JP5569152B2 - Image display control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display control system for displaying a composite image obtained by combining an additional image with a photographed image on a communication terminal such as a mobile phone terminal.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a photo creation device for a game in which a user is photographed with a camera and the photographed image is output as a photo sticker or a photo card. Such a play photo creating apparatus has high playability or entertainment, and therefore, various images prepared in advance according to the user's preference are prepared for images to be synthesized with the photographed images (hereinafter referred to as “additional images”). In many cases, a user can select from various background images and foreground images (for example, a frame image or a stamp image) or can draw freely using a touch pen. Since such an operation by the user is performed on the photographed image, it is called “graffiti”.

  In recent years, a composite image obtained by combining an additional image with a photographed image by graffiti as described above can be used on a mobile phone terminal, and the composite image can be transferred from the game photo creation device to the mobile phone terminal. Some of them are directly transmitted, and others are such that the composite image is once transferred to a server and can be downloaded later by a mobile phone terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-109580 A

  However, even if the composite image created by the game photo creation device is downloaded from the server to the user's mobile phone terminal and displayed on the mobile phone terminal, the displayed image is printed on the photo sticker printed by the game photo creation device. The image is substantially the same as the above image and is limited in terms of improving playability.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image display control system for displaying a composite image based on a photographed image created by a photo photographic device or the like on a mobile phone terminal so that the playability is sufficiently enhanced.

1st invention is the server apparatus connected so that communication was possible via the network with the communication terminal of the photography device and the user of the photography device concerned,
Receiving means for receiving, via a network, data relating to a photographed image obtained by photographing a user with the photography apparatus, and data relating to a first additional image used in editing the photographed image;
Condition information acquisition means for acquiring condition information input by an operation of the user in the photography apparatus or the communication terminal as information for specifying a predetermined condition;
Storage means for storing the first additional image and a second additional image different from the first additional image in association with each other;
A first display state in which the first additional image is displayed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image are alternatively selected based on the condition information. Data generation means for generating display control information to be presented;
Transmission means for transmitting the display control information to the communication terminal ,
The receiving means receives identification information of a first additional image used in editing the captured image from the communication terminal;
The data generation means reads from the storage means a first additional image identified by the identification information received by the receiving means and a second additional image associated with the first additional image, and reads the first additional image. Control information for alternatively presenting, based on the condition information, a first display state in which the photographed image is superimposed and a second display state in which the second additional image is superimposed on the photographed image is displayed. Generated as display control information,
When the display control information is transmitted to the communication terminal, the first display is displayed when a predetermined condition specified by the condition information is satisfied after the first display state is presented to the communication terminal. Instead of the state, the second display state is presented to the communication terminal .
According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The receiving means receives the identification information and position information of the first additional image used in editing the captured image from the communication terminal as data relating to the first additional image,
The condition information acquiring unit acquires by receiving the condition information from the previous SL communication terminal by the reception means,
The data generation means reads from the storage means a first additional image identified by the identification information received by the receiving means and a second additional image associated with the first additional image, and reads the first additional image. Based on the condition information and the position information, a first display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image are alternatively presented. Control information is generated as the display control information.

3rd invention is the image display implemented in order to control the image display of the said communication terminal in the server apparatus connected so that communication was possible via the network with the communication terminal of the photography apparatus and the user of the said photography apparatus A control method,
A reception step of receiving, via a network, data relating to a photographed image obtained by photographing a user with the photograph photographing device, and data relating to a first additional image used in editing the photographed image;
A condition information acquisition step of acquiring condition information input by a user's operation in the photography apparatus or the communication terminal as information for specifying a predetermined condition;
A management step of associating and managing the first additional image and a second additional image different from the first additional image;
A first display state in which the first additional image is displayed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image are alternatively selected based on the condition information. A data generation step for generating display control information to be presented;
A transmission step of transmitting the display control information to the communication terminal ,
In the receiving step, the identification information of the first additional image used in editing the captured image is received from the communication terminal,
In the data generation step, the first additional image identified by the identification information received in the receiving step and the second additional image associated with the first additional image are read from a predetermined storage unit, and the first additional image Control information for alternatively presenting, based on the condition information, a first display state in which the image is superimposed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is superimposed on the captured image. Generating as the display control information,
When the display control information is transmitted to the communication terminal, the first display is displayed when a predetermined condition specified by the condition information is satisfied after the first display state is presented to the communication terminal. Instead of the state, the second display state is presented to the communication terminal .

According to the first aspect of the invention, the condition information input by the user's operation in the photographic device or the communication terminal is acquired in the server device, and the identification information of the first additional image used for editing the captured image is the server. The first additional image received from the communication terminal of the user at the device and identified by the received identification information and the second additional image associated with the first additional image are read from the storage means, and the first additional image is read out. the first display state and the display control information and a second display state is alternatively presented on the basis of the condition information of the second additional image is displayed superimposed on the captured image to be displayed superimposed on the captured image an image The display control information generated in the server device is transmitted to the user's communication terminal. When the display control information is transmitted to the user's communication terminal, the first display state is presented to the communication terminal, and then the predetermined condition specified by the condition information is satisfied. Instead of the first display state, the second display state is presented to the user's communication terminal. As a result, when the above condition information is appropriately input by the user's operation for the first additional image to be combined with the photographed image, the composite image is displayed on the communication terminal so that the playability is sufficiently improved as compared with the conventional case. can do.
According to the second aspect of the invention, the condition information input by the user's operation in the communication terminal is acquired in the server device, and the identification information and the position information of the first additional image used in editing the captured image are the communication terminal. It is received from. Based on these identification information, position information, and condition information, a first display state in which the first additional image is displayed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image are displayed. Is generated in the server device, and the generated display control information is transmitted to the communication terminal of the user. As a result, when the condition information and the position information are appropriately input by the user's operation, the composite image can be displayed on the communication terminal so that the playability is sufficiently improved as compared with the conventional case.
According to the third aspect of the invention, the method invention has the same effect as the first aspect of the invention.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the photo production apparatus for play which is an automatic photo production apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the imaging unit in the embodiment. It is a front view of the edit unit in the said embodiment. It is a front view of the output unit in the said embodiment. In the said embodiment, it is a schematic diagram which shows the screen structure of the touchscreen for imaging operations. In the said embodiment, it is a schematic diagram which shows the screen structure of the touch panel for edit operations. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the photo production apparatus for play concerning the said embodiment from the functional surface. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the image server apparatus in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the image server apparatus in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the mobile telephone terminal in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the mobile telephone terminal in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the mobile telephone terminal in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the mobile telephone terminal in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the mobile telephone terminal in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation screen of the mobile telephone terminal in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the imaging | photography process in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the edit process in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the left operation screen process in the said edit process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an additional image process when an update type additional image is selected by the tool operation in a palette in the said edit process. It is a figure for demonstrating the data for image addition produced when the additional image in which the update conditions by the number of days were set in the said edit process was synthesize | combined with the picked-up image. It is a figure for demonstrating the data for image addition produced when the additional image in which the update conditions by the predetermined day were set in the said edit process was synthesize | combined with the picked-up image. It is a figure for demonstrating the data for image addition when the position of an additional image changes according to the update of an additional image in the said edit process. It is a figure for demonstrating the data for image addition when a moving image is used as an update type additional image in the said edit process. It is a figure for demonstrating the data for image addition when the additional image from which an arrangement position changes is used as an update type additional image in the said edit process. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. In the said embodiment, when performing the output process using non-contact communication, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed on the touch panel for output operations. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence for displaying a synthesized image with a mobile telephone terminal based on the data for an image synthesis produced | generated in the said embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st update example of the additional image in the synthesized image displayed on a mobile telephone terminal based on the data for image synthesis produced | generated in the said embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd update example of the additional image in the synthesized image displayed on a mobile telephone terminal based on the data for image synthesis produced | generated in the said embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the data for image addition for replacing the said predetermined day with the remaining days, when the additional image in which the update conditions by the predetermined day were set in the said edit process was combined with the picked-up image. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of additional image processing when an update type additional image is selected by a tool operation in a palette in editing processing in the game photo creation device which is an automatic photo creation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. is there. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence for registering the data for image composition in the image server apparatus in the said 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the case of downloading the data for image addition from the image server apparatus to a mobile telephone terminal in the main modification of the said embodiment.

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

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

  The photographing unit 3 includes a camera 10 as an imaging unit for photographing a user, strobes 11, 12, 13 L, 13 R, and 14 that are arranged at the top, bottom, left and right positions of the camera 10 and emit flash light, and below the camera 10. It is provided with a shooting operation touch panel 20 that is arranged and receives operations from a user, displays shot images, and the like.

  The camera 10 is typically a digital camera that generates a digital image signal using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), captures a user, and outputs an image signal representing the captured image. The flashes 11 to 14 emit a flash toward the user in order to obtain sufficient light for photographing. The shooting operation touch panel 20 is configured to provide an operation screen for accepting various operations by the user during shooting, and to display an image based on the image signal in real time.

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a screen configuration of the editing operation touch panel 400. The display screen displayed on the editing operation touch panel 400 is typically divided into two parts on the left and right so as to be suitable for the operations of two users. Hereinafter, the left operation screen of the display screen is referred to as a left operation screen SL, and the right operation screen is referred to as a right operation screen SR. On the left operation screen SL, an operation with a left touch pen (hereinafter referred to as “left pen”) 49L is accepted, and on the right operation screen SR, an operation with a right touch pen (hereinafter referred to as “right pen”) 49R is accepted. The editing operation touch panel 400 is configured to be able to simultaneously detect the operation positions of the left pen 49L and the right pen 49R, and the detected operation positions are any of the left pen 49L and the right pen 49R. It is also possible to detect whether it corresponds to the operation of the touch pen. For example, when a capacitive touch panel is used as the editing operation touch panel 400, simultaneous detection of such a plurality of operation positions and identification of the operated touch pen are possible.

  On both of the operation screens SL and SR, an image selected from a plurality of graffiti target images generated based on the photographed image is displayed as a component used by the left and right users, respectively (virtual) graffiti Graffiti areas 41L and 41R, which are areas where the user can perform graffiti, and a set of tools for the user to perform graffiti, that is, a set of tools for editing instructions for the (selected) graffiti target image. Palettes 42L, 42R, mode selection buttons 44L, 44R for switching the types of tools included in the palettes 42L, 42R, and buttons 45L for performing operations related to graffiti other than the tools included in the palettes 42L, 42R , 45R. The pallets 42L and 42R are provided with tabs 43L and 43R, and various types of items can be displayed and selected by switching the tabs. Further, the editing operation touch panel 400 includes a timer 46 for displaying the remaining graffiti time as components commonly used by the left and right users, and a plurality of editing graffiti target images as graffiti candidate images. A candidate image thumbnail 47, which is a group of images displayed in a small list, and a guide screen display area 48 for displaying usage instructions for the selected item when a tab, item, or the like is selected are included. ing.

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

  The output unit 5 typically uses communication that does not require contact at a short distance, such as communication performed wirelessly with an IC chip built in a mobile phone terminal (hereinafter referred to as “non-contact communication”). An output operation touch panel 30 that is operated by the user when transmitting a URL of a server, which will be described later, to the user's mobile phone terminal, and the output operation touch panel 30 are arranged below the output operation touch panel 30 as a radio signal. A non-contact communication port 31 including an antenna for direct transmission to a mobile phone terminal, and a speaker 32 that informs the user by voice of operation methods and sound effects necessary for the non-contact communication are provided. . Further, the output unit 5 includes an outlet 33 for taking out a photo sticker, a photo card, or the like on which a composite image that has been edited by the editing unit 4 is printed.

  Note that here, Felica (registered trademark) is adopted as the communication method of the non-contact communication port 31, and the detailed configuration and operation thereof will be omitted, but other non-contact communication methods using infrared rays, for example, are available. It may be adopted. However, the non-contact communication method using infrared rays generally requires troublesome operations to enable communication, and therefore uses radio waves that allow communication with simple operations (just hold it over the port). A non-contact communication system is preferable. Moreover, it is preferable to employ a short-range non-contact communication method in order to prevent erroneous communication with a mobile phone terminal owned by another person other than the user. Specifically, for example, there is a non-contact communication method of close contact type (defined by ISO10536) that performs communication within a distance of 2 mm or less, or a proximity type contactless communication (specified by ISO15693) that performs communication within a distance of 10 cm or less. preferable.

