JP2008245304A - Setting method of digital camera and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a setting method of a digital camera for efficiently recycling the digital camera, and also to provide an information processor. <P>SOLUTION: In the setting method of the digital camera having a storage part for storing data other than digital image data, and the information processor, the data other than the digital image data is extracted from the storage part of a first digital camera, whether a second digital camera is compatible with the data other than the digital image data, is detected, and the data other than the digital image data is moved to the storage part of the second digital camera when a detection is affirmative. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera setting method and an information processing apparatus.

  Regarding recycling of the camera, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4 have been proposed. Further, for example, Patent Literature 5, Patent Literature 6, Patent Literature 7, and Patent Literature 8 have proposed the recycling of products.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-154052 JP 2000-196931 A JP 2000-228740 A JP 2000-253283 A JP 2001-82744 A JP 2002-1979 JP 2002-94863 A JP 2002-117134 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera setting method and an information processing apparatus for efficiently recycling a digital camera.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is configured such that the computer sucks data other than the digital image data stored in the first digital camera, and stores the data other than the digital image data in the second digital camera. The data is registered. Thereby, since the data memorize | stored in the 1st digital camera can be moved to the 2nd digital camera, the user can save the effort which memorize | stores data manually in the 2nd digital camera.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect, the data other than the image data is information unique to a user of the first and second digital cameras. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect, the data other than the image data is data set by a user of the first digital camera.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the third aspect, the data set by the user is a photographing condition.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the third aspect, the data set by the user is display font data.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect, the user of the first digital camera is authenticated.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect of the present invention, the digital camera and the computer are connected either wirelessly or wiredly.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect, the computer includes a storage unit that holds data other than the digital image data.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect, data other than the digital image data is transmitted to the manufacturer side.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect, the data stored in the first digital camera is erased after the data is downloaded.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect, when the second digital camera corresponds to data other than the digital image data, other than the digital image data. Is converted into a format suitable for the second digital camera and registered.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera setting method according to the first aspect, customer registration of the second digital camera is executed.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, siphoning means for sucking up data other than digital image data stored in the first digital camera, and data other than the digital image data sucked up by the second digital camera by the sucking means. If the second digital camera corresponds to data other than the digital image data sucked up by the sucking means, the detecting means for detecting whether the second digital camera is compatible with the second digital camera. The information processing apparatus includes registration means for registering data other than the digital image data.

  The invention according to claim 14 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the data other than the image data is data set by a user of the first digital camera.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect further includes storage means for holding data other than the digital image data.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the information processing apparatus further includes conversion means for converting the data sucked from the first digital camera into a format suitable for the second digital camera. It was.

  The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to the first embodiment, which is a rental system in which digital cameras are distributed as rental products. The rental center 1 is provided in a number of locations using a rental video shop, a convenience store, etc., and the customer 2 directly borrows or returns a digital camera. Visit. The return is not necessarily performed at the rental center 1 from which the digital camera is borrowed, and may be performed at any rental center 1 in the rental system.

  As will be described later, the photographed image information of the digital camera is read by 1 at the rental center when the digital camera is returned. The read photographed image information is printed by a printer 1a composed of a silver halide printer or the like at the request of the customer and handed to the customer. The customer can also desire to record the read photographed image information on the CD-R. In this case, the CD-R in which the photographed image information is written is handed to the customer by the CD-R driver 1b. An arrow 3 indicates a delivery route of an image recording medium such as a digital camera, a print, or a CD-R at such a store.

The rental center 1 also obtains the consent of the customer when the digital camera is returned, and reads the information on the use status of the camera.
The relationship between the lending center 1, the customer 2, and the delivery route 3 may be not only direct delivery at such a store but also an order and delivery relationship. In this case, the customer 2 is at home, and the delivery route 3 is an operation route such as a delivery vehicle.

  The database center 4 is connected to a plurality of rental centers 1 via a communication network 5. The database center 4 may normally be one in the rental system, but may be divided into a plurality depending on circumstances. The communication network 5 is the Internet or a dedicated line in the rental system. The customer database 4a records customer management information such as a new customer's address, name, telephone number, e-mail address, and credit card number based on information from the lending center 1, and issues a customer ID number. In the case of a new customer, with the consent, age, gender and other privacy information is also recorded in the customer database 4a. Such privacy information is strictly managed by contract with customers. The customer database 4a also records and manages lending and return information of individual products, and further information on usage, and also performs statistical information processing of products based on these information.

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

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

  Further, the digital camera returned at each rental center 1 is sent to the distribution center 6 via the delivery route 7. In the distribution center 6, the recycling center 6 a cleans, replaces batteries and parts, repairs damage, etc., and returns the digital camera from the distribution center 6 b to the rental center 1 via the distribution route 7. In order to manage such exchanges of digital cameras, each rental center 1 and the distribution center 6 are connected by a communication network 8. In addition, instead of returning all the digital cameras returned to the rental center 1 to the distribution center, a preliminary check is performed at the rental center 1 and only those that need to be processed at the recycling center are sent to the distribution center. Good. In this way, a camera that does not hinder re-renting can be immediately provided to the rental stock.

  A development / design / production / disposal center (hereinafter abbreviated as “comprehensive center”) 9 is a center having a general function including disposal in addition to normal development, design, and production. There may be one general center 9 in the rental system, but a plurality may be provided depending on circumstances. Further, the function of a single general center 9 may be divided into a plurality of bases.

  The general center 9 is connected to the database center 4 by the communication network 10, and mainly receives the commodity distribution statistical information of the customer database 4a. The merchandise distribution information is first used for production adjustment in the general center 9 to increase production of digital cameras whose lending frequency is increasing, and to reduce or stop production of those which are in a trend of decline in popularity. Since the merchandise distribution information includes information on the user and purpose of use of the digital camera, the information is reflected in the development / design, production, and disposal plan of the next model together with the information on the change in the distribution quantity. Compared to normal sales, in the case of rental, market information can be acquired in real time and with a collection rate of almost 100%, so the response of product planning is dramatically accelerated. In addition, the market response can be grasped very quickly.

  The general center 9 is connected to the distribution center 6 by a delivery route 11 for exchanging digital cameras. The delivery route 11 delivers newly produced digital cameras to the distribution center 6 and also disposes of digital cameras that cannot be replayed or digital cameras that have become popular and have increased in stock to the general center 9 for disposal. to deliver. In order to manage such exchange of digital cameras, the general center 9 and the distribution center 6 are connected by a communication network 12.

  The communication network 12 further sends individual information and statistical information, such as cleaning, replacement of parts, repair of damage, etc. in the reproduction center 6a to the general center 9. In the general center 9, the information from the regeneration center 6a is also reflected in the development / design, production, and disposal plan of the next model. Furthermore, information that leads to a reduction in the cost of regeneration work obtained from work results at the regeneration center 6a is also sent to the general center 9 via the communication network 12, and is reflected in development / design, production, and disposal plans for the next model.

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

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the lending center 1 in the first embodiment, and parts corresponding to those in FIG. The customer terminal groups 21 are prepared in such a number that there is no waiting time for customers visiting the rental center 1. A new customer uses one of the customer terminal groups 21 (hereinafter simply referred to as the customer terminal 21), and manages customers such as address, name, telephone number, e-mail address, credit card number according to the guidance on the display. Enter information. Also enter your age, gender and other privacy information if you agree. When the privacy information is input, there is a privilege that the user can receive a souvenir and can receive information on future new products and new services suitable for the privacy information.

  These pieces of information are sent to the host computer 23 through the LAN 22. The host computer 23 communicates with the database center 4 via the communication network 5 and issues a customer ID number based on the result. The customer can receive the customer card created based on the customer management information and the customer ID number from the customer terminal group 21. Even if the customer card does not go to the lending center 1, it can be received by delivery or the like by accessing the database center 4 directly from a personal computer at home or the like via the Internet and inputting predetermined items.

  A customer who wants to lend a digital camera causes the customer terminal 21 to read the customer card, designates the camera, and inputs lending conditions such as a lending period. The input data is sent to the host computer 23. When the host computer 23 completes acceptance of the rental, the customer terminal 21 issues a voucher, and the designated digital camera is delivered from the warehouse 25 by the transport means 24 to the delivery corner 26. To send. The customer presents the voucher at the delivery corner 26 and receives the digital camera. The host computer 23 sends the customer's rental data to the database center 4 via the communication network 5 so that the digital camera can be returned at any rental center.

  Various digital cameras are prepared in the camera trial corner 27, and the customer can try them in the rental center 1 before designating the digital camera. In addition, the camera trial corner 27 is provided with an interactive terminal for guiding the usage of the camera by item for a customer having little knowledge of the digital camera. The image of the digital camera that the customer is trying to use is displayed on the screen of the terminal. The customer can operate the digital camera displayed on the terminal while comparing the digital camera that is held in hand with the display on the screen. Touch the part corresponding to the operation part you do not know. As a result, a request for explanation of the part is accepted, and the customer can receive guidance on how to use the part.

  Utilization data for each item of digital camera trial and usage guidance by the customer is monitored by the host computer 23, and the information is sent to the database center 4 via the communication network 5 and recorded in the customer database 4a. These customer information and statistical information thereof are further sent from the database center 4 to the general center 9 and reflected in future development / design, production, and disposal plans. For example, the operation unit, which has been requested to explain how to use it, is improved to a format that is easier to understand.

  A customer who has finished photographing and visited the rental center first causes the customer terminal 21 to read the customer card and inputs the camera return. When the user simply inputs that the camera is to be returned, the order is to print all the image data in the camera and store the image data in the image database 4b by default. This corresponds to “simultaneous printing” and preparation for reprint orders in the case of silver halide films. In order to place a special order different from this, desired image order data is input according to the guidance of the customer terminal 21. After this procedure, the digital camera is returned at the delivery corner 26. The conveying means 28 conveys the digital camera from the delivery corner 26 to the data reading terminal 29, where the image data that has been taken and information on the usage status of the camera are read out. The read image data and camera usage information are sent to the local server 30 for storage.

  Instead of the above embodiment, the digital camera is configured so that data input from the customer terminal 21 at the time of lending is stored in the digital camera itself and image order data can be input by the camera. It is also possible to do. In such an embodiment, at the time of return, the customer may simply hand over the digital camera at the delivery corner 26, and it is necessary to read the customer card at the customer terminal 21 and to input return data and image order data. Absent. In this case, the data reading terminal 29 reads the returned image data and the image order data together with the captured image data and the information on the usage status of the camera, and sends them to the host computer 23.

