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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A digital camera has a memory for recording function and environment
of the camera upon every use thereof, or delivery of the camera
to users. The memory is kept without deletion to be a history of
the camera. The memory cannot be used by the user, but is take out
of the camera upon its recycle for transferring the memory to a
database or to a site of designing new cameras. The memory should
be taken out on the authorization of the user. If the memory includes
name, address, custom settings, user contract, password, or the
like, such memory may be transferred to a new camera of the same
user on demand. Used camera can be conveniently returned at a site
where commodities irrelevant to cameras are sold, which may prevent
illegal disposal of cameras.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A recycle method of a digital camera having a memory for storing
data other than digital image comprising the steps of: receiving
the digital camera returned from a user; confirming an authorization
by the user to take out the contents of the memory; taking out the
contents of the memory on the confirmation of authorization; and
putting the returned digital camera to a recycle.
2. The recycle method according to claim 1, further comprising
a step of transferring the taken-out contents of the memory to a
database.
3. The recycle method according to claim 1, further comprising
a step of transferring the taken-out contents of the memory to a
site of designing digital cameras.
4. The recycle method according to claim 1, wherein the putting
step includes a step of transferring the returned digital camera
to an site of recycling digital cameras.
5. The recycle method according to claim 1, wherein the confirming
step includes a step of taking a sign of the authorization out of
the returned digital camera.
6. The recycle method according to claim 1, wherein the data in
the memory is a history of the usage of the digital camera.
7. The recycle method according to claim 1, wherein the data in
the memory is a history of the delivery of the digital camera.
8. The recycle method according to claim 1, wherein the data in
the memory is peculiar to the user of the returned digital camera.
9. The recycle method according to claim 8, further comprising
a step of transferring the taken-out contents of the memory to a
new digital camera gotten by the same user.
10. The recycle method according to claim 8, further comprising
a step of transferring the taken-out contents of the memory to a
new digital camera to be gotten by the same user.
11. The recycle method according to claim 1, further comprising
a step of purchasing commodities irrelevant to the digital camera
with a transportation system and a step of selling the commodities
at a place where the digital camera is returned, wherein the putting
step includes a step of transporting the returned digital camera
with the transportation system.
12. A recycle method of a digital camera comprising the steps of:
purchasing with a transportation system commodities irrelevant to
the digital camera; selling the commodities; receiving the returned
digital camera at a place where the commodities are sold; and transporting
with the transportation system the returned digital camera to a
recycle.
13. The recycle method according to claim 12, wherein the selling
and receiving steps are carried out at a convenience store.
14. A recycle method with a computer for a digital camera having
a memory storing data other than digital image comprising the steps
of: taking out the contents of the memory of a first digital camera;
and transferring the taken-out contents of the memory to the memory
of a second digital camera.
15. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the data
in the memory is peculiar to the user of the first and second digital
cameras.
16. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the data
in the memory is the data set by the user of the first digital camera.
17. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the data
set by the user is a condition on the exposure.
18. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the data
in the memory is font data for display.
19. The recycle method according to claim 14, further comprising
a step of authenticating the user of the first digital camera.
20. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the all steps
are carried out at a place where the first digital camera is returned.
21. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the all steps
are carried out at a place where the second digital camera is gotten.
22. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the digital
cameras are connected with the computer by one of the wire and wireless
system.
23. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the digital
cameras are connected with the computer through a network.
24. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the computer
has storage for storing the taken-out contents.
25. The recycle method according to claim 14, further comprising
a step of deleting the taken-out contents in the storage.
26. The recycle method according to claim 14, further comprising
a step of transferring the taken-out contents of the memory to a
site of designing digital cameras.
27. The recycle method according to claim 14, further comprising
a step of deleting the contents of the memory of the first digital
camera after taking out the same.
28. The recycle method according to claim 14, wherein the transferring
step includes a step of converting the taken-out contents into a
form suitable for the second digital camera.
29. The recycle method according to claim 14, further comprising
a step of registering the second digital camera to a customer database.
Digital Camera Patent Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 10/173,311
filed Jun. 18, 2002. The entire disclosure of the prior application
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0002] The disclosures of the following priority applications are
herein incorporated by reference:
[0003] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-194208 filed on Jun.
27, 2001;
[0004] Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-203291 filed on Jul.
4, 2001;
[0005] Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-151788 filed on May
27, 2002; and
[0006] Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-172156 filed on Jun.
13, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] 1. Field of the Invention
[0008] The invention relates to a digital camera and a recycle
method thereof.
[0009] 2. Description of Related Art
[0010] In this field of the art, various types of proposals have
been made in relation to a recycle system of commodities.
[0011] For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications No.
9-154052, No. 2000-196931, No. 2000-228740 and No. 2000-253283 proposes
recyclable cameras. Further, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications
No. 2001-82744 proposes an improvement of recycling commodities.
[0012] On the other hand, a rental system is also possible to be
considered as a recycle system. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications
No. 10-154180, No. 2000-350132, No. 2001-94853 and No. 2001-135023
proposes various improvements in rental systems.
[0013] However, there have been problems and disadvantages still
left in the related arts, especially in managing information contained
within the returned or collected commodities upon recycle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In order to overcome the problems and disadvantages, the
invention provides a digital camera including a function unit operable
upon storage of the digital image, a memory that stores the status
of the function unit upon every storage of the digital image, and
an output of the contents of the memory to the outside of the digital
camera. The memory of status is kept without deletion to be a history
of the status of the function unit. Further, the user is forbidden
to use the output, but the output is to be used when the digital
camera is returned for a recycle
[0015] According to the feature of the present invention above,
the contents of the memory taken out of the digital camera through
the output can be well utilized. In other words, the contents of
the memory is transferred to a database, or to a site of designing
digital cameras. The transferred contents of the memory and the
statistics or analysis thereof would be a valuable feedback in planning
the design, production and recycle of the future model of digital
cameras. Examples of the function unit operable upon storage of
the digital image are an electronic flash unit and a zooming unit,
or the like. Further, examples of the status of the function unit
to be stored is a value with which the function unit operates, or
information representing whether or not the function unit operates
upon the storage of the digital image.
[0016] Further, according to the feature of the present invention
above, since a digital camera user cannot take out the contents
of the memory of the digital camera, any confusion in use of the
digital camera can be prevented. In order for a user of the digital
camera not to use the output, the output is of a special shape different
from a standard shape in common uses. Alternatively, the output
may be on a special protocol different from a standard protocol
in common uses, or the output may be covered.
[0017] According to a detailed feature of the present invention,
the memory of status is kept within the digital camera even if the
storage of digital image is removed from the digital camera. Thus,
the status of the function unit upon the storage of the digital
image is safely kept without deletion.
[0018] According to another feature of the present invention, a
digital camera includes a sensor of an environment of the digital
camera, a memory that stores the output of the sensor upon every
storage of the digital image caused by a release member, and an
output of the contents of the memory. Examples of the environment
sensor include a thermometer, a hygrometer, a barometer, a noise
meter and a global positioning. Thus, the history of the environment
of the digital camera is stored upon its usage.
[0019] According to still another feature of the present invention,
a digital camera includes a memory that stores the time when the
release member causes the storage of the digital image upon every
storage of the digital image, and an output of the contents of the
memory to the outside of the digital camera. The user is forbidden
to use the output. Accordingly, the history relating to time such
as frequency in use of the digital camera can be stored without
confusion in uses.
[0020] According to a further feature of the present invention,
a digital camera includes a memory that stores the history of delivery
of the digital camera, and an output of the contents of the memory
to the outside of the digital camera. The user is forbidden to use
the output. Accordingly, the history of delivery of the digital
camera from its shipment to the return can be stored without confusion
in uses.
[0021] According to another feature of the present invention, a
digital camera includes a first memory that stores data relating
to the usage of the digital camera, an output of the contents of
the first memory to the outside of the digital camera, and a second
memory that stores an authorization by the user to use the output.
When the authorization to use the output is not stored in the second
memory, the contents of the first memory is not taken out from the
returned digital camera. Accordingly, the contents of the memory
can be taken out from the collected digital camera without causing
a trouble with the user such as invasion of privacy.
[0022] According to still another feature of the present invention,
a digital camera includes a first member to cause a first function
relating to storage of a digital image, a second member to cause
a second function incapable of being caused by the first member,
a memory that stores information of the second function in response
to the second member, and an output of the contents of the memory
to the outside of the digital camera. The memory of the information
is kept without deletion to be a history of the second function.
Accordingly, the history of the operation other than the storage
of the digital image such as a playback of the stored digital image
can be stored.
[0023] According to a further feature of the present invention,
a recycle method of a digital camera having a memory for storing
data other than digital image is provided. The method includes the
steps of receiving the digital camera returned from a user, confirming
an authorization by the user to take out the contents of the memory,
taking out the contents of the memory on the confirmation of authorization,
and putting the returned digital camera to a recycle.
[0024] More specifically, examples of the data in the memory include
a history of the usage of the digital camera, and a history of the
delivery of the digital camera. The confirming step includes a step
of taking a sign of the authorization out of the returned digital
camera for example. Alternatively the confirming step may include
a step of directly asking the user for the authorization. An example
of the putting step includes a step of transferring the returned
digital camera to a site of recycling digital cameras.
[0025] According to the recycle method described above, the contents
of the memory can be taken out from the returned digital camera
without causing a trouble with the user such as invasion of privacy.
