JP2007124132A - Camera system, its control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage charging relative to the usage of a camera system when equipment for lending is mounted on the camera system which includes a camera body and peripheral equipment to be connected to the camera body. <P>SOLUTION: First, camera equipment information related to the camera body and the peripheral equipment is acquired (step S501). A first determination is performed concerning whether the equipment for lending is mounted on the camera system or not, based on the camera equipment information (step S502). Then, a second determination is performed about the matter whether a storage medium for managing charging is inserted to a storage medium insertion or not (step S503). An operation concerning the camera system is controlled based on the determination result of the first and second determinations (steps S505, S506). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera system including a camera body including a storage medium insertion unit and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body, a control method thereof, a program for causing a computer to execute the control method, and the The present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a program.

  In cameras for taking photographs, digital cameras that record electronic images photoelectrically converted by an image sensor or the like as digital data on a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk are widely used. In general, in such a digital camera, a storage medium for storing an electronic image is configured to be detachable from the camera, and the recording can be continued by taking out the storage medium from the camera in the middle of shooting and then attaching it to the camera again. It is made like that.

  On the other hand, in a rental camera, while recording an image on a removable storage medium, a charging fee is calculated according to the number of frames and time, and when payment is completed according to this charging fee at the end of shooting, A camera capable of taking out a storage medium has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-344935 A

  Conventionally, when taking a picture at a sightseeing spot or a recreational facility, a camera is prepared and carried in advance. However, as described above, if the image recording storage medium can be taken out in the middle of photographing, for example, a person who desires rental equipment (rental equipment) carries only the recording medium and takes it to a tourist spot or a recreational facility. It is possible to go out. In this case, the camera body can be borrowed at the destination.

  However, with conventional rental cameras, the storage medium cannot be inserted or removed, and it is not possible to take a large number of pictures unless it is brought into the store, or even if the storage medium is removable, the storage medium can be removed if payment is not completed. There were drawbacks such as not.

  Also, for example, in the case of a single lens reflex type digital camera etc., there are very many combinations of rental equipment at the time of shooting, such as renting only a photographic lens device, renting only a strobe device, renting only the camera body, There was a problem that the calculation of charges when renting was unclear.

  That is, conventionally, in a camera system configured to include a camera body and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body, if rental equipment is installed in the camera system, charge management for the use is performed. There was a problem that it was difficult to do.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and when rental equipment is mounted on a camera system configured to include a camera body and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body, It is an object of the present invention to enable billing management for use.

  The camera system of the present invention is a camera system configured to include a camera body having a storage medium insertion portion and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body, the camera relating to the camera body and the peripheral equipment Information acquisition means for acquiring equipment information; first determination means for determining whether or not rental equipment is mounted on the camera system based on the camera equipment information acquired by the information acquisition means; A second determination unit that determines whether or not a billing management storage medium is inserted in the storage medium insertion unit; and at least based on determination results by the first determination unit and the second determination unit, Operation control means for controlling operations related to the camera system.

  A control method for a camera system according to the present invention is a control method in a camera system configured to include a camera body having a storage medium insertion portion and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body, the camera body and An information acquisition step of acquiring camera device information relating to the peripheral device, and a step of determining whether or not a rental device is mounted on the camera system based on the camera device information acquired by the information acquisition step 1 determination step, a second determination step for determining whether or not a charge management storage medium is inserted in the storage medium insertion unit, and a determination by at least the first determination step and the second determination step And an operation control step for controlling an operation related to the camera system based on the result.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a control method in a camera system configured to include a camera body including a storage medium insertion unit and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body, Information acquisition step for acquiring camera device information relating to the camera body and the peripheral devices, and whether or not rental equipment is installed in the camera system based on the camera device information acquired by the information acquisition step A first determination step for determining whether or not a charge management storage medium is inserted in the storage medium insertion unit, at least the first determination step and the second determination step Based on the determination result of the determination step, the operation control step for controlling the operation related to the camera system is copied. Than is to be executed by the computer.

  The computer-readable storage medium of the present invention stores the program.

  For example, in the camera system of the present invention, when there is no charge management storage medium in the storage medium insertion portion of the camera body, control is performed so that shooting and image display cannot be performed. The camera system of the present invention is effective when a person who wants rental equipment carries only the accounting management storage medium or only the photographing lens device and the camera body in addition to the accounting management storage medium. It is. That is, when renting out other camera equipment to the people at a sightseeing spot or a recreational facility, it is realized to perform billing management for use of the rental equipment.

  In the camera system of the present invention, the billing fee is surely calculated and written to the billing management storage medium according to the usage state (the number of photographing frames, the photographing time, etc.) during the rental period, and the billing fee collection has to be completed. For example, the photographed image cannot be read by a general personal computer. This eliminates the uncertain charge calculation when lending. In addition, for example, even when the lent lens device is used in combination with another camera body, if the storage medium for billing management does not exist in the camera body, the camera body does not operate and unauthorized use is made. I try to eliminate it.

