JP2016192030A - Server system, content providing system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server system, content providing system, information processing method, and the like capable of facilitating using content information via a network, and the like.SOLUTION: A server system includes: a code information generation unit that generates code information including information on a temporary ID; a presentation processing unit that performs processing for presenting the generated code information to a terminal device of a user; a reception processing unit that performs processing for receiving content information with which the temporary ID is associated, via a network from a content providing device which performs authentication processing of the code information including the information on the temporary ID and provides a content to the user; a storage unit that stores the received content information; and a registration processing unit that performs user registration processing for a service using the content information, for the user to which the temporary ID has been issued.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a server system, a content providing system, an information processing method, and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, content providing apparatuses that provide various contents such as images, music, and games are known. As a device for providing game content, a game device installed in a facility such as a game center is known. 2. Description of the Related Art As an apparatus that provides image content, for example, a photographing and printing apparatus that includes a photographing function and a photographed image printing function are known. This photographing and printing apparatus is called a photo sticker. Photo stickers are installed in facilities such as game centers and large-scale mass retailers, and take pictures easily with friends and family, and take pictures and edited images (hereinafter collectively referred to as “photographed images” as appropriate). It is popular because it can be obtained on the spot. As a conventional technique of such a photographic sealing machine, there are techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example.

JP 2001-245290 A JP 2003-333573 A

  In such a content providing apparatus, there is a demand for a service that allows a user to use information about the content provided to the user by the content providing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “content information” as appropriate) via the network. . Taking a photo sticker as an example, a service that transmits information of a photographed image to a server system via a network, and allows a user to view or edit (process) the photographed image using a terminal device such as a smartphone. It is desirable to provide

  However, in order for the user to use the service, content information such as photographed image information needs to be associated with the user, but user registration is necessary for the association. For example, in order to associate the user ID with the content information, the user needs to perform user registration and acquire the user ID. For this reason, there is a problem in that it takes time for user registration and photographing with a photo sticker cannot be started immediately. As a result, the threshold of the user when using the service becomes high, which hinders the spread and promotion of the service.

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a server system, a content providing system, an information processing method, and the like that can facilitate the use of content information via a network.

  One aspect of the present invention includes: a code information generation unit that generates code information including provisional ID information; a presentation processing unit that performs processing for presenting the generated code information to a user terminal device; and the provisional ID information. A reception processing unit that performs processing for receiving content information associated with the temporary ID via a network from a content providing device that performs processing for recognizing the code information including the content and providing the content to the user; The present invention relates to a server system including a storage unit that stores the content information, and a registration processing unit that performs a user registration process for a service using the content information for a user who has been issued the temporary ID.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, code information including temporary ID information is generated and presented to a user terminal device. Then, when the code information including temporary ID information is recognized in the content providing apparatus, the content information associated with the temporary ID is received via the network and stored in the storage unit. Then, a user registration process for a service using the content information is performed for the user who has been issued a temporary ID. In this way, it is possible to associate the temporary ID with the content information using the code information including the temporary ID information presented to the user terminal device. When the content information is received via the network and the user registration process is performed, a service using the content information can be provided to the user. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a server system or the like that can facilitate the use of content information via a network.

  In the aspect of the invention, the content information may be at least one of image information, sound information, and game information.

  However, the content information is not limited to such information, and various information can be assumed. The image information may be moving image information or still image information.

  In the aspect of the invention, the registration processing unit may perform the user registration process for a user of the terminal device when the terminal device accesses a site where the code information is presented.

  In this way, when the terminal device accesses the site where the code information is presented, the user registration process for the user of the terminal device becomes possible, and the presentation of the code information and the user registration process using the site are enabled. Can be realized.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the presentation processing unit, for the terminal device that has accessed the site where the code information is presented, when the content information associated with the temporary ID is received, Notification information presentation processing for notifying reception of content information may be performed.

  In this way, when the content information associated with the temporary ID is received, the reception can be notified to the user.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the registration processing unit performs the user registration processing when the user of the terminal device to which the notification information is presented selects the content information notified of reception. May be.

  In this way, when the user who is notified of the reception of the content information selects the content information, the user registration process is performed, and the user can be guided to the user registration process.

  In the aspect of the invention, the registration processing unit may perform the user registration process for the service provided with at least one of browsing, downloading, processing, and editing of the content information.

  In this way, by performing the user registration process, the user can use a service provided with at least one of browsing, downloading, editing, and processing of content information.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the content information is image information, and the presentation processing unit sends a thumbnail image corresponding to the image information to the terminal device that has accessed the site on which the code information is presented. The registration processing unit performs a presentation process, and when the user of the terminal device selects the thumbnail image, at least one of browsing, downloading, editing, and processing of the image information is provided. The user registration process may be performed.

  In this way, when the user who is notified of the reception of the image information as the content information selects a thumbnail image corresponding to the image information, the user registration process is performed, and the user is entered into the user registration process. It becomes possible to guide. By performing user registration processing, the user can use a service provided with at least one of browsing, downloading, editing, and processing of image information.

  In the aspect of the invention, the presentation processing unit may determine access of the terminal device to a site where the code information is presented based on cookie information.

  In this way, it is possible to determine by using the cookie information effectively whether the terminal device on which the code information is presented has accessed the site.

  In the aspect of the invention, the presentation processing unit presents the code information to a site where the code information presentation request is made when the terminal device requests the code information to be presented. Processing may be performed.

  In this way, when there is a request for presentation of code information from the terminal device, the code information is presented to the site where the presentation request is made, so that the user can request the presentation of code information. Become.

  In the aspect of the invention, the registration processing unit may perform a process of associating a user ID with the content information when the user registration process is performed.

  In this way, when the user registration process is performed, the user ID is associated with the content information, and various services using the user ID can be provided to the user.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the registration processing unit performs a process of associating the content information with the user ID on the condition that the user registration process is performed before the validity period of the temporary ID has elapsed. May be.

  In this way, the server system can manage the content information associated with the temporary ID, for example, during the effective period, and can reduce the load of processing and management of the server system.

  In the aspect of the invention, when the user registration process is performed, the registration processing unit performs a process of associating additional information associated with the content information in the content providing apparatus with the user ID. May be.

  In this way, when the user registration process is performed, the additional information can be associated with the user ID, and a service for the additional information using the user ID can be provided to the user.

  Another aspect of the present invention relates to a content providing system including the server system described above and the content providing apparatus.

  In another aspect of the present invention, code information including temporary ID information is generated, the generated code information is presented to a user terminal device, and the code information including the temporary ID information is recognized. Performing a process of receiving content information associated with the temporary ID via a network from a content providing apparatus that performs processing to provide content to the user, and stores the received content information in a storage unit; The present invention relates to an information processing method for performing user registration processing for a service using the content information for a user who has been issued a temporary ID.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the content provision system of this embodiment. The structural example of the server system of this embodiment. 1 is a configuration example of a content providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a photo sticker that is one of content providing apparatuses. The front external view which shows the structural example of a terminal device. The figure which shows the whole sequence of the content provision system of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the recognition method of temporary ID in a photograph sticker. An example of printing a photographed image with a photo sticker. An example of an e-mail address input screen. The screen sequence diagram for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The sequence flow figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the detailed process example of a server. FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams of a method for associating a temporary ID and a user ID with content information. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D are explanatory diagrams of a method for setting a valid period in a temporary ID. FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are explanatory diagrams of a method of associating a temporary ID and a user ID with content information and its additional information. The figure which shows the example of the image edit screen displayed on a terminal device. The figure for demonstrating the layer structure of an image. 18A and 18B are diagrams for explaining an application example of the method of the present embodiment to content information other than photographed image information.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a content providing system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a server system 500 (information processing system) is communicatively connected to a content providing apparatus 520 and a terminal apparatus TM via a network 510. For example, the content providing system of the present embodiment is realized by the server system 500, the content providing apparatus 520, and the like.

