JP4495391B2 - Digital camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly, to a digital camera that is collected and recycled after shooting.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the field of silver halide cameras, films with lenses have been widely used as recyclable cameras. Such a lens-equipped film has an advantage that it can be easily obtained on the spot even when the camera is forgotten to be carried at a resort.
[0003]
On the other hand, digital cameras have been rapidly increasing in pixel count in recent years, and the image quality has reached a level comparable to silver halide cameras, so it is hoped that a recyclable camera that can be used as easily as silver halide cameras will appear. It is rare.
[0004]
By the way, it is premised that cameras that are recycled in this way can be provided at a low cost. For this reason, it is necessary to systematize recycling and prevent unauthorized reuse.
[0005]
From this point of view, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-234542 discloses a digital camera provided with a memory for recording data for judging the replacement timing of parts as a reusable digital camera. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-196931 discloses a digital camera in which captured image data is encrypted so that it can be decrypted and read out only by a store.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional recycle digital camera has a drawback that it can be easily reused by replacing the built-in memory card.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera that can systematize recycling and prevent unauthorized reuse.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
請 Motomeko according to first invention, in order to achieve the above object, the digital camera program is recorded for controlling the operation of the camera in an internal memory, a detecting means for detecting that the outer case is opened, When the detection means detects that the exterior case has been opened, there is provided a digital camera comprising means for destroying a program recorded in the memory and making it impossible to execute.
[0011]
According to the present invention, when the exterior case is opened for illegal purposes or the like, this is detected by the detecting means, and the program recorded in the memory is made unexecutable. Thereby, unauthorized reuse can be effectively prevented.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a digital camera according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a digital camera according to the present invention. The digital camera 10 is a digital camera premised on recycling and includes an imaging unit 12 and a signal processing unit 14.
[0014]
The imaging unit 12 includes a photographic lens 16, a diaphragm 18, and a solid-state imaging device 20, and images a subject based on an instruction from the signal processing unit 14. The solid-state imaging device 20 is constituted by a CCD, for example, and the CCD captures an image by a series of operations of charge accumulation, transfer, and discharge on the light receiving surface.
[0015]
The signal processing unit 14 takes in the image signal from the imaging unit 12 through the amplifier 24 under the control of the system controller 22, and converts it into a digital signal by the A / D converter 26. The digital signal processing unit 28 performs predetermined signal processing (white balance adjustment, gamma correction, color difference signal processing, etc.), and the compression processing unit 30 performs compression processing. The compressed digital image data is temporarily stored in the data buffer unit 32, read out in the order of addresses by the memory controller 34, and recorded in the image recording memory 36. The image recording memory 36 is composed of a non-volatile memory, and is built in the imaging unit 12 so that it cannot be taken out unless the exterior cover is opened.
[0016]
The imaging unit 12 has a built-in program memory 38 in which camera firmware and control parameters (aperture, focus, zoom value, camera gamma correction value, matrix coefficient, etc.) are recorded in advance. After power-on, the system controller 22 reads the firmware and control parameters from the program memory 38 and stores them in an internal storage unit (not shown). Based on the information read from the program memory 38, the operation of the entire camera is controlled. Note that control information, timing information, and the like between the system controller 22 and each component are exchanged via the system bus 40 of the system controller 22.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 10 can be connected to a personal computer 44 by being set in a dedicated cradle 42, and the image data recorded in the image recording memory 36 is stored in the personal computer. 44 can be taken in. The imaging unit 12 is provided with a USB jack 46 that can be connected to a USB connector (not shown) provided on the cradle 42. When the digital camera 10 is set on the cradle 42, the USB connector 46 has a USB connector. Connected. The digital camera 10 having the USB connector connected to the USB jack 46 transmits and receives data to and from the personal computer 44 via the USB controller 48.
[0018]
When erasing the image data recorded in the image recording memory 36, the digital camera 10 is connected to the personal computer 44 via the cradle 42, and the password is erased by inputting the personal identification code from the personal computer 44. Have been able to. That is, when the digital camera 10 deletes the image data recorded in the image recording memory 36, the digital camera 10 prompts the input of a password. The personal identification code is inputted from the personal computer 44, and the system controller 22 of the digital camera 10 collates the inputted personal identification code with the personal identification code recorded in the program memory 38 and the image recorded in the image recording memory 36. It is determined whether or not the user has an access right capable of erasing data. When it is determined that the user has the access right, the image data recorded in the image recording memory 36 is erased.
[0019]
Image data can be erased by providing a dedicated erase key on the digital camera 10 and pressing this erase key, or by using an operation dial or the like provided on the digital camera 10. You may make it call and execute.
[0020]
Further, the notification for prompting the input of the password may be displayed on the digital camera 10 provided with a liquid crystal panel, or may be displayed on the display of the personal computer 44 connected to the digital camera 10. Also good.
