JP2011199769A - Automatic photograph creating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic photograph creating device capable of improving a degree of the satisfaction of each user in the case of a play by not fewer than three users without reducing the degree of the satisfaction of each user in the case of play by not more than two users.SOLUTION: Three operation screens SL, SR, SC are displayed on a touch panel 400 for performing editing operations for scribbles or the like with respect to a photographed image, and input operations by touch pens 49L, 49R, 49C are received on these operation screens SL, SR, SC, respectively. The operation screens SL, SR, SC can switch a screen constitution between a normal constitution and a reduced constitution by operating size change buttons 451L, 451R, 451C. Thus, in the case that users are two or fewer, the right and left operation screens SL and SR can be formed in the normal constitution and the central operation screen SC can be formed in the reduced constitution. In the case that users are not fewer than three, all the three operation screens SL, SR, SC can be formed in the normal constitution of a slightly small size.

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, it is configured to provide an operation screen operated by each of the plurality of users (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  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 (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2007-67565 A JP 2008-109580 A

  In such a game-use photo creation device, the game is often played by two users. In this case, the graffiti on the photographed image is simultaneously performed by the two users. For this reason, normally, two operation screens are displayed on one touch panel as an operation display means of the editing unit for graffiti in the game photo creation device, and operation means such as two touch pens corresponding thereto are displayed on the touch panel. It is provided near the touch panel. However, it may be played by three or more users, and in this case, there is a possibility that each user will not be able to enjoy graffiti sufficiently in the editing unit configured as described above.

  On the other hand, it can be considered that three or more operation screens are displayed on one touch panel in the editing unit. However, when a configuration that displays three or more operation screens on one touch panel is adopted, the size of the operation screen for one person becomes small, and even when played by two or less people, such a small size is displayed. The operation screen will be used. As a result, the satisfaction level of the user is improved when the game is played by three or more players, but the satisfaction level is lowered when played by two or less players.

  Therefore, in the present invention, an automatic photo creation device that can improve the satisfaction of a user when played by three or more players without reducing the satisfaction of the user when played by two or less players. The purpose is to provide.

1st invention produces | generates a synthesized image based on the imaging means which image | photographs a user, the GUI means which receives the said user's editing operation with respect to the picked-up image obtained by the said imaging means, and the editing operation received by the said GUI means An automatic photo creation apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that performs printing; and a printing unit that prints a composite image generated by the image processing unit as a photograph.
The GUI means includes
GUI display means;
Three or more operation screens for editing operations of the user are displayed on the GUI display means, and GUI control means for receiving input operations on the respective operation screens in parallel.
The GUI control means includes
Among the three or more operation screens, at least a predetermined operation screen is provided in the GUI display means with two types of configurations: a normal configuration prepared in advance as a configuration of each operation screen and a reduced configuration having a size smaller than the normal configuration. Configured to be viewable,
The size of the operation screen displayed on the GUI display unit in the normal configuration is changed according to the number of operation screens to be displayed on the GUI display unit in the normal configuration among the predetermined operation screens. .

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The GUI control means includes
Three operation screens consisting of a left operation screen, a central operation screen and a right operation screen are displayed on the GUI display means in order from left to right,
Of the left operation screen and the right operation screen, the operation screen to be displayed in the normal configuration is displayed. When the central operation screen is displayed in the reduced configuration, the central operation screen is displayed in the normal configuration. The GUI display means displays the image in a size larger than that of the case.

According to a third invention, in the second invention,
Three input operation means for the editing operation of the user, comprising left operation means, a central operation means and a right operation means as pointing devices corresponding to the left operation screen, the central operation screen and the right operation screen, respectively. Further comprising
The GUI control means includes
When the central operation screen is displayed in the reduced configuration, a selection operation by the central operation means for selecting at least one of the left operation screen and the right operation screen is received,
When neither the left operation screen nor the right operation screen is selected by the selection operation, only the editing operation by the corresponding input operation means is accepted for each of the three operation screens,
When at least one of the left operation screen and the right operation screen is selected by the selection operation, both the editing operation by the input operation means and the editing operation by the central operation means corresponding to the selected operation screen It is characterized by accepting.

According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions,
A transmission unit for transmitting the image data generated by the image processing unit to the outside of the apparatus;
The GUI control means includes
Estimating the number of users based on a predetermined operation received by the end of the user's editing operation,
After the user's editing operation is finished, an input screen for inputting terminal designation information for designating an external communication terminal that should receive the image data transmitted by the transmission means is estimated for the number of users. A number corresponding to the value is displayed on the GUI display means,
The transmission means transmits the image data to the outside of the apparatus so that the image data can be received by a communication terminal specified by the terminal specification information input on the input screen.

A fifth invention is the second or third invention, wherein
A transmission unit for transmitting the image data generated by the image processing unit to the outside of the apparatus;
The GUI control means includes
Estimating whether or not the number of users is 3 or more based on a predetermined operation on the central operation screen among the operations received before the end of the user's editing operation,
If the number of users is estimated to be 3 or more, a terminal that specifies an external communication terminal that should receive the image data transmitted by the transmission means after the editing operation of the user is completed Three input screens for inputting designated information are displayed on the GUI display means,
When it is estimated that the number of users is not 3 or more, two input screens are displayed on the GUI display means after the editing operation of the users is completed.

A sixth invention is the fourth or fifth invention, wherein
The image processing unit generates a material image based on an input operation of the user with respect to the operation screen displayed with the reduced configuration among the operation screens displayed on the GUI display unit,
The transmission means transmits the material image data generated by the image processing means to the outside of the apparatus so as to be received by the communication terminal designated by the terminal designation information input to the input screen. And

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing step for photographing a user, a GUI step for accepting the user's editing operation on a photographed image obtained by the photographing step, and a composite image based on the editing operation accepted by the GUI step. An automatic photo creation method comprising: an image processing step to perform; and a printing step to print a composite image generated by the image processing step as a photo,
The GUI step includes:
A display step of displaying three or more operation screens for editing operation of the user on a predetermined GUI display means;
An operation receiving step for receiving in parallel an input operation for each operation screen displayed on the GUI display means,
In the display step,
Of the three or more operation screens, at least a predetermined operation screen has two types of configurations: a normal configuration prepared in advance as a configuration of each operation screen and a reduced configuration having a size smaller than the normal configuration. Can be displayed on
The size of the operation screen displayed on the GUI display unit in the normal configuration is changed according to the number of operation screens to be displayed on the GUI display unit in the normal configuration among the predetermined operation screens. And

  According to the first aspect, the normal configuration is displayed according to the number of operation screens to be displayed in the normal configuration among the predetermined operation screens among the three or more operation screens displayed on the GUI display means. The size of the operation screen is changed. Thereby, when the number of users of one play is large (for example, when there are three or more users), operation screens corresponding to the number of users (for example, three) are displayed in the normal configuration, and each user is displayed. Can use any of these operation screens to perform editing operations (such as graffiti) on a captured image in parallel with other users. On the other hand, when the number of users for one play is small (for example, when there are two or less users), the number of operation screens (for example, two) according to the number of users is displayed in a relatively large size normal configuration. The user can perform an editing operation (such as graffiti) on a captured image using such a large-size operation screen. Even when the number of users is large, a predetermined number of the operation screens among the above three or more operation screens are displayed in a relatively large normal configuration, and the remaining operation screens are displayed in a reduced configuration. In addition, a predetermined number of users of the play perform the editing operation using a relatively large operation screen of a normal configuration, and other users can perform simple operations using a reduction configuration operation screen. You can also create graffiti and material images. Therefore, without sacrificing user satisfaction when playing with a small number of people (for example, 2 or less), improving user satisfaction when playing with a large number of people (for example, 3 or more). Can be made.

  According to the second invention, when three or more players play, three operation screens including a left operation screen, a central operation screen, and a right operation screen displayed on the GUI display means are displayed in a normal configuration. Three users can simultaneously perform editing operations (such as graffiti) on the captured image using these three operation screens. On the other hand, when playing with two people or playing alone, the central operation screen is displayed in a reduced configuration so that each user can perform a left operation displayed in a relatively large size normal configuration. An editing operation (such as graffiti) can be performed on a captured image using the screen or the right operation screen. Even when three or more players are playing, the left operation screen and the right operation screen are displayed in a normal configuration with a relatively large size, and the central operation screen is displayed in a reduced configuration. Two of them perform the above editing operation using a relatively large operation screen of a normal configuration, and the other one uses a reduced configuration operation screen to create a simple graffiti or a material image. You can also. Therefore, it is possible to improve the user satisfaction when playing with three or more players without reducing the user satisfaction when playing with two or less players. Even when playing with two or less players, in addition to the above editing operations on the left operation screen and the right operation screen, it is possible to create simple graffiti and material images using the central operation screen. . For this reason, a user's satisfaction in the case where it plays with two or less persons can also be improved rather than before by utilization of a central operation screen.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the game is played by three or more players, the central operation screen is displayed in a reduced configuration among the three operation screens displayed on the GUI display means, and the two players can While performing an editing operation (such as graffiti), the other person selected and selected at least one of the left operation screen and the right operation screen by a predetermined selection operation by the central operation means (normally large size) The above editing operation (interrupt editing operation) can be performed on the operation screen of the configuration by the central operation means. On the other hand, when neither the selection of the left operation screen nor the selection of the right operation screen by the selection operation is performed, only the editing operation by the corresponding input operation means is accepted for each operation screen. Using the operation screen, editing operations can be performed by the corresponding input operation means without being interfered by other users. As described above, it is possible to further improve the satisfaction of the user when playing with three or more players without reducing the satisfaction of the user when playing with two or less players.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the number of users is estimated based on a predetermined operation accepted until the end of the editing operation on the photographed image, and the image data transmitted by the transmitting unit is received after the editing operation is completed. An input screen for inputting terminal designation information (typically a mail address) for designating an external communication terminal to be displayed is displayed on the GUI display means by the number corresponding to the estimated value of the number of users. Thereby, when the number of users of one play is small, each user can input terminal designation information at the same time using a relatively large size input screen, respectively, When the number of users is large, the size of each input screen is slightly reduced, but each of many users can input terminal designation information at the same time. Therefore, the terminal designation information can be input efficiently and satisfactorily according to the number of users of one play. This also contributes to improving the user's satisfaction when playing with three or more players without reducing the user's satisfaction when playing with two or less players.

  According to the fifth aspect, it is estimated whether or not the number of users is three or more based on a predetermined operation on the central operation screen among operations accepted before the end of the editing operation on the photographed image. Thereby, when three operation screens are displayed on the GUI display means, the number of users of one play can be appropriately estimated, and displayed on the GUI display means based on the estimation result (terminal designation) By appropriately changing the number of input screens (for inputting information), an effect similar to that of the fourth invention can be obtained.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, a material image is generated by an editing operation on the operation screen displayed in the reduced configuration, and the data of the material image is designated by the terminal designation information input on the input screen. Is transmitted to the outside of the apparatus so that it can be received. Therefore, when three or more players play, the two perform the editing operation using a relatively large operation screen of a normal configuration, while the other one uses a material image such as a decomail image. Can be created using an operation screen having a reduced configuration suitable for the editing operation, and the material image can be transferred to the user's mobile phone terminal for use. This also contributes to improving the user's satisfaction when playing with three or more players without reducing the user's satisfaction when playing with two or less players. Even when playing with two or fewer players, in addition to the above editing operations on the left operation screen and the right operation screen in the normal configuration, the material image to be transferred to the user's mobile phone terminal is the central operation in the reduced configuration. Can be created using the screen. For this reason, a user's satisfaction in the case of playing with two or less persons can also be improved rather than before.

