JP4714559B2 - Photo sticker creating apparatus, photo sticker creating apparatus control method, and photo sticker creating apparatus control program - Google Patents

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photo sticker creating apparatus, a photo sticker creating apparatus control method, and a photo sticker creating apparatus control program, and in particular, a photo sticker creating apparatus that includes communication means and can exchange data via a network. The present invention relates to a method for controlling a photo sticker creating apparatus and a control program for the photo sticker creating apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many photo sticker creation apparatuses that take pictures and make sticker prints or the like are installed in stores that provide games such as game centers. In such a photo sticker creating apparatus, generally, an image of a user, who is a subject, taken with a camera attached to the photo sticker creating apparatus is displayed on a tablet display or the like, and characters or figures are input with the attached touch pen. The ones with editing functions called so-called graffiti and drawing are becoming common. The edited and input image is combined with the captured image, and the combined image is printed by a printer and provided to the user.

  Recently, the photo sticker creating device has a communication means, and the photographed image or the composite image created by the photo sticker creating device is transmitted to an external server via the network, stored, and distributed to the user's mobile phone. An image distribution system that can do this has appeared.

  Regarding the technology for distributing such an image to a mobile terminal, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that an image captured by an image synthesizing apparatus and synthesized and output is transmitted to an arbitrary mobile phone, PHS, PDA or the like via a communication line. A technique for enabling display is disclosed.

Moreover, in the following patent document 2, regarding the technology for distributing the above-described image to the mobile terminal, when the image printing apparatus is used by a group of a plurality of users, the image selected by each user is An image printing apparatus that can be distributed to a mobile phone designated by an e-mail address input by each user is disclosed.
JP 2001-245290 A JP 2003-333573 A

A store such as a game center is not provided with only one photo sticker creating device, and it is necessary to be able to freely arrange the device in the store. Therefore, there is a problem that if the devices are connected to the network by wire using a network cable or the like, the degree of freedom in handling is lost. Therefore, the communication means is PHS (Personal
In many cases, a wireless network connection is made using a handy phone system card.

  However, when adopting wireless network connection using the above-described PHS card or the like, there is a problem that the strength of radio waves is variable and is not constant. This is because the traffic state or the like is likely to change depending on the time zone, and depending on the time zone, the radio wave may be weakened to the extent that communication is impossible.

Even when communication is impossible in this way, there is a problem that if the function of transferring an image to a mobile phone is made available, an image may not be provided to the user. In addition, there is a problem that the user is dissatisfied when the image cannot be acquired even though the user uses the function of transferring the image to the mobile phone.

  Although the communication function can be manually disabled in the test mode, etc., it is not always the same radio field strength all day, so it is troublesome to change the communication function enable / disable according to the time of day. There was a problem that was practically impossible.

  Furthermore, when the image selected by the user is distributed to a terminal specified by the input mail address, there is a problem that an input error of the mail address is likely to occur.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a photo sticker creation apparatus, a control method for a photo sticker creation apparatus, and a control program for a photo sticker creation apparatus that change settings according to communication conditions. With the goal.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a photo sticker creating apparatus that can reduce mistakes in inputting mail addresses.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a photo sticker creating apparatus includes: a photographing unit that captures a photograph; and the image data that is captured by the photographing unit and distributed to an external server capable of distributing the obtained image data Communication means for transmitting the image data, setting means for setting the apparatus to either enable or disable communication by the communication means, and image data obtained and captured by the imaging means. Printing means for printing on a print medium. Communication means performs a communication test to determine whether it is possible to communicate with an external server, based on a result of the communication test is issued by the external server when the communication is possible, an external server The user accesses the image data after being registered in the terminal from the terminal, receives an ID necessary for receiving the distribution of the image data from the external server to the terminal, and the setting means performs a communication test by the communication means. On the basis of the result of the above, the apparatus is set to either enable or disable the communication for transmitting the image data with the external server, and the communication means communicates with the setting means. If it is set to a state to be effective, if sending the image data to an external server in accordance with an instruction from the user, the printing means, which is set to a state to enable communication by setting means, passing Print ID received in means to the print medium.

Preferably , the setting unit accepts a setting for forcibly disabling communication, thereby setting either a state for enabling communication or a state for disabling communication in the apparatus .

Preferably, when a state in which communication is disabled is set by the setting unit, control is performed so that the user cannot select a function for performing communication for transmitting the image data to / from an external server .
Preferably, the apparatus further includes display means for displaying the setting state of the communication means of the setting means on the screen .

Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a transmission receiving unit that receives an instruction to transmit the obtained image data to an external server before the printing unit completes printing of the image data on the print medium.

In particular, the transmission accepting unit accepts input of designation information that designates a terminal to which image data is distributed .

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a photo sticker creating apparatus including a photographing unit for photographing a photograph is obtained by capturing the image data to an external server that is photographed by the photographing unit and capable of distributing the obtained image data. A communication step to be transmitted for registration, a setting step for setting either a state in which communication in the communication step is enabled or disabled, and a state in which the communication is disabled in the device, and printing of the image data obtained by the shooting unit Issued by the external server when communication is possible based on the result of the printing step for printing on the medium, the communication test step for determining whether communication with the external server is possible, and the communication test step is, by accessing the user terminal to the image data after being registered in the external server, the distribution of the image data from the external server to the terminal And a receiving step of receiving an ID required for receiving. The setting step sets, in the apparatus, either a state in which communication for transmitting the image data to or from the external server is enabled or disabled based on the result of the communication test step. When the setting step is set to enable the communication, the image data is transmitted to the external server in accordance with the instruction from the user, and the printing step is set to enable the communication by the setting step. In addition, the ID received in the receiving step is printed on the print medium.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a control program for a photo sticker creating apparatus including a photographing means for photographing a photograph is taken by the photographing means, and the image data is sent to an external server capable of distributing the obtained image data. A communication step to be transmitted for registration, a setting step for setting either a state in which communication in the communication step is enabled or disabled, and a state in which the communication is disabled in the device, and printing of the image data obtained by the shooting unit Issued by the external server when communication is possible based on the result of the print step for printing on the medium, the communication test step for determining whether communication with the external server is possible, and the communication test step. The user accesses the image data after being registered in the external server from the terminal, and the image data is transferred from the external server to the terminal. And a receiving step of receiving an ID required for receiving the signal, setting step, based on a result of the communication test step, an effective communication for transmitting the image data with an external server status Or when the communication step is set to enable communication by the setting step, the image data is transmitted to the external server in accordance with an instruction from the user and printed. The step causes the computer to execute a process of printing the ID received in the receiving step on the print medium when the setting is set to enable communication.

  According to the above invention, a communication test can be executed, and based on the test result, either a communication enabling state or a communication disabling state can be set in the device. It is possible to provide a photo sticker creating apparatus, a control method for the photo sticker creating apparatus, and a control program for the photo sticker creating apparatus.

  In addition, when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed when the e-mail address is input and it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed before accepting a user operation for confirming the input of the e-mail address, the e-mail address is not used. Thus, it is possible to prevent the e-mail address being entered from being used.

  In addition, in response to the input of the domain part of the email address after the input of the account part of the email address, by accepting a user operation for confirming the input of the email address, the email address Thus, it is possible to provide a photo sticker creating apparatus that can reduce input errors.

[Appearance of photo sticker creation device]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a specific example of the appearance of a photo sticker creating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view, and FIG. 3 is a top view. is there.

