JP2001268500A - Reutilization system for electronic image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic image recorder such as an electronic still camera at a low price. SOLUTION: Since the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100 whose usage time limit is determined limits photographing corresponding to the fact that the number of photographing or the like reaches a prescribed number after being sold, the photographing can not be performed anymore and thus a user recognizes that the usage time limit of the electronic still camera 100 is expired. Since image data can not be arbitrarily taken out on a user side, the user having the electronic still camera 100 by which the photographing can not be performed is required to bring the electronic still camera 100 to a prescribed place such as a laboratory at the time of desiring images based on photographed image data and thus, the recovery rate of the electronic still camera 100 is improved. Further, in a maker or the like which recovers the electronic still camera 100 through the laboratory or the like, limitation by the CPU 110 is cancelled by a limitation canceling device 307, required components are reused and thus, a new electronic still camera 100 is provided at a low cost.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for reusing a reusable electronic image recording apparatus such as an electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic still camera is a CCD (Char).
Ge-coupled devices), CMOS
(Complementary Metal-Oxid
The optical image is photoelectrically converted on a pixel-by-pixel basis by an image pickup means such as an image sensor such as an e-semiconductor, and the data is stored in a storage means. The digital data stored in the storage means is printed by a color printer or the like.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An electronic still camera is
It is useful in terms of the immediacy of image output and the ease with which images can be processed after shooting.On the other hand, the complexity of image output operations using personal computers and printers, and the high price including these devices is expensive. This is a problem, and further simplification of operation and cost reduction are desired.

In the field of cameras using photographic film, a film with a lens (a single-use camera or a single-use camera) is loaded in advance, and after taking a number of film frames, it is taken to a lab or the like. A type of developing camera is on the market.
This type of camera eliminates the need for the user to load and unload the film, which has been done by users in the past, and since the processing such as printing is performed in a lab, etc., it reduces the user's labor and is very inexpensive. It is easy to use for.

[0005] On the other hand, in an electronic still camera, as one means for realizing simplification of printing and the like and reduction in price, a photographed electronic camera is collected and reused at a print shop or the like. It is thought that there is a way to keep prices low by selling them on the assumption that they will be used. With this method, the user can also bring the printer to the print shop and make a print request, thereby reducing the user's trouble of creating a print by himself. In order to realize such a method, it is important that the electronic still camera is reliably recirculated to the print shop and that the recirculated electronic still camera is reusable after inspection and adjustment.

However, with the current electronic still camera, it is possible to continue shooting freely, and it is difficult to reduce the price on the premise of circulation. The purpose of the present invention is to
An object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost electronic image recording apparatus such as an electronic still camera suitable for such a method.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is a system for reusing an electronic image recording apparatus, comprising: a photoelectric conversion means for converting an optical image into an electric symbol; An electronic image recording apparatus that transmits and receives signals between a storage unit that stores a first image signal based on the first image signal and a restriction unit that restricts imaging based on predetermined conditions from the start of imaging. A processing device having a conversion unit for reading the first image signal stored in the storage device and converting the read first image signal into a second image signal; And a reuse processing device having a release unit for releasing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recycling system for an electronic image recording apparatus, comprising: a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal; a storage unit for storing an image signal based on the electric signal; The image signal stored in the electronic image recording device is read out by transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the electronic image recording device having limiting means for restricting shooting according to the condition of A processing unit having a conversion unit for converting the electronic image recording device, a release unit for releasing the restriction by the restriction unit of the electronic image recording device, and a processing unit for performing a predetermined process for reusing the electronic image recording device. And a reuse processing device having the following.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recycling system for an electronic image recording apparatus, comprising: a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electrical symbol; and a first image signal based on the electrical signal. Between an electronic image recording apparatus having storage means for storing the information and an electronic image recording apparatus having a restriction means for restricting the imaging according to a predetermined condition from the start of the imaging. A processing device having a conversion unit for reading one image signal and converting the read first image signal into a second image signal; and a release unit for releasing the restriction by the restriction unit of the electronic image recording apparatus. And a reuse processing device.

[0010] Therefore, the limiting means limits the shooting in accordance with a predetermined condition, for example, the number of shots after the product has been sold has reached a predetermined number. It turns out that the expiration date of the device has expired. On the other hand, since the user cannot arbitrarily take out the image data, the user having the electronic image recording device that has become unable to take the image, when desiring an image based on the taken image data, needs to go to a predetermined place such as a lab. It is necessary to bring an electronic image recording device or the like, whereby the collection rate of the electronic image recording device can be improved. Further, in a maker or the like who has collected the electronic image recording apparatus via a lab or the like, the restriction is released by the release means by the release means, and the necessary parts are reused. A recording device can be provided.