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

  When the “print” instruction is included in the image order data, the image data is sent from the local server 30 to the printer 1 a for printing, and is conveyed to the delivery corner 26 by the conveying means 32. The customer can receive the print as soon as the digital camera is returned. On the other hand, when the image order data includes an instruction “write to CD-R”, the image data is sent from the local server 30 to the CD-R driver 1b, and the CD-R on which the image has been written is stored. It is conveyed to the delivery corner 26 by the conveying means 33. Further, when the image order data includes “storage of photographed image information”, the image data of the local server 30 is sent from the host computer 23 to the database center 4 via the communication network 5 and stored in the image database 4b. Is done. Note that the camera usage information stored in the local server 30 is sent from the host computer 23 to the database center 4 via the communication network 5 and stored in the customer database 4b in any order. At this time, the order data information is also sent as statistical data to the database center 4 and stored in the customer database 4b.

  The system shown in FIG. 2 may all be concentrated in one place. In this case, the transport means 24, 28, 31 to 33 are not necessary. For example, delivery from the data reading terminal 29 to the warehouse 25 is not necessary. The clerk will do it manually. Further, if the store clerk also operates the terminal for the customer terminal 21 and the camera trial corner, all procedures can be performed by the exchange between the customer and the store clerk at the delivery corner.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system showing a second embodiment, taking as an example a case where a digital camera as a rental product is distributed using an existing system of a convenience store as it is. The rental system 51 includes the rental center 1, the database center 4, the distribution center 6, and the general center 9 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Since the details of the configuration are the same as those in FIG. 1, illustration of blocks in each center and description of functions in the rental system 51 are omitted. Further, since the details of the rental center 1 are the same as those in FIG. 2, illustration and description are omitted except for the host computer 23 and the delivery corner 26.

  In the convenience store system 52, the first store 53 and the second store 54 are connected to the delivery center 57 by delivery routes 55 and 56, respectively, and receive delivery of goods. For simplicity, only two stores are shown, but there are actually many stores. The distribution center 57 is a distribution hub for the convenience store system 52, and is connected to the purchase center 59 by a distribution route 58. The distribution center 57 receives purchased products to be supplied to the store and returns them as necessary. Will be returned. Further, in the case of a direct delivery type product, the product from the production center 60 is carried to the delivery center 57 by the delivery route 61. The customer can go to the nearest first store 53 and second store 54 to purchase the product, place an order by telephone or communication, and receive delivery to the home 63 via the delivery route 62. These delivery management and payment decision are centrally managed by the system computer 64. Although not shown in the figure, each block in the convenience store system such as the first store 53 is provided with a local computer, and exchanges delivery data with the system computer 64.

  In the second embodiment, the delivery corner 26 in the rental center 1 of the rental system 51 is connected to the delivery center 57 by the delivery route 65 of the convenience store system 52. Further, the host computer 23 of the rental center 1 serves as a window of the rental system 51, communicates with the system computer 64 of the convenience store system 52 through the communication network 66, etc., and performs delivery management and payment decision.

  First, the rental of a digital camera using the convenience store system 52 will be described. The digital camera in the rentable state is sent from the delivery corner 26 to the delivery center 57 by the delivery route 65 in the same manner as other products of the convenience store system 52, and further sent to the first store 53 by the delivery route 55 and the like. At this time, the convenience store system 52 receives a request for a “purchase price” from the rental system 51 in exactly the same manner as normal purchase. In the convenience store system 52, the digital camera is displayed at the first store 53 or the like with the “sales price” obtained by adding a margin to the “purchase price”. For customers, this “sales price” means a digital camera rental fee and a print service fee. The lending and billing system will be described in detail later, but after obtaining the camera and taking a picture, the system in the second embodiment is “with a lens” in that the camera is “returned” to the laboratory and only the image is received. It is similar to the distribution system of “Film”.

  A customer who wants to lend a digital camera, for example, visits the first store 53, brings the digital camera from the product display shelf of the first store 53 to the cash register in the same way as a normal product, and pays the “sales price”. At that time, customer card information, digital camera number, date, and the like in the rental system are input to the local computer at the cash register of the first store 53 and notified to the host computer 23 via the system computer 64. In this case, if payment is made with an IC card issued to the customer from the convenience store system, it is easier to input information, and “rental” is completed with exactly the same effort as payment for other general products at the convenience store To do.

  The digital camera may be obtained by delivery to the home 63 using the delivery route 62 of the convenience store system 52 without going to the first store 53 or the like.

  The customer who has finished photographing returns the digital camera to a cash register such as the first store 53. At the cash register of the first store 53, after inputting necessary information such as a digital camera number, image order data, and a print delivery method, the received digital camera is sent to the delivery corner 26 via the delivery center 57 by the delivery routes 55 and 65. Information input at the local computer at the cash register of the first store 53 is transmitted to the host computer 23 via the system computer 64. Also in this case, if the customer presents the IC card, the necessary information can be easily input. If the image order data, the print delivery method, and the like are input to the digital camera itself, the trouble of returning the digital camera at the first store 53 can be reduced.

  The return of the digital camera is not limited to the first store 53 from which the digital camera was obtained, but may be performed at the second store 54. Further, it may be returned from the home 63 using the delivery route 62. Furthermore, it goes without saying that it may be brought directly into the delivery corner 26 of the rental center 1.

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

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a local computer in the first store 53 and the like in the second embodiment, which handles rental management and billing in a digital camera rental system together with normal merchandise cashier processing. In this embodiment, a case where charging and settlement are performed by an IC card issued to a customer registered in a convenience store system will be described as an example.

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

  In step S4, if the product is not a digital camera, it is a normal product, so the process jumps to step S8 to input a charge for the product. Next, in step S9, it is asked whether or not the registration of all the products has been completed. If an incomplete notification is input within a predetermined time, the process returns to step S3 to read the information of the next product. If the merchandise is a normal merchandise, the above is repeated, and if the registration for all the merchandise is completed in step S9 or if a predetermined time elapses without inputting anything, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, charges are collected and deducted. The withdrawal information is input to the IC card.

  On the other hand, if the product is a digital camera in step S4, the process goes to step S5 and subsequent steps including dialogue with the customer. If the product is a digital camera, the ID number of the digital camera, the maximum number of images that can be captured, etc. are already automatically input to the computer from the barcode information read in step S3.

  In step S5, the data on the day of input is automatically input as the lending date, and the scheduled return date is input based on the request from the customer. This item is automatically entered by default with a date one week after the loan date unless otherwise requested by the customer. In step S6, the number of shootable images is input based on the planned number of shots desired by the customer. In this item, the maximum number of shootable images of the digital camera read from the barcode information is automatically input by default unless there is a customer's request.

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

  In step S8, if the product is a digital camera, the digital camera ID, rental date, scheduled return date, and charge based on the planned number of shots input in the previous steps are automatically calculated and input.

  Note that the processing order from step S5 to step S8 is not limited to FIG. Further, in an embodiment in which the lending conditions for the digital camera are determined uniformly, and all necessary information such as a fee based on the lending conditions is input from the default values read from the barcode information, step S5 and step S6 are performed by the customer. It is automatically processed without hearing your intention. The barcode above may be printed on the exterior of the digital camera.

  In order to omit the question to the customer in step S5 and step S6 and improve the flow of cash register, as another embodiment, even if the digital camera itself is the same, the rental period and the number of shootable images Depending on the difference, only the bar coat on the exterior of the digital camera will be displayed in a convenience store as a different product. For example, if the number of shootable images is 25 in the rental period of 3 days, a price tag of 1500 yen is attached, and if the number of shootable images is 50 in the rental period of one week, a price tag of 2600 yen is attached and displayed as a separate product. To do. A variety of “assortments” is required depending on the diversification of customer's wishes. In such an embodiment, the customer simply selects the desired “product” and brings it to the cash register. Information necessary in step S5 and step S6 can be automatically input instantaneously by reading.

  As described above, the rental management and billing in the digital camera rental system are performed in the flow of cashier processing in the convenience store system using the IC card.

  In addition to the IC card, if it is a system that can identify customers such as credit cards, it is possible to manage and charge for rentals in the digital camera rental system during the cashier process of the convenience store system as described above It becomes. In this case, step S10 is a process for withdrawing money from the customer's bank account or the like.

  An example of a digital camera rental fee table is shown in FIG. As shown in the “Specify number of days” column in “Lending fee” in FIG. 5, lending is basically 200 yen per day, but 500 yen for 2 nights and 3 days course, 1100 yen for one week (same for next week) 8 days until the day of the week) course, 3500 yen a month (until the same day of the following month) is provided, the longer the period, the cheaper. Once a course has been specified, it cannot be changed thereafter, and the excess days from the course will all be 200 yen per day. Data storage fee is free.

  Billing at the time of renting is done according to the course specified by the customer, but it also has the meaning of the rental deposit, and regardless of the course designation, the monthly course fee will be charged uniformly and the course most advantageous to the customer at the time of return It is good also as an embodiment which applies and returns a difference.

  The print fee is basically 50 yen per sheet, but the minimum charge is 250 yen because 5 or more sheets must be ordered. In addition, a 25-sheet course for printing 25 sheets at 1000 yen and a 50-sheet course for printing 50 sheets at 1500 yen are set. When these courses are selected, a digital camera equipped with a memory having a larger capacity is lent out. These courses correspond to the case where a film of 25 or 50 shots is simultaneously printed on a silver halide camera. However, in the case of a digital camera, it is not always necessary to shoot and print the entire capacity, so it is sufficient to order at least 15 prints in the 25-sheet course, and the unnecessary print fee will be reduced by 40 yen per sheet. Can be adjusted. As a result, the minimum fee for the 25-sheet course is 600 yen. In other words, the 25-sheet course is a course for printing from 15 sheets or more to the number corresponding to the memory capacity for 40 yen per sheet. Similarly, the 50-sheet course is a course for printing at 30 yen per sheet if a minimum of 30 prints are ordered.