  The content providing device 520 is a device that provides various contents such as images (still images, moving images, movies, etc.), sounds (music, voice), games, pictures (cartoons), or texts (sentences, novels). . This content providing apparatus 520 is installed in an amusement facility, commercial facility, cultural facility, or the like. The content providing device 520 may be directly connected to the network 510 or may be connected to the network 510 via a management device (personal computer, terminal device, etc.) installed in the facility.

  The server system 500 includes, for example, one or a plurality of servers (web server, application server, management server, game server, SNS server, ID server, authentication server, database server, service providing server, content distribution server, card server, communication server, etc. ). For example, the server system 500 may be configured to function as the server system 500 as a whole by performing data communication with a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations via the network 510. The server system 500 issues a unique account to a user who has completed a predetermined user registration (member registration) procedure through the website as a function of a web server that publishes a website, and manages information together with various registration information. A function and a function of distributing data of content (captured image information, game-related content, etc.) received from the content providing apparatus 520 through the website are realized.

  The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path using, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN. In addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, telephone communication is also possible. A communication network such as a network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN can be included. The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  The terminal device TM is a terminal having a network connection function (Internet connection function), for example. As the terminal device TM, for example, a mobile communication terminal (user terminal) such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a mobile game device, or a future phone can be used.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the server system 500 (information processing system) of this embodiment. The server system 500 includes a processing unit 600, an operation unit 660, a storage unit 670, and a communication unit 696. Note that the configuration of the server system 500 is not limited to FIG. 2, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components are possible.

  The processing unit 600 (processor) performs various control processes and management processes necessary for the server based on various information, programs, operation information, and the like stored in the storage unit 670 (database). The function of the processing unit 600 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 600 includes a reception processing unit 602, a transmission processing unit 604, a code information generation unit 608, a presentation processing unit 610, a registration processing unit 612, a charging processing unit 616, and a management processing unit 618. Various modifications such as omitting some of these components or adding other components are possible.

  The reception processing unit 602 performs processing for receiving information from the content providing device 520, the terminal device TM, and the like via the network 510, for example. The transmission processing unit 604 performs processing for transmitting information to the content providing device 520, the terminal device TM, and the like via the network 510, for example. Here, the reception process includes a process of instructing the communication unit 696 to receive information, a process of acquiring information received by the communication unit 696, and writing the information in the storage unit 670. The transmission process is a process of instructing the communication unit 696 to transmit information, or instructing the communication unit 696 to transmit information.

  Details of the code information generation unit 608, the presentation processing unit 610, and the registration processing unit 612 will be described later.

  The billing processing unit 616 performs various billing processing (billing determination processing, billing data creation processing, storage processing, etc.). The billing information storage unit 676 of the storage unit 670 stores billing information to be charged by the billing processing unit 616.

  The management processing unit 618 performs various server management processes. For example, management processing of various services provided by the server and management processing of various information such as server management information are performed.

  The operation unit 660 is for a system administrator (operator) to input various information.

  The storage unit 670 stores various types of information. For example, various information is stored in a database format. The storage unit 670 functions as a work area such as the processing unit 600 and the communication unit 696. The function of the storage unit 670 can be realized by RAM (DRAM, SRAM, VRAM), SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

  The storage unit 670 includes a presentation information storage unit 672, a temporary ID information storage unit 673, a content information storage unit 674, a billing information storage unit 676, and a user information storage unit 678. The presentation information storage unit 672 stores information (such as site page information) to be presented to the user via a site or the like. The temporary ID information storage unit 673 stores temporary ID information. For example, information such as a time stamp is stored in association with the temporary ID issued to the terminal device TM. The content information storage unit 674 stores content information received from the content providing apparatus 520. The billing information storage unit 676 stores billing processing information performed by the billing processing unit 616. The user information storage unit 678 stores user personal information (name, sex, date of birth, e-mail address, password, etc.) as user information. For example, user information is stored in association with the user ID.

  An information storage medium 680 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and its function can be realized by an HDD, a memory (ROM, etc.), an optical disk (CD, DVD), or the like.

  The communication unit 696 performs communication with the content providing device 520, the terminal device TM, and the like via a wired or wireless network 510, and functions thereof are hardware such as a communication ASIC or a communication processor, communication It can be realized by using firmware.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the content providing apparatus 520. Note that the configuration of the content providing apparatus 520 is not limited to that in FIG. 3, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components are possible.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) executes various processes for providing content based on operation information, a program, and the like from the operation unit 160. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a reception processing unit 102, a transmission processing unit 104, a reception unit 106, a content processing unit 110, a recognition processing unit 112, a content output control unit 114, a display processing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130. Various modifications such as omitting some of these components or adding other components are possible.

  The reception processing unit 102 performs processing for receiving information from the server system 500 or the like via the network 510, for example. The transmission processing unit 604 performs processing for transmitting information to the server system 500 or the like via the network 510, for example. The receiving unit 106 performs a process of receiving a user input (operation). The content processing unit 110 performs various types of processing for content. For example, when the content is an image or sound, the content processing unit 110 performs image / sound editing / processing. When the content is a game, the content processing unit 110 performs game processing. The game process includes a process for starting a game when the game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for ending the game when the game end condition is satisfied, or a game score (score, points). There are processing to calculate. The recognition processing unit 112 performs image and sound recognition processing. For example, code information recognition processing is performed. The content output control unit 114 performs output control of content information. If the content is an image (photographed image), an image printing process or the like is performed. The display processing unit 120 performs processing for displaying various images on the display unit 190. If the content is a game, a game image based on the game process is generated and a process for displaying on the display unit 190 is performed. The sound processing unit 130 performs processing for outputting various sounds from the sound output unit 192. If the content is a game, a process for generating a game sound based on the game process and outputting it from the sound output unit is performed.

  The operation unit 160 is for a user to input operation information, and the function can be realized by an operation button, an operation lever, various sensors (such as an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor), a microphone, or a touch panel.

  The photographing unit 162 (camera) is for photographing an image and includes an optical system such as a lens and an image sensor. The lens projects an image on the image sensor. The imaging element is realized by, for example, a CCD or CMOS sensor.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, VRAM) or the like. The content information storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores information on various types of content provided (output) by the content providing apparatus 520.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (DVD, CD, etc.), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), etc. Can be realized. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. A program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment on the information storage medium 180 (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). I can remember.

  The printing unit 188 prints an image, and is realized by a print head, a print medium feeding mechanism, or the like.

  The display unit 190 displays an image, and the function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, various projector-type displays, an HMD, or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs sound, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The I / F (interface) unit 194 performs interface processing with the portable information storage medium 195, and the function can be realized by an ASIC for I / F processing or the like. The portable information storage medium 195 can be realized by an IC card (memory card), a USB memory, a magnetic card, or the like.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with an external device (for example, a server system, a management device, another content providing device, etc.) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC or a communication ASIC. This can be realized by hardware such as a communication processor or communication firmware.

  In this embodiment, the server system 500 (content providing system) in FIG. 2 includes a code information generation unit 608, a presentation processing unit 610, a reception processing unit 602, a storage unit 670, and a registration processing unit 612.

  The code information generation unit 608 generates code information including temporary ID information. For example, code information that can extract temporary ID information is generated by recognition processing (image recognition or the like). The presentation processing unit 610 performs processing for presenting the generated code information to the user terminal device TM. For example, processing for displaying an image of code information on the terminal device TM is performed. Alternatively, the code information may be presented by displaying a link destination (URL) where the code information is displayed on the terminal device TM. Alternatively, the code information may be presented as information in a form different from the image (for example, voice).

