Digital Camera Patent AbstractIn a digital camera in which a photographic field is photographed
and which has an image pick-up device 102 for outputting an image
signal corresponding to a photographic field, an analog signal processing
circuit 106 for processing the image signal, a digital signal processing
circuit 108 and an image data processing section 110, a detachable
memory card 112 for storing so that the image information processed
by the processing means can be read out, and a CPU 111 for controlling
an operation of each section, the digital camera has a program by
which the ID information previously stored in the memory card 112
is read out, and stored in a digital camera main body side.
Digital Camera Patent ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A digital camera comprising: an image pick-up means for outputting
an image signal corresponding to a photographic field, processing
means for processing the image signal, detachable memory means for
storing so that the image information processed by the processing
means can be read out, control means for controlling an operation
of each section, and a program for reading out an ID information
stored on the detachable memory and storing the ID information in
a digital camera main body side, wherein the ID information is defined
as proper identifying information stored in the memory means previously,
and wherein the program itself is erased after the ID information
is stored in the digital camera main body side.
2. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the program is
accommodated in the memory means.
3. A digital camera according to claim 2, wherein, before the start
of photographing, the ID information of the memory means is compared
with the ID information stored in the main body side, and only when
the ID information coincides with each other, the photographing
can be conducted.
4. A digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the image information
obtained by photographing the photographic field is ciphered and
stored in the memory means.
5. A digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the digital camera
is packed with a protective film.
6. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein, before the start
of photographing, the ID information of the memory means is compared
with the ID information stored in the main body side, and only when
the ID information coincides with each other, the photographing
can be conducted.
7. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the image information
obtained by photographing the photographic field is ciphered and
stored in the memory means.
8. A digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the image information
obtained by photographing the photographic field is ciphered by
the processing means, and wherein the processing means uses a secret
key to cipher the image information.
9. A digital camera according to claim 8, wherein the secret key
is stored previously by a manufacturer of the digital camera in
the digital camera main body side.
10. A digital camera according to claim 9, wherein the secret key
corresponds to the ID information stored in the memory means.
11. A digital camera according to claim 10, wherein the image information
is decoded when the ID information is read from the memory means,
and when the secret key is read by a computer and the secret key
corresponds to the ID information.
12. A digital camera according to claim 11, wherein the secret
key corresponds to a triple Data Encryption Standard (DES).
13. A digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the image information
obtained by photographing the photographic field is ciphered by
the processing means, and wherein the processing means uses an open
key to cipher the image information.
14. A digital camera according to claim 13, wherein the open key
is stored in the digital camera main body side by a manufacturer
when the digital camera is produced.
15. A digital camera according to claim 14, wherein the open key
corresponds to a private key, and the private key is stored in a
computer.
16. A digital camera according to claim 15, wherein the open key
is recorded in the memory means, and wherein the image information
is decoded when the private key is read from the computer and the
private key corresponds to the open key which is read from the memory
means.
17. A digital camera according to claim 15, wherein the open key
and the private key correspond to a RSA ciphering system.
18. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital
camera is packed with a protective film.
19. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the program
is executed when a plurality of switches are actuated simultaneously.
20. A digital camera according to claim 19, wherein the plurality
of switches comprise a menu switch, an image plane change over switch
and a shutter switch.
21. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the ID information
is defined as proper identifying information stored in the memory
means by a manufacturer of the digital camera when the digital camera
is recycled.
22. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital
camera further comprises a memory card insertion means and wherein
the digital camera is packed with a protective film, the protective
film covers the memory card insertion means.
23. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital
camera is packed with a protective film and the protective film
covers a bottom surface of the detachable memory means.
24. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital
camera further comprises another memory means in the digital camera
main body side, and wherein the program reads out ID information
from the detachable memory means and the program stores the read
out ID information in the another memory means.