For recording on a CD-R, the basic fee including recording of five images is 1,000 yen, and an excess fee of 20 yen is charged for the sixth and subsequent images.
The adjustment amount of the print fee and the excess amount at the time of recording on the CD-R are often unknown at the time of lending of the digital camera. Therefore, at the time of lending, the customer's IC card is charged for each basic fee. At the time of return, we settle for the excess number of days in the rental fee. For example, when a 50-sheet course is rented in a lending period of one week, a total of 2600 yen is charged at the time of lending, and a digital camera is returned with a print order of 35 sheets without exceeding the lending period In this case, a refund process for a print fee of 450 yen for 15 sheets is performed on the customer's IC card. As another example, for example, in the case of renting a 25-sheet course for a rental period of 3 days, a total of 1500 yen is charged at the time of lending, and digital printing is accompanied by a print order of 20 sheets when the rental period exceeds 2 days. When the camera is returned, the additional charge processing of 200 yen is performed on the customer's IC card as a result of subtracting the charge of the excess charge of 400 yen and the refund of the print fee of 200 yen for 5 sheets. Is called.

  The lower part of FIG. 5 shows some examples of the total fee based on the fee system as described above. The first example is a case where the number of prints is also specified under the return condition on the day. In this case, a total of 450 yen including a rental fee of 200 yen for one day and a print fee of 250 yen for a minimum of 5 sheets is the lowest total fee. The fourth example is a case where the rental is a three-day course for two nights and the print is a 25-sheet course, and a total of 1500 yen, which is a rental charge of 500 yen and a print charge of 1000 yen, is charged. In this example, the number of prints can be adjusted to a minimum of 15, and the print fee at that time is 600 yen, so the minimum fee is 1100 yen. Since other examples can be understood in the same manner, description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 5, the lending time limit is set, but as another embodiment, the lending period is unlimited if a fixed amount is paid, and it is used within the warranty period for battery consumption at the customer's responsibility. It is possible to have a fee structure that does this. The state of use and return in such an embodiment is similar to the actual situation of a lens-equipped film in silver halide photography. Film with a lens is not a rental product but a purchased product. After handing it to the laboratory, it will not be returned to the hand, but will be recycled and sold again as a product. Because we do.

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

  A window 72 is opened at a position corresponding to the monitor output 73, the LCD display 74, the operation unit 75, the finder 76, the photographing lens 77, the strobe 78, and the environment sensor 91 in the paper exterior 72. The environmental sensor 91 is exposed to the outside. A window at a position corresponding to the photographing lens 77 is covered with a transparent protective glass 79 to prevent optical damage to the surface of the photographing lens 77. This protective glass 79 is also replaced every time the digital camera is returned. The window at the position corresponding to the finder 76 is also covered with the same transparent protective glass, and is replaced in the same manner. On the other hand, the windows at positions corresponding to the LCD display 74 and the operation unit 75 are covered with a transparent film 80 so that these portions can be seen from the outside and these portions are prevented from being stained. Further, the transparent film 80 is flexible so that it can be operated by pressing the operation portion 75 from the outside. The transparent film 80 is also replaced every time the digital camera is returned. The window at the position corresponding to the strobe 78 is also covered with the same transparent film and replaced in the same manner.

  With the above embodiment, the possibility of damage inside the digital camera at the time of lending is reduced to withstand multiple lending, and the part directly touched by the customer's hand is made of low cost material They are exchanged every time they are rented, and the digital camera is rented out as a new one.

  In order to reduce the cost, the photographing lens 77 has a fixed focal point and is not provided with a focusing mechanism. The aperture value is also fixed. The exposure control is performed by the shutter speed of the electronic shutter and the gain control of the image sensor, and these are automatically controlled by the CPU 83 based on a signal from an optical sensor (not shown).

  The monitor output 73 is, for example, an AV output terminal, and is used to output and monitor a captured image signal to the AV input of the television while the digital camera is lent out. The monitor output 73 may be a terminal for outputting an image on the monitor screen of the mobile phone instead of the AV terminal. In any case, the image signal from the monitor output 73 has a smaller amount of image information than the captured image signal, and is intended to be output in a short time for monitoring and stored in an external memory. It is unsatisfactory to print or print.

  The LCD display 74 is not an image monitor, but has a simple structure that only displays characters, marks, and the like. The LCD display 74 distinguishes between the shooting mode and the playback mode, the number of remaining shootable images, and the image output from the monitor output 73. The number, the number of the image to be deleted, etc. are displayed. The operation unit 75 includes a shutter / release button / execution button, a focal length switching button, a mode switching button, an image quality switching button, an up / down button for selecting a captured image for monitoring and erasing, and a data input button. A numeric keypad is provided. The usage of these buttons is printed on a paper exterior 72 outside the adjacent window.

  The viewfinder 76 is normally provided with a field frame for wide shooting, and when the focal length switching button of the operation unit 75 is pressed, the field control mechanism 81 operates and the field frame 82 for telephotographing is displayed on the viewfinder 76. Move into view. The fact that the focal length has been switched to the tele side by the operation unit 75 is also notified to the CPU 83. In this embodiment, the focal length is switched in two steps of tele and wide in consideration of cost. However, as another embodiment, the switching may be performed in multiple steps, and the focal length is continuously changed substantially steplessly. It may be a zoom type that switches between. In this case, the switching of the field frame is made multistage or continuous, or a zoom optical system is adopted for the finder 76.

  The CPU 83 controls a randomly accessible CMOS image sensor 85 (about 3 million pixels) via the image sensor control unit 84 and captures an image from the image sensor. At this time, when the focal length is switched to telephotographing, only the pixels in the area of the center 1/4 of the image sensor corresponding to the telephoto field frame 82 are read out to obtain a pseudo telephoto image. . On the other hand, when the focal length is in the wide shooting state and the image quality is set to “normal”, a quarter of the number of images are thinned out and read out from the entire image sensor area. In this way, this embodiment functions as a digital camera of about 750,000 pixels capable of tele shooting and wide shooting. When performing wide shooting, an image of 750,000 pixels may be obtained by performing all-pixel reading instead of thinning-out reading and adding the signals of four adjacent pixels. In this case, sensitivity is improved as compared with thinning readout.

  When the image quality switching button is set to “Fine”, it is used as a digital camera with 3 million pixels without performing thinning readout in the wide shooting state or adding up adjacent pixels. Note that it is prohibited to set the image quality switching button to “fine” which means 3 million pixels in the tele shooting state. As described above, in this embodiment, when the focal length is not switched, the digital camera functions as a high-quality digital camera with 3 million pixels of about quasi-wide angle.

  As another embodiment, if the photographic lens is configured as a zoom lens, the cost increases, but a zoom digital camera capable of obtaining a high image quality of 3 million pixels at any focal length can be configured.

  The CPU 83 controls the strobe 78 via the strobe control unit 86. Further, the CPU 83 is connected to the memory 87, stores the captured image from the image sensor control unit 84 in the memory 87, reads out the image stored in the memory 87, and outputs the monitor output 73 or data via the CPU 83. Output from terminal 88. Note that the memory 87 is not a detachable recording medium such as a memory card, but a normal memory chip mounted inside the digital camera. This reduces the cost of the recording medium itself, reduces the cost by omitting the card drive, etc., and further reduces the possibility of damage during lending by eliminating the opening for inserting and removing the recording medium from the housing. ing.

  The data terminal 88 outputs digital data having the amount of image information as stored in the memory 87 and information on the usage status of the camera, and is a dedicated terminal suitable for reading at the data reading terminal at the rental center. It is not compatible with the data input terminal of ordinary household computers. Therefore, when the digital camera is distributed as rental products, it is covered with the exterior 72, and only when it is returned and the exterior 72 is peeled off, it is exposed to the outside and can be connected to the data reading terminal. Further, although the structure of the data terminal 88 is general-purpose, the data terminal 88 may be configured to be read by a dedicated read procedure different from general in order to improve the efficiency of data reading at the rental center. Also in this case, the digital camera is covered with the exterior 72 in the state of being distributed as a rental product, and is exposed to the outside only when the exterior 72 is peeled off and can be connected to the data reading terminal. .

  As another embodiment, the data terminal 88 is a general-purpose data terminal such as a USB and is configured to be readable by a general reading procedure. A window is provided in the exterior 72 so that the data terminal 88 is exposed to the outside. It is also possible to configure so that data can be read out by a home personal computer. In this case, it is assumed that the customer himself manages the image data and also performs printing and the like with the customer's own printer. However, the performance of not only digital cameras but also personal computers and printers is steadily changing, and it is economically too burdensome for ordinary customers to always replace themselves with the latest performance. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 not only rents a digital camera, but also leaves the image data read on the premise of management and printing to a specialist, so that the customer always has the most advanced performance at the time of use. Can be enjoyed.

  The power supply circuit 89 supplies power to each part in the digital camera from a battery 90 including, for example, two AA batteries. The digital camera according to the embodiment is designed on the assumption that sufficient power supply is ensured during distribution as a rental product, and there is no need to replace the battery by the customer himself. The lid is covered with the exterior 72, and the battery can be replaced only when it is returned and the exterior 72 is peeled off at the reproduction center. For such battery management, when the battery is replaced and a new exterior 72 is attached, the regeneration center imprints the battery replacement date and time on the exterior 72. At a store 53 of a convenience store system, not only the current battery voltage but also the date of battery replacement is checked, and a digital camera that has passed a predetermined period after battery replacement is returned to the rental center as a “best-before-sold product”. With this management, only digital cameras with batteries that can function sufficiently during the rental period are rented. The information of the returned digital camera is information on the turnover rate of the digital camera as a rental product to the customer or the stock status at the store 53 or the like.

  The information on the battery replacement date is also input to the CPU 83, and if sufficient power supply cannot be guaranteed by comparison with the return date input at the time of lending, the information is rented instead of the same model that can be guaranteed. In addition, the CPU 83 creates warning information about rental such as a notice of a state where power supply cannot be guaranteed and an excess of the rental period by comparing the battery replacement date and return date information with today's date information. When the information is output, the warning information is superimposed on the information and displayed on a television screen or the like.

  In addition to deleting an unnecessary image by operating the operation unit 75 while viewing an image from the monitor output 73 on a television or the like, it is also possible to specify the number of prints and the print size of the required image. Such designation information is written from the CPU 83 to the memory 87 in accordance with a predetermined format. The written designation information is read from the data terminal 88 together with the image information when the digital camera is returned, and printing is performed according to the designation information. The print designation can be corrected at the rental center when the digital camera is returned, or can be input at the rental center at the time of return without inputting the designation information on the digital camera.

