JP6326656B2 - Image providing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image providing system, and more particularly to an image providing system having a function of providing a user with an image generated using a photographed image obtained by photographing with a camera using a photography game machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art A photography game device that is installed in a game center or the like and takes a picture of a device user (user, player) or the like to generate an image is known. As a photography game device, graffiti editing (writing with a pen, placing a stamp, etc.) is performed on a plurality of photographed images, and the image after graffiti editing is printed on a sheet and provided to the user. In general, a photo sticker creating apparatus provided to a user via a computer is known.

  In such a photo sticker creating apparatus, a user-written image suitable for sheet printing is provided to the user via the server. For this reason, the provided image may not be suitable for an application in which the user displays it on a mobile terminal or the like. Also, since the provided images often include friends photographed together, it may be difficult for the user to use them as content on their blog or SNS (Social Networking Service).

  From such a background, for example, a photo sticker creating apparatus having a function of creating an image dedicated to a portable terminal based on a photographed image during graffiti editing as described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a photo sticker creating apparatus that creates a portable composite image by extracting a predetermined area of a photographed image photographed with a user as a subject as a portable photographed image. This device trims an image with that aspect ratio by selecting one of multiple types of trimming frames with different aspect ratios, and combines the portable captured image with the composition image to create a portable composition You can create an image. The portable composite image is transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus to the mail address input by the user.

JP 2010-154452 A

  Here, when the user obtains an image to be used on the mobile terminal based on the image taken with the photo shoot game machine, the graffiti-edited image with a letter of graffiti is obtained on the mobile terminal, and the application on the mobile terminal is obtained. It can be used and processed, but this has a problem. For example, when trying to cut out only the user's own face part as a single image from an image in which a plurality of people are captured, the image part created by the graffiti editing may be cut out leaving a part. Yes, the image may look bad.

  In addition, as described in Patent Document 1 described above, when an image suitable for a portable terminal is generated during graffiti editing in a photography game device, a time limit is provided for graffiti editing. However, it is difficult to create an image as intended within such a limited time.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide an image providing system that provides an image that can be easily used by a user based on an image photographed by a photography game device. It is said.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, in an image providing system including a photography game device and an image providing device that provides an image to a user, the photography game device includes photographing means for photographing the user; The composition unit accepts the input of the composition image for the photographed image photographed by the photographing unit and synthesizes the editing unit for generating the edited image and the photographed image and the edited image generated by the editing unit. Means for determining whether or not a composite image is included in the edited image, and corresponding to the composite image and the composite image when the edit determination unit determines that the composite image is included and a both transmission means for transmitting the synthesized image before a previous image that receives an input of the synthesized image in a by editing means an image, the image providing apparatus, the composite image or synthesized before receiving the image A receiving means that, when receiving the synthesized image before, to provide at least one of the composite image and the synthetic image before the user and provides a switchable screen display of the composite image and the before-combination image Screen providing means.

Preferably, the switchable screen includes a selection display for causing the user to select either the composite image or the pre-combination image, and the screen providing means , when receiving the pre-combination image, displays the composite image to the user. and to provide at least one of the pre-combination image, and provides a switchable screen including a selection display, if it does not receive the pre-synthesis, in order to provide a composite image to the user, a selection display Provide a screen that does not include.

Preferably, when the pre-combination image is received , the screen providing unit includes a thumbnail display of the composite image corresponding to the pre-combination image and a hyperlink to the switchable screen, and the composite image and the A first provision screen that is not switchable between the display with the pre-combination image is provided, and the display between the composite image and the pre-combination image is switched according to an operation performed on the hyperlink of the first provision screen. A second providing screen that is a possible screen is provided .

Preferably, the photography game device accepts an operation by the user to select either the composite image or the pre-combine image when the editing determination unit determines that the composite image is included. The screen providing means switches display of the composite image and the pre-composition image on the switchable screen according to an operation received by the reception means .

Preferably, the photography game device performs a plurality of times of shooting in one play, and each shot image is determined by the editing determination unit, and the editing determination unit determines that the composition image is included. the composite image and performs and transmitting together with the pre-combination image corresponding to the composite image when the image providing apparatus, for each round of the photographed image, performs reception by the reception means for the transmitted image, screen providing means, for each time of the captured image, when receiving the synthesized image before, performed to provide switchable screen.

  According to these inventions, when it is determined that the screen providing means has received the pre-combination image, a screen capable of switching between the display of the composite image and the pre-combination image is provided. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image providing system that provides an image that can be easily used by the user based on an image captured by the photography game device.

It is a figure which shows the example of network connection of the photograph sticker game system in one of embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the hardware constitutions of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a top view which shows the hardware constitutions of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the play using a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the front part housing | casing of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the back part housing | casing of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the edit output apparatus of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a block diagram explaining the structure regarding control of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of basic operation | movement of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a sequence diagram which shows roughly operation | movement with the photo sticker production apparatus and server at the time of a user's play. It is a flowchart explaining the flow at the time of the play of external monitor reception. It is a flowchart explaining the flow at the time of the play of imaging | photography. It is a 1st flowchart explaining the flow at the time of the play of graffiti reception. It is a 2nd flowchart explaining the flow at the time of the play of graffiti reception. It is a figure which shows an example of a transmission image selection screen. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of each imaging | photography. It is a figure which shows an example of a graffiti edit screen. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of graffiti editing. It is a figure explaining the image provision function in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the transmission process performed in a photograph sticker production apparatus regarding an image provision function. It is a figure explaining the synthesis | combination of the image in a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the reception process performed in a server regarding an image provision function. It is a 1st figure explaining the transition of the display screen of the portable terminal in a 1st example. It is a 2nd figure explaining the transition of the display screen of the portable terminal in a 1st example. It is a figure explaining the transition of the display screen of the portable terminal in a 2nd example. It is a figure explaining the transition of the display screen of the portable terminal in a 3rd example. It is a figure explaining the 1st provision screen of the portable terminal in a 4th example. It is a table | surface explaining an image provision function. It is a 1st figure which shows an example of the transmission image selection screen of the photograph sticker production apparatus which concerns on the modified example of this Embodiment. It is a 2nd figure which shows an example of the transmission image selection screen.

  Hereinafter, an example of the photo sticker game system in the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The photo sticker game system (an example of an image providing system) includes a photo sticker creating device (an example of a photo shooting game device) and an image providing server (an example of an image providing device). The image providing server acquires a user's e-mail address (hereinafter, simply referred to as a mail address) and an image from the photo sticker creating apparatus. Then, the user can be contacted by e-mail using the mail address, and an image can be provided to each user.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus performs various functions in addition to outputting a sticker to be provided to the user using a photographed image obtained by photographing the user with a camera. The photo sticker creating apparatus generates a provided image to be provided to the user using the captured image, and transmits the image to the image providing server, thereby providing the image to the user. In addition to the image printed on the sticker and output, the photo sticker creation device generates, as a provided image, a collage (collage image) obtained by collating the captured images and a cut image (cut image) obtained by cutting a part of the captured image. It has a function. As a collage image, for example, a background theme image displayed based on a user's setting operation in a web service provided on the Internet can be generated.

  [Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a network connection example of a photo sticker game system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 includes a photo sticker game system 901 together with an image providing server (hereinafter simply referred to as a server) 601 and a mobile terminal device (hereinafter also referred to as a mobile terminal) 701 (701a, 701b). Configure. The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is installed in various stores such as a game center. The server 601 is managed by a data center, for example. The portable terminal 701 is, for example, owned by a user (user) who plays with the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. Each device of the photo sticker game system 901 is connected to a network 801 such as the Internet. Accordingly, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and the portable terminal 701 can communicate with the server 601 via the network 801. Note that the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and the portable terminal 701 may be able to communicate with each other.

  The image providing server 601 is an electronic computer having a general hardware configuration, and includes a communication unit 603, a storage unit 605, a control unit 650 that controls each unit of the apparatus, and the like. The communication unit 603 connects the server 601 to the network 801 via a LAN (local information communication network) or the like. The storage unit 605 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 605 stores a control program 607. The control unit 650 is constituted by, for example, a CPU and a memory. The control unit 650 controls the operation of each unit of the server 601 by executing a control program 607 and the like.

  The portable terminal 701 is, for example, a so-called feature phone or a smartphone. The portable terminal 701 includes a communication unit 703, a storage unit 705, and a control unit 750. The communication unit 703 can be connected to the network 801 through, for example, a wireless LAN or a mobile phone network. The storage unit 705 is, for example, a flash memory. The storage unit 705 stores a control program 707. The portable terminal 701 further includes an operation unit 711, a display unit 713, a camera 715, and the like. The control unit 750 is composed of, for example, a CPU and a memory. The control unit 750 controls the operation of each unit of the portable terminal 701 by executing a control program 707 and the like.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 transmits image data generated at the time of play to the server 601. The server 601 stores the transmitted image data. The server 601 manages the image data in correspondence with the data of the user who transmitted the image data. The server 601 has a function of accepting access from the portable terminal 701 and the like, and publishing image data corresponding to the user who owns the portable terminal 701 to the portable terminal 701. Accordingly, the user can acquire image data stored in the server 601 using the portable terminal 701.

  [Schematic Configuration of Photo Sticker Making Apparatus 1]

  FIG. 2 is a side view showing a hardware configuration of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a hardware configuration of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 includes a front housing (imaging housing) 510, a back housing 540, and an editing output device 570. The front housing 510, the back housing 540, and the editing output device 570 are arranged side by side and used as one photo sticker creation device 1.

  The front housing 510 is provided with a prior customer service unit 520 in which an external monitor 521, a coin insertion unit 525, and the like are arranged. The pre-service section 520 is disposed on the left side surface of the front housing 510 of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 (it may be selectively disposed on one side and may be on the right side surface).

  A seal discharge port 575 is provided at the front portion of the edit output device 570. On both sides of the edit output device 570, an edit reception unit 580 having an edit monitor 581, a touch pen 583, a non-contact communication device 585, a speaker 587, and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the front case 510 and the back case 540 are combined to form a shooting corner (shooting booth). Although both sides of the photographing corner are openings, the openings can be covered with a curtain (not shown). The periphery of the edit output device 570 can also be covered with a curtain (not shown). As a result, the user can play without seeing the appearance or editing screen being played by others.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a play using the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1.

