JP2003125330A - Picture storing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture storing system which is convenient to a customer. SOLUTION: This picture storing system for storing picture data by using a network is provided with a memory for storing picture data to be photographed by a plurality of digital cameras and a control means for limiting access from any other person to picture data photographed by the first digital camera, and for validating access to the picture data photographed by the second digital camera without limiting the access.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image storage system that stores image data using a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Online album sites using the Internet or the like provide a storage service for storing image data. Further, in the online album site, it is possible to set whether the image data can be viewed by others or not, and the image data cannot be viewed by others.

[0003]

However, in order to make the image data public or private, it is necessary to make settings. In addition, if the information is to be disclosed only to predetermined people, more complicated settings must be made.

The present invention provides a user-friendly image storage system.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an image storage system for storing image data using a network, a memory for storing image data captured by a plurality of digital cameras, and a first The image data shot by the digital camera is restricted from being accessed by others, and the image data shot by the second digital camera is controlled without restriction. This makes it possible to provide an image storage system that is convenient for the customer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image storage system according to the first aspect, the memory is provided with a folder corresponding to each of a plurality of digital cameras, and the folder in which photographed image data is prepared. It is configured to accumulate in.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image data shot by the first digital camera is stored in a folder with access restriction, and the image data shot by the second digital camera is stored in a folder without access restriction. It was configured to do.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the image storage system according to the first aspect, the second digital camera is a camera used by the event organizer.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the image storage system according to the first aspect, the image data photographed by the second digital camera has a configuration that limits the method of utilizing the image data.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the image storage system according to the fifth aspect, the image data photographed by the second digital camera is prohibited from copying.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the image storage system according to the first aspect, the image storage system is configured to provide a print service for printing out the stored image data.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image storage system according to the seventh aspect, the print charge of the image data taken by the second digital camera is the charge of the image data taken by the first digital camera. The price is higher than the print fee.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image storage system according to the first aspect, the image storage system provides a download service for downloading the stored image data.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image storage system according to the ninth aspect, the image data taken by the second digital camera is downloaded for a fee.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in an image storage system for storing image data using a network, a memory for storing image data taken by a plurality of digital cameras and a first digital camera. Image data has no restrictions on how to use image data.
The image data taken by the digital camera is configured to have a control unit that controls so as to limit how to use the image data.

According to the invention of claim 12, in claim 11,
In the image storage system described in (1), the image data taken by the second digital camera is prohibited from copying.

According to the invention described in claim 13, claim 11
In the image storage system described in the above item 1, the image storage system is configured to provide a print service for printing out the stored image data.

According to the invention described in claim 14, claim 13 is provided.
In the image storage system described in (3), the print fee for the image data shot by the second digital camera is higher than the print fee for the image data shot by the first digital camera.

According to the invention of claim 15, in claim 11,
In the image storage system described in the above item 1, the image storage system is configured to provide a download service for downloading the stored image data.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided the fifteenth aspect of the invention.
In the image storage system described in (1), the image data captured by the second digital camera is downloaded for a fee.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in an image storage system for storing image data using a network, a memory for storing image data taken by a digital camera during an event and a held event are suitable. The configuration includes a providing unit that provides the character and a generating unit that generates the image data in which the character is inserted in the image data.

According to the invention described in claim 18, claim 17 is provided.
In the image storage system described in (1), the image data generated by the generation unit is provided with a service for printing.

In the invention described in claim 19, claim 17 is provided.
In the image storage system described in (3), the image data generated by the generating means is downloaded.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The online shop system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the online shop system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The system according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a digital camera 1, a server computer 2 and a customer computer 3. The digital camera 1, the server computer 2, and the customer computer 3 are communicatively connected via a network such as the Internet. An internet provider or the like is required to enable the digital camera 1, the server computer 2, and the customer computer 3 to communicate with each other via the Internet, but the description thereof is omitted here because it is not directly related to the present invention. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a system using the Internet, L
It can also be realized by a system using a network such as an AN (Local Area Network) or an extranet.

