read and write data.

In this embodiment, the IC memory 20
In the following, an example will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a ferroelectric memory, a magnetic memory (MRAM), an optical recording memory, or the like may be used as long as information can be stored. In addition, transmission and reception of data with an external device is not limited to the non-contact method using wireless communication, and R / W2
A contact method may be used in which data is transmitted and received by making physical contact with the device 1.

However, unlike the magnetic recording method and the optical recording method in which the recording medium is rotated, the IC memory 20 does not require a drive mechanism, is difficult to falsify or forge, and has a high confidentiality of the stored data. Because of its superiority, it is preferable to use the IC memory 20 as in this embodiment. In addition, the non-contact method can transmit and receive data without being affected by the state of the contact surface unlike the contact method,
Unlike contact type IC cards, film with lens 1
It is preferable to adopt a non-contact method as in the present embodiment, since the film can be easily attached without being restricted by the shape of the film 22 as the image storage medium and the cost of the contact member can be reduced.

The non-contact type IC memory 20 is, for example, a so-called proximity type. Communication frequency: 13.56 MHz Modulation method: ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) Communication speed: 106 Kb / sec to 847 Kb / sec Communication distance: Approximately 1 cm to approximately 20 cm Number of coil turns: 1 to 10 turns Battery: Not required International standard: An IC memory used for a non-contact IC card having specifications such as ISO / IEC14443 can be applied.

[Example of Laboratory and Network Photo System] Next, an example of a laboratory and a network system for printing photographs taken by the film with lens 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, a network photo system 80 is installed in a general home or office, and is a computer (PC) as a terminal device operated by a customer.
82, a service center 84 for receiving various orders from customers, and labs 86 scattered in each region are connected to each other via a network 88 such as the Internet. It should be noted that the service center 84 performs particularly many communications.
And for lab 86, high speed lines may be used to allow more orders to be processed quickly.

The lab 86 has an image data acquisition device 9 for acquiring image data in order to construct a print system.
0, a large-capacity database 92 for storing the acquired image data, a database server 94 for storing the image data in the database 92 and managing the stored image data, and printing an image based on the image data on a recording sheet or the like. R / W 21 for reading and writing various information to and from the IC memory 20, together with the printer 96, and an operation terminal 98 for inputting instruction information and information to be written to the R / W 21.
Is installed. Image data acquisition device 90, printer 96, database 92, printer 96, and R / W2
1 are connected to the database server 94, respectively.

As the image data acquisition device 90, for example, a scanner device that reads each frame image of the film 22 and acquires image data can be used.

The R / W 21 is installed at the store of the lab 86, and is operated by a sales clerk or a customer who visits the operation terminal 9 to input instruction information and information to be written to the R / W 21.
8 is connected. As a result, for example, the clerk or the customer writes the information instructing the writing by bringing the IC memory 20 attached to the film with lens 10 brought by the customer close to the R / W 21 and operating the operation terminal 98. Various information such as personal information and order information can be written in the IC memory 20 only by inputting the information. Further, the clerk or customer inputs information for instructing reading from the operation terminal 98,
By simply bringing the IC memory 20 close to the R / W 21, the R / W
Various information recorded in the IC memory 20 can be read out by the reference numeral 21.

As the operation terminal 98, specifically, a POS (Point Of Sales) system, a vending machine, or the like can be used.

The database server 94 adds the R / W 21 to the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device 90.
Thus, the information read from the IC memory 20 is added as identification information and registered in the database 92. That is, the database 92 stores the image data in the R / W 21
Are stored in association with the information read from the storage device, that is, organized for each piece of identification information.

The database server 94 generates low-resolution image data (thumbnail images) from the image data obtained by the image data obtaining device 90. This thumbnail image is stored in the service center 8 as a server device.
4 is transferred to the center server 99 installed in the server 4.