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

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

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

  In the configuration as described above, after shooting in the shooting room 2, the user uses the graffiti booth A of the editing unit 4 or the touch panel 400 for the editing operation of the graffiti booth B to generate based on the shot image. Graffiti is performed on the graffiti target image. Then, the user prints a composite image generated by graffiti using a network printer, or uses non-contact communication for a later-described image composition data corresponding to the composite image to a mobile phone terminal having a non-contact communication function. The URL or the like is transmitted, and the image downloaded by the mobile phone terminal is displayed on the terminal screen.

<2. Functional configuration>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the play photo creation apparatus according to the present embodiment as seen from the functional aspect. This play photo creating apparatus wirelessly transmits image composition data, etc., which will be described later, typically in the form of data packets to the wireless base unit 200 which is a PHS base station apparatus. The wireless base unit 200 is connected to the Internet via a well-known communication device (not shown), and transmits the image composition data and the like to the image server unit 300 which is an image server device via the Internet. The image server unit 300 accumulates the received image data and transmits the image data to a terminal device used by the user or the like in response to a request from the user or the like. In addition, this image server part 300 may perform ranking etc. by a participant by releasing this image data to a predetermined participant.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, this photo creation device for play is functionally mainly composed of a photographing processing unit 7 for performing processing (photographing processing) for photographing a user, and a user mainly for a graffiti target image. An editing processing unit 8 for performing an editing process of the graffiti target image according to the graffiti operation, and outputting the graffiti target image subjected to the editing process as a photo sticker or the like, or a mobile phone terminal using non-contact communication And an output processing unit 9 that performs processing (output processing).

  The imaging processing unit 7 includes a first control unit 70, an imaging unit 71, a first display / operation unit 72, an I / O control unit 73, an illumination unit 74, and a first communication unit 75. It is configured. The edit processing unit 8 includes a second control unit 80, second display / operation units 81 and 82, and a second communication unit 83. The output processing unit 9 includes a third control unit 90, a third display / operation unit 91, a print output unit 92, an audio output unit 93, a non-contact communication unit 94, and a third communication unit 95. And a wireless communication unit 96. The first, second, and third communication units 75, 83, and 95 that are network adapters can communicate with each other via a network 6 that is a LAN (Local Area Network). In the present embodiment, the first, second, and third control units 70, 80, 90 are separate components, but control of any of these three control units 70, 80, 90 is possible. It is good also as a structure where a part serves as the function of another control part. Further, these three control units 70, 80, 90 may be realized by a single computer including a CPU, a memory, etc., or two control units (first and second control units 70, 80, or first control unit). The first and third control units 70 and 90, or the second and third control units 80 and 90) may be realized by one computer.

  The imaging unit 71 corresponds to the camera 10 configured using an imaging element such as a CCD, and captures an image in real time and outputs an image signal representing the image (captured image). This image signal is input to the first control unit 70 and temporarily stored as photographed image data in its internal memory. The captured image data is supplied as a captured image signal from the first control unit 70 to the first display / operation unit 72, and a captured image based on the captured image signal is displayed in real time.

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

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

  The first control unit 70 is built in the photographing unit 3 and corresponds to a control device mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device and the like, and is stored in a predetermined memory stored in an internal memory. When the CPU executes the program, an instruction is given to each unit as described above in order to control each unit based on the operation signal or the like input as described above. In addition, a graffiti target image is generated by adding a background image and a foreground image to the captured image. The generated graffiti target image is written in the frame buffer and displayed on the first display / operation unit 72. When shooting and generation of the graffiti target image are completed in this way, some graffiti images are appropriately selected from the generated graffiti target images according to the user's input operation, and then edited via the first communication unit 75. The data is sent to the second control unit 80 corresponding to the unit 4.

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

  The second control unit 80 is a built-in editing unit 4 and corresponds to a control device that is configured around a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and is a predetermined program stored in an internal memory. Is executed by the CPU to perform overall control related to the editing process. As a result, the second control unit 80 accepts a user's editing operation on the graffiti target image (hereinafter referred to as “captured image” or the like) including the captured image or the captured image together with the editing operation touch panel 400 and the touch pens 49L and 49R. An operation receiving means is realized. In addition, the second control unit 80 generates a composite image that is an image obtained by drawing a predetermined image on the graffiti target image based on an operation signal for performing graffiti processing on the captured image sent from the first control unit 70. Generate. That is, the second control unit 80 also functions as an image processing unit for generating a composite image based on the operation signal, and, as will be described later, the composite image including the update-type additional image is displayed on the user's communication terminal. It also functions as a composition processing means for generating image composition data to be displayed on (typically a mobile phone terminal). Here, it is assumed that six composite images can be generated based on six photographed images. The generated composite image is displayed on the corresponding second display / operation unit 81 or 82 in accordance with a user instruction. Further, as will be described later, the user can select two images from the generated six composite images and transmit image composition data described later corresponding to the two images to the server. When the generation of the composite image as described above is completed, the six composite images, the image composition data, and the like are sent to the output unit 5. If the print output unit 92 is outputting another composite image, a message to that effect is displayed and sent after waiting for completion.

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

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

  Further, the third control unit 90 starts a printing process such as a photo sticker based on the composite image sent from the editing unit 4. It should be noted that data such as image composition data, image addition data, or photographed image data (in this specification, these data are collectively referred to as “image composition data” in an editing process described later executed by the second control unit 80. 3 ”is transmitted to the image server apparatus 300 (see step S280 in FIG. 17), the third control unit 90 receives the image composition data and the like sent from the second control unit 80. Then, the wireless communication unit 96 is controlled to start processing for transmitting the image composition data and the like to the image server device 300.

  The wireless communication unit 96 corresponds to the PHS terminal device 55 built in the output unit 5, and the image composition data and the like sent during the editing process by the second control unit 80 are sent from the image server device 300 to the user. It functions as a transmission means for transmitting the image composition data and the like to the wireless base unit 200 by the PHS wireless communication method so that it can be distributed to the mobile phone terminal. The image composition data or the like is data corresponding to two composite images created by the second control unit 80 and selected by the user, and this data is downloaded to the user's mobile phone terminal. Then, the two composite images can be displayed on the mobile phone terminal.

  At this time, an identification number is assigned to identify these two composite images. This identification number is typically a unique serial number (e.g., 5 digits) that is given to each amusement photo maker at the time of manufacture, and every transmission within the device (from the first operation after manufacture). It includes a unique number (for example, 7 digits) assigned in order and a checksum (for example, 2 digits). This identification number is also transmitted to the radio base unit 200 by the PHS radio communication method together with the image composition data and the like.

  In this data communication, a predetermined fee is charged according to the amount of data (packets). Therefore, the image composition data that can be uploaded is two data here, but in addition to the communication fee, data transfer In consideration of the upload time limitation due to the slow speed and the upper limit of the amount of data that can be stored in the image server device 300, the image composition data that can be uploaded may be used as one piece of data. It may be configured to upload image composition data corresponding to the composite image. Further, the wireless communication unit 96 may be configured to perform communication by connecting to a known communication line using a telephone line, an optical fiber, or the like as long as image composition data or the like can be transmitted.

  Further, the third control unit 90 starts printing processing such as a photo sticker based on the composite image sent from the editing unit 4, and at the same time, for image composition corresponding to the two composite images selected by the user. An operation screen to be described later for accepting a user's input operation is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91 so that data or the like can be downloaded from the server by the mobile phone terminal. The third display / operation unit 91 corresponds to the output operation touch panel 30 and functions as an input unit. The output operation touch panel 30 includes a monitor that functions as a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and a touch panel for one person that is stacked on the upper surface and can recognize input coordinates. The monitor can display an operation screen divided into a plurality of screens, and the touch panel accepts an input operation using a user's touch pen for each of the plurality of divided screens, and the received input operation is used as an operation signal as a third signal. To the control unit 90.

  Based on the input operation signal, the third control unit 90 instructs the non-contact communication unit 94 to send the URL of the server to the user's mobile phone terminal at an appropriate time point to be described later. Put out. The non-contact communication unit 94 corresponds to the non-contact communication port 31. The data indicating the URL is directly transmitted from the non-contact communication unit 94 to the user's mobile phone terminal as a non-contact communication wireless signal. The third communication unit 95 corresponds to a network adapter built in the output unit 5 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

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

  After that, when the third control unit 90 determines that the user does not perform the URL transmission operation using non-contact communication, the third control / display unit 91 displays the voice or sound effect by the voice output unit 93. The mini game described later is continuously provided to the user until the composite image is printed. If it is determined that the URL transmission operation is to be performed, the third game is provided until the image transfer to the server is completed, and then the third display / operation unit 91 provides guidance for the URL transmission operation using non-contact communication. Is displayed or by the sound output by the sound output unit 93. These display contents and operations will be described in detail later. The contents of the above guidance and mini game are also stored in advance in a hard disk device or the like.

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

<3. Configuration and Operation of Image Server Device>
Next, a detailed configuration of the image server device (image server unit) 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image server apparatus 300. This image server device 300 includes image composition data (image composition data, image addition data, etc.) sent from a plurality of game photograph creation devices installed in various places including the present game photo creation device. Alternatively, data such as photographed images) is received and stored, and image composition data stored via the Internet is provided in response to a request from the user.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the image server apparatus 300 includes an upload router 310, an upload processing server 320, a load balancer 330, web servers 341 and 342, and a database server 350 as functional components. ing. Note that some or all of these may be dedicated hardware, or may be a computer in which software for realizing these functions is installed. Further, a plurality or all of these functions may be realized by one computer. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the image server apparatus has a configuration in which a computer including a control unit 360 including a CPU and a memory and a data storage unit 364 including an auxiliary storage device is provided with a communication unit 362 for connecting to the Internet. 300 can be realized. In this case, the main part of the above function is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program stored in the memory in the control unit 360.

  As described above, the upload router 310 receives image composition data (and its identification number) sent from the game photo creation device via the Internet, that is, uploaded from the game photo creation device. Are connected to the upload line UL, and after the address of these data is converted, the data is transferred to the upload processing server 320. The upload processing server 320 associates the received image composition data and the like with the identification number and gives the data to the database server 350. The database server 350 stores the image composition data received from the upload processing server 320 in association with the identification number.

  The load balancer 330 is connected to a download line DL for communicating with a user's mobile phone terminal, and has a router function similar to that of the uploading router 310, and has a relatively large image data for a large number of users. In order to prevent the processing speed from being reduced by the load of transferring the web server 341, the web server 341, 342 has a function to distribute and assign the processing appropriately.

  In response to a processing request from the user assigned from the load balancer 330, the web servers 341 and 342 display an operation screen, which will be described later, for downloading image composition data and the like on the user's mobile phone terminal. Data for image composition is transmitted in response to a download request from the user. The number of these web servers 341 and 342 may be three or more, and the number of the web servers 341 and 342 may be one, and the load balancer 330 (except for the router function) may be omitted.

  More specifically, the processing request from the mobile phone terminal is made by accessing a URL corresponding to the image server device 300. As described above, this URL is sent from the non-contact communication port 31 of the output unit 5 provided in the game automatic photo creation device to the user's mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication. This URL includes a URL portion corresponding to the image server device 300 and a URL portion corresponding to image composition data to be downloaded. For example, “http://decopika.jp/˜/select. aspx? did = 012345678901 " In this notation example, the numeric part is a URL part corresponding to the image composition data to be downloaded and the like, and is a unique identification number associated with the image composition data corresponding to the two composite images described above. Since the URL portion corresponding to the image server device 300 is determined in advance, and the identification number is given by the automatic photo creation device for play, the non-contact communication unit 94 easily creates this URL and transmits it to the mobile phone terminal. can do. Instead of the identification number, identification data that can be distinguished from other image composition data such as a file name and folder name may be used.

