JP2006148534A - Digital photographing device, management device for digital photographing device, management method and management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an operator in a museum to set limitation/non-limitation of a photographing function of a digital camera by allowing the user to externally recognize the digital camera, and to externally set the digital camera. <P>SOLUTION: Status information is read in from an IC tag by holding an IC tag reader/writer over a digital photographing device with an IC tag, possessed by a visitor at the entrance of the museum in function limiting processing. The read status information is transmitted to a charging registration server. The charging registration server refers to management information of the digital photographing device from the received-status information. When it is determined that the visitor has not been charged for entering and the propriety of the photographing is "NO", a "function limiting signal" is transmitted, in order to execute functional limitation, if the visitor selects a functional limitation executing button. The digital photographing device executes the limitation of a transmitting function corresponding to the reception of the "function limiting signal". Namely, it is set so that both of the shutter function and the flash function go to off-state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital photographing apparatus equipped with an IC tag, a digital photographing apparatus management apparatus that manages the digital photographing apparatus, a digital photographing apparatus management method, and a digital photographing apparatus management program.

  Conventionally, various techniques for limiting the functions of a digital camera have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1-3).

  Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe restricting the electronic zoom function in the document photographing mode. Patent Document 3 describes that the function of a digital camera is restricted as a function restriction in an auction product.

  On the other hand, museums have had the following problems with shooting with flash in the museum.

  In particular, there are many places where museums that display masterpieces with high historical value prohibit photography. This is because, in addition to the viewpoint of copyright protection, there is a possibility that books issued by the museum may not be sold by allowing photography.

  In some museums, photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited. This is because the light of the flash while watching a painting may be annoying to other viewers, and the materials such as the paint used in the painting will deteriorate when exposed to the ultraviolet light contained in the strong light of the flash. This is a factor.

  In order to prevent deterioration due to ultraviolet rays, use fluorescent lamps for museums that do not have ultraviolet rays so that sunlight does not hit them, and put a special film to prevent ultraviolet rays on the windows to protect against paintings. There are also museums that have

  With the rapid spread of camera-equipped mobile phones and digital cameras in recent years, it has become common for many museum visitors to own digital cameras and take pictures with digital cameras.

  In the museum, in order to reliably prevent shooting with a flash in the hall, the introduction of a digital photographing device represented by a digital camera was restricted.

JP 2002-247438 A JP 2002-247430 A JP 2004-46603 A

  In museums, it has become difficult to hold large-scale exhibitions that rely on sponsors, and management is becoming strict with just admission revenue. In reality, many private museums are being closed and withdrawn. In addition, the situation remains the same at national public museums, and there are many places where it is difficult to operate.

  The possibility of new services other than the sale of books, etc. that would be a source of income other than admission was being sought. As such a service, it is conceivable to provide a service for permitting photographing by a digital photographing device by charging a visitor and restricting the photographing function for a visitor who does not respond to the charge.

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1-2 described above, since the digital camera cannot be recognized externally or set from the outside, restriction / non-restriction of functions of the digital camera possessed by the visitor is restricted. It cannot be set.

  Further, in the technology described in Patent Document 3 described above, in the buying and selling of goods by auction, the function of the digital camera is restricted at the time of buying and selling, and then sent to the winning bidder. After the payment is confirmed, the client computer of the winning bidder The function restriction is released by connecting to the auction server. As described above, since the technique described in Patent Document 3 cannot be recognized externally or set from the outside, the restriction / non-restriction of functions of the digital camera possessed by the visitor is set. I can't do it. Further, when the user side performs function restriction or cancellation, the client computer must be connected to the auction server, and it is considered that the burden on the user side is large.

  As described above, there is a problem that the digital camera cannot be recognized or set from the outside, and the restriction / non-limitation of the shooting function of the digital camera possessed by the visitor cannot be set. . Here, the function restriction refers to a state where the power is turned on but the shutter function and the flash function are not operated. Hereinafter, “imaging function restriction” and “function restriction” are used interchangeably.

  Therefore, it is not possible to construct a system for permitting photographing by a digital photographing device by charging an entrance person and providing a service for restricting the photographing function to an entrance person who does not respond to the charge. There was a problem.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, enables the digital camera to be recognized externally and set from the outside, and restricts / non-limits the photographing function of the digital camera possessed by a visitor to a predetermined facility. The purpose is to be able to set limits.

  The digital photographing apparatus according to the present invention is a digital photographing apparatus (for example, the digital photographing apparatus 10) having a digital photographing function section (for example, the digital photographing function section 20) for photographing a subject, and communicates with the outside of the digital photographing apparatus. A communication processing unit (for example, the communication control unit 33, the transmission / reception unit 34) that performs the operation, and a state information storage unit (for example, the storage unit 32) that stores device state information (for example, the status information illustrated in FIG. 3) indicating the state of the digital photographing device. The device status information includes individual identification information (for example, an individual identification code) for uniquely identifying the digital photographing device, and photographing by the digital photographing function portion. Shooting restriction information including a function restriction state (for example, “shooting permission / inhibition” and “shooting state” shown in FIG. 3), and I The tag function unit transmits device state information by the communication processing unit in response to an information acquisition request from the outside of the digital photographing device (for example, step S201), and photographing restriction information from the outside of the digital photographing device received by the communication processing unit. In response to the change instruction signal, the shooting restriction information stored in the state information storage unit is changed (for example, steps S208 and S308), and the digital shooting function unit changes the IC tag function unit in response to the shooting restriction information change instruction signal. It is characterized by changing the setting of the restriction state of the photographing function according to the change of the photographing restriction information by (for example, steps S207, S307, S408, S508).

  With the configuration described above, the digital photographing apparatus can be recognized externally or set from the outside, and photographing restriction information in the digital photographing apparatus can be set from the outside.

  The photographing restriction information change instruction signal includes a function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the photographing function and a function restriction release signal for instructing release of restriction of the photographing function. The IC tag function unit has a function restriction signal by the communication processing unit. In response to the reception of the image, the shooting restriction information is changed to shooting restriction information indicating that the shooting function is restricted (for example, steps S207 and S208), and the communication processing unit has received the function restriction release signal. Accordingly, the shooting restriction information is changed to shooting restriction release information indicating that the shooting function is not restricted (for example, Steps S307 and S308), and the digital shooting function unit changes the shooting function according to the function restriction signal. May be configured (for example, step S207), and in response to the function restriction release signal, the restriction of the photographing function may be released (for example, step S307).

  With the above-described configuration, it is possible to set the restriction / non-restriction of the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus from the outside.

  The photographing restriction information includes shutter function restriction state information indicating a restriction state of the shutter function by the digital photographing function unit, and flash function restriction state information indicating a restriction state of the flash function by the digital photographing function unit. Including a shutter function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the shutter function and a flash function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the flash function, and the function restriction release signal includes a shutter function restriction release signal for instructing release of restriction of the shutter function; And a flash function restriction release signal for instructing release of the restriction on the flash function. The IC tag function unit is configured to display the shooting restriction information and the flash function in response to the communication processing unit receiving the flash function restriction signal. To the flash function restricted information indicating that the In response to receiving the shutter function restriction release signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to information indicating that the flash function is not being restricted, and the communication processing unit has received the shutter function restriction signal. In response, the shooting restriction information is changed to flash function restriction information indicating that the shutter function is restricted, and in response to the communication processing unit receiving the shutter function restriction release signal, the photography restriction information is changed to Change to shutter function restriction releasing information indicating that the shutter function is not restricted, and the digital shooting function unit sets the flash function restriction according to the flash function restriction signal, and responds to the flash function restriction release signal. Cancel the flash function restriction, set the shutter function restriction according to the shutter function restriction signal, and Depending on Potter function restriction release signal, it may be configured to release the restriction of the shutter function.

  With the above-described configuration, it is possible to set the restriction / non-restriction of the shutter function and flash function of the digital photographing apparatus from the outside.

  The communication processing unit may be configured to transmit a change completion signal indicating that to the outside in response to completion of the setting change of the shooting function restriction state by the digital shooting function unit.

  The communication processing unit performs wireless communication with an IC tag reader / writer that reads / writes information from / to a state information storage unit included in the IC tag function unit, and manages apparatus state information outside the digital imaging apparatus. Communication may be performed with an apparatus via an IC tag reader / writer.

  You may provide the information display part which displays the apparatus status information memorize | stored in the status information storage part which an IC tag function part has.