The center server 99 receives the print order information from the PC 62 via the network, and, based on the order information, an image for which a print is ordered to the lab 86 designated by the lab that performs printing with the order information. Transmit data print instruction information. At this time, the center server 99 stores the thumbnail images transferred from the respective labs 86 in association with the transfer source lab 86, makes the thumbnail images accessible on the network, and uses the thumbnail images to receive a request from the customer. It accepts prints. That is, the customer confirms the thumbnail image of his / her own photo from the PC 62 via the network 88, and orders a print such as additional printing or downloads image data. In order to prevent each customer from seeing the thumbnail image of his / her own photograph by the center server 99, the center server 99 performs a personal inquiry by authentication using a password or the like, and limits the thumbnail images that each customer can see. In the center server 99, if the lab 86 specified as the lab that performs printing is different from the lab 86 that stores the ordered image data in the database, the transfer of the image data to the specified lab is also performed. To instruct.

The network photo system 80 described above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The network photo system 80 is stored in a database 92 from a terminal device (PC) via a network. It is only necessary that a print order for image data be accepted and printing can be executed. For example, in the above, the center server 9
In step 9, orders for each lab 86 are collectively received. However, a server device is installed in each lab 86, and in each lab 86, the server device installed in each lab 86 stores it in the database 92 of the lab. A print order for the image data may be received.

[Operation] Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. First, the processing flow executed by the controller 54 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 54
Along with the write instruction, an external (R / W
21), or when the information for writing is received from the photographing information generating circuit 26, the process proceeds from step 100 to step 102, and the received information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 56.
(Write). Note that the information for writing includes identification information, photographing information, and reuse reference information from the outside, and photographing information generated by the photographing information generating circuit 26 from the circuit.

The writing of the identification information from the outside is performed, for example, by
In the process of assembling the film with lens 10 in a factory, etc.
A product (serial) number, a film ID number, or the like may be recorded. When a user purchases a film with a lens, a personal ID or a password for identifying the user is recorded in the IC memory 20. You may. Note that a telephone number can be used as the personal ID. At this time, information on a camera selling place (purchasing place), for example, in the case of a tourist spot, a logo or character unique to the tourist spot may be recorded. For example, when ordering a print of an image captured by the film with lens 10, the user's address, name, telephone number, number of prints, and other desired conditions may be recorded in the IC memory 20. The address,
Information about the customer, such as name and telephone number, may be recorded in the IC memory 20 as personal information when the camera is purchased. Further, as the settlement information, a credit card number, a charge, and the like may be recorded in the IC memory 20, and so-called electronic settlement may be performed by using a credit card together or by using a CPU in the IC memory 20.

As will be described later, the writing of the photographing information from the photographing information generating circuit 26 is performed every time the release button 12 is pressed by the user, that is, each time a photograph is taken by the film 10 with a lens.

Writing of photographing information from outside can be performed by overwriting information already recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 to change the photographing information, or, for photographing information generated and recorded thereafter, a country name, a measurement start date and time. This is performed in order to change an initial setting value related to shooting information such as.

Writing of the reuse reference information from the outside is performed at the time of assembling the film with lens 10 at a factory or the like and before shipment after the assembling is completed.

Further, external (R / W)
21) or when a read instruction is received from the photographing information generating circuit 26, the process proceeds from step 104 to step 1.
06, and in accordance with the read instruction, the nonvolatile memory 5
The corresponding information is read out from 6 and sent to the outside via the antenna 50 or to the photographing information generating circuit 26 (reading). This reading is performed, for example, after the user takes a picture using the film 10 with the lens and the film 10 with the lens is brought into the laboratory 86 and collected for the development of the film 22 and the order for printing the image. Will be

Next, a processing flow executed by the photographing information generating circuit 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the photographing information generating circuit 26 detects that the user has pressed the release button 12 to take a picture, as shown in FIG.
Is mechanically opened, and at the same time, the process proceeds from step 120 to step 122 to generate photographing information. Then, after transferring the photographing information to the IC memory 20 in the next step 124, a light emission signal is output in step 126. As a result, the electricity charged by the strobe circuit 30 is discharged at once, and the strobe light source 16 emits light.