  In the present embodiment, the play using the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is roughly performed in the following four steps in order. Play is performed during operation in the normal operation mode.

  When a specified number of coins are inserted into the coin insertion unit 525 of the pre-service unit 520, play is started. In step S1, acceptance in the external monitor 521 is performed. At this time, the user stands at the position P1 shown in FIG. At this stage, before starting shooting, the user is provided with guidance and advertisement regarding various plays such as images and sheets to be shot, edited and created. In addition, the user performs various selection operations.

  In step S2, shooting is performed. At this time, the user stands in the position of P2 shown in FIG. In the shooting corner, based on various selection operations received by the customer service unit 520, the user performs shooting according to the shooting course selected by the various operations. At the same time, various operations by the user are accepted, and image data that can be doodled is created.

  In step S3, graffiti acceptance is performed. At this time, the user stands at the position P3 (graffiti corner) shown in FIG. That is, the user stands so as to face either one of the left and right edit receiving units 580a and 580b. In graffiti reception, guidance regarding various selection operations is given to a user who has finished playing at the shooting corner. Then, various selection operations and graffiti operations for a seal to be output and the like performed by the user are accepted. Based on the acceptance result accepted at this time, the image printed on the sticker is processed.

  In step S4, the seal is output. At this time, the user stands at the position P4 shown in FIG. That is, the user waits for the seal to be discharged from the seal discharge port 575 in front of the seal discharge port 575. When the seal is discharged from the seal discharge port 575, a series of main plays performed in the vicinity of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is completed.

  As described above, the play progresses while the user moves in four stages, so that the number of user groups that can use the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 per unit time is increased. That is, a maximum of five users can use the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. Since graffiti reception takes time, the two editing reception units 580a and 580b are used so that two sets of users can play the graffiti reception stage at the same time.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the front housing 510 of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, an external monitor 521, a coin insertion unit 525, and a speaker 527 are provided in the pre-service section 520 of the front housing 510.

  The external monitor 521 is, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel. The external monitor 521 displays various guidance and a screen necessary for the selection operation to the user. The external monitor 521 accepts a touch operation with a user's finger or the like to select a displayed selection item or the like. The external monitor 521 can accept a so-called multi-touch operation. That is, the external monitor 521 can accept instruction inputs from one or more users at the same time. The external monitor 521 displays a demonstration screen or the like that prompts the user to start using, when the prior customer service unit 520 is not used by any user.

  The coin insertion unit 525 has a coin insertion slot and a coin return slot. The coin slot accepts the insertion of a predetermined amount of coins (for example, 400 yen) required at the start of play. The coin return port returns the inserted coin when it cannot be accepted.

  The speaker 527 outputs voices necessary for various guidance and selection operations to the user. When the advance customer service unit 520 is not used, the speaker 527 outputs a demonstration voice prompting the start of use (for example, “It is time to start playing”) or background music.

  In the portion of the front casing 510 that is in the shooting corner, a front illumination device (dome-shaped illumination device 511, upper body illumination device 512a, above-knee illumination device 512, foot illumination device 513, illumination device 514 around the camera), A camera 515, an operation monitor 517, and the like are provided.

  Each of the front lighting devices 511 to 514 includes a strobe, a fluorescent lamp, and the like. The dome illumination device 511 is on the user's upper body and back, the upper body illumination device 512a is on the user's upper body, the knee illumination device 512 is on and around the user's knee, and the foot illumination device 513 is on the user's foot and back. Each is irradiated with light. The lighting device 514 around the camera irradiates light on the user's face. It should be noted that a luggage storage area (not shown) for the user to place his / her baggage is provided at a position on the side of the above-knee lighting device 512 that does not interfere with imaging when imaging.

  The camera 515 performs user shooting. Shooting is performed in a state where the zoom and the shooting angle are adjusted according to a shooting course selected by various operations, a difference between full-body shooting and up-shooting, and the like. In other words, shooting by the camera 515 is performed in accordance with an instruction input reception result on the external monitor 521 or the operation monitor 517.

  The operation monitor 517 is a liquid crystal touch panel, for example. The operation monitor 517 displays various screens and screens necessary for selection operations to the user. The operation monitor 517 accepts an instruction input by a touch operation using a user's finger or the like to select a displayed selection item or the like. When the shooting corner is not used by any user, the operation monitor 517 displays a demonstration screen that prompts the user to start use.

  In addition to these, the front housing 510 is provided with a ceiling device (not shown). The ceiling device is provided with an illumination device that illuminates the user from above, a speaker (not shown) that outputs audio necessary for various guidance and selection operations to the user, and the like. When the shooting corner is not used, the speaker outputs a demonstration sound (for example, “ready for shooting has been completed!”), Background music, or the like for prompting the start of use.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the back housing 540 of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the back housing 540 is formed so as to roughly form a U-shaped wall surface in a plan view, and covers the back surface of the photographing corner and a part of both sides. The back housing 540 is provided with a back lighting device 541. In the present embodiment, the back lighting device 541 includes a whole body lighting device (rear upper lighting device) 543, an up lighting device (front lighting device) 545, and a whole body upper lighting device (front and rear lighting devices). Lighting device) 547.

  The whole-body illumination device 543 and the whole-body upper illumination device 547 are provided with strobes and irradiate light to the whole body of the user. The up illumination device 545 includes a strobe and a grid, and mainly irradiates light near the head of the user who performs up photography, mainly on the hair.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the edit output device 570 of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the edit output device 570 includes an illumination unit 571 in addition to the seal discharge port 575 and the two edit reception units 580 (580a and 580b).

  The illumination unit 571 includes a fluorescent lamp, and performs illumination from the top of the editing monitor 581.

  In each editing reception unit 580, the editing monitor 581, the two touch pens 583, the non-contact communication device 585, and the speaker 587 are configured as follows.

  The edit monitor 581 is, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel. The edit monitor 581 displays a screen necessary for various guidance and graffiti operations to the user. The editing monitor 581 accepts an instruction input such as a selection operation of a displayed selection item or a graffiti operation performed by the user using the touch pen 583. Two touch pens 583 are provided, and two users can operate simultaneously. The edit monitor 581 can detect which touch pen 583 is used for the operation. The touch pen 583 can be held by the touch pen holder 584 when not in use.

  The speaker 587 outputs voices necessary for various guidance, selection operation, and graffiti operation to the user. When the editing output device 570 is not used, the speaker 587 outputs a demonstration voice prompting the start of use (for example, “Start graffiti”) or background music.

  The non-contact communication device 585 can perform communication based on NFC (Near Field Communication) standard (for example, communication using FeliCa (registered trademark)), for example. When the user's own portable terminal 701 is held over the non-contact communication device 585, information (for example, to the server 601) for obtaining an image with a written message or an image without a written message created by the user's play is displayed on the portable terminal 701. URL etc. for access) can be transmitted. As a result, the user can use the portable terminal 701 to access a place for obtaining an image with a written letter or an image without a written letter and acquire them. Note that various information may be transmitted from the portable terminal 701 to the non-contact communication device 585. Two or more non-contact communication devices 585 may be provided so that two or more users can use them simultaneously. The communication method of the non-contact communication device 585 is not limited to the above-described one, and it may be possible to transmit the image data with a written message or the data itself without a written message to the user terminal.

  A sheet of sticker paper (seal) for which printing has been completed is discharged to the sticker discharge port 575. The sheet is provided to a user who has finished graffiti. On the sheet, an image with a letter of thumb that was shot at the shooting corner and edited at the graffiti reception is printed. If the printing of the sheet is not completed when the user arrives at the seal discharge port 575, the user waits in front of the seal discharge port 575.

  Note that a display panel may be provided near the seal discharge port 575 so that a user standing by can see it. In this case, the display panel may be configured to accept an operation related to an additional image described later. Various advertisements and guidance for users can be displayed on the display panel. On the display panel, it is possible to display which user is printing, that is, a user who has edited on the editing reception unit 580a side and a user who has performed editing on the editing reception unit 580b side.

  Further, although not shown, a light emitting display unit using, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) as a light source may be disposed near the seal discharge port 575. In this case, the light emission display unit is used to display which user is printing, that is, the user who has edited on the editing reception unit 580a side and the user who has performed editing on the editing reception unit 580b side. It may be. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of confusion such as a mistake in the sheets discharged between the two sets of users when there is only one seal discharge port 575.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration relating to control of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 includes a control unit (control device) 501 configured by a CPU 502, a memory 503, an image processing unit 504, a storage unit 505, a communication unit 509, and the like, such as a PC (personal computer). ing.

  The image processing unit 504 generates a pre-combination image used for subsequent processing based on information of a photograph (captured image) taken by the camera 515, or edits according to the graffiti received by the edit receiving unit 580. An image is generated, or a pre-combination image and an edited image are combined to generate a combined image. That is, the image processing unit 504 uses the photographed image obtained by the camera 515 in accordance with the reception result of the graffiti received by the editing reception unit 580 or the operation input reception result on the external monitor 521 or the like, An image to be printed on, an image used for subsequent processing, or an image is generated.

  The storage unit 505 is, for example, a flash memory or an HDD, and has a control program 507.

  The control unit 501 controls the operation of each unit of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 by the CPU 502 executing the control program 507.

  The communication unit 509 includes a PHS communication module, for example, and can connect the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 to the network 801.

  The control unit 501 controls the external monitor 521, the speaker 527, the coin control unit 525a, and the like for the advance customer service unit 520. The coin control unit 525a controls the coin insertion unit 525, confirms the coin insertion state, and notifies the control unit 501.

  The control unit 501 controls the camera 515, the operation monitor 517, the strobe control unit 530, and the like for the front case 510 and the back case 540. The strobe controller 530 controls the front lighting devices 511 to 514 and the back lighting device 541 to emit light in an appropriate manner in a timely manner.

