JP3714106B2 - Electronic image recording apparatus recovery apparatus and electronic image recording apparatus recovery system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a collection device of an electronic image recording apparatus such as an electronic camera that can be reused, and a collection system using the collection device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An electronic still camera is an image sensor such as a charge-coupled devices (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) that converts an optical image into pixels and stores the data in a storage unit. ing. The digital data stored in the storage means is printed by a color printer or the like.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An electronic still camera is useful in terms of immediacy of image output and easy post-shooting image processing. However, the complexity of image output operations using a personal computer or printer is expensive, including these devices. It is a problem that it is expensive, and further simplification of operation and cost reduction are desired.
[0004]
By the way, in the camera field using photographic film, it is called a film with a lens (a clear camera, a single use camera), and a film is loaded in advance. A type of camera has been released. This type of camera eliminates the need for loading and unloading of film, which was done by the user with conventional cameras, and the processing such as printing is performed in a laboratory, which reduces the labor of the user and the price is very low. It is easy to use.
[0005]
-On the other hand, electronic still cameras can also be collected and reused at print stores, etc., ie, reused, as a means of simplifying printing and reducing costs. It is thought that there is a way to keep the price low by selling on the premise of. By this method, the user can also take the print request to the print shop and reduce the time and effort for the user to create the print. In order to realize such a method, it is important that the electronic still camera is reliably returned to the print shop and can be reused after inspection and adjustment of the returned electronic still camera.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to provide a recovery device for an image forming apparatus that can efficiently recover and a recovery system using the recovery device in order to realize such a method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, a collection device for an electronic image recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
An insertion section into which an electronic image recording apparatus can be inserted;
Read means for reading out image information from the electronic image recording device inserted in the insertion unit;
Processing means for processing image information read by the reading means;
The electronic image recording apparatus from which the image information has been read has a storage unit that can be stored so that a person other than a predetermined person cannot take it out.
[0008]
A collection system for an electronic image storage device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes:
An electronic image recording apparatus having image information generating means for generating image information based on an optical image and a storage means for storing the created image information is inserted into the insertion section into which the electronic image recording apparatus can be inserted, and the insertion section is inserted Reading means for reading out image information from the electronic image recording apparatus, processing means for processing the image information read by the reading means, and storage for storing the electronic image recording apparatus from which the image information has been read And an electronic image recording apparatus having a recovery unit.
[0009]
[Action]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collection device for an electronic image recording apparatus comprising: an insertion section into which an electronic image recording apparatus can be inserted; a reading means for reading image information from the electronic image recording apparatus inserted into the insertion section; For example, an electronic image recording unit includes a processing unit that processes the read image information, and a storage unit that can store the electronic image recording apparatus from which the image information has been read out so that a person other than a predetermined person cannot take it out. A user who has taken an image with the apparatus can perform a desired process only by setting the electronic image recording apparatus in the insertion portion of the collection apparatus, and then the electronic image recording apparatus is collected. Alternatively, the electronic image recording apparatus can be efficiently collected without bothering the collector. The electronic image recording apparatus is, for example, an electronic camera that converts an optical image into an electric signal, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the predetermined person refers to a laboratory worker who is permitted to collect the electronic image recording apparatus, a manufacturer worker, or a person entrusted with the collection.
[0010]
Further, if the processing means is a means for recording image information as a visible image on a recording medium, for example, a printer, the user can be provided with image printing.
[0011]
If the processing means is a display means for displaying the image information as a visible image, the user can confirm the image taken by the electronic image recording apparatus, and can place an order for printing only the necessary one.
[0012]
Furthermore, if the processing means is means for storing image information as image data in a storage medium, for example, an information recording / reproducing apparatus, a storage medium such as a CD on which image information is recorded can be provided to the user.
[0013]
Further, if the processing means is means for transmitting image information to an external computer or server via communication means, a higher-definition image can be obtained by an image forming apparatus connected to the external computer or server. Can print.
[0014]
Further, when the reading means performs normal reading of the image information and the number of shootable images still remains, if the user has a function of ejecting the electronic image recording apparatus to the outside of the apparatus, the user can obtain the remaining number of shootable images. Can be taken, which is preferable. When image information cannot be normally read from the electronic image recording apparatus, it is preferable to have a function of discharging the electronic image recording apparatus to the outside of the apparatus because collection of electronic image recording apparatuses having a defective function can be prevented. If there is no image information, if the electronic image recording device has a function of ejecting it to the outside of the device, if the user mistakenly sets an electronic image recording device that has not been photographed yet in the collection device, this is recovered. This is preferable because it can be prevented.
