JP2007067468A - Digital camera, recycled digital camera obtained by recycling this digital camera, method of recycling digital camera, and recycle system of digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a user from easily reading image data. <P>SOLUTION: Since a camera housing 15 of a camera body 10 of a digital camera 1 has no light shielding performance, photographing is impossible with only the camera body 10 from which a cover 100 is removed. Further, since the cover 100 is bonded and joined, it can not be re-attached if once broken and detached. That means, it is never restored to a photographable state. As described above, this digital camera has a configuration in which the user cannot recycle the camera after taking out images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera, a recycled digital camera obtained by recycling the digital camera, a method for recycling the digital camera, and a digital camera recycling system.

  Currently, digital photo services include methods such as bringing a memory card or the like storing image data of images taken by a user to a photo shop or ordering prints using a communication line.

  However, it has been proposed to recycle and reuse digital cameras due to the recent increase in interest in environmental problems. In addition, a so-called rental type that is lent to and collected by an unspecified number of users, or a so-called recycling type digital camera that is sold and collected, and a recycling system for such a digital camera have been proposed. However, usually, if the camera housing, lens, liquid crystal display, etc. are damaged, they cannot be rented or sold again unless they are replaced. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  A film camera, not a digital camera, is the target, but the camera body is housed in a waterproof pack, and by replacing the collected film camera waterproof pack, a configuration that can be made almost new in appearance is proposed. Has been. However, the film camera needs to be replaced at the time of recycling and is not easy to recycle. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

Further, both Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can be assembled after the user disassembles and takes out the image data or replaces the film. Therefore, it may be difficult to construct a rental or recycling system.
JP 2002-281227 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-3113

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a user from easily reading image data.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera of the present invention is a digital camera capable of taking out image data taken from a built-in image storage unit only by an external image data take-out means, and the image data take-out means Is dedicated to the digital camera, and at least a part of the functions of the digital camera is provided on the outermost package, and when the outermost package is removed, a part of the function does not function and cannot be attached. Yes.

  The digital camera can extract the image data of the photographed image from the image storage unit only by an external image data extracting unit. Further, at least a part of the functions of the digital camera is provided in the outermost package, and when the outermost package is removed, a part of the functions does not function. And the outermost case once removed becomes impossible to attach again.

  Therefore, for example, if the user removes the outermost package in order to extract image data from the built-in image storage unit, some of the functions will not function. Furthermore, since the outermost case once removed cannot be attached again, it does not return to a state where it can be photographed again. That is, it is almost impossible for the user to take out and recycle the image data.

  It should be noted that the above and the following “cannot be attached” means that the user cannot attach it again or it is very difficult. Refers to possible configurations. For example, there is a configuration in which the outermost package is bonded and bonded, or a configuration in which a key or a special tool is required to remove the outermost package. With such a configuration, the user needs to break and remove the outermost casing, so that it cannot be attached again.

  In addition, the above and the following, “the image data taken from the built-in image storage unit can be taken out only by an external image data taking-out means” means, for example, image data using a storage medium such as a memory card. Refers to a configuration that cannot be taken out.

  Further, “the image data extraction means is dedicated to the digital camera” described above and below refers to image data extraction means that cannot be easily obtained by the user. In other words, although the user cannot read out image data, it refers to image data extraction means that can be read out by the manufacturer of the digital camera or a specialized trader. For example, there is a configuration in which an image is read by connecting with a dedicated connection connector different from a general standard, or a configuration in which a password or authentication is required to read the image.

  The digital camera of the present invention is a digital camera that can take out image data taken from a built-in image storage unit only by an external image data take-out means, and the image data take-out means is dedicated to the digital camera. And the outermost package has at least a part of the functions of the digital camera, and when the outermost package is removed, the part of the function does not function, and even if the removed outermost package is attached again, the function It is characterized in that at least a part of this does not return.

  The digital camera can extract the image data of the photographed image from the image storage unit only by an external image data extracting unit. Further, at least a part of the functions of the digital camera is provided in the outermost package, and when the outermost package is removed, a part of the functions does not function. And even if the outermost case once removed is attached again, a part of the function does not return.

  Therefore, for example, if the user removes the outermost package in order to extract image data from the built-in image storage unit, some of the functions will not function. Further, even if the outermost case once removed is attached again, a part of the function does not return, so that it does not return to a state where it can be photographed again. That is, it is almost impossible for the user to take out and recycle the image data.

  More preferably, at least one lens may be provided on the outermost exterior so that it functions as a part of the function of the digital camera.

  When at least one lens is fixed to the outermost package in this manner, the lens becomes insufficient when the outermost package is removed. Therefore, a normal captured image cannot be obtained.

  And since the outermost case once removed cannot be attached to the digital camera again, it does not return to a state where it can be photographed again.

  Alternatively, since the lens needs to be adjusted with high accuracy, the normal photographed image cannot be obtained even if the outermost case once removed is simply attached again. That is, it does not return to a state where it can be photographed again.