Referring to the figure, the photo sticker creating apparatus includes a photographing housing 10 and editing housings 11a and 11b, and is separated from the outside by frame materials (structural materials), panels (wall surfaces), curtains 12a and 12b, and the like. Provide space. Further, the above-described space of the photo sticker creating apparatus includes a shooting space 2 that mainly performs a shooting operation in front of the shooting casing 10 and a plurality of editing operations that are mainly present in the vicinity of the editing casings 11a and 11b. And the editing spaces 3a and 3b.

  The photographing housing 10 includes a camera 21 for photographing a device user who is a subject in the photographing space 2, a photographing operation display 23 for displaying an image obtained by the camera 21 in real time, a fluorescent lamp and a flash. A built-in lighting device 24 and a print providing unit 8 for outputting printed matter are provided.

  In addition, a PHS unit 41 into which a PHS card 42 can be inserted is disposed on the ceiling of the photographing space 2. These function as the transmission unit 40 of the photo sticker creating apparatus. These transmitters 40 are preferably installed in places with good radio wave conditions, and may be attached to various parts of the apparatus. Moreover, it is more preferable to arrange the device in a place where the periphery is not surrounded by a panel or the like and is not easily noticeable by the user.

  Further, auxiliary members 93 and 95 are provided in the shooting space 2 to support the position of the body by climbing or holding a subject to be shot.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a curtain unit and the like arranged behind the photographing space 2.
As shown in the figure, a curtain unit 115 is provided behind the photographing space 2. The curtain unit 115 includes a motor, a winding device, a background roll curtain of various colors and patterns, and the like. The background roll curtain forms the background of the subject at the time of shooting. As the background roll curtain, what the user desires is set by selection of the user at the time of play, a predetermined background roll curtain is arranged in advance, or the background roll determined by a method corresponding to each shooting course A curtain is placed.

  In addition, the photographing space 2 is provided with the auxiliary members 93 and 95 as described above, and assists in the formation (pose taking) of the posture of the user who is the subject at the time of photographing.

  Furthermore, a plurality of remote shooting buttons 97a and 97b are provided in a predetermined position in the shooting space 2, and a shooting instruction is given by pressing these buttons.

  The editing casing 11a includes an editing operation display 31 that displays an image captured in the imaging space and accepts input of a stamp image and the like, and a plurality of touch pens 33 that input the stamp image and the like. Since the editing casing 12a has the same configuration as the editing casing 11a, detailed description will not be repeated. As described above, the photographic sticker creating apparatus includes a plurality of editing spaces 3a and 3b for performing editing.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the appearance of the photo sticker creating apparatus.
As shown in the figure, curtains 12a and 12b are installed so as to surround the first editing space 3a, the second editing space 3b, and the photographing space 2 in the appearance of the photo sticker creating apparatus. Also, a usage status display device 50 is provided at the top of the device for presenting whether or not shooting is being performed and whether communication settings are valid / invalid.

  A composite image obtained by synthesizing a stamp image or the like with an image obtained by photographing is laid out as print data, formed into a seal sheet, and discharged to a print takeout port of the print providing unit 8.

[Functional configuration of photo sticker creation device]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a functional configuration of the photo sticker creating apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 6, the photo sticker creating apparatus according to the present embodiment is a central part of calculation and control for each function and processing operation, and mainly performs processing and printing of play performed on the photographing side. The first computer device 100a to be executed and the second computer device 100b to execute a play processing operation mainly performed on the editing side (when there is no need to distinguish between them for convenience of explanation, these are collectively referred to as the computer device 100). ), And includes a control unit 110 configured to control and drive various connected devices in response to an instruction from the computer device 100. The first computer device 100a and the second computer device 100b are connected to each other and exchange image data, information data, and the like on a peer-to-peer basis. These function as control means of the photo sticker creating apparatus.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus includes a power control unit 108 that controls a power supply system such as the fluorescent lamp 27, the strobe 26, and the control unit 110 that require a power source, and controls the power supply voltage for these devices to be stabilized from the outside. . Although not shown, the power control unit 108 is connected to a device that requires a power source in addition to the strobe 26 and performs similar control. Further, such power on / off is performed by pressing the power switch 107. However, forcibly terminating a program running on the computer device 100 by turning off the power causes the operation to become unstable. Therefore, even if the power is turned off, the UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) 109 backs up the power for a while and transmits a power failure signal to the computer apparatus 100. In the meantime, the computer apparatus 100 performs a program termination procedure and terminates the program normally. On the other hand, when the computer apparatus 100 is terminated in a regular procedure, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the UPS 109.

The first computer apparatus 100a includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101a that is an arithmetic apparatus that performs arithmetic processing as a central part of the first computer apparatus 100a, a program for operating the apparatus, and graphic data and audio data necessary for the program. A storage unit 102a for storing a photographed image, an edited image input to the photographed image, and various other images; a memory 103a that also serves as a temporary work area for the program; and peripherals such as a camera, various monitors, and a printer A driver (not shown), which is software for controlling the device, and an input / output interface (not shown) for mounting a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a PHS unit 41 as necessary are provided. In the present embodiment, the first computer device 100a is connected to the PHS unit 41 into which the PHS card 42 can be inserted in order to communicate with the image providing server 201 via the network.

  Unlike the first computer apparatus 100a, the second computer apparatus 100b is not connected to the PHS unit 41. However, the other configuration is the same as that of the first computer apparatus 100a, and thus detailed description will not be repeated.

  In the computer apparatus 100, when the power switch 107 for controlling power on and off is pressed and the power is turned on from the power plug to the apparatus, the program is started and starts operating. The first computer device 100 a controls the shutter timing of the connected camera 21, the display on the photographing operation display 23, and the output from the printer 85. The second computer device 100b controls display on the connected editing operation display 31.

  The CPU 101a of the first computer device 100a displays an image (live image) captured by the camera 21 and an instruction and operation screen regarding the shooting operation stored in the storage unit 102a on the shooting operation display 23. The display on the shooting operation display 23 displays only a live video according to a program, displays an operation screen, displays a composite of the live video and the operation screen, or displays another screen. To do.

The composition of the live image and the information related to the photographing operation and the operation screen may be performed by software stored in the storage unit 102a of the first computer device 100a, or a dedicated control device (substrate) for performing such composition. ) May be performed by hardware such as connecting to the display 23 for photographing operation.

  In addition, the first computer device 100a controls the control unit based on an instruction signal according to an input operation touched with a user's finger or the like, received from the touch panel included in the shooting operation display 23 or the execution of the program. A control signal is transmitted to 110. The second computer device 100 b transmits a control signal to the control unit 110 based on the instruction signal received from the touch panel included in the editing operation display 31 and according to the input operation touched with the touch pen 33.

  The touch panel is laminated on a monitor (display). The touch panel detects an input caused by touching a user's finger or the like.

  On the photographing operation display 23, data transmitted from the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a is displayed. The data transmitted from the image capturing / printing computer device 100a is an image captured from the camera 21, an image capturing instruction, options, and the like. Provide guidance and guidance.

  The editing operation display 31 detects an input from the touch pen 33. The data signal detected by the editing operation display 31 by the input operation with the touch pen 33 is transmitted to the second computer device 100b. On the editing operation display 31, data transmitted from the second computer device 100b is displayed. Therefore, while the user is inputting graffiti or the like, a photographed image with graffiti or the like is displayed on the editing operation display 31. That is, the user can use the touch pen 33 to perform edit input processing on the captured image displayed on the editing operation display 31.

