JP5355757B2 - User information registration device, user information registration program, and user information registration method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce time and effort for program installation operation or information input operation by a user, when the user performs user registration through a host device to which a terminal device is connected. <P>SOLUTION: An installer file 302 and an application program file 304 or the like are stored in an image memory 218 included in a camera. When the camera is connected to a host device, a program in the installer file 302 is read into the host device and automatically executed, so that user registration processing and installation processing of an attached application program stored in the application program file 304 are automatically executed. After the program installation processing, the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 are deleted from the image memory 218. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a user information registration device, a user information registration program , and a user information registration method, and more particularly to an application for providing a service using a computer connected to a network to a user who owns a specific terminal device. The present invention relates to a technique for installing software and registering user information.

Conventionally, in many digital electronic devices such as digital cameras, application software for utilizing contents handled by the digital products in a host device such as a PC is a CD-.
It was provided by a storage medium such as a ROM. In order to make the application software usable, the user inserts the storage medium into the host device and inputs predetermined information with the keyboard according to the instruction of the activated installer, or predetermined items from the displayed list. A lot of operations are required, such as selecting.

On the other hand, in recent years, various services have been provided to users who have purchased products on the Web. In order for users to use these services, user registration of products is often required. In order to register as a user, the user needs to access a predetermined homepage using a computer and input user information and product information. Furthermore, it is necessary to input product information and user information again when registering the user of the additionally purchased product.

The above-mentioned input of information necessary for installation of application software and user registration is a troublesome work for ordinary people, and is one of the reasons why there are many users who do not install application software or users who do not register. It was. As a result, many users cannot receive useful information related to products, and there are users who never use even if useful services are prepared on the web.

Patent Document 1 discloses a personal computer (PC) that can deal with the above problems.
) And the like in which product individual information is stored in advance in an electronic device. When this electronic device is first started up, the electronic device automatically connects to a predetermined host machine (server) via a network, and the product individual information read from the electronic device and the name entered by the user,
User registration is performed by transmitting personal information including an address and a password to the host machine.

Japanese Patent No. 3212487

When the system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, when a user purchases a product and starts up for the first time, the user is automatically guided to a user registration site, so that the user does not have to perform an input operation such as a URL. . Further, the user does not have to input product individual information. However, the user needs to input the personal information. In this case, a user who feels troublesome in inputting personal information sometimes closes the screen for user registration and cannot complete user registration.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is possible to save the user's trouble of program installation operation and information input operation as much as possible at the time of user registration, and save the user's trouble of information input operation as much as possible. The purpose is to enable users to easily use effective information and services.

The user information registration device of the present invention is a terminal device specifying information and an automatic execution format program. Can be connected to a terminal device that stores data files, and data can be transmitted via a network. User information executed by the host device that can be connected to the server device having the base A registration device, wherein when the terminal device is connected to the host device, the terminal device Reading means for reading and executing a program file in an automatic execution format from a device; and Create a list of application programs installed in the host device Application program list creation means and the created application program Application that transmits a list of programs to the server device via the network After sending the list of program lists and the list of application programs, Registered in the list of application programs installed in the host device. Storage location information of user information related to the selected application is received from the server device. User information storage position information receiving means and a user related to the received application Read user information stored in the host device based on information storage location information User information reading means and an instruction to register user information in the server device A registration instruction judging means for judging whether or not the server apparatus If it is determined that an instruction to register user information is issued to the device, the host device Authentication of the read user information and the terminal device identification information read from the terminal device Authentication information transmitting means for transmitting to the server device for registration as information It is characterized by that.
The user information registration program of the present invention is a terminal device specifying information and automatic execution format program. It can be connected to a terminal device that stores program files, and via a network, User information executed on a host device that can be connected to a server device having a database A registration program that connects the terminal device to the host device The program file in the automatic execution format is read from the terminal device and executed. One of the application programs installed in the host device. A list of the created application programs and the network After sending the list of application programs to the server device via Register in the list of application programs installed in the host device Storage location information of user information related to the selected application is received from the server device And based on the storage location information of the user information related to the received application, The user information stored in the host device is read, and the user information is sent to the server device. Instructing whether to register the user information to the server device. The user information read from the host device and the previous Before registering the terminal device specific information read from the terminal device as authentication information The data is transmitted to the server device.
The user information registration method of the present invention includes terminal device identification information and an automatic execution format program. Can be connected to a terminal device that stores data files, and data can be transmitted via a network. User information registration method executed on a host device that can be connected to a server device having a base When the terminal device is connected to the host device, the terminal device Read and execute the auto-executable program file and install it in the host device. A list of installed application programs is created, and the created application program is created. The list of application programs is sent to the server device via the network. After the list of application programs is sent, it is installed in the host device. For applications registered in the list of registered application programs The storage location information of the user information is received from the server device, and the received application is received. Based on the storage location information of the user information related to the user. The user information is read and it is determined whether or not an instruction to register user information is given to the server device. If it is determined that an instruction to register user information is given to the server device, User information read from the host device and terminal read from the terminal device Device identification information is transmitted to the server device for registration as authentication information. It is a sign.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to save the effort of program installation operation and information input operation by the user as much as possible when registering the user, and the information input operation by the user can be saved as much as possible. Can be used easily.

It is a block diagram explaining a mode that the camera as a terminal device is connected to host PC connected with a server via a network. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of a camera roughly. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the structural example of the file memorize | stored inside the image memory incorporated in a camera. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the example of an internal structure of host PC. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of a server roughly. It is a block diagram which shows schematically another example of the internal structure of a server. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for detecting when the OS of the host PC detects that the camera is mounted on the host PC, and reading and executing an auto-executable installer file in the image memory of the camera. It is a figure explaining the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is the flowchart explaining the procedure by which the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed and the installation program in the image memory of a camera is performed by host PC. It is a figure explaining the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is the flowchart explaining the procedure by which the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed and the installation program in the image memory of a camera is performed by host PC. It is a figure explaining the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a flowchart explaining the process sequence installed as an attached application program in the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, and performed with host PC. It is a figure explaining the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and is the flowchart explaining the procedure by which the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed and the installation program in the image memory of a camera is performed by host PC. It is a figure explaining the 4th Embodiment of this invention, and is the flowchart explaining the procedure by which the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed and the installation program in the image memory of a camera is performed by host PC. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the content of the process performed by host PC in one process step in the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a user information registration system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user information registration system 100 includes a camera 200 as a terminal device.
A host PC 400 and a server 500. The host PC 400 and the server 500 are connected via a network NW. This network NW can use the Internet, for example. In the embodiment of the present invention, the camera 200 is exemplified as the terminal device, but various devices may be the terminal device. For example, IC recorders, game machines, PC peripherals, household appliances, electronic health equipment, toys, electronic dictionaries, electronic book readers, data loggers, PDAs (personal digital assistants), PNDs (portable navigation devices) ), Various devices such as measuring devices can be used as terminal devices.

