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  Photo service system and digital cameraUSPTO Application #: 20060082654Title: Photo service system and digital camera Abstract: A photo service system according to the present invention is structured in an area such as a theme park. The photo service system comprises digital cameras that transmit image data of images captured by the digital cameras, base stations that receive the image data transmitted from the digital cameras, and an image processing part that prints the images according to the image data received by the base stations and sorts the prints of the images according to users of the digital cameras in a photo service center. (end of abstract) Agent: Mcginn Intellectual Property Law Group, PLLC - Vienna, VA, US Inventor: Tsuneo Sato USPTO Applicaton #: 20060082654 - Class: 348207200 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060082654. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to a photo service system and a digital camera, and more particularly to a photo service system in which a user transmits data of an image captured by a digital camera to a photo service center by wireless so as to order a print of the image in an area and the digital camera. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Conventionally, a digital camera stores image data of a captured image in a storage medium such as a smart medium. When the user wants the print of the image, the user needs to bring the storage medium to a photo shop (FDI service) in order to have the image printed. Japanese patent provisional publication No. 10-65889 discloses a digital camera that transmits image data through a phone without using a storage medium. The user selects or sets where to transmit the image data. [0005] When the user wants the print, the user needs to bring the storage medium to the photo shop or transmit the image data from a personal computer to the photo shop by e-mail. Thus, the print can not be produced soon after the shooting, and it requires complicated operation of the user. [0006] In addition, the structure of the conventional digital camera is complicated since it has a slot for the storage medium, a circuit for storing the image data in the storage medium, a circuit for setting various shooting modes, operation switches and so on. Thus, the digital camera is large and heavy and difficult to operate and is expensive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a photo service system in which a user can easily order a print of an image captured by a digital camera and take the print of the image soon after the shooting in an area such as a theme park, and the digital camera that is small and light and easy to operate and inexpensive. [0008] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is directed to a photo service system structured in an area, said photo service system comprising: a digital camera which transmits image data of images captured by the digital camera and identification information for identifying with the digital camera; a base station which receives the image data and the identification information transmitted from the digital camera; and a photo service center which prints the images according to the image data received by the base station and sorts the prints of the images according to the identification information received with the image data. [0009] According to the present invention, the users transmit the image data and the identification information to the base stations in the area, and the photo service center prints the images and sorts the prints according to the users. Thus, the users can easily order the prints and take the prints soon after the shootings. In addition, the area can differentiate itself from other areas if it has its original prints. [0010] The digital camera used in the photo service system only needs a function for capturing the image, a function for displaying the captured image and a function for transmitting the image. Unlike a digital camera on the market, the proposed digital camera does not need the storage medium, various shooting modes, various operating switches and so forth. Thus, the digital camera is easy to operate and small and light, and its cost is greatly reduced. In case the digital camera is rented to the user in the area, the user does not need to bring his or her own digital camera. In this case, the user never needs to risk damage to his or her own digital camera while carrying it, and the user can take photos even if the user leaves it at home. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The nature of this invention, as well as other objects and advantages thereof, will be explained in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures and wherein: [0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a photo service system according to the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of an image file; [0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing prints produced in the photo service system; [0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a structure of a digital camera; [0016] FIG. 5 is a back view of the digital camera; [0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an operation of the digital camera by a user in the photo service system; [0018] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a processing of a service provider; and [0019] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a method for setting an identification code in the digital camera. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0020] This invention will be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Continue reading... Full patent description for Photo service system and digital camera Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Photo service system and digital camera patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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