JP2007295418A - Automatic photo generating device and photography service system employing it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic photo generating device which can impart a specific service such as printout only when a captured image transmitted temporarily to the outside and edited externally is received and photography processing is performed in a predetermined device. <P>SOLUTION: After taking a shot at an imaging section 30, a processing (identification information attachment processing) for attaching a device code which can specify the manufacturer and the machine type of an automatic photo generating device is attached as identification information to a captured image obtained by that shooting. Transmission image data generated by identification information attachment processing are transmitted from a data transmitter 36 to a portable terminal 3. A data receiver 38 receives an image edited by the portable terminal 3 as reception data. When the device code indicative of the automatic photo generating device is included in that reception data, a printer 40 outputs an image based on the reception data as a photograph. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic photo creation apparatus that captures a user with a camera and outputs a composite image generated based on the captured image as a photograph, and a photo service system using the automatic photo creation apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an automatic photo creation apparatus that takes a user with a camera and outputs the photographed image as a photograph. In an amusement photo creation device, which is an automatic photo creation device, after a photograph is taken, an editing operation such as graffiti on a photographed image by a user is performed. For example, the user selects an image as a background or inputs characters or draws a picture using a touch pen attached to the apparatus. Then, the edited image is output as a photo sticker or a photo card by a printer built in the apparatus.

By the way, in recent years, the number of Internet users and mobile phone users using personal computers is increasing. In addition, with the development of communication technology, large-capacity data transfer is possible, and transmission / reception of image data via a network is common. Even users of the above-described game photo creation device have a need to capture captured images in a mobile phone or a personal computer in order to further enhance entertainment. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-15428 discloses a photographing apparatus including photographing means for photographing and external output means for outputting electronic data based on the photographing result to the outside. According to this, the user can transfer the captured image obtained by the photographing apparatus to the portable terminal or the personal computer, and can enjoy the photographed image by a device other than the photographing apparatus.
JP 2004-15428 A

  A user who wants to output a photograph sticker or the like again after editing a photographed image on a portable terminal or the like, since the photographed image generated by the game photo creation device as described above has already been taken into the portable terminal or the like. There are also needs. However, since the resolution of a portable terminal or the like has been low in the past, it has not been often performed to take an image edited on a portable terminal or the like and output it as a photo sticker or the like. In addition, when re-outputting as a photo sticker or the like is permitted, if an unspecified number of image data is accepted, an operational problem may occur. In addition, there is a need for a provider of an amusement photo creation apparatus that it is desired to keep customers by providing a specific service only to users of its own products.

  Therefore, the present invention receives a photographed image that has been once transmitted to the outside and edited externally, and provides a specific service such as print output only when a photographing process is performed by a predetermined device. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo creation apparatus capable of performing the above-described process.

A first aspect of the invention is an automatic photo creation apparatus including an imaging unit that shoots a user who is a subject in a predetermined shooting area, and an output unit that outputs a composite image including a captured image obtained by the imaging unit as a photograph. There,
Identification information adding means for adding predetermined identification information to the captured image or the composite image to generate image data for transmission;
Data transmission means for transmitting the image data for transmission to the outside is provided.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
First data receiving means for receiving data sent from the outside;
A first identification information confirmation unit for determining whether or not the first identification information for comparison that is stored in advance is added to the received data that is data received by the first data reception unit; Prepared,
The output means outputs a composite image based on the received data as a photograph when the first identification information confirmation means determines that the identification information for the first verification is added to the received data. It is characterized by that.

According to a third invention, in the first or second invention,
The data transmission means further transmits an image editing program for editing the photographed image or the composite image to the outside.

4th invention is 1st or 2nd invention,
The data transmission means further transmits a decoration image for decorating the photographed image or the composite image to the outside.

According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The predetermined identification information is information that can specify at least one of a manufacturer and a model of the automatic photo creating apparatus.

According to a sixth invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The predetermined identification information is added to a header portion of the transmission image data.

According to a seventh invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The predetermined identification information is embedded as digital watermark data in the transmission image data.

According to an eighth invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The predetermined identification information is embedded in the transmission image data so as to be a part of an image represented by the transmission image data.

A ninth invention is an automatic photo creation method including an imaging step of photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing region, and an output step of outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained in the imaging step as a photograph. There,
An identification information adding step for generating transmission image data by adding predetermined identification information to the captured image or the composite image;
A data transmission step of transmitting the transmission image data to the outside.

A tenth invention is the ninth invention,
A first data receiving step for receiving data sent from outside;
A first identification information confirmation step for determining whether or not the first collation identification information held in advance is added to the received data that is the data received in the first data reception step; Including
In the output step, when it is determined in the first identification information confirmation step that the identification information for the first verification is added to the reception data, a composite image based on the reception data is output as a photograph. It is characterized by that.

An eleventh aspect of the invention is an automatic photo creation apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging region; and an output unit that outputs a composite image including a captured image obtained by the imaging unit as a photograph; A photo service system comprising a service device that executes predetermined service processing,
The automatic photo creation device
Identification information adding means for adding predetermined identification information to the captured image or the composite image to generate image data for transmission;
Data transmission means for transmitting the image data for transmission to the outside,
The service device is:
Second data receiving means for receiving data sent from the outside;
Second identification information confirmation means for determining whether or not the second identification information for collation previously held is added to the external data that is data received by the second data receiving means;
Service processing means for executing the predetermined service processing when it is determined by the second identification information confirmation means that the second verification identification information is added to the external data. And

In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect,
The automatic photo creation device
First data receiving means for receiving data sent from the outside;
A first identification information confirmation unit for determining whether or not the first identification information for comparison that is stored in advance is added to the received data that is data received by the first data reception unit; Prepared,
The output means outputs a composite image based on the received data as a photograph when the first identification information confirmation means determines that the identification information for the first verification is added to the received data. It is characterized by that.