  When the web servers 341 and 342 receive the data indicating the URL, an operation capable of downloading the image composition data corresponding to the two composite images identified by the URL to the user's mobile phone terminal. Display the screen. For example, this operation screen includes two reduced images (thumbnail images) of the composite image, and the user gives various instructions such as downloading image composition data corresponding to the composite image or registering it in the album. Contains a string to allow selection. This operation screen is displayed by an application such as an Internet browser built in the mobile phone terminal.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile phone terminal 500 used by a user of the play photo creating apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, a mobile phone terminal 500 includes a control unit 510 including a CPU and a memory, a display unit 522 realized using a liquid crystal panel, an operation unit 516 including a numeric keypad, and a microphone. An audio input unit 518, an audio output unit 520 including a speaker, a wireless communication unit 512 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the wireless base unit 200 using the PHS method, and communication that does not require contact at a short distance (Felica (registration A non-contact communication unit 514 for exchanging data with an external device. An application such as an internet browser for realizing the operation screen is stored in the memory in the control unit 510 and executed by the CPU.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen (displayed on the display unit) in such a mobile phone terminal. FIG. 11 shows an operation screen 800 titled “Image Download”. This screen is used for converting the thumbnail images 811 and 821 of the composite image into movie files or registering them in an album. Character strings 812 and 822 for receiving instructions are displayed. For example, when the user performs an operation of selecting the display area of the thumbnail images 811 and 821 and the portion “still image” included in the character strings 812 and 822, the composite image data (normal size not reduced) is displayed. It is stored in a predetermined storage area of the mobile phone terminal. Further, when the user performs an operation of selecting a portion called “video pre” included in the character string 812, the two images are converted into video data that is switched after a predetermined time, and stored in the mobile phone terminal. The Further, when the user performs an operation of selecting a part “register in album” included in the character string 812, the selected image is stored in the database server 350 for a long period of time. In other words, because the storage capacity of the database server 350 is limited, the free image storage period is, for example, 7 days, and only for users who have paid membership registration, image combining data corresponding to the combined image, etc. It is permitted to save in the database server 350 by registering in an album determined for each member. The image composition data registered in the album is not erased during the membership period, and the member user can download it at any time. With such a configuration, paid membership registration can be promoted.

  Here, it has been described on the assumption that the image composition data identified by the URL is stored in the database server 350 when the image server device 300 receives the URL. However, due to a communication delay or the like, There may be a case where the image composition data or the like has not yet been uploaded. In that case, instead of the operation screen as shown in FIG. 11, the web servers 341 and 342 are similar to the operation screen 801 including a guidance display indicating that the upload has not been completed as shown in FIG. The mobile phone terminal may display a screen including a guidance such as “Not yet uploaded” or “Please wait a little more”. Further, voice guidance may be provided instead of the display. Then, the download operation can be performed later without causing the user to feel uneasy about abnormal operation or the like.

  Further, the URL given to the mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication often does not remain or remains in a form that can be referred to later like an e-mail in the mobile phone terminal. Therefore, the web servers 341 and 342 may display a screen including guidance for prompting the user to save the URL, for example, “Please save in bookmark” on the mobile phone terminal. Further, voice guidance may be provided instead of the display. If it does so, it can prevent that a user complete | finishes operation, without storing the said URL accidentally.

  Further, the web servers 341 and 342 may replace the above-mentioned guidance or, after performing the above-mentioned guidance, a web page (homepage) on which the user can input the identification number himself or various instructions by the user. The mobile phone terminal may be configured to display a web page (homepage) or the like corresponding to the top layer of a website capable of accepting. For example, in the operation screen 801 shown in FIG. 12, when the user selects the character string 841 “go to content page”, the screen transitions to the operation screen 802 shown in FIG. This operation screen 802 corresponds to the operation screen on the homepage, and receives an instruction for acquiring various contents such as a decomail image, a standby image, a standby flash, or a mobile phone change by the user. If comprised in this way, a download operation can be performed later, without making a user feel uneasy about abnormal operation etc.

  Furthermore, if the uploading has not been completed, the web servers 341 and 342 provide guidance prompting the user to register an email address in conjunction with the guidance, and a guidance email to that effect after the upload has been completed. May be transmitted to the registered mail address. For example, as in the operation screen 803 shown in FIG. 14, a character string 851 for accepting mail registration by the user may be displayed to prompt registration of the user's mail address. Then, the user can be surely notified that the upload has been completed, and the download operation can be performed later.

  Here, in the present embodiment, only two of the six composite images output as a photo sticker (corresponding image composition data, etc.) are selected by the user and sent to the image server apparatus 300. However, the remaining four composite images not selected by the user (corresponding image synthesis data and the like) may be sent to the image server device 300 so that they can be downloaded later. Specifically, after the two composite images selected by the user (corresponding image composite data, etc.) are transmitted first, the remaining four composite images (corresponding image composite data) are then transmitted. It is preferable to transmit these in a distinguishable manner, for example, by transmitting a predetermined identification flag only to a composite image selected by the user (image synthesis data corresponding thereto). Then, the two composite images selected by the image server apparatus 300 (corresponding image composition data and the like) are free, and the remaining four composite images (corresponding image composition data and the like) are charged. Can be configured to be downloadable. Moreover, the structure which is sent to the image server apparatus 300 so that the other picked-up image which was not doodled can also be downloaded later may be sufficient.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of the operation screen on the mobile phone terminal in such a case. The operation screen 804 shown in FIG. 15 is substantially the same as the operation screen 800 shown in FIG. 11, but further displays a character string 830 of “all remaining GETs”. When the user performs an operation of selecting the character string 830, the mobile phone terminal displays all six composite images including the remaining four images that have not been selected by the user (corresponding image composition data, etc.). Download from the server device 300. This operation can be performed only by paying members. Then, paid membership registration can be promoted.

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

<4.1 Shooting process>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the photographing process in the present embodiment. When the play photo creation device is not used (when no play is performed), a demonstration image is displayed on the shooting operation touch panel 20. When the user inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 26 while displaying the demo image, play is started (step S100).

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

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

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

<4.2 Editing process>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of editing processing in the present embodiment. After the above-described shooting process is completed, the second control unit 80 acquires the graffiti target image (the image selected by the user in step S150 in FIG. 16) sent from the first control unit 70 via the network 6. (Step S200). Thereafter, the timer 46 is set to a predetermined time (time for allowing the user to doodle), and the countdown is started (step S210).

  After the timer 46 starts counting down, the editing unit 4 accepts a graffiti operation (drawing operation) by the user (steps S220 to S224).

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

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

  If the result of determination in step S224 is that the operation position is not within the right input area IR, processing proceeds to step S258, and it is determined based on the timer 46 whether or not the graffiti operation permission time has expired. As a result of the determination, if the graffiti permission time has not expired, the process returns to step S220, and the steps after step S220 described above are executed.

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

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

  In step S <b> 270, the second control unit 80 determines whether or not to register image composition data or the like corresponding to the doodled composite image in the image server device 300. Specifically, the second control unit 80 edits a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to register two composite images (such as corresponding image composition data) in the image server device 300. Displayed on the operation touch panel 400 and accepts a selection operation by the user. Then, the second control unit 80 determines which two of the six sheets have been selected by the user. If it is determined that registration to the image server apparatus 300 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S275. If selection to not register to the image server apparatus 300 has been performed, the process proceeds to step S290.

  In step S275, for each of the data such as the two captured images constituting the two composite images, by combining image addition data described later corresponding to the update type additional image included in the composite image, Image composition data corresponding to each of the two composite images is generated. The image addition data is generated in the additional image processing (FIG. 19) in the left operation screen processing S230 or the right operation screen processing S240 (details will be described later). When the image composition data is generated, the process proceeds to step S280.

  In step S280, the image composition data corresponding to the two composite images is transmitted to the image server apparatus 300. Here, instead of the transmission of the image composition data, only the data such as the two photographed images (hereinafter referred to as “selected photographed image data”) constituting the two composite images is transmitted, or the 2 You may make it transmit separately the image | photographed picked-up image data and the data for image addition corresponding to them. That is, in step S280, any one of data such as image composition data, image addition data, and selected captured images (image composition data, etc.) is transmitted to the image server device 300.

  After step S280 ends, the process proceeds to step S290. In step S290, a guidance screen is displayed. Specifically, the second control unit 80 displays a screen for guiding the user to the output unit 5 on the editing operation touch panel 400. Thereby, the editing process ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the selection of two composite images to be transmitted (corresponding image composition data and the like) can be canceled (not selected) (S270 → S290). In this case, even in the configuration of the present embodiment and the configuration in which all of the above-described six composite images (corresponding image composition data) are transmitted, all composite images (corresponding image composition data, etc.) ) Can be prevented from being transmitted, communication costs can be saved, and the storage capacity of the database server 350 can be reduced.

<4.2.1 Left operation screen processing (and right operation screen processing)>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the left operation screen process (step S230 in FIG. 17) in the editing process. In this left operation screen process, first, it is determined whether or not the input coordinate value acquired in step S220 of FIG. 17 is due to the operation of the left pen 49L (step S300). As a result of the determination, if the input is made with the left pen 49L, the process proceeds to step S310. If the input is not made with the left pen 49L, the left operation screen process is terminated and the process returns to the editing process routine. Proceed to step S258 in FIG.

  In step S310, it is treated that the input operation has been performed on the left operation screen SL, and the type of the input operation performed on the left operation screen is determined based on the input coordinate value (the input operation is performed). identification).

  In step S312, it is determined whether or not the input operation identified in step S310 is an operation of a tool in the pallet. If the result of determination is that the tool is in the palette, the process proceeds to step S314, where editing / image processing corresponding to the tool operation is performed, and then the left operation screen processing is terminated to enter the editing processing routine. Returning to step S258 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is not the operation of the tool in the palette, the process proceeds to step S316.

  In step S316, it is determined whether or not the input operation identified in step S310 is an operation on various operation button groups other than the tools in the pallet. As a result of the determination, if it is an operation on various operation button groups, the process proceeds to step S318, a process corresponding to the operation of the operated button is performed, and then the left operation screen process is terminated and the editing process routine is entered. Returning to step S258 in FIG. On the other hand, if the operation is not performed on various operation button groups, the process proceeds to step S320.

  In step S320, it is determined whether or not the input operation identified in step S310 is an operation in the graffiti area 41L in the left operation screen SL. As a result of the determination, if the operation is within the graffiti area 41L, the process proceeds to step S322, where graffiti or editing / image processing corresponding to the operation is performed, and then the left operation screen processing is terminated to enter the editing processing routine. Returning to step S258 in FIG. On the other hand, if the operation is not in the graffiti area 41L, the input coordinate value does not correspond to any operation on the left operation screen, and the left operation screen processing is ended as it is to return to the editing processing routine. Proceed to step S258.

  Note that the detailed procedure of the left operation screen process described above is the same as the detailed procedure of the right operation screen process except that the difference between “right” and “left” is the same. Description of the operation screen process is omitted.

<4.2.2 Additional image processing>
In this embodiment, an update-type additional image is prepared as an additional image (such as a stamp image or a frame image) to be combined with a captured image or a graffiti target image (such as a captured image) including the captured image. When a composite image is generated by combining this update-type additional image with a subject to be photographed or the like, the composite image is updated when a predetermined condition is satisfied (details will be described later). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the above left operation screen process or right operation screen process, an operation for selecting an update-type additional image as an additional image to be combined with a captured image or the like is accepted, and the selected additional image is displayed. When the graffiti areas 41L and 41R are operated (touched) with the touch pens 49L and 49R to be combined with a photographed image or the like, the second control unit 80 corresponding to the editing unit 4 needs to set or update the additional image. In order to acquire such information and generate image addition data, the additional image processing shown in FIG. 19 is executed. That is, when an operation for designating a position where the selected update-type additional image is to be combined is accepted, the additional image processing is executed as a process constituting part of step S322 in FIG.

  In this additional image processing, first, input of setting information for combining the selected additional image with the captured image is received. For example, the user's operation for designating the size at the time of synthesis of the selected additional image is accepted, and setting information such as the size is acquired (step S400). Note that the setting information also includes coordinate information indicating an arrangement position that is a position where the selected additional image is to be synthesized. This coordinate information is a touch pen for the graffiti areas 41L and 41R after selection of the additional image. Acquired by operation of 49L and 49R.

  When the setting information such as the arrangement position and size is acquired, the user's input operation for specifying a predetermined condition for updating the additional image after composition is received and information for specifying the predetermined condition is received. Is acquired as condition information (step S402).