[0015]
Further, if the image information cannot be normally read out from the electronic image recording apparatus, if the display means displays that the image information cannot be read out, the display causes a malfunction of the electronic image recording apparatus to the user or the operator. This is preferable.
[0016]
Further, the electronic image recording apparatus is preferably discharged from the insertion port to the outside of the apparatus, but may be discharged to the outside of the apparatus from a discharge port different from the insertion port.
[0017]
Further, when the reading means performs normal reading of the image information and the number of shootable images still remains and the electronic image recording apparatus is not desired to be reused, or all from the electronic image recording apparatus If the image information can be read normally, it is preferable to store the electronic image recording apparatus in a storage unit because collection is facilitated.
[0018]
Further, when the reading means performs normal reading and the number of shootable images still remains and the electronic image recording apparatus is not desired to be reused, or all image information is read from the electronic image recording apparatus. In the case of being able to read normally, there is a process in which the image information from the electronic image recording apparatus is read out by the processing means that disables rereading of the image information, and the image information from the electronic image recording apparatus is disabled to be read out again By displaying what has been done on the display means, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the image information, to protect the privacy, and to inform the user of that fact, the user can be relieved.
[0019]
In addition, it is preferable to have a counting means for counting the number of electronic image recording devices stored in the storage section and a notifying means for notifying the count value, since necessary information can be transmitted to the collector.
[0020]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the notification means is a means for notifying that the count value has reached a predetermined value.
[0021]
Further, if the notification means is means for transmitting information to an external computer or server via communication means, it is convenient because the number of stored electronic image recording devices can be known without being near the collection device. is there.
[0022]
Furthermore, it is preferable to have a receiving means for receiving information from an external computer or server because remote control can be performed.
[0023]
Having a billing function is convenient because, for example, a reasonable fee can be charged according to the user's use of the electronic image recording apparatus.
[0024]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collection system for an electronic image recording apparatus comprising: an electronic image recording apparatus having image information generation means for generating image information based on an optical image; and storage means for storing the created image information. An insertion section into which an image recording apparatus can be inserted; a reading means for reading image information from the electronic image recording apparatus inserted into the insertion section; a processing means for processing image information read by the reading means; and image information The electronic image recording apparatus from which the image has been read is collected by a collection device that can store the electronic image recording apparatus. A desired process can be performed simply by setting the electronic image recording apparatus in the insertion portion, and the electronic image recording apparatus is then collected. Or without troubling the collection's hands, it is possible to efficiently recover the electronic image recording apparatus. The image signal stored in the storage means may be an analog signal from a CCD, for example, or may be a digital signal obtained by A / D conversion.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera 100 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of the electronic still camera 100, and FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof. In the present embodiment, the electronic still camera 100 constitutes an electronic image recording apparatus.
[0026]
In the electronic still camera 100 shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 110 is supplied with electric power from a power source 112 such as a battery in response to an on operation of the main switch 111, and has an imaging unit 103 such as a CCD, a memory 104 as a storage unit, and a strobe 113. Is to control. The strobe 113 including the light-emitting capacitor starts charging for light emission only when the strobe switch 114 is turned on.
[0027]
Further, when the charging mechanism 107 drives the shutter 102 in response to the ON operation of the release switch 108, the image information generating means is formed with an optical image formed on the light receiving surface by the photographing lens 101 via the opened shutter 102. The imaging means 103 performs so-called photoelectric conversion under the control of the CPU 110 to output an analog signal (image information) corresponding to the optical image of the subject. As the imaging means, a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS that performs photoelectric conversion can be used. In order to obtain a high-quality image, the number of pixels of this solid-state imaging device is preferably 1 million pixels or more. Considering the memory capacity to be used, circuits required for post-processing, etc., 1 million to 2 million pixels is more suitable. preferable. An analog signal obtained by photoelectric conversion is recorded in the memory 104 as an analog signal or as a digital signal subjected to A / D conversion. Corresponding to the operation of the charging mechanism 107, the number of shots is displayed on the number display device 109. The first image signal stored in the memory 104 is output to the outside through the buffer 105 and the connector 106 under the control of the CPU 110 as an external output means. The CPU 110 can store the ID number and the number of shots in the internal memory. When a predetermined number of images have been taken, regardless of the remaining storage capacity of the memory 104, the CPU 110 as the restricting unit can restrict the subsequent photographing. It should be noted that by pressing an unillustrated erasing button, the CPU 110 as the image information erasing means may be able to erase only the image information of the last image taken out of the image information stored in the memory 104. .