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

  The environmental sensor 91 is provided with a sensor for simply detecting any one or a combination of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, noise amount, or a combination thereof, a position information sensor based on a GPS system, and the like. Recorded in association with the photographed image. In addition, the output of the light sensor for exposure control, the presence / absence of strobe use, the presence / absence of a pseudo-telephoto shooting setting, the interval between the shooting time and the shooting time before and after that, the number of prints specified, etc. are also associated with each image Recorded. Furthermore, by configuring the file number of each image to be serially assigned according to a predetermined rule, it is possible to know how many images have been erased between the remaining images, so this Such an erasure history is recorded in association with the remaining image. This information is read by the data readout terminal together with the image data when the digital camera is returned, sent to the database center for statistical processing and analysis, and the results are communicated to the general center for the next model. Reflected in development / design, production and disposal plans.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing details of the general center 9. As described above, the general center 9 receives feedback from the database center 4 and the distribution center 6 through the communication networks 10 and 12, respectively, and reflects them in the development / design, production and disposal plans for the next model. The general center 9 also exchanges information inside it and provides feedback to the next-generation development design. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, in the general center 9, the development / design department 9a, the production factory 9b, and the disposal factory 9c are integrated to exchange information closely through the computer network, and from development / design to disposal. Cost management is performed throughout the entire product life cycle. The regeneration center 6a in the distribution center 6 has a regeneration factory, and is incorporated into a close information exchange system using a computer network in the same manner as the production factory 9b and the disposal factory 9c.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of such cost management, which will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, when the new model plan starts in step S21, the design data of the new model is sent from the development / design department 9a to the production factory 9b, the disposal factory 9c, and the regeneration center 6a. In step S22, the computer 9e of the production factory 9b estimates the production cost of the new model based on the production record of the past model and the design data of the new model. In step S23, the computer 6c of the reproduction center 6a in the distribution center estimates the reproduction cost of the new model based on the reproduction record of the past model and the design data of the new model. In step S24, the computer 9f of the disposal factory 9c estimates the disposal cost of the new model based on the past model disposal record and the new model design data. The order of these steps S22 to S24 is arbitrary and may be executed simultaneously in parallel. When each estimate is obtained and sent to the central computer 9g of the general center 9, the total cost of the entire new model is estimated by the central computer 9g in step S25.

  In step S26, it is checked whether the total cost has achieved the cost target in the business plan for the new model. If the cost target is not reached, the central computer 9g sets a cost reduction target for each of the production factory 9b, the regeneration center 6a, and the disposal factory 9c in step S27. As a procedure for setting the cost reduction target, first, after receiving information on a voluntary plan from each computer of the production factory 9b, the regeneration center 6a, and the disposal factory 9c, the central computer 9g may adjust the cost reduction target. When a cost reduction target is set and this is fed back, in step S28, cost analysis is performed by each computer of the production factory 9b, the regeneration center 6a, and the disposal factory 9c, and cost reduction items having a large influence are extracted. The

  In step S29, information exchange is performed on the extracted cost reduction items. For example, if new equipment investment is required for the disassembly process of a new model, if there is an indication to change the design so that it can be disassembled by diverting existing equipment, the indication is sent from the computer 9f of the disposal factory 9c to the central computer 9g. Is sent along with the destination designation. The central computer 9g sends the feedback to the computer 9d of the development / design department 9a, the computer 9e of the production factory 9b, and the computer 6c of the reproduction center 6a according to the designation of the destination. In addition to the above, for example, when it is desired to modify a part of the process from the management request of the disposal factory 9c, the modification is the design, production and regeneration of a new model. There is a case of inquiring whether it conforms to.

  Similarly, when there is an item for rationalizing the production process, the information is sent from the computer 9e of the production factory 9b to the central computer 9g together with the designation of the destination. The central computer 9g sends the information to the computer 9d of the development / design department 9a, the computer 9f of the disposal factory 9c, and the computer 6c of the reproduction center 6a according to the designation of the destination. As such information, for example, an inquiry to the development / design department 9a as to whether or not a design suitable for rationalization of the production process is possible, and a disposal factory as to whether or not rationalization will lead to an increase in costs of the disposal process and the regeneration process. 9c and inquiries to the reproduction center 6a.

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

  When there is a novel development / design idea for cost reduction, the idea is sent from the computer 9d of the development / design department 9a to the central computer 9g together with the designation of the destination. The central computer 9g sends the idea to the computer 9f of the disposal factory 9c, the computer 9e of the production factory 9b, and the computer 6c of the reproduction center 6a according to the designation of the destination.

  When the information exchange of the cost reduction items is completed as described above, a cost reduction plan is created in accordance with the information received from another department in step S30, and the information is exchanged through the computer. For example, in response to an indication regarding a design change for diverting existing equipment from the disposal factory 9c as shown in the above example, the disposal factory 9c from the computer 9d of the development / design department 9a via the central computer 9g. Information is sent to the computer 9f. Examples of this information include an answer about the possibility of a new model design change according to the indication, a design change proposal, and an inquiry as to whether it is suitable for the request of the disposal factory 9c. Also from the production factory 9b, information such as whether or not it is possible to meet the request of the disposal factory 9c by changing the production method and the proposal of the disposal method viewed from the production factory 9b is sent to the computer 9f of the disposal factory 9c via the central computer 9g. It is done. Hereinafter, although explanation is omitted, a response, a proposal, a re-inquiry, etc. with respect to information transmission of the cost reduction item as exemplified in step S29 are performed in step S30. The execution is performed by communication between computers in each department via the central computer 9g.

  In the above, direct information exchange between two parties has been described, but information exchange in step S29 and step S30 is not limited to this. For example, in the production factory 9b that has received information on the design data of the new product from the development / design department 9a, production information on the new product is first created based on the design data, and then the production information is sent to the disposal factory 9c. Indirect information exchange is also possible. In this case, in the disposal factory 9c, the total disposal cost including both the design data information of the new product directly received from the development / design department 9a and the production information of the new product from the production factory 9b as described above. Estimate.

  The indirect information exchange as described above also occurs regarding the estimation of the reproduction cost in the reproduction center 6a. That is, in the production factory 9b receiving the design data of the new product from the development / design department 9a, production information on the new product is first created based on the design data, and then the production information is sent to the reproduction center 6a. Indirect information exchange. Also in this case, the reproduction center 6a performs comprehensive reproduction including both the design data information of the new product directly received from the development / design department 9a and the production information of the new product from the production factory 9b as described above. Estimate the cost.

  Although not described below, information can be exchanged between the development / design department 9a, the production factory 9b, the disposal factory 9c, and the recycling center 6a by various combinations and routes in Step S29 and Step S30.

  When the information exchange in step S30 ends, the process returns to step S22, and the cost is re-estimated from step S22 to step S25 in consideration of the information exchanged in steps S29 and S30. If it is determined that the target has not been reached in step S26 also by re-estimation, the procedure from step S27 is repeated. In this way, step S22 to step S30 are repeated until the target is achieved, and when the target is achieved, the procedure jumps from step S26 to step S31 to end the procedure.

  For general products, the cost from development / production to distribution / sales is the business cost. As described above, in the present invention, in addition to these, the cost corresponding to the return of the product after distribution, from regeneration to redistribution. The total cost including the cost and the disposal cost is managed as business cost.

  In addition, although FIG. 8 demonstrated the business cost management triggered by the deployment of a new model, the system of FIG. 7 also provides business cost management triggered by the sharing across multiple models for each department. From this point of view, information on cost reduction plans and practices is transmitted from the computers 9d, 9e, 9f of each department under the control of the central computer 9g. These pieces of information are shared by the computers 9d, 9e, 9f of each department through the central computer 9g and utilized in related departments.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system diagram illustrating a third embodiment in which a digital camera is distributed as a normal product instead of being rented. Since the distribution center 6, the general center 9, and the delivery routes 7 and 11 and the communication networks 8, 10, and 12 related thereto are the same as those in the first embodiment in FIG. Omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the customer center 101 functions as any contact point with the customer 102. First, a digital camera is sold to the customer 102 as a normal camera store. The delivery route 103 may be sales at a store or delivery by order. However, the delivery route 103 is not a one-way street. The customer 102 concludes a “maintenance and disposal contract” with the customer center 101 when purchasing the digital camera. With this contract, the customer returns the digital camera to the customer center 101 via the delivery route 103 when the digital camera is repaired, modified, upgraded, or replaced. The returned digital camera is sent to the distribution center 6 via the delivery route 7 and, if necessary, to the general center 9 via the delivery route 11 and discarded. Since these functions are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When a digital camera on hand is no longer needed due to replacement, the customer can also dispose of the product by himself / herself, but the cost is higher than that of returning to the customer center 101 with a “maintenance and disposal contract”. It becomes. Arbitrary disposal without prescribed procedures is prohibited by law for the global environment.

  The customer center 101 can be provided in a number of locations as regular stores visited directly by customers. However, in the case of non-store sales such as mail-order sales or online sales, the customer center 101 is a single center. Also good.

  The system in the third embodiment not only sells digital cameras but also performs various service operations. For example, a print service, a CD-R writing service, a captured image information storage service, and the like. These services can be received by the customer 102 going directly to the customer center 101, or the customer 102 can access the customer center 101 via a personal computer at home via the Internet 107 and transmit / receive necessary order data and image data. Can also be received.

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

  The service center 104 has a customer database 104a, an image database 104b, a printer 104c, and a CD-R driver 104d. Since the functions of these elements are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. However, in the third embodiment, since the printer 104c and the CD-R driver 104d are provided in the service center, prints printed by the printer 104c or photographed image information by the CD-R driver 104d at the request of the customer. The CD-R in which is written is sent to the customer center via the delivery route 106. In the third embodiment, all the contacts with customers are concentrated in the customer center, and the customer 102 does not have any trouble. All communication necessary for the service is exchanged between the service center 104 and the customer center 101 via the communication network 105.

  The general center 9 is a center having general functions including disposal in addition to normal development, design, and production. There may be one general center 9 in the system, but a plurality may be provided depending on circumstances. Further, the function of a single general center 9 may be divided into a plurality of bases.

  The general center 9 receives the product distribution statistical information of the customer database 104a and reflects it in production adjustment, development / design of the next model, and production disposal plan, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the market information can be grasped because most of the sold products are collected through the disposal. And the shorter the product cycle, the closer the information is in real time, the faster the product planning response, and the quicker the market response.

