JP2003012123A - Distribution system for cyclic goods - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve cyclic distribution by cooperative work among existing systems including a convenience store system, a printing shop and a camera supplier. SOLUTION: Cyclic goods are exhibited in a convenience store and adapted to be collected, and the cyclic goods collected by transporting means of the convenience store are delivered to an undertaker. A camera is delivered to a printing shop, a print and the camera are received from the printing shop and the camera is returned to a supplier. A price for the camera including a transportation cost for the print and a printing fee is charged to a customer at the convenience store. When a price for a digital camera including an estimated printing fee is charged, the balance from an actual printing fee is paid back to the customer. If the supplier and the undertaker of goods are the same, an equivalent for the transportation cost for collection is deducted from a money for purchasing the cyclic goods. The cyclic goods are treated by a register in the convenience store and their prices are charged in total with ordinary goods. Different prices are charged for the cyclic goods depending on the prices including costs after collection and the conditions of the same goods to be used.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a circulation system for circulation products, and more particularly to circulation of circulation products for consumer goods such as cameras.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a merchandise distribution system, in addition to normal sales to customers, merchandise is rented to customers. For example, JP-A-10-154180,
JP-A-2000-350132, JP-A-2001-9485
3, various proposals have been made in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-135023. In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
In 0-269287, the customer does not purchase the product,
It is proposed to be able to collect information about the products of interest.

On the other hand, from the viewpoint of global environment conservation, various studies have been conducted on disposal of used products.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to realize a circulation system for recycling products in consideration of the global environment by utilizing and combining existing systems,
Particularly in cameras and the like, it is to realize circulation-type distribution through cooperation between existing systems such as convenience store systems, printing companies, and camera suppliers.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a space for displaying ordinary products that are not scheduled to be recovered after distribution and recycling products that are scheduled to be recovered, and to collect the recycling products. There is provided a circulation system for a circulation type product, which has a reception unit for receiving the commodity and a transportation unit for carrying in the commodity and delivering the circulation type product from the reception unit to a destination. The product display space is, for example, a store of a convenience system, and the transportation means is a delivery service of a convenience store system. Further, when the collection destination of the circulation type product is the same as the purchase source, the collected products are circulated to the product provider. According to this feature, a normal product transportation means such as a convenience store system for purchasing, returning goods, etc. is effectively utilized for the circulation of products.

[0006] Further, if the product display spaces are distributed in a plurality of places, and if the reception sections are arranged in the respective spaces, the transportation means connecting the respective spaces enables the recycling products to be displayed in the same space. Can be collected at the reception desks located in different spaces, and can respond to a variety of customer requests. For this purpose, it is desirable that each space shares the circulation information of the circulation type product.

When the circulation type product is a camera, the supplier is the camera supplier, whereas the take-back destination can be a photographer of the photographed image. The transportation means can also be used when the print is delivered from the printing company to the reception section convenient for the customer. Furthermore, the transportation means
It can also be utilized when returning the camera to the supplier after the printing has been performed by the printing company, and the circulation circulation of the camera can be established.

Further, if the customer is charged for the price including the transportation cost with the printing company in a convenience store system or the like, the printing company normally requests a specialized delivery company for print delivery and delivers it. Compared to charging customers for print and print fees,
Convenience store and customer settlement become easy. Moreover, if the customer is charged for the price including the print fee using a convenience store system, and the camera supplier also pays the print fee when purchasing the camera, the payment related to the print will be handled by the print company. It is simplified only to the camera supplier.

[0009] As described above, the advantages obtained by sneaking in the camera supplier and the printer by transporting means such as a convenience store system having a space for displaying products are great. In this case, it is realistic that the transporting means has a distribution center that serves as a hub for transporting the products, and the camera supplier and the printing company are connected to the distribution center.

It should be noted that when the digital camera is delivered to the customer, the price including the planned print fee is charged. If the difference between the convenience store system and the customer is settled, the customer will not be asked to print unnecessary images, and the print fee can be saved. In this case, since the digital camera supplier or the like ships to a convenience store system or the like at a price including the planned print fee, it is necessary to settle the difference between the two.

The transportation cost for delivering the circulation type product to the collection destination will be collected from the collection destination of the circulation type product, but if the supply source and the collection destination of the commodity are the same, this transportation cost will be charged. It is also possible to deduct the amount from the purchase price of recycling products. Further, even in the case where a recycling-type product is delivered from a product collection source such as a print trader of a camera to the camera collection destination, all transportation costs can be collected from the collection destination.

[0012] When displaying normal products and recycling products at stores such as convenience store systems, the transportation means of the convenience store system bring in the general-purpose products and recycling products as well as the cash register system such as a convenience store system. Charge to. In this case, when the customer appears in the cashier system in a state where both are mixed, the two are not distinguished and the total amount is charged. However, it is possible to charge a recycling-type product including the cost after collection, or to charge a different amount depending on the usage conditions of the same recycling-type product.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to the first embodiment, which is a rental system in which digital cameras are distributed as rental products. The lending centers 1 are distributed over a large number of bases using a single screen such as a rental video shop or a convenience store. Center 1
To visit. The return is not necessarily performed at the lending center 1 that rented out the digital camera, but may be performed at any lending center 1 in the rental system.

As will be described later, the photographed image information of the digital camera is read at 1 at the lending center when the digital camera is returned. The read photographed image information is printed by the printer 1a such as a silver salt printer according to the customer's request and handed to the customer. The customer can also desire to record the read photographed image information on the CD-R. In this case, the CD-R in which the photographed image information is written is handed to the customer by the CD-R driver 1b. Arrow 3 indicates digital cameras, prints, C
The delivery route of an image recording medium such as D-R is shown.

Further, at the lending center 1, when the digital camera is returned, the customer's consent is obtained and the information on the use status of the camera is also read. It should be noted that the relationship between the lending center 1, the customer 2, and the delivery route 3 may be not only such direct delivery at the store, but also an order and delivery relationship. In this case, the customer 2 is at home, and the delivery route 3 is an operation route for a delivery vehicle or the like.

The database center 4 is connected to a plurality of lending centers 1 by a communication network 5. Normally, only one database center 4 may be provided in the rental system, but in some cases it may be divided into a plurality. The communication network 5 is the Internet or a dedicated line in the rental system. Customer database 4
Based on the information from the lending center 1, a records customer management information such as a new customer's address, name, telephone number, mail address, credit card number, and issues a customer ID number. In the case of a new customer, with the consent thereof, age, sex and other privacy information are also recorded in the customer database 4a. These privacy information will be strictly managed according to the contract with the customer. The customer database 4a further records and manages lending / returning information of individual products and further information on the usage status, and also performs statistical information processing of products based on these information.

The customer can request the rental system to store the read photographed image information. In this case, the captured image information is sent to the database center 4 via the communication network 5 and stored in the image database 4b. The stored image is sent to the lending center at a later request of the customer, and recorded on a print or CD-R at any time and handed to the customer. Note that the customer can access the database center 4 directly from a personal computer such as at home via the Internet or the like to browse his / her own image or place an order for printing or the like.

The physical distribution center 6 is connected to the lending center 1 by the delivery route 7 in order to exchange digital cameras. The distribution center 6 is usually one in the rental system, but it may be divided into a plurality of parts depending on the case. In the delivery route 7, the digital cameras are interchanged among a plurality of lending centers 1, and the digital cameras are distributed to each lending center 1 so that an appropriate number of digital cameras can be available. Supply. The distribution center 6b is
It functions to exchange digital cameras with each lending center 1 and manage inventory. Due to the existence of the distribution center 6b, it is possible to return the digital camera at a lending center 1 different from the lending center 1 that borrowed the digital camera.

The digital cameras returned at each lending center 1 are distributed to the distribution center 6 via the delivery route 7.
Sent to. At the distribution center 6, after cleaning at the recycling center 6a, replacing batteries and parts, repairing damage, etc.
The digital camera is returned from the delivery center 6b to the lending center 1 via the delivery route 7. In order to manage such exchanges of digital cameras, each lending center 1 and the distribution center 6 are connected by a communication network 8. Even if all the digital cameras returned to the lending center 1 are returned to the distribution center, a preliminary check is performed at the lending center 1 and only those that need to be processed at the reproduction center are sent to the distribution center. Good. In this way, a camera that does not hinder renting out again can be immediately provided to the rental inventory.