  More preferably, at least a part of an operation unit for operating the digital camera may be provided on the outermost package so as to function as a part of the function of the digital camera.

  As described above, when at least a part of the operation unit for operating the digital camera is provided on the outermost exterior, part of the operation cannot be performed when the outermost exterior is removed.

  And since the outermost exterior once removed cannot be attached again, it does not return to the state which can be image | photographed again.

  Alternatively, even if the outermost case once removed is attached again, part of the operation does not return, so that it does not return to a state where it can be photographed again.

  A configuration in which some operations do not return includes, for example, a configuration in which the connection portion of the operation unit is disconnected when the outermost package is removed, and the connection unit is not connected even when the outermost package is attached.

  More preferably, an imaging information storage unit that stores data necessary for imaging may be provided in the outermost package, and may function as a part of the function of the digital camera.

  As described above, when the imaging information storage unit storing data necessary for imaging is provided in the outermost package, when the outermost package is removed, there is no data necessary for imaging, and thus a normal captured image cannot be obtained.

  And since the outermost exterior once removed cannot be attached again, it does not return to the state which can be image | photographed again.

  Alternatively, even if the outermost case once removed is attached again, the imaging information storage unit does not return, that is, it remains in a state where there is no data necessary for imaging.

  The configuration in which the storage unit does not return includes, for example, a configuration in which the connection unit of the imaging information storage unit is disconnected when the outermost package is removed, and the connection unit is not connected even when the outermost package is installed.

  The data necessary for imaging includes, for example, adjustment data to be referred to when shooting, for example, autofocus data, CCD shading correction data, and the like.

  More preferably, permission means for permitting the operation of the digital camera may be provided in the outermost package so as to function as a part of the function of the digital camera.

  As described above, if a permitting means for permitting the operation of the digital camera is provided on the outermost exterior, if the outermost exterior is removed, the operation is not permitted, and thus photographing cannot be performed.

  And since the outermost exterior once removed cannot be attached again, it does not return to the state which can be image | photographed again.

  Alternatively, even if the outermost case once removed is attached again, the permission unit does not return, that is, the operation is not permitted, so the state cannot be restored to the state where the photographing can be performed again.

  The configuration in which the permission means does not return includes, for example, a configuration in which the connection portion of the permission means is detached when the outermost exterior is removed, and the connection portion is not connected even when the outermost exterior is attached.

  More preferably, the digital camera has a breakage unit that breaks at least a part of the function, and causes the outermost package to stop the destruction operation by the breakage unit, and when the outermost package is removed, the digital camera stops. It is also possible to provide stop means for canceling the function so as to function as part of the function of the digital camera.

  In this way, the digital camera has breakage means for breaking at least a part of the function, and the outermost exterior is provided with a stop means for stopping the operation of the breakage means. As a result, some of the functions will be damaged, making it impossible to shoot.

  Further, even if the outermost case once removed is attached again, the damaged function does not return, so that it does not return to a state where it can be photographed again.

  The damage includes, for example, loss of data necessary for imaging and blown fuse.

  More preferably, the digital camera may include a camera body and a cover provided outside the camera body, and the outermost package may be the cover.

  Thus, since the digital camera has a camera body and a cover that is an outermost cover provided outside the camera body, for example, when the digital camera is recycled, only the cover is replaced. Thus, the appearance is almost the same as a new product.

  More preferably, the digital camera includes a camera body and a cover provided on the outside of the camera body, and the camera body does not have a light shielding property and is the outermost package. By providing the cover with a light shielding function, the cover may function as part of the function of the digital camera.

  Since the outermost cover is provided with a light shielding function in this way, for example, when the user removes the cover to remove image data from the built-in image storage unit, the light shielding property is lost, so that photographing cannot be performed. . Furthermore, since the outermost case once removed cannot be attached again, it cannot be used again as a digital camera. That is, it is almost impossible for the user to take out and recycle the image data.

  More preferably, the camera body may be provided with a connection portion to which the external image data extraction means can be connected, and the connection portion may be covered with the cover and not exposed.

  As described above, since a connecting portion to which an external image data extracting means can be connected is provided in the camera body, and this connecting portion is covered with the cover and not exposed, it becomes more difficult for the user to read out the image data. ing.

  In the recycling digital camera of the present invention, the image data of the image taken from the image storage unit of the photographed digital camera is taken out by the image take-out means, and the image data in the image storage unit is deleted. It is a feature.

  In this way, a digital camera that has already been photographed is recycled without being discarded, and the recycled digital camera is taken into consideration.

  More preferably, the outermost case may be removed and another outermost case may be attached.

  Thus, since the outermost case is replaced, a recycled digital camera that is substantially equivalent to a new one in terms of appearance is obtained.

In addition, in the case of a configuration having a camera body and a cover that is the outermost covering the camera body, the appearance of the camera is almost the same as a new one just by replacing the cover. Also, the digital camera recycling method of the present invention includes an image reading step of extracting image data of an image taken from the image storage unit by the image extraction unit, and erasing the image data of the image storage unit. An image erasing step; and an image providing step of delivering either or both of the image data extracted by the image extracting means and the printed image printed based on the image data to the user. .