The time from the mechanical opening of the shutter 23 to the closing thereof is generally 10 to 13 msec, and the writing of the photographing information to the IC memory 20 is several msec.
c is enough. Therefore, while the shutter 23 is in the open state, the flash light source 16 emits light, and then the shutter 23 is mechanically closed to take a picture.

Next, in step 128, a charging instruction signal is output to charge the flash circuit 30.

Here, the processing in the photographing information generating circuit 26 during photographing will be described in detail with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

In the photographing information generating circuit 26, the timer circuit 3
In 4, the clock signal is always generated based on the oscillation signal from the quartz oscillator 28, and the time is measured. When the release button 12 is pressed by the user, as shown in FIG. 7, the shutter signal input to the photographing information generating circuit 26 becomes H (High) level.
At the same time, the shutter 23 is mechanically opened for a predetermined time, and triggered by the rise of the shutter signal, the shooting information generation circuit 36 causes the shooting information generation circuit 36 to calculate the time measurement data necessary for calculating the shooting date, etc. , Shooting information such as WIDE / TELE / standard switching information is generated, and IC information is generated based on the generated shooting information.
A transfer signal is output to the memory 20. As a result, the generated photographing information is serially transferred to the IC memory 20 in synchronization with the clock signal.

The IC memory 20 sequentially stores the transferred photographing information (serial data) in the nonvolatile memory 56 under the control of the controller 54. Then, after the storage of the photographing information in the nonvolatile memory 56 is completed, a light emission instruction signal is output to the strobe circuit 30 (H level), and the strobe light source 16 is caused to emit light. Thus, a photograph is taken in a state where the strobe light is emitted, and an image is exposed and recorded on the film 22.

Immediately after the flash light source 16 emits light, a charge instruction signal is output to the flash circuit 30 (H level),
It is charged for the next light emission, that is, for the next photographing.

Incidentally, the transfer timing of the photographing information described above,
The output timing of the light emission instruction signal and the charge instruction signal is
It is controlled by the number of clocks of the clock signal starting from the rising edge of the shutter signal.

As described above, in the film with lens 10, every time a photograph is taken, the photographing information such as the photographing date is generated by the photographing information generating circuit 26 and written into the IC memory 20. In other words, since the photographing information for each frame is electronically recorded in the IC memory 20, a date exposure module for recording a date is not required as in the related art. Further, as compared with the magnetic recording method, photographing information can be recorded only with a simple electronic circuit, and can be realized at low cost, and the power consumption required for it is small.

Further, since the rewritable IC memory 20 is used, it is easy to change (correct) the photographing information after recording on the IC memory 20. In particular, by using the antenna 20, that is, the IC memory 20 having a non-contact interface with the outside, the photographing information for the photographed frame image recorded in the IC memory 20 can be obtained simply by inputting the photographing information to be changed from the outside. Can be changed (overwritten). As a result, even if a photograph is taken with an incorrect setting, for example, even if date information different from the actual one is recorded as the photographing information, the date can be corrected to an accurate date.

The initial setting values relating to the photographing information can also be changed from the outside. For example, when the date information generated by the photographing information generating circuit 26 is shifted due to some trouble, the date is adjusted to the correct date. Or, when used overseas, it can be used according to the date of travel destination.

Although the battery 32 is shared by the strobe circuit 30, the information generating circuit 26 and the IC memory 20, the writing of the photographing information into the IC memory 20 is completed before the strobe light source 16 emits light. Therefore, it is possible to stably operate I
Photographing information can be recorded in the C memory 20. The writing of the photographing information may be performed before the charging of the strobe circuit 30. For example, the writing of the photographing information may be performed after the strobe light source is turned on and before the charging for the next photographing is started.

However, there is a possibility that voltage fluctuations may occur due to discharge for strobe light emission, and noise may be applied to a ground line or the like. In many cameras including a film with a lens, charging is automatically performed after discharge. It is desirable that writing of photographing information be performed before issuance of a strobe, as in the present embodiment, because it is designed to shift.

