JP2011097473A - Image transmitting apparatus, image providing system, server, method of controlling image transmitting apparatus, server control method, image transmitting apparatus control program, server control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify a user that an image of desired quality can be captured, at proper timing. <P>SOLUTION: A photo printer 1 comprises: an image creating section 16 for creating a plurality of transmission images having different image qualities from a captured image obtained by an imaging part 120 or an edited image obtained by editing the captured image; a communication control section 15 for transmitting the transmission images to a server 3 and receiving an electronic mail address; an image selection receiving section 17 for displaying a selection screen for selecting a mail transmission determination image from among the plurality of transmission images, and for receiving the selection; and a communication control section 15 for transmitting, to the server 3, selection image specification information specifying the mail transmission determination image and the received electronic mail address in association with each other, so as to transmit electronic mail to the electronic mail address when the server 3 completes capturing the selected mail transmission determination image received by the image selection receiving section 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image transmission apparatus, an image providing system, a server, an image transmission apparatus control method, a server control method, an image transmission apparatus control program, a server control program, and a recording medium. Is.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photography printing apparatus that provides a series of games in which a user is photographed in an amusement (game) facility such as a game center and the photograph is combined with a background image and output as a sticker print. It is installed and has gained popularity.

  In this photography printing apparatus, after photography is performed, it is possible to perform editing processing such as graffiti on a photographed image displayed on a display screen by a pointing device such as a touch pen. With this editing processing function, the user can change the background color and pattern, write characters, illustrations, and the like on the photographed image, and can create an original edited image.

  In addition, these photographed images and composite images obtained by editing the photographed images can be transmitted to a user's mobile terminal, or photographed images can be displayed on a site on the Internet operated by a photography and printing device manufacturer. There are also models in which a captured image and a synthesized image can be viewed and downloaded by transmitting a synthesized image and accessing the site with a mobile terminal.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a method for transmitting an image captured by an image processing terminal to a mobile terminal via a server.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for transmitting an original image created by a photo sticker machine according to the size of a display screen of a portable terminal after converting it into another image having a different aspect ratio.

JP 2001-313913 A (published on November 9, 2001) JP 2009-151698 A (released July 9, 2009)

  However, the above conventional configuration causes the following problems. That is, in the invention of Patent Document 1, since an image created by the image processing terminal is transmitted as it is to the mobile terminal via the server, the user cannot select the image quality of the acquired image. Also in the invention of Patent Document 2, the image created by the photo sticker is converted to the aspect ratio of the image in accordance with the display screen of the mobile terminal and transmitted to the mobile terminal via the server. Cannot be selected. In a game such as a photo sticker (image processing terminal), an image needs to be transmitted to the user's portable terminal as soon as possible. Therefore, an image with a small data amount (an image with low image quality) is transmitted. Thus, the user sees the acquired image on the mobile terminal and is disappointed that the image quality is poor.

  Even when an image with good image quality is created and transmitted, the amount of data of the image with good image quality is large, and therefore the transmission takes more time than expected by the user. Dissatisfaction increases.

  Further, in the above conventional configuration, an image created by a photo sticker (image processing terminal) is transmitted to a server, and the image is acquired by accessing the server with a portable terminal. In order to access the server from the mobile terminal and acquire the image, the image needs to be stored in the server. However, in the above-described conventional configuration, at what point in time the image is stored in the server. It is not disclosed whether the user is made to recognize.

  In particular, if multiple images are being sent to the server, the user can save the desired image to the server until the last image is saved on the server, even though the desired image is initially saved on the server. It is also possible that it is not possible to recognize that it is stored.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize an image transmission apparatus and the like that can notify at an appropriate timing that an image having a desired image quality can be acquired. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes a photographing unit that captures a user and obtains a captured image, and an edited image obtained by editing the captured image obtained by the photographing unit or the captured image. An image transmission apparatus that transmits an image to a server, wherein a transmission image creation unit that creates a plurality of transmission images of different image quality from a captured image obtained by the imaging unit or the edited image, and the transmission image creation unit Image transmission means for transmitting a plurality of created transmission images to the server, an e-mail address receiving means for receiving an e-mail address, and a selection screen for selecting a mail transmission decision image from the plurality of transmission images created by the transmission image creation means The image selection accepting means for accepting the selection and the server determines that the selected mail transmission is accepted by the image selection accepting means. When the acquisition of the image is completed, the selected image specifying information for specifying the mail transmission decision image and the e-mail address so that the e-mail is transmitted to the e-mail address received by the e-mail address receiving unit. Specific information / address transmitting means for transmitting to the server in association with each other.

  The image transmission apparatus control method according to the present invention further includes a photographing unit that photographs a user and obtains a photographed image, and the photographed image obtained by the photographing unit or an edited image obtained by editing the photographed image is a server. A method of controlling an image transmission apparatus for transmitting to a transmission image creation step of creating a plurality of transmission images having different image quality from a photographed image obtained by the photographing means or the edited image, and the transmission image creation step An image transmission step for transmitting the created plurality of transmission images to the server by the image transmission means, an email address reception step for receiving an email address, and a mail transmission decision from the plurality of transmission images created in the transmission image creation step A selection screen for selecting an image is displayed, and an image selection receiving step for receiving selection and the server selects the image selection. Selection for specifying the mail transmission decision image so that an e-mail is transmitted to the e-mail address accepted in the e-mail address acceptance step when acquisition of the selected mail transmission decision image accepted in the reception step is completed And a specific information / address transmission step of transmitting the image specific information and the electronic mail address in association with each other to the server.

  According to the above configuration or method, a plurality of transmission images having different image quality are created from a captured image or an edited image obtained by editing the captured image. Then, a plurality of transmission images having different image qualities are transmitted to the server, and a selection image for specifying a mail transmission determination image for transmitting an e-mail when the server completes acquisition among the plurality of transmission images. The specific information and the e-mail address are associated with each other and transmitted to the server.

  As a result, when the server completes the acquisition of the selected transmission image among the transmission images, an e-mail is transmitted to the accepted e-mail address. When the server completes the acquisition of the transmitted image, the fact can be received.

  Therefore, if the user selects a desired transmission image from among the transmission images as an email transmission decision image, an e-mail is transmitted when the server completes acquisition of the desired transmission image. Can be recognized when the server completes the acquisition of the image. That is, the user can recognize that the server has completed the acquisition of the desired image at an appropriate timing, not before the server completes the acquisition of the desired image, or after a while has elapsed since completion. .

  For example, if the e-mail includes information for accessing the transmission image selected by the user, the user immediately adds the selected transmission image to the selected transmission image after the server completes the acquisition of the transmission image. Can be accessed.

  Furthermore, in the image transmission apparatus according to the present invention, the server starts from the point in time when the image selection reception unit receives the selection of the mail transmission determination image according to the degree of congestion of the communication line between the apparatus and the server. Includes a transmission guide time determining unit that determines a transmission guide time that is a reference time until the time when the e-mail is transmitted to the e-mail address, and the image selection receiving unit transmits the transmission determined by the transmission guide time determining unit. The estimated time may be displayed on the selection screen.

  According to the above configuration, from the time when the transmission reference time determination unit receives the selection of the mail transmission determination image according to the degree of congestion of the communication line between the own device and the server. The transmission guide time, which is a guide time until the server sends an e-mail addressed to the e-mail address, is determined, and the transmission image selection accepting means determines the transmission guide time determined by the transmission guide time determining means Display on the selection screen.

  Thereby, since the user can recognize the estimated transmission time of the transmission image, the user can select the transmission image in consideration of the estimated transmission time. In addition, by causing the user to recognize the estimated transmission time in advance, even if it takes a time exceeding the user's assumption until the transmission image is transmitted to the server, the user's anxiety and dissatisfaction can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the image transmission apparatus according to the present invention, the transmission guide time determining means determines the transmission guide time according to the number of communication lines used among a plurality of communication lines connected to the server. It may be.