[0026] According to a detailed feature of the invention, the recycle
method further includes a step of transferring the taken-out contents
of the memory to a database, or a step of transferring the taken-out
contents of the memory to a site of designing digital cameras. Thus,
the contents of the memory of the returned digital camera is effectively
utilized.
[0027] In the method above, another example of the data other than
digital image to be stored in the memory is the data peculiar to
the user of the returned digital camera. An example of such data
is the customer information including one or combination of name,
address, custom settings, user contract, and password. According
to a detailed feature of the invention, the method further includes
a step of transferring the taken-out data peculiar to the user to
a new digital camera gotten or to be gotten by the same user.
[0028] According to the present invention, another recycle method
of a digital camera having a memory storing a data other than digital
image is provided. The recycle method includes the steps of purchasing
with a transportation system commodities irrelevant to the digital
camera, selling the commodities, receiving the returned digital
camera at a place where the commodities are sold, and transporting
with the transportation system the returned digital camera to a
recycle. An example of the place where the commodities are sold
is a convenience store. By the method, the a disused digital camera
can be returned while daily shopping, so that illegal disposal thereof
can be prevented.
[0029] According to the present invention, a still another recycle
method with a computer for a digital camera having a memory storing
data other than digital image is provided. The method includes the
steps of taking out the contents of the memory of a first digital
camera, and transferring the taken-out contents of the memory to
the memory of a second digital camera. The transfer of the data
from the first digital camera to the second digital camera according
to the above feature can save a troublesome manual input of the
data to the second digital camera otherwise necessary.
[0030] Other features and advantages according to the invention
will be readily understood from the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a rental system according
to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a rental center in detail
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system according to
a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the local
computer according to the second embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a charge system
for a digital camera rental system.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing construction of a digital
camera suitable for the above-described rental system.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a general center in detail.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing procedure of the cost control.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a system according to
a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing construction of a digital
camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a service system according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a table showing summarized fee structure and
fee adjustment.
[0043] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing construction of a digital
camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a collection service
system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a collection procedure carried
out by the computer.
[0046] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the construction of a
recycle system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing the inner
composition of the computer terminal.
[0048] FIGS. 18A and 18B are flowcharts showing the control procedure
carried out by the computer terminal of the recycle system.
[0049] FIG. 19 is an example of the selection page.
[0050] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the recycle system according
to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the control of the recycle
system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the control procedure of
the recycle system according to the eighth embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the rental procedure of
a rental system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the control procedure for
collecting digital cameras according to the rental system of the
ninth embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] A first embodiment of the present invention is described
below with reference to accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block
diagram showing a rental system according to a first embodiment
of the present invention in which digital cameras are distributed
as rental commodities. A number of rental centers 1 are dispersedly
arranged in a corner of a numbers of shops such as rental video
shops and convenience stores, in which customers 2 directly visit
nearby rental center 1 for borrowing or returning digital cameras.
In returning a digital camera, you are not necessary to bring it
to the rental center 1 where the digital camera was borrowed, you
can bring it any rental center 1 of the rental system.
[0056] As described later, image information recorded in the digital
camera is read out by the rental center 1 when the digital camera
is returned. The read out image information is returned to the customer
as requested in the form of printed image by a printer 1A such as
a silver halide printer. The customer may request in the form of
a CD-R on which the read out image information is recorded. In this
case, a CD-R on which the image information is recorded by a CD-R
driver 1B is delivered to the customer. The arrow 3 denotes a delivery
route whereby digital cameras and recorded media such as print and
CD-R are delivered to customers over the counter.
[0057] Moreover, with the consensus of the customer, the rental
center 1 reads out the using condition of the camera at the time
of returning the digital camera.
[0058] Database center 4 is connected with a plurality of rental
centers 1 by means of communication network 5. Although database
center 4 may usually be one in a single rental system, the database
center 4 may be divided into more than one according to circumstances.
Communication network 5 is the Internet or a dedicated circuit in
the rental system. On the basis of information from the rental center
1, customer database 4A records information of a new customer such
as name, address, phone number, mail address, and credit card number,
and issues customer ID number. In the case of a new customer, private
information such as age, sex, etc. is recorded on customer database
4A with the consensus of the customer. The private information is
strictly controlled by a contract with the customer. Moreover, customer
database 4A records and controls information regarding borrowing,
returning and using of each commodity to carry out statistic information
processing of each commodity on the basis of the information.
[0059] It is possible for the customer to ask rental system to
keep the read out image information. In this case, image information
is transmitted to the database center 4 through communication network
5 to be stored in the image database 4B. In accordance with a future
request of the customer, the stored image is transmitted to rental
center to deliver the customer prints or CD-R as required. Moreover,
it is possible for a customer to access directly to database center
4 through a personal computer to take a view of the stored image
of the customer and to ask to produce its print.
[0060] A logistics center 6 is connected to rental center 1 by
a distribution route 7 to make an exchange of digital cameras. Although
the logistics center 6 may usually be one in a single rental system,
the logistics center 6 may be divided into more than one according
to circumstances. Distribution route 7 makes it possible to exchange
digital cameras within a plurality of rental centers 1 in order
to have a proper assortment of digital cameras in each rental center
1 and to provide new models to each rental center 1. Distribution
center 6b exchanges digital cameras within rental centers 1 and
has a function of inventory control. Existence of the distribution
center 6b makes it possible that a customer can return a digital
camera to any rental center 1 different from where the digital camera
was borrowed.
[0061] Digital cameras returned to each rental center 1 are sent
to the logistics center 6 through the distribution route 7. In the
logistics center 6, digital cameras are cleaned, exchanged battery
and parts, and repaired broken portion in a recycle center 6A, and
returned to the rental center 1 from the distribution center 6b
through the distribution route 7. In order to control these exchanges
of digital cameras, each rental center 1 and the logistics center
6 are connected with a communication network 8. By the way, instead
of returning all cameras returned to the rental center 1 to the
logistics center, only those that need to be repaired in the recycle
center may be sent to the logistics center after carrying out preliminary
check in the rental center 1. In this way, digital cameras which
have no problems to rent out again can be immediately stored in
warehouse for providing another rental.
[0062] R&D, manufacturing and disposal center (hereinafter
called "general center") 9 takes charge of general function
including ordinary research and development, manufacturing as well
as disposal. Although the general center 9 may usually be one in
a single rental system, the general center 9 may be divided into
more than one according to circumstances. Moreover, a plurality
of functions of a general center 9 may be divided into a plurality
of centers locating in different locations.
[0063] The general center 9 is connected with the database center
4 by a communication network 10 to receive statistical information
of commercial distribution regarding mainly the customer database
4A. Commercial distribution information is, first of all, used for
production adjustment in the general center 9 such that digital
cameras increasing frequency in rental are increased production,
or those loosing in popularity are decreased/discontinued production.
Since commercial distribution information includes information regarding
personal information as well as purpose of using a digital camera,
these information as well as variation in quantity of distribution
can be reflected in R&D, manufacturing and disposal planning
of a next model. In the case of rental comparison with ordinary
sale, since marketing information can be obtained perfectly in real
time, the response to product planning becomes dramatically fast.
In addition, the response from the market can be obtained extremely
fast.
[0064] The general center 9 is connected with the logistics center
6 by a distribution route 11. Through the distribution route 11,
newly manufactured digital cameras are delivered to the logistics
center 6, and digital cameras unable to repair or increasing stock
because of loosing in popularity are returned from the logistics
center 6 to the general center 9 for the purpose of disposal. In
order to control the distribution of digital cameras, the general
center 9 and the logistics center 6 are connected by a communication
network 12.
[0065] Through the communication network 12, individual information
as well as statistical information regarding cleaning, parts exchange,
repair, etc. in the recycle center 6A are transmitted to the general
center 9. In the general center 9, the information from the recycle
center 6A are also reflected in R&D, manufacturing and disposal
planning of a next model. Moreover, information regarding cost down
of recycle process obtained in the work record in the recycle center
6A is transmitted to the general center 9 through the communication
network 12 to be reflected in R&D, manufacturing and disposal
planning of a next model.
[0066] In the rental system described above, digital cameras are
not disposed in the customer's level. Since disposal function of
the general center 9 is included in the product circulation, no
digital camera is come out from the rental system as a reject, so
that zero-emission for the global environment can be accomplished.
[0067] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the rental center 1 in
detail according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 2, a portion relevant to that shown in FIG. 1 is denoted
by the common reference number. Customer's terminal 21 is secured
enough numbers such that the customers visiting the rental center
1 are not necessary to wait. New customer inputs customer control
information such as name, address, telephone number, mail address,
credit card number, etc. by using any one of vacant customer's terminal
21 with the help of the display. Privacy information such as age,
sex, etc. is also input with the consensus of the customer. When
providing private information, the customer is awarded the privilege
of receiving a small token as well as information regarding coming
new product and new service suitable for the private information.
[0068] The information is transmitted to a host computer 23 through
a LAN 22. The host computer 23 communicates with the database center
4 through the communication network 5 and issues a customer ID number
on the basis of the communication. The customer can receive a customer
card formed on the basis of the customer control information and
the customer ID number from the customer's terminal 21. By the way,
instead of visiting the rental center 1, customer can receive the
customer card through home delivery by accessing to the database
center 4 directly from a customer's personal computer through the
Internet and filling in predetermined items.