The development / design / production / disposal center (hereinafter abbreviated as “comprehensive center”) 9 is a center which is responsible for general functions including disposal, in addition to ordinary development, design, and production. . Normally, only one general center 9 may be provided in the rental system, but a plurality of total centers 9 may be provided in some cases. Further, the function of the single general center 9 may be divided into a plurality of bases.

The general center 9 comprises a communication network 10.
Is connected to the database center 4 and mainly receives the commodity distribution statistical information of the customer database 4a. First, the product distribution information is used for production adjustment at the general center 9 to increase the production of digital cameras whose lending frequency is increasing, and reduce or stop the production of those that are in a tendency to decline in popularity. The product distribution information includes information about the user of the digital camera and the purpose for which it is used.
It is reflected in the production and disposal plan. Compared to normal sales,
In the case of rental, the market information can be obtained in real time and with a recovery rate of almost 100%, so the response to product planning will be dramatically accelerated. Also, the response of the market can be grasped extremely quickly.

The general center 9 is connected to the physical distribution center 6 by a delivery route 11 for exchanging digital cameras. The delivery route 11 delivers the newly produced digital camera to the distribution center 6 and also transfers the non-reproducible digital camera or the digital camera of the model whose inventory has increased due to the decline in popularity from the distribution center 6 to the general center 9. to deliver. In order to manage such exchanges of digital cameras, the general center 9 and the distribution center 6 are connected by a communication network 12.

The communication network 12 further sends individual information such as cleaning at the reproduction center 6a, replacement of parts, repair of damage, and statistical information to the general center 9. At the general center 9, the information from the reproduction center 6a is also reflected in the development / design, production, and disposal plan of the next model. further,
The communication network 12 also collects information, which is obtained from the work record at the reproduction center 6a, for reducing the reproduction work cost.
It is sent to the general center 9 via and is reflected in the development / design, production, and disposal plan of the next model.

In the rental system as described above, the digital camera is not discarded at the customer's level. In addition, since the disposal function of the general center 9 is incorporated into the circulation of the products, the digital camera does not go out of the rental system as waste, and zero emission for the global environment is achieved.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the lending center 1 in the first embodiment, and parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are given common numbers. The customer terminal group 21 is
The number of customers visiting the lending center 1 is such that there is no waiting time. The new customer uses an empty one of the customer terminal group 21 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the customer terminal 21) and manages the customer's address, name, telephone number, mail address, credit card number, etc. according to the guidance on the display. Enter the information. If you agree, enter your age, gender and other privacy information. If you enter your privacy information, you will receive a souvenir and the benefit of being able to receive information on future new products and services that are suitable for your privacy information.

These pieces of information are sent to the host computer 23 through the RAN 22. Host computer 23
Is the database center 4 via the communication network 5.
And the customer ID number is issued based on the result.
The customer can receive a customer card created based on the customer management information and the customer ID number from the customer terminal group 21. The customer card is the lending center 1
Even if you don't go to the office
If you enter the specified items, you can also receive by delivery.

A customer who wants to rent a digital camera causes the customer terminal 21 to read the customer card, designates a camera, and inputs a rent condition such as a rent period. The input data is the host computer 23
When the loan acceptance is completed, the host computer 23 causes the customer terminal 21 to issue a voucher, and the carrier means 24 causes the designated digital camera to store the designated digital camera.
Send from 5 to the delivery corner 26. The customer presents the voucher at the delivery corner 26 to receive the digital camera. In addition, the host computer 23 may return the digital camera at any rental center,
The customer's lending data is also sent to the database center 4 via the communication network 5.

Various digital cameras are prepared in the camera trial corner 27, and the customer can try these in the lending center 1 before designating the digital camera. In addition, in the camera trial corner 27, an interactive terminal is provided to guide the user how to use the camera for each item for customers who have little knowledge of digital cameras. The image of the digital camera that the customer is trying to use is displayed on the screen of the terminal. Don't know Touch the part corresponding to the operation part. This accepts a request for an explanation for that part and the customer can be instructed how to use that part.

The utilization data for each item of digital camera trial and usage guidance by the customer is stored in the host computer 23.
Is monitored by the company, and the information is sent to the database center 4 via the communication network 5 and recorded and stored in the customer database 4a. The customer information and its statistical information are further sent from the database center 4 to the general center 9 and reflected in future development / design, production, and disposal plans. For example, the operation unit, which has been often requested to explain how to use it, is improved to a slightly more understandable format.

A customer who has visited the lending center after photographing has first read the customer card on the customer terminal 21 and inputs an instruction to return the camera. If the user simply inputs the return of the camera, the order is to print all the image data in the camera by default and store the image data in the image database 4b. This corresponds to "simultaneous printing" and preparation for reprint orders in the case of silver halide films. In addition, when making an order different from this, the desired image order data is input according to the guidance of the customer terminal 21. After this procedure, the digital camera is returned at the delivery corner 26. The transport means 28 delivers the digital camera to the corner 2
The image data is conveyed from 6 to the data reading terminal 29, and the image data having been photographed and the information on the use status of the camera are read there. The read image data and the information on the use status of the camera are sent to and stored in the local server 30.

Instead of the above embodiment, the data input from the customer terminal 21 at the time of lending is stored in the digital camera itself, and the image order data is digitally input so that it can be input by the camera. It is also possible to configure the camera. In such an embodiment,
At the time of return, the customer only has to hand the digital camera at the delivery corner 26, and it is not necessary to read the customer card at the customer terminal 21 and input return data and image order data. In this case, the data reading terminal 29 reads the returned image data and the image order data as well as the captured image data and the information on the use status of the camera, and sends them to the host computer 23.

The digital camera whose data has been read is transported to the warehouse 25 by the transport means 31. As described above, the lending center 1 and the distribution center 6 are connected by the delivery route 7, and the returned digital camera is sent from the warehouse 25 to the distribution center 6 and a digital camera for lending is provided. It is delivered from the distribution center 6 to the warehouse 25.

When the image order data includes a "print" instruction, the image data is sent from the local server 30 to the printer 1a for printing, and the conveying means 32 is used.
Is transported to the delivery corner 26. Customers can pick up prints on their feet when they return the digital camera. On the other hand, when the image order data includes the instruction of "writing to CD-R", the image data is sent from the local server 30 to the CD-R driver 1b, and the CD-R on which the image is written is conveyed. It is conveyed to the delivery corner 26 by the means 33. Further, when the image order data includes “storage of captured image information”, the image data of the local server 30 is transmitted from the host computer 23 to the database center 4 via the communication network 5.
And is stored in the image database 4b. In addition,
The camera usage information stored in the local server 30 is sent from the host computer 23 to the database center 4 via the communication network 5 and stored in the customer database 4b in any order. At this time, the order data information is also sent as statistical data to the database center 4 and stored in the customer database 4b.

The system shown in FIG. 2 may be concentrated in one place, and in this case, the transport means 24, 2
8, 31 to 33 are unnecessary, and for example, the transfer from the data reading terminal 29 to the warehouse 25 is manually performed by a store clerk. Further, if the store clerk also operates the terminal 21 for the customer and the terminal in the camera trial corner, all the procedures can be performed by the interaction between the customer and the store clerk in the delivery corner.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system showing a second embodiment of the case where a digital camera as a rental product is distributed by utilizing an existing system of a convenience store as it is. Rental system 5
1 is a lending center 1, a database center 4, a distribution center 6 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Includes general center 9. Since the details of the configuration are the same as those in FIG. 1, the illustration of the blocks in each center and the description of the functions in the rental system 51 are omitted. Further, the details of the lending center 1 are the same as those in FIG. 2, and therefore illustration and description thereof are omitted except for the host computer 23 and the delivery corner 26.

In the convenience store system 52,
The first store 53 and the second store 54 are connected to a delivery center 57 by delivery routes 55 and 56, respectively, and receive delivery of products. Although only two stores are shown for simplicity, there are actually many. The distribution center 57 serves as a logistics hub of the convenience store system 52, and further, a distribution center 58 serves as a purchasing center 59.
It is also tied together and receives the purchased products that should be supplied to the store and also returns the returned products if necessary.
Further, in the case of a product directly delivered from the production area, the product from the production center 60 is carried to the distribution center 57 by the distribution route 61. The customer can go to the nearest first store 53 or second store 54 to purchase a product, place an order by telephone or communication, and receive the delivery to the home 63 by the delivery route 62. These delivery management and payment approval are centrally managed by the system computer 64. Although not shown, all blocks in the convenience store system, such as the first store 53, are equipped with local computers, and deliver and exchange decision data with the system computer 64.