  According to the above configuration, the transmission guide time determining means determines the transmission guide time according to the number of communication lines used among a plurality of communication lines connected to the server. Can be determined. For example, if the number of used communication lines increases, the estimated transmission time will be lengthened, and if the number of used communication lines decreases, the estimated transmission time will be shortened. Is to decide. The transmission time of the transmission image is greatly affected by the usage status of the communication line connected to the server. Therefore, if the estimated transmission time is determined according to the usage status of the communication line, an accurate transmission reference time can be obtained. Can be determined.

  In addition, as a method of determining the transmission guide time according to the number of used lines, the number of used lines and the transmission guide time are associated with each other, and the transmission guide time in which the number of used lines is associated is determined. There can be mentioned a method and a method of associating a ratio of the number of used lines with a transmission guide time and determining a transmission guide time based on the ratio.

  Furthermore, in the image transmission device according to the present invention, the transmission reference time determination unit includes a plurality of transmission images created from the immediately preceding captured image or an edited image obtained by editing the captured image. The transmission reference time may be determined according to the time from when transmission is started to when it is completed when the last transmission image is transmitted.

  According to the above configuration, when the last transmission image is transmitted from among the plurality of transmission images created from the immediately preceding captured image or an edited image obtained by editing the captured image, the transmission is completed from the start. Since the estimated transmission time is determined according to the time up to the point in time, the estimated transmission time can be determined according to the time required to actually complete the transmission. As a result, a more accurate transmission guide time can be determined.

  In the time (transmission time) from the time when transmission is started to the time when transmission is completed when the transmission image (previously transmitted image) created from the previous captured image or the edited image obtained by editing the captured image is transmitted Accordingly, the estimated transmission time is determined if the previous transmission image and the transmission image transmitted this time have the same image quality (the data amount is almost the same), the transmission time of the previous transmission image is used as the transmission standard time. Is to decide. Also, if the image quality of the transmission image to be transmitted this time is lower than the previous transmission image (the amount of data is small), a time shorter than the transmission time of the previous transmission image is determined as the transmission guide time, If the image quality of the transmission image transmitted this time is high (the amount of data is large), a time longer than the transmission time of the immediately previous transmission image is determined as the transmission guide time.

  Note that the immediately preceding mail transmission determination image may be used as the immediately preceding transmission image. Furthermore, the time when transmission is completed can be recognized by obtaining a reception completion report from the server.

  Furthermore, in the image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, the image selection receiving unit is configured to select the transmission image so that the image selection receiving unit is displayed on the transmission destination terminal to which the email address received by the email address receiving unit is assigned. May be displayed.

  According to the above configuration, since the transmission image is displayed on the selection screen so as to be displayed at the transmission destination terminal, the user can send an e-mail when the transmission image of any image quality is stored in the server. Whether it can be received can be visually confirmed beforehand.

  Also, if the destination terminal that received the e-mail can acquire the image stored in the server, visually check beforehand what kind of image quality the destination image can acquire. be able to.

  Note that the display on the destination terminal may be the same size as the screen of the destination terminal or the same resolution as the screen of the destination terminal. May be. Further, information on the size and resolution of the display screen of the transmission destination terminal can be obtained by a known method.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the server according to the present invention obtains a plurality of transmission images having different image quality created from one captured image or an edited image obtained by editing the captured image from the image transmission device. An image acquisition unit that performs storage, a storage unit that stores a transmission image acquired by the image acquisition unit, selection image specification information that specifies a mail transmission determination image that is one of the plurality of transmission images, and the selection image Specific information / address acquisition means for acquiring an e-mail address associated with the specific information, and the image acquisition means for acquiring a transmission image specified by the selected image specific information acquired by the specific information / address acquisition means. Upon completion, the selected image acquired by the specific information / address acquisition means is access information that is information for accessing the transmission image stored in the storage unit. It is characterized in that it comprises a, and access information transmitting means for transmitting an email to the email address associated with a particular information.

  A server control method according to the present invention is a server control method including a storage unit that stores a transmission image acquired from the image transmission device, and acquires the plurality of transmission images from the image transmission device. Then, an image acquisition step stored in the storage unit, selected image specifying information for specifying a mail transmission decision image that is one of the plurality of transmission images, and an electronic device associated with the selected image specifying information When the acquisition of the transmission image specified by the selection information specifying information acquired in the specific information / address acquisition step is completed in the specific information / address acquisition step of acquiring the mail address and the image acquisition step, the storage unit stores Access information, which is information for accessing the stored transmission image, is matched with the selected image specifying information acquired in the specifying information / address acquiring step. It is characterized in that the Tagged addressed e-mail address includes an access information transmission step of transmitting an e-mail, a.

  According to the above configuration or method, a plurality of transmission images are acquired, and selection image specifying information for specifying a mail transmission determination image that is one of the transmission images is associated with the selection image specifying information. Get an email address. When acquisition of the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information is completed, access information for accessing the transmission image is transmitted to the e-mail address associated with the selected image specifying information by e-mail.

  Thereby, it is possible to notify the transmission destination terminal to which the e-mail address is assigned that the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information is accessible when the acquisition of the transmission image is completed. Therefore, it is possible to access the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information at an appropriate timing, neither before acquiring the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information nor after a while after acquisition. You can be notified.

  For example, if the user specifies a transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information, the user stores the transmission image in the specified transmission image among the transmission images stored in the server. After that, you can access it immediately.

  Furthermore, in the server according to the present invention, the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information is a low-quality image with low image quality, and the image acquisition is performed after the access information transmitting unit transmits the access information of the low-quality image. When the means completes acquisition of a high-quality image with high image quality that is another transmission image created from the original image of the low-quality image, the access information transmitting means It may be transmitted to the same e-mail address as the transmission destination of the access information of the low quality image.

  According to the above configuration, when the acquisition of the high-quality image is completed after transmitting the access information of the low-quality image, the access information transmission unit transmits the access information of the high-quality image. As a result, the e-mail destination terminal receives the access information of the low-quality image and can access the low-quality image, and then receives the access information of the high-quality image and accesses the high-quality image. be able to.

  Therefore, the user of the transmission destination terminal can first access the low-quality image and enjoy the image, and can access the high-quality image and enjoy the high-quality image.

  Even in an image providing system including the image transmission device, the server, and a mobile terminal to which an e-mail address received by the image transmission device is assigned and an e-mail is transmitted from the server, the above-described effects can be obtained. Can play.

  The image transmission device and the server may be realized by a computer. In this case, the image transmission device and the server are realized by the computer by causing the computer to operate as the respective means. In addition, a server control program and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the image transmission apparatus according to the present invention includes transmission image creation means for creating a plurality of transmission images having different image quality from a photographed image obtained by the photographing means or an edited image obtained by editing the photographed image. The image transmission means transmits a plurality of transmission images created by the transmission image creation means to the server, and further includes an email address acceptance means for accepting an email address and created by the transmission image creation means. Display a selection screen for selecting a mail transmission decision image from a plurality of transmission images, and the server completes the acquisition of the selected mail transmission decision image accepted by the image selection acceptance unit and the server that accepts the selection. When the e-mail address is received, the e-mail address is received by the e-mail address receiving means. A selected image specifying information for specifying the determined image, a configuration in which and a specific information address transmitting means for transmitting to said server in association with the e-mail address.

  The image transmission apparatus control method according to the present invention includes a transmission image creation step of creating a plurality of transmission images having different image quality from a photographed image obtained by photographing means or an edited image obtained by editing the photographed image. An image transmission step for transmitting the plurality of transmission images created in the transmission image creation step to the server by the image transmission means, an email address reception step for accepting an email address, and a plurality of pieces created in the transmission image creation step A selection screen for selecting a mail transmission decision image from among the transmission images of the image, and when the image selection acceptance step for accepting the selection and the server has completed the acquisition of the selected mail transmission decision image accepted in the image selection acceptance step E-mail address to the e-mail address received in the e-mail address reception step. To send, the method comprising the selected image specifying information for specifying the mail transmission determination image, the specific information address transmission step of transmitting to said server in association with the e-mail address, the.