  The printer 85 is a printer for printing a photographed image on a printing medium such as paper, sticker, metal, or plastic, and is a printer such as a sublimation printer or a thermoautochrome method (light-fixing type direct thermal recording method). Is generally used. Note that the photo sticker creating apparatus will be described on the assumption that the sticker is printed by the printer 85, but the print medium is not limited to the sticker, and the same processing is executed even for other print media.

  The printer 85 notifies the first computer device 100a of a state such as the above-described out of paper. The first computer device 100a transmits a control signal to the control unit 110 according to the state.

  Note that the components connected to the computer apparatus 100 are not limited to such a form, and may be divided for each function or for each position. Further, the computer apparatus 100 may not be configured by two units as in the present embodiment, and may be configured by one unit or two or more units.

  In addition to the first computer device 100a, the second computer device 100b, and the power supply control unit 108, the control unit 110 includes a coin control unit 113, a strobe control unit 114, a photographing speaker 28, a curtain unit 115, an editing speaker 37, and printing. The middle LED 81, the print error LED 82, the service panel 116, and the remote shooting button 97 are connected.

  The coin control unit 113 detects the validity of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot, and transmits a detection signal indicating that the coin has been inserted to the control unit 110.

The control unit 110 transmits a control signal to the coin control unit 113 according to the control signal received from the computer device 100. According to the control signal, the coin control unit 113 can block the coin insertion slot so that coins are not inserted, or can discharge coins inserted into the coin insertion slot from the coin discharge slot. The coin control unit 113 functions as a coin blocker in the former case, and functions as a coin canceller in the latter case. This makes it possible to prohibit coin insertion during play.

  Further, when the coin insertion slot is blocked, the control unit 110 lights the usage status display device 50. When the coin slot is in the accepting state, that is, in the standby state for play, the usage status display device 50 is turned off. In this way, the current usage status of the device can be presented to an outsider in an easily understandable manner. Further, not only the usage status but also whether the communication setting is invalid or valid may be known. That is, the communication setting status is determined, and the communication is turned on when the communication setting is valid, and is turned off when the communication setting is invalid. In this way, it is possible to present to the user in an easy-to-understand manner whether or not an image can be transmitted from the current device.

  The strobe controller 114 is connected to the camera 21 and acquires a synchronization signal corresponding to the shutter timing in the camera 21. Then, the strobe 26 is controlled to emit light in synchronization with the shutter timing of the camera 21. The strobe control unit 114 is connected to the control unit 110 to select a flash illumination device such as the strobe 26 that emits light and to set the luminous intensity of the strobe 26. An ordinary lighting device such as the fluorescent lamp 27 may be connected to the control unit 110 in the same manner, and the lighting degree and the like may be set.

The control unit 110 transmits an instruction signal to the photographing speaker 28 in accordance with a control signal (instruction command or the like) received from the first computer device 100a, and guides an operation or the like in photographing play of the photo sticker creating apparatus or BGM. (Back Ground Music) etc. are output. Similarly, the control unit 110 transmits an instruction signal to the editing speaker 37 in accordance with the control signal received from the second computer device 100b, and outputs guidance, BGM, and the like for operations in the editing play of the photo sticker creation device. Note that a volume adjustment knob for adjusting the sound volume of the photographing speaker 27 or the editing speaker 37 is provided in the service panel 116.

  In addition, the control unit 110 receives an instruction signal according to an input operation for the user to select a desired background from the first computer device 100a, and controls the curtain unit 115 according to the instruction signal. By doing so, the winding and feeding of the background roll curtain are controlled. Thus, by controlling the operation of the motor by the curtain unit 115, the background roll curtain corresponding to the background image selected by the user is fed out and set from the winding device. Further, a background roll curtain corresponding to the background image may be automatically set by a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the first computer device 100a.

  The service panel 116 includes a coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, a print counter that counts the number of printed prints, and a volume adjustment knob that adjusts the volume of sound output from the photographing speaker 28 or the editing speaker 37. , A panel with a test button for performing a test mode, a service button for enabling the apparatus to be used without inserting coins, and the installer of the photo sticker creating apparatus performs various settings and maintenance operations. Used when performing. When a control operation such as operation of a service button is performed, service panel 116 transmits a control signal according to the operation to control unit 110.

The control unit 110 transmits a control signal to the service panel 116 according to the control signal received from the computer device 100. The service panel 116 operates a coin counter or a print counter according to the control signal (for example, increments the counter by 1).

  Further, the control unit 110 receives a control signal corresponding to the state of the printer 85 from the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100b, and controls the printing LED 81 and the printing error LED 82 according to the control signal. By this control signal, the printing LED 81 and the printing error LED 82 are turned on or blinked.

  The PHS unit 41 functions as the transmission unit 40 by inserting the PHS card 42. The photo sticker creating apparatus transmits image data and the like stored in the storage unit 102a of the first computer apparatus 100a to the outside by the PHS card 42. Details of this point will be described later.

  Needless to say, the form of the photo sticker creating apparatus is not limited to the specific examples shown in FIGS. That is, other functions not shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 may be provided, or not all of the functions shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 may be provided.

[Example of photo sticker creation device connection]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a network connection example of the above-described photo sticker creating apparatus.

  A plurality of photo sticker creating apparatuses 1a to 1c installed in various stores are connected to a network N such as the Internet. As described above, the photo sticker creating apparatuses 1a to 1c externally store the storage unit 102a for storing image data obtained by photographing or image input (editing operation), and the image data stored in the storage unit 102a. A transmission unit 40 for transmission is provided. The transmission unit 40 in the present embodiment is a PHS unit 41 into which the PHS card 42 can be inserted.

  In addition, an image providing server 201 including a database 203 is connected to the network N via a router via a communication unit such as a LAN line. A plurality of users' mobile phones 205a to 205c are connected to the network N.

  The image data obtained by the photo sticker creating apparatuses 1 a to 1 c is stored in the transmission folder of the storage unit 102 a and transmitted to the image providing server 201 connected to the network N via the PHS card 42. The image providing server 201 stores the obtained image data in the database 203.

  In addition, the mobile phone 205a to 205c allows the user to receive the image data stored in the database 203 via the image providing server 201 and the network N, whereby the standby screen of the mobile phone 205a to 205c is displayed. It can be used for such as.

[Shooting Process / Processing of First Computer Device (1)]
The operation of the photographing process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described with reference to FIGS. The shooting process is performed in the shooting space 2. First, when the power switch 107 of the photo sticker creating apparatus is pressed and the power is turned on, the CPU 101a of the first computer apparatus 100a executes an initialization process (S1). Next, it is determined whether or not the forced communication invalid setting is set by a test mode described later (S3). If the forced communication invalid setting is set (YES in S3), the communication test is not performed and step S13 is performed. To display the title demo screen. If the forced communication invalid setting is not set (NO in S3), a communication test is performed (S5).

  In the communication test, the communication status is checked. In the communication status check, the received radio wave intensity of the PHS card 42 and the operation status of the image providing server 201 are checked.

  In the received radio wave intensity check, the radio wave intensity is measured by measuring the intensity of the received radio wave by radio wave measuring means. It is also possible to determine whether there is continuity in the communication status by simultaneously measuring the time set by the timer. As described above, it is preferable to comprehensively determine the stability of the communication status based on the strength of the radio wave and the continuity of the state.

  In checking the operation status of the image providing server 201, a signal is transmitted to the image providing server 201 via the network, and it is determined whether the image providing server 201 is operating based on the response.