In the second embodiment, the delivery corner 2 in the lending center 1 of the rental system 51.
6 is the delivery route 6 of the convenience store system 52
It is connected to the distribution center 57 by 5. In addition, the host computer 23 of the lending center 1 serves as a window for the rental system 51 to communicate with the system computer 64 of the convenience store system 52 via the communication network 66 or the like to manage delivery and make payment decisions.

First, the convenience store system 52
I will explain the lending of digital cameras using the.
The digital camera that can be rented out is delivered in the same manner as the other products in the convenience store system 52 from the delivery corner 26 through the delivery route 65 through the delivery center 57.
To the first store 53 or the like by the delivery route 55 or the like. At this time, the convenience store system 52 receives a request for the "purchase price" from the rental system 51 in the same manner as the normal purchase.
In the convenience store system 52, the digital camera is displayed at the first store 53 or the like with the "sales price" obtained by adding a margin to the "stock price". To the customer
This "sales price" means a digital camera rental fee and a print service fee. The lending and billing system will be described in detail later, but the system in the second embodiment is a "lens-equipped system" in that the camera is acquired, and after shooting, the camera is "returned" to the lab to receive only the image. It is similar to the distribution system of "film".

A customer who wishes to rent out a digital camera visits the first store 53, brings the digital camera from the product display shelf of the first store 53 to the cash register and pays the "sale price", as in the case of a normal product. I do. At that time, the customer card information, digital camera number, date, etc. in the rental system are input to the local computer in the cash register of the first store 53, and the system computer 64
Is notified to the host computer 23 via. In this case, if payment is made using an IC card or the like issued to the customer from the convenience store system, the information input will be easier, and the "lending" will be completed with the same labor as payment for other general products at the convenience store. To do.

The digital camera is available at the first store 5
3 may be delivered to the home 63 using the delivery route 62 of the convenience store system 52 without going to the third place. The customer who has finished shooting returns the digital camera to the cash register such as the first store 53. At the cash register of the first store 53, after inputting necessary information such as the digital camera number, image order data, and print delivery method, the received digital camera is sent to the delivery corner 26 via the delivery center 57 by the delivery routes 55 and 65. Information input by the local computer at the cash register of the first store 53 is transmitted to the host computer 23 via the system computer 64. In this case as well, the customer
Presenting the C card makes it easy to enter the necessary information. If the image order data, print delivery method, etc. are input to the digital camera itself, the first store 5
The labor for returning the digital camera in 3 is reduced.

The return of the digital camera is not limited to the first store 53 where the digital camera was obtained, but the second store 54.
You may go in. Alternatively, the delivery route 62 may be used to return from the home 63. Further, it goes without saying that it may be brought directly to the delivery corner 26 of the lending center 1.

When the customer's image order is not only for storing the photographed image information, the rental system 51 prints the image according to the order or records it on the CD-R and delivers it to the delivery corner 26.
To prepare. These prints or CD-Rs are sent to the delivery center 57 by the delivery route 65, and then delivered to the store such as the first store 53 and the second store 54 or the home 63 according to the customer's designation. If delivered to a store, print or CD-R until customer appears in pick up
Are stored at the store.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the local computer in the first store 53 or the like in the second embodiment, which handles registration management and billing in a digital camera rental system as well as cash register processing for ordinary products. In this embodiment, a case will be described as an example where charging and settlement are performed by an IC card issued to a customer who has registered in a convenience store system.

When a customer brings a digital camera to a cash register together with a normal product and the presented IC card is inserted into the cash register slot, the flow starts from step S1. In step S2, the information on the IC card is input to the local computer to identify the customer. The products brought to the cash register are put on a bar code reader one by one, and the information is read in step S3. In step S4, the product is identified based on the information read by the barcode reader, and it is checked whether the product is a digital camera.

In step S4, if the product is not a digital camera, it is a normal product, so the flow jumps to step S8 to enter the charge for the product. Next, in step S9, it is asked whether or not all the products have been registered.
Returning to step 3, the information of the next product is read. If the merchandise is a normal merchandise, the above is repeated, and if the registration of all the merchandise has been completed in step S9 or if a predetermined time elapses without any input, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, charges are collected and withdrawn. The withdrawal information is input to the IC card.

On the other hand, if the merchandise is a digital camera in step S4, the processing in step S5 and subsequent steps including the dialogue with the customer is started. When the product is a digital camera, the ID number of the digital camera, the maximum number of shootable images, and the like have already been automatically input to the computer from the bar code information read in step S3.

In step S5, the data on the day of input is automatically input as the lending date, and the scheduled return date is input based on the customer's request. If there is no customer request for this item, the date one week after the loan date is automatically entered by default. In step S6, the number of shootable images is input based on the planned number of shots desired by the customer. Also for this item, the maximum number of storable images of the digital camera read from the bar code information is automatically input by default unless the customer specifically requests it.

In step S7, the date information input in step S5 is output as lending management information from the local computer together with the customer information input in step S2 and the ID number of the digital camera input in step S3. It is sent to the host computer 23 via 64.

In step S8, if the product is a digital camera, a charge corresponding to the ID of the digital camera, the lending date, the planned return date, and the planned number of shots, which have been input in the previous steps, is automatically calculated and input. It The processing sequence of steps S5 to S8 is as shown in FIG.
However, the order may be different as appropriate. Further, in the embodiment in which the lending condition of the digital camera is uniformly decided and the necessary information such as the fee based on the lending condition is input with the default value read from the bar code information, in step S5.
The step S6 is automatically processed without listening to the customer's intention. The above barcode may be printed on the exterior of a digital camera or the like.

In order to omit the question to the customer in step S5 and step S6 and to improve the flow of cash register, as another embodiment, even if the digital camera itself is the same, the lending period and photographing are performed. Depending on the difference in the number of available sheets, the bar coat on the exterior of the digital camera will be displayed as a different product in a convenience store. For example, if the number of photos that can be taken for 25 days is 25 days, a price tag of 1500 yen will be attached. If the number of photos that can be taken for one week is 50, a price tag of 2600 yen will be displayed as a separate item. To do. Various "assortments" are required according to the diversification of customers' wishes, but in such an embodiment, the customer simply selects the desired "goods" and brings it to the cashier. By reading, the information required in step S5 and step S6 can be instantly and automatically input.

As described above, the rental management and billing in the digital camera rental system are performed in the cash register processing flow in the convenience store system using the IC card. In addition to the IC card, as long as it is a system such as a credit card that can identify the customer, it is possible to manage the lending and billing in the rental system of the digital camera in the cash register processing of the convenience store system as described above. Becomes
In this case, step S10 is a process for debiting the customer's bank account or the like.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a charge system table for lending a digital camera. "Number of days specified" in "Lending fee" in Figure 5
As shown in the column, lending is basically 200 yen per day, but it is a 500 yen 2 night 3 day course, 1100 yen one week (8 days until the same day of the next week) course, 3500 yen 1
Months (until the same day of the following month) are provided, and the longer the period, the cheaper the price. Note that once the course is specified, it cannot be changed after that, and all the extra days from the course will be 200 yen per day. The data storage fee is free.

Although the charge at the time of lending is according to the course specified by the customer, the fee for the one-month course is uniformly charged regardless of the course specified, in consideration of the rental deposit, and the customer is most advantageous at the time of return. An embodiment may be applied in which a different course is applied and the difference is returned.

The print fee is basically 50 yen per one sheet, but the minimum fee is 250 yen because five or more sheets must be ordered. Also, 25 sheets course for printing 25 sheets for 1000 yen, 50 sheets for 1500
A 50-sheet course for printing in a circle is set. When one of these courses is selected, a digital camera equipped with a memory having a larger capacity is rented out.
Incidentally, these courses correspond to the case where a film of 25 or 50 images is simultaneously printed by a silver halide camera. However, in the case of a digital camera, it is not necessary to shoot and print the entire capacity, so at least 15 prints can be ordered for the 25-sheet course, and unnecessary print charges will be reduced by 40 yen per print. Can be adjusted. As a result, the minimum charge for the 25-sheet course is 600 yen. In other words, the 25-sheet course is a course for printing from 15 sheets or more to a sheet corresponding to the full capacity of the memory for 40 yen per sheet. Similarly, the 50-sheet course is a course in which at least 30 prints are ordered, and printing is performed for 30 yen per sheet.

