JP2003078810A - System and method for allowing image photographing, photographing charge management device, communication repeater, information terminal and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image photographing allowing system capable of providing a digital image photographing allowing system that can perform photographing operation control and photographing charging of a digital image by using an unspecified photographing means at a particular place, a photographing charge management device, a communication repeater, an information terminal, an image photographing allowing method and a storage medium. SOLUTION: A charging center 3 registers charge of an information terminal 1 in a prescribed facility for photographing when the information terminal 1 is made to enter the prescribed facility, also distributes an object of charging information to the information terminal 1, transmitting a radio search request from a cell station 2, thereby detects the information terminal 1 in the prescribed facility, allows an information terminal that has made charging registration to perform photographing and restricts an information terminal that has not made charging registration with respect to photographing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information terminal equipped with a camera unit capable of photographing digital contents, a cell station capable of wireless communication with the information terminal, and a billing center for managing billing information for photographing using the information terminal. Concerning the constituted image photographing permission system, photographing fee management device, communication relay device, information terminal, image photographing permission method, and storage medium, more specifically, the information terminal can digitally photograph still images and moving images, Sending and receiving objects to and from other information terminals and cell stations within a local wireless network using, for example, PHS (Personal Handy phone System) data communication, SS (Spread Spectrum) wireless communication, Bluetooth communication, etc. as a near field wireless communication line. Suitable for managing charges for shooting using information terminals in a prescribed facility with possible functions Imaging authorization system, capturing billing management apparatus, a communication relay device, an information terminal, an image capturing authorization method, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been a trend toward higher functionality in information terminals as well, and the number of information terminals equipped with a camera section as a standard is increasing. In addition, many cameras that take digital images have come to the trend of higher functionality, and there are many models equipped with communication means. In any case, not only is the photographed digital image browsed through the display unit of the information terminal body or the camera body, but the digital image is taken out from the information terminal body or the camera body and transferred to the Web server to access the Web server.
The usage method of putting a digital image on a server and publishing the digital image is becoming popular.

Further, the above information terminal is used as a communication means.
Serial communication such as UART (RS-232C), US
B (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (Institute of
Wired communication means such as Electrical and Electronics Engineers (1394) is installed, and PC (Personal C
The digital image can be transmitted and received between the information terminal and the PC.

Further, as a conventional example of how to limit the functions of the information terminal and the like, there is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-009.
"Recording medium, data receiving device and data receiving method, data reproducing device and data reproducing method,"
And an information processing apparatus and an information processing method ", a read-only area capable of reading information only;
A recording medium having a read / write area capable of both writing and reading of information, characterized in that permission information for permitting a predetermined process is recorded in the read-only area. It is shown. That is, by recording the permission information in the read-only area, the permission information is prevented from being deleted.

In addition, "Security device and security realization method" described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-297735.
The availability status detecting means for detecting whether or not the user is in the status of being able to use the service by the person identifying means for identifying the user who receives the service, and the other than the user. Person who has entered the service area of the service and is in a situation where the security of the service has been compromised, and the infringement situation detection means detects whether or not the electronic medium is authenticated. It proposes to limit the provision of services by authenticating itself.

In addition, in claim 5 of "electronic device" described in JP-A-11-296276, information for prohibiting or permitting execution of all or part of the functions of the electronic device is registered depending on the communication environment. Based on the communication environment condition acquired by the electronic device and the information registered in the information registration device, control for prohibiting or permitting execution of all or some of the functions of the electronic device. And means for restricting functions based on information registered by the communication environment.

[0007]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. In other words, when using an information terminal or camera equipped with a camera unit as described above and trying to shoot in a place where shooting with a camera is basically prohibited, such as in museums, a prior application for a shooting permission is required. Therefore, the person in charge must take the step of actually photographing, and only the object to be photographed must be photographed, which causes a problem that not only the clerical work but also the labor cost increases. In addition, when the camera is not a camera rented from an art museum but a camera brought in, there is a problem in that it is complicated to register the function-restricted information regarding the brought-in camera.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and provides a digital image photographing permission system which enables photographing operation control of a digital image using a non-specific photographing means at a specific place and photographing charging. A first object of the present invention is to provide an image capturing permission system, an image capturing / charging management device, a communication relay device, an information terminal, an image capturing permission method, and a storage medium that are enabled.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and does not bother a user who does not illegally use a digital image shooting operation control using an unspecified shooting means at a specific place, without annoying. A second object is to provide an image photographing permission system, a photographing accounting management device, a communication relay device, an information terminal, an image photographing permission method, and a storage medium that can be realized.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an information terminal having a photographing means, a photographing charge management device for managing a charge for photographing by the information terminal, and the information. An image photographing permission system comprising a communication relay device for relaying communication between a terminal and the photographing / charging management device, wherein the photographing / charging management device controls the information terminal in a predetermined facility. The charge for photographing is registered at the time of admission to the predetermined facility, the object as the charge information is distributed to the information terminal, and the wireless relay request is transmitted from the communication relay device so that the information terminal in the predetermined facility can be controlled. Detect and allow shooting for information terminals that have already registered for billing,
It is characterized in that shooting is restricted for information terminals for which charging has not been registered.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 2 is that the photographing and charging management device is such that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request. Specifying means for specifying
When it is determined that the information terminal has a photographing function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal and information requesting means for requesting the function information indicating the function of the information terminal to the information terminal, the information terminal Charging means for charging the shooting by the camera, and transmitting means for transmitting an object as the billing information to the information terminal and transmitting an object activation request for activating the object loaded on the information terminal to the information terminal. The communication relay device includes a conversion unit that converts a message from the photographing and charging management device to the information terminal according to a protocol of wireless communication with the information terminal, the information terminal including Responsive means for responding to the wireless exploration request, and professional means for responding to profile exchange from the photographing and charging management device. Exchange means for exchanging files, receiving means for receiving the object and the object activation request from the photographing / charging management device, and confirmation for confirming whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on a digital signature It has a means and a starting means for starting the object based on the object starting request.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 3 is that the photographing and charging management device is such that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request. Specifying means for specifying
When it is determined that the information terminal has a photographing function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal and information requesting means for requesting the function information indicating the function of the information terminal to the information terminal, the information terminal And a billing means for billing for photographing, and an object as the billing information are transmitted to the information terminal, and an object activation waiting request for waiting activation of the object loaded in the information terminal is transmitted to the information terminal. The communication relay device includes a conversion unit configured to convert a message from the photographing and charging management device to the information terminal according to a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal, the information terminal including the communication relay device. Responsive means for responding to the wireless search request from the device, and profile exchange from the photographing / charging management device An exchange means for responding and exchanging profiles, a receiving means for receiving the object and the object activation waiting request from the photographing and billing management device, and a digital signature indicating whether the object and the object activation waiting request are legitimate. A confirmation means for confirming the activation based on the object activation standby request, and an activation means for activating the object in synchronization with a photographing start instruction to the photographing means. And

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 prompts the information terminal to display a digital image captured by the image capturing means and to pay a fee in advance for image capturing in the predetermined facility. It is characterized in that it has display means for displaying.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the information terminal has a simultaneous recording means for simultaneously recording a digital voice at the time of photographing a digital image by the photographing means.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the information terminal has an embedding means for embedding copyright information in the digital image photographed by the photographing means by a digital watermark technique. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, in the invention according to claim 7, the communication relay device and the information terminal are SS
(Spread Spectrum) It is characterized by performing wireless communication by a wireless communication method.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the communication relay device and the information terminal have the S
Bluet, which is one of the S (Spread Spectrum) wireless communication systems
It is characterized by performing wireless communication using ooth.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 is such that the communication relay device and the information terminal are PHS.
(Personal Handy phone System) Characterized by wireless communication by data communication method.