  The digital photographing apparatus management apparatus according to the present invention is a digital photographing apparatus management apparatus (for example, charging registration server 50, IC tag reader / writer 40) for managing the digital photographing apparatus, and the digital photographing apparatus (for example, the digital photographing apparatus 10) is the same. An IC tag function unit having a communication processing unit for communicating with the digital imaging device management device and a status information storage unit for storing device status information indicating the status of the digital imaging device, and for imaging a subject And the apparatus status information includes individual identification information for uniquely identifying the digital imaging apparatus, and imaging restriction information including a limitation state of the imaging function by the digital imaging function section, Device state information acquisition means for acquiring device state information stored in the state information storage unit (for example, step S101) 102), and the device identification information included in the device status information acquired by the device status information acquisition unit is unregistered. Device registration means for registering management apparatus side apparatus state information including state information (for example, means for executing the processes of steps S107 and S108), and management apparatus side apparatus state information storage means for storing management apparatus side apparatus state information (for example, A storage unit included in the charging registration server 50) and a charging registration unit (for example, in step S111) that changes the charging information indicating the charging state included in the management apparatus side apparatus state information to charged in response to receiving the charging request. A means for executing the processing) and a photographing permission judging means for judging whether or not photographing is permitted in accordance with the billing state indicated by the billing information (for example, step S). 03, 403), function restriction determination means for determining whether or not the photographing function is restricted in accordance with the photographing restriction information (for example, means for executing the processing in steps S303 and 503), photographing. In addition to changing the restriction information, restriction change instruction means (for example, steps S206, S306, S406, and S506) that transmits a photographing restriction information change instruction signal for causing the digital photographing function unit to change the setting of the restriction state of the photographing function. The restriction change instruction means transmits a photographing restriction information change instruction signal in accordance with a determination result of the photographing permission determination means or a determination result of the function restriction determination means.

  With the configuration described above, the digital photographing apparatus can be recognized externally or set from the outside, and photographing restriction information in the digital photographing apparatus can be set from the outside.

  The photographing restriction information change instruction signal includes a function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the photographing function and a function restriction release signal for instructing release of restriction of the photographing function. A function restriction signal is transmitted based on the determination that it is not permitted (for example, step S206), and a function restriction release signal is transmitted based on the fact that the function restriction determination means determines that the photographing function is restricted. (E.g., step S306), the IC tag function unit of the digital imaging device displays the shooting restriction information and the shooting restriction information indicating that the shooting function is restricted in response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction signal. (E.g., step S208), and in response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction release signal, the photographing restriction information is changed to indicate that the photographing function is not restricted. The digital photographing function unit of the digital photographing apparatus sets the photographing function restriction according to the function restriction signal (eg, step S207), and the function restriction releasing signal is set. Accordingly, the restriction on the photographing function may be canceled (for example, step S307).

  The device status information acquisition means is configured such that when a user who owns the digital photographing device enters a predetermined facility (for example, a museum) where photographing by the digital photographing device is allowed on the condition that the fee has already been charged, The apparatus status information stored in the status information storage unit is acquired, and the imaging permission determination means reads out the management apparatus side apparatus status information including the individual identification information included in the apparatus status information acquired by the apparatus status information acquisition means. Further, when the charging information indicated by the charging status included in the read management apparatus side apparatus status information is not charged, it may be determined that photographing by the digital photographing apparatus is not permitted.

  The device status information acquisition means acquires the device status information stored in the status information storage unit of the digital imaging device when the user who possesses the digital imaging device leaves the predetermined facility (for example, a museum). The restriction determination unit is configured to determine that the shooting function is limited when the shooting restriction information included in the device state information acquired by the device state information acquisition unit is shooting restriction information. Also good.

  The number of users who enter in a state where photographing by the digital photographing device is permitted based on each photographing restriction information included in each management device side device state information (for example, the number of photographing availability is “photographing permitted”) And the number of users who have entered in a state where photographing by a digital photographing device is prohibited (for example, the number is derived by the number whose photographing state is “functionally restricted”). It may be configured to include deriving means for deriving information.

  A digital photographing apparatus management method according to the present invention is a digital photographing apparatus management method for managing a digital photographing apparatus, and the digital photographing apparatus includes a communication processing unit for communicating with the digital photographing apparatus management device, and An IC tag function unit having a state information storage unit for storing device state information indicating the state of the digital photographing device; and a digital photographing function unit for photographing a subject. Including individual identification information for uniquely identifying and photographing restriction information including a restriction state of the photographing function by the digital photographing function unit, and the digital photographing device management device stores the device state information stored in the state information storage unit. Acquired device status information based on the fact that the individual identification information included in the acquired device status information has not been registered. The management device-side device status information is registered in the management device-side device status information storage means, and the accounting information indicating the accounting status included in the management device-side device status information is changed to charged when a request for accounting is received. Then, it is determined whether to allow shooting according to the charging status indicated by the charging information, whether the shooting function is restricted according to shooting restriction information, and whether to allow shooting A shooting restriction information change instruction signal for changing the shooting restriction information and causing the digital shooting function unit to change the setting of the shooting function restriction state according to the result or the determination result of whether or not the shooting function is restricted. Is transmitted.

  With the configuration described above, the digital photographing apparatus can be recognized externally or set from the outside, and photographing restriction information in the digital photographing apparatus can be set from the outside.

  The shooting restriction information change instruction signal includes a function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the photographing function and a function restriction release signal for instructing release of restriction of the photographing function, and the digital photographing apparatus management device does not permit photographing. A function restriction signal is transmitted based on the determination, a function restriction release signal is transmitted based on the determination that the photographing function is restricted, and the IC tag function unit of the digital photographing apparatus is a communication processing unit. In response to receiving the function restriction signal, the photographing restriction information is changed to photographing restriction information indicating that the photographing function is restricted, and the communication processing unit receives the function restriction release signal. The shooting restriction information is changed to shooting restriction release information indicating that the shooting function is not restricted, and the digital shooting function unit of the digital shooting device performs shooting according to the function limit signal. Set limits, depending on the function restriction release signal, may be configured to release the restriction of the photographing function.

  Further, the digital photographing apparatus management program according to the present invention is a digital photographing apparatus management program for causing the digital photographing apparatus management apparatus to manage the digital photographing apparatus, and the digital photographing apparatus communicates with the digital photographing apparatus management device. An IC tag function unit having a communication processing unit for performing image processing and a state information storage unit for storing device state information indicating the state of the digital photographing device, and a digital photographing function unit for photographing a subject. The state information includes individual identification information for uniquely identifying the digital photographing device and photographing restriction information including a restriction state of the photographing function by the digital photographing function unit, and the digital photographing device management device includes a state information storage unit. The device status information stored in the device, and the individual identification included in the acquired device status information The management device side device state information including the acquired device state information is registered in the management device side device state information storage means based on the fact that the information has not been registered, A step of changing the billing information indicating the billing state included in the management device side device state information to charged, a step of determining whether or not photographing is permitted according to the billing state indicated by the billing information, and photographing restriction information The shooting restriction information is changed according to the step of determining whether or not the shooting function is restricted according to the condition and the determination result of whether or not shooting is permitted or the determination result of whether or not the shooting function is restricted. And a step of transmitting a shooting restriction information change instruction signal for causing the digital shooting function unit to change the setting of the restriction state of the shooting function. A location management program.

  With the above-described configuration, the digital photographing apparatus management apparatus can recognize the digital photographing apparatus or set information to the digital photographing apparatus, and can set photographing restriction information in the digital photographing apparatus. become able to.

  The photographing restriction information change instruction signal includes a function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the photographing function and a function restriction release signal for instructing release of restriction of the photographing function. Further, the digital photographing apparatus management apparatus does not permit photographing. And a step of transmitting a function restriction signal based on the determination, and a step of transmitting a function restriction release signal based on the determination that the photographing function is restricted. The IC tag function unit changes the shooting restriction information to shooting restriction information indicating that the shooting function is restricted in response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction signal, and the communication processing unit sets the function restriction. In response to receiving the release signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to shooting restriction release information indicating that the shooting function is not restricted. Shadow function unit in accordance with the function restriction signal, to set the limits of the shooting functions, depending on the function restriction release signal, it may be configured to release the restriction of the photographing function.

  According to the present invention, the digital photographing apparatus can be recognized externally or set from the outside, and the restriction or release of the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus can be set from the outside.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of a digital photographing apparatus management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, when entering the museum, the processing when the function of the digital photographing device 10 held by the visitor is restricted / released based on the billing information, the processing when the function is not restricted, and the like will be described in detail. To do.

  In recent years, an “IC tag” having an integrated circuit with memory (generally, “non-contact data carrier”, “wireless IC tag”, “non-contact IC”, “non-contact IC label”, “non-contact IC tag”, “RFID ", Etc.") are mounted on articles, and various information is recorded on "IC tags" to display merchandise information, streamline logistics, or manage merchandise. . Note that information such as an individual identification code is generally stored in the memory of the “IC tag”. Information such as an individual identification code is read and written by an IC tag reader / writer.

