JP4797653B2 - Image providing apparatus and method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image providing apparatus and method, and a program, and more particularly, to an image providing apparatus and method for easily managing photographed images in a server that provides photographed images created by a photograph sticker creating apparatus. As well as programs.

  Photographing the customer (user) who is the subject, and combining the image of the subject obtained as a result with predetermined or arbitrary characters or figures written (edited) by the customer using the attached pen or the like 2. Description of the Related Art Photo sticker creation apparatuses that print images on sticker paper and provide them to customers are known.

  Some recent photo sticker creation apparatuses have a function of transferring a photographed image to a server via a network such as the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The customer can download the captured image stored in the server to his mobile phone and display it on the screen for enjoyment.

  Also, when storing the main image for each theme specified by the customer and the thumbnail image obtained by thumbnailing the main image on the server, and downloading the main image from the server and displaying it on the screen of the mobile phone, Some thumbnail images stored in the server are displayed as a list on the screen of the mobile phone, and the main image corresponding to the thumbnail image selected from the list is displayed (for example, see Patent Document 2). .

When the photographed image created by the photo sticker creation device and stored in the server is transferred to the mobile phone and displayed, not only the photographed image is displayed one by one but also a plurality of photographed images according to a predetermined theme Can be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone at the same time, customer enjoyment can be increased and customer satisfaction can be improved.
JP 2001-309108 A JP 2003-173304 A

  However, conventionally, in order to be able to simultaneously view a plurality of photographed images created by the photo sticker creating apparatus on the mobile phone, there has been a problem that management of the photographed images on the server becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to easily manage photographed images in a server that provides photographed images created by a photo sticker creating apparatus.

In one aspect of the present invention, as a photo sticker creation game, a customer is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the customer as a subject, and an editing operation for editing the customer image obtained by the shooting operation. The obtained photographed image of the customer that has been edited is printed on a sticker paper, the printed sticker paper is discharged, and the photographed image created in the photo sticker creating device that provides the customer as a photo sticker is An image providing device for providing to the customer's mobile phone as an image providing service, an ID generating means for generating a personal ID for identifying the customer, and an ID storage means for storing the personal ID of the customer. The customer's personal ID is transmitted to the customer's mobile phone, and the customer's personal ID and the theme of the photographed image input by the customer in the photo sticker creating device are: Communication means with made the the captured image received from the photo sticker creation device, based on the personal ID of the received the customer, an image storage means for storing the received the captured image for each of the customer, the A combination image generating means for generating a combined image by combining a plurality of the captured images having the theme specified by the customer as attribute information, and a customer other than the customer who created the captured image is included in the combined image. The access right that can be used is set for the photographed image, and when a predetermined photographed image is selected as a deletion target, if the selected photographed image is a photographed image created by the other customer, If the access right of the selected photographed image is deleted and the selected photographed image is a photographed image created by the customer And an access right setting means for deleting either the selected photographed image or its access right, and the communication means further provides an image for transmitting the generated combined image to the mobile phone of the customer Device.

For example, the ID generation unit includes a management unit, the ID storage unit includes, for example, an ID storage unit, the communication unit includes, for example, a communication unit, and the image storage unit includes, for example, an image storage unit. For example , the combined image generating unit includes an image processing unit , and the access right setting unit includes, for example, an access right setting unit .

In the image providing apparatus of the present invention, a personal ID for identifying a customer of the photo sticker creating apparatus is generated and stored, transmitted to the customer's mobile phone, and inputted by the customer in the photo sticker creating apparatus. The personal ID and the theme of the photographed image are received from the photograph sticker creating apparatus together with the photographed image that has been created. Then, based on the personal ID of the received customer received captured image Ru stored for each customer. A combination image is generated by combining a plurality of photographed images having the theme specified by the customer as attribute information, and transmitted to the customer's mobile phone. In addition, an access right that can be used for a combined image by a customer other than the customer who created the captured image is set for the captured image, and when a predetermined captured image is selected as a deletion target, the selected image is selected. If the captured image is a captured image created by another customer, the access right of the selected captured image is deleted, and if the selected captured image is a captured image created by the customer, the selected captured image or One of the access rights is deleted.

Therefore, the image providing apparatus can further improve customer satisfaction, increase the so-called repeater rate of repeatedly playing the photo sticker creation game, and expect an improvement in the profit rate. In addition, it is possible to easily manage the captured images provided to the customer. Further, the customer can show the photographed image created by himself / herself to other customers, and can also use the photographed image created by another customer for the combined image.

The combined image generation means can generate a combined image by combining a plurality of the photographed images having the access right to the customer and having the theme specified by the customer as the attribute information.

Thereby , the customer can show the photographed image created by himself / herself to other customers, and can also use the photographed image created by another customer for the combined image.

  When an access right is set for the other customer, the attribute information of the photographed image may further include a personal ID of the other customer. Thereby, a picked-up image can be managed easily.

  In the access right setting means, a group of a plurality of other customers including the customer who created the photographed image has an access right that allows the photographed image to be used for the combination image. The combined image generating means has a right of access to the group or the customer, and combines the plurality of the captured images having the theme specified by the customer as the attribute information. Can be generated. Thereby, the customer can show the photographed image created by himself / herself to other customers or groups, and can also use the photographed image created by other customers or groups for the combined image.

  The ID generation means also generates a group ID for identifying the group. When an access right is set for the group, the attribute information of the captured image further includes the group ID of the group. be able to. Thereby, a picked-up image can be managed easily.

  The other customer's email address is acquired from the customer, and the other customer's email address is sent to the other customer's email address so as to invite the other customer to use the image providing service. Solicitation means can be further provided. This solicitation means is constituted by, for example, a registration unit.

  The ID generation means may further include an authentication means for generating the customer password and authenticating the customer based on the customer personal ID and password. This authentication means is comprised by the authentication part, for example. Thereby, a customer's photographed image can be managed safely.

  The image processing apparatus further includes theme information storage means for storing the number, characteristics, and arrangement pattern of the captured images necessary for generating the combined image for each theme, and the combined image generating means includes the number of captured images, characteristics. And a combination image can be generated based on the arrangement pattern. This theme information storage means is comprised by the theme information storage part, for example. Thereby, a combination image can be easily generated.

In another aspect of the present invention, as a photo sticker creation game, a customer is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the customer as a subject, and an editing operation for editing the customer image obtained by the shooting operation, Further, the photographed image of the customer that has been edited is printed on a sticker paper, the printed sticker paper is discharged, and the photographed image created in the photograph sticker creating apparatus that provides the customer as a photo sticker An image providing method of an image providing apparatus for providing the customer's mobile phone as an image providing service, wherein the personal ID for identifying the customer is generated, the personal ID of the customer is stored, and the generated customer The personal ID of the customer was transmitted to the mobile phone of the customer, and the personal ID of the customer and the theme of the photographed image entered by the customer in the photo sticker creation device were created Received with serial captured image from the photo sticker creation device, based on the personal ID of the received the customer, and stores the received the captured image for each of the customer, the attribute information the theme specified by the customer A combination image is generated by combining a plurality of the captured images, and an access right that can be used for the combined image by a customer other than the customer who created the captured image is set in the captured image. When a predetermined photographed image is selected as a deletion target, if the selected photographed image is a photographed image created by the other customer, the access right of the selected photographed image is deleted and the selected photographed image is selected. and if the captured image is the captured image which the customer has created, to delete one of the selected captured image or its access, it is generated An image providing method comprising the step of transmitting the combined image to the mobile phone of the customer.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, as a photo sticker creation game, a customer is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the customer as a subject and an editing operation for editing the customer image obtained by the shooting operation. Further, the photographed image created by the photograph sticker creating apparatus that prints the obtained photographed image of the customer on the sticker paper, discharges the printed sticker paper, and provides the photograph sticker to the customer. Is a program that causes a computer to provide the customer's mobile phone as an image providing service, and generates a personal ID for identifying the customer, stores the personal ID of the customer, and generates the generated personal ID. The customer's personal ID is transmitted to the customer's mobile phone, and the customer's personal ID entered by the customer in the photograph sticker creating apparatus and the photographed image text. The Ma, received along with the captured image that was created from the photo sticker creation device, based on the personal ID of the received the customer, and stores the received the captured image for each of the customer, as specified by the customer In addition, by combining a plurality of the captured images having the theme as attribute information, a combined image is generated, and an access right that can be used for the combined image by a customer other than the customer who created the captured image. When a predetermined photographed image is selected as a deletion target and set to the photographed image, if the selected photographed image is a photographed image created by the other customer, the access right of the selected photographed image is given. If the selected photographed image is a photographed image created by the customer, either the selected photographed image or its access right Deleted, it is the generated the combined picture program comprising the step of transmitting to the portable telephone of the customer.

  This program is read via a network or a predetermined recording medium and installed in the image providing apparatus. Recording media include magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks, optical disks including CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk), MD (Mini Disk) (registered trademark), etc. And a removable medium such as a semiconductor memory.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the picked-up image produced with the photo sticker production apparatus can be provided to a customer. Further, according to the present invention, the photographed image can be easily managed in the server that provides the photographed image created by the photo sticker creating apparatus.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an embodiment of a photo sticker providing system to which the present invention is applied.

  The photo sticker providing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 enhances the amusement of work such as shooting and editing, and allows the customer (user) to perform such work as a game (play service), and the photographed and edited photographed image. Is a game system that receives a price from a customer instead of providing it as a photo sticker or data, operates as an image providing device, and provides the customer with a photographed image created by the customer as image data. The photo sticker creating apparatus 3A and the photo sticker creating apparatus 3B for photographing and editing, the network 4A connecting the photo sticker creating apparatus 3A and the server 2, and the network 4B connecting the photo sticker creating apparatus 3B and the server 2 have.

  The server 2 stores the photographed image created and transferred by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3A or 3B, and the photographed image stored in response to a request from the customer's portable telephone 5A or portable telephone 5B. Is processed and transmitted to the mobile phone 5A or the mobile phone 5B and displayed on the screen (hereinafter referred to as an image providing service) is provided to customers registered as members.

  That is, the server 2 is created (photographed and edited) by the photo sticker creating device 3A or the photo sticker creating device 3B, and is supplied from the photo sticker creating device 3A or the photo sticker creating device 3B via the network 4A or the network 4B. Acquire and save the captured image (data). Then, a customer who has created (captured or edited) a photographed image accesses the server 2 via the network 4A or the network 4B using his / her own portable telephone 5A or portable telephone 5B. Requests display of captured images stored in. The server 2 reads and processes the requested captured image, and provides (transmits) the processed image to the requesting mobile phone 5A or the mobile phone 5B via the network 4A or the network 4B. The processed image is appropriately adjusted to the size of the display unit (display area) of the requesting mobile phone 5A or the mobile phone 5B.