The digital camera 1 picks up an image of a subject and generates image data which is digital data. Further, the digital camera 1 connects to the Internet wirelessly or by wire, communicates with the server computer 2, and transmits the generated image data to the server computer 2. The digital camera 1 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

The server computer 2 is a server including an image storage unit capable of storing the image data transmitted from the digital camera 1. Server computer 2
Is operated by a vendor who manufactures and sells the digital camera 1,
It is a server that provides a web site that provides online shopping services, image storage services, and the like.

The customer computer 3 is the digital camera 1
The computer used by the customer. The customer computer 3 wirelessly or wiredly connects to the Internet, communicates with the server computer 2, and an online shopping service provided by the server computer 2,
Use an image storage server.

The internal structure of the digital camera 1 will be described below. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera 1.

The digital camera 1 includes a CPU 101, a communication circuit 102, a monitor 103, a switch circuit 104, a built-in memory 105, a memory card slot 106, and an information control circuit 107. The digital camera 1 is naturally provided with an image sensor, an image processing circuit and the like, but the description thereof is omitted because it is not directly related to the present invention.

The CPU 101 controls the circuits built in the digital camera 1 and controls all the controls of the digital camera 1. The communication circuit 102 is a circuit for connecting to a network such as the Internet wirelessly or by wire and transmitting / receiving a signal via the network such as the Internet. The monitor 103 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and is a monitor that displays a captured image, a menu screen, a warning screen, and the like. The switch circuit 104 is a circuit that is electrically connected to various buttons and switches provided in the digital camera 1 and detects operations of the various buttons and switches.

The built-in memory 105 is a memory that holds program data such as firmware for controlling the digital camera 1. Further, the built-in memory 105 holds various data such as site information other than the program data. The memory card slot 106 writes the captured image data in the attached memory card. The image processing circuit 107 changes the image format of the image data.

The online shop site provided by the server computer 2 will be described below. At the online shop, you can buy digital cameras and digital camera accessories online. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a page for purchasing accessories for the digital camera 1 on the online shop site.

The data 200, 201 and 202 are for indicating the accessories that can be purchased respectively. In FIG. 3, data 200 indicates a strobe, data 201 indicates a memory card attached to the digital camera 1, and data 202 indicates a memory capacity. The memory capacity purchased here refers to the memory capacity that can be used by the customer in the memory in the server computer 2 that stores the image data transmitted from the digital camera 1 or the customer computer 3.

The radio button 203 is for selecting the capacity of the memory card desired to be purchased. The radio button 204 is for selecting the memory capacity desired to be purchased. Either 500 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB can be selected as the memory capacity by the radio button 204. The purchase button 205 is a button that is clicked when purchasing a flash. Also, the purchase button 206
Is a button you click to buy a memory card. The purchase button 207 is a button clicked when purchasing a memory capacity.

Purchase button 2 for purchasing memory capacity
When detecting that 07 is clicked by the customer, the server computer 2 sends the page shown in FIG. 4 to the customer computer 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a page for setting options that can be selected when purchasing a memory capacity.

In the option setting on the page of FIG. 4, what kind of treatment is to be performed when the image data is stored in excess of the purchased memory capacity is set.

When the purchased memory capacity is exceeded, the options that can be selected are rental, purchase of additional memory capacity, and unusable. It can be selected by checking any one of the radio buttons 301, 306, 308.

The radio button 301 is checked when "rental" is selected as an option. If you select rental, the memory capacity that can be temporarily used will be rented if the memory capacity is exceeded. If rental is selected, the radio button 302 is used to set the memory capacity for rental, and the radio button 303 is used to set the rental period. Furthermore, the radio button 304 is used to set what kind of action is to be taken when the purchased memory capacity is exceeded when the set rental period ends. The options that can be set with the radio button 304 are “image deletion” and “purchase”. If you select Delete image, the image data that exceeds the purchased memory capacity is automatically deleted. If you select purchase, you will automatically purchase the memory capacity. When image deletion is selected, radio button 305 can be used to select whether to preferentially delete new image data or old image data.

