JP2009094698A - Camera and function expansion system of camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To expand functions of a camera by selecting functions requested by a user. <P>SOLUTION: The camera is featured to be provided with: a first memory unit which memorizes a program capable of executing a plurality of functions including functions which become usable by receiving usage permission; a second memory unit which memorizes setting information which shows whether a plurality of functions are respectively usable or not; a function selection means which selects functions which receive the usage permission out of functions which do not receive the usage permission; an information communication means which transmits information which asks the usage permission for the functions selected by the function selection means to an information management device, and receives information of the usage permission for the functions; a setting update means which updates the setting information in response to the fact that information of the usage permission is received; and a control means which can execute the functions by referring to the setting information memorized in the second memory unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera capable of transmitting / receiving information to / from an information management apparatus such as a server, and a function expansion system of the camera.

  Digital cameras that acquire subject images by receiving subject light with an image sensor such as a CCD and photoelectrically converting the received subject light have become widespread. This digital camera is provided with a plurality of shooting modes such as landscape shooting, close-up shooting, and night scene shooting, and one of the shooting modes is selected by the photographer based on the environment at the time of shooting. Note that image processing according to the shooting mode is executed on the subject image obtained when shooting is performed (Patent Document 1).

Recently, in addition to digital cameras with multiple shooting modes that match the shooting conditions, it has shooting functions such as a continuous shooting function that continuously shoots subject images and a movie shooting function that shoots a subject movie. Digital camera equipped with a display function such as a digital camera that converts the acquired subject image to a thumbnail image and displays the converted thumbnail image on the LCD or displays the acquired subject image continuously (slide function) Digital cameras having many functions such as cameras are becoming popular.
JP-A-11-298848

  However, in the case of a digital camera with a large number of shooting modes and a digital camera with a large number of functions, some of these shooting modes and functions are shooting modes and functions that are unnecessary for some users and are installed in advance. Even if it is, it will not be used. Also, by installing these unused shooting modes and functions, the amount of data in the control program of the digital camera increases, and the capacity of the built-in memory also increases. Increase the unit price of the camera.

  The present invention has been invented to solve the above-described problems, and provides a camera and a camera function management system capable of expanding the functions of a camera by selecting functions required by a user. The purpose is to provide.

  A camera according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first storage unit that stores a basic program for executing a first function that can be used without receiving a use permission, including imaging of a subject and display of the captured subject image And receiving the use permission, the second storage unit storing the additional program for executing the second function different from the first function, and the use permission from either of the second functions. In response to a function selection means for selecting a function, a communication means for transmitting a signal for requesting use of the function selected by the function selection means to the information management terminal, and a permission signal indicating use permission from the information management terminal. , Update means for updating setting information indicating whether or not use of the second function is permitted, and correspondence to the function permitted to be used among the second functions by referring to the setting information And control means capable of executing additional program that, characterized by comprising a.

  A camera according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a first memory preliminarily storing a basic program for executing a first function that can be used without receiving permission for use, including imaging of a subject and display of the captured subject image. A second storage unit capable of storing an additional program that executes a second function different from the first function by receiving a use permission, and a use permission among the second functions In response to a function selection means for selecting a function, a communication means for transmitting a signal for requesting use of the function selected by the function selection means to the information management terminal, and a permission signal indicating use permission from the information management terminal. Acquiring the additional program for the function that has received the permission signal from the information storage terminal, and writing the additional program acquired by the acquiring unit into the second storage unit A setting update unit that updates setting information indicating a use state of the second function, a basic program stored in the first storage unit, and an additional program stored in the second storage unit And a control means for executing at least one of the first function and the second function.