  In the embodiment described below, the above-described IC tag is mounted on the digital photographing apparatus so that the digital photographing apparatus is managed outside the apparatus and the digital photographing is performed by a control signal from the outside of the digital photographing apparatus. A system (digital photographing apparatus management system 100) for limiting the functions of the apparatus and releasing the restrictions is realized.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital photographing apparatus management system 100 includes a digital photographing apparatus 10 with an IC tag, an IC tag reader / writer 40, and a billing registration server 50.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an IC tag reader / writer 40 and a billing registration server 50 are prepared at the entrance of the museum. When a person who wishes to enter the museum brings the digital photography device 10 with an IC tag, for example, a staff member of the museum uses the IC tag reader / writer 40 and the billing registration server 50 at the entrance of the museum to Work for confirming the charging status, determining whether to perform function restriction, setting function restrictions according to the determination result, and the like. Then, when a visitor holding the digital imaging device with IC tag 10 leaves the museum, the staff of the museum uses the IC tag reader / writer 40 and the billing registration server 50 at the exit of the museum to restrict the function. Work to release the status or change the status.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the digital photographing apparatus 10 with an IC tag.
As shown in FIG. 2, the digital imaging device 10 with an IC tag (hereinafter simply referred to as “digital imaging device 10”) includes a digital imaging function unit 20 and an IC tag function unit 30.

  The digital photographing function unit 20 includes a display unit 21, a photographing function unit 22, a signal control unit 23, and a storage unit 24.

  The display unit 21 is configured by a display such as a liquid crystal display device attached to the digital photographing device 10. The storage unit 24 is configured by a storage medium such as a RAM.

  The photographing function unit 22 is used for a flash function for causing a light emitting unit such as a strobe to emit light, a shutter function for performing an operation of opening a shutter for a predetermined period in order to image a subject in response to a user's button operation, and imaging of the subject. It has various functions such as an electric signal conversion function by an image pickup device such as a CCD and a digital signal conversion function for converting an electric signal converted by the electric signal conversion function into a digital signal. The photographing function unit 22 executes various processes such as a process of transmitting digital data (photographed data) converted by the digital signal conversion function to the signal control unit 23.

  Further, the photographing function unit 22 executes various processes based on the control signal from the signal control unit 23. Examples of the control signal transmitted from the signal control unit 23 to the photographing function unit 22 include a “function restriction instruction signal” and a “function restriction release instruction signal”.

  Upon reception of the “function restriction instruction signal”, in this example, the photographing function unit 22 turns off both the shutter function and the flash function, and “function restriction execution completion signal” indicating that both functions are turned off. Is transmitted to the signal control unit 23.

  Note that when the shutter function is in the off state, the operation of opening the shutter is not executed even when the shutter button is pressed by the user. That is, the image cannot be captured. In addition, when the flash function is off, the user's flash setting is invalid (or the user cannot change the setting when there is no flash) and the shutter button is pressed. However, the light emitting means is in a state of not emitting light.

  When the “function restriction release instruction signal” is received, the photographing function unit 22 changes the shutter function and the flash function from the off state to the on state, and indicates that both functions are turned on. A “completion signal” is transmitted to the signal control unit 23.

  The signal control unit 23 has a function of executing various types of processing on the captured data. The photographing data processed by the signal control unit 23 is written in the storage unit 24.

  The signal control unit 23 controls the signal processing unit 31 of the IC tag function unit 30 to read out the information stored in the storage unit 32 of the IC tag function unit 30 and store it in the storage unit 24 of the digital imaging function unit 20. And a function of executing processing for storing information read from the storage unit 24 of the digital photographing function unit 20 in the storage unit 32 of the IC tag function unit 30.

  In addition, the signal control unit 23 has a function of executing processing for displaying the read information itself or a part of the read information on the display unit 21 built in or externally attached to the digital photographing apparatus 10. Specifically, a captured image, status information (see FIG. 3) described later, and the like are displayed on the display unit 21.

  When the signal control unit 23 receives the “function restriction signal” from the IC tag function unit 30, the signal control unit 23 transmits a “function restriction instruction signal” to the photographing function unit 22. Similarly, when receiving the “function restriction release signal” from the IC tag function unit 30, the signal control unit 23 transmits a “function restriction release instruction signal” to the imaging function unit 22.

  Further, the signal control unit 23 sets the “function restriction execution completion signal” transmitted by the photographing function unit 22 and indicating that the shutter function and the flash function are turned off, and the shutter function and the flash function are turned on. It has a function of executing a process of receiving a “function restriction release execution completion signal” indicating that it has been performed.

  Further, when the signal control unit 23 receives the “function restriction execution completion signal”, the signal control unit 23 transmits information on the shooting state “function being restricted” to the IC tag function unit 30 and receives the “function restriction release execution completion signal”, the shooting state “ It has a function of executing a process of transmitting information of “normal photographing state” to the IC tag function unit 30.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the IC tag function unit 30 includes a signal processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication control unit 33, and a transmission / reception unit 34.

  The signal processing unit 31 has a function of executing processing for storing received information in the storage unit 32, processing for reading and transmitting information stored in the storage unit 32, and the like.

  Further, the signal processing unit 31 reads out information stored in the storage unit 32 of the IC tag function unit 30 in accordance with an instruction from the signal control unit 23 of the digital imaging function unit 20, and the signal control unit 23 of the digital imaging function unit 20. A function of receiving the information stored in the storage unit 24 of the digital photographing function unit 20 transmitted by the signal control unit 23 and storing the information in the storage unit 32 of the IC tag function unit 30 Have

  The storage unit 32 is configured by a storage medium such as a RAM, and stores various types of information such as “status information”.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of status information stored in the IC tag (specifically, the storage unit 32) of the digital photographing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the “status information” indicates “photographer name”, “individual identification code” for uniquely identifying the digital photographing device 10, and whether or not photographing within the museum is permitted. The information includes “shooting availability” and “shooting state” indicating the current shooting state. When the “status information” is received from the outside, the signal processing unit 31 has a function of executing processing for updating the storage information in the storage unit 32.

  The communication control unit 33 has a function of executing processing such as demodulation processing of a radio signal received from the IC tag reader / writer 40 and modulation processing for modulating the signal to be transmitted to the IC tag reader / writer 40.

  The transmission / reception unit 34 incorporates an antenna function and has a function of executing processing for transmitting / receiving a radio signal to / from the IC tag reader / writer 40. The transmission / reception unit 34 has a function of generating electric power for operating the IC tag function unit 30 from the radio wave from the IC tag reader / writer 40. Therefore, the IC tag function unit 30 can transmit and receive radio signals to and from the IC tag reader / writer 40 even when the power switch of the digital photographing apparatus 10 is in an off state.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the IC tag reader / writer 40.
As shown in FIG. 4, the IC tag reader / writer 40 includes a signal processing unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication control unit 43, and a transmission / reception unit 44.

  The transmission / reception unit 44 has a function of executing processing for transmitting / receiving a radio signal to / from the IC tag function unit 30 mounted on the digital photographing apparatus 10.

  The communication control unit 43 has a function of executing processing such as demodulation processing of a radio signal received from the IC tag function unit 30 and modulation processing for modulating the signal to be transmitted to the IC tag function unit 30.

  The signal processing unit 41 has a function of executing a process of storing the received information in the storage unit 42, a process of reading the information stored in the storage unit 42, and transmitting the information to the communication control unit 43 or the billing registration server 50. Have.

  The signal processing unit 41 is connected to the charging registration server 50 via a communication network (for example, a dedicated communication line or a wireless communication line), and performs processing for transmitting / receiving information to / from the charging registration server 50. It has a function to execute.

  Next, the operation of the digital photographing apparatus management system 100 of this example will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, registration / billing processing that is executed when the digital photographing apparatus 10 of this example is brought to the museum for the first time will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration / billing process.

  The staff of the museum holds the IC tag reader / writer 40 over the digital photographing apparatus 10 with an IC tag possessed by the visitor at the entrance of the museum. Then, the IC tag reader / writer 40 reads status information (see FIG. 3) from the IC tag (specifically, the storage unit 32) mounted on the digital photographing apparatus 10 (step S101).

  When the status information is read, the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits the read status information to the billing registration server 50 (step S102).

  Based on the status information received from the IC tag reader / writer 40 and the digital imaging device management information (= “individual management information”), the billing registration server 50 stores the digital imaging device management information related to the digital imaging device 10 here. It is determined that it is not registered and has not been charged yet (step S103).