When the terminal device has a property of being carried and used like the camera 200, it is connected to the host PC 400 only when necessary. Further, when the terminal device is a stationary device, it may be always connected to the host PC 400 in a wired or wireless form, or may be configured to be connectable only when necessary. The host PC 400 may be a so-called desktop PC or a portable PC. The host PC 400 is connected to the network NW in a wired or wireless form.

The server 500 is for registering the user of the camera 200. Although one server 500 is illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of servers may be included in the user information registration system 100.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the camera 200. The camera 200
An authentication information storage unit 202, a display processing unit 204, an image display unit 206, an imaging unit 208,
Image processing unit 210, controller 212, operation input unit 214, program memory 2
16, an image memory 218, and a communication interface 220.

The authentication information storage unit 202, display processing unit 204, image processing unit 210, operation input unit 214, program memory 216, image memory 218, and communication interface 220 are electrically connected to the controller. The image display unit 206 is electrically connected to the display processing unit 204, and the imaging unit 208 is electrically connected to the image processing unit 210.

The authentication information storage unit 202 is configured to be able to store device identification information and user information. The authentication information storage unit 202 is preferably composed of a non-volatile memory that is rewritable and does not require electricity for storage retention, such as a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a magnetic storage device. The device specifying information is information that enables the individual camera 200 to be uniquely identified. For example, the device identification information may be a combination of a code that can identify the model and a serial number (manufacturing number). The user information is information including at least one of a user name and a user's e-mail address.

In the initial state, that is, when the camera 200 is shipped (when the camera 200 is purchased), only the device identification information is stored in the authentication information storage unit 202. Then, user information is added to the authentication information storage unit 202 by performing user information registration processing described later.

The image memory 218 is a memory configured to be able to store image data obtained by photographing with the camera 200, and can be configured with a flash memory, a magnetic storage device, or the like. The image memory 218 is configured to be able to store not only data obtained by photographing with the camera 200 but also image data obtained by means such as downloading.

Incidentally, the authentication information storage unit 202 described above may be provided in the image memory 218. However, when the image memory 218 is configured to be detachable from the camera 200 such as a memory card, the authentication information storage unit 202 is desirably provided in a memory built in the camera 200. In the following description, it is assumed that the image memory 218 is built in the camera 200.

The imaging unit 208 includes an imaging lens, an imaging element that photoelectrically converts an image formed by the imaging lens to generate an image signal, an analog image signal that reads an analog image signal from the imaging element, amplifies it, and converts it into a digital image signal. Including the front end.

The image processing unit 210 processes the digital image signal output from the imaging unit 208 to generate image data. This image data is stored in the image memory 218. Image processing unit 210
In addition, the digital image signal read out from the imaging unit 208 at a relatively short cycle is sequentially processed to generate an image for live view.

The operation input unit 214 includes a power switch, a shooting / playback mode switching switch, a release switch, and the like. The operation input unit 214 also has a focal length, white balance, exposure mode,
A push switch, a slide switch, a touch panel, a dial switch, and the like for switching a video / still image recording mode and the like are included.

The controller 212 comprehensively controls components such as an actuator, a display element, and a sensor of the camera 200 so that the camera 200 operates in a mode desired by the user in response to the user operating the operation input unit 214. To do. The controller 212 can be configured by a CPU, hardware logic, or the like. When the controller 212 is composed of a CPU,
A program executed by the controller 212 is stored in the program memory 216. The program memory 216 can include a flash memory and a RAM. In the following description, it is assumed that the controller 212 is a CPU that can interpret and execute a program stored in the program memory 216.

The controller 212 converts the image data generated by the image processing unit 210 into the image memory 218.
The storage management process when storing the data is also performed. The controller 212 also reads out image data stored in the image memory 218 and performs operation control when displaying an image on the image display unit 206 described later. The controller 212 further provides a live view image to the image display unit 206 when live view image data is output from the image processing unit 210 when the user operates the camera 200 toward the subject to adjust the composition and exposure. Control the operation so that is displayed.

The image display unit 206 is configured to be able to display images, icons, characters, and the like, and includes a TFT color liquid crystal panel with backlight, an organic EL color display panel, or the like. The display processing unit 204 controls the image display unit 206 based on the display image data output from the controller 212 to display an image.

FIG. 3 shows the image memory 21 before and after the program installation process described later.
8 is a diagram for conceptually explaining an example of a file stored in FIG. When the camera is purchased, an installer file 302 and an application program file 30 are stored in the image memory 218.
4. A file including an operation manual file 306 and the like is stored. The installer file 302 and the application program file 304 contain programs to be executed on the host PC 400. The operation manual file 306 contains an electronic manual for explaining how to operate the camera 200 and application programs. The operation manual file 306 is a file that can be viewed on the host PC 400. When the user purchases the camera 200 and starts using it immediately and performs a shooting operation, the image file 300 is stored in the image memory 218.

When the camera 200 is connected to the host PC 400, the installer file 302 is automatically read into the host PC 400 and activated. That is, it is automatically executed. When the automatic execution program in the installer file 302 is executed, a user information registration process, which will be described later, and a process for transferring and installing the application program file 304 to the host PC 400 are performed. Then, the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 are deleted from the image memory 218.

The installer file 302 is, for example, Autoe in MS-DOS (registered trademark).
xec. It can be something like bat. That is, when a terminal device such as the camera 200 is connected to the host PC 400, the operating system (OS) of the host PC 400 searches for a file stored in the terminal device. Then, if an automatically executed file exists in the searched file, the OS of the host PC 400 can be configured to automatically read and execute the file.

The operation manual file 306 may be configured to be transferred to the host PC 400 and deleted from the image memory 218 by the automatic execution program when the automatic execution program in the installer file 302 is activated. Alternatively, the application program in the application program file 304 is stored in the host PC 400.
When installed for the first time, it may be transferred to the host PC 400 by the corresponding application program and erased from the image memory 218.

As described above, the installer file 302, the application program file 304, and the operation manual file 306 are deleted from the image memory 218 during the program installation process, and the image file 300 is left. As a result, the image memory 218 can be effectively used as a space for storing the image file 300.

If it is necessary to replace the host PC with a new one after the program installation process described above, the following can be performed. That is, as an example,
In an application program executed on the host PC 400, a menu for initializing the image memory 218 can be selected. When this menu is selected, the installer file 302, application program file 304, and operation manual file 306 stored in the host PC 400 are stored in the initialized image memory 218.