[0021]
The personal identification code is unique to each digital camera and is managed on the manufacturer side in correspondence with, for example, a serial number.
[0022]
Next, an operation when photographing is performed using the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0023]
First, when the photographer turns on the power of the digital camera 10, the firmware of the camera is loaded from the program memory 38 under the control of the system controller 22, stored in the internal storage unit of the system controller 22, and ready for operation. Become. When a release button (not shown) is pressed in this state, the subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 20 via the lens 16 is sequentially photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 and output to the signal processing unit 14. This image signal is amplified by an amplifier 24, converted to a digital signal by an A / D converter 26, subjected to predetermined signal processing by a digital signal processing unit 28, and then sent to a compression processing unit 30 for compression processing. Done. The image data compressed by the compression processing unit 30 is temporarily stored in the data buffer unit 32, then read out by the memory controller 34, and recorded in the image recording memory 36 in a predetermined format.
[0024]
Next, a camera recycling system using the digital camera 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0025]
First, the manufacturer entrusts the sales of the digital camera 10 to a store such as a supermarket, convenience store, or photo shop (step S1). The store sells the entrusted digital camera 10 (step S2), and the user purchases it (step S3). In the digital camera 10 sold here, the number of images that can be shot is set in advance, and the user performs shooting within the set range (step S4). After shooting, the user brings the camera to the photo store and deposits the camera together with the photo store to request printing (step S5).
[0026]
In the photo shop, first, the stored digital camera 10 is set in the cradle 42 (step S6), and image data is taken into the personal computer 44 (step S7). Then, the extracted image data is developed (step S8). After the development, the photo shop delivers the completed print to the user (step S9). On the other hand, the used digital camera 10 is collected by the manufacturer (step S10).
[0027]
The manufacturer first sets the collected digital camera 10 on the cradle 42 in order to erase the image data recorded in the image recording memory 36 (step S11). Next, the image data is erased. Here, when the deletion of the image data is executed, an input of a personal identification code is prompted, so the operator inputs the personal identification code from the keyboard of the personal computer 44 (step S12). The system controller 22 of the digital camera 10 collates the input code with the code recorded in the program memory 38, and determines whether or not there is an access right to erase the image data. If they match, it is determined that there is an access right, and the data recorded in the image recording memory 36 is erased (step S13). On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that there is no access right and the data is not erased. After this, the manufacturer inspects the parts, returns it to a completely reusable state, and again entrusts the sales of the digital camera 10 to the dealer.
[0028]
As described above, according to the digital camera of the present embodiment, since the data recorded in the image recording memory 36 cannot be erased unless a correct password is input, illegal reuse can be effectively prevented. can do. In addition, recycling can be systemized and an inexpensive recycled digital camera can be provided.
[0029]
Further, since the personal computer 44 can be connected via the cradle 42, the firmware and the like recorded in the program memory 38 can be easily updated using the personal computer 44.
[0030]
Note that the flow of the above recycling system is only one embodiment, and the recycling system may be established by a flow different from this. For example, in the above example, after taking a picture, the digital camera 10 is brought to the photo shop and the print request is made. However, the digital camera 10 is taken to the agency and the agency is requested for printing. You may do it. The agency sends the digital camera 10 requested to be printed to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer develops and delivers the print to the agency. The agency then delivers the print to the user. The manufacturer erases the collected image data of the digital camera 10 and returns it to a reusable state.
[0031]
Further, not only a print request but also a write request to a recording medium such as a CD, FD, or MD may be requested.
[0032]
Further, the cradle 42 may be sold, and the user may connect to the personal computer 44 and take in the image data. In this case, when requesting printing or writing to a recording medium, the image data may be sent to a photo shop, agency, or manufacturer via a network and ordered.
[0033]
In this case as well, when the data is reused, the data is collected by the manufacturer, the password is input, and the data recorded in the image recording memory 36 is erased. Then, set it to a state where it can be reused by the manufacturer.
[0034]
In the above embodiment, the personal identification code is unique to each digital camera, but may be common to all digital cameras.
[0035]
In the above embodiment, the image data is erased on the digital camera side. However, the image data may be erased on the personal computer side. For example, when software for deleting image data of the digital camera 10 is installed in the personal computer 44 and the image data of the digital camera 10 is deleted, the digital camera 10 is connected to the personal computer 44 via the cradle 42. Then start this software and erase it. When the software erases the data, the software prompts the user to enter a personal identification code. When the personal identification code is input, the personal identification code and the personal identification code recorded in the program memory 38 of the digital camera 10 are entered. To determine whether or not there is an access right. Then, it is configured to delete only when they match.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention. The same members as those in the digital camera according to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 50 of the present embodiment is provided with a detection switch 52. The detection switch 52 detects opening / closing of the exterior cover 54 of the camera.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 6, the exterior cover 54 of the digital camera 50 includes a front cover 54 </ b> A and a rear cover 54 </ b> B, and the imaging unit 12 and the signal processing unit 14 are accommodated inside the exterior cover 54. The front cover 54A and the rear cover 54B are integrated by screwing with a screw (not shown), and the inside can be opened by removing the screw.
