JP2011077856A - Device for automatically creating photograph - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for automatically creating a photograph capable of sufficiently providing a time required for writing scribbles during a playtime without needing to repeatedly write the same scribbles during each play. <P>SOLUTION: In the device for automatically creating a photograph, frame images and scribble images created in a cell-phone unit before the operation of the device, and stored in a server 300 by being related to identification data can be downloaded from the server 300 and used during the operation of the device, by transmitting, to the server device 300 through a radio communication unit 79, the identification data to be typically transmitted from the cell-phone unit to a first or second non-contact communication unit. Accordingly, for instance, frame images and scribble images difficult to create in a short limit time can be freely used during the operation of the device, thereby a time required for sufficiently writing scribbles or the like in a playtime can be provided, and the need to repeatedly write the same scribbles or the like in each play is obviated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic photo creation apparatus, and more particularly to an automatic photo creation apparatus that takes a user with a camera and outputs a composite image generated based on the taken image as a photograph.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a photo creation device for a game in which a user is photographed with a camera and the photographed image is output as a photo sticker or a photo card. Such a play photo creation device is highly playable or entertaining, and therefore, a variety of background images and foreground images (foreground images) prepared in advance according to the user's preference are combined with images to be synthesized. In particular, many are configured so that the user can select from frame images) or draw freely using a touch pen. Since such an operation by the user is performed on the photographed image, it is called “graffiti”.

  In addition, since such a game photo creation device is often used by a plurality of users (typically two users), a plurality of operation panels are provided so that each user can operate each. It has been.

  In recent years, the composite image that has been photographed and graffitied can be used on a mobile phone terminal, such that the composite image is directly transmitted from the game photo creation device to the mobile phone terminal, or the composite image is transmitted to a server. There is one that can be transferred once and downloaded later by a mobile phone terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-109580 A

  Here, since the graffiti for the photographed image is made during the operation of the play photo creation device, it must be performed within a predetermined play time, and the user cannot perform the graffiti sufficiently. There is also a possibility.

  In addition, in the graffiti, the user's preferred mode (for example, the type and configuration of the frame image) may be used repeatedly, but the graffiti itself must be performed during one play, so the same for each play It is necessary to repeat the graffiti, which may be troublesome for the user.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo creation apparatus that can obtain a sufficient time for graffiti within the play time and that does not require the same graffiti to be repeated for each play.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided photographing means for photographing a user who is a subject, editing means for receiving a user's editing operation on a photographed image photographed by the photographing means and generating a composite image, and the editing means. An automatic photo creation device comprising printing means for printing a composite image to be produced as a photograph,
Identification data receiving means for receiving an input of an identification code created in advance associated with the image data;
Identification data transmitting means for transmitting the identification code received by the identification data receiving means to the outside of the apparatus;
External reception means for receiving the image data associated with the identification code transmitted by the identification data transmission means from outside the apparatus,
The editing means synthesizes the image data received by the external receiving means with the photographed image or the synthesized image.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The identification data receiving means includes non-contact communication means for directly receiving identification data indicating the identification code from a mobile phone terminal possessed by the user by a non-contact communication method.

According to a third invention, in the second invention,
The non-contact communication means includes a first area that is a predetermined area used when photographing the user, and a predetermined area that is different from the first area and is provided with the editing means. And the second region, respectively.

According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions,
Further comprising display means for displaying the captured image or the composite image;
The external receiving means can receive the image data before and after being photographed by the photographing means,
The display means displays the image data received before being photographed by the photographing means as a synthesis candidate image that can be synthesized with the photographed image to be photographed, and accepts the editing operation by the editing means. The received image data is displayed as a combined candidate image that can be combined with the captured image or the combined image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing step for photographing a user who is a subject, an editing step for receiving a user's editing operation on the photographed image photographed in the photographing step and generating a composite image, and the editing step. An automatic photo creation method comprising a printing step of printing a synthesized image as a photo,
An identification data receiving step for receiving an input of an identification code created in advance associated with the image data;
An identification data transmission step of transmitting the identification code received in the identification data reception step to the outside of the device;
An external reception step of receiving the image data associated with the identification code transmitted in the identification data transmission step from the outside of the apparatus,
In the editing step, the image data received in the external receiving step is synthesized with the captured image or the synthesized image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile phone terminal that generates a predetermined image by accepting a user's operation input, a server device that stores the image generated by the mobile phone terminal, and the user who is a subject. An image capturing unit that receives the user's editing operation on the captured image captured by the image capturing unit, generates a composite image, and a print unit that prints the composite image obtained by the editing unit as a photograph. An automatic photo creation system comprising an automatic photo creation device,
The server device
Storage means for storing the image created by the mobile phone terminal in association with identification data created in association with the image;
When receiving the identification data from the automatic photo creation device, image data transmission means for reading out the image stored in association with the received identification data from the storage means and transmitting it to the automatic photo creation device. ,
The mobile phone terminal
Storage means for storing the identification data;
A non-contact transmission unit that directly transmits the identification data stored in the storage unit to the automatic photo creating apparatus by a non-contact communication method;
The automatic photo creation device
Non-contact receiving means for directly receiving the identification data from the mobile phone terminal by a non-contact communication method;
Identification data transmitting means for transmitting the identification data received by the non-contact receiving means to the server device;
External receiving means for receiving from the server apparatus the image data associated with the identification data transmitted by the identification data transmitting means and stored in the server apparatus;
The editing means provided in the automatic photo creating apparatus synthesizes the image data received by the external receiving means with the photographed image or the composite image.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, the identification data receiving means accepts the input of the identification code, the identification data sending means sends the identification code to the outside of the apparatus (typically the server apparatus), and the external receiving means sends the identification code. The image data associated with the identification code is received from the outside of the apparatus (typically a server apparatus), and is combined with the photographed image or the composite image by the editing means. For example, a composite image that is difficult to create within a short time limit (For example, frame images and graffiti images) can be used freely during the operation of the device, so you can get enough time for graffiti etc. within the play time, and repeatedly create the same composite image for each play There is no need to do.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, since the identification data indicating the identification code is directly received by the non-contact communication method from the mobile phone terminal possessed by the user by the non-contact communication means, the communication can be easily performed without requiring contact. Since a communication state is established only with a terminal that is in close proximity, it is possible to prevent unintended communication with a terminal possessed by a third party.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, since the first area used when the non-contact communication means captures the image and the second area where the editing means is provided are provided, the user can By using the non-contact communication means in any of the two areas, the image data associated with the identification code can be received and used.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the image data can be received before and after being photographed by the photographing means, and the image data received before being photographed can be synthesized with the photographed image to be photographed. Since the image data that is displayed and received when accepting an editing operation is displayed as a combined candidate image that can be combined with a captured image or a combined image, even if it is not possible to create a combined image freely when shooting, A desired image can be used as a synthesis candidate image, and an image created in advance (typically for graffiti) can be used during editing operations, so it is time to perform graffiti etc. sufficiently during play time In addition, it is not necessary to repeatedly create the same graffiti or frame image for each play.