Alternatively, a storage medium such as an optical disk containing a program for performing processing for initializing the image memory 218 may be included in the camera 200. In this case, the image memory 218 is initialized by causing the user to execute the program in the storage medium, and the installer file 302, the application program file 304, which are recorded in the storage medium,
The operation manual file 306 is copied into the image memory 218. After this process is completed, the program installation process described above is performed by connecting the camera 200 to a new host PC.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the host PC 400. The host PC 400 includes a communication interface 402, a display interface 404, a display unit 406, an input interface 408, an input device 410 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a processing unit 414.
A RAM 416, an auxiliary storage device 418, and a network interface 424. Among these elements, the communication interface 402 and the display interface 40
4, input interface 408, processing unit 414, RAM 416, auxiliary storage device 418,
The network interface 424 is electrically connected to each other via the system bus 412.

The communication interface 402 is for communicating with a terminal device such as the camera 200 in a wired or wireless manner to exchange information. The display unit 406 includes a CRT or a flat panel display device. The display interface 404 controls the display unit 406 in order to display images, icons, characters, and the like on the display unit 406.

The input device 410 is a user interface for the user to input desired information or perform operations on the host PC 400. The operation content of the input device 410 by the user is transmitted to the processing unit 414 via the input interface 408.

The processing unit 414 is configured by a CPU or the like, and is configured to be able to perform various information processing. The RAM 416 is used as a work area when the processing unit 414 performs information processing.
The auxiliary storage device 418 is a storage device that includes a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or the like and has a relatively large storage capacity.

The auxiliary storage device 418 is provided with an area where system and application software setting data and the like are managed and stored by the OS, and an area where authentication information is stored. System and application software setting data managed by the OS is called a registry in Windows (registered trademark). Below, the host PC
Assuming that 400 is managed by the Windows OS, the above setting data and the like are referred to as registry information. An area for storing registry information is called a registry 420, and
An area in which authentication information is stored is referred to as an authentication information storage unit 422. In the authentication information storage unit 422, device identification information input from the camera 200 via the communication interface 402 is stored in association with user information. The network interface 424 is an interface for exchanging information with other devices via the network.

FIG. 5A is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the server 500. The server 500 is configured to be able to provide various services to the user of the camera 200 via the network. As an example, the server 500 is configured to be able to provide services such as an online album service and a print order service to the user of the camera 200. The online album service is a service that provides an image data storage space of a predetermined capacity to the user of the camera 200 and that can store images (image data) sent to the server 500 via the Internet. This is a service that enables the user himself / herself, a specific person who is informed of the URL information and password for browsing the image from the user, or an unspecified number of people to browse the image. The print order service is a service for accepting orders such as image printing and album creation via the Internet and sending a finished product to a destination designated by the user.

The server 500 includes a network interface 502 and a display interface 50.
4, a display unit 506, an input interface 508, an input device 510 such as a keyboard and a mouse, an auxiliary storage device 512, a processing unit 520, a RAM 522, and an image storage unit 52.
4 and a user information storage unit 526. Among these elements, the network interface 502, the display interface 504, the input interface 508, the auxiliary storage device 512, the processing unit 520, the RAM 522, the image storage unit 524, and the user information storage unit 526.
Are electrically connected to each other via a system bus 518.

The network interface 502 is an interface for exchanging information with the host PC 400 via the network. The display unit 506 is configured by a CRT or a flat panel display device. The display interface 504 controls the display unit 506 to display images, icons, characters, and the like on the display unit 506.

The input device 510 is a user interface for an administrator to input desired information and perform operations on the server 500. The operation content of the input device 510 by the administrator is transmitted to the processing unit 520 via the input interface 508.

The processing unit 520 is configured by a CPU or the like, and is configured to be able to perform various information processing. The RAM 522 is used as a work area when the processing unit 520 performs information processing.
The auxiliary storage device 512 is configured by a hard disk drive or the like and has a relatively large storage capacity. In the auxiliary storage device 512, an image management database 514 and a user management database 516 are constructed. Image storage unit 524, user information storage unit 52
6 can be a storage device similar to the auxiliary storage device 512.

The image storage unit 524 stores image data uploaded by the user of the camera 200. The user information storage unit 526 stores individual users who have completed the user registration process (
In the following, device identification information, user information such as a user name and an e-mail address, and the like are stored. The user information further includes information on the language setting and time zone setting of the host PC 400, and information such as a login name and a password when the user accesses a site for using the above-described online album service or print order service. May be. The user information storage unit 526 is also configured to be able to record the transaction history such as the date and operation of the user visiting the website, the operation content, the order content when a print order is made, the shipping record, and the receipt / accrual record. May be.

The user management database 516 includes the device identification information, user information, account information,
This is a database that registers where information such as transaction history is stored in the user information storage unit 526 corresponding to each registered user. The image management database 514 is a database that registers where the image data uploaded by registered users is stored in the image storage unit 524 corresponding to each registered user.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating an example having a configuration different from that of the server 500 illustrated in FIG. 5A. In the server 500A shown in FIG. 5B, the same components as those of the server 500 shown in FIG. 5A are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

The difference between the server 500A and the server 500 is that in the server 500A, the auxiliary storage device 5
12, a software database 530 is constructed. Hereinafter, this software database will be described. Many cameras 200 are sold, and therefore there are many users. Therefore, there are also many host PCs 400 corresponding to the number of users.
A plurality of host PCs 400 each have various specifications, various OSs are installed, and various application software such as word processors, spreadsheet software, e-mail software, graphic processing software, and Internet browser software are installed. The

By the way, since each user logs in to each host PC 400, the host P
A login user name is registered in each C400. This login username is
It is managed by the OS installed in each host PC 400. For example, in the case of a Windows OS, the login user name is included in the information in the registry file. The OS other than Windows also has information similar to the registry,
The login user name can be found by accessing the information. In the software database 530, the type and version of the OS that can be used by a general user, the name of the file including the login user name information, the information on the storage directory of the file, etc., corresponding to the type and version. It is recorded as a database.

Further, as described above, each user installs various application software on each host PC 400 according to the purpose of use. Such application software includes software that manages information related to an e-mail address used by a user, such as e-mail software. The software database 530 includes names of software that can include information on the user's e-mail address in application software that is widely used, and files that are managed by the software and include information on the user's e-mail address. Information on the name and storage directory of the file is also recorded in a database.

Both OS and application software are revised or distributed newly within a relatively short period of time. Correspondingly, the software database 530 is updated as needed by an administrator who manages the server 500A.