  When it is determined that the radio wave state is good enough to allow the transmission unit 40 to communicate and the image providing server 201 is operating, that is, when the communication state is normal (YES in S7), the communication function is valid. The communication valid setting is set (S9). If it is determined that the radio wave state of the transmission unit 40 is bad and communication is impossible, or the image providing server 201 is not operating, that is, if the communication state is not normal (NO in S7), the communication function is invalid. The communication is disabled (S11).

Next, the CPU 101a displays a title demo screen (S13). At this time, it is determined whether or not the communication is disabled (S15). If the communication is enabled (NO in S15), an icon 55a indicating the radio wave state as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the title demo screen (S17). The icon 55a is an image schematically showing the antenna. However, the icon 55a is not limited to such an icon 55a, and may be a display that shows that the communication status is normal and the function using communication is effective. That's fine. Note that the number of antennas indicated by the icon 55a may be changed depending on the strength of the radio wave. On the other hand, when the forced communication invalid setting is set or the communication invalid setting is set (YES in S15), FIG. An icon 55b indicating that the communication setting as shown in B) is invalid is displayed (S19).

  Next, the CPU 101a determines whether a predetermined value (coin) has been inserted (S21). If the predetermined consideration (coin) has not been inserted (NO in S21), it is determined whether a test button provided on the service panel 116 has been pressed (S23). If the test button is pressed (YES in S23), a test mode process is performed (S25). The test mode process will be described later in detail.

  If the test button has not been pressed (NO in S23), it is determined whether or not it is time to perform a predetermined communication test (S27). If it is time to perform a predetermined communication test (YES in S27), step Returning to S3, a predetermined communication test is performed. If it is not time to perform the predetermined communication test (NO in S27), the process returns to step S21 as it is and the input of the value is monitored. In this way, by performing a communication test at a predetermined interval when the apparatus is in a standby state, it is possible to display a title demo screen and set communication settings more reflecting the current communication status.

When a predetermined value (coin) is inserted (YES in S21), shooting play is started. In the shooting play, first, shooting settings for selecting the background, brightness, etc. at the time of shooting are performed (S2).
9). Next, a countdown of shooting is performed. In this case, while the pause display is continued, it is displayed in the order of 3, 2, 1 on the screen and guidance is given by voice to inform the user of the photographing timing. Then, shooting (shutter operation) is performed at the shooting timing (S30). After shooting (shutter operation), a preview screen for confirming the shot image may be displayed.

  In step S31, it is determined whether a predetermined number of shootings (for example, 10 shootings here) has been completed. If YES, the process proceeds to step S33.

If “NO” in the step S31, the process returns to the step S29 to perform photographing setting.
If “YES” in the step S31, a process of selecting a photographed image (an image to be edited) to be edited by the edit input process is performed (S33). In this case, for example, four images to be edited are selected. In addition, it is preferable that a photographed image that is not selected here can be edited as an editing target as an additional image.

  When the selection is completed, it is determined in step S35 whether preparation of the editing space (graffiti corner) is completed. This guides the user to wait when the editing space is in use or cannot be used for some reason such as an error.

  If it is possible to move or if the cause is resolved, it is determined YES in step S35, and the selected captured image and necessary data are transferred to the second computer device 100b (S37). The second computer device 100b receives the data transferred here in step S53 of the editing / printing process of FIG.

[Edit / print processing / processing of second computer apparatus]
The editing / printing process executed by the second computer device 100b will be described with reference to FIGS. The editing / printing process is performed in one of the editing spaces 3a and 3b. The CPU 101b of the second computer device 100b displays a standby screen on the editing operation display 31 in step S51. While the standby screen is being displayed, it is monitored whether a captured image is sent from the first computer device 100a while displaying a title screen (product name, guidance for starting from shooting) on the editing operation display 31.

  In step S53, a transfer completion standby state is entered. In step S37 of FIG. 9, when image transfer is started, a guide screen “Transferring” is displayed on the editing operation display 31, and the completion of transfer of all captured images is monitored. It is also conceivable to process a photographed image for preparation for editing after the image transfer is completed.

  In step S55, edit input processing is performed. In the edit input process, an edit screen is displayed on the edit operation display 31, and an input of an edit image such as a stamp image or a pen image is received from the user.

  When the edit input process is completed (YES in S57), it is determined whether or not the forced communication invalid setting is set by a test mode described later (S59). If the forced communication invalid setting is set (YES in S59). ), The process proceeds to step S63, and the print layout selection screen is displayed. If the forced communication invalidation setting is not set (NO in S59), a communication test is performed on the first computer device 100a, and a signal instructing to start obtaining an image ID is transmitted to the image providing server 201. (S61). At this time, the communication check process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described later.

The image ID is an ID that allows the user to acquire image data via a network such as the Internet. This is an ID for the user to acquire from the image providing server 201 either a captured image or a composite image (image after graffiti). Specifically, the image ID includes a URL and a password for accessing an image recorded in the server 201.

  The image ID set here is printed on the sheet to be printed. By using the image acquisition ID, the user can acquire an image by accessing the image providing server 201 using the mobile phones 200a to 200c.

  Next, the CPU 101b displays a print layout selection screen on the editing operation display 31 (S63). Here, a print layout is selected. This is a process for selecting how to print a plurality of graffiti images on one sheet (size, number of sheets, etc.). When the selection of the print layout is completed (YES in S65), if the forced communication invalid setting is set (YES in S67), the process proceeds to step S77.

  If the forced communication invalid setting has not been set (NO in S67), it is determined whether or not the result of the communication test has been transmitted from the first computer device 100a (S69). At this time, if the result of the communication test has not been transmitted from the first computer device 100a (NO in S69), it is determined that the communication status is not good because the time has passed, and the communication is disabled (S75). ). If the result of the communication test is transmitted from the first computer device 100a (YES in S69), it is determined whether the communication result is normal and the image ID can be acquired (S71). If the communication result is normal and the image ID can be acquired (YES in S71), the communication is enabled (S73). If the communication result is not normal or the image ID cannot be acquired (NO in S71), The communication is disabled (S75). Then, the process proceeds to step S77.

  In step S77, data necessary for printing is transferred from the second computer apparatus 100b to the first computer apparatus 100a. At this time, the printing process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described later. When the data transfer is completed, the printer 85 starts printing.

  Thereafter, the processing of the second computer device 100b proceeds to step S79 in FIG. Here, while waiting for the completion of printing, the user can acquire images taken with a mobile phone, or the “Transfer images to mobile” function, or “Rakugaki” that allows users to view images that serve as examples of graffiti and poses. Any function of the "sample" function can be executed. Here, the “function” refers to a process executed to effectively use the user standby time during printing. The time limit for executing each function is set in advance to a time (for example, 90 seconds) where printing is expected to be completed. In the case where the expected time until the completion of printing becomes longer due to some reason such as out of paper, the time limit of these functions is extended. Further, the above-described function may be executed until the time when it is determined that the printing is completed by the print completion signal of the printer 85.

  In step S79, the CPU 100b determines whether or not the current communication setting is invalid. If the current communication setting is invalid (YES in S79), the function using communication cannot be selected. That is, a function of “transfer image to mobile” described later cannot be used. Here, if the setting is invalid, the sample image browsing screen is displayed and the “Rakugaki Sample” function can be used (S85), but other functions (such as games that do not use the communication function) can be selected. It may be.