  The photo sticker creating device 3A and the photo sticker creating device 3B are similar devices to each other, and allow a customer to play a photo sticker creating game for creating a photo sticker and provide a photo sticker (sticker paper) as a product. In other words, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3A and the photo sticker creating apparatus 3B are game devices (play service providing devices), and are usually installed in stores such as game centers and sightseeing spots. In the photo sticker creation game, the customer takes a picture of the customer with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera installed in the housing after inserting the coin, and uses the attached pen or the like for the recorded customer image. Or, write (edit) any character or figure, create a unique image, and print it on sticker paper. The sticker paper thus created and provided to the customer is exchanged with a friend or acquaintance of the customer by the customer, pasted on a notebook, like an album, or pasted on a postcard.

  Note that the photo sticker creating apparatus 3A and the photo sticker creating apparatus 3B are provided with a photographing space where the customer performs photographing work and an editing space where the image taken by the customer who performed the photographing work is edited. In the shooting space, a liquid crystal panel (hereinafter referred to as a shooting liquid crystal panel) for displaying a live view image (captured moving image) shot by a CCD camera is provided. In the editing space, a live view image is displayed. A liquid crystal panel (hereinafter referred to as an editing liquid crystal panel) for displaying an image (still image) determined and extracted by the customer and allowing the customer to edit is provided.

  In addition, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3A and the photo sticker creating apparatus 3B have a communication unit that communicates with the network 4A or another apparatus (for example, the server 2) connected to the network 4B, and the created photographing is performed. The image is transmitted (uploaded) to the server 2 via the network 4A or the network 4B. Hereinafter, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3A and the photo sticker creating apparatus 3B are referred to as the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 when it is not necessary to distinguish them from each other.

  The network 4A and the network 4B are configured by one or a plurality of networks that are wired or wireless, represented by the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a public line network, for example. The In the following description, the network 4A and the network 4B are referred to as the network 4 when it is not necessary to distinguish them from each other.

  The portable phone 5A is a portable phone owned by the customer A who played the photo sticker creation game in the photo sticker creation device 3, and the portable phone 5B played the photo sticker creation game in the photo sticker creation device 3. This is a mobile phone owned by customer B. The mobile phone 5A and the mobile phone 5B each perform wireless communication with a base station (not shown) to perform call communication with another phone, or packet communication with another image providing device (for example, the server 2). (Communication data exchange). In FIG. 1, the mobile phone 5A is shown as being connected to the network 4A. This is because the mobile phone 5A establishes wireless communication with a base station connected to the network 4A. It is shown that the network 4A is in a connected state (a state where communication can be performed via the network 4A). The same applies to the portable telephone 5B (a state in which communication can be performed via the network 4B is shown). In the following description, the mobile phone 5A and the mobile phone 5B are referred to as the mobile phone 5 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the server 2 can correspond to a plurality of photo sticker creating apparatuses 3, and can acquire and store photographed images supplied from the plurality of photo sticker creating apparatuses 3. Note that the number of the photo sticker creating apparatuses 3 is not limited and may be any number. Also, the number of networks 4 is not limited, and the number of networks 4 to which the server 2 is connected may be one or plural. That is, for example, the server 2 may be connected to a plurality of photo sticker creation apparatuses 3 via one network 4.

  The same applies to the portable telephone 5, and any number of portable telephones 5 may be connected to the network 4 if the convenience of facilities is not taken into consideration.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the flow of the entire process performed in the photo sticker providing system 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an image providing process of the photo sticker providing system 1 that provides a photographed image taken by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 to the mobile phone 5 via the server 2.

  The customer accesses the photo sticker site of the server 2 using the mobile phone 5 and performs user registration of the image providing service before playing the photo sticker making game with the photo sticker making device 3.

  In response to this, in step S1, the server 2 executes a user registration process for registering the user of the customer who has accessed the photo sticker site being executed by the server 2. In this user registration process, a customer who wishes to register as a user is asked to input personal information such as an address, name, telephone number, and mail address, and is given a personal ID and password. Further, the server 2 creates a personal area of the customer registered for use in its own storage area.

  The user registration process in step S <b> 1 is a process executed between the server 2 and the mobile phone 5. Details of the user registration process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the customer starts playing the photo sticker creating game with the photo sticker creating device 3 installed in a game center or the like. In step S2, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 executes a photographing process for photographing a customer as a subject. In the shooting process, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 first causes the customer to input a personal ID, a password, and a shooting theme (described later). Then, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 designates a pose (posture) corresponding to the shooting theme to the customer by outputting, for example, “Please turn right (or left) and put your hand forward”. . Details of the photographing process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The customer uses the attached pen or the like (on the image determined to be photographed) on the editing liquid crystal panel on which the image determined to be photographed is displayed in the photo sticker creation device 3 (on the image determined to be photographed). To edit. In step S3, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 executes an editing process corresponding to the customer's editing work. As an editing process, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 combines the image determined to be photographed with the written image such as a character or a figure to generate a photographed image.

  In step S4, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 3 executes a printing process for printing the photographed image after photographing and editing on the sticker sheet. Then, the printed sticker paper is discharged from the discharge port of the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 as a photo sticker.

  In step S5, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 transmits the customer's personal ID, password, shooting theme, and shot image (data) input in step S2 to the server 2.

  In step S <b> 6, the server 2 authenticates the customer based on the personal ID and password, and stores the captured image transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 in the customer's personal area created in the server 2. Execute. Details of this image storage processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The processes in steps S2 to S6 described above are executed between the server 2 and the photo sticker creating apparatus 3.

  The customer accesses the photo sticker site of the server 2 with the mobile phone 5 and logs in with the personal ID and password assigned to him. Then, the customer performs an operation for displaying the captured image stored in the server 2 on the mobile phone 5. In response to this operation, the server 2 executes stored image display processing in step S7.

  The details of the stored image display process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 36. For example, the server 2 can use the customer as a stored image display process in response to a request from the customer's mobile phone 5. A combined image obtained by combining a plurality of photographed images along a predetermined theme is generated, transmitted (downloaded) to the mobile phone 5 and displayed.

  3 to 5 show examples of combined images generated by combining a plurality of captured images along a predetermined theme. 3 to 5, corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate (the same applies to other drawings).

  In FIG. 3, the combined image 21 corresponding to the theme “smile” is displayed on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5.

The server 2 generates a combined image 21 configured by connecting the captured images P _{101 to} P ₁₀₃ in the horizontal direction, and transmits the image data to the mobile phone 5 via the network 4. Is displayed on the display 11.

The captured images P _{101 to} P ₁₀₃ are all captured images that are captured by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 and stored in the server 2 with the theme set to “smile”. In combination image 21, captured image P ₁₀₁ to P ₁₀₃ is, as shown in bold arrows in Figure 3, it moves in synchronization with the left in the drawing the right. The customer can enjoy watching the combined image 21 connected with a plurality of smiles.

  In FIG. 4, a combined image 22 corresponding to the theme “train” is displayed on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5.

The server 2 generates a combined image 22 configured by connecting the captured images P ₁₁₁ and P ₁₁₂ in the horizontal direction, and transmits the image data to the mobile phone 5 via the network 4, thereby combining image 22. Is displayed on the display 11.

The photographed images P ₁₁₁ and P ₁₁₂ are both photographed images that are photographed by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 and stored in the server 2 with the theme set to “train”. At the time of shooting the shot images P ₁₁₁ and P ₁₁₂ , the customer is instructed by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 to “please put your hand facing the right (or left)” and shot in the specified pose. Yes.

On the display 11, the captured images P ₁₁₁ and P ₁₁₂ facing in the same direction (left direction in the figure) are connected in the horizontal direction, and are synchronized from right to left in the figure as shown by the thick arrows in FIG. Then move. The customer who sees the combined image 22 seems to be playing a “train” when the customer (friend) who is facing sideways and moves forward moves in the traveling direction (left direction in the figure).

  In FIG. 5, the combination image 23 corresponding to the theme “contribution” is displayed on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5.

The server 2 combines the captured images P _{121 to} P ₁₂₈ with the image P ₁₂₉ displaying the message, generates a combined image 23, and transmits the image data to the mobile phone 5 via the network 4. The image 23 is displayed on the display 11.

In addition to the photographed image created (captured) by the customer with the photo sticker creation device 3, the combination image includes a photographed image created by another customer and given access rights from another customer. Can be used. Therefore, by obtaining access rights to the images taken by 7 friends (other customers) and composing the captured images P _{121 to} P ₁₂₈ of the faces of 8 people including myself, a combined image that images the contribution. 23 can be generated.

The photographed images P _{121 to} P ₁₂₈ are photographed images that are photographed by the photograph sticker creating apparatus 3 and stored in the server 2 with the theme set to “contribution” by each of the eight customers. At the time of shooting the captured images P _{121 to} P ₁₂₈ , the customer is instructed and photographed with respect to the CCD camera in various directions such as rightward, leftward, downward, and upward.

In the combined image 23 of the theme “contribution”, as shown in FIG. 5, image the colored paper on which the contribution is written, and face the address image P ₁₂₉ of the customer “Mr. XX” who sees the combined image 23 in the center. photographic image P ₁₂₁ to P ₁₂₈ are disposed. Here, the photographed image P ₁₂₇ is combined with the orientation rotated 180 degrees with that when the photographed image was photographed.

  As described above, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the server 2 performs the stored image display processing by combining the combined images 21 to 23 obtained by combining a plurality of photographed images photographed along the predetermined theme by the photograph sticker creating apparatus 3. Can be displayed on the mobile phone 5 to entertain customers. This improves customer satisfaction.

  In the stored image display process, the photographed image stored in the customer-specific personal area of the server 2 can be deleted, or the access right of the photographed image can be set (given or deleted) for other customers. This stored image display process is a process executed between the server 2 and the mobile phone 5.

  In this way, the photo sticker providing system 1 uses the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 in addition to simply providing the photo sticker that has been created. By providing from the server 2, the customer satisfaction can be further improved, the so-called repeater rate of repeatedly playing the photo sticker creation game can be increased, and the improvement of the profit rate can be expected. .

  As described above, the user registration process in step S1 is performed between the server 2 and the portable telephone 5, and the processes in steps S2 to S6 are performed between the server 2 and the photo sticker creating apparatus 3. The stored image display process of S7 is a process performed independently between the server 2 and the mobile phone 5. Therefore, after the process of step S1, the processes of steps S2 to S6 can be repeated many times before or after the process of step S7, and the process of step S7 is independent of the number of processes of steps S2 to S6. It is also possible to repeat the process over and over again.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server 2.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72 or a storage unit 78. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 73 appropriately stores programs executed by the CPU 71 and data. These CPU 71, ROM 72, and RAM 73 are connected to each other by a bus 74.

