JP2012169986A - Photographing terminal, photographing system, server, photographing service control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing system for providing a user with a photographing service that enables photographing at a flexible photographing position or at flexible photographing timing and performs photographing with improved security of image data.SOLUTION: A photographing terminal has a control unit and a photographing unit. The control unit requests provision of a photographing service. The photographing unit receives a photographing instruction of the photographing service, and photographs an image based on the photographing instruction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for causing a photographing terminal to perform photographing based on information from the outside.

  There are services that take photos in facilities such as theme parks and provide them. The photography service is to take a photograph including the user with a camera fixed as an attraction facility in the theme park, and sell the photograph to the user.

  In addition, a system has been realized in which a digital camera is remotely controlled by wireless communication to perform shooting. For example, a system has been proposed in which a photograph is taken in a specific area such as a theater or a theme park and image data is provided to an image receiving device (see Patent Document 1). If the system proposed in Patent Document 1 is used, the user can acquire image data of a photograph taken by the system, which is convenient.

JP 2004-064424 A

  However, the system proposed in Patent Document 1 is a fixed-point camera installed in advance in an area to be photographed, although the camera captures a photograph by an instruction. For this reason, it has been difficult to shoot at a flexible shooting position and timing according to the event to be shot, such as taking a picture of an attraction moving through the theme park.

  Also, since the system camera installed at a fixed point is used to take pictures, it is necessary to pay attention to the handling and storage of image data from the security point of view, and users may feel uneasy about security. there were.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a photographing system that provides a user with a photographing service capable of photographing at a flexible photographing position and photographing timing and performing photographing with improved security of image data.

In order to achieve the above object, the photographing terminal of the present invention provides:
A control unit that requests provision of a shooting service;
A photographing unit that receives a photographing instruction of the photographing service and captures an image based on the photographing instruction.

The photographing system of the present invention
A shooting terminal that requests the server to provide a shooting service, receives a shooting instruction of the shooting service from the server, and takes an image based on the shooting instruction;
A server that receives the request for the photographing service and transmits a photographing instruction corresponding to the photographing target event to the photographing terminal that has transmitted the request.

The server of the present invention
A request processing unit that receives a request for providing a shooting service from a shooting terminal;
A shooting control unit that transmits a shooting instruction according to a shooting target event to the shooting terminal that has transmitted the request received by the request processing unit;

The shooting service control method of the present invention includes:
Request the server to provide the shooting service from the shooting terminal,
Sending a shooting instruction of the shooting service from the server to the shooting terminal;
The imaging terminal captures an image based on the imaging instruction.

The shooting terminal program of the present invention is
A procedure for requesting the provision of a photography service;
A procedure for causing a computer to execute a procedure of receiving a shooting instruction of the shooting service and shooting an image based on the shooting instruction.

The server program of the present invention is:
A procedure for receiving a request for providing a shooting service from a shooting terminal;
This is for causing a computer to execute a procedure for transmitting a shooting instruction according to a shooting target event to a shooting terminal that has transmitted the received request.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a user with a shooting service that allows shooting at a flexible shooting position and shooting timing and performs shooting with improved security of image data.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the photography system of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the imaging | photography terminal of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the expansion structure of the imaging | photography terminal of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the photography operation provision system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the system in the utilization scene of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the terminal in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging | photography process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the image purchase process in FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the encryption key is hold | maintained. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the server in 2nd Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a charging process in the server 42. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the event control apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the photography operation provision system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the system in the utilization scene of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the terminal in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the server in 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the photography operation provision system of 4th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the system in the utilization scene of 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the terminal when starting the application of imaging | photography service. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the user management server in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the photo opportunity provision server in 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the photography operation provision system of 5th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the system in the utilization scene of 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the blink pattern of a signal signal. It is a figure for demonstrating the signal signal described in the event program. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display of a terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process added to a terminal in 5th Embodiment.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a photography system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The photography system of this embodiment is a system to which the basic configuration of the present invention is applied.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the photography system of this embodiment has a photography terminal 11 and a server 12. The photographing terminal 11 is connected to a server 12 that provides a photographing service using a wireless line.

  The imaging terminal 11 transmits a participation request for participating in the imaging service to the server 12 in accordance with, for example, a user instruction. Thereafter, the photographing terminal 11 receives a photographing instruction from the server 12 and photographs an image based on the photographing instruction.

  The server 12 is a server that provides a photography service at a photographing target event such as an attraction in a facility such as a theme park. The server 12 receives a request for participation in the photographing service from the photographing terminal 11 and transmits a photographing instruction corresponding to the photographing target event to the photographing terminal 11 that has transmitted the participation request.

  According to the present embodiment, since the user's photographing terminal 11 captures an image based on the capturing instruction from the server 12, it is possible to perform capturing at a flexible capturing position and capturing timing. Further, since the image data is not held on the server 12 side, the security of the image data can be ensured without taking any special measures for the security of holding the image data on the system side.

  The shooting instruction is information for giving a shooting instruction to the shooting terminal 11 so that a good image can be shot at the shooting target event. The shooting instruction includes, for example, information on shooting timing and shooting direction at which an image should be shot.

  The shooting target event is, for example, an event in which the execution position moves or a story progresses. The server 12 manages the progress of the shooting target event, and notifies the shooting terminal 11 of the shooting timing according to the progress of the shooting target event in the shooting instruction.

  The photographing terminal 11 takes an image at the photographing timing indicated in the photographing instruction. As an effect resulting from this, the user can easily shoot an image at an appropriate timing in accordance with the progress of the shooting target event.

  Further, the photographing terminal 11 may acquire position information indicating its own position and transmit it to the server 12. In this case, the server 12 manages the progress of the shooting target event at a plurality of positions, and includes shooting timing according to the progress of the shooting target event at the position indicated in the position information received from the shooting terminal 11. A photographing instruction may be transmitted to the photographing terminal 11. As an effect resulting from this, even when the shooting target event moves or when the user who has the shooting terminal 11 moves in the shooting target event, it is appropriate depending on the position of the user and the progress of the shooting target event. Images can be taken at the timing.

  FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the photographing terminal of the present embodiment. This block diagram shows the functional configuration of the photographing terminal, and does not show the actual hardware or software configuration of the apparatus. Referring to FIG. 2A, the photographing terminal 11 includes a control unit 21 and a photographing unit 22 as a basic configuration.

  The control unit 21 is a control unit that controls the operation of the photographing terminal 11 and each part in the photographing terminal 11 in the photographing service. When participating in the photographing service, the control unit 21 transmits a participation request for participating in the photographing service to the server 12.

  The photographing unit 22 includes a camera, receives a photographing instruction from the server 12, and photographs an image based on the photographing instruction.

  FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing an expanded configuration of the photographing terminal of the present embodiment. The photographing terminal 10 of the present embodiment may have an expanded configuration as shown in FIG. 2B. Referring to FIG. 2B, the photographing terminal 10 includes an image storage unit 23, a position information processing unit 24, and a user interface (UI) unit 25 in addition to the control unit 21 and the photographing unit 22.