  Here, the temporary ID is temporary temporary identification information before the main registration. The temporary ID is not associated with the personal information of the user, for example, but is information that can uniquely identify the issue destination. The code information is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The two-dimensional code is a display method code having information in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. However, the code information is not limited to this, and may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a three-dimensional code such as a three-dimensional color barcode. Alternatively, the code information may be a code expressed by information other than an image, or a code indicating the temporary ID itself.

  The reception processing unit 602 performs processing for receiving content information associated with a temporary ID from the content providing apparatus 520 via the network 510. For example, the content providing device 520 performs a process of recognizing code information including temporary ID information, and provides content to the user. That is, the code information generated by the server system 500 is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device TM, for example. Then, the content providing apparatus 520 performs code information recognition processing (image recognition or the like) including the temporary ID information, and extracts the temporary ID information.

  The content providing device 520 acquires code information (temporary ID) by performing proximity wireless communication (contactless communication) with the terminal device TM, or stores a portable information storage medium such as a memory card. Code information (temporary ID) may be acquired via Further, the content information transmitted to the server system 500 in association with the temporary ID may be the content itself provided by the content providing device 520 or may be content related to the content. The related content is information related to components constituting the content. When the content providing device 520 is a game device, the content is game content, and the related content is game-related content such as customization information, game results information, or item information. The game content is composed of various components such as a moving object (character, car, robot, etc.), stage, map, or item that appears in the game. The game-related content is information related to the component, etc. It is.

  Then, the content providing apparatus 520 associates the temporary ID with the content information (captured image information, game-related content, etc.) and transmits it to the server system 500. Then, the reception processing unit 602 of the server system 500 receives this content information, and the storage unit 670 of the server system 500 stores the received content information. For example, the content information storage unit 674 stores the content information in association with the temporary ID.

  And the registration process part 612 performs the user registration process for the service using content information with respect to the user by whom temporary ID was issued. For example, the registration processing unit 612 performs user registration processing so that the user of the terminal device TM to which the temporary ID is issued can use services such as browsing, downloading, editing, and processing of content information. This service may be realized by an application program called a so-called application, or may be realized by a website. In the user registration process (member registration process), the user's personal information and password are input, and the user ID is set. The user ID is a unique ID for the user. By performing this user registration process, the user ID is associated with the content information associated with the temporary ID.

  Further, when the terminal device TM accesses the site where the code information is presented, the registration processing unit 612 performs user registration processing for the user of the terminal device TM. For example, it is assumed that the terminal device TM accesses a site and code information is presented at the site. In this case, a user registration process is performed on the terminal device TM that has been accessing the site or the terminal device TM that has been accessed again. Here, the site is a website, for example, and is composed of one or a plurality of pages, for example. The site may be a site realized by an application or the like. Moreover, in a plurality of pages constituting the site, the page on which the code information is presented and the page on which the user registration process is performed may be different pages or the same page.

  In addition, when the content information associated with the temporary ID is received, the presentation processing unit 610 presents notification information that notifies the terminal device TM that has accessed the site where the code information is presented, of the reception of the content information. I do. For example, the content providing device 520 performs a recognition process of code information presented (displayed) on the terminal device TM, and extracts a temporary ID. Then, the extracted temporary ID is transmitted in association with the content information provided to the user, and received by the reception processing unit 602 of the server system 500. In this way, when the content information associated with the temporary ID is received by the reception processing unit 602, the presentation processing unit 610 performs a process of presenting notification information notifying the reception of the content information to the terminal device TM. Do. For example, notification information indicating that there is new content information is presented (displayed).

  The registration processing unit 612 performs user registration processing when the user of the terminal device TM to which notification information is presented selects content information notified of reception. For example, when the user performs an operation of selecting desired content information (for example, touch operation or click operation), a screen for user registration processing is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device TM, and the registration processing unit 612 is input by the user. The user registration process is executed based on the information and the like. When a plurality of pieces of content information are received, a list display of the plurality of pieces of content information may be performed and the user may select desired content information.

  For example, when the content information is image information, the presentation processing unit 610 performs a thumbnail image presentation process corresponding to the image information on the terminal device TM that has accessed the site where the code information is presented. For example, a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the size of image information (such as a photographed image) that is content information is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device TM. The registration processing unit 612 is a user for a service that provides at least one of browsing, downloading, editing, and processing of image information that is content information when a user of the terminal device TM selects a thumbnail image. Execute the registration process. For example, when a user selects a desired thumbnail image and performs a user registration process, a service that allows browsing, downloading, editing, or processing of image information corresponding to the thumbnail image can be provided. In browsing, the image information can be displayed to the user in the original size, for example. In the download, the image information is transmitted from the server system 500 to the user terminal device TM and can be stored in a storage unit inside the terminal device TM. In editing and processing, it is possible to rearrange, reconstruct, adjust, and add another image. Editing and processing are not always clearly distinguishable, but processing adds information that is not in the original information.

  Further, the presentation processing unit 610 determines the access of the terminal device TM to the site where the code information is presented based on the cookie information. For example, when code information including temporary ID information is generated, for example, the server system 500 describes the temporary ID (character string) in the cookie information. The browser of the terminal device TM stores cookie information including such a temporary ID in the storage unit. Thereafter, when the terminal device TM accesses the site, the presentation processing unit 610 determines whether the terminal device TM to which the temporary ID is issued has accessed based on the temporary ID included in the cookie information. to decide. And when the said terminal device TM has accessed, the presentation process part 610 performs the process which shows the notification information which notifies reception of content information to the terminal device TM, for example. When the content information notified of reception is selected by the user of the terminal device TM, the registration processing unit 612 performs user registration processing.

  The presentation processing unit 610 performs processing for presenting code information when a request for presenting code information (a request for issuing a temporary ID) is made by the terminal device TM. For example, a process of presenting code information to a site where a request for presenting code information has been made is performed. For example, a button (icon) for a code information presentation request (display request) is arranged on a site page displayed on the terminal device TM. When the user selects this button (touch operation or the like), the presentation processing unit 610 determines that the code information presentation request is made, and presents the code information to the site where the code information presentation request is made. Perform the process. For example, an image of code information is displayed on the page of the site.

  The registration processing unit 612 performs user registration processing for a service that provides at least one of browsing, downloading, processing, and editing of content information. The user can use a service provided with at least one of browsing, downloading, processing, and editing of content information on the condition that the user registration process is performed. This service is realized by an application or a website. For example, in order to receive provision of the service by an application, the user needs to download the application program to the terminal device TM and activate it. When receiving the service, the user logs in using a user ID or password set by the user registration process.

  The registration processing unit 612 performs processing for associating a user ID with content information when the user registration processing is performed. That is, when the user registration process is not performed, a temporary ID is associated with the content information. However, when the user registration process is completed, the user ID is replaced with the content information instead of the temporary ID. It becomes related. For example, when the user logs in using a user ID or a password, services such as browsing, downloading, processing, or editing of content information can be used.

  Also, the registration processing unit 612 performs processing for associating content information with a user ID on the condition that the user registration processing has been performed before the validity period of the temporary ID has elapsed. For example, an effective period is set for the temporary ID, and if the user registration process is performed within the effective period, the user ID is associated with the content information, and the user can view, download, edit, or edit the content. Services such as processing can be used. On the other hand, the temporary ID becomes invalid after the validity period elapses. For example, the temporary ID information storage unit 673 of the server system 500 stores the temporary ID in association with time stamp information for setting the temporary ID validity period. For example, as the time stamp information, a time stamp indicating the starting point of the temporary ID validity period can be assumed. The server system 500 uses this time stamp information to determine whether or not the temporary ID is within the valid period. The starting point of the temporary ID validity period is, for example, the provisional ID issuance timing (code information presentation request timing), and the server system 500 has passed a given period (for example, one week) after the provisional ID is issued. Then, it is determined that the temporary ID has become invalid.