  According to the present invention, when rental equipment is mounted on a camera system configured to include a camera body and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body, billing management for the use can be performed.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the camera system according to the present embodiment includes a camera body 100, a photographing lens device 200, a strobe device 300, and a printer device 400. That is, in the camera system shown in FIG. 1, a photographing lens device 200, a strobe device 300, and a printer device 400 are provided as peripheral equipment that can be connected to the camera body 100. In addition, the camera body 100 of the present embodiment includes two storage media, the first storage medium 10a and the second storage medium 10b (hereinafter, when the two storage media are expressed together, the “storage medium 10 ”) Is configured to be detachable. Note that the camera system according to the present embodiment is an electronic imaging system having both a still image recording function and a moving image recording function.

  The photographic lens device 200 includes a photographic lens 201 that makes an optical image from a subject incident on the camera body 100, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “I / F”) 202 for communicating with the camera body 100, and It is configured with. The taking lens 201 is composed of one or a plurality of lenses, and may be a fixed focal point or a variable focal length such as a zoom lens.

  The strobe device 300 includes a strobe unit 301 that generates a shooting flash and a communication I / F 302 for communicating with the camera body 100.

  The printer device 400 includes a printer unit 401 that prints an image captured by the camera body 100 and a communication I / F 402 that communicates with the camera body 100.

  The camera body 100 includes a CMOS 101, a signal processing unit 102, a management information storage memory 103, an image processing unit 104, a VRAM (Video RAM) 105, a display unit 106, a memory controller 107, and an imaging information storage unit. And a memory 108. Further, the camera body 100 includes an image temporary storage memory 109, a first slot 110a and a second slot 110b, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an operation unit 114, and various communication I / Fs 115 to 117. It has. Note that the camera body 100 of the present embodiment includes two slots 110a and 110b corresponding to the storage medium insertion unit. Hereinafter, when these two slots are expressed together, “slot 110” is used. "

  The CMOS 101 corresponds to an image sensor. The first slot 110a is a storage medium insertion unit configured to be detachable from the first storage medium 10a, and the second slot 110b is a storage medium insertion unit configured to be detachable from the second storage medium 10b. is there. The operation unit 114 includes various key switches for performing operation input in the camera system. The camera main body 100 is configured with various I / Fs of a lens communication I / F 115, a strobe communication I / F 116, and a printer communication I / F 117, and includes a photographing lens device 200, a strobe device 300, and a printer device 400, respectively. It is provided for communication.

  A subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CMOS 101 via the photographing lens 201 is converted into a signal having an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each sensor and digitized by the signal processing unit 102. The digitized digital signal is stored as image data (digital data) in the image storage memory 109 via the memory controller 107. The image data stored in the image storage memory 109 is sent to the image processing unit 104 via the memory controller 107.

  The image processing unit 104 includes a luminance / color difference signal conversion circuit, a gamma correction circuit, an image compression / decompression circuit, and the like. The image data input to the image processing unit 104 is subjected to predetermined processing in accordance with purposes such as image display, image printing, and storage in the storage medium 10, and then written back to the image temporary storage memory 109 again. It is.

  The image data stored in the image storage memory 109 is read by the memory controller 107 and supplied to the VRAM 105. The data stored in the VRAM 105 is converted into a predetermined display signal (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) and then output to a display unit 106 such as an LCD.

  The display unit 106 is not limited to the LCD, and other display devices capable of color display may be applied. Further, if necessary, a character generator (not shown) is used and character data such as shooting information is added, so that an image in which character information and the like are combined can be displayed on the display unit 106.

  Further, the management information storage memory 103 includes user information on the rental equipment, information on the rental equipment, information on the usage status of the rental equipment, user authentication information, billing information, and rental equipment. Management information such as setting fee information based on the type of data is stored. At this time, management information is stored in the management information storage memory 103 as encrypted data. When the accounting fee is settled (paid) and the captured image data is converted, the memory controller 107 deletes the data.

  On the other hand, it is possible to accumulate as a moving image by using a continuous imaging signal output from the CMOS 101.

  The display unit 106 can also be used as an electronic viewfinder, and the photographer can check the shooting angle of view with a display image on the display unit 106 or an optical finder (not shown).

  Further, in response to a predetermined recording instruction (shooting start instruction) operation such as a pressing operation of a shutter button included in the operation unit 114, capturing of image data for recording and shooting information is started. When the photographer inputs an instruction to record images from the operation unit 114, the CPU 111 sends a command to the image processing unit 104 as necessary. Accordingly, the image processing unit 104 performs processing according to JPEG, TIFF, PICT, BMP, and other predetermined formats and compression methods on the image data stored in the image storage memory 109.

  The image data processed by the image processing unit 104, the billing information stored in the management information storage memory 103, and the shooting information stored in the shooting information storage memory 108 are stored in the storage medium 10. The camera system according to the present embodiment has two media slots 110a and 110b as a storage medium insertion unit for inserting the storage medium 10.