  In that case, the image storage unit 23 holds the image data photographed by the photographing unit 22 in a state where access is restricted, for example. When access is restricted, normal images cannot be displayed, and image data cannot be moved or duplicated. When the restriction release information is input, the image storage unit 23 enables access to the image data. Specifically, the image storage unit 23 encrypts and holds the image data, and when a dedicated key that is restriction release information is input, the image storage unit 23 uses the dedicated key to cancel the encryption of the image data.

  Further, the image storage unit 23 may hold the data of degraded images obtained by degrading the image data together with the image data whose access is restricted. The deteriorated image is, for example, a reduced image (thumbnail).

  The UI unit 25 displays the deteriorated image held in the image storage unit 23 so that the user can select it. If there are a plurality of deteriorated images, the UI unit 25 displays the plurality of deteriorated images. When the user selects one of the deteriorated images, the UI unit 25 performs a charging process and cancels the encryption of the image data corresponding to the selected deteriorated image. As a result, the restriction on access to the image data is released.

  The position information processing unit 24 includes, for example, a GPS receiver, acquires position information indicating its own position, and transmits the position information to the server 12. This position information is used in the server 12 to generate a shooting instruction for the shooting terminal 11.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server of this embodiment. This block diagram shows the functional configuration of the server, and does not show the actual hardware or software configuration of the apparatus. Referring to FIG. 3, the server 12 includes a participation processing unit 31 and a shooting control unit 32.

  The participation processing unit 31 receives a participation request for participating in the photographing service from the photographing terminal 11 and holds information for identifying the photographing terminal 11 participating in the photographing service in a table.

  The shooting control unit 32 transmits a shooting instruction corresponding to the shooting target event to the shooting terminal 11 that has transmitted the participation request received by the participation processing unit 31.

  As described above, the basic configuration is exemplified in the first embodiment, but the second to fifth embodiments are described below as embodiments of a more specific configuration.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographic operation providing system according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the photography operation providing system includes a mobile phone terminal 41, a photo opportunity providing server 42, and an event control device 43.

  The mobile phone terminal 41 includes a camera unit 41A, an image memory 41B, an image processing unit 41C, a main control unit 41D, and a communication function unit 41G. The main control unit 41D has a control unit 41E and an image storage unit 41F. The communication function unit 41G includes a wide area communication control unit 41H and a wireless LAN unit 41I.

  The photo opportunity providing server 42 includes a wireless LAN control unit 42A, a user management unit 42B, a wide area communication control unit 42C, and a main control unit 42D.

  The event control device 43 includes a main control unit 43A, a communication unit 43B, a fireworks control device 43C, an acoustic control device 43D, a music control device 43E, a lighting control device 43F, and an event program storage unit 43G.

  The mobile phone terminal 41 is a camera-equipped mobile phone terminal (hereinafter referred to as “terminal”) as an example of a device having communication means and photographing means. An image taken by the camera unit 41A of the terminal 41 is held in the image memory 41B. The image memory 41B is composed of, for example, a RAM, and the contents are not retained when the function ends or the power is cut off. An image processing unit 41C having processing functions such as data reduction, encryption, and QR decoding is connected to the image memory 41B. The image processing unit 41C performs predetermined processing on the image data captured by the camera unit 41A and stored in the image memory 41B.

  The main control unit 41D includes an image storage unit 41F. The image storage unit 41F can continuously hold data even after the power is turned off, and can store an image file. The image storage unit 41F stores image data obtained by reducing the image captured by the camera unit 41A and an image obtained by encrypting the image captured by the camera unit 41A.

  The key used by the image processing unit 41C for encryption is stored in the image processing unit 41C every time encryption is performed. Decryption of the encrypted image data can be performed by the main control unit 41D in units of files without using the image processing unit 41C.

  In addition, the terminal 41 includes a communication function unit 41G including a wide area communication control unit 41H that is connected to the Internet and a wireless LAN unit 41I that performs data communication using a wireless LAN.

  The function of the camera unit 41A to capture an image is API (Application Programming) that is opened to the public by wireless LAN data communication using TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and a unique application layer protocol, HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). Interface) is provided in the terminal 41.

  In the present embodiment, an encrypted shooting API and an unencrypted shooting API are open as APIs. As described above, the encrypted shooting API can execute an encrypted shooting operation in which an image is shot by the camera unit 41A and image data is encrypted and reduced by the image processing unit 41C. Further, as a non-encrypted shooting API, a general function of shooting a QR code using the camera unit 41A and connecting to a URL described in the image is provided.

  The photo opportunity providing server 42 is a server that provides the photo opportunity information to the terminal 41. Like the terminal 41, the photo opportunity providing server 42 has two communication functions of wide area communication and wireless LAN, and the wireless LAN control unit 42A performs communication of the wireless LAN. The wide area communication control unit 42C controls wide area communication. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as a server, it refers to a server for providing a photo opportunity. The server 42 distributes a private address corresponding to the ID of the terminal 41 to the terminal 41 using the wireless LAN.

  In addition, the main control unit 42D of the server 42 provides information on a photo opportunity using the camera API of the terminal 41, and causes the terminal 41 to perform a photographing operation.

  The server 42 also includes a user management unit 42B that manages users of the terminal 41 that provides the camera API. The user management unit 42B holds a terminal ID that can uniquely identify each terminal 41 and a wireless LAN private IP address distributed to the terminal ID. In addition, the user management unit 42B holds, for each terminal 41, an encryption key and a decryption key unique to the image and billing management information used in the image purchase operation, so that the user can purchase the captured image data. It is possible to provide a billing mechanism.

  The event control device 43 is a device that controls each operating element for each event in the theme park attraction. In response to an instruction from the main control unit 43A according to the event program stored in the event program storage unit 43G, the firework control device 43C ignites fireworks at the designated time, the sound control device 43D sounds sound, music The control device 43E plays music, and the illumination control device 43F controls illumination.

  The event control device 43 is installed in the vicinity of the server 42 and is connected to the server 42 by, for example, a wireless LAN using the communication unit 43B. The event control device 43 can transmit a shooting signal indicating a shooting timing (shutter chance) to the server 42 in synchronization with the progress of a specific event.

  Further, the event control device 43 transmits an end signal to the server 42 when the execution of the event program ends.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the system in the usage scene of the second embodiment.

  First, the user who has the terminal 41 enters the facility, reads the QR code printed on the admission pamphlet or the like using the terminal 41, obtains the URL of the server 42, and passes through the Internet 52 and the base station 51. The server 42 is accessed using wide area communication. Then, the user operates the terminal 41 to request participation in the service provided by this system.

  When participation is accepted, the terminal 41 for wireless connection is notified to the terminal 41. When the terminal 41 establishes a wireless connection association (connection at a low level communication layer) using the terminal ID, a wireless LAN IP address is allocated from the server 42 to the terminal 41. As a result, the server 42 and the terminal 41 can perform communication using the wireless LAN, and the terminal 41 can automatically capture an image under the control of the server 42.

  When the event time is reached, the event control device 43 performs a rendering process such as fireworks, sound, music, and lighting according to the event program, and simultaneously sends a shooting signal to the server 42. The server 42 that has received the shooting signal causes the terminal 41 to perform a shooting operation using the shooting API of the terminal 41 via the wireless LAN.

  The captured image is reduced and encrypted by the image processing unit 41C in the terminal 41, and the reduced image and the data of the encrypted image are temporarily stored in the image storage unit 41F in the terminal 41.