Next, the operation in the laboratory 86 will be described with reference to FIG. The user can use the film with lens 10.
If the user wants to print the photographed image by developing the film 22 after taking a photograph using the camera, the photographed lens-equipped film 10 is brought into the laboratory 86, and a print is requested (submitted for development). .

In the lab 86, upon receiving the photographed film with lens 10 from the user (step 200), the R
The information (identification information and photographing information) recorded in the IC memory 20 is read out by / W21 (step 202).

At this time, when the user purchases a new film with a lens, the laboratory 86
Out of the information read from
Even if it is 0, the same thing is recorded in the IC memory 20 of the new film with lens 10 by the R / W 21 and then sold (step 204). For example, among the information recorded as the identification information, the personal information such as the user ID and the password for identifying the user and the address and the name of the user required at the time of ordering are the same in the film 10 with the lens to be purchased next. In many cases, this information is used, and is recorded in the IC memory 20 of the new film with lens 10.

Thereafter, the lab 86 takes out the film from the film with lens 10 received from the user,
The image is developed (step 206) and linked to the network photo system 80.

On the other hand, the identification information and the photographing information are stored in the IC memory 2.
After reading from 0, the information is not necessary in the IC memory 20. Therefore, the identification information and the photographing information are deleted from the recorded content of the IC memory, and the reuse reference information is read to
It is determined whether the memory 20 can be reused (step 2
08). Specifically, based on the reuse criterion information, if the number of uses is equal to or more than a predetermined number, or if the expiration date has passed, stop the reuse, otherwise determine that it can be reused. The IC memory 20 is reused for a new film 10 with a lens. Of course,
At the time of this reuse, the number of reuses is incremented and updated and recorded.

It should be noted that the erasure of unnecessary recorded contents is to prevent the secret such as personal information from leaking to a third party when reused, for example, due to remaining data recorded at the last use. That's why. The erasure of the recorded contents is performed, for example, by overwriting the recording area storing the information to be erased with predetermined information such as “0” or “1”, or meaningless random information.

The erasing of information from the IC memory 20 and the determination as to whether or not the information can be reused may be made at a factory where the IC memory 20 is reused to assemble a new film 10 with a lens.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a detailed description will be given of the processing from the time when the customer brings the photographed film with lens 10 into the laboratory for ordering the print to the time when the film is linked to the network photo system.

First, the information (identification information and photographing information) recorded in the IC memory 20 of the film with lens 10 brought in by the R / W 21 is read out, and the recorded contents of the IC memory 20 are read out. At the same time as resetting (see the arrow), the film is taken out and developed (see the arrow), and the developed film (negative) is read by the image data acquiring device 90 (scanner) to acquire image data, which is digitized to signal compression. (For example, JPEG compression) (see arrow). Then, the compressed image data is stored in the database 92 together with the information read from the IC memory 20 (arrow).

Thereafter, in the lab 86, the database 92
Operates the printer 96 based on the image data stored in the printer, creates a print based on the image data, and pays the customer to receive the print output result and the developed negative (see arrow).

Here, there may be a large difference in print finish depending on the photographing scene and photographing conditions. For example, in shooting in a so-called backlight with a bright background, it is necessary to correct the subject so that the subject is not collapsed when printed. Depending on the type of light source, such as shooting with natural light, shooting under fluorescent light, or using a strobe light source, it is required to reproduce an appropriate white balance and natural skin color. Thus, in addition to the information obtained from the image data, the IC memory 20
Optimum print conditions can be set by determining print creation conditions based on the shooting information recorded in the. Further, characteristics such as graininess, γ characteristics, dynamic range, and color balance also differ depending on the type of the film 22.

Therefore, in the printer 96, when printing is performed, in addition to the information obtained from the image data conventionally performed, the information is read from the IC memory 20 and added to the image data to be printed. Of the film 22 indicated in the photographing information or the maker information among the information stored in the printer, the printing is performed by setting the print output conditions according to the above-described difference in the characteristics. .