In a thirteenth aspect based on the eleventh or twelfth aspect,
The service processing means downloads, as the predetermined service processing, an image editing program for editing the captured image or the composite image to the transmission source of the external data.

In a fourteenth aspect based on the eleventh or twelfth aspect,
The service processing means downloads, as the predetermined service process, a decoration image for decorating the captured image or the composite image to the transmission source of the external data.

In a fifteenth aspect based on the eleventh or twelfth aspect,
The service processing means outputs a composite image based on the external data as a photograph as the predetermined service processing.

In a sixteenth aspect of the invention, any one of the eleventh to fifteenth aspects,
The predetermined identification information is information that can specify at least one of a manufacturer and a model of the automatic photo creating apparatus.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, in any one of the eleventh to sixteenth aspects of the invention,
The predetermined identification information is added to a header portion of the transmission image data.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, in any one of the eleventh to sixteenth aspects of the invention,
The predetermined identification information is embedded as digital watermark data in the transmission image data.

According to a nineteenth invention, in any one of the eleventh to sixteenth inventions,
The predetermined identification information is embedded in the transmission image data so as to be a part of an image represented by the transmission image data.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, the predetermined identification information is added to the captured image obtained by photographing by the identification information adding means. The photographed image to which the identification information is added is transmitted to the outside of the automatic photo creation apparatus by the data transmission means as transmission image data. For this reason, the captured image to which the identification information is added can be taken into the portable terminal or the like. When the mobile terminal or the like transmits the captured image to the automatic photo creation device or another device, since the identification information is added to the captured image, the device that has received the captured image determines in advance according to the identification information. The prepared service process can be executed.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the automatic photo creation device can receive data sent from the outside, and the (first) collation identification information held in advance is added to the received data received. Can be determined. For this reason, this automatic photo creation device receives a photographed image that is once transmitted to a mobile terminal or the like and edited by the mobile terminal or the like, and whether or not the photo can be output based on the identification information added to the received data. Can be decided. As a result, for example, only users who are trying to execute shooting and output with the same automatic photo creation device are permitted to output the photo, or the photo is taken with an automatic photo creation device of a predetermined manufacturer. It is possible to permit the output of a photo only when the user is present (by including store information as identification information) and determine whether or not the photo can be output for each store. In addition, since the user can capture the captured image into the mobile terminal or the like, the user can edit the captured image with the mobile terminal or the like at any time. In addition, although editing time is limited when editing a captured image with an automatic photo creation device, the user is not limited in time for editing with a mobile terminal or the like. As a result, the user can spend as much time as he wants on the favorite time without being restricted by time, and can edit the photographed image and output the photograph, thereby improving customer satisfaction. In addition, the use efficiency of the automatic photo creation apparatus is increased by editing the captured image on a portable terminal or the like.

  According to the third aspect, an image editing program that can edit a captured image can be taken into a portable terminal or the like. For this reason, the user can edit the photographed image using the image editing program fetched from the automatic photo creation apparatus, and the customer satisfaction is improved.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, a decoration image for decorating a captured image can be taken into a portable terminal or the like. For this reason, the user can enjoy a photographed image more. Depending on the mobile terminal, the captured image can be used after being edited, or the decoration image can be used as a background image of an e-mail. This improves customer satisfaction.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the manufacturer and model of the automatic photo creating apparatus that is the generation source of the received data can be specified based on the identification information of the received data. For this reason, for example, when the manufacturer and model specified by the identification information of the received data match the manufacturer and model of the device that received the received data, it is possible to allow the output of a photograph. As a result, whether or not photo output is possible is determined based on the manufacturer and model, so if the user is an automatic photo creation device of the same model of the same manufacturer, the captured image can be imported to a mobile terminal etc. It is possible to output a photographed image with a device installed at a different place. Thus, the user can perform shooting processing at a favorite place without being restricted by a place, and can output a photographed image after editing at a favorite place.

  According to the sixth aspect, the identification information is added to the header portion of the transmission image data. For this reason, for example, compatible data such as the Exif format can be used as the transmission image data.

  According to the seventh aspect, the identification information is embedded in the transmission image data as digital watermark data. Therefore, the transmission image data can be handled in the same manner as normal image data at the transmission destination of the transmission image data.