25. A digital camera comprising: an image pick-up means for outputting
an image signal corresponding to a photographic field, processing
means for processing the image signal, detachable memory means for
storing so that the image information processed by the processing
means can be read out, control means for controlling an operation
of each section, and a program for reading out an ID information
and storing the ID information in a digital camera main body side,
wherein the ID information is defined as proper identifying information
stored in the memory means previously, wherein the program itself
is erased after the ID information is stored in the digital camera
main body side, and wherein the digital camera is automatically
turned off after the program is erased. Digital Camera Patent DescriptionBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera in which the
image information from an image pick-up means is stored in a recording
medium, and particularly, to a digital camera appropriate for structuring
a recycling system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Presently, a product providing system in which, by a mode of a
rental use or sale, the camera is provided to the user, and it is
recovered, recycled, and the photographed and developed film or
a print obtained from the film is provided to the user, is spread.
As a camera, for example, a lens-fitted film unit is widely used.
On the one hand, accompanied by a spread of a digital camera in
which the image signal obtained from the image pick-up element to
photograph a photographic field is processed, and the photographed
image is converted into the digital type data and recorded, also
relating to the digital camera, the same recovery and recycling
system is proposed.
In the system in which the digital camera is provided to the user
and the photographed camera is recovered and recycled, because the
photographed image is stored in the camera as the digital data,
its reading-out or erasing is easy, and there is an advantage that
it is appropriate for the recycle in which the camera is repeatedly
used. However, on the contrary to that, when the data is easily
read out or erased by the user or the third party (another traders),
the camera main body for the recycle use is not recovered, and the
recycle itself can not be realized.
For example, when the third party who does not produce the camera
by itself, and borrows the marketed recycled camera without notice
and conducts unfairly the same service, appears, the recovery rate
of the camera is lowered, and the normal recovery and the maintenance
of recycling system are threatened, and the presentation of the
photographic image service with a low cost and stable quality becomes
difficult. Further, in the above unfair third party service, it
is also anxious about that the high quality print service is not
guaranteed. Further, in the case where the recycled camera is missed
or stolen, when the stored image data is easily read or the camera
can be freely repeatedly used after that, the reliability of the
recovery and recycle system itself is lowered, and finally, the
photographic image service with the low cost and stable quality
can not be presented. Accordingly, in the recycle system, the increase
of the recovery rate of the camera becomes a key for the supply
of the low cost and stable service.
Accordingly, a digital camera and its production and recycling
system in which it is made a high security structure in which the
recorded data of the camera can not easily be read and erased, and
the recovery rate of the camera is increased, and which is for providing
the photographic image service in which the quality is stable, to
the user, are proposed (for example, JPA-A-2000-228740).
When an outline of the recycle system is described, it is as follows.
In the production system (manufacturer) who conducts the production
of the camera, a password collation circuit is provided, and a digital
camera in which the individually given password is stored in the
memory of the camera main body is produced, and supplied to the
user. The correspondence relationship data of the ID number proper
to camera main body and the given password is stored in the manufacturer.
The camera in which the user completed the photographing is recovered,
and sent to the recycle system in which the service such as a print
is conducted. In the recycle system, from the ID number written
on the camera external packing, the password kept in the manufacturer
is read out, and collated with the password stored in the camera
main body. When the password is coincident, the read out of the
photographed image data is permitted, and the service such as the
print or data presentation is conducted. After that, the camera
main body is sent to a production system again, and in the reproduction
installation, after the inspection of the main body, and replacement
of parts are conducted, a clear of the photographic information
and the renewal of the password or ID information are conducted,
and the reproduced camera is supplied to the user. This cycle is
repeated and the recycle system is structured. The camera used in
this system is structured in such a manner that the memory means
to store the data can not be removed from the main body such as
the built-in memory so that the photographic data can not easily
be read out and erased.
As a matter of course, in the above structure, the re-production
(recycle process) of the camera can not be conducted only after
a process (data read-out and print process) in which, from the recovered
photographed digital camera, the photographic image data is read
out and print is conducted. Therefore, when it takes a long period
of time in the password collation process to read out the data,
or data read-out process, or the trouble is generated, the subsequent
recycle process is delayed.