  The control unit 501 controls the editing monitor 581, the non-contact communication device 585, the speaker 587, the printing unit 590, and the like for the editing output device 570. The printing unit 590 prints (prints) the image processed by the image processing unit 504 on a sheet, and conveys the printed sheet to the seal discharge port 575. The printing unit 590 outputs a sheet from the seal discharge port 575.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 8 shows a conceptual configuration. For example, a PC is provided on the photographing corner side (front housing 510 and back housing 540), and another PC is also provided on the graffiti corner side (editing output device 570). Functions of the unit 501 and the like may be realized.

  [Description of Operation of Photo Sticker Game System 901]

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 generally performs the following operation in cooperation with the server 601 and the portable terminal 701. First, with reference to FIG. 9, the basic operation of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 until the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can execute play will be mainly described. Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the play performed using the photograph sticker game system 901 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic operation of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is activated, a startup process is performed in step S21. Here, various control programs 507 are read and executed, and communication processing with the server 601 is performed as necessary. When update data, a function setting command, or the like is transmitted from the server 601 in the startup process, the control unit 501 applies it to the photo sticker creation apparatus 1. As a result, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can be managed via the server 601. Note that such an operation may not be performed.

  In step S22, the control unit 501 displays a demonstration screen on the external monitor 521 or other monitor.

  In step S23, the control unit 501 confirms whether or not to enter the test mode. For example, when a predetermined switch or the like disposed at a position accessible only to the administrator is operated, the control unit 501 determines to enter the test mode.

  In step S24, the control unit 501 confirms whether or not a consideration for playing is received.

  The control unit 501 waits while displaying the demonstration screen until it is confirmed that the consideration is accepted or the test mode is entered.

  If it is determined in step S23 that the test mode is entered, the test mode is executed in step S26. In the test mode, various functions of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can be set by the administrator. That is, the test mode is an operation mode for function setting. When the test mode ends, the display returns to the demonstration screen again (S22).

  When it is determined in step S24 that a prescribed number of coins have been inserted into the coin insertion unit 525 and the consideration has been accepted, play is executed in step S25. The play is performed as described in FIG. When the play using the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is completed, the process returns to the operation of step S22.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram schematically showing the operations of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and the server 601 during the user's play.

  When a user inserts a coin into the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 as described above to execute the play, the play is started. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S51, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 performs photographing and editing. That is, the external monitor reception (S1), photographing (S2), and graffiti reception (S3) described in FIG. 4 are performed. The user can perform graffiti editing input in the editing stage.

  When the editing is completed, the user performs an operation for selecting an image to be acquired on the portable terminal 701 on the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. Also, an operation for inputting an e-mail address for receiving information for acquiring an image is performed.

  In step S52, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 associates the transmission image data based on the photographed image and the mail address with each other, and transmits them to the server 601. At this time, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 transmits the transmission image together with the attribute information. As the attribute information, for example, information regarding the type of the image such as the image ID, the shooting date and time, the shooting mode and the play course name is transmitted for the transmission image.

  In step S53, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 performs printing. When printing is completed, a sheet (seal) for which printing has been completed is discharged from the seal discharge port 575.

  In step S <b> 54, the user acquires the sheet discharged to the seal discharge port 575.

  On the other hand, when data is transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 to the server 601, the server 601 receives the transmitted information in step S55.

  In step S56, the server 601 performs database recording processing using the received information.

  The server 601 generates image data (acquisition image data) for a portable terminal based on the received transmission image data, and holds the image data in a viewable manner through an acquisition page for allowing the user to acquire the image data. The acquisition page is held so that it can be acquired from the outside by the web server function of the server 601, for example. At this time, an acquisition URL for accessing the acquisition page is generated. In step S57, the server 601 transmits an acquisition URL (acquisition page address) to the user. At this time, for example, information is transmitted to the user's portable terminal 701 by e-mail using the e-mail address transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  In step S58, the user's portable terminal 701 receives the acquisition URL.

  In step S <b> 59, the user operates the mobile terminal 701 and accesses the acquired URL using a web browser or the like that operates on the mobile terminal 701.

  In step S <b> 60, the server 601 transmits the acquired page data to the portable terminal 701. At this time, the image data for portable terminal of the image browsed when the acquisition page is displayed is also transmitted to the portable terminal 701.

  In step S61, the mobile terminal 701 displays an acquisition page including an image based on the acquired acquisition page and image data. Thereby, the user can acquire the image for portable terminals from the server 601. As a result of playing, the user can receive a sheet and acquire an image for a portable terminal. Therefore, the enjoyment of playing is increased for the user.

  Next, the operation of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 in play will be specifically described. When the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is played, the flow of each stage is, for example, as follows. Each operation is performed based on the control of the control unit 501. In each process, the display contents of the external monitor 521, the operation monitor 517, the edit monitor 581 and the like will be mainly described. However, voice guidance using the speakers 527, 587 and the like is appropriately performed along with the screen display.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow at the time of playing an external monitor.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when play is started, play is described in step S101. For example, by displaying an image on the external monitor 521 or outputting sound from the speaker 527, a series of play and explanation of a play course described later are performed.

  In step S102, a play course selection is accepted. In the present embodiment, a plurality of play courses are provided according to the atmosphere of the image that can be generated. The user can select and play these play courses. The control unit 501 determines the selected play course as the play course of the play, and thereafter controls the play with a predetermined control content (such as a shooting course) according to the play course. In addition to the play course, selection of whether or not to perform specific image processing (for example, deformation processing for a specific region of a non-written image) may be appropriately accepted.

  In step S103, a name input is accepted. For example, a screen that allows the user to input a name is displayed. The entered name is used when editing graffiti, or used as part of a design such as a background or frame.

  In step S104, a screen for selecting a different background or the like depending on the course is displayed to the user who has selected the course. For example, display / guidance such as “Choose 6 backgrounds” is performed, and the user selects a desired background or sheet design. In addition to such background selection, selection regarding an additional image that can be created as described later may be accepted. You may make it accept the selection regarding an additional image at another timing.

  In step S105, the control unit 501 determines whether the shooting corner is empty (not in use).

  If the shooting corner is not empty in step S105, in step S106, the control unit 501 displays a wait screen on the external monitor 521 until it becomes empty. For example, an advertisement screen of a website that can be accessed by a mobile terminal is displayed as a wait screen.

  If the shooting corner is empty in step S105, a screen display for shooting corner guidance is performed in step S107. As a result, the user who has completed various operations in the prior customer service unit 520 is guided to the shooting corner.

  The control unit 501 performs shooting at the shooting corner using the information received by the prior customer service unit 520.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the flow during shooting shooting.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in step S <b> 121, the control unit 501 displays a shooting start screen on the operation monitor 517. A screen prompting the user to start shooting is displayed. When the user touches the operation monitor 517, the shooting sequence is started.

  In step S122, the imaging sequence is started. Details of the shooting sequence will be described later. A shot image is obtained by the shooting sequence.

  In step S123, the eye shadow selection and the brightness selection are performed. Here, it is selected which of a plurality of settings (for example, five levels of settings) is to be applied while the captured image is displayed as a preview.

  In other words, the selection of the eye size of the photographed image is accepted so that the sheet according to the user's image is output in the selection of the shot of the eye. In the brightness selection, the selection of the brightness of the captured image is received so that a sheet according to the user's image is output. Since the captured image displayed on the operation monitor 517 inevitably has a small face, an up-captured image with easy-to-understand changes is displayed instead of a whole-body captured image in which changes in eye size and brightness are difficult to understand. What should I do? As a result, the amount of processing required for preview display is reduced, so that the load on the control unit 501 can be reduced. At this time, the effect of the user's selection may be reflected on the whole body image that is not displayed on the operation monitor 517.

  In step S124, the control unit 501 determines whether the graffiti corner is empty (not in use). For example, if either one of the edit reception units 580a and 580b is not being used by another user, it is determined that the graffiti corner is empty.

  If the graffiti corner is not empty in step S124, in step S125, the control unit 501 displays a wait screen on the operation monitor 517 until it becomes empty. An advertisement screen similar to the above can be displayed as the weight screen.

  If the graffiti corner is empty in step S124, a graffiti corner guidance screen display is performed in step S126. As a result, the user who has completed photographing is guided to the graffiti corner. At this time, the user may be prompted to move to the appropriate one of the edit reception units 580a and 580b. For example, “Please move to the first graffiti corner on the right.”

  FIG. 13 is a first flowchart for explaining the flow during play of graffiti reception. FIG. 14 is a second flowchart for explaining the flow during play of graffiti reception.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, when graffiti acceptance is started, the control unit 501 displays a data transfer start screen on the edit monitor 581 in step S131. Here, image data (pre-combination image) created based on the play course (photograph) and background image selected on the external monitor, the image of the eye selected on the graffiti corner, and brightness, etc. are captured. Transferred from the corner to the graffiti corner. Then, a screen indicating that is displayed.

  In step S132, a screen touch is accepted. Here, a touch operation on the editing monitor 581 is received using the touch pen 583. When a touch operation is performed or a predetermined time elapses, the process proceeds to the next process.

  When the touch operation is accepted, graffiti guidance is performed in step S133. The user is instructed to start the graffiti operation. For example, a message such as “Next is a graffiti!” Is displayed. Various processing is performed on the image data used for graffiti during the period in which this display is performed after the image data is transferred. When the process for the image data is completed, the process proceeds to the next process.

  In step S134, doodle editing is started. The doodle editing is performed by displaying a doodle editing screen on the editing monitor 581 and accepting an operation from the user. The graffiti editing screen includes a pre-combination image based on the photographed image. The user can perform graffiti editing for each image within a predetermined time. Touch pens can be used to write graffiti called “pens” written using the touch pen 583 by editing the graffiti, predetermined symbols, and symbols generated according to user input (name input, etc.). Graffiti called “stamp” placed at the position designated by 583 can be performed. When these graffiti are performed, an edited image in which the graffiti is input as a composition image is created. The composite image obtained by combining the edited image including the composite image and the pre-combination image becomes an image with a letter of graffiti on which the graffiti is performed on the photographed photograph. If graffiti (input of the image for compositing) is not performed on the image, the edited image not including the image for compositing and the pre-composition image are composed, and the composite image is graffiti on the photographed photograph. The result is an unwritten image that is not performed.