  According to the eighth aspect, the identification information is embedded in the transmission image data so as to become a part of the image. For this reason, for example, if an application program for recognizing the URL is downloaded to the mobile terminal or the like, the mobile terminal or the like that has received the image data for transmission by embedding the URL as part of the image as identification information. Connection to a device having the URL as an address is easily performed.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, in the automatic photo creation apparatus, predetermined identification information is added to a photographed image obtained by photography, and the photographed image with the identification information added is transmitted to the outside as transmission image data. Is done. For this reason, the captured image to which the identification information is added can be taken into the portable terminal or the like. Further, in the service device, it is determined whether or not predetermined identification information is added to data transmitted from the outside. If the predetermined identification information is added, predetermined service processing is executed. For this reason, when a mobile terminal or the like transmits a captured image to which predetermined identification information is added to the service device, service processing prepared in advance according to the identification information is executed by the service device. Thereby, it is possible to provide a service prepared in advance only for a user who has taken a picture with a predetermined automatic photo creation apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1.1 Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a play photo creation apparatus 2 which is an automatic photo creation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The game photo creation device 2 includes a camera 10 as an imaging unit for photographing a user, a flash 12 that emits flash light at appropriate positions on the left and right and above the camera 10, and a lower side of the camera 10. A preview monitor 14 which is a display device made up of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal display for providing a screen for editing freely (such as graffiti) by a user, an operation screen, and the like And a liquid crystal touch panel 16 made of a transparent sheet for detecting an operation position covering the operation screen.

  The camera 10 is typically a digital camera that generates a digital image signal using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), captures a user, and outputs an image signal representing the captured image. The flash 12 emits a flash toward the user in order to obtain sufficient light for shooting. The preview monitor 14 is configured to display an image represented by the image signal in real time, and is used for confirming a captured image obtained by the camera 10. The liquid crystal touch panel 16 functions as a display unit that provides the above-described operation screen and the like, and also functions as an operation unit that receives various operations by the user, such as an operation unit for photographing.

  The game photo creation device 2 is also configured with a main control device that is configured mainly by a computer and controls each part, a network interface device for communication with the outside, and a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the camera 10. It has a built-in printer as output means for outputting as a photo sticker. Further, the game photo creation device 2 includes an infrared port 18 connected to a network interface device for performing infrared communication with a portable terminal, and an outlet 20 such as a photo sticker output from a printer.

<1.2 Functional configuration>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game photo creation device 2 according to the present embodiment. The game photo creation device 2 includes an imaging unit 30, a confirmation display unit 32, an operation unit 34, a data transmission unit 36, a data reception unit 38, a printing unit 40, and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, a memory 52, and a program storage unit 53. The memory 52 includes a print data buffer 521 for temporarily storing print output data. The program storage unit 53 stores various programs such as an identification information addition program 531 and an identification information confirmation program 532.

  The imaging unit 30 corresponds to the camera 10 configured using an imaging element such as a CCD, and captures an image in real time and outputs an image signal representing the image (captured image). The image signal is input to the control unit 50 and temporarily stored as captured image data in the internal memory 52 thereof. The captured image data is supplied from the control unit 50 to the confirmation display unit 32 as a captured image signal. The confirmation display unit 32 corresponds to the preview monitor 14 and displays a captured image in real time based on the captured image signal.

  The operation unit 34 corresponds to the liquid crystal touch panel 16 and receives a user operation, a shutter operation, and the like for determining a layout of a photo to be output. Signals indicating these operations are input to the control unit 50 as operation signals. The operation unit 34 also has an editing function for accepting editing (such as graffiti) on a captured image by the user.

  When a shutter button (not shown) is pressed for shooting, a flash is emitted from the flash 12 in the shooting direction of the camera 10 after elapse of a predetermined time of about several seconds based on an instruction from the control unit 50. . Then, an image signal output from the imaging unit 30 as a signal representing the user's captured image is input to the control unit 50 and stored as captured image data in the memory 52 in the control unit 50.

  The data transmission unit 36 and the data reception unit 38 correspond to a network interface device built in the game photo creation device 2. The data transmission unit 36 transmits data generated by the control unit 50 by the identification information adding process described later (hereinafter referred to as “transmission image data”) to the external mobile terminal 3. The data receiving unit 38 receives data transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 (hereinafter referred to as “received data”) and provides the received data to the control unit 50. The printing unit 40 corresponds to a printer built in the game photo creation device 2, and based on an instruction from the control unit 50, an image based on photographed image data or an image based on received data is used as a photo sticker or a photo card. Output.

  The control unit 50 is built in the game photo creation device 2 and corresponds to a main control device mainly composed of a computer including a CPU 51 and a memory 52, and controls the game photo creation device 2 as a whole. At that time, various programs stored in the program storage unit 53 are loaded into the memory 52, and the CPU 51 executes them. The print data buffer 521 temporarily stores captured image data and received data before printing by the printing unit 40 is executed.

  The identification information addition program 531 is a program that is executed when an identification information addition process described later is performed, and is loaded into the memory 52 at the time of execution. The identification information confirmation program 532 is a program that is executed when an identification information confirmation process described later is performed, and is loaded into the memory 52 at the time of execution.

<1.3 Processing procedure>
In this game-use photo creation device 2, the photograph processing or the photograph processing is performed mainly for photographing a photograph and editing the photographed image or transferring the photographed image to the mobile terminal 3. Printing processing for printing out as a card is performed. Hereinafter, processing procedures of the photographing process and the printing process will be described respectively.

<1.3.1 Shooting process>
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the photographing process. When the user inserts a coin into a coin insertion slot (not shown), the game photo creation device 2 starts its operation. When the game photo creation device 2 starts operating, the CPU 51 displays a screen on the operation unit 34 for allowing the user to select a game to be executed. The game mode is set when the user selects any game (step S100). The game mode includes, for example, a “free mode” in which a background and a frame can be freely selected during a predetermined time period and shooting can be repeated at any time, and a “continuous shooting mode” in which a preselected number of shots are continuously shot. "There is a so-called" auto mode "in which the frame is automatically selected. When the game mode is set, photography by the imaging unit 30 is performed according to the game mode (step S110).