  Specifically, here, it is confirmed that the individual identification code of the digital photographing apparatus 10 is not registered in the digital photographing apparatus management information, and the digital photographing apparatus management information related to the digital photographing apparatus 10 is registered by this confirmation. It is determined that no charge is made.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of digital photographing device management information stored in the billing registration server 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the digital imaging device management information includes information on “function restriction / cancellation date / time”, “photographer name”, “individual identification code”, “capability of imaging”, and “imaging state”. Stored as a list.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the detailed status information of the photographer stored in the billing registration server 50. The detailed status information is information that forms part of the digital imaging device management information. As shown in FIG. 7, the detailed status information includes “digital photographing device individual identification code”, “photographer name”, “photographer sex”, “photographer age”, “photographer date of birth”, “capability of photographing” "," Shooting state "information. Detailed status information is prepared for each individual identification code registered in the digital imaging device management information, and is information indicating details of the status of the photographer associated with the individual identification code.

  Next, the billing registration server 50 selects whether to accept the selection of whether or not the digital photographing device management information is registered, a display area for displaying the billing status, whether or not to register the digital photographing device management information, and whether or not to charge. The display screen including the area is displayed on the display screen of the display device provided therein (step S104).

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the display screen displayed in step S104. As shown in FIG. 8, in step S104, the display screen of the billing registration server 50 displays a display area indicating that the digital photographing device management information is not registered, and a display area indicating that the billing server is not charged. And selection areas (select buttons) 81 to 84 for accepting selection of whether or not to register digital photographing apparatus management information and whether or not to charge.

  The selection button 81 is selected when the digital photographing apparatus management information is registered and charging is not performed. The selection button 82 is selected when charging is performed without registering digital photographing apparatus management information. The selection button 83 is selected when registering digital photographing apparatus management information and charging. The selection button 84 is selected when neither registration nor charging of the digital photographing apparatus management information is performed. The selection operation is performed, for example, by a click operation of an input device (for example, a mouse) provided in the billing registration server 50 by a visitor, for example. The museum staff may be operated based on the wishes of the visitors.

  Next, when the selection button 84 is selected (pressed) by the visitor, the charging registration server 50 does not register or charge the digital photographing apparatus management information, and thus ends the registration charging process here ( Step S105). For a visitor who refuses both registration and billing of digital imaging device management information, for example, the digital imaging device that he possesses may be stored at the museum side when entering the building and returned when leaving the building.

  If the selection button 81 is selected (pressed) by the visitor (Y in step S106), the billing registration server 50 only wants to register the digital photographing device management information, and thus the visitor wants to register the digital photographing device management information. As the photographing device management information, the visitor is requested to input the photographer's name, photographer's gender, photographer age, and date of birth, and the input of such information is accepted (step S107). The “request for input of digital imaging device management information” may be displayed on the display device included in the billing registration server 50, for example. In addition, the “input operation for digital photographing device management information” is performed by operating an input device (for example, a keyboard) provided in the billing registration server 50.

  The billing registration server 50 registers the input digital photographing device management information, sets the billing information to “not yet”, sets the photographable state to “not” because there is no charge, and sets the photographing state to “normal photographing state” "(Step S108).

  Then, the IC tag reader / writer 40 reads out the photographer's name, information indicating whether or not photographing is possible, and information indicating that the photographing state is “normal photographing state” from the billing registration server 50, and stores them in the IC tag of the digital photographing device 10. And is registered in the IC tag of the digital photographing apparatus 10 (step S109).

  On the other hand, when the selection button 82 or the selection button 83 is selected (pressed) by the visitor (Y in step S106), the billing registration server 50 registers the digital photographing device management information and bills, or bills. Since the visitor wants to register only, he / she requests the visitor to enter digital camera management information (not required for billing only), and the credit number required for settlement, account for debiting charges, etc. The input of payment related information is requested (step S110). When payment is made in cash, it is not necessary to input payment related information. For example, it may be requested to input cash payment. The “payment related information input request” may be displayed, for example, on a display device included in the billing registration server 50. Further, the “payment-related information input operation” is performed by operating an input device (for example, a keyboard) provided in the billing registration server 50.

  The billing registration server 50 registers the input digital photographing device management information (not required for charging only), sets the shooting state to “normal shooting state” (not required for charging only), and sets the charging information to “done”. In addition, since it is already charged, the photographing permission / inhibition is set to “possible” (step S111).

  Then, in the case of registration and billing of the digital photographing device management information, the IC tag reader / writer 40 performs billing registration of the photographer's name, information indicating whether or not photographing is possible, and the photographing state is “normal photographing state”. The data is read from the server 50, transmitted to the IC tag of the digital photographing apparatus 10, and registered in the IC tag of the digital photographing apparatus 10 (step S112). On the other hand, in the case of only charging, the IC tag reader / writer 40 reads information indicating whether or not shooting is possible from the charging registration server 50 and transmits the information to the IC tag of the digital imaging device 10 to obtain the digital imaging device. 10 IC tags are registered (step S112).

  Next, a function restriction process for restricting the function of the digital photographing apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the function restriction process. Here, it is assumed that the digital photographing device 10 is a device that has already registered the digital photographing device management information in the billing registration server 50 by the above-described billing registration process (FIG. 5), but has not been billed.

  The staff of the museum holds the IC tag reader / writer 40 over the digital photographing apparatus 10 with an IC tag possessed by the visitor at the entrance of the museum. Then, the IC tag reader / writer 40 reads status information (see FIG. 3) from the IC tag (specifically, the storage unit 32) mounted on the digital photographing apparatus 10 (step S201).

  When the status information is read, the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits the read status information to the billing registration server 50 (step S202).

  The billing registration server 50 refers to the digital photographing device management information related to the digital photographing device 10 from the status information received from the IC tag reader / writer 40, and determines here that photographing is possible or not (step S203).

  Next, the billing registration server 50 displays a display screen including a display area for displaying the determination result and a selection area for accepting selection of whether or not function restriction is possible on the display screen of the display device provided therein ( Step S204).

  The display screen displayed in step S <b> 204 includes a display area displaying that “capability of photographing” is “not permitted” and a selection button for accepting selection of whether or not function restriction is permitted.

  Here, the selection buttons include a function restriction execution button selected when function restriction is performed and a function restriction non-execution button selected when function restriction is not performed. The selection operation is performed, for example, by a click operation of an input device (for example, a mouse) provided in, for example, the billing registration server 50 by a visitor. The museum staff may be operated based on the wishes of the visitors.

  When the function restriction non-execution button is selected (pressed) by the visitor, the charging registration server 50 does not perform the function restriction, and ends the function restriction process here (step S205). As described above, when the function restriction is rejected, it is only necessary to explain to the visitor that charging is required for shooting in the hall, and to perform charging in the above-described registration / charging process (see FIG. 5).

  When the function restriction execution button is selected (pressed) by the visitor (Y in step S205), the billing registration server 50 moves the function restriction from the IC tag reader / writer 40 toward the IC tag of the digital photographing apparatus 10. In order to execute the function, a “function restriction signal” is transmitted (step S206).

  When the IC tag function unit 30 receives the “function restriction signal”, the digital imaging device 10 sends the “function restriction signal” to the signal control unit 23. When receiving the “function restriction signal”, the signal control unit 23 sends a “function restriction instruction signal” to the photographing function unit 22. When receiving the “function restriction instruction signal”, the photographing function unit 22 performs function restriction (step S207). That is, settings are made to turn off both the shutter function and the flash function.

  The photographing function unit 22 transmits a “function restriction execution completion signal” upon completion of the function restriction. Upon reception of the “function restriction execution completion signal”, the signal control unit 23 transmits information on the photographing state “function being restricted” to the IC tag function unit 30 and is stored in the storage unit 32 of the IC tag function unit 30. Change the shooting status to “Function Restricted”. Then, the IC tag function unit 30 transmits a “function restriction execution completion signal” to the IC tag reader / writer 40 (step S208).

  In this example, the “function restriction execution completion signal” is output from the IC tag reader / writer 40 even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the “function restriction signal” was transmitted to the IC tag function unit 30 of the digital photographing apparatus. If not received (N in step S209), the process returns to step S206.

  When receiving the “function restriction execution completion signal” (Y in step S209), the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits a “function restriction execution completion signal” to the billing registration server 50 (step S210).

  Upon receipt of the “function restriction execution completion signal”, the billing registration server 50 changes the shooting state of the corresponding digital photographing device 10 to “function restricting”, and displays the change result on the display screen of the display device included in the billing registration server 50. (Step S211). Specifically, the result of the change, such as “I set the function restriction”, “I made the setting to disable the flash function and shutter function”, “I made the setting to disable shooting”, etc. May be displayed.

  Next, a function restriction release process for releasing the function restriction of the digital photographing apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the function restriction release process. Here, it is assumed that the digital photographing device 10 is a device whose function is restricted by the function restriction process (see FIG. 9) described above when entering the museum.