  In step S135, a division number selection explanation screen is displayed to guide the user to move to sheet design selection.

  In step S136, sheet design selection is accepted. Here, for example, the user is allowed to select the number of images to be printed per sheet. The seat design selection is performed, for example, according to the selected play course.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in step S138, a mobile phone transmission confirmation screen is displayed. In the present embodiment, at the time of basic play, for example, one image out of an unwritten image or an unwritten image created by play and an image selected by the special image selection process are stored on the user's portable terminal 701. Can be acquired.

  In step S139, a transmission image selection screen is displayed. The control unit 501 receives an operation for selecting an image to be acquired by the mobile terminal 701 from the user.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission image selection screen.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the transmission image selection screen 51 includes thumbnail images 53a to 53f of images obtained by normal shooting in the play. When there is an image specially provided to a user created by special shooting as described later, a guidance display 55 indicating that fact may be included. When the user selects a desired image while the transmission image selection screen 51 is displayed, information indicating that the user has selected is transmitted to the server 601 at the time of transmission of the image.

  In addition, on the transmission image selection screen 51, thumbnail images 53a to 53f are displayed after graffiti editing. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the thumbnail image 53 d and the thumbnail image 53 f are obtained by graffiti editing by graffiti editing, and the composite image created thereby is superimposed on the image before graffiti editing. It is shown. The thumbnail images 53d and 53f correspond to images with a postscript that will be described later. On the other hand, the thumbnail images 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53e have not been subjected to graffiti editing in the graffiti editing, and the images before the graffiti editing are displayed as they are. Thumbnail images 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53e correspond to non-written images described later. The user can select a desired image regardless of whether the image corresponds to an image with a lost letter or an image without a lost letter.

  Returning to FIG. 14, in step S140, an address input screen is displayed. Here, an input such as an e-mail address of the portable terminal 701 is accepted. When an e-mail address or the like is input, the information is transmitted to the server 601. Thereby, for example, the server 601 notifies the portable terminal 701 of a URL that enables acquisition of an image selected by the user by a method such as e-mail. The user can acquire the image selected from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 sent to the server 601 by accessing the URL with the portable terminal 701.

  On the address input screen in step S140, it is possible to select transmission by non-contact communication (NFC communication or the like). When this is selected, a non-contact communication operation screen is displayed in step S141. The control unit 501 can control the non-contact communication device 585 and transmit information such as a URL that enables the selected image to be acquired to the portable terminal 701 held over the non-contact communication device 585. The non-contact communication operation screen includes an explanation of operations to be performed by the user. The non-contact communication operation screen may be displayed until the communication with the portable terminal 701 is successful or until the “return to address input” button is operated, for example.

  When the input is completed in step S140, in step S142, the control unit 501 determines whether the printing unit (printer) 590 is free (not in use).

  If the printing unit 590 is not available in step S142, the control unit 501 displays an advertisement screen on the editing monitor 581 until it becomes available in step S143. For example, an advertisement screen such as a website similar to the above is displayed.

  If the printing unit 590 is free in step S142, printing is performed in step S144. The control unit 501 generates image data to be printed and transfers it to the printing unit 590. Thus, the seal is printed by the printing unit 590. If an error such as out of paper has occurred in the printing unit 590, a printer error screen may be displayed. At this time, contact information for maintenance is displayed.

  In step S145, the editing monitor 581 displays a graffiti corner end screen. The user is guided to wait in front of the seal discharge port 575 until printing is completed. Thereby, a seal | sticker is discharged | emitted from the seal | sticker discharge outlet 575, and a series of play is complete | finished.

  Note that printing by the printer may be started before the mobile phone transmission confirmation screen is displayed (before step S138). Thus, while waiting for completion of printing, an operation (step S138 to step S141) related to mobile phone transmission (transmission of an image to the portable terminal 701) can be performed, so that the waiting time can be reduced.

  [Explanation about shooting sequence]

  In the shooting sequence, shooting is performed a plurality of times according to the play course and the shooting course. The control unit 501 determines the type of the shooting course and performs shooting in the shooting course. As the shooting course, for example, a shooting course in which the user is shot only up, a shooting course in which both shooting up and whole body shooting are performed may be selected. The photographing course may be selected after the play course is selected, for example, when an external monitor is received, or may be automatically selected according to the selected play course. The shooting course may be selected by the user when the shooting sequence is started.

  In this embodiment, for example, six images are taken for each shooting course. Here, in addition to shooting six images, special shooting may be performed. Whether or not to perform special shooting may be determined in advance, or may be set according to a play course, for example. In the case of performing special shooting, special shooting may be performed after such six shootings are performed. In this case, the special shooting is the seventh shooting in the play. When all shooting is finished, a series of shooting sequences is finished.

  Note that each shooting is performed after a predetermined pause instruction is presented to the user. The user can take a picture by taking a pose after referring to the pose instruction. As a result, a plurality of photographed images with changes can be obtained.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of each shooting.

  Each shooting in the shooting sequence is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. That is, in step S231, a pose instruction for presenting a recommended pose sample is performed with voice guidance. Pause instructions are displayed on the operation monitor 517 and presented to the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In step S232, live display is performed. In the live display, the user who performs the shooting is displayed on the operation monitor 517 in order to make it easy to understand the actual captured image.

  In step S233, a countdown is performed when a predetermined time elapses and the shooting timing approaches in live display. That is, the user is notified of the shooting timing.

  In step S234, shooting corresponding to the shooting course is performed at a predetermined timing.

  When photographing is performed, in step S235, a photographed image obtained by photographing is converted into image data. Until image data is generated, there is a processing wait time.

  When image data that can be previewed is generated, a preview display of the image obtained by photographing is performed in step S236. The user can easily confirm what kind of photograph was taken by looking at the photographed image displayed as a preview on the operation monitor 517.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the preview display, the process proceeds to the next process. That is, the control unit 501 repeats such processing in order to start taking the next photo. If it is the last shooting, the control unit 501 ends a series of shooting and ends the shooting sequence.

  In the preview display, a plurality of images may be displayed together after a predetermined number of images (for example, 6 images) are taken.

  Note that the pause instruction, live display, and preview processes during shooting are performed at predetermined times, and the process automatically proceeds to the next process. As a result, the user can be photographed promptly. Each time is configured so that it can be specified in advance in a setting file, for example. Thereby, according to the installation place etc. of the photograph sticker production apparatus 1 and a user's needs, the time concerning imaging | photography can be changed easily and individually.

  Here, the special shooting is, for example, as follows.

  That is, in the special shooting, a picture used for an additional image (bonus image) that can be created in addition to the sticker by playing is taken. Note that the additional image may be created as described later using a captured image captured during normal imaging. Special shooting may always be performed in a shooting mode of a predetermined mode, or special shooting may be performed in a shooting mode selected from a plurality of shooting mode options. The selection of special shooting may be performed, for example, when receiving an external monitor. Further, special shooting may be performed in a predetermined shooting mode according to a shooting course previously selected by the user among a plurality of preset shooting modes.

  Special shooting includes, for example, so-called pin-up shooting in which two users are placed at predetermined positions and a photograph of each user is generated by one shooting, or a banner image such as a weblog is generated. Shooting for generating an image suitable for the image may be performed.

  There are roughly three elements of the shooting mode of special shooting: the shape of the image, the number of people, and the shooting method (special image processing). There are two types of shapes of the original image, square or rectangular, two types of whether the number of people per image is a pin (single) or plural, and whether or not the photographing method is image processing. The special shooting modes that can be provided may be set as appropriate from among these combinations, for example.

  [Explanation about graffiti editing]

  In the present embodiment, the doodle editing is performed by displaying the following doodle editing screen (normal graffiti screen).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a graffiti editing screen.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the graffiti editing screen 100 is configured so that two users can simultaneously perform a graffiti editing operation (sometimes expressed as “normal graffiti”). That is, the graffiti editing screen 100 is roughly divided into two left and right editing screens 101 (101a, 101b). Except for a remaining time display 119 described later and a part of the display (display for changing the date and name), icons, images, and the like showing the same functions are arranged on each editing screen. The following description of the edit screen may be made with reference to the area LH allocated for the left user, and the edit screens 101a and 101b are not particularly distinguished, and are edited collectively. This is called screen 101.

  The editing screen 101 includes a graffiti target image 111, a thumbnail portion 113, a palette 115, a simple graffiti setting button 116, a command icon 117 (117a, 117b, etc.), a remaining time display 119, and the like. In the thumbnail portion 113, as an image based on the photographed photographed image, an image sent from the photographing corner or an image after adding graffiti is displayed as a thumbnail. In the graffiti target image 111, an image selected as an editing target in the thumbnail portion 113 is displayed. The user operates the palette 115 or the like for the image displayed on the graffiti editing screen 100, and arranges characters and figures on the image (specifically, writing of lines and characters, predetermined stamp images and frame images). Etc. So-called “graffiti”) can be performed. In addition, the user can operate the simple graffiti setting button 116 to arrange characters and figures in a predetermined manner, and perform graffiti on the image without performing individual arrangement operations. As the command icon 117, buttons for executing various operations such as an edit end button 117a and an undo / redo button 117b are displayed, and the user can perform intuitive operations. Yes. The remaining time display 119 displays, for example, the remaining time in seconds, excluding the time that has already elapsed, out of the time permitted for the user to perform graffiti editing. The user needs to edit the graffiti or the bonus image described later within the displayed time.

  The plurality of images displayed on the thumbnail portion 113 can be edited together by the left and right users during the same play. The image that is being edited by one user is displayed in the thumbnail portion 113 with a display indicating that effect, such as “Rakugaku”, and is controlled so that the other user cannot select it as an editing target. The By performing such exclusive control, editing of each image can be efficiently performed by two users.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the graffiti editing screen 100 includes a creation button 118 that is operated to create a bonus image (sometimes expressed as “bonus graffiti”). That is, in the graffiti editing, the user is also allowed to create a bonus image other than the graffiti reflected on the sticker paper.