  Since other inventions and effects thereof according to the present application are apparent from the description of the above-described invention, its effects, and embodiments of the invention to be described later, description thereof is omitted here.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the photo production apparatus for games which is an automatic photo production apparatus which concerns on 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. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure of the touchscreen for imaging operations in the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure in 2 screen modes of the touch panel for edit operations in the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure in 3 screen modes of the touch panel for edit operations in the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure of the touch panel for edit operations when the left operation screen and the center operation screen are displayed by the reduced configuration in the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure of the touch panel for edit operations when only the left operation screen is displayed by the reduced structure in the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure of the touch panel for edit operations when address input is received in 2 screen mode in the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure of the touch panel for edit operations when receiving address input in 3 screen mode in the said embodiment. 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 flowchart which shows the procedure of the imaging | photography process in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the edit process in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the left operation screen process in the said edit process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the right operation screen process in the said edit process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the central operation screen process in the said edit process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the address input process in the said edit process. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations when performing an output process in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations when performing an output process in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image storage server part in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations, when performing the output process using non-contact communication in the 1st modification of the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the central operation screen process in the 2nd modification of the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of the procedure of the central operation screen process in the 2nd modification of the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure of the said touch panel for edit operation when the central operation screen is changed from a normal structure to a reduction | decrease structure when the touch panel for edit operation is 3 screen mode in the 3rd modification of 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. It is provided with a shooting operation touch panel 20 that is arranged and receives operations from a user, displays shot images, and the like.

  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 display configuration of the touch panel 20 for shooting operation. As shown in FIG. 5, 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, and a graffiti obtained by shooting. A graffiti target image display area 203 for displaying the 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 of the units 4a includes an editing operation touch panel 400 that includes a graffiti area, an area for displaying a menu for graffiti, a tool, and the like and functions as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) display means, and the editing operation touch panel 400 Touch pens 49L, 49R, and 49C are provided as pointing devices used for an operation on the. 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 display configuration in which each of the units 4a and 4b allows two or three users to simultaneously doodle. 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. In addition, when three users use, in addition to this, reference numerals including “C” are given to components used by the central user.

  Further, the editing operation touch panel 400 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to simultaneously detect the operation positions of the plurality of touch pens 49L, 49R, and 49C, and the detected operation positions are the touch pens 49L, 49R, and 49C. It is also possible to detect which one of the operations corresponds to. For example, when a capacitive touch panel is used as the editing operation touch panel 400, simultaneous detection of such a plurality of operation positions and identification of the operated touch pen are possible.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the output unit 5 typically includes communication that does not require contact at a short distance, such as communication performed wirelessly with an IC chip built in a mobile phone terminal (hereinafter referred to as “non-contact communication”). ”) For output operation that is operated by the user when transferring a material image such as a Deco-mail (registered trademark) image and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the server to the user's mobile phone terminal in detail. Touch panel 30, non-contact communication port 31 including an antenna for transmitting the material image or the like directly to a mobile phone terminal that is disposed as a radio signal and is disposed below output operation touch panel 30, and the non-contact A speaker 32 is provided for notifying the user by voice of operation methods and sound effects necessary for communication. 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.

  Note that here, Felica (registered trademark) is adopted as the communication method of the non-contact communication port 31, and the detailed configuration and operation thereof will be omitted, but other non-contact communication methods using infrared rays, for example, are available. It may be adopted. 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 (defined by ISO10536) that performs communication within a distance of 2 mm or less, or a proximity type contactless communication (specified by ISO15693) that performs communication within a distance of 10 cm or less. preferable.

  The touch panel 30 for output operation is a mobile phone provided with the non-contact communication function when the user wants to download the composite image from a server as well as a photo sticker or the like to view it on a mobile phone terminal. It is configured to provide an operation screen for accepting various operations necessary for transmission to the telephone terminal. This operation is mainly performed using the time until the photo sticker of the composite image is printed. Therefore, the user should use the time effectively until the photo sticker etc. is printed. Can do. A detailed display example will be described later.

  The output unit 5 has a built-in PHS (registered trademark) terminal device 55, so that the composite image can be downloaded from a server by a mobile phone terminal, and two composite images are used as image data as described later. Transmit to a nearby radio base using a wireless communication method.

  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 can print a composite image generated by graffiti using a network printer, or transmit the image from a wireless communication unit 96 (described later) to a predetermined server and distribute it from the server to the mobile phone terminal. .

<2. Screen structure for editing operations>
The game photo creation device according to the present embodiment has a feature in an operation screen used for an editing operation for graffiti etc. on a graffiti target image (an image including a photographed image) generated based on a photographed image. ing. Therefore, hereinafter, a display configuration in the editing operation touch panel 400 that displays the operation screen will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display configuration of the editing operation touch panel 400. In the present embodiment, in consideration of the fact that two users often play as one set, the editing operation touch panel 400 in the initial state (the state immediately before the start of editing processing in each play) In order to perform similar (virtual) graffiti, two operation screens configured in the same manner as in the past are displayed. Specifically, the editing operation touch panel 400 includes, as components used by the left and right users, images selected from a plurality of graffiti target images generated based on photographed images (hereinafter referred to as “selected graffiti target”). Graffiti areas 41L and 41R, which display (image) or simply “graffiti target image”) and can perform (virtual) graffiti, and tools for the user to perform graffiti, ie (selected) graffiti target images Pallets 42L and 42R as a set of tools for editing instructions to be displayed, and buttons 45L and 45R for performing operations related to graffiti other than the tools included in the palettes 42L and 42R; As described later, size change buttons 451L and 451R for changing the size (and configuration) of the operation screen are included. To have. Hereinafter, among the two operation screens having such a configuration, the above-described components 41L, 42L, 45L, and 451L included in the left region IL (hereinafter referred to as “left input region IL”) surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. The operation screen consisting of is referred to as a “left operation screen” and is indicated by the reference symbol “SL”. In addition, an operation screen including the above-described components 41R, 42R, 45R, and 451R included in the right region IR (hereinafter referred to as “right input region IR”) surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 6 is referred to as a “right operation screen”. Reference numeral “SR” indicates.

  The (selected) graffiti target image displayed in the graffiti areas 41L and 41R can be switched to another graffiti target image among the plurality of graffiti target images, and the operation means for this switching is also the editing operation touch panel 400. Can be realized. Specifically, for example, the operation screens SL, SR, and SC display a list of the plurality of graffiti target images, which are images that can be edited as graffiti targets, as thumbnail images, and each of them as a new graffiti target. It can be set as the structure which selects the image which should be displayed on graffiti area | region 41L, 41R, 41C. Alternatively, the plurality of graffiti target images are displayed as a list of thumbnail images common to the two operation screens SL and SR or the three operation screens SL, SR, and SC, and a new graffiti target from them is displayed. It is good also as a structure which selects the image which should be displayed on each graffiti area | region 41L, 41R, 41C. Furthermore, a list display button (image replacement button) is included in each of the operation screens SL, SR, SC, and by operating the button, the plurality of graffiti target images are displayed in a pop-up as a reduced list image. It is good also as a structure which selects the image which should be displayed on the graffiti area | region 41L, 41R as a new graffiti object from among.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR described above, a “central operation” composed of constituent elements included in the central area IC (hereinafter referred to as “central input area IC”) of the editing operation touch panel 400. Screen "is displayed. Hereinafter, this central operation screen is indicated by a reference symbol “SC”. In the initial state, the central operation screen SC is displayed as an operation screen having a size sufficiently smaller than the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR at the lower center of the editing operation touch panel 400 as shown in FIG. Is done.

  Specifically, in the central input area IC on the editing operation touch panel 400, a graffiti (selected) is used as a component used by the central user when three or more users play as one set. A simple graffiti area 41C that can be used as an area for displaying a target image and performing simple graffiti, and a palette 42C that is a collection of tools for creating simple graffiti and material images by a user and displayed as usable As described later, a size change button 451C for changing the size (and configuration) of the operation screen is included. The simple graffiti area 41C is a material image such as an image that conforms to a predetermined standard such as Deco-mail (registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo, Inc.) (hereinafter referred to as “Deco-mail image”) or a free illustration image. Can be used as an area for creating.

  The palette 42C includes a CL interrupt button 42CL or a CR interrupt button 42CR for allowing a central user to perform graffiti on the left operation screen SL or the right operation screen SR. The CL interrupt button 42CL is a button for selecting the left operation screen SL as an operation screen capable of editing an interrupt with the center touch pen 49C. The CR interrupt button 42CR is an interrupt with the center touch pen 49C. This is a button for selecting the right operation screen SR as an operation screen capable of editing operations (details will be described later).

  Note that the touch pens 49L, 49R, and 49C used for the operation on the editing operation touch panel 400 are pointing devices corresponding to the left operation screen SL, the right operation screen SR, and the central operation screen SC, respectively, as shown in FIG. Is arranged as.

  The left operation screen SL, the right operation screen SR, and the central operation screen SC can be changed in size between the normal size and the reduced size by operating the size change buttons 451L, 451R, and 451C, respectively. . In the editing operation touch panel 400 in the initial state shown in FIG. 6, the left operation screen SL in the left input area IL and the right operation screen SR in the right input area IR are displayed in the normal size, and are in the central input area IC. The central operation screen SC is displayed in a reduced size. In the present embodiment, when the size of the operation screen is changed, the configuration of the operation screen is also changed. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of the normal size operation screen is referred to as “normal configuration”, and the configuration of the reduced size operation screen is referred to as “reduced configuration”. In the editing operation touch panel 400, the size of the operation screen displayed in the normal configuration is the normal size, and the size of the operation screen displayed in the reduced configuration is the reduced size. However, as described later, the normal size is slightly different between the two-screen mode (FIG. 6) and the three-screen mode (FIG. 7).

  Now, in the editing operation touch panel 400 with the display configuration shown in FIG. 6 (the editing operation touch panel 400 in the initial state), the size change button 451C on the central operation screen SC in the reduced configuration is a touch pen for the central operation screen (hereinafter “center pen”). ”), The central operation screen SC is displayed in the normal configuration. At this time, while the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR remain in the normal configuration, the size for the central operation screen is increased, but the size of the display surface (the entire screen size) of the editing operation touch panel 400 is fixed. Therefore, each of the three operation screens SL, SR, SC displayed in the normal configuration (in the horizontal direction) is slightly smaller than the normal size in the display configuration shown in FIG. Operation screens SL, SR, SC are displayed. That is, the overall display configuration of the editing operation touch panel 400 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “entire display configuration”) is changed from the configuration shown in FIG. 6 to the configuration shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the editing operation touch panel 400 shown in FIG. 7, when the size change button 451C in the normal operation central operation screen SC is operated with the central pen 49C, the central operation screen SC is reduced as shown in FIG. Displayed in the configuration.

  In the following, in each of the two units 4a and 4b constituting the editing unit 4, an operation mode in which two operation screens including a left operation screen SL and a right operation screen SR are displayed in a normal configuration as shown in FIG. The operation mode in which the three operation screens SL, SR, and SC are displayed in the normal configuration as shown in FIG. 7 is referred to as “three-screen mode”. However, even when only the right operation screen SR is displayed in the normal configuration as shown in FIG. 8, the size of the right operation screen SR is the same as the sizes of the operation screens SL and SR in the normal configuration shown in FIG. Therefore, the operation mode in which the entire display configuration is as shown in FIG. 8 is also referred to as a two-screen mode (the same applies when only the left operation screen SL is displayed in the normal configuration). Further, when only the central operation screen SC and the right operation screen SR are displayed in the normal configuration as shown in FIG. 9, the sizes of the operation screens SC and SR are the same as those in the normal configuration operation screen SL shown in FIG. Since the sizes of SR and SC are the same, an operation mode in which the overall display configuration is as shown in FIG. 9 is also referred to as a three-screen mode (only the central operation screen SC and the left operation screen SL have the normal configuration). The same applies when displayed). In the present embodiment, in accordance with the switching of the operation mode between the two-screen mode and the three-screen mode, not only the screen size but also the screen configuration is slightly changed for each operation screen SL, SR, SC of the normal configuration. However, the screen configuration may not be changed. 6 to 9, the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding components in the operation screens SL, SR, and SC.