[0069] The customer necessary for renting a digital camera makes
the customer's terminal 21 read the customer card to designate the
camera and inputs rental conditions such as rental period, etc.
The input data is transmitted to the host computer 23. On completion
of acceptance of the rental, the host computer 23 makes the customer's
terminal 21 issue an exchange ticket as well as makes a warehouse
25 send the designated digital camera to a delivery corner 26 through
a delivery means 24. The customer can receive the digital camera
at the delivery corner 26 by showing the exchange ticket. In order
for the customer to be able to return the digital camera to any
rental center, the host computer 23 transmits the customer's rental
data to the database center 4 through the communication network
5.
[0070] Various kinds of digital cameras are prepared in a camera
trial corner 27. A customer can use these digital cameras by way
of trial in the camera trial corner 27 prior to designate the camera.
In addition, an interactive terminal is arranged for guiding in
accordance with items how to use a digital camera for a customer
not familiar to digital cameras. On the display of the terminal,
an image of the digital camera that the customer is going to use
by way of trial is shown, so that the customer touches an operating
portion of the digital camera shown on the display where the customer
does not know how to use in comparison with the digital camera actually
holding in the hand. Accordingly, the request for explanation regarding
the operating portion is accepted, so that the customer receives
the explanation how to use the operating portion.
[0071] The using data of digital cameras by way of trial and the
using data of the usage guidance in accordance with items are monitored
by the host computer 23, and the information is transmitted to the
database center 4 through the communication network 5 to be recorded
in the customer database 4A. These customer information and its
statistic information are sent from the database center 4 to the
general center 9 to be reflected in R&D, manufacturing and disposal
planning of a future model. For example, an operating portion receiving
a lot of request for usage guidance is improved in a user-friendly
manner.
[0072] A customer visiting a rental center after finished shooting
makes a customer terminal 21 read-in the customer card and inputs
that the camera is brought back. When the customer only input that
the camera is brought back, it means default order that all image
data in the camera are to be printed and stored in the image database
4B. In the case of silver halide film, this corresponds to the order
of development and prints at the same time and to preparing for
additional order of prints. When a customer places a different order,
the customer inputs a desired image order in accordance with the
guidance of the customer terminal 21. After this procedure, the
customer returns the digital camera to the delivery corner 26. A
delivery means 28 delivers the digital camera from the delivery
corner 26 to a data readout terminal 29 whereby shot image data
and information of the camera usage are readout. The readout image
data and the information of the camera usage are sent to a local
server 30 to be stored.
[0073] Instead of above-described embodiment, it is also possible
that the digital camera is constructed to be able to receive an
image order with memorizing the data input from the customer terminal
21 on the occasion of rental. In the type of embodiment, on returning
the digital camera, the customer may just return the camera to the
delivery corner 26 not necessary to make the customer terminal 21
readout the customer card or to input return data and image order
data. In this case, the data readout terminal 29 reads out shot
image data, information of camera usage, return data, and image
order data to send the host computer 23.
[0074] After completion of readout, the digital camera is delivered
to the warehouse 25 by a delivery means 31. As described above,
the rental center 1 and the logistics center 6 are connected with
the distribution route 7, so that returned digital cameras are delivered
from the warehouse 25 to the logistics center 6, and digital cameras
to be rented are delivered from the logistics center 6 to the warehouse
25.
[0075] When the instruction of "print" is included in
the image order data, the image data is sent from the local server
30 to the printer 1A to print, and the print is delivered to the
delivery corner 26 through a delivery means 32. The customer can
receive prints when returning the digital camera. On the other hand,
when the instruction of "writing on a CD-R" is included
in the image order data, the image data is sent from the local server
30 to the CD-R driver 1B, and the CD-R on which the image data is
written is delivered to the delivery corner 26 through a delivery
means 33. Moreover, when the instruction of "keeping of the
shot image data" is included in the image order data, the image
data stored in the local server 30 is transmitted from the host
computer 23 to the database center 4 through the communication network
5 to be stored in the image database 4B. The information of camera
usage stored in the local server 30 is transmitted from the host
computer 23 to the database center 4 through the communication network
5 to be stored in the customer database 4B regardless of the order
cases. On this occasion, the information of data order is also transmitted
to the database center 4 as statistic information to be stored in
the customer database 4B in the same way.
[0076] The system shown in FIG. 2 may be concentrated in one location.
In this case, delivery means 24, 28, 31, 32 and 33 are not necessary,
so the delivery from the data readout terminal 29 to the warehouse
25 is carried out manually by a clerk. If the operation of terminals
such as the customer terminal 21 and the terminal in the camera
trial corner is carried out by clerks, all procedure can be completed
by the communication between the customer and the clerk on the delivery
corner.
[0077] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing commercial commodity providing
system according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
in which a digital camera as a commercial commodity is circulated
by using an existing convenience store system. A rental system 51
includes the rental center 1, the database center 4, the logistics
center 6, and the general center 9 according to the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 1. Since the detail of these construction is in common
with FIG. 1, the illustration using block diagram in each center
and the explanation of the function in the rental system 51 are
abbreviated. In addition, since the detail of the rental center
1 is in common with that in FIG. 2, the illustration and explanation
of the system except the host computer 23 and the delivery corner
26 are abbreviated.
[0078] In a convenience store system 52, a first store 53 and a
second store 54 are connected with a distribution center 57 by a
route 55 and a route 56, respectively, so as to be delivered commercial
commodities. Although only two stores are shown for the simplicity,
a lot of stores exist actually. The distribution center 57 acts
as a hub of distribution in the convenience store system 52 and
is connected with the a stock center 59 through a distribution route
58 so as to receive stock to be supplied to the stores and to return
commodities according to circumstances. In commodities right out
of the factory, commodities from a manufacturing center 60 are delivered
to the distribution center 57 through a distribution route 61. Customer
can purchase a commodity visiting near by store such as the first
store 53 and the second store 54 or placing an order through telephone
or communication system to receive at home 63 by home delivery through
distribution route 62. The distribution control and the payment
settlement are controlled in centralized manner by a system computer
64. In each block, not shown, such as the first store 53 in the
convenience store system, a local computer is arranged to exchange
data for delivery and payment settlement with the system computer
64.
[0079] In the second embodiment, the delivery corner 26 in the
rental center 1 in the rental system 51 is connected with the distribution
center 57 by a distribution route 65 of the convenience store system
52. The host computer 23 in the rental center 1 communicate with
the system computer 64 of the convenience store system 52 by a communication
network 66 acting as a window of the rental system 51 to carry out
delivery control and payment settlement.
[0080] At first, renting out a digital camera employing the convenience
store system 51 is explained. The digital camera ready to rent out
is delivered from the delivery corner 26 to the distribution center
57 through the distribution route 65 just same as other commodities
in the convenience store system 52, and is further delivered to
the first store 53, etc. by the distribution route 55. In this case,
the convenient store system 52 accepts claim of a "cost price"
from the rental system 51 just same as ordinary purchase. The convenience
store system 52 displays the digital camera at the first store 53,
etc. at a "sales price" added a margin to the "cost
price". For a customer, this "sales price" means
the rental cost of the digital camera and the cost for prints. Although
the rental and charge system is described later in detail, the system
according to the second embodiment is similar to the distribution
system of a "disposable camera" such that you obtain a
camera, "return" it to a lab after finished shooting,
and receive only images.
[0081] A customer requesting for renting out a digital camera visits,
for example, the first store 53, brings a digital camera from a
display in the first store 53 to a cashier similar to ordinary commodities,
and pay the "sales price". At that time, information in
the customer card in the rental system, a digital camera number,
the date, etc. are input to the local computer in the cashier of
the first store 53 to inform to the host computer 23 through the
system computer 64. In this case, when the payment is carried out
by using an IC card issued from the convenience store system, the
information can be input easily and the "renting out"
is completed with just the same labor for paying a bill of the other
ordinary commodities in the convenience store.
[0082] By the way, a customer may receive a digital camera by delivery
to the home 63 using the distribution route 62 of the convenience
store system 52 without visiting the first store 53.
[0083] The customer finished shooting returns the digital camera
to the cashier of the first store 53 or the like. The cashier of
the first store 53 inputs necessary information such as a digital
camera number, image order data, the way to receive prints and sends
the received digital camera to the delivery corner 26 via the distribution
center 57 through the distribution routes 55 and 65. The information
input into the local computer of the cashier of the first store
53 is transmitted to the host computer 23 through the system computer
64. In this case also, when the customer provides the IC card, the
necessary information can be in put easily. In addition, when the
image order data and the way to receive prints can be input in the
digital camera, the labor to input information at the first store
53 when returning the digital camera is alleviated.
[0084] By the way, the customer may return the digital camera to
the second store 54 not limiting to the first store 53 where the
digital camera was rented out. Moreover, the customer can return
the digital camera from the home 63 by using the distribution route
62. Furthermore, it is needless to say that the customer may directly
return the digital camera to the delivery corner 26 of the rental
center 1.
[0085] When the image order of a customer is not only the keeping
of the shot image data, the rental system 51 records the image data
in the form of print or CD-R according to the order to prepare providing
at the delivery corner 26. The prints or the CD-R is delivered to
the distribution center 57 through the distribution route 56, then
to the first store 53, the second store 54, or the home 63 in accordance
with the customer's instruction. In the case of delivering to a
store, the prints or the CD-R is kept in the store until the customer
visit to receive it.