  For example, a media slot corresponding to an SD memory card or a Compact Flash (registered trademark) card is provided as the first slot 110a, and an SD memory card or a compact flash (registered trademark) is similarly provided as the second slot 110b. ) It is assumed that a media slot corresponding to the card is provided. In this embodiment, an SD memory card (corresponding to the first storage medium 10a) with a storage capacity of 512 MB is mounted in the first slot 110a, and a CompactFlash (registered trademark) (with a storage capacity of 1 GB) in the second slot 110b. It is assumed that the second storage medium 10b is mounted).

  The form of the storage medium 10 that can be attached to and detached from the camera main body 100 is not limited to the above-described one, and various types such as a PC card, a micro drive, a multimedia card (MMC), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a memory stick are available. Forms are possible. In this case, signal processing means and an interface corresponding to the storage medium 10 to be used are applied. Further, the form of the storage medium 10 to be used, the storage capacity, and the combination of the two storage media are not limited to the above-described ones, and two storage media having different storage capacities can be mounted regardless of whether they are of different types or the same type. I just need it.

  In addition, when shooting is performed with the two storage media 10a and 10b attached, the camera body 100 records the captured image data and the shooting information in a storage medium that is arbitrarily specified, and optionally stores billing information. It is possible to record on a storage medium designated in the above. In the camera body 100 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the billing information is recorded in the first storage medium 10a, and the captured image data and the shooting information are specified to be recorded in the second storage medium 10b. . The selection of a storage medium for storing image data and shooting information and a storage medium for storing billing information can be specified by key operation of the operation unit 114 or command control from a PC (not shown). It is.

  In the reproduction mode, the image data read from the second storage medium 10 b is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 104, and an image based on the image data is displayed on the display unit 106 via the VRAM 105.

  The CPU 111 is a control unit (control means) that comprehensively controls each component of the camera system according to the present embodiment, and is connected to the memory controller 107, the ROM 112, the RAM 113, and the like via the bus 118.

  The ROM 112 stores a control program for the camera system (camera body 100), various setting data necessary for control, camera information such as camera identifier and version information, and the like. The CPU 111 reads information stored in the ROM 112 as necessary, and controls the camera system (camera body 100).

  The RAM 113 is used as a working memory when the CPU 111 performs various arithmetic processes. The CPU 111 controls the operation of the corresponding component such as a circuit based on a signal input from the operation unit 114 and also performs display control on the display unit 106.

  The CPU 111 also performs control of focus adjustment (AF) operation, automatic exposure adjustment (AE), and the like. Note that a plurality of CPUs 111 and other components may be provided for each processing system in order to speed up the processing by separately controlling the imaging system and the image processing system.

  Further, the CPU 111 performs various calculations such as a focus evaluation calculation and an AE calculation based on the imaging signal output from the CMOS 101, and controls a focus lens driving motor (not shown) based on the calculation to take a photographic lens. 201 is moved to the in-focus position. That is, the CPU 111 controls the exposure lens 201 toward the subject and performs optimal exposure adjustment control based on a key input from the operation unit 114 (or a command from a PC (not shown)). The focus adjustment is automatically controlled. Note that AE and AF may be performed using a well-known photometric sensor, a distance measuring sensor composed of an AF light projecting / receiving sensor, or the like in addition to a method of controlling based on an imaging signal acquired from the CMOS 101. .

  The operation unit 114 includes a shutter button that gives an instruction to record an image, a menu key, a power OFF / ON key, a display switching key, an execution key, a shooting mode switching key, an image quality mode key, a color setting key, and an ISO value switching key. , AF mode key, AE mode key, self-timer key, illumination key, color setting key, and other various setting means. These various setting means are not limited to forms such as switch buttons, dials, and slide-type knobs. A mode in which setting menus and selection items are displayed on the screen of the display unit 106, and a desired item is selected with a touch panel or a cursor. There is also. The operation unit 114 may be provided in the camera body 100, may be configured to be separated from the camera body 100 as a remote control transmitter, or may be controlled by a command from a PC (not shown).

  The display unit 106 displays information regarding the state of the camera system, the shooting mode, and the like together with the captured image. For example, the display unit 106 displays a battery remaining amount display, a display indicating the usage state of the storage media 10a and 10b, a display of the number of shootable frames and a playback frame number (file name), a display indicating the presence or absence of flash emission, Information such as a recording image quality display, a pixel number display, and an ISO value are displayed.

  The camera system configured as described above can change the number of pixels (pixels) and the recording image quality mode setting in accordance with the purpose of shooting. For example, the number of pixels when recording a still image can be selected from any number of pixels such as 4064 × 2704 pixels, 1280 × 1024 pixels, and 640 × 480 pixels. Regarding image quality, for example, non-compression that records image data without performing compression processing, lossless compression processing (RAW), low compression ratio compression processing, medium compression ratio compression processing, high compression ratio compression processing, etc. Can be selected. The selection instruction for the number of pixels and the image quality mode is input from the operation unit 114.