In the so-called lab in which the service by which the photographic
data is read from the recovered camera, data processing is conducted,
and the photographic image is printed on the printing paper and
presented to the user, or the photographic image data itself is
recorded in another recording medium and presented, is conducted,
because the number of cameras to be processed becomes large, when
the data read-out processing is delayed, the large number of cameras
are accumulated for the waiting of processing. In such a case, the
security of the position to store the cameras, or elongation of
the processing line is necessary, and the cost of the whole recycle
system is increased.
Even when the data read-out is delayed, when the camera is structured
in such a manner that only the recycle of the camera main body can
be separately conducted, the camera main body with a large volume
is smoothly processed, and a surplus storage space or long process
line is not necessary, and the increase of the cost can be prevented.
Accordingly, it is desirable in the efficiency that the data read-out
and the print process, and recycle process can be carried out separately
and independently. However, in the conventional structure, because
the memory means in which the data is stored, can not be removed
from the camera main body, it is impossible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to solve such defects of the conventional technology,
the object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera
for the recycle in which the memory means in which the image data
is stored, is made detachable, and the unfair taking off of the
memory means, unfair reading-out of image data, and erasing can
not be conducted, and the security is high, and to make the camera
SO that the data reading-out and print process, and the recycle
process are separated, and respective processes can be independently
and effectively conducted.
In order to solve the above problems, a digital camera in which
a photographic field is photographed and which has an image pick-up
means (image pick-up device 102) for outputting an image signal
corresponding to a photographic field, processing means for processing
the image signal (analog signal processing circuit 106, digital
signal processing circuit 108, image data processing section 110),
detachable memory means (memory card 112) for storing so that the
image information processed by the processing means can be read
out, and control means (CPU 111) for controlling an operation of
each section, the digital camera of the present invention is characterized
in that: it has a program by which the identifying information previously
stored in the memory means is read out, and stored in a digital
camera main body side.
According to this structure, at the time of the production of the
camera, when the program is conducted by a special switch operation,
which is not opened, because the ID information of the memory means
is stored in the main body side, the camera main body and the memory
means can be controlled in 1 to 1. That is, because the memory means
and the camera main body respectively have the ID information, the
normal memory means is removed, and a mode of use in which another
memory means is installed into this digital camera and operated,
can be detected by the nonconformity of the ID information. Thereby,
the unfair disassembling or exchange of the memory means, reading-out
or erasing by the user or the third party can be prevented. Further,
also at the time of the re-production of the camera, when the program
is conducted, because the ID information of the installed memory
means is stored in the camera main body side by the overwriting,
in the same manner, the recycled camera main body and the memory
means can be controlled in 1 to 1. In this case, it is not necessary
that it is the camera in which the memory means and camera main
body correspond to each other in 1 to 1 at the time of production.
Accordingly, after the photographed camera is recovered and the
memory means is removed from the camera main body, the corresponding
relationship of the ID information becomes unnecessary. Therefore,
the reading-out of the data from the memory means and the print
process, and the recycle process of the camera main body can be
separated, and both processes can be parallelly and effectively
conducted.
Further, to solve the above problems, the present invention is
characterized in that the program is stored in the memory means.
According to this structure, because the program to store the ID
information is stored in the memory means side, even when the normal
memory means is removed off and another memory means is installed
into this digital camera and the camera is tried to be operated,
the registration of the ID information can not be conducted. The
unfair removing off or exchange of the memory means, and reading-out
or erasing of the image data by the user or the third party are
prevented.
Further, in order to the above problems, the present invention
is characterized in that: in the program stored in the memory means,
after the ID information is stored in the digital camera main body
side, the program itself is erased.
According to this structure, even when the not-opened special switch
operation for carrying out the program by which the ID information
is stored in the camera main body side can be known by the third
party by any possibility, because, in the already installed memory
means, the program itself does not exist, it can not be conducted.