To achieve the above object, in the invention according to claim 10, the information terminal is an electronic business card including profile information describing a function of the information terminal, and photographing control for controlling photographing by the photographing means. The present invention is characterized by including a service, a photographing service for embedding copyright information in the digital image by a digital watermark technique, a digital signature service for authenticating the object, a storage unit for storing an object received from the photographing / charging management device, and the like.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the communication relay device is installed near an object to be photographed in the predetermined facility.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 12 is such that, when the information terminal is not registered for charging, the photographing charging management device adds a photographing restriction parameter to the object, When the charging is already registered, it is characterized by including an adding unit for adding an electronic coupon parameter to the object.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 13 constitutes an image photographing permission system together with an information terminal having a photographing means and a communication relay device, and communicates with the information terminal via the communication relay device. A shooting charge management device that manages a charge for shooting by the information terminal, wherein the charge for shooting by the information terminal in a predetermined facility is registered at the time of admission to the predetermined facility, and the information terminal stores charge information as charge information. Distribute the object,
Detecting the information terminal in the predetermined facility by transmitting a wireless search request from the communication relay device, permitting photographing for the information terminal for which registration has been registered, and for information terminals for which registration has not been completed yet. It is characterized by limiting shooting.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 14 is a specifying means for specifying that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request. When it is determined that the information terminal has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal and an information requesting unit that requests the function information indicating the function of the information terminal to the information terminal,
A charging means for charging for photographing by the information terminal, an object as the charging information is transmitted to the information terminal, and an object activation request for activating the object loaded in the information terminal is transmitted to the information terminal And means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 15 is a specifying means for specifying that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request. When it is determined that the information terminal has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal and an information requesting unit that requests the function information indicating the function of the information terminal to the information terminal,
A billing unit for billing for photographing by the information terminal, and an object activation waiting request for transmitting an object as the billing information to the information terminal and waiting for activation of the object loaded in the information terminal to the information terminal. And a transmitting means for transmitting.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 16 is characterized in that when the information terminal is not registered for charging, a photographing restriction parameter is added to the object, and when the information terminal is already registered for charging. It is characterized by having an addition means for adding an electronic coupon parameter to the object.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 17 constitutes an image photographing permission system together with an information terminal having a photographing means and a photographing charging management device for managing a charge for photographing by the information terminal, A communication relay device that is interposed between a terminal and the shooting charge management device and relays communication between the two, wherein the shooting charge management device charges the predetermined facility a charge for shooting by the information terminal in the predetermined facility. Is registered at the time of admission, and after the object as billing information is distributed to the information terminal,
The wireless search request is transmitted, and at the same time, the response of the information terminal to the wireless search request is transmitted to the photographing and charging management device.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 18 has a conversion means for converting a message from the photographing / charging management device to the information terminal according to a protocol of wireless communication with the information terminal. To do.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 19 is an SS (Spread Spectru) with the information terminal.
m) A feature of performing wireless communication by a wireless communication system.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 20 is the SS (Spread Spe) between the information terminal and the information terminal.
It is characterized by performing wireless communication using Bluetooth, which is one of the wireless communication systems.

[0030] In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 21 is a PHS (Personal Hann) with the information terminal.
dy phone System) is characterized by performing wireless communication by a data communication method.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 22 is characterized in that the invention is installed near an object to be imaged in a predetermined facility in which the information terminal can image.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 23 constitutes an image photographing permission system together with a photographing charging management device for managing charging for photographing and a communication relay device for relaying communication with the photographing charging management device. In the information terminal having a photographing means, the photographing charge management device registers a charge for photographing in a predetermined facility at the time of entering the predetermined facility, and an object as charge information is distributed to register the charge. It is characterized in that the photographing is permitted when the billing has been completed and the photographing is restricted when the billing is not registered.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 24 responds to the wireless search request from the communication relay device, and to perform profile exchange in response to profile exchange from the photographing and charging management device. Exchanging means, receiving means for receiving the object and the object activation request from the photographing and charging management device, and confirmation means for confirming whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on a digital signature. And an activation unit that activates the object based on the object activation request.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 25 is such that a response means for responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay device and a profile exchange in response to a profile exchange from the photographing / charging management device. Exchange means for performing, receiving means for receiving the object and the object activation waiting request from the photographing and charging management device, and confirmation means for confirming whether the object and the object activation waiting request are legitimate based on a digital signature. And an activation standby unit that activates the object on the basis of the object activation standby request, and an activation unit that activates the object in synchronization with a photographing start instruction to the photographing unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 26 is a display means for displaying a digital image photographed by the photographing means, and for prompting to pay a fee in advance for photographing in the predetermined facility. It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention as set forth in claim 27 is characterized in that it has a simultaneous recording means for simultaneously recording a digital sound at the time of photographing a digital image by the photographing means.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention as set forth in claim 28 is characterized in that it has embedding means for embedding copyright information in the digital image photographed by the photographing means by a digital watermark technique.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 29 is an SS (Spread Spe) with the communication relay device.
ctrum) is characterized by performing wireless communication by a wireless communication system.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 30 is to perform the SS (Spread) with the communication relay device.
Spectrum) is characterized by performing wireless communication using Bluetooth, which is one of wireless communication systems.

[0040] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a thirty-first aspect of the present invention provides a PHS (Personal
Handy phone System) Characterized by performing wireless communication by data communication method.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention as set forth in claim 32, an electronic business card including profile information describing a function of the information terminal, a photographing control service for controlling photographing by the photographing means, the digital image And a storage means for storing an object such as a digital signing service for authenticating the object, an object received from the image capturing / charging management device, and the like.

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 33 is an information terminal having a photographing means, a photographing charge management device for managing a charge for photographing by the information terminal, the information terminal and the photographing charge management. An image capturing permission method executed by an image capturing permission system including a communication relay device which is interposed between the device and a communication relay device for relaying communication between the two, the information being provided in a predetermined facility by the image capturing charge management device. The charge for photographing by the terminal is registered at the time of entering the predetermined facility, the object as the charge information is distributed to the information terminal, and the information in the predetermined facility is transmitted by transmitting a wireless search request from the communication relay device. The feature is that it detects terminals and permits shooting for information terminals that have already registered for billing, and restricts shooting for information terminals for which billing has not been registered. To.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 34 is that in the photographing / charging management device, the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request. And an information requesting step of requesting the function information indicating the function of the information terminal to the information terminal, and the information terminal having a photographing function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal. If the determination is made, a charging step of charging for photographing by the information terminal, an object as the charging information is transmitted to the information terminal, and an object activation request for activating the object loaded in the information terminal is issued to the information terminal. And a transmission step of transmitting the message to the information terminal from the photographing fee management device. A conversion step of converting a message according to a protocol of wireless communication with the information terminal, the information terminal responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay apparatus, and a profile from the photographing fee management apparatus. An exchange process of responding to the exchange and exchanging profiles,
A receiving step of receiving the object and the object activation request from the photographing and charging management device, a confirmation step of confirming whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on a digital signature, and the object being the object And a start-up step of starting up based on a start-up request.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention as set forth in claim 35, wherein the photographing and charging management device is such that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request. And an information requesting step of requesting the function information indicating the function of the information terminal to the information terminal, and the information terminal having a photographing function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal. When it is determined, a charging step of charging for photographing by the information terminal, an object activation waiting request for transmitting an object as the accounting information to the information terminal and waiting for activation of the object loaded in the information terminal And a step of transmitting the information to the information terminal, wherein the communication relay device transfers the information from the photographing fee management device to the information terminal. A message for converting the message according to a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal, the information terminal responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay device; An exchanging step of exchanging profiles in response to the exchanging of profiles, a receiving step of receiving the object and the object activation waiting request from the photographing and charging management device, and a check of whether the object and the object activation waiting request are legitimate It has a confirmation step of confirming based on a digital signature, an activation standby step of waiting activation of the object based on the object activation standby request, and an activation step of activating the object in association with a photographing start instruction to the photographing step. It is characterized by