  According to the fifth aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be achieved in the method invention.

  According to the sixth aspect, the same effect as the second aspect can be achieved in the invention of the system.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the photo production apparatus for games which is an automatic photo production apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the imaging unit in the embodiment. It is a front view of the edit unit in the said embodiment. It is a front view of the output unit in the said embodiment. In the said embodiment, it is a schematic diagram which shows the screen structure of the touchscreen for imaging operations. In the said embodiment, it is a schematic diagram which shows the screen structure of the touch panel for edit operations. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the photo production apparatus for play concerning the said embodiment from the functional surface. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server part in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the mobile telephone terminal in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the mobile telephone terminal in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the imaging | photography process in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the edit process in the said embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<1. Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of a game photo creation device that is an automatic photo creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 (a) is an external side view of the play photo creation apparatus as viewed from the side, and FIG. 1 (b) is an external plan view as viewed from above. This play photo creation device accepts a shooting room 2 where a user enters, a shooting unit 3 that takes a picture of the user and receives selection of a background image and a foreground image, and an editing operation including graffiti (drawing operation) by the user. An editing unit 4 that generates a combined image combined with the photographed image and an output unit 5 that outputs the combined image are provided. FIG. 2 is a front view of the photographing unit 3, FIG. 3 is a front view of the editing unit 4, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the output unit 5. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

  The photographing room 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the photographing unit 3 is arranged along the front surface of the photographing room 2 which is a front surface when viewed from the user entering the inside. Note that an opening for a user to enter and exit, and a light-shielding curtain that covers a part or all of the opening are provided on a part of each of the left and right side surfaces of the photographing room 2. In addition, an electric roll curtain device 25 is disposed on the rear surface, which is the rear surface when viewed from the user entering the inside of the photographing room 2.

  The photographing unit 3 includes a camera 10 as an imaging unit for photographing a user, strobes 11, 12, 13 L, 13 R, and 14 that are arranged at the top, bottom, left and right positions of the camera 10 and emit flash light, and below the camera 10. A shooting operation touch panel 20 that is arranged to accept operations from a user, display a shot image, and the like, and is disposed on the side of the shooting operation touch panel 20 (near the lower right side), typically a mobile phone. A mobile phone in which identification data such as an ID, which will be described later, is in close proximity by communication that does not require contact at a short distance, such as communication performed wirelessly with an IC chip built in the terminal (hereinafter referred to as “non-contact communication”) And a non-contact communication port 15 including an antenna for transmitting directly to the telephone terminal.

  Here, Felica (registered trademark) is adopted as the communication method of the non-contact communication port 15, and the detailed configuration and description of the operation are omitted, but other non-contact communication methods using infrared rays, for example. May be adopted. Since such a non-contact communication method does not require contact, it can easily be set in a communicable state, and since a communication state is established only with a nearby terminal, it is not intended as a terminal possessed by a third party Communication is not established, which is preferable. However, the non-contact communication method using infrared rays generally requires troublesome operations to enable communication, and therefore uses radio waves that allow communication with simple operations (just hold it over the port). A non-contact communication system is preferable. Moreover, it is preferable to employ a short-range non-contact communication method in order to prevent erroneous communication with a mobile phone terminal owned by another person other than the user. Specifically, for example, there is a non-contact communication method of close contact type (specified by ISO 10536) that performs communication within a distance of 2 mm or less, or a close contact type (specified by ISO 14443) that performs communication within a distance of 10 cm or less. preferable.

  The photographing unit 3 has a built-in PHS (registered trademark) terminal device 55, and in order to give the identification data received from the mobile phone terminal via the non-contact communication port to a server described later, as will be described later. To a nearby wireless base using the wireless communication method. Further, the image data is received from a nearby wireless base in order to download frame image and graffiti image data, which will be described later, designated by the identification data from the server. In addition, this PHS apparatus may be incorporated in another unit, or may be incorporated in each unit.

  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 flashes 11 to 14 emit a flash toward the user in order to obtain sufficient light for photographing. The shooting operation touch panel 20 is configured to provide an operation screen for accepting various operations by the user during shooting, and to display an image based on the image signal in real time.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a screen configuration of the touch panel 20 for photographing operation. More specifically, FIG. 5A shows a guidance screen for receiving identification data such as an ID described later from the user's mobile phone terminal. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a guidance screen including a preview screen at the time of shooting. The meaning of the guidance screen shown in FIG. 5A displayed before the preview screen shown in FIG. 5B will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the shooting operation touch panel 20 has a real-time preview area 201 for displaying a shot image in real time, a pose sample display area 202 for displaying a pose sample, A graffiti target image display area 203 for displaying the obtained graffiti target image is included.

  The photographing unit 3 is built around a computer and incorporates a control device for controlling each part, an I / O control device, a network adapter for communicating with the editing unit 4, and the like. The photographing unit 3 includes a coin insertion slot 26 at the lower front side.

  The editing unit 4 is configured around a computer similar to the photographing unit 3, and includes a control device that controls each part and the like, and a network adapter that communicates with the photographing unit 3 and the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the editing unit 4 is divided into two units 4a and 4b so that two sets of users can play. One unit 4a includes an editing operation touch panel 400 including a graffiti area, an area for displaying a menu for graffiti, a tool, and the like, and touch pens 49L and 49R used for operations on the editing operation touch panel 400. A non-contact communication port 450 similar to the non-contact communication port 15 is provided. The other unit 4b has the same configuration. Here, the unit 4a seen in the foreground in FIG. 1A is referred to as “graffiti booth A”, and the unit 4b on the opposite side (the back side in the figure) is referred to as “graffiti booth B”.