  The creation button 118 is displayed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (sometimes referred to as “appearance”). For example, the creation button 118 may appear when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the doodle editing or when all the images displayed on the thumbnail portion 113 are doodled. . As a result, most of the time limit assigned to the graffiti editing operation is spent on the creation of extra images, while the graffiti necessary to output a highly complete sticker is rarely performed. Can be prevented. Therefore, overall, user satisfaction can be greatly increased. Until the creation button 118 is displayed, a preliminary image surrounded by a broken line, for example, may be displayed in an area where the creation button 118 is to be displayed. This may be replaced by displaying a grayscale image. Further, no image may be displayed until the creation button 118 appears. The creation button 118 may be displayed from the beginning of doodle editing.

  As the creation button 118, two buttons (a first creation button 118a and a second creation button 118b) are displayed. In the present embodiment, two types of images can be created as extra images. That is, by operating the first creation button 118a, a cut image (cut image) obtained by cutting a part of the captured image can be generated (this function may be referred to as “cut image generation”). Further, by operating the second creation button 118b, a collage (collage image) using the photographed image can be generated (this function is sometimes referred to as “collage generation”).

  In the present embodiment, the cropped image is a trimmed image (trimmed image) generated by partially trimming (trimming) one captured image captured by the previous play, A composite image obtained by combining the trimmed image and the frame image, or a composite image obtained by combining the edited image with graffiti on them (an image obtained by combining the trimmed image and the edited image, or after trimming) Image, frame image, and edited image). The collage image is an image generated by combining a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing so far and the trimmed images thereof, a graffiti image, and a template image. The user displays these cut images and collage images on a profile image that is handled as a user image or a web page related to the user in a web service such as SNS (social networking service) provided on the Internet. It can be used as a background image. For example, the creation button 118 may be displayed with another name such as “blog button” or “SNS button” according to the use of the bonus image to be created, or the creation button 118 may be displayed on the editing screen 101. May display a single button. When a single button is displayed as the creation button 118, a screen asking the user to select whether to create a cut image or a collage is displayed on the screen that transitions when the creation button 118 is operated. By doing so, you may enable it to produce the image of a direction which a user designates among a cut image and a collage.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of editing a graffiti.

  As shown in FIG. 18, at the time of editing a graffiti, normal graffiti and bonus graffiti can be appropriately performed until the graffiti time ends (expiration of the period given to the graffiti).

  That is, when the doodle editing is started, the normal graffiti screen (the graffiti edit screen 100) is displayed in step S291, and the normal graffiti can be performed. Along with this, the timing of the graffiti time is started.

  In step S293, the control unit 501 determines whether to create a cutout image (whether to enter a cutout image creation mode). When the first creation button 118a is operated while the graffiti is normally performed, it is determined that a cut image is to be created.

  If it is determined in step S293 that the image is to be created, in step S294, the control unit 501 creates a cut image (details will be described later). Once the cut image creation is completed, the screen returns to the graffiti editing screen 100 (returns to step S291).

  In step S295, the control unit 501 determines whether to create a collage (whether to enter the collage creation mode). If the second creation button 118b is operated while the graffiti is normally performed, it is determined that a collage is created.

  If it is determined to create in step S295, the control unit 501 creates a collage in step S296 (details will be described later). Once the collage creation is completed, the screen returns to the doodle editing screen 100 (returns to step S291).

  Note that when a cutout or collage is being created, even if the cutout or collage is incomplete (during creation), you can interrupt the creation and return to the normal graffiti screen ( S291). Even in such a case, when the creation button 118 is operated again, the creation of each image can be resumed (S294, S296).

  In step S297, the control unit 501 determines whether the graffiti time has ended. Until the graffiti time ends, the processes of steps S291 to S296 are performed. That is, any one of normal graffiti, cutout creation, and collage creation can be performed until the graffiti time ends.

  When the graffiti time ends in step S297, graffiti editing ends in step S298. Thereafter, the operation shown in FIG. 13 continues.

  Note that the processing in steps S291 to S296 described above may be performed independently by the left and right users of the editing screen 101. That is, when one of the two users normally performs graffiti, the other user can create a cutout or a collage. The graffiti time may be measured in common for each user.

  When editing a graffiti, the editing screen changes roughly according to the user's operation or the like. As a result, it is possible to perform “normal scribbling”, create cutouts, and create a collage in a state where an appropriate editing screen is displayed.

  [Description of image providing function]

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the user who has played creates an image with a written letter by graffiti editing in the play, the image with the written letter and the pre-combination image before the graffiti editing (that is, an image without a letter) It can be provided to the user via the server 601. Such an image providing function will be described below.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an image providing function in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, when a photographed image G0 is obtained by photographing a user, a pre-combination image (an unwritten image) G1 is generated. The pre-combine image G1 is an image in a state where the contents of the graffiti editing are not reflected (a state where the edited image is not combined). The pre-combine image G1 is generated, for example, by performing predetermined image processing (for example, eye size adjustment or brightness adjustment) based on the captured image G0, or by combining a predetermined background image. Is.

  The composite image (image with a lost letter) G2, for example, is an image obtained by compositing and adding an edit image G8 including a composite image (stamp image, pen image, frame image, etc.) added by graffiti editing to the pre-combine image G1. It is. The edited image G8 is an image generated by receiving an operation from the user on the graffiti editing screen 100, for example. For example, when a graffiti editing operation for adding a frame image or another graffiti editing operation for adding a compositing image is performed, the composite image G2 is combined with the pre-combination image G1 and the editing operation. It is generated based on the edited image G8 to which the synthesis image is added.

  Note that when no image for composition is added in the graffiti editing (when no graffiti is performed (no overwriting)), the edited image G8 ′ not including the composite image is combined with the pre-combine image G1, A composite image G1 ′ is generated. The appearance of the composite image G1 'is the same as that of the pre-combination image G1, which is an unwritten image. Hereinafter, the composite image G1 'may be referred to as a no-compilation composite image (an example of a composite image) to distinguish it from the pre-combination image G1.

  The pre-combine image G1 and the composite images G2 and G1 'are generated as image data in JPEG format, for example.

  The image providing function is realized by cooperation of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and the server 601. In step S <b> 81, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 transmits the composite image G <b> 2 and the pre-combine image G <b> 1 to the server 601 when the graffiti is performed (there is a letter). In other words, when graffiti is performed on the photographed image G0, the photographed image G0 is transmitted to the server 601 with the image G2 with a lost letter and the image G1 without a letter. On the other hand, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 transmits the composite image G <b> 1 ′ to the server 601 when the graffiti is not performed (no overwriting). In other words, when graffiti is not performed on the photographed image G0, a non-written letter composite image G1 'is transmitted to the server 601 for the photographed image G0. In the following description, it is assumed that graffiti is performed and the pre-combination image G1 and the composite image G2 are transmitted.

  When the server 601 receives the data transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, the server 601 generates data used for a provision screen which is a web page provided to the user. The server 601 generates data used for the provision screen, such as the unwritten image G1a corresponding to the pre-combination image G1 and the unwritten image G2a corresponding to the combined image G2. Note that this data generation may be performed when the user requests for the provided screen.

  The server 601 operates when the control unit 650 executes the control program 607 to control each unit of the server 601. The server 601 provides information to the mobile terminal 701 in response to access from the mobile terminal 701 owned by the user. In addition, information corresponding to an operation input to the mobile terminal 701 by the user is received from the mobile terminal 701, and processing is performed according to the operation. Specifically, the server 601 functions as a web server in accordance with the operation of a web browser that operates on the mobile terminal 701. Then, by providing web page information and image information such as a document described in HTML (Hypertext Description Language), an unwritten image G1a, an unwritten image G2a, and the like to the portable terminal 701 as appropriate, the display unit 713 can receive the user information. Display the offer screen that can be viewed. Even if the server 601 is configured to display a provision screen on the display unit 713 by providing information or image information in a predetermined format to a predetermined application operating on the mobile terminal 701. Good.

  In step S <b> 82, the user accesses a predetermined provision screen provided by the server 601 using the portable terminal 701, and requests acquisition of an image designated when using the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  In step S83, the server 601 provides the user with a provision screen PG for allowing the user to acquire the composite image G2. The user can save the composite image G2 in the portable terminal 701 using the provision screen PG.

  At this time, a selection button 81 (81a, 81b), which is a selection display for switching (selecting) the presence or absence of graffiti, is displayed on the provision screen PG. The selection button 81 is a display for allowing the user to select one of the composite image G2 and the pre-combination image G1. In step S84, the user who desires to acquire the pre-combination image G1 without graffiti performs a switching instruction by operating the selection button 81b for switching to the pre-combination image G1.

  In step S85, the server 601 provides the user with a provision screen PG for allowing the user to acquire the pre-combine image G1. The user can save the pre-combine image G1 in the portable terminal 701 using the provision screen PG.

  In this way, the selection button 81 for switching the presence or absence of graffiti is also displayed on the provision screen PG for the pre-combine image G1. In step S86, the user who desires to acquire the composite image G2 with graffiti performs a switching instruction by operating the selection button 81a for switching to the composite image G2. Thereby, the process of step S83 is performed, and the composite image G2 can be acquired again.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a transmission process performed in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 regarding the image providing function.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when the transmission process is started, in step S411, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 determines whether an editing operation related to graffiti or the like has been performed on the graffiti editing screen 100 for the image to be transmitted. Judging.

  When the graffiti editing operation has been performed in step S411, in step S412, the photo sticker creation apparatus 1 transmits both the pre-combine image G1 and the image G2 with a letter of writing to the server 601 at a single transmission opportunity. To do. The transmission is performed, for example, by transmitting an HTTP request (POST) from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 to the server 601. At this time, the data of the pre-combination image G1 and the data of the image G2 with a written message are included in one request. The request includes various attribute information such as an image ID, a play ID, a selected image ID, and left and right users.

  On the other hand, when the graffiti editing operation is not performed in step S411, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 transmits the pre-combine image G1 to the server 601 in step S413. This transmission is also performed by an HTTP request.

  When transmission is performed in step S412 or step S413, the transmission process ends.