  In the two-screen mode editing touch panel 400 shown in FIG. 6, when the size change button 451L on the left operation screen SL of the normal configuration is operated with a left operation screen touch pen (hereinafter referred to as “left pen”) 49L. As shown in FIG. 8, the left operation screen SL is displayed in a reduced configuration while the two-screen mode is maintained. In the two-screen mode editing touch panel 400 shown in FIG. 6, when the size change button 451R on the right operation screen SR of the normal configuration is operated with a touch pen for right operation screen (hereinafter referred to as “right pen”) 49R. The right operation screen SR is displayed in a reduced configuration while remaining in the two-screen mode (not shown). On the other hand, when the size change button 451L on the left operation screen SL of the normal configuration is operated with the left pen 49L on the editing operation touch panel 400 in the three-screen mode shown in FIG. 7, the three-screen mode remains as shown in FIG. The left operation screen SL is displayed in a reduced configuration. Further, in the editing operation touch panel 400 in the three-screen mode shown in FIG. 7, when the size change button 451R on the right operation screen SR having the normal configuration is operated with the right pen 49R, the right operation screen SR remains in the three-screen mode. Displayed in a reduced configuration (not shown). As described above, in the present embodiment, switching between the normal configuration and the reduced configuration is possible for each operation screen SL, SR, SC, but only the central operation screen SC can be switched between the normal configuration and the reduced configuration. You may be comprised so that switching is possible.

  As can be seen from the above, in the present embodiment, the operation displayed in the normal configuration according to whether or not the central operation screen SC is in the normal configuration, that is, depending on whether the number of the central operation screen SC in the normal configuration is 1 or 0. The screen size is changed (see FIGS. 6 to 9). In this embodiment, one operation screen is displayed as the central operation screen SC between the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR, but two or more operations are performed between the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR. When the screen is displayed, the size of the operation screen displayed in the normal configuration is changed according to the number of the operation screens displayed in the normal configuration among the two or more operation screens (the normal size Size is changed). That is, in the display configuration technique adopted for the editing operation touch panel 400 in the present embodiment, the normal size is set according to the number of operation screens displayed in the normal configuration between the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR. The size is changed.

  When the editing operation by the user using the above-described operation screens (FIGS. 6 to 9) displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400 is completed, a photo to be output from the output unit 5 (obtained by the editing operation) A screen for selecting a division pattern of a photo sticker or photo card on which a composite image is printed is displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400. The user uses the screen to perform an operation for selecting one of the plurality of division patterns prepared in advance. The selection information obtained in this way is used when a photo is output from the output unit 5.

  When the selection of such a photo division pattern is completed, the display configuration of the editing operation touch panel 400 uses a composite image or material image (such as a decomail image) obtained by the editing operation to communicate with a user's mobile phone terminal or the like. The screen is switched to a configuration for inputting a mail address as communication terminal designation information necessary for transfer to the terminal (hereinafter referred to as “address input screen”). There are “two-screen mode” and “three-screen mode” as operation modes (for the editing unit 4) for displaying the address input screen on the editing operation touch panel 400 and receiving an address input from the user. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the display configuration (two-screen mode input screen configuration) of the editing operation touch panel 400 when accepting an address input in the two-screen mode, and FIG. 11 is when accepting an address input in the three-screen mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display structure (3 screen mode input screen structure) of the touch panel 400 for edit operation.

  As described later, in the present embodiment, based on a predetermined operation on the central operation screen SC displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400, whether editing operations on the editing operation touch panel 400 have been performed by two or less users, Estimate whether it was performed by three or more users (estimate the number of users who performed the editing operation). When the editing operation is completed and address input is accepted, when the estimated number of users is 2 or less, the address input screen is displayed in the two-screen mode as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the address input screen is displayed in the three-screen mode. Thereby, each user who is playing can input the mail address of the mobile phone terminal individually and in parallel.

<3. Functional configuration>
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the play photo creating apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the functional aspect. This game-use photo creation device wirelessly transmits image data such as the above-described composite image and material image to the wireless base unit 200, which is a PHS base station device, typically in the form of a data packet together with a mail address to be described later. The wireless base unit 200 is connected to the Internet via a well-known communication device (not shown), and transmits the image data to the image distribution server unit 500 which is an image distribution server device via the Internet. The image distribution server unit 500 distributes the received image data to a terminal device specified by the received e-mail address (this terminal device is typically a mobile phone terminal used by a user. The explanation is made assuming that the delivery destination is the user's mobile phone terminal).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, this game photo creation device functionally has a shooting processing unit 7 for mainly performing a process of shooting a user (shooting process), and a user's mainly for a graffiti target image. An editing processing unit 8 for performing an editing process of the graffiti target image according to the graffiti operation, and outputting the graffiti target image subjected to the editing process as a photo sticker or the like, and the created material image etc. without contact communication And an output processing unit 9 for performing processing (output processing) for outputting to a mobile phone terminal.

  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, and a first communication unit 75. It is configured. The edit processing unit 8 includes a second control unit 80, second display / operation units 81 and 82, and a second communication unit 83. 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, a non-contact communication unit 94, and a third communication unit 95. And a wireless communication unit 96. 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). In the present embodiment, the first, second, and third control units 70, 80, 90 are separate components, but control of any of these three control units 70, 80, 90 is possible. It is good also as a structure where a part serves as the function of another control part. Further, these three control units 70, 80, 90 may be realized by a single computer including a CPU, a memory, etc., or two control units (first and second control units 70, 80, or first control unit). The first and third control units 70 and 90, or the second and third control units 80 and 90) may be realized by one computer.

  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 captured image data is supplied as a captured image signal from the first control unit 70 to the first display / operation unit 72, and a captured image based on the captured image signal is displayed in real time.

  The first display / operation unit 72 corresponds to the shooting operation touch panel 20 and is used to select a background image and a foreground image to be added to a shot image and to determine 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 photographing the user (corresponding to the selected photographing menu) is started, guidance for the user is displayed on the first display / operation unit 72, and thereafter Based on an instruction from the first control unit 70, 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. 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 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, and is stored in a predetermined memory stored in an internal memory. 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. In addition, a graffiti target image is generated by adding a background image and a foreground image to the captured image. The generated graffiti target image is written in the frame buffer and displayed on the first display / operation unit 72. When shooting and generation of the graffiti target image are completed in this way, some graffiti images are appropriately selected from the generated graffiti target images according to the user's input operation, and then edited via the first communication unit 75. The data is sent to the second control unit 80 corresponding to the unit 4.

  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. That is, the second control unit 80 functions as a GUI control unit that controls the second display / operation unit. In addition, the second control unit 80 adds a predetermined image to the graffiti target image based on an operation signal for performing graffiti processing on the graffiti target image (an image including a captured image) sent from the first control unit 70. Or a material image such as a decomail image is generated based on an operation signal indicating an editing operation on an operation screen having a reduced configuration (for example, the central operation screen SC in FIG. 6). That is, the second control unit 80 also functions as an image processing unit for generating a composite image and a material image based on the operation signal. Here, it is assumed that six composite images can be generated based on six photographed images. The generated composite image and material image are displayed on the corresponding second display / operation units 81 and 82 in accordance with a user instruction. Further, as will be described later, the user can transmit two composite images selected from the generated six composite images or a material image selected from the plurality of generated material images to the server. . 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 functioning as a graffiti GUI display means, and accept user operations 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.

  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 printing processing such as a photo sticker based on the composite image sent from the second control unit 80. Note that when image data is transmitted to the image distribution server unit 500 in an editing process to be described later executed by the second control unit 80 (see step S290 in FIG. 14), the third control unit 90 performs the second control process. The wireless communication unit 96 is controlled to start processing to receive image data of a composite image or the like (composite image or composite image and material image) sent from the control unit 80 and to transmit the image data to the image distribution server unit 500. To do.

  The wireless communication unit 96 corresponds to the PHS terminal device 55 built in the output unit 5, and a composite image or the like sent during the editing process by the second control unit 80 is transferred from the image distribution server unit 500 to the user's mobile phone. It functions as a transmission means for transmitting the composite image or the like as image data to the radio base unit 200 by the PHS radio communication method so that it can be distributed to the telephone terminal. At this time, the mail address of each user's mobile phone terminal input on the address input screen shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 is also transmitted to the radio base unit 200 together with the image data.

  Here, in this data communication, a predetermined fee corresponding to the amount of data (packets) is charged. Therefore, the number of composite images (composite images that can be uploaded) that can be transmitted to the image distribution server unit 500 is two here. In addition to the charge, the upload time limitation due to the slow data transfer rate and the limitation due to the upper limit of the amount of data that can be stored in the image distribution server unit may be taken into consideration, and one composite image can be uploaded. The composition image may be uploaded. 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 can be transmitted.

  Further, the third control unit 90 starts a printing process such as a photo sticker based on the composite image sent from the second control unit 80, and at the same time, an operation screen to be described later for accepting a user's input operation 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 communication unit 95 corresponds to a network adapter built in the output unit 5 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  Here, 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. Displayed on the display / 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 as an auxiliary storage device.

  Thereafter, the third control unit 90 provides the user with a mini-game to be described later until printing of the composite image is completed by the display of the third display / operation unit 91 or the voice or sound effect of the voice output unit 93. to continue. The contents of this mini game are similarly stored in advance in a 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.

  When the above-mentioned composite image or the like is sent together with an e-mail address from a plurality of game photo creation devices installed in various places including the present game photo creation device, the image distribution server unit 500, these composite images and the like And receive the email address and temporarily store it. Next, it transmits to the mobile phone terminal specified by the mail address. In this way, a composite image or the like created by each user of the game photo creation device is distributed to the user's mobile phone terminal. The user who has received such distribution can display the distributed composite image or the like on the mobile phone terminal, or can use a predetermined material image included in the distributed image as a decomail image.

<4. Processing procedure in a photo creation device for play>
As described above, the play photo creating apparatus 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. Below, the outline | summary of the procedure of an imaging | photography process, an edit process, and an output process is demonstrated.

<4.1 Shooting process>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the 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 the play is started, the first control unit 70 accepts selection of a shooting mode by the 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 and a background to be used for shooting based on the selected shooting theme. When shooting manually, the user can freely determine the frame and background. 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, a graffiti target image (an image including a captured image) generated based on the captured image is displayed on the capturing 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. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of editing processing in the present embodiment. The editing process is realized by the second control unit 80 operating as shown in FIG. 14 based on a predetermined program. In this editing process, after the above-described shooting process is completed, the second control unit 80 sends the graffiti target image sent from the first control unit 70 via the network (LAN) 6 (the user in step S150 in FIG. 13). (The image selected by step S200) is acquired (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 (steps S220 to S226). Note that the editing unit 4 accepts editing operations for creating a material image such as a decomail image in addition to an editing operation for a graffiti target image based on a photographed image. The two editing operations are simply called “doodle operations”.