In order to achieve the above object, the invention as set forth in claim 36, an information terminal having a photographing means, a photographing charge management device for managing a charge for photographing by the information terminal, the information terminal and the photographing charge management. A computer-readable storage medium that stores a program that executes a digital image capturing permission method applied to an image capturing permission system that includes a communication relay device that is interposed between the device and a communication relay device that relays communication between the two. In the digital image photographing permission method, the photographing charge management device registers a charge for photographing by the information terminal in a predetermined facility at the time of admission to the predetermined facility, and the object as charge information in the information terminal. In the predetermined facility by transmitting a wireless search request from the communication relay device. A step of detecting the information terminal, a step of permitting photographing to an information terminal for which registration has been completed, and a step of restricting photographing to an information terminal for which registration has not been completed. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 37 is based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request, which is executed in the digital image shooting permission method. A specifying step for specifying that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area, an information requesting step for requesting the function information indicating a function of the information terminal to the information terminal, and the function information acquired from the information terminal When it is determined that the information terminal has a photographing function based on the above, a charging step of charging for photographing by the information terminal, an object as the charging information is transmitted to the information terminal, and the object loaded in the information terminal is transmitted. A transmission step of transmitting an object activation request for activating an object to the information terminal, and the communication relay device, The rows, a conversion step of converting in accordance with the from capturing billing management device of a wireless communication with the information terminal a message for the information terminal protocol,
A response step executed by the information terminal in response to the wireless search request from the communication relay apparatus; an exchange step in which profile exchange is performed in response to a profile exchange from the shooting fee management apparatus; A receiving step of receiving the object and the object activation request from the device, a confirmation step of confirming whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on a digital signature, and the object activation based on the object activation request And an activation step to perform.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention as set forth in claim 38, wherein the digital image photographing permission method is based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request, which is executed by the photographing fee management device. A specifying step for specifying that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area, an information requesting step for requesting the function information indicating a function of the information terminal to the information terminal, and the function information acquired from the information terminal When it is determined that the information terminal has a photographing function based on the above, a charging step of charging for photographing by the information terminal, an object as the charging information is transmitted to the information terminal, and the object loaded in the information terminal is transmitted. A transmission step of transmitting an object activation waiting request for waiting activation of an object to the information terminal; A conversion step executed by a relay device for converting a message to the information terminal from the photographing and charging management device according to a protocol of wireless communication with the information terminal; and a conversion step executed by the information terminal from the communication relay device. A response step of responding to a wireless search request, an exchange step of exchanging profiles in response to a profile exchange from the photographing / charging management device, and a receiving step of receiving the object and the object activation waiting request from the photographing / charging management device. A confirmation step for confirming whether the object and the object activation waiting request are legitimate based on a digital signature; an activation waiting step for waiting activation of the object based on the object activation waiting request; For the shooting step And having a starting step that starts in conjunction with the shadow start instruction.

[0048]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, an outline of the present invention will be described before describing an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention provides an image photographing permission system comprising an information terminal equipped with photographing means, a cell station capable of wireless communication with the information terminal, and a billing center for managing billing information for photographing using the information terminal. When shooting with an information terminal in a predetermined facility such as
Before entering the facility, purchase a digital ticket and register the information terminal in the billing database of the billing center. After the information terminal is found by the radio search radio wave notified from the cell station installed in the facility, it is reported to the billing center, and the billing center determines whether or not the information terminal has a shooting profile, and then bills. Search whether the information terminal is registered in the billing database of the center.

If the information terminal is registered, a parameter that is OK is added, and if the information terminal is not registered, a parameter that is NG is added to dynamically create a control object, Send the control object to the information terminal via the cell station. After that, when the information terminal is found by the radio wave from the cell station and the charging center confirms that the information terminal has the control object and is not charged by the profile exchange, the control object start command is issued. The information is sent from the billing center to the information terminal via the cell station. As a result, the control object is activated in the information terminal, and the shooting restriction for the information terminal is executed.

The present invention is based on the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-009198.
The configuration for recording the permission information in the read-only area in "Recording medium, data receiving device and data receiving method, data reproducing device and data reproducing method, and information processing device and information processing method" In addition, in the "security device and security realization method" described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-297735,
It does not adopt a configuration in which the provision of services is restricted by authenticating the person itself.
The "electronic device" described in Japanese Patent No. 296276 does not adopt a configuration of limiting functions based on information registered depending on the communication environment, and an object dynamically created based on the functions of an information terminal and charging information. To the information terminal, the function of the information terminal is restricted by the control information embedded in the object, and the function execution of the information terminal is also permitted.

Hereinafter, the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital image photographing permission system according to the embodiment of FIG. The digital image photographing permission system includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 200, and an input unit 30.
0, a communication unit 400, a display unit 500, a camera unit 600, a mode selector switch, a shutter button (these are not shown), a control unit 800, a cell station 2 including a communication unit 810, and a control unit. 900, communication unit 91
0 and a billing center 3 having a billing database 920.

To explain the above-mentioned configuration in detail, the information terminal 1 is configured to be capable of photographing a digital image, displaying the photographed digital image, various input operations, and wireless communication. The control unit 100 controls programs and the like by loading a program, responds to a wireless search request from the cell station 2, controls profile exchanges in response to profile exchanges from the charging center 3, Control for receiving an object and an object activation request from the billing center 3, control for confirming whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on a digital signature,
Controls the activation of an object based on an object activation request. Further, the control unit 100 executes the processing on the information terminal side shown in each sequence diagram and each flow chart described later.

The storage section 200 is a storage means such as a storage area for caching various information and storing various service programs, and a storage area for storing digital images. The input unit 300 includes buttons and the like for inputting various instructions and characters. The communication unit 400 controls wireless communication with the cell station 2. The display unit 500 controls display of information, instruction messages, captured images, and the like input from the input unit 300.
The camera unit 600 captures a digital image of an object to be captured. Furthermore, the information terminal 1 also has a function of simultaneously recording digital voice when a digital image is captured, and a function of embedding copyright information in a digital image by a digital watermark technique.

The cell station 2 converts a message or the like from the billing center 3 into a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal 1 or a function depending on the protocol, so that the billing center 3 and the information terminal 1 communicate with each other. It mainly controls communication. The control unit 800 performs control of converting a message from the billing center 3 to the information terminal 1 into a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal 1 or a function depending on the protocol. Further, the control unit 800 executes processing on the cell station side shown in each sequence diagram and each flow diagram described later. The communication unit 810 controls wireless communication between the cell station 2 and the information terminal 1. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates the essential components (control unit and communication unit) of the cell station 2, and the illustration and description of the other components are omitted.

The billing center 3 mainly manages billing for photography by the information terminal 1 inside the museum when a user enters a facility such as a museum where the digital image photographing permission system is installed, and the information terminal 1 to send messages and commands, and mainly control charging. Control unit 900
Is a control for identifying that the information terminal 1 exists within a predetermined area based on the wireless response from the information terminal 1.
Control for requesting function information indicating the function of the information terminal 1, and control for charging for shooting by the information terminal 1 when it is determined that the information terminal 1 has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal 1. , Control of transmitting the billing information as an object to the information terminal 1, and control of transmitting an object activation request to activate the object loaded in the information terminal 1 to the information terminal 1. In addition, the control unit 900
Executes the processing on the charging center side shown in each sequence diagram and each flow diagram described later.