The electronic image recording apparatus is, for example, an electronic camera using an image pickup means for converting an optical image into an electric signal, but is not limited to this. The “first image signal” may be, for example, an analog signal from a CCD or a digital signal obtained by A / D converting the analog signal. The storage means may be any as long as it can store one or both of an analog signal and a digital signal.

The predetermined condition may be any condition that gives a restriction for promoting the recirculation of the electronic image recording apparatus, such as the number of photographed images, the storage capacity of the photographed images, and the time since the purchase of the electronic image recording apparatus. And so on. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the photographing is restricted in such a manner that the release of the electronic image recording device is not cut off, that the photographing cannot be performed, that the image is not stored in the memory, that the power is turned on. It is only necessary to perform control such as not to be performed.

[0013] It is preferable to have means for changing the ID information stored in the electronic image recording apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recycling system for an electronic image recording apparatus, comprising: a photoelectric conversion unit for converting an optical image into an electric signal; a storage unit for storing an image signal based on the electric signal; The image signal stored in the electronic image recording device is read out by transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the electronic image recording device having limiting means for restricting shooting according to the condition of A processing unit having a conversion unit for converting the electronic image recording device, a release unit for releasing the restriction by the restriction unit of the electronic image recording device, and a processing unit for performing a predetermined process for reusing the electronic image recording device. And a reuse processing device having:

Therefore, the limiting means limits the shooting in accordance with a predetermined condition, for example, the number of shots after the product has been sold has reached a predetermined number. It turns out that the expiration date of the device has expired. On the other hand, since the user cannot arbitrarily take out the image data, the user having the electronic image recording device that has become unable to take a photograph, when desiring an image based on the taken image data, needs to go to a predetermined place such as a laboratory. It is necessary to bring an electronic image recording device or the like, whereby the collection rate of the electronic image recording device can be improved. Further, in a maker or the like who has collected the electronic image recording device via a lab or the like, the restriction by the restriction unit is released by the release unit, and the necessary parts are reused. By performing a predetermined process (for example, inspection) for reusing the used electronic image recording device, it is possible to determine a reusable part.
Thereby, a low-cost image recording apparatus can be provided.

That is, the predetermined processing for reuse includes a function inspection processing of the electronic image recording apparatus, a processing of changing ID information stored in the electronic image recording apparatus, and a processing of the electronic image recording apparatus. It is preferable to include a process of initializing and a process of erasing the content stored in the storage unit, but the present invention is not limited to this.For example, a process of replacing an unusable part or a case where the electronic image recording apparatus has a rechargeable battery Includes the charging process and the like.

Further, when the second image signal is, for example, JP
A general-purpose image signal such as the EG format is preferable because it can be arbitrarily formed as an image by a personal computer or the like.

Further, if the predetermined condition is the time from the start of photographing or the number of photographed images, the use of the electronic image recording apparatus can be efficiently and rationally restricted, and the collection thereof can be promptly performed.

Further, when the electronic image recording device has a reproducing means, the predetermined condition may be a reproducing time.

When the processing device has a recording means, the second image signal can be conveniently provided to the user by recording it on an image recording medium.

Further, if the recording means can perform a printing process, it is convenient that the user does not have to print by himself.

If the recording means electronically records on the recording medium, it is convenient to obtain a recording which hardly deteriorates with time.

Further, if the output of the image signal to the outside is restricted, the user can be prevented from arbitrarily taking out the image data on the user side. It can be performed efficiently.

Further, if the above restriction is released by inputting a specific password, for example, a manufacturer who knows the password can easily take out the image signal, which is convenient.

Further, if the output of the image signal from the electronic image recording device to the outside can be performed only by the reuse device,
It is convenient because there is no need to provide an interface or the like.

In the case where the number of images recorded on the electronic image recording apparatus is equal to or less than a predetermined number, a notifying means for notifying that the number is equal to or less than the predetermined number is provided. In the electronic image recording apparatus brought to the company, it is preferable that the user can be allowed to continue using the electronic image recording apparatus because it is determined that the photographing is still possible by the notification of the notification means.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire system according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic still camera 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the electronic still camera 100. FIG. 4 is a rear view thereof.