  When operating the camera body 100, the CPU 111 communicates with the communication I / F 202 on the photographic lens device 200 side via the lens communication I / F 115 to control the focal length, the aperture, or the photographic lens 201. Get lens information. Examples of the lens information include information such as a lens identifier, version information, and focal length information.

  When operating the camera body 100, if there is a strobe device 300 connected to the camera body 100, the CPU 111 communicates with the communication I / F 302 on the strobe device 300 side via the strobe communication I / F 116. Then, control of the light emission amount / light emission timing and strobe information related to the strobe unit 301 are acquired. Examples of the strobe information include information such as a strobe identifier and version information.

  When operating the camera body 100, if the printer apparatus 400 connected to the camera body 100 exists, the CPU 111 communicates with the communication I / F 402 on the printer apparatus 400 side via the printer communication I / F 117. The printer information relating to the printing control and the printer unit 401 is acquired. Examples of the printer information include information such as a printer identifier and version information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the storage medium 10 inserted into the camera body 100.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, an SD memory card with a storage capacity of 512 MB (in this embodiment, “first storage medium 10a”) is a storage medium for user authentication and billing management, and a compact flash with a storage capacity of 1 GB. (Registered trademark) CF1 and CF2 (in this embodiment, “second storage medium 10b”) are image recording storage media. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, user authentication information for performing user authentication, billing information, and a set fee related to the set fee shown in FIG. 3 are stored in an SD memory card corresponding to the first storage medium 10a. Information is stored. In addition, photographed image data and photographing information are stored in CompactFlash (registered trademark) CF1 and CF2 corresponding to the second storage medium 10b. In some cases, the storage medium for user authentication and accounting management and the storage medium for image recording are also used as the same storage medium.

  For example, when the SD memory card of FIG. 2 is used as a storage medium for user authentication and billing management, user authentication information is stored in an area that cannot be changed by a general user in the card, and the billing information can be accessed in advance by a file system. The file name is a file name to which a predetermined charging identifier is added (for example, “.rtl”), which is encrypted and stored in the form of a hidden file.

  In the present embodiment, the user authentication and billing management storage medium (first storage medium 10a) is prepared separately from the image recording storage medium (second storage medium 10b), so that the setting contents for each user are set. Can be changed. In addition, when the camera body 100 is not a rental device, charging management can be performed by preparing a charging management storage medium.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a set fee when a rental device is used in the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 (a) shows the set fee per lending equipment, and FIG. 3 (b) shows the set fee per lending equipment and 1 lending equipment. A list of daily set charges is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a set fee is shown when the camera body, the third photographing lens device, the second strobe device, and the printer device are rental equipment in the camera system. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the set fee information related to this set fee is preset in the first storage medium 10a. The set fee information may be set in advance in the management information storage memory 103 of the camera body 100, for example.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of shooting information (log). FIG. 4 shows an example of shooting seven frames. Here, FIG. 4A shows a list of the shooting date and time and the configuration of the camera system for each number of shot frames, and FIG. 4B shows the shooting shown in FIG. The charging fee based on the usage frequency system and the charging fee based on the usage time system are shown. In the configuration of the camera system shown in FIG. 4A, the rental equipment is the same as that shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the charging fee shown in FIG. 4B will be described.

(Billing fee based on the number of uses)
First, for the camera body, rental equipment is used for all the number of shot frames from shooting 1 to shooting 7, so the charge for the camera body is ¥ 30 / (1 frame) × 7 = ¥ 210.
Subsequently, as for the photographing lens device, only the third photographing lens device is rented out equipment, and the third photographing lens device is used for photographing 4 and photographing 7, so as a charge for the photographing lens device, ¥ 70 / (1 frame) × 2 = ¥ 140.
Subsequently, only the second strobe device is rented out for the strobe device, and the second strobe device is used for shooting 3 and shooting 6, so the charge for the strobe device is ¥ 20 / ( 1 frame) × 2 = ¥ 40.
From the above, the billing fee based on the usage count system is a total of ¥ 390.

(Billing charges based on usage hours)
First, with regard to the camera body, equipment for rent is available for all shooting frames from shooting 1 (2004/12/01, 13:12:56) to shooting 7 (2004/12/02, 11:57:31). Therefore, the charge for the camera body is ¥ 6,000 / (1 day) × 1 = ¥ 6,000.
Subsequently, with respect to the photographing lens device, only the third photographing lens device is rented out, and photographing 4 (2004/12/02, 10:09:49) and photographing 7 (2004/12/02, 11:57). : 31), the third photographing lens device is used, so the charge for the photographing lens device is ¥ 4,000 / (1 day) × 1 = ¥ 4,000.
Next, with regard to the strobe device, only the second strobe device is lent out, and photography 3 (2004/12/02, 10:08:23) and photography 6 (2004/12/02, 11:17:32). ) Is using the second strobe device, the charge for the strobe device is ¥ 1,000 / (1 day) × 1 = ¥ 1,000.
As described above, the total charge for the usage time system is ¥ 11,000.