  The predetermined condition is associated in advance with each update-type additional image that can be selected in the editing process. Here, the update type selected by the editing process is a condition that a predetermined period of time elapses from a predetermined reference time point (for example, when the image composition data is downloaded to the user's mobile phone terminal as described later). When the additional image is associated as a predetermined condition, the condition information input in step S402 is a specific number of days (hereinafter referred to as “specific number of days”) for specifying the predetermined period. For this specific number of days, instead of acquiring the specific number of days based on the user's input operation, a predetermined value indicating a specific number of days is prepared in advance (for example, stored in a non-volatile memory such as a ROM). The predetermined value may be used as the specific number of days by a specific input operation. If this default value is prepared in advance, the above step S402 is omitted, and the default value is used as the specific number of days without requesting the user's input operation (the default value is used as condition information). May be acquired). Thus, the information acquisition means for acquiring the condition information may be configured to acquire the condition information by a user operation, or read out and acquire the condition information stored in a memory or the like as a default value. You may comprise. Furthermore, the condition information may be acquired based on the user's operation on the user's mobile phone terminal 500. In this case, it is acquired as condition information in the image composition data registered in the image server device 300 or the image composition data downloaded from the image server device 300 to the mobile phone terminal 500.

  In the present embodiment, the first additional image data and the second additional image data are stored in the auxiliary storage device in the second control unit 80 for each update-type additional image (each first additional image) that can be selected in the editing process. (When the third additional image is also associated with the first additional image, the first additional image data, the second additional image data, and the third additional image data (the same applies hereinafter)), and the addition Control information for displaying a composite image including an image on a user's mobile phone terminal is stored in advance as image display control data. Further, when an update-type additional image is selected by a tool operation in the palette, the identification information of the additional image is acquired. Therefore, in the next step S403, the first additional image data, the second additional image data and the control information corresponding to the additional image are read from the auxiliary storage device as image display control data based on the identification information.

  Next, using the acquired setting information and condition information and the read image display control data, the additional image is updated in the display of the composite image including the selected update-type additional image. Data for image addition is generated (step S404). The first additional image that is the selected update-type additional image is associated with the second additional image that is the updated additional image. Here, when the update is performed a plurality of times, a plurality of additional images are associated with the first additional image as the second additional image. The image addition data includes the setting information and the condition information as well as the first additional image data and the second additional image data associated therewith. The image addition data is a program for displaying a composite image including an update type additional image on the user's mobile phone terminal based on the data of the first and second additional images, the setting information, and the condition information. Corresponding control information is also included (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 34).

  When such image addition data is generated, the additional image processing ends, and the process returns to the left operation screen processing or the right operation screen processing.

  The additional image processing corresponds to a subroutine called from the left operation screen processing or the right operation screen processing, and in this embodiment, an operation for designating a position where the selected update type additional image is to be synthesized. 18 is executed as a process constituting a part of step S322 in FIG. 18, but instead of this, an operation of selecting an update-type additional image as an additional image to be combined with a photographed image or the like is performed. When accepted, it may be configured to be executed as a process constituting a part of step S314 in FIG. In this case, the information (coordinate information) of the arrangement position of the additional image constituting the setting information is acquired when an operation for specifying the position where the selected update-type additional image is to be combined is received. .

<4.2.3 Image addition data>
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a data structure of a portion other than the control information in the image addition data. FIGS. 20A to 20D show examples of image addition data when the additional image A is combined with the captured image as an update type additional image. In the present embodiment, a predetermined table (hereinafter referred to as “image addition table”) is created for one additional image A synthesized with the photographed image, and the additional image A as the first additional image is stored in the table. A pointer indicating the image data DA1 and setting information indicating the size and position of the additional image A are stored in association with each other, and at least one second additional image associated in advance with the first additional image is stored. A pointer indicating image data of the additional image and condition information (for example, the number of days) are stored in association with each other. In this embodiment, for each update type additional image that can be selected in the editing process, the data of the second additional image associated therewith is stored in the second control device 80.

  In the image addition table in the example shown in FIG. 20A, the pointer indicating the image data DA1 of the additional image A as the first additional image, the size Sa and the position Pa of the additional image A as the setting information (size information and Coordinate information) are stored in association with each other, pointers indicating the image data DA2 and DA3 of the two additional images A2 and A3 as the second additional images, and the days Ta1 and Ta2 as the condition information, respectively. They are stored in association with each other (where Ta1 <Ta2). When the image addition data in this example is received by the user's mobile phone terminal (here, it is assumed that data such as a photographed image to be combined with the additional image A has already been acquired in the mobile phone terminal) ) In the mobile phone terminal, a composite image in which the additional image A is combined with the photographed image is displayed, and when the number of days Ta1 has elapsed from the time of reception, the composite image obtained by changing the additional image A in the composite image to the additional image A2 When the image is displayed and the number of days Ta2 has elapsed from the time of reception, a composite image in which the additional image A2 in the composite image is changed to the additional image A3 is displayed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20A, the additional image A in the composite image is updated twice (A → A2 → A3), but the number of updates is the same as in the examples shown in FIGS. You may make it change according to condition information. In this example, in addition to the additional image A2 as the second additional image, the two additional images A21 and A22 as the third additional image are associated with the additional image A as the first additional image in advance. If the number of days specified as the condition information in step S402 in FIG. 19 is a short number of days Tb1 (for example, 10 days), an image addition table as shown in FIG. 20B is created. According to the image addition data including this image addition table, the number of updates of the additional image in the composite image is one (A → A2).

  On the other hand, when the number of days specified as the condition information is a relatively long number of days Tc1 (for example, 30 days), an image addition table as shown in FIG. 20C is created. In this image addition table, the number of days Tcm1 (for example, 15 days) corresponding to the midpoint in the period indicated by the number of days Tc1 as the condition information is obtained (0 <Tcm1 <Tc1), and the third addition associated with the additional image A is obtained. A pointer indicating the image data DA21 of the additional image A21 as an image and the number of days Tcm1 are stored in association with each other. According to the image addition data including the image addition table, the number of updates of the additional image in the composite image is two (A → A21 → A2). According to this image addition data, in the user's mobile phone terminal that has received the data, based on the control information included therein, for example, at the time of receiving the image addition data, as shown in FIG. When the composite image obtained by combining the additional image A shown in FIG. 35 (b) is displayed on the photographed image and the number of days Tcm1 has elapsed from the time of reception, the additional image A in the composite image is shown in FIG. 35 (c). When the composite image changed to A21 is displayed and the number of days Tc1 has elapsed from the time of reception, the composite image obtained by changing the additional image A21 in the composite image to the additional image A2 shown in FIG. 35 (d) is displayed.

  When the number of days specified as the condition information is a longer number of days Td1 (for example, 60 days), an image addition table as shown in FIG. 20D is created. In this image addition table, days Tdm1 and Tdm2 (for example, 20 days and 40 days) corresponding to two intermediate points in the period indicated by the number of days Tc1 as the condition information are obtained (0 <Tdm1 <Tdm2 <Td1). Pointers indicating the image data DA21 and DA22 of the two additional images A21 and A22 as the third additional image associated with the image A and the days Tdm1 and Tdm2 are stored in association with each other. According to the image addition data including the image addition table, the number of updates of the additional image in the composite image is three (A → A21 → A22 → A2).

  As described above, in the example shown in FIGS. 20B to 20D, the display should be performed between the period in which the first additional image A should be displayed and the period in which the second additional image A2 should be displayed. The number of third additional images (A21, or A21 and A22) as the images increases as the number of days specified as the condition information increases. However, instead of this, if the number of third additional images to be displayed as an intermediate image is fixed and the number of days specified as the condition information is shortened, the display period of at least one of the additional images is shortened. If it becomes longer, the display period of at least one of the additional images may be longer. In addition, the change period of the plurality of third additional images may be shortened as the time of the second additional image approaches. Note that FIG. 20 has been described as an example in which the number of third additional images is changed according to the length of the period. However, when the number of third additional images is one or more fixed numbers, the length of the period is also a default value. It may be determined as condition information.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining image addition data when a specific date (for example, Christmas, New Year, friend's birthday, etc.) is designated as the condition information. In the example shown in FIG. 21A, the period until the specific date Da1 specified as the condition information is relatively long, and for this reason, the day corresponding to the midpoint in the period is obtained as a new midday Dam1. In the image addition table of this example, as shown in FIG. 21A, the pointer indicating the image data DA2 of the additional image A2 as the second additional image is associated with the specific date Da1 specified as the condition information. In addition to the stored information, the pointer indicating the image data DA21 of the additional image A21 as the third additional image and the intermediate date Dam1 corresponding to the intermediate time are stored in association with each other. According to the image addition data including the image addition table, a composite image obtained by combining the additional image A with the photographed image is displayed based on the control information included in the mobile phone terminal of the user who has received the image addition table. When the mid-day Dam1 corresponding to the halfway time arrives, a composite image in which the additional image A in the composite image is changed to the additional image A21 is displayed. When the specific date Da1 specified as the condition information arrives, the composite image A combined image obtained by changing the additional image A21 to the additional image A2 is displayed. Therefore, the number of updates of the additional image in the corresponding composite image is two times (A → A21 → A2). In addition, when there are a plurality of specific dates corresponding to the second additional image (additional image A2), the plurality of additional images as the second additional images respectively corresponding to the plurality of specific dates are usually different. For example, when Christmas and New Year are specified days, for example, a Christmas tree is displayed as the second additional image when Christmas arrives, and for example, Kadomatsu is displayed when New Year arrives. Moreover, it is good also considering the specific period (for example, the New Year 3 is a day, Golden Week etc.) as condition information instead of a specific day. Furthermore, the third additional image may be displayed as an intermediate image to be displayed during a period in which a plurality of second additional images are displayed. Specifically, for example, the third additional image may be displayed as an intermediate image between Christmas and New Year as a plurality of specific days. In this case, as the third additional image, it is preferable to display an image related to the time between two specific days, such as Christmas and New Year (for example, an image representing a nightlight bell).

  In the example shown in FIG. 21 (b), the period until the specific date Db1 specified as the condition information is longer, and therefore, the dates corresponding to two midpoints in the period are obtained as new midday Dbm1 and Dbm2. (However, it is assumed that the midday Dbm2 arrives later than the midday Dbm1). In the image addition table of this example, pointers indicating the image data DA21 and DA22 of the two additional images A21 and A22 as the third additional image and the intermediate dates Dbm1 and Dbm2 as the intermediate information are stored in association with each other. Yes. According to the image addition data including the image addition table, the number of updates of the additional image in the corresponding composite image is three (A → A21 → A22 → A2).

  FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 show that the second additional image (and the third additional image) associated with the update-type additional image combined with the captured image is associated with condition information such as the number of days indicating the period. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining image addition data in a case where setting information such as an arrangement position can also be associated. In the example shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, two additional images A21 and A2 are associated with the additional image A as the first additional image as the third additional image and the second additional image, respectively.

  In the image addition table of the example shown in FIG. 22, pointers respectively pointing to the image data DA21 of the third additional image A21 and the image data DA2 of the second additional image A2, and the days T1, T2 (where T1 <T2) as the condition information Are stored in association with each other, and the arrangement positions P1 and P2 of the two additional images A21 and A2 are also stored in association with pointers pointing to the image data DA21 and DA2, respectively. ing. According to the image addition data including the image addition table, the third mobile image A21 or the second additional image A2 included in the composite image based on the control information included in the user mobile phone terminal that has received the data. Is displayed at a position P1 or P2 different from the arrangement position P of the first additional image A in the composite image.

  In the present embodiment, the update-type additional image to be combined with the captured image or the like is not limited to a still image but may be a moving image. Further, the moving image as the additional image may be configured such that the arrangement position in the composite image changes. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining image addition data when such a moving image is used as an update-type additional image. In the example image addition table shown in FIG. 23, pointers respectively pointing to the image data DA21 of the third additional image A21 and the image data DA2 of the second additional image A2, and the days T1 and T2 as the condition information (where T1 <T2) Are stored in association with each other, and the two arrangement positions P11 and P12 of the additional image A21 are stored in association with a pointer pointing to the image data DA21, and 3 of the additional image A2 is stored. One arrangement position P21, P22, P23 is stored in association with a pointer pointing to the image data DA2. According to the image addition data including the image addition table, the additional image A21 is displayed as the third additional image included in the composite image based on the control information included in the user mobile phone terminal that has received the image addition table. Is displayed as a moving image whose position changes from P11 to P12, and when the additional image A2 is displayed as the second additional image included in the composite image, the position changes from P21 through P22 to P23. It is displayed as a moving image.