[0086] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the local
computer in the first store 53 and the like according to the second
embodiment. The local computer deals with the rent-out control and
accounting of the digital camera rental system as well as accounting
procedure of ordinary commodities. In this embodiment, it is explained
such case as an example that the billing and payment are carried
out by the IC card issued to the customer registered to the convenience
store system.
[0087] When a customer brings a digital camera with other ordinary
commodities to the cashier and a provided IC card is inserted in
the slot of the cashier, the flow starts from the step S1. In step
S2, information in the IC card is input to the local computer and
the customer is identified. In step S3, information stored in the
barcode attached to each commodity brought to the cashier is readout
one after another by a barcode reader. In step S4, the commodity
is identified by the information readout by the barcode reader and
checked whether the commodity is a digital camera or not.
[0088] In step S4, when the commodity is not a digital camera,
it is ordinary commodity. Accordingly, the flow goes to step S8
for inputting the price of the commodity. In step S9, whether the
input of all commodities has been completed or not is asked. When
the in completion is input within a predetermined time, the flow
returns to step S3 for reading out information of the next commodity.
When the commodity is an ordinary commodity, the above-described
steps are repeated. When the completion is input in step S9, or
when a predetermined time period has passed without any input, the
flow goes to step S10. In step S10, each price is added up and the
total amount is charged. The charge information is input to the
IC card.
[0089] On the other hand, in step S4, when the commodity is a digital
camera, the flow goes to step S5 including communication with the
customer shown as below. By the way, when the commodity is a digital
camera, the information such as the ID number of the digital camera,
the maximum frame number to be able to shoot, etc. has been automatically
input from the barcode information readout in step S3 to the computer.
[0090] In step S5, the input date is automatically input as a rent-out
date and the prearranged restoration date is input based on the
customer's request. Unless otherwise specific request from the customer,
the date of one week after the rent-out date is automatically input
as a default value of the item. In step S6, the estimated frame
number to shoot is input on the basis of the customer's request.
Unless otherwise specific request from the customer, the maximum
frame number to be able to shoot readout from the barcode information
is also automatically input as a default value of the item.
[0091] In step S7, the date information input in step S5, the customer
information input in step S2, and the ID number of the digital camera
input in step S3 are output from the local computer as rent-out
control information to be transmitted to the host computer 23 through
the system computer 64.
[0092] In step S8, when the commodity is a digital camera, the
charge is automatically calculated and input in accordance with
the ID number of the digital camera, the rent-out date, the prearranged
restoration date, and the estimated frame number to shoot.
[0093] By the way, the order of process from step S5 to step S8
is not limited to the order shown in FIG. 4 and may be changed in
a suitable order. Moreover, in the case of an embodiment that the
rent-out condition of a digital camera is set uniformly and the
required information such as the charge is input as a fixed value
readout from the barcode information, the steps S5 and S6 are automatically
processed without hearing customer's request. The above-described
barcode may be printed on the face of the digital camera.
[0094] Another embodiment for obtaining good flow at the cashier
by eliminating the question to the customer in steps S5 and S6 can
be considered as described below. Although the kind of the digital
camera is the same, digital cameras are displayed on the convenience
store as a plurality of commodities having different barcode on
the package of the digital camera according to the rent-out condition
such as rent-out terms and the frame number to be able to shoot.
For example, one commodity shown in the display is attached a price
of 1500 yen for tree days of the rent-out term and 25 frames of
the frame number to be able to shoot, and another one is 2600 yen
for one week and 50 frames. In this embodiment, although various
"assortment" is required in accordance with the diversified
customer's demand, when the customer just selects a desired "commodity"
and brings it to the cashier, the required information in steps
S5 and S6 can be automatically input in an instant by reading out
the barcode.
[0095] As described above, the rent-out control and accounting
in the digital camera rental system is carried out in the flow of
the cashier in the convenience store system using an IC card.
[0096] When the system can identify a customer by using a credit
card other than an IC card, the rent-out control and accounting
in the digital camera rental system can be carried out in the accounting
flow of the above-described convenience store system. In this case,
step S10 becomes a process for drawing the price from a bank account,
etc. of a customer.
[0097] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a charge system
for a digital camera rental system. As shown in the column "designate
term of days" in the section "rental fee" in FIG.
5, although the rental fee is basically 200 yen per day, there are
discount courses such as 500 yen for 3 days and 2 nights, 1100 yen
for a week (8 days, until the same day of the next week), and 3500
yen for a month (until the same day of the next month). The longer
the term, the cheaper the fee. By the way, once the course is determined,
you cannot change after that. The fee for the excess date from the
course is 200 yen per day for all courses. The fee for keeping data
is free.
[0098] Usually, the fee at the time of rent-out is charged in accordance
with the course designated by the customer. However, it is possible
for an embodiment that the charge for one month course is uniformly
applied at the time of rent-out as a deposit for the rental, and
at the time of return the most favorable course for the customer
is applied, so that the difference is returned to the customer.
[0099] Although print fee is basically 50 yen per sheet, you have
to order at least 5 sheets, so that the minimum print fee is 250
yen. In addition, there are a 25-sheet course that 1000 yen for
25 sheets, and a 50-sheet course that 1500 yen for 50 sheets. When
you select these courses, a digital camera equipped with a memory
having a capacity larger than respective capacity is rent out. The
above-described courses correspond to a 25 frames shot and a 50
frames shot respectively when the film is ordered for development
and print at the same time in the silver halide film camera. However,
in the digital camera, it is not necessary to shoot all capacity,
so, in the 25-sheet course, at least 15 sheets may be ordered for
print. Accordingly, unnecessary print fee is adjusted by 40 yen
per sheet. As a result, the minimum charge for the 25-sheet course
is 600 yen. In other words, the 25-sheet course is a course that
prints from 15 sheets up to the number of sheets corresponding to
the full capacity by the rate of 40 yen per sheet. Likewise, in
the 50-sheet course, when the minimum sheet number of 30 sheets
print is ordered, the course allows to print by 30 yen per sheet.
[0100] When you order recording on a CD-R, a basic fee including
5 images recording is 1000 yen; 6 images and over costs 20 yen per
each image as an excess fee.
[0101] It happens often that an adjust amount in the print fee
and an excess amount in the CD-R recording are not clear at the
time of rent-out, so each basic fee is charged to the IC card of
the customer at the time of rent-out, and the difference is adjusted
including excess term charge in the rental fee at the time of return.
For example, when a customer uses a 50-sheet course for the term
of 1 week, the total fee 2600 yen is charged at the time of rent-out.
When the customer returns the digital camera with a 35-sheets-print
order without excess term, the print fee of 450 yen for 15 sheets
is paid back to the IC card of the customer. For another example,
when a customer uses a 25-sheet course for the term of 3 days, the
total fee 1500 yen is charged at the time of rent-out. When the
customer returns the digital camera with a 20-sheets-print order
with excess term of 2 days, the excess fee charge of 400 yen and
the print fee of 200 yen repayment for 5 sheets result in additional
charge of 200 yen to the customer's IC card.
[0102] The lower portion of FIG. 5 shows several cases of charges
based on the charge system. The first example is a case that a customer
returns the same day with the designated number of print. In this
case, 200 yen of the 1 day rental fee and 250 yen of the minimum
print number of 5 sheets make 450 yen of the minimum rental fee.
The fourth example is a case of the 3 days rental and a 25-sheets-print
course, so 500 yen of the rental fee and 1000 yen of the print fee
make 1500 yen of the total charge. In this case, the number of print
can be adjusted such as the minimum number of 15 sheets. Accordingly,
the print fee becomes 600 yen, so that the minimum fee becomes 1100
yen. The other examples can be understood likewise, so that the
explanation is abbreviated.
[0103] Although a limit is applied to the rental term in the case
of FIG. 5, a rental fee system may be possible as another embodiment
that the rental term is unlimited by paying a predetermined amount
of fee, and using within the warranty period of battery at customer's
responsibility. The manner of return in the embodiment becomes similar
to that in the disposable camera in the silver halide photography.
Although the disposable camera is not a rental commodity but a commodity
to be purchased, when it is returned to a lab after shooting, it
does not remain in user's hand but is recycled to be sold again
as a commodity, so that it actually has a distribution to be virtually
rented out for shooting and returned.
[0104] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing construction of a digital
camera suitable for the above-described rental system. The digital
camera is stored in a water-resistant housing 71 and the housing
71 is covered by a paper package 72. The water-resistant structure
of the housing 71 reduces the possibility for the inside structure
of the digital camera to be damaged by contingent treatment at unspecified
customer as well as makes cleaning easy when returning the digital
camera. However, the water-resistant structure is not explicitly
shown. The paper package 72 is used in expectation of getting dirt
and damage caused by a single rental, and is removed and changed
in consideration of cleanliness whenever the digital camera is returned.
[0105] On the paper package 72, windows are opened at respective
positions corresponding to a monitor output 73, an LCD display 74,
a operating portion 75, a view finder 76, a camera lens 77, a speed
light 78, and an environment sensor. The monitor output 73 and the
environment sensor 91 are exposed to the outside. A transparent
protection glass 79 covers a window corresponding to the camera
lens 77 to protect the surface of the camera lens 77 being optically
damaged. The protection glass 78 is also changed whenever the digital
camera is returned. A similar transparent protection glass also
covers the window corresponding to the view finder 76 and is changed
likewise. On the other hand, transparent films 80 cover windows
corresponding to the LCD display and the operating portion 75 in
order to be able to see from outside and to protect them to be got
dirt. In addition, the transparent film 80 is made to be flexible
to be able to operate the operating portion 75 from outside. The
transparent film 80 is also changed whenever the digital camera
is returned. A transparent film 80 also covers the widow corresponding
to the speed light 78 and is changed as described above.