  As a result, when the server completes the acquisition of the selected transmission image among the transmission images, an e-mail is transmitted to the accepted e-mail address. When the server completes the acquisition of the transmitted image, the effect can be received.

  Therefore, if the user selects a desired transmission image from among the transmission images as an email transmission decision image, an e-mail is transmitted when the server completes acquisition of the desired transmission image. When the server completes the acquisition of the image, it is possible to recognize that fact. That is, the user can recognize that the server has completed the acquisition of the desired image at an appropriate timing, not before the server completes the acquisition of the desired image, or after a while has elapsed since completion. There is an effect.

  In addition, the server according to the present invention stores, from the image transmission device, an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of transmission images having different image quality created from one original image, and a transmission image acquired by the image acquisition unit. Specific information for acquiring a storage unit, selected image specifying information for specifying a mail transmission determination image that is one of the plurality of transmission images, and an e-mail address associated with the selected image specifying information; When the address acquisition unit and the image acquisition unit complete acquisition of the transmission image specified by the selection information specifying information acquired by the specific information / address acquisition unit, the transmission unit stores the transmission image stored in the storage unit. The access information, which is information for the above, is sent by e-mail to the e-mail address associated with the selected image specifying information acquired by the specifying information / address acquiring means. An access information transmission means for a Configurations which comprises a.

  The server control method according to the present invention also includes an image acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of transmission images from an image transmission device and storing the acquired images in a storage unit, and a mail transmission determination being one of the plurality of transmission images. Acquired at the specific information / address acquisition step at the specific information / address acquisition step for acquiring selected image specific information for specifying an image and an e-mail address associated with the selected image specific information, and at the image acquisition step. When the acquisition of the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information is completed, access information that is information for accessing the transmission image stored in the storage unit is acquired in the specifying information / address acquisition step. And an access information sending step for sending by e-mail to the e-mail address associated with the selected image specifying information. .

  As a result, it is possible to notify the transmission destination terminal assigned with the e-mail address that the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information is accessible when the acquisition of the transmission image is completed. Play. Therefore, it is possible to access the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information at an appropriate timing, neither before acquiring the transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information nor after a while after acquisition. The effect is that it can be notified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of the present invention, is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a photographic printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the imaging | photography / editing image communication system in the said embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the said photography printing apparatus, (a) And (b) shows the external appearance of the said photography printing apparatus seen from a respectively different direction. It is a front view of the editing part of the said photography printing apparatus. It is a front view of the printing part of the said photography printing apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed the principal part structure of the server in the said embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flag address table memorize | stored in the flag address memory | storage part. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process in said imaging | photography / editing image communication system. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on the edit and transmission image display part of said photography photography printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen when acquiring a low quality image and acquiring a high quality image further in a portable terminal. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention and illustrating a configuration of a main part of a photographic printing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the server in said other embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the case of displaying transmission standard time. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a transmission standard time determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the transmission image selection screen displayed on an edit and transmission image display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the transmission image selection screen displayed on an edit and transmission image display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the transmission image selection screen displayed on an edit and transmission image display part.

[Embodiment 1]
One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Overall system configuration)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a photographing / editing image communication system (image providing system) 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the photographic / edited image communication system 100 includes a photographic printing / printing device (image transmission device) 1, a portable terminal (transmission destination terminal) 2, and a server 3.

  The photo-taking and printing apparatus 1 has a function for taking a photograph of a user (photographing function), a function for allowing a user to edit graffiti on a photographed picture (photographed image) (editing function), Image), a high-quality image and a low-quality image as transmission images are created from the photographed / edited image, and the created high-quality image and low-quality image are transmitted to the server 3. Along with the (image transmission function), when the server 3 completes the acquisition of the transmission images, a function (selection function) for allowing the user to select a transmission image for transmitting information for accessing the acquired transmission image by e-mail is provided. It is what. Note that all these functions are not essential. For example, a configuration in which the print function is omitted may be employed. Hereinafter, the photographed and printed apparatus 1 will be referred to as a photographed and edited image as indicating at least one of a photographed image (captured image) and an edited image (edited image).

  And the photography printing apparatus 1 provides a user with the above functions by collecting a fee from the user. In addition, a time limit is provided for each function, and the user uses each function within this time limit.

  The image transmission function is provided between the photographic printing apparatus 1 and the server 3 using known wireless communication or wired communication, or a combination thereof.

  The portable terminal 2 can communicate with the server 3 by known wireless communication. Thus, when acquisition of the transmission image selected by the user is completed among the high-quality image and low-quality image that are transmission images created from the captured and edited image, the electronic mail is received and the server 3 is accessed. The transmission image selected by the above can be acquired.

  When the server 3 stores the high-quality image and the low-quality image created from the photographed and edited image, and completes the acquisition of at least one of the high-quality image and the low-quality image selected by the user, the server 3 An e-mail for accessing the transmission image is transmitted to the portable terminal 2.

  Note that the server 3 and each photography printing apparatus 1 are communicatively connected by a communication line 400. Examples of the communication line 400 include a combination of a PHS telephone network and a dedicated line connection, but are not particularly limited. Similarly, the server 3 and each portable terminal 2 are connected for communication by a communication line 401. Examples of the communication line 401 include a combination of a wireless telephone network and the Internet, but are not particularly limited.

  With the above configuration, in the photographed / edited image communication system 100, when the server 3 completes acquisition of the high-quality image and the low-quality image created from the photographed / edited image photographed / edited by the photograph photographing / printing apparatus 1, The user can select a transmission image for transmitting an e-mail to the mobile terminal 2 by himself / herself. Then, when the server 3 completes the acquisition of the transmission image selected by the user, an e-mail is transmitted to the portable terminal 2, so that the user has confirmed that the server 3 has completed the acquisition of the transmission image having a desired image quality. It can be recognized at an appropriate timing, not before the server 3 acquires the image, but after a while after the image is acquired.

(Usage of shooting / editing image communication system)
A usage form of the photographed / edited image communication system 100 will be schematically described. The user plays a game using the photo printing apparatus 1 installed in an amusement facility or the like. In this game, the user takes a photograph and performs a process of writing the edited image on the photographed image, such as a so-called graffiti, as an editing process for the photographed image on the photograph-taking and printing apparatus 1. As part of this editing process, the user writes a desired picture or character with a dedicated pen, or selects a stamp and synthesizes the stamp pattern with the photographed image.

  Then, the photographed print device 1 prints and outputs a composite image obtained by combining the edited image with the photographed image, so that the user can obtain the printed matter as a game result. In the photographed / edited image communication system 100, the user selects a desired image from among the high-quality image and the low-quality image of the photographed and edited image, and accesses the server 3 from the portable terminal 2 to thereby take a photograph print A transmission image having a desired image quality is acquired from a series of photographed and edited images photographed by the apparatus 1.

  As described above, the user's game in the photo printing apparatus 1 is completed.

(Appearance of photo printing device)
Next, the external configuration of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). The photography printing apparatus 1 includes a photographing unit 120 that photographs a user's photograph, an editing unit 130 that allows the user to edit graffiti on the photograph (photographed image), and a photograph that the user has edited. And a printing unit 140 that outputs (edited image) to print paper. 3A shows an appearance from the photographing unit 120 side in the photographic printing apparatus 1, and FIG. 3B shows an appearance from the editing unit 130 and the printing unit 140 side.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the editing unit 130a. The configuration of the editing unit 130b is the same as that of the editing unit 130a, and is not shown here. The editing unit 130b is provided on the back surface of the editing unit 130a. Hereinafter, the editing unit 130 will be collectively described.

  The editing unit 130 is for executing an editing process such as graffiti on a captured image after the user finishes the shooting process by the shooting unit 120. The editing unit 130 includes a tablet storage monitor 131, a touch pen 132, and an audio output unit. 133 or the like. Each unit of the editing unit 130 is controlled by the control unit 10. Details of the above-described units will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the printing unit 140. In the present embodiment, the printing unit 140 is provided on the side surfaces of the editing unit 130 a and the editing unit 130 b, and thus FIG. 5 shows the side surface of the editing unit 130. The printing unit 140 prints an edited image after the user completes the editing process by the editing unit 130 on a sticker sheet, and discharges the printed sticker sheet. In this embodiment, print discharge ports 144a and 144b are provided on the side of the editing unit 130, and the sticker sheet of the edited image edited by the editing unit 130a is discharged from the print discharge port 144a and edited. The sticker sheet of the edited image that has been edited by the unit 130b is discharged from the print discharge port 144b.