  An input / output interface 75 is also connected to the CPU 71 via a bus 74. The input / output interface 75 is connected to an input unit 76 such as a keyboard, mouse, and microphone, a display such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal display), and an output unit 77 such as a speaker. The CPU 71 executes various processes in response to a command input from the input unit 76 or a command transmitted via the communication unit 79. Then, the CPU 71 outputs the processing result to the output unit 77 or transmits it to the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 or the portable telephone 5 through the communication unit 79.

  The storage unit 78 connected to the input / output interface 75 includes, for example, a hard disk, and stores a program executed by the CPU 71 and various data. The communication unit 79 communicates with an external device connected via the network 4 or directly.

  The drive 80 connected to the input / output interface 75 drives a removable medium 81 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and drives the program or data recorded therein. Get etc. The acquired program and data are transferred to and stored in the storage unit 78 as necessary. The program and data may be acquired via the communication unit 79 and stored in the storage unit 78.

  FIG. 7 is a block showing a functional configuration realized by the server 2.

  In addition, in the following, as customers who use the photo sticker creating apparatus 3, in addition to the above-mentioned A and B, 丙, Ding, A, B, C, D, E, α, and β provide images to the server 2 Suppose you are registered as a member of the service.

  The server 2 includes a communication unit 101, a management unit 102, an authentication unit 103, a registration unit 104, an image distribution unit 105, an access right setting unit 106, an image processing unit 107, an input unit 108, a display unit 109, an image storage unit 110, The group list storage unit 111, the attribute information storage unit 112, the ID storage unit 113, the theme information storage unit 114, the program storage unit 115, and the control unit 116 are configured. In addition, the image storage unit 110, the group list storage unit 111, the attribute information storage unit 112, the ID storage unit 113, the theme information storage unit 114, and the program storage unit 115 may be configured as independent storage units, The address space may be separated in one storage unit.

  The communication unit 101 communicates with the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 and the mobile phone 5 via the network 4. For example, the communication unit 101 receives image data of a photographed image taken by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 and data such as customer personal information from the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 or the mobile phone 5, or a combination image. Image data or the like is transmitted to the mobile phone 5.

The management unit 102 generates a personal ID (Identification) and a password for identifying the customer for the customer registered as a user. For example, management unit 102 generates the personal ID _instep and PASS _instep as personal ID and password for the customer instep. The management unit 102 also generates a group ID that identifies a group composed of a plurality of customers. Furthermore, the management unit 102 also generates an image ID for identifying a captured image transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 via the network 4.

The authentication unit 103 authenticates the customer based on the personal ID and password generated by the management unit 102 and assigned to the customer. For example, the authentication unit 103, the customer instep from the portable telephone 5 has been access to the server 2 (of photo sticker site), personal ID "Personal ID _instep" to authenticate based on the password "PASS _Party".

  The registration unit 104 performs user registration processing for the image providing service. That is, the registration unit 104 requests the management unit 102 to generate (issue) a personal ID and a password from a customer who has applied for registration in order to use the image providing service by the mobile phone 5, and supplies it from the management unit 102. The registered personal ID and password are registered in the ID storage unit 113. In addition, the registration unit 104 creates an area (customer's personal area) for storing a photographed image created by the customer registered by the customer using the photo sticker creation device 3 in the area of the image storage unit 110.

  In the user registration process, the customer himself / herself accesses the photo sticker site of the server 2 to register the user of the image providing service and introduces a friend (a customer who already uses the image providing service). User registration may be performed. When registering a user by introducing a friend, the registration unit 104 sends an invitation email to the friend's email address entered by the introducer, and registers the user for the friend who has accessed the photo sticker site accordingly. Do.

  The image distribution unit 105 sorts the captured images received by the communication unit 101 so that the captured images are stored for each customer in the image storage unit 110 and stores them in the image storage unit 110.

  The access right setting unit 106 sets the access right of the captured image stored in the image storage unit 110 based on a customer instruction. For example, the access right setting unit 106 changes the access right so that, for example, the customer B other than the customer A can use the photographed image of the customer A created by the photo sticker creation device 3 based on the instruction of the customer A. .

  In addition, even if it is not a photographed image created by itself, an access right can be set for another customer (friend) as long as it is a photographed image to which access right has been given. For example, when the access right of the photographed image created by the customer A is given to the customer B, the customer B can give the access right of the photographed image created by the customer A to the customer C.

  Further, the access right setting unit 106 can also delete the captured image stored in the image storage unit 110 based on a customer instruction from the mobile phone 5. This photographed image can be deleted only by the person who created it.

  The image processing unit 107 uses the plurality of captured images stored in the image storage unit 110 to generate a combination image as illustrated in FIGS.

  The input unit 108 receives a program or data input by an operator of the server 2 (such as a system designer of an image providing service) and supplies the input program or data to a predetermined block. For example, in the input unit 108, the operator configures the theme set for the captured image, the number of captured images necessary to form the combined image, the characteristics that the captured image that forms the combined image should have, and the combined image Enter the layout pattern of the captured image when doing so. The input unit 108 supplies the input data to the theme information storage unit 114.

  The display unit 109 displays the data input by the input unit 108 on the display as necessary.

  The image storage unit 110 stores the captured image supplied from the image distribution unit 105. In the image storage unit 110, an area (personal area) is created for each customer registered as a user. For example, a photographed image taken by the customer A is stored in the personal area of the customer A. An example of data stored in the image storage unit 110 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The group list storage unit 111 stores the individual IDs of the customers making up the group for each group. A group ID generated by the management unit 102 is assigned to the group registered in the group list storage unit 111. An example of data stored in the group list storage unit 111 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The attribute information storage unit 112 stores attribute information of the captured image. Here, as the attribute information, the image ID of the photographed image given by the management unit 102 after being received by the server 2 and the theme of the photographed image set by the customer when photographed by the photograph sticker creating apparatus 3 are used. Have at least. An example of data stored in the attribute information storage unit 112 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The ID storage unit 113 stores the personal information provided by the customer at the time of user registration together with the customer's personal ID and password. Here, as described above, the personal information is the customer's name, address, telephone number, mail address, and the like. An example of data stored in the ID storage unit 113 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The theme information storage unit 114 includes a theme to be set for a captured image, the number of captured images necessary to form the combined image, characteristics that the captured image that configures the combined image should have, and shooting for configuring the combined image The arrangement pattern of the image is stored. Note that the number of captured images necessary for composing the combined image, the characteristics that the captured image constituting the combined image should have, and the arrangement pattern of the captured images when configuring the combined image are stored for each theme. Yes.

  For example, as the theme of the photographed image other than the “smile”, “train”, and “contribution” described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the photograph was taken while sitting on a chair and taking a free pose on it. Connect multiple shot images in the horizontal direction to generate a combined image to be displayed as if sitting on a chaise longue, connect multiple shot images to the right or left in the horizontal direction, "Folk dance" for generating a combination image that displays a folk dance as if it were dancing, horizontal multiple shots taken with different hand heights when raising the hand There is “WAVE” for generating a combined image to be displayed in a wave (simulating a human wave) connected in a direction.

  The theme of the photographed image is referred to as a photography theme in order to distinguish it from a theme (an individual theme to be described later) that is set by a customer other than the created customer. In the following description, the simple theme represents that either the shooting theme or the individual theme may be used.

  The program storage unit 115 stores a basic program such as an OS (Operation System) necessary for operating as the server 2 and a program for executing an image providing service (photo sticker site). The control unit 116 controls each unit in the server 2 and relays data.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of data stored in the image storage unit 110.

  In the image storage unit 110, a personal area is created for each customer registered by the user, and a photographed image created (captured) by the customer registered by the user is stored therein. In FIG. 8, the personal areas of customer A and customer A are shown.

That is, the image storage unit 110, it has been created customer instep personal area D1, there photographed image P _1, the photographed image P _2, and photographed image P ₃ are stored. Incidentally, this photographic image P _1, the photographic image P _2, and the photographed image P _3, the image ID _1, image ID _2, and the image ID ₃ is assigned respectively.

Further, the personal area D2 of the customer A is created in the image storage unit 110, and the captured image P ₄ , the captured image P ₅ , and the captured image P ₆ are stored therein. Note that an image ID ₄ , an image ID ₅ , and an image ID ₆ are assigned to the captured image P ₄ , the captured image P ₅ , and the captured image P ₆ , respectively.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of data stored in the group list storage unit 111.

  The group list storage unit 111 stores a group ID of a group registered by the customer and a personal ID of each customer who is a member of the group for each group.

In the group list storage unit 111 of FIG. 9, as the first registered group, the group ID ₁ that is the group ID of the group ₁ and the individuals that are the individual IDs of the members A, B, B, and Ding who are its members ID _instep, personal ID _Otsu, personal ID _Hei, and personal ID _Ding is stored.

Also, as the second registered group, group ID ₂ which is the group ID of group ₂ , and personal ID _A and personal ID _B which are the personal IDs of customers A, B, C, D and E which are members thereof , Personal ID _C , personal ID _D , and personal ID _E are stored in the group list storage unit 111.

Further, as the third registered group, the group ID ₃ which is the group ID of the group ₃ and the personal ID _α and the personal ID _β which are the personal IDs of the customers α and β which are the members are stored in the group list storage unit 111. It is remembered.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of data stored in the attribute information storage unit 112.

In the attribute information storage unit 112 in FIG. 10, the attribute information about the captured image P ₁ photographed by the customer A and stored in the personal area D1 (FIG. 8) in the image storage unit 110 and the customer A are photographed. examples of the attribute information about the individual regions D2 captured image P ₄ stored in (Figure 8) of the storage unit 110 is shown.

As the attribute information of the photographed image P _1, and the image ID ₁ of the captured image P _1, is taking the theme set by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 when the customer instep has created a photographed image P ₁ "smile", the attribute information storage unit 112.

Since the photographed image P ₁ was photographed by the customer A, the customer A naturally has an access right to the photographed image P _{1 in the} image storage unit 110.

Further, the attribute information of the photographed image P _1, the personal ID _B of customer B, personal ID _C of the customer C, personal ID _D customer D, the group ID ₁ of group 1 is stored, accessed photographic image P ₁ This indicates that the right to perform (access right to use the captured image P ₁ ) is given to the customer B, the customer C, the customer D, and the group 1.

As will be described later with reference to FIG. 43, the customer or group to whom the access right is given can set an individual theme by himself (or a group) separately from the shooting theme. The attribute information of the photographed image P ₁ includes individual theme “smile” for personal ID _B , individual theme “contribution” for personal ID _C , individual theme “smile” for personal ID _D , and group ID ₁ are registered each individual theme "smile" to the, to set up a separate theme "smile" to the personal ID _B is photographed image P _1, individual themes for the personal ID _C is photographed image P ₁ "Contributions ”, The individual ID _D sets the individual theme“ smile ”for the captured image P ₁ , and the group ID ₁ sets the individual theme“ smile ”for the captured image P ₁ .