  After the photographing is finished, the CPU 51 operates a screen for allowing the user to select whether to edit the photographed image or transfer the photographed image to the portable terminal 3 such as a mobile phone. Displayed on the unit 34. When the user selects one, the CPU 51 determines which selection has been made by the user (step S120). As a result of the determination, if it has been selected that the photographed image creating apparatus 2 edits the photographed image, the process proceeds to step S130. On the other hand, if the selection to transfer the captured image to the mobile terminal 3 has been made, the process proceeds to step S180. It should be noted that in both cases of editing captured images and transferring captured images, the user may be able to select some of the plurality of captured images after shooting. Alternatively, the user may be able to select some to edit and some to transfer. Further, in order to allow the user to freely select such editing / transfer, a fee may be paid at the time of shooting and at the time of printing (separately).

  In step S130, the operation unit 34 accepts editing (such as graffiti) on the captured image by the user. For example, the user selects a background image, inputs characters, draws a picture, and the like. When editing of the captured image by the user is completed, the edited image is transmitted as captured image data to the print data buffer 521 (step S140).

  In step S180, processing for adding predetermined identification information to the captured image generated in step S110 (hereinafter referred to as “identification information addition processing”) is performed. The identification information addition process is performed by loading the identification information addition program 531 stored in the program storage unit 53 into the memory 52 and executing it by the CPU 51.

  In the present embodiment, a code (hereinafter referred to as “device code”) that can specify the manufacturer (manufacturer) and model of the play photo creation device 2 by the identification information addition process is used as the identification information in the image data. Added. In the present embodiment, image data in the Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) format is adopted, and the device code is added to the header portion of the image data. The image data to which the device code is added becomes transmission image data.

  After completion of the identification information addition process, the transmission image data generated in step S180 is transferred from the data transmission unit 36 to the portable terminal 3 (step S190). Thereby, the photographing process is completed.

  In the present embodiment, an identification information adding unit is realized by step S180, and a data transmitting unit is realized by step S190.

  Further, in the above procedure, either “editing and printing of the photographed image in the game photo creation device 2” or “transferring the photographed image to the portable terminal 3” is selected according to the selection result in step S120. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it can also be configured to proceed to step S180 after step S140. As a result, the user can edit the captured image after taking a photograph, and then can not only print the photographed image as a photo sticker but also import it into the portable terminal 3.

<1.3.2 Print processing>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the printing process. This play photo creating apparatus 2 can receive data sent from the outside. The data sent from the outside is stored as received data in the print data buffer 521 in the memory 52. Also, the captured image data after being edited by the operation unit 34 of the game photo creation device 2 is also stored in the print data buffer 521 in the memory 52.

  When data is taken into the print data buffer 521 (step S200), the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data is data sent from the portable terminal 3 (step S210). If it is determined that the data is sent from the portable terminal 3, the process proceeds to step S230. On the other hand, if it is not the data transmitted from the portable terminal 3, it will progress to step S220.

  In step S220, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data fetched into the print data buffer 521 is photographed image data generated by the game photo creation device 2. If it is determined that the photographed image data is generated by the play photo creating apparatus 2, the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, if the data is not generated by the play photo creation apparatus 2, the process returns to step S200.

  In step S230, processing for confirming the identification information of the received data (hereinafter referred to as “identification information confirmation processing”) is performed. In the present embodiment, first, the CPU 51 acquires data (hereinafter referred to as “header data”) stored in the header portion of the received data. And CPU51 determines whether the apparatus code which shows this photo production apparatus 2 for play is contained in header data. As a result of the determination, if the device code indicating the play photo creation device 2 is included in the header data, the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, if the device code indicating the game photo creation device 2 is not included in the header data, the process returns to step S200. In the present embodiment, a device code indicating the game photo creation device 2 is held in advance as identification information for first verification.

  In step S240, the printing unit 40 prints out an image based on the data captured in the printing data buffer 521 as a photo sticker or a photo card. After step S240 ends, the process returns to step S200.

  As described above, the operations from step S200 to step S240 are repeated during the period in which the game photo creation device 2 is operating.

  In the present embodiment, the first data receiving unit is realized by step S200, and the first identification information confirmation unit is realized by step S230. Further, the processing in step S230 is performed by loading the identification information confirmation program 532 stored in the program storage unit 53 into the memory 52 and executing it by the CPU 51.

  In the above procedure, the received data is printed out as it is, but the user may be able to edit it before printing out. Furthermore, the user may edit the received data, and the edited data may be transferred to the portable terminal 3 again as transmission image data.

<1.4 Addition of identification information to image data>
Next, a method for adding identification information to image data in the present embodiment will be described with a specific example. In the present embodiment, Exif format image data is employed. 5 to 9 show the data format of the image data (file) in the Exif format. In the following description, the address is indicated by “hexadecimal number”.

  The address “0” stores a code “FFD8” representing the start of JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) data. The address “2” stores a code “FFE1” representing an application marker segment. The application marker segment is an area for storing application-specific information. The address “4” stores the data size of the header. Address “6” stores an Exif header. Address “C” stores a code indicating the format of data. Address “E” stores a fixed value of a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) header. The address “10” stores an offset to the first IFD (Image File Directory). After the address “14”, there is a data area of 1388 bytes.

