JP6474949B2 - Image processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method , and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus and method capable of providing an image more convenient for a user.

  There is known a photo sticker that takes a picture of a user, causes the user to edit the shot image, and prints and provides the edited image on sticker paper. Such a photo sticker is installed in an entertainment facility.

  The flow of one game provided by the photo-seal machine is usually to shoot a user in the shooting space as a subject, move the user to the editing space, and create an image that looks good according to the operations performed in the editing space. The flow is such that the edited image, which has been edited, is printed on a sticker sheet and then discharged, or transmitted to a portable terminal.

  In recent years, in a photo sticker machine, it has been a mainstream to generate a single image that is a combination (collaged) of a plurality of photographed images, or to send a single combined image to a mobile terminal. (See Patent Documents 1 to 3).

JP 2011-053249 A Japanese Patent No. 2011-010150 Japanese Patent No. 2012-042734

  However, in the above-described photo stickers of Patent Documents 1 to 3, the combined image generated on the photo sticker side is only transmitted to the mobile terminal, and the image cannot be further diverted by the mobile terminal or the personal computer. That is, it was not an image that can be used in a community or the like on a mobile terminal.

  In addition, the combination of images cannot be changed on a portable terminal or a personal computer.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to provide an image that is more convenient for the user.

An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a combination unit that combines photographed images from a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing a user as a subject, and a whole body image of the photographed images combined by the combination unit. Is changed to another whole body image of the plurality of captured images, and an image changing unit that changes the combination of the captured images, and a captured image whose combination is changed by the image changing unit, An image generation unit for generating, and an image providing unit for providing a combined image generated by the image generation unit.

The captured image includes a whole body image and an up image.

It further includes an information adding unit that adds predetermined information to the photographed image combined by the combination unit, and the image generation unit is added by the information adding unit and the photographed image whose combination is changed by the image changing unit. The combined image can be generated using the predetermined information .

The predetermined information is at least one of a housing name, a region name, and a shooting date / time.

In the image processing method according to one aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus combines the combination step of combining photographed images from a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing a user as a subject, and the processing of the combination step. The combination is changed by the image changing step of changing the combination of the captured images by changing the whole body image of the captured images to another whole body image of the plurality of captured images, and the processing of the image changing step. An image generation step of generating a combined image using the captured image, and an image providing step of providing a combined image generated by the processing of the image generation step are included.

In one aspect of the present invention, a captured image is combined from a plurality of captured images obtained by capturing a user as a subject, and a whole body image of the combined captured images is included in the plurality of captured images. The combination of the captured image is changed by changing to another whole body image . Then, a combined image is generated using the captured image whose combination has been changed, and the generated combined image is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image that is more convenient for the user.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image provision system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the external appearance of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is the perspective view which looked at the external appearance of the photograph sticker production apparatus from another angle. It is a figure explaining a user's movement. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an imaging | photography part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a background part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an edit part. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a customer service part after the fact. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of a control part. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of an edit process part and a subsequent customer service process part. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a management server. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of a management server. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a portable terminal. It is a flowchart explaining the image generation edit process for SNS of a photograph sticker production apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a part of edit screen. It is a figure which shows the other example of a part of edit screen. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image for SNS. It is a figure which shows the other example of the image editing part for SNS. It is a figure which shows the example of the image for SNS. It is a figure which shows the other example of the image for SNS. It is a figure which shows the example of the image for SNS from which a design differs. It is a figure which shows the example of a maintenance screen. It is a flowchart explaining the process of an image provision system. It is a figure which shows the example of the display screen of the site which a management server provides. It is a figure which shows the example of the contribution article of the image for SNS to other sites. It is a figure explaining the production | generation method of a sticker image style image. It is a figure which shows the example of a sticker style image. It is a figure explaining the posting method of the sticker-like image to other sites. It is a figure which shows the other example of the display screen of the site which a management server provides. It is a figure which shows the other example of the display screen of the site which a management server provides. It is a figure which shows the other example of the display screen of the site which a management server provides. It is a figure explaining the function of the site which a management server provides. It is a figure explaining the function of the site which a management server provides. It is a figure explaining the function of the site which a management server provides.

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

[Image providing system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image providing system in FIG. 1 includes a photo sticker creating apparatus 1, a portable terminal 2, and a management server 3. The mobile terminal 2 is a terminal such as a mobile phone carried by a user who plays a game provided by the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and receives sticker paper, and the management server 3 is managed by, for example, the manufacturer of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 Server.

  Transmission / reception of information between the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and the management server 3 and between the portable terminal 2 and the management server 3 is performed via a network such as the Internet.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1, as an image generating apparatus, generates a photographed image by photographing a user as a subject and transmits it to the management server 3. The management server 3 manages the photographed image from the photo sticker creation device 1 as an image providing device and provides it to the portable terminal 2. In other words, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 provides a captured image obtained by photographing to the mobile terminal 2 via the management server 3. A series of processing in the image providing system of FIG. 1 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[External structure of photo sticker creation device]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the appearance of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 as an image generating apparatus.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is a game machine that allows a user to perform operations such as shooting and editing as a game and receives a price from the user instead of providing a shot image or an edited image. The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is installed in a store such as a game center. There may be one user or a plurality of users.

  A user who plays in the game provided by the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 pays the price, takes a picture of himself as a subject, and selects an image to be edited selected from the shot images obtained by shooting. Editing is performed using an editing function for synthesizing a background image or foreground image, a handwritten line drawing, or a stamp image, thereby making the photographed image rich and colorful. The user receives the sticker sheet on which the edited image is printed and ends the series of games.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 mainly includes a photographing unit 11, an editing unit 12, and a subsequent customer service unit 13. The photographing unit 11 and the editing unit 12 are installed in contact with each other, and the editing unit 12 and the subsequent customer service unit 13 are installed in contact with each other.