  According to the image addition data including the image addition table shown in FIG. 23, when the additional image included in the composite image is displayed on the user mobile phone terminal that has received the data, a plurality of arrangements are provided as described above. The arrangement position of the additional image changes based on the coordinate information indicating the position (for example, the three arrangement positions P21, P22, and P23 for the additional image A2). However, the arrangement position of the additional image may be changed based on a predetermined change amount instead of the plurality of arrangement positions. In this case, in the image addition table for the additional image, for example, as shown in FIG. 24, a pointer indicating the image data DA21 of the third additional image A21 and the image data DA2 of the second additional image A2, respectively, and condition information In addition to storing the number of days T1, T2 (where T1 <T2) in association with each other, the change amount C1 for the additional image A21 is stored in association with the pointer indicating the image data DA21, and the additional image A2 Is stored in association with a pointer indicating the image data DA2. Here, as information indicating the amount of change to be stored in the image addition table, information indicating how much the arrangement position of the additional image changes in which direction, that is, information indicating the direction, speed, time, distance, Alternatively, one or a plurality of pieces of information indicating a change in the arrangement position of the additional image can be used in combination thereof. Note that the days T1 and T2 as the condition information respectively associated with the third additional image A21 and the second additional image A2 indicate the number of days that have elapsed since the predetermined reference time. As in the example shown in FIG. 5, the days T1 and T2 may indicate the remaining days until the display start time of the second additional image A2 (relative time with respect to the display start time of the second additional image A2).

  Specifically, for example, by storing the information indicating the amount of change as described above in the image addition table for the additional image shown in FIGS. 35B to 35D, the image addition data including the image addition table is stored. The user mobile phone terminal that has received (or the image composition data including the image addition data) can display the additional image included in the composite image as follows. That is, first, the image shown in FIG. 35 (b) is displayed as a moving image as an image of egg swaying or an egg breaking image, and then updated to the additional image shown in FIG. 35 (c) or FIG. 35 (d). A baby bear or a grown bear can be displayed as a moving image and moved in the X direction, which is the horizontal direction of the screen. In this case, when the baby bear or the grown bear bears one end of the screen (one end in the X direction) by this movement, it disappears from the screen and then appears again from the other end of the screen (the other end in the X direction). The additional image (image showing a baby bear or a grown bear) may be displayed so as to move in the X direction. In addition, when the image is updated to another additional image during the movement, for example, while the image (baby bear) shown in FIG. 35C is moving, the image (growth child) shown in FIG. In the case of updating to (bear), the image (baby bear) shown in FIG. 35 (c) may be changed to the image (grown child bear) shown in FIG. 35 (d) during the movement, Instead, the image (baby bear) shown in FIG. 35 (c) is returned to the initial position, that is, the position where the egg image shown in FIG. 35 (b) was displayed, and then shown in FIG. 35 (d). You may change to an image (a grown bear).

  Note that the present invention does not limit the range or direction in which the additional image moves in the configuration in which the arrangement position of the additional image changes as described above, that is, the configuration in which the additional image moves when the composite image is displayed. For example, the additional image may be moved so as to reciprocate between one end and the other end in the X direction (the horizontal direction of the screen), and for example, a human captured image (user image) is avoided in the composite image. The additional image may be moved while moving. In this case, for example, by using information at the time of chroma key composition for generating the composite image, it is possible to move the additional image while avoiding a human photographed image.

  In addition, in the configuration in which the additional image moves when the composite image is displayed as described above, the image addition data is changed so that the direction of movement changes according to the operation of the mobile phone terminal that displays the composite image. The included control information may be configured. Further, in the example described above, the additional image is moved while being displayed as a moving image. However, the additional image may be moved while being displayed as a still image.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 20 to 24 and the like, various contents can be considered as the contents of the image addition data and the update form of the additional image based on the contents in the present embodiment. For the sake of convenience, description will be given assuming that image addition data including an image addition table as shown in FIG. 20 is generated in the additional image processing (FIG. 19). In addition to the image addition table, the image addition data in the present embodiment includes control information for displaying a composite image including an update-type additional image on the user's mobile phone terminal ( Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 34).

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

  FIGS. 25 to 33 are diagrams illustrating examples of operation screens displayed on the output operation touch panel when performing output processing using non-contact communication. Note that voice guidance may be performed along with or instead of these screens.

  First, a demo screen is displayed until a composite image is sent from the editing unit 4. When a composite image is sent, a button for starting output processing is displayed as shown in FIG. Accept user input operations. This button displays “Please touch the screen”, and when the user presses this button, the composite image output process is started. Note that the display shown in FIG. 26 is performed after the maximum time (for example, 30 seconds) that is normally required when moving from the editing unit 4 has elapsed from the time when the composite image is sent from the editing unit 4. A time-out process may be performed so as to transition from the display screen to the screen.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 26, in order to select whether or not to transmit the URL for downloading the image composition data or the like from the image server device 300 to the mobile phone terminal, “Yes” button and “No” are selected. Button is displayed, and the user's input operation is accepted. When one of these buttons is pressed by the user, whether or not to transmit the URL to the mobile phone terminal is determined accordingly.

  At this time, a person who has a mobile phone terminal equipped with a non-contact communication function is “pre-waiting” (the image addition data corresponding to the composite image printed on the photo sticker etc. is transmitted to the server and is non-contact A screen explaining that it is possible to transmit (data that can acquire a URL indicating the location by communication) to the user's mobile phone terminal may be displayed.

  In addition, in the above-described step S270 of FIG. 17, when selection is made not to transmit the image composition data or the like to the image server apparatus 300, the input operation is omitted, but the image composition data or the like is stored in the image server apparatus. Even when the selection to transmit to 300 is made, there is a possibility that the URL is not transmitted to the mobile phone terminal. This is because there is a case where the URL of the server is already known (for example, registered in the bookmark), or a non-contact communication function is not provided in the user's mobile phone terminal. Therefore, it is preferable to request this input operation. It is assumed that the URL is printed in the form of a character string, a two-dimensional barcode, or the like on the output photo sticker (the back side). Then, even if the selection not to transmit to the mobile phone terminal is made as described above, the composite image can be downloaded later from the image server device 300 by using the printed URL.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 27, for example, a “START” button and a “STOP” button for playing a mini-game such as an eyeball slot are displayed, and an input operation of the user is accepted. When the user presses the “START” button, two characters or figures are displayed at the position of the second eye of the character displayed on the screen (while animating like a drum in the slot). It changes randomly, and when the “STOP” button is pressed by the user, the change stops.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 28, if the two characters or figures when the change is stopped are the same, the mini game is hit. When the hit state shown in FIG. 28 is reached, the user is presented with a predetermined image called special deco-mail that can be used in deco-mail (registered trademark), which is mail in cHTML format. Many types of special deco-mail images are prepared in the image server device 300 and other servers, and the URL for obtaining the images is a contactless communication port 31 of the output unit 5 provided in the automatic photo creation device for play. Sent to the user's mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication. The user can download this image and use it to create a mail on a mobile phone terminal.

  Thus, for example, after the screen shown in FIG. 28 is displayed for about several seconds, a guidance display is made to bring the user's mobile phone terminal closer to the non-contact communication port 31, as shown in FIG. The non-contact communication port 31 emits radio waves in a frequency band of 13.56 MHz, for example. When the user's mobile phone terminal is brought close, the non-contact communication port 31 detects a non-contact communication IC built in the mobile phone terminal and performs mutual authentication. After the above, the above URL is transmitted. These communication processes are completed in about 0.1 seconds, and a beeping confirmation sound for notifying the end is output from the speaker 32.

  When the URL transmission is completed, a “Next” button is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 30, and the user's input operation is accepted. It should be noted that when there is no input operation for a certain period of time, a time-out process may be performed in which the button is handled as being pressed. When this button is pressed by the user, the third control unit 90 determines whether it is a time when the URL can be transmitted to the mobile phone terminal.

  Typically, this determination is preferably made based on whether or not the current time is after the time when data transmission such as image composition data corresponding to two composite images by the wireless communication unit 96 is completed. If the data transmission is completed, the image server device 300 is ready to provide the image composition data and the like to the user. Therefore, when the URL is transmitted to the mobile phone terminal, the user immediately Even if a download request is made by using the above URL, no problem occurs, but if the data transmission is not completed, the user's download request cannot be satisfied.

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

  If the third control unit 90 determines that it is not the time when the URL can be transmitted to the mobile phone terminal, the mini-game as shown in FIG. 27 is resumed until the time when it can be transmitted. The above process is repeated. Note that the contents of the mini-game are merely examples, and any content that is suitable for the user to perform within the waiting time until the printing is completed may be used.

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

  Here, even before the data transmission is completed, when the URL is transmitted because the time necessary for outputting the photo sticker has elapsed, the image server device 300 notifies the user. Since the image composition data or the like is not ready to be provided, the image composition data or the like cannot be acquired even if the user makes a download request by using the URL immediately. Therefore, in this case, an output operation touch panel 30 displays a guidance display indicating that the upload has not been completed, for example, a guidance such as “Upload is not yet completed” or “Please wait a little more”. It is preferable to carry out within the operation screen displayed on the screen. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from making a download request that is impossible at this time. Although it is as described above that the same guidance may be displayed on the mobile phone terminal, the download request via the Internet by the mobile phone terminal generally requires a predetermined communication cost. It is more preferable to display the guidance on the output operation touch panel 30 as described above.

  Subsequently, when the transmission of the URL is completed, as shown in FIG. 32, a “next” button is displayed on the screen, and the user's input operation is accepted. Here, a timeout process may be performed. When this button is pressed by the user, the third control unit 90 prints on the photo sticker or the like by the network printer 35, and the user can take out the photo sticker or the like from the outlet 33. That is, it is determined whether or not printing has been completed. If printing has been completed, as shown in FIG. 33, a guide to the effect that a photo sticker has been issued is displayed, and the process ends. If printing is not completed, for example, a message indicating that printing is in progress until printing is completed is displayed. If printing is completed, the fact may be displayed and the processing may be terminated. The mini-game may be provided to the user again until is completed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the non-contact communication port 31 is used to transmit the URL for downloading image composition data and the like from the image server device 300 to the mobile phone terminal. The non-contact communication port 31 may be used to transmit the image addition data generated in the processing (FIG. 19) from the game photo creation device to the mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication. In addition, the game photo creation device accepts the input of the e-mail address of the mobile phone terminal by the user, and the image composition data or the like is received from the game photo creation device via the image server device 300 or directly by the user. You may make it deliver to the telephone terminal 500. FIG.

<5. Composite image display processing in mobile phone terminal>
As described above, when image composition data or the like corresponding to all or part of an image photographed and doodled in the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment is transmitted to the image server device 300, the user Using the URL acquired in the mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication as described above, the image composition data and the like can be downloaded from the image server device 300 to the mobile phone terminal (FIGS. 8 to 11). ). Here, the image composition data to be downloaded is the image composition data generated by the editing process (step S275 in FIG. 17), the image addition data generated by the additional image process in the editing process (FIG. 19). Step S404) or image data of a captured image or the like (FIG. 16) generated by the imaging process. Among these, the data for image addition is an image data of an additional image added to a captured image, setting information and condition information about the additional image, and a composite image obtained by synthesizing the additional image with the captured image. It consists of control information corresponding to a program to be displayed on the terminal, and the image composition data is obtained by adding image data such as a photographed image to such image addition data. Therefore, even if the image composition data is not downloaded to the mobile phone terminal, the composite image can be displayed on the mobile phone terminal by downloading the image data of the captured image and the image addition data. In this case, the user first downloads the captured image data to the mobile phone terminal, and then downloads the image addition data as desired, and the additional image based on the image addition data is combined with the captured image. The synthesized image thus displayed can be displayed on the mobile phone terminal (see the main modification described later). Note that if the image-adding data is transmitted to the mobile phone terminal in advance by the non-contact communication from the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment, image data such as a photographed image is sent from the image server device 300 to the mobile phone. The composite image can be displayed on the mobile phone terminal simply by downloading to the terminal.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a composite image display process for displaying a composite image using the image composition data acquired in the user's mobile phone terminal 500 as described above. In the composite image display process, the following operations are performed by the CPU executing the program specified by the control information in the mobile phone terminal 500 (see FIG. 10).