  In accepting the graffiti operation, first, the operation screens SL, SR, SC displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400 in each of the unit 4a (the graffiti booth A) and the unit 4b (the graffiti booth B) constituting the editing unit 4. When the touch pen (left pen 49L, right pen 49R, center pen 49C) is operated on the touch pen (see FIG. 6 etc.), the operation position (touched position) is detected and coordinates indicating the operation position are detected. A value is acquired as an input coordinate value (S220). Next, based on this input coordinate value, it is determined whether or not the operation position is within the left input area IL on the editing operation touch panel 400 (step S222). If the operation position is within the left input area IL as a result of the determination, the left operation screen process (S230) described later is executed on the assumption that the operation on the left operation screen SL has been performed.

  If the result of determination in step S222 is that the operation position is not within the left input area IL, processing proceeds to step S224, and based on the input coordinate value, whether or not the operation position is within the right input area IR on the editing operation touch panel 400. Is determined. If the operation position is within the right input area IR as a result of the determination, it is assumed that an operation on the right operation screen SR has been performed, and right operation screen processing (S240) described later is executed.

  If the result of determination in step S224 is that the operation position is not within the right input area IR, processing proceeds to step S226, and based on the input coordinate value, whether or not the operation position is within the central input area IC on the editing operation touch panel 400. Is determined. As a result of the determination, if the operation position is within the central input area IC, the central operation screen process (S250) described later is executed on the assumption that the operation on the central operation screen SC has been performed.

  As a result of the determination in step S226, if the operation position is not within the central input area IC, the process proceeds to step S258, and it is determined based on the timer 46 whether the permitted time for the graffiti operation has ended. As a result of the determination, if the graffiti permission time has not expired, the process returns to step S220, and the steps after step S220 described above are executed.

  The graffiti operation is accepted by repeating the processes of steps S220 to S258 in this way, and the graffiti time becomes 0 during that time. In step S258, the graffiti operation permission time has ended. If determined, the process proceeds to step S260.

  In step S260, the division pattern of the output photo is selected. 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, an address input process (FIG. 18) described later is performed. Thereby, an e-mail address for distributing image data such as a composite image from the image distribution server unit 500 to each user's mobile phone terminal is acquired.

  In the next step S280, the second control unit 80 determines whether or not to deliver a composite image or the like that is a graffiti-targeted doodle image to the user's mobile phone terminal. Specifically, the second control unit 80 displays on the editing operation touch panel 400 a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to transmit two composite images or the like to the image distribution server unit 500. The selection operation by the user is accepted. Then, the second control unit 80 determines which two of the six sheets have been selected by the user. If it is determined that transmission to the image distribution server unit 500 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S290. If selection to not transmit to the image distribution server unit 500 has been performed, the process proceeds to step S295.

  In step S290, image data such as a composite image (composite image or composite image and material image) is transmitted to the image distribution server unit 500. At this time, together with the image data, the mail address acquired in step S270 is also transmitted to the image distribution server unit 500. The transmission to the image distribution server unit 500 is performed from the wireless communication unit (PHS terminal device) 96 of the output processing unit 9 via the network (LAN) 6 (see FIG. 12). After step S290 ends, the process proceeds to step S295. In step S295, 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.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, selection of two composite images to be transmitted can be canceled (not selected) (S280 → S295). In this case, communication costs can be saved and the storage capacity of the image distribution server unit 500 can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the image data such as the composite image is distributed to each user's mobile phone terminal via the image distribution server unit 500, but instead of this, the wireless communication unit ( (PHS terminal device) 96 may be directly distributed to each user's mobile phone terminal.

<4.2.1 Left operation screen processing and right operation screen processing>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the left operation screen process (step S230 in FIG. 14) in the editing process. In this left operation screen process, first, it is determined whether or not the input coordinate value acquired in step S220 in FIG. 14 is due to the operation of the left pen 49L (whether or not it is input with the left pen 49L) ( Step S232). As a result of the determination, if it is input with the left pen 49L, the process proceeds to step S302, and if not input with the left pen 49L, the process proceeds to step S234. In step S234, it is determined whether or not the input coordinate value is due to the operation of the center pen 49C (whether or not it is input with the center pen 49C). If the result of determination is that the input has not been made with the central pen 49C, the left operation screen processing is terminated, the routine returns to the editing processing routine, and the routine proceeds to step S258 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is input with the central pen 49C, the process proceeds to step S236. In step S236, it is determined whether or not a later-described CL interrupt state is set by operating the CL interrupt button 42CL on the central operation screen SC in the reduced configuration. As a result of the determination, if the CL interrupt state is not set, the left operation screen process is terminated, the process returns to the editing process routine, and the process proceeds to step S258 in FIG. On the other hand, if the CL interrupt state is set, that is, if the left operation screen is selected as the operation screen that allows the interrupt editing operation with the central pen 49C, the process proceeds to step S302.

  When the process proceeds to step S302, it is treated that the input operation is performed on the left operation screen SL, and the type of the input operation performed on the left operation screen SL is determined based on the input coordinate value. (Identification of input operation). In the next step S304, it is determined whether or not the input operation is an operation of the size change button 451L, that is, a size change operation (see FIG. 6 and the like). If the result of determination is that the operation is a size change operation, the procedure proceeds to step S306, and if the operation is not a size change operation, the procedure proceeds to step S312.

  In step S306, it is determined whether the left operation screen SL has a normal configuration. As a result of the determination, if the configuration is the normal configuration, the left operation screen SL is reduced and changed to the reduced configuration (step S308). If the configuration is not the normal configuration, that is, the reduced configuration, the left operation screen SL is enlarged. And changed to a normal configuration (step S310). Thereafter, the left operation screen process is terminated, the process returns to the editing process routine, and the process proceeds to step S258 in FIG.

  In step S312, it is determined whether or not the input operation identified in step S302 is an operation of a tool in the palette 42L. If the result of determination is that the tool is in the palette 42L, the process proceeds to step S314, where editing / image processing corresponding to the tool operation is performed. Returning to step S258, the process proceeds to step S258 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is not the operation of the tool in the palette 42L, the process proceeds to step S316.

  In step S316, it is determined whether or not the input operation identified in step S302 is an operation on another button group such as the button group 45L. As a result of the determination, if it is an operation on another button group or the like, the process proceeds to step S318, a process corresponding to the operated button or the like is performed, and then the left operation screen process is terminated and the editing process is completed. Returning to the routine, the process proceeds to step S258 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is not an operation on another button group or the like, it is assumed that the input coordinate value does not correspond to any operation on the left operation screen SL, and the left operation screen processing is ended as it is to return to the editing processing routine. Proceed to step S258 of FIG.

  According to the left operation screen processing as described above, the input coordinate value acquired in step S220 of FIG. 14 is input with the left pen 49L or input with the center pen 49C. When the CL interrupt state is set, an input operation for giving the input coordinate value is accepted as an operation for the left operation screen (steps S232 to S236), and processing corresponding to the operation is performed (S302 to S302). S318). Therefore, the input operation with the right pen 49R is not accepted for the left operation screen SL, and the operation with the center pen 49C is accepted only when the CL interrupt state is set.

  Here, when the input operation is a size change operation, the configuration of the left operation screen SL is switched between the normal configuration and the reduced configuration (steps S306 to S310). For example, in the editing operation touch panel 400 of the two-screen mode shown in FIG. 6, when the operation of the size change button 451L on the left operation screen SL of the normal configuration is performed as the input operation, the left operation screen SL as shown in FIG. Is displayed in a reduced configuration. On the other hand, in the editing operation touch panel 400 having the display configuration shown in FIG. 8, when the operation of the size change button 451L on the left operation screen SL having the reduced configuration is performed as the input operation, the left operation screen SL is displayed as shown in FIG. Displayed in normal configuration.

  In the present embodiment, when the CL interrupt state is set, the tool operation of the palette 42L of the left operation screen SL can be performed not only by the left pen 49L but also by the center pen 49C (step S236). , S312, S314), instead, the operation of the tool on the palette 42L of the left operation screen SL by the center pen 49C is invalidated, and when the center pen 49C is used, the operation of the tool on the palette 42C of the center operation screen SC is operated. May be configured to enable editing work (graffiti) in the graffiti area 41L of the left operation screen SL (when the CR interrupt state is set, the right operation screen using the center pen 49C) The same modification can be made when editing (doodle) is performed in the SR graffiti area 41R (steps S246 and S3 in FIG. 16). Reference 2, S334).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the right operation screen process (step S240 in FIG. 14) in the editing process of the present embodiment. As can be seen by comparing this flowchart with the flowchart of FIG. 15, the detailed procedure of the right operation screen processing is the same as the detailed procedure of the left operation screen processing except for the difference between “right” and “left”. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

<4.2.2 Central operation screen processing>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the central operation screen process (step S250 in FIG. 14) in the editing process of this embodiment. In this central operation screen process, first, it is determined whether or not the input coordinate value acquired in step S220 in FIG. 14 is due to the operation of the central pen 49C (whether or not it is input with the central pen 49C) (see FIG. 14). Step S252). As a result of the determination, if the input is made with the central pen 49C, the process proceeds to step S254. If the input is not made with the central pen 49C, the central operation screen process is terminated and the process returns to the editing process routine. The process proceeds to step S258 in FIG.

  When the process proceeds to step S254, it is treated that the input operation is performed on the central operation screen SC, and the type of the input operation performed on the central operation screen SC is determined based on the input coordinate value. (Identification of input operation). This input operation identification information is stored for use in estimating the number of users in step S382 in FIG. 18 to be described later (step S342). That is, each time this step S342 is executed, the identification information of the input operation accepted on the central operation screen SC is accumulated in the memory or auxiliary storage device in the second control unit 80. After execution of step S342, it is determined in step S344 whether the input operation is an operation of the size change button 451C, that is, a size change operation (see FIG. 6 and the like). As a result of the determination, if it is a size change operation, the process proceeds to step S346, and if it is not a size change operation, the process proceeds to step S356.

  In step S346, it is determined whether or not the central operation screen SC has a normal configuration. As a result of the determination, when the normal configuration is adopted, the display configuration (entire display configuration) of the editing operation touch panel 400 is a three-screen mode configuration as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. In this case, not only the central operation screen SC is reduced and changed to the reduced configuration (step S348), but the entire display configuration is the configuration of the two-screen mode as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8 (step S350). ). On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the central operation screen SC is not in the normal configuration, that is, in the reduced configuration, the entire display configuration is the configuration of the two-screen mode (see FIGS. 6 and 8). Before changing the size of the screen SC, the entire display configuration is changed to the configuration of the three-screen mode (step S352), and thereafter, the central operation screen SC is enlarged, and the normal configuration as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. (Step S354). After execution of step S350 or S354, the central operation screen process is terminated, the process returns to the editing process routine, and the process proceeds to step S258 in FIG.

  In step S356, it is determined whether or not the input operation identified in step S254 is an operation of a tool in the palette 42C. If the result of determination is that the tool is in the pallet 42C, the process advances to step S358 to determine whether or not the input operation is the CL interrupt button 42CL operation, that is, an operation to set or cancel the CL interrupt state. It is determined whether or not it has been received (see FIG. 6 and the like). In this embodiment, when the CL interrupt button 42CL is operated in the CL interrupt state, the CL interrupt state is canceled, and when the CL interrupt button 42CL is operated while the CL interrupt state is cancelled, the CL is cleared. Interrupt status is set. In this way, the CL interrupt flag FCL is introduced in order to realize a function that the setting state and the release state are alternately switched for each CL interrupt every time the CL interrupt button 42CL is operated. That is, when the CL interrupt state is released at the time of the input operation (FCL = 0) and the input operation is the operation of the CL interrupt button 42CL as a result of the determination, the CL interrupt flag FCL is set. By substituting 1, the CL interrupt state is set (step S 360). On the other hand, the CL interrupt state is set at the time of the input operation (FCL = 1). If it is an operation of the interrupt button 42CL, the CL interrupt state is canceled by substituting 0 into the CL interrupt flag FCL (step S362).