  A user information registration processing procedure performed using the configuration described above will be described.

-First embodiment-
In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the server connected to the host PC 400 via the network NW is the server 500 shown in FIG. 5A will be described. That is, the software database 5 that the server 500A described with reference to FIG. 5B has.
An example in which the server 500 that does not have 30 is used will be described.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a processing procedure executed by the processing unit 414 of the host PC 400. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 is assumed to be incorporated in the OS. In S <b> 600, the processing unit 414 determines whether a terminal device such as the camera 200 is connected to the communication interface 402. While this determination is denied, the process of S600 is repeatedly performed at appropriate time intervals.

If the determination in S600 is affirmative, the process proceeds to S602. Then, the processing unit 414 determines whether or not an automatic execution format program file exists in the image memory 218 of the camera 200. In the present embodiment, the program file in the automatic execution format corresponds to the installer file 302 in FIG. The program file in the automatic execution format has a file name and a file format that allow the OS to recognize that the program file is in the automatic execution format.

If the determination in S602 is negative, the series of processes shown in FIG. On the other hand, S602
If the determination in step S5 is affirmed, the process advances to step S604, and the processing unit 414 stores an automatically executed program file from the image memory 218 in the camera 200 in the RAM 4 in the host PC 400.
16 is read and executed. When the process of S604 ends, a series of processes shown in FIG. 6 is completed.

In the above description, an example in which the process of S600 is repeatedly performed at appropriate time intervals has been described. As another example, the camera 200 is connected to the host PC 40 via the communication interface.
When connected to 0, an interrupt signal is generated, and in response to the generation of the interrupt signal, S602,
The process of S604 may be executed.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a processing procedure performed when the processing unit 414 of the host PC 400 reads the program stored in the installer file 302 onto the RAM 416 and automatically executes it as a result of executing the processing procedure of FIG. It is a flowchart to show.

In S700, the processing unit 414 determines whether or not the application program is already installed in the host PC 400. Here, the application program is a program provided by being attached to the camera 200 from the supplier of the camera 200. For example, it is possible to make a program that allows users to share photos by accessing the online album site and uploading image data, or downloading image data of images taken by other people It is. Alternatively, a program for accessing a print ordering site, uploading image data, and ordering the creation of a print or photobook can be provided.

Of course, these are only examples, and the application program can be used to implement various forms of functions in accordance with the functions of the terminal device and the like. Hereinafter, the application program stored in the application program file 304 is referred to as an attached application program in order to distinguish it from application software such as a word processor and spreadsheet software.

The fact that the determination in S700 is affirmed means that the user PC and attached application program installation processing described below has already been performed in the host PC 400. That is, the user purchases a new camera 200 (replaces it), and the host P
The processing flow when connecting to C400 for the first time is assumed. On the other hand, the processing in the case where the determination in S700 is negative is processing assuming that the user registration and the installation operation of the attached application program described below have not been performed on the host PC 400 yet.

In S702, which is a branch destination when the determination in S700 is negative, the processing unit 414 acquires device identification information recorded in advance in the authentication information storage unit 202 of the camera 200. The device identification information is preferably information that can uniquely identify each product. For example, a combination of a product code and a serial number can be used as device specifying information. Or
When a unique IP address or the like is assigned to each product (individual) by a technique such as IPv6, such information can be used as device specifying information.

In step S <b> 704, the processing unit 414 displays a user information input screen on the display unit 406. That is, an input screen for prompting input of user information including a user name, an e-mail address, and the like is displayed. And the process which receives user information input operation by a user is performed.

In step S <b> 706, the processing unit 414 displays a message asking the user whether or not to perform user registration, accepts an operation of “Yes” or “No”, and determines whether or not to perform user registration.

If the determination in S706 is affirmative, the processing unit 414 performs server connection processing in S708. The server connection process is a process for connecting to a predetermined server 500 (FIG. 1) via the network NW. In the present embodiment, the server 500 is a server for performing user information registration processing.

In S <b> 710, the processing unit 414 transmits device identification information and user information to the server 500. The server 500 stores the device identification information and user information transmitted from the host PC 400 in the user information storage unit 526, and registers the device identification information and user information in association with each other in the user management database 516. As a result, the user registration of the user who owns the camera 200 is completed. At this time, a password or the like may be issued from the server 500. In this case, the processing unit 414 receives the password information.

After the process of S710, or when the determination in S706 is negative, the process of S712 is performed subsequently. In S712, the processing unit 414 associates the device identification information with the user information and stores them in the authentication information storage unit 422.

In step S <b> 714, the processing unit 414 transmits user information to the authentication information storage unit 202 of the camera 200.
Register with. At this time, the processing unit 414 reads the setting information such as the language setting, time setting, and time zone of the host PC 400, and based on the setting information, sets the language setting of the camera 200 (setting of the language when displaying the menu etc.), Time setting, time zone setting, etc. can be performed. By doing so, it is possible to automate time setting, language setting, time zone setting, and the like that are normally performed when the user starts the operation for the first time after purchasing the camera 200.

When a password is issued from the server 500 in S710, the following may be performed. That is, the processing unit 414 can store the device identification information, the user information, and the password in the authentication information storage unit 422 in the authentication information storage unit 422 in S712. In S714, user information and a password can be registered in the authentication information storage unit 202.

In step S716, the processing unit 414 performs processing for installing the attached application program. That is, the processing unit 414 reads the application program file 304 from the image memory 218 of the camera 200 and performs a process of installing the attached application program in the host PC 400. At this time, the operation manual file 306 may be copied into the auxiliary storage device 418 of the host PC 400 as necessary.

S720, which is a branch destination when the determination in S700 is affirmed, and the subsequent processing,
As described above. That is, it is assumed that the user registration process and the installation process of the attached application program are completed after the user purchases the camera 200, and a new camera 200 is purchased and connected to the host PC 400 for the first time. .

In step S720, the processing unit 414 determines the authentication information storage unit 202 of the newly purchased camera 200.
Get device identification information from In step S722, the processing unit 414 acquires user information from the auxiliary storage device 418 of the host PC 400. That is, when the first purchased camera 200 is connected to the host PC 400 for the first time, user information is already stored in the authentication information storage unit 422 by the processing of S712, but this user information is read from the authentication information storage unit 422. Processing is performed in S722.

In S724, S726, S728, and S730, S708, S710, and S712
, Processing similar to the processing in S714 is performed. Through the processing of S726, device specifying information and user information corresponding to the newly purchased camera 200 are transmitted to the server 500. In the server 500, device specifying information corresponding to the additionally purchased camera 200 is additionally recorded in the user information storage unit 526, and the registration content of the user management database 516 is also updated. S72
8, a process of additionally recording device specifying information corresponding to the newly purchased camera 200 in the authentication information storage unit 422 of the host PC 400 is performed.