The unfair removing off or exchange of the memory means, and reading-out
or erasing of the image data by the user or the third party are
prevented.
Further, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention
is characterized in that: before the photographing, the ID information
of the memory means and the ID information stored in the main body
side are compared and collated with each other, and only when the
ID information is coincident to each other, the photographing is
made possible.
According to this structure, every time when the power source switch
is turned on, because the ID information of the memory means and
the camera main body are collated with each other, the unfair removing
off or exchange of the memory means, and reading-out or erasing
of the image data by the user or the third party are prevented
Further, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention
is structured in that: the image information obtained when the photographic
field is photographed, is ciphered and stored in the memory means.
According to this structure, even when the third party or user
can unfairly read out the photographic data from the memory means
by any possibility, because the image data itself is ciphered, the
original image information cannot be reproduced. The unfair removing
off or exchange of the memory means, and reading-out or erasing
of the image data by the user or the third party are prevented.
Further, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention
is characterized in that: the digital camera main body is packed
with the protective film.
According to this structure, when the memory means is tried to
be removed off, because it is necessary to strip off the external
packing protective film, it can be easily confirmed by the appearance.
The unfair removing off or exchange of the memory means, and reading-out
or erasing of the image data by the user or the third party are
prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure for the
digital camera in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an appearance outline view of the digital camera in an
embodiment of the present invention, and shows a condition before
the camera main body is packed with a protective film.
FIG. 3 is an appearance outline view of the digital camera in one
embodiment of the present invention, and shows a condition after
the camera main body is packed with the protective film.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a sequence of an ID storing operation
in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an initial operation sequence in
one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a flow of an encipherment by a secret
key.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a flow of an encipherment by an
open key.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a sequence of an ID storing operation
in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an outline view showing a recycle system realized by
using the digital camera of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, the embodiments of the present invention
will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure
of a digital camera of one embodiment of the present invention.
A digital camera 100 is provided with: a photographing lens 101
using the injection molded plastic lens; image pick-up device 102
such as the CCD second dimensional image sensor to output an image
signal; strobe 103 to irradiate an auxiliary light onto a subject;
shutter.cndot.diaphragm mechanism 104; drive circuit 105 to output
a drive signal to the photographing device 102; analog signal processing
circuit 106 as a signal processing section; A/D conversion section
107 by which the image signal is converted from the analog signal
to the digital signal; digital signal processing circuit 108; memory
109 in which the image signal is temporarily stored as the image
data; image data processing section 110 to compress.cndot.expand
the image data; CPU 111 to control the whole of the digital camera
100; and memory card 112 as a detachable memory means to record
the proper ID information or photographed image, and the other data,
and further, it is structured by a shutter switch 113, display 114,
and operation switch 115.
When the power source switch is turned on, the necessary power
source is supplied to each of above blocks. Then, at the time of
the low illuminance, the strobe 103 is used as the auxiliary light,
and when the shutter switch 113 is pressed, the reflected light
reflected on the subject is incident onto the photographing lens
101 and shutter.cndot.diaphragm mechanism 104, and focused on the
image pick-up device 102. Herein, the shutter 104 is a mechanical
shutter, and when the signal is read from the image pick-up device
102, it is prevented that, when the light is in the shutter, the
smear is generated. Further, the diaphragm 104 is structured by
the electronic shutter of the image pick-up device 102 and the mechanical
shutter, and controls the exposure amount to the image pick-up device
102. The strobe can be compulsively emitted also besides the necessary
time. In this connection, in the present embodiment, the strobe
is used, but another auxiliary light may also be used.
Then, the image pick-up device 102 is driven by the image pick-up
device driver (not shown in the drawing) at the timing generated
in the timing generation circuit (not shown in the drawing), and
the image signal which is the image data is outputted. In this connection,
this image pick-up device driver becomes unnecessary depending on
the drive voltage condition of the image pick-up device 102.