  In the photographic printing apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, the user first enters the photographic space provided with the photographic unit 120 and executes a photographic process, and then the editing unit 130 (the editing unit 130a or the editing unit 130b). The editing process is carried out by moving to the editing space provided, and a series of processes of the game are enjoyed in such a flow that the printing unit 140 receives the sticker paper on which the photographed image or the edited image is printed in the printing space.

  As described above, the photographing and printing apparatus 1 includes the photographing unit 120 and the editing unit 130 in different spaces. Therefore, even when a set of users is performing editing processing in the editing unit 130, other users can start shooting processing. Thereby, it is possible to improve a rotation rate.

  In addition, the editing process in the editing unit 130 is basically provided with a time limit. On the other hand, the editing process time may be unlimited until another user enters the shooting process, and the time limit may be set for the editing process from the time when another user starts the shooting process.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the photography printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure including two editing units 130. The first editing unit 130a and the first editing unit 130 Two editing units 130b are installed facing each other. As described above, by providing more editing units 130 than the photographing unit 120, it is possible to disperse the processing time related to the editing process that is a bottleneck and improve the rotation rate. However, the photography printing apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration. The installation position of the editing unit 130 is not particularly limited, and the number of installations may be one editing unit 130. If the installation location can be secured, three or more editing units 130 may be provided. Good.

(Configuration of Photographic Printing Device-Overview)
Next, the operation of the control unit 10 in the photographic printing apparatus 1 and each unit of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a photographic printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a timer unit 5, a communication unit 6, a control unit 10, a storage unit 50, a photographing unit 120, an editing unit 130, and a printing unit 140. ing.

  The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the operations of the above-described units included in the photographic printing apparatus 1. The control unit 10 is configured by, for example, a PC (personal computer) based computer. And operation control of various composition is performed by making a computer run a control program. This program may be in the form of reading and using what is recorded on a removable medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be in the form of reading and using what is installed on a hard disk or the like. Further, when the control unit 10 is configured to be connected to a communication network such as the Internet, a mode in which the program is downloaded via the communication network, installed on a hard disk, and the like can be considered.

  The photographic printing apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 50 configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as the hard disk described above. Examples of the contents stored in the storage unit 50 include the control program, an OS (Operating System) program, various other programs, operation setting values in the camera unit 23, image data of captured images and edited images, and the like. Examples of the operation setting values in the camera unit 23 include white balance values set at the time of shipment of the photographic printing apparatus 1 and maintenance, various parameter values related to image processing when adjusting the contrast of the captured image, and the like. It is done.

  The imaging unit 120 executes an imaging process, and includes a coin processing unit 21, an illumination unit 22, a camera unit 23, a captured image display unit 24, a camera image display unit 25, and an operation unit 26. Although not shown here, the photographing unit 120 may include a voice output unit for performing voice guidance so as to prompt a user to perform an operation.

  The coin processing unit 21 performs coin insertion / return processing when collecting charges from the user. When it is determined that a predetermined coin has been inserted, the control unit 10 is notified. And the control part 10 will perform an accounting process, if the notification from the coin process part 21 is received. That is, the control unit 10 counts notifications from the coin processing unit 21 and controls various operations for the user according to the amount of money that the user has inserted.

  The illumination unit 22 functions as a photographic flashlight such as a strobe lamp at the time of photographing and also functions as a normal illumination. In the present embodiment, a flash lamp is used as the light source, but a light source that emits continuous light, such as a fluorescent lamp, can also be used. Further, a fluorescent lamp or the like can be provided as an auxiliary light source in the vicinity of the flash lamp. By using a continuous light source or an auxiliary light source, it is possible to infer a shot at the time of shooting from a live view image before shooting.

  The camera unit 23 mainly takes a photograph of a user as a subject, and is configured by a digital camera including, for example, a lens group, a diaphragm, a CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor, and the like. The camera unit 23 is configured to be able to switch, for example, a lens group to be used and an aperture so as to be able to cope with both whole body photography and close-up photography.

  The captured image display unit 24 provides a user interface to the user, and displays various images, various operation buttons, and the like. The operation unit 26 is an input device for inputting an instruction signal for the user to perform a game operation on the photo printing apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 is realized as a touch panel integrated with the captured image display unit 24. That is, a GUI screen such as operation buttons is displayed on the captured image display unit 24. When the display screen of the captured image display unit 24 is pressed by a user's finger (or a pointing device such as a touch pen), an instruction signal indicating a button or an image corresponding to the position is input.

  The photographed image display unit 24 is configured by providing a touch panel on the surface of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display element or a CRT, for example. By displaying the captured image captured by the camera unit 23 on the captured image display unit 24, the user can check the captured image. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 is configured as a touch panel provided integrally with the captured image display unit 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation unit 26 includes, for example, a numeric keypad or a cross key. You may comprise as input devices, such as a provided remote control and a keyboard.

  The camera image display unit 25 displays a real-time video captured by the camera unit 23, that is, a live view image before shooting. By displaying the live view image on the camera image display unit 25, the user can confirm the image in advance and start shooting.

  The editing unit 130 executes an editing process, and includes a tablet storage monitor 131 and a touch pen 132. The editing unit 130 may further include an audio output unit 133 and a coin processing unit 134.

  The tablet storage monitor 131 provides a user interface to the user, and includes an editing / transmission image display unit 34 and an operation reception unit 35. The editing / transmission image display unit 34 edits an image to be edited in the editing process (an image to be edited), a result of editing the captured image (a composite image), and a high-quality image created from the edit target image and the composite image. (Transmission image) and low-quality image (transmission image) are displayed.

  The editing / transmission image display unit 34 obtains information related to the display unit of the mobile terminal 2 from the mobile terminal 2 by a known method, and displays the high-quality image and the low image quality so that the information is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 2. An image may be displayed. In other words, the editing / transmission image display unit 34 acquires information about the display unit of the mobile terminal 2 (for example, the screen size and resolution of the display unit), and based on the acquired information, the screen size of the display unit of the mobile terminal 2 The high-quality image and the low-quality image may be displayed with the same size as the above, or the high-quality image and the low-quality image may be displayed with the same resolution as the number of pixels of the display unit of the mobile terminal 2.

  The operation reception unit 35 receives a user instruction signal input by using a pointing device such as a touch pen and transmits the received instruction signal to the control unit 10.

  The touch pen 132 is for a user to perform fine operation input on the tablet storage monitor 131 in image editing processing or the like, and is disposed near the tablet storage monitor 131. The user can select a button displayed according to the progress of the process or draw an image such as a graffiti by bringing the touch pen 132 into contact with or approaching the tablet storage monitor 131.

  For example, when the screen of the tablet storage monitor 131 is pressed with the touch pen 132, an instruction signal indicating a button or an image corresponding to the position is input to the inside of the photography printing apparatus 1. Thereby, the user can perform graffiti on the photographed image, press a stamp, or select a print target image to be printed.

  In the present embodiment, two touch pens 132 are provided to facilitate image editing by a plurality of users. However, only one is provided to simplify the configuration. You can also deploy 3 or more for 3 or more users.

  The audio output unit 133 outputs guidance voices and sound effects for various operations, and is provided at an appropriate position of the photographic printing apparatus 1. For example, a speaker is used as the audio output unit 133.

  The coin processing unit 134 performs coin insertion / return processing when collecting charges from the user. When it is determined that a predetermined coin has been inserted, the control unit 10 is notified. And the control part 10 will perform an accounting process, if the notification from the coin process part 134 is received. That is, the control unit 10 counts notifications from the coin processing unit 134 and controls various operations for the user according to the amount of money that the user has inserted.