  Here, as a method of calculating the charging fee for the use of rental equipment in the camera system, the charging fee is calculated not only by the number of times of use or by the time of use, but also by using these together. Also good.

Next, a method for controlling the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of standby transition processing of the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, in the case of a photographic lens interchangeable camera system (camera device), based on lens information such as a lens identifier, version information, and focal length information acquired by the CPU 111 through communication with the photographic lens device 200. The photographing lens device 200 is specified. At this time, the CPU 111 responds with a specific code for determining whether or not the photographing lens device 200 is a rental equipment based on the lens identifier or version information.

Here, an example of a method for determining whether or not the photographic lens device 200 is a rental equipment based on the lens identifier will be described below.
The lens identifier in the case of not renting equipment is, for example, “EF70-200F2.8”, but the lens identifier in the case of renting equipment is “EF70-200F2.8-Rental”, which is a character string indicating the lens name. Describes the identification information (-Rental) for specifying the rental equipment. In this case, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the photographing lens device 200 is a rental device based on the presence or absence of the identification information (-Rental).

An example of a method for determining whether or not the photographing lens device 200 is a rental equipment based on the version information is shown below.
The version information in the case of not renting equipment is, for example, “1.00”, but the version information in the case of renting equipment is “1.00-R”, and the renting equipment is specified in the last 1 byte. Identification information (-R) is described. In this case, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the photographing lens device 200 is a rental equipment based on the presence or absence of the identification information (-R).

  For the camera body 100, the CPU 111 reads the camera identifier or version information stored in the ROM 112, and responds with a specific code for determining whether or not the camera body 100 is a lending device. ing.

Here, an example of a method for determining whether or not the camera body 100 is a lending device based on the camera identifier will be described below.
The camera identifier in the case of not renting equipment is, for example, “EOS 1D”, but the camera identifier in the case of renting equipment is “EOS 1D-Rental”, and the renting equipment is displayed in the character string indicating the camera name (-Rental) for specifying is described. In this case, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the camera body 100 is a rental device based on the presence or absence of this identification information (-Rental).

An example of a method for determining whether the camera body 100 is a rental device based on the version information is shown below.
The version information in the case of not renting equipment is, for example, “1.00”, but the version information in the case of renting equipment is “1.00-R”, and the renting equipment is stored in the last 1 byte. Identification information (-R) for specifying is described. In this case, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the camera body 100 is a rental device based on the presence or absence of the identification information (-R).

  As for the strobe device 300 and the printer device 400, as in the case of the photographing lens device 200 and the camera body 100 described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the device is a rental device based on the strobe information and the identification information in the printer information. It has become.

In step S501 of FIG. 5, the CPU 111 acquires camera equipment information relating to the camera body 100 and its peripheral equipment (in this embodiment, the photographing lens apparatus 200, the strobe apparatus 300, and the printer apparatus 400) constituting the camera system. .
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 111 acquires camera information from the ROM 112 as camera equipment information, and also receives lens information, strobe information, and printers from various devices 200 to 400 via various communication I / Fs 115 to 117. Get information.

  Subsequently, in step S502, based on the identification information in the camera equipment information acquired in step S501, the CPU 111 determines whether a rental equipment is attached to the camera system. If the result of this determination is that no lending equipment is attached to the camera system, the process proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S502 is that rental equipment is attached to the camera system, processing proceeds to step S503.

  Subsequently, in step S503, the CPU 111 determines whether or not an accounting management storage medium is inserted into the slot 10 which is a storage medium insertion unit. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the first storage medium 10a is inserted in the first slot 110a.

  If the result of determination in step S503 is that a billing management storage medium has been inserted into slot 10 which is the storage medium insertion section, processing proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the CPU 111 reads billing information and set fee information from the billing management storage medium (first storage medium 10a in the present embodiment). Then, in the memory controller 107, based on an instruction from the CPU 111, the read billing information and set fee information are stored in the management information storage memory 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S505.

  Subsequently, in step S505, the CPU 111 shifts the operation mode of the camera system to the photographing / image display / printing permission mode, and enters a standby state.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S503, if the charging management storage medium is not inserted in the slot 10 as the storage medium insertion unit, normal charging management cannot be performed. Subsequently, in step S504, the CPU 111 Then, the operation mode of the camera system is shifted to the shooting / image display / printing prohibition mode. Thereafter, the process returns to step S503 and waits until it is determined that the accounting management storage medium has been inserted.

  By performing the processes in steps S501 to S506, the standby shift process of the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the rental equipment mounted on the camera system is specified, and the charging management information and the set fee are determined from the charging management storage medium (first storage medium 10a) inserted in the camera body 100. Information is read out and billing management can be performed according to the set fee information corresponding to the specified rental equipment. Further, by preparing the charge management storage medium (first storage medium 10a) separately from the image recording storage medium (second storage medium 10a), even if the camera body 100 is not a rental device, shooting can be performed. When rental equipment is used for the lens apparatus 200 and other camera equipment, it becomes possible to perform charge management based on the contents stored in the charge management storage medium.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of standby transition processing when user authentication is performed in the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In step S601 of FIG. 6, the CPU 111 acquires camera equipment information relating to the camera main body 100 and its peripheral equipment (in this embodiment, the photographing lens apparatus 200, the strobe apparatus 300, and the printer apparatus 400) constituting the camera system. .
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 111 acquires camera information from the ROM 112 as camera equipment information, and also receives lens information, strobe information, and printers from various devices 200 to 400 via various communication I / Fs 115 to 117. Get information.