The image signal is, after it is signal processed in the analog
signal processing section 106, converted into the digital signal
in the A/D conversion section 107, and signal processed again in
the digital signal processing section 108, and temporarily stored
in the memory 109. Herein, when it is displayed on the display 114
for the image monitor, the content of this memory is read out, and
sent to the monitor and can be displayed. Further, the image data
after the photographing, is compressed in the image data processing
section 110 and recorded in the memory card 112. Depending on the
photographing mode, it is also possible that the process of compression
is omitted, and the image data is recorded. The whole of the camera
is controlled by the CPU 111, and there is also the menu switch
by which the user conducts each kind of setting, or release switch
(not shown). In the present embodiment, the CPU 111 or image data
processing section 110 ciphers the image data, however, the exclusive
IC may be separately mounted. Relating to the ciphering processing,
it will be detailed later.
Next, an outline appearance view of the digital camera in the present
embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 2 shows a condition
before the camera main body is packed with a protective film, and
FIG. 3 shows a condition after the camera main body is packed with
the protective film. The digital camera 100 is structured by: a
casing 116; power source switch 117; optical viewfinder 118; photographing
lens 101; shutter button 119; auxiliary light light-emitting section
120; memory card insertion section 121 (in the view, it is on the
bottom surface of the camera main body); display 114; operation
switch 115; menu switch 122; and execution/image plane change over
switch 123.
The protective film 124 shown in FIG. 3 is a film which is packed
in order to protect the memory card insertion section 121 and display
114, or in order to structurally reinforce the main body. In the
camera recovered form the user after the photographing completion,
the protective film is stripped off and the memory card 112 is taken
out. On the one hand, in the re-production process, the camera is
packed again with the protective film 124 and the re-production
product is completed.
Herein, the slide switch (power source switch 117) which is necessary
to be exposed to the outside, auxiliary light light-emitting section
120, optical viewfinder 118, and photographing lens 101 may, when
the film has the high transparency and no printing, be covered with
the transparent portion without opening the window. The push switch
such as the menu switch 122 or execution/image plane change over
switch 123, when only the position of the switch is known, because
it is no problem even when the switch is covered by the film, the
display may be made so that the position can be known or the portion
may be made a transparent window and covered. However, when the
switch is protruded, it is necessary that the film is expanded so
that the tension does not affect the film. The surface of the display
114 is covered with the transparent material such as the hard glass
or acrylic resin, but because there is a possibility that it is
flawed even when it is so, it is preferable that this portion is
also covered by the film with the high transparency. A cross switch
displayed as the operation switch 115 is not covered with the film
in the present embodiment, but, it is no problem when the switch
is arranged in a portion covered with the film. This is the same
also for the shutter button 119.
Next, the storing operation of the ID information in the digital
camera of the present embodiment will be described. This storing
operation is an operation in which the manufacturer registers the
ID information of the memory card into the camera body when the
digital camera is produced, or the recovered camera is re-produced,
thereby, the unfair use of the medium other than the installed memory
card can be prevented. This operation is conducted after the assembly
of a wide use camera is completed.
In this connection, because this storing operation is not conducted
by the user or the third party, it is set so that the program is
started by the special switch operation. The special operation is
necessary so that, when the digital camera is used, the user does
not easily enter into this operation mode. For example, in the present
embodiment, while the menu switch 122, execution/image plane change
over switch 123, and shutter button 119 are simultaneously pressed,
when the power source switch 117 is turned on, the camera is set
in such a manner that the camera enters into this mode.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the sequence of this operation.
These sequences are stored in the CPU 111 or memory 109 in the form
of the program.
When the power source switch is turned on by the special operation
as described above, the program is started and the ID storing mode
is started (step S101). Initially, it is confirmed whether the memory
card with the ID is installed in the memory media installation section
(step S102). At the time of production, because the appropriate
memory media is installed, in the next step S103, the taking-in
of the ID information is started. In all of the memory card installed
at the time of the production, the ID information which is respectively
different is previously stored.