  Thus, since the digital camera is recycled without being discarded, it is considered for the environment. Note that the order of operations in the image erasing process and the image providing process may be reversed.

  More preferably, it may include an outermost case removing step for removing the outermost case of the digital camera and an outermost case attaching step for attaching another outermost case to the digital camera.

  Thus, since the outermost case is replaced, the appearance is substantially the same as that of a new product. The outermost exterior removal process can be performed before or after any of the image reading process, the image erasing process, and the image providing process depending on the configuration of the digital camera. Further, the outermost exterior attaching process can be any after the outermost exterior removing process.

  In the case of a configuration having a camera body and an outermost cover that covers the camera body, the appearance is substantially the same as that of a new product by simply replacing the cover, and therefore, it can be easily recycled at low cost.

  In the digital camera recycling system of the present invention, image data of an image taken from the image storage unit of the photographed digital camera is taken out by the image take-out means, and the image data is printed based on the image data. Either one or both of the printed images are handed over to the user, the image data in the image storage unit is erased, and recycling work such as inspection, parts replacement, and cleaning is performed, and then rented or sold. It is characterized by.

  By using a digital camera that does not allow users to easily read image data, there is no problem in building a recycling system.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the user cannot easily read the image data.

  A digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 2 is a so-called rental type digital camera that is lent to and collected by an unspecified number of users, or a so-called recycle type digital camera that is sold and collected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera 1 includes a camera body 10 and a box-shaped cover 100 (a first cover 104 and a second cover 102) that stores the camera body 10.

  The camera body 10 includes a box-shaped camera housing 15. In front of the camera housing 15, there is provided a lens unit 11 having a built-in strobe 16 and a plurality of photographing lenses 12 (see FIG. 3) that emit light when the subject is exposed to low illuminance when an appropriate amount of exposure light cannot be obtained. ing.

  On the upper surface of the camera housing 15, a shutter button 14 (so-called release button) that is pressed by a photographer when shooting is provided as a shooting instruction button.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, on the rear surface of the camera housing 15, a liquid crystal display 26 for displaying a subject image obtained by shooting, various menus, parameters relating to image processing, messages, and the like are displayed. A cursor button 22 for selecting a desired menu item or parameter from the displayed menu screen, instructing up / down of the photographing magnification, and an operation button 24 for performing various operations are provided.

  Further, the camera body 10 has a built-in storage unit 20 (see FIG. 12) that stores image data obtained by photographing.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, a connection terminal 150 is provided on the side surface of the camera housing 15. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the connection terminal 152 of the external device 62 is connected to the connection terminal 150 and the image data stored in the storage unit 20 (see FIG. 12) is read out to the external device 62. The image data stored in the storage unit 20 can be deleted.

  The connection terminals 150 and 152 are not a standard product, but are dedicated to the digital camera 1. That is, in order to connect to the connection terminal 150 of the camera body 10 and take out image data, a dedicated connection terminal 152 is required. Therefore, a general user cannot connect to the connection terminal 150 of the camera body 10 and take out image data.

  The image data can be erased by the user by operating the cursor button 22 and the operation button 24 (see FIG. 2B).

  As described above, the entire camera body 10 is covered with the camera housing 15, and the camera housing 15 is covered with the cover 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 100 includes a lens window 113 for the lens unit 11, an operation window 108 for the cursor button 22 and the operation button 24, a liquid crystal window 106 for the liquid crystal display 26, and a shutter window for the shutter button 141. 121, a strobe window 110 for the strobe 16 is provided.

  In addition, the camera housing 15 or the cover 100 in each window frame portion is provided with an elastic member 120 made of rubber, sponge, or the like and having a light shielding property.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an operation cover 109 made of a transparent elastic member is fitted into the operation window 108. Further, an operation cover 109 made of a transparent elastic member that covers the shutter button 14 protruding from the shutter window 121 is also provided above the shutter window 121 (see also FIG. 3). Therefore, even if the camera body 10 is covered with the cover 100, various operations can be performed on the shutter button 14, the cursor button 22, and the operation button 24 via the operation covers 109 and 122.

  Further, transparent covers 107 and 111 made of transparent resin or the like are fitted in the liquid crystal window 106 and the strobe window 110. Therefore, even if the camera body 10 is covered with the cover 100, the display on the liquid crystal display 26 can be viewed through the transparent cover 107, and strobe light can be exposed through the transparent cover 111.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a lens unit cover 112 made of a cup-shaped transparent resin or the like is attached to the lens window 113 to cover the lens unit 11 protruding from the lens window 113. Therefore, shooting is possible even when the cover 100 is covered, and the lens unit 11 can be expanded and contracted. The lens unit cover 112 may be configured to expand and contract in conjunction with the expansion and contraction of the lens unit 11.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 100 has a two-piece structure including a first cover 104 and a second cover 102. The first cover 104 and the second cover 102 are adhesively bonded. The first cover 104 and the second cover 102 may be connected by a hinge or the like.