  Subsequently, in step S602, based on the identification information in the camera equipment information acquired in step S601, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a rental equipment is attached to the camera system. If the result of this determination is that there is no rental equipment mounted on the camera system, processing proceeds to step S607. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S602 is that there are rental equipment mounted on the camera system, processing proceeds to step S603.

  In step S603, the CPU 111 determines whether a storage medium for user authentication and billing management is inserted in the slot 10 serving as a storage medium insertion unit. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the first storage medium 10a is inserted in the first slot 110a.

  If the result of determination in step S603 is that a user authentication and billing management storage medium has been inserted into the slot 10 that is the storage medium insertion section, processing proceeds to step S604. In step S604, the CPU 111 reads the user authentication information, the billing information, and the set fee information from the user authentication and billing management storage medium (the first storage medium 10a in the present embodiment). Then, in the memory controller 107, based on the instruction from the CPU 111, the read user authentication information, charging information, and set fee information are stored in the management information storage memory 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 605, the CPU 111 accepts a user name and password input via the operation unit 114, for example.

  Subsequently, in step S606, the CPU 111 determines whether or not user authentication has been normally performed based on the user authentication information read in step S604 and the user name and password received in step S605. If the user authentication is normally performed as a result of this determination, then in step S607, the CPU 111 shifts the operation mode of the camera system to the shooting / image display / print permission mode, and enters the standby state. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S606 that the user authentication has not been performed normally, or if it is determined in step S603 that the user authentication and charging management storage medium has not been inserted, normal charging management is performed. In step S608, the CPU 111 shifts the operation mode of the camera system to the shooting / image display / printing prohibition mode. Thereafter, the process returns to step S603.

  By performing the processes in steps S601 to S608 described above, the standby transition process when performing user authentication is performed in the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing at the time of shooting by the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In step S701 in FIG. 7, the CPU 111 acquires camera equipment information related to the camera body 100 and its peripheral equipment (in this embodiment, the photographing lens apparatus 200 and the strobe apparatus 300) constituting the camera system.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 111 acquires camera information from the ROM 112 as camera equipment information, and also acquires lens information and strobe information from the various devices 200 and 300 via the various communication I / Fs 115 and 116. To do.

  Subsequently, in step S702, based on the identification information in the camera equipment information acquired in step S701, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a rental equipment is attached to the camera system.

  If the result of determination in step S702 is that there is no rental equipment attached to the camera system, no charge is incurred, so processing proceeds to step S708, and after normal shooting is performed, the processing ends.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S702 is that rental equipment is installed in the camera system, then in step S703, the CPU 111 determines that a storage medium for billing management is in slot 10 which is a storage medium insertion unit. It is determined whether or not it has been inserted. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the first storage medium 10a is inserted in the first slot 110a.

  If the result of determination in step S703 is that a billing management storage medium has been inserted into the slot 10 that is the storage medium insertion section, processing proceeds to step S704 for shooting. Then, after shooting is performed, the process proceeds to step S705, and the CPU 111 acquires information relating to the usage status of the rental equipment.

  Subsequently, in step S706, the CPU 111 calculates a charging fee based on the information on the usage status of the rented equipment acquired in step S705 and the set fee information on the rented equipment, and the accounting includes the charging fee. Update information. Then, the memory controller 107 updates the billing information in the management information storage memory 103 based on an instruction from the CPU 111, and also updates the billing information in the billing management storage medium (first storage medium 10a in this embodiment). Update.

  Subsequently, in step S707, the CPU 111 displays the billing information updated in step S706 on the display unit 106, and ends the photographing process.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S703, if the charging management storage medium is not inserted in the slot 10 which is the storage medium insertion unit, normal charging management cannot be performed. Subsequently, in step S709, the CPU 111 Then, the operation mode of the camera system is shifted to the shooting / image display prohibition mode. Thereafter, the process returns to step S703 and waits until it is determined that the accounting management storage medium is inserted.

  Through the processes in steps S701 to S709 described above, the process at the time of shooting by the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing at the time of printing in the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In step S801 in FIG. 8, the CPU 111 acquires printer information related to the printer device 400 connected to the camera main body 100 constituting the camera system. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 111 acquires printer information from the printer device 400 via the printer communication I / F 117.

  Subsequently, in step S802, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the printer device 400 is a rental device based on the identification information in the printer information acquired in step S801. If the result of this determination is that the printer device 400 is a rental equipment, the process advances to step S803.