  The printing unit 140 executes a printing process by printing a photographed image and / or an edited image selected as a printing target, and includes a printer unit 42. A seal paper 142 serving as an output medium for photographic prints is connected to the printing unit 140 in a zigzag manner and delivered as a seal paper unit 43.

  When image data to be output is sent from the control unit 10, the printer unit 42 prints on the sticker sheet 142 based on the image data. As the printer unit 42, for example, a sublimation printer is used. When a sublimation printer is used, a sublimation ink film is supplied as a set in addition to the sticker paper 142.

  The printing unit 4 is provided with an ID tag reader / writer unit (not shown), an ID tag is provided on the sticker unit 43, and the ID tag reader / writer unit writes various ID tag information on the ID tag and / or Or you may comprise so that it may read. In this case, the ID tag can be configured by an IC chip having a memory function. Examples of the ID tag information stored in the ID tag include a unique ID, the number of sheets, a sheet type, and ink-specific color information (when an ink film is set).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the seal sheet 142 is assumed to be a seal sheet including an adhesive sheet and a release sheet attached to the adhesive surface of the adhesive sheet. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present invention can be configured to use a paper sheet that is a normal paper medium instead of the sticker paper 142.

  The timer unit 5 is for measuring an elapsed time from a certain time point. Using the elapsed time measured by the timer unit 5, for example, time limit control in each process of the photographic printing apparatus 1 can be performed. A known technique can be employed as a method for the timer unit 5 to measure the time.

  The communication unit 6 is for performing data communication with an external device such as the server 3. Specifically, the communication unit 6 converts various data received from the communication control unit 15 into a signal format suitable for a wired or wireless communication network connected to the server 3 and transmits the data.

  Moreover, the photography printing apparatus 1 of this invention may be provided with the curtain part (not shown). The curtain unit provides a curtain as a background of the photographed image. Curtains with various colors and patterns are prepared, and can be freely selected by the user at the time of shooting, or can be automatically selected by the photo-taking and printing apparatus 1. The plurality of curtains are arranged so as to overlap the back of the shooting space (facing the shooting unit 120) (FIGS. 3A and 3B), and at the time of shooting, the selected curtain appears behind the subject. It is installed at the forefront. The installation of the selected curtain may be executed by a background control unit (not shown) of the control unit 10 controlling the curtain unit 27, or may be configured by the user manually.

(Configuration of photo printing device-details)
Next, the control unit 10 and the storage unit 50 of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 further includes a charging control unit 11, a shooting control unit (shooting unit) 12, an editing control unit 13, a print control unit 14, and a communication control unit (image transmission unit, e-mail address reception). Means, specific information / address transmission means) 15, image creation section (transmission image creation means) 16, and image selection reception section (image selection reception means) 17.

  The storage unit 50 includes a high-quality image storage unit 51 that stores a high-quality image created by the image creation unit 16 and a low-quality image storage unit 52 that stores a low-quality image created by the image creation unit 16. Note that a photographed / edited image storage unit (not shown) that stores a photographed image photographed by the photographing unit 120 and an edited image edited by the editing control unit 13 may be included. An editing image recording unit (not shown) for recording an editing image such as a background image, a frame image, or a stamp image provided in image editing may be included.

  The charging control unit 11 controls charging processing for the user.

  The photographing control unit 12 performs photographing processing by the camera unit 23 in accordance with an operation received through the operation unit 26. Further, the shooting control unit 12 controls the time limit for the shooting process based on the time measured by the timer unit 5.

  The editing control unit 13 receives the instruction signal transmitted from the operation receiving unit 35, performs various editing processes on the captured image captured by the capturing unit 120, and generates an edited image. The edit control unit 13 updates the edited image stored in the storage unit 50 and keeps it up-to-date every time the edit process is executed.

  The print control unit 14 controls the printing unit 140 to execute a printing process of a captured image and / or an edited image selected as a printing target.

  The communication control unit 15 reads out the high-quality image stored in the high-quality image storage unit 51 and the low-quality image stored in the low-quality image storage unit 52 to be transmitted to the server 3 and transmits them as transmission images. It transmits to the server 3 via the communication unit 6. Specifically, the high-quality image and the low-quality image are transmitted together with the respective image IDs. Note that for image transmission, the low-quality image is transmitted first, and the high-quality image is transmitted later.

  Further, the communication control unit 15 confirms that the image ID of the transmission image selected by the image selection reception unit 17 acquired from the image selection reception unit 17 and selected by the image selection reception unit 17 as a transmission image for transmitting an e-mail when acquisition is completed. Data with the transmission flag (selected image specifying information) shown is transmitted to the server 3. Further, the communication control unit 15 transmits data with an image ID to the server 3 that is addressed to the e-mail address received via the operation receiving unit 35.

  Here, the image ID is an identifier for identifying an image, and in the present embodiment, the image ID is configured by a unique number of the photography / printing apparatus 1, a photographing date of the image, and an image number.

  The image creating unit 16 uses a captured image captured by the capturing unit 120, a high-quality image of the edited image edited by the editing control unit 13, and a low-quality image having fewer pixels than the high-quality image as a transmission image. To create. Then, the created high-quality image is stored in the high-quality image storage unit 51 and the low-quality image is stored in the low-quality image storage unit 52.

  When the server 3 completes the acquisition of the image selection reception unit 17 to the editing / transmission image display unit 34, the user selects either a high-quality image or a low-quality image as a transmission image (mail transmission determination image) to be transmitted. A selection screen, which is a screen on which can be selected, is displayed and selection by the user is accepted. Then, the received selection content is transmitted to the communication control unit 15.

(Server configuration)
Next, the configuration of the main part of the server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the server 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the server 3 is configured to include communication units 301 a and 301 b, control units 302 a and 302 b, and an image storage unit (storage unit) 303.

  The image storage unit 303 includes a high-quality image storage unit 331 and a low-quality image storage unit 332. The high-quality image storage unit 331 stores the high-quality image and the image ID acquired from the photography printing apparatus 1 via the communication unit 301. Further, the low quality image storage unit 332 stores the low quality image and the image ID acquired from the photographic printing apparatus 1 via the communication unit 301.

  The communication unit 301 a is a communication device for communicating with the photography / printing apparatus 1, and the communication unit 301 b is a communication device for communicating with the mobile terminal 2.

  The control unit 302a further includes an image acquisition unit (image acquisition unit) 321, a transmission flag acquisition unit (specific information / address acquisition unit) 322, an e-mail address acquisition unit (specific information / address acquisition unit) 323, and a stored URL (uniform). resource locator) creation unit 324, URL transmission unit (access information transmission means) 325, and flag / address storage unit 333. The control unit 302b includes an access reception unit 326 and an image transmission unit 328.

  The image acquisition unit 321 acquires a high-quality image and a low-quality image from the photography printing apparatus 1 via the communication unit 301a, stores the high-quality image in the high-quality image storage unit 331, and stores the low-quality image in the low-quality image. The data is stored in the storage unit 332.

  The transmission flag acquisition unit 322 acquires an image ID with a transmission flag (selected image specifying information) from the photography printing apparatus 1 via the communication unit 301a. Then, the transmission flag acquisition unit 322 stores the image ID and the transmission flag in the flag / address storage unit 333 in association with each other.

  Further, the e-mail address acquisition unit 323 acquires an e-mail address associated with the image ID from the photography printing apparatus 1 via the communication unit 301a. Then, the e-mail address acquisition unit 323 stores the image ID and the e-mail address in the flag / address storage unit 333 in association with each other.

  The flag / address storage unit 333 stores an image ID, a transmission flag, and an e-mail address in association with each other as a flag / address table. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a flag / address table stored in the flag / address storage unit 333. In the uppermost example shown in FIG. 7, the transmission flag is set to the image ID (image identification information) having the unique number “xxxx”, the photographing date “090925”, and the image number “001” of the photography and printing apparatus 1. (If the transmission flag is set, “1” is written in the transmission flag column), and the corresponding e-mail address is “aaaaaa@xx.jp”. The same applies hereinafter.