  Now, the camera housing 15 is transparent or translucent, and does not have a light shielding property. Therefore, the camera body 10 alone cannot shoot. However, the cover 100 has a light shielding property. In addition, since each window frame portion is provided with a light-shielding elastic member 120, the gap between the camera housing 15 and the cover 100 is also shielded from light. (See FIG. 3). Therefore, the digital camera 1 is configured to have a light-shielding property that can be photographed for the first time with the cover 100 attached to the camera body 10.

  Next, the configuration of the electrical system of the digital camera 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the digital camera 1 includes a lens unit 11 having a plurality of photographing lenses 12, a diaphragm 30 that adjusts the amount of light passing through the lens unit 11 (photographing lens 12), and an optical axis behind the photographing lens 12. It is configured to include a CCD 32 and the like provided.

  At the output end of the CCD 32, a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) 34, a gain controller (GC) 35, and an A / D converter 36 are sequentially passed, and a white balance adjustment circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a YC signal generation circuit (not shown), And a compression / decompression unit that performs compression processing on the digital image data in a predetermined compression format (JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format in the present embodiment) and decompresses the compressed digital image data. A digital signal processing unit 38 composed of the above is connected.

  A central processing unit (CPU) 40 that controls the overall operation of the digital camera 1 includes a strobe 16 (see FIG. 1) that emits light in the case of low illuminance at which an appropriate amount of exposure light cannot be obtained, and a cursor button 22. , The operation button 24, the shutter button 14 (see FIG. 1), the operation unit 16, the digital signal processing unit 38, the drive unit 42 for moving the photographing lens 12 to the in-focus position, etc., and the aperture 30 for subject luminance (photographing EV). A driving unit 44 that is driven based on the aperture value set in (1) and a timing generator (TG) 46 that generates a timing signal are connected.

  The CPU 40 performs focusing control by drivingly controlling the driving unit 42 of the photographing lens 12 so that the contrast of an image obtained by imaging by the CCD 32 is maximized. The digital camera 1 employs a so-called TTL (Through The Lens) photometry method in which the position of the photographing lens 12 is set so that the contrast of the read image is maximized as focusing control. In the digital camera 1, when the subject is located at the shooting position indicated by the autofocus frame, the focus control is automatically performed by half-pressing the shutter button 14 (see FIG. 1).

  Connected to the TG 46 is a CCD drive unit 48 for driving the CCD 32, and the CCD drive unit 48, that is, the CCD 32, CDS 34, GC 35, and the A / D converter 36 are driven in synchronization by a timing signal applied from the TG 46. The photographing lens 12 or the diaphragm 30 is moved or driven via a drive unit 42 or 44 that is driven based on a control signal from the CPU 40.

  The GC 35 performs sensitivity adjustment for each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) in the CCD 32. Further, a memory 39 is connected to the digital signal processing unit 38, and the memory 39 is a 12-bit R, G, B signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “digital image data”) output from the A / D converter 36. .) Is temporarily stored.

  Then, the CPU 40 reads out the digital image data stored in the memory 39, and performs white balance adjustment by applying a digital gain corresponding to the light source type in the digital signal processing unit 38 to the read digital image data. Sharpness processing is performed to generate 8-bit digital image data, and further YC signal processing is performed to generate a luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb (hereinafter referred to as “YC signal”). The YC signal is again stored in the memory 39. To store.

  Connected to the digital signal processing unit 38 are a liquid crystal display 26 for displaying a subject image and various information obtained by imaging by the CCD 32 and a storage unit 20 for recording digital image data mainly obtained by imaging by the CCD 32. . As shown in FIG. 2B, the liquid crystal display 26 can display a moving image (through image) obtained by continuous imaging by the CCD 22 and can be used as a viewfinder.

  The storage unit 20 is built in the camera body 10 and cannot be removed. Further, when the shutter button 14 arranged on the operation unit 16 is pressed by the photographer, the YC signal stored in the memory 39 is compressed in a predetermined compression format by the compression / decompression unit and then stored in the storage unit 20. Is remembered. That is, the captured image data is stored in the storage unit 20.

  The digital camera 1 includes a digital signal processing unit 38, a CPU 40, a storage unit 20, an external connection unit 54, an EEPROM 56, and the like connected to each other via a bus BUS.

  The above-described connection terminal 150 (see FIG. 11B) is connected to the external connection unit 54, and the external connection unit 54 manages communication with the external device 62 connected to the connection terminal 150.

  The digital camera 1 is configured to be able to transmit the image data stored in the storage unit 20 to the external device 62 connected via the connection terminal 150.

  The EEPROM 56 stores various adjustment data that is referred to during imaging. Note that the various adjustment data referred to when imaging refers to autofocus data, CCD 32 shading correction data, and the like. In addition, if an image is taken without referring to such adjustment data, a normal captured image cannot be obtained.

