JP2010015216A - Item selling device, item selling method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an item selling device, an item selling method and a program, for easily and quickly providing a background image desired by a user while providing the characteristics of image information based on image information photographed by a user concerning a background image for an avator. <P>SOLUTION: This item selling device is provided with: an image pattern specification part 11 for specifying image pattern information similar to user pickup image information; a retrieval part 12 for retrieving item information related with the image pattern information from an avator DB 16; a transmission part 13 for extracting item information to be transmitted to a user terminal 20 from the item information, and for transmitting the extracted item information to the user terminal 20 in association as list information; and an item reflection part 14 for receiving the selected item information selected by the user from among the retrieved item information and user ID confirmation information, and for retrieving user image information relevant to the user ID confirmation information from the avator DB 16, and for associating the selected item information with the user image information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an item sales apparatus, method, and program for providing information desired by a user based on image information input by the user.

  With the spread of the Internet to the society, not only passive users who browse information on the network, search, or purchase products, but also users themselves as information senders on the Web The number of users who take active actions such as publishing a simple diary (so-called blog) or forming a community with people with similar preferences is rapidly increasing.

  In particular, the background of the rapid spread of blogs over the past few years is thought to be largely due to the contribution made by blog editors, which even beginners of the Internet can easily register and send texts and photos on their homepages.

  And the spread of such blogs to society is different from the actual society because the society on the network (so-called network community) that could not be considered in the era when the information was simply browsed by the terminal that can be connected to the communication network. It has emerged and shows that it is developing rapidly.

  Under such circumstances, an increasing number of users utilize “avatars” as symbols representing the users themselves on the network. An avatar that means “another” is a so-called character that is specifically represented by image data, video data, audio data, etc., but expresses itself in a network community that exists separately from the real society, In various activities such as interacting with, sympathizing with and discussing with other users, and expanding friendships that are similar to each other, it has increased its significance as a pseudo-acting subject.

  Specifically, for example, when publishing a blog, by using an avatar in the screen, the user can be intuitively expressed by character data separately from the document written by the user. Viewers can feel as if their alternation exists on the network, and can strongly support communication in the network community.

In addition, the avatar is configured by selecting and combining an optional background image with a basic image, and a technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, is disclosed as a technique for editing the background image.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-133776

  An avatar is not limited to a community site or online game, but on a WEB site provided to each user as a My page, an unspecified access to the WEB site as a function of transmitting its own characteristics and individuality while maintaining anonymity For many users, it is required to be richer and more flexible.

  However, when editing a background image, it is very time consuming to edit the background image desired by the user because the appropriateness of the original image (good or bad) greatly affects the editing operation even if the degree of freedom of editing is given. Took or was very difficult. Also, when searching for a background image desired by the user, the criteria for searching are not clear, and it is difficult to search for a desired image from a limited number of images or a very large number of images. It was.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention relates to a background image for an avatar, and easily extracts information desired by the user (background image) while extracting features of the image information based on image information taken by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide an item sales apparatus, method, and program that can be provided quickly.

(1) Avatar storage means for storing the avatar associated with the user ID and item information as image information in association with the avatar;
A display means for displaying the item information accompanying the avatar;
Publishing means for publishing the avatar and item information stored in the avatar storage means so that they can be viewed from other user terminals;
Image pattern information storage means storing image pattern information from which characteristic patterns of image information are extracted;
Receiving means for receiving a user ID and user captured image information stored in the user terminal;
Image pattern specifying means for specifying the image pattern information similar to the user-captured image information from the image pattern information storage means;
Search means for searching the item information related to the image pattern information specified by the image pattern specifying means from the avatar storage means;
Transmission means for associating the item information searched by the search means as list information and transmitting it to a user terminal;
After the transmission, the user terminal receives selection information for one item from the list information, and reflects the item information corresponding to the selection information as item information associated with the avatar associated with the user ID. An item reflecting means,
The avatar storage means stores the item information reflected by the item reflection means in association with the avatar, and stores the item information.

  According to the invention according to (1), the server device 10 is designed in advance by a designer or the like based on image information (user captured image information) captured by a user captured by a digital camera of the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone. The user searches for item information corresponding to the avatar (cartooned), the user selects favorite item information from a plurality of item information designed (cartooned) by a designer or the like, and the user related to the user ID Item information corresponding to the avatar is the item information selected by the user among the image information (character images reflecting the personality of the user specific to the user such as an avatar) and item information designed (cartoonized) by a designer or the like Reflect as. In addition, the avatar and item information are disclosed to other user terminals.