The radio button 306 is checked when "purchase additional memory capacity" is selected as an option. If you select to purchase additional memory capacity, you will automatically purchase additional memory capacity when the memory capacity is exceeded. Further, when the purchase of the additional memory capacity is selected, the memory capacity to be additionally purchased can be selected with the radio button 307.

The radio button 308 is checked when "unavailable" is selected as an option. If "Unavailable" is selected, if the memory capacity is exceeded, further image data cannot be stored. Amount column 309
Displays the amount of money added in the option settings.

In this embodiment, "rental" is selected with the radio button 301, "1 GB (free)" is selected with the radio button 302, and "1 week (free)" is selected with the radio button 303 as initial values of option settings. Is selected. Therefore, if the user clicks the button 310 that advances as it is on the page shown in FIG. 4, this initial value option setting is selected. This default option setting is provided free of charge and is very effective for customers.

When the forward button 310 is clicked, it jumps to the purchase procedure page for selecting the address, name, payment method and the like. The purchase procedure is the same as that already adopted by many online shop sites, so it is omitted here. It can be purchased together with other products in the same way as regular products. Of course, when only purchasing the memory capacity, the purchase fee cannot be paid by cash on delivery, and the shipping fee is not applied. When the purchase procedure is completed, the page shown in FIG. 5 is transmitted.

In FIG. 5, there are a folder name entry field 401 and a forward button 402. The folder name entry field 401 is a field for entering the folder name of the purchased memory capacity. The image data of the customer is stored in the folder having the folder name entered in the folder name entry field 401. By designating the folder name to the customer, it is effective when switching the memory when the customer who purchases a plurality of memory capacities uses one digital camera. For example,
When switching memory between business and private, it is possible to switch by folder name. Also, when the family is using one digital camera, it is possible to switch to the folder that the user purchased.

When the forward button 402 is clicked, the page shown in FIG. 6 is transmitted.

FIG. 6 is a page in which address information in which the purchased memory capacity exists and access keys necessary for accessing are described. By registering the access key transmitted to the digital camera 1, it becomes possible to automatically transmit the image data to the folder in the purchased memory area and store it. Image data can be saved in the same folder from multiple digital cameras as well as one digital camera. Also, even digital cameras that are not set to save image data by simply entering the access key can be used by entering the sent address and entering the access key on the distributed page. Therefore, any digital camera in an environment that can use the Internet communication function and browser software can be used.

The purchase control of the memory capacity in the above online shop will be specifically described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the memory capacity purchase control executed by the server computer 2. The flow shown in FIG. 7 starts by receiving a signal for accessing the accessory purchase page of the digital camera 1 at the online shop site.

First, in step S101, the accessory page of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 3 is transmitted to the customer computer 3. Next, in step S102, it is detected whether or not a signal that the purchase button 205 or 206 is clicked is received. If received, step S10
If not received, go to step S104. In step S103, a predetermined purchase process is started.

On the other hand, in step S104, the purchase button 2
07 detects whether or not the clicked signal is received. If received, the process proceeds to step S105, and if not received, the process returns to step S102. Step S10
At 5, the option page shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted to the customer computer 3. Next, in step S106, it is detected whether or not the signal that the forward button 310 is clicked is received. If received, the process proceeds to step S107, and if not received, the detection is continued. In step S107, a predetermined purchase process is started. Then, in step S108, the folder name entry page shown in FIG. 5 is transmitted to the customer computer 3.

In step S109, the advance button 402
It is detected whether or not a signal indicating that was clicked is received. If received, the process proceeds to step S110, and if not received, the detection is continued. In step S110, a folder having the folder name written in the large capacity memory of the server computer 2 is created. Also, the purchased memory capacity and option settings are registered in the customer information. When the memory capacity is exceeded by the customer information registered here, appropriate processing is performed according to the content set as an option. Then, in step S111, the page in which the access key and the address shown in FIG. 6 are written is transmitted to the customer computer 3.