  Even in the third embodiment as described above, since the disposal function of the general center 9 is incorporated in the circulation of products, the digital camera does not go out of the system as waste, and the global environment Zero emissions for is achieved.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera according to the fourth embodiment, taking as an example a case where a digital camera is distributed as a short-term use-up product on the premise of recycling, such as a lens-equipped film rather than a rental. FIG. Also in the fourth embodiment, it is assumed as a standard distribution form that a digital camera storing captured digital image information is delivered for printing together with the camera. However, since it is not a rental, the purchaser has ownership of the camera, and after taking the digital image data into a personal computer at home, do not "return" it. It is a system that can be discarded. In the following description, the same components as those in FIG.

  The digital camera shown in FIG. 10 is accommodated in a plastic housing 201, and the outside of the housing 201 is further covered with a paper exterior 72. When the photographed digital image information is brought for printing together with the digital camera, the paper exterior 72 is peeled off and replaced if the digital camera can be recycled after the image data is read out.

  In the paper exterior 72, windows are opened at positions corresponding to the monitor output 73, the data terminal 202, the LCD display 203, the operation unit 204, the finder 205, the photographing lens 77, and the strobe 78, respectively. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 6, all of the above-described configurations are directly exposed to the outside from the window for cost reduction and the like.

  The LCD display 203 is the same as the LCD display 74 of FIG. The operation unit 204 has the same configuration as that of the operation unit 75 in FIG. The viewfinder 205 is provided only with a field frame corresponding to the photographic lens 77 having a wide angle of view, and has a very simple configuration without a focal length switching configuration.

  The image sensor 206 employs an element having the best cost performance, such as a CCD having about 2 million pixels. Unlike FIG. 6, information on all pixels in all areas is always read out by the image sensor control unit 84 and the CPU 83.

  The data terminal 202 outputs digital data information having the amount of image information as stored in the memory 87, and is configured by a general-purpose data terminal such as a USB. You can also import and print data on a personal computer at home. Further, since the user himself / herself cuts and enlarges the center of the screen by the editing function of the personal computer, the same effect as the telephotographing in FIG. 6 can be obtained, so that the digital camera of FIG. No distance switching configuration is provided. It should be noted that when the user edits a captured image using a home personal computer, such edited image data can be returned to the memory 87 of the digital camera via the data terminal 202. In this case, it is also possible to request a print service by bringing a digital camera storing such edited image data together with normal captured image data.

  The configurations of the power supply circuit 89 and the battery 90 are the same as those in FIG. 6. Also in the digital camera of FIG. 10, the lid of the battery chamber that houses the battery 90 is covered by the exterior 72. is not.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a service system in the fourth embodiment. In this service system, an existing convenience store system 301 and an existing print dealer 302 cooperate with a digital camera maker 303. The manufacturer 303 has a digital camera recycling function. The convenience system 301 includes a normal purchasing / delivery system, and a distribution center 57 as shown in FIG. 3 serves as a distribution hub. Arrows 306, 309, 315, 314, 311, and 312, which will be described later, indicate physical distribution using the ordinary purchase / distribution system in the convenience system 301, and actually pass through the distribution center 57 as shown in FIG. 3. However, for the sake of simplicity, reference to this point will be omitted in the following description. Further, the print trader 302 receives a print order based on digital image data from a customer, and delivers the print using an existing home delivery service if the customer desires. In addition, a service for storing digital image data is also provided at the request of the customer. The fourth embodiment is realized by the cooperation of the existing system as described above. Note that the convenience store system 301, the print dealer 302, and the manufacturer 303 are provided with computers 301a, 302a, and 303a, respectively, for collaboration, and can communicate with the bank 304 through a network such as the Internet.

  Hereinafter, the service system in FIG. 11 will be described in accordance with the physical distribution order 1) to 9) attached to each arrow. First, as shown by an arrow 306, the convenience store system 301 purchases a digital camera from the manufacturer 303 or its sales store using a normal purchase route. The structure of the purchase price and the payment method will be described later. The purchased digital camera is displayed in the convenience store in the same manner as other products in the convenience store system.

  The customer 305 purchases a digital camera as indicated by an arrow 307 and pays the price as indicated by an arrow 308. As will be described later, the fee includes the digital image printing fee and the like, and the customer 305 who purchased the digital camera can receive all services without paying any fee thereafter. The purchase of the digital camera and the payment of the price are performed by cash payment at a store of the convenience store system 301, for example. Moreover, even if it does not go to a shop front, the arrow 307 can be set as delivery by the delivery system of the convenience store system 301, and the arrow 308 can also be set as bank account withdrawal by credit card.

  An arrow 309 indicates the return of the unsold digital camera from the convenience store system 301 to the manufacturer 303. Returns are made when the model becomes old and is no longer popular, or when the capacity of the power battery cannot be guaranteed because it has been displayed at the store for a long time. This is similar to the expiration date on fresh food. The settlement of the returned goods will also be described later.

  After the end of shooting, the customer 305 who purchased the digital camera returns the digital camera storing the digital image data to the convenience store as indicated by an arrow 310, and requests printing. This request may be made at the store of the convenience store system 301 or may be requested for collection by the delivery system of the convenience store system 301. The convenience store system 301 delivers the digital camera storing the digital image data to the print dealer 302 by the delivery system as indicated by an arrow 311.

  The print dealer 302 reads the digital image information from the received digital camera and prints it. The completed print is conveyed to the convenience store system 301 by the delivery system of the convenience store system 301 as indicated by an arrow 312 for delivery to the customer 305. The customer 305 receives the print completed at the store as indicated by an arrow 313. The arrow 313 may be delivered to the customer 305 by the delivery system of the convenience store system 301.

  On the other hand, the digital camera after use after the reading of the digital image information under the printing company 302 is returned to the manufacturer 303 via the convenience store system 301 like a hub as indicated by arrows 314 and 315, Used for recycling. The reason for going through the convenience store system 301 is to avoid providing a new delivery route different from the convenience store system 301 between the print dealer 302 and the manufacturer 303. That is, the arrows 306, 309, and 315 are executed by a round trip of the regular shuttle service of the convenience store system 301 that reciprocates between the convenience store system 301 (specifically, the distribution center 57 as shown in FIG. 3) and the manufacturer 303. The Similarly, the arrows 314, 311, and 312 indicate that the convenience store system 301 (specifically, the delivery center 57 as shown in FIG. 3) and the print shop 302 return to and from the regular shuttle service of the convenience store system 301. Executed. Of course, if there is no problem in operation cost as a delivery system of the convenience store system 301, a direct flight for delivering the used digital camera directly from the print dealer 302 to the manufacturer 303 may be provided. In any case, the purchase / distribution system of the existing convenience store system 301 is effectively diverted for all the logistics required for the service.

  Payments such as charges between the convenience store system 301, the printer 302, and the manufacturer 303 are performed between each account in the bank 304 based on communication between the computers 301 a, 302 a and 303 a and communication with the bank 304. Is called. FIG. 12 is a table summarizing the charge structure and the settlement in such settlement, and the symbol ◎ or ○ indicates that there is a corresponding. Other points are as described in each column of FIG.

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

  In the above-described embodiment, regardless of whether or not individual cameras are actually collected, the camera collection cost is deducted in advance from the camera wholesale price for all cameras at the time of purchase. This has implications for commissions from manufacturers to have a convenience store system set up a camera collection system. However, in place of such an embodiment, the above deduction is not performed at the time of purchase, and when the collection of the used digital camera at the arrows 314 and 315 actually occurs, according to the results. An embodiment in which the convenience store system 301 requests the manufacturer 303 for the camera collection fee is also possible. In either case, camera collection takes the form of consignment from the manufacturer to the convenience store system 301 with a delivery system, and the camera collection cost has the property that the convenience store system 301 should be charged to the manufacturer 303.

  Next, at the time of camera sales, the convenience store system 301 provides the customer 305 with the digital camera sales price (wholesale value + margin), the print fee, and the print service management costs for the arrows 310 to 313 (print delivery costs for the arrows 311 and 312) In total). Of these, the print fee is the same as the amount when the camera was purchased. Note that the convenience store system 301 is the final recipient of the margin and service management fee at the time of camera sales.

  The settlement at the time of returning the camera is the same as the payment structure and the total amount, except that the relationship between the payer and the payee is reversed compared with the time of camera purchase. The print fee at the time of camera purchase was collected on behalf of the manufacturer 303. However, since the print was not generated at the time of return, the convenience store system 301 paid as the final recipient including the print fee. A refund of the total amount as received is received from the manufacturer 303. Actually, the difference between purchase and return, not for each individual product, is settled in a lump between the convenience store system 301 and the camera manufacturer at the end of the month, for example. In the above example, the entire purchase price is returned from the camera maker 303 to the convenience store system 301 for the returned goods. However, for the sake of simplification, the responsibility for the sales of the digital camera is assumed to be the manufacturer 303. This is an example in which the convenience store system 301 side has no risk. If the convenience store 301 is also responsible for product planning, the convenience store 301 will naturally bear the loss due to unsold goods.

  At the time of print creation, the print company 302 charges the manufacturer 303 for a print fee for the actually generated print. The unit price of this billing is the same amount as the fee collected by the manufacturer 303 at the time of camera purchase. Of course, the print recipient 302 is the final recipient of the print fee.

  Note that both the print fee and the service management fee are prepaid on the assumption that printing is performed, and are a burden on the customer. This is because the used digital camera is promoted to be recycled by the manufacturer 303 via the printing company 302, and contributes to the realization of a recycling society. If the digital camera does not come back, it means that the customer has abandoned the print service at their own will, so it is the customer's responsibility to pay for it, while the collected print fee and service management fee are not The share of the manufacturer 303 and the convenience store system 301 that bear the risk of maintaining the system, respectively.

  With the business model as described above, the convenience store system 301, the print dealer 302, the manufacturer 303, and the customer 305 obtain the following advantages, respectively. First, the convenience store system 301 can be expected as one of the best-selling products that contributes to profits, and can also increase the turnover rate of the stocking / delivery system and reduce costs by also serving print service management. Furthermore, the effect of customer reception by concurrently serving print service management is also effective as a measure for increasing sales of the entire product.

  In addition, the print dealer 302 can secure a large number of orders, and is freed from the trouble of order sales and arrangements for print delivery to customers. In addition, as far as the charge collection destination is concerned with the print order via the convenience store system 301, accounting is simplified because it is only necessary to deal with the manufacturer 303 instead of individual customers.