In S730, user information is registered in the authentication information storage unit 202 of the newly purchased camera 200. At this time, the host P is the same as described in the process of S714.
It is possible to read setting information such as language setting, time setting, and time zone of the C400, and perform language setting, time setting, time zone setting, and the like of the camera 200 based on the setting information. The operation manual file 3 stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200 is also displayed.
06 can be copied into the auxiliary storage device 418 of the host PC 400 as necessary.

In addition, the same process as S706 is put between the process of S722 and the process of S724,
The user may be left to determine whether or not to register a user for the newly purchased camera 200. If the user does not want to register the user of the newly purchased camera 200, the processing of S724 and S726 may be skipped, and S728 and subsequent processing may be performed.

Following the process of S716 or S730, the process of S740 is performed. In S740, the processing unit 414 deletes the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200. Also, the operation manual file 306 may be deleted. At this time, the processing unit 414
It is desirable to store these files 302 and 304 and, if necessary, a backup file of the operation manual file 306 in a predetermined folder in the auxiliary storage device 418. The reason is that when the host PC 400 is replaced with a new one and the attached application program is installed on the new host PC 400, these files 3
This is because 02, 304, and 306 are required.

A storage medium such as a CD-ROM is attached to the camera 200, and these files 3 are stored therein.
When 02, 304, and 306 are stored, the above-described backup processing is not necessarily required. Alternatively, these files 302, 3 from a predetermined server via the network
Even when 04 and 306 can be downloaded, the above-described backup processing is not necessarily required.

As described above, in the description with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process of deleting the installer file 302, the application program file 304, and, if necessary, the operation manual file 306 from the image memory 218 of the camera 200 is collectively performed in S740. An example was described. However, the process of deleting these files 302, 304, and 306 may be performed individually. That is, from the image memory 218, the file 302 is stored.
, 304, and 306 are read into the host PC 400, the file can be deleted from the image memory 218. Therefore, the files 302, 304, and 306 may be deleted at each time when the files can be deleted, or at a later time.

If it is determined by the determination process in S700 that the attached application program has already been installed on the host PC 400, the process of installing the attached application program in S716 is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the waste or trouble that the same attached application program is installed twice.

Alternatively, a process of checking the version in the application program file 304 stored in the image memory 218 of the additionally purchased camera 200 from S720 to S
It is also possible to add before, after or after processing up to 730. In this case, if there is a difference in the program version, update update or differential update processing may be performed, and if there is no difference, these update update or differential update processing may be skipped.

The attached application program installed on the host PC 400 is checked for the presence of a new version of the program when the host PC 400 is connected to a predetermined server via the network NW. It may be configured to be possible.

The example in which the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200 are deleted at S740 has been described above. However, these files 302 and 304 are not necessarily deleted at the same time, and may be deleted individually. That is, the installer file 302 can be deleted before and after any processing in FIG. The application program file 304 can be deleted after the process of S740 is completed, or at an arbitrary timing after that when the determination of S700 is affirmed.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the user purchases the camera 200 and the host P
When first connected to the C400, the processing described with reference to FIG. 7 is automatically executed. And since device specific information is read from the camera 200 when user registration is performed,
The user only needs to input user information. Then, when the user decides to perform user registration based on the device identification information automatically read out and the user information input by the user, the user clicks a button indicating “user registration”. Then user registration is completed.

When the user additionally purchases the camera 200 and first connects to the host PC 400, the processing described with reference to FIG. 7 is automatically executed. At this time, when the previously purchased camera 200 is first connected to the host PC 400, the user information is stored in the authentication information storage unit 422 of the host PC 400 as described above. Therefore, the user is freed from the trouble of inputting user information when registering the user of the additionally purchased camera 200.

After the above-described automatic execution program (program for executing the program installation process in FIG. 7) is started, the attached application program is installed in the host PC 400, and the operation manual file 306 is copied into the host PC 400 as necessary. Since the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 are deleted from the image memory 218 in S740, the image memory 218 can be effectively used as a space for image file recording. Operation manual file 306
If it is also deleted, the image memory 218 can be used more effectively. Further, since the installation of the attached application program is automatically performed, the user is freed from complicated operations for program installation.

-Second Embodiment-
Also in the second embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the server connected to the host PC 400 via the network NW is the server 500 shown in FIG. 5A will be described as in the first embodiment. When the camera 200 is connected to the host PC 400, the host PC
The processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the processing unit 414 by the function incorporated in the 400 OS, as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a processing procedure performed when the processing unit 414 of the host PC 400 reads the program stored in the installer file 302 onto the RAM 416 and automatically executes the program stored in the installer file 302 as a result of executing the processing procedure of FIG. It is a flowchart to show.

In the flowchart of FIG. 8, S700 to S716 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
The processing steps in which the same processing as the processing in S740 following S716 is performed are denoted by the same step symbols as those shown in FIG.

The flowchart in FIG. 8 differs from the flowchart in FIG. 7 in the processing when the determination in S700 is affirmed. That is, if it is determined in S700 that the attached application program has already been installed, the process branches to S800.
In S800, the processing unit 414 activates the attached application program already installed in the host PC 400. By the attached application program activated in S800, the processing unit 414 performs user information registration processing in S802. That is, in the second embodiment, a process for registering user information is included in the attached application program installed in the host PC 400. FIG. 9 shows a processing procedure for performing user information registration performed in S802.

In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9, the same processing steps as those performed in S720 to S730 in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the processing procedure shown in FIG. The detailed explanation is omitted.

The processing unit 414 acquires device specifying information from the newly purchased camera 200 (S720),
User information is acquired from the authentication information storage unit 422 of the host PC 400 (S722). Subsequently, the processing unit 414 connects to the server 500 via the network NW (S724), and transmits device specifying information and user information to the server 500 (S726). In the server 500, device specifying information corresponding to the additionally purchased camera 200 is additionally recorded in the user information storage unit 526, and the registration content of the user management database 516 is also updated.

It should be noted that a process for allowing the user to determine whether or not to register the user of the newly purchased camera 200 may be inserted between the process of S722 and the process of S724. If the user does not want to register the user of the newly purchased camera 200, the processing of S724 and S726 may be skipped, and S728 and subsequent processing may be performed.