Next, the control executed when the purchased memory capacity is exceeded will be described.

The control performed when the rental is selected in the option setting at the time of purchasing the memory capacity will be described.

Storage for a fixed period of time, such as rental with optional settings, is free of charge, and when the fixed period of time has passed, images are deleted and the memory is charged, so that the memory capacity does not hinder shooting, and the server computer 2 is wasted. It is also possible to prevent the memory capacity from increasing.

Although the present embodiment has been described as an option setting by the purchaser of the memory capacity, it may be applied as a countermeasure for the excess memory capacity in a service that provides a memory capacity of a predetermined capacity free of charge. Further, in the present embodiment, this option can be selected from a plurality of options, but only the control of setting this option may be provided to all customers.

When the excess is resolved even temporarily, the clocking of the predetermined date and time is reset. Therefore, no additional charge will be levied even if the image data is deleted at the time of shooting, the image data is deleted, and the time of shooting is exceeded.

The rental control executed by the server computer 2 will be specifically described below. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control executed by the server computer 2. The flow shown in FIG. 8 is always repeatedly executed.

First, in step S201, the memory capacity information and rental term information registered as customer information are acquired. The memory capacity information is the memory capacity that the customer can use. The rental time limit information is the rental time limit selected in the option setting. In step S202, it is detected whether the stored image data exceeds the memory capacity. If it is over, proceed to step S204, and if it is not over, step S2.
Go to 03. In step S203, the stored date and time information is deleted.

In step S204, it is detected whether date and time information is stored. If stored, the process proceeds to step S207, and if not stored, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, date and time information is stored. Next, in step S206, a warning that the memory capacity is exceeded is issued to the customer digital camera 1 and the customer computer 3. At the same time as the warning, notify that the additional fee will be collected if it is not deleted by a predetermined date and time.

On the other hand, in step S207, the stored date and time information is read. Then, in step S208, the elapsed time after the memory capacity is exceeded is calculated from the read date and time information and the current date and time. In step S209,
The rental time limit information acquired earlier is compared with the elapsed time to determine whether the rental time limit has been exceeded.

Next, in step S210, the image data in excess of the memory capacity is deleted, or the additional memory capacity is charged. Whether to delete or charge depends on the option setting described above. When charged, the additional memory information is registered in the customer information. In step S211, the customer is notified of the deletion or billing.

By controlling in this way, at the time of shooting,
By sending a large amount of image data to the server computer 2 temporarily at the time of ordering prints and deleting unnecessary image data later or downloading it to the customer computer 3 even if the available memory capacity is exceeded. It can be used at no cost. Therefore, the customer does not have to pay for the memory capacity that exceeds the memory capacity required for normal image data storage, and can send the image data without worrying about the memory capacity at the time of shooting and ordering prints. it can.

If "purchase additional memory capacity" is selected in the option settings and the available memory capacity is exceeded by the customer, the additional memory capacity is automatically purchased.

In addition to the online shop service and the image storage service, the server computer 2 prepares various services for using image data.

It is possible to perform a service of printing image data, a service of attaching to an electronic mail and transmitting it to another person, a service of creating an electronic card and transmitting it to another person, and the like.

Next, a server system capable of handling image data generated in a digital camera company's unique image format will be described.

Some digital cameras 1 have a function of recording the data from the image pickup device as RAW data which is output without being processed. The RAW data cannot be reproduced by general-purpose image reproduction software because the data format of each maker that provides a digital camera is different.

Therefore, there is no problem as long as the service only stores the image data including the RAW data, but in order to perform the printout service, the image editing service, etc., the software for reproducing the RAW data of each maker is required. It is necessary to prepare for the server computer 2. Also,
In addition to RAW data, image data in the manufacturer's original format can be played back.