  In step S803, the CPU 111 determines whether a charging management storage medium is inserted in the slot 10 as a storage medium insertion unit. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the first storage medium 10a is inserted in the first slot 110a. If the result of this determination is that a billing management storage medium has been inserted into slot 10 which is the storage medium insertion section, processing proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU 111 selects a print image based on, for example, an input from the operation unit 114. In step S805, the CPU 111 performs print settings such as the print paper size, the number of sheets, the presence / absence of date, and trimming based on the input from the operation unit 114, for example. Subsequently, in step S806, based on the instruction from the CPU 111, the printer apparatus 400 performs print processing according to the print image selected in step S804 and the print setting set in step S805.

  Subsequently, in step S807, the CPU 111 calculates a charging fee based on the information on the usage status of the renting equipment (printer apparatus 400) and the set fee information on the renting equipment, and the charging includes the charging fee. Update information. Then, the memory controller 107 updates the billing information in the management information storage memory 103 based on an instruction from the CPU 111, and also updates the billing information in the billing management storage medium (first storage medium 10a in this embodiment). Update. Thereafter, the printing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step 802 is that the printer device 400 is not a rental device, charging is not incurred and the normal print mode is entered, and processing proceeds to step S808.
In step S808, the CPU 111 selects a print image based on, for example, an input from the operation unit 114. In step S809, the CPU 111 performs print settings such as the print paper size, the number of sheets, the presence / absence of a date, and trimming based on an input from the operation unit 114, for example. Subsequently, in step S810, the printer apparatus 400 performs print processing according to the print image selected in step S808 and the print settings set in step S809 based on an instruction from the CPU 111. Thereafter, the printing process is terminated.

  If the result of determination in step 803 is that no billing management storage medium has been inserted into slot 10 which is the storage medium insertion section, normal billing management cannot be performed. Subsequently, in step S811, the CPU 111 Then, the operation mode of the camera system is shifted to the print prohibition mode. Thereafter, the process returns to step S803 and waits until it is determined that the accounting management storage medium is inserted.

  Through the processes in steps S801 to S811, the process at the time of printing of the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image conversion process when there is a rental equipment in the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the case of FIG. 9, the photographed image is provided to the photographer through an image conversion process after collecting the charge fee. The image conversion process here is a process for providing a photographed image to the photographer after completing the settlement of the billing fee according to the usage status of the rental equipment. For example, when image conversion processing is performed at a rental equipment rental shop, information that proves the completion of payment is written in the charging management storage medium, the charging management storage medium is inserted into the camera body, and then shot. Image conversion and readout are possible. That is, in exchange for a card payment on the Web or the like, the settlement completion billing information file for conversion can be downloaded, and the billing information file is copied to the billing management storage medium. Then, by inserting this billing management storage medium into the camera body, the photographed image can be converted.

  In step S901 in FIG. 9, when a charging management storage medium (first storage medium 10a in this embodiment) is inserted into the camera body 100, the CPU 111 displays the charging information of the charging management storage medium on the display unit. 106.

  Subsequently, in step S902, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the settlement of the billing fee in the billing information has been completed based on the input from the operation unit 114, for example. In this case, as a settlement method, a method in which the user obtains a key for performing image conversion from the operation unit 114 by a telephone inquiry to a rental store after settlement is considered. As another example of the settlement method, the billing fee is paid to the rental shop by cash or credit settlement, the billing information related to the completion of the settlement is acquired, and it is written in the billing management storage medium, or the network or the like It is also possible to write the billing information related to the completion of the settlement in the billing management storage medium by the communication means. Here, it goes without saying that when an unauthorized billing information file is used, the processing for converting captured image data in step S903, which will be described later, is canceled.

  As a result of the determination in step 902, when the settlement of the billing fee in the billing information is completed, the process proceeds to step S 903, where the CPU 111 can read the photographed image data with respect to the image processing unit 104 with a general personal computer. To convert to Thereafter, the image conversion process ends.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step 902, if the settlement of the billing charge in the billing information is not completed, the process proceeds to step S904, and the CPU 111 stops the photographed image data conversion process by the image processing unit 104. Thereafter, the process returns to step S902 and waits until it is determined that the billing fee has been settled.

  The image conversion process of the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed through the processes in steps S901 to S904 described above.

  As described above, the camera system according to the present embodiment includes the camera main body 100 including the slot 110 of the storage medium insertion unit, and peripheral equipment (the photographing lens device 200, the strobe device 300, and the printer) that can be connected to the camera main body. Device 400). The CPU 111 acquires camera equipment information related to the camera body 100 and its peripheral equipment (step S501), and first determination as to whether or not rental equipment is installed in the camera system based on the camera equipment information. (Step S502). Further, the CPU 111 makes a second determination as to whether or not the accounting management storage medium is inserted in the slot 110 (step S503), and the operation related to the camera system based on the first and second determination results. Is controlled (steps S505 and S506).

  Specifically, in the camera system according to the present embodiment, the CPU 111 determines that the rental equipment is attached by the first determination, and the charging management storage medium is not inserted by the second determination. If it is determined that the operation is not performed, control is performed so that the operation related to the camera system is not performed (step S506).