[0028]
Further, the predetermined condition may be anything that gives a restriction for promoting the reflux of the electronic image recording device, such as the number of shots, the storage capacity of the shot images, the time since the purchase of the electronic image storage device, etc. There are various possibilities.
[0029]
When the predetermined conditions are met, shooting is restricted to prevent the electronic image recording device from being released, to prevent shooting, to not store images in the memory, or to turn on the power. What is necessary is just to control such that it does not exist.
[0030]
Since the electronic still camera 100 according to the present embodiment does not include an image processing unit, the electronic still camera 100 can be configured to be simpler and less expensive. In addition, the electronic still camera 100 of this embodiment does not have an LCD or the like for image display, and it is necessary to perform recording and reproduction processing (color conversion and the like) on the image information stored in the memory 104. Therefore, a simpler and cheaper configuration can be obtained. This is because these processes can also be performed on the external device side for displaying or printing an image. Note that the first image signal stored in the memory 104 can be output to the outside only when connected to the collection device 200 described later. In such a case, for example, authentication such as an ID number or a password is performed. The input condition may be that information related to the input has been input.
[0031]
In FIG. 2, the entire surface of the electronic still camera 100 is covered with a camera body 120, a lens 101 is disposed at the front center, and a subject-side lens 121 a of the finder is disposed at the upper left of the lens 101. A strobe 113 is arranged on the upper right of the screen. A release switch 108 is disposed on the left side of the top surface of the electronic still camera 100, and a number display device 109, which is a reflective liquid crystal panel, is disposed in the center of the top surface. Instead of the number display device 109, for example, an LED that lights up when the remaining number of shots becomes three may be provided.
[0032]
In FIG. 3, a viewfinder eyepiece 121b is disposed at the upper center of the rear surface of the electronic still camera 100, a rectangular opening 120a is formed in the camera body 120 at the lower center of the rear surface, and a connector 106 is disposed at the back. Has been. Since the shape of the connector 106 is special, it can be connected only to a data reading unit 201 of the processing device 200 described later, thereby preventing unauthorized reading by anyone other than those authorized to read image information. it can.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a view showing a collection device 200 according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views thereof. The collection system or collection apparatus 200 is installed in, for example, a laboratory or a convenience store, and in principle, converts image information obtained by photographing with the electronic still camera 100 into a general-purpose format by user's own operation. In addition to having a function of writing on a recording medium and printing as an image, it also has a function of collecting the electronic still camera 100.
[0034]
In FIG. 4, the collection device 200 includes a plug having a shape that can be connected to the connector 106 of the electronic still camera 100, and a data reading unit 201 serving as a reading unit that can read an analog signal. When the image signal of 1 is an analog signal, the image signal is converted into a digital signal and subjected to predetermined image processing such as color conversion and compression to generate image data in a general format such as JPEG A processing unit (processing unit) 202, a display control unit (processing unit) 203 that displays an image on a display device 204 as a display unit based on the general-purpose image data, and the general-purpose image data are recorded on the recording medium M1 ( For example, an image recording device (processing means) 205a written in a CD-ROM) and a visible image based on such general-purpose image data. An image recording apparatus (processing means) 205b for printing the image on a recording medium (for example, print paper), an interface (processing means) 206 such as USB or RS-232C for communicating with an external personal computer Pc, and the electronic still camera 100. A restriction release device 207 that performs the restriction release, and a system control device 208 that is connected to the restriction release device 207 and performs control.
[0035]
Further, the collection device 200 is controlled by a system control device 208, and an interface 209 that enables image data to be transmitted to the minilab ML, which is an image forming device capable of printing high-definition images. A communication device (communication means and receiving means) 210 capable of transferring image data to an external computer or server SV capable of storing a large amount of image data via a communication line and receiving information; and an electronic still camera A function checking device 211 that checks the functions of the electronic still camera 100, a camera processing device 212 that replaces and repairs parts for which the functions of the electronic still camera 100 are inappropriate, a capturing device 213 that captures the electronic still camera 100, and a recording medium It has a discharge device 214 that discharges M1 and M2, and a charge collection device 215 That.