  For the manufacturer 303, it is possible to acquire an effective sales channel and physical distribution means of the product without own investment. Furthermore, since the customer 305 can use the delivery route of the convenience store 301 to request and receive prints, the convenience of the customer 305 and the lower cost of print delivery costs compared to requesting print delivery by a normal home delivery service, etc. You can get prints at your expense.

  As described above, the cooperation of each existing system can enhance the convenience for customers and contribute to the realization of a recycling society. Although the fourth embodiment is not a rental system, most digital cameras can be collected through print orders. Further, since it is not a rental method, rental management in the manufacturer 303 or the convenience store system 301 is not required, and print orders can be managed independently of the sales of digital cameras.

  In the above description, the digital camera distributed in the fourth embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is a digital camera configured as shown in FIG. May be.

  The digital camera distributed in the fourth embodiment is a product similar to a lens-equipped film, but it can be retaken as many times as possible, the point that images can be confirmed on a TV before requesting printing, There are advantages over film with a lens in that you can request storage of image data, and you can take digital image data into a personal computer or process it if necessary.

  However, the business model itself of collaboration between a manufacturer, a convenience store system, and a printing company utilizing the convenience store delivery system shown in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 11 is not limited to a digital camera. This can also be applied to the distribution of a lens-attached film. In addition, when applied to a film with a lens, the service management cost received by the convenience store system in FIG. 12 is not at the time of camera sales, but when the customer brings a photographed camera to the convenience store system for a print request, or at the convenience store You may charge when handing over the print delivered to the system to the customer.

Further, the system shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 can be applied to a rental product having a fee structure as shown in FIG. 5 as an embodiment of the modification. In this case, “maker” in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be understood as “rental dealer”. It should be understood that “camera purchase” is also for rental, but the camera wholesale price at this time should also be referred to as “rental wholesale price”, which means the share of rental companies regarding rental. “Camera sales” can be understood as “camera rental”. At this point, “rental wholesale price” plus the margin of the convenience store system is the net rental fee for the customer. The service management fee and the print fee are added to this, as in the fourth embodiment.

  When the fee structure as shown in FIG. 5 is adopted as described above, the “print fee” in the “camera purchase” stage and the “camera rental” stage in FIG. 12 correspond to the “basic charge” in FIG. This is different from the actual “print fee” charged from the print dealer to the “rental dealer” at the time of 12 “print creation”. The difference refund process and the additional fee exceeding the rental period are settled between the customer 305 and the convenience store system 301 at the time of the arrow 310 or the arrow 313 in FIG. Further, the settlement amount is settled between the convenience store system 301 and the rental dealer (replacement of the maker 303) by the communication between the computer 301a and the computer 303a and the communication with the bank 304.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to the fifth embodiment. The same components as those in FIGS. 6 and 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The digital camera 401 in the fifth embodiment is not a rental camera or a single-use product, but is a normal digital camera, but is configured in consideration of collection and recycling after it becomes unnecessary. The image data is stored not in the memory 402 but in a storage medium 404 such as a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the storage medium slot 403.

  The storage medium 404 can record data such as usage status related to each image data as well as the image data. When the customer uses the image data and usage status data stored in the storage medium 404, the storage medium 404 is removed from the storage medium slot 403 and inserted into a storage medium slot of an external personal computer or the like to thereby store the image data. And usage data can be read. Note that by connecting the data terminal 202 to an external personal computer or the like, the image data and usage status data stored in the storage medium 404 can be read by the customer himself.

  The memory 402 has a history storage unit 405. The history storage unit 405 has the same usage status data stored in the storage medium 404, the output of the environment sensor 91, the output of the light sensor for exposure control, and the strobe use. The usage history of the digital camera 401 such as presence / absence, presence / absence of setting to make a pseudo tele-photographing state, photographing time, etc. is stored. As the use history, not only data at the time of shooting but also an operation history of the operation unit 75 prior to shooting, a history of reproduction operation by the operation unit 75, and the like can be stored. The history storage unit 405 also stores distribution histories such as shipping date, wholesale date, and sales date.

  The memory 402 further includes a customer information storage unit 406. The customer information storage unit 406 includes customer management information such as a customer's address, name, telephone number, mail address, credit card number, photographing and image processing. Data on custom setting by the customer, contract condition data with the customer on use, and customer information such as a password are stored. Further, the memory 402 has an agreement data storage unit 407, and the agreement data storage unit 407 stores the conditions designated by the customer regarding the agreement and reading of the customer that each information in the memory 402 may be read out. ing.

  Each information stored in the memory 402 is held in the digital camera 401 even after the storage medium 404 is taken out from the storage medium slot 403, so that the distribution and use of the digital camera 401 from shipment to collection can be performed. The entire history can be accumulated.

  Each information stored in the memory 402 is read out at the collection destination according to the consent of the consent data storage unit 407 when the digital camera 401 is collected without being collected, and sent to the database center for statistical processing and analysis. The results are transmitted to the general center and reflected in the development / design, production and disposal plans for the next model. The customer information read from the customer information storage unit 406 with the consent of the customer is collected together with the memory of the replacement model newly purchased by the customer at the collection destination or the model used by the customer based on the customer's request. It is also possible to transfer to the memory of the replacement model that has already been brought in.

  Each information stored in the memory 402 is automatically input along with the distribution and use of the camera, and is input or changed by the salesperson or the customer operating the operation unit 75 according to the display on the LCD display 74. The Note that the information stored in the memory 402 is prohibited from being read by the customer himself when the digital camera 401 is normally used. Specifically, the information in the memory 402 is read according to a special protocol that cannot be used by the customer via the data terminal 202. Note that the data terminal 202 can also be prohibited from being read by the customer by using a specially shaped output terminal that cannot be used by the customer. Further, a terminal for reading information in the memory 402 may be hidden by an exterior so that the customer cannot use it. Further, if reading is performed by a special non-contact reading means using radio waves or the like, reading at the time of collection can be performed efficiently, and the purpose of prohibiting reading by customers is also met.

  In the digital camera 401 of the fifth embodiment in FIG. 13, unlike the case of FIG. 6 and FIG. 10, the battery 409 can be replaced by the customer by opening the cover of the battery chamber 408.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a collection service system in the fifth embodiment. Since most of them are the same as those in FIG. 11, the same numbers are assigned to the same components, and descriptions thereof are omitted. In the service system of FIG. 14, in addition to the distribution of single-use products indicated by arrows 1) to 9), the collection service of the digital camera 401 and the sales service of replacement products in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 13 are performed.

  Also in FIG. 14, the convenience store system 301 purchases the digital camera 401 from the manufacturer 303 or its sales store using the normal purchase route as indicated by an arrow 306. This purchase price includes recycling costs. Note that the recycling cost is a cost that can be collected by the authorized manufacturer 303 when shipping the digital camera 401, and a part thereof is paid to a predetermined recycling management mechanism through the bank 304. The digital camera 401 purchased by the convenience store system 301 is displayed at the store in the same manner as other products.

  A customer 305 who visits the convenience store system 301 purchases a digital camera as indicated by an arrow 307 and pays the price as indicated by an arrow 308. Note that the recycling cost passed to the manufacturer 303 by the convenience store system 301 at the time of purchase is passed on to the price. In this way, the customer 305 pays in advance for future recycling costs when purchasing the digital camera.

  In the service system of FIG. 14, the convenience store system 301 is no longer necessary and is a collection base for the used digital camera 401. It is forbidden by law to dump the digital camera 401 to an unspecified place. An arrow 501 indicates that the used digital camera 401 is brought from the customer 305 to the convenience store system 301. From the digital camera 401 brought into the convenience store system 301, the information is read / transferred to the information read / transfer unit 301b, and information is read from the memory 402 based on the consent of the customer. Then, the digital camera 401 whose information has been read is returned to the manufacturer 303 according to the arrow 315 by the regular shuttle service of the convenience store system 301 that reciprocates between the convenience store system 301 and the manufacturer 303 and is recycled. When such processing is performed in the convenience store system 301, a predetermined recycling cooperation money is paid from the recycling management mechanism to the convenience store system 301 through the bank 304 for one digital camera.

  If there is a customer's request, the customer information read from the customer information storage unit 406 of the used camera by the information reading / transfer unit 301b is a replacement model that the customer newly purchases at the convenience store system 301, or the customer Is transferred to the customer information storage unit 406 of the purchased replacement model brought into the convenience store system 301 together with the used digital camera.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a collection procedure executed by the computer of the information read / transfer unit 301b of the convenience store system 301 of FIG. 14 as described above. When a used digital camera is brought into the convenience store system 301, the flow starts from step S41, and it is checked in step S42 whether the digital camera has data to be read. If there is data, the process proceeds to step S43, and it is checked whether or not the consent data for agreeing to read the data exists in the consent data storage unit 407.

  If there is no consent data, the process proceeds to step S44, where it is confirmed whether or not to consent to the customer at the store of the convenience store system 301, and if consent is obtained, that fact is input to the computer of the information read / transfer unit 301b. If it is determined in step S44 that consent has been obtained, the process proceeds to step S45 to read the information in the history storage unit 405 and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S45, information in the customer information storage unit 406 is not read unless there is a special consent.

  On the other hand, if there is consent data in the consent data storage unit of the used digital camera in step S43, the process proceeds directly to step S45. If the customer's consent is not obtained in step S44, step S45 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, it is checked whether or not there is a replacement model newly purchased by the customer at the convenience store system 301 or a purchased replacement model that the customer has brought into the convenience store system 301 together with the used digital camera. The data is input to the computer of the reading / transcription unit 301b. If there is a replacement model, the process proceeds to step S47, where it is checked whether or not there is a transfer request, and the result is input to the computer of the information read / transfer unit 301b. When an input indicating that there is a transfer request is made, the process proceeds to step S48 where the customer information in the customer information storage unit 406 of the used digital camera is read and transferred to the customer information storage unit of the replacement model. When the reading / transcription is completed, the process proceeds to step S49, and the disposal of the collected used digital camera is instructed. Specifically, the used digital camera collected according to the arrow 315 is transferred to the maker 303, and the flow ends in step S50.