  The staff of the museum holds the IC tag reader / writer 40 over the digital photographing apparatus 10 with the IC tag possessed by the visitor at the exit of the museum. Then, the IC tag reader / writer 40 reads status information (see FIG. 3) from an IC tag (specifically, the storage unit 32) mounted on the digital photographing apparatus 10 (step S301).

  When the status information is read, the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits the read status information to the billing registration server 50 (step S302).

  The billing registration server 50 refers to the digital photographing device management information related to the digital photographing device 10 from the status information received from the IC tag reader / writer 40, and here, determines that the photographing state is “function restricted” (step S303). ).

  Next, the billing registration server 50 displays a display screen including a display area for displaying the determination result and a selection area for accepting selection of whether or not to cancel the function restriction on the display screen of the display device provided therein. (Step S304).

  The display screen displayed in step S304 includes a display area indicating that the shooting state is “function restricted” and a selection button for accepting selection of whether or not function restriction can be released.

  Here, the selection buttons include a function restriction release execution button that is selected when the function restriction is released and a function restriction release non-execution button that is selected when the function restriction is not released. The selection operation is performed, for example, by a click operation of an input device (for example, a mouse) provided in, for example, the billing registration server 50 by a visitor. The museum staff may be operated based on the wishes of the visitors.

  If the function restriction release non-execution button is selected (pressed) by the visitor, the billing registration server 50 does not release the function restriction, and thus ends the function restriction release process (step S305). Such processing may be performed, for example, when the user leaves the building and returns to the hall, or when the user leaves the building temporarily for some reason.

  When the function restriction release execution button is selected (pressed) by the visitor (Y in step S305), the billing registration server 50 functions from the IC tag reader / writer 40 toward the IC tag of the digital photographing device 10. In order to cancel the restriction, a “function restriction release signal” is transmitted (step S306).

  When the IC tag function unit 30 receives the “function restriction release signal”, the digital imaging device 10 sends the “function restriction release signal” to the signal control unit 23. When receiving the “function restriction release signal”, the signal control unit 23 sends a “function restriction release instruction signal” to the photographing function unit 22. When the “function restriction release instruction signal” is received, the photographing function unit 22 releases the function restriction (step S307). That is, settings are made to turn on both the shutter function and the flash function.

  When the function restriction release is completed, the photographing function unit 22 transmits a “function restriction release execution completion signal”. Upon receiving the “function restriction release execution completion signal”, the signal control unit 23 transmits information on the shooting state “normal shooting state” to the IC tag function unit 30 and is stored in the storage unit 32 of the IC tag function unit 30. Change the shooting status to “Normal shooting status”. Then, the IC tag function unit 30 transmits a “function restriction release execution completion signal” to the IC tag reader / writer 40 (step S308).

  In this example, after the “function restriction release signal” is transmitted to the IC tag function unit 30 of the digital photographing apparatus, the “function restriction release completion signal is transmitted by the IC tag reader / writer 40 even after a predetermined time has elapsed. "Is not received (N in step S309), the process returns to step S306.

  When receiving the “function restriction release execution completion signal” (Y in step S309), the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits a “function restriction release execution completion signal” to the billing registration server 50 (step S310).

  When receiving the “function restriction release execution completion signal”, the billing registration server 50 changes the shooting state of the corresponding digital photographing device 10 to the “normal photographing state” and displays the change result on the display device of the billing registration server 50. It is displayed on the screen (step S211). For example, “Function restriction has been lifted”, “Flash function and shutter function enabled”, “Shooting enabled”, etc. May be displayed.

  Next, photographing permission processing for permitting photographing with the digital photographing device 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the photographing permission process. Here, it is assumed that the digital photographing device 10 is a device that has already registered the digital photographing device management information in the billing registration server 50 and has been charged by the above-described billing registration process (FIG. 5). In the photographing permission process, the function restriction is not performed and only the status information is changed.

  The staff of the museum holds the IC tag reader / writer 40 over the digital photographing apparatus 10 with an IC tag possessed by the visitor at the entrance of the museum. Then, the IC tag reader / writer 40 reads status information (see FIG. 3) from the IC tag (specifically, the storage unit 32) mounted on the digital photographing apparatus 10 (step S401).

  When the status information is read, the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits the read status information to the billing registration server 50 (step S402).

  The billing registration server 50 refers to the digital photographing device management information related to the digital photographing device 10 from the status information received from the IC tag reader / writer 40, and determines here that photographing is possible or not (step S403).

  Next, the billing registration server 50 displays a display screen including a display area for displaying the determination result and a selection area for accepting selection of whether or not photographing is possible on the display screen of the display device provided therein (step). S404).

  The display screen displayed in step S <b> 404 includes a display area displaying that “capability of photographing” is “possible” and a selection button for accepting selection of whether or not photographing is possible.

  Here, the selection buttons include a shooting permission button that is selected when shooting is permitted and a shooting disabled button that is selected when shooting is disabled. The selection operation is performed, for example, by a click operation of an input device (for example, a mouse) provided in, for example, the billing registration server 50 by a visitor. The museum staff may be operated based on the wishes of the visitors.

  If the visitor has selected (pressed) the shooting disabled button, the billing registration server 50 does not permit shooting, and thus ends the shooting permission processing here (step S405). In addition, when such a process is performed, for example, it may be considered that the entrance is temporarily stopped.

  Further, when the photographing permission button is selected (pressed) by the visitor (Y in step S405), the charging registration server 50 permits photographing permission from the IC tag reader / writer 40 toward the IC tag of the digital photographing device 10. A “photographing permission signal” for instructing the setting is transmitted (step S406).

  The digital photographing apparatus 10 receives the “photographing permission signal” at the IC tag function unit 30 (step S407). Then, the signal control unit 31 changes the photographing availability stored in the storage unit 32 to “capturing photographing” (step S408).

  When the IC tag function unit 30 changes the photographing permission / inhibition to “photographing permitted”, the IC tag function unit 30 transmits a “photographing permitted completion signal” to the IC tag reader / writer 40 (step S408).

  In this example, the “photographing permission completion signal” is transmitted by the IC tag reader / writer 40 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the “photographing permission signal” is transmitted to the IC tag function unit 30 of the digital photographing device 10. "Is not received (N in step S409), the process returns to step S406.

  When the IC tag reader / writer 40 receives the “photographing-permitted completion signal” (Y in step S409), the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits a “photographing-permitted completion signal” to the billing registration server 50 (step S410).

  Upon receiving the “photographing permitted completion signal”, the billing registration server 50 changes the status information of the corresponding digital photographing device 10 to “capturing photographing” and displays the change result in the display device provided in the billing registration server 50. Is displayed on the display screen (step S411). Specifically, the result of the change may be displayed, for example, “Photographing permitted”.

  Next, a photographing permission canceling process for canceling the photographing permission of the digital photographing device 10 that has already been photographed is described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the photographing permission cancellation process. Even in the photographing permission cancellation processing, only the status information is changed.

  The staff of the museum holds the IC tag reader / writer 40 over the digital photographing apparatus 10 with the IC tag possessed by the visitor at the exit of the museum. Then, the IC tag reader / writer 40 reads status information (see FIG. 3) from the IC tag (specifically, the storage unit 32) mounted on the digital photographing apparatus 10 (step S501).

  When the status information is read, the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits the read status information to the billing registration server 50 (step S502).

  The billing registration server 50 refers to the digital photographing device management information related to the digital photographing device 10 from the status information received from the IC tag reader / writer 40, and here determines that the photographing state is “photographing permitted” (step S503). ).

  Next, the billing registration server 50 has a display screen that includes a display area for displaying the determination result and a selection area for accepting selection as to whether or not to change to “photographing permitted”. The information is displayed on the display screen of the device (step S504).

  In the display screen displayed in step S504, a display area indicating that the shooting state is “capable of shooting” and selection of whether or not to change the shooting state to “shooting permitted” are accepted. Includes a selection button.

  Here, the selection buttons are a shooting permission continuation button that is selected when the shooting state is not changed to “shooting permitted”, and a shooting permission end button that is selected when the shooting state is changed to “shooting permitted”. There is. The selection operation is performed, for example, by a click operation of an input device (for example, a mouse) provided in, for example, the billing registration server 50 by a visitor. The museum staff may be operated based on the wishes of the visitors.

  If the visitor permission continuation button is selected (pressed) by the visitor, the billing registration server 50 ends the photographing permission cancellation processing here in order to continue the photographing permission state (step S505). Such processing may be performed, for example, when the user leaves the building and returns to the hall, or when the user leaves the building temporarily for some reason.

  In addition, when the photographing permission end button is selected (pressed) by the visitor (Y in step S505), the charging registration server 50 permits photographing from the IC tag reader / writer 40 toward the IC tag of the digital photographing device 10. A “photographing permitted signal” for instructing the cancellation of the setting is transmitted (step S506).