  In this way, according to the invention according to (1), a designer or the like designs in advance based on image information (user captured image information) captured by a user captured by a digital camera of a mobile device such as a mobile phone (user captured image information). Search for item information corresponding to the avatar that has been made comic, and user image information related to the user ID confirmation information (user registration ID) (character images reflecting the user's personality unique to the user such as an avatar) and the designer By transmitting the item information designed (cartoonized) by the user to the user, it becomes possible to supply only a registered user with a sophisticated and smart information providing service.

  In addition, it becomes possible for the user to select a favorite image, and it is associated with character images based on the user's personality (which reflects the originality) together with friends, etc. via a mobile device such as a mobile phone. Since it becomes possible to share favorite item information, it becomes possible to provide a user with a service with higher added value (a high degree of entertainment and enjoyment).

  (2) The item reflection unit generates composite image information obtained by superimposing the item information and the avatar, and transmits the composite image information to a user who transmitted the user ID. The item sales device described.

  According to the invention which concerns on (2), it becomes possible to synthesize | combine user image information (character images reflecting user's individuality, such as an avatar), with the selection item information (background image) which the user selected.

  In this way, according to the invention according to (2), the user terminal 20 can obtain information indicating where the user is by superimposing (combining) the favorite item information selected by the user on the avatar image as a background image. The service company having the server device 10 can provide a unique service that increases user satisfaction.

(3) The image pattern specifying unit executes a specifying operation only when the user ID received by the receiving unit is legitimately registered,
The item reflecting means is when the user ID associated with the item information corresponding to the selection information is legitimately registered and it is determined that the user ID is legitimately registered by the receiving means. The item sales apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein item information corresponding to the selection information is associated with the avatar.

  According to the invention according to (3), the image pattern specifying unit 11 and the item reflecting unit 14 operate only when the received user ID confirmation information (user ID (IDentification)) is registered as legitimate (regular). It has a function to execute.

  Since the user ID is stored (registered) in the storage device 410 such as the image pattern information DB 15 or the avatar DB 16 in advance, the image pattern specifying unit 11 and the item reflecting unit 14 easily check whether the user ID is stored. Is possible.

  In this way, according to the invention according to (3), it is possible to provide this service only to legitimate members whose user IDs are properly registered. In addition, since the item reflection unit 14 transmits the composite image information to the user who transmitted the user ID confirmation information (user ID) via the transmission unit 13, only the regular member whose user ID is properly registered can be used. This service can be provided with certainty, and the user check function can be activated twice.

  (4) When searching for the item information from the avatar storage means, the search means searches for the item information by category, and in order from the most recently registered item information within the same category. The item selling device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the item is searched.

  According to the invention which concerns on (4), the search part 12 searches item information according to a category, and searches in order from the said item information registered most recently in the same said category.

  In this way, according to the invention according to (4), the item information stored (registered) in the avatar DB 16 is continuously updated and registered, so the search unit 12 is registered as attribute information of the item information. By searching for the date and time, it is possible to easily search for the latest and popular item information.

(5) The avatar associated with the user ID and the item information as image information are referred to the avatar storage unit stored in association with the avatar, and the item information as image information is associated with the avatar. A display process for displaying
A publishing step of publishing the avatar and item information stored in the avatar storage unit so that they can be viewed from other user terminals;
A receiving step of receiving a user ID and user captured image information stored in the user terminal;
An image pattern specifying step for specifying image pattern information similar to the user-captured image information with reference to an image pattern information storage unit storing image pattern information from which a characteristic pattern of image information is extracted;
A search step for searching the item information related to the image pattern information specified by the image pattern specifying step from the avatar storage unit;
A transmission step of associating the item information searched by the search step as list information and transmitting it to a user terminal;
After the transmission, the user terminal receives selection information for one item from the list information, and reflects the item information corresponding to the selection information as item information associated with the avatar associated with the user ID. An item reflection process,
The item sales method, wherein the avatar storage unit stores the item information reflected by the item reflection process in association with the avatar.

  According to the invention according to (5), the server device 10 is designed in advance by a designer or the like based on image information (user captured image information) captured by a user captured by a digital camera of the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone. The user searches for item information corresponding to the avatar (cartooned), the user selects favorite item information from a plurality of item information designed (cartooned) by a designer or the like, and the user related to the user ID Item information corresponding to the avatar is the item information selected by the user among the image information (character images reflecting the personality of the user specific to the user such as an avatar) and item information designed (cartoonized) by a designer or the like Reflect as. In addition, the avatar and item information are disclosed to other user terminals.