  Note that the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 shoots a plurality of times (for example, six times) in one play. At this time, the transmission process described above is performed for each captured image. In other words, the transmission of the combined image without the lost letter (the combined image G1 ') or the combination of the unwritten image (the pre-combination image G1) and the image with the lost written mark (the combined image G2) is performed by the number of times of photographing.

  Here, in the above-described step S411, whether or not the doodle editing operation has been performed is determined as follows, for example.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing image composition in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 generates a provided image by, for example, synthesizing six image layers. That is, from the back, the background layer 951, the back graffiti layer 952, the photo image layer (an example of the first image layer) 953, the special editing layer 954, the graffiti layer 955, the frame layer 956, and the like are combined. Thus, an image is generated.

  In the photographic image layer 953, a person image of the user that has been subjected to chroma key processing on the captured image and transmitted through the background portion is arranged. The photographic image layer 953 and the background layer 951 are combined to generate a pre-combination image.

  The back graffiti layer 952, the special editing layer 954, the graffiti layer 955, and the frame layer 956 are layers on which images for synthesis are arranged. In these layers, a composition image is arranged by performing a graffiti editing operation on the graffiti editing screen 100. An image obtained by combining these layers corresponds to, for example, an edited image. The back graffiti layer 952 is used when adding a composite image so that the user is not hindered. The special editing layer 954 is, for example, a composite image for a specific region such as a user's lip portion, which is not edited in normal graffiti editing, or has a small number of operations according to a preset template. This is used when adding a composition image such as graffiti (simple graffiti function). The frame layer 956 is used, for example, when adding a frame image as a composition image. The graffiti layer 955 is used when adding a compositing image in front of an image in graffiti editing.

  When the user performs an editing operation, images for synthesis are arranged in these layers 952 and 954 to 956 based on the operation result.

  The image with lost paper is generated by superimposing the photographic image layer 953 and the background image 951 on the layers 952 and 954 to 956 including the images for synthesis arranged by graffiti editing. In other words, an image with a lost note is generated by combining an edited image including a composition image with an image without a lost note. The no-compilation composite image is generated, for example, by superimposing the photographic image layer 953 and the background image 951 on the layers 952 and 954 to 956 that do not include the composite image. That is, when an edited image that does not include a composition image is combined with a pre-combination image that is a no-compilation image, a composite image without an unwritten document is generated.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 determines whether or not the composition image is arranged in the layers 952 and 954 to 956, that is, whether or not the composition image is included in the edited image at the end of the graffiti editing. It is determined whether or not the image is an image with a written letter (that is, whether or not graffiti has been performed). That is, when a composition image is included in any of the layers, graffiti is performed, and it is determined that the composite image is an image with a written letter.

  Even if the editing operation is once performed on the graffiti editing screen 100, the added compositing image is deleted immediately thereafter, and the compositing image is added to the edited image at the end of the graffiti editing. When there is no image, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 determines that the composite image is a written image and is not an image (that is, no graffiti is performed). The timing for making such a determination may be any timing as long as the editing operation is completed, for example, during transmission processing.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reception process performed by the server 601 regarding the image providing function.

  In the present embodiment, when data is transmitted to server 601 as described above, server 601 receives an image included in the data. As a result, at least a composite image (an image with a lost letter or a combined image without a lost letter) is received. Then, the server 601 determines whether a pre-combination image (an unwritten image) has also been received. And the provision screen for providing the received image to a user based on the information which hold | maintained the determination result and was hold | maintained according to the request | requirement from a subsequent user is provided.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 22, in step S431, the server 601 determines whether or not an image transmitted as a variable having a predetermined variable name is included in one post received from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. to decide.

  If an image transmitted as a variable having a predetermined variable name is included, it can be determined that an unwritten image and an unwritten image have been received. In the present embodiment, this determination can be made as follows. That is, the data at the time of image transmission includes the data of each image as variable data of the next variable name. For example, when an unwritten image and an unwritten image are transmitted, the unwritten image is transmitted as a variable whose variable name is “photo_hg”, and the unwritten image is transmitted as a variable whose variable name is “photo_gr”. The On the other hand, when a composite image without a lost letter is transmitted, the composite image without a lost letter is transmitted as a variable whose variable name is “photo_hg”. For this reason, when the server 601 receives a variable having a predetermined variable name “photo_gr”, it can be determined that an unwritten image sent in the same post has been received. Then, the variable “photo_gr” can be recognized as an unwritten image, and the variable “photo_hg” can be recognized as an unwritten image. Note that the variable names and the method for distinguishing each image are not limited thereto. For example, an image with a letter of failure and a composite image without a letter of failure may always be transmitted as a variable whose variable name is “photo_hg”, and an image without a letter of failure may be transmitted as a variable with a predetermined variable name “photo_gr”.

  When such a determination is made, the server 601 performs the following processing, for example. That is, every time data transmitted at one transmission opportunity (POST) is received, information about the transmitted data is recorded in a predetermined management database, and the transmitted image is stored with a predetermined name. In the management database, an ID for uniquely identifying the transmitted data, a character string related to the file name of the image, and information related to the presence / absence of an unwritten image are recorded. If no unwritten image is included, the uncompressed composite image is stored as an image file with a file name including a character string corresponding to the record in the management database, and it is indicated that there is no unwritten image in the record. Record. On the other hand, when an unwritten image is included, the unwritten image and the unwritten image are recorded as an image file according to a predetermined rule, and the fact that there is an unwritten image in the record of the management database is recorded. . At this time, both images are stored as file names each including, for example, a character string portion corresponding to a record in the management database and a predetermined code indicating whether the image is a letter with or without a letter. The server 601 can refer to the management database, for example, at the time of generating the provision screen, for example, and can obtain information about whether there is an unwritten image or provide a corresponding image file.

  If a variable with a predetermined variable name is included in step S431, that is, if an unwritten image is included, the process of step S432 is performed. That is, the server 601 records that there is an unwritten image in a predetermined record in the management database. Then, in response to a request from a subsequent user, the providing screen is provided so that the selection button 81 is displayed to the user based on this information.

  On the other hand, if the variable having the predetermined variable name is not included in step S431, that is, if no unwritten image is included, the process of step S433 is performed. That is, the server 601 records that there is no lost letter image in a predetermined record in the management database. Then, in response to a request from a subsequent user, a provision screen is provided based on this information so that the selection button 81 is not displayed to the user.

  Here, “there is an unwritten image” means that a composite image with graffiti edited on a captured image (an image with a written image) and a predetermined image processing applied to the captured image. This means that there are both pre-combination images before editing the graffiti. The pre-combination image may be a captured image itself that is not subjected to predetermined image processing, or may be an intermediate-stage image based on the captured image before the edited image is combined. On the other hand, “there is no unwritten image” means that there is only an image without graffiti that was not subjected to graffiti editing even though it was the object of graffiti editing. In addition, when graffiti editing is not performed, the appearance of the composite image without graffiti (composite image without writing) is the same as the appearance of the pre-combination image, so the pre-compositing image (captured image) Alternatively, the edited image (in this case, a NULL image) may be an intermediate stage image based on the captured image before being synthesized) may be transmitted to the server 601.

  Note that the server 601 performs the above-described image acquisition and determination for each image transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 by a plurality of transmissions for one play. At this time, the server 601 records information regarding whether or not there is an unwritten image in a predetermined record of the management database for each image. And a provision screen is provided based on the information of the above-mentioned determination result about the image. For example, a case is assumed where an image as shown in FIG. 15 is generated in one play. At this time, if a no-compilation composite image corresponding to the thumbnail images 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53e is transmitted, the transmission data does not include the no-compilation image. Therefore, the selection button 81 is not displayed on the provision screen for those images. On the other hand, when an unwritten image corresponding to the thumbnail images 53d and 53f is transmitted, the transmitted data includes an unwritten image and an unwritten image corresponding to each other. Therefore, a selection button 81 is displayed on the providing screen for those images.

  Note that the method for determining whether or not the pre-combination image (image without graffiti) has been received may be other than the above-described method. For example, the data sent in one post received from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is sequentially stored in a predetermined record in the management database, and the reception in one post is completed. Later, if an image is registered in a predetermined record name (for example, “photo_hg”), it is determined that the pre-combination image has been received. If NULL is not registered, it is determined that the pre-combination image has not been received. do it. That is, it is only necessary to determine whether or not a pre-combination image has been received by determining the presence or absence of registration in a record when one reception is completed.

  FIG. 23 is a first diagram for explaining the transition of the display screen of the portable terminal 701 in the first example.

  In FIG. 23, when the user selects an image with a lost letter in the photo sticker creation apparatus 1, the server 601 accesses the server 601 from the portable terminal 701 recognized as a general user (free user). An example of the case (first example) is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when an image is transmitted to the server 601, an e-mail called “pre-image Get mail” is transmitted from the server 601 to the mail address input by the user in step S 301. This e-mail includes information indicating that the user can acquire an image by accessing the portable terminal 701 and access destination information 61 for acquiring the image. The access destination information 61 is a URL indicating a web page of a provision screen provided by the server 601, for example.

  When the user who has received the e-mail accesses the location indicated by the access destination information 61, the first provision screen is displayed in step S302. The first provision screen includes a thumbnail display of the two images 63 and 65 selected by the user. Here, one image 63 is an image with a letter of writing selected by the user in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 among images obtained by normal photographing. The other image 65 is an extra image obtained by extra graffiti. The thumbnail display of the image 63 also serves as a hyperlink to the second provision screen. The thumbnail display of the bonus image 65 also serves as a hyperlink to the third provision screen.

  When the user performs an operation of selecting the bonus image 65 on the first provision screen, as shown in step S303, the user transitions to a third provision screen including the bonus image 65a in which the bonus image 65 is enlarged and displayed. A save button 69 is displayed on the third provision screen. The user can acquire the image 65a by performing an operation of selecting the save button 69.

  That is, when the save button 69 is operated, in step S304, the bonus image 65a is stored in the storage unit 705 of the mobile terminal 701 or the like by the function of the mobile terminal 701 (save). Note that the function of the portable terminal 701 may be able to save by, for example, long pressing the bonus image 65a.