[0036]
5 and 6, the collection device 200 is entirely covered with a housing 220, and the upper surface thereof has a display device 204 made up of a touch panel type LCD and an insertion port (insertion portion) for receiving the electronic still camera 100. 220a is formed. As shown in FIG. 6, the insertion port 220a is configured to be shielded by a shutter 220h.
[0037]
A coin insertion slot 220d, a bill insertion slot 220e, and a return button 220f, which constitute a part of the collection device 215, are arranged on the upper right side of the front surface of the collection apparatus 200. A return port 220g is arranged.
[0038]
A discharge port 220b through which the recording media M1 and M2 whose recording has been completed is discharged is formed below the front surface of the collection device 200. A door 220c of a storage (storage unit) 220s for storing the electronic still camera 100 that has been subjected to a function test or the like is formed below the side surface of the collection device 200. The door 220c may be provided with a lock (not shown) that can be opened only by a predetermined person using a key.
[0039]
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the insertion port 220a. The insertion port 220a has a recess 220j having a shape substantially matching the outer shape of the electronic still camera 100. The recess 220j has notches 220k and 220m formed on the back side and the front side thereof, respectively. When the still camera 100 is inserted into or removed from the insertion port 220a, the user can securely hold the electronic still camera 100 to prevent troubles such as drop damage.
[0040]
Next, operation | movement of the collection | recovery apparatus 200 concerning this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the entire system including the operation of the collection apparatus 200 according to this embodiment. First, in FIG. 8, the electronic still camera 100 provided by the manufacturer is sold at a retail store as shown in step S101, and reaches the user's hand. At this time, the number of shots is zero, and it is assumed that the user is informed beforehand that, for example, up to 24 shots can be taken as the expiration date of the electronic still camera 100.
[0041]
In step S102, the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100 determines whether or not a predetermined number of images (24 images in the present embodiment) have been shot. At this time, the number of shots is zero, so the CPU 110 takes a predetermined number of images. In step S104, the user is allowed to shoot, and it is further determined whether or not a predetermined number of images have been shot each time the image is taken (step S102). It should be noted that the user can freely set the electronic still camera 100 in the collection device 200 before completing the predetermined number of shots.
[0042]
On the other hand, when it is determined that shooting for a predetermined number of sheets has been completed, the CPU 110 serving as the limiting unit controls the imaging unit 103 to prohibit subsequent shooting (step S103). At this time, for example, if the release switch 108 cannot be pressed or the number display device 109 blinks, it is easy to know that the user can no longer take a picture.
[0043]
As described above, since the user cannot arbitrarily take out the image data obtained by photographing with the electronic still camera 100, when the predetermined number of pictures are taken, the electronic still camera 100 is removed from the lab or convenience store. Or the like is urged to be set in the collection device 200 provided in any of the above.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 7, the user can set the electronic still camera 100 in the insertion port 220a of the collection device 200 with the shutter 220h opened with the front side of the electronic still camera 100 facing upward (step S105). As a result, the data reading unit 201 of the collection device 200 is connected to the connector 106 of the electronic still camera 100, and preparation for data reading is performed. After the setting, the shutter 220h is closed and the electronic camera 100 is collected. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the electronic still camera 100 from being pulled out during data reading and causing an error or the like.
[0045]
The system control device 208 reads the first image signal stored in the memory 104 of the electronic still camera 100 via the data reading unit 201 of the collection device 200 (step S106). The first image signal is converted into a digital signal in the case of an analog signal in the image processing unit 202, subjected to predetermined image processing such as color conversion and compression, and the like in a general format such as JPEG. Image data is generated.
[0046]
In step S106a, the user inputs order information such as an image to be printed and the number of sheets to be printed, and a charge corresponding to the order information is displayed on the display device 204 or notified by voice. In response to this, the user can pay a fee from the inlets 220d and 220e.