  If the current communication setting is valid (NO in S79), a screen for selecting the function shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the editing operation display 31 (S81).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a specific example of the function selection screen displayed on the editing operation display 31 in step S81. On this screen, two options “Rakugaki Sample” and “Transfer Image to Mobile” are displayed, prompting the user to select which function to select.

  When “Rakugaki Sample” is selected (NO in S83), a sample image browsing screen is displayed on the editing operation display 31 (S85). Here, a sample image can be browsed, or a self-captured image or a composite image (an image after editing) can be registered as a sample image.

  If “Transfer image to mobile” is selected (YES in S83), a screen for selecting a mobile transmission image is displayed in step S87 (S87).

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an image selection screen for mobile transmission.
As shown in the figure, the user can select one image to be transferred from the photographed image and the doodled image. Here, it is assumed that the selection targets are the four photographed images selected in step S33 in FIG. 9 and four composite images (total of eight) on which graffiti is performed.

In step S89, a screen for inputting a transmission destination address is displayed.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a specific example of a transfer destination address input screen.

  As shown in the figure, two address input screens are displayed on one screen, and the addresses of different users can be input on the left and right.

  When the input of the address is completed (YES in S91), necessary data is transferred to the first computer device 100a (S93).

  In step S93, the transferred data is transmitted to the image providing server 201 by the first computer device 100a. At this time, an image transmission process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described later.

  The data transmitted here is four images, an image ID, and a mail address. The four images are an image selected on the mobile transmission image selection screen and three randomly extracted images, and two photographed images and two composite images (images after graffiti) are transmitted. For example, when a user subscribes to a paid service, the service attracts customers when the service is performed such that all transferred images can be acquired.

  Further, when the mobile phone transfer function is not selected, the image may not be transmitted to the server. In this case, the image ID is not printed on the sheet.

  In step S95, a print end screen is displayed. This guides the user to move to the sticker outlet such as “The sticker comes out from the side” and notifies the end of a series of play.

  The instruction from the second computer apparatus 100b shown in step S61 of FIG. 11 to the first computer apparatus 100a or the reception of the result by the first computer apparatus 100a shown in step S69 of FIG. The contents written in the text file stored in one of the storage units 102 of the two computer devices 100b may be monitored by both parties.

[Communication Check Process / Process of First Computer Device (2)]
The operation of the communication check process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described with reference to FIG.

  This is a process of performing a communication test and obtaining an image ID in response to a request from the second computer device 100b after editing.

  In step S101, the process waits until a communication test and an instruction to acquire an image ID are received from the second computer apparatus 100b. This is to accept an instruction from the second computer 100b in step S61 of FIG.

  If accepted, a communication test is performed in step S103. Specifically, the connection unit 40 is used to try to connect to the image providing server 201, and based on whether or not the image ID can be acquired from the image providing server 201, it is determined whether or not communication is possible. The determination may be based on whether or not a file in a specific folder in the database 203 of the image providing server 201 can be accessed.

  In step S105, it is determined whether communication can be normally performed. If YES, the acquired image ID is held in step S107. In step S111, the result that the communication is normally performed is held. In step S113, the image ID and the held result are transmitted to the second computer apparatus 100b. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  If NO in step S105, it is retained in step S109 that the communication result is abnormal, and the process proceeds to step S113.

[Printing Process / Processing of First Computer Device (3)]
The operation of the printing process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described with reference to FIG. This is a process of printing an image on a sticker sheet or the like.

  In step S121, it is determined whether data has been transferred from the second computer apparatus 100b. This is to receive print image data from the second computer device 100b in step S77 of FIG. In step S123, it is determined whether printing is possible using the printer 85, and the process waits until the answer is YES. If printing is possible, printing is started in step S125, and the process returns to step S121.

[Image transmission processing / processing of first computer apparatus (4)]
The image transmission process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described with reference to FIG. This is a process of transmitting the selected mobile transmission image to the image providing server 201.

  In step S131, it is determined whether there is untransmitted data in the transmission folder. If NO, the process waits until data is transferred from the second computer device 100b in step S133. When it is transferred, it is stored in the transmission folder in step S135.

  In step S137, processing for transmitting the data in the transmission folder to the image providing server 201 is performed. In step S139, it is determined whether the transmission is successful. If YES, the process returns to step S131.

If the transmission has failed in step S139, it is determined in step S141 whether or not the transmission has failed a predetermined number of times. If “NO” here, the process returns to the step S137, and if “YES”, the communication invalidity is set in the step S143, and the process waits until returning from the error in the step S145. If it is recovered, communication is set to be valid in step S147, and the process returns to step S131.

If YES in step S131, the process proceeds to step S137.
In this way, if there is untransmitted data, processing is performed so that they are sequentially transmitted to the server, and if there is no untransmitted data, processing is performed to transmit new data to the server. As a result, images can be transmitted in the order of use by the user.

  Also, as in this example, when the transmission is not successful even if the transmission is repeated a predetermined number of times, when the communication is set to be invalid, the state is the same as the state where the forced communication invalidation by the test mode described later is set It is good. Specifically, control is performed so as to proceed to YES in step S3 of FIG. 8, step S59 of FIG. 11, and step S67 of FIG.

  Note that the shooting process (FIGS. 8 and 9), the communication check process (FIG. 17), the print process (FIG. 18), and the image transmission process (FIG. 19) by the first computer device 100a operate independently and in parallel. It is configured as follows.

[Image ID Issuing Process / Image Providing Server Process (1)]
The processing of the image providing server 201 for issuing an image ID and transmitting the image ID to the photo sticker creating apparatus in response to a request from the photo sticker creating apparatus will be described using FIG.

  In step S201, the process waits until an image ID issuance request is received from the photo sticker creating apparatus. If there is an image ID issuance request, an image ID capable of specifying an image is created in step S203. In step S205, the image ID is transmitted to the photo sticker creating apparatus that has output the image ID issue request.

  In step S207, it is determined whether transmission is successful. If YES, the process returns to step S201. If NO, an error process is performed in step S209, and then the process returns to step S201.

[Image registration processing / image providing server processing (2)]
The processing of the image providing server 201 that receives an image created by the photo sticker creating apparatus and registers it in the database 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S221, the process waits until a mobile phone transmission image is received from the photo sticker creating apparatus. If received, the image received in step S223 is stored in the database 203.

In step S225, the received image is transmitted to the corresponding mail address.
In step S227, it is determined whether transmission is successful. If YES, the process returns to step S221. If NO, an error process is performed in step S229, and then the process returns to step S221.
[Image providing process / image providing server process (3)]
The process of the image providing server 201 that actually transmits an image to the user's mobile phone will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S231, the process waits until there is a request for transmission of a mobile phone transmission image from the mobile phone. If there is a request, in step S233, an input screen for an image ID to be displayed on the mobile phone is transmitted.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the mobile phone by the process of step S233.
The user inputs an ID for acquiring an image via the screen shown in the figure.

  In step S235, the image providing server 201 determines whether the ID input by the user is the same as the already issued image ID. If the determination result is OK in step S237, a screen for displaying the mobile transmission image corresponding to the ID input in step S239 is transmitted to the mobile phone.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the mobile phone by the process of step S239.
With the screen shown in the figure, the user can acquire an image. Further, by operating “size change” in the screen, images having different sizes can be acquired.

  After the process in step S239, the process returns to step S231. If the determination result is NG in step S237, error display processing is performed in step S241, and the process returns to step S231.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the mobile phone by the process of step S241.
From the screen shown in the figure, the user can know that the ID is wrong.

[Test mode processing]
Next, the processing in the test mode in step S25 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In step S301, the main menu screen is displayed.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a specific example of the main menu screen displayed in step S301.