  In this way, according to the invention according to (1), a designer or the like designs in advance based on image information (user captured image information) captured by a user captured by a digital camera of a mobile device such as a mobile phone (user captured image information). Search for item information corresponding to the avatar that has been made comic, and user image information related to the user ID confirmation information (user registration ID) (character images reflecting the user's personality unique to the user such as an avatar) and the designer By transmitting the item information designed (cartoonized) by the user to the user, it becomes possible to supply only a registered user with a sophisticated and smart information providing service.

  In addition, it becomes possible for the user to select a favorite image, and it is associated with character images based on the user's personality (which reflects the originality) together with friends, etc. via a mobile device such as a mobile phone. Since it becomes possible to share favorite item information, it becomes possible to provide a user with a service with higher added value (a high degree of entertainment and enjoyment).

  (6) A program for causing a computer to execute the item sales method according to (5).

  According to such a configuration, the same effect as in (5) can be expected by causing the computer to execute the program.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the composite image information which synthesize | combined the information (background image) and avatar which a user desires is provided quickly and easily, extracting the characteristic of image information based on the image information which the user image | photographed. It becomes possible.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[Entire system configuration]

  FIG. 1 shows an information processing system 1 including a server device 10 according to the present embodiment and a user terminal 20. In FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 shows one server device 10 and one user terminal 20, but the information processing system 1 is not limited to this, and may be configured by a plurality of devices.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 310 (a plurality of CPUs such as a CPU 320 may be added in a multiprocessor configuration), a bus line 200, a communication I / O An F (I / F: interface) 330, a main memory 340, a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) 350, an I / O controller 360, a hard disk 370, an optical disk drive 380, and a semiconductor memory 390 are provided. The hard disk 370, the optical disk drive 380, and the semiconductor memory 390 are collectively referred to as a storage device 410.

  The control unit 300 is a part that controls the server device 10 in an integrated manner, and appropriately reads and executes various programs stored in the hard disk 370, thereby cooperating with the hardware described above and various functions according to the present invention. Is realized.

  The communication I / F 330 is a network adapter when the server device 10 transmits / receives information to / from other devices such as the user terminal 30 via the network.

  The BIOS 350 records a boot program executed by the CPU 310 when the server device 10 is started up, a program depending on the hardware of the server device 10, and the like.

  A storage device 410 such as a hard disk 370, an optical disk drive 380, and a semiconductor memory 390 can be connected to the I / O controller 360.

  The hard disk 370 stores various programs for causing the hardware to function as the server device 10, a program for executing the functions of the present invention, a table to be described later, and the like. The server device 10 can also use an external hard disk (not shown) as an external storage device.

  As the optical disk drive 380, for example, a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-RAM drive, or a CD-RAM drive can be used. In this case, the optical disk 400 corresponding to each drive is used. A program or data can be read from the optical disk 400 by the optical disk drive 380 and provided to the main memory 340 or the hard disk 370 via the I / O controller 360.

  Note that the computer in the present invention refers to an information processing device including a storage device, a control unit, and the like, and the server device 10 includes an information processing device including a storage device 410, a control unit 300, and the like. The processing device is included in the concept of the computer of the present invention.

  In addition, the server device 10 according to the present invention has the above-described configuration, so that a designer is preliminarily based on image information (user captured image information) captured by the user with a digital camera of the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone. The item information corresponding to the user-captured image information designed (cartooned) by the user is searched, and the user selects the desired item information from the plurality of item information designed (cartooned) by the designer or the like. Among user information related to user ID confirmation information (user registration ID) (character images reflecting user personality such as avatars etc.) and item information designed (cartooned) by designers The item information selected by the user is transmitted to the user and the search is executed.

  Moreover, the server apparatus 10 which concerns on this invention can be utilized as a system which sells the background image of the avatar as an item.

  Here, as a procedure of the item sales method, for example, an avatar associated with the user ID and item information as image information are referred to the avatar storage unit stored in association with the avatar, and attached to the avatar. A display step of displaying item information as image information, a disclosure step of publishing the avatar and item information stored in the avatar storage unit so that they can be viewed from other user terminals, and a user ID and a user terminal. An image pattern information storage unit storing image pattern information obtained by extracting a characteristic pattern of image information, a receiving process for receiving user captured image information, and image pattern information similar to user captured image information The image pattern specifying process specified with reference to the image pattern and the image pattern specified by the image pattern specifying process A search step for searching for item information related to the information from the avatar storage unit, a transmission step for associating the item information searched by the search step as list information and transmitting it to the user terminal, and after transmission, the user terminal An item reflecting step of receiving item information corresponding to the selection information as item information associated with the avatar associated with the user ID. And an avatar memory | storage part associates and stores the item information reflected by the item reflection process with an avatar.