  Next, a recycling method and a recycling system for the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  As described above, the digital camera 1 is a so-called rental type digital camera that is lent to and collected by an unspecified number of users, or a so-called recycle type digital camera that is sold and collected. In the following description, the digital camera is a recycle type digital camera that is sold and collected.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the dealer A sells the digital camera 1. When the purchased user B takes a photograph and becomes the photographed digital camera 1, the user B brings it into the collection company C. Note that the seller A and the collector C may be the same or different.

  The collection company C disassembles the cover 100 into the first cover 104 and the second cover 102 and removes them. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the connection terminal 152 of the external device 62 is connected to the connection terminal 150 of the camera body 10, and the image data is read from the storage unit 20 (see FIG. 12), and the image data in the storage unit 20 is read. Erase. The read image data is stored in a storage medium such as a memory card or transmitted by e-mail and passed to the user B. Alternatively, it is printed and passed as a print image.

  After handing the image data and print image to the user B, the collection company C sends the cover 100 and the camera body 10 to the reproduction factory D. In the reproduction factory D, recycling work D1 such as operation check, inspection, parts replacement, and charging of the camera body 10 is performed. The cover 100 is also reused for reusable parts, and a recycle operation D2 is performed for parts that cannot be reused as raw materials.

  Then, after performing an assembly operation D3 such as attaching the cover 100 to the camera body 10 and an inspection, a final inspection operation D4 is performed, and the recycled digital camera 1 is shipped and sold again at the store A.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  As described above, the digital camera 1 cannot read an image unless it is a dedicated connection terminal 152 (FIG. 11). In other words, the user cannot take out image data.

  Moreover, the connection terminal 150 provided on the camera body 10 is covered with the cover 100 and is not exposed to the outside. In addition, the first cover 104 and the second cover 102 are adhesively bonded to the cover 100, and the user cannot remove the cover 100 unless the cover 100 is broken.

  Even if the cover 100 is broken and removed, the camera housing 15 of the camera body 10 does not have a light-shielding property, so that it is not possible to take a picture only with the camera body 10 with the cover 100 removed.

  Moreover, since the cover 100 is broken and removed, it cannot be attached again. That is, if the cover 100 is broken and removed, it cannot return to a state where it can be photographed again.

  As described above, it is almost impossible for the user to take out the image, and even if the cover 100 is broken and the image data is taken out, it is not returned to the state in which the image can be taken again.

  Therefore, the user always brings the photographed digital camera 1 to the collection company C. Therefore, the construction of the recycling system shown in FIG. 10 is not hindered.

  Furthermore, the digital camera 1 has a configuration in which the cover 100 covers the camera body 10. Accordingly, the cover 100 is scratched or soiled, but the camera housing 15, the liquid crystal display 26, the lens unit 11 and the like of the camera body 10 are not scratched or soiled. Therefore, just replacing the inexpensive cover 100 makes the appearance substantially the same as a new one. Also, recycling work is easy.

  The battery may be configured to be rechargeable by the user, or may be configured only by the collection company C or the regeneration factory D.

  In the present embodiment, the housing 15 of the camera body 10 is entirely transparent or translucent. However, only a part of the housing 15 may be transparent or translucent. However, a configuration that allows the user to easily shield light, for example, a configuration that can shield light by sticking a small seal is not desirable.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the connection terminals 150 and 152 are not normal standard products but dedicated to the digital camera 1 so that the user cannot take out image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a password or authentication is required for reading image data, and a configuration in which the user cannot retrieve image data may be employed.

  In the present embodiment, the cover 100 is bonded to the first cover 104 and the second cover 102, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cover 100 may be configured such that it cannot be disassembled into the first cover 104 and the second cover 102 without a dedicated key. Even in such a configuration, since the user does not have a dedicated key, it cannot be disassembled unless the cover 100 is broken.

  Next, a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first cover 204 of the cover 200 of the digital camera 2 has at least one photographic lens 12 instead of the lens unit cover 112 (see FIG. 1). 212 is provided.

  The camera housing 198 may or may not have light shielding properties. However, if the camera housing 198 does not have light shielding properties, the camera housing 198 can be shielded by attaching the cover 200 as in the first embodiment. It is set as the structure which has property.

  Similarly, the first cover 204 and the second cover 102 are adhesively bonded. In the case of this embodiment, it may be joined by screws or bolts instead of adhesive joining. Note that the screws and bolts to be used can be turned only with special tools, such as special screws (Benz screws) whose tip is divided into three parts. Is desirable.

  Next, the recycling method and the recycling system of the digital camera 2 according to the present embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment. However, when the cover 200 is bonded by a special screw or the like instead of adhesive bonding, the recovery is performed. It is easy to disassemble the cover 200 at the dealer C, and it is easy to reuse the cover 200 at the recycling factory D.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  As in the first embodiment, the first cover 204 and the second cover 102 are adhesively bonded to the cover 200. The user cannot remove the cover 200 unless the cover 200 is broken. Since one cover 204 includes the photographic lens 12, the photographic lens 12 is insufficient with only the camera body 199. Therefore, a normal captured image cannot be obtained.