  Referring to the figure, in the main menu, the user can perform various device tests, data processing, settings, and the like. Here, a process when “communication setting” is selected from the main menu will be described.

  When “communication setting” is selected from the main menu in step S303 in FIG. 26, a communication setting screen is displayed in step S305.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a communication setting screen.
As shown in the figure, the user can set ON / OFF of forced communication invalidity on the communication setting screen. If forced communication invalidity is ON, control is performed so that communication is not performed even if the radio wave condition is good, and if it is OFF, control is performed so as to enable / disable communication according to the radio wave condition. .

In addition, the user can perform a communication test and select a communication speed.
In step S307 in FIG. 26, it is determined whether the forced communication invalidity is turned on. If YES, forced communication invalidity is set in step S308, and the process returns to step S307.

  If “NO” in the step S307, it is determined whether the forced communication invalidity is turned off in a step S330. If YES, the setting of forced communication invalidity is canceled in step S331, and the process returns to step S307.

  If “NO” in the step S330, it is determined whether or not the communication test start is selected in a step S309. If YES, a communication test is performed in step S310. In step S311, it is determined whether or not communication is normally performed. If YES, communication is set to be valid in step S313. In step S317, an optimum communication speed is set according to the communication status and displayed to the user.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a specific example of the screen displayed in step S317.
As shown in the figure, the optimum communication speed as a result of the communication test is displayed to the user, and the communication speed is set.

After the processing in step S317 in FIG. 26, the process returns to step S307.
If NO in step S311, communication invalidity is set in step S315, and the process returns to step S307.

  If NO in step S309, it is determined whether the communication speed is set in step S319 in FIG. If YES, the communication speed selected in step S321 is set, and the process returns to step S307.

  If “NO” in the step S319, it is determined whether or not the “return to main menu” button is pressed in a step S323, and if “YES”, the current communication setting is saved, and the process returns to the step S301. If “NO” in the step S323, the process returns to the step S307.

  In this way, a mode for forcibly invalidating communication settings can be selected in the test mode. In addition, the communication speed can be set according to the communication status.

  If communication is set to be valid in step S313, the setting of forced communication invalidity may be automatically turned off.

  Similarly, when the communication is set to be invalid in step S315, the forced communication invalidation setting may be automatically turned ON. If the communication is set to be invalid in step S315, the forced communication invalid setting in the test mode is not changed, and as described in the image transmission process, step S3 in FIG. 8, step S59 in FIG. You may control to advance to YES in 12 step S67.

[Effects of the embodiment]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the state of radio waves and the status (communication status) of the image providing server 201 can be checked for each play, and optimal settings can be made according to the communication status. That is, there is an effect that a communication test can be performed and the setting (mode) can be automatically changed according to the communication status. In addition, since the setting is automatically performed according to the communication status, the device can always be used in an optimal state without worrying about the difference in radio wave status for each time zone and the operating status of the image providing server. There is an effect.

  Further, by displaying a guide (icon) schematically showing the communication status on the title demo screen (FIG. 10), there is an effect that the current communication status can be easily displayed to an external user.

  Further, when communication cannot be performed, by preventing communication play (YES in step S79 in FIG. 13), functions that cannot be used even though communication cannot be performed are not selected.

  In addition, since forced communication invalidity can be set, there is an effect that the apparatus can be effectively used even for stores that do not want to use communication.

[Others]
In the above embodiment, the result of the communication test (step S5 in FIG. 8) before the user inserts a coin is normal and the user confirms the guidance that the communication is valid, and the user uses the device. Although started, there may be a case where the result of the subsequent communication test (communication test according to the instruction in step S61 in FIG. 11) becomes abnormal and the communication function cannot be played. In such a case, the user will be dissatisfied.

  In consideration of such circumstances, in the processing of the first computer apparatus shown in FIG. 8, only the forced communication invalid setting is determined without performing the communication test and determination of steps S5 to S11 (S3), and as a result. May be controlled to be reflected in the icon display.

  Further, for the user who displayed that the communication is valid in step S17 in FIG. 8, it is possible to select NO in step S79 in FIG. 13, that is, the portable transmission function, without depending on the subsequent communication state. Good. In this case, the image is transmitted to the image providing server after waiting for the radio wave condition to improve.

  In addition, the present invention can be applied to a game machine or a computer device as long as the device has a communication function.

  Further, the transmission unit 40 may be configured to be connected to the second computer device 100b, but is connected to the first computer device 100a rather than the second computer device 100b that performs processing that requires high load such as editing processing. This is desirable from the viewpoint of load distribution between both computer devices.

  Further, step S27 in FIG. 8 may be omitted, and the communication test may be repeated at the time of standby.

  Moreover, the control method of the computer apparatus 100 of the above-mentioned photograph sticker production apparatus can also be provided as a program. Such a program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. The program can also be provided through a network such as a telecommunication line or a satellite communication line.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[Modification]
Hereinafter, modifications of the above embodiment will be described.

  FIGS. 31 and 32 are flowcharts showing a modification of the flowchart of FIG. 8 (the process (1) of the first computer device).

  First, when the power switch 107 of the photo sticker creating apparatus is pressed and the power is turned on, the CPU 101a of the first computer apparatus 100a executes an initialization process (S1). Next, it is determined whether or not the forced communication invalid setting is set by a test mode or the like (S3). If the forced communication invalid setting is set (YES in S3), the communication test is not performed and step S13 (FIG. 32), and the title demo screen is displayed. If the forced communication invalid setting is not set (NO in S3), it is determined whether the image ID is stored in the storage unit of the computer device (S501).

  In the said embodiment, since it was supposed that image ID was acquired for every play, when a user selects not transmitting an image, there exists a problem that acquired image ID will be useless.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, one image ID is always held in the storage unit of the photo sticker creating apparatus, and an image ID acquisition instruction is issued to the image providing server only when there is no image ID. Thereby, there is an effect that the image ID can be used efficiently without being wasted.

  Further, the fact that the image ID is not held in the storage unit indicates that communication is not possible, so that a communication check can be substantially performed.

  If there is an image ID (YES in S501), a communication test is performed (S5), and the communication status is checked. In the communication status check, the received radio wave intensity of the PHS card 42 and the operation status of the image providing server 201 are checked.

  In the received radio wave intensity check, the radio wave intensity is measured by measuring the intensity of the received radio wave by radio wave measuring means. It is also possible to determine whether there is continuity in the communication status by simultaneously measuring the time set by the timer. As described above, it is preferable to comprehensively determine the stability of the communication status based on the strength of the radio wave and the continuity of the state.

  In checking the operation status of the image providing server 201, a signal is transmitted to the image providing server 201 installed outside via the network, and it is determined whether the image providing server 201 is operating based on the response.

  If there is no image ID (NO in S501), a communication test and an image ID acquisition instruction are issued (S503).

  When it is determined that the radio wave state is good enough to allow the transmission unit 40 to communicate and the image providing server 201 is operating, that is, when the communication state is normal (YES in S7), the image ID is acquired. It is determined whether an instruction has been issued (S505). If YES, the process proceeds to step S507, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S507, it is determined whether an image ID has been acquired. If YES, the process proceeds to step S509, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S509, image ID is memorize | stored and it sets to communication effective setting in which a communication function is effective (S9). Thereafter, after determining the image ID (S511), the process proceeds to step S13. This image ID is used in processing of the function when a function for transmitting an image to the mobile phone is used later.