  The temporarily saved reduced image and encrypted image can be viewed by checking the reduced image (thumbnail) and confirming the appearance of the photo. It is used to make image data available to users.

  This service may be provided for a fee or may be provided free of charge. In the case of free of charge, when charging is not performed, an image captured by the camera unit 41A may be stored as it is without being reduced or encrypted using the non-encrypted shooting API.

  Hereinafter, the operation of each device in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the terminal in the second embodiment.

  First, referring to the flow of FIG. 6A, an operation when the user operates the terminal 41 to start the photographing service application in the vicinity of the attraction is shown.

  Since the imaging service application requires a URL to communicate with the server 42, the camera unit 41A is activated and displays an instruction to the user to hold the terminal 41 over the QR code (step 101).

  When the user holds the terminal 41 over the QR code, the QR code is recognized, and the URL recorded in the QR code is acquired (step 102). The imaging service application uses the URL to connect to the server 42 (step 103). This connection itself may be a connection using normal HTTP or HTTPS with security.

  After the connection, the terminal 41 transmits an ID for identifying the terminal 41 to the server 42 (step 104). After receiving the registration result from the server 42, the wide area communication is terminated (step 105). At this time, the terminal 41 may send not only the ID but also the electronic certificate of the terminal to the server 42 as necessary, and the server 42 may authenticate it to enhance security.

  If the registration result is successful (Yes in step 106), the terminal 41 receives the service in the flow shown in FIG. 6B (step 107). On the other hand, if the registration result is unsuccessful (No in step 106), the terminal 41 displays an error screen and ends the process (step 108).

  Referring to FIG. 6B, since the server 42 returns an ID for connecting to the wireless LAN, the terminal 41 holds the ID. The terminal 41 reconnects to the server 42 using the received wireless LAN ID, and waits for the private LAN address to be distributed (step 109). When ensuring security, when reconnecting to the server 42 using the wireless LAN ID, the server 42 may authenticate the terminal 41 using an electronic certificate previously sent to the terminal 41. .

  When the association is established and the IP address is distributed (Yes in Step 110), the terminal 41 notifies the server 42 of receipt of the address using the distributed IP address (Step 111). From this notification, the server 42 can recognize that communication using the camera API of the terminal 41 is possible.

  If the IP address is not distributed (No in Step 110), the terminal 41 displays an error screen and ends the process (Step 112).

  Subsequent to step 111, the terminal 41 activates the camera function of the camera unit 41A, and displays an instruction to the user to point the camera in a direction in which an attraction event occurs (step 113). When the user adjusts while viewing the screen according to this instruction, the terminal 41 is in a state where the camera is fixed in an appropriate direction (step 114).

  When the terminal 41 is waiting for communication from the server 42 (step 115), the event is started and the timing of the photo opportunity is reached, and a command is received from the server 42.

  If the command is a shooting command (Yes in step 116), the terminal 41 performs a shooting process (step 117). Details of the photographing process will be described later. As a result of the photographing process, the shutter of the terminal 41 is automatically pressed at an optimal timing, and the user can easily obtain a photograph at a preferable timing. In the photographing process, as described later, a mechanism for charging for each photograph can be operated. In that case, the image purchase process is operated after the event. Details of the image purchase process will be described later. Since the photographing operation is automatically performed in this way, the user does not need to look at the camera screen or the direction of the attraction, and can also take a picture of himself / herself.

  If the command is not a shooting command in Step 116 (No in Step 116), the terminal 41 determines whether or not the event ends (Step 118). If the event does not end, the terminal 41 returns to step 115.

  When the event ends, an end command is transmitted from the server 42. When the terminal 41 receives the termination command (Yes in Step 118), the terminal 41 temporarily disconnects the LAN connection with the server 42 (Step 119).

  If charging for each image is applied in the service, the terminal 41 next performs image purchase processing (step 120), and purchases image data that the user likes. Note that if charging is not performed, step 120 can be omitted.

  For convenience of explanation, image purchase processing is incorporated in the flow of photography service, but the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, the image purchase process can be activated independently later.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the photographing process in FIG.

  An image ID for identifying an image and an encryption key are added to the shooting command sent from the server 42 to the terminal 41 as accompanying data. The terminal 41 receives the shooting command and accompanying data and sets it in the image processing unit 41C (step 201).

  Subsequently, the image processing unit 41C performs the same processing as pressing the shutter button, and stores image data (hereinafter referred to as “main image”) taken by the camera unit 41A in the image memory 41B (step 202).

  Next, the image processing unit 41C uses a method of reducing the main image on the image memory 41B to create a reduced image (thumbnail) to be used later in the image purchase process, and uses the reduced image as a temporary file. Store in the storage unit 41F (step 203).

  Further, the image processing unit 41C encrypts the main image using the encryption key stored in step 201, and stores the encrypted image data in the image storage unit 41F as a temporary file (step 204).

  The terminal 41 uses a common character string at the beginning of the file name, for example, using the image ID sent from the server 42 for the two temporary files so that the association between them can be known. . Since this image ID is also used in the server 42 as an ID for identifying the image, when the terminal 41 sends the image ID to the server 42, the terminal 41 derives the image ID from the file name and sends the image ID.

  When this service is provided as a free service that does not perform billing processing, a shooting API that does not involve encryption processing is installed in the terminal 41 as a camera API. When the shooting API is called, the terminal 41 does not execute the storage of the encryption key, the process of reducing the main image, and the process of encrypting the main image as described above, and the main image on the image memory 41B. The image may be stored in the image storage unit 41F as it is. Since an image ID is not particularly used, this may be omitted in an API that does not involve encryption processing.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of image purchase processing in FIG.

  If there is a reduced image in the terminal 41 (step 301), it indicates that there is an unpurchased image, so the terminal 41 displays the list and prompts the user to specify an image to purchase (step 302). .

  If the operation performed by the user (step 303) is an operation for instructing interruption of image purchase (Yes in step 304), the terminal 41 ends the processing as it is. If the operation performed by the user is not an operation for instructing the interruption of image purchase (No in Step 304), the operation performed by the user is not an operation for designating an image to be purchased (No in Step 305). 41 returns to step 301.

  If the operation performed by the user is an operation for designating an image to be purchased from the list of reduced images (Yes in step 305), the terminal 41 connects to the server 42 again, and the image is selected from the file name of the image designated by the user. An ID is generated, and the charging process is requested by designating the image ID (step 306). The connection here assumes wide area communication in this embodiment. However, wireless LAN may be used instead of wide area communication.

  When charging is performed normally (Yes in step 307), a decryption key for decrypting the encryption is sent from the server 42 to the terminal 41 together with the status of the end of charging. The terminal 41 holds this decryption key for each image ID in the same place as the encryption key set in the image processing unit 41C in step 201. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the secret key is held in the server 42. Referring to FIG. 9, a secret key that is a pair of an encryption key and a decryption key is held together with billing management information indicating whether or not the billing process has been completed. Here, this decryption key is sent from the server 42 to the terminal 41. In the terminal 41, the decryption key from the server 42 is held together with the encryption key.