[0047]
In step S107, in response to a user request input from the display device 204, which is a touch panel display, for example, the image data generated in the image processing unit 203 is transferred to the recording medium M1 (for example, CD-) via the recording device 205a. ROM). The recording medium M1 can be provided to the user via the discharge port 220b (step S108). Since the image data recorded on the recording medium M1 is a general-purpose image signal such as JPEG format, the user can arbitrarily form it as an image with a personal computer or the like. In addition, since the image data is electronically recorded on the recording medium M, it hardly deteriorates with the passage of time, so that an image with an initial image quality can be obtained at any time.
[0048]
Similarly, in the same step S107, based on the image data generated in the image processing unit 203 in response to a user request similarly input from the display device 204, the recording medium M2 (for example, print paper) via the recording device 205b. You can print an image. The recording medium M2 can be provided to the user via the discharge port 220b (step S108). When the user inputs a high-definition image print from, for example, the touch panel display device 204, the image data is transmitted to the minilab ML via the interface 209, and the high-definition print can be output here. .
[0049]
Further, the system control device 208 of the processing device 200 accesses the CPU 110 via the connector 106 of the electronic still camera 100, and can determine whether or not image information has been recorded normally and a predetermined number of images have been shot (step S109). ). In such a case, the remaining number of shootable images of the electronic still camera 100 may be displayed on the display device 204. When the system control device 208 has not finished shooting a predetermined number of images, and determines that the remaining number of images can be shot, the system control device 208 opens the shutter 220h (step S110), and displays “remaining XX images” on the display device 204. You can display a message such as "I can shoot and return it." If the display unit 204 inputs that the user does not want to return even if the number of images that can be taken remains, the shutter 220h is closed and the capturing device 213 is driven to place the electronic still camera 100 in the storage 220s. You may comprise so that it may transfer.
[0050]
On the other hand, if the system control device 208 determines that the electronic still camera 100 cannot take any more images because the image information has been stored normally and a predetermined number of images have already been taken, the shutter 220h is not opened and the final Specifically, the apparatus 213 is driven to transfer the electronic still camera 100 to the storage 220s (step S111).
[0051]
Further, in a laboratory where the collection device 200 is installed, the restriction release device 210 of the processing device 200 as the release means accesses the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100 and erases the image information stored in the memory 104. In this case, the re-reading is disabled and the photographing restriction is canceled.
[0052]
According to the present embodiment, a user who has finished taking an image with the electronic still camera 100 places the electronic still camera 100 in the insertion port 220a of the collection apparatus 200 installed in a corner of a laboratory or convenience store that is easily accessible. The desired processing is performed simply by setting, and the electronic image recording apparatus is then recovered, so that the electronic still camera 100 can be efficiently recovered without bothering the user or the collector. It becomes.
[0053]
If the data reading unit 201 cannot normally read image information from the electronic still camera 100, the shutter 220h of the insertion port 220a is opened and the electronic still camera 100 set in the collection device 200 is discharged. This is preferable because collection of the electronic still camera 100 having a poor function can be prevented. If there is no image information, it is considered that the user has accidentally set the electronic still camera 100 that has not been photographed yet to the collection device 200. Therefore, the shutter 220h of the insertion port 220a is similarly opened to collect the collection device 200. It is preferable that the electronic still camera 100 set to be ejected because the user can use it.
[0054]
Further, if the electronic still camera 100 cannot read the image information normally, if the display device 204 displays that the image information cannot be read, it can be understood that such a display may cause a malfunction of the electronic still camera 100 such as a user. preferable.
[0055]
Further, the electronic still camera 100 is configured to be discharged from the insertion port 220a to the outside of the apparatus when the number of shootable images remains, but as described above, the device is discharged from the discharge port 220b different from the insertion port 220a. It may be discharged outside.
[0056]
Note that the system control device 208, which is a non-readable processing unit, prevents the unauthorized use of the image information by erasing the image information in the memory 104 of the electronic still camera 100 as a non-readable process. The image information is preferably transferred to an external computer or server SV. In addition, if the display device 204 displays a display such as “all the image information in the memory has been erased” indicating that the processing for making it impossible to re-read the image information has been performed, the user can be relieved. I can do it.
[0057]
Further, the system control device 209 as a counting means counts the number of electronic stills 100 stored in the storage 220s of the recovery device 200, and when the count value reaches a predetermined value, the count value is notified. Display device 204 is preferable because information necessary for collection can be transmitted, such as the fact that the storage 220s is full.