  The address “580” stores the number of IFD entries. In the example shown in FIG. 5, there are 11 entries. Each entry is composed of four elements of “tag”, “type (kind)”, “count (number of values)”, and “offset”, and the addresses after “582” are entries.

  The address “582” stores a manufacturer name tag. An address “58E” stores a model name tag. An address (59A) stores an orientation (image direction) tag. An address “5A6” stores a resolution tag in the X direction. The address “5B2” stores a Y-direction resolution tag. The address “5BE” stores a resolution unit tag. A firmware version tag is stored at the address “5CA”. An address “5D6” stores a tag of the image update date / time. The address “5E2” stores a tag of color sample point information.

  The address “5EE” stores a tag of identification information. In the example shown in FIG. 5, in order to prevent duplication with other data, “8999” that is not normally used in the Exif specification is adopted as the tag number. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the identification information is 512-byte data “ascii string” (type), and data (contents of the identification information) is stored at the offset “82”.

  The address “5FA” stores a tag indicating that it is a pointer to the SubIFD. 6 to 8 show an example of the SubIFD. The address “606” stores the offset of the next IFD (IFD1). FIG. 9 shows an example of the IFD 1.

  As described above, in addition to adopting a tag number that is not normally used in the specification of Exif for identification information, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a tag of copyright (copyright holder) information is identified by identification information. Can also be used for. In FIG. 10, although the tag of copyright information is stored at the address “5EE”, identification information may be stored at the offset “82” instead of the copyright information.

  Further, the SubIFD is provided with a tag “maker note” (address “6E4” in FIG. 7) for storing information unique to the manufacturer, and can store data of an arbitrary size. The data area of this “maker note” can also be used for storing identification information.

<1.5 Effect>
According to the present embodiment, when a photographed image generated by the game photograph creation device 2 is transmitted to the portable terminal 3 by photography, the header for the transmitted data (transmission image data) is used for the game. An apparatus code that can specify the manufacturer and model of the photo creating apparatus 2 is added. Also, if the data taken in the print data buffer 521 is sent from the portable terminal 3 when the game photo creation device 2 performs the printing process, the content of the header portion of the data is confirmed. Done. Only when the header includes the device code of the game photo creation device 2 as data, printout of a photo sticker or the like is performed. For this reason, if the data sent from the portable terminal 3 is generated by, for example, a device made by a manufacturer different from the game photo creation device 2, print output such as a photo sticker is not performed. As a result, it is possible to execute print output only on the photographed image generated by the game photo creation device 2.

  Further, by adding identification information such as a device code to image data, “one piece of data” (image data for transmission) is created, and that piece of data is transmitted and received. An effect is obtained. For example, when a single piece of data in which identification information is added to image data has not been created (when identification information and image data are completely separated), the image data is transferred. In addition to the procedure for doing this, a procedure for transferring the identification information is required. In addition, image data can be transmitted and received in a portable terminal, but a dedicated application program is required for transmitting and receiving identification information. Furthermore, when compressing data (file), a procedure for compressing image data and identification information together and a communication procedure for the collected data are required. On the other hand, when identification data is added to image data to create a single piece of data, a procedure for transferring identification information, a procedure for compressing image data and identification information together, There is no need to consider the communication procedure of the collected data. Further, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated application program for the mobile terminal. For this reason, image data can be transmitted and received without being aware of the fact that identification information is added. In other words, it is possible to consciously transmit / receive identification information accompanying the image data simply by transmitting / receiving the image data.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the game photo creation device 2 can transmit a captured image as transmission image data to the mobile terminal 3, and captures the captured image edited by the mobile terminal 3 as data. You can also. The play photo creation device 2 can print out an image based on the captured data as a photo sticker or the like. For this reason, the user can edit the photographed image on the portable terminal 3 at the favorite time after taking the transmission image data into the portable terminal 3, and the edited photographed image. A photo sticker or the like based on the above can be output from the game photo creation device 2. As a result, the user can edit and print out the captured image for the desired length of time at any time without being restricted by time, and the customer satisfaction is improved. Further, by editing the captured image on the mobile terminal 3, the waiting time when playing the game on the game photo creation device 2 is shortened and the utilization efficiency (operation efficiency) of the device 2 is increased.

  Further, by configuring the image editing program for editing the photographed image and the decoration image to be transmitted from the game photo creation device 2 to the mobile terminal 3, the mobile terminal 3 that does not have an editing function can be used. It is possible to enjoy the editing of the photographed image and to improve the enjoyment with the decorative image.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, whether print output is possible or not is determined by a device code that can specify the manufacturer and model of the game photo creation device 2. For this reason, if the user is the same model of the game maker 2 of the same manufacturer, the user installs the captured image into the mobile terminal 3 and prints out the edited captured image at different locations. This can be done with the device 2. Thus, the user can perform shooting processing at a favorite place without being restricted by a place, and can print out a shot image after editing at a favorite place.

<1.6 Modification>
<About the connection form>
In the first embodiment, data transmission / reception between the game photo creation device 2 and the portable terminal 3 is performed by infrared communication, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be realized by wireless communication other than infrared rays using a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth. Further, the present invention is not limited to wireless communication, and can also be realized by wired communication. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 19 is provided instead of the infrared port 18 shown in FIG. 1, and a wired connection is made between the game photo creation device 2 and the portable terminal 3. Data transmission / reception may be performed by communication. It can also be realized by wired communication other than USB, such as a wired LAN or IEEE (the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394.