  In addition, the third invention includes, in the second invention, an image data storage unit that stores image data obtained by imaging a subject in addition to the first storage unit and the second storage unit. A storage means is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera function expansion system including a camera and an information management terminal to which the camera can be connected. The system extends the function of the camera, and the camera captures an object. And a first storage unit storing a basic program capable of executing a first function that can be used without receiving use permission, including display of the captured subject image, and receiving the use permission, A second storage unit that stores an additional program for executing a second function different from the first function; a function selection unit that selects a function that is permitted to use among the second functions; and the function Receiving a permission signal indicating permission for use from the information management terminal and a camera side communication means for transmitting a signal for requesting permission to use the function selected by the selection means to the information management terminal; A setting updating unit that updates setting information indicating a use state of the function, and a control unit that refers to the setting information and that can execute a function that can be used among the second functions. The information management terminal includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information about a connected camera, an authentication unit that performs authentication using the acquired camera information, and a use permission for a function that is requested to be used after the authentication is performed. Terminal-side communication means for transmitting a permission signal indicating to the camera, and a database for storing the camera information and the use permission information of the function to which the use permission is given in association with each other.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera function expansion system including a camera and an information management terminal to which the camera can be connected. The system extends the function of the camera. A first storage unit that includes a display of a captured subject image and that executes a first function that can be used without receiving a use permission is stored in advance, and the first permission is obtained by receiving the use permission. A second storage unit capable of storing an additional program that executes a second function different from the function of the first function, a function selection unit that selects a function that is permitted to use among the second functions, and the function selection unit Receiving the permission signal indicating the permission of use from the information management terminal, and receiving the permission signal indicating the permission of use from the information management terminal. An acquisition unit for acquiring an additional program for the digit function from the information storage terminal, a writing unit for writing the additional program acquired by the acquisition unit into the second storage unit, and a setting indicating a use state of the second function Executing at least one of the first function and the second function by using setting update means for updating information, and the basic program and the additional program stored in the first and second storage units The information management terminal includes information acquisition means for acquiring information about the connected camera, authentication means for performing authentication using the acquired camera information, and the additional program stored therein. The terminal-side storage means, and the terminal-side communication means for transmitting an additional program corresponding to the permitted function to the camera when the authentication is performed; And camera information, characterized by comprising a database that associates and stores the use permission information of the function given permission to use, the.

  According to a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the camera-side storage means stores image data obtained by imaging a subject in addition to the basic program and the additional program. Be

  According to the present invention, the function of the camera can be expanded, that is, customized by selecting a function intended by the user, so that a camera that is easy for the user to use can be provided. In addition, by storing a history of functions that have been permitted to be used in the information management terminal, statistics of functions selected by the user can be obtained.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera function expansion system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the camera function expansion system includes a digital camera 10 and a server 12. The digital camera 10 is connected to the server 12 via the Internet 11. Note that the connection between the digital camera 10 and the Internet 11 may be wired or wireless.

  This digital camera 10 is different from a basic function required for operating the digital camera 10 (hereinafter referred to as a basic function) and an additional function (when a captured image is displayed), unlike the basic function. Hereinafter, a plurality of functions (additional functions) are provided. The basic functions include a strobe function, an AE function, an AF function, a macro shooting function, a self-timer shooting function, a display function, a communication function, and the like. On the other hand, additional functions such as a face recognition function, a red-eye correction function, a distortion correction function, a gradation correction function, a continuous shooting function, a RAW recording / playback function, a slide show display function, and an electronic camera shake correction function are additionally used. Functions (hereinafter, additional functions). The additional functions can be used by purchase by the user. Moreover, the function described as an additional function is the example, and is not limited to the said description.

  The digital camera 10 receives the subject light captured by the imaging optical system 15 by the CCD 16 and acquires image data by photoelectrically converting the received subject light.

  The image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 16 is subjected to noise component removal and signal amplification, and then input to the A / D converter 17 and digitized. The digital image signals converted by the A / D converter 17 are collected frame by frame and stored in the buffer memory 18 as digital image data. Reference numeral 20 denotes a bus, to which each part of the digital camera 10 is connected.

  The image processing circuit 21 performs image processing such as edge processing, gamma correction processing, white balance correction processing, color temperature adjustment, and color space conversion processing on the digital image data stored in the buffer memory 18. When a through image is displayed on the display monitor 22 provided in the digital camera 10, the above-described processing is continuously performed on each of the digital image data stored in the buffer memory 18 to sequentially display the display control circuit. It outputs to 23. As a result, a through image is displayed on the display monitor 22. The display monitor 22 may be an LCD.

  On the other hand, the captured digital image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 18 and then subjected to compression processing using a predetermined compression rate in addition to the above-described image processing, and is stored in a built-in memory 32 described later. . The digital image data stored in the built-in memory 32 is stored in the storage medium 24 via the media controller 25.

  The CPU 30 controls each part of the digital camera 10, and the CPU 30 controls each part of the digital camera 10 according to a predetermined program based on an input from the operation part 31.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the internal memory 32 stores a program executed by the CPU 30, data, and the like. The internal memory 32 includes a first storage area 32a, a second storage area 32b, and a third storage area 32c. For example, in the first storage area 32a, programs such as a basic control program 40 for executing basic functions of the digital camera 10 and an external connection program 41 used when connecting to the server 12, and programs for executing these programs are used. Data (not shown) is stored.