Therefore, according to the attribute information of the photographed image P ₁ shown in FIG. 10, those who have access to the captured images P _1, and the customer instep obtained by photographing a photographed image P _1, the customer B, the customer C, customer D, as well as members of Group 1 (ie, Customer A, Customer B, Customer Customer, and Customer Ding).

As Similarly, the attribute information of the photographed image P _4, the attribute information storage unit 112, an image ID ₄ of the photographic image P _4, set in photo sticker producing apparatus 3 when the customer A is created captured image P ₄ photography theme "smile", customer instep of personal ID _instep and individual themes that customer Jia has set "smile", customer Otsu of personal ID _Otsu and individual themes that customer Otsu has set "train", the customer Ding personal ID _Ding and customer The individual theme “contribution” set by Ding and the group ID ₁ of group 1 and the individual theme “contribution” set by group 1 are stored. Therefore, the photographic image P _4, the customer A, customer Jia, customers Otsu, customer Ding, and group 3 members (i.e., customer α and customer beta) has access.

  The group 1 theme may be set by any member belonging to the group 1 or may be set by a representative member of the group 1.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of data stored in the ID storage unit 113.

  The ID storage unit 113 stores the customer's personal information and the personal ID and password assigned to the customer, for example, with a customer number (index) in the order of registration.

  In FIG. 11, customer numbers 1 (No. 1) to 6 (No. 6) registered in the ID storage unit 113 are shown. Customer ID 1 contains the customer's personal ID, password, e-mail address, name, phone number, and address. Customer number 2 contains customer B's personal ID, password, e-mail address, name, phone number, and address. In customer number 3, the customer's personal ID, password, e-mail address, name, telephone number and address are registered. Customer number 4 is registered with customer A's personal ID, password, email address, name, phone number and address, and customer number 5 is registered with customer B's personal ID, password, email address, name and phone number. The customer ID 6 is registered with the customer C's personal ID, password, e-mail address, name, telephone number, and address. In FIG. 10, the name and telephone number of each customer are not shown.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 30, the user registration process (the process of step S1 in FIG. 2) and the stored image display process (the process of step S7 in FIG. 2) executed by the server 2 will be described in detail. To do. 12 to 30 are screen examples displayed on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5 by receiving the image data transmitted from the server 2.

  12 to 16 show examples of screens displayed on the display 11 when the server 2 executes the user registration process.

  The customer accesses the photo sticker site of the server 2 using the mobile phone 5 and performs user registration for the image providing service. The server 2 displays the personal information input screen shown in FIG. 12 on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5. The customer inputs his name, address, telephone number (TEL number), and e-mail address according to the format shown in FIG. When the inputted personal information of the customer is transferred to the server 2 via the network 4, the server 2 causes the display 11 to display the group registration screen of FIG.

  On the group registration screen, as shown in FIG. 13, “Create new group”, “Register member in existing group”, or “Do not register group” can be selected. Yes. When creating a new group, the customer enters the group ID of the group to which they belong in the input box when registering as a member in an existing group. Select "Do not register" if you do not register as a member.

  If “Register member in existing group” is selected, but the group ID input in the input box is not registered in the group list storage unit 111, the server 2 determines “Registered group found”. 14 is displayed on the display 11 in which the message “not available” is entered.

  If there is no problem in group registration, the server 2 causes the display 11 to display the confirmation screen of FIG. 15 for confirming the input personal information again.

  On the confirmation screen, as shown in FIG. 15, the name entered on the personal information input screen in FIG. 12 is displayed together with a message “Please confirm whether the following registration is correct” to make the customer confirm the personal information entered. The address, telephone number (TEL number), and e-mail address are displayed. The customer selects the “OK” button when the displayed personal information is correct, and selects the “cancel” button when the displayed personal information is correct.

  When the “OK” button is selected in the confirmation screen of FIG. 15 and the customer's personal information is confirmed, the server 2 generates a personal ID and password for the customer registered as a user, and further generates the generated customer. 16 is displayed on the display 11 in which the personal ID and password of the customer and the group ID of the group to which the customer belongs are displayed.

  On the ID notification screen, as shown in FIG. 16, along with the message “Thank you for registering this time”, the personal ID “XXX” given to the customer and the password “****” ”And the group ID“ △△△△ ”of the group registered by the customer.

  If the customer does not wish to join an existing group or create a new group at the time of user registration, the display of the group ID is omitted.

  FIG. 17 shows a member login screen of the photo sticker site displayed during the stored image display process of the server 2.

  On the member login screen, as shown in FIG. 17, a message “photo sticker site ○○○○” indicating that the access destination is a photo sticker site, and a “member page” The message “Use (please fill in the following items)” is displayed, and an input box for entering your personal ID and password is placed below it.

  The customer inputs the personal ID and password from the member login screen of FIG. 17 and operates the “OK” button to start using the image providing service.

  After logging in, the server 2 first displays a work content selection screen shown in FIG.

  In the work content selection screen shown in FIG. 18, the message “Select work content” prompts the user to select the work content, and “Display combined images”, “Set image access right / theme”, “ Four work content items are displayed: “Invite a friend for site registration” and “Delete image access right or image”.

  When the work content item “display in combination with images” is selected, the customer can display on the display 11 a combination image in which a plurality of photographed images to which the user has access rights are combined according to a predetermined theme.

  When the work content item “set image access right / theme” is selected, the customer sets the access right for the photographed image created by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 to another customer or group, The theme of the photographed image to which the access right is given can be set.

  When the work content item “Invite a friend for site registration” is selected, the customer can cause the server 2 to send an invitation email soliciting his friend as a user of the image providing service.

  When the work content item “Delete image access right or image” is selected, the customer deletes the access right of the photographed image, or the photograph image created by the photograph sticker creating apparatus 3 is stored in the image on the server 2. It can be deleted from the storage unit 110.

  When the work content item “display in combination with images” is selected on the work content selection screen in FIG. 18, the server 2 first displays the theme selection screen in FIG. And individual themes).

  In the theme selection screen, as shown in FIG. 19, a photographed image to which an individual customer has access rights has a message “Please select a theme you want to combine images” to prompt selection of a theme. A list of themes and a list of themes included in the photographed image to which the access right is given to the group to which the customer belongs are displayed.

  In the theme selection screen of FIG. 19, “train”, “folk dance”, “smile”, and “WAVE” are displayed below the message “combined by individual use range”, and the individual customer has access rights. It represents that there are “train”, “folk dance”, “smile”, and “WAVE” as the theme that the given photographed image has. In other words, a photographed image having a theme of “train”, “folk dance”, “smile”, or “WAVE” and having access rights to the customer himself / herself is stored in the image storage unit 110 of the server 2. It represents that.

  In addition, in the theme selection screen of FIG. 19, “train”, “chair” and “contribution” are displayed below the message “combined by group usage range”, and the group to which the customer belongs has access rights. This indicates that there are themes of “train”, “chaise longue”, and “contribution” as the theme of the given photographed image. In other words, the theme of “train”, “chair”, and “contribution” is set, and a photographed image having access rights to the group to which the customer belongs is stored in the image storage unit 110 of the server 2. Represents that.

  For example, when the customer wants to display the combined image 23 as shown in FIG. 5, the theme “Contribution” is selected on the theme selection screen of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the customer desires to set the access right of the photographed image and selects the work content item “set image access right / theme” on the work content selection screen of FIG. The theme selection screen is displayed on the display 11.

  On the theme selection screen, as shown in FIG. 20, the access right is given to the individual customer together with the message “Please select a theme from the list below” prompting the user to select a shooting theme for setting the access right. A list of shooting themes possessed by the photographed images and a list of photography themes possessed by the photographed images that are given access rights to the group to which the customer belongs are displayed.

  In FIG. 20, “smile”, “chair”, and “train” are displayed below the title of “<1> Individual theme”, and the photographed image to which the individual customer has access rights has. This means that there are “smiles”, “chairs”, and “trains” as shooting themes. In FIG. 20, “chair” and “contribution” are displayed below the titles of “<2> group” and the group ID “***” and “theme” of the group to which the customer belongs. This indicates that there are “chaise longue” and “contribution” as shooting themes possessed by the shot image to which the access right is given to the group to which the user belongs. In the present specification, the numbers surrounded by “<” and “>” correspond to the numbers surrounded by circles in the figure.

  When a predetermined shooting theme is selected on the theme selection screen of FIG. 20, the image selection screen of FIG. 21 is displayed on the display 11, and the selected shooting theme among the shot images stored in the image storage unit 110 is displayed. The customer can sequentially check the captured images having.

  In the image selection screen, as shown in FIG. 21, one of the captured images for which the selected capturing theme is set is displayed together with a message “Please select an image from the list below” prompting selection of the captured image. Is displayed. The customer operates a predetermined button of the mobile phone 5 to sequentially check other photographed images for which the selected photographing theme is set, and sets the access right from the displayed photographed images. Select (specify) a captured image.

  When one photographic image for which access right is set is selected, the server 2 designates who (to which group) the access right of the selected photographic image is to be set. Is displayed on the display 11.

  On the access right setting screen, as shown in FIG. 22, other customers (members) belonging to the group to which the customer belongs together with a message “Please select an access setting destination from the list below” prompting to set the access right. ) And a list of group IDs registered in the group list storage unit 111 are displayed.

  The customer selects the personal ID or group ID displayed on the access right setting screen of FIG. 22 to set the access right of the photographed image selected on the image selection screen (FIG. 21). Select (specify).

  On the other hand, in the work content selection screen of FIG. 18, the customer selects the work content item “set image access right / theme” in order to set a theme for the photographed image to which the user has access rights. In this case, the customer selects a photographed image for setting a theme on the same screen as in FIGS. 20 and 21, and then sets the theme on the theme setting screen in FIG.

  In the theme setting screen, as shown in FIG. 23, a list of themes that can be set (in FIG. 23, smile, Chaise lounge, train) is displayed. Then, the theme selected by the customer is set (changed) as the theme of the selected photographed image.

  When the captured image selected on the screens of FIGS. 20 and 21 is a captured image created (captured) by the user, the server 2 changes the shooting theme of the selected captured image and selects it. When the captured image is a captured image created by another customer and given access rights, the server 2 sets an individual theme for the selected captured image. In other words, in the work content item “set image access right / theme”, the customer sets (changes) both the shooting theme of the shot image created by himself and the individual theme of the shot image created by another customer. )can do.

  On the other hand, when the work content item “Invite a friend to register for a site” is selected on the work content selection screen in FIG. 18, the server 2 displays the mail address input screen in FIG. To be entered by the customer.