  Therefore, according to such an item sales method, for example, a user who has previously subscribed to a service that changes the background image of an avatar transmits a captured image of the location where the user is currently located to the server device 10 by the mobile terminal device. Then, the background image of the avatar is changed by being presented from the server device 10 as a plurality of background images based on the captured image and selecting a favorite background image from the plurality of background images by the mobile terminal device. Can do. In this way, the server device 10 can promote the sale of the background image of the avatar. Further, the user can know the current location of the other user by browsing the background image of the avatar related to the other user.

  Here, a configuration for exhibiting the function will be described with reference to a functional block diagram shown in FIG. The server device 10 includes an image pattern specifying unit 11 as an image pattern specifying unit, a search unit 12 as a search unit, a transmission unit 13 as a transmission unit (a transmission function that is a part of the item reflection unit), Item reflecting unit 14 as item reflecting means, image pattern information DB 15 as image pattern information storing means, avatar DB 16 as avatar storing means, receiving means (and part of functions of image pattern specifying means and item reflecting means) A receiving unit 17 as a receiving function) and a public unit 18 as a public means. The disclosure unit 18 has a function of publishing the avatar and item information stored in the avatar DB 16 so that they can be viewed from other user terminals.

  The image pattern specifying unit 11 has a function of specifying image pattern information similar to user captured image information from the image pattern information DB 15.

  That is, a characteristic pattern portion is extracted from image information (user-captured image information) captured by a user with a photographing device such as a digital camera attached to the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone, and the extracted characteristic pattern Image pattern information having a pattern part common to the part is specified from the image pattern information stored in advance in the image pattern information DB 15.

  Image information taken by a user with a photographing device such as a digital camera attached to the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone may be photographed when the user wants to use it for a background image of an avatar. In this case, the item information desired by the user can be easily provided by extracting a characteristic pattern portion from the image information photographed by the photographing apparatus.

  In addition, the user may wish to transmit (ie, combine) an avatar representing the user's character and the background image and to send a message indicating that the user is at the place where the background image was taken. Also in this case, by extracting a characteristic pattern portion from the image information, it is possible to easily provide item information that can easily specify the location where the user is.

  Moreover, the image pattern specific | specification part 11 has a function which performs a search, when the received user ID confirmation information (user ID (IDentification)) is registered correctly (regular).

  That is, it has a function of providing this service only to legitimate members whose user IDs are properly registered. Since the user ID is stored (registered) in the storage device 410 such as the image pattern information DB 15 or the avatar DB 16 in advance, the image pattern specifying unit 11 can easily check whether the user ID is stored. is there.

  The search unit 12 has a function of searching the avatar DB 16 for item information related to the image pattern information specified by the image pattern specifying unit 11.

  That is, it searches for item information similar to image information taken by the user and designed (cartooned) previously created by a designer or the like. Accordingly, the user is provided with item information that enables a human to surely (or in some cases, have fun) grasping a refined characteristic portion of image information created by a professional such as a designer.

  In addition, the search unit 12 has a function of searching for item information by category and sequentially searching from the item information registered most recently in the same category.

  Since the item information stored (registered) in the avatar DB 16 is constantly updated and registered, the latest and most popular item information is searched by searching for the registration date and time recorded as the attribute information of the item information. The part 12 can be easily searched.

  In addition, since item information is registered by category, the search unit 12 can search for the latest item information in the same category. Here, the category is set for each image pattern information, and the category is different if the image pattern information is different. At least one category is set in each image pattern information, and at least one item information is searched for each specified image pattern information.

  The search unit 12 has a function of extracting item information to be transmitted to the user from the searched item information and associating the extracted item information as list information.

  That is, from among the item information for each searched category, the item information that is transmitted to the user at one time (the number of item information that can be displayed at one time on the user terminal 20) is extracted, and the extracted item information is associated with each other Along with association information such as a table, the information is transmitted to the user terminal 20 via the transmission unit 13.

  However, the number of item information extracted by the search unit 12 is processed not only in the case of the number of item information physically displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the user terminal 20 but also at the user terminal 20 at a time. Number of item information as processing units (a part of the item information as processing units received by the user terminal 20 is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 20 (item information is displayed over a plurality of pages). The user may select one item information from a plurality of pages))).