  The second storage area 32b stores an application program 42 for executing the additional function described above. Although there are a plurality of additional functions, in FIG. 2, they are collectively described in one application program in order to eliminate the complexity of the figure. The third storage area 32c stores digital image data 43 acquired at the time of imaging.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the RAM 35 stores the specification and serial number of the digital camera 10 and setting information 45 used when controlling the digital camera 10. The setting information 45 includes flag information indicating whether or not the function in the digital camera 10 is valid, that is, whether or not the function can be used. For example, flag information is “ON” for a function that can be used, and “OFF” for a function that cannot be used. Specifically, flag information for the basic function among the functions described above is “ON”.

  On the other hand, since the additional function cannot be used when the digital camera 10 is shipped, the flag information for the additional function is “off”. When the user purchases the additional function, the flag information for the additional function purchased for the first time is “ON”. The setting file 45 is updated every time an additional function is purchased. Reference numeral 36 denotes an external connection device, which is connected to the Internet 11 via the external connection device 36.

  The server 12 includes a CPU 60, a ROM 61, and a RAM 62. The CPU 60 controls each unit of the server 12 by executing a program stored in the ROM 61. The ROM stores a server control program 63 that controls each unit of the server, data for executing the program, and the like.

  The server 12 includes a purchase history database (DB) 65. The purchase history DB 65 stores a plurality of purchase history information 66 in which setting information of the digital camera 10 and function purchase information are associated with each other.

  The purchase history DB 65 is referred to by the CPU 60 every time an additional function to be used is purchased. For example, when the purchase history information 66 of the connected digital camera 10 is not stored, the CPU 60 associates the setting information of the connected digital camera 10 with the purchase information of the newly purchased function and purchases the purchase history. Information 66 is created and stored in the purchase history DB 65. On the other hand, when the corresponding purchase history information 66 is stored, the corresponding purchase history information 66 is read, and the purchase history information 66 is updated by adding purchase information of a new function. Each part of the server 12 is connected via a bus 67. Reference numeral 68 denotes an external connection device, which is connected to the Internet 12 via the external connection device 68.

  Next, the flow when purchasing an additional function will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 shows the flow of processing in the digital camera 10, and FIG. 4 shows the flow of processing in the server 12.

  First, the flow of processing in the digital camera 12 will be described.

  Step S <b> 1 is a process of connecting to the server 12. The operation unit 31 of the digital camera 10 is operated to connect to the server 12. As a process when connecting to the server 12, a menu screen is displayed on the display monitor 22, and a server connection is selected from the displayed menu screen, or a connection button for connecting to the server 12 in advance is provided. Any appropriate method may be used such as operating this connection button. As processing on the digital camera 10 side when connecting to the server 12, the CPU 30 executes the external connection program 41. By executing the external connection program 41, the digital camera 10 and the server 12 are connected via the Internet 11.

  Step S <b> 2 is a process of transmitting authentication data to the server 12. When the server 12 is connected in step S1, authentication data is requested from the server 12, and therefore the CPU 30 transmits the setting information 45 of the digital camera 10 to the server 12 as authentication data.

  Step S3 is a process of receiving authentication result information. This authentication result information is stored in the RAM 35 and read by the CPU 30.

  Step S4 is processing for determining whether or not the authentication result is OK. If the authentication result is OK in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, and if the authentication result is NG, the process proceeds to step S10.

  Step S5 is an additional function purchase process. In step S <b> 5, a screen for purchasing an additional function is displayed on the display monitor 22, and the selected additional function is set as an additional function to be newly purchased according to the operation of the operation unit 31. In addition, when purchasing an additional function, for example, it is necessary to pay for the purchase of the additional function. In this case, user registration indicating that the digital camera is owned in advance using a digital camera or PC If the purchase price payment method is registered in advance at the time of the user registration or the additional function to be newly purchased is set in step S5, the purchase price payment method is set. Good.

  Step S6 is processing for determining whether or not to purchase an additional function. That is, if an additional function to be purchased is set in step S5, the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if the additional function to be purchased is not set in step S5, the process proceeds to step S10.

  Step S <b> 7 is processing for transmitting a purchase signal for an additional function to be newly purchased to the server 12. When this process is executed, the process proceeds to step S8.