<About the content of 1.6.2 identification information>
In the first embodiment, the device code that can specify the manufacturer and model of the game photo creation device 2 is added as identification information to the transmission image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . The data to be added to the image data for transmission may be information other than the manufacturer or model as long as it can be identified by the game photo creation device 2, or may be a decoration image or a program image. There may be.

  In addition, a configuration in which a plurality of identification information for collation is held may be employed. Thus, for example, print output is permitted not only for a photographed image photographed by the company's own game photograph creation device 2 but also for a photographed image photographed by the other company's game photograph creation device 2 in cooperation. can do.

<About the method of adding 1.6.3 identification information>
In the first embodiment, the identification information is added to the header portion of the transmission image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the identification information may be embedded in the image data as digital watermark data, or the identification information may be embedded in the image data as part of the image.

<2. Second Embodiment>
<2.1 Overall system configuration>
Next, a photo service system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the photo service system according to the present embodiment. The photo service system includes a photo service server 4, a printer 5, and a plurality of game photo creation devices 2 connected to the photo service server 4 by a WAN (Wide Area Network) 9. The game photo creation device 2 outputs a photographed image obtained by taking a photograph as a photo sticker or the like and transmits transmission image data generated based on the photographed image to the mobile terminal 3. The photo service server 4 receives image data for transmission sent from the portable terminal 3 via the Internet 8, and outputs an image based on the image data for transmission to the printer 5 as a photo sticker or the like.

<2.2 Configuration of photo production device for games>
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of the game photo creation device 2 according to this embodiment. In the present embodiment, unlike the configuration in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the identification information confirmation program 532 is not stored in the program storage unit 53. Further, data transmission from the portable terminal 3 to the play photo creation device 2 is not performed. Since other components are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. The hardware configuration of the game photo creation device 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

<2.3 Configuration of photo service server>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the photo service server 4. The photo service server 4 is realized using a personal computer (PC), and includes a main body 60, an input device 71 such as a mouse and a keyboard, a display device 72 such as a CRT, and an auxiliary storage device 73. Yes.

  The personal computer main body 60 includes a CPU 61, a memory 62 such as a RAM and a ROM, a network interface unit 63, an input interface unit 64, a display control unit 65, and a disk interface unit 66. An input device 71 is connected to the input interface unit 64, a display device 72 is connected to the display control unit 65, and an auxiliary storage device 73 is connected to the disk interface unit 66.

  The memory 62 includes a reception data buffer 621 for receiving data sent from the outside. The auxiliary storage device 73 stores an identification information confirmation program 731 and a service processing program 732. The identification information confirmation program 731 is a program that is executed when identification information addition processing is performed, and is loaded into the memory 62 at the time of execution. The service processing program 732 is a program that is executed when service processing to be described later is performed, and is loaded into the memory 62 at the time of execution. Also, coupon information (not shown) for executing the service process is stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 73 as the second verification identification information.

  The photo service server 4 is connected to the LAN 7 by the network interface unit 63, and further connected to the Internet 8 and the WAN 9 through routers 81 and 82.

<2.4 Processing procedure>
Next, the processing procedure of the game photo creation device 2 and the photo service server 4 in this embodiment will be described.

<2.4.1 Processing procedure of the game photo creation device>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the play photo creating apparatus 2. When the user inserts a coin into a coin insertion slot (not shown), the game photo creation device 2 starts its operation. When the game photo creation device 2 starts operating, the CPU 51 displays a screen on the operation unit 34 for allowing the user to select a game to be executed. Then, the game mode is set when the user selects any game (step S300). When the game mode is set, a picture is taken by the imaging unit 30 according to the game mode (step S310).

  After the photographing is finished, the CPU 51 displays a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to transfer the photographed image to the portable terminal 3 on the operation unit 34. When the user selects one, the CPU 51 determines which selection has been made by the user (step S320). As a result of the determination, if the selection to transfer the captured image to the portable terminal 3 has been performed, the process proceeds to step S330. On the other hand, when the selection not to transfer the captured image to the mobile terminal 3 is performed, the process proceeds to step S350.

  In step S330, identification information addition processing is performed. In the present embodiment, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the photo service server 4 and coupon information for the photo service are added to the image data as identification information. Also, the identification information is embedded in the image data as part of the image. The image data in which the URL of the photo service server 4 and the coupon information are embedded is the transmission image data. The coupon information to be embedded in the image data for transmission is distributed from the photo service server 4 to each game photo creation device 2 via the WAN 9 as necessary. In addition, an application program for recognizing the URL is downloaded to the mobile terminal 3 in advance or needs to be downloaded separately.

  After completion of the identification information addition process, the transmission image data generated in step S330 is transferred from the data transmission unit 36 to the portable terminal 3 (step S340). After step S340 ends, the process proceeds to step S350.

  In step S350, the operation unit 34 accepts editing (such as graffiti) on the captured image by the user. For example, the user selects a background image, inputs characters, draws a picture, and the like. When editing of the photographed image by the user is completed, the photographed image after editing is printed out as a photo sticker or the like (step S360). As a result, the operation of the game photo creation device 2 is stopped.