[0058]
Further, when the collection device 200 is operating unattended, if the system control device 208 transmits the count value to an external computer or server SV via the communication device 210, the electronic still camera 100 can be located even in a remote place. This is convenient because the number of storages is known.
[0059]
In addition, it is preferable that the system control device 208 as a receiving unit receives information from an external computer or server because remote operation can be performed.
[0060]
It should be noted that the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiment, and of course can be modified or improved as appropriate.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recovery device of an image forming apparatus that can efficiently recover and a recovery system using the recovery device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera 100 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the electronic still camera 100. FIG.
3 is a rear view of the electronic still camera 100. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a collection device 200 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the recovery device 200. FIG.
6 is a perspective view of the recovery device 200. FIG.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing an insertion slot.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the entire system including the operation of the collection apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 electronic still camera
101 lens
102 Shutter
103 Imaging means
104 memory
105 buffers
106 connector
107 charge mechanism
108 Release switch
109 Number display device
110 CPU
111 Main switch
112 Power supply
113 Strobe
114 Strobe switch
200 Recovery device
201 Data reading unit
202 Image processing unit
203 Display control unit
204 Display device
205a, 205b recording device
206 User Interface
207 Restriction release device
208 System controller
209 interface
210 Communication device
211 Function check device
212 Camera processing equipment
213 Capture device
214 Ejector
215 Charge collection device

Claims (17)

An insertion section into which an electronic image recording apparatus can be inserted;
Read means for reading out image information from the electronic image recording device inserted in the insertion unit;
Processing means for processing image information read by the reading means;
A collection device for an electronic image recording apparatus, comprising: a storage unit capable of storing an electronic image recording apparatus from which image information has been read out so that a person other than a predetermined person cannot take it out. 2. The collection device for an electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing means is means for recording image information as a visible image on a recording medium. 3. The electronic image recording apparatus collecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing means is display means for displaying image information as a visible image. 4. The electronic image recording apparatus collecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing means is means for storing image information as image data in a storage medium. 5. The electronic image recording apparatus collecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing means is means for transmitting image information to an external computer or server via communication means. When the reading means performs normal reading of image information and the number of shootable images still remains, when image information cannot be read normally from the electronic image recording device, or when there is no image information, an electronic image 6. The electronic image recording apparatus recovery apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of discharging the recording apparatus to the outside of the apparatus. 7. The electronic image recording apparatus recovery apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the image information cannot be normally read from the electronic image recording apparatus, the display means displays that the image information cannot be read. The electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the electronic image recording apparatus is discharged from the insertion port to the outside of the apparatus. The electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the electronic image recording apparatus is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through a discharge port different from the insertion port. When the reading means performs normal reading of image information and the number of storable images still remains and re-use of the electronic image recording apparatus is not desired, or all images from the electronic image recording apparatus 10. The electronic image recording apparatus collection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the information can be read normally, the electronic image recording apparatus is stored in a storage unit. When the reading means performs normal reading and the number of shootable images still remains and the electronic image recording apparatus is not desired to be reused, or all image information from the electronic image recording apparatus is normally If the image information can be read, the processing means that disables rereading of the image information from the electronic image recording apparatus performs the read disable process, and the process of disabling rereading of the image information from the electronic image recording apparatus is performed. 11. The electronic image recording apparatus collecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is displayed by a display means. The electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a counting unit that counts the number of electronic image recording apparatuses stored in the storage unit; and a notification unit that notifies the count value. Recovery equipment. 13. The collection device for an electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the notification means is a means for notifying that a count value has reached a predetermined value. 14. The collection device for an electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the notification means is means for transmitting information to an external computer or server via a communication means. 15. The electronic image recording apparatus collecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising receiving means for receiving information from an external computer or server. 16. The electronic image recording apparatus collection device according to claim 1, further comprising a charging function. An electronic image recording apparatus having image information generating means for generating image information based on an optical image and a storage means for storing the created image information is inserted into the insertion section into which the electronic image recording apparatus can be inserted, and the insertion section is inserted Reading means for reading out image information from the electronic image recording apparatus, processing means for processing the image information read by the reading means, and storage for storing the electronic image recording apparatus from which the image information has been read And a collection system for the electronic image recording apparatus.

Images