  Step S8 is a process of receiving a purchase completion signal. When the purchase completion signal is received, the purchase completion signal is stored in the RAM 35. After this process, the process proceeds to step S9.

  Step S9 is a process of updating the setting information 45. That is, the setting information 45 is updated by rewriting the flag information of the newly purchased additional function from “off” to “on”. With this update, the functions of the digital camera 10 are expanded, and the expanded functions can be used.

  Step S <b> 10 is a process for determining whether or not to end the connection with the server 12. In the determination process, when the connection with the server 12 is terminated, a process for blocking the connection with the server 12 is executed. On the other hand, when the connection with the server 12 is maintained, the screen returns to the purchase screen for additional functions (step S5). Thus, by connecting the digital camera 10 and the server 12 and purchasing an additional function intended by the user, the functions that can be used in the digital camera 10 can be expanded to the user's preference.

  Next, the processing flow on the server 12 side will be described with reference to FIG.

  Step S <b> 20 is processing for connecting to the digital camera 10. When the process of step S20 is executed, the process proceeds to step S21.

  Step S21 is processing for requesting authentication data from the digital camera. When this process is executed, the process proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22 is processing for determining whether or not authentication data has been received. If authentication data is received in this determination process, the process proceeds to step S23.

  Step S23 is an authentication process. Since the server 12 has an authentication confirmation list such as the manufacturing number of the digital camera 10, the server 12 performs an authentication process using the authentication confirmation list and the authentication data transmitted from the digital camera 10. In this authentication process, in addition to the setting information of the digital camera, the password input by making a password input request to the digital camera matches the authentication password set in advance by the user. The determination process as to whether or not there is an authentication process may be used.

  Step S <b> 24 is processing for transmitting authentication result information to the digital camera 10.

  Step S25 is a determination process of whether or not the authentication result is OK in the authentication process of step S23. If the authentication result is OK, the process proceeds to step S26, and if the authentication result is NG, the process ends.

  Step S26 is a process for determining whether or not a purchase signal transmitted from the digital camera 10 has been received. If a purchase signal is received in this process, the process proceeds to step S27.

  Step S27 is processing to update the purchase history DB 65. Since the purchase history DB 66 stores purchase history information 66 in which the setting information of the digital camera 10 and the purchase information of the additional function are associated with each other, the purchase history information 66 corresponding to the connected digital camera 10 is stored. The purchase information of the additional function newly purchased is added to the purchase history information 66. At this time, if the purchase history information 66 is not stored in the purchase history DB 65, the purchase history information 66 is newly created in which the setting information of the digital camera 10 and the purchase information of the additional function are associated with each other. Store in the purchase history DB 65. Thereby, the purchase history DB 65 is updated. When step S27 ends, the process proceeds to step S28. Note that step S28 is a process of transmitting a purchase completion signal to the digital camera 10.

  According to this, since the update history DB 65 is updated by purchasing an additional function of the digital camera 10, by referring to the purchase history information, it is possible to obtain statistics of a function that the user wants to use.

  In the first embodiment, a digital camera in which an application program for executing an additional function is stored in advance in the built-in memory is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a basic control program for executing a basic function In the case where an additional function is purchased, an application program for executing the additional function can be downloaded to the internal memory.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an application program is downloaded will be described as a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, portions having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, as shown in FIG. 5, the application program 42 is not stored in the second storage area 32 b of the built-in memory 32 in the initial state of the digital camera 10. In addition, the server 12 is provided with a storage 81 in which the application program 42 is stored.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when purchasing an additional function in the digital camera 10. Since steps S41 to S46 are the same processing as steps S1 to S6 of the first embodiment, the details thereof are omitted here.

  Step S41 is a process of connecting to the server 12.

  Step S <b> 42 is a process of transmitting authentication data to the server 12. When the digital camera 10 is connected to the server 12 in step S41, a signal for requesting authentication data is transmitted from the server 12 to the digital camera 10. Therefore, in this step S42, the digital camera 10 sends the digital data to the server 12. The setting information 45 of the camera 10 is transmitted as authentication data.

  Step S43 is a process of receiving authentication result information. In step S42, when authentication data is transmitted from the digital camera 10 to the server 12, the server 12 performs authentication processing using the authentication data, and the authentication result is sent from the server 12 to the digital camera 10. Sent. In this step S43, the authentication result from the server 12 is received, and the received authentication result is stored in the RAM 35.

  Step S44 is processing to determine whether or not the authentication result is OK. If the authentication result is OK in step S44, the process proceeds to step S45, and if the authentication result is NG, the process proceeds to step S51.