After the ID information taken-in from the memory card is stored
in the main body memory 109 (step S104), the power source of the
camera main body is automatically turned off (step S105), and the
ID storing mode is completed (step S106). In step S102, when the
memory card is not installed, or when the irregular memory media
in which the ID information is not stored, is installed, the storing
operation of the ID information is not conducted, and the power
source of the camera is automatically turned off. As the flow of
the product, after the above operations are conducted, the camera
is supplied to the user through the retailer.
At the time of the re-production of the recovered camera, the ID
information stored in the recycled camera main body and the ID information
of the newly installed memory card are different with each other.
However, by conducting this storing operation, the ID information
of the memory card which is newly installed is stored by overwritten
on the camera main body side, and the old ID information of the
camera main body is erased. Therefore, when the re-production is
completed, it can be the condition that the ID information of the
memory card and the ID information of the camera main body coincide
again. In the re-production process, after the above storing operation
is conducted, the re-produced camera is supplied again to the user
through the retailer.
Next, the initial operation sequence when the user starts the use
of the digital camera will be described. FIG. 5 is a flow chart
showing this initial operation sequence. These sequences are stored
in the CPU 111 or memory 109 in the form of the program.
When the user turns on the power source switch 117 of the digital
camera 100 (step S201), the ID information stored in the installed
memory card is read into the main body memory 109 (step S202), and
it is collated with the ID information stored in the main body at
the time of the production or re-production (step S203). In the
step S204, the judgment is conducted, and when these are coincident
to each other, the camera becomes the photographic possible condition
(step S205) as it is. On the one hand, when these ID information
are not coincident to each other, it is judged that the memory card
is unfairly taken out and exchanged, the power source is turned
off (step S206), the camera can not be used. Normally, because the
recording media insertion section 121 is covered with the protective
film 124, the user does not take out the memory card. Even when
the memory card is taken out for any reason, in the case where it
is the initially installed card, when it is returned to the original
condition, because the ID information are coincident to each other
when the switch is turned on, it becomes a condition that the camera
can be used. Because this sequence makes only the card having the
different ID information or absolutely separated manufacturers card
not usable, the unfair data read-out or print, or the unfair recycle
of the camera by the third party can be prevented.
Next, the encipherment method of the digital image data obtained
by the photographing will be described. Even when the ID storing
operation as described above, and the ID collation when the power
source is turned on are conducted, when the third party can know
the above special switch operation by chance, and while the digital
camera main body and the memory media installed at the time of the
production or re-production are controlled in 1 to 1, when the read-out
of the image data and print, and erasing of the image data are reproducibly
conducted, to conduct the unfair recycle system becomes theoretically
possible. Accordingly, it is preferable that the photographed image
data is ciphered and stored. For the encipherment, any of a secret
key ciphering system, or open key ciphering system may be used.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the encipherment by the
secret key. In the image data processing section 110 of the digital
camera, at the time of the camera production, the secret key which
is different for each camera is stored so that the reading out from
the external can not be conducted. This secret key is necessary
in the data reading-out and print process when the camera is recovered,
the manufacturer stores the data in which the ID information of
the camera main body (the same as the ID information of the memory
card) and the secret key are correspondent to each other, as the
data base in the host computer.
When the digital image is generated by the photographing (step
S301), by using the secret key previously stored in the camera main
body (step S302), the encipherment is conducted (step 303). After
the photographing is completed, when the camera is recovered, the
ID information of the memory card is read out at the lab side, and
the secret key corresponding to the ID information is read from
the host computer. By using this secret key, the decoding is conducted
(step S304), and the original image data is obtained (step S305).
As the secret key ciphering system, a predetermined ciphering system
such as DES (Data Encryption Standard) or triple DES may be used.
FIG. 7 is an outline view showing a condition of the encipherment
by the open key. In the memory 109 of the digital camera, at the
time of production, the open key is stored. The private key which
is a pair of this open key is, when the camera is recovered, necessary
in the data reading out and the print process, the manufacturer
stores the data in which the open key is made to correspond to the
private key, as the data base in the host computer.