  When the digital photographing apparatus 10 receives the “photographing permitted signal” at the IC tag function unit 30 (step S507), the signal control unit 31 sets the photographing permission stored in the storage unit 32 to “photographing permitted”. Change (step S508).

  When the IC tag function unit 30 changes the photographing permission / inhibition to “photographing permitted”, the IC tag function unit 30 transmits a “photographing permitted completion signal” to the IC tag reader / writer 40 (step S508).

  In this example, the “photographing permitted completion signal” is transmitted by the IC tag reader / writer 40 even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the “photographing permitted signal” is transmitted to the IC tag function unit 30 of the digital photographing apparatus 10. "Is not received (N in step S509), the process returns to step S506.

  When receiving the “shooting permitted completion signal” (Y in step S509), the IC tag reader / writer 40 transmits a “shooting permitted completion signal” to the billing registration server 50 (step S510).

  Upon receipt of the “photographing permitted completion signal”, the charging registration server 50 changes the photographing availability of the status information of the corresponding digital photographing device 10 to “photographing permitted”, and the charging registration server 50 displays the change result. Is displayed on the display screen (step S511). Specifically, the result of the change may be displayed, for example, “photographing permission has been released”.

  Next, status information stored in the IC tag (specifically, the storage unit 32) of the digital imaging apparatus 10 in this example and status information (specifically, the digital imaging apparatus) stored in the billing registration server 50 are used. An example of a change in management information) will be described.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a transition state of status information. First, referring to FIG. 13, a transition state of status information when the digital photographing apparatus 10 whose photographing availability is “no” enters the museum and then leaves will be described.

  As shown in the registration / billing process (see FIG. 5), the status stored in the billing registration server 50 and the IC tag of the digital photographing apparatus 10 before entering the digital photographing apparatus 10 whose photographing availability is “No”. The shooting state in the information is both “normal shooting state”.

  In this state, when the digital photographing device 10 is checked at the time of entering the building (confirmation of status information using the IC tag reader / writer 40), the photographing permission / prohibition is “no”, so as shown in the function restriction process (see FIG. 9) The photographing state indicated by the status information stored in the registration server 50 and the IC tag of the digital photographing apparatus 10 is both changed to “function restricted”. Note that whether or not the image is taken remains “No”. The same is true while entering the building.

  Then, the digital imaging device 10 is checked at the time of leaving the building, and the status information stored in the billing registration server 10 and the IC tag of the digital imaging device 10 indicates as shown in the function restriction release process (see FIG. 10). The shooting state is both “normal shooting state”. However, whether or not shooting is possible remains “No” and is not changed.

  In addition, since the shooting state of the digital photographing device 10 becomes “functional restriction” during the entrance, the billing registration server 50 is currently entering the building based on the status information included in the digital photographing device management information. It is easy to derive the number of digital imaging devices that are “restricted” or display a list of visitors who are currently entering “restricted shooting” from the photographer information. Therefore, the museum side can easily grasp the number of digital photographing devices that are currently entering and “shooting restricted” and the visitors who are entering the building due to “shooting restricted”.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the transition state of the status information. Next, referring to FIG. 14, the transition state of the status information when the digital photographing apparatus 10 in the state where photographing is permitted is entered and then exited will be described.

  As shown in the registration / billing process (see FIG. 5), the photographing state indicated by the status information stored in the billing registration server 50 before the entrance and the IC tag of the digital photographing device 10 are both “normal photographing state”. Therefore, whether or not photographing is possible is “possible”.

  If the digital photographing device 10 is checked when entering the building in this state, whether or not photographing is possible is “possible”. Therefore, as shown in the photographing permission process (see FIG. 11), the photographing state in the charging registration server 50 and the IC tag of the digital photographing device 10 In both cases, while “normal photographing” is still in progress, the photographing permission is changed to “photographing permitted”. The same is true while entering the building.

  Then, the digital photographing device 10 is checked when leaving the building, and as shown in the photographing permission release process (see FIG. 12), the photographing state of the charging registration server 50 and the IC tag of the digital photographing device 10 is both “normal photographing state”. However, the photographing permission / inhibition is changed to “photographing permitted”.

  Further, during the admission, whether or not the digital photographing device 10 can be photographed is “photographing permitted”. Therefore, the charging registration server 50 derives the number of digital photographing devices that are currently in the building and are “photographing permitted”, or are photographing. From the visitor information, it is possible to easily display a list of visitors who are currently entering with “photographing permitted”. Therefore, the museum side can easily grasp the number of digital photographing devices that are currently entering and “photographing is permitted” and the visitors who are entering “photographing is permitted”.

  Furthermore, whether or not shooting is permitted is “No” before charging, “Yes” before entering after charging, “Shooting permitted” while entering after charging, “Shooting permitted” after entering after charging and then leaving the building. Therefore, the billing registration server 50 performs the counting process based on the individual management information, so that the number of visitors in each state and information related to the visitors can be easily grasped.

  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the IC tag (IC tag function unit 30) is mounted on the digital imaging device 10, and the individual identification code of the digital imaging device 10 is registered in the IC tag. Thus, the IC tag reader / writer 40 can automatically acquire the individual identification code of the digital photographing apparatus 10 from the outside using wireless communication, and the individual identification of the digital photographing apparatus 10 can be performed from the outside using wireless communication means. It can be done easily.

  Further, as described above, since the current status information is stored in the IC tag (IC tag function unit 30) mounted on the digital photographing device 10, the IC tag reader / writer 40 automatically uses wireless communication from the outside. Thus, the status information can be acquired, and the status of the current shooting function in the digital shooting apparatus 10 (shooting availability status) can be recognized externally.

  In addition, as described above, an IC tag (IC tag function unit 30) is mounted on the digital photographing apparatus 10, and the digital photographing apparatus is received according to reception of information indicating function restriction or function restriction release by an external wireless communication unit. 10 is configured to execute the function restriction and the function restriction release, so that the function of the digital photographing apparatus 10 is restricted by transmitting a function restriction signal and a function restriction releasing signal to the digital photographing apparatus 10 from the outside. And can be released.

  Further, as described above, the billing registration server 50 is installed in a facility such as a museum, and information such as the individual identification code of the digital photographing device 10 and the photographer's name is registered in the billing registration server 50 by, for example, a visitor's input operation. At the same time, information charged to the visitor is stored in the billing registration server 50, and is associated with the individual identification code of the digital photographing device 10 when the digital photographing device 10 is charged and entered. Based on the charged billing information, it is judged whether or not there is a charge, and the shooting function is limited according to the charge or not, so you can charge as a price to allow shooting in the museum. In addition, frequent use of flash photography can be suppressed. Further, in a facility such as a museum, a photographer is charged in advance, and if not charged, the photographing function can be restricted, and a service that permits the use of the digital photographing apparatus 10 on the condition of charging is provided. It can be done easily. Therefore, by providing such a service, it will be possible to secure a new source of income for the museum, and deterioration of artwork due to heavy use of flash photography, which is a problem in current art museums, etc. And it will be possible to suppress a decrease in revenue due to a decline in art book sales due to filming in the hall.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the billing registration server 50 manages the status information of the digital photographing device 10, so that the status of the visitor who is entering the digital photographing device 10 is quickly and easily It can be easily grasped. In addition, if a visitor who has been charged and allowed to shoot once enters the building, it is possible to determine whether or not the person has entered the past by holding the status information. . Therefore, information such as the number of visitors who have entered the digital imaging device 10 and whether or not the person who has entered the building with the chargeable / non-photographable is “possible” has entered the past, It becomes possible to grasp easily.

  Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-333266) discloses that an optional part such as an IC card is mounted on an electronic device such as a video camera and the use of the electronic device is turned off. . However, in the technique described in Patent Document 4, the power is turned off in order to completely restrict use. On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not to limit the shooting function depending on whether or not there is a charge. Yes. Therefore, it becomes possible to charge as a price to allow photographing in the museum, and it is possible to suppress the frequent use of flash photography. In the above-described embodiment, since information is transmitted to and received from the digital photographing apparatus 10 using the portable terminal (IC tag reader / writer 40), the digital photographing apparatus 10 possessed by the visitor is held. Information can be transmitted and received easily and reliably.