  The editing operation touch panel 400 according to the present embodiment has a screen configuration in which two users can simultaneously doodle each unit 4a and 4b. In this description, components used by the user on the left side are given reference signs including “L”, and components used by the user on the right side are assigned reference signs including “R”. ing.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a screen configuration of the editing operation touch panel 400. On this editing operation touch panel 400, images selected from a plurality of graffiti target images generated based on the photographed image are displayed as components used by the left and right users, respectively, and (virtual) graffiti can be performed. Graffiti areas 41L and 41R, which are areas, and a palette 42L as a collection of tools for the user to perform graffiti, that is, a set of tools for editing instructions for the (selected) graffiti target image , 42R, mode selection buttons 44L, 44R for switching the types of tools included in the palettes 42L, 42R, and buttons 45L, 45R for performing operations related to graffiti other than the tools included in the palettes 42L, 42R. And are included. The pallets 42L and 42R are provided with tabs 43L and 43R, and various types of items can be displayed and selected by switching the tabs. Further, the editing operation touch panel 400 includes a timer 46 for displaying the remaining graffiti time as components commonly used by the left and right users, and a plurality of editing graffiti target images as graffiti candidate images. A candidate image thumbnail 47, which is a group of images displayed in a small list, and a download graffiti display area 48 for displaying graffiti images downloaded from a server to be described later are included.

  In the editing operation touch panel 400 shown in FIG. 6, the palette mode can be switched to, for example, “pen”, “stamp”, “frame”, and “background” by the mode selection buttons 44L and 44R. . Further, the button groups 45L and 45R, for example, “end of graffiti”, “erase all of graffiti”, “return one”, “eraser”, “background eraser”, “thick pen”, “medium pen”, and “ A function called “thin pen” is provided.

  The downloaded graffiti display area 48 displays one of the downloaded graffiti images. If there is a downloaded graffiti image in addition to the displayed image, it is provided on both sides of the display image. A function of sequentially switching display images by a switch button in the figure is provided. The downloaded graffiti image has been previously created in the user's mobile phone terminal, and the creation mode, downloading method, and the like will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the output unit 5 can be operated by a user including a liquid crystal display panel that displays a game screen or the like during a waiting time until the printing is completed, or displays a printing completion guide or the like. An output operation touch panel 30 and a speaker 32 that informs the user by voice of operation methods and sound effects necessary for the non-contact communication are provided. Further, the output unit 5 includes an outlet 33 for taking out a photo sticker, a photo card, or the like on which a composite image that has been edited by the editing unit 4 is printed.

  Such an output unit 5 is also configured around a computer similar to the photographing unit 3, and includes a control device for controlling each part, a network adapter for communicating with the editing unit 4, etc. A network printer 35 for printing an image as a photo sticker or the like is provided.

  In the configuration as described above, after shooting in the shooting room 2, the user uses the graffiti booth A of the editing unit 4 or the touch panel 400 for the editing operation of the graffiti booth B to generate based on the shot image. Graffiti is performed on the graffiti target image. Then, the user prints the composite image generated by graffiti using the network printer.

  Here, the frame image and graffiti image used for this graffiti (or shooting) use non-contact communication from a mobile phone terminal having a non-contact communication function in addition to those stored in the apparatus in advance. In some cases, data downloaded from the server is included based on the identification data transmitted. This device has a characteristic configuration. This automatic photo creation device, a mobile phone terminal that holds and transmits identification data, and image data that stores image data and corresponds to the identification data are displayed in the automatic photo. An automatic photo creation system is configured by the server device that transmits to the creation device. Details will be described later.

<2. Functional configuration>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the play photo creation apparatus according to the present embodiment as seen from the functional aspect. This play photo creating apparatus receives the above-described frame image and graffiti image from the radio base unit 200, which is a PHS base station apparatus, typically in the form of data packets by radio. The wireless base unit 200 is connected to the Internet via a well-known communication device (not shown), and receives the image data from the server unit 300 which is a server device via the Internet.

  As will be described later, the server unit 300 stores frame image data and graffiti image data created by the user in association with the identification data and is given from the user's mobile phone terminal (by non-contact communication). In accordance with the identification data, the image data is transmitted to the game photo creation device used by the user or the like. The configuration of the server unit 300 will be described in detail later.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, this photo creation device for play is functionally mainly composed of a photographing processing unit 7 for performing processing (photographing processing) for photographing a user, and a user mainly for a graffiti target image. An editing processing unit 8 for performing an editing process of the graffiti target image in response to a graffiti operation, and an output processing unit 9 for outputting the edited graffiti target image as a photo sticker or the like.

  The imaging processing unit 7 includes a first control unit 70, an imaging unit 71, a first display / operation unit 72, an I / O control unit 73, an illumination unit 74, a first communication unit 75, The first non-contact communication unit 76 and the wireless communication unit 79 are configured. The edit processing unit 8 includes a second control unit 80, second display / operation units 81 and 82, a second communication unit 83, and second non-contact communication units 85 and 86. . The output processing unit 9 includes a third control unit 90, a third display / operation unit 91, a print output unit 92, an audio output unit 93, and a third communication unit 95. The first, second, and third communication units 75, 83, and 95 that are network adapters can communicate with each other via a network 6 that is a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The imaging unit 71 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). This image signal is input to the first control unit 70 and temporarily stored as photographed image data in its internal memory. The photographed image data is supplied as a photographed image signal from the first control unit 70 to the first display / operation unit 72, and a photographed image based on the photographed image signal is displayed in real time as shown in FIG. 5B. Is displayed.

  The first display / operation unit 72 corresponds to the shooting operation touch panel 20 and is used for selecting a background image and a foreground image to be combined with a shot image and determining a layout of a photo to be output. The user's operation and shutter operation are accepted. Signals indicating these operations are input to the first control unit 70 as operation signals. Here, when a predetermined process for shooting the user (corresponding to a frame image download process and a selected shooting menu, which will be described later) is started, the first display / operation unit 72 is displayed for the user. In response to an instruction from the first control unit 70 thereafter, a flash is emitted from the flashes 11 to 14 in the shooting direction of the camera 10 after a predetermined time of about several seconds elapses. At that time, an image signal output from the imaging unit 71 as a signal representing a photographed image of the user is input to the first control unit 70, a memory in the first control unit 70, a hard disk device as an auxiliary storage device, or the like. Stored as captured image data.