  Even when the first cover 204 and the second cover 102 are joined with a special screw, it is difficult for the user to obtain a special tool, and therefore the user cannot remove the cover 200 unless the cover 200 is broken.

  Even if the cover 200 is broken or a special tool is obtained and the user disassembles and removes the cover 200, the digital camera 2 does not have the dedicated connection terminal 152 (see FIG. 11) as described above. Since the image cannot be read, the user cannot retrieve the image data.

  Furthermore, since the first cover 204 includes the photographing lens 12, when the cover 200 is attached to the camera body 199 again, the optical axis needs to be adjusted. Since the optical axis needs to be adjusted on the micron order using a dedicated jig, it is impossible for the user to perform the adjustment. Therefore, even if the removed cover 200 is simply attached to the camera body 199 again, the optical axis is not aligned, so that a normal captured image cannot be obtained. That is, when the cover 200 is removed, it cannot be returned to a state in which photographing can be performed again.

  Next, a digital camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st and 2nd embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the cover 300 of the digital camera 3 includes a first cover 104 and a second cover 302 to which a shutter button 144 is fixed. Further, the second cover 302 includes a second A cover 304 and an upper second B cover 303 to which the shutter button 114 is fixed. A flexible substrate 148 is attached to the shutter button 114.

  The camera housing 188 may or may not have light shielding properties. However, if the camera housing 188 does not have light shielding properties, the camera housing 188 can be shielded by attaching the cover 300 as in the first embodiment. It is set as the structure which has property.

  A slit 146 through which the flexible substrate 148 attached to the shutter button 114 passes is formed on the upper surface of the camera housing 188 of the camera body 189. An elastic member 120 is also provided around the slit 146. Further, the first cover 104 and the second cover 302 are adhesively bonded. In this embodiment, it may be joined by screws or bolts instead of adhesive joining, but in that case, special screws and bolts that can only be turned by a special tool, for example, the tip is divided into three parts. It is preferable to use special screws (Benz screws) etc.

  Next, an example of a connection method between the flexible substrate 148 attached to the shutter button 144 fixed to the second B cover 303 and the camera body 189 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, with the rear surface of the camera housing 188 of the camera body 189 opened, the flexible substrate 148 is passed through the slit 146 and connected to the connector 160 inside the camera body 189. The connector 160 sandwiches and fixes the flexible substrate 148. Then, the rear surface of the camera housing 188 is closed, and the first cover 104 (see FIG. 6) and the second A cover 304 are joined. Even if the flexible substrate 148 is sandwiched and fixed to the connector 160, the flexible substrate 148 comes out of the connector 160 when pulled upward. However, the flexible board 148 cannot be inserted into the connector 160 again and connected.

  The recycling method and the recycling system of the digital camera 3 of this embodiment are substantially the same as those of the second embodiment.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  As in the first embodiment, the first cover 104 and the second cover 302 are adhesively bonded to the cover 300, and the user cannot remove it unless the cover 300 is broken. Even when the cover 300 is joined with a special screw, it is difficult for the user to obtain a special tool, and therefore the user cannot remove the cover 300 unless the cover 300 is broken.

  Even if the cover 300 is broken or a special tool is obtained and the user disassembles and removes the cover 300, the digital camera 3 cannot read an image without the dedicated connection terminal 152 as described above. The user cannot retrieve the image data.

  Further, as described above, since the shutter button 144 is attached to the cover 300, when the cover 300 is removed, the flexible substrate 148 is pulled and comes out of the connector 160. That is, if the cover 300 is removed, the shutter function is lost, so that the camera body 189 alone cannot be used for shooting.

  Further, since the connector 160 is inside the camera body 189, the flexible substrate 148 cannot be connected to the connector 160 again. Therefore, even if the removed cover 300 is simply attached to the camera body 189 again, the shutter function does not return. That is, when the cover 300 is removed, it cannot return to a state where it can be photographed again.

  In the present embodiment, the shutter button 114 is fixed to the cover 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cursor button 22, the operation button 24, etc. of the operation unit 16 may be fixed to the cover 300.

  Next, a digital camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st to 3rd embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, an EEPROM 56 (see FIG. 12) that stores adjustment data to be referred to when photographing is fixed to the inner wall of the second cover 402 of the cover 400 of the digital camera 4. A flexible substrate 248 is attached to the EEPROM 56 via a connector or the like.

  Note that the camera housing 178 may or may not have light shielding properties. However, if the camera housing 178 does not have light shielding properties, the camera housing 178 can be shielded by attaching the cover 400 as in the first embodiment. It is set as the structure which has property.