The communication unit 910 controls communication between the charging center 3 and the cell station 2. Billing database 9
Information relating to billing such as addresses of a plurality of information terminals 1 in the digital image photographing permission system is registered in 20. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates the essential components (control unit and communication unit) of the charging center 3, and the illustration and description of other components are omitted.

In the present digital image photographing permission system, the cell station 2 and the billing center 3 are connected by a wired line so that they can communicate with each other.
In addition, the cell station 2 and the information terminal 1 are PHS
(Personal Handy phone System) data communication, SS (Spread Spectrum) wireless communication, or wireless communication by a local wireless network using Bluetooth communication or the like is configured.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship of each module inside the information terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the information terminal 1, the control unit 100, the storage unit 200, the input unit 300, the communication unit 400, the display unit 50.
0, the camera unit 600 is an I / O bus (PCI (Peripher
al Component Interconnect) Control line such as bus) 700
Are connected to each other and can communicate with each other.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the storage unit 200 of the information terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The storage unit 200 of the information terminal 1 has a wireless communication service 201, a shooting control service 202, an object exchange service 203, a shooting service 204, and an input service 20.
5, information about the electronic business card 206, the control object 207, and the digital signature service 208 is stored.

That is, the information terminal 1 provides the following information services. Wireless communication service 201 is Blue
It is a service that enables establishment of local wireless data communication local lines by tooth communication. The shooting control service 202 is a service that controls shooting by the camera unit 600 according to specific control information. The object exchange service 203 is a service for transmitting and receiving objects. The photographing service 204 is a service that enables the camera unit 600 to photograph information such as a scene or a scenery on the spot, and embeds copyright information with a digital watermark. The input service 205 is the camera unit 600.
It is a service for mode switching switch, shutter button, character input, etc. used for shooting. Electronic business card 20
Reference numeral 6 stores information indicating the owner of the information terminal 1, service function information installed in the information terminal 1 itself, and the like. The control object 207 is an object received from the charging center 3 or the like. Digital signature service 2
Reference numeral 08 is a service for authenticating an object.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between the information terminal 1 and the cell station 2 in a predetermined facility (art museum) to which the digital image photographing permission system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. In the vicinity of a plurality of exhibits (pictures) inside the museum, cell stations 2 that control communication between the billing center 3 and the information terminal 1 are arranged. Each cell station 2 is connected to the billing center 3 by a wired line and is configured to be able to communicate with each other. The charging center 3 is the cell station 2
Via the, the charge and the like for photographing by the information terminal 1 inside the museum is managed, and the charge is controlled by transmitting a message and a command to the information terminal 1.

Next, the first aspect of the present invention constructed as described above
The operation of the digital image photographing permission system according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a digital ticket distribution operation among the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 and the billing center 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
6 to 8 are flowcharts showing a digital ticket distribution operation among the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 and the charging center 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 are sequence diagrams showing a series of operations for charging confirmation among the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 and the charging center 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The information terminal 1, the cell station 2 according to the embodiment of
It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of charging confirmation between the charging centers 3.

In advance, the communication service of the information terminal 1 is set to O
Bl as an address for connection of a layer corresponding to a physical layer in SI (Open Systems Interconnection) 7-layer structure
An individual identification address (called a BD address in this example) such as uetooth is assigned. In addition, the storage unit 200 of the information terminal 1 stores the information of the owner of the information terminal 1 in the input unit 3
An electronic business card 206 including information input from 00 and profile information describing the function of the information terminal 1 is stored in advance. Further, the wireless communication service 201 stored in the storage unit 200 as a service for controlling the communication unit 400 of the information terminal 1 always operates as long as the information terminal 1 is powered on, and the wireless communication service from the cell station 2 is used. The system waits for a response to the search request at any time (step S1001).

When the user enters the museum as shown in FIG. 4 in which the digital image photographing permission system is installed, by paying the photographing permission price for photographing in the museum, the digital ticket ( Function control object or same as object). The sequence diagram in this case is FIG. 5, and the flow diagrams are FIGS. 6 to 8. The operation will be described in detail.

First, in response to a wireless device monitoring request (step S1301) from the billing center 3, an address search request is issued from the cell station 2 after the user of the information terminal 1 purchases a digital ticket (step S1201). ). The communication unit 400 of the information terminal 1, which has received the address search request (step S1002),
The communication unit 400 transmits an address search confirmation including its own wireless address to the cell station 2 (step S1).
003). Upon receiving the address search confirmation from the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 transmits a wireless device monitoring confirmation (From: information terminal 1) to the charging center 3 (step S1202).

The wireless device monitoring confirmation (From: information terminal 1) is received from the cell station 2 (step S130).
2) The billing center 3 transmits a wireless device identification request (To: information terminal 1) to the cell station 2 in order to identify the wireless device function or the like (step S1303). Wireless device identification request from the billing center 3 (To: information terminal 1)
The cell station 2 which has received the
An electronic business card exchange request attached with its own electronic business card is transmitted (step S1203). Upon receiving the electronic business card exchange request from the cell station 2 via the communication unit 400 (step S1004), the control unit 100 of the information terminal 1 sends the electronic business card 206 stored in the storage unit 200 to the wireless communication service 201. It transmits to the cell station 2 via the communication part 400 (step S1005).

Upon receiving the electronic business card from the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 transmits a wireless device identification confirmation (From: information terminal 1) to the billing center 3 with the parameters of the profile information in the electronic business card (step). S120
4). Confirmation of wireless device identification from cell station 2 (Fr
om: information terminal 1) is received (step S1304), the billing center 3 analyzes the profile information of the information terminal 1 attached as a parameter of the wireless device identification confirmation (From: information terminal 1), and It is determined whether or not the digital photographing function is available (step S130).
5). In the billing center 3, the profile information of the information terminal 1 is analyzed, and when it is determined that the information terminal 1 does not have the function capable of digital photographing, the processing ends without doing anything (step S1306).

At the billing center 3, the profile information of the information terminal 1 is analyzed, and when it is determined that the information terminal 1 has a function capable of digital photographing, it is determined whether the digital ticket purchase target is the information terminal 1. (Step S1307). If the information terminal 1 is not the information terminal for which the digital ticket is to be purchased, a shooting restriction parameter is added as a control object generation parameter (step S1308). On the other hand, when the information terminal 1 is an information terminal for digital ticket purchase, an electronic coupon parameter is added as a default parameter (step S1309). Thereafter, in the billing center 3, a function control object is dynamically generated based on various parameters (step S1310), and in order to send the function control object to the information terminal 1, a function control object sending request (To: information terminal 1 ) Is transmitted to the cell station 2 (step S1311).

Upon receiving the function control object transmission request (To: information terminal 1) from the charging center 3, the cell station 2 transmits an object reception request to the information terminal 1 (step S1205). Cell station 2
The object reception request from the control unit 10 of the information terminal 1 has been received via the communication unit 400 (step S1006).
0 indicates the object exchange service 20 from the storage unit 200.
3 is loaded and activated, and an object reception confirmation is transmitted to the cell station 2 (step S100).
7). Upon receiving the object reception confirmation from the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 transmits a function control object transmission confirmation (From: information terminal 1) to the charging center 3 (step S1206). Upon receiving the confirmation of sending of the function control object (From: information terminal 1) from the cell station 2 (step S1312), the charging center 3 passes the generated function control object through the cell station 2 (step S1207), 1 (step S1313).