For recording on a CD-R, the basic charge including recording of 5 images is 1000 yen, and after the 6th sheet, an overcharge of 20 yen is charged per sheet. The adjustment of the print fee and the excess when recording on the CD-R are often unknown at the time of lending the digital camera, so at the time of lending, the basic fee is charged to the customer's IC card, respectively. At the time of return, payment will be made together with the number of excess days in the rental fee. For example, in the case of renting a 50-sheet course in a lending period of one week, a total of 2600 yen is charged at the time of lending, and the digital camera is returned with a print order of 35 sheets without exceeding the lending period. , The refund processing of the print fee of 450 yen for 15 sheets is performed on the customer's IC card. Further, as another example, for example, when renting a 25-sheet course for a 3-day lending period, a total of 1500 yen is charged at the time of lending, and digital printing is accompanied by a print order of 20 sheets in 2 days after the lending period. If the camera is returned, an extra charge of 400 yen will be charged and a print fee for 5 prints 2
As a result of the deduction and settling with the refund of 00 yen, an additional charging process of 200 yen is performed on the IC card of the customer.

The lower part of FIG. 5 shows some examples of total charges based on the above charge system. The first example is a case where the number of prints is also specified under the condition of return on the day. In this case, the minimum total fee is 450 yen, which is a rental fee of 200 yen for one day and a print fee of 250 yen for at least 5 sheets. In the fourth example, the rental is for 2 nights and 3 days and the print is for 25 sheets, and the rental fee is 50.
A total of 1500 yen including 0 yen and 100 yen for printing will be charged. In this example, the number of prints can be adjusted to be at least 15 and the print fee at that time is 6
Since it will be 00 yen, the minimum charge will be 1100 yen. Since other examples can be understood in the same manner, description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 5, although the lending period is set, as another embodiment, if the fixed amount is paid, the lending period is unlimited, and the customer is responsible for using the battery within the warranty period for battery consumption. It is also possible to have a fee system such as to do so. The state of use and return in such an embodiment is similar to the actual state of a lens-equipped film in silver halide photography. The film with lens is not a rental product but a product to purchase, but after it is handed to the lab after use, it is not returned to hand, it is recycled and sold as a product again, practically equivalent to borrowing and returning it only at the time of shooting This is because

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera suitable for the above lending system. The digital camera is housed in a housing 71 having a drip-proof structure, and the outside of the housing 71 is further covered with a paper exterior 72. The drip-proof structure of the housing 71 is intended to reduce the possibility that the internal structure of the digital camera will be damaged due to an unexpected usage situation at an unspecified rental destination, and to facilitate cleaning when returning the digital camera. , It does not mean the drip-proof performance of a digital camera as a product. The paper exterior 72 is planned to be soiled or damaged by one-time rental, and is peeled off and replaced every time the digital camera is returned in consideration of cleanliness.

The exterior 72 made of paper has a monitor output 73, L
Windows are opened at positions corresponding to the CD display 74, the operation unit 75, the finder 76, the taking lens 77, the strobe 78, and the environment sensor 91, and the monitor output 73 and the environment sensor 91 are exposed to the outside. A window at a position corresponding to the taking lens 77 is covered with a transparent protective glass 78 to prevent optical damage on the surface of the taking lens 77. This protective glass 78 is also replaced every time the digital camera is returned. The window at the position corresponding to the finder 76 is also covered with the same transparent protective glass and can be replaced in the same manner. On the other hand, the windows at positions corresponding to the LCD display 74 and the operation unit 75 are covered with a transparent film 80 so that these portions can be seen from the outside and the contamination of these portions is prevented. In addition, the transparent film 80
Is flexible so that the operation portion 75 can be operated from the outside thereof. The transparent film 80 is also replaced every time the digital camera is returned. Strobe 78
The window at the position corresponding to is also covered with the same transparent film and is replaced in the same manner.

According to the above-described embodiment, the possibility of damage to the inside of the digital camera at the time of renting is reduced so that the digital camera can be rented a plurality of times, and the cost is low at the portion directly touched by the customer. It is composed of materials and is exchanged for each rental, and the digital camera is always rented as a new appearance.

For cost reduction, the taking lens 77 has a fixed focus and no focusing mechanism is provided. The aperture value is also fixed. The exposure control is performed by the shutter speed of the electronic shutter and the gain control of the image sensor, and these are automatically controlled by the CPU 83 based on a signal from an optical sensor (not shown).

The monitor output 73 is, for example, an AV output terminal, and is for outputting a captured image signal to the AV input of the television so that it can be monitored while the digital camera is rented. The monitor output 73 is AV
Instead of the terminal, it may be a terminal for outputting an image on the monitor screen of the mobile phone. In either case, the image signal from the monitor output 73 has a smaller amount of image information than the captured image signal, and is intended to be output in a short time for the purpose of monitoring and stored in an external memory. It is unsatisfactory to do and print.

The LCD display 74 is not an image monitor but has a simple structure for displaying characters, marks, etc., and it is output from the monitor output 73 and the number of remaining shootable images depending on the shooting mode and the reproduction mode. The number of the image to be deleted, the number of the image to be erased, etc. are displayed. The operation unit 75 includes a shutter release button / execution button, a focal length switching button, a mode switching button, an image quality switching button, an up / down button for selecting a photographed image for monitoring or erasing, and a data input. A numeric keypad is provided. The usage of these buttons is printed on the paper exterior 72 at the margin of the adjacent window.

The viewfinder 76 is usually provided with a field frame for wide shooting, and when the focal length switching button of the operation unit 75 is pressed, the field control mechanism 86 operates and the tele shooting field frame 82 is displayed. Move into the field of view of 76. The fact that the focal length has been switched to the telephoto side by the operation unit 75 is also transmitted to the CPU 83. In this embodiment, the focal length is switched between two stages of tele and wide in consideration of the cost, but as another embodiment, the switching may be performed in multiple stages, and the focal length is continuously changed substantially continuously. It may be a zoom type that switches between. in this case,
The switching of the field frame is made multistage or continuous, or a zoom optical system is adopted in the finder 76.

The CPU 83 controls a CMOS image sensor 85 (about 3 million pixels) that can be randomly accessed through the image sensor control section 84, and takes in an image from the image sensor. At this time, when the focal length is switched to telephoto, the telephoto field frame 8
Only pixels in the area of the center 1/4 of the image sensor corresponding to 2 are read out to obtain a pseudo telephoto image.
On the other hand, when the focal length is in the wide-angle shooting state and the image quality is set to "normal", 1/4 number of images are thinned out and read from the entire area of the image sensor. In this way, this embodiment functions as a digital camera with about 750,000 pixels capable of telephoto shooting and wide-angle shooting.
Note that in wide-angle shooting, all pixel reading may be performed instead of thinning-out reading, and signals of four adjacent pixels may be added together to obtain an image of 750,000 pixels.
In this case, the sensitivity is improved as compared with the thinned-out reading.

When the image quality switching button is set to "Fine", the thinning-out reading in the wide photographing state or the addition of the adjacent pixels is not performed, and the digital camera is used as a 3 million-pixel digital camera. It is prohibited to set the image quality switching button to "fine" which means 3 million pixels in the telephoto shooting state. As described above, in this embodiment, when the focal length is not switched, it functions as a high-quality digital camera with a quasi-wide angle of 3 million pixels.

As another embodiment, if the photographing lens is configured as a zoom lens, the cost is high, but a zoom digital camera capable of obtaining a high image quality of 3 million pixels at any focal length can be configured. it can. C
The PU 83 uses the strobe controller 78 to strobe 78.
Are in control. Further, the CPU 83 is connected to the memory 87, stores the photographed image from the image sensor control unit 84 in the memory 87, reads the image stored in the memory 87, and outputs the monitor output 73 or data via the CPU 83. Output from the terminal 88. In addition,
The memory 87 is not a removable recording medium such as a memory card, but an ordinary memory chip mounted inside the digital camera. This not only reduces the cost of the recording medium itself, but also realizes cost reduction by omitting a card drive, etc. Furthermore, by eliminating the opening for inserting and removing the recording medium from the housing, the possibility of damage during rental is reduced. ing.