  In addition, you may make it change the starting point of the effective period of temporary ID suitably. For example, the starting point of the valid period in the initial state is the temporary ID issuance timing. However, when the code information is presented again in the user terminal device TM within the valid period and the code information is presented, the starting point of the valid period is reset at that timing. Thereby, the effective period is substantially extended. When the user registration process is performed within the effective period from the reset starting point, the process of associating the content information with the user ID is performed, and the effective period elapses without a request to present the code information again. If it does, temporary ID becomes invalid.

  In addition, when the user registration process is performed, the registration processing unit 612 performs a process of associating additional information associated with the content information in the content providing apparatus 520 with the user ID. For example, additional information such as points may be generated when content is provided by the content providing device 520. In this case, the temporary ID is associated not only with the content information but also with this additional information. When the user registration process is performed, both the content information and the additional information are associated with the user ID set by the user registration process. In this way, the user who has completed the user registration process can receive various services not only for the content information but also for the additional information.

  In the present embodiment, the content information associated with the temporary ID is, for example, at least one of image information, sound information, and game information. Note that the content information associated with the temporary ID may be information other than image information, sound information, and game information. The image information is, for example, still image information or moving image information. The image information may be taken in real time by a content providing device, or may be video content of a movie. The sound information is, for example, music information or audio information in music distribution. The game information is, for example, information on game-related content, and can be assumed as game result information (game acquisition points, ranking information, etc.), customization information (modification information, etc.), game screen or game sound capture information, and the like.

2. Next, the method of this embodiment will be described. In the following, the case where the content providing apparatus is a photo sticker will be mainly described, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as a content providing device, a device that provides an image (video) different from a photographed image for a photo sticker, a device that distributes music, a game device that provides game content, or a device that provides text content such as a book Various devices can be assumed.

2.1 Photo Seal Machine First, an example of a photo seal machine (photographing and printing apparatus in a broad sense) to which the method of the present embodiment is applied will be described.

  4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the photographic sticker 1300 (location device), and FIG. 4B is a schematic view of the photographic sticker 1300 viewed from the side.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the photo sticker 1300 includes a main housing 1301, a coin insertion device 1302, a lighting device 1304, a touch panel 1306, a camera unit 1308, and a control board. 1350, a printing device 1360, an IC card reading device 1362, and a monochrome background portion 1364 set in front of the camera portion 1308.

  4A and 4B, the touch panel 1306, the camera unit 1308, the control board 1350, the printing device 1360, and the IC card reading device 1362 are respectively the display unit 190 (and the operation unit 160) in FIG. This corresponds to the imaging unit 162, the processing unit 100, the printing unit 188, and the I / F unit 194.

  The coin insertion device 1302 is a known device that can insert coins 4 as consideration one by one. A predetermined detection signal can be output to the control board 1350 every time the inserted coin is detected. Further, it is possible to receive a refund instruction signal from the control board 1350 and perform a refund process on the coins 4 inserted before the start of photographing.

  The camera unit 1308 is a well-known photographing unit that photographs the user 2, for example, an optical system component such as a lens or a filter, an image sensor, and image processing that generates and outputs image data of an image captured by the sensor. IC. The camera unit 1308 can output the captured image data to the control board 1350.

  The touch panel 1306 (touch panel type display) is a known device that serves as both an image display for displaying various operation guidance screens to the user 2 and an operation reception for receiving various operation inputs by a touch operation. The touch panel 1306 displays various screens based on the image signal received from the control board 1350, and can output touch position coordinate data to the control board 1350 when a touch operation is detected.

  The control board 1350 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU 1351, a GPU, and a DSP, an IC memory 1352, a communication module 1353 for connecting to a network 510 (communication line), a driver circuit 1354 of the touch panel 1306, a camera unit 1308, An interface IC 1355 that controls signal input / output to / from the IC card reading device 1362, the printing device 1360, and the like is mounted.

  Each element mounted on the control board 1350 is electrically connected via a bus or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read and write data and transmit and receive signals. Then, the control board 1350 performs integrated processing according to a program stored in the IC memory 1352 to control the photo sticker 1300 in an integrated manner.

  The printing apparatus 1360 is a photographed image that has been subjected to image processing for printing by the control board 1350 based on the image photographed by the camera unit 1308 (including a photographed original image, an image obtained by subjecting the original photographed image to image processing) Can be printed on a predetermined print medium 8 (for example, print paper or sticker paper) and output.

  The IC card reading device 1362 is a non-contact type reader / writer device corresponding to the IC card 6 possessed by the user 2. Data read from the IC card 6 can be output to the control board 1350, and conversely, data can be written based on a write instruction signal from the control board 1350.

  The monochromatic background portion 1364 is a cloth or a plate whose surface is processed into a uniform single color. The monochrome background portion 1364 is used for processing (chroma key processing) for identifying the background from the image captured by the camera unit 1308 by image processing and cutting out the image of the user 2.

  FIG. 5 is a front external view showing a configuration example of the terminal device TM (user terminal). The terminal device TM is a device (electronic device) that can communicate with a network 510 (communication line) and access an external device such as the server system 500. The terminal device TM of the present embodiment is a device classified as a so-called smartphone, but may be a device classified as a portable game device, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like.

  The terminal device TM includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a display unit 1506 (touch panel), a camera unit 1508, a built-in battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a control board 1550, and a computer-readable data. A memory card reader 1542 capable of reading and writing data from a memory card 1540 which is a simple storage medium.

  The control board 1550 is wirelessly connected to various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as an ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a mobile phone base station and a wireless LAN base station connected to the network 510. A wireless communication module 1553 for communication is mounted.

  In addition, the control board 1550 includes a driver circuit for the display unit 1506, a circuit that receives signals from the direction input key 1502 and the button switch 1504, an output amplifier circuit that outputs an audio signal to the speaker 1510, and audio collected by the microphone 1512. An interface circuit 1557 such as an input signal generation circuit for generating the above signal and a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 1542 are mounted. Each element mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected via a bus or the like so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received.

  Then, the control board 1550 can download an application (application program) from an external device, store it in the IC memory 1552, read it according to a predetermined execution operation input, and execute arithmetic processing.

2.2 Access to Captured Image Using Temporary ID FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overall sequence of the content providing system of the present embodiment. This content providing system is a content providing system using a photo sticker 1300. In the following description, the “server system 500” will be referred to as “server” as appropriate.

  First, the terminal device TM accesses a web site and makes a code display request (presentation request in a broad sense) as indicated by A1 in FIG. For example, as shown in B1 of FIG. 10 to be described later, the user performs a touch operation (click) on a button (icon) that requests display of a code. Then, the server (web server) accepts a code display request from the terminal device TM as shown by A2 in FIG. 6 and calls a code including temporary ID information (hereinafter referred to as “code with temporary ID” as appropriate). ) Is generated. The code with temporary ID may be generated in advance. And as shown to A3, the produced | generated code with temporary ID is displayed on the terminal device TM. Specifically, as shown in B2 of FIG. 10 described later, an image of a code with a temporary ID is displayed on a site page. Further, a cookie including temporary ID information is stored by a browser of the terminal device TM or the like.

  Next, the user who possesses the terminal device TM goes to the facility (location) where the photo sticker 1300 is installed, and as shown in A4 of FIG. 6, a process for recognizing the code with the temporary ID displayed on the terminal device TM. The photo sealer 1300 is made to recognize the temporary ID.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a temporary ID recognition method in the photo sticker 1300. As shown in FIG. 7, the photo sticker 1300 displays a reception screen W <b> 10 on the touch panel 1306 before shooting starts. In the screen, “access the site with the terminal device TM and hold the two-dimensional code (code with temporary ID) displayed on the display unit 1506 of the terminal device TM in front of the camera unit 1308 of the photo sticker 1300. Is displayed. When the user follows this, the photo sticker 1300 captures and reads the two-dimensional code with the camera unit 1308 and performs image recognition processing, thereby extracting information on the temporary ID included in the code.