  When it is determined that the radio wave state of the transmission unit 40 is bad and communication is not possible or the image providing server 201 is not operating, that is, the communication state is not normal (NO in S7), or the image ID cannot be acquired. If it is determined that the communication function is invalid (NO in S507), the communication invalid setting is set (S11). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the CPU 101a displays a title demo screen (S13). At this time, it is determined whether or not the communication is disabled (S15). If the communication is enabled (NO in S15), an icon 55a indicating the radio wave state as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the title demo screen (S17). The icon 55a is an image schematically showing the antenna. However, the icon 55a is not limited to such an icon 55a, and may be a display that shows that the communication status is normal and the function using communication is effective. That's fine. Note that the number of antennas indicated by the icon 55a may be changed depending on the strength of the radio wave. On the other hand, when the forced communication invalid setting is set or the communication invalid setting is set (YES in S15), FIG. An icon 55b indicating that the communication setting as shown in B) is invalid is displayed (S19).

  Next, the CPU 101a determines whether a predetermined value (coin) has been inserted (S21). If the predetermined consideration (coin) has not been inserted (NO in S21), it is determined whether a test button provided on the service panel 116 has been pressed (S23). If the test button is pressed (YES in S23), a test mode process is performed (S25).

  If the test button has not been pressed (NO in S23), it is determined whether or not it is time to perform a predetermined communication test (S27). If it is time to perform a predetermined communication test (YES in S27), step Returning to S3, a predetermined communication test is performed. If it is not time to perform the predetermined communication test (NO in S27), the process returns to step S21 as it is and the input of the value is monitored. In this way, by performing a communication test at a predetermined interval when the apparatus is in a standby state, it is possible to display a title demo screen and set communication settings more reflecting the current communication status.

  When a predetermined value (coin) is inserted (YES in S21), shooting play is started. Since the processing after step S29, which is the shooting play processing, is the same as that of FIG. 9, the description thereof will not be repeated here.

  33 to 35 are flowcharts showing modified examples of the flowcharts of FIG. 11 to 13 (processing of the second computer device).

  The CPU 101b of the second computer device 100b displays a standby screen on the editing operation display 31 in step S51. While the standby screen is being displayed, it is monitored whether a captured image is sent from the first computer device 100a while displaying a title screen (product name, guidance for starting from shooting) on the editing operation display 31.

  In step S53, a transfer completion standby state is entered. In step S37 of FIG. 9, when image transfer is started, a guide screen “Transferring” is displayed on the editing operation display 31, and the completion of transfer of all captured images is monitored. It is also conceivable to process a photographed image for preparation for editing after the image transfer is completed.

  In step S55, edit input processing is performed. In the edit input process, an edit screen is displayed on the edit operation display 31, and an input of an edit image such as a stamp image or a pen image is received from the user.

  When the edit input process is completed (YES in S57), the CPU 101b displays a print layout selection screen on the edit operation display 31 (S63). Here, a print layout is selected. This is a process for selecting how to print a plurality of graffiti images on one sheet (size, number of sheets, etc.). When the selection of the print layout is completed (YES in S65), in step S77, data necessary for printing is transferred from the second computer apparatus 100b to the first computer apparatus 100a. At this time, the printing process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described later.

Thereafter, the processing of the second computer apparatus 100b proceeds to step S601 in FIG.
Here, it is determined whether there is an image ID (S601). If YES, the process proceeds to step S79, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S85. The process proceeds to step S85 so that the function of transmitting an image to the mobile phone cannot be selected unless the image ID is recorded in the first computer device.

  In step S79, it is determined whether communication is disabled. If YES, the process proceeds to step S85, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S81. In step S85, if communication is disabled, the function for transmitting an image to the mobile phone cannot be selected. Note that the processing in step S79 may be omitted, and if YES in step S601, the process may immediately proceed to step S81.

  If the current communication setting is valid (NO in S79), a screen for selecting the function shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the editing operation display 31 (S81).

  On this screen, two options “Rakugaki Sample” and “Transfer Image to Mobile” are displayed, prompting the user to select which function to select.

  If “Transfer image to mobile” is selected (YES in S83), an instruction to use the image ID is sent to the first computer device in step S607. Thereafter, a screen (FIG. 15) for selecting an image for portable transmission is displayed in step S87 (S87).

In step S89, a screen for inputting a transmission destination address (FIG. 16) is displayed.
Thereafter, in step S613, it is determined whether a domain button (a button indicated by a black background, which is a button for collectively inputting domain names after “@” in FIG. 16) is pressed. If YES, it indicates that the input of the address has been completed, and therefore a determination button (button below FIG. 16) is displayed in step S615.

  The domain button allows the user to easily enter the domain of the mobile phone company (carrier).

  In step S617, it is determined whether the enter button has been pressed. If YES, data including image ID information, image information, and mail address is transferred to the first computer apparatus in step S623.

  In step S95, a print end screen is displayed. This guides the user to move to the sticker outlet such as “The sticker comes out from the side” and notifies the end of a series of play. Then, it returns to step S51.

  If NO in either step S613 or S617, it is determined in step S619 whether the predetermined time has elapsed, thereby determining whether the time is up. If NO, the process returns to step S613. If YES, the image ID information and image information data not including the mail address are transferred to the first computer apparatus in step S621. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S95.

  If the address input is completed due to time-up while inputting the e-mail address, there is a problem that the image is transmitted to the e-mail address in the middle of the input, resulting in erroneous transmission.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when an address is input, if the determination button (OK button) is not pressed, only the image ID information and the image information are transmitted to the image providing server, and the input mail address information Will not send. The image providing server does not transmit the image unless the mail address information is included in the information transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus. By such processing, an image is not transmitted to an incorrect mail address.

  Also, if the domain button is pressed and the domain name is not entered, the enter button will not be displayed and the enter button cannot be pressed, so it is prevented from being mistransmitted due to the mail address entered halfway through. The

  Even if the mail address information is not transmitted to the image providing server, the image ID and the image are transmitted to the image providing server. Therefore, the user acquires an image later based on the image ID printed on the sticker sheet. can do.

  If “NO” in the step S83 in FIG. 34, it is determined whether or not another function (here, the function of the “graphing sample”) is selected in a step S603. If YES, in step S609, an instruction not to use the image ID is sent to the first computer apparatus.

  Thereafter, a sample image browsing screen is displayed on the editing operation display 31 (S85). Here, a sample image can be browsed, or a self-captured image or a composite image (an image after editing) can be registered as a sample image.

  In step S611, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If YES, the process proceeds to step S95.

  If NO in step S603, it is determined whether a predetermined time has passed in step S605. If YES, the process proceeds to step S609, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S83.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a modification of the flowchart of FIG. 18 (processing of the first computer device (3)).

  With reference to FIG. 36, the operation of the printing process executed by the first computer device 100a will be described. This is a process of printing an image on a sticker sheet or the like.

  In step S121, it is determined whether data has been transferred from the second computer apparatus 100b. If NO, the process waits as it is, and if YES, image data to be printed is created in step S701. In step S703, it is determined whether there is no image ID or communication is disabled. If either is YES, the process proceeds to step S713, and if both are NO, the process proceeds to step S705.

  In step S705, it is determined whether an instruction for handling the image ID has been issued from the second computer apparatus. If YES, it is determined in step S709 whether the instruction is to use an image ID.

  If “YES” in the step S709, the print data is created by incorporating the image ID in the print image data in a step S711. In step S715, the used image ID is deleted from the storage unit. In step S123, it is determined whether printing is possible using a printer. If YES, printing is started in step S125, and the process returns to step S121. If NO in step S123, the process returns to step S123.