[0106] The above-described embodiment makes it possible to endure
a plurality of times of rental with lowered possibility of getting
internal damage of the digital camera during rental. Operating position
where a customer's hands contact are constructed by low-priced material
for replacing every time of rental in order to rent out the digital
camera as a brand-new commodity in external appearance.
[0107] In order to lower cost, the camera lens 77 is a fixed focal
length not including a focusing mechanism. F-number is also fixed.
Exposure control is carried out by shutter speed of an electronic
shutter with the help of a gain control of the image sensor, which
is automatically controlled by a CPU 83 on the basis of a signal
from a light sensor, not shown.
[0108] The monitor output 73 is, for example, an AV output terminal
enable to monitor by outputting a shot image data to an AV input
terminal of a TV while renting out a digital camera. The monitor
output 73 may be a terminal for outputting image data to a monitor
display of a cellular phone instead of the AV output terminal. In
any event image signal from the monitor output 73 has relatively
small amount in image information in comparison with total shot
image signal so as to output to a monitor display within a short
time period, so that it is not enough quality to store in an outer
memory or make a print.
[0109] The LCD display 74 has simple structure, which is not an
image display, capable of displaying only letters and marks such
as discrimination between a shooting mode and a replay mode, the
remaining number of frames to be able to shoot, the frame number
output from the monitor output 73, and the frame number to be deleted.
Examples of buttons in the operating portion 75 include a button
used both as a shutter release button and an operating button, a
focal-length-exchange button, a mode exchange button, an image quality
exchange button, an up-and-down button for selecting a shot image
frame for deleting and monitoring it, and a numeric keypad. How
to use these buttons is printed on the paper wrappings 72 in the
margin of each window.
[0110] In the view finder 76, an wide-angle field frame is commonly
arranged. When the focal-length-exchange button in the operating
portion 75 is pressed, a telephoto field frame 82 is moved into
the visual field of the view finder 76 by operating a field control
mechanism 81. The operation exchanging the focal length to the telephoto
side by the operating portion 75 is sent to the CPU 83. Although
the focal length is exchanged only two steps, a telephoto and an
wide-angle, in this embodiment in consideration of the cost, the
number of steps can be increased in other embodiment or even a zoom
lens type can be applied, which the focal length can be exchanged
continuously without steps. In this case, the exchange in the field
frame may be multi steps or continuous steps, or a zoom optical
system may be introduced in the view finder 76.
[0111] The CPU 83 controls a CMOS image sensor 85 having about
3 million pixels capable of random accessing through an image sensor
controller 84 and inputs image signals from the image sensor. In
this case, when the focal length is set to the telephoto side, only
the pixels of a central quarter area of the image sensor corresponding
to the telephoto field frame 82 are readout to obtain a fictitious
telephoto image. On the other hand, when the focal length is set
to the wide-angle side and image quality is set to "normal",
a quarter of the whole pixels are read out with pixel skipping from
the whole area. In this manner, the embodiment functions as a digital
camera capable of shooting a telephoto image and a wide-angle image
having about 750 kilo-pixels. Moreover, when shooting a wide-angle
image, the whole pixels may be read out to obtain 750 kilo-pixels
by adding signals of adjacent four pixels instead of reading out
with pixel skipping. In this case, sensitivity is enhanced in comparison
with pixel skipping.
[0112] When the image quality exchange button is set to "fine",
the embodiment is used as a digital camera having three million
pixels instead of reading out with pixel skipping or adding signals
of adjacent pixels. By the way, in the telephoto state, it is prohibited
to set the image quality button to "fine", which means
the image quality of three million pixels. In this manner, when
the focal length exchange is not carried out, the present embodiment
functions as a high image quality digital camera having a semi-wide
angle of view with three million pixels.
[0113] In another embodiment, when a zoom lens is used as the camera
lens, a zoom digital camera having high image quality of three million
pixels in any focal length can be composed with relatively high
cost.
[0114] The CPU 83 controls the speed light 78 through a speed light
controller 86. The CPU 83 is connected with a memory 87, stores
shot images from the image sensor controller 84 into the memory
87, reads out images stored in the memory 87, and outputs them from
the monitor output 73 or a data terminal 88. The memory 87 is not
a removable recording medium such as a memory chip but is an ordinary
memory chip installed in a digital camera. Accordingly, the cost
for the recording medium itself can be reduced, omission of a card
driver can also reduce cost, and omission of a slot for inserting/removing
a memory card can reduce possibility of being damaged while renting
out.
[0115] The data terminal 88 outputs digital data of exact amount
of image information and information regarding camera usage stored
in the memory 87, has a special shape suitable for reading out with
a data-readout terminal in the rental center, and does not fit in
the input terminal of ordinary user's PC. Accordingly, the data
terminal 88 has structure that is covered by the wrappings 72 while
the digital camera is renting out as a rental commodity and is exposed
to be able to connect to the data-readout terminal only when returned
and torn the wrappings 72 off. On the other hand, the data terminal
88 may be constructed such that although the structure of the terminal
itself has common shape, the procedure of reading out is made to
be special in order to read out efficiently in the rental center.
In this case also, the data terminal 88 has structure that is covered
by the wrappings 72 while the digital camera is renting out as a
rental commodity and is exposed to be able to connect to the data-readout
terminal only when returned and torn the wrappings 72 off.
[0116] In another embodiment, it may be possible to construct such
that the data terminal 88 has a common shape such as USB terminal
to be able to read out from the ordinary user's PC, and is exposed
to outside by a window formed on the wrappings 72 in order to be
able to read out data from user's PC while renting out. In this
case, it is premised that customers care the image data by themselves
and that prints are made by customer's printer. However, rapid progress
of technology regarding PCs, printers as well as digital cameras
makes it difficult financially for ordinal customer to replace with
the up-to-date model. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, not only
rental business of digital cameras but also the image-data-readout
business for caring and printing are left to professional agents.
Accordingly, the customer can enjoy ultra-advanced quality.
[0117] A electric power circuit 89 supplies electric power from
a battery 90 such as two AA batteries to each portion of the digital
camera. Since the digital camera according to the embodiment is
designed as a rental commodity to secure enough electric supply
while renting out, it is not necessary for the customer to change
battery. Therefore, a cap for the battery case storing the battery
90 is covered by the wrappings 72, so that replacement of the battery
can be possible only when the camera is returned to the recycle
center and the wrapping 72 is removed. In order to control the battery,
the recycle center prints the date of battery replacement on the
wrappings 72 when the new wrappings 72 is applied after replacing
the battery. In a store of the convenience store system such as
the first store 53, not only the voltage of the battery but the
date of battery replacement are checked. A digital camera whose
battery was replaced more than a predetermined time period ago is
returned to the rental center as an expiration-of-best-before-date
commodity. By using the control method described above, only a digital
camera equipped with a battery having enough capacity capable of
operating whole rental period is rent out. The information of the
returned digital camera is used as the rate of turnover of the digital
camera as a rental commodity to the customer and as the state of
stock in the store such as the first store 53.
[0118] Since the information regarding the date of battery replacement
is also stored in the CPU 83, when the enough electric supply cannot
be guaranteed in comparison with the estimated return date, the
same model capable of being guaranteed is substituted. In addition,
the CPU 83 prepares warning regarding the state that the electric
power supply cannot be guaranteed comparing the date of battery
replacement, the estimated return date, and the date of renting
out and warning regarding exceeding the rental period. When image
information is output from the monitor output 73, the CPU 83 displays
the warning information superimposing onto the image information
to display on a TV screen.
[0119] Moreover, on observing image from the monitor output 73
shown on a TV screen, the customer can delete unnecessary image,
designate the number of sheets to be printed and the size of the
print by using the operating portion 75. The designated information
is recorded in the memory 87 through the CPU 83 in accordance with
a predetermined format. The designated information recorded in the
memory together with the image information is read out from the
data terminal 88 when returning the digital camera, so that the
designated print is carried out. The customer can revise the designation
of the print at the rental center when returning the digital camera
or input the designation of the print at the rental center when
returning the digital camera without inputting the designated information
in the digital camera in advance.
[0120] The data terminal 88 is also used in there cycle center
when checking the function of the returned digital camera. In the
recycle center, an inspection apparatus is connected to the data
terminal 88 of the returned digital camera, sends various inspection
signals to the CPU 83, and checks responses to these inspection
signals from the CPU 83 in detail. Accordingly, the functions and
quality of respective parts are evaluated in order to conclude whether
the digital camera can be recycled as a commodity.
[0121] In the environment sensor 91, sensors for easily detecting
any one or any combination of temperature, humidity, air pressure,
and noise, and a position information sensor on the basis of the
GPS system are arranged. Therefore, their outputs when shooting
is recorded with reference to the shot image. Moreover, the following
information is also recorded with reference to the shot image such
as output of the photo sensor for exposure control, whether or not
speed light is used, whether or not pseudo-telephoto is set, the
time of shooting, the time interval to the previous shooting, and
the designated number of sheets for the print. When the file number
of each image is given serially in accordance with a predetermined
rule, how many images had been there between the remained images
can be identified, so that the history of the deletion is also recorded
with reference to the remained image. These information is read
out from the data readout terminal together with the image information
when returning the digital camera, sent to the database center to
carry out statistical processing and analysis, so that the result
is reported to the general center to be reflected in R&D, manufacturing
and disposal planning of a next model.