For example, exposure conditions and print output conditions such as color balance for print paper such as photographic paper and printer paper are set according to the difference in characteristics, and image processing according to the print output conditions is performed on the image data. Then, printing is performed. Further, for example, the type of print paper to be used may be set (selected) as a print output condition in accordance with the difference in characteristics, and an image may be printed on this print paper. This makes it possible to compensate the print output result, that is, the image quality, regardless of the type of camera or the type of image recording medium.

When the image data is stored in the database 92, the network photo system 80 can be used, and the image data is transferred via the network 88 to a lab 86 different from the lab 86 where the customer brought the camera. It is also possible to perform printing in the different lab 86. In other words, the customer can designate a lab 86 different from the lab 86 that has brought the camera and made a print order as a lab that performs printing.

Further, even after the printout, the database 9
2, the network photo system 80 allows the customer from home or office to use the PC 6
2. Accept orders for extras, etc., entered by operating
It can also be printed at the lab 86 specified in the order (see arrow). The print output result at this time is given to the customer who came to the lab 86 that has performed the printing at a later date, or a location designated by the customer (such as a convenience store).
Or to deliver.

As described above, the rewritable IC memory 2
0, the IC memory 20 can be reused. By recording reuse reference information indicating the number of reuses and the expiration date of the IC memory 20 in the IC memory 20 itself, the IC memory 20 can be reused. The reusability determination can be made using the usage reference information. When the IC memory 20 can be reused, the IC memory 20 is reused, and the reuse of the IC memory 20 that is not suitable for reuse, for example, the reuse of the IC memory 20 that has been used more than a predetermined number of times or the expiration date of the IC memory 20 can be stopped. it can. That is, the operation of the IC memory 20 may be unstable.
Reuse of the IC memory 20 can be prevented.
Can be stably operated even with the lens-equipped film 10 using.

When necessary information is read from the IC memory 20 at the time of ordering a print, if necessary, a part of the read information is written into the IC memory 20 of the film 10 with a new lens, and the new information is written. Films with lenses can be sold, and information can be reused.
Thereby, the information input work by the clerk or the user can be reduced.

In the above description, the R / W dedicated to the lab 86 is used.
21 and the IC memory 20 is set by the R / W 21.
Although the case where information is read and written with respect to is described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. Since the IC memory 12 is compatible with digital data, for example, it is possible to write information using a mobile phone.

This is, as shown in FIG.
00, a reader / writer configured to include a control board including a CPU, an RF circuit, and the like, and an antenna, communicate with the IC memory 20 in a non-contact state, and write / read information to / from the IC memory 20 It can be realized by attaching 202. In the mobile phone 200, the numeric keypad 2
By operating (pressing) 04, data to be written into the IC memory 20 is input. When using the mobile phone 200, the telephone number of the mobile phone 200 or the e-mail address of the mobile phone 200 (for sending and receiving e-mails by wireless communication with the mobile phone) is automatically used as the personal ID. The data may be written to the IC memory 20. In this case, the work of inputting the personal ID by operating the ten keys 204 can be omitted, and the work of the customer can be reduced.

In recent years, mobile phones of a type that can be wirelessly connected to a network such as the Internet have been put into practical use, and customers can use the network photo system 80 from a mobile phone instead of the PC 82.

[0110]

As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that the date of photographing can be recorded and the recorded date can be changed. In addition, there is an effect that cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a film with a lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a film with a lens according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of an IC memory.

FIG. 4 is a configuration example of a lab and a network photo system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of a controller.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a photographing information generation circuit.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the timing of writing the imaging information from the imaging information generation circuit to the IC memory.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a work procedure performed in a laboratory.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process from when a customer brings a film with a photographed lens into a laboratory to when the film is linked to a network photo system.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a mobile phone that reads and writes information from and to an IC memory.