A user performs photographing using an electronic image recording device, for example, an electronic still camera 100 or the like. By taking a predetermined condition, for example, taking a predetermined number of images, the photographing is restricted, for example, the photographing cannot be performed. As shown in FIG. 1, the user brings the photographed electronic still camera 100 into a laboratory or the like, so that the processing device 200 reads out the image signal stored in the electronic still camera 100 and converts it into image data. Using the converted image data, printing can be performed by the laboratory equipment 400 having a printing function. Subsequently, the electronic still camera 100 is brought into the reuse processing device 300, and releases the restriction made earlier. Thereby, the electronic still camera 100 can be reused. The reuse processing apparatus 300 may be configured to further inspect components, functions, and the like of the electronic still camera 100. Hereinafter, the electronic still camera 100, the processing device 200, and the reuse processing device 300 will be specifically described.

In the electronic still camera 100 shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 110 is supplied with electric power from a power source 112 such as a battery in response to an ON operation of a main switch 111, and has an image pickup means 103 such as a CCD and a memory 104 as a recording means. And the strobe 113. The strobe 113 including the light emitting capacitor starts charging for light emission only when the strobe switch 114 is turned on.

When the charging mechanism 107 drives the shutter 102 in response to the ON operation of the release switch 108, the photoelectric conversion in which an optical image is formed on the light receiving surface by the photographing lens 101 through the opened shutter 102. The imaging unit 103 as a unit is controlled by the CPU 110,
A so-called photoelectric conversion for outputting an analog signal corresponding to an optical image of a subject is performed. An analog signal obtained by photoelectric conversion is recorded in the memory 104 as an analog signal or as an A / D converted digital signal (first image signal). The number of photographed images is displayed on the number display device 109 in accordance with the operation of the charging mechanism 107. The first image signal stored in the memory 104 is C
Under the control of PU 110, buffer 105 and connector 1
06 to the outside. C
The PU 110 can store the ID number and the number of shots in the internal memory. The electronic still camera 100 according to the present embodiment
Since there is no image processing means, a simpler and cheaper configuration can be achieved. The first image signal stored in the memory 104 can be output to the outside only when it is connected to the processing device 200 described later. In such a case, for example, an ID number is input. That may be the output condition.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic still camera 100
Is entirely covered by a camera body 120, a lens 101 is disposed in the center of the front, a subject-side lens 121a of a finder is disposed at the upper left of the lens 101, and a strobe 113 is disposed at an upper right of the lens 101. Have been. Also, on the upper left side of the electronic still camera 100,
A release switch 108 is provided, and a number display device 109, which is a reflective liquid crystal panel, is provided in the center of the upper surface.

In FIG. 4, an eyepiece 121b of a finder is disposed above the center of the back of the electronic still camera 100, and a rectangular opening 120a is formed in the camera body 120 below the center of the back. 10
6 are arranged. In addition, since the shape of the connector 106 is special, it can be connected only to the signal reading device 201 or the reuse processing device 300 of the processing device 200 to be described later, thereby preventing unauthorized reading and restriction release.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing device 200 and a reuse processing device 300 constituting a reuse system of the electronic still camera according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the processing device 200. In FIG. 5, the processing device 200
Is a signal reading device 20 connected to the connector 106 of the electronic still camera 100 and reading the first image signal.
1 and an image signal read by the signal reading device 201, such as color conversion or compression (for analog signals, A / D
Image conversion means 202 for performing predetermined image processing (conversion) to generate image data (second image signal) in a general-purpose format such as JPEG, and a display device 204 such as a liquid crystal panel. Display control unit 203 for performing display by performing
It has an interface 208 such as SB, RS232C and the like, and a system control device 209 connected to these and performing control.

Further, the reuse processing device 300 can be set so that the electronic still camera 100 can be connected, and a reuse process C for controlling the connected camera.
It has a PU 306. In addition, the lab equipment 400 includes a recording device 401 as a recording unit that records image data input from the processing device 200 via the interface 208 on a recording medium M such as a CD-R or a DVD-ROM.
Similarly, a printer 402 is provided as recording means for forming an image on paper or the like based on the input image data and generating a print P.

The reuse processing device 300 includes a reprocessing C
Operating under the control of the PU 306, the electronic still camera 100
And a function inspection device 308 as processing means for inspecting the function of the electronic still camera 100. As a mode of releasing the restriction, it is conceivable that the CPU 110 enters a photographable state by inputting a specific password, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the release switch of the electronic still camera 100 may be mechanically or electromagnetically pressed. It is also conceivable to release the lock such as losing it. The reuse processing device 300 is installed in a manufacturer.

In FIG. 6, the processing apparatus 200 is entirely covered with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 220, and the upper surface thereof has an opening 220 for receiving the electronic still camera 100.
a is formed. A cable connected to the interface 208 extends from the lower side of the processing device 200 toward the laboratory equipment 400.