  The item reflecting unit 14 receives the selected item information selected by the user in the searched item information and the user ID confirmation information via the receiving unit 17, and user image information (avatar) related to the user ID confirmation information. And the like, and a function for associating the selected item information with the user image information. The selected item information is item information corresponding to the selection information received by the user terminal from the selection information of one item from the list information.

  That is, the user selects favorite item information from among some item information created by a professional such as a designer who has extracted features of image information captured by the user, and the item reflection unit 14 represents the user himself / herself. The item information selected by the user in the refined item information similar to the image information taken by the user can be combined with the avatar as the symbol.

  In addition, the item reflecting unit 14 has a function of generating composite image information in which the selected item information and the user image information are superimposed, and transmitting the composite image information to the user who transmitted the user ID confirmation information via the transmission unit 13. Have.

  In other words, by superimposing (combining) the favorite item information selected by the user on the avatar image as a background image, information on where the user is is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to a friend or the like via the user terminal 20. The service company having the server device 10 can be provided with a service that enhances the user satisfaction unique to the service company.

  In addition, since the item reflection unit 14 transmits the composite image information to the user who transmitted the user ID confirmation information (user ID) via the transmission unit 13, only the regular member whose user ID is properly registered can be used. This service can be provided reliably.

  Furthermore, since the user ID is used to transmit and receive information between the user terminal 20 and the server device 10 without using image information such as an avatar, the data capacity to be transmitted and received is reduced, and the user's It becomes possible to provide services from photography to provision of composite image information at high speed and easily.

  The image pattern information DB 15 stores (registers) image pattern information to be specified by the image pattern specifying unit 11 in advance.

  The avatar DB 16 stores (registers) item information that has been designed (cartooned) and created in advance by a professional such as a designer. Since item information created by professionals such as designers may be newly created one after another, registered date information is registered as item information attribute information in the item information.

  Further, the user ID that is the user ID confirmation information is stored (registered) in the storage device 410 such as the image pattern information DB 15 or the avatar DB 16 in advance.

  The reception unit 17 has a function of receiving information such as user ID confirmation information indicating a user ID, user captured image information captured by the user with a digital camera or the like, and selected item information selected by the user, transmitted from the user terminal 20. Have

  The transmission unit 13 transmits to the user terminal 20 the item information extracted by the search unit 12, related information associating the item information extracted by the search unit 12 as list information, and the composite image information combined by the item reflection unit 14. It has a function.

According to the present invention having such a configuration, the composite image information obtained by combining the information desired by the user (background image) and the avatar can be simplified while extracting the characteristics of the image information based on the image information taken by the user. Can be provided quickly.
[Processing procedure]

  Here, a specific processing procedure that can be realized when the present invention is applied will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The processing procedure shown below is an example, and there are innumerable processing procedures that can be realized in addition to this.

  The server device 10 according to the present invention is designed (cartoon) by a designer or the like in advance based on image information (user captured image information) captured by a user with a digital camera of the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone. The item information corresponding to the captured user image information is searched, the user selects desired item information from a plurality of item information designed (cartoonized) by a designer or the like, and the user ID confirmation information ( User image information related to the user registration ID) (character images reflecting the user's personality unique to the user such as an avatar) and the item selected by the user in the item information designed (cartoonized) by the designer Send information to the user.

  There are cases where a user goes out to various places and photographs buildings and surrounding scenery as landmarks with the digital camera attached to the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone. In this case, a user who has photographed a landmark building or surrounding scenery with a digital camera adds the shooting information to the avatar and introduces the location to a friend or the like via the user terminal 20 on the user terminal 20. You may want to do this (and you may want to tell your friends about the location). In addition, when an article about a place where the user has gone out is written on a blog or the like, if the information extracted from the information of the information captured by the avatar is added, the user's satisfaction may be improved. Hereinafter, the server apparatus 10 (of the service provider) that performs such an operation will be described with reference to an operation flowchart.

  In step S <b> 1, the server device 10 receives image information (user captured image information) and user ID confirmation information (user ID) captured by the user with the digital camera of the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone via the network.

  In step S2, the server apparatus 10 matches the user ID confirmation information indicating the user ID received in step S1 with the user ID confirmation information stored (registered) in the storage device 410 such as the image pattern information DB 15 or the avatar DB 16. Judge whether to do. If the received user ID confirmation information is registered in the storage device 410, it is confirmed that the user who transmitted the user captured image information is a valid (regular) user. Execute.

  Further, the server device 10 extracts a characteristic pattern portion from the user captured image information received in step S1, and stores image pattern information having a pattern portion in common with the extracted characteristic pattern portion as an image pattern information DB15. Identify from. The image pattern information includes XX towers, XX buildings, landmarks such as ferris wheels and high-rise buildings, natural scenery such as mountains, seas, and rivers.