  As a result of the determination in step S358, if the input operation is not an operation of the CL interrupt button 42CL, the process proceeds to step S364, whether the input operation is an operation of the CR interrupt button 42CR, that is, a CR interrupt. It is determined whether or not an operation for setting or canceling the state has been performed (see FIG. 6 and the like). In this embodiment, when the CR interrupt button 42CR is operated in the CR interrupt state, the CR interrupt state is canceled, and when the CR interrupt button 42CR is operated while the CR interrupt state is cancelled, the CR Interrupt status is set. Thus, in order to realize a function that the setting state and the release state are alternately switched for each CR interruption every time the CR interruption button 42CR is operated, a CR interruption flag FCR is introduced. That is, if the CR interrupt state is released at the time of the input operation (when FCR = 0) and the result of the determination is that the input operation is an operation of the CR interrupt button 42CR, the CR interrupt flag The CR interrupt state is set by substituting 1 into the FCR (step S366). On the other hand, the above input operation is the operation of the CR interrupt button 42CR, and the CR interrupt state is set at the time of the input operation. If this occurs (if FCR = 1), the CR interrupt state is canceled by substituting 0 for the CR interrupt flag FCR (step S368). In the present embodiment, the CL interrupt button 42CL and the CR interrupt button 42CR are displayed only when the central operation screen SC is in the reduced configuration (see FIGS. 6 and 8). In S254, the input operation is not identified as the operation of the CL interrupt button 42CL, and is not identified as the operation of the CR interrupt button 42CR.

  As a result of the determination in step S364, if the input operation is not an operation of the CR interrupt button 42CR, the process proceeds to step S370. In this case, the input operation is an operation of a tool in the palette 42C other than the operation of the CL interrupt button 42CL and the operation of the CR interrupt button 42CR, and editing / image processing corresponding to the tool operation is performed. Thereafter, the central operation screen process is terminated, the process returns to the editing process routine, and the process proceeds to step S258 in FIG.

  As a result of the determination in step S356, if the input operation is not an operation of a tool in the palette 42C, the process proceeds to step S372, and it is determined whether the operation is for another button group or the like. As a result of the determination, if the operation is for another button group or the like, the process proceeds to step S374, and processing corresponding to the operated button or the like is performed. Thereafter, the central operation screen processing is terminated and editing processing is completed. Returning to the routine, the process proceeds to step S258 in FIG.

  According to the above-described central operation screen processing, only when the input coordinate value acquired in step S220 of FIG. 14 is input with the central pen 49C, the input operation that gives the input coordinate value is the central operation. An operation for the screen SC is accepted (step S252 in FIG. 17), and neither an input operation with the left pen 49L nor an input operation with the right pen 49R is accepted for the central operation screen SC.

  Here, when the input operation is a resize operation, the configuration of the central operation screen SC is switched between the normal configuration and the reduced configuration, and in conjunction with this, the entire display configuration is the configuration of the two-screen mode. And the configuration of the three-screen mode (S346 to S354). For example, in the touch panel 400 for editing operation in the two-screen mode shown in FIG. 6, when the size change button 451C on the central operation screen SC in the reduced configuration is operated with the central pen 49C, the entire display configuration is changed as shown in FIG. The configuration is changed to the three-screen mode and the central operation screen SC is displayed in the normal configuration. On the other hand, when the size change button 451C on the central operation screen SC having the normal configuration is operated with the central pen 49C on the editing operation touch panel 400 in the three-screen mode shown in FIG. 7, the central operation screen SC is displayed as shown in FIG. Are displayed in a reduced configuration and the entire display configuration is a two-screen mode configuration. Therefore, when three or more users play as a set, the three users use the operation screens SL, SR, and SC (see FIG. 7) of the normal configuration in the three-screen mode, respectively, and take a photographed image. Editing operations for graffiti on (including graffiti target images) can be performed at the same time, while when two users play as a set, the two users are Editing operations for graffiti on a photographed image can be simultaneously performed using the operation screens SL and SR (see FIG. 6) of the normal configuration of the large two-screen mode. In this case, the two users can be provided not only with the larger graffiti areas 41L and 41R than in the three-screen mode, but also with more graffiti tools than in the three-screen mode. When the user plays alone, the user uses either the large two-screen mode normal configuration operation screen SL or SR to edit the captured image for graffiti. Will do.

  Even when three users play as a set, one of them uses the central pen 49C to create a simple graffiti or material image (deco When performing an editing operation for creating a mail image, etc., the other two users shoot using the operation screens SL and SR (see FIG. 6) of the normal configuration of the large two-screen mode. Editing operations for graffiti on images can be performed simultaneously. Further, in this case, the one user can perform an editing operation using the left operation screen SL by the central pen 49C by operating the CL interrupt button 42CL on the central operation screen SC in the reduced configuration. Further, by operating the CR interrupt button 42CR on the central operation screen SC in the reduced configuration, the editing operation can be performed using the right operation screen SR by the central pen 49C (steps S358 to S368 in FIG. 17). , See steps S234 and S236 in FIG. 15 and steps S244 and S246 in FIG. In the present embodiment, the operation screen that enables the interrupt editing operation with the central pen 49C is selected by the CL interrupt button 42CL and the CR interrupt button 42CR, but instead, the interrupt with the central pen 49C is selected. Both the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR may be simultaneously selected by one interrupt button as operation screens that allow the editing operation.

<4.2.3 Address input process>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the address input process (step S270 in FIG. 14) in the editing process of this embodiment. In this address input process, first, the input operation identification information acquired and stored in step S342 in FIG. 17, that is, information indicating the operation received until the end of the editing operation on the captured image (including the graffiti target image). Based on the above, the number of users in the current play is estimated, and the estimated number of users is determined (step S382). In this embodiment, the editing operation touch panel 400 has a two-screen mode (FIGS. 6 and 8) and a three-screen mode (FIGS. 7 and 9) as operation modes. It can be estimated whether the number is 2 or less or 3 or more. That is, there are two possible estimation results. Therefore, in the following, for convenience, when it is estimated that the number of users in the current play is 2 or less, the estimated number of users is described as “2” (the estimated number of users is “2”). When it is estimated that the number of persons is greater than or equal to the number, the estimated number of users is assumed to be “3” (the estimated number of users is “3”).

  Here, the input operation identification information is information for identifying an input operation on the central operation screen SC displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400, and all the identification information of the input operation in the current play is stored. The identification information may be stored only for a specific input operation appropriately selected according to the method for determining the estimated number of persons. As a method for determining the estimated number of users based on such input operation identification information, for example, any one of the following methods (1) to (3) can be employed. In the following, it is assumed that the display configuration (overall display configuration) of the editing operation touch panel 400 is the configuration of the two-screen mode shown in FIG. 6 at the start (initial state) of the editing process of each play.

(1) The estimated number of users is determined depending on whether or not an input operation is performed with the central pen 49C.
Specifically, when no input operation is performed with the central pen 49C in the current play, the estimated number of users is set to 2, and when any input operation is performed with the central pen 49C, Assume that the estimated number of users is 3.

(2) The estimated number of users is determined based on whether or not the central pen 49C has been operated to enlarge (enlarge) the central operation screen SC.
Specifically, when the central operation screen SC is changed to the normal configuration by operating the size change button 451C in the current play, the estimated number of users is set to 3, and the size change button 451C is not operated ( If the mode has not been changed to the 3-screen mode), the estimated number of users is set to 2. In this determination method, in general, two users often play as one set, and even when two users play as one set, the central operation screen SC with a reduced configuration displays the deco-mail. This is because it may be used to create a material image such as an image.

(3) The estimated number of users is determined depending on whether the CL interrupt state or the CR interrupt state is set.
Specifically, when neither the CL interrupt button 42CL nor the CR interrupt button 42CR on the central operation screen SC is operated in the current play, the estimated number of users is set to 2, and the CL interrupt button 42CL And the CR interrupt button 42CR are operated, the estimated number of users is set to 3. This determination method estimates that the number of users is three when graffiti is performed by an interrupt editing operation on the left and right operation screens SL and SR with the central pen 49C.

  Note that the method for determining the estimated number of users is not limited to the determination methods (1) to (3) described above, and any other method may be used as long as it is based on an input operation related to the number of users. May be. In the determination methods (1) to (3), the estimated number of users is determined based on the presence or absence of a specific input operation. Instead, it is determined in consideration of the number of times of the specific input operation. You may do it. Furthermore, you may determine combining any method among the said determination methods (1)-(3).

  When the estimated number of users in the current play is determined as described above, it is next determined whether the estimated number of users is 2 or 3 (step S384). As a result of the determination, if the estimated number of users is 2, the process proceeds to step S386, and the address input screen is displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400 in the two-screen mode as shown in FIG. An address input from the person is accepted (step S378). As a result, one of the two users in the current play operates the key or button in the left input area IL with the left pen 49L to input the mail address of the mobile phone terminal of the one user. In parallel with this input operation, the other user operates the key or button in the right input area IR with the right pen 49R to input the mail address of the mobile phone terminal of the other user. Can do.

  As a result of the determination in step S384, if the estimated number of users is 3, the process proceeds to step S390, and the address input screen is displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400 in the three-screen mode as shown in FIG. Address input from the user is accepted in the screen mode (step S392). As a result, the first user among the three users in the current play operates the key or button in the left input area IL with the left pen 49L, so that the mail address of the mobile phone terminal of the first user In parallel with this input operation, the second user operates the key or button in the right input area IR with the right pen 49R, so that the mail address of the mobile phone terminal of the second user is entered. Further, in parallel with the input operation of these two persons, the third user operates the keys or buttons in the central input area IC with the central pen 49C, so that the third user's mobile phone is carried. You can enter the email address of the phone terminal.

  According to the address input process as described above, the estimated number of users is determined based on the input operation on the central operation screen SC in the editing process in the current play, and the number of address input screens corresponding to the estimated number of users. Is displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400. Thereby, when the estimated number of users is 2, two users can input e-mail addresses at the same time using the relatively large size left and right address input screens (FIG. 10), On the other hand, when the estimated number of users is 3, the size of each address input screen is slightly reduced. However, three users can simultaneously use the left, right, and center address input screens to simultaneously send e-mail addresses. It can be entered (FIG. 11).

<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.

  19 and 20 are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the output operation touch panel. Note that voice guidance may be performed along with or instead of these screens.

  First, a demo screen is displayed until a composite image is sent from the editing unit 4, and when a composite image is sent, a button for starting output processing is displayed as shown in FIG. Accept user input operations. This button displays “Please touch the screen”, and when the user presses this button, the composite image output process is started. It should be noted that, starting from the time when the composite image is sent from the editing unit 4, the display screen displays another display after the longest time normally required for moving from the editing unit 4 (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. A time-out process such as transition to a screen may be performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, an operation screen having a reduced configuration displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400 in the editing process (for example, the central operation screen SC shown in FIG. 6 or the left operation screen SL shown in FIG. 9) is used. Thus, a material image such as a decomail image can be created, and the material image created here can be delivered to the user's mobile phone terminal via the image delivery server unit 500 together with the composite image. However, instead of or together with this, the created material image may be sent from the non-contact communication port 31 of the output unit 5 to the user's mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication during the above output processing. Good. In this case, the third control unit 90 displays an operation screen for such non-contact communication on the output operation touch panel 30 and accepts a user's input operation. A user who has received a material image by this non-contact communication can display the material image on a mobile phone terminal or use a predetermined image included in the material image as a deco-mail image.