The data terminal 88 outputs digital data having the image information amount as stored in the memory 87 and information on the use status of the camera, and is suitable for reading at the data reading terminal at the lending center. It is a dedicated terminal and does not fit into the data input terminal of a personal computer at home. Therefore, when the digital camera is distributed as a rental product, the digital camera is covered with the outer casing 72, and is exposed to the outside only when the outer casing 72 is peeled off to be connected to the data reading terminal. Although the structure of the data terminal 88 itself is general, the data terminal 88 may be read by a dedicated read procedure different from the general one in order to make the data read at the lending center efficient. Also in this case, when the digital camera is distributed as a rental product, the digital camera is covered with the exterior 72, and is exposed to the outside only when the digital camera is returned and the exterior 72 is peeled off so that it can be connected to the data reading terminal. .

As another embodiment, the data terminal 88 is a general-purpose data terminal such as a USB and is configured so that it can be read by a general read procedure.
It is also possible to provide a window in 2 and expose it to the outside so that data can be read out by a personal computer at home even during rental. In this case, it is premised that the customer manages the image data and also prints with the customer's own printer. However, the performance of not only digital cameras but also personal computers and printers is advancing day by day, and it is economically too heavy for a general customer to always buy a new one with the latest performance. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 not only rents a digital camera, but also leaves a professional to read out image data for management and printing, so that the customer can always use the latest technology at the time of use. This is to make it possible to enjoy the performance.

The power supply circuit 89 supplies electric power to each section in the digital camera from a battery 90 composed of, for example, two AA batteries. The digital camera according to the embodiment is designed on the assumption that sufficient power supply is secured during distribution as a rental product, and the customer does not need to replace the battery by himself / herself. The lid is exterior 72
The battery can be replaced only when it is returned and the exterior 72 is peeled off at the reproduction center. In order to manage the battery as described above, at the reproduction center, when the battery is replaced and a new exterior 72 is attached, the date and time when the battery is replaced are marked on the exterior 72. At the store 53 or the like of the convenience store system, not only the current battery voltage but also this battery replacement date is checked, and the digital camera whose predetermined period has passed since the battery replacement is returned to the rental center as a "expired product". With this kind of management, only digital cameras that have batteries with sufficient capacity to rent during the rental period will be rented. The information about the returned digital camera is information about the turnover rate of the digital camera as a rental product to the customer or the stock status at the store 53 or the like.

The above information of the battery replacement date is also input to the CPU 83, and when sufficient power supply cannot be guaranteed by comparison with the return date input at the time of lending,
We rent it by replacing it with the same model that can be guaranteed. Also, C
The PU 83 compares the battery replacement date and the return date information with today's date information to create warning information regarding a state in which the power supply cannot be guaranteed, warning information regarding rental such as exceeding the rental period, and image information from the monitor output 73. When it is output, the warning information is superimposed on it so that it is displayed on a TV screen or the like.

Further, while operating the operation unit 75 while watching the image from the monitor output 73 on a television or the like, unnecessary images can be deleted, and the number of prints and print size of the required image can be designated. Can also
These pieces of designation information are written in the memory 87 from the CPU 83 according to a predetermined format. The specified information written is sent to the data terminal 8 together with the image information when the digital camera is returned.
8 is read out, and printing is performed according to the designated information. The print designation can be corrected at the lending center when the digital camera is returned, or can be entered at the lending center when the digital camera is returned without inputting the designation information.

The data terminal 88 is also used when checking the functions of the returned digital camera at the reproduction center. At the reproduction center, an inspection machine is connected to the data terminal 88 of the returned digital camera, various inspection signals are sent to the CPU 83, and the reactions of the CPU 83 responding to these inspection signals are checked one by one to check the functions and parts of the digital camera. The performance of the product is evaluated to determine whether it can be recycled as a product.

The environment sensor 91 includes temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure,
A sensor is provided for simply detecting any one of the noise amount and the like or a combination thereof, and their outputs at the time of photographing are recorded in association with the photographed image. In addition, the output of the optical sensor for exposure control, whether or not a flash is used, whether or not there is a pseudo telephoto shooting setting, the interval between the shooting time and the shooting times before and after that, and the specified number of prints are associated with each image. Will be recorded. Furthermore, by configuring the file numbers of each image to be serially assigned according to a predetermined rule, it is possible to know how many images were erased between the remaining images. Such erasure history is also recorded in association with the remaining image. When the digital camera is returned, this information is read by the data read terminal together with the image data, sent to the database center for statistical processing and analysis, and the results are sent to the general center for the next model. It is reflected in development / design, production, and disposal plans.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing details of the general center 9. As described above, the general center 9 receives the feedbacks from the database center 4 and the distribution center 6 through the communication networks 10 and 12, respectively, and reflects them in the development / design, production, and disposal plan of the next model. The general center 9 also exchanges information inside it to provide feedback to the next-generation development and design. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, in the general center 9, the development / design department 9a, the production factory 9b, and the disposal factory 9c are united to perform close information exchange through a computer network, and from development / design to disposal. Cost control is performed throughout the life cycle of the integrated product.

FIG. 8 is a procedure diagram of such cost management, which will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, when the planning of a new model starts at step S21, the computer 9e of the production factory 9b estimates the production cost based on the data of the past model and the new model at step S22. Further, in step S23, the reproduction cost is estimated by the computer 6c of the reproduction center 6a in the distribution center based on the data of the past model and the new model. Further, in step S24, the computer 9f of the disposal factory 9c estimates the disposal cost based on the data of the past model and the new model. The order of these steps S22 to S24 is arbitrary and may be executed concurrently in parallel. When all the quotations are available, the central computer 9g of the general center 9
The total cost is estimated in step S25.

In step S26, it is checked whether the total cost has reached the cost target in the business plan for the new model. If the cost target is not reached, the central computer 9g causes the production factory 9
b, the cost reduction target is set for each of the reproduction center 6a and the disposal factory 9c. As a procedure for setting the cost reduction target, it is possible to first receive voluntary proposal information from the computers of the production factory 9b, the reproduction center 6a, and the disposal factory 9c, and then make adjustments by the central computer 9g. When the cost reduction target is set, in step S28, cost analysis is performed by each computer of the production factory 9b, the reproduction center 6a, and the disposal factory 9c, and a cost reduction item having a large influence is extracted.

In step S29, information exchange is performed on the extracted cost reduction items. For example, if a new equipment investment is required for the disassembling process of a new model, if there is a suggestion to change the design so that the existing equipment can be disassembled, the computer 9f of the waste disposal plant 9c can be changed to the central computer 9g. Send the issue with the specified destination. The central computer 9g notifies the computer 9 of the development / design department 9a according to the designation of the destination.
d, computer 9e of production factory 9d, reproduction center 6
It is sent to the computer 6c of a. Regarding the transmission of cost reduction items from the disposal factory 9c side, in addition to the above, for example, when it is desired to modify a part of the process due to the management request of the disposal factory 9c, the modification is the design, production and reproduction of a new model. There are cases such as when inquiring about conformity to.

Similarly, when there is a rationalization item of the production process, the information is sent from the computer 9e of the production factory 9b to the central computer 9g together with the designation of the destination.
The central computer 9g sends the information to the computer 9d of the development / design department 9a, the computer 9e of the production factory 9b, and the computer 6c of the reproduction center 6a according to the designation of the destination. As this information, for example,
Development / design department 9 to determine whether a design suitable for rationalization is possible
For example, there is an inquiry to a and an inquiry to the disposal factory 9c and the reproduction center 6a as to whether the rationalization does not increase the costs of the disposal process and the reproduction process.

Further, when there is a rationalization item of the reproduction process, the information is sent from the computer 6c of the reproduction center 6a to the central computer 9g together with the designation of the destination. The central computer 9g sends the information to the computer 9d of the development / design department 9a, the computer 9e of the production factory 9b, and the computer 9f of the disposal factory 9c according to the designation of the destination.

In addition, innovative development for cost reduction
When there is a design idea, the computer 9e of the development / design department 9a sends the idea to the central computer 9g together with designation of a destination. Central computer 9
In response to the designation of the destination, g sends the idea to the computer 9d of the development / design department 9a, the computer 9e of the production factory 9d, and the computer 6c of the reproduction center 6a.