  First, a composite image is generated using the acquired captured image and the like, image data of the additional image, and setting information about the additional image, and the composite image is displayed on the display unit 522 (step S502). This synthesized image is obtained by synthesizing the captured image with the additional image (first additional image). For example, an image (image showing an egg) shown in FIG. 35B is selected as the first additional image. In this case, a composite image as shown in FIG. 35A is displayed on the display unit 522 of the mobile phone terminal 500.

  In the next step S504, an update condition obtained by specifying a predetermined condition associated with the first additional image by the condition information associated with the second additional image is set. In the following, it is assumed that image addition data including the image addition table of the example shown in FIG. In this case, the predetermined condition associated with the additional image A as the first additional image is that a predetermined period elapses from a predetermined reference time point. Here, the time when the image addition data is downloaded, that is, the reception time at the mobile phone terminal 500 is set as the reference time, but another time related to the acquisition of the image composition data or the like may be set as the reference time. In this case, the two additional images A21 and A2 are associated with the first additional image as the third additional image and the second additional image, respectively, and the two additional images A21 and A2 have the days Tcm1 and Tc1. Each is associated as condition information. Assuming such data for image addition, in step S504, the number of days Tcm1 associated with the additional image A21 (third additional image) has elapsed since the image addition data was downloaded. Set as an update condition.

  In the next step S506, it is determined whether or not this update condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not the number of days Tcm1 has elapsed since the download time. If the update condition is not satisfied as a result of the determination, step S506 is repeatedly executed to wait until the update condition is satisfied. If the update condition is satisfied in this standby state, the process proceeds to step S508. Note that information necessary for determining whether or not the update condition is satisfied (typically, clock information, calendar information, etc.) is acquired in advance in the mobile phone terminal on which the composite image display process is executed. Function is used. Here, the number of days elapsed is used as the determination criterion, but instead, it is managed by the relative remaining number of days and time until the second additional image or the third additional image is changed. May be counted down. In addition, when the arrival of a specific day is set as an update condition, whether the update condition is satisfied by calculating the number of remaining days until the specific date as a specific count value and performing a counting operation (countdown) based on the specific count value It may be determined whether or not.

  In step S508, a new composite image is generated by updating the additional image A as the additional image (current additional image) in the current composite image (current composite image) to a new additional image A21, and the next step S510. The new composite image is displayed on the display unit 522 instead of the current composite image. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 35, that is, when the additional images A, A21, and A2 are the images shown in FIGS. 35 (b), (c), and (d), respectively, they are displayed on the display unit 522. 35B (image showing an egg) in the composite image is changed to an image (image showing a baby bear) in FIG. 35C, and a new composite image obtained thereby is displayed on the display unit 522. Is done.

  In the next step S512, it is determined whether or not the update of the additional image (change from the additional image A to the additional image A21) is the final update. At this time, since the update to the additional image A2 has not been performed yet, it is determined No and the process proceeds to step S514.

  In step S514, the update condition is reset (updated) by specifying the predetermined condition with the condition information (number of days Tc1) associated with the additional image A2 that is the next update destination of the new additional image (addition image A21). ) Thus, the update condition is that the number of days Tc1 has elapsed from the time of downloading.

  Thereafter, the steps after step S506 are executed with the new additional image (additional image A21) as the current additional image and the new combined image as the current combined image. That is, first, by repeatedly executing step S506, the process waits until the update condition reset as described above is satisfied. When the update condition is satisfied in this standby state, the process proceeds to step S508.

  At this time, in step S508, the additional image A21 as the current additional image is updated to the new additional image A2, thereby generating a new composite image. In the next step S510, the new composite image is changed to the current composite image. Instead, it is displayed on the display unit 522. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 35, the image of FIG. 35C (image showing a baby bear) in the composite image displayed on the display unit 522 is the image of FIG. The image is changed to (an image showing a bear), and a new composite image obtained thereby is displayed on the display unit 522.

  Thereafter, in step S512, it is determined whether or not the update of the additional image (change from the additional image A21 to the additional image A2) is the final update. In the example shown in FIG. 20C, since there is no next update destination of the additional image A2, and the change to the additional image A2 is the final update, it is determined Yes at this point, and the composite image display process is terminated. Thereafter, the composite image can be displayed on the mobile phone terminal 500, but the additional image A2 included in the composite image is not updated.

  According to the composite image display process as described above, based on the condition information set for the additional image in the editing process for creating the composite image in the game photo creation device, the composite image is displayed on the user's mobile phone terminal. Can be displayed while updating the additional image included therein. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 35, as the number of days elapses from the download time point, in the user's mobile phone terminal 500, an object (in this case, a bear) indicated by the additional image included in the composite image is born and grows. It appears as if it is going. In the above example described based on FIG. 20C and FIG. 35, the additional image A2 (image showing the grown child bear) is the final image in the update of the additional image, but is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. do not have to. Instead, for example, after being updated to the additional image A2, by displaying again from the additional image A under predetermined conditions, the additional image A → A21 → A2 (egg image → baby bear image → grown) You may make it repeat the update of the additional image called the image of a bear.

  In the above description, the image addition data (see FIG. 20C) including the image data of the additional images A, A21, and A2 shown in FIGS. 35B to 35D has been described as an example. As shown in FIG. 36, the image addition data (see FIG. 21A) including the image data of the additional images shown in FIGS. In the other example, the predetermined condition associated with the additional image A as the first additional image is that a predetermined day arrives. Here, for example, the birthday Da1 of a specific friend is associated as condition information with the second additional image A2 shown in FIG. 36 (c), and in addition to this, a predetermined reference time point (for example, this image addition data). Since the period from the download time) to the birthday Da1 is relatively long, an intermediate date Dam1 corresponding to the intermediate point in the period is obtained, and the additional image A21 as the third additional image shown in FIG. Is associated with the middle day Dam1 (see FIG. 21A). In this case, by the composite image display process shown in FIG. 34, the additional image A (image showing one piece of cake) shown in FIG. Is displayed, and when an intermediate date Dam1 corresponding to a halfway point arrives, the additional image A in the composite image is changed to an additional image A21 (an image showing a normal cake) shown in FIG. When an image is displayed and the birthday Da1 arrives, a composite image in which the additional image A21 in the composite image is changed to an additional image A2 (image showing a gorgeous birthday cake) shown in FIG. 36C is displayed. . By updating the target (in this case, cake) indicated by the additional image in the composite image in this way, the user (or the friend's) mobile phone terminal 500 has a sense of expectation regarding the birthday party or the like as the birthday approaches. Can be displayed.

  In the example of the image addition data shown in FIG. 36, the predetermined condition is that the predetermined date arrives. In this case, when the predetermined date is specifically specified by specifying the condition information ( For example, when a specific person's birthday, Christmas, New Year, etc. are specified as condition information), the additional image processing (FIG. 19) calculates the number of days from the predetermined reference time to the specific date. The number of days may be set as the count value. In this case, for the specific date corresponding to the midpoint, the number of days from the reference time to the specific date corresponding to the midpoint is calculated and set as the count value. Alternatively, the remaining number of days until the specific date corresponding to the second additional image may be set as the count value. In this way, in the composite image display process (FIG. 34), it is possible to determine whether or not the update condition is satisfied by the counting operation for these count values (step S506). In this case, in the example shown in FIG. 21A, until the second additional image A2 is displayed (until updated to the second additional image A2) with respect to the third additional image A21 and the second additional image A2. The remaining days (hours) Drm1 and Dr1 = 0 may be associated with each other. Specifically, the remaining number of days 0 (remaining time 0) corresponding to the specific date for the second additional image A2, and the remaining number of days (time) corresponding to the reference time point for the first additional image A are set to the third. The remaining number of days (time) corresponding to the number of days Tcm1 at the midpoint may be associated with the additional image A21 as a relative time with respect to the display start time of the second additional image A2. That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 21A, the remaining days may be associated with the additional images A21 and A2 as illustrated in FIG. In this way, in the mobile phone terminal, the remaining number of days as the relative time is obtained by the counting operation for the count value indicating the relative time with respect to the display start time of the second additional image A2 by the image composition process. The remaining number of days at the present time is compared with the number of remaining days associated with the additional images A21, A2, etc., and the displayed additional image is updated based on the comparison result. For example, in the mobile phone terminal in which the image shown in FIG. 36A (an image showing a piece of cake) is displayed as the first additional image A by the composite image display process, the remaining number of days at the current time is the third additional image. When the number of remaining days associated with the image A21 becomes equal, the image shown in FIG. 36A is updated to the image shown in FIG. 36B as the third additional image A21 (an image showing a normal cake). When the remaining number of days at the present time becomes equal to the remaining number of days 0 associated with the second additional image A2, the image shown in FIG. 36B is shown in FIG. 36C as the second additional image A2. Updated to the image shown (image showing a gorgeous birthday cake). In the example illustrated in FIG. 21B, the remaining days may be associated with the additional images A21, A22, and A2 as illustrated in FIG.

  Further, in the above example, for each of the first additional image A, the second additional image A2, and the third additional image A21, the remaining days from the specific date corresponding thereto to the specific date corresponding to the second additional image A2, that is, the first The relative time with respect to the display start time of the second additional image A2 is associated, but any one or two of the three types of additional images of the first additional image A, the second additional image A2, and the third additional image A21. Alternatively, the relative time (remaining days) with respect to the display start time of the second additional image A2 may be associated. In this case, only the period in which the additional image associated with the relative time (remaining days) among these three types of additional images is to be displayed is determined from the current remaining days obtained by the counting operation for the count value. Is done. In this case, the period during which the additional image to which the relative time (remaining days) is not associated is to be displayed is the above-described method (for example, the specific day associated with the count value) that does not require the counting operation for the count value The determination of arrival may be made by a method using a calendar function or the like of a mobile phone terminal.

  Even if the third additional image is not associated with the update-type additional image (first additional image), the specific date corresponding to each of the first additional image A and the second additional image A2 To the specific date corresponding to the second additional image A2 is associated with the remaining days (relative time with respect to the display start time of the second additional image A2), and the first additional image A and the second additional image A2 are to be displayed. May be determined from the current number of remaining days obtained by the counting operation for the count value. In addition, the relative time (remaining days) with respect to the display start time of the second additional image A2 is associated with any one of the two types of additional images of the first additional image A and the second additional image A2, and these Of these two types of additional images, only the period in which the additional image associated with the relative time (remaining days) should be displayed is determined from the current remaining days obtained by the counting operation for the count value. Also good.

  As described above, with respect to a composite image in which an additional image associated with a predetermined condition according to a predetermined day is combined, the predetermined condition according to a period (the length of time) such as the number of days is associated in the composite image display process. Can be handled in the same manner as a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the added image. Further, when the condition of remaining days is set as the predetermined condition, even if the first additional image is selected, the third additional image matches the condition at a predetermined reference time (for example, downloaded time). For example, the third additional image may be displayed, and if the second additional image matches the condition, the second additional image may be displayed.

<6. Effect>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when image composition data or the like corresponding to all or part of a photographed and doodled image (composite image) is transmitted to the image server device 300, the user The server URL corresponding to the image composition data and the like is transmitted from the non-contact communication port 31 to the mobile phone terminal by non-contact communication, and the image composition data is transmitted from the image server device 300 to the mobile phone terminal using this URL. Etc. can be downloaded. Then, in the mobile phone terminal, when the composite image created by the game photo creation device is displayed based on the image composition data or the like, an additional image (update type stamp image or frame image) in the composite image is displayed. The update is performed according to the update condition specified by the condition information included in the image composition data or the like. Thereby, in the mobile phone terminal, for example, whether the target indicated by the additional image included in the composite image grows as the number of days elapses from a predetermined reference time (for example, the download time of the image composition data or the like) (See FIG. 35), or as a special day such as the New Year or a birthday approaches, a display can be displayed that raises the expectation of a fun event or the like on that special day ( (See FIG. 36). As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the editing process in the play photo creating apparatus, the user selects an appropriate update-type additional image or appropriately specifies condition information or the like as desired. As a result, it is possible to create a composite image in which the playability is sufficiently improved as compared with the prior art.