  The save URL creation unit 324 creates a save URL for accessing the transmission image indicated by the image ID from the image ID and the transmission flag stored in the flag / address storage unit 333. In the present embodiment, the saved URL is a combination of data in which an image ID and a transmission flag are combined with information indicating a location where the transmission image is stored. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, a combination of “xxxxxxxx909250011” in which the image ID “xxxx090909001” is associated with the transmission flag “1” and information indicating the location where the transmission image indicated by the image ID is stored is combined. It becomes a save URL.

  When the image acquisition unit 321 completes the acquisition of the transmission image indicated by the image ID associated with the transmission flag acquired by the transmission flag acquisition unit 322, the URL transmission unit 325 displays the storage URL generated by the storage URL generation unit 324. The e-mail is sent to the e-mail address associated with the image ID included in the saved URL stored in the flag / address storage unit 333.

  Note that the URL transmission unit 325 may transmit the stored URL to an e-mail address of a device capable of browsing the web instead of the mobile terminal 2. Accordingly, when the user selects a high-quality image as a transmission image and browses the WEB on which the high-quality image is displayed by a device capable of browsing the WEB, the image with good image quality with less image blur and roughness. Can be viewed.

  The access accepting unit 326 accepts access to the URL from the portable terminal 2 via the communication unit 301b. Then, the access reception unit 326 transmits information indicated by the URL that the mobile terminal 2 is trying to access to the image transmission unit 328.

  The image transmission unit 328 acquires the transmission image indicated by the URL acquired from the access reception unit 326 from the image storage unit 303 and transmits the transmission image to the mobile terminal 2 that has accessed through the communication unit 301b.

(Processing Flow in Photographed / Edited Image Communication System 100)
Next, the flow of processing in the photographed / edited image communication system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of processing in the photographed / edited image communication system 100, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the edited / transmitted image display unit 34 of the photograph printing apparatus 1. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, when the photography printing apparatus 1 accepts the insertion of coins, the coin processing unit 21 performs coin processing (S1). Then, the photographing unit 120 takes a picture of the user (S2), and editing processing is performed on the photographed image by the editing control unit 13 (S3).

  Then, the image creation unit 16 creates a high-quality image and a low-quality image from the captured edited image (transmission image creation step) and stores them in the storage unit 50. The communication control unit 15 also creates the high-quality image and the low-quality image. Each image is transmitted to the server 3 together with the image ID (S4, image transmission step). In the server 3, the image acquisition unit 321 starts receiving the high-quality image and the low-quality image and the respective image IDs (S21, image acquisition step).

  Thereafter, in the photography print apparatus 1, a “mobile transmission game process selection screen” for selecting whether the photographed and edited image is transmitted to the portable terminal 2 or printed by the photography print apparatus 1 is displayed on the editing / transmission image display unit 34. Is displayed (S5). A screen example of the “portable transmission game process selection screen” is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9A, when an area 901 described as “mobile communication” is selected, the game editing image is transmitted to the mobile terminal 2 of the user, and when an area 902 described as “Pre Hall of Fame” is selected, This is a game in which a photographed and edited image is posted on a predetermined WEB site or the like by the photograph and print device 1 or voted for a photographed and edited image of another person posted.

  When the area 901 is selected, the “high quality image / low quality image display screen” is displayed on the editing / transmission image display unit 34 (S6). FIG. 9B shows a screen example of “high quality image / low quality image display screen”. As shown in FIG. 9B, the editing / transmission image display unit 34 displays selection screens 905a and 905b, which are screens having the same contents, divided into left and right. This is because when there are two users, each can select an image independently. Since the left selection screen 905a and the right selection screen 905b have the same contents, the following description will be made using the left selection screen 905a.

  On the selection screen 905a, high-quality images 910a to 915a and low-quality images 920a to 925a are displayed as transmission images. When the server 3 completes the acquisition, a transmission image for transmitting an e-mail is selected. When the determination button 930a is pressed, the image selection reception unit 17 sets a transmission flag for the selected transmission image (image selection reception). Step). Then, the communication control unit 15 transmits an image ID indicating the selected transmission image and a transmission flag to the server 3 (S7).

  When the transmission flag acquisition unit 322 of the server 3 acquires the image ID and the transmission flag, the storage URL creation unit 324 creates a storage URL for accessing the transmission image indicated by the image ID (S22).

  Thereafter, an “address input screen” for receiving the e-mail address of the portable terminal 2 is displayed on the editing / transmission image display unit 34, and the input of the e-mail address is accepted (S8, e-mail address reception step). A screen example of the “address input screen” is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9C, on the “address input screen”, an address input area 931a and a character key 932a for inputting an address are displayed. Then, when the user inputs an e-mail address using the character key 932a and presses the enter button 935a, the communication control unit 15 transmits the e-mail address to the server 3 together with the image ID. In addition, the structure which transmits image ID, a transmission flag, and an e-mail address at once may be sufficient.

  Then, when the e-mail address acquisition unit 323 of the photographic printing apparatus 1 acquires the e-mail address and the image acquisition unit 321 completes the acquisition of the transmission image in which the transmission flag is set (S23, specific information / address acquisition step) ), The transmission image is stored, and the URL transmission unit 325 transmits the storage URL to the email address acquired by the email address acquisition unit 323 (S24, access information transmission step).

  Thereafter, when the portable terminal 2 receives the saved URL (S41) and accesses the saved URL (S42), the server 3 accepts the access by the access accepting unit 326 (S25), and the image transmitting unit 328 receives the saved URL. The transmission image memorize | stored in the place shown is transmitted to the portable terminal 2 (S26).

  And the portable terminal 2 acquires and displays a transmission image (S43).

  Thus, the processing in the photographed / edited image communication system 100 ends.

In this embodiment, an example in which a high-quality image and a low-quality image are displayed side by side has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a switching button or the like is displayed to display only a high-quality image and a low-quality image. It is also possible to switch between only display and display. As a result, the number of images displayed on the editing / transmission image display unit 34 is reduced, so that the display of individual images can be increased.
(Example of screen on mobile terminal 2)
Next, a screen example on the mobile terminal 2 will be described. First, when the mobile terminal 2 receives an e-mail including access information of a transmission image selected by the user from the server 3, the mobile terminal 2 accesses the server 3 using the access information, and browses and stores the transmission image. It is. That is, when the transmission image selected by the user is a low-quality image, when the e-mail including the access information of the low-quality image is received, the low-quality image can be viewed and stored, and the transmission image selected by the user Is a high-quality image, the high-quality image can be viewed and stored when an e-mail containing access information of the high-quality image is received.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since both the low-quality image and the high-quality image are transmitted from the photography printing apparatus 1 to the server 3, even if the transmission image selected by the user is a low-quality image, If the server 3 has completed the acquisition of the high-quality image, it is possible to browse and store the high-quality image on the mobile terminal 2.

  A screen example of the portable terminal 2 when browsing and saving a low-quality image and further browsing and saving a high-quality image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen example when the mobile terminal 2 acquires a low quality image and further acquires a high quality image.

  First, the screen example 151 of FIG. 10 is an example of a screen on which the mobile terminal 2 has acquired the save URL 1201 (S41 of FIG. 8). In this state, when the save URL 1201 shown in the screen example 151 is selected, as shown in the screen example 152, the page of the image distribution service is displayed, and the low-quality image 1202 is displayed. Here, when the area 1204 in which “high-quality image GET” is described is selected, if the server 3 has not completed the acquisition of the high-quality image, “the high-quality image has not yet arrived. After a high-quality image acquisition is completed, an e-mail containing high-quality image access information is transmitted. On the other hand, when the server 3 has completed the acquisition of the high-quality image, as shown in a screen example 153, the member distribution guide page for the image distribution service is displayed. Here, when the membership registration 1205 is selected, a member registration page as shown in the screen example 154 is displayed, and when a registration button 1206 is selected after entering predetermined items, a registration completion page as shown in the screen example 155 is displayed. Is done.