[0038]
The detection switch 52 is disposed inside the front cover 54A, and is turned off when the contact 52A is pressed. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the rear cover 54B is attached to the front cover 54A, the detection switch 52 is turned off when the contact 52A is pushed by the pressing portion 54C formed inside the rear cover 54B. . On the other hand, when the rear cover 54B is removed, the pressing state by the pressing portion 54C is released, so that it is turned ON.
[0039]
The system controller 22 monitors ON / OFF of the detection switch 52. When the detection switch 52 is turned ON, the firmware stored in the program memory 38 is destroyed. That is, the program memory 38 has a built-in program for destroying the firmware. When the system controller 22 detects that the detection switch 52 is turned on, the program memory 38 is activated to destroy the firmware (on the software). Change the address of the to make it not work).
[0040]
According to the digital camera 50 of the second embodiment configured as described above, when attempting to open the exterior cover 54 for illegal purposes, the detection switch 52 is turned on at the moment when the rear cover 54B is removed, and the firmware The program that destroys is started and the firmware is destroyed. As a result, the digital camera 50 cannot be activated and cannot be reused. Thereby, unauthorized decomposition can be effectively prevented.
[0041]
Further, since the program memory 38 is composed of a non-volatile memory and can be rewritten, the digital camera 50 whose firmware has been destroyed can be used again by writing the firmware again on the manufacturer side. become able to. This makes it possible to provide an inexpensive recycling system that can be easily reused without replacing parts.
[0042]
At this time, since the digital camera 50 of the present embodiment includes the cradle 42, the firmware can be easily written by connecting to the personal computer 44 using the cradle 42.
[0043]
In this embodiment, the firmware is destroyed, but the control parameters (aperture, focus, zoom value, camera gamma correction value, matrix coefficient, etc.) may be destroyed. As a result, even if the camera operates, correct control is not performed and the camera cannot be photographed substantially.
[0044]
Similarly to the digital camera 10 of the first embodiment, the password can be erased by inputting the password, and if the wrong password is entered more than a predetermined number of times, the firmware is destroyed. It may be. This makes it possible to prevent the camera from operating when it is intended to be reused for illegal purposes without disassembling, and to effectively prevent unauthorized reuse.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the captured image data cannot be erased unless a personal identification code is input, unauthorized reuse can be effectively prevented. Further, if the exterior case is opened for illegal purposes, the program recorded in the memory becomes inexecutable, so that illegal disassembly and reuse can be effectively prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a digital camera according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a connection state between the digital camera and a personal computer. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a recycling system. Flowchart of recycling system FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an open / close detection mechanism of the exterior cover.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 12 ... Imaging part, 14 ... Signal processing part, 16 ... Shooting lens, 18 ... Aperture, 20 ... Solid-state image sensor, 22 ... System controller, 24 ... Amplifier, 26 ... A / D converter, 28 ... Digital signal processing unit, 30 ... compression processing unit, 32 ... data buffer unit, 34 ... memory controller, 36 ... image recording memory, 38 ... program memory, 40 ... system bus, 42 ... cradle, 44 ... personal computer, 46 ... USB jack, 48 ... USB controller, 50 ... digital camera, 52 ... detection switch, 54 ... exterior cover, 54A ... front cover, 54B ... rear cover, 54C ... pressing part

Claims (3)

Firmware for controlling the operation of the camera is recorded in the built-in nonvolatile memory , and is collected after image data is recorded by photographing within the range of the number of images that can be preliminarily set by the firmware, and is restored by erasing the image data. In a digital camera that is returned to a usable state ,
Detecting means for detecting that the outer case has been opened;
Means for detecting that the outer case has been opened by the detecting means, and destroying the firmware recorded in the non-volatile memory, making the execution impossible;
The digital camera is returned to a reusable state by rewriting the firmware in a nonvolatile memory in which the firmware is destroyed . Means for recording captured image data in a built-in nonvolatile memory;
Connection means connected to an external input means for outputting a personal identification code;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the nonvolatile memory has an access right capable of erasing the nonvolatile memory by inputting the personal identification code from the external input unit via the connection unit;
An erasure unit for erasing image data recorded in the nonvolatile memory when the determination unit determines that there is an access right after an erasure command from the external input unit or the digital camera;
The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising:   3. The digital camera according to claim 2, further comprising means for destroying a program recorded in the non-volatile memory and disabling execution when a wrong password is entered a predetermined number of times.

Images