  In the email address input screen, as shown in FIG. 24, an input box for entering an email address is displayed together with a message “Please enter the email address of a friend you want to invite” that prompts you to enter the email address. .

  When the input of the mail address on the mail address input screen is completed, that is, when the “OK” button is operated on the mail address input screen of FIG. 24, the input mail address is transferred to the server 2. The server 2 transmits an invitation mail entitled “Request for friend registration” to the mail address of the friend of the customer A entered on the mail address input screen of FIG.

  FIG. 25 shows a screen example when the solicitation mail received by the friend is displayed on the display 11.

  In FIG. 25, the sender of the solicitation email is “photo mail site XXX”, the transmission time is “December 9 15:35” (December 9 15:35), and the title is “Friends” "Invitation to register". The solicitation mail body, to solicit the registration of the photo sticker site ○○○○ "Hello. Your friends, we hope your registration to this photo seal site ○○○○. If the registration OK , Please access the URL below ", the address of the customer A that introduced the email address of the friend" ABCDE @ ... ", and the access address" URL http: // ... "is described. The name of the customer A may be displayed instead of the customer's email address “ABCDE @ ...” that introduced the friend's email address, that is, it is only necessary to know that the introduction is from the customer A .

  A friend introduced to the photo sticker site ○○○○, if you wish to become a member of the photo sticker site ○○○○, access the photo sticker site ○○○○ (access address provided by e-mail) Then, member registration is performed according to the procedure described with reference to FIGS.

  On the other hand, when the work content item “Delete image access right or image” is selected on the work content selection screen in FIG. 18, the server 2 deletes the access right or takes a captured image to be discarded. Are selected on the image selection screen similar to that shown in FIG.

  The photographed image displayed on the image selection screen of FIG. 21 includes a photographed image created (photographed) by the photograph sticker creating device 3 and another customer (friend) created by the photo sticker creating device 3 and On the other hand, there is a photographed image to which access right is given.

  First, the server 2 determines whether or not the photographed image selected on the image selection screen in FIG. 21 is created by the customer himself / herself. When the selected photographed image is not created by the customer himself, that is, when the friend (another customer) creates the photograph sticker with the photo sticker creating apparatus 3, the selected photographed image is the image of the server 2. Since the customer himself / herself does not have the right to delete from the storage unit 110, the server 2 recognizes the disposal content of the selected captured image as deletion of the access right of the customer himself / herself set in the captured image, The warning screen of FIG. 26 is displayed.

  In the warning screen, as shown in Fig. 26, "Your access right for this image will be deleted" that represents a warning that the access right that cannot be set by yourself will be deleted. Will be displayed "message will be displayed.

  On the other hand, when the photographed image selected on the image selection screen in FIG. 21 is created by the customer, the server 2 displays the disposal method selection screen in FIG. 27 on the display 11 and displays the selected photographed image. Select whether to delete the access right of the set friend (other customers), to delete the access right of the group set to the selected shot image, or to delete the selected shot image .

  In the disposal method selection screen, as shown in FIG. 27, the message “Please select the disposal method of this image from the list below” prompting the selection of the disposal method of the selected photographed image is displayed. The disposal method (<1> Delete access right of friend, <2> Delete access right of group, <3> Delete image) is displayed.

  When “<1> Delete friend's access right” is selected on the disposal method selection screen in FIG. 27, the server 2 lists personal IDs of other customers whose access right is set for the selected photographed image. The personal ID selection screen shown in FIG. 28 is displayed.

  On the personal ID selection screen, as shown in FIG. 28, the selected photographed image is displayed together with a message “Please select a friend whose access right is to be deleted” prompting the user to select the personal ID of the customer whose access right is to be deleted. A list of personal IDs of other customers to whom access rights are set (<1> Personal ID: XX <2> Personal ID: *** <3> Personal ID: XXX) is displayed.

  On the other hand, when “<2> Delete group access right” is selected on the disposal method selection screen of FIG. 27, the server 2 lists the group IDs of the groups for which the access right is set for the selected photographed image. The group ID selection screen shown in FIG. 29 is displayed.

  In the group ID selection screen, as shown in FIG. 29, the selected photographed image is displayed together with a message “Please select a group whose access right is to be deleted” prompting selection of the group ID of the group whose access right is to be deleted. A list of group IDs (<1> group ID: XX <2> group ID: ***) of the groups for which access rights are set is displayed.

  In addition, when “<3> Delete image” is selected on the disposal method selection screen in FIG. 27, the server 2 displays a deletion confirmation screen in FIG. 30 for confirming deletion of the selected photographed image.

  In the delete confirmation screen, as shown in FIG. 30, confirm the deletion of the photographed image. “Delete this image. * Friends (members of the group) who set access rights to this image will see this image. Message is displayed.

  Details of the customer user registration process executed in step S1 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S21, the registration unit 104 of the server 2 displays a personal information input screen (FIG. 12) on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5, and the customer's personal information (name, address, telephone) input thereto. Number and e-mail address) are acquired via the communication unit 101.

  In step S22, the registration unit 104 causes the display 11 to display the group registration screen illustrated in FIG. In step S22, the registration unit 104 determines whether a new group creation is instructed by the customer, that is, whether “create new group” is selected on the group registration screen.

  If it is determined in step S22 that creation of a new group has been instructed, that is, if “Create a new group” is selected on the group registration screen, the process proceeds to step S23, and the registration unit 104 determines whether to create a group. 1 is substituted into a variable G representing the type of registration.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S22 that creation of a new group is not instructed, the process proceeds to step S24, and the registration unit 104 determines whether registration to an existing group is instructed by the customer. If it is determined in step S24 that registration to an existing group is not instructed by the customer, that is, if “no group registration” is selected on the group registration screen in FIG. 13, the registration unit 104 performs step S25. Then, 0 is substituted into the variable G.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that registration to an existing group is instructed by the customer, that is, if “register member in existing group” is selected on the group registration screen in FIG. In step S26, the group ID input in the input box on the group registration screen is acquired.

  In step S <b> 27, the registration unit 104 determines whether or not the group with the group ID input on the group registration screen exists in the group list storage unit 111. If it is determined in step S27 that the group with the group ID input on the group registration screen does not exist, the process proceeds to step S28, and the registration unit 104 is filled with a message “Registered group not found.” 14 is displayed on the display 11. Then, the registration unit 104 returns the process to step S22. As a result, the group registration screen is displayed again on the display 11.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that there is a group with the group ID input on the group registration screen, in step S29, the registration unit 104 stores the group specified by the input group ID as a specified group. Substitute 2 for variable G.

  After the processing of step S23, S25, or S29, in step S30, the registration unit 104 displays the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 15 on the display 11, and confirms with the customer whether there is an error in the registered content (registered content). To do.

  If it is determined in step S30 that there is an error in the registered content, that is, if “redo” is selected by the customer on the confirmation screen of FIG. 15, the registration unit 104 returns the process to step S21. Thereafter, the processes of steps S21 to S30 are repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that there is no mistake in the registration contents, that is, if “OK” is selected by the customer on the confirmation screen of FIG. 15, the process proceeds to step S31, and the registration unit 104 Is registered (stored) in the ID storage unit 113.

  In step S <b> 32, the registration unit 104 executes an area creation process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 32 and ends the process.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart of the area creation process executed in step S32 of FIG.

  In the area creation process, first, in step S51, the registration unit 104 of the server 2 requests the management unit 102 to generate the customer personal ID and password registered in the ID storage unit 113 in step S30. Based on the request, the customer's personal ID and password are generated.

  In step S 52, the registration unit 104 registers the generated personal ID and password in the ID storage unit 113. The ID storage unit 113 stores the personal ID and password supplied from the registration unit 104.

  In step S <b> 53, the registration unit 104 creates an area (customer's personal area) in which the photographed image created (captured) by the customer using the photo sticker creation device 3 is stored in the image storage unit 110.

  In step S54, the registration unit 104 determines whether the value of the variable G is 0, 1, or 2.

  If it is determined in step S54 that the value of the variable G is 1, that is, if the customer selects “Create a new group” on the group registration screen, the process proceeds to step S55, and the registration unit 104 The management unit 102 is requested to generate a group ID of a group to be newly created, and the management unit 102 generates a group ID based on the request.

  In step S56, the registration unit 104 creates a new group list by registering the generated group ID in the group list storage unit 111.

  In step S57, the registration unit 104 registers the customer's personal ID (the personal ID generated in step S51) in the newly created group (the group ID generated in step S55).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S54 that the value of the variable G is 2, that is, if the customer selects “register as an existing group” on the group registration screen, the process proceeds to step S58 to register. The unit 104 registers the customer's personal ID (the personal ID generated in step S51) in the designated group corresponding to the group ID acquired in step S26 described above.

  When it is determined in step S54 that the value of the variable G is 0, that is, when the customer selects “do not group registration” on the group registration screen, or after the processing of step S57 or S58, the process proceeds to step S59. The registration unit 104 displays the ID notification screen of FIG. 16 on the display 11, notifies the customer of the customer's personal ID and password, returns to FIG. 31, and ends the processing. When the value of the variable G is 0, the display of the group ID is omitted on the ID notification screen in FIG.

  In addition to displaying the customer's registered personal ID, password, and group ID as a screen on the photo sticker site, the customer's personal ID, password, and group ID are sent as an email to the email address received in step S21. You may notify by transmitting.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 33, a user registration process when a friend invited by an invitation mail registers for use will be described. In FIG. 33, the customer on the soliciting side is referred to as “A”, and the customer on the soliciting side (hereinafter referred to as a friend) is referred to as “B”.

  First, in step S71, the authentication unit 103 of the server 2 displays a member login screen (FIG. 17) on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5A, and inputs the customer's personal ID and password.

  The personal ID and password of the customer A input to the member login screen are transmitted from the mobile phone 5A to the communication unit 101 of the server 2 via the network 4 and supplied to the authentication unit 103. In step S <b> 72, the authentication unit 103 authenticates the customer A based on the personal ID (customer A) and password stored in the ID storage unit 113.

  After authenticating the customer A, in step S73, the authentication unit 103 displays a work content selection screen (FIG. 18) on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5A, and causes the customer A to select the work content. Customer A has four tasks: "Display combined images", "Set image access rights / themes", "Invite friends to register", and "Delete image access rights or images" From the content item, “Invite a friend to register for a site” is selected, and the selection information is transmitted from the mobile phone 5A to the server 2 via the network 4.

  In step S74, the registration unit 104 displays a mail address input screen (FIG. 24) on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5A, and inputs the mail address of a friend (customer B). The mail address of the customer B input here is added to the registration information of the customer A in the ID storage unit 113 as a friend mail address of the customer A.