When the information exchange of the cost reduction items is completed as described above, in step S30, the cost reduction plan is prepared according to the information received from the other department, and the information is exchanged through the computer. For example, as shown in the above example, to point out a design change from the disposal factory 9c toward the diversion of the existing equipment, the computer 9d of the development / design department 9a to the disposal computer 9c via the central computer 9g. Information is sent to the computer 9f. Examples of this information include an answer as to whether or not there is a possibility of a new model design change according to the indication, a design change proposal, and an inquiry as to whether or not the change is suitable for the request of the disposal factory 9c. The production factory 9b also sends information such as whether the disposal factory 9c can meet the request of the disposal factory 9c by changing the production method and information on the disposal method proposed by the production factory 9b to the computer 9f of the disposal factory 9c via the central computer 9g. To be Although not described below, in step S30, a response to the information transmission of the cost reduction item, a proposal, a re-inquiry, and the like as exemplified in step S29 are performed. The execution is performed by communication between computers in each department via the central computer 9g.

When the information exchange in step S30 is completed, the process returns to step S22, and steps S29 and S
In consideration of the information exchanged in 30, costs are re-estimated in steps S22 to S25. If the target is also not reached in step S26, the procedure from step S27 is repeated. In this way, steps S22 to S30 are repeated until the target is achieved, and when the target is achieved, the process jumps from step S26 to step S31 and ends the procedure.

For general products, the cost from development / production to distribution / sales is the business cost.
In addition to these, the present invention manages the entire business cost including the cost for returning the merchandise after distribution, the cost from recycling to redistribution, and the disposal cost.

Although FIG. 8 describes the business cost management triggered by the development of a new model, the system shown in FIG. The obligation of cost control is imposed,
Also from this point of view, under the control of the central computer 9g, information on cost reduction plans and practices is transmitted from the computers 9d, 9e, 9f in each department. This information is sent to the computer 9 of each department through the central computer 9g.
It will be shared by d, 9e, and 9f and will be used in related departments.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system diagram showing a third embodiment of the case where a digital camera is distributed as an ordinary product instead of being rented. Logistics center 6, general center 9, and related delivery routes 7, 11 and communication networks 8, 10, 1
2 is the same as the first embodiment in FIG. 1,
The same numbers are given and explanations are omitted.

In the third embodiment, the customer center 101 functions as any contact with the customer 102. First of all, the digital camera is sold to the customer 102 as an ordinary camera store. The delivery route 103 may be sales at a store or delivery by order. However, the delivery route 103 is not one-way. Customer 10
When purchasing a digital camera, 2 concludes a "maintenance and disposal contract" with the customer center 101. This contract allows you to repair, modify, upgrade, and upgrade your digital camera.
At the time of replacement, the customer returns the digital camera to the customer center 101 via the delivery route 103. The returned digital camera is sent to the distribution center 6 via the delivery route 7 and, if necessary, to the general center 9 via the delivery route 11 and discarded. Since these functions are almost the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description will be omitted.

When the digital camera on hand is no longer needed due to replacement or the like, the customer can dispose of it by himself. It is more expensive than For the sake of the global environment, it is prohibited by law to dispose of the product without the prescribed procedure.

The customer center 101 can be distributed to a large number of bases as ordinary stores that customers directly visit. However, in the case of non-store sales such as mail order and online sales, it is a single center. You may be united. The system according to the third embodiment does not only sell digital cameras but also perform various service operations. For example, it is a print service, a CD-R writing service, a storage service of photographed image information, and the like. These services can be directly received by the customer 102 at the customer center 101, or the customer 102 can access the customer center 101 from a personal computer at home through the Internet 104 or the like to send and receive necessary order data and image data. Can also be received by

When purchasing a digital camera or applying for a service, customer management information such as a new customer's address, name, telephone number, mail address, credit card number, etc. is recorded at the customer center, and a customer ID number is issued. . In the case of a new customer, with the consent thereof, age, sex and other privacy information are also recorded in the customer database 4a. Also, with the customer's consent, information on the usage status included in the captured image is also recorded. These points are the same as in the first embodiment.

The service center 104 includes a customer database 104a, an image database 104b, and a printer 1.
04c and the CD-R driver 104d. The functions of these elements are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore their explanations are omitted. However, in the third embodiment, since the printer 104c and the CD-R driver 104d are provided in the service center, the print or the CD printed by the printer 104c is requested by the customer.
The CD-R in which the captured image information is written by the -R driver 104d is sent to the customer center via the delivery route 106. In the third embodiment, all the contact points with the customer are concentrated in the customer center, and the customer 102 is not confused. All communications necessary for service are exchanged between the service center 104 and the customer center 101 by the communication network 105.

The general center 9 is a center which has general functions including development, design, and production as well as disposal. The general center 9 may normally be one in the system, but may be plurally provided in some cases.
Further, the function of the single general center 9 may be divided into a plurality of bases.

The general center 9 uses the customer database 10
Receiving the product distribution statistical information of 4a and reflecting it in the production adjustment, the development / design of the next model, and the production disposal plan are the same as in the first embodiment. In this case as well, most of the sold products will be collected through the disposal, and it will be possible to grasp the market information. And as the product cycle becomes shorter, the information becomes closer to real time, and the response of the product planning becomes faster, and the response of the market can be grasped promptly.

Also in the third embodiment as described above, since the disposal function of the general center 9 is incorporated in the circulation of the products, the digital camera never goes out of the system as a waste. , Zero emission for global environment is achieved. FIG. 10 shows a digital camera
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera according to a fourth embodiment, which is an example of a case where the digital camera is distributed as a short-term single-use product for recycling, such as a lens-attached film, instead of a rental. Also in the fourth embodiment, it is assumed as a standard distribution form that the digital camera in which the captured digital image information is stored is delivered for printing together with the camera. However, since it is not a rental, the ownership of the camera belongs to the purchaser, and after the digital image data is downloaded to the home personal computer etc., it is not returned, but the used digital camera is the user's own responsibility. It is a system that can be discarded. In the following description, the same components as those in FIG. 6 will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described.

The digital camera shown in FIG. 10 is housed in a plastic housing 201.
The exterior of the is further covered with a paper exterior 72.
When the taken digital image information is brought in for printing together with the digital camera, the paper exterior 72 is peeled off and replaced if the digital camera is recyclable after reading the image data.

The paper exterior 72 has windows opened at positions corresponding to the monitor output 73, the data terminal 202, the LCD display 203, the operation unit 204, the finder 205, the taking lens 77, and the strobe 78. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, all of the above structures are exposed directly to the outside from the window in order to reduce costs.

The LCD display 203 is the LCD display 7 of FIG.
The same as 4. The operation unit 204 is also the operation unit 7 of FIG.
The configuration is similar to that of No. 5, but has a simple configuration without a focal length switching button, an image quality switching button, or the like. In addition, the viewfinder 205 is a photographing lens 77 having a wide angle of view.
However, it has an extremely simple structure without a structure for switching the focal length.

As the image sensor 206, a device having the best cost performance such as a CCD having about 2 million pixels is adopted. Unlike FIG. 6, information of all pixels in all areas is always read by the image sensor control unit 84 and the CPU 83. The data terminal 202 outputs information of digital data having the image information amount as stored in the memory 87, and is configured by a general-purpose data terminal such as USB, and the user can arbitrarily input through this terminal. You can capture and print data on your home computer. Also, since the user himself / herself cuts and enlarges the center of the screen by the editing function of the personal computer, the same effect as the telephoto shooting in FIG. 6 can be obtained, so that the digital camera in FIG. No distance switching configuration is provided. When a user edits a captured image using a home personal computer, such edited image data can be returned to the memory 87 of the digital camera via the data terminal 202. In this case, it is possible to request a print service by bringing in a digital camera in which such edited image data is stored together with normal captured image data.

The configurations of the power supply circuit 89 and the battery 90 are shown in FIG.
Similarly, in the digital camera shown in FIG. 10, the lid of the battery chamber accommodating the battery 90 is covered by the exterior 72, and the battery replacement by the customer is not a prerequisite. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a service system in a mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment. In this service system, the existing convenience store system 301 and the existing printing company 302 are replaced by the digital camera manufacturer 303.
Work with. The maker 303 has a digital camera recycling function. Further, the convenience system 301 is equipped with an ordinary purchasing / delivery system, and the delivery center 57 as shown in FIG. 3 serves as a logistics hub. Arrows 306, 309, 31 described later
Reference numerals 5, 314, 311, and 312 denote physical distributions that use the normal purchasing / delivery system in the convenience system 301, and actually execute physical distributions via the distribution center 57 as shown in FIG. However, for simplicity, reference to this point is omitted in the following description. further,
The printing company 302 has the business of receiving a print order based on digital image data from a customer and delivering the print using an existing home delivery service if the customer desires. We also provide a service to store digital image data according to customer's request. The fourth embodiment is realized by the cooperation of the existing systems as described above.
Note that the convenience store system 301, the printing company 302, and the maker 303 collaborate, so that the computers 301a, 302a, and 303a, respectively.
It is possible to communicate with the bank 304 via a network such as the Internet.