The processing unit 414 stores device identification information corresponding to the newly purchased camera 200 on the host PC 40.
0 is additionally recorded in the authentication information storage unit 422 (S728), and the authentication information storage unit 2 of the camera 200 is recorded.
User information is registered in 02 (S730). At this time, as described with reference to FIG. 7, the setting information such as the language setting, time setting, and time zone of the host PC 400 is read out, and the language setting of the camera 200 is read based on the setting information. Time setting, time zone setting, etc. can be performed. The operation manual file 306 stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200 can be copied into the auxiliary storage device 418 of the host PC 400 as necessary.

In S732, the processing unit 414 deletes the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200. The operation manual file 306 may also be deleted. At this time, the processing unit 4
14, it is desirable to store these files 302 and 304 and, if necessary, a backup file of the operation manual file 306 in a predetermined folder in the auxiliary storage device 418. When the processing of S732 is finished, a series of user information registration processing shown in FIG. 8 is completed.

As described in the first embodiment, when a storage medium such as a CD-ROM is attached to the camera 200 and these files 302, 304, and 306 are stored in the storage medium, the above-described backup is performed. Processing is not always necessary. Alternatively, even when these files 302, 304, and 306 can be downloaded from a predetermined server via a network, the above-described backup processing is not necessarily required.

Also in the second embodiment, when it is determined by the determination processing in S700 that the attached application program is already installed in the host PC 400, the processing for installing the attached application program is not performed repeatedly. Composed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the waste and inconvenience that the same attached application program is installed in duplicate.

Further, as described in the first embodiment, the process of checking the version in the application program file 304 stored in the image memory 218 of the additionally purchased camera 200 is performed during the processes from S720 to S730. It is also possible to add before or after. In this case, if there is a difference in the program version, update update or differential update processing may be performed, and if there is no difference, these update update or differential update processing may be skipped. When a password is issued from the server 500, it is possible to perform the same processing as described in the first embodiment.

The timing for deleting the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200 can be the same as that described in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the user purchases the camera 200 and the host P
When first connected to C400, the processing described with reference to FIG. 8 is automatically executed. When the user registration is performed, the device identification information is automatically read from the camera 200, so that the user need only input the user information. Then, when the user decides to perform user registration based on the device identification information automatically read out and the user information input by the user, the user clicks a button indicating “user registration”. Then user registration is completed. At this time, since the attached application program is automatically installed in the host PC 400, the user is freed from the troublesomeness of the software installation operation.

When the user additionally purchases the camera 200 and first connects to the host PC 400, the processing described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 is automatically executed. The processing shown in FIG. 9 is performed by an attached application program installed in the host PC 400. When the previously purchased camera 200 is first connected to the host PC 400, the user information is stored in the authentication information storage unit 422 of the host PC 400 as described above.
Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the user is freed from inputting user information when registering the user of the additionally purchased camera 200.

After the above-described automatic execution program (program for executing the program installation process in FIG. 8) is started, the attached application program is installed in the host PC 400, and the operation manual file 306 is copied into the host PC 400 as necessary. Since the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 are deleted from the image memory 218 in S740, the image memory 218 can be effectively used as a space for image file recording. Operation manual file 306
In such a case, the image memory 218 can be used more effectively.

-Third embodiment-
Also in the third embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the server connected to the host PC 400 via the network NW is the server 500 shown in FIG. 5A will be described, as in the first embodiment. Further, when the camera 200 is connected to the host PC 400, the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the processing unit 414 by the function incorporated in the OS of the host PC, as in the first embodiment. .

FIG. 10 schematically shows a processing procedure performed when the processing unit 414 of the host PC 400 reads the program stored in the installer file 302 onto the RAM 416 and automatically executes the program stored in the installer file 302 as a result of the processing procedure of FIG. 6 being executed. It is a flowchart to show.

In the flowchart of FIG. 10, S700 to S71 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Process steps in which the process up to 6 and the same process as the process of S740 following S716 are performed are denoted by the same step symbols as those shown in FIG. Further, the processes of S800 and S802 are the same as the processes of S800 and S802 shown in FIG. The processing procedure for registering user information performed in 802 is shown in FIG. In the following, referring to FIG.
Description will be made centering on differences from the first and second embodiments.

In the third embodiment, the determination process of S1000 is added between the process of S702 (process for reading device identification information from the camera 200) and the process of S704 (user information input operation acceptance process). And as a process when determination of S1000 is affirmed, S10
02 processing has been added. The difference from the second embodiment is that these two processes are added.

When the user first purchases the camera 200 to connect to the host PC 400, S7
The determination at 00 is denied, and the processing unit 414 reads device identification information from the authentication information storage unit 202 of the camera 200 in S702. In subsequent S1000, the processing unit 414 determines whether or not the user information can be read from the host PC 400. That is, the processing unit 414
Is a determination as to whether or not information relating to the login user name can be read out from the host PC 400 and a determination as to whether or not information relating to the user's e-mail address can be read out.
At least one of the determination processes is performed. Information about the login user name can be found, for example, by searching in the registry. The user's e-mail address can be found by searching a file or the like managed by software that can hold information on the user's e-mail address, such as e-mail software used in the host PC 400.

If the determination in S1000 is negative, that is, if the above user information cannot be found from within the host PC 400, an input screen prompting the user information including the user name, e-mail address, etc. is input in S704. A process of displaying and receiving a user information input operation by the user is performed. On the other hand, if the determination in S1000 is affirmative, the processing unit 4
In step S1002, the user information is read from the host PC 400 in step S1002.

Hereinafter, when it is determined in S706 that the user desires to register as a user, S708 is performed.
In step S710, the device identification information and the user information are sent to the server 500. When the user does not desire user registration (S706: No), the processes of S708 and S710 are skipped.

In S712, the device identification information and the user information are stored in the authentication information storage unit 42 of the host PC 400.
2 is stored. In S <b> 714, user information is registered in the authentication information storage unit 202 of the camera 200. In S716, a process of installing the attached application program stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200 is performed on the host PC 400. In S740, a process of deleting the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 from the image memory 218 is performed. Is called. At this time, for the installer file 302 and the application program file 304, the backup file is stored in the auxiliary storage device 418 of the host PC 400 and the initial image memory 218 is stored in the same manner as described in the first and second embodiments. It is also possible to prepare for conversion. Whether the operation manual file 306 is copied into the host PC 400 or deleted from the image memory 218 is the same as described in the first and second embodiments.

The description of the processing in S800 and S802 performed when it is determined in S700 that the attached application program has already been installed is the same as that described in the second embodiment. That is, the attached application program installed in the host PC 400 is activated in S800, and the user information registration process in S802 shown in FIG. 9 is executed. In addition, when a password is issued from the server 500 at the time of user registration, it is possible to perform the same processing as described in the first embodiment.