Next, the processing apparatus 20 according to this embodiment
The operation of 0 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the entire system including the operation of the processing device 200 according to the present embodiment. The processing device 200 is connected to a laboratory device 400, and storage or printing on a storage medium is performed by the laboratory device 400. Processing device 200
Is provided separately from the reuse processing device 300.
First, the electronic still camera 10 provided by the manufacturer
0 is sold at a retail store and passed to the user as shown in step S101. At this point, it is assumed that the number of shots has become zero, and the user has been informed in advance that, for example, up to 24 shots can be taken as the expiration date of the electronic still camera 100.

CPU 110 of electronic still camera 100
In step S102, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of images (24 in this embodiment) have been shot. At this time, since the number of shots is zero, the CPU 110 determines that the number of shots is less than the predetermined number. In step S104, the user is allowed to shoot, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of images have been shot each time shooting is performed (step S102). It is to be noted that the user is free to bring or consign the electronic still camera 100 to the next store or lab before taking a predetermined number of images.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the photographing for the predetermined number of images has been completed, the CPU 110 as the limiting means controls the image capturing means 103 to prohibit the subsequent photographing (step S103). At this time, for example, the release switch 1
If 08 cannot be pressed or the number display device 109 blinks, it is easy to know that the user can no longer take a picture.

As described above, since the user cannot arbitrarily take out the first image signal obtained by photographing the electronic still camera 100, when the user has taken a predetermined number of images, the electronic still camera 100 You will be prompted to bring or consign this to a distributor or lab. Here, as shown in step S105, when the electronic still camera 100 is brought into the agency, a predetermined order is received and the electronic still camera 100 is sent to the laboratory.

The electronic still camera 10 brought into the lab
0 is connected to the processing device 200 and the signal reading device 2
01, the memory 104 of the electronic still camera 100
Is read out (step S106). The first image signal is subjected to predetermined image processing such as color conversion and compression in the image conversion means 202, and image data is generated in a general-purpose format such as JPEG (step S107).

In step S108, the second image signal generated by the image conversion means 202 is transmitted to the laboratory equipment 400 via the interface 208 and the recording medium M via the recording device 401 in response to a user request.
On the basis of the second image signal.
At step 2, a print P is output. The recording medium M and / or the print P are supplied via an agency (step S10).
9) Alternatively, it can be sent or picked up directly to the user (step S110). Recording medium M
Is a general-purpose image signal such as a JPEG format, for example, so that the user can arbitrarily form an image using a personal computer or the like. Further, since the second image signal is recorded electronically on the recording medium M, it hardly deteriorates with the passage of time, so that an image having an initial image quality can be obtained at any time.

Further, the system control device 209 of the processing device 200 accesses the CPU 110 via the connector 106 of the electronic still camera 100, and can determine whether or not a predetermined number of images have been shot (step S111). In such a case, the remaining number of recordable images of the electronic still camera 100 may be displayed on the display device 204 as a notification unit. When the reuse processing CPU 306 determines that the remaining number of images can be photographed because the predetermined number of images have not been photographed, the electronic still camera 100 proceeds via the agency (step S112) or directly to the user. Can be sent or picked up (step S113). Similar steps can be performed when the user has finished taking the remaining number.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the electronic still camera 100 cannot take any more pictures since the predetermined number of pictures have already been taken by the processing device 200, the electronic still camera 100 that has taken the prescribed number of pictures is placed in the laboratory. To the manufacturer. C of the electronic still camera 100 sent to the manufacturer
The PU 110 is accessed by the reuse processing device 300, and the restriction is released (step S114).

On the maker side, the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100 that has received the information is accessed, and a new ID is obtained.
The number is rewritten (step S115). afterwards,
In the electronic still camera 100, a function test is performed by the function test device 308 of the reuse processing device 300 in step S116, and repair / replacement is performed on a component whose function has been degraded (step S117), and then the electronic still camera is returned to the retail store. It will be sold (step S101).

According to the present embodiment, the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100 as the limiting means limits the shooting in accordance with the predetermined number of shots and the like. The user knows that the expiration date of the electronic still camera 100 has expired. On the other hand, since the user cannot arbitrarily take out image data, the electronic still camera 100 can no longer shoot.
Of the electronic still camera 100 can be improved. Further, in the lab or the maker from which the electronic still camera is collected, the restriction of the CPU 110 is released by the restriction release device 307 as the restriction release means, so that necessary parts can be reused, and the function inspection device as the processing means. 308
Thus, by performing a predetermined inspection or the like for reusing the collected electronic still camera, the reusable parts can be easily determined.