[0122] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the general center 9 in
detail. As described before, the general center 9 receives feedback
from the database center 4 and the logistics center 6 through the
communication networks 10, 12, respectively, so as to reflect in
R&D, manufacturing and disposal planning of a next model. In
the general center 9, information is mutually exchanged to reflect
in R&D planning of a next model. As shown in FIG. 7, an R&D
department 9A, a manufacturing plant 9B, and a disposal plant 9C
in the general center 9 exchange information closely with each other
by the computer network so as to carryout total cost control throughout
the product's life cycle from R&D to disposal. Moreover, the
recycle center 6A located in the logistics center 6 has a recycle
plant which is included in the information exchange system in the
same way as the manufacturing plant 9B and the disposal plant 9C.
[0123] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing procedure of the cost control
and is explained with reference to FIG. 7. In step S21 in FIG. 8,
design data of a new model is sent from the R&D department 9A
to the manufacturing plant 9B, the disposal plant 9C, and there
cycle center 6A, respectively. In step S22, the production cost
of the new model is estimated by a computer 9E of the manufacturing
plant 9B on the basis of the production performance of the past
models and the design data of the new model. In step S23, the recycle
cost of the new model is estimated by a computer 6C of the recycle
center 6A on the basis of the recycle performance of the past models
and the design data of the new model. In step S24, the disposal
cost of the new model is estimated by a computer 9F of the disposal
plant 9C on the basis of the disposal performance of the past models
and the design data of the new model. The order of the steps from
S22 to S24 may be set arbitrarily. These steps may also be carried
out simultaneously. When all estimation have sent to a central computer
9G of the general center 9, the total cost estimation of the new
model is carried out by the central computer 9G in step S25.
[0124] In step S26, whether the total cost is cleared the target
cost of the business project of the new model or not is checked.
When the target cost has not been cleared, the flow goes to step
S27. In step S27, the central computer 9G sets the cost down target
for each of the manufacturing plant 9B, the recycle center 6A, and
the disposal plant 9C. In the procedure to set the cost down target,
upon receiving the information regarding voluntary cost down plan
from each computer of the manufacturing plant 9B, the recycle center
6A, and the disposal plant 9C, the central computer 9G may adjust
each plan. When each cost down target has been set and fed back,
cost analysis is carried out by each computer of the manufacturing
plant 9B, the recycle center 6A, and the disposal plant 9C and the
most effective item for cost down is extracted in step S28.
[0125] In step S29, the information regarding the extracted cost
down item is exchanged. For example, when a new equipment investment
is necessary for a disassembly process of a new model, and when
an indication is suggested that the design should be changed to
be able to disassemble by an existing equipment, the indication
is sent from the computer 9F of the disposal plant 9C to the central
computer 9G together with the designated delivery address. The central
computer 9G sends the indication to a computer 9D of the R&D
department 9A, the computer 9E of the manufacturing plant 9B, or
the computer 6C of the recycle center 6A in accordance with the
designated delivery address. Another example of cost down item from
the disposal plant 9C is that when a portion of a process is to
be changed from managerial request of the disposal plant 9C, the
disposal plant asks the central computer whether the change complies
with the design, the manufacturing, and the recycle of the new model
or not.
[0126] In the same way, when a rationalization item exists in a
manufacturing process, the information is sent from the computer
9E of the manufacturing plant 9B to the central computer 9G together
with the designated address. In accordance with the designated address,
the central computer 9G sends the information to the computer 9D
of the R$D department, the computer 9F of the disposal plant 9C,
and the computer 6C of the recycle center 6A. For example of these
information, there are such an inquiry to the R&D department
whether a design suitable for the rationalization in the manufacturing
process is possible or not, and an inquiry to the disposal plant
9C and the recycle center 6A whether the rationalization causes
cost up in the disposal process and the recycle process or not.
[0127] Moreover, when a rationalization item exists in a recycle
process, the information is sent from the computer 6C of the recycle
center 6A to the central computer 9G together with the designated
address. In accordance with the designated address, the central
computer 9G sends the information to the computer 9D of the R$D
department, the computer 9E of the manufacturing plant 9B, and the
computer 9F of the disposal plant 9C.
[0128] Furthermore, when a good designing idea for cost down comes
up, the idea is sent from the computer 9D of the R&D department
9A to the central computer 9G together with the designated address.
In accordance with the designated address, the central computer
9G sends the idea to the computer 9F of the disposal plant 9C, the
computer 9E of the manufacturing plant 9B, and the computer 6C of
the recycle center 6A.
[0129] As described above, when the information exchange regarding
cost down items has completed, in step S30 each division makes a
cost down plan on the basis of the information received from the
other divisions and submits it for exchanging with each other through
the computer network. For example, the reply for the designation
regarding design change for using existing equipment submitted from
the disposal plant 9C as described above is sent from the computer
9D of the R&D department 9A to the computer 9F of the disposal
plant 9C through the central computer 9G. Examples of the information
include an answer for the inquiry whether design change of the new
model according to the designation is possible or not, and an inquiry
whether the design change plan meets the request from the disposal
plant 9C or not. Moreover, examples of information sent from the
manufacturing plant 9B to the computer 9F of the disposal plant
9C through the central computer 9G include an inquiry whether the
change in the manufacturing process meets the request of the disposal
plant 9C, and a suggestion of the disposal method in view of the
manufacturing plant 9B. Further explanation, however, is abbreviated;
a response, a suggestion and a re-inquiry to the information of
the cost down item as shown in step S29 are carried out in step
S30. Specifically, the execution is carried out by the communication
between computers of respective divisions through the central computer
9G.
[0130] In the above-described case, although the direct information
exchange between two parties is explained, the information exchange
in steps S29 and S30 is not limited to this. For example, the indirect
information exchange may also be possible such that the manufacturing
plant 9B having received design data of the new product from the
R&D department 9A forms manufacturing information of the new
product on the basis of the design data, and sends the manufacturing
information to the disposal plant 9C. In this case, the disposal
plant 9C estimates a disposal cost on the basis of the design data
information of the new product directly received from the R&D
department 9A together with the manufacturing information of the
new product received from the manufacturing plant 9B as described
above.
[0131] The above-described indirect information exchange may happen
when estimating the recycle cost in the recycle center 6A. For example,
it is the indirect information exchange that the manufacturing plant
9B having received design data of the new product from the R&D
department 9A forms manufacturing information of the new product
on the basis of the design data, and sends the manufacturing information
to the recycle center 6A. In this case also, the recycle center
6A estimates a recycle cost on the basis of the design data information
of the new product directly received from the R&D department
9A together with the manufacturing information of the new product
received from the manufacturing plant 9B as described above.
[0132] Further explanation, however, is abbreviated; in steps S29
and S30, various kinds of information exchange may be possible between
the R&D department 9A, the manufacturing plant 9B, the disposal
plant 9C, and the recycle center 6A.
[0133] On completion of the information exchange in step S30, the
flow returns to step S22. In steps S22 through S25, the cost is
re-estimated in consideration of the information received in steps
S29 and S30. In step S26, when the re-estimated cost does not clear
the cost target, the steps starting from step S27 are repeated.
In this manner, the steps from S22 to S30 are repeated until the
cost target has been cleared. When the cost target is cleared, the
flow goes to step S31 to complete this flow.
[0134] In general commodity, the business cost includes development,
manufacturing, distribution, and sales. However, in the present
invention, the business cost includes those costs, in addition,
for returning the commodity, recycle, re-distribution, and disposal.
[0135] In FIG. 8, the business cost control triggered by the development
of the new product has been explained. The system shown in FIG.
7 burdens each division with the business cost control triggered
by making the parts use in common with a plurality of models. From
this point of view, information regarding planning and practice
of the cost down is transmitted from computers 9D, 9E, 9F of respective
divisions under control of the central computer 9G. The information
is obtained commonly within computers 9D, 9E, 9F of respective divisions
through the central computer 9G to be exploited in each division.
[0136] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a case that a digital
camera is distributed as an ordinary commodity not as a rental one
according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The logistics
center 6, the general center 9, the distribution routes 7, 11, the
communication networks 8, 10,12 are the same as the first embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, so the duplicated explanation is abbreviated by
attaching the same reference number.
[0137] In the third embodiment, a customer center 101 functions
as the sole window for a customer 102. At first, it sells digital
cameras to the customer 102 as a camera store. A delivery route
103 includes a case for sales on the store as well that for delivery
of an order. However, the delivery route 103 is not a one-way traffic.
On purchasing a digital camera, the customer 102 makes a maintenance
and disposal contract with the customer center 101. According to
the contract, the customer 102 returns the digital camera to the
customer center 101 through the delivery route 103 when performing
repair, conversion, upgrading, and replacement of the digital camera.
The returned digital camera is sent to the logistics center 6 through
the distribution route 7 and is further sent to the general center
9 through distribution route 11 to be disposed of if necessary.
These functions are the same as the first embodiment, so the detailed
explanations are abbreviated.