  Step S45 is an additional function purchase process. In step S <b> 45, a screen for purchasing an additional function is displayed on the display monitor 22, and the selected additional function is set as an additional function to be newly purchased according to the operation of the operation unit 31.

  Step S46 is a process for determining whether or not to purchase an additional function. That is, if an additional function to be purchased is set in step S45, the process proceeds to step S47. On the other hand, if the additional function to be purchased is not set in step S45, the process proceeds to step S51.

  Step S47 is a confirmation process of the free space in the internal memory 32. By performing the processing of step S47, it is confirmed whether or not the capacity of the application program for executing the newly purchased additional function can be stored in the built-in memory 32.

  Step S48 is a process of comparing the free capacity of the internal memory 32 with the capacity of the application program 42 for executing a newly purchased additional function. If it is free capacity of the internal memory that can store the application program, the process proceeds to step S49, and if it is free capacity of the internal memory 32 that cannot store the application program 42, the process proceeds to step S51.

  Note that the processing of steps S47 and S48 described above can also be performed in step S45. In other words, when selecting an additional function to be purchased, if the free capacity of the internal memory 32 is referred to and the additional function corresponding to the application program 42 having a capacity that cannot be stored in the free capacity is not selected, the steps S47 and S48 are performed. There is no need to execute it after selecting a process.

  Step S49 is a process of transmitting a purchase signal of an additional function to be newly purchased to the server 12. When the process of step S49 is executed, the process proceeds to step S50.

  Step S50 is a process of downloading the application program 42 transmitted from the server 12. When the purchase signal for the additional function is transmitted to the server 12 in step S49, the application program 42 is automatically downloaded. The application program 42 transmitted from the server 12 is stored in the built-in memory 32. When the process of step S50 ends, the process proceeds to step S51.

  Step S51 is a process for determining whether or not to end the connection with the server 12. In the determination process, when the connection with the server 12 is terminated, a process for blocking the connection with the server 12 is executed. On the other hand, when the connection with the server 12 is maintained, the screen returns to the additional function purchase screen (step S45).

  In the case of the second embodiment, the processing on the server 12 side is executed in the same processing flow as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), but the purchase signal transmitted from the digital camera 10 is received. In the case (between the process in step S26 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 and the process in step S27), the corresponding application program 42 is read from the storage 81 from the purchase signal, and the read application program 42 is directed to the digital camera 10. It differs from the first embodiment in that the transmission process is executed.

  Thus, in the case of the second embodiment, since the functions of the digital camera 10 can be minimized when the digital camera 10 is manufactured, the capacity of the program stored in the built-in memory 32 can be reduced. For example, if a large-capacity built-in memory is used, if the additional function is not purchased, it is not necessary to store the application program for executing the additional function in the built-in memory, so a large amount of image data is stored in the built-in memory. be able to. In the case of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the digital camera can be expanded to the user's preference by acquiring additional functions intended by the user. Further, by collecting history information of additional functions to be purchased, it is possible to collect statistics on the usage status of the additional information.

  In the first and second embodiments, the basic control program for executing the basic function and the application program for executing the additional function are respectively stored in the built-in memory. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a memory for storing the basic control program and a memory for storing the application program can be provided separately. For example, in the case of the second embodiment, when no application program is stored, captured image data can be stored, so that the memory size can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the user can use the additional function by purchasing the additional function, that is, the additional function is charged. However, the additional function is not limited to this. Since some functions can be used free of charge without being charged, it is also possible to use such additional functions by obtaining use permission for the server.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an example of a digital camera that acquires subject images by photoelectrically converting subject light using an image sensor such as a CCD is taken, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be used in a silver salt camera that acquires a subject image using a silver salt film.

  In this embodiment, the function of the digital camera can be expanded by connecting the digital camera to the server and purchasing an additional function intended by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a personal computer ( When a PC) is connected to a digital camera, the image data stored in the digital camera is browsed on the PC, or a program for performing image processing on the image data is stored in the built-in memory of the digital camera. Alternatively, when the digital camera is connected to a server and the above-described program is purchased, it may be used.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the function purchase system of the camera in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the internal memory incorporated in a digital camera. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the digital camera at the time of purchasing an additional function. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the server at the time of purchasing an additional function. It is a functional block which shows the structure of the function purchase system of the camera in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the digital camera at the time of purchasing an additional function.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 11 ... Internet, 12 ... Server, 30, 60 ... CPU, 32 ... Built-in memory, 32a ... First storage area, 32b ... Second storage area, 36, 67 ... External connection apparatus, 40 ... Basic control Program, 42 ... Application program, 45 ... Setting information, 65 ... Database, 66 ... Purchase history information