  The illumination unit 74 corresponds to the strobes 11, 12, 13 </ b> L, 13 </ b> R, 14 disposed at the top, bottom, left, and right positions of the camera 10, and is turned on / off by the I / O control unit 73 based on an instruction from the first control unit 70. Turning off and dimming are controlled. The I / O control unit 73 corresponds to an I / O control device built in the photographing unit 3, and controls the illumination unit 74 based on an instruction from the first control unit 70. Further, an input signal such as a detection signal from a coin detection unit (not shown) described later is transferred to the first control unit 70. The first communication unit 75 corresponds to a network adapter built in the photographing unit 3 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  The wireless communication unit 79 corresponds to the PHS terminal device 55 built in the photographing unit 3, and is identification data transmitted from the mobile phone terminal to the first non-contact communication unit 76 or the second non-contact communication unit 85, 86. A frame image or a graffiti image corresponding to is downloaded from the server (specifically, data transmitted from the wireless base unit 200 is received by the PHS wireless communication method).

  Here, this data communication requires a predetermined charge according to the amount of data (packets). In addition to such a communication charge, there is a restriction on download time due to a slow data transfer speed and data that can be stored in the image storage server. The configuration may be such that the number of image data that can be downloaded is limited to several in consideration of the limitation due to the upper limit of the amount. Further, the wireless communication unit 96 may be configured to perform communication by connecting to a known communication line using a telephone line or an optical fiber as long as image data or the like can be received.

  The first control unit 70 is built in the photographing unit 3 and corresponds to a control device mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. When the CPU executes the program, an instruction is given to each unit as described above in order to control each unit based on the operation signal or the like input as described above. A graffiti target image is generated based on the photographed image. The generated graffiti target image is written in the frame buffer and displayed on the first display / operation unit 72. Furthermore, the first control unit 70 performs wireless communication according to a predetermined background image or foreground image (typically, identification data received from the mobile phone terminal via the first non-contact communication unit 76) on the graffiti target image. A composite image which is an image in which a frame image downloaded by the unit 79 or a frame image prepared in advance) is generated is generated. The generated composite image is displayed on the first display / operation unit 72 by being written in the frame buffer. When the shooting and the generation of the composite image are completed in this way, the generated composite image is appropriately selected according to the input operation of the user, and then the second corresponding to the editing unit 4 via the first communication unit 75. It is sent to the control unit 80. The frame image is usually a foreground image, but may be a background image. In that case, chroma key processing and the like are also performed.

  In addition to the above-described components, the photographing unit 3 is further provided with a coin detection unit (not shown) for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 26 in the photographing unit 3, and the first control unit 70 includes Based on the detection result of the coin detection unit, each unit is controlled so as to allow the user to play with the present photo creation device, such as shooting, selection of the background image and foreground image, and graffiti for a predetermined time. Since the detection operation by the coin detection unit and the control operation by the first control unit 70 based on the detection result are the same as those of the conventional game photo creation device and are well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The second control unit 80 is a built-in editing unit 4 and corresponds to a control device that is configured around a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and is a predetermined program stored in an internal memory. Is executed by the CPU to perform overall control related to the editing process. In addition, the second control unit 80 generates a composite image that is an image obtained by drawing a predetermined image on the graffiti target image based on an operation signal for performing graffiti processing on the captured image sent from the first control unit 70. Generate. Here, it is assumed that six composite images can be generated based on six photographed images. The generated composite image is displayed on the corresponding second display / operation unit 81 or 82 in accordance with a user instruction. When the generation of the composite image as described above is completed, the composite image is sent to the output unit 5. If the print output unit 92 is outputting another composite image, a message to that effect is displayed and sent after waiting for completion.

  The second display / operation units 81 and 82 correspond to the editing operation touch panel 400 for graffiti, and accept a user's operation using a touch pen. The second communication unit 83 corresponds to a network adapter built in the editing unit 4 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  Similar to the first non-contact communication unit 76, the second non-contact communication units 85 and 86 receive identification data from the mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication. The identification data received by the second contactless communication units 85 and 86 is sent to the first control unit 70 via the network 6, and is controlled from the wireless communication unit 79 to the server unit 300 under the control of the first control unit 70. Sent to. Thus, the first control unit 70 transmits the identification data received from the first non-contact communication unit 76 and the second non-contact communication units 85 and 86, and image data corresponding to these identification data. And receiving and transmitting / receiving data to the second control unit 80 as necessary.

  The third control unit 90 is built in the output unit 5 and corresponds to a control device mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and is stored in an internal memory. When the CPU executes a predetermined program, overall control relating to output processing is performed. The third control unit 90 stores the composite image sent from the second control unit 80 in the memory as composite image data. The print output unit 92 corresponds to the network printer 35 incorporated in the output unit, and prints six composite image data stored in the memory as a photo sticker (or photo card) (layed out appropriately). The printed photo sticker or the like is taken out from an outlet 33 provided at the lower front of the output unit 5.

  Further, the third control unit 90 starts a printing process such as a photo sticker based on the composite image sent from the editing unit 4, and at the same time, a user input operation on a predetermined game screen or guide screen during printing. Is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91. The third display / operation unit 91 corresponds to the output operation touch panel 30 and functions as an input unit. The output operation touch panel 30 includes a monitor that functions as a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and a touch panel for one person that is stacked on the upper surface and can recognize input coordinates. The monitor can display an operation screen divided into a plurality of screens, and the touch panel accepts an input operation using a user's touch pen for each of the plurality of divided screens, and the received input operation is used as an operation signal as a third signal. To the control unit 90.

  The third control unit 90 writes the demo image (demonstration image) stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device in the frame buffer from the end of the graffiti until the operation is started, so that the third display / Displayed on the operation unit 91. The audio output unit 93 corresponds to the speaker 32. The audio output unit 93 explains the input operation method to the user in conjunction with the operation screen displayed on the third display / operation unit 91, and the demo image is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91. When playing, play music etc. according to the demo image. The description of the input operation method, music, and the like are stored in advance in a hard disk device or the like as an auxiliary storage device.