  Next, when the user takes a picture using the camera unit 1306 of the photo sticker 1300, a temporary ID is associated with information of the taken image obtained by the shooting. Information on the photographed image associated with the temporary ID is transmitted from the photo sticker 1300 to the server (server system 500) via the network 510.

  Then, when the user selects printing of the photographed image, as shown in FIG. 8, the photographed image is printed on the print medium 8 as the printing image 20 by the printing apparatus 1360 and is ejected from the photo sticker 1300. In FIG. 8, an image after editing of the photographed image by the image editing function of the photo sticker 1300 is printed on the print medium 8 as the print image 20. However, without providing such an image editing function in the photo sticker 1300, editing (processing) of a captured image may be realized as an application function as described later. In this way, the photo sticker 1300 need not have an image editing function.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a URL 21 for browsing a captured image is printed on the print medium 8. In addition, a seal ID 22 for uniquely specifying the photographed image is printed.

  Therefore, when the photographed image is printed in this way (when there is a sticker), the user can use the terminal device TM with the URL 21 printed on the print medium 8 as shown in A11 and A12 of FIG. Access the specified web site. Then, at the site, by inputting the seal ID printed on the print medium 8 as shown at A13, the server (server system 500) 1 or 1 photographed with the photo seal machine 1300 associated with the seal ID. The photographed image ID assigned to each of the plurality of photographed images can be specified, and as shown in A25, the reception of the photographed image is notified to the web site, and the thumbnail image of at least one photographed image is displayed. To do. Then, the user can access the captured image corresponding to the thumbnail image by performing a touch operation (clicking) on the thumbnail image and performing user registration.

  In addition, even when the user does not print the photographed image (when there is no sticker), as shown in A21 of FIG. 6, the user inputs an e-mail address (e-mail address) to A22 and A23. As shown, a mail with a URL of the site is transmitted to the input mail address. This URL includes information on the seal ID, and as shown in A24 of FIG. 6, the user touches (clicks) the URL of the mail displayed on the terminal device TM, and through the mail. When the web site designated by the received URL is accessed, the server (server system 500), in the server (server system 500), a captured image ID assigned to each of one or a plurality of captured images captured by the photo sealer 1300 associated with the seal ID. As shown in A25, the reception of the photographed image is notified to the web site, and the thumbnail image of at least one photographed image is displayed. Then, the user can access the captured image corresponding to the thumbnail image by performing a touch operation (clicking) on the thumbnail image and performing user registration.

  FIG. 9 is an example of the mail address input screen W14 in this case. On this screen, a software keyboard 23 is displayed and a text prompting the user to input a mail address is displayed. By inputting the mail address by operating the software keyboard 23 and touching the OK button 24 (icon), the input of the mail address is completed.

  On the other hand, as shown in A31 of FIG. 6, even when such an e-mail address is not entered or when the e-mail does not reach the user for some reason, the present embodiment uses the temporary ID as the access information. As a result, the photographed image can be accessed.

  That is, the user displays a code with a temporary ID obtained by accessing the site with the terminal device TM, displays the code on the terminal device TM, causes the photo sticker 1300 to recognize the code, and takes a picture. The site is accessed as shown in A32 of FIG. Then, by confirming the temporary ID stored in the cookie, the server can determine that the terminal device TM has accessed the site displaying the code with the temporary ID again. When the server receives a photographed image associated with the temporary ID from the photo sticker 1300, the server notifies the web site of the receipt of the photographed image, as shown in A25, and the thumbnail of the photographed image. Display an image.

  The user can access a captured image corresponding to the thumbnail image by performing a touch operation (clicking) on the thumbnail image and performing user registration. Specifically, as shown in A14, the server displays a page of a site for performing user registration and application guidance. Then, user registration is performed, and the user activates the application on the terminal device TM and logs in with the user ID set by the user registration, so that the captured image can be viewed, edited, processed, and the like. In the present embodiment, the photographed image can be browsed even on a web site by logging in with a user ID.

  FIG. 10 is a screen sequence diagram for explaining the method of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a sequence example of screens displayed on the terminal device TM.

  When the code display request described in A1 of FIG. 6 is performed, the user presses a button (icon for requesting display of the code) on the display screen of the terminal device TM as illustrated in B1 of FIG. ) Is touch-operated (“select” in a broad sense; the same applies hereinafter). Then, as described in A2 and A3 of FIG. 6, the image of the code with the temporary ID generated by the server is displayed on the terminal device TM as shown in B2 of FIG. That is, as shown in B3, the server (server system 500) transmits information on the web page on which the code image is displayed to the terminal device TM, so that the code image as shown in B2 is displayed. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, the user displays the image of the code on the display unit 1506 of the terminal device TM and holds it over the camera unit 1308 of the photo sticker 1300, so that the temporary ID included in the code information is obtained. The photo sticker 1300 is made to recognize. Then, the photograph sticker 1300 takes a photograph. Then, a temporary ID is associated with the photographed image obtained by photography, and information of the photographed image is transmitted from the photo sticker 1300 to the server as shown at B4 in FIG.

  When the server successfully receives the captured image, the user is notified on the display screen of the terminal device TM that there is a newly-captured captured image, as shown at B5 in FIG. When the user who sees this touches the button (icon) of the newly-arrived photographed image shown in B6, for example, as shown in B7, the user is notified and notified that the photographed image at the photo sticker 1300 has arrived. . In this notification display, the shooting date and time are notified, and a thumbnail image of the shot image is also displayed as shown in B8. By looking at the shooting date and time and the thumbnail image, the user can confirm which of the plurality of shot images the user has taken with the photo sticker 1300.

  When the user performs a touch operation on the thumbnail image shown in B8, as shown in B9, a display indicating that “user registration is required to acquire and view a captured image” is performed. That is, a display for guiding to user registration is performed. If the user does not have a user ID, the user touches a new registration button (icon) shown in B10. Then, a screen for user registration is displayed, and the user registration is completed when the user inputs his personal information or sets a password on the screen. This user registration is, for example, a member registration for allowing a user to use various member services operated by a manufacturer who provides content.

  On the other hand, if the user has already been registered and the user has a user ID, the user can touch the login button (icon) B11 in FIG. 10 and input the user ID and password to Log in to the service. As shown in B12 of FIG. 10, the user can log in to the member service by touching the login button on the top screen page of the web site.

  When the user wants to see the captured image corresponding to the thumbnail image B8 in FIG. 10, the original captured image larger in size than the thumbnail image can be viewed by logging in to the member service. On the other hand, when a user wants to edit and process a captured image, the user downloads and activates a dedicated application for the content providing service. Then, by logging in to the member service in the application, it becomes possible to edit and process the captured image using the editing function of the application.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence flow diagram for explaining the method of the present embodiment. As shown in S1 of FIG. 11, the terminal device TM accesses a web site as shown in FIG. In this case, the user may access the site shown in FIG. 10 by searching with a keyword for site search, or by inputting the URL of the site into the terminal device TM.

  Note that a two-dimensional code sticker for reading the URL of the site in FIG. 10 may be attached to the housing 1301 of the photo sticker 1300 or the like. Then, the terminal device TM may extract the URL by performing recognition processing of the attached two-dimensional code, and access the site of FIG. Alternatively, the information on the URL of the site shown in FIG. 10 may be received by the terminal device TM using a proximity wireless communication (contactless communication) device provided in the photo sticker 1300.