In the information terminal 1, when the control object is received, in order to confirm whether or not the control object is a proper one, the control unit 100 has the storage unit 20.
The digital signature service 208 of 0 is used for digital signature verification (step S1008), and then the control object is received (step S1009). When the reception of the control object is completed, the information terminal 1 first adds the object possession information to the electronic business card information, and notifies the cell station 2 of the completion of the object reception (step S1010). The cell station 2 transmits a function control object transmission completion (From: information terminal 1) to the charging center 3 (step S1208). The billing center 3 receives the function control object transmission completion (From: information terminal 1) from the cell station 2 and completes the admission procedure (digital ticket purchase procedure) of the information terminal 1 (step S1314).

After the user enters the museum, it is confirmed whether or not the information terminal 1 is actually charged by a wireless search request from the cell station 2 installed beside a picture displayed in the museum. FIG. 9 is a processing sequence diagram for performing the processing and FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 are flowcharts. The operation in this case will be described in detail.

A request for monitoring a wireless device is periodically transmitted from the billing center 3 to the cell station 2 in the museum (step S2301), and an address search request is regularly notified from the cell station 2 (step S2201). ). Steps S2002 to S2005 in the information terminal 1 and step S in the cell station 2, which are the location confirmation processing of the information terminal 1 from here.
2202 to step S2204, and the series of processes of step S2302 to step S2304 in the billing center 3 are steps S1002 to S1005 in the information terminal 1 of the above-mentioned admission operation process, and steps S1202 to S12 in the cell station 2.
04, and step S1302 in the charging center 3.
~ Since it is the same as the series of processing in step S1304,
The description is omitted.

At the billing center 3, it is determined whether or not the information terminal 1 has an object (digital ticket) based on the profile information of the electronic business card of the information terminal 1 received via the cell station 2 (step S2305). When the information terminal 1 does not have an object (digital ticket) (step S2306), the processing after step S1305 of FIG. 8 is executed to execute the digital ticket distribution operation. If the information terminal 1 has an object (digital ticket), then it is determined whether or not the address of the information terminal 1 is registered in the charging database 920 of the charging center 3 (step S2307).

When the information terminal 1 is registered for billing, the billing center 3 does nothing, and in the information terminal 1, the photographing service 204 of the storage unit 200 is activated,
It is possible to use the camera unit 600 or the like to digitally photograph a picture of a museum or the like. At this time, the control unit 1 of the information terminal 1
00 adds a digital watermark to the captured image based on the electronic business card information received from the cell station 2 (step S2308). If the information terminal 1 is not registered for charging, the charging center 3 transmits a function control object activation request addressed to the information terminal 1 to the cell station 2 (step S2309). Upon receiving the function control object activation request (To: information terminal 1) from the charging center 3, the cell station 2 transmits the object activation request to the information terminal 1 (step S2205).

An object activation request from the cell station 2 is received via the communication section 400 (step S2).
006) The control unit 100 of the information terminal 1 confirms whether or not the object activation request is genuine by using the digital signature service 208 of the storage unit 200 (step S).
2007). If the confirmation is OK, the control unit 1 of the information terminal 1
00 activates the control object stored in the storage unit 200, and transmits an object activation confirmation to the cell station 2 via the wireless unit 400 (step S2008). Upon receiving the object activation confirmation from the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 transmits a function control object activation confirmation (From: information terminal 1) to the charging center 3 (step S2206).

Confirmation of activation of the function control object (From: information terminal 1) from the cell station 2 is sent to the charging center 3
Is received, and the start command transmission process ends (step S2310). Information terminal 1 that started the object
In accordance with the control information of the object, the control unit 100 loads the image capturing control service 202 from the storage unit 200 and executes the image capturing control service 202 to perform the control that the image capturing operation cannot be performed. Please display a message saying "Please pay the fee" (step S2).
009).

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the information terminal 1 having the camera unit 600,
In a digital image photographing permission system including a billing center 3 that manages billing for photographing by the information terminal 1 and a cell station 2 that relays communication between the information terminal 1 and the billing center 3, the billing center 3 makes a wireless search request. Information terminal 1 based on a wireless response from information terminal 1 to
Determines that the information terminal 1 exists within a predetermined area, requests the function information indicating the function of the information terminal 1 from the information terminal 1, and determines that the information terminal 1 has a photographing function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal 1. If it is determined, the information terminal 1 is charged for shooting, and the object as the charging information is charged as the information terminal 1
To the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 sends a message to the information terminal 1 from the charging center 3 for wireless communication with the information terminal 1. After conversion according to the protocol, the information terminal 1 responds to the wireless search request from the cell station 2, performs profile exchange in response to the profile exchange from the charging center 3, and receives an object and an object activation request from the charging center 3. Since it is confirmed whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on the digital signature and the object is activated based on the object activation request, the following unique effects can be achieved. (1) Depending on the type of the information terminal, in the case of an information terminal that does not have the function to be restricted, there is an effect that it is not necessary to perform the function restriction procedure. (2) By adding an electronic coupon to the object (digital ticket) as the billing information, the billing can be discounted when the user re-enters the museum, and the re-entry user can be preferentially treated. (3) Even when the user turns on the power of the information terminal after entering the museum, by sending a wireless search request, it is detected that the information terminal is in the area, and shooting is automatically restricted. There is an effect that can be done. (4) Since it is confirmed whether the control object and the control object activation request are legitimate based on the digital signature, there is an effect of high security. (5) Since the general command issued from the billing center is converted into a command on the communication protocol in the cell station, there is an effect that the program of the billing center hardly needs to be changed even if the communication environment is changed.

[Second Embodiment] A configuration example (see FIG. 1) of a digital image photographing permission system including an information terminal 1, a cell station 2 and a billing center 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and information. The configuration showing the connection relationship of each module inside the terminal 1 (see FIG. 2), the detailed configuration example of the storage unit 200 of the information terminal 1 (see FIG. 3), the information terminal 1 in the museum, the cell station 2, and the charging center 3 The arrangement example (see FIG. 4) is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention constructed as described above.
The operation of the digital image photographing permission system according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 13 to 16.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a series of billing confirmation operations among the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 and the billing center 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a flow chart showing a series of operations for confirming charging among the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 and the charging center 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

When the user enters the museum as shown in FIG. 4 in which the digital image photographing permission system is installed, the user pays the photographing permission price in the museum, so that the digital ticket (function control Since the operation of loading an object or the same as an object) is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted in the second embodiment.

After the user enters the museum, it is confirmed whether or not the information terminal 1 is actually charged by a wireless search request or the like from the cell station 2 installed beside a picture displayed in the museum. The processing sequence diagram is FIG. 13, and the flow diagrams are FIGS. 14 to 16. The operation in this case will be described in detail.

A request for monitoring a wireless device is periodically transmitted from the billing center 3 to the cell station 2 in the museum (step S3301), and an address search request is regularly notified from the cell station 2 (step S3201). ). Steps S3002 to S3005 in the information terminal 1 and step S in the cell station 2, which are the location confirmation processing of the information terminal 1 from here.
3202 to step S3204, and the series of processes of step S3302 to step S3304 in the charging center 3 are steps S1002 to S100 in the information terminal 1 of the admission process of the first embodiment.
5, step S1202 in the cell station 2
Since it is the same as the series of processing in step S1204 and steps S1302 to S1304 in the charging center 3, the description thereof will be omitted.

Further, the processing of steps S3305 to S3308 in the charging center 3 which is a series of determination processing performed prior to the object activation processing is performed by the charging center 3 in the object pre-activation determination processing of the first embodiment. S2305 to S23
Since it is the same as the processing of 08, description will be omitted.