  A slit 246 through which the flexible substrate 248 passes is formed on the side surface of the camera housing 178 of the camera body 179. Further, the first cover 104 and the second cover 402 are adhesively bonded. In the case of this embodiment, it may be joined by screws or bolts instead of adhesive joining. In that case, special screws and bolts that can only be turned by a special tool, for example, the tip is divided into three parts. It is preferable to use special screws (Benz screws) etc.

  The connection method between the flexible board 248 attached to the EEPROM 56 and the connector (not shown) built in the camera body 179 is substantially the same as the third embodiment except for the difference between the upper surface and the side surface. It is. Also, the recycling method and recycling system of the digital camera 4 are substantially the same as those in the second and third embodiments.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  As in the first embodiment, the first cover 104 and the second cover 402 are adhesively bonded to the cover 400, and the user cannot remove the cover 400 unless the cover 400 is broken. Further, even when the special screws are joined, it is difficult for the user to obtain a special tool, and therefore the user cannot remove the cover 400 unless the cover 400 is broken.

  Even if the cover 400 is broken or a special tool is obtained and the user disassembles and removes the cover 400, the digital camera 4 cannot read an image without the dedicated connection terminal 152 as described above. Therefore, the user cannot retrieve the image data.

  Further, as described above, since the EEPROM 56 is attached to the inner wall of the cover 400, when the cover 300 is removed, the flexible substrate 248 is pulled out of the connector (not shown) as in the third embodiment. That is, when the cover 400 is removed, the adjustment data cannot be referred to, so that a normal captured image cannot be obtained with the camera body 179 alone.

  Further, since the connector is inside the camera body 179, the flexible substrate 248 cannot be connected to the connector again. Therefore, even if the removed cover 400 is simply attached to the camera body 179 again, it is still impossible to refer to the adjustment data, so that a normal captured image cannot be obtained. That is, when the cover 400 is removed, it cannot return to a state where it can be photographed again.

  Next, a digital camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st to 4th embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, an insulating film 358 is fixed to the inner wall of the second cover 502 of the cover 500 of the digital camera 5. A slit 346 through which the insulating film 358 passes is formed on the side surface of the camera housing 168 of the camera body 169.

  The camera housing 168 may or may not have a light shielding property. However, if the camera housing 168 does not have a light shielding property, the camera housing 168 can be shielded by attaching the cover 500 as in the first embodiment. It is set as the structure which has property.

  Further, the first cover 104 and the second cover 502 are adhesively bonded. In the case of this embodiment, it may be joined by screws or bolts instead of adhesive joining. In that case, special screws and bolts that can only be turned by a special tool, for example, the tip is divided into three parts. It is preferable to use special screws (Benz screws) etc.

  The camera body 169 has a built-in connector (not shown) into which the insulating film 358 is inserted. Then, only when the insulating film 358 is inserted into the connector, the CPU 40 (see FIG. 12) permits all operations of the digital camera 5, and when the insulating film 358 is not inserted into the connector, the CPU 40 All operations of the camera 5 are stopped.

  The connection method between the connector built in the camera body 169 and the insulating film 358 is substantially the same as in the third and fourth embodiments. The recycling method and recycling system of the digital camera 5 are also the same as in the above embodiment. Even if the insulating film 358 is not inserted into the connector, image data can be read and erased by connecting the connection terminal 152 of the external device 62 to the connection terminal 150 of the camera body 169.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  As in the first embodiment, the first cover 104 and the second cover 502 are adhesively bonded to the cover 400, and the user cannot remove the cover 400 unless the cover 400 is broken. Further, even when the special screws are joined, it is difficult for the user to obtain a special tool, and therefore the user cannot remove the cover 400 unless the cover 400 is broken.

  Even if the cover 400 is broken or a special tool is obtained and the user disassembles and removes the cover 400, the digital camera 5 cannot read an image without the dedicated connection terminal 152 as described above. Therefore, the user cannot retrieve the image data.

  Furthermore, since the insulating film 358 is attached to the cover 500 as described above, when the cover 500 is removed, the insulating film 358 is pulled out of the connector as in the third embodiment. Then, the CPU 40 stops all operations of the digital camera 5. Therefore, the camera body 169 alone cannot be used for shooting.

  Further, since the connector is inside the camera body 169, the insulating film 358 cannot be connected to the connector again. That is, if the cover 500 is removed, shooting cannot be performed, and even if the removed cover 500 is simply attached to the camera body 169 again, it still cannot be photographed. That is, when the cover 500 is removed, it cannot return to a state where it can be photographed again.

  Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

  In the modification, the CPU 40 erases the adjustment data stored in the EEPROM 56 (see FIG. 12) when the insulating film 358 comes out of the connector built in the camera body 169. Therefore, when the cover 500 is removed, the adjustment data is erased and cannot be referred to, and thus a normal captured image cannot be obtained as in the fourth embodiment.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the camera housings 15, 198, 188, 178, and 168 of the camera bodies 10, 199, 189, 179, and 169 are all box-shaped, but are not limited thereto. For example, a frame structure composed of a frame or the like may be used. In addition, when the camera housings 198, 188, 178, 168 of the camera bodies 199, 189, 179, 169 are light-shielding, the covers 200, 300, 400, 500 are attached to the camera bodies 199, 189, 179, 169. It does not have to be a box shape covering the whole.