When the digital data is generated by the photographing (step S401),
by using the open key previously stored in the camera main body
(step S402), the encipherment is conducted (step S403). This open
key is also recorded in the memory card. After the photographing
is completed, when the camera is recovered, the open key of the
memory card is read out at the lab side, and the private key correspond
to the open key is read from the host computer. By using this private
key (step S404), the decoding is conducted (step S405), and the
original image data is obtained (step S406). In this connection,
the open key is not stored in the camera main body at the time of
production, and stored directly in the memory card, and at the time
of the encipherment, it may also be read out on the main body side.
As the open key ciphering system, a predetermined ciphering system
such as an RSA may be used.
In the ciphering system by the secret key, although the processing
speed is high, it is necessary that the key is controlled for each
digital camera. On the one hand, in the system according to the
open key, a plurality of digital cameras having the same key can
be produced. Therefore, the key control is simplified, but because
the calculation amount is large, the burden of the camera side is
large, and there is a disadvantage that the processing speed becomes
low. Accordingly, corresponding to the cost of the camera or the
structure of the production, recycle line, the ciphering system
may be selected.
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the present embodiment, a program to carrying out the storing
operation of the ID information is stored in the memory card, and
the program is made to be automatically erased after the ID storing
operation.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the sequence of the ID storing operation
of the present embodiment. In these sequences, the processing until
the program stored in the memory card is read in the camera main
body (the upper side of the dashed line in the drawing) is stored
in the CPU 111 or memory 109 in the form of the program. The program
to carry out the subsequent ID storing (the lower side of the dashed
line in the drawing) is stored in the memory card.
As described also in the first embodiment, this storing operation
registers the ID information of the memory card into the camera
main body at the time of the digital camera production or re-production,
thereby, the unfair use of the medium other than the memory card
can be prevented. This operation is conducted after the assembly
of the wide use camera is completed, or the re-production of the
recovered camera is completed. Because this storing operation is
conducted by the user, it is set that, by the special switch operation,
the program is started, and in the present embodiment, while the
menu switch 122, execution/image plane change over switch 123, and
shutter button 119 are simultaneously pressed, when the power source
switch 117 is turned on, the camera is set so that it enters into
this mode.
By the above special switch operation, when the power source switch
is turned on, the ID storing mode is started by the program of the
camera main body side (step S501), and the program in the memory
card is read in the main body memory 109 (step S502). The read-in
program is automatically carried out. Initially, it is confirmed
whether the memory card with the ID is installed into the memory
media installation section (step S503). Because, at the time of
the production, the appropriate memory media is installed, in the
next step S504, the taking-in of the ID information is started.
The taken-in ID information is stored in the memory 109 (step S505).
After that, the program itself is erased by this program (step S506),
the power source of the camera main body is turned off (step S507),
and the ID memory mode is completed (step S508). In step S503, when
the memory card is not installed, or when the irregular memory media
in which the ID information is not stored, is installed, the storing
operation of the ID information is not conducted, and automatically,
the power source of the camera is turned off. The digital camera
in which the registration operation of the ID information is completed,
is supplied to the user through the retailer.
In a stage in which the camera is circulated in the market, even
when the third party unfairly replaces the memory media, it is checked
in the ID information collation between the camera main body and
the memory media which is conducted at the time of the power source
switch turning on and the photographing can not be conducted. Further,
even when the third party can know the above special switch operation
by chance, the ID information can not absolutely be stored in the
main body side. It is for the reason that the program to store the
ID information is in the memory card side, and the program of the
memory card by which ID storing operation is once conducted is erased.
In the first embodiment, because the program for conducting the
storing operation of the ID information is stored in the camera
main body side, in the case where the third party can know the above
special operation by chance, when the memory card is one produced
for the camera, even when it is not the card installed at the purchase,
there is a possibility that the storing of the ID information into
the main body side is freely conducted. When the image data is ciphered,
because it is prevented that the third party unfairly conducts the
reading of the data or print, there is no practical problem, but,
according to the second embodiment, the security in the storing
operation of the ID information can be more increased. Further,
because it is structured in such a manner that the program stored
in the memory card side is read into the camera main body side,
not only the storing of the ID information, but the other functions
of the camera or operations can also be easily changed and improved.