  When an image ID is specified, a corresponding decryption key can be acquired. The terminal 41 decrypts the encrypted image data using the acquired decryption key and stores it again in the image storage unit 41F (step 308). Further, the terminal 41 deletes the saved reduced image (step 309). As a result, the next time the list is displayed, the image that has undergone the image purchase process does not appear as a purchase candidate.

  When charging is not normally performed in step 307 (No in step 307), the terminal 41 returns to step 301.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server in the second embodiment. This corresponds to the operation of the terminal 41 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the server 42 determines whether or not the attraction event time has come (step 401). If the event time has not come, the server 42 waits for a connection from the terminal 41 via the wide area communication port (step 402). ), When the event time comes, an example of devoting to the shooting operation is shown. However, this is a convenience for explaining the operation, and the photographing operation and user management may be executed in parallel by multitasking.

  First, when there is no connection from the terminal 41 while waiting for a connection from the terminal 41 via the wide area communication port (No in Step 403), the server 42 returns to Step 401. When there is a connection from the terminal 41 (Yes in Step 403), the server 42 determines whether or not the process requested from the terminal 41 is a terminal registration process (Step 404).

  When the terminal registration process is requested (Yes in Step 404), the server 42 receives the identification ID from the terminal 41 and determines the address of the private LAN assigned to the identification ID (Step 405). At this time, in order to enhance security, an electronic certificate may be received and a root certificate may be confirmed. In the server 42, an area for storing information for the current terminal ID is secured in the user management unit 42B at this timing.

  If there are no problems such as overlapping terminal IDs, and there is room in the number of simultaneous wireless LAN connections and the IP address to be distributed, registration is OK. If the registration is OK (Yes in step 406), the server 42 returns a wireless LAN identification ID for connection with the wireless LAN together with the result of the registration OK to the terminal 41 via the wide area communication port (step 407).

  Subsequently, the server 42 waits for the terminal 41 to connect via the wireless LAN, and distributes the private IP address when it is connected (step 408). As a result, the terminal 41 and the server 42 can be connected by IP. The server 42 waits for the terminal 41 to make an IP connection. If the connection is successful (Yes in step 409), the server 42 ends the registration process. In addition, when the IP connection from the terminal 41 is not normally performed (No in Step 409), the server 42 deletes the terminal registration (Step 410).

  If registration is not OK in step 406 (No in step 406), the server 42 returns a registration error message to the wide area communication port (step 415), and returns to step 401.

  If the server 42 detects that the attraction event start time has come (Yes in step 401), the server 42 proceeds to the shooting control process. The event controller 43 controls the progress of the event, and a shooting signal indicating the timing suitable for shooting is transmitted from the event controller 43 to the server 42 (step 411). If the signal received from the terminal 41 is an end signal indicating the end of the event (Yes in Step 412), the server 42 transmits an end command to the IP address of the terminal 41 (Step 413). The private address distributed to is invalidated (step 414).

  If the signal from the terminal 41 is not an end signal in Step 412 (No in Step 402), the server 42 returns to Step 411 if the signal received from the terminal 41 is not a shooting signal (No in Step 415). .

  If the signal received from the terminal 41 is a shooting signal (Yes in step 415), the server 42 calls the shooting API of the terminal 41 in synchronization with the shooting signal. If this service is provided for a fee and charging for each photo is applied, the server 42 generates a secret key at this time (step 416). The secret key is created as a pair for encryption and decryption. The key pair created at this time may or may not be a so-called public / private key pair. For example, a key pair may be generated by a simpler algorithm such as using a certain number of additions and their complements.

  The server 42 stores the secret key in the server 42 as shown in FIG. 9 (step 417), and transmits the encryption key to the terminal 41 (step 418). However, this configuration is not essential, and if the security level can be lowered, the encryption key and the decryption key may be used as a common key.

  When the terminal 41 is connected to the server 42 for the purpose of purchasing an image via the wide area communication port after the event ends, the processing of steps 401 to 404 in FIG. 10 is performed, and the determination of No in step 404 is performed. Thereafter, another processing such as billing is started.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the billing process in the server 42.

  In the image purchase process of FIG. 8, since the ID of the image to be purchased is transmitted from the terminal 41 to the server 42 (step 501), the server 42 refers to the charging management information shown in FIG. 9 using the ID. If the charge for the image has not been paid (Yes in step 502), a charging process for one image is performed using credit settlement or the like (step 503). This accounting process itself is a well-known process.

  If the billing process is successful (Yes in step 504), the server 42 obtains a decryption key for decrypting the designated image from the images stored for each image ID, together with the status of settlement OK, to the terminal 41. A reply is made (step 505).

  If the fee has already been paid in step 502 (No in step 502), the server 42 returns a failure of this billing process, that is, a purchase failure to the terminal 41 because an already purchased image is requested. (Step 506). Also, if the charging process fails in step 504 (No in step 504), the server 42 returns a failure of the charging process to the terminal 41 (step 506). If the billing process fails in step 504, the server 42 retries the process in step 503 a predetermined number of times. If the billing process still does not succeed, the server 42 returns a billing process failure to the terminal 41 in step 506. You may decide to do it.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the event control device 43 in the second embodiment. In the event program, a series of operations of each event is described together with information on the operation time. The event control device 43 reads information on one operation from the event program (step 601). If the operation indicated by the read information is not the end of the event (No in step 602), the event control device 43 waits until the time for performing the operation (step 603). On the other hand, if the operation indicated by the read information is the end of the event (Yes in step 602), the event control device 43 transmits an end signal notifying the server 42 of the end of the event, and ends the process (step 604).

  When the event operation time is reached, the event control device 43 performs control for executing the corresponding operation. For example, the event control device 43 plays music at a predetermined time (Yes in Step 605), controls illumination at a predetermined time (Yes in Step 606), and ignites fireworks at a predetermined time (Yes in Step 607). Step 608). When the event control device 43 starts a process for igniting fireworks, the process activates a fireworks ignition switch to launch the fireworks.

  In FIG. 12, as an example, the event control device 43 is configured to transmit a shooting signal to the server 42 in conjunction with the fireworks launch (step 609). Therefore, when the fireworks are launched, the camera of the user's terminal 41 automatically operates to take a picture of the fireworks.

  In the example of FIG. 12, an independent shooting control event is provided that causes the terminal 41 to perform shooting at an independent timing rather than interlocking with any operation. When the event operation time corresponding to the independent shooting control event is reached (Yes in step 610), the shooting signal is transmitted to the server 42. By using this, it is possible to set to take a picture 5 seconds after the ignition of the fireworks. Shooting with a more suitable photo opportunity is possible.

  In the description up to this point of the present embodiment, the deletion of the reduced image and the encrypted image remaining in the terminal 41 without being purchased by the user has not been particularly described. However, since these data are stored in the memory as general data files, for example, the user may delete them at an arbitrary timing.

  The accounting management data group stored on the server 42 side has a small capacity, so even if it is held for a long time, the burden on the system is small. However, an appropriate period is provided, and when the period elapses, the server 42 The data group may be automatically deleted. For example, in a pamphlet or the like on which a QR code recording the URL described in the above description is written, a time limit for erasing data after 3 months is clearly stated, and the server 42 erases the data after 3 months. That's fine.

  As described above, the present embodiment has the following effects.