  If “NO” in the step S705, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed in a step S707. If “YES”, the print image data is directly used as print data in a step S713, and the process proceeds to a step S123.

If NO in step S707, the process returns to step S705.
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a modification of the flowchart of FIG. 21 (image providing server process (2)).

  The processing of the image providing server 201 that receives an image created by the photo sticker creating apparatus and registers it in the database 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S221, the process waits until a mobile phone transmission image is received from the photo sticker creating apparatus. If received, the image received in step S223 is stored in the database 203.

  If a mail address is attached to the received image, in step S225, the received image is transmitted to the corresponding mail address.

  In step S227, it is determined whether transmission is successful. If YES, the process returns to step S221. If NO, an error process is performed in step S229, and then the process returns to step S221.

If there is no e-mail address in step S801, the process returns to step S221.
[Effects of modified examples]
As described above, according to the present modification, when the address is input, when the domain button for inputting the domain of the mobile phone company (carrier) is pressed once, the determination button is displayed for the first time. By such processing, it is possible to prevent the decision button from being pressed in the middle of address input and erroneous transmission to the wrong mail address.

  If the domain button is pressed, it is likely that the account part of the email address has been entered correctly (already entered). Therefore, by accepting the decision button after the domain button is pressed, the possibility that the mail address is erroneously input can be reduced.

  In addition to the above embodiment, if a domain button is pressed when no address is input, an error display or mail transmission may not be performed.

  Further, when a plurality of address inputs are received in parallel as shown in FIG. 16 (for example, when a two-screen address receiving screen is displayed), the above-described determination may be performed for each address input. That is, the determination button is displayed on the screen on which the domain button is pressed.

  Furthermore, in the above-described modification, only one image ID is stored in the computer apparatus. However, when there are a plurality of editing spaces, the same number of IDs as the editing spaces may be stored.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a perspective view which shows the specific example of the external appearance of the photography apparatus in one of embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the photography apparatus from the side. It is the figure which looked at the photography apparatus from the top. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a curtain unit and the like disposed behind the imaging space 2. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of a photography apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a function structure of a photography apparatus. It is a figure which shows the network connection example of a photography apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the imaging | photography process performed with the 1st computer apparatus 100a. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a figure which shows the icons 55a and 55b which show an electromagnetic wave state. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the edit / print process performed with the 2nd computer apparatus 100b. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the function selection screen displayed on the display 31 for edit operation by step S81. It is a figure which shows the image selection screen for portable transmission. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a transfer destination address input screen. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the communication check process performed with the 1st computer apparatus 100a. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the printing process performed with the 1st computer apparatus 100a. It is a flowchart which shows the image transmission process performed with the 1st computer apparatus 100a. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image provision server 201 which issues image ID and transmits to photo sticker production apparatus with respect to the request | requirement of a photo sticker production apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the image providing server 201 that receives an image created by the photo sticker creating apparatus and registers it in the database 203. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image provision server 201 which actually transmits an image to a user's mobile telephone. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on a mobile telephone by the process of step S233. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on a mobile telephone by the process of step S239. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on a mobile telephone by the process of step S241. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the test mode in step S25 of FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the main menu screen displayed in step S301. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a communication setting screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the screen displayed in step S317. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the flowchart (process (1) of a 1st computer apparatus) of FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the flowchart (process of a 2nd computer apparatus) of FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the flowchart (process (3) of a 1st computer apparatus) of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the flowchart (process (2) of an image provision server) of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  1a to 1c Photo sticker creation device, 40 transmission unit, 41 PHS unit, 42 PHS card, 50 usage status display device, 55a, 55b icon, 100a first computer device, 100b second computer device, 102a storage unit, 201 image provision Server, 203 database, 205a-205c mobile phone.

Claims (8)

Photographing means for taking pictures;
Communication means for transmitting the image data to be registered in an external server capable of distributing the image data captured and obtained by the imaging means;
A setting means for setting in the apparatus either a state in which communication by the communication means is enabled or a state in which communication is disabled;
Printing means for printing image data obtained and photographed by the photographing means on a printing medium,
The communication means includes
Performing a communication test to determine whether communication with the external server is possible;
Based on the result of the communication test, when communication is possible, the user accesses the image data after being registered in the external server and registered in the external server from the terminal, and from the external server to the terminal Receiving the ID necessary to receive the distribution of the image data ,
Based on the result of the communication test performed by the communication unit, the setting unit sets either a state in which communication for transmitting the image data to or from the external server is enabled or disabled in the apparatus. Set,
When the communication unit is set to enable communication by the setting unit, the communication unit transmits the image data to the external server according to an instruction from a user,
A photo sticker creating apparatus, wherein the printing unit prints the ID received by the communication unit on the print medium when the setting unit sets the communication to be valid.   The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a state in which communication is enabled or disabled in the apparatus by accepting a setting for forcibly disabling communication. The control is performed so that a user cannot select a function of performing communication for transmitting the image data to and from the external server when the setting unit disables communication. The photo sticker production apparatus according to any one of 2 above. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a setting state of the communication means of the setting means on a screen .   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission receiving unit that receives an instruction to transmit the obtained image data to the external server until the printing of the image data on the printing medium by the printing unit is completed. A photo sticker creating apparatus according to the above.   6. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transmission accepting unit accepts input of designation information for designating a terminal to which the image data is distributed. A method for controlling a photo sticker creating apparatus including a photographing means for taking a photograph,
A communication step of transmitting the image data to be registered in an external server capable of distributing the image data captured and acquired by the imaging means;
A setting step for setting either a state in which communication by the communication step is enabled or a state to be disabled in the device;
A printing step of printing image data obtained and photographed by the photographing means on a print medium;
A communication test step for determining whether communication with the external server is possible;
Based on the result of the communication test step, when the communication is possible, the user accesses the image data after being registered in the external server and registered in the external server from the terminal, and from the external server, the A receiving step of receiving an ID necessary for receiving the distribution of the image data to the terminal ,
The setting step sets, in the apparatus, either a state in which communication for transmitting the image data to or from the external server is enabled or disabled based on a result of the communication test step. ,
When the communication step is set to enable communication by the setting step, the image data is transmitted to the external server according to an instruction from a user,
The method for controlling a photo sticker creating apparatus, wherein the printing step prints the ID received in the receiving step on the printing medium when the setting is set to enable communication. A control program for a photo sticker creating apparatus including a photographing means for photographing a photo,
A communication step of transmitting the image data to be registered in an external server capable of distributing the image data captured and acquired by the imaging means;
A setting step for setting either a state in which communication by the communication step is enabled or a state to be disabled in the device;
A printing step of printing image data obtained and photographed by the photographing means on a print medium;
A communication test step for determining whether communication with the external server is possible;
Based on the result of the communication test step, when the communication is possible, the user accesses the image data after being registered in the external server and registered in the external server from the terminal, and from the external server, the A receiving step of receiving an ID necessary for receiving the distribution of the image data to the terminal ,
The setting step sets, in the apparatus, either a state in which communication for transmitting the image data to or from the external server is enabled or disabled based on a result of the communication test step. ,
When the communication step is set to enable communication by the setting step, the image data is transmitted to the external server according to an instruction from a user,
When the printing step is set to enable communication in the setting step, the control program for the photo sticker creating apparatus prints the ID received in the receiving step on the print medium.

Images