  When there is no data to be read including customer information in step S42, the process jumps to step S49. If no replacement model is found in step S46, step S47 and the subsequent steps are skipped and the process proceeds to step S49. Furthermore, when there is no posting from the customer in step S47, step S48 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S49.

The recycling system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
First, the configuration of the recycling system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recycling system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The recycling system in FIG. 16 includes a computer terminal 501, a monitor 502, a server computer 503, and digital cameras 504 and 505.

  A computer terminal 501 is a main terminal of the recycling system, and is electrically connected to the monitor 502, the server computer 503, and the digital cameras 504 and 505. Also, the internal configuration of the computer terminal 501 is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the computer terminal 501. The computer terminal 501 includes a CPU 601, a memory 602, a communication circuit 603, a connection terminal 604, and a display circuit 605. The memory 602 is a memory that stores a control program to be described later. The CPU 601 is a circuit for executing a control program.

  The monitor 502 displays the signal generated by the display circuit 605 inside the computer terminal 1 as an image. The server computer 503 is a computer operated by a manufacturer that manufactured the digital cameras 504 and 505, and is connected to the computer terminal 501 via a network such as the Internet. In addition, the server computer 503 includes a memory that accumulates image data captured by the digital camera and stores captured data in the digital camera.

  The digital camera 504 is a digital camera that has been used so far by a user, and is a digital camera that is collected for recycling. The digital camera 505 is a digital camera newly purchased by the user. Digital cameras 504 and 505 each have a mobile phone function.

Next, control in the recycling system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This recycling system controls the setting information such as shooting settings stored in the digital camera 504 collected for recycling, and the setting information such as shooting settings stored in the newly purchased digital camera 505 is registered. Execute. In the recycling system, setting information that can be registered from the digital camera 504 to the digital camera 505 includes clock information, character font information, character size information, Japanese conversion dictionary registration information, user name information, custom setting information, and shooting setting information ( Image resolution, captured image compression method, AF area used, flash setting, etc.), image correction information, provider information, various password information, contract information, credit card information, phone book information, mail address information, etc. User profile information and the like. Although the digital camera is described as having a mobile phone function, the setting information is further increased if the digital camera has a function other than the payment function, the commuter pass function, and the camera function.

  By using this recycling system, the user can set the same settings as the digital camera 504 used up to now without causing troubles without setting various settings such as shooting settings from the beginning to the newly purchased digital camera 505. It becomes possible to use.

  Further, it is desirable that the computer terminal 501 in the recycling system is provided at a window for collecting the digital camera 504 to be recycled. A user who wants to register setting data from the digital camera 504 to the digital camera 5 goes to a collection window to perform registration work, and after the registration work is completed, submits the digital camera 504 to the window. This improves the collection rate of the digital camera to be recycled.

The control executed by the recycling system in the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below.
The recycling system described here shows an example in which a computer terminal 501 is installed in a digital camera sales store where a digital camera 505 to be newly sold and a digital camera 504 collected for recycling are distributed. An optimal control example will be described in an environment where the collected digital camera 504 and the purchased digital camera 505 exist simultaneously.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the control executed by the computer terminal 501 in this recycling system. This flow starts by detecting that the digital camera 504 is connected to the connection terminal 604 of the computer terminal 501.

  First, in step S101, model information is read from the connected digital camera 504. In step S102, it is determined whether the digital camera 504 is a model corresponding to the program based on the read model information. If the model is compatible with this program, the process proceeds to step S104. If the model is not compatible, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, a screen indicating that the connected digital camera does not support this program is displayed on the monitor 502, and this flow ends. In step S104, an authentication screen is displayed on the monitor 502. This authentication screen prompts input of information necessary for authenticating the user of the digital camera 504. In the present embodiment, on the authentication screen, the user is prompted to input an authentication ID and password for customer registration for the manufacturer made at the time of purchase as authentication information. The reason for performing the authentication here is that data such as setting information in the digital camera 504 can be unfairly acquired if a work other than the user of the digital camera 504 is performed.

  Subsequently, in step S105, it is detected whether authentication information has been input to the authentication screen. If it is input, the process proceeds to step S106, and if it is not input, the process returns to step S104. In step S106, the authentication information is transmitted to the server computer 503 in order to confirm whether or not the input authentication information is correct. Further, the data stored in the digital camera 504 is sent to the server computer 503 of the manufacturer. The data to be transmitted here is shooting history data such as the total number of shots stored in the digital camera 504, and is data for contributing to the design and market strategy of a digital camera to be released in the future. Data that violates the privacy of the user is not transmitted.

  In step S107, it is detected whether the server computer 503 is authenticated. If authenticated, the process proceeds to step S108, and if not authenticated, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S <b> 108, the authentication is displayed on the monitor 502, and setting information such as shooting settings is automatically downloaded from the digital camera 504. On the other hand, in step S109, the fact that the authentication has not been performed is displayed on the monitor 502, and the process returns to step S104. In step S110, it is detected whether or not the setting information has been downloaded. If siphoning has been completed, the process proceeds to step S111. If siphoning has not been completed, the process returns to step S108 to continue siphoning.

  In step S111, the setting information downloaded from the digital camera 504 is deleted. Further, a screen prompting to connect a new digital camera 505 is displayed on the monitor 502. Subsequently, in step S112, it is detected whether or not the digital camera 505 is connected. If connected, the process proceeds to step S113. If not connected, the process returns to step S111.

  In step S113, model information is read from the connected digital camera 505. Subsequently, in step S114, it is detected whether or not the digital camera 505 is compatible with this program. Here, in the case of a digital camera that supports this program, setting information such as shooting settings of the digital camera 504 that has already been taken up can be converted into data suitable for the digital camera 505. If the digital camera 5 is compatible with this program, the process proceeds to step S115, and if not, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S 115, a screen for selecting setting information to be registered in the digital camera 505 is displayed on the monitor 502. Here, the user can select setting information to be registered. This is because the new digital camera 505 has a higher function than the digital camera 504, and it may be better not to use the setting information set in the digital camera 504 as it is. For example, it is assumed that the digital camera 504 has three AF (Auto Focus) areas and can select one or three areas. The digital camera 505 has five AF areas, and one area, three areas, and five areas can be selected. Screen for enabling selection of 5 areas with higher reliability without automatically setting 3 areas in the digital camera 505 when the user has set 3 areas in the digital camera 504 Is displayed. FIG. 19 shows a display example of the selection screen. In the selection screen in FIG. 19, selectable items and options for the items are generated in accordance with the function of the digital camera 505.

  The items that have been set to the factory default values in the digital camera 504 are set in the state in which the factory default values are selected in the digital camera 505 as well. For items whose functions are improved in the digital camera 505 over the digital camera 504, a better setting is automatically selected. For example, in the AF area item on the selection screen, 5 areas are selected as the initial value instead of 3 areas. In addition, a registration button is provided on the selection screen shown in FIG. By clicking this registration button, data is registered in the connected digital camera 505.

  Returning to the description of the flow shown in FIG. Next, in step S116, it is detected whether or not a registration button provided on the selection screen has been clicked. If a click on the registration button is detected, the process proceeds to step S117. If no click is detected, the process returns to step S115. In step S 117, the setting information extracted from the digital camera 504 is converted into data that can be used by the digital camera 505 and registered in the digital camera 505. Of course, when the data of the digital camera 504 can be used by the digital camera 505 without converting, the data is not converted.

  In step S118, a screen indicating that registration with the digital camera 505 is completed is displayed on the monitor 502. In addition, a customer registration button for shifting to customer registration is provided on the screen. By clicking the customer registration button, the customer registration of the digital camera 505 can be subsequently executed using the computer terminal 501. At that time, customer registration can be performed with minimal input from the information downloaded from the digital camera 504 and customer registration information of the digital camera 504.

  In step S119, it is detected whether or not the customer registration button has been clicked. If a click on the customer registration button is detected, the process proceeds to step S120, and if no click is detected, this flow ends.

  In step S120, it is detected whether the digital camera 504 and the digital camera 505 belong to the same manufacturer. If they are the same manufacturer, the process proceeds to step S121. If they are not the same manufacturer, the process proceeds to step S122. In step S121, since the user information and the like are already registered by the customer registration in the digital camera 504, the customer registration in the digital camera 505 is completed with almost no new registration. The authentication ID and password are those acquired by the digital camera 504.

  On the other hand, in step S122, normal customer registration work is executed. When the customer registration operation is completed in accordance with the instruction, authentication information such as a new authentication ID and password is given.

  As described above, the computer terminal 501 of the recycling system can be used at the time of purchase of a new digital camera by placing it at a sales outlet of a camera store that sells and collects cameras. Setting information can be inherited by a new digital camera. Further, since this system is used, the user brings the old digital camera to the store, and can prompt the user to collect the old digital camera.

  In addition, this system prevents the data in the old digital camera from being misused because the data in the old digital camera cannot be sucked up without the user being authenticated.

  In this system, authentication data input by the user is connected to the server computer 503 and collation is performed. However, authentication information may be stored in the digital camera and collation may be performed in the digital camera.

  Further, in this system, the customer registration of the new digital camera can be performed in a series of processes, so that the user can easily register the customer after the data registration to the new digital camera.

Next, a recycling system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the recycling system according to this embodiment, a personal computer at the user's home is used as the computer terminal 501.

  As the computer terminal 501 of the system shown in FIG. 16, a terminal such as a personal computer at the user's home is used. Also, it is difficult to set up and provide this program in advance on the computer terminal 501. This program is provided by a program CD-ROM attached to the newly purchased digital camera 505, and is set up in the computer terminal 501 by the user. The computer terminal 501 placed at home is an environment in which a network such as the Internet can be used.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing control in the recycling system according to the embodiment of the present invention. This flow also starts when the digital camera 504 is connected to the computer terminal 501 as in the flow described with reference to FIG.

Further, the control executed by the program is also executed from step S101 to step S122 as in the flow of FIG.
Then, after step S122, the process proceeds to step S150.

  In step S150, the monitor 502 displays a screen showing collection window information such as the collection window location and contact information. The nearest contact is provided after using the registered customer address information.

In this control, since the registration location is not the collection window, the collection window information is displayed last to improve the collection rate.
Further, if the setting information from the old camera is simply downloaded, and the downloaded setting information is simply converted and registered for the new digital camera, the computer terminal 501 uses the server computer 503 using a network such as the Internet. This is possible even if the environment is not communicable.