  In step S <b> 75, the registration unit 104 acquires the customer's email address input on the email address input screen via the communication unit 101. In step S75, as shown in FIG. 25, the registration unit 104 includes at least an email address of the customer A for recognizing the customer A who is an introducer and an access destination address (URL) of the photo sticker site. Then, a solicitation mail for soliciting user registration of the photo seal site (image providing service) is created and transmitted to the customer's email address via the communication unit 101.

  The customer B receives the solicitation email by the mobile phone 5B, and accesses (or selects) the photo sticker site by clicking (selecting) the access address of the photo sticker site described in the email.

  In step S76, the registration unit 104 displays a personal information input screen (FIG. 12) on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5B, and the personal information (name, address, telephone number, and mail address) of the customer B input thereto. ) Is acquired via the communication unit 101.

  In step S77, the registration unit 104 is introduced from the customer A because the customer's email address is stored as the friend's email address of the customer A in the registration information of the customer A in the ID storage unit 113. Recognize that you are a customer. In step S77, the registration unit 104 detects the group to which the customer A belongs (group 1 in FIG. 9) from the group list storage unit 111, proceeds to step S78, and detects the detected group (group 1). Is stored as a designated group, and 2 is substituted into the variable G.

  In step S79, the registration unit 104 registers the personal information of the customer B in the ID storage unit 113.

  In step S80, the registration unit 104 executes the area creation process described with reference to FIG. 32 (the same process as the area creation process in step S32 in FIG. 31). That is, in the area creation process in step S80, the personal ID and password of the customer B are generated and stored in the ID storage unit 113, and the personal area of the customer B is created in the image storage unit 110. In the area creation process, the personal ID of the customer B is registered in the group 1 to which the customer A as the designated group belongs, and the personal ID, password, and group ID of the customer B are transmitted to the mobile phone 5B. The customer is notified.

  According to the user registration process of FIG. 33, the number of users of the image providing service can be increased, and further, the use of the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 is promoted. improves. In addition, when the solicited customer B has accessed the photo sticker site because the customer B's email address is stored as the friend A's friend email address in the registration information of the customer A in the ID storage unit 113, It is easy to recognize that customer B is a customer introduced by customer A.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 34, the photographing process of the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 executed in step S2 of FIG. 2 will be described.

  First, in step S101, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 stands by until coins for starting the photo sticker creating game are inserted. In step S101, when a coin is inserted by the customer (user), the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 accepts the inserted coin and starts a photo sticker creating game.

  In step S102, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 determines whether the customer is a member of the image providing service. Specifically, the photo sticker creation device 3 displays a message such as “Are you registered as a member at the photo sticker site?” And “Yes” and “No” buttons on the photography LCD panel of the photo sticker creation device 3 And let the customer select “Yes” or “No”.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the customer is not a member of the image providing service, the process skips step S103 and proceeds to step S104.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the customer is a member of the image providing service, the process proceeds to step S103, and the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 inputs the personal ID and password given to the customer at the time of member registration. Let Here, when the photo sticker creation game is played by a group (a plurality of customers), the photo sticker creation device 3 allows the personal IDs and passwords of all customers who are members of the image providing service to be input.

  In step S104, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 allows the customer to determine the shooting theme. Specifically, the photo sticker creating device 3 displays a message such as “Let's choose the shooting theme?” And “Smile”, “Train”, “Contribution”, “ Each theme such as “chair”, “folk dance”, or “WAVE” is displayed, and the customer selects one of them.

  In step S105, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 outputs a voice such as “Please turn right (or left) and put your hand forward” and designate a pose (posture) corresponding to the shooting theme to the customer. . Thereby, the customer can easily and more accurately take a pose corresponding to the set shooting theme.

  In step S106, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 displays an image (live view image) currently photographed by the CCD camera on the photographing liquid crystal panel. Thereby, the customer can know what the photographed image (still image) looks like.

  In step S107, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 photographs the customer. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 detects the operation of the photographing button by the customer, and stores a still image obtained by extracting an image photographed by the CCD camera at the detected timing.

  In step S108, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 displays a preview image of the image (still image extracted at the shooting timing) stored in the process of step S107 on the shooting liquid crystal panel. Thereby, the customer can confirm the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel for photographing.

  In step S109, the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 determines whether the number of taken images is less than a predetermined number determined for one photo sticker creating game and additional shooting is designated by the customer. If it is determined in step S109 that the number of captured images is less than the predetermined number determined for one photo sticker creation game and additional shooting is designated by the customer, the photo sticker creation device 3 performs the process. Return to S104. Thereby, the customer can create (capture) images of the set shooting theme up to a predetermined number determined for one photo sticker creation game.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S109 that the number of photographed images has exceeded the predetermined number determined for one photo sticker creation game, or that the end of photography has been designated by the customer, photo sticker creation The apparatus 3 returns to FIG. 2 and executes the editing process in step S3.

  FIG. 35 is a detailed flowchart of the image storage process executed in step S6 of FIG.

  In the image storage process, first, in step S121, the communication unit 101 of the server 2 receives the personal ID, password, photographing theme, and photographed image transmitted from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 3.

  In step S122, the authentication unit 103 authenticates the customer by comparing the received personal ID and password with the personal ID and password stored in the ID storage unit 113.

  When the customer is authenticated, in step S123, the image distribution unit 105 requests the management unit 102 to generate an image ID for identifying the received captured image. In step S123, the management unit 102 generates an image ID of the received captured image.

  In step S <b> 124, the image distribution unit 105 stores the received captured image in the customer's personal area of the image storage unit 110.

  In step S <b> 125, the image distribution unit 105 stores the attribute information of the captured image in the attribute information storage unit 112. That is, the image distribution unit 105 stores the image ID of the captured image and the shooting theme (the shooting theme received in step S121) in the attribute information storage unit 112, returns to FIG. 2, and proceeds to step S7.

  As described above, according to the image storage process, the photographed image created and transmitted by the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 is stored in the customer's personal area in the image storage unit 110, and the theme of the photographed image (photographing theme) Is stored in the attribute information storage unit 112.

  FIG. 36 is a detailed flowchart of the stored image display process executed in step S7 of FIG.

  First, in step S141, the authentication unit 103 of the server 2 displays a member login screen (FIG. 17) on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5, and inputs the customer's personal ID and password.

  The personal ID and password of the customer input on the member login screen are transmitted from the mobile phone 5 to the communication unit 101 of the server 2 via the network 4 and supplied to the authentication unit 103. In step S142, the authentication unit 103 authenticates the customer based on the personal ID and password stored in the ID storage unit 113. Thereby, the captured image stored in the server 2 can be managed safely.

  After authentication of the customer, in step S143, the authentication unit 103 displays a work content selection screen (FIG. 18) on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5, and allows the customer to select the work content. The work content items that can be selected on the work content selection screen are “display a combination of images”, “set image access rights / themes”, “invite friends to register”, and “image access rights or The case where “Invite a friend for site registration” is selected has been described with reference to FIG. 33. Here, “Display a combination of images”, “ It is assumed that one of the three work content items “set image access right / theme” and “delete image access right or image” is selected.

  In step S <b> 144, the authentication unit 103 indicates that the selected work content is “display combined image”, “set image access right / theme”, and “delete image access right or image”. It is determined which one.

  If it is determined in step S144 that the selected work content is “display combined image”, the process proceeds to step S145, and the image processing unit 107 has been described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the combined image display process for displaying the combined image on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5 is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S144 that the selected work content is “set image access right / theme”, the process proceeds to step S146, and the access right setting unit 106 performs the process shown in FIGS. As described above, the access right / theme setting process for setting the access right or theme of the captured image is executed.

  Alternatively, if it is determined in step S144 that the selected work content is “delete image access right or image”, the process proceeds to step S147, and the access right setting unit 106 performs the process shown in FIGS. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the access right deletion process for deleting the access right of the captured image or deleting the captured image is executed.

  The combination image display process in step S145 will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 37, the access right / theme setting process in step S146 will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 43, and the access right deletion process in step S147. Will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the process of step S145, S146, or S147, the process returns to FIG. 2 and the image providing process ends.

  FIG. 37 is a detailed flowchart of the combined image display process executed in step S145 described above.

  First, in step S201, the image processing unit 107 of the server 2 displays a list of shooting themes of the shooting image used for the combination image on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5 on the theme selection screen of FIG. Let

  In step S <b> 202, the image processing unit 107 determines whether or not the shooting theme selected by the customer from the list of shooting themes (hereinafter referred to as a selected theme) has a number condition. The number-of-selection conditions of the selected theme is stored in the theme information storage unit 114 as the number of photographed images necessary to form a combination image. For example, in the theme of “train” and “smile” shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, there is no special condition for the number of captured images constituting the combined image, and all captured images stored in the image storage unit 110 are stored. Can be used. Further, for example, in the “contribution” theme shown in FIG. 5, at least eight photographed images are required in order to construct a combined image.

  When it is determined in step S202 that the selected theme has a number condition, the process proceeds to step S203, and the image processing unit 107 configures a combination image of the selected theme obtained by referring to the theme information storage unit 114. Required number of images (hereinafter referred to as the required number of selected themes) and the number of captured images for which the customer has access rights and the selected theme is set (hereinafter, the number of usable selected themes) Are referred to).

  In step S <b> 204, the image processing unit 107 determines whether the required number of selected themes matches the usable number of selected themes. If it is determined in step S204 that the required number of selected themes matches the usable number of selected themes, the process proceeds to step S211.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the required number of selected themes does not match the usable number of selected themes, the process proceeds to step S205, and the image processing unit 107 selects the adjustment method shown in FIG. The screen is displayed on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5 to allow the customer to select an adjustment method for adjusting the number of captured images.

  The adjustment method selection screen shown in Fig. 38 prompts you to select the adjustment method. "The selected theme does not correspond to the number of saved images. To complete the theme, you need to adjust the number of images. “Select the method to adjust” and two adjustment method options “<1> Automatically select from stored images and adjust number of images <2> Select from stored images yourself” And adjust the number of images ".

  In step S205, the image processing unit 107 determines whether automatic selection of a captured image has been selected. If it is determined in step S205 that automatic selection of a captured image has been selected, that is, in the adjustment method selection screen of FIG. 38, “<1> Automatically select from stored images and adjust number of images” If is selected, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the image processing unit 107 determines whether the usable number of selected themes is larger than the required number of selected themes. If it is determined in step S206 that the usable number of selected themes is larger than the required number of selected themes, the process proceeds to step S207, and the image processing unit 107 performs a predetermined order (for example, registered order, date, etc.). Select the required number of shot images in the order of addition). Thus, even when the usable number of selected themes is larger than the required number of selected themes, a combined image can be generated and provided (presented) to the customer.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the usable number of selected themes is less than the required number of selected themes, the process proceeds to step S208, and the image processing unit 107 sets all the captured images for which the selected theme is set. Select.