  After the above output processing is started (after the transfer of the material image to the mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication is completed), the third control unit 90 prints on the photo sticker or the like by the network printer 35. Then, it is determined 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, as shown in FIG. Then, a guide to the effect that the 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. Until the process is completed, the mini-game may be provided to the user using the output operation touch panel 30 (see FIGS. 24 to 26 described later).

<5. Effect>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the size change button 451C of the central operation screen SC displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400 is operated in the editing process, the display configuration (entire display configuration) of the editing operation touch panel 400 is displayed. Is switched between the configuration of the two-screen mode as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8 and the three-screen mode as shown in FIG. Therefore, even when three or more users play as one set, the three users use the operation screens SL, SR, and SC (see FIG. 7) of the normal configuration in the three-screen mode, respectively, On the other hand, when two users play as a set, the two users can play in the two-screen mode, which is larger than the three-screen mode. Using the operation screens SL and SR (see FIG. 6) having the normal configuration, editing operations for graffiti on the photographed image can be simultaneously performed. In addition, the operation screen with the normal configuration in the two-screen mode can provide more graffiti tools than the operation screen with the normal configuration in the three-screen mode.

  Even when three users play as one set, one of them uses the central pen 49C to create a simplified graffiti or material image using the central operation screen SC with a reduced configuration. When performing the editing operation, the other two users use the operation screens SL and SR (see FIG. 6) of the normal configuration of the large two-screen mode, respectively, to edit the scribble for the photographed image. Can be performed simultaneously. Further, in this case, the one user can perform an editing operation using the left operation screen SL by the central pen 49C by operating the CL interrupt button 42CL on the central operation screen SC in the reduced configuration. Further, by operating the CR interrupt button 42CR on the central operation screen SC in the reduced configuration, the editing operation can be performed using the right operation screen SR by the central pen 49C (steps S358 to S368 in FIG. 17). , See steps S234 and S236 in FIG. 15 and steps S244 and S246 in FIG.

  In addition, when two users play as a set, while using the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR with the normal configuration in the two-screen mode, the center operation screen SC with the reduced configuration is used while performing graffiti. It is also possible to perform editing operations for creating simple graffiti and material images. In this case, it is preferable that an editing operation can be performed using one or both of the left pen 49L and the right pen 49R using the central operation screen SC (see a second modification described later). In this way, according to the present embodiment, by using the central operation screen, it is possible to create a material image in addition to the normal graffiti even when two people play, so that the user is more satisfied than before. The degree can be improved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the estimated number of users is determined based on the input operation on the central operation screen SC in the editing process, and the number of address input screens corresponding to the estimated number of users is the editing operation touch panel. 400. As a result, when the number of users in one play is two or less, each user can input e-mail addresses at the same time using the left and right address input screens of a relatively large size (FIG. 10). On the other hand, if the number of users in one play is 3 or more, the size of each address entry screen will be slightly smaller, but 3 users will use the left, right and center address entry screens respectively. The mail address can be entered at the same time (FIG. 11). Therefore, the mail address can be input efficiently and satisfactorily according to the number of users of one play.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user's satisfaction in the case of playing with three or more users without lowering the user's satisfaction in the case of playing with two or fewer users. Satisfaction can be improved.

  When creating a material image such as a decomail image in the editing process, it is more convenient to use the operation screen in a reduced configuration. In order to cope with this, according to the present embodiment, when creating a material image on the left operation screen SL or the right operation screen SR, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the left operation screen SL or the right operation screen SR. Can be used in a reduced configuration. Further, as described above, in addition to the creation of the material image, simple graffiti is possible on the central operation screen SC, the left operation screen SL, or the right operation screen SR having a reduced configuration. In the simple graffiti on the operation screen having the reduced configuration, for example, a composite image using a photographed image can be created as a standby screen of a mobile phone terminal. For editing operations on the operation screen of such a reduced configuration, a function that can synthesize a predetermined image with a captured image (including a graffiti target image) in a small graffiti area (one-touch editing image set) Only the combining function and the frame image combining function) may be displayed on the palette as tools so that the editing operation can be performed.

<6. First Modification>
The above embodiment is configured so that the composite image generated in the editing process (FIG. 14) can be distributed to the mobile phone terminal of each user via the image distribution server unit 500 (see FIG. 12). Instead of or together with this, the composite image or the like is uploaded from the game photo creation device according to the above embodiment to a predetermined image storage server device, and each user transfers the image from the image storage server device to the mobile phone terminal. You may be comprised so that the said synthesized image etc. can be downloaded. Hereinafter, the amusement photo creating apparatus having such a configuration will be described as a first modification of the above embodiment. However, this modification is different from the above embodiment in the configuration and operation related to uploading to the image storage server device such as a composite image generated in the editing process, but the other parts are the same as in the above embodiment. Hereinafter, the same or corresponding components and processing steps are denoted by the same reference numerals (step numbers), and detailed description thereof is omitted.

<6.1 Uploading image data>
In this modification, in the editing process shown in FIG. 14, a step of determining whether or not to deliver a composite image or the like that is a graffiti target image to the user's mobile phone terminal (hereinafter referred to as “first step”). ), And a step of transmitting image data such as the composite image to the image storage server unit 600 (see FIG. 12), which is a predetermined image storage server device, when it is determined to be distributed to the user's mobile phone terminal (hereinafter, “ Second step)). That is, in the editing process shown in FIG. 14, the first step and the second step for uploading to the image storage server unit 600 are inserted instead of steps S280 and S290 for uploading to the image distribution server 500. Alternatively, the first step and the second step are added to the steps S280 and S290. In FIG. 12, the image storage server unit 600 is shown as a server device different from the image distribution server unit 500, but both the server units 500 and 600 may be realized as one image server device.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the image storage server unit 600 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image storage server unit 600. The image storage server unit 600 receives and stores composite images sent from a plurality of game photo creation devices installed in various places including the game photo creation device according to this modification, In response to a request from the user, a composite image stored via the Internet is provided.

  As illustrated in FIG. 21, the image storage server unit 600 includes an upload router 310, an upload 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.

  As described above, the upload router 310 is an upload for receiving data such as a composite image and its identification number uploaded from the game photo creation device via the Internet, that is, uploaded from the game photo creation device. It is connected to the line UL, and after performing address conversion of these data, the data is transferred to the upload processing server 320. The upload processing server 320 associates the received image data such as a composite image with the identification number and gives the image data to the database server 350. The database server 350 stores image data such as a composite image received from the upload processing server 320 in association with the identification number.

  The load balancer 330 is connected to a download line DL for communicating with a user's mobile phone terminal, and has a router function similar to that of the upload 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 a processing request from the user assigned from the load balancer 330, the web servers 341 and 342 display an operation screen, which will be described later, for downloading a composite image or the like on the user's mobile phone terminal. The composite image data is transmitted in response to the download request by. 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.

  More specifically, the processing request from the mobile phone terminal is made by accessing a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) corresponding to the image storage server unit 600. As will be described later, this URL is sent from the non-contact communication port 31 of the output unit 5 provided in the game automatic photo creation device to the user's mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication. This URL includes a URL portion corresponding to the image storage server unit 600 and a URL portion corresponding to a composite image to be downloaded. For example, “http://decopika.jp/˜/select.aspx” ? did = 012345678901 " In this notation example, the number portion is a URL portion corresponding to a composite image or the like to be downloaded, and is a unique identification number associated with the above-described two composite images or the like. The URL portion corresponding to the image storage server unit 600 is determined in advance, and the identification number is assigned by the automatic photo creation device for games. Therefore, the non-contact communication unit 94 easily creates this URL and sends it to the mobile phone terminal. Can be sent. Instead of the identification number, identification data that can be distinguished from other image data such as a file name and a folder name may be used.

  When the web servers 341 and 342 receive the data indicating the URL, the web servers 341 and 342 display, on the user's mobile phone terminal, an operation screen on which two corresponding composite images can be downloaded. For example, this operation screen includes two reduced images (thumbnail images) such as a composite image, and also allows the user to select various instructions such as downloading the composite image or registering it in an album. The character string is included. This operation screen is displayed by an application such as an Internet browser built in the mobile phone terminal.

<6.2 Output processing>
In this modification, the URL of the image storage server 600 is transferred to the user's mobile phone by non-contact communication in the output process so that the user of the game photo creation device can download the composite image and the like from the image storage server 600 after playing. It can be transferred to the phone terminal. Hereinafter, output processing according to this modification example including transfer processing for a URL by such non-contact communication will be described.

  Also in the present modification, the output processing in the output unit 5 is managed by the third control unit 90, and the output operation touch panel 30 performs screen display according to instructions from the third control unit 90, and is used. An input operation from a person is accepted and input to the third control unit as an operation signal (see FIGS. 4 and 12).

  22 to 30 are diagrams illustrating examples of operation screens displayed on the output operation touch panel when performing output processing using contactless communication. Note that voice guidance may be performed along with or instead of these screens.

  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 as shown in FIG. Accept user input operations. This button displays “Please touch the screen”, and when the user presses this button, the composite image output process is started. It should be noted that the display shown in FIG. 23 is performed after the maximum time (for example, 30 seconds) 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. A time-out process may be performed so as to transition from the display screen to the screen.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 23, in order to select whether or not to transmit the URL for downloading the composite image from the image storage server unit 600 to the mobile phone terminal, Is displayed and the user's input operation is accepted. When one of these buttons is pressed by the user, whether or not to transmit the URL to the mobile phone terminal is determined accordingly.

  At this time, a person who has a mobile phone terminal equipped with a non-contact communication function receives a “pre-wait” (a URL indicating the location by non-contact communication that is transmitted to the server among the composite images printed on the photo sticker or the like). A screen explaining that it is possible to transmit (acquireable image) to the user's mobile phone terminal may be displayed.

  In addition, in the first step included in the editing process described above, when a selection is made not to transmit the composite image to the image storage server unit 600, the input operation is omitted, but the composite image is stored in the image storage server unit 600. Even if the selection is made to send to the mobile phone terminal, there is a possibility that the URL is not sent to the mobile phone terminal. This is because the URL of the image storage server unit 600 may already be known (for example, registered in a bookmark) or the contactless communication function may not be provided in the user's mobile phone terminal. Therefore, it is preferable to request this input operation. It is assumed that the URL is printed in the form of a character string, a two-dimensional barcode, or the like on the output photo sticker (the back side). Then, even when the selection not to transmit to the mobile phone terminal is made as described above, the composite image can be downloaded later from the image storage server unit 600 by using the printed URL.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 24, for example, a “START” button and a “STOP” button for playing a mini game such as an eyeball slot are displayed, and an input operation of the user is accepted. When the user presses the “START” button, two characters or figures are displayed at the position of the second eye of the character displayed on the screen (while animating like a drum in the slot). It changes randomly, and when the “STOP” button is pressed by the user, the change stops.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 25, if the two characters or figures when the change is stopped are the same, the mini game is hit. When the winning state shown in FIG. 25 is reached, the user is presented with a predetermined image called a special deco 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 image storage server unit 600 and other servers, and a URL capable of acquiring the images is a contactless communication port of the output unit 5 provided in the automatic photo creation device for games. 31 to the user's mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication. The user can download this image and use it to create a mail on a mobile phone terminal.

  Thus, for example, after the screen shown in FIG. 25 is displayed for about several seconds, as shown in FIG. 26, guidance display is performed so that the user's mobile phone terminal is brought close to the non-contact communication port 31. The non-contact communication port 31 emits radio waves in a frequency band of 13.56 MHz, for example. When the user's mobile phone terminal is brought close, the non-contact communication port 31 detects a non-contact communication IC built in the mobile phone terminal and performs mutual authentication. After the above, the above URL is transmitted. These communication processes are completed in about 0.1 seconds, and a beeping confirmation sound for notifying the end is output from the speaker 32.