If the information terminal 1 is not registered for charging, the charging center 3 transmits a function control object activation waiting request addressed to the information terminal 1 to the cell station 2 (step S3309). Upon receiving the function control object activation waiting request (To: information terminal 1) from the charging center 3, the cell station 2 transmits the object activation waiting request to the information terminal 1 (step S3205). Upon receiving the object activation waiting request from the cell station 2 via the communication unit 400 (step S3006), the control unit 100 of the information terminal 1 determines whether or not the object activation waiting request is a real digital image in the storage unit 200. Confirm using the signature service 208 (step S300)
7).

When the confirmation is OK, the control unit 1 of the information terminal 1
00 waits for activation of the control object stored in the storage unit 200, and transmits an object activation standby confirmation to the cell station 2 via the wireless unit 400 (step S3008). Upon receiving the object activation waiting confirmation from the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 transmits a function control object activation waiting confirmation (From: information terminal 1) to the charging center 3 (step S320).
6). The billing center 3 confirms the function control object activation waiting from the cell station 2 (From: information terminal 1)
Is received and the start standby command transmission process is ended (step S3310).

After that, the user selects the camera unit 6 of the information terminal 1.
If a shutter button (not shown) of the input unit 300 of the information terminal 1 is pressed to capture a picture displayed in the museum by 00 (step S3009), the input unit 3
The control unit 100 of the information terminal 1, which has received the shooting event from 00, starts the execution of the object in the object activation waiting state and performs the following processing. That is, the control unit 10
No. 0 means that the shooting control service 202 is loaded from the storage unit 200 and executed to control the shooting operation cannot be performed, and the display unit 500 indicates that “please pay a fee in advance for shooting in the hall”. A message is displayed (step S3010).

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the information terminal 1 having the camera unit 600,
In a digital image photographing permission system including a billing center 3 that manages billing for photographing by the information terminal 1 and a cell station 2 that relays communication between the information terminal 1 and the billing center 3, the billing center 3 makes a wireless search request. Information terminal 1 based on a wireless response from information terminal 1 to
Determines that the information terminal 1 exists within a predetermined area, requests the function information indicating the function of the information terminal 1 from the information terminal 1, and determines that the information terminal 1 has a photographing function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal 1. If it is determined, the information terminal 1 is charged for shooting, and the object as the charging information is charged as the information terminal 1
To the information terminal 1, the cell station 2 sends a message to the information terminal 1 from the charging center 3 to the information terminal 1. The information terminal 1 is converted according to the wireless communication protocol,
In response to the wireless search request from the cell station 2, the profile exchange is performed in response to the profile exchange from the billing center 3, the object and the object activation waiting request are received from the billing center 3, and the object and the object activation waiting request are normal. Whether or not the object is confirmed based on the digital signature, the activation of the object is made to wait based on the object activation waiting request, and the object is activated in association with pressing the shutter button, so that the following unique effects can be achieved. . (1) If the camera section of the information terminal does not perform an illegal photographing operation, there is an effect that an extra machine cost is not consumed. That is, whether the user is intentional or not
Unless the information terminal is illegally used (uncharged shooting operation = shutter is released without charge), the machine consumption cost (consumption of battery, liquid crystal, backlight, etc.) due to the operation of the uncharged check program is suppressed. The effect is that you can. (2) The effect that if the user leaves the museum without the camera section of the information terminal performing an unauthorized shooting operation, the user will not be aware that the function of the information terminal 1 was restricted. There is. (3) Since the information terminal confirms whether or not the control object and the control object activation waiting request are legitimate based on the digital signature, there is an effect of high security.

[Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following modifications are possible.

In the first and second embodiments, SS
(Spread Spectrum) As the wireless communication, the IEEE802.11b communication method and the IEEE802.11a communication method may be used.

In the first and second embodiments, advertising information of a museum or a third party may be embedded in the object and displayed on the display unit 500 of the information terminal 1.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, there may be a mechanism that can release the control activated state of the object (digital ticket) at the time of leaving the museum. In that case, in the information terminal 1, the mechanism may be such that the object is erased in conjunction with a button for erasing all images taken by the camera unit 600.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the cell station 2 and the billing center 3 are connected by a wired line, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cell station 2 and the billing center 3 may be connected by a wireless line.

Further, in the first embodiment, the copyright information is embedded in the photographed digital image by a digital watermark, but the present invention is not limited to this method, and the copyright information of the digital image is Different methods may be used as long as they can be confirmed after shooting.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case where a digital image is photographed by the information terminal is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the digital image being a still image. , Eg MPEG (Moving Picture E)
xpert Group) -2, MPEG-4 type moving image, moving image with sound may be used.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the charge management for shooting in the museum has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the museum, and it is not limited to the museum. It may be applied to charge management for photographing in various facilities.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. A medium such as a storage medium that stores a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the medium in the medium such as the storage medium. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the executed program code.

In this case, the program code itself read from the medium such as the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the medium such as the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. It will be. As a medium such as a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-RO.
M, CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card,
ROM or download via a network can be used.

Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer is actually executed based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the present invention includes a case where a part or all of the processing of (1) is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from a medium such as a storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the instruction of the program code is given. Based on the above, a case where a CPU or the like included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of actual processing and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is not included in the present invention. Needless to say.

[0104]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The following effects can be achieved. (1) There is an effect that it is possible to provide a digital image photographing permission method that enables photographing operation control of a digital image using an unspecified photographing means in a specific place (predetermined facility) and charging for photographing. (2) A digital image capturing operation control using an unspecified image capturing unit in a specific place (predetermined facility) can be realized without bothering a user who does not illegally use (pay for image capturing). The effect is that you can do it. (3) By adding the electronic coupon parameter to the object as the billing information, the billing can be discounted when the user re-enters the predetermined facility, and the re-entrying user can be preferentially treated. (4) Since the information terminal confirms whether the object and the object activation request (or the object activation waiting request) are authentic based on the digital signature, there is an effect that the security is high. (5) Even when the user turns on the power of the information terminal after entering the predetermined facility, by sending a wireless search request, it is detected that the information terminal is in the area,
This has the effect of automatically limiting shooting. (6) Since the message issued from the photographing / charging management device is converted in the communication relay device in accordance with the wireless communication protocol, there is an effect that the program of the photographing / charging management device hardly needs to be changed even if the communication environment is changed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital image photographing permission system according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship of each module inside an information terminal of the digital image photographing permission system according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a storage unit of the information terminal of the digital image photographing permission system according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement example of information terminals, cell stations, and a charging center in the museum according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a digital ticket distribution operation among the information terminal, the cell station, and the charging center according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a digital ticket distribution operation among the information terminal, the cell station, and the charging center according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a digital ticket distribution operation among the information terminal, the cell station, and the charging center according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing an operation of distributing a digital ticket among the information terminal, the cell station, and the charging center according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a series of operations for confirming charging among the information terminal, the cell station, and the charging center according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an information terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of a charging confirmation between a cell station and a charging center.

FIG. 11 is an information terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of a charging confirmation between a cell station and a charging center.

FIG. 12 is an information terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of a charging confirmation between a cell station and a charging center.

FIG. 13 is an information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
It is a sequence diagram showing a series of operations for confirmation of charging between the cell station and the charging center.

FIG. 14 is an information terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of a charging confirmation between a cell station and a charging center.

FIG. 15 is an information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of a charging confirmation between a cell station and a charging center.