The service system shown in FIG. 11 will be described below in the order of the physical distributions 1 to 3 attached to the respective arrows. First, as shown by an arrow 306, the convenience store system 301 purchases a digital camera from the maker 303 or its dealer by diverting a normal purchase route. The structure of the purchase price and the payment method will be described later. The stocked digital camera is displayed in the convenience store just like any other product in the convenience store system.

The customer 305 purchases a digital camera as indicated by arrow 307 and pays for it as indicated by arrow 308. As will be described later, the price includes all digital image print charges, and the customer 305 who purchased the digital camera does not pay any charges thereafter.
You can receive all services. The purchase of the digital camera and the payment of the price are performed by cash payment at the store of the convenience store system 301, for example. Also, even if you do not go to the store, the arrow 307
Can be used for delivery by the delivery system of the convenience store system 301, and the arrow 308 can be used for debiting a bank account using a credit card.

An arrow 309 indicates a return of the unsold digital camera from the convenience store system 301 to the manufacturer 303. Returns are made when the model has become obsolete due to its age, and when the capacity of the power supply battery cannot be guaranteed due to long-term display in the store. This is similar to expiration of fresh food products. The settlement for returned goods will also be described later.

The customer 305 who purchased the digital camera is
After the shooting is completed, the digital camera storing the digital image data is returned to the convenience store as indicated by arrow 310, and a print request is made. This request may be made at the store of the convenience store system 301, or may be requested to be collected by the delivery system of the convenience store system 301. Convenience store system 3
01 is due to the delivery system as shown by arrow 311.
The digital camera storing the digital image data is delivered to the printing company 302.

The printing company 302 reads the digital image information from the received digital camera and prints it.
The completed print is handed over to the customer 305, and as shown by an arrow 312, the convenience store system 301
Is delivered to the convenience store system 301 by the delivery system. The customer 305 receives the completed print at the store as indicated by an arrow 313. The arrow 313 may be delivered to the customer 305 by the delivery system of the convenience store system 301.

On the other hand, the used digital camera whose digital image information has been read out by the printing company 302 is sent to the maker 303 via the convenience store system 301 like a hub as indicated by arrows 314 and 315. It is returned to be recycled. The reason for passing through the convenience store system 301 is to avoid providing a new delivery route different from the convenience store system 301 between the printing company 302 and the maker 303. That is, the arrows 306, 30
9, 315 are executed by reciprocating regular shuttle flights of the convenience store system 301 that reciprocates between the convenience store system 301 (specifically, the distribution center 57 as shown in FIG. 3) and the maker 303.
Similarly, arrows 314, 311, and 312 indicate the regular shuttle flights of the convenience store system 301 that shuttles between the convenience store system 301 (specifically, the delivery center 57 as shown in FIG. 3) and the printing company 302. To be executed. Of course, as a delivery system for the convenience store system 301, a direct flight may be provided to deliver the used digital camera directly from the printing company 302 to the maker 303 as long as the operation cost is not hindered. In any case, the stocking / delivery system of the existing convenience store system 301 is effectively used for all the logistics required for the service.

The settlement of charges between the convenience store system 301, the printing company 302 and the maker 303 is based on the communication between the computers 301a, 302a and 303a and the communication between the computers 301a, 302a and 303a, and the respective accounts in the bank 304. Done between. FIG. 12 is a table summarizing the fee structure and the settlement in such settlement, and the symbol ⊚ or ○ indicates that there is a corresponding item. Other points are as described in each column of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, at the time of camera purchase, the manufacturer 303 charges the convenience store system 301 with the total amount of the wholesale price and print charge of the digital camera. Among them, the printing fee is a collection for the printing company. At this time, the physical distribution cost of the camera collection of the arrows 314 and 315 performed by the convenience store system 301 for the manufacturer 303 is deducted from the total amount. 12 indicates the final recipient of the charge. At the time of purchasing the camera, the final recipient of the camera wholesale price is the manufacturer 303.
Is. However, the camera recovery cost is deducted as described above.

In the above embodiment, regardless of whether or not the individual cameras are actually collected, the camera collection cost is subtracted from the wholesale price of the cameras for all the cameras at the time of purchase. This has the meaning of a commission from the manufacturer to have the convenience store system establish a system for collecting cameras. However, instead of such an embodiment, the above deduction is not performed at the time of purchase, and when the used cameras are actually collected at the arrows 314 and 315, depending on the actual results. An embodiment is also possible in which the convenience store system 301 charges the manufacturer 303 for the camera collection cost. In any case, the collection of the camera is in the form of a contract from the manufacturer for the convenience store system 301 having a delivery system,
The camera recovery cost has a property that the convenience store system 301 should charge the manufacturer 303.

Next, at the time of selling the camera, the convenience store system 301 tells the customer 305 the selling price (wholesale value + margin) of the digital camera, the print charge, and the service management fee for the print at the arrows 310 to 313 (arrows 311, 312). The total amount (including print delivery costs) will be charged. In addition, the print fee in that is the same as the amount when the camera was purchased. The convenience store system 301 is the final recipient of the margin and the service management fee at the time of selling the camera.

The settlement at the time of returning the camera is the same as that at the time of purchasing the camera except that the relationship between the payer and the payee is reversed and the charge structure and the total amount are the same. The printing fee at the time of purchasing the camera was collected by the manufacturer 303, but the printing did not occur when the product was returned. Receive a refund of the total amount as stated above from the manufacturer 303. Actually, the difference between the purchase and the return is not set for each individual product but is collectively settled between the convenience store system 301 and the camera maker at the end of the month, for example. In the above example, the entire purchase price for the returned goods is returned from the camera maker 303 to the convenience store system 301, but for the sake of simplicity, the manufacturer 303 takes full responsibility for the sales of digital cameras. Convenience store system 30
This is an example in which the first side has no risk. If the convenience store 301 is also responsible for product planning, the convenience store 301 will naturally lose losses due to unsold items.
Will also bear the burden.

At the time of print production, the printing company 30
From 2 to maker 303, the print fee for the actually generated print is charged. The unit price of this charge is the same as the charge collected by the manufacturer 303 at the time of purchasing the camera. Of course, the final recipient of the printing fee is the printing company 302.

The print fee and the service management fee are prepaid on the assumption that printing is performed, and are a burden on the customer. This is because the used digital camera is the manufacturer 3 via the printing company 302.
This is to promote recycling by 03 and contribute to the realization of a recycling-based society. The fact that the digital camera does not come back means that the customer abandoned the print service on his own volition, so it is the customer's responsibility to bear the fee, while the collected print fee and service management fee are , The manufacturer 303 and the convenience store system 301, which bear the risk of system maintenance, respectively.

According to the business model as described above, the convenience store system 301 and the printing company 30
2, the manufacturer 303, and the customer 305 each have the following advantages. First, for the convenience store system 301, it can be expected as one of the best-selling products that contribute to profits, and also by concurrently managing print service management, it is possible to increase the turnover rate of the purchasing / delivery system and reduce costs. Furthermore, the effect of attracting customers by concurrently managing print services is also effective as a measure to increase sales of the entire product.

Further, the printing company 301 can secure a large number of contracted parties and is free from the trouble of ordering business and print delivery arrangement to the customer. Also,
As for the charge collection destination, as far as the print order via the convenience store system 301 is concerned, it is sufficient to deal with only the manufacturer 303, not the individual customer.
Accounting becomes easy.

For the maker 303, it is possible to obtain an effective sales channel and distribution means for the product without own investment. Further, since the customer 305 can request and receive prints by diverting the delivery route of the convenience store 301, the convenience and convenience of the print delivery cost can be reduced as compared with the case of requesting print delivery by a normal home delivery service. You can get prints at your expense.

As described above, by collaborating with the existing systems, it is possible to enhance the convenience of the customer and contribute to the realization of a recycling-based society. Although the fourth embodiment is not a rental system, most digital cameras can be collected by ordering prints. In addition, since it is not a rental system, rent management in the maker 303 or the convenience store system 301 is unnecessary,
Print orders can be managed independently of digital camera sales.