  When the URL transmission is completed, a “Next” button is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 27, and the user's input operation is accepted. It should be noted that when there is no input operation for a certain period of time, a time-out process may be performed in which the button is handled as being pressed. When this button is pressed by the user, the third control unit 90 determines whether it is a time when the URL can be transmitted to the mobile phone terminal.

  Typically, this determination is preferably made based on whether or not the current time is after the time when data transmission of two composite images and the like by the wireless communication unit 96 is completed. If this data transmission is completed, the image storage server unit 600 is ready to provide the user with the composite image and the like. Therefore, when the URL is transmitted to the mobile phone terminal, the user immediately Even if the download request is made by using the URL, no problem occurs, but if the data transmission is not completed, the user's download request cannot be satisfied.

  However, in general, the time required to output a photo sticker is approximately 2 minutes each time, whereas the time required for the data transmission is normally 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds. The data transmission time may greatly exceed 2 minutes due to changes in the communication state. In this case, if the URL is not transmitted until data transmission is completed, it is not preferable because the user must continue to wait after printing is completed until the URL is received. Therefore, even before the data transmission is completed, the time required for outputting the photo sticker is set as the time limit, and when the time limit elapses, the URL can be transmitted. Is preferably determined. Note that this determination may be made by detecting or predicting the end point of printing.

  If the third control unit 90 determines that it is not the time when the URL can be transmitted to the mobile phone terminal, the mini-game as shown in FIG. 24 is resumed until the time when it can be transmitted. The above process is repeated. Note that the contents of the mini-game are merely examples, and any content that is suitable for the user to perform within the waiting time until the printing is completed may be used.

  If it is determined that the URL can be transmitted to the mobile phone terminal, a guidance display is displayed to bring the user's mobile phone terminal close to the non-contact communication port 31, as shown in FIG. Made. The communication process and output sound performed here are the same as those described above with reference to FIG.

  Here, even before the completion of the data transmission, if the URL is transmitted because the time required for outputting the photo sticker has elapsed, the image storage server unit 600 determines that the user Since the composite image is not ready to be provided, the image cannot be acquired even if the user makes a download request by using the URL immediately. Therefore, in this case, an output operation touch panel 30 displays a guidance display indicating that the upload has not been completed, for example, a guidance such as “Upload is not yet completed” or “Please wait a little more”. It is preferable to carry out within the operation screen displayed on the screen. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from making a download request that is impossible at this time. Although it is as described above that the same guidance may be displayed on the mobile phone terminal, the download request via the Internet by the mobile phone terminal generally requires a predetermined communication cost. It is more preferable to display the guidance on the output operation touch panel 30 as described above.

  Subsequently, when the transmission of the URL is completed, as shown in FIG. 29, a “Next” button is displayed on the screen to accept the user's input operation. Here, a timeout process may be performed. When this button is pressed by the user, the third control unit 90 prints on the photo sticker or the like by the network printer 35, and the user can take out the photo sticker or the like from the outlet 33. That is, it is determined whether or not the printing is completed. When the printing is completed, as shown in FIG. 30, a guide indicating that the 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.

  In the above output process, the ULR for accessing the image storage server unit 600 can be transferred to the user's mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication, but the material such as a decomail image created in the edit process The image may be sent to the user's mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication in the same manner as the transfer of the URL.

<7. Second Modification>
In the present embodiment, in the editing process, the operation on the central operation screen SC is not accepted regardless of which touch pen of the left pen 49L and the right pen 49R is used (steps S252 and S254 in FIG. 17), but the left pen 49L or The editing operation may be permitted in the graffiti area 41C of the central operation screen SC with the right pen 49R. In this case, for example, when the left pen 49L is used, the editing operation in the graffiti area 41C may be performed by the tool operation on the palette on the left operation screen SL without allowing the tool operation on the palette 42C on the central operation screen SC. However, instead of this, the left pen 49L may be used or the tool operation on the palette 42C of the central operation screen SC may be allowed (the same applies when the right pen 49R is used).

  In the following, an example of a game photo creation device having the above configuration will be described as a second modification of the above embodiment. However, the configuration of this modification example is basically the same as that of the above-described embodiment except for the central operation screen process in the editing process. Therefore, the following description focuses on the central operation screen process in the editing process. Alternatively, corresponding components and processing steps are denoted by the same reference numerals (step numbers) and detailed description thereof is omitted. In this modification, editing operations on the central operation screen SC are always allowed for a user using the central pen 49C (hereinafter referred to as “central user”), but a user using the left pen 49L. The user who uses the right pen 49R (hereinafter referred to as the “left user”) and the user who uses the right pen 49R (hereinafter referred to as the “right user”) are allowed only to either one. It is assumed that the editing operation cannot be performed on the SC. For this reason, in this modification, an occupancy flag FLR indicating whether the central operation screen is occupied by the left user or the right user is introduced, and this occupancy flag FLR is 0 immediately before the editing process. It has been initialized to.

  FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the central operation screen process in this modification, and show the detailed procedure of step S250 of FIG. In this central operation screen processing, as in the case of the above-described embodiment (FIG. 17), whether or not the input coordinate value acquired in step S220 in FIG. 14 is due to the operation of the central pen 49C (input by the central pen 49C). It is determined whether or not (step S412). As a result of the determination, if the input is made with the central pen 49C, the process proceeds to step S254 as in the case of the above-described embodiment, and is treated as an input operation performed on the central operation screen SC.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if it is not input with the central pen 49C, the process proceeds to step S414, and it is determined whether or not the input coordinate value is input with the left pen 49L. As a result of the determination, if it is input with the left pen 49L, the process proceeds to step S416, and whether or not the central operation screen SC is occupied by the right user (hereinafter referred to as “R occupied state”). Is determined. Here, if it is determined that the state is the R occupied state (when the occupation flag FLG = 2), the central operation screen process is terminated as it is and the process returns to the editing process routine. On the other hand, when it is determined that the state is not in the R occupation state (when the value of the occupation flag FLG is 0 or 1), the central operation screen SC is occupied by the left user by substituting 1 into the occupation flag FLR. (Hereinafter referred to as “L occupied state”) (step S418), and then the process proceeds to step S254. As described above, since the initial value of the occupation flag FLR is 0, when the input operation to the central operation screen SC by the left pen 49L is accepted in the initial state, the L occupation state is set. In this modification, the background color of the left operation screen SL (left input area IL) and the right operation screen SR (right input area IR) are different from each other, and the background color of the central operation screen SC is the left operation in the initial state. Although it is different from the background color of both the screen SL and the right operation screen SR, it is the same as the background color of the left operation screen SL when in the L occupied state, and the same as the background color of the right operation screen SR when in the R occupied state. It becomes.

  As a result of the determination in step S414, if the input coordinate value is not input with the left pen 49L, the process proceeds to step S420, and it is determined whether or not the input coordinate value is input with the right pen 49R. The As a result of the determination, if it is input with the right pen 49R, the process proceeds to step S422, and it is determined whether or not the central operation screen SC is occupied by the left user, that is, the L occupied state. Here, when it is determined that the state is the L occupied state (when the occupation flag FLG = 1), the central operation screen process is terminated as it is and the process returns to the editing process routine. On the other hand, when it is determined that the state is not in the L occupied state (when the value of the occupation flag FLG is 0 or 2), the central operation screen SC is occupied by the right user by substituting 2 for the occupation flag FLR. Is set to the R occupied state (step S424), and then the process proceeds to step S254. Since the initial value of the occupation flag FLR is 0 as described above, the R occupation state is entered when an input operation on the central operation screen SC by the right pen 49R is accepted in the initial state. In the R occupied state, the background color of the central operation screen SC is the same as the background color of the right operation screen SR.

  In step S254, as in the case of the above embodiment, the type of input operation performed on the central operation screen SC is determined based on the input coordinate value (identification of input operation). In this modification, it is next determined whether or not the input coordinate value is input with the central pen 49C (step S430). As a result of the determination, if it is input with the central pen 49C, the identification information of the input operation is stored for use in estimating the number of users in step S382 in FIG. 18 (step S342). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S344 in FIG. On the other hand, when there is no input with the central pen 49C, the identification information of the input operation is not saved, and the process proceeds to step S344 in FIG. Thereby, in step S382 in FIG. 18, only the identification information of the input operation by the center pen 49C is used and the identification information of the input operation by the left pen 49L and the right pen 49R is excluded, so that the number of users is appropriately estimated. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the processing in and after step S344 is the same as that in the above embodiment except that steps S432 and S434 for determining whether or not the input coordinate value is input with the central pen 49C are added. The procedure is the same as in FIG. Therefore, in the following, steps having the same contents are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted, and description will be made focusing on differences from the above embodiment.

  When it is determined Yes in step S344, that is, when the input operation identified in step S254 in FIG. 31 is a size change operation (when the size change button 451C is operated), first, the input coordinate value is the center. It is determined whether or not the input has been made with the pen 49C (step S432). If it is determined that the input has been made with the central pen 49C, the process proceeds to step S346 and the same processing as in the above embodiment is executed (S346 to S354), but input with the central pen 49C. If it is determined that it is not, the central operation screen process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the editing process routine (FIG. 14). Thereby, an operation for changing the size of the central operation screen SC, that is, an operation for switching the operation mode in the editing process between the two-screen mode and the three-screen mode can be performed only by the central pen 49C.

  When it is determined Yes in step S356, that is, when the input operation identified in step S254 in FIG. 31 is the operation of the tool in the palette 42C, first, the input coordinate value is input with the center pen 49C. It is determined whether or not it has been (step S434). If it is determined that the input has been made with the center pen 49C, the process proceeds to step S358 and the same processing as in the above embodiment is executed (S358 to S370), but with the center pen 49C. If it is determined that the input is not performed, the process proceeds to step S370, and editing / image processing corresponding to the tool operation is performed. However, if the input operation at this time is an operation of either the CL interrupt button 42CL or the CR interrupt button 42CR, the step S370 is terminated without performing any processing as an invalid operation, and the central operation screen processing is performed. The routine returns to the editing process routine (FIG. 14). As a result, operations (CL interrupt operation and CR interrupt operation) for selecting an operation screen on which an interrupt editing operation can be performed by the center pen 49C can be performed only by the center pen 49C.

  In the present modification as described above, even when two or less players are playing, the user (the left user or the right user) can edit the touch panel for editing operation configured as shown in FIG. In the central operation screen SC 400, a material image can be created and an editing operation for simple graffiti can be performed. For example, when two users play as a left user and a right user, the left user and the right user respectively capture a captured image (including a graffiti target image on the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR). ), And one of the left user and the right user can create a material image such as a decomail image on the central operation screen SC. In this modification, when one of the left user and the right user operates the central operation screen SC, the other user cannot operate the central operation screen SC (steps S416 and S422). The one user is not obstructed by the other user from the editing operation on the central operation screen SC. However, instead of setting the above-described L occupied state and R occupied state in the central operation screen SC (without introducing the occupation flag FLR), both the left user and the right user can perform the central operation. You may enable it to operate simultaneously on the screen SC. Further, in the above configuration in which the L occupied state or the R occupied state is set on the central operation screen SC, an operation button or the like for releasing the setting after the L occupied state or the R occupied state is set may be provided. Good.

  Thus, according to this modification, even when playing with two or less players, in addition to the normal graffiti on the left operation screen SL and the right operation screen SR in the configuration of the two-screen mode, on the central operation screen SC Since material image creation and simple graffiti can be performed, the satisfaction level of the user when playing with two or less players can be improved by using the central operation screen SC.