  In the above-described embodiment, the name of the photographer who owns the digital photographing apparatus 10 itself, the current photographing state, and the like are displayed on the IC tag (IC tag function unit 20) mounted on the digital photographing apparatus 10. In order to store the information, the “photographer name”, “individual identification code”, “capability of photographing”, and “shooting state” are stored. However, the billing registration server 50 uses the “individual identification code” to perform digital recording. In order to identify the imaging device 10, only the “individual identification code”, which is the minimum information, may be put in the IC tag provided in the digital imaging device 10. However, in this case, it is necessary to check the photographer name indicating the owner of the digital photographing apparatus 10 and information such as the photographing state with reference to the billing registration server 50.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, registration or billing of digital photographing apparatus management information is performed in advance as a museum business, and whether or not the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus 10 is restricted based on the result is, for example, a visitor. Depending on the result of the decision, the shooting function is restricted or the restriction is released. However, it does not wait for the visitor's decision. In addition, the photographing function may be restricted or the restriction may be released. Specifically, the configuration may be such that the processes of step S205, step S305, step S405, and step S505 described above are not performed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, registration or billing of digital photographing apparatus management information is performed in advance as a museum business, and whether or not the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus 10 is restricted based on the result is, for example, a visitor. However, such a process may be omitted, and the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus 10 may be forcibly restricted when passing through the gate.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the digital photographing apparatus management system 200 when the functions of the digital photographing apparatus 10 are forcibly restricted. In the following description, parts having the same configuration as the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 described above are assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in this example, a gate type IC tag reader / writer 41 is provided at the entrance to a facility (for example, a museum) where photography is not permitted, and a function restriction / release server 51 is connected to the IC tag reader / writer 41. deep. The function restriction / cancellation server 51 performs only “function restriction” or “function restriction release” determination.

  The IC tag reader / writer 41 has the same function as the IC tag reader / writer 40 described above. The function restriction / cancellation server 51 has the same function as the function for performing “function restriction” and “function restriction release” in the above-described billing registration server 50.

  In this example, when the digital photographing apparatus 10 passes the IC tag reader / writer 41, the IC tag reader / writer 41 reads the individual identification code of the digital photographing apparatus 10 and sends a “function restriction signal” to the function restriction / release server 51. Send.

  When receiving the “function restriction signal”, the function restriction / release server 51 executes processing for restricting the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus 10. If the “function restriction completion signal” is not received from the digital photographing apparatus 10 due to the poor radio wave condition, a buzzer or the like may be sounded to prompt passage again.

  Further, when the digital photographing apparatus 10 whose function is restricted goes out, “function restriction release” is performed. As described above, by simplifying the process at the time of function restriction or restriction release, it becomes possible to perform function restriction of the digital photographing apparatus 10 more easily.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus 10 is limited, both the shutter function and the flash function are turned off. However, only the flash function is turned off. You may make it do. With such a configuration, shooting using a flash can be completely prevented, and shooting without using a flash can be allowed on the condition of charging. Further, for example, the visitor may select whether to turn off both the shutter function and the flash function or to turn off only the flash function. In this case, when both the shutter function and the flash function are turned off, there is no charge. When only the flash function is turned off, a relatively low amount is charged, and when shooting with the flash function enabled is permitted. May charge a higher amount than when allowing photography with the flash function disabled. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to charge in steps according to the service which a visitor receives. When the shutter function and the flash function are both turned off or only the flash function is turned off, the “function restriction signal”, “function restriction instruction signal”, “ Signals used for function restriction and release such as "Function restriction execution completion signal", "Function restriction release signal", "Function restriction release instruction signal", "Function restriction release execution completion signal", etc. Two types of signals, i.e., a signal for canceling and a signal for limiting or canceling the flash function may be provided. In addition, regarding the shooting state and whether or not shooting is possible, two types of notation may be used to distinguish between the case where both the shutter function and the flash function are turned off and the case where only the flash function is turned off. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the museum has been described as an example of the facility that restricts the photographing function. However, other facilities may be used as long as it is effective to restrict the photographing function. Good. For example, military-related facilities, production factories with advanced technical know-how, etc. where there are particularly sensitive equipment, examination venues, government-related facilities, trains, various paid seminars and paid exhibitions Venue, paddock of racetrack, etc. are considered.

  That is, the gate-type IC tag reader / writer 41 described above is provided when entering the facility so that the interviewer cannot take a photograph in a military-related facility or a facility where there is a particularly sensitive device. Thus, the function of the digital photographing apparatus may be limited when entering the photographing prohibited facility by automatically stopping the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus.

  In addition, in order to prevent illegal copying of problem papers due to photographing with a digital photographing device in the examination venue, or illegal photographing copying of important documents due to photographing with a digital photographing device in a related facility of the government, the system 100 described above. , 200 can be applied.

  In addition, the systems 100 and 200 described above can be applied to prevent voyeurism by a digital photographing device on a train or the like. For example, a gate-type IC tag reader / writer 41 may be installed at the entrance of a train so that the photographing function of the digital photographing device in the train is stopped.

  In addition, the above-described systems 100 and 200 can be applied when photographing is prohibited in various paid seminars and exhibitions. For example, a gate-type IC tag reader / writer 41 may be installed at the entrance of a seminar or exhibition venue to stop the photographing function of the digital photographing apparatus in the venue.

  Furthermore, the systems 100 and 200 described above can be applied to a paddock at a racetrack where flash photography is prohibited. The reason why flash photography is prohibited in the racetrack paddock is to prevent the racehorse from being surprised, but if the above-described systems 100 and 200 are applied, the digital image in the seat of the racetrack paddock is digital. It is possible to prohibit flash photography by the photographing apparatus.

  Although not specifically mentioned in each of the above-described embodiments, each unit included in the digital photographing apparatus management systems 100 and 200 performs the above-described various processes according to a control program (digital photographing apparatus management program) included in the system 100. Running. Specifically, for example, the digital photographing device management program is a digital photographing device management program for causing the billing registration server 50 to manage the digital photographing device 10 and includes the digital photographing device management systems 100 and 200 (specifically, The charging registration server 50) acquires the status information stored in the IC tag and the digital information including the acquired status information based on the fact that the individual identification code included in the acquired status information has not been registered. A step of registering the photographing apparatus management information in a storage means provided in the charge registration server 50; and a step of changing the charging information indicating the charging state included in the digital photographing apparatus management information to charged in response to receiving a request for charging. And whether to allow shooting according to the billing status indicated by the billing information Step and step of determining whether or not the shooting function is restricted according to the “shooting state” included in the digital camera management information, and whether the shooting result is permitted or not And changing the status information in accordance with the determination result of whether or not the digital shooting is performed, and transmitting a signal for causing the digital shooting function unit 20 to change the setting of the limited state of the shooting function. It is a control program.

  According to the present invention, museums, military-related facilities, production factories with advanced technical know-how of companies, etc. that have particularly high sensitivity, examination venues, government-related facilities, trains, various types of pay This is useful for restricting the functions of digital photography equipment when entering seminars, paid exhibition halls, and racetrack padds.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the outline of the digital imaging device management system in one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the digital imaging device with an IC tag. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the status information stored in the IC tag of a digital imaging device. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of an IC tag reader / writer. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a registration / billing process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the digital imaging device management information registered into the charge registration server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the detailed status information registered into an accounting registration server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a function restriction | limiting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a function restriction release process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of imaging | photography permission processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the cancellation | release process during imaging | photography permission. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the transition state of status information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the transition state of status information. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the outline of the digital imaging device management system in other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital imaging device with IC tag 20 Digital imaging function part 21 Display part 22 Imaging function part 23 Signal control part 24 Storage part 30 IC tag function part 31 Signal processing part 32 Storage part 33 Communication control part 34 Transmission / reception part 40, 41 IC tag reader Writer 50 Billing registration server 51 Function restriction / cancellation server 100, 200 Digital imaging device management system

Claims (15)