  As a first effect, since the user's own terminal 41 can be used, it is possible to participate in a flexible system using the device (mobile phone terminal) possessed by the user and to take an image with the user's own device. Can do. The user can obtain a photograph of a good-looking event photographed at an appropriate timing by simply accessing the server 42 with his / her terminal 41.

  As a second effect, a timely photographing operation with little operation delay is realized. Since shooting is performed based on the shooting signal synchronized with the progress of the event, it is possible to automatically perform shooting at the optimal timing of the photo opportunity synchronized with the event. Because it is automatic shooting, you can shoot even if you look away from the event, and you can also take a picture of the event and yourself on the same screen.

  As a third effect, since the image data is held in the terminal 41, it is not necessary to hold the image data on the system side. As a result, the data to be held by the server 42 can be minimized. In addition, even if the image data is stored in the terminal 41, it is possible to charge for each data, and it is also possible for the user to slowly select and purchase the desired image later.

  As an applied effect, the user's own terminal 41 is used instead of a fixed camera, so a large number of people participate in the system and shoot events from various angles. It is also possible to use a system that captures events from multiple angles simultaneously.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a photography operation providing system according to the third embodiment. The photography operation providing system of the third embodiment has the same basic configuration as that of the second embodiment. However, the configuration and operation for a case where a large number of events are held in the same site are further devised.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the photography operation providing system of the third embodiment includes two sets of photo opportunity providing servers 42 and event control devices 43 for the first venue event and the second venue.

  Further, the terminal 41 is added with a GPS positioning unit 41M that acquires its own location information using GPS (Global Positioning System) and a server list holding unit 41L that holds a server list in the main control unit 41D. .

  In the server 42, a function for distributing a server list and a function for sharing user management data among a plurality of servers are added to the wide area communication control unit 42C, and the wireless LAN control unit 42A is configured to perform shooting settings suitable for attractions. The ability to retain and distribute values has been added.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the system in the usage scene of the third embodiment. A facility such as a theme park has a plurality of attractions, and events are held at different times. In addition, the optimum shooting settings differ for each event. Therefore, shooting settings are defined for each area (venue).

  For example, since fireworks are launched at night in area 1 (first venue), the night shooting mode is preferable as the shooting setting. In area 2 (second venue), the event is held on stage, so the lighting is incandescent. Therefore, it is necessary to set a white balance as a shooting setting. In area 3 (third venue), the race is held outdoors. Therefore, as a shooting setting, shooting using a high-speed shutter with increased shooting sensitivity is required. It is assumed that such a preferable shooting setting for each area is defined in advance.

  When a user uses the terminal 41 to connect to each server 42 via a wireless LAN, shooting settings are set from the server 42 to the terminal 41, and the terminal 41 performs shooting using a shooting setting suitable for each attraction at the timing of a photo opportunity. .

  In this embodiment, the user can participate in any attraction in the system. In addition, any attraction may participate in the system, and shooting can be performed with a plurality of attractions while continuing to participate in the system.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal in the third embodiment. FIG. 15 shows the flow of processing when an application for a shooting service is started on the terminal 41.

  When the application is activated, the terminal 41 first determines whether or not a server list is stored (step 701). If the server list has not been stored yet (No in step 701), the user management data of the terminal 41 does not exist in any server because of the first connection. Therefore, the terminal 41 executes a procedure for referring to the same QR code as in the second embodiment as in steps 101 to 103 in FIG. 6 and connects to the server 42 corresponding to the location where the terminal 41 is currently located.

  When connected to the server 42, a server list is distributed from the server 42 to the terminal 41 (step 702). This list is a list in which the position and the URL of the server 42 corresponding to the position are associated with each other. The terminal 41 keeps this list inside.

  From the second time on (Yes in step 701), since there is a server list, the terminal 41 measures its own position with GPS or the like (step 703), and uses the method of referring to the list to correspond to its own position. A server is selected and connected (step 704).

  The processing after Step 702 or Step 704 is the same processing as Steps 104 to 108 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server in the third embodiment. This corresponds to the operation of the terminal 41 shown in FIG.

  The server 42 does not reach the event time by determining whether it is the event time (No in Step 801), and waits for the registration connection of the terminal 41 from the wide area communication port (Step 802). If there is a connection (Yes in Step 803), the wide area communication control unit 42C inquires of the other server 42 to confirm whether or not the terminal 41 is registered in the server 42 in the other area (Step 804). . If there is no connection from the terminal 41 in step 803 (No in step 803), the server 42 returns to step 801.

  If the terminal 41 is not registered in the server 42 (No in Step 805), the server 42 distributes the server list to the terminal 41 because of the first connection (Step 806). Further, the server 42 secures an area for storing the user management information in the server 42, and assigns a local IP address to the terminal 41 to initialize user management data (step 807).

  Conversely, if the terminal 41 is already registered in the server 42 in another area (Yes in step 805), the server 42 acquires data from the server 42 in another area and merges it (step 808). For example, if the server 42 in another area has the encryption key and the charge management information, and the server 42 does not have the data, the encryption key and the charge management information are copied.

  Subsequently, if the requested process is terminal registration in the area (Yes in Step 809), the server 42 executes the processes in Steps 405 to 414 in FIG. 10 as in the second embodiment. If the requested processing is billing (No in step 809), the server 42 performs billing processing using the merged data including the photograph taken by the other server 42.

  When the event time is reached in the determination in step 801 (Yes in step 801), the server 42 connects to the terminal 41 via the wireless LAN port, calls the shooting setting API implemented in the terminal 41, and selects an attraction in the area. Appropriate shooting settings are made (step 810). The subsequent photographing operation is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in steps 411 to 414 in FIG.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, a user can receive a seamless photographing service for a plurality of attractions at a facility where there are attractions in a plurality of areas. In addition, it is possible to perform shooting using shooting settings suitable for each attraction.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographic operation providing system according to the fourth embodiment. The basic configuration of the photography operation providing system of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. However, the configuration and operation are further devised assuming an attraction where the user's terminal 41 stays in one place and a long parade passes in front of it.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the photography operation providing system of the fourth embodiment includes two sets of photo opportunity providing servers 42 and event control devices 43 for the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

  Further, the terminal 41 is added with a GPS positioning unit 41M that acquires its own position information using GPS.

  In addition, a user management server 61 is newly added. The user management server 61 is obtained by separating the user management unit 42B of each server 42. Each server 42 holds only information necessary for notifying the terminal 41 of shooting information. Moreover, the server 42 and the event control apparatus 43 are each provided with respect to the some vehicle utilized by the attraction of a parade. Further, a GPS positioning unit 42E that acquires its own position information using GPS and a self-contained navigation positioning unit 42F that assists position measurement by self-contained navigation are added to the server 42.

  The user management server 61 includes a wireless LAN control unit 61A, a user management unit 61B, and a wide area communication control unit 61C. The wireless LAN control unit 61A controls connection with each server 42 using a wireless LAN. The user management unit 61B is obtained by separating the user management unit 42B of each server 42. The wide area communication control unit 61C controls connection with the mobile phone terminal 41 using wide area communication.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the system in the usage scene of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in the attraction of this embodiment, the terminal 41 of the user is fixed at one point, and each vehicle of a long parade passes in front of the user.