  In step S209, the image processing unit 107 captures the orientation of the face of the customer (subject), the size of the face (mainly the face) with respect to the photographed image other than the selected theme and for which the customer has access rights. The feature of the image such as whether it is photographed or the upper body is mainly photographed) is detected using face recognition processing or the like, and the number of photographed images optimal for the selected theme is detected.

  For example, the photographed image used for the combined image of the theme “smile” shown in FIG. 3 does not show the customer's torso part and needs to be photographed mainly on the head, and is stored in the theme information storage part 114. Is stored as a characteristic of the photographed image used for the combined image of the theme “smiling”, “mainly photographed from the head”. The image processing unit 107 lacks a photographed image that matches the characteristics of the photographed image of the theme “smile” (that is, mainly photographed from the head) from photographed images other than the selected theme that the customer has access to. Only the number of sheets is detected.

  The feature of the captured image used for the combined image of the theme “train” shown in FIG. 4 is that “the customer's upper body was mainly photographed, and the customer (with his hand in front) turned sideways. ”Is stored in the theme information storage unit 114, and the image processing unit 107 selects a number of photographed images that match the characteristics from among photographed images other than the selected theme that the customer has access to. Detect only minutes.

  The feature of the captured image used for the combined image of the theme “contribution” shown in FIG. 5 is that the customer's upper body is mainly photographed, and the customer's face faces rightward, leftward, upward, and downward. ”Is stored in the theme information storage unit 114, and the image processing unit 107 selects a number of photographed images that match the characteristics from among photographed images other than the selected theme that the customer has access to. Detect only minutes.

  As a result, even if the available number of the selected themes is less than the required number of the selected themes, a combined image is generated using the captured images of other themes that match the selected theme and provided to the customer ( Present). In addition, it is possible to detect (randomly) the number of shot images that are not enough to detect the features of the image, and to use the shot images. When the number of sheets is smaller than the required number, the combined image may be configured (terminated) while the number of sheets is insufficient.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that the automatic selection of the photographed image has not been selected, that is, in the adjustment method selection screen of FIG. When “adjust” is selected, the process proceeds to step S210, and the image processing unit 107 displays a list of photographed images to which the customer has access rights, and selects a photographed image to be used. Thereby, the customer can freely select a captured image and generate a combined image.

  FIG. 39 to FIG. 41 are examples of screens for explaining selection of a photographed image by a customer when the selection theme is “contribution”.

  As shown in FIG. 39, the image processing unit 107 tentatively composes a combined image with usable photographed images, displays the combined image on the display 11, and selects a photographed image (indicated by a bold line in FIG. 39). Display).

  Further, the image processing unit 107 also displays a message “Please specify the location to be incorporated / changed” prompting the user to specify the location of the captured image to be changed.

  When the customer selects and designates one of the captured images constituting the combination image in the selection frame, the image processing unit 107 displays the theme selection screen in FIG. 40 and the image in FIG. 41, which are the same as those in FIGS. A selection screen is displayed on the display 11 to select a new captured image to be used for the combined image. Then, the selected new photographed image replaces the photographed image selected in the selection frame in FIG.

  Further, when the customer selects and designates the address image (the area where “To Mr. XX!” Is displayed) arranged at the center of the combined image in the selection frame, the image processing unit 107 reads “ A message such as “Please enter a name” and an input box are displayed on the display 11. Thereby, the customer can input the name of the friend who sends the combined image of “contribution”.

  Returning to FIG. 37, after step S207, S209, or S210, the process proceeds to step S211, and the image processing unit 107 generates a combined image by arranging the selected captured images in an arrangement pattern according to the theme. Then, the generated combined image is displayed on the display 11 as a preview.

  For example, the combination image of the theme “smile” shown in FIG. 3 and the combination image of the theme “train” shown in FIG. The image processing unit 107 stores the selected captured image according to the arrangement pattern and generates a combined image.

  For the combined image of the theme “Contribution” shown in FIG. 5, “Place the captured image in 3 × 3 (3 rows and 3 columns) and set the captured image facing the left (see the captured image) to the right. Arranged in one vertical row, shot image facing right is arranged in one vertical column on the left side, shot image facing down is arranged in the upper center, and shot image facing up is arranged in the lower center "If there are no shot images facing up or down, place the shot images facing the front on the upper and lower sides of the center, and rotate the lower center shot image 180 degrees." The arrangement pattern of the captured image is stored in the theme information storage unit 114, and the image processing unit 107 generates a combined image by arranging the selected captured image according to the feature of the captured image according to the arrangement pattern. To do. As a result, for example, a photograph taken with a face facing upward with the theme set to “Contribution”, or a photograph taken with a theme other than “Contribution” but with the face of the customer facing upward is taken. It is arranged on the lower center side in the 3 × 3 arrangement.

  FIG. 42 shows an example of a preview screen when the combined image in the theme “smile” is displayed as a preview by the process of step S211.

  In the preview screen of FIG. 42, the generated combination image (reduced image thereof) and a message for confirming that there is no problem with this combination image “DL (download) if it is OK”, and now displayed. A “DL” button to select when there is no problem with the combination image and a “Redo” button to change the currently displayed combination image are displayed. With the preview screen, the customer can confirm the completion of the combined image in advance.

  In step S212 in FIG. 37, the image processing unit 107 determines whether there is no problem with the previewed combination image. If it is determined in step S212 that there is a problem with the previewed combination image, that is, if the “redo” button on the preview screen is selected, the process proceeds to step S210, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S212 that there is no problem with the previewed combination image, that is, if the “DL” button on the preview screen is selected, the process proceeds to step S213, and the combination image (image data of the combination image) is displayed. ) Is transmitted to the mobile phone 5 (DL). Thereby, the combination image 21 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 11. Further, the downloaded combination image or the like can be attached to an e-mail or the like and transmitted to a friend (another customer). Thereafter, the processing returns to FIG.

  As described above, a combined image is automatically generated by the server 2 in accordance with the selected theme of the captured image, or a combined image is generated by freely selecting a captured image by the customer, and the combined image is provided to the customer ( Presenting), customer satisfaction can be greatly improved. Furthermore, this further encourages the use of the photo sticker creating apparatus 3, so that the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 can be expected to improve profitability.

  In addition, when the customer wants to display the combined image on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5, first, the captured images constituting the combined image are narrowed down by designating the shooting theme, and automatically or from among the captured images. Since a combined image can be configured by selecting (freely) a photographed image as desired, the customer can easily configure the combined image and display it on the display 11.

  In the server 2, as described above, the photographed image created by the photo sticker creation device 3 is stored for each customer in the image storage unit 110, and the theme (photographing theme) of the photographed image is stored in the attribute information storage unit 112. Therefore, it is possible to easily manage the captured images constituting the combined image. Moreover, since the condition of the captured image for generating the combination image is stored in the theme information storage unit 114, the combination image can be easily generated.

  In step S202 described above, the number condition can also be set for the theme of “train” and “smile” where there is no condition for the number of captured images that constitute the combined image. In this case, the amount of data transmitted to the mobile phone 5 (corresponding to the number of photographed images) is limited, the processing load on the mobile phone 5 can be reduced, and the mobile phone 5 with low processing capability can be used. However, the combined image can be displayed comfortably.

  Also, in the combined image display processing, when the usable number of captured images used for the combined image is less than the required number, a captured image of another theme is used or a combined image is generated with a small number of captured images. As a countermeasure against the shortage of photographed images used for the combined image, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 3 obtains the photographed theme lacking the photographed images from the server 2 when the photograph theme is determined by the customer. You may recommend it to customers.

  Next, details of the access right / theme setting process executed in step S146 of FIG. 36 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S231, the access right setting unit 106 of the server 2 displays on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5 an inquiry screen asking whether to set the access right or to set the theme of the photographed image. The customer selects whether to set the access right for the photographed image or to set the theme for the photographed image.

  If the access right setting is selected by the customer in step S231, the process proceeds to step S232, and the access right setting unit 106 displays the theme selection screen of FIG. 20 on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5, and the customer The customer is allowed to select a shooting theme for which the access right is to be set, from a list of shooting image themes (a list of shooting themes) having the access right.

  In step S233, the access right setting unit 106 causes the display 11 to sequentially display captured images in which the selected capturing theme (selected theme) is set on the image selection screen in FIG.

  In step S234, the access right setting unit 106 displays the access right setting screen shown in FIG. 22 on the display 11, and allows the customer to select a personal ID or group ID as a setting destination of the access right of the selected photographed image.

  On the other hand, if theme setting is selected by the customer in step S231, the process proceeds to step S235, and the access right setting unit 106 displays the theme selection screen in FIG. The customer selects a shooting theme for setting a theme from a list of shooting images that the user has access to (a list of shooting themes).

  In step S236, the access right setting unit 106 causes the display 11 to sequentially display the captured images in which the selected capturing theme (selected theme) is set on the image selection screen in FIG.

  In step 237, the access right setting unit 106 causes the customer to select a theme to be set for the selected photographed image on the theme setting screen of FIG. The theme selected here is set (changed) as the shooting theme of the selected shot image when the shot image selected in step S236 described above is the shot image of the user, and is selected in step S236 described above. If the captured image is a captured image to which an access right is given by another person, it is set (changed) as an individual theme of the selected captured image.

  After the process of step S234 or S237, in step S238, the access right setting unit 106 updates the attribute information of the selected captured image stored in the attribute information storage unit 112. Thereby, the information on the access right or theme of the selected photographed image is updated.

  As described above, according to the access right / theme setting process, the access right to the photographed image created by the customer (the customer) can be set for another customer. It can also be shown to customers. As a result, the photographed images can be shared with each other and enjoyed, improving customer satisfaction. In addition, it becomes possible to use photographed images created by other customers in combination images, and the number of combinations (variations) of photographed images constituting the combination images can be increased. Satisfaction improves.

  In addition, according to the access right / theme setting process, it is possible to freely set the theme of the photographed image to which the user has the right to access, so the number of combinations (variations) of the photographed images constituting the combined image can be increased. , Increase the enjoyment of combined images and improve customer satisfaction.

  Next, details of the access right deletion process executed in step S147 of FIG. 36 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S251, the access right setting unit 106 causes the display 11 of the mobile phone 5 to display a list of themes set in the photographed image that can be used by the customer on the theme selection screen in FIG. , Let the customer choose.

  In step S252, the access right setting unit 106 sequentially displays the captured images in which the theme selected in step S251 is set on the display 11 by the image selection screen in FIG.

  In step S253, the access right setting unit 106 determines whether the photographed image selected in step S252 is an image created by the customer himself / herself by referring to the customer's own personal area in the image storage unit 110. To do.