  When the terminal device TM accesses the site, the server displays the page of the site on the terminal device TM (display unit) as shown in S2 of FIG. When the user touches the button B1 in FIG. 10 and a code display request is received from the terminal device TM as shown in S3, the server generates a code with a temporary ID as shown in S21. The code is displayed on the terminal device TM as shown in FIG. Further, the server generates a cookie including a temporary ID as shown in S22, and the browser of the terminal device TM stores the cookie as shown in S5.

  As shown in S <b> 31 and S <b> 32, the photo sticker 1300 captures a code with a temporary ID displayed on the terminal device TM and executes a temporary ID recognition process. Thereafter, as shown in S33, normal processing such as photographing and graffiti is performed. Then, as shown in S34 and S35, the generation of the seal ID 22 described in FIG. 8 and the input of the mail address by the user described in FIG. 9 are performed. Thereafter, information such as a seal ID, a captured image, a temporary ID, and an e-mail address is transmitted from the photo sticker 1300 to the server. Then, as shown in S23, the server stores the information of the captured image in the storage unit in association with the temporary ID.

  Next, as shown in S6 and S7 of FIG. 11, when the terminal device TM accesses the site where the code with the temporary ID is displayed again, the server stores the temporary ID stored in the cookie in the terminal device TM in S5. By confirming, the terminal device TM can determine that the site displaying the code with the temporary ID is accessed again, and the server displays the site page on the terminal device TM. To do. If the server receives a photographed image or the like from the photo sticker 1300, the server notifies the terminal device TM of the receipt of the photographed image as described in B5 and B7 of FIG. Then, as shown in S8 and S9, when the user selects the thumbnail image B8 in FIG. 10, the server displays the user registration and login pages as shown in B9, B10, and B11 in FIG. 10 on the terminal device TM. To do. Then, as shown in S11 and S24 in FIG. 11, when the user selects user registration and inputs user information, a password, and the like, the server performs user registration processing. Then, as shown in S25, the user ID set by the user registration is associated with the captured image. After that, as shown in S12, when the user activates the application in the terminal device TM and inputs the user ID and password, it becomes possible to download the captured image associated with the user ID, and the downloaded image is downloaded. Editing and processing of captured images is possible.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a detailed processing example of the server. First, the server determines whether or not the terminal device TM has accessed a site, and when accessed, displays the page of the site (S41, S42). Next, the server determines whether or not a temporary ID issuance request has been received from the terminal device TM, and if so, displays a code with a temporary ID (S43, S44). In addition, a cookie including a temporary ID is generated (S45).

  Next, the server determines whether or not the terminal device TM to which the temporary ID is issued has accessed the site again (S46). This can be realized by confirming the temporary ID included in the cookie generated in S45. When the terminal device TM is accessed, the site page is displayed (S47). When the server receives a photographed image associated with the temporary ID from the photo sticker 1300, the server notifies the terminal device TM that there is a new photographed image (S48, S49).

  Next, the server determines whether or not the user has selected a thumbnail image of a newly-captured photographed image, that is, whether or not the user has selected use of a service related to content information. A login page is displayed (S50, S51). When user registration is performed by the user, a process of associating the captured image associated with the temporary ID with the user ID is performed (S52, S53). Here, the stored temporary ID may be replaced with the user ID.

  13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams of a method for associating a temporary ID and a user ID with content information.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, a temporary ID is associated with a captured image (content information in a broad sense) until user registration is performed. That is, a code with a temporary ID is displayed on the terminal device TM, and the photo sticker 1300 performs a process of recognizing a code with a temporary ID, whereby the temporary ID is associated with the photographed image. Thereafter, until the terminal device TM accesses the site displaying the code with the temporary ID and performs user registration, the temporary ID is associated with the captured image.

  When the user registration is performed, as shown in FIG. 13B, the user ID set by the user registration is associated with the photographed image (content information) instead of the temporary ID. . Thus, on the condition that the user ID is associated with the captured image, for example, services such as browsing, downloading, editing, and processing of the captured image can be used. For example, by associating the user ID with the captured image, it is possible to associate the captured image with user information. Therefore, when the download destination of the photographed image is specified or when charging for a service using the photographed image, the charge destination can be specified. For example, it is assumed that the user is charged for special editing / processing using a special image or the like. In this case, when the user performs the above-described special editing / processing using his / her own photographed image, the charging process may be performed using the user ID associated with the photographed image. .

  In the present embodiment, a valid period TA is set for the temporary ID as shown in FIG. If the user performs user registration processing within the effective period TA after issuing the temporary ID, the user ID is associated with the captured image as shown in FIG. That is, the temporary ID is valid within the valid period TA. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the valid period TA elapses, the temporary ID becomes invalid and the user ID cannot be associated with the captured image.

  In this case, in order to determine whether the temporary ID is valid or invalid, a time stamp associated with the temporary ID may be used as shown in FIG. For example, the server stores the date and time of issuance timing of the temporary ID in the storage unit in association with the temporary ID as a time stamp. In this way, the server can determine whether the temporary ID is valid or invalid as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B by checking the time stamp associated with the temporary ID. . For example, if the validity period of the temporary ID is one week, it is determined that the temporary ID is valid until one week has passed since the date specified by the time stamp associated with the temporary ID. Then, it is determined that the temporary ID is invalid.

  Further, the validity period of the temporary ID may be extended under given conditions. For example, in FIG. 14D, a code with a temporary ID is displayed on the user's terminal device TM as shown in D1, after the temporary ID is issued and before the expiration of the effective period TA. That is, the user touches the button indicated by B1 in FIG. 10, and a code image with a temporary ID is displayed as indicated by B2. In this case, the effective period TA of the temporary ID is substantially extended as indicated by D2 so that the time indicated by D1 is the starting point.

  For example, after the user first displays a code with a temporary ID, he / she does not go to the facility of the photo sticker 1300 for a while, for example, before the effective period of one week has passed, as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the code with the temporary ID is displayed again at the timing of D1. In this case, it is determined that the user intends to go to the facility of the photo sticker 1300, and the validity period of the temporary ID is extended as indicated by D2. By doing so, the user can go to the facility and take a picture with the photo sticker 1300 from the timing of D1 until one week elapses, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

  Further, additional information other than the content information may be associated with the temporary ID or the user ID. For example, in FIG. 15A, not only a captured image (content information) but also additional information such as points obtained at the time of shooting or the like is associated with the temporary ID. For example, it is assumed that the user has earned points that can be used for various services in photography or the like with the photo sticker 1300 performed by presenting a code with a temporary ID. In this case, the temporary ID is also associated with the point as additional information. When the user registration process is performed, as shown in FIG. 15B, the user ID is associated not only with the captured image but also with the point that is additional information. In this way, the user can use additional information such as points in a service using the user ID, and the convenience of the user can be further improved.

  Note that the additional information is information other than the content provided by the content providing device 520, for example, information that is additionally generated when the content is provided. This additional information is not limited to the points shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, and various information can be assumed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a code with a temporary ID (code information including temporary ID information in a broad sense) is generated as shown in B2 of FIG. 10, S21, S4 of FIG. Are displayed (presented in a broad sense). In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 7 and the like, the photo sticker 1300 (content providing apparatus in a broad sense) performs a process of recognizing a code with a temporary ID and provides a photographed image (content in a broad sense) to the user. To do. Then, the photographed image information associated with the temporary ID is received from the photo sticker 1300 and stored in the storage unit. Then, as shown in B9 and B10 in FIG. 10 and S24 in FIG. 11, user registration processing for various services using information of the captured image is performed on the user for whom the temporary ID has been issued. That is, a user registration process for the user to use the service is performed.

  In this way, even before the user registration, which is the main registration, the user transmits the temporary ID to the server via the network by associating the temporary ID with the information of the captured image (content information in a broad sense). It becomes possible to access the information of the captured image. Then, by performing user registration after the access, the user can use various services on the network using the information of the captured image.