  In this modified example, if either the left user or the right user touches an arbitrary position in the central input area IC with the left pen 49L or the right pen 49R, the L occupied state or the R occupied state is set, and the other No operation on the central operation screen SC by the user will be accepted (steps S414 to S424). However, instead of this, even when a specific operation button provided on the central operation screen SC is operated by the left user or the right user, the L occupied state or the R occupied state may be set. Alternatively, any position in the simple graffiti area 41C on the central operation screen SC may be configured to be in the L occupied state or the R occupied state when touched with the left pen 41L or the right pen 41R. .

  In this modification, when the left user (right user) performs editing work on the central operation screen SC, the tool operation on the palette 42L (42R) of the user operation screen SL (SR) and the central operation screen SC are performed. Both of the tool operations on the pallet 42C are allowed, but only one of the tool operations may be allowed. In this case, which of the two tool operations is allowed may be fixedly determined, but may be switched.

<8. Third Modification>
In the above embodiment, in the editing process, depending on whether or not the central operation screen SC is in the normal configuration (depending on whether the number of central operation screens SC in the normal configuration is 1 or 0), the operation screen displayed in the normal configuration Is changed (see FIGS. 6 to 9). That is, by operating the size change button 451C on the central operation screen SC, the display configuration (overall display configuration) of the editing operation touch panel 400 is the configuration of the 2-screen mode (FIG. 6 and the like) and the configuration of the 3-screen mode (FIG. 7 and the like). (See steps S344 to S354 in FIG. 17).

  However, instead of such a method, the entire display configuration is the configuration of the two-screen mode shown in FIG. 6 in the initial state, and the size change button 451C of the central operation screen SC of the reduced configuration is operated in the two-screen mode. The operation mode is changed to the three-screen mode (FIG. 6 → FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 → FIG. 9, etc.). In the three-screen mode, the size change button 451C of the central operation screen SC of the normal configuration is operated. However, the operation mode of the editing process may be configured to remain in the 3-screen mode without changing to the 2-screen mode. In order to realize this, in this modification, step S350 is omitted in the central operation screen process shown in FIG. 17 in the above embodiment. As a result, after the execution of step S348, the central operation screen process is terminated and the routine returns to the editing process routine (FIG. 14). Therefore, even if the central operation screen SC is changed from the normal configuration to the reduced configuration, the entire display configuration is three screens. The mode remains (see FIG. 33).

  According to this modification, for example, in the touch panel 400 for editing operation in the three-screen mode shown in FIG. 7, when the size change button 451C on the central operation screen SC of the normal configuration is operated with the central pen 49C, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the central operation screen SC remains in the three-screen mode (without changing the size and configuration of the operation screens SL and SR having the normal configuration, and thus without changing the size and position of the graffiti areas 41L and 41R). Displayed in a reduced configuration. The central operation screen SC having a normal configuration is used as in the above-described embodiment in that the editing operability is improved by increasing the size of the operation screen to prevent a decrease in user satisfaction when played by two or less players. When the size change button 451C is operated, the entire display configuration is preferably changed from the configuration of the 3-screen mode to the configuration of the 2-screen mode. However, while another user is editing for graffiti on the left operation screen SL or the right operation screen SR, the entire display configuration is changed from the three-screen mode configuration to the two-screen mode configuration. Then, the other user is forced to interrupt the editing work temporarily, and the editing work is hindered. Therefore, when importance is placed on good continuity of editing work on the left operation screen SL or the right operation screen SR, this modification is preferable.

  In this modification, the operation mode cannot be changed from the three-screen mode to the two-screen mode. Therefore, when the number of users is estimated in step S382 in the address input process of FIG. The method of determining the estimated number of users based on whether or not the central operation screen SC has been changed to the normal configuration (whether or not the overall display configuration has been changed from the 2-screen mode to the 3-screen mode) (adopted in the above embodiment) Among the possible determination methods (1) to (3) described above, the determination method (2) may be employed. Thereby, the number of users can be estimated appropriately.

<9. Fourth Modification>
In the above embodiment, when the operation mode is switched between the two-screen mode and the three-screen mode in the editing process, the screen sizes and screen configurations of the operation screens SL and SR having the normal configuration are also changed according to this switching. Slightly changed. In accordance with the change in the screen size at this time, the size and position of the area for displaying the graffiti target image and performing the graffiti, that is, the graffiti areas 41L and 41R are also slightly changed (see FIGS. 6 and 7). On the other hand, in this modification, even if the size of the operation screens SL and SR is changed, the size of the graffiti areas 41L and 41R is not changed.

  As described above, in the point of improving editing operability by increasing the operation screen size and preventing a decrease in user satisfaction when played by two or less players, as in the above embodiment, graffiti It is preferable to change the size of the areas 41L and 41R so that the size in the two-screen mode is larger than that in the three-screen mode. However, while another user is editing for graffiti on the left operation screen SL or the right operation screen SR, the entire display configuration is changed from the three-screen mode configuration to the two-screen mode configuration. Then, since the size and position of the graffiti areas 41L and 41R change, the other user is forced to temporarily stop the editing work, and the editing work is hindered. Therefore, when emphasizing good continuity of the editing operation on the left operation screen SL or the right operation screen SR, the operation mode between the two-screen mode and the three-screen mode is used in the editing process as in this modification. It is preferable that the size and position of the graffiti areas 41L and 41R remain unchanged even if the size of the operation screens SL and SR is changed by switching the screen. In this modification, in the two-screen mode, the size of the graffiti areas 41L and 41R on the operation screens SL and SR of the normal configuration is slightly smaller than in the two-screen mode in the above embodiment, but the number of editing tools and the like Can be increased more than in the three-screen mode.

<10. Other variations>
In the input address process (FIG. 18) in the above embodiment, the input operation information (see step S342 in FIG. 17) indicating the operation received before the end of the editing operation on the captured image (including the graffiti target image) in the editing process. Based on this, the number of users in the current play is estimated (step S382 in FIG. 18), and the number of address input screens corresponding to the estimated number of users as the estimation result is displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400 (step S386). ~ S392). However, instead of this, an input screen for allowing the user to input the number of users at the start of play (or when the editing process is disclosed) is displayed, and address input processing is performed according to the number of users input there. The configuration of the address input screen may be set to either the two-screen mode configuration or the three-screen mode configuration (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Further, in this case, the display configuration (entire display configuration) of the editing operation touch panel 400 when accepting an editing operation such as graffiti in the editing process according to the number of persons input there is a configuration of the 2-screen mode and the 3-screen mode. You may make it set to either of a structure (refer FIG. 6, FIG. 7).

3 ... Shooting unit 4 ... Editing unit 5 ... Output unit 6 ... Network (LAN)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera 20 ... Touch panel for photography operation 30 ... Touch panel for output operation 35 ... Network printer 31 ... Non-contact communication port (Felica port)
32 ... Speaker 70 ... First control unit 72 ... First display / operation unit (touch panel for photographing operation)
80 ... 2nd control part (GUI control means, image processing means)
81, 82: Second display / operation unit (touch panel for editing operation)
90 ... third control unit 91 ... third display / operation unit (touch panel for output operation)
92 ... Print output section (network printer)
94 ... Non-contact communication part (non-contact communication port)
96 ... Wireless communication unit (transmission means)
400 ... Touch panel for editing operation (GUI display means)
49L ... Touch pen (left pen) (left operation means)
49R: Touch pen (right pen) (right operation means)
49C ... Touch pen (central pen) (central operation means)
42CL ... CL interrupt button 42CR ... CR interrupt button 451L, 451R, 451C ... Resize button SL ... Left operation screen SR ... Right operation screen SC ... Central operation screen

Claims (7)

Photographing means for photographing a user; GUI means for accepting the user's editing operation on a photographed image obtained by the photographing means; image processing means for generating a composite image based on the editing operation accepted by the GUI means; An automatic photo creation device comprising printing means for printing a composite image generated by the image processing means as a photograph,
The GUI means includes
GUI display means;
Three or more operation screens for editing operations of the user are displayed on the GUI display means, and GUI control means for receiving input operations on the respective operation screens in parallel.
The GUI control means includes
Among the three or more operation screens, at least a predetermined operation screen is provided in the GUI display means with two types of configurations: a normal configuration prepared in advance as a configuration of each operation screen and a reduced configuration having a size smaller than the normal configuration. Configured to be viewable,
The size of the operation screen displayed on the GUI display unit in the normal configuration is changed according to the number of operation screens to be displayed on the GUI display unit in the normal configuration among the predetermined operation screens. Automatic photo creation device. The GUI control means includes
Three operation screens consisting of a left operation screen, a central operation screen and a right operation screen are displayed on the GUI display means in order from left to right,
Of the left operation screen and the right operation screen, the operation screen to be displayed in the normal configuration is displayed. When the central operation screen is displayed in the reduced configuration, the central operation screen is displayed in the normal configuration. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the GUI display unit displays the image with a size larger than that of the image display device. Three input operation means for the editing operation of the user, comprising left operation means, a central operation means and a right operation means as pointing devices corresponding to the left operation screen, the central operation screen and the right operation screen, respectively. Further comprising
The GUI control means includes
When the central operation screen is displayed in the reduced configuration, a selection operation by the central operation means for selecting at least one of the left operation screen and the right operation screen is received,
When neither the left operation screen nor the right operation screen is selected by the selection operation, only the editing operation by the corresponding input operation means is accepted for each of the three operation screens,
When at least one of the left operation screen and the right operation screen is selected by the selection operation, both the editing operation by the input operation means and the editing operation by the central operation means corresponding to the selected operation screen The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: A transmission unit for transmitting the image data generated by the image processing unit to the outside of the apparatus;
The GUI control means includes
Estimating the number of users based on a predetermined operation received by the end of the user's editing operation,
After the user's editing operation is finished, an input screen for inputting terminal designation information for designating an external communication terminal that should receive the image data transmitted by the transmission means is estimated for the number of users. A number corresponding to the value is displayed on the GUI display means,
4. The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the image data to the outside of the apparatus so that the image data can be received by a communication terminal specified by the terminal specification information input on the input screen. 5. 2. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to item 1. A transmission unit for transmitting the image data generated by the image processing unit to the outside of the apparatus;
The GUI control means includes
Estimating whether or not the number of users is 3 or more based on a predetermined operation on the central operation screen among the operations received before the end of the user's editing operation,
If the number of users is estimated to be 3 or more, a terminal that specifies an external communication terminal that should receive the image data transmitted by the transmission means after the editing operation of the user is completed Three input screens for inputting designated information are displayed on the GUI display means,
The two or more input screens are displayed on the GUI display means after the editing operation of the user is completed when it is estimated that the number of users is not 3 or more. 3. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to 3. The image processing unit generates a material image based on an input operation of the user with respect to the operation screen displayed with the reduced configuration among the operation screens displayed on the GUI display unit,
The transmission means transmits the material image data generated by the image processing means to the outside of the apparatus so as to be received by the communication terminal designated by the terminal designation information input to the input screen. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. A photographing step for photographing a user, a GUI step for accepting the user's editing operation on a photographed image obtained by the photographing step, and an image processing step for generating a composite image based on the editing operation accepted by the GUI step; A printing step of printing a composite image generated by the image processing step as a photograph,
The GUI step includes:
A display step of displaying three or more operation screens for editing operation of the user on a predetermined GUI display means;
An operation receiving step for receiving in parallel an input operation for each operation screen displayed on the GUI display means,
In the display step,
Of the three or more operation screens, at least a predetermined operation screen has two types of configurations: a normal configuration prepared in advance as a configuration of each operation screen and a reduced configuration having a size smaller than the normal configuration. Can be displayed on
The size of the operation screen displayed on the GUI display unit in the normal configuration is changed according to the number of operation screens to be displayed on the GUI display unit in the normal configuration among the predetermined operation screens. And automatic photo creation method.

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