  Next, a recycling system in the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described here is effective when the old digital camera is collected and the newly purchased digital camera is not owned or the new digital camera is not yet purchased.

You can use a service to temporarily store data acquired from old digital cameras. The service will be specifically described below.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the control in the recycling system of the present embodiment. This flow starts by detecting that the digital camera 504 for collection is connected to the computer terminal 501.

  First, in step S201, the camera model information of the connected digital camera 504 is read. Subsequently, in step S202, it is detected whether or not the digital camera 504 is a camera model corresponding to this program. If the camera is compatible with the program, the process proceeds to step S203. If the camera is not compatible with the program, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, it is indicated that the digital camera is not compatible, and this flow ends.

  On the other hand, in step S203, setting information such as shooting settings stored in the digital camera 504 is read. Subsequently, in step S205, the setting information is transferred to the server computer 503 and stored in the memory in the server computer 503. In step S206, the setting information stored in the digital camera 504 is deleted. In step S207, an authentication ID and password for accessing the memory in the server computer 503 are displayed on the monitor 502.

  By controlling as described above, the setting information such as the shooting setting is sucked up, and the deleted digital camera 504 is collected by a manufacturer or a collection company and is recycled.

Next, a process for registering data temporarily stored in the server computer 3 in the newly purchased digital camera 505 will be described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the control in the recycling system of the present embodiment. This flow starts by detecting that the new digital camera 505 is connected to the computer terminal 501. Here, whether it is the new digital camera 505 or the old digital camera 504 is automatically determined from the shooting history data stored in the camera.

  First, in step S301, the camera model information of the connected digital camera 505 is read. In step S302, it is detected whether or not the digital camera 505 is a model supported by this program. If it is a compatible model, the process proceeds to step S303, and if it is not a compatible model, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, it indicates that the digital camera is not compatible, and the present flow ends. In step S303, a screen for inputting an authentication ID and a password is displayed on the monitor 502. The authentication ID and password input here are the authentication ID and password displayed on the monitor 2 in step S207 of FIG. In step S305, it is detected whether an authentication ID and a password are input. If it is input, the process proceeds to step S306, and if it is not input, the process returns to step S303.

  In step S306, the server computer 503 is connected to search for setting information corresponding to the input authentication ID and password. Subsequently, in step S307, it is detected whether there is setting information corresponding to the authentication ID and the password. When it exists, it progresses to step S308, and when it does not exist, it progresses to step S312.

  In step S308, a screen showing setting information is displayed on the monitor 502. An example of the screen showing the setting information is a display screen similar to FIG. Subsequently, in step S309, it is detected whether or not a registration button has been clicked. If detected, the process proceeds to step S310, and if not detected, the process returns to step S308. In step S310, setting information is registered in the connected digital camera 505. In step S311, the setting information temporarily stored in the memory in the server computer 503 is deleted.

  On the other hand, in step S <b> 312, a screen on which there is no setting information temporarily stored in the memory in the server computer 503 is displayed on the monitor 502. Then, the process returns to step S303.

  As described above, in the present recycling system, the setting information is temporarily stored in the memory, so that the old digital camera 504 that sucks up the setting information and the digital camera 505 that registers the setting information do not exist at the same time. , The setting information can be registered in the new digital camera 505.

  Further, in the present recycling system, the setting information can be registered in the digital camera even from a computer terminal different from the computer terminal that has taken up the setting information by temporarily storing the setting information in the memory in the server computer 503.

  Multiple programs for this recycling system are provided for each manufacturer and model of digital camera. When a digital camera is connected to the terminal, the manufacturer and model of the digital camera are automatically determined, and the program corresponding to the model is started. You may do it.

Further, the program may be provided by being downloaded from each manufacturer's website without being provided by the CD-ROM.
Further, the program may be provided as an online service by a web site.

Next, a rental system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention is described.
The configuration of the rental system according to the embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the recycling system described with reference to FIG.

  The server computer 503 is a server computer of a rental company, and is communicably connected to computer terminals 501 installed in a plurality of rental stores. Digital cameras 504 and 505 are rented digital cameras, and the setting information is downloaded and registered repeatedly.

First, control at the time of rental of the digital camera in the rental system will be described.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing rental rental control in the rental system according to the present embodiment. This flow starts when it is detected that the digital camera is connected to the computer terminal 501 when the digital camera is lent.

  First, in step S401, a screen for inputting an authentication ID and a password is displayed on the monitor 2. Here, if the digital camera has already been rented last time, the authentication ID and password given at that time are input. Next, in step S402, it is detected whether an authentication ID and a password have been input. If it is input, the process proceeds to step S403, and if it is not input, the process returns to step S401.

  In step S403, the input authentication ID and password are transmitted to the server computer 503. In step S404, it is detected whether authentication has been performed. If authenticated, the process proceeds to step S405, and if not authenticated, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S405, the setting information corresponding to the authentication ID is extracted from the server computer 503 and registered in the connected digital camera. Subsequently, in step S406, it is detected whether or not the registration of the setting information to the digital camera has been completed. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S407. If it has not been completed, the process returns to step S405. In step S407, information for lending is generated and registered in the digital camera. Here, the lending information is information indicating a lending date and time, a lending store, a lending accessory, and the like.

  On the other hand, in step S408, it is detected whether registration of lending information is completed. If it has been completed, step S409 follows. If it is not completed, step S407 is returned to. In step S409, a screen indicating that registration has been completed is displayed on the monitor 502. In step S410, a screen indicating that the authentication has failed is displayed on monitor 502, and the process returns to step S401.

Next, control at the time of collection of the digital camera in the rental system will be described.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing rental collection control in the recycling system according to the present embodiment. This flow starts when it is detected that the digital camera is connected to the computer terminal 1 when the rental camera is collected.

  First, in step S501, lending data registered at the time of lending is read from the digital camera. Subsequently, in step S502, a rental cost is calculated based on the rental data. Next, in step S503, a screen showing the rental cost is displayed on the monitor 2.

  Subsequently, in step S504, image data is taken up from the memory of the connected digital camera. In step S505, it is detected whether or not image data has been downloaded.

  In step S506, information such as shooting settings set in the digital camera is sucked up. In step S507, the server computer 3 is connected to store setting information such as shooting settings. Subsequently, in step S508, it is detected whether or not the authentication ID and password used for reading the setting information stored at the next lending are received from the server computer 3. If received, the process proceeds to step S509. If not received, the detection in step S508 is continued. In step S509, a screen showing the authentication ID and password is displayed on the monitor 2.

  As described above, according to the present rental system, setting information can be registered even if the rental store is not the same by providing the server computer with registration data.

  Further, according to the present rental system, by registering the rental information in the camera, it is possible to deal with the case where the return is not the same store. In addition, you may store in a server computer instead of in a camera.

The block diagram of the system which shows 1st embodiment. The block diagram of the rental center in 1st embodiment. The block diagram of the system which shows 2nd embodiment. Flowchart of local computer in the second embodiment Digital camera rental fee schedule Block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera suitable for a rental system It is a block diagram which shows the detail of a general center Cost management procedure diagram Block diagram of the system diagram showing the third embodiment Block diagram of a digital camera according to the fourth embodiment Block diagram showing the service system in the fourth embodiment Table that summarizes the charge structure and settlement in the settlement Block diagram of a digital camera according to the fifth embodiment Block diagram showing the service system in the fifth embodiment Procedure for collecting digital cameras in the fifth embodiment Block diagram showing the configuration of the recycling system according to the sixth embodiment Functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of a computer terminal The flowchart figure which shows the control performed with the computer terminal in this recycling system Figure showing a display example of the selection screen The flowchart figure which shows the control in the recycling system by embodiment of this invention The flowchart figure which shows the control in the recycling system by embodiment of this invention The flowchart figure which shows the control in the recycling system by embodiment of this invention The flowchart figure which shows rental rental control in the rental system by this Embodiment The flowchart figure which shows rental collection control in the recycling system by this Embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Rental center 2 ... Customer 4 ... Database center 6 ... Distribution center 9 ... General center 27 ... Camera trial corner 29 ... Data reading terminal 52 ... Convenience store system 57 ... Delivery center 71 ... Housing 72 ... Exterior 73 ... Monitor output 88 ... Data output 6a ... Reproduction center 9a ... Development / design department 9b ... Production factory 9c ... Disposal factory 9g ... Central computer 101 ... Customer center 104 ... Service center 201, 504, 505 ... Digital camera 202 ... Data terminal 301 ... Convenience store system 302 ... Printer 501 ... Computer 502 ... Terminal monitor 503 ... Server computer

Claims (16)

  The computer sucks data other than the digital image data stored in the first digital camera, detects whether the second digital camera supports data other than the digital image data, and detects that it corresponds. In this case, a control method for registering data other than the digital image data in the second digital camera is performed. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
The digital camera setting method, wherein the data other than the image data is information specific to a user of the first and second digital cameras. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
The digital camera setting method, wherein the data other than the image data is data set by a user of the first digital camera. The digital camera setting method according to claim 3,
The digital camera setting method, wherein the data set by the user is a shooting condition. The digital camera setting method according to claim 3,
The digital camera setting method, wherein the data set by the user is display font data. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
A method for setting a digital camera, comprising: authenticating a user of the first digital camera. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
A digital camera setting method, wherein the digital camera and the computer are connected by either wireless or wired. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
The digital camera setting method, wherein the computer has a storage unit for storing data other than the digital image data.
How to set up a digital camera. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
A digital camera setting method, wherein data other than the digital image data is transmitted to a manufacturer. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
A method for setting a digital camera, wherein the data stored in the first digital camera is erased after the data is downloaded. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
When the second digital camera supports data other than the digital image data, the data other than the digital image data is converted into a format suitable for the second digital camera and registered. How to set up a digital camera. The digital camera setting method according to claim 1,
A digital camera setting method, wherein customer registration of the second digital camera is executed. Sucking means for sucking data other than digital image data stored in the first digital camera;
Detecting means for detecting whether the second digital camera corresponds to data other than the digital image data sucked up by the sucking means;
Registration for registering data other than the digital image data in the second digital camera by the detection means when the second digital camera supports data other than the digital image data sucked by the sucking means. And an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,
Data other than the image data is data set by a user of the first digital camera. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,
An information processing apparatus further comprising storage means for storing data other than the digital image data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13,
An information processing apparatus further comprising conversion means for converting data sucked from the first digital camera into a format suitable for the second digital camera.