FIG. 16 is an information terminal according to the second embodiment of the present invention,
It is a flowchart which shows a series of operation | movement of a charging confirmation between a cell station and a charging center.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Information Terminal 2 Cell Station (Communication Relay Device) 3 Billing Center (Photographing Billing Management Device) 100 Control Unit (Exchange Means, Starting Means, Activation Standby Means, Confirming Means, Embedding Means) 200 Storage Unit (Memory Means) ) 202 shooting control service 203 object exchange service 204 shooting service 206 electronic business card 207 control object 400 communication unit (responding unit, receiving unit) of information terminal 500 display unit (display unit) 600 camera unit (shooting unit) 800 control of cell station Unit (converting unit) 810 communication unit of cell station 900 control unit of billing center (identifying unit, information requesting unit, billing unit, adding unit) 910 communication unit of billing center (transmitting unit)

Claims (38)

[Claims] 1. An information terminal having a photographing means, a photographing / charging management device for managing charging for photographing by the information terminal, and a communication between the information terminal and the photographing / charging management device interposed between the two. An image photographing permission system including a communication relay device, wherein the photographing charge management device registers a charge for photographing by the information terminal in a predetermined facility at the time of entering the predetermined facility, and By distributing an object as billing information and sending a wireless search request from the communication relay device, the information terminal in the predetermined facility is detected, and photographing is permitted for the information terminal that has already been registered for billing. An image photographing permission system characterized by limiting photographing to unregistered information terminals. 2. The photographing / charging management device identifies the information terminal in a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request, and specifies the information terminal to the information terminal. Information requesting means for requesting function information indicating a function of the information terminal, and charging for charging by the information terminal when it is determined that the information terminal has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal Means for transmitting the object as the billing information to the information terminal, and a transmission means for transmitting an object activation request to activate the object loaded in the information terminal to the information terminal, the communication relay The device sends a message from the photographing and charging management device to the information terminal according to a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal. A conversion means for converting, the information terminal, a response means for responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay device, an exchange means for performing profile exchange in response to profile exchange from the photographing fee management device, A receiving unit that receives the object and the object activation request from the photographing and charging management device;
2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a confirmation unit that confirms whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on a digital signature, and an activation unit that activates the object based on the object activation request. Image capturing permission system. 3. The photographing and charging management device, and specifying means for specifying that the information terminal is within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request, Information requesting means for requesting function information indicating a function of the information terminal, and charging for charging by the information terminal when it is determined that the information terminal has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal Means for transmitting the object as the billing information to the information terminal, and a transmission means for transmitting to the information terminal an object activation waiting request for waiting activation of the object loaded in the information terminal, The communication relay device sends a message from the photographing and charging management device to the information terminal to a wireless communication protocol with the information terminal. The information terminal includes a conversion unit that converts according to a protocol, the information terminal responds to the wireless search request from the communication relay device, and an exchange unit that exchanges a profile in response to a profile exchange from the photographing / charging management device. Receiving means for receiving the object and the object activation waiting request from the photographing and charging management device; confirmation means for confirming whether the object and the object activation waiting request are legitimate based on a digital signature; 2. The image according to claim 1, further comprising: activation waiting means for waiting activation of an object based on the object activation waiting request, and activation means for activating the object in synchronization with a photographing start instruction to the photographing means. Shooting permission system. 4. The information terminal has a display unit for displaying a digital image captured by the image capturing unit and for prompting to pay a fee in advance for image capturing in the predetermined facility. Item 4. The image photographing permission system according to any one of Items 1 to 3. 5. The image photographing permission system according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal has a simultaneous recording means for simultaneously recording a digital sound when the digital image is photographed by the photographing means. 6. The information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an embedding unit for embedding copyright information in the digital image photographed by the photographing unit by a digital watermark technique.
The image capturing permission system according to any one of 1. 7. The communication relay device and the information terminal are:
The image capturing permission system according to claim 1, wherein wireless communication is performed by an SS (Spread Spectrum) wireless communication method. 8. The communication relay device and the information terminal are:
The image capturing permission system according to claim 7, wherein wireless communication using Bluetooth, which is one of the SS (Spread Spectrum) wireless communication systems, is performed. 9. The communication relay device and the information terminal,
7. The image capturing permission system according to claim 1, wherein wireless communication is performed by a PHS (Personal Handy phone System) data communication method. 10. The information terminal uses an electronic business card including profile information describing a function of the information terminal, a shooting control service for controlling shooting by the shooting means, and digital watermark technology for copyright information on the digital image. 10. The image photographing permission according to claim 1, further comprising: a photographing service to be embedded, a digital signature service for authenticating the object, and a storage unit for storing an object received from the photographing / charging management device. system. 11. The image photographing permission system according to claim 1, wherein the communication relay device is installed near an object to be photographed in the predetermined facility. 12. The photographing / charging management device adds a photographing restriction parameter to the object when the information terminal is not registered for billing, and an electronic coupon parameter for the object when the information terminal is already registered for billing. The image photographing permission system according to claim 1, further comprising: an addition unit that adds the. 13. A picture-taking billing system that constitutes an image-taking permission system together with an information terminal having a photographing means and a communication relay device, and communicates with the information terminal via the communication relay device to manage a billing fee for photographing by the information terminal. A management device, which registers a charge for photographing by the information terminal in a predetermined facility when entering the predetermined facility, distributes an object as charging information to the information terminal, and requests a wireless search from the communication relay device. Is sent to detect the information terminal in the predetermined facility, permitting the photographing of information terminals that have already been registered for billing, and limit the photographing for information terminals that have not been billed yet. A shooting charge management device. 14. A specifying unit for specifying that the information terminal is within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request, and a function provided to the information terminal for the information terminal. Information requesting means for requesting function information, and charging means for charging for shooting by the information terminal when it is determined that the information terminal has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal,
14. A transmission unit for transmitting an object as the billing information to the information terminal, and transmitting an object activation request for activating the object loaded in the information terminal to the information terminal. The described photographing and charging management device. 15. A specifying unit that specifies that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request, and a function that the information terminal has for the information terminal. Information requesting means for requesting function information, and charging means for charging for shooting by the information terminal when it is determined that the information terminal has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal,
And a transmission means for transmitting an object as the billing information to the information terminal, and transmitting an object activation waiting request for waiting activation of the object loaded in the information terminal to the information terminal. The photographing and charging management device according to claim 13. 16. When the information terminal is not registered for charging, a shooting restriction parameter is added to the object,
16. The photographing and charging management device according to claim 13, further comprising: an addition unit that adds an electronic coupon parameter to the object when the information terminal is already registered for charging. 17. An image photographing permission system is configured with an information terminal having a photographing means and a photographing charging management device for managing charging for photographing by the information terminal, and is provided between the information terminal and the photographing charging management device. A communication relay device for relaying communication between the two, wherein the shooting charge management device registers a charge for shooting by the information terminal in a predetermined facility at the time of admission to the predetermined facility, and charges the information terminal with billing information. After the object is distributed, a wireless search request is sent out, and a response of the information terminal to the wireless search request is sent to the photographing and charging management device. 18. The communication relay device according to claim 17, further comprising a conversion unit that converts a message sent from the photographing / charging management device to the information terminal according to a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal. 19. SS (Spread S) with the information terminal
19. The communication relay device according to claim 17, wherein wireless communication is performed by a wireless communication system. 20. The SS (Spre) is exchanged with the information terminal.
20. The communication relay apparatus according to claim 19, wherein wireless communication is performed using Bluetooth, which is one of ad Spectrum) wireless communication systems. 21. A PHS (Person) with the information terminal.