  In the present embodiment, the identification information adding unit is realized by step S330, and the data transmitting unit is realized by step S340. In this embodiment, the transmission image data is transferred to the portable terminal 3 before print output. However, the transmission image data is transferred to the portable terminal 3 after print output. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that Furthermore, it may be configured such that after a photograph is taken, the user edits the photographed image, adds identification information to the edited image, and transfers the image to the portable terminal 3 as transmission image data.

<2.4.2 Photo Service Server Processing Procedure>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the photo service server 4. In this photo service system, the photo service server 4 can receive data sent from the outside. The data sent from the outside is stored as external data in the reception data buffer 621 in the memory 62.

  When the external data is taken into the reception data buffer 621 (step S400), the CPU 61 determines whether or not the external data is data sent from the portable terminal 3 (step S410). If it is determined that the data is sent from the mobile terminal 3, the process proceeds to step S420. On the other hand, if it is not the data sent from the portable terminal 3, it will return to step S400.

  In step S420, identification information confirmation processing is performed. In the present embodiment, first, the CPU 61 acquires identification information embedded in external data. And CPU61 determines whether the said identification information is coupon information to the effect of performing a service process. If it is determined that the coupon information indicates that the service process is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S430. On the other hand, if the coupon information is not to execute the service process, the process proceeds to step S440.

  In step S430, based on the external data (image data) sent from the mobile terminal 3, a photo sticker printout is executed as a service process. On the other hand, in step S440, the CPU 61 sends an error message to the mobile terminal 3 that has transmitted the external data. After step S430 or step S440 ends, the process returns to step S400, and the above operations are repeated.

  In the present embodiment, the second data receiving unit is realized by step S400, the second identification information confirmation unit is realized by step S420, and the service processing unit is realized by step S430. Further, the processing in step S420 is performed by loading the identification information confirmation program 731 stored in the auxiliary storage device 73 into the memory 62 and executing it by the CPU 51. The process of step S430 is performed by loading the service processing program 732 stored in the auxiliary storage device 73 into the memory 62 and executing it by the CPU 51.

<2.5 Effect>
According to the present embodiment, when the photographed image generated by the game photograph creation device 2 is transmitted to the portable terminal 3 by photography, the photograph service server 4 includes the transmitted data (transmission image data). The information indicating the URL and coupon information for the photo service are embedded as identification information. For this reason, if an application program for recognizing the URL is downloaded to the mobile terminal or the like, the user simply selects the photographed image on the screen of the mobile terminal 3 and the mobile terminal 3 is transferred to the photo service server 4. While being able to connect, coupon information can be sent to the photo service server 4. On the other hand, in the photo service server 4, if the external data captured in the reception data buffer 621 is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3, a coupon for the photo service (as second verification identification information) It is confirmed whether the information is embedded in the external data. Only when the coupon information is embedded, a printout such as a photo sticker is performed. For this reason, it is possible to print out a photo sticker only to a user who has transmitted a photographed image photographed by a predetermined game photo creation device 2. Also, by holding a plurality of (second) verification identification information, different services can be provided to the user according to the identification information added to the external data.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the photo service system according to the present embodiment. The user takes a photograph with the play photo creation device 2 and then takes the photographed image into the portable terminal 3. The user selects (clicks) the photographed image captured from the play photo creation device 2 on the portable terminal 3. Then, the mobile terminal 3 is connected to the photo service server 4 from the access point 6 via the Internet 8. Then, the transmission image data in which the coupon information is embedded is transmitted from the portable terminal 3 to the photo service server 4. In the photo service server 4, after authentication is performed using the identification information embedded in the transmission image data, a print output such as a photo sticker is performed based on the coupon information. The service provider sends the photo sticker output from the printer 5 to the user offline (by mail).

<2.6 Modification>
Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the photo service server 4 in this modification. In the second embodiment, the photo sticker is printed out in step S430 (FIG. 16). In this modification, instead of this, the image editing program and the decoration image are downloaded from the photo service server 4 to the portable terminal 3 (step S530). Since steps other than step S530 are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  According to this modification, if the data transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 to the photo service server 4 includes identification information for (second) collation, the photo editing program is transferred from the photo service server 4 to the mobile terminal 3. And a decorative image are downloaded. Therefore, the user can edit the captured image using the image editing program and the decoration image. In addition, by making the functional configuration of the game photo creation device 2 as shown in FIG. 2, the user can cause the game photo creation device 2 to output a photo sticker or the like based on the edited photographed image. Can do.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the photo service system according to the present embodiment. The user takes a photograph with the play photo creation device 2 and then takes the photographed image into the portable terminal 3. The user selects (clicks) the photographed image captured from the play photo creation device 2 on the portable terminal 3. Then, the mobile terminal 3 is connected to the photo service server 4 from the access point 6 via the Internet 8. Then, the transmission image data is transmitted from the portable terminal 3 to the photo service server 4. In the photo service server 4, authentication is performed using the identification information embedded in the transmission image data, and then the decoration image and the image editing program are downloaded to the portable terminal 3. The user edits the photographed image (such as graffiti) using the decorative image and image editing program downloaded from the photo service server 4. Then, the user transmits the edited photographed image to the game photo creation device 2, and obtains a photo sticker output from the game photo creation device 2.

<3. Other>
In each of the embodiments described above, the transmission image data transmitted from the game photo creation device 2 to the portable terminal 3 is described as being a photographed image after taking a photo in the game photo creation device 2. Is not limited to this. The transmission image data may be a composite image in which a background image or the like is added to a captured image, or may be an edited image after being edited by a user.