[0138] Although a customer can dispose of the digital camera by
oneself when it falls into disuse because of replacement or the
like, the cost of the disposal becomes higher than that of returning
to the customer center 101 with making the maintenance and disposal
contract. Assuming that arbitrary disposal disobedient to a predetermined
procedure is prohibited by law because of the global environment.
[0139] The customer center 101 may be located scatteringly in a
lot of locations as a store where customers visit directly. On the
other hand, the customer center 101 may be concentrated as a single
center when the sales pattern is non-store retailing such as mail
order and the Internet sales.
[0140] The system according to the third embodiment also carries
out various service business other than the sales of digital cameras.
The sales includes print service, service for writing on a CD-R,
service for keeping of the shot image data, etc. The customer 102
can enjoy the service by directly visiting the customer center 103
or by accessing to the customer center 101 from the customer's PC
through the Internet to receiver or transmit necessary image data
and image order data.
[0141] On purchasing a digital camera or applying the service,
new customer's customer control information such as name, address,
telephone number, mail address, credit card number, etc. is recorded
in the customer center and a customer ID number is issued. In the
case of a new customer, privacy information such as age, sex, etc.
is also input in the customer database 4A with the consensus of
the customer. Moreover, information regarding camera usage included
in the shot images with the consensus of the customer. These points
are the same as the first embodiment.
[0142] A service center 104 has a customer database 104A, a image
database 104B, a printer 104C, and a CD-R driver 104D. The functions
of these elements are the same as the first embodiment, so the explanation
is abbreviated. However, in the third embodiment, the printer 104C
and the CD-R driver 104D are arranged in the service center, so
that the print printed by the printer 104C or the CD-R recorded
image data by the CD-R driver 104D is sent to the customer center
through the distribution route 106 in accordance with the customer's
request. In the third embodiment, all windows in connection with
the customer are concentrated in the customer center, so that the
customer does not get lost. All communication necessary for the
service is exchanged between the customer center 101 and the service
center 104 through a communication network 105.
[0143] General center 9 takes charge of general function including
ordinary research and development, manufacturing as well as disposal.
Although the general center 9 may usually be one in a single rental
system, the general center 9 may be divided into more than one according
to circumstances. Moreover, a plurality of functions of a general
center 9 may be divided into a plurality of centers locating in
different locations.
[0144] It is the same as the first embodiment that the general
center 9 receives statistical information of commercial distribution
of the customer database 4A to reflect in R&D, manufacturing
and disposal planning of a next model. In this case, since the majority
of the sold commodity is collected through disposal, the market
information can be obtained.
[0145] In the third embodiment described above, since disposal
function of the general center 9 is included in the product circulation,
no digital camera is come out from the rental system as a reject,
so that zero-emission for the global environment can be accomplished.
[0146] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing construction of a digital
camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
The digital camera is circulate as a used-up-in-a-short-term commodity
on the basis of recycle such as a disposal camera not as a rental
camera. In the fourth embodiment also, it is considered as a standard
distribution mode that the digital camera storing digital image
information regarding shot images is returned including the camera
for print. However, since this is not a rental system, the property
right of the digital camera belongs to the purchaser. Accordingly,
it is the system that the user can dispose the used digital camera
at user's own responsibility after reading out digital image data
into a user's PC without returning it. In the explanation below,
the construction in common with the system shown in FIG. 6 is attached
with the same reference number and the duplicated explanation will
be abbreviated.
[0147] The digital camera shown if FIG. 10 is stored in a plastic
housing 201 and the housing 201 is covered by a paper package 72.
When the digital camera storing the digital image information regarding
shot images has been returned for the print and when the digital
camera is possible to be recycle after the image data has been read
out, the paper package 72 is removed and replaced.
[0148] On the paper package 72, windows are opened at respective
positions corresponding to a monitor output 73, a data terminal
202, an LCD display 203, an operating portion 204, a view finder
205, a camera lens 77, and a speed light 78. Different from the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each construction is exposed to outside
for the purpose of cost down.
[0149] The LCD display 203 is the same one denoted by the reference
number 74 in FIG. 6. The operating portion 204 has the similar construction
as the operating portion 75 shown in FIG. 6 except the focal-length-exchange
button and the image quality exchange button are left out. Moreover,
the view finder 205 has a very simple construction having only one
field frame in accordance with the camera lens 77 having an wide-angle
field of view without the focal-length-exchange mechanism.
[0150] An image sensor 206 uses a device having the highest cost
performance such as a CCD with about 2 million pixels. Information
of all pixels of whole area is always read out by the image sensor
controller 84 and the CPU 83.
[0151] In order to output digital data information having the same
quantity of image information stored in the CPU 83, the data terminal
202 is constructed with a commonly used data terminal such as USB,
so that an user can arbitrarily readout image data into the user's
PC or print out through the terminal. It is also possible for a
user to obtain the same effect of telephoto image obtained with
the system shown in FIG. 6 by oneself by using edit function of
the user's PC, cutting off the central portion of an original image,
and enlarging it. When a user has edited a shot image by using the
user's PC, the edit image can be returned to the memory 87 of the
digital camera through the data terminal 20. In this case, it is
possible to make a print order bringing a digital camera in which
the edit images together with ordinary shot images are stored.
[0152] The construction of the electric power circuit 89 and the
battery 90 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6. In the digital camera
shown in FIG. 10, the wrappings 72 cover a cap for the battery case
storing the battery 90, so that the customer cannot replace the
battery by oneself.
[0153] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a service system according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the service
system, an existing convenience store system 301 and an existing
print shop 302 work with a digital camera maker 303. By the way,
the digital camera maker 303 has a recycle function for a digital
camera. The convenience store system 301 has an ordinary stock and
distribution system and the distribution center 57 shown in FIG.
3 acts the function of a hub in the logistics system. The arrows
306, 309, 315, 314, 311, 312 described later denote distribution
using the ordinary stock and distribution system in the convenience
store system 301. Although the distribution system is actually carried
out through the distribution center 57 as shown in FIG. 3, for the
purpose of simplicity we do not make mention of this point in the
following explanation. The print shop 302 carries on the business
by receiving the print order on the basis of digital image data
from the customer and delivering the print to the customer by using
an existing home delivery service in response to the customer's
request. Likewise, the print shop carries on the service for keeping
digital image data in response to the customer's request. The fourth
embodiment is accomplished by the cooperation of the existing systems.
By the way, the convenience store system 301, the print shop 302,
the maker 303 have computers 301A, 302A, 303A, respectively for
the purpose of the cooperation to be able to communicate with a
bank 304 by a network such as the Internet.
[0154] The service system shown in FIG. 11 will be explained below
in order of distribution shown with the reference number (1) through
(9) attached to each arrow. At first, the convenience store system
301 lays in a stock of digital cameras from the maker 303 or a store
by using the ordinary stock route shown by an arrow 306. Composition
of the stock price and the way of payment will be explained later.
The stocked digital cameras are displayed in the convenience store
in the same way the other commodities are displayed.
[0155] A customer 305 purchases a digital camera as shown in an
arrow 307 and pays the price as shown in an arrow 308. As described
later, the price includes everything including print cost for the
digital image, so that the customer 305 purchased the digital camera
can enjoy every service without paying further. The payment of the
purchasing digital camera is made, for example, at the store of
the convenience store system 301 in cash. Without visiting a store,
the customer may purchase a digital camera by assuming that the
arrow 307 denotes the delivery by the distribution system of the
convenience store system 301 and the arrow 308 denotes the direct
debit of the bank account by a credit card.
[0156] An arrow 309 denotes the case that the unsold digital camera
is returned from the convenience store system 301 to the maker 303.
The return is made when the mode has become outdated to be unpopular
or when the capacity of the battery cannot be guaranteed because
of a long-term display on the store. This is the same as an expiration-of-best-before-date
commodity in the fresh food. Adjustment of an account on returning
is also described later.
[0157] The customer 305 purchased the digital camera returns the
digital camera stored digital images to the convenience store after
shooting and makes a print order as shown in the arrow 310. The
customer may make the order at the store of the convenience store
system 301 or may ask the distribution system for collecting the
camera. The convenience store system 301 delivers the digital camera
stored digital images to the print shop 302 by the distribution
system as shown in an arrow 311.
[0158] The print shop 302 reads out digital image information from
the received digital camera to make print. The completed print is
delivered to the convenience store system 301 for being delivered
to the customer 305 through the distribution system as shown in
an arrow 312. The customer 305 receives the completed print at the
store as shown in an arrow 313. The arrow 313 may denote the case
that the customer 305 receives the print by the home delivery through
the distribution system of the convenience store system 301.
[0159] On the other hand, the used digital camera having been read
out the digital image information is returned to the maker 303 through
the convenience store system 301 as a hub to be provided for recycle
as shown in arrows 314 and 315. The reason to go through the convenience
store system 301 is to prevent from making a new distribution route
between the print shop 302 and the maker 303 other than the convenience
store system 301. Accordingly, the arrows 306, 309, 315 are carried
out by the regular shuttle service of the convenience store system
301 reciprocally moving between the convenience store system 301
(specifically the distribution center 57 shown in FIG. 3) and the
maker 303. It is needless to say that a direct service that directly
delivers the used digital camera from the print shop 302 to the
maker 303 may be provided. Anyway, regarding the necessary distribution
of the service, the stock and distribution system of the convenience
store system 301 is effectively used.