  If it is determined in step S253 that the selected photographed image is not an image created by the customer, that is, the selected photographed image has been created by another customer and the customer himself / herself has been given access rights. If it is an image, the process proceeds to step S254, and the access right setting unit 106 displays a warning screen (FIG. 26) indicating a warning to delete the access right that cannot be set by itself on the display 11 of the mobile phone 5. Let Then, after the warning is accepted by the customer (after the “OK” button is selected on the warning screen in FIG. 26), the access right setting unit 106 changes the attribute information of the selected photographed image and selects the selected image. Delete access rights and individual themes for shot images. Accordingly, the customer himself / herself can delete his / her access right added to the photographed image created by another customer. It does not matter who has set the access rights of the customer.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S253 that the selected photographed image is an image photographed by the customer, the process proceeds to step S255, and the access right setting unit 106 displays the disposal method selection screen in FIG. 11 and display to the customer one of the disposal methods of “<1> Delete friend's access right”, “<2> Delete group access right”, or “<3> Delete image”. Let them choose.

  If it is determined in step S255 that "<1> Delete friend's access right" is selected as the disposal method, the process proceeds to step S256, and the access right setting unit 106 displays the personal ID selection screen of FIG. 11, the customer selects a personal ID to be deleted from the list of other customer personal IDs registered in the photographed image selected in step S <b> 252.

  In step S257, the access right setting unit 106 deletes the customer access right and the individual theme corresponding to the personal ID selected in step S256 from the attribute information of the captured image selected in step S252 (selected in step S252). Update the attribute information of the captured image). Therefore, the customer himself / herself can delete the access right of another customer added to the photographed image created by himself / herself.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S255 that “<2> Delete group access right” is selected as the disposal method, the process proceeds to step S258, and the access right setting unit 106 displays the group ID selection screen in FIG. Is displayed on the display 11 and the customer is allowed to select a group ID to be deleted from the list of group IDs of groups registered in the photographed image selected in step S252.

  In step S259, the access right setting unit 106 deletes the access right and individual theme of the group corresponding to the group ID selected in step S258 from the attribute information of the captured image selected in step S252 (selected in step S252). Update the attribute information of the captured image). Therefore, the customer himself / herself can delete the group access right added to the photographed image created by the customer.

  If it is determined in step S255 that “<3> Delete image” is selected as the disposal method, the process proceeds to step S260, and the access right setting unit 106 deletes the captured image selected in step S252. A deletion confirmation screen (FIG. 30) for confirming is displayed on the display 11. After the deletion confirmation screen confirms the deletion of the photographed image, in step S260, the access right setting unit 106 stores the photographed image selected in step S252 stored in the personal area of the customer himself / herself in the image storage unit 110. And the attribute information of the deleted photographed image is deleted from the attribute information storage unit 112. Therefore, the customer himself / herself can delete the captured image created by the customer from the server 2.

  After the process of step S257, S259, or S260, the process returns to FIG.

  As described above, according to the server 2, a combined image is automatically generated (by the server 2) according to the selected theme of the captured image, or a combined image is generated according to the customer's free selection of the captured image. Since it can be provided (presented) to the customer, customer satisfaction is improved. Furthermore, this further encourages the use of the photo sticker creating apparatus 3, thereby improving the profitability of the photo sticker creating apparatus 3.

  When the mobile phone 5 is a mobile phone 5 with a shooting function (with a camera), an image shot by the mobile phone 5 can also be transmitted (uploaded) to the server 2. Good. Further, the server stores the photograph sticker creating device 3 or the portable telephone 5 stored in the image storage unit 110 of the server 2 and reads the photographed image to the portable telephone 5 so that the editing operation can be performed there. Two functions may be added. Thereby, the kind of picked-up image which can be used as a combined image can be increased, and a customer's satisfaction improves.

  In the above-mentioned example, if it is a photographed image for which the access right is given to the customer, the access right can be freely set for other customers even if it is not a photographed image created by himself. The access right may be freely set only for the photographed image created by the customer himself / herself. Thereby, the person who created the shot image can manage the shot image more strictly.

  In the above-described example, the access right is given to another customer by adding the personal ID of the other customer to the attribute information of the photographed image. An access right may be granted to another customer by copying a photographed image of the customer (the customer from whom the access right is granted) to the personal area of the granting customer.

  Further, in the above-described example, the image storage unit 110 stores the photographed images transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 3 for each customer registered as a member. Also good.

  In the present specification, the steps described in the flowcharts are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes performed in time series in the described order. It also includes processing.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the photograph sticker provision system to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart explaining the whole process of a photograph sticker providing system. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the combination image of the theme "smile". It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the combination image of the theme "train." It is a figure which shows the example of a screen of the combination image of theme "contribution". It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of a server. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of a server. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in the image memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in the group list memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in the attribute information storage part. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in the ID memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows the example of a personal information input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a group registration screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an error screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a confirmation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an ID notification screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a member login screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a work content selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a theme selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a theme selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an image selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an access right setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a theme setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of an e-mail address input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a received mail. It is a figure which shows the example of a warning screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a disposal method selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a personal ID selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a group ID selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a deletion confirmation screen. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a user registration process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of an area | region creation process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a user registration process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of imaging | photography process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of an image storage process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a stored image display process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a combined image display process. It is a figure which shows the example of an adjustment method selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen when selecting a picked-up image. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen when selecting a picked-up image. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen when selecting a picked-up image. It is a figure which shows the example of a preview screen. It is a flowchart explaining the example of an access right and theme setting process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of an access right deletion process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo sticker provision system 2 Server 3 Photo sticker production apparatus 4 Network 5 Mobile telephone 101 Communication part 102 Management part 103 Authentication part 104 Registration part 105 Image distribution part 106 Access right setting part 107 Image processing part 108 Input part 110 Image storage Section 111 Group list storage section 112 Attribute information storage section 113 ID storage section 114 Theme information storage section 115 Program storage section

Claims (10)

As a photo sticker creation game, the customer is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the customer as a subject, and an editing operation to edit the customer image obtained by the shooting operation. The customer's photographed image is printed on a sticker paper, the printed sticker paper is ejected, and the photographed image created in the photograph sticker creation device provided to the customer as a photograph sticker is used as the customer's image provision service. An image providing apparatus for providing to a mobile phone,
ID generating means for generating a personal ID for identifying the customer;
ID storage means for storing the customer's personal ID;
The generated personal ID of the customer is transmitted to the mobile phone of the customer, and the personal ID of the customer and the theme of the captured image input by the customer in the photo sticker creating device are generated. And a communication means for receiving from the photo sticker creating apparatus,
Based on the received personal ID of the customer, image storage means for storing the received captured image for each customer;
By combining a plurality of the captured images with the theme designated by the customer as the attribute information, the combined image generating means for generating a combined image,
The access right that can be used for the combined image by the customer other than the customer who created the captured image is set in the captured image, and when a predetermined captured image is selected as a deletion target, the selected image is selected. If the captured image is a captured image created by the other customer, the access right of the selected captured image is deleted, and if the selected captured image is a captured image created by the customer, the selection is performed. Access right setting means for deleting either the captured image or its access right ,
The communication means further transmits the generated combined image to the mobile phone of the customer. The combination image generation unit generates a combination image by combining the plurality of photographed images having the theme specified by the customer as the attribute information when the customer has an access right. Image providing device. When said other customer access is set, the attribute information of the photographed image, the image providing device according to claim 1, personal ID of the other customers is further included. The access right setting means further sets an access right for the photographed image so that a group of a plurality of other customers including the customer who created the photographed image can use the photographed image for the combined image. And
The combination image generation unit generates a combination image by combining a plurality of the captured images having the theme specified by the customer as the attribute information when the group or the customer has an access right. 2. The image providing apparatus according to 1. The ID generation means also generates a group ID for identifying the group,
The image providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when an access right is set for the group, the attribute information of the captured image further includes a group ID of the group. The other customer's email address is acquired from the customer, and the other customer's email address is sent to the other customer's email address so as to invite the other customer to use the image providing service. The image providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an invitation means for performing the operation. The ID generation means also generates a password for the customer,
The image providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising authentication means for authenticating the customer based on the personal ID and password of the customer. Further comprising theme information storage means for storing, for each theme, the number, characteristics, and arrangement pattern of the captured images necessary for generating the combined image;
The image providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combination image generation unit generates a combination image based on the number, characteristics, and arrangement pattern of the captured images. As a photo sticker creation game, the customer is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the customer as a subject, and an editing operation to edit the customer image obtained by the shooting operation. The customer's photographed image is printed on a sticker paper, the printed sticker paper is ejected, and the photographed image created in the photograph sticker creation device provided to the customer as a photograph sticker is used as the customer's image provision service. An image providing method of an image providing apparatus provided to a mobile phone,
Generating a personal ID identifying the customer;
Storing the customer's personal ID;
The generated personal ID of the customer is transmitted to the mobile phone of the customer, and the personal ID of the customer and the theme of the captured image input by the customer in the photo sticker creating device are generated. And received from the photo sticker creating device,
Based on the received personal ID of the customer, the received captured image is stored for each customer,
By combining a plurality of the captured images with the theme designated by the customer as the attribute information to generate a combined image,
An access right that can be used for the combined image by the customer other than the customer who created the captured image is set in the captured image,
When a predetermined photographed image is selected as an object to be deleted, if the selected photographed image is a photographed image created by the other customer, the access right of the selected photographed image is deleted and the selected photographed image is selected. If the captured image is a captured image created by the customer, delete either the selected captured image or its access right,
An image providing method including the step of transmitting the generated combined image to the mobile phone of the customer. As a photo sticker creation game, the customer is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the customer as a subject, and an editing operation to edit the customer image obtained by the shooting operation. The customer's photographed image is printed on a sticker paper, the printed sticker paper is ejected, and the photographed image created in the photograph sticker creation device provided to the customer as a photograph sticker is used as the customer's image provision service. A program for causing a computer to perform processing to be provided to a mobile phone,
Generating a personal ID identifying the customer;
Storing the customer's personal ID;
The generated personal ID of the customer is transmitted to the mobile phone of the customer, and the personal ID of the customer and the theme of the captured image input by the customer in the photo sticker creating device are generated. And received from the photo sticker creating device,
Based on the received personal ID of the customer, the received captured image is stored for each customer,
By combining a plurality of the captured images with the theme designated by the customer as the attribute information to generate a combined image,
An access right that can be used for the combined image by the customer other than the customer who created the captured image is set in the captured image,
When a predetermined photographed image is selected as an object to be deleted, if the selected photographed image is a photographed image created by the other customer, the access right of the selected photographed image is deleted and the selected photographed image is selected. If the captured image is a captured image created by the customer, delete either the selected captured image or its access right,
A program comprising the step of transmitting the generated combined image to the mobile phone of the customer.

Images