  In step S <b> 3, the server device 10 searches the avatar DB 16 for designed (cartooned) item information created in advance by a designer or the like from the image pattern information specified in step S <b> 2. For example, as a landmark, XX tower, XX building, and Ferris wheel in each place are classified into different categories.

  When the tower is specified as the image pattern information, the item information having the common table ID as the attribute of the image pattern information of the tower is searched.

  The item information having the table ID attached to the image pattern information of the XX tower includes, for example, item information designed from the front of the XX tower, item information designed from the side of the XX tower, and the XX tower. There is item information that designed the XX tower from the front and side of the XX tower at an angle.

  Further, all the landmarks such as XX tower, XX building, Ferris wheel and high-rise building as image pattern information have the same category ID, and the search unit 12 of the server device 10 is XX. It is also possible to search and pick up item information corresponding to a tower, a XX building, a Ferris wheel or a high-rise building in each place.

  Further, in order to search for the latest and trendy item information, the server device 10 has an item having the latest registration date (within the same category) from the registration date and time recorded as the attribute information of the item information. Search for information.

  In step S4, the server device 10 extracts item information that is transmitted to the user at one time (the number of item information that can be displayed at one time on the user terminal 20) from the item information for each category searched in step S3, Association information such as an association table for associating the extracted item information with each other is created.

  In step S5, the server device 10 transmits, to the user terminal 20 via the transmission unit 13, association information that associates the plurality of item information extracted in step S4 with the plurality of item information created in step S4. .

  In addition, the server device 10 receives the selected item information selected by the user on the user terminal 20 (which the user likes) and the user ID confirmation information via the receiving unit 17.

  In step S6, the server device 10 searches the avatar DB 16 for user image information (image information such as an avatar) related to the user ID confirmation information (user ID) received in step S5. The user image information can be registered in advance in the avatar DB 16 from the user terminal 20 by the user.

  Further, the server device 10 superimposes (combines) the favorite item information selected by the user on the avatar image as a background image.

  In step S <b> 7, the server device 10 transmits composite image information in which item information is combined with the avatar image as a background image to the user terminal 20 via the transmission unit 13.

  As described above, according to the present invention, image information taken by a user using a photographing device such as a digital camera attached to the user terminal 20 such as a mobile phone is photographed when the user wants to use it for the background image of the avatar. In this case, however, it becomes possible to easily use a professional image such as a designer who has extracted features of image information photographed by the photographing device as a background image of the avatar image.

[Example of image pattern information]
Next, an example of image pattern information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A shows a tower type image pattern obtained by extracting a characteristic pattern of OO tower as an example of image pattern information. The image pattern specifying unit 11 compares the user captured image information taken by the user with a digital camera or the like and the image pattern information. When the user takes a picture of the XX tower, the image pattern specifying unit 11 ) Tower type image pattern.

  FIG. 5B is a ferris wheel type image pattern obtained by extracting a characteristic pattern of a ferris wheel as an example of image pattern information. The image pattern specifying unit 11 compares the user captured image information captured by the user with a digital camera or the like and the image pattern information. When the user images the ferris wheel, the image pattern specifying unit 11 displays the image pattern specifying unit 11 in FIG. The Ferris wheel type image pattern is specified.

  FIG. 5C is a high-rise building image pattern obtained by extracting a characteristic pattern of a high-rise building (a high-rise building such as a high-rise building in Shinjuku sub-center or a high-rise building in Shiodome Siosite) as an example of image pattern information. The image pattern specifying unit 11 compares the user captured image information captured by the user with a digital camera or the like and the image pattern information. When the user images a high-rise building, the image pattern specifying unit 11 displays the image pattern specifying unit 11 in FIG. Specify the high-rise building image pattern.

  FIG. 5D is a landscape mountain type image pattern obtained by extracting a characteristic pattern of a mountain as a landscape (mountain as a landscape such as Mt. Fuji and Mount Haruna) as an example of image pattern information. The image pattern specifying unit 11 compares the user captured image information captured by the user with a digital camera or the like and the image pattern information. When the user captures a mountain, the image pattern specifying unit 11 displays the image pattern specifying unit 11 shown in FIG. A landscape mountain-type image pattern is identified.

  Although an example of the image pattern information has been described above, the image pattern information is not limited to these, and there are innumerable image pattern information having various feature patterns.

  In addition, various methods exist as known methods. For example, a method for calculating a correlation coefficient between user captured image information and image pattern information, and feature pattern information extracted from user captured image information. And a method of calculating a correlation coefficient between the image pattern information and the image pattern information.