  After that, the third control unit 90 provides the user with a mini-game or guidance until the composite image is printed by the display of the third display / operation unit 91 or the voice or sound effect of the voice output unit 93. Keep doing. The contents of the guidance and minigame are also stored in advance in the hard disk device or the like.

  Here, the predetermined program executed in each control device is provided by, for example, a DVD-ROM which is a recording medium on which the program is recorded. That is, a DVD-ROM as a recording medium for the predetermined program is attached to a DVD-ROM driving device built in the control device as an auxiliary storage device, and the predetermined program is read from the DVD-ROM as an auxiliary storage device. Installed on the hard disk drive. The predetermined program may be provided via a recording medium (CD-ROM or the like) other than a DVD-ROM or a communication line. Then, when an operation for starting the present photo creating device is performed, the predetermined program installed in the hard disk device is transferred to the memory in the control device and temporarily stored therein, It is executed by the CPU. Thereby, the control process of each part by the control device is realized.

<3. Configuration and operation of server section>
Next, a detailed configuration of the server unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server unit. The server unit 300 creates and stores frame images and graffiti images via the Internet based on the operation of the mobile phone terminal by the user, and stores these stored image data (identified by identification data). The present invention is provided for a plurality of game photo creation devices installed in various places including a game photo production device.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the server unit 300 includes a data transmission router 310, a data transmission processing server 320, a load balancer 330, web servers 341 and 342, and a database server 350. Note that some or all of these may be dedicated hardware, or may be a computer in which software for realizing these functions is installed. Further, a plurality or all of these functions may be realized by one computer.

  The load balancer 330 is connected to an Internet line for communicating with a user's mobile phone terminal, and has a router function similar to that of the data transmission router 310 and relatively large image data to a large number of users. In order to prevent the processing speed from being lowered due to the load to be transferred, the web servers 341 and 342 have a function of appropriately distributing and assigning the processing.

  In response to the processing request from the user assigned by the load balancer 330, the web servers 341 and 342 display an operation screen to be described later for creating a frame image and a graffiti image on the user's mobile phone terminal, and Image data created in response to a registration request by a user is stored in the database server 350. At this time, identification data corresponding to the stored image data is generated and stored in the mobile phone terminal of the user who created the image data. Details will be described later. The number of these web servers 341 and 342 may be three or more, and the number of the web servers 341 and 342 may be one, and the load balancer 330 (except for the router function) may be omitted.

  The database server 350 stores the image data received from the web servers 341 and 342 in association with the identification data, and stores the image data stored in association with the identification data received from the data transmission processing server 320 for data transmission. Output to the processing server 320.

  The data transmission router 310 is connected to the Internet line connected to the game photo creation devices in various places including the game photo creation device, and transmits the identification data received from these devices to the data transmission processing server 320. At the same time, the image data corresponding to the identification data received from the data transmission processing server 320 is subjected to address conversion or the like, and then transmitted to the corresponding game photo creation device.

  The data transmission processing server 320 gives the identification data received via the data transmission router 310 to the database server 350 and receives accumulated image data associated with the identification data from the database server 350.

  More specifically, an operation of creating and storing a frame image or a graffiti image by a mobile phone terminal is performed on an operation screen provided by the web servers 341 and 342 after accessing a URL corresponding to the server unit 300. Made.

  That is, the web servers 341 and 342 operate an operation screen for creating a frame image and a graffiti image, and an operation for saving the created images for the mobile phone terminal of the user who has accessed the URL. Display the screen. For example, this operation screen accepts a user's operation for selecting one from a plurality of frame images prepared in advance, or accepts an arbitrary character input.

  This operation screen is displayed by an application such as an Internet browser built in the mobile phone terminal. However, dedicated application software is used, and various related functions described later are realized by this software. Also good. In this case, only an image that can be used as a frame image or the like may be acquired from the server unit 300.

  The URL is a character string or a two-dimensional bar code or the like on the casing of the automatic photo creation apparatus, the output operation touch panel 30 (a demonstration screen displayed on the touch panel 30), or the photo sticker (the back side) printed out. It is preferable that it is described in the form of This is because the user can easily access the URL using these. Here, if the URL or the page for creating a frame or graffiti image is configured to allow access only to the mobile phone terminal of the user who has made a paid membership registration, the paid membership registration is promoted. It is more preferable because it can be used. Next, the operation screen will be exemplified and described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for creating a frame image in the mobile phone terminal. FIG. 9 shows an operation screen 600 which is an image editing screen titled “Let's make a frame”. This screen includes a frame image display area 601 in which a frame image being created is displayed, An available image display area 602 showing an example of an image that can be used as a frame image, a character string 603 that accepts an operation of inputting characters, a character string 604 that accepts various instructions from the user, a character string for explanation, and the like It is displayed.

  The user selects one of the image examples that can be used as the frame image displayed in the usable image display area 602 (specifically, clicks a predetermined operation button on the mobile phone terminal), and is selected. The image is arranged at a desired position in the frame image display area 601 (specifically, the selected image is moved by pressing a predetermined numeric button on the mobile phone terminal).

  In addition, when the user performs an operation of selecting a character string “Previous” or “Next” in the character string 603, another image example that can be used as a frame image is switched to be usable image display area. 602 is displayed. As described above, since the storage unit 300 has a very large storage capacity, it can store images that can be used as many frame images, and it is also easy to periodically replace the usable images. An image preferred by the user can be provided.

  Further, when the user performs an operation of selecting the character string “register” included in the character string 603, the operation screen as shown in FIG. 10 for saving the selected frame image in the database server 350 is displayed. .

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for registering a frame image or the like in the mobile phone terminal. FIG. 10 shows an operation screen 700 entitled “Register”. This operation screen 700 includes a character string indicating an ID made up of a unique character string automatically generated by the database server 350. 701 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 10, the ID here is ABCD3456.

  Below the character string 701, guidance characters for prompting a password are displayed, and a password reception area 702 is displayed below the guidance characters. The user inputs numbers and characters indicating an arbitrary password in the password reception area 702. Note that the contents of the password to be entered are hidden so that others cannot confirm from the side (not displayed in the password reception area 702).