The timing for deleting the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200 can be the same as that described in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the user first purchases the camera 200 and first connects to the host PC 400, the processing described with reference to FIG. 10 is automatically executed. When the user registration is performed, the device identification information is read from the camera 200, and the user information is automatically read when it is determined that it can be read from the host PC 400. For the user information read out here, for example, a screen for accepting a user information input operation may be displayed on the display unit 406 and displayed as a default value in the screen. If the user sees the default value and does not feel that it needs to be changed, the user registration can be performed without performing a troublesome input operation of the e-mail address. On the other hand, when it is necessary to change the user information, it becomes possible to input a favorite user name and e-mail address.

In this way, it is possible to save the user's key input operation as much as possible during user registration, so that the user can perform user registration smoothly. When the user additionally purchases the camera 200 and performs user registration, the user is freed from inputting user information as in the first and second embodiments.

Further, after the automatic installation process of the attached application program, the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 are automatically deleted from the image memory 218 of the camera 200. Therefore, the image memory 218 can be effectively used as a space for recording image files. By configuring so that the operation manual file 306 is also automatically deleted, the image memory 218 can be used more effectively.

-Fourth embodiment-
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, unlike the first to third embodiments, the server connected to the host PC 400 via the network NW is a server 500A shown in FIG. 5B.
An example will be described. The server 500A is different from the server 500 in FIG. 5A in that the server 500A further includes a software database 530 in the auxiliary storage device 512. Details of the software database 530 are as described above with reference to FIG. 5B. Camera 2
6 is executed by the processing unit 414 by the function incorporated in the OS of the host PC when 00 is connected to the host PC 400, as in the first to third embodiments. .

FIG. 11 schematically shows a processing procedure performed when the processing unit 414 of the host PC 400 reads the program stored in the installer file 302 onto the RAM 416 and automatically executes the program stored in the installer file 302 as a result of executing the processing procedure of FIG. It is a flowchart to show.

In the flowchart of FIG. 11, S700 to S71 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Process steps in which the process up to 6 and the same process as the process of S740 following S716 are performed are denoted by the same step symbols as those shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the difference from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described with reference to FIG.

The flowchart in FIG. 7 and the flowchart in FIG. 11 will be described in comparison. In the fourth embodiment, the processing in S702 (processing for reading device identification information from the camera 200) and the processing in S704 (accepting user information input operation) S1100, S1102, and S1
104 is added. Then, as a process when the determination in S1104 is affirmed, S
1110 processing has been added. Further, since the process of connecting to the server 500A is performed in S1100, the server connection process in S708, which was included in the flowchart of FIG. 7, is omitted. The process from S720 to S730 in FIG. 7 is replaced with the process in S800 and S802, which is the same as that shown in FIG. The processing procedure for registering user information performed in 802 is shown in FIG.

When the user connects the first purchased camera 200 to the host PC 400 for the first time, S7
The determination at 00 is denied, and the processing unit 414 reads device identification information from the authentication information storage unit 202 of the camera 200 in S702. In subsequent S1100, the processing unit 414 performs processing for connecting the host PC 400 to the server 500A via the network. Continued S110
2, the processing unit 414 performs processing for acquiring user information storage position information from the server 500 </ b> A.

Here, the user information storage position information will be described. The user information storage position information means information for specifying a location where user information is stored in the host PC 400.
The user information is information including at least one of a login user name and a user's e-mail address. There are various types and versions of OSs and electronic mail software used on the host PC 400, and there are also various places where user information is stored. These OSs and e-mail software are constantly revised and new ones are provided. In the third embodiment described above, the user information storage position information created based on the information obtained before the camera 200 is released can be included in the attached application program. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the server 5
The user information storage position information can be updated to the latest one at any time on the 00A side. Further, the fourth embodiment is excellent in that user information storage location information corresponding to more types of OSs and electronic mail software can be registered in the software database.

FIG. 12 shows the processing contents performed by the processing unit 414 in S1102 of FIG.
It is a flowchart shown with the processing content performed by the 0A side. In S1200, the processing unit 414 searches for application software (spreadsheet software, word processor software, e-mail client software, graphic software, etc.) installed in the host PC 400, creates a list, and transmits it to the server 500A. For example, a file in a specific format stored in a specific directory in the auxiliary storage device 418 in the host PC 400 can be searched, and a list including information such as file names and file creation dates can be created. The list created in S1200 may include not only the above application software but also information related to the type and version of the OS.

In step S2000, the server 500A receives the application software list from the host PC 400. Then, the processes of S2004 and S2006 described below are repeated for each piece of information included in the list.

In S2004, the server 500A refers to the software database 530, and determines whether the determination target software is of a type that registers user information such as an e-mail address in the host PC 400. When the determination in S2004 is affirmed, in S2006, the server 500A extracts the user information storage position information corresponding to the determination target software from the software database 530 and registers it in the list of user information storage position information. When the application software list includes information on the OS name and its version, the user information storage location information is extracted from the software database 530 corresponding to the information and registered in the user information storage location information list.

After completing the processing of S2006 or when the determination in S2004 is denied, the server 500A corresponds to the next item in the application software list in S2004,
The process of S2006 is performed. When the determination for all items included in the application software list is completed, the process exits from the loop process from S2002 to S2008. In S2010, the server 500A displays a list of user information storage location information on the host PC.
400. In S1202, the host PC 400 receives the list of user information storage location information transmitted from the server 500A. As described above, the processing of S1200 and S1202 is performed in S1102 (FIG. 11).

In S1104, the processing unit 414 refers to the list of user information storage location information transmitted from the server 500A, and determines whether the user information storage location information is included in the list. If the determination in S1104 is affirmed, the processing unit 414 reads the user information from the storage location in the host PC 400 specified by the user information storage location information in S1110 (
Extract). At this time, when a plurality of pieces of user information storage location information exist in the list, it is possible to adopt user information of application software installed last from among them. Alternatively, a plurality of pieces of user information that can be read out from the host PC 400 can be displayed on the display unit 406 to accept a selection operation by the user.

If the determination in S1104 is negative, that is, if the valid user information storage location information is not included in the list of user information storage location information transmitted from the server 500A, the processing unit 4
14 displays an input screen for prompting input of user information including a user name, an e-mail address, and the like on the display unit 406 in S704, and performs processing for receiving a user information input operation by the user.

Following the processing of S704 or S1110, if it is determined in the determination processing of S706 that the user desires to register as a user, the device identification information and user information are sent to the server 500A in the processing of S710. When the user does not want user registration (S706: No)
The process of S710 is skipped.