[Example of association between image pattern information and item information]
Next, an example in which the search unit 12 searches the avatar DB 16 for item information related to the image pattern information will be specifically described.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the relationship between the image pattern information and the table ID attached to each image pattern information as attribute information.

  A table ID (0001) is associated with the tower image pattern, a table ID (0002) is associated with the ferris wheel image pattern, and a table ID (0003) is associated with the high-rise building image pattern. The table ID (0004) is associated with the landscape mountain type image pattern.

  FIG. 6B shows a plurality of category IDs corresponding to table ID numbers (table ID (0001) in FIG. 6B) corresponding to each image pattern information, and attribute information of each item information corresponding to each category ID. As the item ID, the item address where each item information is stored in the avatar DB 16, and the attribute information indicating the date and time when each item information is registered (stored) in the avatar DB 16.

  When the image pattern information specified by the image pattern specifying unit 11 is a tower type image pattern, the search unit 12 uses the table ID (0001) in FIG. 6B based on the table ID (0001) of the tower type image pattern. The avatar DB 16 in which the table regarding is stored is searched.

  A category ID is assigned to the table ID (0001) which is a tower type image pattern. This category ID is a collection of item information having common characteristics among item information. For example, the category ID (0001) is the item information that a professional such as a designer designed a XX tower (cartoonized) from a certain direction (for example, a direction to look at the XX tower from Gaien Higashidori Roppongi). Category ID (0002), for example, is a collection of item information created by professionals such as designers who designed XX towers (manga) from the aquarium of XX towers. The category ID (0003) is, for example, a collection of item information in which a designer such as a designer has designed the XX tower in a direction looking up the XX tower from the front of the XX tower. .

  In the category ID (0001) of the table ID (0001), a plurality of item information is stored in association with the item ID. Item information corresponding to the item ID (0001) belonging to the category ID (0001) of the table ID (0001), item information corresponding to the item ID (0002), and item information corresponding to the item ID (0003) are: It belongs to the same category as item information in the direction of looking at the OO tower from Gaien Higashi Street in Roppongi.

  However, even in the item information belonging to the same category, the design is slightly different, and in the case of FIG. 6B, the design difference is distinguished by the date and time when each item information is registered. Newly registered item information tends to be sophisticated and trendy item information. FIG. 6B shows that item information corresponding to the item ID (0001) is registered at 00:00:00 on January 2, 2008, and the location where the item is stored is the item address 000100010001. Yes. Similarly, the item address information in which the item information is stored and the date and time when the item information is registered are also stored as attribute information in the other item information.

  The search unit 12 searches for an item having the newest registration date in each category. For example, when the table ID (0001) that is a tower-type image pattern is specified, the item information of the item ID (0003) that is the latest item information registered in the category ID (0001) is searched. The item ID (0005), which is the latest item information registered in the category ID (0002), is searched, and the item ID (0009), which is the latest item information registered in the category ID (0003). ) Item information is retrieved, and information of item ID (0003), item ID (0005), and item ID (0009) as search results is generated.

  FIG. 6B illustrates the table ID (0001) corresponding to the tower type image pattern, but the table ID (0002) corresponding to the ferris wheel type image pattern and the table corresponding to the high-rise building type image pattern. Regarding the ID (0003) and the table ID (0004) corresponding to the landscape mountain type image pattern, the category ID, the item ID, the item address corresponding to the item ID, and information related to the registration date and time are associated with each other.

  FIG. 7 shows the item ID (0003) (FIG. 7 (a)), item ID (0005) (FIG. 7 (b)), and item ID (0009) (FIG. 7 (c)) extracted by the search unit 12. It is a figure which shows the image information of each item information.

  The search unit 12 determines whether the number of searched item information is listed on the display unit of the user terminal and is within the number, and the number of item information searched by the search unit 12 is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal. If it is within the number displayed in the list, the item information searched by the search unit 12 is extracted and a related table for associating the item information searched by the search unit 12 is created. It transmits to the user terminal 20.

  When the number of item information searched by the search unit 12 exceeds the number displayed in the list on the display unit of the user terminal, the search unit 12 starts from the item with the latest registration date (from the latest item information). ) The number of item information items displayed in a list on the display unit of the user terminal can be extracted.

  Alternatively, a priority order may be assigned to the category ID in advance, and a predetermined number of item information may be extracted from item information belonging to a category with a higher priority order.