  When the user performs an operation of selecting the character string 703 “decision” shown in FIG. 10 after inputting the password in the password reception area 702, the identification data including the generated ID and the input password Is generated, and the generated identification data and the frame image are associated with each other and stored in the database server 350. Such a password is attached to prevent the image data created by a person other than the user from being obtained against the intention of the user when the ID can be easily guessed. . Therefore, the password can be omitted when the ID is random and large data or a character string or the like cannot be estimated. However, in this case, there may be a case where it is not preferable in that the user can hardly input manually.

  The identification data is generated as described above, and at the same time, the identification data is also generated (or transferred from the server unit 300) in the mobile phone terminal, and can be transmitted to the automatic photo creation apparatus by non-contact communication, for example, Saved in the format used by ToruCa (registered trademark). Here, ToruCa is a kind of information service that can be transmitted and received by various communication methods such as Felica and infrared communication, and is often used in recent years as a method for simply expressing and communicating data indicating electronic coupons and the like. . If the identification data is saved in a predetermined folder (in this case, the folder for ToruCa) in this format, the user can automatically move the identification data to the non-contact communication port of the automatic photo creation device by simply bringing the mobile phone terminal close to it. And instant transmission. Note that the format of the identification data is an example, and the configuration is not particularly limited, and a well-known data format can be used. Next, a procedure for using the frame image and the graffiti image created in this way as candidates for an image to be synthesized in the automatic photo creation apparatus will be described.

<4. Processing procedure in a photo creation device for play>
As described above, the game photo creation device includes the photographing unit 3, the editing unit 4, and the output unit 5. The photographing unit 3 performs photographing processing, the editing unit 4 performs editing processing, and the output unit 5 performs output processing. It should be noted that when a certain user is playing with the photographing unit 3, another user can play with the editing unit 4, and yet another user can output a composite image with the output unit 5. ing. In other words, the game photo creation device can perform shooting processing, editing processing, and output processing in parallel. In the following, an outline of processing procedures of the photographing process, the editing process, and the output process will be described.

<4.1 Shooting process>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the photographing process in the present embodiment. When the play photo creation device is not used (when no play is performed), a demonstration image is displayed on the shooting operation touch panel 20. When the user inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 26 while displaying the demo image, play is started (step S100).

  When play is started, the first control unit 70 receives an input such as an ID from the user, and receives data of a corresponding frame image stored in the server unit 300 from the radio base unit 200 (step). S105).

  That is, in step S105, a guidance screen for receiving identification data such as an ID as shown in FIG. 5A from the user's mobile phone terminal is displayed on the photographing operation touch panel 20. When the user brings the mobile phone terminal close to the non-contact communication port 15 according to such guidance, the first control unit 70 is stored in the mobile phone via the first non-contact communication unit 76. The identification data in the ToruCa format is received, and the received identification data is sent to the server unit 300 via the wireless communication unit 79. In the server unit 300, the frame image (previously created and stored in the user's mobile phone terminal) corresponding to the received identification data as described above is transmitted to the wireless communication unit 79 via the Internet and the wireless base unit 200. send. The first control unit 70 temporarily stores the transmitted frame image data.

  Note that the ID and the like are input using only identification data received from the mobile phone terminal via non-contact communication, but the mobile phone terminal may not have a non-contact communication function in some cases. The photographing operation touch panel 20 may be configured to accept a character string of an ID and a password that are directly input by a user, or only an ID is accepted via non-contact communication. The structure which receives a row | line | column may be sufficient. In these cases, identification data is created based on the received ID and password and sent to the server unit 300.

  Next, the 1st control part 70 receives selection of the imaging | photography mode by a user (step S110). In step S110, for example, image quality (specifically, one of clear image quality with high contrast, soft image quality with softness, or cool image quality with transparency) is selected, brightness is selected, Whether to shoot automatically or manually is selected. When shooting automatically, a shooting theme is selected. In this case, the first control unit 70 displays on the shooting operation touch panel 20 a screen for allowing the user to select one or more shooting themes from a plurality of shooting themes prepared in advance. The selection operation by the person is accepted. Then, the first control unit 70 acquires selection information based on a user's selection operation, and determines a combination of a frame image and a background to be used for shooting based on the selected shooting theme. . Here, the frame image received from the server unit 300 may be used as the frame image. When shooting manually, the user freely determines the frame image and the background. Then, the frame image received from the server unit 300 as the frame image used here is displayed as a selectable synthesis candidate. Then, it progresses to step S120 and imaging | photography is performed. By this shooting, the shot image data is stored in the memory of the first control unit 70.

  In step S <b> 130, the graffiti target image generated based on the photographed image is displayed on the photographing operation touch panel 20. Specifically, each time the process of step S130 is performed, graffiti target images are additionally displayed sequentially in the graffiti target image display area 203 of the photographing operation touch panel 20 shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S140, and the first control unit 70 determines whether or not a predetermined number of images have been taken. As a result of the determination, if the number of images has been shot, the process proceeds to step S150. If the number of images has not been shot, the process returns to step S120. In practice, a time limit for photographing (for example, 3 minutes) is provided.

  In step S150, an image to be actually graffitied is selected (by the user) from a plurality of graffiti subject images. Specifically, the first control unit 70 displays a list of graffiti target images on the shooting operation touch panel 20 in order to allow the user to select an image to be used for graffiti and printing, and performs a selection operation by the user. Accept. Then, the first control unit 70 sends the image selected by the user to the second control unit 80 as an actual graffiti target image. After step S150 ends, the process proceeds to step S160. In step S160, a guidance screen is displayed. Specifically, the first control unit 70 displays a screen for guiding the user to any one of the editing units 4 (4 a or 4 b) on the photographing operation touch panel 20. Thereby, the photographing process is completed.

<4.2 Editing process>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of editing processing in the present embodiment. After the above-described photographing process is completed, the second control unit 80 acquires the graffiti target image (the image selected by the user in step S150 in FIG. 11) sent from the first control unit 70 via the network 6. (Step S200). Thereafter, the timer 46 is set to a predetermined time (time for allowing the user to doodle), and the countdown is started (step S210).