It is a schematic diagram of the state which decomposed | disassembled the digital camera concerning 1st embodiment of this invention into the cover and the camera main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The digital camera concerning 1st embodiment of this invention is shown typically, (A) is a front view, (B) is a rear view. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the principal part of the digital camera concerning 1st embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic diagram of the state which decomposed | disassembled the digital camera concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention into the cover and the camera main body. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the principal part of the digital camera concerning 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic diagram of the state which decomposed | disassembled the digital camera concerning 3rd embodiment of this invention into the cover and the camera main body. The connection between the flexible board attached to the shutter button fixed to the cover of the digital camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the connector built in the camera body is shown in order from (A) to (C). It is explanatory drawing. It is the schematic diagram of the state which decomposed | disassembled the digital camera concerning 4th embodiment of this invention into the cover and the camera main body. It is the schematic diagram of the state which decomposed | disassembled the digital camera concerning 5th embodiment of this invention into the cover and the camera main body. It is a figure which shows the recycling system of a digital camera. (A) is a figure of the state before connecting the connection terminal of the camera main body of a digital camera, and the connection terminal of an external apparatus, (B) is a figure after connecting. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of a digital camera.

Explanation of symbols

1 Digital camera
2 Digital camera
3 Digital camera
4 Digital camera
5 Digital Camera 10 Camera Body 12 Lens 16 Operation Unit 20 Storage Unit (Image Storage Unit)
40 CPU (Damage means)
56 EEPROM (Imaging Information Storage Unit)
62 External device 100 Cover 144 Shutter button (operation unit)
150 Connection terminal (image data extraction means, connection part)
152 Connection terminal (image data extraction means)
169 Camera body 179 Camera body 189 Camera body 199 Camera body 200 Cover 300 Cover 358 Insulating film (permission means, stop means)
400 cover 500 cover

Claims (15)

A digital camera capable of taking out image data taken from a built-in image storage unit only by an external image data taking-out means,
The image data extraction means is dedicated to the digital camera,
A digital camera comprising at least a part of the functions of the digital camera in an outermost package, and when the outermost package is removed, a part of the function does not function and cannot be attached. A digital camera capable of taking out image data taken from a built-in image storage unit only by an external image data taking-out means,
The image data extraction means is dedicated to the digital camera,
The outermost package has at least a part of the functions of the digital camera, and when the outermost package is removed, a part of the function does not function, and even if the removed outer package is attached again, at least one of the functions A digital camera characterized in that the part does not return.   3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein at least one lens is provided on the outermost package and functions as a part of the function of the digital camera.   The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of an operation unit that operates the digital camera is provided on the outermost package and functions as a part of the function of the digital camera. .   The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein an imaging information storage unit that stores data necessary for imaging is provided in the outermost package and functions as a part of the function of the digital camera. .   The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein permission means for permitting the operation of the digital camera is provided in the outermost package so that the digital camera functions as a part of the function of the digital camera. The digital camera has breakage means for breaking at least a part of the function,
The outermost exterior is provided with stop means for stopping the destruction operation by the breakage means and releasing the stopped state when the outermost exterior is removed, and functions as a part of the function of the digital camera. The digital camera according to claim 1 or 2. The digital camera has a camera body and a cover provided outside the camera body,
The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the outermost package is the cover. The digital camera has a camera body and a cover provided outside the camera body,
The camera body does not have light shielding properties,
The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the cover that is the outermost cover is provided with a light shielding function so as to function as a part of the function of the digital camera. The camera body is provided with a connection portion to which the external image data extraction means can be connected,
The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein the connection portion is covered with the cover and is not exposed. A recycled digital camera obtained by recycling the digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A recycling digital camera characterized in that image data of an image taken from the image storage section of a photographed digital camera is taken out by the image take-out means, and the image data in the image storage section is deleted.   The recycled digital camera according to claim 11, wherein the outermost exterior is removed and another outermost exterior is attached. A recycling method for recycling the digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
An image reading step of extracting image data of an image taken from the image storage unit by the image extracting unit;
An image erasing step of erasing the image data in the image storage unit;
An image providing step of passing either one or both of the image data extracted by the image extracting means and the printed image printed based on the image data to the user;
A method for recycling a digital camera, comprising: An outermost exterior removal step of removing the outermost exterior of the digital camera;
An outermost attachment process for attaching another outermost case to the digital camera;
The method of recycling a digital camera according to claim 13, comprising: A recycling system for recycling the digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Image data of an image taken from the image storage unit of the digital camera that has been taken is taken out by the image take-out means, and either or both of the image data and a print image printed based on the image data are used by the user As well as
A digital camera recycling system, wherein the image data in the image storage unit is erased and recycled such as inspection, parts replacement, and cleaning are performed and then rented or sold.

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