The configuration of the memory 20 in the server computer 2 will be described below. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the memory 20 of the server computer 2. The memory 20 has a customer image data storage area 21, a site program area 22, an image reproduction program area 23, and a customer information area 24.

The customer image data storage area 21 is an area for storing image data including the memory capacity purchased by the customer. The site program area 22 is an area for storing programs, page data and the like for operating sites such as online shops and print services. The image reproduction program area 23 is an area for storing a program for reproducing image data created in an image format unique to each company or a general-purpose image format. The customer information area 24 is a database area that stores customer information of customers.

The server computer 2 stores in the image reproduction program area 23 a program capable of reproducing original format image data such as RAW data of each company.
As a result, it is possible to provide a service such as printout for image data of any image format.
Of course, it is necessary to obtain the right to use the image reproduction program of each company.

By doing so, the high quality RAW data generated by the digital cameras of the respective companies can be handled, so that a high definition printout or the like can be realized.

The control executed by the server computer 2 will be specifically described below. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control executed by the server computer 2.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 starts when some service such as printing is specified for the image data in the unique format.

First, in step S301, the image format of the image data is analyzed. Next, in step S302, the software necessary for reproducing the image data is executed. In step S303, the image data is reproduced by the executed software. Then, in step S304,
Provide the designated service using the reproduced image.

By controlling in this manner, various services can be executed even for image data of each company's unique format.

In the system of the embodiment described below, instead of having the software of each company's unique format in the server computer 2, it cooperates with each company,
Send a copy of the image data in its own format to each company so that they can print out.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this system. It should be noted that description of the same configuration as that of FIG. 1 in the present system will be omitted. The system shown in FIG. 11 includes a digital camera 1, a server computer 2, a customer computer 3, and server computers 4, 5, and 6. Each server computer 2 and each of the server computers 4, 5, 6 are communicably connected via the Internet. In the server computer 2,
Each company database 25 in which each company server computer is associated with each company's unique format image data is provided. By using this database, it is possible to reproduce the unique format image data for which a printout order is placed and to extract the server computers that can print out.

The server computer 2 extracts the server computer when an order for printing the unique format image data is received, and sends the image data and the order information to the server computer. Further, when there is a printout order of the image data of the general-purpose format together with the image data of the original format, the server computer 2 also transmits the image data of the general-purpose format and prints it out at the same time. By doing so, the customer does not have to pay twice the shipping fee or the like. Then, the operating company of the server computer 2 collects the fee from the customer and pays the operating company of the printed-out server computer.

Specific control will be described below. 12
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control executed by the server computer 2. The flow shown in FIG. 12 starts when the customer receives an order for printing.

First, in step S401, it is detected whether or not the image data for which a print order is placed includes image data in a unique format such as RAW data.
If it is included, the process proceeds to step S403, and if it is not included, the process proceeds to step S402. Step S
In 402, the server computer 2 prints out. On the other hand, in step S403, it is extracted which server computer can reproduce the image data in the unique format for which the print order is placed. It is extracted by the database stored in each company database 21. Next, in step S404, the extracted server computer is connected. Then, in step S405, all the image data for which the print order including the image data of the unique format has been ordered and the order data are transmitted to the connected server computer.

Alternatively, the server computer 2 may convert the data into a format printable by the server computer 2 and then return the converted data so that the server computer 2 prints it out.

The rental system of this embodiment will be described below.

For example, when going on a group trip, a camera that can use wireless communication such as Bluetooth is lent out, an attendant carries a server computer with him, and image data taken by a tourist is received by the server computer from a digital camera. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the rental system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the rental system according to the present embodiment includes a server computer 2
And a simple server computer 7 and a plurality of digital cameras. The server computer 2 and the simple server computer 7 are communicably connected via the Internet. Further, the simple server computer 7 and the plurality of digital cameras are connected by a wireless LAN such as Bluetooth.