  The user of the terminal 41 first connects to the user management server 61 and registers the terminal 41. Data necessary for event shooting is transferred from the user management server 61 to the server 42 mounted on each vehicle constituting the parade. When the event vehicle is close to the user, shooting information is notified from the server 42 to the terminal 41, and the terminal 41 takes an image with the camera according to the shooting information.

  The user management unit 61B of the user management server 61 holds user management data stored in the server 42 in the second embodiment. When the user operates the terminal 41 to participate in the system, the terminal 41 measures the position and transfers it to the user management server 61. The position of the terminal 41 is held in the user management unit 61B in the user management server 61 together with other user management data.

  The server 42 installed in each vehicle is connected to the user management server 61 using a wireless LAN, and management data such as the IP address and location information of each user's terminal 41 is distributed from the user management server 61. The The server 42 holds the position information of each user in the user management unit 42B, and measures its own position using GPS and self-contained navigation by the GPS positioning unit 42E and the self-contained navigation positioning unit 42F. Then, the server 42 detects which user is close to the server 42, notifies the user's terminal 41 of the shooting information via the wireless LAN, and causes the user to execute shooting.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal when the imaging service application is activated. Referring to FIG. 19, in the fourth embodiment, the operation shown in FIG. 6A is the URL described in the QR code after step 102, not the photo opportunity providing server 42 but the user management server. 61 (step 901), the current position of itself is measured (step 902), and the position information is registered together with the identification ID of the terminal 41 (step 903).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the user management server in the fourth embodiment. The user management server 61 of this embodiment performs the same operation as the photo opportunity providing server 42 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, but there are some differences. The user management server 61 detects an event report from the wireless LAN port (step A01), and determines whether there is an event (step A02). Further, after step 405, the user management server 61 copies the connection information and position information of the terminal 41 to the user management unit 42B of the photo opportunity providing server 42 mounted on the vehicle (step A03). Further, when there is an event (Yes in Step A02), the user management server 61 receives a shooting report from the shutter chance providing server 42 (Yes in Step A05) instead of performing the shooting control process, and receives a restoration key. Receive (step A06), and hold the decryption key in the area holding the encryption key (step A07). Also, the user management server 61 receives an end report from the photo opportunity providing server 42 (Yes in step A04), transmits an end command to the terminal 41 (step 413), and invalidates the private address distributed to the terminal 41. (Step 414).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photo opportunity providing server in the fourth embodiment. As described above, in the fourth embodiment, processing related to user management is separated and performed by the user management server 61.

  The photo opportunity providing server 42 of the present embodiment basically performs processing (shooting control processing) corresponding to steps 411 to 414 shown in FIG. 10 of the second embodiment. The difference between them will be described below.

  When a shooting signal is received from the event control device 43 (Yes in Step 415), the photo opportunity providing server 42 measures its own position (Step B01), and whether there is a terminal 41 participating in the system in the vicinity. Whether or not is searched (step B02). When the terminal 41 is present in the vicinity (Yes in Step B03), the photo opportunity providing server 42 issues a shooting command to the terminal 41. Also, the photo opportunity providing server 42 does not store the restoration key in the generated key pair, but sends it to the user management server 61 (step B04). When the event end signal is received (Yes in step 412), the photo opportunity providing server 42 transmits an end report to the user management server 61 instead of the terminal 41 (step B05).

  In particular, when encrypting a photographed image, the process of generating a key pair and sending the encryption key to the terminal 41 to execute photographing is shared by the shutter chance providing server 42, and charged by holding the decryption key. The process of performing the operation is shared by the user management server 61. The charging operation performed by the user management server 61 is equivalent to the operation of the photo opportunity providing server 42 in the second embodiment.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when a long train of vehicles such as a parade passes through the position where the terminal 41 stays, the user automatically captures an event performed in front of himself / herself at an appropriate timing. can do. Further, since user management and shooting control such as a photo opportunity are separated, the work of merging user data as in the third embodiment becomes unnecessary. For this reason, communication traffic is reduced, and when there are a large number of photo opportunity providing servers 42, it is possible to prevent a shortage of resources such as communication lines and processing capabilities.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, since the photo opportunity providing servers 42 are continuously present at a relatively close distance from each other, the terminal 41 sequentially receives shooting commands from a plurality of photo opportunity providing servers 42 at short time intervals. . There is a possibility that the correspondence between the vehicle of the event to be shot and the shooting command may be unclear for the user. In particular, when shooting at a telephoto with a narrow angle of view, there is a possibility that a place different from the target of the shooting command is shot.

  The fifth embodiment can cope with such a situation. For this reason, the fifth embodiment is a system in which an apparatus and an operation are additionally mounted on the fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographic operation providing system according to the fifth embodiment. The system of the present embodiment has basically the same configuration as the system of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the difference between them will be described.

  In the terminal 41 of the present embodiment, a function for detecting a cue using a means of blinking light is added to the image processing unit 41C. Using the cue detection function, the image processing unit 41C scans an image photographed by the camera unit 41A, and detects the presence of light blinking in a predetermined pattern and its blinking pattern. Any process operating on the terminal 41 can refer to the detection result.

  Further, the event control device 43 is additionally provided with a cue signal light source 43H. The signal signal light source 43H includes an infrared lamp that blinks in a predetermined pattern based on the control of the main control unit 43A. The blinking pattern of the cue is included in the event program and stored in the event program storage unit 43G. The main control unit 43A causes the signal signal light source 43H to blink according to the event program. Since each event is controlled by time, the signal light source 43H can be blinked in cooperation between vehicles using the time as a key.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the system in the usage scene of the fifth embodiment. Each vehicle is equipped with a signal light source 43H of the event control device 43.

  The infrared lamp of the signal light source 43H is not visible to the human eye, but can be captured by the camera unit 41A of the terminal 41.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a blinking pattern of a cue signal. This blinking pattern represents one state per unit, where the number of frames of the camera is 32 frames per second, and 16 frames (0.5 seconds) is one unit.

  In FIG. 24, the blinking pattern of ○ (white circle) is turned on for about 4 frames, then turned off for about 4 frames, and then turned on again for about 4 frames. ● The blinking pattern (black circle) lights up for the time of about 4 frames and then turns off for the time of 4 frames, which is the same as the white circle. However, the black circle does not light for the subsequent four frames. Based on whether or not the black circle is lit, it is possible to identify the blinking pattern of white circle or black circle.

  The cue signal is defined so that a combination of white circles and black circles represents predetermined information. In FIG. 24, a signal signifying the left direction, a signal signifying the right direction, and a signal signifying OK are represented by a combination of a white circle and a black circle. The OK signal is a signal that means that the event to be photographed has come to the front. In the example of the repeated blinking pattern like these, the cue can be identified within 3 seconds.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the cue signal described in the event program. In FIG. 25, the cues that the cues signal means are arranged in order. The time flow of event progression is from top to bottom in FIG. An event vehicle signal light source 43H on the left side of the user's terminal 41 emits a signal indicating the right direction, and an event vehicle signal light source 43H on the right side of the terminal 41 emits a signal indicating the left direction. . The signal light source 43H of the event vehicle coming to the front of the terminal 41 is turned off for a while after issuing an OK signal. As a result, it is possible to prevent the light of the signal signal light source 43H from appearing in the image captured by the camera unit 41A of the terminal 41.