Al Handy phone System) The communication relay device according to any one of claims 17 to 18, which performs wireless communication by a data communication method. 22. The communication relay device according to claim 17, wherein the communication relay device is installed in the vicinity of an object to be imaged in a predetermined facility where the information terminal can image. 23. An information terminal, comprising an image capturing means, which comprises an image capturing permitting system, together with a image capturing / charging management device for managing a charge for photographing and a communication relay device for relaying communication with the image capturing / charging management device, By the photographing / charging management device, a fee for photographing in a predetermined facility is registered upon entering the predetermined facility, and an object as billing information is distributed. If the billing is registered, the photographing is permitted and the billing is not registered. An information terminal characterized in that shooting is restricted in some cases. 24. Responding means for responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay apparatus, exchanging means for exchanging profiles in response to profile exchange from the photographing / charging management apparatus, and the object from the photographing / charging management apparatus. And receiving means for receiving the object activation request,
24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: a confirmation unit that confirms whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on a digital signature, and an activation unit that activates the object based on the object activation request. Information terminal. 25. Responding means for responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay device, exchanging means for exchanging profiles in response to profile exchange from the photographing / charging management device, and the object from the photographing / charging management device. And receiving means for receiving the object activation waiting request, confirmation means for confirming whether the object and the object activation waiting request are legitimate based on a digital signature, and activation of the object to the object activation waiting request. 24. The information terminal according to claim 23, further comprising: activation waiting means for making the object stand by on the basis of the object; 26. A display means for displaying a digital image photographed by the photographing means and a display for urging that a fee be paid in advance for photographing in the predetermined facility. The information terminal according to any one. 27. The information terminal according to claim 23, further comprising simultaneous recording means for simultaneously recording digital voice when the digital image is photographed by the photographing means. 28. The information terminal according to claim 23, further comprising an embedding unit that embeds copyright information in the digital image photographed by the photographing unit by a digital watermark technique. 29. SS (Spre) with the communication relay device.
The information terminal according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that wireless communication is performed by an ad Spectrum) wireless communication system. 30. The SS between the communication relay device
(Spread Spectrum) One of the wireless communication methods, Bluetoo
30. The wireless communication using th is performed.
Information terminal described. 31. A PHS (Pe
The information terminal according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that wireless communication is performed by a rsonal Handy phone System) data communication method. 32. An electronic business card including profile information describing a function of the information terminal, a shooting control service for controlling shooting by the shooting unit, a shooting service for embedding copyright information in the digital image by a digital watermark technique, 4. A digital signature service for authenticating an object, and storage means for storing the object received from the photographing and charging management device.
1. The information terminal according to any one of 1. 33. An information terminal having a photographing means, a photographing / charging management device for managing charging for photographing by the information terminal, and a communication between the information terminal and the photographing / charging management device interposed between the two. An image capturing permission method executed by an image capturing permission system including a communication relay device, wherein the photographing fee management device charges a fee for photographing by the information terminal in a predetermined facility at the time of entering the predetermined facility. At the same time as registering, an object as billing information is distributed to the information terminal, and the information relay terminal detects the information terminal in the predetermined facility by transmitting a wireless search request from the communication relay device to the billing registered information terminal. Is permitted, and photography is restricted for information terminals that have not been registered for billing. 34. The photographing charging management device specifies a step of identifying that the information terminal is present within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal in response to the wireless search request; An information requesting step of requesting function information indicating a function of the information terminal, and a charge for charging by the information terminal when it is determined that the information terminal has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal And a transmission step of transmitting an object as the billing information to the information terminal and transmitting an object activation request to activate the object loaded in the information terminal to the information terminal, the communication relay The device sends a message from the photographing and charging management device to the information terminal to a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal. The information terminal has a response step of responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay apparatus, and an exchanging step of exchanging profiles in response to profile exchange from the photographing and charging management apparatus. A receiving step of receiving the object and the object activation request from the photographing fee management device,
34. A confirmation step of confirming whether the object and the object activation request are legitimate based on a digital signature, and an activation step of activating the object based on the object activation request. How to allow image capture. 35. The photographing and charging management device comprises a specifying step of specifying that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request; An information requesting step of requesting function information indicating a function of the information terminal, and a charge for charging by the information terminal when it is determined that the information terminal has a shooting function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal And a transmitting step of transmitting an object as the billing information to the information terminal, and transmitting an object activation waiting request to the information terminal, which causes the activation of the object loaded in the information terminal to wait. The communication relay device sends a message from the photographing and charging management device to the information terminal in wireless communication with the information terminal. The information terminal comprises a conversion step of converting according to a protocol, a response step of responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay apparatus, and an exchange step of performing profile exchange in response to profile exchange from the photographing / charging management apparatus. A receiving step of receiving the object and the object activation standby request from the photographing and charging management device; a confirmation step of confirming whether the object and the object activation standby request are legitimate based on a digital signature; 34. The image according to claim 33, further comprising: an activation waiting step of waiting activation of an object based on the object activation waiting request, and an activation step of activating the object in association with a photographing start instruction to the photographing step. How to allow shooting. 36. An information terminal having a photographing means, a photographing / charging management device for managing charging for photographing by the information terminal, and a communication between the information terminal and the photographing / charging management device interposed between the two. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a digital image shooting permission method applied to an image shooting permission system including a communication relay device, the digital image shooting permission method comprising: A step of registering a charge for photographing by the information terminal in a predetermined facility at the time of admission to the predetermined facility by a management device; a step of distributing an object as billing information to the information terminal; and a wireless search from the communication relay device. Detecting the information terminal in the predetermined facility by transmitting a request, and charging A step of permitting the shooting to the information terminal of Rokusumi, storage medium characterized by having a step of limiting the shoot to the accounting unregistered information terminal. 37. The digital image photographing permission method specifies that the information terminal exists within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request, which is executed by the photographing accounting management device. And an information request step of requesting the function information indicating the function of the information terminal to the information terminal, and determining that the information terminal has a photographing function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal. In this case, a billing step of billing for photographing by the information terminal, an object as the billing information is transmitted to the information terminal, and an object activation request for activating the object loaded in the information terminal is transmitted to the information terminal. A transmission step of A conversion step for converting a message to the end according to a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal, a response step executed by the information terminal for responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay apparatus, and the photographing and charging management apparatus An exchange step for exchanging profiles in response to a profile exchange from the device, a receiving step for receiving the object and the object activation request from the photographing / charging management device, 37. The storage medium according to claim 36, further comprising a confirmation step of confirming based on a digital signature, and an activation step of activating the object based on the object activation request. 38. The digital image photographing permission method specifies that the information terminal is within a predetermined area based on a wireless response from the information terminal to the wireless search request, which is executed by the photographing fee management device. And an information request step of requesting the function information indicating the function of the information terminal to the information terminal, and determining that the information terminal has a photographing function based on the function information acquired from the information terminal. In this case, a billing step of billing for photographing by the information terminal, and an object activation waiting request for transmitting an object as the billing information to the information terminal and waiting for activation of the object loaded in the information terminal A transmission step of transmitting to the terminal, and whether the photographing fee management device is executed by the communication relay device. A conversion step for converting a message to the information terminal according to a protocol for wireless communication with the information terminal; a response step executed by the information terminal for responding to the wireless search request from the communication relay device; An exchange step of exchanging profiles in response to a profile exchange from the billing management device, a receiving step of receiving the object and the object activation waiting request from the photographing billing management device, and the object and the object activation waiting request being normal. A confirmation step for confirming whether or not the object is based on a digital signature, an activation waiting step for waiting activation of the object based on the object activation waiting request, and an activation of the object in conjunction with an imaging start instruction to the imaging step. With startup steps Storage medium of claim 36, wherein that.