  In addition, the user does not need to perform user registration and login operations, which are troublesome operations, before photographing with the photo sticker 1300. Therefore, the user can start taking a picture with the photo sticker 1300 only by holding the code with a temporary ID over the camera unit 1308 of the photo sticker 1300 and can perform various types of information on the network using information of the taken image. The service will be available. Therefore, the threshold of the user when using the service can be reduced, and the service can be spread and promoted.

  Further, for example, even when there is a restriction on the OS of the terminal device TM such that a code for directly relating to a user ID cannot be displayed on a web site, the method of the present embodiment is used. This will be possible.

  In addition, even if the user has already been registered, if the user ID or password is forgotten and login is not possible, the information of the captured image (content information in a broad sense) provided from the photo sticker 1300 is associated with the temporary ID. Then, when the website is accessed later, the temporary ID or information of the captured image associated with the temporary ID and the user ID can be associated with each other.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described in S6 to S11, S24, etc. in FIG. 11, when the terminal device TM accesses the site where the code with the temporary ID is displayed, the user of the terminal device TM is notified to the user. Registration process is in progress. In this way, it is possible to guide the user who has accessed the temporary ID as access information to the user registration process.

  In the present embodiment, as described in B6 to B10 in FIG. 10, S7 to S11 in FIG. 11, and the like, a code is displayed (presented) when information of a captured image associated with a temporary ID is received. Notification information notifying the reception to the terminal device TM that has accessed the site is displayed. When the user selects information on the captured image notified of reception, user registration processing is performed. Specifically, the terminal device TM displays a thumbnail image corresponding to the captured image. When the user selects a thumbnail image, a user registration process is performed for a service that provides browsing, downloading, editing, or processing of information on the captured image.

  If the notification information is displayed in this manner, the reception of the captured image information can be transmitted to the user, leading to a user registration process. Further, by performing user registration, the user can receive services such as browsing, downloading, editing, or processing of information on the captured image, so that the user can be effectively guided to user registration.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described in S22, S5, etc. in FIG. 11, the access of the terminal device TM to the site displaying the code with the temporary ID is determined using a cookie. In this way, it becomes possible to simply determine the re-access of the terminal device TM to the display site of the code with the temporary ID by using the function of the cookie such as the browser of the terminal device TM.

  Further, in this embodiment, as described in B1 of FIG. 10, S3, S21, S4 of FIG. 11, etc., when a code display request is made by the terminal device TM, Processing to display a code with a temporary ID is performed. By doing so, a code with a temporary ID can be displayed on the terminal device TM on condition that there is a request from the terminal device TM.

  In the present embodiment, as described in S25 of FIG. 11, FIGS. 13A and 13B, and the like, the information of the captured image associated with the temporary ID is obtained on condition that the user registration process is performed. , Processing associated with the user ID is performed. In this way, until the user registration is performed, the user can access the captured image information using the temporary ID as access information. After the user registration is performed, the user ID set by the user registration is associated with the information of the photographed image, and a service for browsing, downloading, editing, processing, etc. of the photographed image information is provided. Users will be able to use it.

  In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14D and the like, information on the captured image is provided on the condition that the user registration process is performed before the validity period of the temporary ID has elapsed. Is associated with the user ID. In this way, the server can manage the information of the captured image associated with the temporary ID only during the valid period, and the server processing and management load can be reduced.

  Further, in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, when a user registration process is performed, points associated with photographed image information in the photo sticker 1300 are displayed. The additional information is also associated with the user ID. In this way, if the user performs user registration, additional information such as points can be used as his / her own information, so that the user can be effectively guided to the user registration.

2.3 Service by User Registration Next, an image editing (processing) service will be described as an example of a service that can be used on condition that user registration has been performed. This image editing is a service provided by a server and an application after a user performs user registration, for example.

  For example, when a user starts an application, inputs a user ID and a password, and logs in, it is possible to download information on the photographed image associated with the user ID from the server. Further, FIG. The image editing screen W3 as shown can be displayed. The user edits the image while looking at the image editing screen W3.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of the integrated image 20 that is an object of image editing. As shown in FIG. 17, the integrated image 20 is handled in a hierarchical structure with a plurality of layers. For example, at the time of printing, a plurality of layers are integrated into one. The integrated image 20 includes a foreground layer 12, a person layer 14, a person shadow layer 16, and a background layer 18 in order from the top of the layer structure (front side as viewed from the user).

  The foreground layer 12 is a layer on which the user can arbitrarily place the decoration object 13 by an image editing operation. In FIG. 17, the text object 13 a and the stamp object 13 b that is a two-dimensional image element are supported as the decoration object 13, but other objects can be supported as appropriate.

  The person layer 14 performs chroma key processing on a portion of the original photographed image 10 where the color of the single-color background portion 1364 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) is reflected, and only the portion where the person is captured is shown. Generated by clipping.

  The person shadow layer 16 performs chroma key processing on the portion of the original photographed image 10 where the color of the single color background portion 1364 is reflected, cuts out only the portion where the person is reflected, and further uses the range of the portion as a single region as a background layer. It is generated by painting with a gray color similar to 18 colors, enlarging the contour and applying blurring.

  On the background layer 18, an image selected by the user from predetermined options by an image editing operation is drawn.

  The image editing screen W3 shown in FIG. 16 includes a preview 30 that represents the predicted integrated image 20 by overlaying the layers in the editing process, and a color designation palette 31 that designates the color tone of the background and decoration object 13. An editing operation panel 32, a redo operation icon 36, a save operation icon 37, and an integrated image storage operation icon 39.

  The editing operation panel 32 displays editing items in a tab format and accepts selection operations and input operations related to editing the foreground layer 12 and the background layer 18. In the example shown in the drawing, a “background” tab that displays a thumbnail of the background template image (background template image thumbnail 33) that can be used as the background layer 18 so as to be selectable is on the foreground. When any one of the background template image thumbnails 33 is touched, an image corresponding to the thumbnail is adopted for the background layer 18 and reflected in the display of the preview 30. As other editing items, a “text” tab for inputting the text object 13a in FIG. 17 and a “stamp” tab for selecting the stamp object 13b are prepared. The corresponding editing item is selected by selecting the corresponding tab. Selection and input operations can be performed.

  The layer display setting unit 50 displays layers of each editing process of the own user and other users. In the example shown in the figure, the layer display setting unit 50 displays a total of two layers of the user and other users in the vertical direction. Specifically, one user's worth is arranged and displayed vertically in the order of the user account 52, the foreground layer thumbnail 54, and the background layer thumbnail 56. Since the person layer 14 and the person shadow layer 16 are fixed, no thumbnail is displayed. In the illustrated example, the left column is assigned to the own user and the right column is assigned to the other users. A display target icon 60 is attached to the thumbnail in the display state.

  If it is desired to redo the editing operation and return to the previous state, the redoing operation icon 36 can be appropriately touched and restored. Further, the editing process can be saved in the server at an arbitrary timing by touching the save operation icon 37.

  When the content displayed in the preview 30 of the image editing screen W3 is satisfactorily finished, the integrated image storage operation icon 39 is touched to generate an integrated image of the content displayed in the preview 30. It can be stored in the terminal device TM. The image thus saved is no longer re-editable, but is generated and saved in a general-purpose image file format, so it can be freely used by distributing it to friends by e-mail or setting it as wallpaper.

  In addition, after logging in, when a code delivered or distributed to obtain a privilege is entered, or when a quiz is executed and a correct answer is received, a background template image or stamp is received from the server. You may perform the process which transmits an image or becomes downloadable.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the user registration processing is performed after accessing the captured image information on the network using the temporary ID, thereby performing various image editing (processing) as described with reference to FIGS. It becomes possible to do. Accordingly, effective guidance for user registration can be realized.