  In the state of the third row in FIG. 25, when the camera unit 41A of the terminal 41 captures the first vehicle on the screen, a right direction signal is detected. When the camera unit 41A catches the second vehicle, an OK signal is detected. Further, when the camera unit 41A catches the third vehicle, a left direction signal is detected.

  The terminal 41 displays a right arrow on the screen when a right direction signal is detected, and displays a left arrow on the screen when a left direction signal is detected. In addition, when an OK signal is detected, the terminal 41 displays “OK” on the screen.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of the terminal. As can be seen from FIG. 26, when the user points the camera unit 41A toward the first vehicle, a rightward arrow is displayed, and when the user points the camera unit 41A toward the third vehicle, a leftward arrow is displayed. The user can correct the direction of the camera unit 41A in the direction of the arrow. “OK” is displayed when the camera unit 41A faces the second vehicle that is optimal for appropriate shooting. If the user keeps the camera unit 41A facing the second vehicle as it is, a shooting signal is sent to the terminal 41 from the shutter chance providing server 42 of the second vehicle at an appropriate timing, and the terminal 41 automatically executes the shooting. To do. Thus, the user can easily point the camera unit 41A in an appropriate direction in which an event occurs.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a process added to a terminal in the fifth embodiment. This figure shows a process added to the process of the terminal in the fourth embodiment. The processing to be added is as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 27A, in a series of processing of the photography service, the terminal 41 first enables the image processing unit 41C to detect a signal (step C01). Subsequently, the terminal 41 activates a signal detection process (step C02).

  Further, the terminal 41 performs the processing of steps 109 to 120 in FIG. 6B similar to the fourth (second) embodiment, and then ends the signal detection process (step C03), and further performs image processing. The cue detection function of the unit 41C is invalidated (step C04).

  The signal detection process is a multitasking process that operates separately from the operation system. As shown in FIG. 27 (B), when the signal signal detection process is activated, when the image processing unit 41C detects the signal (Yes in Step C05), the main control unit 41D detects the detected signal signal. The meaning information is analyzed (steps C06 to C08), and the meaning information is displayed on the screen as an overlay (steps C09 to C11). As a result of this overlay display, an arrow or a character “OK” as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the display of an image captured in real time using the camera unit 41A. If no signal is detected (No in step C05), the main control unit 41D deletes the overlay display on the screen (step C12). As a result, the overlay display is not displayed when no signal is detected.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, even when the plurality of photo opportunity providing servers 42 are located at a relatively close distance from each other, the imaging target of the plurality of photo opportunity providing servers 42 is accurately selected and captured by the camera unit 41A. Can do. As a result, it is possible to perform photographing that captures an appropriate photographing target at the timing of the provided photo opportunity.

  Note that the components added in the fifth embodiment can be configured independently of the second to fourth embodiments. Therefore, the configuration can be added to an arbitrary device. For example, it is possible to introduce this configuration into a photographing apparatus that photographs a moving image. In that case, the overlay display should not be included in the saved video, or the direction is indicated using LED display outside the screen, and the blinking of the cue signal reflected in the image uses image data processing. May be erased. As a result, it is possible to shoot a nice-looking video with the event securely displayed on the screen.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, In the range of the technical idea of this invention, these are used together and a part of structure is changed. May be.

  For example, in the second to fifth embodiments, the terminal 41 has exemplified the configuration in which the API is disclosed to the photo opportunity providing server 42 and the user management server 61. However, the terminal 41, the photo opportunity providing server 42, the user management server 61, and the like. You may decide to define the command for performing a required process between.

  For example, the photo opportunity providing server 42 may issue a command at an appropriate shooting timing, and the terminal 41 may receive the command and execute shooting.

  Alternatively, the photo opportunity providing server 42 may issue a command describing an appropriate shooting timing, and the terminal 41 may receive the command and execute shooting when the shooting timing described in the command comes. In particular, in an event where a large number of people gather like a theme park event, it is necessary to control the terminal 41 from the photo opportunity providing server 42 in many cases. In that case, a command describing the shooting timing is notified to the terminal 41 in advance, and shooting is performed when the terminal 41 reaches the shooting timing, so that the load concentration of the shutter chance providing server 42 can be reduced.

  Also, the direction in which the terminal 41 captures an image is limited to a configuration and operation in which the terminal 41 notifies the photo opportunity providing server 42 of its position and direction, and the photo opportunity providing server 42 instructs the terminal 41 about the image capturing direction. I can't. As another example, the photo opportunity providing server 42 notifies the terminal 41 of position information indicating the position of the shooting target, and the terminal 41 determines the shooting direction from its own position and the notified position of the shooting target, The correction of the shooting direction may be presented to the user.

  Further, the shooting direction correction instruction may include issuing a warning when the camera unit 41A is not facing the appropriate shooting direction even though the shooting timing is approaching.

  In addition, the shutter chance providing server 42 notifies the terminal 41 of shooting conditions other than the shooting timing and shooting direction, for example, zoom magnification, vertical shooting mode or horizontal shooting mode, focal length, and the like. Alternatively, the terminal 41 itself may decide by notifying the terminal 41 of necessary information from the photo opportunity providing server 42. Further, when these are automatically set, it may be displayed that the terminal 41 is being set.

  Further, although an example using image data encryption as a method for restricting access to a photographed image has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, a terminal 41 such as a mobile phone terminal holds image data in a built-in memory so that the image data cannot be displayed, copied to other media, or moved. Also good.

  In addition, although a reduced image (thumbnail) is illustrated as an example of an image obtained by degrading an image captured by the camera unit 41A, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image that has been subjected to processing such as blurring all or part of the image may be used. Moreover, you may decide to use the image which superimposed the character on the image | photographed image.

  In the second to fifth embodiments, examples in which wide-area communication and wireless LAN are appropriately selected are shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. Either one of them may be used for all communication, or wide area communication and wireless LAN may be selectively used by selection different from the second to fifth embodiments.

  Moreover, in the said 2nd-5th embodiment, although the structural example of the system provided with the event control apparatus 43 is shown, this invention is not limited to this. The event control device 43 does not exist, and the photo opportunity providing server 42 may hold the data of the event signal schedule table and perform control such as transmission of the photographing signal according to the data.

  In the second to fifth embodiments, the example in which the control and instruction to the terminal 41 are performed via a wireless line has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, the terminal 41 may be connected to the photo opportunity providing server 42 and / or the user management server 61 via a wired line.

  In the second to fifth embodiments, an example in which the photo opportunity providing server 42 transmits a photographing signal to the terminal 41 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, the terminal 41 may access the photo opportunity providing server 42 and acquire information necessary for appropriate photographing therefrom.

  Further, in the embodiment where the plurality of photo opportunity providing servers 42 exist (fourth and fifth embodiments), an example in which the photo opportunity providing server 42 that is closest to the terminal 41 is selected has been shown. However, it is not limited to this. There may be events where there is a distance and position suitable for shooting. For example, there are cases where fireworks and the like can be taken better when taken from a certain distance. In such a case, the photo opportunity providing server 42 of the event at the distance or position may be selected, and the terminal 41 may be connected to the photo opportunity providing server 42. In that case, the photo opportunity providing server 42 may notify the terminal 41 of information on shooting conditions indicating an appropriate shooting timing and shooting direction using wide area communication instead of the wireless LAN.