11A is a configuration diagram of a conventional lens-equipped film having a strobe function, and FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Film with lens 12 Release button 16 Strobe light source 20 IC memory 23 Shutter 26 Shooting information generation circuit 30 Strobe circuit 32 Battery 34 Timer circuit 36 Shooting information generation circuit 38 Strobe control circuit 50 Antenna 52 IC memory chip 54 Controller 56 Nonvolatile memory 80 Network Photo system

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03C 3/00 590 G03C 3/00 590E 599 599D 599Z G03B 15/05 G03B 15/05 17/02 17/02 17/04 17/04 17/24 17/24 F term (reference) 2H053 AC21 CA41 2H100 BB11 2H101 AA01 2H103 AA01 AA21 ZA42

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A film unit with a lens which is loaded with an unexposed silver halide photographic film in advance and has a photographing mechanism for exposing and recording an image photographed on the silver halide photographic film. A photographing information generating circuit for generating photographing information related to the photographing information, and electronic photographing means capable of electronically recording the photographing information generated by the photographing information generating means, readable and writable from outside, and changing the photographing information. A film unit with a lens, comprising: 2. The electronic recording means includes: a non-contact communication means for performing communication with the outside in a non-contact state; and a power supply means for converting an external electromagnetic wave to a power supply voltage. The lens according to claim 1, wherein information is exchanged with the outside using a power supply voltage converted by the power supply means, and the operation of the power supply means is stopped during recording of the photographing information. With film unit. 3. The film unit with a lens according to claim 2, wherein the non-contact communication unit communicates with an information terminal. 4. A strobe circuit in which charging for strobe light emission is performed by the battery; and in the case of discharging the strobe circuit, at least the photographing information is recorded in the electronic recording means, and then the next charge is performed. The film unit with a lens according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a control unit configured to control the film unit. 5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein:
The film unit with a lens according to claim 4, wherein the photographing information is recorded. 6. The electronic recording device according to claim 1, wherein reuse reference information for determining whether the electronic recording device is reusable is recorded in the electronic recording device. Item 2. The film unit with a lens according to Item 1. 7. The lens-fitted film unit according to claim 6, wherein the reuse reference information includes at least one of the number of reuses of the electronic recording unit and a use period. 8. The film unit with a lens according to claim 1, wherein said photographing information generating circuit and said electronic recording means are formed on the same substrate. . 9. A photographing mechanism in which an unexposed silver halide photographic film is loaded in advance, an exposure mechanism for exposing and recording an image photographed on the silver halide photographic film, identification information used when ordering a print of the photographed image, and photographing. Electronic film recording means for electronically recording at least one of the photographing information for each, the electronic recording before and after assembling the film unit with a lens, or after assembling the film unit with a lens Means for recording reusability determination information for judging whether or not the electronic recording means can be reused. When the film unit with the lens is used and collected, the recycling information recorded in the electronic recording means is recorded. If the usage criterion information indicates reusable, the film unit with lens is reused for a new film unit with lens. The method of production. 10. The reuse reference information includes at least information indicating the number of re-uses of the electronic recording means. If the number of re-uses is less than a predetermined number, the re-use of the electronic recording means is performed. The method for manufacturing a film unit with a lens according to claim 9, wherein the number of uses is incremented, and when the number of reuses exceeds a predetermined number, the reuse of the electronic recording means is stopped. 11. The reuse reference information includes at least information indicating an expiration date of the electronic recording unit, and when the expiration date has passed, re-use of the electronic recording unit is stopped. A method for manufacturing the film unit with a lens according to claim 9. 12. The lens with a lens according to claim 9, wherein when the electronic recording unit is reused, unnecessary recorded contents are deleted at least after the electronic recording unit is reused. A method for manufacturing a film unit. 13. A photographing mechanism in which an unexposed silver halide photographic film is loaded in advance, an exposure mechanism for exposing and recording an image photographed on the silver halide photographic film, identification information used when ordering a print of the photographed image, and photographing. Electronic film means for electronically recording at least one of the photographing information for each lens, wherein at least a part of the recording information of the electronic recording means of the lens-equipped film unit is not recorded. A method for selling a lens-fitted film unit, comprising: recording the unused lens-fitted film unit in electronic recording means of the used lens-fitted film unit.