  On the other hand, when an operation for selecting the image 63 is performed on the first provision screen, as shown in step S305, the screen transitions to a second provision screen that includes an image 63a with a written message on which the image 63 is enlarged and displayed. The save button 69 is also displayed on the second provision screen, and the user can acquire the image 63a with a letter by performing an operation of selecting the save button 69.

  Note that the first provision screen includes a guide 62 for acquiring all the images photographed in the play at that time. The user can acquire all the images by accessing a web page that is guided by the guide 62 and following a predetermined procedure (for example, becoming a paying member). It is not necessary to provide means for enabling acquisition of all such images.

  Here, the image 63 is an image with a lost letter obtained by performing graffiti editing in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, and the server 601 stores an image with a lost letter and an image without a lost letter. In such a case, an indication that the user can select an image that can be acquired and a selection button are displayed on the first provision screen and the second provision screen.

  That is, on the first providing screen, the selection guidance display 85 for notifying the user that not only the image with a letter of failure but also a corresponding image without a letter of writing can be stored is displayed on the first provision screen.

  In addition, a selection button (an example of selection display) 81 (81a, 81b) is displayed on the second provision screen. The selection button 81a is a “Yes” button for selecting an image with a postcard with an additional image such as a graffiti. The selection button 81b is a “none” button for selecting an unwritten image without an additional image such as a graffiti. By performing an operation of selecting the selection button 81, the user can switch between a second provision screen for saving an image with a lost letter and a second provision screen for saving an image without a letter.

  The two selection buttons 81 are displayed in different display modes, for example, a button corresponding to an image currently displayed as a storage target and a button corresponding to the other image. For example, as in the example shown in FIG. 23, the selection button 81a corresponding to the currently displayed image 63a with a written message is displayed with a monochrome background, and the selection button 81b corresponding to the other image without a written message is displayed with a dark background. Is displayed. As a result, the user can easily grasp from the display of the selection button 81 which image is displayed, that is, an image with or without a letter.

  When an operation for selecting the selection button 81b corresponding to the image without a letter of writing is performed on the second provision screen on which the image 63a with a letter of writing is displayed in step S305, the image is switched in step S306.

  FIG. 24 is a second diagram illustrating the transition of the display screen of the portable terminal 701 in the first example.

  As shown in FIG. 24, when the display image is switched in accordance with the selection operation of the selection button 81b, the second provision screen for the no-compilation image 63b is displayed in step S307. The user can store the unwritten image 63b in the portable terminal 701 in the same manner as when the second provision screen for the image 63a with a written message is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, such switching of the second provision screen is configured to be performed within one web page. Specifically, when an operation for selecting the image 63 is performed on the first provision screen, the web page document of the second provision screen, an image with a letter of failure 63a, an image 63b without a letter of failure, and the like are acquired by the portable terminal 701 A second providing screen in a state where the image 63a with a written message is displayed is displayed. When the selection button 81b is operated, a program in a script language described in the web page functions, and an unwritten image 63b is displayed instead of the unwritten image 63a. Thereby, the display image is smoothly switched in accordance with the operation of the selection button 81b. Note that the method of switching the second provision screen is not limited to this. For example, when one mobile page 701 acquires an image file of a web page and an initially displayed image 63a with a written message in the portable terminal 701, and then operates the selection button 81b, the image 63b without a written message is acquired from the server 601 and there is a written message. Instead of the image 63a, it may be displayed on the same web page. In addition, the web page of the second provision screen for the image 63a with a letter of writing is different from the web page of the second provision screen for the image 63b without a letter of writing, and one web page is selected according to the operation of the selection button 81. To the other web page.

  In addition, in the second provision screen for the unwritten image 63b, the display mode of the selection button 81 is opposite to that in the second provision screen for the unwritten image 63a. By performing an operation of selecting the selection button 81a, the user can display the second provision screen for the lost-comment image 63a again (S305).

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the display screen of the portable terminal 701 in the second example.

  In FIG. 25, the portable terminal 701 in a state where the user selects an image that has not been subjected to the graffiti editing operation in the photo sticker creation apparatus 1 and is recognized as a general user (free user) by the server 601. The example (2nd example) in the case of accessing the server 601 from is shown. As shown in FIG. 25, a series of processing in steps S321 to S325 is basically the same as that in steps S301 to S305 in FIG. On the first provision screen, a thumbnail display of the image 73 that is a composite image without a lost letter is displayed instead of the thumbnail display of the image 63 described above.

  Here, when an image that has not been subjected to the graffiti editing operation is selected by the user in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, the display mode of the first provision screen is different from that when the image with a lost letter is selected by the user. (S322). Specifically, in this example, since only the composite image without a lost letter is transmitted to the server 601, there is no corresponding lost image. Therefore, the selection guidance display 85 that was displayed in the first example is not displayed in the second example.

  When the user selects an image on which no graffiti editing operation has been performed in the photo sticker creation apparatus 1, the display mode of the second provision screen is different from that when an image with a lost letter is selected by the user (S325). ). Specifically, in the second example, only the no-compilation composite image 73b can be provided to the user. Therefore, the selection button 81 displayed in the first example is not displayed in the second example.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the display screen of the portable terminal 701 in the third example.

  In FIG. 26, a case where an editing operation has been performed on at least one of a plurality of photographed images in one play and an image with a written message has been generated, which is recognized by the server 601 as a paying user. An example (third example) of accessing the server 601 from the portable terminal 701 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 26, in the case of a pay user, unlike a general user, a first provision screen in which a plurality of images 63p can be selected is displayed (S302a). When one photo is selected from the plurality of images 63p, the photo is enlarged and the second provision screen is displayed. Other operations are generally the same as those shown in FIGS.

  Here, among the plurality of images 63p, the thumbnail display based on the image with a written message is performed for the image that the server 601 also received the image with the written message, and the thumbnail display based on the combined image without the written message is performed for the other images. In the first provision screen, when at least one of the plurality of images 63p in which the handwritten image is generated is included, a selection guidance display 85 is displayed. Note that the condition for displaying the selection guidance display 85 is not limited to this, and the selection guidance display 85 may be displayed when a predetermined number or more of images in which there are written images are included.

  On the first provision screen, when an operation is performed to select one of the plurality of images 63p for which an out-of-compilation image has been generated, as shown in step S305, there is out-of-compilation as in the first example described above. A second provision screen in a state where the image 63a is a storage target is displayed. On this second provision screen, a selection button 81 is displayed. By operating the selection button 81, the user can select either the image with a letter 63a or the image without a letter corresponding to the letter as described above. It can be switched whether to save (S306).

  When an operation is performed on the first provision screen to select an image for which there is no written image among the plurality of images 63p, as shown in step S325, there is no written message, as in the second example described above. A second provision screen for storing the composite image 73b is displayed. Since the image with a letter of correspondence corresponding to the composite image 73b without a letter of hand cannot be provided to the user, the selection button 81 is not displayed on the second provision screen.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a first provision screen of the mobile terminal 701 in the fourth example.

  In FIG. 27, the graffiti editing operation is not performed for all of a plurality of photographed images in one play, and the server 601 recognizes the paying user as the paying user, and then changes the server 601. A first provision screen in an example of access (fourth example) is shown.

  That is, a plurality of images 63s are displayed on the first provision screen, and the user performs an operation of selecting each image to display the second provision screen similar to the second example described above. Images can be saved. At this time, each image is a composite image without a lost letter, and an image with a lost letter corresponding to the image is not provided to the user. Therefore, the selection guidance display 85 is not displayed on the first provision screen (S322a).

  FIG. 28 is a table for explaining the image providing function.

  FIG. 28 shows an example of the relationship between the content of the editing operation performed in one play and the transmission of an image with a written message.

  As shown in FIG. 28, six shots are performed in one play, and six shot images are obtained (G01 to G06). In each image, the presence / absence of normal graffiti editing and the presence / absence of special editing (for example, retouching editing of only the lip portion) are as follows. That is, both the images G01 and G04 are edited. For the image G02, only graffiti editing is performed. Only special editing is performed on the image G05. Neither scribble editing nor special editing is performed on the image G03 and the image G06.

  Assuming such a case, an unwritten image (pre-combination image or uncomposed composite image) is transmitted to the server 601 for all of the images G01 to G06. In addition, among the images G01 to G06, for each of the images G01, G02, G04, and G05, each of the images with a lost letter is transmitted to the server 601. On the other hand, for the image G03 and the image G06, an image with a written message is not generated, and therefore an image with a written message is not transmitted to the server 601.

  At this time, the selection button 81 is displayed on the second provision screen for the images corresponding to the images G01, G02, G04, and G05 transmitted to the server 601, and the second provision for the images corresponding to the images G03 and G06. It is not displayed on the screen.

  Note that the determination condition for determining whether or not to send an unwritten image is not limited to this example, and can be set as appropriate. For example, when only special editing is performed and graffiti editing is not performed as in the image G05, an unwritten image may not be transmitted. Such conditions can be appropriately set according to the nature of special editing, the type of image desired to be selectable by the user, and the like.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the display mode of the first provision screen and the second provision screen is different depending on whether or not an image with a written message can be provided to the user. Therefore, compared with the case where the selection guidance display 85 and the selection button 81 are always displayed as in the first example, the user is less confused.

  In particular, for the second provision screen, when the server 601 determines that an unwritten image has been received, the server 601 includes a selection button 81 for causing the user to select either an unwritten image or a corresponding unwritten image. In this way, the second provision screen is provided. On the other hand, when the server 601 determines that an unwritten image has not been acquired, the server 601 simply provides the second providing screen for providing the acquired unwritten document composite image to the user without including the selection button 81. To do. For example, in the second example described above, if a display regarding switching between an image with a letter of failure and an image without a letter of failure such as the selection button 81 is displayed even though an image with a letter of writing cannot actually be selected, the user has a letter of writing. Although there is a possibility of giving a misunderstanding that an image can be selected, in the present embodiment, since the second provision screen is provided in this way, it can be reliably prevented. Therefore, an image can be easily acquired using a user interface that can be operated intuitively by the user.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the unsuccessful image and the unsuccessful image are transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 at a single transmission opportunity, the server 601 receives the data transmitted at the single transmission opportunity. Based on only the result, it can be determined whether an unwritten image has been received. Therefore, the server 601 can easily and reliably determine whether or not an unwritten image has been received regardless of whether or not the data transmitted at another transmission opportunity has been successfully received.