  Further, the number of item information extracted by the search unit 12 is processed not only by the number of item information physically displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the user terminal 20 but also by the user terminal 20 at a time. Number of item information as processing units (a part of item information as processing units received by the user terminal 20 is simultaneously displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 20 (item information is displayed over a plurality of pages). The user may select one item information from a plurality of pages))). FIG. 8 shows combined image information in which item information of item ID (0005) is combined with an avatar as a background image.

  Specifically, the item information (FIG. 7A) of the item ID (0003) transmitted to the user terminal 20 by the user, the item information (FIG. 7B) of the item ID (0005), the item ID (0009) ) From the item information (FIG. 7C), the user selects item information (FIG. 7B) of the item ID (0005) on the screen of the user terminal 20, and the item reflection unit 14 receives the user ID confirmation information. The avatar image is searched from the avatar DB 16 based on the above, and the item information (FIG. 7B) of the item ID (0005) selected by the user and the avatar image searched from the avatar DB 16 are synthesized.

  The composite image information shown in FIG. 8 can be confirmed on the screen of the user terminal 20, and the user can send it to a friend or the like via the user terminal 20 for introduction.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to embodiment mentioned above. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

  In the present embodiment, the server device 10 has been described as having a hard disk 370 and an optical disk drive 380. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the server device 10 has no drive system, that is, a so-called zero spindle. Also good. In the case of such a configuration, the contents stored in the hard disk 370 are stored in the large-capacity semiconductor memory 390.

It is a figure which shows the information processing system comprised from the server which concerns on this embodiment, and a user terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server which concerns on this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of the server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart with which it uses for description about the process sequence by the server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the image pattern information which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of correlation with the image pattern information which concerns on this embodiment, and item information. It is a figure which shows an example of the item information by which the list extraction which concerns on this embodiment was carried out. It is a figure which shows an example of the synthetic image information which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 10 Server 11 Image pattern specific | specification part 12 Search part 13 Transmission part 14 Item reflection part 15 Image pattern information DB (database)
16 Avatar DB (database)
17 receiving part 18 public part 20 user terminal

Claims (6)

An avatar associated with the user ID and an avatar storage means for storing item information as image information in association with the avatar;
Publishing means for publishing the avatar and item information stored in the avatar storage means so that they can be viewed from other user terminals;
Image pattern information storage means storing image pattern information from which characteristic patterns of image information are extracted;
Receiving means for receiving a user ID and user captured image information stored in the user terminal;
Image pattern specifying means for specifying the image pattern information similar to the user-captured image information from the image pattern information storage means;
Search means for searching the item information related to the image pattern information specified by the image pattern specifying means from the avatar storage means;
Transmission means for associating the item information searched by the search means as list information and transmitting it to a user terminal;
After the transmission, the user terminal receives selection information for one item from the list information, and reflects the item information corresponding to the selection information as item information associated with the avatar associated with the user ID. An item reflecting means,
The avatar storage means stores the item information reflected by the item reflection means in association with the avatar, and stores the item information.   The item according to claim 1, wherein the item reflection unit generates composite image information obtained by superimposing the item information and the avatar, and transmits the composite image information to a user who transmitted the user ID. Sales equipment. The image pattern specifying means executes a specifying operation only when the user ID received by the receiving means is legitimately registered,
The item reflecting means is when the user ID associated with the item information corresponding to the selection information is legitimately registered and it is determined that the user ID is legitimately registered by the receiving means. The item sales apparatus according to claim 1, wherein item information corresponding to the selection information is associated with the avatar.   The search means, when searching the item information from the avatar storage means, searches the item information by category, and sequentially searches from the item information registered most recently in the same category. The item selling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The avatar associated with the user ID and the item information as image information are referred to the avatar storage unit stored along with the avatar, and the item information as image information is displayed along with the avatar. Display process;
A publishing step of publishing the avatar and item information stored in the avatar storage unit so that they can be viewed from other user terminals;
A receiving step of receiving a user ID and user captured image information stored in the user terminal;
An image pattern specifying step for specifying image pattern information similar to the user-captured image information with reference to an image pattern information storage unit storing image pattern information from which a characteristic pattern of image information is extracted;
A search step of searching the item information related to the image pattern information specified by the image pattern specifying step from the avatar storage unit;
A transmission step of associating the item information searched by the search step as list information and transmitting it to a user terminal;
After the transmission, the user terminal receives selection information for one item from the list information, and reflects the item information corresponding to the selection information as item information associated with the avatar associated with the user ID. An item reflection process,
The item sales method, wherein the avatar storage unit stores the item information reflected by the item reflection step in association with the avatar.   A program for causing a computer to execute the item sales method according to claim 5.

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