[0160] Fee adjustment between the convenience store system 301,
the print shop 302, and the maker 303 is carried out between each
account in the bank 304 on the basis of the communication between
computers 301A, 302A, and 303A and the communication between each
computer and the bank 304. FIG. 12 is a table showing summarized
fee structure and fee adjustment in which the symbol marks .circleincircle.
and .largecircle. show a degree of relevance. The other points are
described in the FIG. 12.
[0161] As shown in FIG. 12, when a digital camera is stocked, the
maker 303 charges the total amount of a trade price of the digital
camera and a print fee to the convenience store system 301. Among
them, the print fee is a surrogate collection for the print shop.
In this case, delivery cost for recovering used camera carried out
by the convenience store system 301 in stead of the maker 303 as
shown in the arrows 314 and 315 is deducted from the total amount.
The symbol mark .circleincircle. in FIG. 12 denotes the final receiver
of the charge. When the digital camera is stocked, the final receiver
of the trade price of the camera is the maker 303. However, the
recovery cost of the camera is deducted as described above.
[0162] In the embodiment described above, when a digital camera
is stocked, the recovery cost of the camera is deducted from the
trade price for all cameras in advance regardless of whether the
camera is actually recovered or not. This has a shade of meaning
of a consignment fee from the maker in order for the convenience
store system to construct the system for recovering digital camera.
There is another embodiment other than that described above that
although the above-mentioned deduction is not carried out when a
digital camera is stocked, the convenience store system 301 charges
the maker 303 with the camera recovery cost in accordance with the
result when the recovery of the used camera as shown in the arrows
314 and 315 is actually happened. Anyway, the recovery of the camera
is consigned to the convenience store system 301 having the distribution
system from the maker and the camera recovery cost is charged to
the maker 303 by the convenience store system 301.
[0163] Then, at the time of camera sales, the convenient store
system 301 charges the customer 305 the summation of the sales price
(trade price and margin) of the digital camera, print fee, and print
service administration cost indicated by the arrows from 310 to
313 (including print delivery cost shown in the arrows 311 and 312).
Among them, the amount of the print fee is the same at the time
of stocking the camera. The final receiver of the margin and the
service administration cost at the time of camera sales is the convenience
store system 301.
[0164] In fee adjustment at the time of returning the camera in
comparison with the time of stocking the camera, only the relation
of the payer and the payee is reversed, but the fee structure or
the summation of the fee does not change. By the way, although the
print fee at the time of stocking the camera was a surrogate collection
by the maker 303, the print was not made at the time of returning
the camera, so that the convenience store system 301 as a final
receiver receives the refund including the print fee from the maker
303. Specifically, the fee adjustment is not carried out item by
item but the difference between the stock and the return is adjusted
collectively between the convenience store system 301 and the maker
303, for example, at the end of each month. In the example mentioned
above, full amount of stock price with respect to the returned camera
is refunded by the maker 303 to the convenience store system 301.
This is the case, for the purpose of simplicity, that all responsibility
for the sales of the digital camera is burdened on the maker 303,
so the convenient store system 301 does not take any risk. When
the responsibility of the product planning exists in the convenience
store system 301, the convenience store system 301 naturally bear
the loss caused by unsold commodity.
[0165] At the time of forming print, the print shop 302 charges
the print fee actually generated while printing to the maker 303.
The fee is the same as that collected by the maker 303 as surrogate
collection when the digital camera was stocked. The final receiver
of the print fee is naturally the print shop 302.
[0166] The print fee and the service administration cost are both
charged to the customer in advance on the assumption that the print
is carried out. This promotes that the used camera is recycled by
the maker 303 through the print shop 302 in order to accomplish
a zero-emission society. Not returning the digital camera means
that the customer has intentionally given up the print service,
so the customer owes the charge. Therefore, the prepaid print fee
and the service administration cost are divided between the maker
302 and the convenience store system 301, respectively, which bear
the risk for keeping the system.
[0167] By using the above-described business model, the convenient
store system 301, the print shop 302, the maker 303, and the customer
305 obtain the following advantages. In the convenience store system
301, digital cameras are expected as very promotable commodities
contributing to profit. Adding the print service administration
may increases turnover rate of the stock distribution system so
as to be able to lower the cost. Moreover, adding the print service
administration as an attraction is effective to increase sales of
all commodities.
[0168] The print shop 302 can secure large orders and save the
trouble of taking order and delivering print. As long as the print
order receives through the convenient store system 301, the print
shop 302 collects the print fee only from the maker 303 not from
the individual customer, so that accounting becomes simple.
[0169] The maker 303 can obtain an effective sales route and a
means for distributing the commodity without investing on its own
account. Since the customer 305 can make print order and receive
print by using distribution route of the convenience store system
301, the customer can receive the print with much less delivery
cost in comparison with making print order with delivering through
ordinary home delivery service.
[0170] As described above, working each existing system in cooperation
results in enhancing convenience for the customer as well as contributing
realization of a zero-emission society. Although the fourth embodiment
is not a rental system, the great portion of the digital camera
can be collected by making print order. Moreover, since the system
is not a rental system, it is not necessary for the maker 303 or
the convenience store system 301 to control rental commodities,
so that the print order may be controlled separately from the sales
of the digital camera.
[0171] In the above-described explanation, although the digital
camera distributing in the system according to the fourth embodiment
has the construction shown in FIG. 10, it is needless to say that
the digital camera may have the construction, for example, shown
in FIG. 6 not limiting to that shown in FIG. 10.
[0172] The digital camera distributing in the fourth embodiment
has the following merits over the disposal camera. The customer
can shoot again any number of times. The customer can confirm images
by using a TV before making a print order. The customer can ask
to keep the digital image data. The customer can read in the digital
image data to the customer's PC for processing it if necessary.
[0173] The business model cooperating with the existing systems
such as the maker, the convenience store system, and print shop
using the distributing system of the convenience store system does
not limit the object to the digital camera. It is possible for the
business model to apply to the distribution of the disposal camera.
When it is applied to the disposal camera, the service administration
cost being received by the convenience store system is not charged
at the time of sales shown in FIG. 12. It may be charged to the
customer when the customer brings a camera, finished shooting, for
making a print order or when the customer receives the print delivered
to the convenience store system.
[0174] Furthermore, the system shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 can be
applied to the rental commodity having the charge system such as
shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the maker shown in FIGS. 11 and 12
may be considered as the rental shop. The "stock of a camera"
may be understood as the stock for the rental. In this case, trade
price of a camera may be considered as "trade price of the
rental", so that it means the share for the rental shop in
the rental fee. The "sales of a camera" may be considered
as the "camera rental". In this case, the net rental fee
for a customer is the "trade price of the rental" added
by the margin of the convenience store system. The service administration
cost and the print fee is added to this as the same manner as the
fourth embodiment.
[0175] As described above, when the charge system shown in FIG.
5 is applied, the print fee in the state of the "stock of a
camera" and "camera rental" corresponds to the "basic
fee" in FIG. 5 and differs from the "print fee" actually
charged to the "rental shop" from the print shop at the
time of "making print". The procedure to return the difference
and additional charge for excess rental term are adjusted between
the customer 305 and the convenience store system 301 at the time
shown in the arrows 310 and 313 in FIG. 11. The fee adjustment is
carried out between the convenience store system 301 and the rental
shop (substitution of the maker 303) communicating between computers
301A and 303A and with the bank 304.
[0176] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing construction of a digital
camera according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
The component having the similar construction as FIGS. 6 and 10
is attached the same reference number so as to abbreviate duplicated
explanation. The digital camera 401 according to the fifth embodiment
is an ordinary digital camera, not a rental camera nor a disposable
commodity. The digital camera 401, however, is composed in consideration
of recycle and collection after being made redundant. Image data
is stored in a recording medium 404 such as a memory card capable
of attaching to a slot 403 for the memory medium, not in a memory
402.
[0177] Image data as well as usage data in connection with the
image data are stored in the memory medium 404. When a customer
uses the image data and the usage data stored in the memory medium
404, the image data and the usage data can be read out by removing
the memory medium 404 from the slot 403 and inserting to a slot
for the memory medium of an outside PC. Moreover, the customer can
read out the image data and the usage data by connecting the data
terminal 202 to an outside PC.
[0178] The memory 402 has a historical memory 405 that records
various usage data of the digital camera 401. Examples of data includes
the usage data being the same one stored in the recording medium
404, the output of the environmental sensor 91, output of the photosensor
for exposure control, whether or not speed light is used, whether
or not pseudo-telephoto is set, and the time of shooting. As the
usage history, not only the data when shooting but the history of
operation prior to shooting and the history of readout operation
using the operating portion 75 can be stored. Moreover, the dates
of shipment, wholesale, sales are also stored in the historical
memory 405.
[0179] The memory 402 has a customer information memory 406 that
stores various data regarding the customer. Examples of the data
includes customer's administration information such as customer's
name, address, telephone number, mail address, credit card number,
customer's setting data regarding shooting and image processing,
camera usage contract with the customer, and the password. The memory
402 has an agreement data memory 407 that stores the condition designated
by the customer to each information whether it is permitted to be
read out or not.
[0180] Each information stored in the memory 402 is kept in the
digital camera 401 after the information has been read out from
the recording medium 404 through the slot 403, so that the whole
usage history from shipment to collection of the digital camera
401 can be stored.
[0181] When a digital camera 401 is collected, each information
stored in the memory 402 is read out at the collected place in accordance
with the agreement stored in the agreement data memory 407, sent
to the database center to be statistically processed and analyzed.
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