  In the present embodiment, the unwritten image and the unwritten image transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 to the server 601 are images that can be provided to the user as they are. Therefore, for example, the server 601 compares the configuration in which data necessary for generating an image is transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 to the server 601 and the server 601 generates a no-compilation image or an image with a post-compression. The processing burden can be reduced.

  [Others]

  The photo sticker creating apparatus and the server may not have all the feature points in the above-described embodiment, and may have only some feature points. Even in the photo sticker creating apparatus and the server configured as described above, an effect corresponding to having the feature point can be obtained.

  On the transmission image selection screen of the photo sticker creation apparatus, the thumbnail image display may be switched between an image corresponding to an image with a written message and an image corresponding to an image without a written image on the image subjected to the graffiti editing. .

  FIG. 29 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a transmission image selection screen of the photo sticker creation apparatus according to a variation of the present embodiment. FIG. 30 is a second diagram illustrating an example of the transmission image selection screen.

  29 and 30, the basic configuration of the transmission image selection screen 851 is the same as that of the transmission image selection screen 51 of the above-described embodiment, and the thumbnail images 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53e are subjected to graffiti editing. The thumbnail images 53d and 53f correspond to images that have been subjected to graffiti editing. The transmission image selection screen 851 includes a display of a selection button 881 (881a, 881b) for selecting the presence or absence of graffiti.

  In FIG. 29, an image on which graffiti editing has been performed is displayed so that a display corresponding to an image with a letter of writing is performed. In other words, the thumbnail images 53a to 53f are displayed in a state in which the edited images by the graffiti editing are combined (including a state that seems to be combined). At this time, the selection button 881 is displayed so that the selection button 881a corresponding to “with graffiti” is conspicuous, and the selection button 881b corresponding to “no graffiti” is displayed so as not to be conspicuous.

  When an operation for selecting the selection button 881b is performed in the state shown in FIG. 29, the display is switched to the transmission image selection screen 851 shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 30, the edited image is displayed without being synthesized. At this time, similarly to the other thumbnail images 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53e, the thumbnail images 53d and 53f are also displayed in a state corresponding to an unwritten image (pre-combination image). At this time, the selection button 881 is displayed so that the selection button 881b corresponding to “without graffiti” is conspicuous, and the selection button 881a corresponding to “with graffiti” is displayed so as not to be conspicuous. The user can switch the display to a transmission image selection screen 851 as shown in FIG. 29 by performing an operation of selecting the selection button 881a.

  Since the display can be switched on the transmission image selection screen 851 as described above, the user can select an image while actually confirming the image even when the user wants to acquire an unwritten image.

  At this time, when an image corresponding to a non-written image is selected on the transmission image selection screen 851 and is an image that has been subjected to graffiti editing during play, an image corresponding to the image with a written message corresponding to the image is displayed. The provision screen displayed when the server 601 is accessed via the portable terminal 701 may be different from that selected. That is, when an image corresponding to an image with a letter of failure is selected, for example, the first provision screen in step S302 and the second provision screen in step S305 are displayed in FIG. When the image to be selected is selected, the thumbnail image 63 of the unwritten image may be displayed on the first providing screen, or the unwritten image 63b may be displayed on the second providing screen. Even in this case, it is only necessary to display the second provision screen for the letter-of-fiction image 63a by performing an operation of selecting the selection button 81a displayed on the second provision screen.

  In this way, the user can select a desired image by switching the display of the provided screen depending on whether an image corresponding to an image without a written letter is selected or an image corresponding to an image with a written letter is selected on the transmission image selection screen. Easy to get.

  User attributes such as whether the user is a regular user or a paid user (whether the mobile terminal used by the user is accessing the server as a regular user or accessing the server as a paid user) The types of images that can be acquired by the user via the server may be determined according to the attributes of the mobile terminal.

  For example, when accessing the server as a paying user, it is possible to acquire a non-written image in addition to a written image, as in the above-described embodiment. It may be possible to acquire only a non-written image. Even in such a configuration, when the photograph sticker creation device transmits a composite image (an image with a letter or a letter without a letter) to the server, and no graffiti editing is performed. What is necessary is just to transmit an image without a lost letter.

  In addition, for paying users, a collective save button is displayed on the first providing screen or the like for collectively storing all the images with and without writing that can be acquired by the user for the play to be acquired on the mobile terminal. You may make it make it. In this case, it may be possible to collectively save only images with lost papers or to collectively save only images without lost papers. In addition, if there is an image with a letter of failure, the image without a letter corresponding to it is not saved, but only the image with a letter of failure is saved, and the image with only a letter of absence composite is saved as the subject of saving, You may enable it to save collectively.

  When an image with a letter of failure is transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus to the server, the attribute information includes information on whether or not the image has a letter of failure, and information about the corresponding image without a letter of failure. Based on this, it is possible to switch between an unwritten image and an unwritten image and provide it to the user. For example, when transmitting an unwritten image and an image with a corresponding document to the server, identification information (image ID) indicating that each of the unwritten image and the image with a document is an image based on the same photographed image. May be transmitted, and when the server has a plurality of images having the same identification information, one of them may be determined as an unwritten image and the other as an image with a written message.

  In addition, for an image that has been subjected to graffiti editing by the photo sticker creation apparatus, an image with a lost letter may be generated on the server and provided to the user. That is, for example, all pre-combine images generated in one play are transmitted from the photo sticker creation device to the server, and in addition, an edited image generated by graffiti editing is sent from the photo sticker creation device to the server. In this way, the edited image may be combined with the pre-combination image at the server to generate an image with a written message or a combined image without a written message. Even in such a case, when providing the user with an image on which graffiti editing has been performed, the server generates a providing screen that includes a selection button and is capable of switching between an unwritten image and an unwritten image. For an image that is provided to a portable terminal and is not subjected to graffiti editing, a provision screen that does not include a selection button may be generated and provided to the user's portable terminal.

  The server determines whether an image with a letter of writing and a pre-combination image corresponding to the same photographed image are received, and when the image with a letter of writing and a pre-combination image are received, a providing screen including a selection button is displayed. When only one image corresponding to the same photographed image is received, a providing screen that does not include a selection button may be generated and provided.

  The present invention is not limited to a photo sticker creating apparatus, and can be widely applied to a photography game apparatus that provides a user with a processed image using a photographed image, and an image providing system that uses an apparatus including the same.

  The processing in the above embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit.

  A program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, or the program can be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, or a memory card and provided to the user. It may be. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet. The processing described in the text in the above flowchart is executed by the CPU according to the program.

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

1 Photo sticker creation device (an example of a photo game device)
81, 81a, 81b selection button (an example of selection display)
85 Selection guide display 501 Control unit 502 CPU
503 Memory 504 Image processing unit 505 Storage unit 507 Control program 509 Communication unit 515 Camera 570 Editing output device 575 Seal discharge port 580 Editing reception unit 581 Editing monitor 583 Touch pen 585 Non-contact communication device 587 Speaker 590 Printing unit 601 Image providing server (image) Example of providing device)
701 Mobile terminal 901 Photo sticker game system (an example of an image providing system)
951 Background layer 952 Back graffiti layer (example of second image layer)
953 Photo image layer (example of first image layer)
954 Special editing layer (example of second image layer)
955 Graffiti layer (example of second image layer)
956 frame layer (example of second image layer)
G0 photographed image G1 pre-combination image (image without writing)
G1 'Composite image without writing (an example of a composite image)
G2 Rakugo image (example of composite image)
G8 additional image

Claims (5)

An image providing system having a photography game device and an image providing device for providing an image to a user,
The photography game device is
Photographing means for photographing the user;
An editing means for receiving an input of an image for synthesis with respect to a photographed image photographed by the photographing means, and generating an edited image;
Combining means for combining the photographed image and the edited image generated by the editing means to generate a combined image;
Edit determination means for determining whether or not the composite image is included in the edit image;
If the is determined to contain a synthesis image in the editing judgment means, and the composite image, in the image prior to accepting an input of the synthesized image by said editing means to a corresponding image to the composite image and transmission means for transmitting a certain pre-combination image together,
The image providing device includes:
Receiving means for receiving the composite image or the pre-composition image;
When receiving the composite image before, provided in order to provide, a switchable screen display of the before-combination image and the synthetic image at least one of said composite image to the user and the before-combination image And an image providing system. The switchable screen includes a selection display for allowing the user to select either the composite image or the pre-combine image,
It said screen providing means,
When the pre-combination image is received, the switchable screen including the selection display is provided to provide the user with at least one of the composite image and the pre-combination image,
The image providing system according to claim 1 , wherein when the pre-combination image is not received, a screen that does not include the selection display for providing the composite image to the user is provided.   When the pre-combination image is received, the screen providing unit includes a thumbnail display of the composite image corresponding to the pre-combination image and a hyperlink to the switchable screen, and the composite image and the pre-combination image Providing a first provision screen that is not switchable between image display and
  The second provision screen, which is a screen capable of switching between the display of the composite image and the pre-combination image according to an operation performed on the hyperlink of the first provision screen, is provided. The image providing system described.   The photography game device has an accepting means for accepting an operation by the user for selecting either the composite image or the pre-combine image when the editing judgment means judges that the composition image is included. In addition,
  The image according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the screen providing unit switches display of the composite image and the pre-combination image on the switchable screen in accordance with an operation received by the reception unit. Offer system. The photography game device performs a plurality of shootings in one play, and each shot image is determined by the editing determination unit and the editing determination unit determines that the composition image is included. Transmitting the composite image and the pre-combination image corresponding to the composite image together,
The image providing apparatus, for each round of the photographed image, performs reception by said receiving means for transmitting images,
The screen providing unit, for each round of the captured image, when receiving the previous SL synthesized before image, performs providing the switchable screen image providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images