2.4 Modification In the foregoing, the case where the content providing apparatus is the photo sticker 1300 has been mainly described as an example, but the method of the present embodiment is not limited to this. The technique of the present embodiment can be applied to various content providing devices such as game devices.

  For example, FIG. 18A is an example of a car customization screen performed in a racing game or the like. The user (player) customizes (modifies) the car by changing parts of the car (moving body in a broad sense) operated by the user (player) while viewing the customization screen. In this case, in this embodiment, the customization of the vehicle is realized by a service such as an application executed by the terminal device TM, for example.

  Specifically, the server issues a temporary ID to the terminal device TM. Then, this temporary ID is recognized by a game device such as a racing game. For example, the game apparatus is made to recognize the image of the temporary ID code, or the temporary ID information is transmitted by proximity wireless communication (contactless communication) to be made to be recognized by the game apparatus. And a user operates a car (moving body) in a game device, and enjoys a game. In this case, the recognized temporary ID is associated with the vehicle information (content information in a broad sense) and transmitted from the game device to the server via a network or the like. The user uses the temporary ID as a key to access the vehicle information associated with the temporary ID. When the user registration process is performed, a user ID is associated with the vehicle information instead of the temporary ID. A user can customize a car or the like as shown in FIG. 18A by, for example, a service such as an application by inputting a user ID and a password and logging in.

  The above method can also be applied to game result information such as game ranking information as shown in FIG. For example, the display of the game results in FIG. 18B is performed by a service such as an application executed on the terminal device TM. Specifically, a temporary ID is issued and the game device is made to recognize the temporary ID, and the user plays a competitive game such as a racing game on the game device. Then, game result information (content information in a broad sense) such as ranking information is associated with the temporary ID and transmitted to the server. The user uses the temporary ID as a key to access game result information associated with the temporary ID. When the user registration process is performed, a user ID is associated with the game result information instead of the temporary ID. Provided when a user satisfies a condition such as ranking information as well as game results as shown in FIG. 18B by logging in by entering a user ID and password, for example, by a service such as an application. Video information such as movie data, sound information such as BGM, and still image information such as character images and background images for terminal devices can be viewed and viewed (streaming) and downloaded.

  In addition, the technique using the temporary ID may cause a security problem. In this case, for example, information for security measures other than the temporary ID may be included in the code information. For example, time stamp information for specifying the provisional ID issuance time is included in the code information. Then, by using such information for security measures, for example, a user other than the user of the terminal device from which the temporary ID is issued may be prevented from misusing the temporary ID.

  In addition, after the temporary ID is issued, when the user performs user registration that is main registration, some privilege may be given to the user. By doing so, it becomes possible to effectively guide the user to whom the temporary ID has been issued to the user registration, and the service realized by the user registration can be spread and promoted.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term (photographed image information, photo sticker, display, etc.) described together with a different term (content information, content providing device, presentation, etc.) in a broader sense or the same meaning at least once in the specification or drawings Alternatively, the different terms can be used in any place in the drawings. Further, the code information generation process, the code information presentation process, the user registration process, and the like are not limited to those described in this embodiment, and techniques equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various content providing systems.

TM terminal device, TA validity period,
2 users, 4 coins, 6 IC cards, 8 print media, 10 original shot images,
12 foreground layer, 13 decoration object, 14 person layer,
16 person shadow layer, 18 background layer, 20 integrated image, 21 URL,
22 seal ID, 23 software keyboard, 24 OK icon,
30 preview, 32 editing operation panel, 33 background template image thumbnail,
36 Redo operation icon, 37 Save operation icon,
39 integrated image saving operation icon, 50 layer display setting section, 52 user account,
54 foreground layer thumbnail, 56 background layer thumbnail,
100 processing unit, 102 reception processing unit, 104 transmission processing unit, 106 reception unit,
112 recognition processing unit 114 content output control unit 114 120 display processing unit
130 sound processing unit, 160 operation unit, 162 photographing unit, 170 storage unit,
172 content information storage unit, 180 information storage medium, 188 printing unit,
190 Display unit, 192 Sound output unit, 194 I / F unit,
195 portable information storage medium, 196 communication unit,
500 server system, 510 network, 520 content providing device,
600 processing unit, 602 reception processing unit, 604 transmission processing unit, 608 code information generation unit,
610 presentation processing unit, 612 registration processing unit, 616 charging processing unit, 618 management processing unit,
670 storage unit, 672 presentation information storage unit, 674 temporary ID information storage unit,
676 content information storage unit, 676 billing information storage unit,
678 User information storage unit, 696 Communication unit 1300 Photo sticker, 1301 Main housing, 1302 Coin insertion device,
1304 Lighting device, 1306 touch panel, 1308 camera unit,
1350 Control board, 1351 CPU, 1352 IC memory,
1353 communication module, 1354 driver circuit, 1355 interface IC,
1360 printing device, 1362 IC card reading device, 1364 monochrome background part,
1502 Direction input key, 1504 Button switch, 1506 Display unit,
1508 camera unit, 1509 built-in battery, 1510 speaker,
1512 microphone, 1550 control board, 1540 memory card,
1542 memory card reader, 1551 CPU, 1552 IC memory,
1553 wireless communication module

Claims (14)

A code information generation unit for generating code information including information on the temporary ID;
A presentation processing unit that performs a process of presenting the generated code information to a user terminal device;
Receiving process for receiving the content information associated with the temporary ID from the content providing apparatus that performs the process of recognizing the code information including the temporary ID information and provides the content to the user. And
A storage unit for storing the received content information;
A registration processing unit that performs a user registration process for a service using the content information for a user for whom the temporary ID has been issued;
A server system comprising: In claim 1,
The server system, wherein the content information is at least one of image information, sound information, and game information. In claim 1 or 2,
The registration processing unit
A server system that performs the user registration process for a user of the terminal device when the terminal device accesses a site where the code information is presented. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The presentation processing unit
When the content information associated with the temporary ID is received, a notification information presenting process for notifying the reception of the content information is performed to the terminal device that has accessed the site where the code information is presented. Server system characterized by In claim 4,
The registration processing unit
The server system, wherein the user registration process is performed when a user of the terminal device to which the notification information is presented selects the content information notified of reception. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The registration processing unit
A server system that performs the user registration process for the service provided with at least one of browsing, downloading, processing, and editing of the content information. In claim 2 or 3,
The content information is image information,
The presentation processing unit
For the terminal device that has accessed the site where the code information is presented, the thumbnail image corresponding to the image information is presented,
The registration processing unit
When the user of the terminal device selects the thumbnail image, the user registration processing for the service provided with at least one of browsing, downloading, editing, and processing of the image information is performed. Server system. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The presentation processing unit
A server system, wherein access of the terminal device to a site where the code information is presented is determined based on cookie information. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The presentation processing unit
A server system, wherein when the code information presentation request is made by the terminal device, the code information is presented to a site where the code information presentation request is made. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The registration processing unit
A server system characterized by performing a process of associating a user ID with the content information when the user registration process is performed. In claim 10,
The registration processing unit
A server system, wherein a process for associating the content information with the user ID is performed on the condition that the user registration process has been performed before the expiration of the temporary ID validity period. In claim 10 or 11,
The registration processing unit
A server system, wherein when the user registration process is performed, additional information associated with the content information in the content providing apparatus is also associated with the user ID. A server system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The content providing device;
A content providing system comprising: Generate code information including temporary ID information,
A process of presenting the generated code information to a user terminal device is performed,
From the content providing device that performs the process of recognizing the code information including the information of the temporary ID and provides the content to the user, the process of receiving the content information associated with the temporary ID via the network,
Storing the received content information in a storage unit;
An information processing method comprising: performing user registration processing for a service using the content information for a user who has been issued the temporary ID.