  After the timer 46 starts counting down, the editing unit 4 accepts a graffiti operation (drawing operation) by the user (step S220). When the remaining time for allowing graffiti to the user reaches 60 seconds, the second control unit 80 determines whether or not to extend the graffiti time (step S230). Whether or not to extend the graffiti time is determined by whether or not the user who will play next in the unit 4a or 4b is in the shooting room 2 (whether or not the shooting process is performed in the shooting unit 3). Is done. As a result, if it is determined to extend the graffiti time, the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, if it is determined that the graffiti time is not extended, the process proceeds to step S250. In step S240, the timer is set to a predetermined time (time for allowing the user to further doodle), and the countdown is started again. After step S240 ends, the process proceeds to step S250.

  Here, the screen configuration of the editing operation touch panel 400 displayed at the time of the graffiti operation is as shown in FIG. 6. As described above, the downloaded graffiti image is displayed in the download graffiti display area 48 shown in FIG. Is displayed as a synthesis candidate. This graffiti image is also created in the mobile phone terminal in the same manner as the frame image described above, and is stored in the server unit 300. When a graffiti image created by a user is to be downloaded from the server unit 300 during graffiti, pressing a predetermined operation, for example, the download graffiti display area 48 in a state where no image is displayed yet, for example, as shown in FIG. Such an operation input screen is displayed, and identification data from the mobile phone terminal can be received from the non-contact communication port 450. When the user brings the mobile phone terminal close to the non-contact communication port 450, the second control unit 80 receives the identification data from the second non-contact communication unit 85 corresponding to the non-contact communication port 450, and The data is transmitted from the second communication unit 83 to the wireless communication unit 79 controlled by the first control unit 70 via the network 6. The wireless communication unit 79 sends identification data to the server unit 300, and the server unit 300 sends graffiti data corresponding to the transmitted identification data to the wireless communication unit 79. The sent graffiti data is sent to the second control unit 80 via the network 6 and displayed on the second display / operation unit 81 corresponding to the editing operation touch panel 400 as a candidate for a composite image.

  In step S250, as in step S220, the editing unit 4 accepts a graffiti operation by the user. When the graffiti time reaches 0 (ends), the division pattern of the output photo is selected (step S260). Specifically, the second control unit 80 displays on the editing operation touch panel 400 a screen for allowing the user to select one of the plurality of division patterns prepared in advance, and the user can select the division pattern. The selection operation by is accepted. And the 2nd control part 80 acquires selection information based on a user's selection operation. After step S260 ends, the process proceeds to step S270.

 In step S270, a guidance screen is displayed. Specifically, the second control unit 80 displays a screen for guiding the user to the output unit 5 on the editing operation touch panel 400. Thereby, the editing process ends.

<4.3 Output processing>
An output process in the output unit 5 will be described. The output processing is managed by the third control unit 90, and the output operation touch panel 30 displays a screen in accordance with an instruction from the third control unit 90 or accepts an input operation from a user as an operation signal. Or input to the third control unit.

  First, a demo screen is displayed until a composite image is sent from the editing unit 4, and when the composite image is sent, a button for starting output processing is displayed on the output operation touch panel 30, Accept user input operations. For example, a message “Please touch the screen” is displayed on this button. When this button is pressed by the user, a composite image output process is started. Note that the transition to the next display screen is made after the longest time (for example, 30 seconds) that is normally required when moving from the editing unit 4 has elapsed, starting from the time when the composite image is sent from the editing unit 4. Such a timeout process may be performed.

  Next, an operation input screen for playing a mini game such as a slot game is displayed, and a user input operation is accepted. In this slot game, for example, when the user presses the START button, two characters or figures are randomly changed at the second eye position of the character displayed on the screen while animating like the drum of the slot, When the “STOP” button is pressed by the user, the change stops. If the two characters or figures when the change is stopped are the same, the mini game is hit. When this hit state is reached, for example, the user is presented with a predetermined image called special deco-mail that can be used in deco-mail (registered trademark), which is mail in cHTML format. Many types of special deco-mail images are prepared in the server unit 300 and other servers, and the user can download these images and use them for mail creation on a mobile phone terminal.

  Thereafter, the third control unit 90 prints the photo sticker or the like by the network printer 35, and whether or not the user can take out the photo sticker or the like from the outlet 33, that is, whether or not the printing is completed. If the printing is completed, a guide indicating that a photo sticker has been displayed is displayed, and the process is terminated. If printing is not completed, for example, a message indicating that printing is in progress until printing is completed is displayed. If printing is completed, the fact may be displayed and the processing may be terminated. The mini-game may be provided to the user again until is completed.

<5. Effect>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the frame image and the graffiti image created in the mobile phone terminal and associated with the identification data and stored in the server unit 300 before the operation of the apparatus are typically stored in the mobile phone terminal. By sending the identification data transmitted to the non-contact communication port from the server unit 300 to the server unit 300, it can be downloaded from the server unit 300 and used during the operation of the apparatus. Therefore, for example, it is possible to freely use frame images and graffiti images that are difficult to create within a short time limit during the operation of the device, so it is possible to obtain time to perform graffiti sufficiently within the play time, In addition, it is not necessary to repeatedly create the same graffiti or frame image for each play. Furthermore, a desired frame image can be used even when a frame image cannot be freely created at the time of shooting (as in the case of graffiti editing) as in the configuration of the present embodiment.

<6. Modification>
In the above embodiment, the identification data associated with the image data created in advance is received directly from the mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication, and the image data associated with the received identification data is received from the server unit 300. The image data created in advance by the mobile phone terminal may be directly received from the mobile phone terminal typically by non-contact communication. In this case, since the size of the image data transmitted to the mobile phone terminal is large, there are disadvantages in that it takes time to transmit, and that the user must maintain the communication state of the mobile phone terminal during that time. However, since it is the same as the above embodiment in that the graffiti performed before the device operation by the user can be used during the operation of the device, the time for performing the graffiti sufficiently within the play time is sufficient. In addition, it is possible to obtain the effect that it is not necessary to repeatedly create the same graffiti or frame image for each play.