The simple server computer 7 has a memory 70.
Equipped with a tour operator, guide, to accompany the customer's trip,
A computer carried by a professional photographer or the like. A laptop computer, a PDA or the like may be used as long as it has a certain amount of memory capacity and a communication function with a digital camera.

The digital camera has a function of communicating with the simple server computer 7. Further, in this embodiment,
The digital camera is rented out to a customer by a travel agency. However, even if the digital camera is not a rental digital camera, any digital camera having a communication function of the same communication standard can be used in the same manner. The image data taken by the digital camera is automatically transmitted to and stored in the simple server computer 7. The digital camera A in FIG. 13 is used by the customer A, the digital camera B is used by the customer C, and the digital camera C is used by the customer C. Further, the digital camera D is used by a tour operator, a guide, a professional photographer, and the like who accompany a trip.

The memory 70 of the simple server computer 7 will be described below. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of the memory 70. As shown in FIG. 14, the memory 70
There are multiple folders created in.

The folder A stores the image data transmitted from the digital camera A. Similarly, folders B, C, D
Store the image data transmitted from the digital cameras B, C and D, respectively. Further, a customer such as a couple can save image data taken by two digital cameras in a common folder.

The customer A can use the digital camera A to reproduce, delete, etc. the image data in the folder A. However, the customer A cannot do anything with respect to the image data in the folders B and C of the other customers B and C.

The folder D stores image data of a group photo and a commemorative photo of all of the persons photographed by the digital camera D by an attendant, a professional photographer or the like. The image data stored in the folder D is set to be accessible to all customers. However, the image data stored in the folder D can be reproduced but cannot be copied or deleted. Also, the image data transmitted by the customer's digital camera cannot be stored.

Further, the image data taken by the digital camera D may be transferred to the folders for all instead of being stored in the folder D.

The simple server computer 7 also uploads image data to the server computer 2. Family members waiting at home are also given a password to view image data. For example, the family of the customer A can browse the image data in the folder A. As a result, the family waiting at home can confirm the safety of the traveler.

In the case of a bus tour, the simple server computer 7 may be installed in the bus. The image data may be temporarily stored in the digital camera, and the image data may be transferred from the digital camera to the simple server computer 7 while moving on the bus.

The image data is stored in the server computer 2
Since it has been uploaded to, the image data can be accessed by a personal computer or the like via the Internet.

In the rental system of this embodiment, the memory rental is continued for a predetermined period after the end of the trip. The rental control of the rental system of this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the rental control executed by the server computer 2. In this flow, an example in which the predetermined period is 30 days will be described.

First, in step S501, 2 after the end of the trip.
Detect if 5 days have passed. If 25 days have passed, the process proceeds to step S502, and if not, the detection is continued. In step S502, the customer is notified by e-mail or the like of a warning that the image data will be deleted after 30 days of the predetermined period. Also, in addition to the warning, information that the memory capacity can be purchased will be notified at the same time.

In step S503, it is detected whether or not the product has been purchased. If the product has been purchased, this flow ends, and if not, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, it is detected whether or not 30 days which is a predetermined period has elapsed. If 30 days have passed, the process proceeds to step S505, and if not, the process returns to step S503. Step S5
In 05, the image data is deleted.

Further, within the predetermined period, the following services can be received.

Services that are still provided, such as image data download, email attachment, printout, electronic card creation, calendar creation, etc., can be received.

Provide a logo to be inserted in the print when printing. For example, logos for tourists such as those of tourist destinations are prepared. Further, there is a restriction on the image data stored in the folder D as described above. Downloads will be charged, and printouts will be set higher than usual. Other services will be charged.

This service will be specifically described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a page provided by this service.