In S712, the device identification information and the user information are stored in the authentication information storage unit 42 of the host PC 400.
2 is stored. In S <b> 714, user information is registered in the authentication information storage unit 202 of the camera 200. In S716, a process of installing the attached application program stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200 is performed on the host PC 400. In S740, a process of deleting the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 from the image memory 218 is performed. Is called. At this time, for the installer file 302 and the application program file 304, the backup file is stored in the auxiliary storage device 418 of the host PC 400 and the initial image memory 218 is stored in the same manner as described in the first and second embodiments. It is also possible to prepare for conversion. Whether the operation manual file 306 is copied into the host PC 400 or deleted from the image memory 218 is the same as described in the first and second embodiments. In addition, when a password is issued from the server 500 at the time of user registration, it is possible to perform the same processing as described in the first embodiment.

The description of the processing in S800 and S802 performed when it is determined in S700 that the attached application program has already been installed is the same as that described in the second embodiment. That is, the attached application program already installed in the host PC 400 is activated in S800, and the user information registration process in S802 shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

The timing for deleting the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 stored in the image memory 218 of the camera 200 can be the same as that described in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the server 500A determines whether there is any kind of application software installed in the host PC 400 that registers user information in the host PC 400. The determination is made with reference to the database 530. If it is determined that there is application software of a type for registering user information, the server 500A extracts user information storage location information corresponding to the application software from the database 530, and hosts a list of user information storage location information. Send to PC400. As described above, since the registered contents of the software database 530 can be updated based on the latest information at all times, the user information can be read from the host PC 400 more accurately.

Therefore, when performing user registration, it is possible to further reduce the necessity for the user to perform a user information input operation. Similarly to the third embodiment, for user information read from the host PC 400, for example, a screen for accepting a user information input operation is displayed on the display unit 4.
06 may be displayed as a default value in the screen. If the user sees the default value and does not feel that it needs to be changed, the user registration can be performed without performing a troublesome input operation of the e-mail address. On the other hand, when it is necessary to change the user information, it becomes possible to input a favorite user name and e-mail address.

In this way, it is possible to save the user's key input operation as much as possible during user registration, so that the user can perform user registration smoothly. When the user additionally purchases the camera 200 and performs user registration, the user is freed from inputting user information as in the first, second, and third embodiments.

Further, after the automatic installation process of the attached application program, the installer file 302 and the application program file 304 are automatically deleted from the image memory 218 of the camera 200. Therefore, the image memory 218 can be effectively used as a space for recording image files. By configuring the operation manual file 306 to be automatically deleted, the image memory 218 can be further effectively used.

The present invention includes an IC recorder, a game machine, a PC peripheral device, a household appliance, an electronic health device, a toy, an electronic dictionary, an electronic book reader, a data logger, and a PDA (personal digital assistant device).
It can be applied to user registration of various terminal devices such as PND (Portable Navigation Device) and measuring equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... User information registration system 200 ... Camera 202 ... Authentication information storage part 218 ... Image memory 220 ... Communication interface 300 ... Image file 302 ... Installer file 304 ... Application program file 306 ... Operation manual file 400 ... Host PC
402 ... Communication interface 406 ... Display unit 410 ... Input device 414 ... Processing unit 418 ... Auxiliary storage device 420 ... Registry 422 ... Authentication information storage unit 424 ... Network interface 500, 500A ... Server 502 ... Network interface 512 ... Auxiliary storage device 514 ... Image management database 516 ... User management database 526 ... User information storage unit 530 ... Software database

Claims (6)

  A terminal device storing terminal device identification information and an automatic execution format program file; Connectable and connected to server device with database via network A user information registration device that is executed by a device that can be a host,
  When the terminal device is connected to the host device, the terminal device automatically executes Reading means for reading and executing a program file of an expression;
  A list of application programs installed in the host device Means for creating a list of application programs to be created;
  A list of the created application programs is supported via the network. Application program list transmitting means for transmitting to the server device;
  After sending the list of application programs, install in the host device. Related to applications registered in the list of registered application programs User information storage location information for receiving storage location information of user information from the server device Receiving means;
  Based on the storage location information of the user information related to the received application, User information reading means for reading user information stored in the host device;
  A registration instruction judgment for judging whether or not an instruction to register user information is given to the server device. Cutting means;
  The registration instruction determination means does not give an instruction to register user information to the server device. The user information read from the host device and the terminal when it is determined that In order to register the terminal device identification information read from the device as authentication information, Authentication information transmitting means for transmitting to the device,
A user information registration device comprising:   A terminal device storing terminal device identification information and an automatic execution format program file; Connectable and connected to server device with database via network A user information registration program executed by a host device capable of
  When the terminal device is connected to the host device, the program Read and execute the auto-executable program file from the device,
  A list of application programs installed in the host device make,
  A list of the created application programs is supported via the network. Server device,
  After sending the list of application programs, install in the host device. Related to applications registered in the list of registered application programs Receiving the storage location information of the user information from the server device,
  Based on the storage location information of the user information related to the received application, Read user information stored in the host device,
  Determining whether or not an instruction to register user information is given to the server device;
  When it is determined that an instruction to register user information is given to the server device, User information read from the host device and terminal device characteristics read from the terminal device To register the authentication information as authentication information to the server device,
A user information registration program characterized by that.   After receiving the storage location information of the user information from the server device, in the host device The storage location information of the user information stored in the storage location of the user information of the host device Determine whether information is included,
  If the storage location information of the user information of the host device is included, from the storage location User information is read and specified, or the user information storage location of the host device Displays a list of information, accepts selection operations to identify user information,
  If the storage location information of the user information of the host device is not included, the user information is not entered. Displays an input screen that prompts users to accept user information input operations
The user information registration program according to claim 2, wherein:   The terminal device identification information is the product code, serial number, or combination thereof of the terminal device. Or at least information on the IP address specific to the terminal device
The user information registration program according to claim 1, wherein:   The user information is either the user's unique name or the user's email address Contains at least that information
The user information registration program according to claim 2, wherein:   A terminal device storing terminal device identification information and an automatic execution format program file; Connectable and connected to server device with database via network A user information registration method executed in a host device capable of
  When the terminal device is connected to the host device, the terminal device automatically executes Read and execute the expression program file,
  A list of application programs installed in the host device make,
  A list of the created application programs is supported via the network. Server device,
  After sending the list of application programs, install in the host device. Related to applications registered in the list of registered application programs Receiving the storage location information of the user information from the server device,
  Based on the storage location information of the user information related to the received application, Read user information stored in the host device,
  Determining whether or not an instruction to register user information is given to the server device;
  When it is determined that an instruction to register user information is given to the server device, User information read from the host device and terminal device characteristics read from the terminal device To register the authentication information as authentication information to the server device,
The user information registration method characterized by the above-mentioned.

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