  Further, in the camera system according to the present embodiment, the CPU 111 performs the third determination as to whether or not the user authentication has been normally performed (step S606). In this case, the CPU 111 determines that the lending equipment is attached by the first determination (step S602), and determines that the accounting management storage medium is inserted by the second determination (step S603). And when it determines with user authentication not having been normally performed by 3rd determination, it controls so that the operation | movement which concerns on the said camera system is not performed (step S608).

  In addition, the camera system according to the present embodiment further includes a memory controller 107 that performs control so that billing information corresponding to the usage status of the rental equipment is stored in the billing management storage medium. Further, a set fee based on the type of rental equipment as shown in FIG. 3 is set in the accounting management storage medium. As the usage status of the rental equipment, as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to apply the usage period, the number of images taken during the usage period, or both. Then, the memory controller 107 controls the billing information to be stored in the billing management storage medium as the billing information along with the usage status of the borrowed device and the set fee for the borrowed device.

  According to the camera system according to the present embodiment, when rental equipment is installed in a camera system configured to include a camera body and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body, charge management for the use is performed. It can be carried out.

  An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. This can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. The present invention includes a case where part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. The present invention includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the storage medium inserted in a camera main body. It is the figure which showed an example of the setting charge in the case of using the apparatus for rental in the camera system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of imaging | photography information (log). It is a flowchart which shows an example of the standby transfer process of the camera system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of standby transition processing when user authentication is performed in the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of imaging | photography of the camera system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process at the time of printing of the camera system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the image conversion process in case the rental apparatus exists in the camera system which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10a First storage medium (user authentication and billing management storage medium)
10b Second storage medium (storage medium for image recording)
100 camera body 101 CMOS (imaging device)
102 Signal Processing Unit 103 Management Information Storage Memory 104 Image Processing Unit 105 VRAM (Video RAM)
106 Display 107 Memory Controller (Storage Control Unit)
108 Shooting information storage memory 109 Temporary image storage memory 110a First slot 110b Second slot 111 CPU
112 ROM
113 RAM
114 Operation unit 115 Lens communication I / F
116 Strobe communication I / F
117 Printer communication I / F
118 Bus 200 Shooting Lens Device 201 Shooting Lens 202 Communication I / F
300 Strobe Device 301 Strobe Unit 302 Communication I / F
400 Printer device 401 Printer unit 402 Communication I / F

Claims (10)

A camera system comprising a camera body having a storage medium insertion portion and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body,
Information acquisition means for acquiring camera equipment information relating to the camera body and the peripheral equipment;
Based on the camera equipment information acquired by the information acquisition means, first determination means for determining whether or not rental equipment is mounted on the camera system;
Second determination means for determining whether or not a billing management storage medium is inserted in the storage medium insertion unit;
An operation control means for controlling an operation related to the camera system based on at least the determination results by the first determination means and the second determination means.   The operation control means determines that the lending equipment is attached by the first determination means, and determines that the charge management storage medium is not inserted by the second determination means. 2. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that an operation related to the camera system is not performed. A third determination unit that determines whether or not the user authentication has been normally performed;
The operation control means determines that the lending equipment is attached by the first determination means, determines that the charge management storage medium is inserted by the second determination means, and 2. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein when the third determination unit determines that the user authentication has not been performed normally, control is performed so that an operation related to the camera system is not performed.   4. The storage control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a storage control unit configured to control charging information corresponding to a usage state of the rental equipment so as to be stored in the charging management storage medium. 5. Camera system. A set fee is provided based on the type of rental equipment,
The storage control means controls the storage of the charging information according to the set fee for the rental equipment as well as the usage status of the rental equipment as the charging information. The camera system according to claim 4.   6. The camera system according to claim 5, wherein the set fee is set in the accounting management storage medium.   The camera system according to claim 4, wherein a usage period of the rental equipment includes a usage period, a number of shots in the usage period, or both. A control method in a camera system configured to include a camera body including a storage medium insertion unit and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body,
An information acquisition step of acquiring camera equipment information relating to the camera body and the peripheral equipment;
A first determination step of determining whether or not a rental device is mounted on the camera system based on the camera device information acquired by the information acquisition step;
A second determination step of determining whether or not an accounting management storage medium is inserted in the storage medium insertion unit;
An operation control step for controlling an operation related to the camera system based on at least the determination results of the first determination step and the second determination step. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method in a camera system including a camera body including a storage medium insertion unit and peripheral equipment connectable to the camera body,
An information acquisition step of acquiring camera equipment information relating to the camera body and the peripheral equipment;
A first determination step of determining whether or not a rental device is mounted on the camera system based on the camera device information acquired by the information acquisition step;
A second determination step of determining whether or not an accounting management storage medium is inserted in the storage medium insertion unit;
A program for causing a computer to execute an operation control step for controlling an operation related to the camera system based on at least the determination results of the first determination step and the second determination step.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 9.

Images