  Further, the shooting condition information provided from the photo opportunity providing server 42 is not limited to information of one pattern. As another example, the photo opportunity providing server 42 notifies the terminal 41 of information of a plurality of patterns of shooting conditions as candidates, and the terminal 41 or the user selects one pattern of shooting conditions from among them, and the selected shooting is performed. The terminal 41 may execute shooting under conditions. Alternatively, the terminal 41 may access the photo opportunity providing server 42, acquire information on a plurality of patterns of shooting conditions, and select and use one shooting condition.

  When the user selects shooting conditions from a plurality of patterns, the photo opportunity providing server 42 may notify the terminal 41 of a reference image to be presented to the user together with information on the shooting conditions to facilitate user selection. . In the example of fireworks, selection is facilitated by attaching a reference image to a plurality of shooting conditions in which the building is shot with the fireworks and the direction of the building is different.

  In addition, each apparatus of the embodiment described above can also be realized by a method of causing a computer to execute a software program that defines a processing procedure of each unit.

  Further, part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as in the following supplementary notes. However, the present invention is not limited to the following supplementary notes.

(Appendix 1)
A control unit that requests provision of a shooting service;
An imaging terminal comprising: an imaging unit that receives an imaging instruction of the imaging service and captures an image based on the imaging instruction.

(Appendix 2)
The image data captured by the image capturing unit is held in a state where access is limited, and further includes an image storage unit that enables access to the image data when the restriction release information is input. Shooting terminal.

(Appendix 3)
The imaging according to appendix 2, wherein the image storage unit encrypts and holds the image data, and when the dedicated key that is restriction release information is input, the image data is decrypted using the dedicated key. Terminal.

(Appendix 4)
A user interface part;
The image storage unit holds the image data whose access is restricted, and the data of a deteriorated image obtained by degrading the image data,
The user interface unit displays the deteriorated image held in the image storage unit so that the user can select. When the user selects the deteriorated image, the user interface unit performs a charging process and an image corresponding to the selected deteriorated image. The imaging terminal according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the restriction on access to data is released.

(Appendix 5)
The imaging terminal according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, further including a location information processing unit that acquires location information indicating its location and transmits the location information to a server that provides the imaging service.

(Appendix 6)
A shooting terminal that requests the server to provide a shooting service, receives a shooting instruction of the shooting service from the server, and takes an image based on the shooting instruction;
A server that receives a request for the shooting service and transmits a shooting instruction according to a shooting target event to a shooting terminal that has transmitted the request;

(Appendix 7)
The server manages the progress of the shooting target event, transmits a shooting instruction including a shooting timing according to the progress of the shooting target event,
The imaging system according to appendix 6, wherein the imaging terminal captures an image at the imaging timing indicated in the imaging instruction.

(Appendix 8)
The shooting terminal acquires position information indicating its own position and transmits it to the server, and takes an image at the shooting timing indicated in the shooting instruction received from the server,
The server manages the progress of the shooting target event according to the position, and takes the shooting instruction including the shooting timing according to the progress of the shooting target event at the position indicated in the position information received from the shooting terminal. The imaging system according to appendix 7, which is transmitted to a terminal.

(Appendix 9)
A request processing unit that receives a request for providing a shooting service from a shooting terminal;
A server including a shooting control unit that transmits a shooting instruction according to a shooting target event to a shooting terminal that has transmitted the request received by the request processing unit;

(Appendix 10)
Request the server to provide the shooting service from the shooting terminal,
Sending a shooting instruction of the shooting service from the server to the shooting terminal;
An imaging service control method in which the imaging terminal captures an image based on the imaging instruction.

(Appendix 11)
A procedure for requesting the provision of a photography service;
A shooting terminal program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of receiving a shooting instruction of the shooting service and shooting an image based on the shooting instruction.

(Appendix 12)
A procedure for receiving a request for providing a shooting service from a shooting terminal;
A server program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of transmitting a shooting instruction according to a shooting target event to a shooting terminal that has transmitted the received request.

11 photographing terminal 21 control unit 22 photographing unit 23 image storage unit 24 position information processing unit 25 UI unit 31 participation processing unit 32 photographing control unit 41 terminal 41A camera unit 41B image memory 41C image processing unit 41D main control unit 41E control unit 41F image Storage unit 41G Communication function unit 41H Wide area communication unit 41I Wireless LAN unit 41L Server list holding unit 41M GPS positioning unit 42 Shutter chance providing server 42A Wireless LAN control unit 42B User management unit 42C Wide area communication control unit 42D Main control unit 42E GPS positioning unit 42F Autonomous Navigation Positioning Unit 43 Event Control Unit 43A Main Control Unit 43B Communication Unit 43C Fireworks Control Unit 43D Acoustic Control Unit 43E Music Control Unit 43F Lighting Control Unit 43G Event Program Storage Unit 43H Signal Signal Source 51 Base Station 52 Internet 61 You Over the management server 61A wireless LAN controller 61B user management unit 61C wide area communication control unit

Claims (10)

A control unit that requests provision of a shooting service;
An imaging terminal comprising: an imaging unit that receives an imaging instruction of the imaging service and captures an image based on the imaging instruction.   The image data captured by the image capturing unit is held in a state where access is restricted, and further includes an image storage unit that enables access to the image data when restriction release information is input. The shooting terminal described.   3. The image storage unit according to claim 2, wherein the image storage unit encrypts and holds the image data, and when a dedicated key that is restriction release information is input, the image data is decrypted using the dedicated key. Shooting terminal. A user interface part;
The image storage unit holds the image data whose access is restricted, and the data of a deteriorated image obtained by degrading the image data,
The user interface unit displays the deteriorated image held in the image storage unit so that the user can select. When the user selects the deteriorated image, the user interface unit performs a charging process and an image corresponding to the selected deteriorated image. The imaging terminal according to claim 2, wherein the restriction on access to data is released.   5. The photographing terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a position information processing unit that acquires position information indicating its own position and transmits the position information to a server that provides the photographing service. 6. A shooting terminal that requests the server to provide a shooting service, receives a shooting instruction of the shooting service from the server, and takes an image based on the shooting instruction;
A server that receives a request for the shooting service and transmits a shooting instruction according to a shooting target event to a shooting terminal that has transmitted the request; A request processing unit that receives a request for providing a shooting service from a shooting terminal;
A server including a shooting control unit that transmits a shooting instruction according to a shooting target event to a shooting terminal that has transmitted the request received by the request processing unit; Request the server to provide the shooting service from the shooting terminal,
Sending a shooting instruction of the shooting service from the server to the shooting terminal;
An imaging service control method in which the imaging terminal captures an image based on the imaging instruction. A procedure for requesting the provision of a photography service;
A shooting terminal program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of receiving a shooting instruction of the shooting service and shooting an image based on the shooting instruction. A procedure for receiving a request for providing a shooting service from a shooting terminal;
A server program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of transmitting a shooting instruction according to a shooting target event to a shooting terminal that has transmitted the received request.

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