However, in this case, it may be preferable that the program of
the memory card is not erased.
Because the internal structure, appearance, other functions or
operations in the second embodiment are the same as the first embodiment,
the explanation will be omitted.
Finally, referring to FIG. 9, the outline of the recycle system
which can be realized by using the digital camera of the present
invention will be described bellow.
In the camera production process 202 of the production system (manufacturer)
201 to produce the camera, the camera main body and memory card
are produced. In the camera main body, the ID storing operation
execution program, secret key or open key are stored. In the memory
card, the ID information is stored, and depending on the case, the
ID storing operation execution program may be stored. Further, the
open key may be stored. After that, in the camera main body, the
memory card is installed, and the ID storing operation is carried
out. The ID information stored in the camera main body and the ID
information stored in the memory card are in the condition of coincidence,
and finally, the camera is packed with the protective film and the
product is completed, and supplied to the user through the retailer
205. The ID information of the memory card and the information of
the corresponding data to the secret key or open key are stored
in the host computer 204 in the production system 201.
The camera in which the photographing is completed by the user
is recovered, and sent to the re-production system (lab) 206. In
the re-production system 206, the memory card is removed from the
recovered camera, and the main body is sent to the camera re-production
process 203 of the production system 201 at once, and recycle processed.
The ID information stored in the removed memory card is read out
in the re-production apparatus 207, and based on that, the key for
decoding stored in the host computer 204 of the production system
201 is read out. The photographing data decoded by using the key
is service-presented to use in the form of the print or image data
(208). Then, also the memory card is sent to the camera re-production
process 203 of the production system 201 and recycle processed.
In the camera re-production process 203, the reproduction of the
camera main body and memory card are separately conducted. For the
camera main body, the inspection, exchange of the parts, and renewal
of the secret key are conducted. For the memory card, the clear
of the photographing information, and inspection, exchange are conducted.
The renewal of the ID information or open key may be conducted.
When the ID storing operation program is made to be held in the
memory card side, after the data is cleared, the writing of the
program is conducted. In the re-produced camera main body, the reproduced
memory card is installed, and the ID storing operation is conducted.
In the camera main body, because the ID information of the newly
installed memory card is overwritten and recorded, the ID information
is in the condition of the coincidence again, and finally, the camera
main body is packed with the protective film and the reproduction
product is completed. The re-production product is supplied again
to the user through the retailer 205. This cycle is repeated and
the recycle system is structured.
According to the digital camera of the present invention, because
the photographing data is stored in the memory card, the data reading
out after the digital camera is recovered, and the print process
(memory card) and the recycle process (camera main body) can be
separated. Conventionally, in the conventional method by which the
photographing data is read from the camera main body, because a
large amount of digital cameras are accumulated in the data reading
out and print process, in order to process this without delay, it
is necessary that the large storage space is secured, or a long
automatic process line is installed. Such a cost prevents the recycle
system in which the digital camera is stably supplied in the low
cost and recovered and re-used, however, according to the present
invention, in the data reading-out and print process, because there
may be only the small sized memory card, the digital camera whose
volume is large is not accumulated in this process, and the processing
line can also be designed compactly. Further, because the recycle
process which is, conventionally, continuously conducted after the
data reading out and print process, can be separately conducted
parallely, the effective operation can be conducted. In that case,
because it is not necessary that the camera main body and the memory
card are controlled in 1 to 1, each operation is simplified. Further,
although the quality assurance of the image data which is the most
important for the recycle system, and the process to prevent the
unfair data reading out and print service, and the re-use of the
digital camera are simple, the high security can be realized. Because,
in the manufacturer, after the camera main body is assembled, by
the mechanical operation, the storing operation of the ID information
can be conducted, there is also the effect that the working line
for that can be easily structured.
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