  When an area 1207 described as “To TOP page” is selected on the registration completion page, an image distribution service member page as shown in a screen example 156 is displayed. On the image distribution service member page, a high-quality image 1208 is displayed. Furthermore, when acquiring a high-quality image, if an area 1210 described as “Click here for high-quality images” is selected on the member page of the image distribution service, six high-quality images as shown in a screen example 157 are displayed. The displayed image distribution service member page is displayed, and a high-quality image can be acquired. In addition, by selecting an area 1211 described as “Click here to save a low-quality image”, a page for acquiring a low-quality image can be displayed.

  In addition, when acquiring a low quality image, if an area 1209 described as “Click here for a low quality image” is selected on the image distribution service member page, six low quality images as shown in a screen example 158 are displayed. The displayed image distribution page is displayed, and a low-quality image can be acquired. In addition, by selecting an area 1212 described as “Click here to save a high-quality image”, a page for acquiring a high-quality image can be displayed.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the estimated transmission time of a high-quality image is determined based on the degree of congestion, which is the degree of congestion of the communication medium 400 between the photography printing apparatus 1 and the server 3. It is determined and displayed on the editing / transmission image display unit 34. Thereby, the user can recognize the reference time until the high-quality image is browsed, and can set a reference for selecting whether the image to be browsed and stored is a high-quality image or a low-quality image. it can.

  The configuration of the photographic printing apparatus 9 and the server 8 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the photographic printing apparatus 9. The photographic printing apparatus 9 is different from the photographic printing apparatus 1 in that the control unit 10 includes a transmission guide time determination unit (transmission guide time determination means) 18 and the storage unit 50 includes a transmission guide time determination table. 53 is included.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the server 8. The server 8 is different from the server 3 in that the control unit 302a includes a congestion degree determination unit 330.

  The congestion degree determination unit 330 determines the degree of congestion of the communication medium 400 from the number of lines used among the lines of the communication medium 400 connected to the server 8. Then, the determined result is transmitted to the photographic printing apparatus 1 via the communication unit 301a. The determination of the degree of congestion is, for example, “low” when the number of used lines is equal to or smaller than the first reference value, and “medium” when the number of used lines is larger than the first reference value and equal to or smaller than the second reference value. A case where the number of used lines is larger than the second reference value can be set to “high”. In addition, when the line between the photo printing apparatus 9 and the server 8 is not connected for some reason, the degree of congestion can be set to “abnormal”.

  The transmission guide time determination table 53 is a table in which the degree of congestion is associated with the transmission guide time. FIG. 14 shows a specific example of the transmission guide time determination table 53. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the congestion level, the transmission estimated time, and the display comment are associated with each other. For example, when the congestion level is “low”, the estimated transmission time is “about 10 minutes”, and the display comment is “the communication line has a margin now”. The same applies to cases where the congestion level is “medium”, “high”, or “abnormal”.

  The transmission reference time determination unit 18 transmits a high-quality image from the photography / printing apparatus 9 to the server 3 in accordance with the degree of congestion of the communication medium 400 between the photography / printing apparatus 9 and the server 8. The URL transmission unit 325 determines a reference time until the e-mail is transmitted to the user's mobile terminal, and displays it on the editing / transmission image display unit 34. Specifically, the degree of congestion determined by the server 8 is acquired, and the transmission standard time corresponding to the acquired congestion level is determined using the transmission standard time determination table 53. Then, the determined transmission guide time is displayed on the editing / transmission image display unit 34. In this embodiment, since the low-quality image and the high-quality image are transmitted from the photography printing apparatus 1 to the server 3, the estimated transmission time for the high-quality image is both low-quality image and high-quality image. It will be the time that is considered necessary for transmitting. Note that when displaying the estimated transmission time for low-quality images, the estimated time required for transmitting only the low-quality images may be used as the estimated transmission time.

Note that the transmission guide time determination unit 18 does not acquire the degree of congestion from the server 8, but from the high-quality image created from the previous captured image to the server 8 from the photo print device 9,
The degree of congestion may be determined based on the time required from the start of transmission of the last transmitted high-quality image to the completion of transmission, and the transmission reference time may be determined. Of the high-quality images created from the previous captured image, the user The congestion degree may be determined based on the time required from the start of transmission to the completion of transmission of the transmission image selected as the mail transmission decision image by determining the transmission standard time, or the transmission standard time without determining the congestion level May be determined.

  In addition, in the communication medium 400 between the photographic printing apparatus 9 and the server 8, when wireless communication is included, the congestion degree is “high”, and in the case of all wired communication, the congestion degree is “low” and the transmission standard is set. Time may be determined.

  Then, the editing / transmission image display unit 34 displays the transmission guide time determined by the transmission guide time determination unit 18 and the display comment associated therewith.

  Next, the flow of processing for displaying the estimated transmission time will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when displaying the estimated transmission time. Note that description of the same flow portion as that in the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 8 is omitted.

  When displaying the transmission standard time, after step S5 in FIG. 8, the transmission standard time determination unit 18 acquires the congestion degree determined by the server 8, and determines the transmission standard time (S501). When the determined congestion level is “low”, the editing / transmission image display unit 34 performs screen display A (S601). If the determined degree of congestion is “medium”, screen display B is performed (S602). Similarly, when the determined congestion level is “high”, screen display C is performed (S603), and when the determined congestion level is “abnormal”, screen display D is performed (S604). Here, screen display A is a display screen corresponding to the congestion level “low” in the transmission guide time determination table 53, the transmission guide time is “about 10 minutes”, and the display comment is “There is a margin in the communication line now”. It is a screen to display. Similarly, the screen display B is a display screen corresponding to the congestion degree “medium” in the transmission guide time determination table 53, the transmission guide time is “about 1 hour”, and the display comment is “the communication line is currently busy. This is a screen that displays " Similarly, the screen display C is a display screen corresponding to the congestion degree “high” in the transmission guide time determination table 53, and the screen display D is a display screen corresponding to the congestion degree “abnormal” in the transmission guide time determination table 53. It is. For example, FIG. 15 described below is an example of the screen display B.

(Screen example in the photo printing device 9)
Next, screen examples of the transmission image selection screen displayed on the editing / transmission image display unit 34 in the case of displaying the reference transmission time will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17 are explanatory diagrams illustrating screen examples of a transmission image selection screen displayed on the editing / transmission image display unit 34, respectively. 15 to 17, the same screen is displayed on the left and right of the editing / transmission image display unit 34. This is because each user independently performs screen operations when there are two users, and since the contents are the same, only the left screen will be described here.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the selection screen 1701a displays a high-quality image and a low-quality image as candidates for an image to be transmitted. Is displayed, and “approx. 1 hour” is displayed in the transmission reference time display field 1702a. This is a display corresponding to the case where the congestion degree determination unit 330 determines that the congestion degree is “medium”. Thereby, the user can recognize that it takes about one hour when a high-quality image is selected. Therefore, if the user wants to view and save the shot and edited image immediately, select the low-quality image, and if it wants to view and save the high-quality image because it may take time, select the high-quality image. It can be said.

  Moreover, a screen as shown in FIG. 16 may be used. In the screen example shown in FIG. 16, the shortest transmission time is displayed first, and a screen 1801 for selecting whether to acquire a high-quality image or a low-quality image is displayed (FIG. 16A). When a high-quality image is selected, a selection screen 1803a that displays only the high-quality image is displayed as shown in FIG. 16C. When a low-quality image is selected, FIG. 16B is displayed. As shown, a selection screen 1802a for displaying only low-quality images is displayed.

  Further, when the degree of congestion is low, only a high quality image may be displayed without displaying a low quality image. FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen that displays only high-quality images. In the screen example shown in FIG. 17, a selection screen 1901a on which only high-quality images are displayed is displayed.