The image display section 600 is a display section for displaying the selected image data. In the image display unit 600,
When the logo is selected, the logo portion 601 is displayed. The image selection button 602 is a button clicked when selecting image data to be displayed on the image display unit 600.
The download button 603 is a button clicked when downloading the image data displayed on the display unit 600. The print button 604 is a button clicked when printing out the image data displayed on the image display unit 600. Logo button 60
Reference numerals 5 and 606 are buttons that are clicked to display a logo on the image data displayed on the image display 600. Since multiple logos are prepared, multiple buttons are provided. A warning is displayed on the warning unit 607.
The page illustrated in FIG. 16 warns that the selected image data is image data taken by a passenger, a professional photographer, or the like, and that a special charge is required to download or print out the image data.

Further, when the memory capacity is purchased, this service will be continued even if the predetermined period ends.

In the above embodiment, an example of a group trip has been described, but the rental system of this embodiment can be implemented when a plurality of people collectively take a picture such as a photo session.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an online shop system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a page for purchasing accessories for the digital camera 1 at an online shop site.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a page for setting options that can be selected when purchasing a memory capacity.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a page of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a page in which address information in which a purchased memory capacity exists and an access key necessary for accessing are described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a memory capacity purchase control executed by the server computer 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control executed by the server computer 2.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory 20 of the server computer 2.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control executed by the server computer 2.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the system configuration.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control executed by the server computer 2.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a rental system of this embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a memory 70.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing rental control executed by the server computer 2.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a page provided by this service.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Digital camera 2 ... Server computer 3 ... Customer computer

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Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An image storage system for storing image data using a network, wherein a memory for storing image data shot by a plurality of digital cameras and an image data shot by a first digital camera are accessed by another person. And a control unit that allows the image data captured by the second digital camera to be accessed without limitation. 2. The image storage system according to claim 1, wherein the memory prepares a folder corresponding to each of a plurality of digital cameras, and stores photographed image data in the prepared folder. Image storage system. 3. An image characterized in that image data shot by a first digital camera is stored in a folder with access restriction, and image data shot by a second digital camera is stored in a folder without access restriction. Storage system. 4. The image storage system according to claim 1, wherein the second digital camera is a camera used by an event organizer. 5. The image storage system according to claim 1, wherein the image data captured by the second digital camera limits a method of utilizing the image data. 6. The image storage system according to claim 5, wherein copying of image data captured by the second digital camera is prohibited. 7. The image storage system according to claim 1, wherein the image storage system provides a print service for printing out the stored image data. 8. The image storage system according to claim 7, wherein the print fee for the image data shot by the second digital camera is higher than the print fee for the image data shot by the first digital camera. Image storage system. 9. The image storage system according to claim 1, wherein the image storage system provides a download service for downloading the stored image data. 10. The image storage system according to claim 9, wherein there is a charge for downloading the image data captured by the second digital camera. 11. An image storage system for storing image data using a network, wherein a memory for storing image data shot by a plurality of digital cameras and an image data shot by a first digital camera are used as image data. An image storage system comprising: a control unit that eliminates the limitation on the method and controls the image data captured by the second digital camera so as to limit the method of utilizing the image data. 12. The image storage system according to claim 11, wherein copying of image data taken by the second digital camera is prohibited. 13. The image storage system according to claim 11, wherein the image storage system provides a print service for printing out the stored image data. 14. The image storage system according to claim 13, wherein the print fee for the image data shot by the second digital camera is higher than the print fee for the image data shot by the first digital camera. Image storage system. 15. The image storage system according to claim 11, wherein the image storage system provides a download service for downloading the stored image data. 16. The image storage system according to claim 15, wherein there is a charge for downloading the image data captured by the second digital camera. 17. An image storage system for storing image data using a network, comprising: a memory for storing image data taken by a digital camera during an event, and a providing means for providing a character suitable for the event. An image storage system comprising: a generation unit configured to generate image data in which the character is inserted in the image data. 18. The image storage system according to claim 17, wherein the image storage system provides a service for printing the image data generated by the generation unit. 19. The image storage system according to claim 17, wherein the image storage system provides a service for downloading the image data generated by the generation means.