As the predetermined processing for reuse, in addition to the function inspection processing of the electronic still camera 100 and the processing of changing the ID information stored in the CPU 110, the processing of initializing the CPU 110 of the electronic still camera 100, the processing of memory The processing includes erasing the contents stored in the storage 104. Furthermore,
For example, it also includes a process for replacing an unusable part, and when the electronic image recording apparatus has a rechargeable battery, a charging process for the rechargeable battery. Further, the processing device 200 can be installed in a manufacturer.

It should be noted that the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that modifications and improvements can be made as appropriate. For example, the predetermined condition for restricting shooting may be a predetermined time from the start of shooting instead of the predetermined number of shots. In the case where the electronic still camera has playback means such as an LCD for playing images, Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be that a predetermined reproduction time is reached.

[0049]

According to the present invention, an electronic image recording apparatus such as a low-cost electronic still camera can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an electronic still camera 100 according to the embodiment.
It is a block diagram of.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the electronic still camera 100.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the electronic still camera 100.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing device 200 and a reuse processing device 300 that constitute a reuse system of the electronic still camera according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the processing apparatus 200.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the entire system including the operation of the processing device 200 according to the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 electronic still camera 101 lens 102 shutter 103 imaging means 104 memory 105 buffer 106 connector 107 charging mechanism 108 release switch 109 number display device 110 CPU 111 main switch 112 power supply 113 strobe 114 strobe switch 200 processing device 201 signal reading Device 202 Image conversion means 203 Display control unit 204 Display device 208 Interface 209 System control device 300 Reuse processing device 306 Reuse processing device CPU 307 Limit release device 308 Function inspection device 400 Lab equipment 401 Recording device 402 Printer M Recording medium P print

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) // H04N 101: 00 H04N 101: 00 (72) Inventor Kogane Yogada 1 Sakuracho, Hino City, Tokyo Konica Inside the Company (72) Inventor Masami Fujita 1st Sakuramachi, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation Inside (72) Inventor Masaaki Takasaki 1st Sakuramachi, Hino-shi, Tokyo Inside Konica Corporation (72) Inventor Hiroshi Kibayashi Tokyo 1 Sakuracho, Hino-shi, Konica Corporation F-term (reference) 2H054 AA01 5C022 AA13 AC42 AC69 AC78 5C052 FA02 FA03 FA04 FA05 FB01 FC00 GA02 GA05 GB01 GC00 GC05

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A photoelectric conversion means for converting an optical image into an electric symbol, a storage means for storing a first image signal based on the electric signal, and a limiting means for restricting photographing according to predetermined conditions from the start of photographing. The first image signal stored in the electronic image recording device is read out by transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the electronic image recording device, and the read first image signal is converted to a second image signal. A processing apparatus having a conversion unit for performing conversion, and a reuse processing apparatus having a release unit for releasing the restriction by the restriction unit of the electronic image recording apparatus. . 2. The reuse system according to claim 1, wherein the reuse processing device has a unit for changing ID information stored in the electronic image recording device. 3. An electronic image having photoelectric conversion means for converting an optical image into an electric signal, storage means for storing an image signal based on the electric signal, and restriction means for restricting the photographing according to predetermined conditions from the start of the photographing. A processing unit comprising: a conversion unit configured to read an image signal stored in the electronic image recording device by transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a recording device, and convert the read image signal into a second image signal; A re-use processing device having a release unit that releases the restriction by the restriction unit of the electronic image recording device, and a processing unit that performs a predetermined process for reusing the electronic image recording device. Characteristic reuse system of electronic image recording device. 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined process for reusing is a function inspection process of the electronic image recording device. 5. The electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined processing for reuse is processing for changing ID information stored in the electronic image recording apparatus. Reuse system. 6. The system according to claim 3, wherein the process for reusing includes a process for initializing the electronic image recording device. . 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the process of initializing includes a process of erasing the contents stored in the storage unit. 8. The reuse system according to claim 1, wherein the second image signal is a general-purpose image signal. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a time from the start of photographing or a number of photographed images.
9. A reuse system for an electronic image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic image recording apparatus has a reproducing unit, and the predetermined condition is a reproduction time. Usage system. 11. The electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing device has a recording unit, and records the second image signal on an image recording medium. Reuse system. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said recording unit performs a printing process. 13. The system according to claim 11, wherein said recording means performs electronic recording on said recording medium. 14. The recycling system for an electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output of the image signal to the outside is restricted in the electronic image recording apparatus. 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the restriction is released by inputting a specific password. 16. The reuse of an electronic image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein output of the image signal from the electronic image recording apparatus to the outside can be performed only by the reuse apparatus. system. 17. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying that the number of images recorded on said electronic image recording apparatus is equal to or less than a predetermined number when the number of images is equal to or less than a predetermined number. The reuse system for an electronic image recording device according to any one of the above.