Claims (6)

A first storage unit that stores a basic program for executing a first function that can be used without receiving use permission, including imaging of a subject and display of the captured subject image;
A second storage unit storing an additional program for executing a second function different from the first function by receiving a use permission;
Function selecting means for selecting a function that receives use permission from any of the second functions;
A communication means for transmitting a signal asking for permission to use the function selected by the function selection means to the information management terminal;
An update unit that receives a permission signal indicating permission of use from the information management terminal and updates setting information indicating whether or not the second function is permitted to use;
By referring to the setting information, control means capable of executing an additional program corresponding to a function permitted to be used among the second functions;
A camera characterized by comprising A first storage unit that stores in advance a basic program that executes a first function that can be used without obtaining permission, including imaging of a subject and display of the captured subject image;
A second storage unit capable of storing an additional program for executing a second function different from the first function by receiving use permission;
A function selecting means for selecting a function to receive use permission from among the second functions;
A communication means for transmitting a signal asking for permission to use the function selected by the function selection means to the information management terminal;
Receiving means for receiving a permission signal indicating permission for use from the information management terminal, and acquiring an additional program for the function having received the permission signal from the information storage terminal;
Writing means for writing the additional program acquired by the acquiring means into the second storage unit;
Setting update means for updating setting information indicating a use state of the second function;
Control that executes at least one of the first function and the second function using the basic program stored in the first storage unit and the additional program stored in the second storage unit Means,
A camera characterized by comprising The camera according to claim 2, wherein
In addition to the first storage unit and the second storage unit, a camera including a storage unit having an image data storage unit that stores image data obtained by imaging a subject. A system that includes a camera and an information management terminal to which the camera can be connected, and that extends the functions of the camera,
The camera
A first storage unit that stores a basic program that can execute a first function that can be used without permission to use, including imaging of a subject and display of the captured subject image;
A second storage unit storing an additional program for executing a second function different from the first function by receiving a use permission;
A function selecting means for selecting a function to receive use permission from among the second functions;
Camera-side communication means for transmitting a signal requesting use permission for the function selected by the function selection means to the information management terminal;
A setting update unit that receives a permission signal indicating permission for use from the information management terminal and updates setting information indicating a use state of the second function;
With reference to the setting information, a control means capable of executing a usable function of the second function;
With
The information management terminal
Information acquisition means for acquiring information of the connected camera;
An authentication means for performing authentication using the acquired camera information;
After the authentication is performed, a terminal-side communication unit that transmits a permission signal indicating permission to use the function for which the permission is requested, to the camera;
A database that stores the information of the camera in association with the use permission information of the function that has been granted use permission;
A camera function expansion system characterized by comprising: A system that includes a camera and an information management terminal to which the camera can be connected, and that extends the functions of the camera,
The camera
A first storage unit that stores in advance a basic program that executes a first function that can be used without obtaining permission, including imaging of a subject and display of the captured subject image;
A second storage unit capable of storing an additional program for executing a second function different from the first function by receiving use permission;
A function selecting means for selecting a function to receive use permission from among the second functions;
Camera-side communication means for transmitting a signal for requesting use of the function selected by the function selection means to the information management terminal;
Receiving means for receiving a permission signal indicating permission for use from the information management terminal, and acquiring an additional program for the function having received the permission signal from the information storage terminal;
Writing means for writing the additional program acquired by the acquiring means into the second storage unit;
Setting update means for updating setting information indicating a use state of the second function;
Control means for enabling execution of at least one of the first function and the second function using the basic program and the additional program stored in the first and second storage units;
With
The information management terminal
Information acquisition means for acquiring information of the connected camera;
An authentication means for performing authentication using the acquired camera information;
Terminal-side storage means in which the additional program is stored;
A terminal-side communication means for transmitting an additional program corresponding to a permitted function to the camera when the authentication is performed;
A database that stores the information of the camera in association with the use permission information of the function that has been granted use permission;
A camera function expansion system characterized by comprising: In the camera function expansion system according to claim 4 or 5,
In addition to the first storage unit and the second storage unit, a camera function comprising a storage unit having an image data storage unit that stores image data obtained by imaging a subject. Extended system.

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