  If the condition information is set when the (update type) additional image is combined with the photographed image in the editing process in the game photo creation device, then the mobile phone terminal is set according to the condition information. Since the additional image in the composite image displayed in is automatically updated, it is possible to enjoy the composite image created by the user with the play photo creating apparatus without getting tired for a long time. At the time of creating the composite image, the user looks at the first additional image and performs an editing operation, and displays the second additional image and the third additional image associated with the first additional image, that is, the updated additional image. Not. Therefore, after the user acquires image composition data or the like in the mobile phone terminal by downloading from the image server device, the user satisfies the condition information associated with the additional image included in the image composition data or the like. Will see the updated additional image for the first time. Accordingly, the user can feel unexpectedness and freshness by displaying the second additional image and the third additional image. Such features in the present embodiment also contribute to the improvement of playability.

<7. Second Embodiment>
In the game photo creation device according to the first embodiment, image composition data or the like is generated based on a photographed image obtained by the user's photographing, and the image composition data or the like is transmitted via the image server device 300 or It is transmitted directly to the user's mobile phone terminal 500. The user's mobile phone terminal 500 displays a composite image based on the image composition data and the like. The additional image included in the composite image displayed here includes condition information and data included in the image composition data and the like. Updated based on control information. Therefore, the game photo creation device according to the first embodiment performs image display control for displaying on the user's mobile phone terminal 500 a composite image based on a photographed image obtained by photographing the user. It can be said that it constitutes a control system. Such an image display control system is not limited to the above-described configuration, and is configured by, for example, an amusement photo creation device and an image server device 300, and can be obtained by the play photo creation device. A composite image based on the photographed image is transmitted (uploaded) to the image server apparatus 300, and image composition data is generated based on the composite image data in the image server apparatus 300, and this image composition data is stored in the image server apparatus 300. May be transmitted (downloaded) to the mobile phone terminal 500 of the user. Hereinafter, such an image display control system will be described as a second embodiment.

<7.1 Photo creation device for games>
The game photo creation device, which is an automatic photo creation device according to the second embodiment, has a configuration other than the additional image processing (see FIGS. 19 and 38) included in the editing process for the game according to the first embodiment. Since it has basically the same configuration as the photo creating apparatus, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and different parts will be described below.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of additional image processing when an update-type additional image is selected by a tool operation in the palette in editing processing in the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment. In this additional image processing, as in the additional image processing (FIG. 19) in the first embodiment, setting information (arrangement position) for synthesizing the (update-type) additional image selected by the tool operation with the photographed image. (Step S400) and input of condition information (such as the number of days or specific date) for specifying a predetermined condition for updating the additional image after composition is received. 20 to 23) is not created (in FIG. 38, steps S403 and S404 in FIG. 19 are deleted).

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, instead of generating the image composition data in step S275 (FIG. 17) of the editing process, two photographings constituting the two composite images selected to be registered in the image server device 300 are used. For each piece of data such as an image, basic data for image composition is generated by combining the identification information of the update-type additional image included in the composite image and the setting information and condition information obtained by the above-described additional image processing. . Then, in the next step S280 in the editing process, these basic image synthesis data are transmitted (uploaded) to the image server device 300.

  It should be noted that when a composite image including an update type additional image is displayed on the user's mobile phone terminal 500, the predetermined condition for updating the additional image is the update type additional image that can be selected in the editing process. Corresponding in advance. Here, the update type selected by the editing process is a condition that a predetermined period of time elapses from a predetermined reference time point (for example, when the image composition data is downloaded to the user's mobile phone terminal as described later). When the additional image is associated with the predetermined condition as the predetermined condition, the condition information input in step S402 of the additional image processing (FIG. 38) is a specific number of days for specifying the predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as “specific number of days”). It is. For this specific number of days, instead of acquiring the specific number of days based on the user's input operation, a predetermined value indicating a specific number of days is prepared in advance, and the predetermined value is set as the specific number of days by a specific input operation. It may be used. If this default value is prepared in advance, step S402 is omitted and the default value is used as the specific number of days without requesting the user's input operation (the default value is acquired as condition information). You may do it. The points related to these default values are the same in the additional image processing (FIG. 19) in the first embodiment.

<7.2 Image Server Device>
In the image server device 300 (see FIGS. 7 and 10) according to the present embodiment, a first additional image for each update-type additional image (each first additional image) that can be selected in the editing process of the above-described game photo creation device. Data and second additional image data (if the first additional image is also associated with the third additional image, the first additional image data, the second additional image data, and the third additional image data (the same applies hereinafter) )), And control information for displaying the composite image including the additional image on the user's mobile phone terminal is stored in advance in the data storage unit 364 as image display control data. Here, the image display control data stored for each update-type additional image is configured to be identified by identification information acquired when the additional image is selected in the editing process of the above-described game photo creation device. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 39, in the image server device 300, when the image composition basic data transmitted from the game photo creation device is received (step S610), the identification information included in the image composition basic data. The image display control data corresponding to the (update type) additional image identified in (1) is read from the data storage unit 364 (S612). Next, using the read image display control data and the received basic image composition data, image additional data is generated in the same manner as in step S404 in FIG. 19 (S614), and then in step S275 in FIG. Similarly to the above, image composition data is generated (S616). The generated image composition data is registered in the image server device 300 as in the first embodiment (S618).

  In this way, the registration of the image composition data in the image server device 300 is completed because it corresponds to the composite image (the two images) of the user of the game photo creation device. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the image composition data can be downloaded to the mobile phone terminal 500 and the composite image can be displayed.

<7.3 Effects>
According to the present embodiment as described above, when image synthesis basic data corresponding to all or a part of a photographed and doodled image (composite image) is transmitted to the image server device 300, the image server device 300 The image composition data is generated and registered based on the basic image composition data. Therefore, when the user downloads the image composition data from the image server device 300 and displays the composite image on the mobile phone terminal 500 based on the image composition data, the mobile phone terminal adds to the composite image. The image (update type stamp image or frame image) is updated according to the update condition specified by the condition information included in the image composition data. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the editing process in the game photo creation device, the user can select an appropriate update-type additional image as desired, and condition information and the like. By appropriately designating it, it becomes possible to create a composite image that can sufficiently enhance playability as compared with the conventional case (see FIGS. 35 and 36), and the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  As can be seen from the description of the above-described game photo creation device and image server device, in this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 96 (see FIG. 7) in the game photo creation device is an update type that is combined with the photographed image. The communication unit 362 (see FIG. 9) in the image server device 300 functions as an input unit that inputs the relevant information, and functions as an output unit that outputs related information including identification information and position information of the additional image. Also, it functions as transmission means for transmitting the image composition data to the mobile phone terminal 500. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, in the editing process of the game photo creation device, the CPU in the second control unit 80 uses the identification information and position information of the update-type additional image combined with the photographed image. When the related information is acquired, the related information is output and stored in the memory. Then, the related information is read from the memory and input to the CPU, and the image synthesis data (including image addition data) is read. Used for generation (see FIGS. 7 and 17 to 19). Therefore, in the first embodiment, the output unit that outputs the related information and the input unit that inputs the output related information are software-like when the CPU executes a predetermined program in the second control unit 80. It can be said that it has been realized.

<8. Modification>
<8.1 Main Modification>
In the first embodiment, the additional image included in the composite image displayed on the user's mobile phone terminal 500 selects the additional image to be combined with the photographed image or the like in the editing process in the game photo creation device. However, instead of this, an additional image that is not selected in the editing process may be combined with a captured image in the mobile phone terminal 500. In such a modified example, image addition data for a plurality of (update type) additional images is stored in advance in the image server device 300 in the first embodiment, and the user can create a photo-creation device for games. In such a case, data such as a photographed image is acquired in the mobile phone terminal 500 by downloading from the image server device 300, and thereafter, image addition data for a desired additional image is downloaded from the image server device 300, The additional image is combined with the captured image or the like and displayed on the mobile phone terminal 500. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure on the mobile phone terminal side and the processing procedure on the image server device side at this time.

  When a desired additional image is acquired after acquiring a captured image or the like in the mobile phone terminal 500 as described above, the mobile phone terminal 500 acquires a first additional image that is a desired additional image based on a user operation. Information for designating (designated information) and setting information indicating the arrangement position and size of the first additional image at the time of combination with the photographed image or the like are transmitted to the image server device 300 (step S520). When the image server device 300 receives the designation information and the setting information of the first additional image as such a desired additional image (step S620), the mobile phone terminal 500 next, based on the user's operation, Condition information (for example, the number of days for specifying the period) to be associated with the second additional image (and the third additional image) associated with the first additional image is transmitted to the image server device 300 (step S522). When the image server apparatus 300 receives such condition information (step S622), the image server apparatus 300 uses the condition information and the control information described above in addition to the additional image data and the setting information specified by the specification information. Additional data is generated (see FIGS. 20 to 23). Here, the control information indicates a program for causing the mobile phone terminal to display a composite image including the update type additional image, that is, a program for causing the mobile phone terminal to perform the composite image display process shown in FIG. Information, which is stored in the image server apparatus 300 in advance.

  When the image server device 300 generates the image addition data as described above, the image server device 300 transmits the image addition data to the mobile phone terminal 500. When the transmission ends, the image server device 300 adds the image in response to a request from the mobile phone terminal. The process for downloading the data to the mobile phone terminal is terminated.

  On the other hand, when receiving the image addition data (step S524), the cellular phone terminal 500 uses the additional image data and the setting information included in the image addition data together with data such as the captured image acquired in advance. A composite image is generated (step S526). Next, the cellular phone terminal 500 displays this composite image on the display unit 522 (step S528).

  Thereafter, the cellular phone terminal 500 stores the composite image data and the image addition data in a nonvolatile memory (step S530), and downloads the image addition data for the desired additional image from the image server device 300. To complete the process.

  After the download of the image addition data as described above, the mobile phone terminal 500 executes the composite image display process shown in FIG. 34, so that the composite image obtained by combining the desired additional image is displayed on the display unit 522. The desired additional image in the composite image is updated according to the condition information.

  According to the present modification as described above, additional images that are not selected in the editing process in the game photo creation device can also be downloaded from the image server device 300 to the mobile phone terminal 500 and combined with a photographed image or the like. In addition to displaying the resultant composite image, the additional image in the composite image can be updated by the composite image display process based on the control information. As a result, using a photographed image or the like created by the user with the play photo creation device, a composite image is created using a new additional image, and the additional image is automatically updated at the user's communication terminal. You can enjoy displaying images.

  The above-described modified example shows one configuration example in the case where the image server device 300 and the mobile phone terminal 500 synthesize an additional image with a captured image or the like, and is not limited to this. The image server device 300 is accessed, an additional image is selected from a plurality of stored update-type additional images, and the selected additional image data is displayed on the mobile phone terminal as a composite image including the additional image. As long as the information is downloaded to the mobile phone terminal together with the control information (control program) for controlling the mobile phone terminal. Here, the additional image stored in the image server device 300 includes information that changes under a predetermined condition, and an additional image that can specify a specific date is selected from the image server device 300 at the time of selection. Is requested to the mobile phone terminal 500, and the mobile phone terminal 500 specifies a specific date for the image server device 300. For the additional image downloaded to the mobile phone terminal 500, an arrangement position, a size, and the like in the captured image are set by a button operation of the mobile phone terminal 500, a function of a pointing device, or the like. Thereby, the desired additional image is updated according to the condition information.

<8.2 Other Modifications>
In the second embodiment, the image composition basic data corresponding to the composite image created by the play photo creation device is transmitted to the image server device 300, and the image server device 300 includes the image composition basic data. The image composition data is generated and registered based on the identification information and setting information of the first additional image (FIG. 39). Here, in the registered image composition data, based on the identification information and setting information of the first additional image included in the basic image composition data, the second additional image associated with the first additional image is superimposed. You may make it do. Even if such image composition data is downloaded to the mobile phone terminal 500 of the user, the composite image can be displayed on the mobile phone terminal 500 in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments.