  For example, when the photography printing apparatus 1 (9) and the communication medium 400 are connected by wireless communication, the user does not select the high-quality image and the low-quality image, but only the low-quality image. It may be configured to transmit a high quality image when the user joins a member site such as an image distribution service at a later date.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of the photographic printing apparatus 1 (9) and the server 3 (8), in particular, the charging control unit 11, the shooting control unit 12, the editing control unit 13, the print control unit 14, and the communication control included in the control unit 10 15, image creation unit 16, image selection reception unit 17, transmission guide time determination unit 18, image acquisition unit 321 included in control unit 302, transmission flag acquisition unit 322, e-mail address acquisition unit 323, storage URL creation unit 324 The URL transmission unit 325, the access reception unit 326, the image search unit 327, the image transmission unit 328, the transmission image creation unit 329, and the congestion degree determination unit 330 may be configured by hardware logic as follows. You may implement | achieve by software using CPU (central processing unit).

  That is, the photography printing apparatus 1 (9) and the server 3 (8) include a CPU that executes instructions of a control program for realizing each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and a RAM that expands the program. (Random access memory), a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is to provide program codes (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of control programs for the photographic printing apparatus 1 (9) and the server 3 (8) which are software for realizing the functions described above. A recording medium recorded so as to be readable by a computer is supplied to the photographic printing apparatus 1 (9) and the server 3 (8), and the computer (or CPU or MPU (microprocessor unit)) is recorded on the recording medium. This can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, a CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) / MO (magneto-optical) / Disk systems including optical disks such as MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (digital versatile disk) / CD-R (CD Recordable), card systems such as IC cards (including memory cards) / optical cards, or mask ROM / EPROM ( An erasable programmable read-only memory) / EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory) / semiconductor memory system such as a flash ROM can be used.

  Further, the photographic printing apparatus 1 (9) and the server 3 (8) may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN (local area network), ISDN (integrated services digital network), VAN (value-added network), CATV (community antenna television) communication. A network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, etc. can be used. In addition, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, IEEE (institute of electrical and electronic engineers) 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL (asynchronous digital subscriber loop) line Wireless such as IrDA (infrared data association) and remote control such as remote control, Bluetooth (registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR (high data rate), mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, etc. But it is available. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  Since a plurality of transmission images having different image qualities are created from the captured and edited images, and the transmission image to be sent by e-mail can be selected from the created plurality of transmission images when the server completes acquisition, for example, e-mail It is suitable for a photo sticker or the like that transmits an image to a server that can view and save a transmission image stored in the server with a portable terminal that is a transmission destination.

1, 9 Photographic printing device (image transmission device)
2 Mobile terminal (destination terminal)
3, 8 Server 12 Shooting control unit (shooting means)
15 Communication control unit (image sending means, e-mail address accepting means, specific information / address sending means)
16 Image creation unit (transmission image creation means)
17 Image selection receiving unit (image selection receiving means)
18 Estimated transmission time determination unit (Estimated transmission time determination means)
50 storage unit 100 photographing / editing image communication system (image providing system)
303 Image storage unit (storage unit)
321 Image acquisition unit (image acquisition means)
322 Transmission flag acquisition unit (specific information / address acquisition means)
323 E-mail address acquisition unit (specific information / address acquisition means)
325 URL transmission unit (access information transmission means)
400 Communication line 905a, 905b, 1701a, 1802a, 1803a, 1901a Selection screen

Claims (13)

An image transmitting apparatus that includes a photographing unit that photographs a user and obtains a photographed image, and that transmits a photographed image obtained by the photographing unit or an edited image obtained by editing the photographed image to a server,
Transmission image creating means for creating a plurality of transmission images having different image quality from the captured image or the edited image;
Image transmission means for transmitting a plurality of transmission images created by the transmission image creation means to the server;
An email address accepting means for accepting an email address;
An image selection receiving means for displaying a selection screen for selecting a mail transmission decision image from a plurality of transmission images created by the transmission image creating means, and accepting a selection;
When the server completes the acquisition of the selected mail transmission decision image received by the image selection receiving means, the mail is sent so that the e-mail is sent to the e-mail address received by the e-mail address receiving means. An image transmitting apparatus comprising: selection image specifying information for specifying a transmission determined image and specifying information / address transmitting means for transmitting the e-mail address in association with each other to the server. The server sends an e-mail addressed to the e-mail address from the time when the image selection accepting unit accepts the selection of the mail transmission decision image according to the degree of congestion of the communication line between the own device and the server. Equipped with a transmission guide time determination means to determine the transmission guide time, which is the guide time to the point in time,
The image transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image selection receiving unit displays the transmission standard time determined by the transmission standard time determining unit on the selection screen.   3. The image according to claim 2, wherein the transmission reference time determination unit determines a transmission reference time according to the number of communication lines used among a plurality of communication lines connected to the server. Transmitter device.   The transmission reference time determining unit is configured such that when the image transmitting unit transmits the last transmission image of a plurality of transmission images created from the immediately preceding captured image or an edited image obtained by editing the captured image, The image transmission apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a reference transmission time is determined in accordance with a time from the start of transmission to the completion of transmission.   The image selection receiving means displays the transmission image on a selection screen so as to be displayed on a transmission destination terminal to which the e-mail address received by the e-mail address receiving means is assigned. The image transmission apparatus of any one of -4. Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of transmission images having different image quality created from one captured image or an edited image obtained by editing the captured image from the image transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When,
A storage unit for storing a transmission image acquired by the image acquisition unit;
Specific information / address acquisition means for acquiring selected image specifying information for specifying a mail transmission determination image that is one of the plurality of transmission images, and an e-mail address associated with the selected image specifying information;
The image acquisition means is information for accessing the transmission image stored in the storage unit when the acquisition of the transmission image specified by the selected image specification information acquired by the specification information / address acquisition means is completed. Access information transmitting means for transmitting the access information by e-mail to the e-mail address associated with the selected image specifying information acquired by the specific information / address acquiring means; .   The transmission image specified by the selected image specifying information is a low-quality image with low image quality, and after the access information transmitting means transmits the access information of the low-quality image, the image acquisition means When the acquisition of the high-quality image with high image quality, which is another transmission image created from the image, is completed, the access information transmitting means transmits the access information of the high-quality image to the transmission destination of the access information of the low-quality image The server according to claim 6, wherein the server is transmitted to the same e-mail address.   An image transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a server according to claim 6 or 7, and an e-mail address received by the image transmission device are allocated, and an e-mail is transmitted from the server. Providing system including a portable terminal   An image transmission device control program for operating the image transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image transmission device control program causes a computer to function as each of the above means.   A server control program for operating the server according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the computer functions as each of the above-described means.   A computer-readable recording medium on which at least one of the image transmission device control program according to claim 9 and the server control program according to claim 10 is recorded. A control method for an image transmitting apparatus, comprising: a photographing unit that photographs a user to obtain a photographed image, and that transmits a photographed image obtained by the photographing unit or an edited image obtained by editing the photographed image to a server,
A transmission image creation step of creating a plurality of transmission images having different image quality from the photographed image obtained by the photographing means or the edited image;
An image transmission step of transmitting a plurality of transmission images created in the transmission image creation step to the server;
An e-mail address receiving step for receiving an e-mail address;
An image selection reception step for displaying a selection screen for selecting a mail transmission decision image from a plurality of transmission images created in the transmission image creation step;
When the server completes the acquisition of the selected mail transmission decision image received in the image selection reception step, the mail is transmitted so that the e-mail is transmitted to the e-mail address received in the e-mail address reception step. A control method for an image transmission apparatus, comprising: selection image specifying information for specifying a transmission determined image and a specific information / address transmission step for transmitting the selected e-mail address in association with the e-mail address. A method for controlling a server including a storage unit that stores a transmission image acquired from the image transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image acquisition step of acquiring the plurality of transmission images from the image transmission device and storing them in the storage unit;
Specific information / address acquisition step for acquiring selected image specifying information for specifying a mail transmission decision image that is one of the plurality of transmission images, and an e-mail address associated with the selected image specifying information;
Information for accessing the transmission image stored in the storage unit when acquisition of the transmission image specified by the selection information specifying information acquired in the specific information / address acquisition step is completed in the image acquisition step. An access information transmitting step for transmitting the access information by e-mail to the e-mail address associated with the selected image specifying information acquired in the specifying information / address acquiring step. Method.

Images