In the above description, the digital camera distributed in the fourth embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG. 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a digital camera having the configuration shown in FIG. It may be a camera. The digital camera distributed in the fourth embodiment is a product similar to a film with a lens, but it can be retaken as many times as possible, and the image can be confirmed on a TV or the like before requesting a print, It has the advantage over the film with lens in that you can request to store the digital image data, and you can import and process the digital image data on your own PC if necessary.

However, the business model itself of the cooperation of the manufacturer, the convenience store system, and the printing company utilizing the delivery system of the convenience store shown in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 11 is limited to the digital camera. Instead, it can be applied to the distribution of a film with a lens.
Further, when applied to a film with a lens, the service management fee received by the convenience store system in FIG. 12 is not at the time of selling the camera, but when the customer brings the taken camera to the convenience store system for a print request, or at the convenience store. A fee may be charged when handing the print delivered to the system to the customer.

Further, the system shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 can also be applied to a rental product having a charge system as shown in FIG. 5 as a modified embodiment. In this case, “maker” in FIGS. 11 and 12 is “rental agent”
You should read and understand. Further, it should be understood that “camera purchasing” is also for rental, but the camera wholesale price at this time should be called “rental wholesale price”, which means the rental dealer's share. “Camera sales” can be understood as “camera rental”, but at this point, the net rental fee for the customer is the “rental wholesale price” plus the margin of the convenience store system. The service management fee and the print fee are added to this, as in the fourth embodiment.

When the fee system as shown in FIG. 5 is adopted as described above, the "print fee" at the "camera purchasing" stage and the "camera rental" stage in FIG. 12 corresponds to the "basic fee" in FIG. However, the actual “print fee” charged by the print company to the “rental company” at the time of “print creation” in FIG. 12 is different. The processing for refunding the difference and the additional charge for exceeding the rental period are settled between the customer 305 and the convenience store system 301 at the time of arrow 310 or arrow 313 in FIG. Further, this settlement amount is settled between the convenience store system 301 and the rental company (replacement of the maker 303) by the communication between the computer 301a and the computer 303a and the communication between the computer 301a and the bank 304.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system showing a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lending center according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a local computer according to the second embodiment.

[Figure 5] Charge system chart for digital camera lending

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera suitable for a rental system.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing details of an integrated center.

[Figure 8] Cost management procedure diagram

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system diagram showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a service system on a mobile phone according to a fourth embodiment.

[Figure 12] Table summarizing the fee structure and settlement in settlement

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Rental center 2 customers 4 Database Center 6 distribution centers 9 General Center 29 Data reading terminal 27 Camera trial corner 52 Convenience store system 57 distribution centers 71 housing 72 Exterior 73 Monitor output 88 data output 6a reproduction center 9a Development and design department 9b production plant 9c Waste factory 9g Central computer 301 Convenience store system 302 Printing company 303 manufacturer 304 bank 305 customers

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Claims (35)

[Claims] 1. A space for displaying regular products that are not scheduled to be collected after distribution and a recycling-type product that is scheduled to be collected, a reception unit that receives the collection of the recycling-type products, and a place where the recycling-type products are loaded and A circulation-type product distribution system, characterized in that it has a transporting means for delivering it from the reception section to a collection destination. 2. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the collection destination is the same as the purchase source of the circulation type product. 3. The space is a store of a convenience store system, the circulation type product is a rental product, and the purchase source and the collection destination are rental business operators of the rental product. Item 2
The described distribution system. 4. The distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the rental product is a digital camera. 5. The reception areas are arranged in a plurality of spaces and the reception areas are arranged in the respective spaces, and the circulation type product is arranged in a different space from the displayed space. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution system is recoverable. 6. The distribution system according to claim 5, wherein the transportation means connects each of the spaces and the collection destination. 7. The distribution system according to claim 5, wherein the respective spaces share distribution information of the circulation type product. 8. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the circulation-type product is a camera, and the take-back destination is a photographer who prints a photographed image. 9. The distribution system according to claim 8, wherein the transportation means delivers the print from the printing company to the reception section. 10. A space for displaying a product, a reception unit for receiving a collection of a recycling-type camera from a customer, and a transportation unit for carrying in the product and for delivering the camera from the reception unit to a printer. A circulation system for circulation-type products, comprising: 11. The distribution system according to claim 10, wherein the transporting means further delivers the print from the printing company to the reception section. 12. The distribution system according to claim 11, wherein the transporting means carries in the camera from a supply source and returns the camera to the supply source after printing is performed by the printing company. 13. The distribution system according to claim 10, wherein the customer is charged a fee including a transportation cost with a printing company. 14. The distribution system according to claim 13, wherein a fee including a print fee is charged to the customer. 15. A transportation means, which has a space for displaying a camera which is a normal commodity or a circulation type commodity which is not scheduled to be collected after distribution, a reception section for receiving the collection of the camera, and a transportation means for carrying in the commodity. Is a circulation-type product distribution system characterized by connecting a camera supplier and a printing company. 16. The distribution system according to claim 15, wherein said transporting means has a distribution center serving as a hub for transporting goods, and a supplier of the camera and a printing company are respectively connected to the distribution center. . 17. The transportation means purchases a camera with a camera supplier, returns the camera before handing it to a customer,
16. The distribution system according to claim 15, wherein the camera is transported so that it can be picked up by a supplier of the camera after printing has been performed. 18. The transporting means between the printing company and
16. The distribution system according to claim 15, wherein the camera and the print are transported for bringing in a photographed camera, collecting prints, and collecting the camera after printing is performed. 19. The distribution system according to claim 15, further comprising means for charging the customer a fee including a transportation cost with a printing company when the camera is handed over to the customer in the display space. 20. The distribution system according to claim 15, further comprising means for charging a fee including a print fee to the customer when the camera is delivered to the customer in the display space. 21. A shipping department that ships a digital camera, which is a recycling-type product, at a price including a print fee, and creates a print for the customer based on electronic image information captured by the digital camera collected from the customer. Print department,
A circulation system for circulating products, further comprising a settlement means for performing settlement between the shipping section and the printing section for a print fee relating to the created print. 22. The distribution system according to claim 21, further comprising a delivery section for purchasing the digital camera, charging a fee including the print fee, and delivering the fee to a customer. 23. A transfer unit for charging a price including a planned print charge and delivering a digital camera which is a circulation type product to a customer, an actual print charge based on an electronic image captured by the digital camera collected from the customer, and A circulation-type product distribution system, comprising a settlement means for performing settlement between the delivery section and the customer regarding a difference from a planned print fee. 24. A shipping section for shipping the digital camera to the delivery section at a price including the planned print fee,
24. The distribution system according to claim 23, further comprising settlement means for performing settlement of the difference between the shipping section and the delivery section. 25. A space for displaying merchandise, a reception part for receiving collection of recycling products, a transportation means for carrying in the products and delivering the recycling products from the reception part to a destination, and a transportation means. A circulation-type product distribution system comprising a settlement means for collecting costs from the collection destination. 26. The recycling products are displayed in the space, the transportation means purchases the recycling products from the receiving destination, and the settlement means pays the cost from the purchase price of the recycling products. 26. The distribution system according to claim 25, which comprises means for deducting. 27. A space for displaying merchandise, a transportation means for carrying in the merchandise and delivering the recycling-type merchandise from the collection source to the collection destination, and a cost related to the transportation means is collected from the collection destination. A circulation-type product distribution system having a settlement means. 28. The distribution system according to claim 27, wherein the circulation type product is a camera, the collection source is a printing company, and the collection destination has a camera recycling function. 29. A space for displaying ordinary products that are not scheduled to be collected after distribution and recycling products that are planned to be collected, and transportation means for carrying in the general-purpose products and the recycling products.
And a circulation system for circulating products, which has a charging means for charging the normal products and the recycling products. 30. The charging means charges a total amount of the normal product and the circulation-type product.
9. The distribution system described in 9. 31. The distribution system according to claim 29, wherein the charging means charges the post-collection cost for the circulation type product. 32. The distribution system according to claim 29, wherein said charging means charges a different amount for the same circulation type product depending on its usage conditions. 33. The distribution system according to claim 29, wherein the circulation type product is a rental product. 34. The distribution system according to claim 29, wherein the charging means acquires information necessary for circulation of the circulation type product from the circulation type product at the time of charging. 35. The distribution system according to claim 29, wherein the circulation type product is a digital camera.