1 is a perspective view of an amusement photograph creation apparatus which is an automatic photograph creation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the photo creation apparatus for play in the said 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of photographing processing in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of printing processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data format of Exif format image data (file) in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data format of Exif format image data (file) in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data format of Exif format image data (file) in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data format of Exif format image data (file) in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data format of Exif format image data (file) in the first embodiment. In the said 1st Embodiment, it is a figure which shows another example of the data format of the image data (file) of an Exif format. It is a perspective view of the photo creation apparatus for play which concerns on the modification of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the photography service system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the photo production apparatus for play in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the photograph service server in the said 2nd Embodiment. In the said 2nd Embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the photo production apparatus for play. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a photo service server in the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of the photography service system which concerns on the said 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a photograph service server in the modification of the said 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of the photography service system which concerns on the modification of the said 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Photo creation device for game 3 ... Mobile terminal 4 ... Photo service server 6 ... Access point 8 ... Internet 10 ... Camera 18 ... Infrared port 30 ... Imaging unit 34 ... Operation unit 36 ... Data transmission unit 38 ... Data reception unit 40 ... Printing unit 50 ... control unit 51 ... CPU of the photo creation device for play
52 ... Memory of a game photo creation device 53 ... Program storage unit 61 ... CPU of photo service server
62 ... Photo service server memory 73 ... Auxiliary storage device 521 ... Printing data buffer 531 ... Identification information addition program 532, 731 ... Identification information confirmation program 621 ... Reception data buffer 732 ... Service processing program

Claims (19)

An automatic photo creation apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging region; and an output unit that outputs a composite image including a captured image obtained by the imaging unit as a photograph.
Identification information adding means for adding predetermined identification information to the captured image or the composite image to generate image data for transmission;
An automatic photo creation apparatus, comprising: data transmission means for transmitting the image data for transmission to the outside. First data receiving means for receiving data sent from the outside;
A first identification information confirmation unit for determining whether or not the first identification information for comparison that is stored in advance is added to the received data that is data received by the first data reception unit; Prepared,
The output means outputs a composite image based on the received data as a photograph when the first identification information confirmation means determines that the identification information for the first verification is added to the received data. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission unit further transmits an image editing program for editing the photographed image or the composite image to the outside.   The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission unit further transmits a decoration image for decorating the photographed image or the composite image to the outside.   The automatic photo creation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined identification information is information that can specify at least one of a manufacturer and a model of the automatic photo creation device. apparatus.   6. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined identification information is added to a header portion of the transmission image data.   6. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined identification information is embedded as digital watermark data in the transmission image data.   6. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined identification information is embedded in the transmission image data so as to be a part of an image represented by the transmission image data. Automatic photo production device described in 1. An automatic photo creation method including an imaging step of photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing region, and an output step of outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained in the imaging step as a photograph,
An identification information adding step for generating transmission image data by adding predetermined identification information to the captured image or the composite image;
And a data transmission step of transmitting the transmission image data to the outside. A first data receiving step for receiving data sent from outside;
A first identification information confirmation step for determining whether or not the first collation identification information held in advance is added to the received data that is the data received in the first data reception step; Including
In the output step, when it is determined in the first identification information confirmation step that the identification information for the first verification is added to the reception data, a composite image based on the reception data is output as a photograph. The automatic photo creating method according to claim 9, wherein: An automatic photo creation apparatus including an imaging unit that captures a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging area, and an output unit that outputs a composite image including a captured image obtained by the imaging unit as a photograph, and executes predetermined service processing A photo service system comprising a service device,
The automatic photo creation device
Identification information adding means for adding predetermined identification information to the captured image or the composite image to generate image data for transmission;
Data transmission means for transmitting the image data for transmission to the outside,
The service device is:
Second data receiving means for receiving data sent from the outside;
Second identification information confirmation means for determining whether or not the second identification information for collation previously held is added to the external data that is data received by the second data receiving means;
Service processing means for executing the predetermined service processing when it is determined by the second identification information confirmation means that the second verification identification information is added to the external data. A photo service system. The automatic photo creation device
First data receiving means for receiving data sent from the outside;
A first identification information confirmation unit for determining whether or not the first identification information for comparison that is stored in advance is added to the received data that is data received by the first data reception unit; Prepared,
The output means outputs a composite image based on the received data as a photograph when the first identification information confirmation means determines that the identification information for the first verification is added to the received data. The photo service system according to claim 11, wherein   The said service processing means performs the download to the transmission source of the said external data of the image editing program for editing the said picked-up image or the said synthesized image as said predetermined | prescribed service processing, 12. The photo service system according to 12.   The said service processing means downloads the image for decoration for decorating the said picked-up image or the said synthesized image to the transmission source of the said external data as said predetermined | prescribed service processing, 12. The photo service system according to 12.   The photo service system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the service processing means outputs a composite image based on the external data as a photo as the predetermined service processing.   The photo service according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the predetermined identification information is information that can specify at least one of a manufacturer and a model of the automatic photo creation device. system.   The photo service system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the predetermined identification information is added to a header portion of the transmission image data.   The photo service system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the predetermined identification information is embedded as digital watermark data in the transmission image data. The predetermined identification information is embedded in the transmission image data so as to be a part of an image represented by the transmission image data. Photo service system described in 1.

Images