  In the above embodiment, the identification data is received directly from the mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication by the automatic photo creating apparatus. Instead of this configuration, the identification data is sent from the mobile phone terminal to the server unit 300. The configuration may be received by: In this case, it is necessary to specify an automatic photo creation apparatus that is a target to which image data is to be sent from the server unit 300. Therefore, for example, an automatic photo creation device to which image data is to be sent, that is, a housing of the automatic photo creation device to be played by a user, a touch panel 30 for output operation (a demo screen displayed on the screen), etc. The URL unique to the automatic photo creation apparatus is described in a form such as a character string or a two-dimensional barcode. The user accesses the URL from the mobile phone terminal using these, and inputs the ID and password which are identification data, or transmits the identification data itself. The server unit 300 transmits image data associated with the received identification data to the automatic photo creating apparatus corresponding to the server 300 with the URL. In this way, the image data can be transmitted to the automatic photo creation device before the play starts, so the time for receiving the image data (specifically, the operation time for transmitting the identification data and The transmission time of image data) is not consumed during play, and the image data can be used immediately after the play starts. Instead of the above configuration, the URL is a common URL corresponding to a screen for accepting a general ID and password of the server unit 300, and is specific to the automatic photo creation apparatus (shown on the casing or the like) on the screen. The identification number may be further input.

  In the above embodiment, the identification data associated with the image data created in advance is composed of an ID and a password. However, the identification data need not be a character string as long as it is unique, and is uniquely associated with the image data. Any data can be used. Note that the password can be omitted as described above.

  In the above embodiment, the identification data is received from the mobile phone terminal via the non-contact communication port 15 and the frame image associated with the identification data is received from the server 300 before the photographing process is completed at the latest, and the photographing operation touch panel is received. 20 is displayed as a synthesis candidate, and identification data is received from the mobile phone terminal via the non-contact communication port 450 after the photographing process is completed and until the graffiti process is completed at the latest, and is associated with the identification data. The received graffiti image is received from the server 300 and displayed as a composition candidate on the editing operation touch panel 400. Only one of these identification data is received and the associated image data is received from the server 300. May be. However, in the configuration of the above-described embodiment in which the identification data is received or received by both of them, even if it is not possible to freely create a frame image at the time of shooting (as in the case of graffiti editing), a desired frame image can be obtained. It can be used, and since graffiti images created in advance for graffiti can be used at the time of graffiti, you can get enough time for graffiti etc. within the play time, and the same graffiti and frame for each play There is no need to repeatedly create images.

3 ... Shooting unit 4 ... Editing unit 5 ... Output unit 6 ... Network (LAN)
10 ... Camera 15,450 ... Non-contact communication port (Felica port)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Touch panel for imaging operation 30 ... Touch panel for output operation 35 ... Network printer 70 ... First control unit 72 ... First display / operation unit (touch panel for shooting operation)
76 ... 1st non-contact communication part (Felica port)
80 ... second control unit 81, 82 ... second display / operation unit (touch panel for editing operation)
85, 86 ... second non-contact communication part (Felica port)
90 ... third control unit 91 ... third display / operation unit (touch panel for output operation)
92 ... Print output section (network printer)

Claims (6)

Photographing means for photographing a user who is a subject, editing means for receiving a user's editing operation on a photographed image photographed by the photographing means and generating a composite image, and a composite image obtained by the editing means as a photograph An automatic photo creation device comprising printing means for printing,
Identification data receiving means for receiving an input of an identification code created in advance associated with the image data;
Identification data transmitting means for transmitting an identification code received by the identification data receiving means to the outside of the apparatus;
External receiving means for receiving the image data associated with the identification code transmitted by the identification data transmitting means from outside the apparatus,
The automatic photo creating apparatus, wherein the editing unit synthesizes the image data received by the external receiving unit with the photographed image or the composite image.   The said identification data reception means contains the non-contact communication means which receives the identification data which show the said identification code | symbol directly by the non-contact communication system from the mobile telephone terminal which the said user possesses, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The automatic photo creation device described.   The non-contact communication means includes a first area that is a predetermined area used when photographing the user, and a predetermined area that is different from the first area and is provided with the editing means. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the automatic photo creating apparatus is provided in each of the second areas. Further comprising display means for displaying the captured image or the composite image;
The external receiving means can receive the image data before and after being photographed by the photographing means,
The display means displays the image data received before being photographed by the photographing means as a synthesis candidate image that can be synthesized with the photographed image to be photographed, and accepts the editing operation by the editing means. 4. The automatic photo creation according to claim 1, wherein the received image data is displayed as a combined candidate image that can be combined with the captured image or the combined image. 5. apparatus. A photographing step for photographing a user as a subject, an editing step for receiving a user's editing operation on the photographed image photographed in the photographing step and generating a composite image, and a composite image obtained in the editing step as a photograph An automatic photo creation method comprising a printing step for printing,
An identification data receiving step for receiving an input of an identification code created in advance associated with the image data;
An identification data transmission step of transmitting the identification code received in the identification data reception step to the outside of the device;
An external reception step of receiving the image data associated with the identification code transmitted in the identification data transmission step from the outside of the apparatus,
In the editing step, the image data received in the external receiving step is synthesized with the photographed image or the synthesized image. A mobile phone terminal that creates a predetermined image by accepting a user's operation input, a server device that accumulates the image created by the mobile phone terminal, and a photographing means for photographing the user as a subject; An automatic photo creation apparatus comprising: editing means for receiving a user's editing operation on a photographed image taken by the photographing means and generating a composite image; and printing means for printing the composite image obtained by the editing means as a photograph. An automatic photo creation system,
The server device
Storage means for storing the image created by the mobile phone terminal in association with identification data created in association with the image;
When receiving the identification data from the automatic photo creation device, image data transmission means for reading out the image stored in association with the received identification data from the storage means and transmitting it to the automatic photo creation device. ,
The mobile phone terminal
Storage means for storing the identification data;
A non-contact transmission unit that directly transmits the identification data stored in the storage unit to the automatic photo creating apparatus by a non-contact communication method;
The automatic photo creation device
Non-contact receiving means for directly receiving the identification data from the mobile phone terminal by a non-contact communication method;
Identification data transmitting means for transmitting the identification data received by the non-contact receiving means to the server device;
External receiving means for receiving from the server apparatus the image data associated with the identification data transmitted by the identification data transmitting means and stored in the server apparatus;
The automatic photo creation system, wherein the editing means provided in the automatic photo creation device synthesizes the image data received by the external reception means with the captured image or the composite image.

Images