  Further, instead of downloading the image composition data from the image server device 300 to the mobile phone terminal 500 as described above, the image data of the composite image may be downloaded to the mobile phone terminal 500. In this case, the first additional image Not only the updated additional image but also the second additional image and the third additional image may be downloaded. In this case, when the composite image is created in the editing process by the game photo creation device (steps S314 and S322 in FIG. 18), not only the first additional image but also the second additional image is superimposed on the captured image. Then, the updated additional image such as the second additional image may be made transparent. In order to realize such a configuration, the image data of the composite image to be created has a layer structure, and the first additional image that is the additional image before the update and the second additional image that is the additional image after the update are separated. It should be included in the layer. In this case, even if the additional image is updated, additional images with different update conditions are included in different layers, and whether or not the update condition based on the condition information associated with each additional image is satisfied. Depending on how, the additional image is switched between visualization and transparency.

  As described above, when downloading image data of a composite image including not only the first additional image but also the second additional image and the third additional image that are updated additional images, the composite image is downloaded in the game photo creation device. For updated additional images (such as second additional images) that are made transparent when creating the image, only a mark indicating the arrangement position is displayed when the composite image is created (for example, a point indicating the position is displayed) Are preferred). In this way, the user can perform an operation for synthesizing the additional image while confirming the arrangement position of the updated additional image.

  In the above configuration, instead of displaying a mark indicating the arrangement position of the updated additional image, not only the first additional image but also the second additional image or the like is updated for confirmation when the composite image is created. Later additional images may also be temporarily displayed. Thereby, when the arrangement position of the additional image changes due to the update of the additional image, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the unexpected portion of the captured image is covered by the update of the additional image. However, when importance is attached to the improvement of playability, it is preferable that the updated additional image such as the second additional image is made invisible to the user by making the composite image transparent at the time of creating the composite image. Therefore, the updated additional image such as the second additional image may be temporarily displayed so that only the size can be confirmed for confirmation when the composite image is created.

  In the above-described embodiment, the captured image to be combined with the additional image is obtained by shooting in the game photo creation device, but is not limited thereto, and is not limited to this. It may be a downloaded image or an image acquired from another external terminal by non-contact communication or the like.

In the above embodiment, the update condition for updating the additional image included in the composite image is specified by the condition information associated with the additional image for the predetermined condition related to the period or day, but is used in the present invention. The possible predetermined conditions are not limited to conditions relating to temporal information such as period and date, but may be any conditions relating to information that can be acquired in a mobile phone terminal or the like on which the composite image display process (FIG. 34) is executed. Good. For example, any of the following conditions can be used as the predetermined condition.
(1) Conditions related to the remaining battery level in the mobile phone terminal (2) Conditions related to the radio wave condition in the mobile phone terminal (3) Conditions related to the possession area of the mobile phone terminal (4) Conditions related to transmission / reception of e-mail in the mobile phone terminal (5) ) Conditions for sending to or receiving from a specific party by e-mail on a mobile phone terminal

  The predetermined condition for updating the first additional image included in the synthesized image displayed on the mobile phone terminal to the second additional image may be a combination of two different conditions. For example, when a condition including the arrival of a predetermined day is used as the predetermined condition, and the specific day of Christmas is determined as the predetermined day by the condition information associated with the second additional image, the Christmas day is When it arrives, the first additional image is updated to a second additional image indicating a Christmas tree, and when other specific conditions set in advance (for example, receiving an e-mail from a specific partner) are satisfied, A Christmas tree that is more luxurious than the Christmas tree that is displayed when the other specific requirements are not satisfied may be displayed as the second additional image.

  Furthermore, the interval between the change points may be varied depending on the event, or the display time of the second additional image at the final time may be advanced or delayed. Further, the second additional image may be changed depending on the event. Here, the event is the radio wave state of the mobile phone terminal, the remaining battery level, or the number of meals and amount in the breeding simulation of the predetermined character, exercise, etc., and is a factor of change in the additional image, If associated with a predetermined game, the winning or losing can also be an event as a factor for changing the additional image. In this way, an event can be selected in a very wide range, and the additional image can be changed according to the selected event. Further, the additional image may be changed simply by an event, or a combined change between a predetermined period and the event may be performed. Also, a plurality of events may be associated and the additional image may be changed according to the associated events. For example, when an additional image in a composite image is displayed as a moving bear's movie, the child's bear as a movie may rush around when the remaining battery level is low, or it will be fine if the radio wave condition is good If bad, you may be tired.

  Furthermore, for the second additional image or the third additional image with the arrival date of the specific date as an update condition, the condition information obtained by the information acquisition means as information indicating the specific date can be changed on the mobile phone terminal. Good. For example, for an additional image that is given condition information indicating a specific date that only comes once a year, such as a birthday, the user may feel that there is little change. If the specific date has passed, a new specific date (for example, an anniversary) may be reset. In this way, the user can be entertained. Note that the update conditions based on the condition information, such as the number of days elapsed or the number of remaining days until the second additional image or the third additional image is displayed, may be changed on the mobile phone terminal.

  Further, for the second additional image in which the arrival of a plurality of specific dates is set as the update condition, the second additional image may be reset to another image every time the specific date arrives (every time). . In addition, according to the type of specific day (for example, the specific day is classified into several types depending on whether the specific day corresponds to someone's birthday or some anniversary, etc.), the second addition An image may be set. Furthermore, when there is an image of a short cake as a first additional image to be combined with captured images obtained by photographing a plurality of users, and condition information indicating each birthday as a specific date is acquired, In the synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the one additional image, the first additional image changes to the second additional image of the birthday cake on each birthday, and the second additional image displayed when each birthday arrives. The number of birthday cake candles, the decoration, the message, and the like indicated by the second additional image may be changed according to the user whose birthday has arrived and the age of the user. In this way, each user can be more entertained.

  In the above embodiment, when a plurality of specific dates or a plurality of days are set as the condition information for the update-type additional image, the first corresponding to each of the plurality of specific days (for example, Christmas and New Year). Two additional images are associated with the update-type additional image. However, the configuration in which the plurality of second additional images are associated with the update-type additional image is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of second images that can be branched from the first additional image as the update-type additional image. The additional image may be associated with the first additional image. For example, the egg image shown in FIG. 35B is a first additional image, and the first additional image is branched into a plurality of second additional images such as a baby bear image, a kitten image, and a puppy image. It is good also as composition to do. In this case, which second additional image is updated from the first additional image (second additional image to be updated) is information that can be acquired by the mobile phone terminal on which the composite image including the first additional image is displayed. It may be determined according to a predetermined condition based on or may be determined randomly. Also, when a plurality of third additional images are associated with the update-type additional image (first additional image), the first addition is performed when the additional image included in the composite image is updated, as described above. The image may be branched into a plurality of third additional images, or the updated third additional image may be branched into other third additional images. Instead of alternatively displaying one of the plurality of second or third additional images as the update destination image, the plurality of second or third additional images are simultaneously used as the update destination image. You may make it display. For example, the first additional image may be displayed so as to be divided into a plurality of second additional images.

  In the display of the composite image including the update type additional image in the above embodiment, when the additional image is updated (for example, when the first additional image is changed to the second additional image), the additional image before the update is displayed. The shape of the additional image may be changed based on the position. For example, the first additional image may be configured to increase in accordance with the update, or the first additional image may be configured to increase radially according to the update. Specifically, the cake image shown in FIG. 36B changes according to the update, such as a two-tier cake image, a three-tier cake image, or the small square image gradually changes to a larger square shape according to the update. You may change so that it may become an image. In this case, the additional image may be replaced at the time of updating, or a new image may be added while leaving the image before updating.

  In the above embodiment, in the display of the composite image including the update-type additional image, the update order of the plurality of second or third additional images associated with the additional image is determined in advance. The order may be random without being determined in advance.

  In the above embodiment, each image composition data and each image addition data includes control information corresponding to a program for executing a composite image display process (FIG. 34) in the mobile phone terminal. However, instead of this, the control information is separated from the image composition data and the image addition data, and is separately carried from the image server device 300 or the like as a program common to various image composition data and image addition data. You may make it acquire in a telephone terminal.

  In the above embodiment, the image server device 300 is connected to the Internet, but may be connected to other dedicated networks (for example, next-generation networks). In this case, the address data in the format used for the network is used, and the address data in the format is directly transmitted from the contactless communication port 31 to the mobile phone terminal. Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is configured to be able to download the image composition data created by the game photo creation device or the image server device and display the composite image on the mobile phone terminal. Instead, another communication terminal having a non-contact communication function and a connection function to the Internet or the like may be used, and the composite image may be displayed by downloading image composition data or the like to the other terminal device.

3 ... Shooting unit 4 ... Editing unit 5 ... Output unit 6 ... Network (LAN)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera 20 ... Touch panel for photography operation 30 ... Touch panel for output operation 35 ... Network printer 31 ... Non-contact communication port (Felica port)
70: First control unit 72: First display / operation unit (touch panel for photographing operation)
80 ... second control unit 81, 82 ... second display / operation unit (touch panel for editing operation)
90 ... third control unit 91 ... third display / operation unit (touch panel for output operation)
92 ... Print output section (network printer)
94 ... Non-contact communication part (non-contact communication port)
96 ... Wireless communication unit (transmission means)
75, 83 ... 1st and 2nd communication part (network adapter)

Claims (3)

A server device that is communicably connected via a network to a photography terminal and a communication terminal of a user of the photography device,
Receiving means for receiving, via a network, data relating to a photographed image obtained by photographing a user with the photography apparatus, and data relating to a first additional image used in editing the photographed image;
Condition information acquisition means for acquiring condition information input by an operation of the user in the photography apparatus or the communication terminal as information for specifying a predetermined condition;
Storage means for storing the first additional image and a second additional image different from the first additional image in association with each other;
A first display state in which the first additional image is displayed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image are alternatively selected based on the condition information. Data generation means for generating display control information to be presented;
Transmission means for transmitting the display control information to the communication terminal ,
The receiving means receives identification information of a first additional image used in editing the captured image from the communication terminal;
The data generation means reads from the storage means a first additional image identified by the identification information received by the receiving means and a second additional image associated with the first additional image, and reads the first additional image. Control information for alternatively presenting, based on the condition information, a first display state in which the photographed image is superimposed and a second display state in which the second additional image is superimposed on the photographed image is displayed. Generated as display control information,
When the display control information is transmitted to the communication terminal, the first display is displayed when a predetermined condition specified by the condition information is satisfied after the first display state is presented to the communication terminal. A server device that causes the communication terminal to present the second display state instead of a state . The receiving means receives the identification information and position information of the first additional image used in editing the captured image from the communication terminal as data relating to the first additional image,
The condition information acquiring unit acquires by receiving the condition information from the previous SL communication terminal by the reception means,
The data generation means reads from the storage means a first additional image identified by the identification information received by the receiving means and a second additional image associated with the first additional image, and reads the first additional image. Based on the condition information and the position information, a first display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image are alternatively presented. The server apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein control information is generated as the display control information. An image display control method implemented for controlling image display of the communication terminal in a server device connected to be able to communicate with a communication terminal of a photograph photographing apparatus and a user of the photographing apparatus via a network,
A reception step of receiving, via a network, data relating to a photographed image obtained by photographing a user with the photograph photographing device, and data relating to a first additional image used in editing the photographed image;
A condition information acquisition step of acquiring condition information input by a user's operation in the photography apparatus or the communication terminal as information for specifying a predetermined condition;
A management step of associating and managing the first additional image and a second additional image different from the first additional image;
A first display state in which the first additional image is displayed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is displayed on the captured image are alternatively selected based on the condition information. A data generation step for generating display control information to be presented;
A transmission step of transmitting the display control information to the communication terminal ,
In the receiving step, the identification information of the first additional image used in editing the captured image is received from the communication terminal,
In the data generation step, the first additional image identified by the identification information received in the receiving step and the second additional image associated with the first additional image are read from a predetermined storage unit, and the first additional image Control information for alternatively presenting, based on the condition information, a first display state in which the image is superimposed on the captured image and a second display state in which the second additional image is superimposed on the captured image. Generating as the display control information,
When the display control information is transmitted to the communication terminal, the first display is displayed when a predetermined condition specified by the condition information is satisfied after the first display state is presented to the communication terminal. An image display control method characterized by causing the communication terminal to present the second display state instead of a state .

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