A digital photographing device having a digital photographing function unit for photographing a subject,
An IC tag function unit having a communication processing unit that communicates with the outside of the digital photographing device, and a state information storage unit that stores device state information indicating the state of the digital photographing device;
The device status information includes individual identification information for uniquely identifying a digital imaging device, and imaging regulation information including a limitation status of imaging functions by the digital imaging function unit,
The IC tag function unit transmits the apparatus status information by the communication processing unit in response to an information acquisition request from the outside of the digital imaging apparatus, and imaging restriction information from the outside of the digital imaging apparatus received by the communication processing unit In response to the change instruction signal, the shooting restriction information stored in the state information storage unit is changed,
The digital photographing function unit changes a setting of a restriction state of a photographing function according to a change of photographing restriction information by the IC tag function unit in response to a photographing restriction information change instruction signal. The shooting regulation information change instruction signal includes a function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the photographing function, and a function restriction release signal for instructing release of the restriction of the photographing function,
IC tag function part
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction signal, the photographing restriction information is changed to photographing restriction information indicating that the photographing function is restricted,
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction release signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to shooting restriction releasing information indicating that the shooting function is not restricted,
The digital shooting function section
In accordance with the function restriction signal, set the restriction of the shooting function,
The digital photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restriction on the photographing function is released according to the function restriction release signal. The photographing restriction information includes shutter function restriction state information indicating a restriction state of the shutter function by the digital photographing function unit, and flash function restriction state information indicating a restriction state of the flash function by the digital photographing function unit,
The function restriction signal includes a shutter function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the shutter function, and a flash function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the flash function.
The function restriction release signal includes a shutter function restriction release signal instructing release of the shutter function restriction and a flash function restriction release signal instructing release of the restriction of the flash function.
IC tag function part
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the flash function restriction signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to the flash function restriction information indicating that the flash function is restricted,
In response to receiving the flash function restriction release signal by the communication processing unit, the shooting restriction information is changed to information indicating that the flash function is not restricted, indicating that the flash function is not restricted,
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the shutter function restriction signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to flash function restriction information indicating that the shutter function is restricted,
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the shutter function restriction release signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to shutter function restriction releasing information indicating that the shutter function is not restricted,
The digital shooting function section
In accordance with the flash function limit signal, set the flash function limit,
In response to the flash function restriction release signal, the flash function restriction is released,
In accordance with the shutter function limit signal, set the shutter function limit,
The digital photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the restriction on the shutter function is released according to the shutter function restriction release signal. The communication processing unit transmits a change completion signal indicating that to the outside in response to completion of the setting change of the shooting function restriction state by the digital shooting function unit. The digital imaging device described. The communication processing unit performs wireless communication with an IC tag reader / writer that reads / writes information from / to a status information storage unit included in the IC tag function unit, and manages the device status information outside the digital imaging device. The digital imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein communication is performed with a management device via the IC tag reader / writer. The digital imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: an information display unit that displays device state information stored in a state information storage unit included in the IC tag function unit. A digital photographing device management device for managing a digital photographing device,
The digital photographing device includes an IC tag function unit having a communication processing unit for communicating with a digital photographing device management device and a state information storage unit for storing device state information indicating a state of the digital photographing device; A digital photographing function unit for photographing a subject,
The device status information includes individual identification information for uniquely identifying a digital imaging device, and imaging regulation information including a limitation status of imaging functions by the digital imaging function unit,
Device status information acquisition means for acquiring device status information stored in the status information storage unit;
Device registration for registering the management device side device state information including the acquired device state information based on the fact that the individual identification information included in the device state information acquired by the device state information acquisition unit has not been registered. Means,
Management device side device state information storage means for storing the management device side device state information;
Charging registration means for changing the charging information indicating the charging state included in the management apparatus side apparatus state information to charged in response to receiving the charging request;
Photographing permission determining means for determining whether or not photographing is permitted according to a charging state indicated by the charging information;
Function restriction determination means for determining whether or not a photographing function is restricted according to the photographing restriction information;
A restriction change instruction means for changing the photographing restriction information and transmitting a photographing restriction information change instruction signal for causing the digital photographing function unit to change the setting of the restriction state of the photographing function;
The digital camera apparatus management apparatus characterized in that the restriction change instruction means transmits a photography restriction information change instruction signal in accordance with a determination result of the photographing permission determination means or a determination result of the function restriction determination means. The shooting regulation information change instruction signal includes a function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the photographing function, and a function restriction release signal for instructing release of the restriction of the photographing function,
The regulation change instruction means
Based on the determination that the photographing permission judging means does not allow photographing, the function restriction signal is transmitted,
Based on the fact that the function restriction determination means determines that the photographing function is restricted, the function restriction release signal is transmitted,
The IC tag function part of the digital photographing device is
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction signal, the photographing restriction information is changed to photographing restriction information indicating that the photographing function is restricted,
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction release signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to shooting restriction releasing information indicating that the shooting function is not restricted,
The digital photographing function unit of the digital photographing device is:
In accordance with the function restriction signal, set the restriction of the shooting function,
The digital imaging device management device according to claim 7, wherein the limitation of the imaging function is canceled according to the function limitation cancellation signal. The device status information acquisition means stores the status information stored in the digital photographing device when a user who has the digital photographing device enters a predetermined facility where photographing by the digital photographing device is allowed on the condition that the fee has already been charged. Device status information stored in the
The imaging permission determination unit reads management device side device state information including individual identification information included in the device state information acquired by the device state information acquisition unit, and charges included in the read management device side device state information The digital photographing apparatus management apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the charging information indicated by the state is not charged, it is determined that photographing by the digital photographing apparatus is not permitted. The device status information acquisition means acquires the device status information stored in the status information storage unit of the digital imaging device when the user who possesses the digital imaging device leaves the predetermined facility,
The function restriction determination unit determines that the shooting function is restricted when the shooting restriction information included in the device state information acquired by the device state information acquisition unit is shooting restriction information. The digital imaging device management device according to claim 9. Based on each shooting restriction information included in each management device side device status information, the number of users who are allowed to shoot with the digital shooting device and the shooting with the digital shooting device prohibited. The digital imaging device management device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising derivation means for deriving information on the number of visitors including the number of users who have visited. A digital photographing apparatus management method for managing a digital photographing apparatus,
The digital photographing device includes an IC tag function unit having a communication processing unit for communicating with a digital photographing device management device and a state information storage unit for storing device state information indicating a state of the digital photographing device; A digital photographing function unit for photographing a subject,
The device status information includes individual identification information for uniquely identifying a digital imaging device, and imaging regulation information including a limitation status of imaging functions by the digital imaging function unit,
The digital photographing device management device includes:
Acquire device status information stored in the status information storage unit,
Based on the fact that the individual identification information included in the acquired device state information has not been registered, register the management device side device state information including the acquired device state information in the management device side device state information storage means,
In response to receiving the charging request, the charging information indicating the charging status included in the management apparatus side apparatus status information is changed to charged,
Determining whether to allow shooting according to the billing state indicated by the billing information;
It is determined whether or not the shooting function is restricted according to the shooting regulation information,
Depending on the determination result of whether to allow shooting or the determination result of whether the shooting function is restricted, the shooting restriction information is changed, and the digital shooting function unit changes the setting of the shooting function restriction state A digital photographing apparatus management method, comprising: transmitting a photographing restriction information change instruction signal for executing The shooting regulation information change instruction signal includes a function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the photographing function, and a function restriction release signal for instructing release of the restriction of the photographing function,
The digital photographing device management device
Based on the determination that photographing is not permitted, the function restriction signal is transmitted,
Based on the determination that the shooting function is restricted, the function restriction release signal is transmitted,
The IC tag function part of the digital photographing device is
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction signal, the photographing restriction information is changed to photographing restriction information indicating that the photographing function is restricted,
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction release signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to shooting restriction releasing information indicating that the shooting function is not restricted,
The digital photographing function unit of the digital photographing device is:
In accordance with the function restriction signal, set the restriction of the shooting function,
The digital photographing apparatus management method according to claim 12, wherein the restriction on the photographing function is released according to the function restriction release signal. A digital photographing device management program for causing a digital photographing device management device to manage a digital photographing device,
The digital photographing device includes an IC tag function unit having a communication processing unit for communicating with a digital photographing device management device and a state information storage unit for storing device state information indicating a state of the digital photographing device; A digital photographing function unit for photographing a subject,
The device status information includes individual identification information for uniquely identifying a digital imaging device, and imaging regulation information including a limitation status of imaging functions by the digital imaging function unit,
In the digital photographing device management device,
Obtaining apparatus state information stored in the state information storage unit;
Registering the management apparatus side apparatus state information including the acquired apparatus state information in the management apparatus side apparatus state information storage means based on the fact that the individual identification information included in the acquired apparatus state information has not been registered; ,
Changing the charging information indicating the charging status included in the management apparatus side apparatus status information to charged in response to receiving the charging request;
Determining whether to allow photographing according to a billing state indicated by the billing information;
Determining whether a shooting function is restricted according to the shooting restriction information;
Depending on the determination result of whether to allow shooting or the determination result of whether the shooting function is restricted, the shooting restriction information is changed, and the digital shooting function unit changes the setting of the shooting function restriction state A digital photographing apparatus management program for executing a step of transmitting a photographing restriction information change instruction signal for executing The shooting regulation information change instruction signal includes a function restriction signal for instructing restriction of the photographing function, and a function restriction release signal for instructing release of the restriction of the photographing function,
In addition to the digital photography device management device,
Transmitting the function restriction signal based on determining that photographing is not permitted; and
A step of transmitting the function restriction release signal based on the determination that the photographing function is restricted;
The IC tag function part of the digital photographing device is
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction signal, the photographing restriction information is changed to photographing restriction information indicating that the photographing function is restricted,
In response to the communication processing unit receiving the function restriction release signal, the shooting restriction information is changed to shooting restriction releasing information indicating that the shooting function is not restricted,
The digital photographing function unit of the digital photographing device is:
In accordance with the function restriction signal, set the restriction of the shooting function,
15. The digital photographing apparatus management program according to claim 14, wherein the restriction on the photographing function is released according to the function restriction release signal.

Images