  The photographing unit 11 includes a photographing unit 21 and a background unit 22. The photographing unit 21 and the background unit 22 are installed with a predetermined distance apart, and photographing processing is performed in a photographing space that is a space formed between the photographing unit 21 and the background unit 22.

  The photographing unit 21 is a device that allows a user to perform photographing processing. The photographing unit 21 enters the photographing space and is located in front of the user who is performing the photographing process. The front panel 41 of the photographing unit 21 that constitutes a surface facing the photographing space in front is provided with a touch panel monitor used by the user during photographing processing. When the left side is the left side and the right side is the right side as viewed from the user in the imaging space, the left side of the imaging unit 21 is configured by the side panel 42A, and the right side is configured by the side panel 42B.

  The background unit 22 is attached to the left end of the rear panel 51 and the rear panel 51, which are plate-like members positioned on the rear side of the user who is performing the photographing process facing the front, and is a plate having a narrower width than the side panel 42A. The side panel 52A (not shown) is a plate-like member that is attached to the right end of the rear panel 51 and is narrower than the side panel 42B.

  The side panel 42A constituting the left side surface of the photographing unit 21 and the side panel 52A of the background unit 22 are provided on substantially the same plane, and their upper portions are connected by a connecting part 23A that is a plate-like member. Further, the side panel 42B constituting the right side surface of the photographing unit 21 and the side panel 52B of the background portion 22 are provided on substantially the same plane, and their upper portions are connected by a connecting portion 23B which is a plate-like member.

  An opening formed by being surrounded by the side panel 42 </ b> A of the photographing unit 21, the connecting part 23 </ b> A, and the side panel 52 </ b> A of the background part 22 becomes an entrance G <b> 1 of the photographing space. Although not shown, an opening formed by being surrounded by the side panel 42B of the photographing unit 21, the connecting part 23B, and the side panel 52B of the background 22 is also an entrance G2 of the photographing space.

  The background curtain unit 25 is provided above the background portion 22 so as to be supported by the back panel 51, the side panel 52A, and the side panel 52B. The background curtain unit 25 stores a plurality of winding-type background curtains having different colors or patterns and used for the background. The background curtain unit 25 operates in conjunction with photographing by a camera or the like provided in the photographing unit 21. At the time of photographing, for example, the curtain of the color selected by the user is lowered and the other curtains are wound up.

  In addition, as a background curtain accommodated in the background curtain unit 25, you may prepare the raising / lowering curtain which uses several curtains as one curtain for curtains. In addition, a black curtain is pasted on the rear panel 51, which is the back of the shooting space, and a plurality of background images for synthesis are prepared, and the background image desired by the user is captured in the shooting process and editing process. It may be possible to synthesize it into parts.

  An opening surrounded by the front panel 41 of the photographing unit 21, the connecting part 23A, the connecting part 23B, and the background curtain unit 25 is formed above the photographing space, and the ceiling strobe unit 24 covers the part of the opening. Provided. One end of the ceiling strobe unit 24 is fixed to the connecting portion 23A, and the other end is fixed to the connecting portion 23B. The ceiling strobe unit 24 has a built-in strobe that emits light toward the photographing space in accordance with photographing. A fluorescent lamp is provided inside the strobe constituting the ceiling strobe unit 24, and also functions as illumination of the photographing space.

  The editing unit 12 is a device that allows a user to perform editing processing, which is processing for editing an image obtained by shooting processing. The editing unit 12 is provided so as to be connected to the photographing unit 11 so that one side surface thereof is in contact with the back surface of the front panel 41 of the photographing unit 21. The editing unit 12 is provided with a configuration such as a tablet built-in monitor used by the user during editing processing.

  If the configuration of the editing unit 12 shown in FIG. 2 is the front side configuration, the editing unit 12 is used for editing processing on the front side and the back side so that two sets of users can perform editing processing simultaneously. Each configuration is provided.

  The front side of the editing unit 12 is a surface perpendicular to the floor surface, and is composed of a surface 71 that is substantially parallel to the side panel 42A, and a slope 72 formed above the surface 71. The configuration used is provided on the slope 72. On the left side of the slope 72, a support portion 73A that has a columnar shape and supports one end of the lighting device 74 is provided. A support portion 75 that supports the curtain rail 26 is provided on the upper surface of the support portion 73A. A support portion 73 </ b> B (FIG. 3) that supports the other end of the lighting device 74 is also provided on the right side of the slope 72.

  A curtain rail 26 is attached above the editing unit 12. The curtain rail 26 is configured by combining three rails 26A to 26C so that the shape when viewed from above is a U-shape. One end of the rails 26A and 26B provided in parallel is fixed to the connecting portion 23A and the connecting portion 23B, respectively, and both ends of the remaining one rail 26C are joined to the other end.

  A curtain is attached to the curtain rail 26 so that the inside of the space in front of the editing unit 12 and the space in front of the back cannot be seen from the outside. The space in front of the editing unit 12 and the space in front of the back of the editing unit 12 surrounded by the curtain attached to the curtain rail 26 are editing spaces in which the user performs editing processing.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 as seen from another angle.

  The subsequent customer service unit 13 is a device that allows the user to perform the subsequent customer service process. Subsequent customer service processing includes processing for transmitting photographed images and edited images to the mobile terminal 2 such as a mobile phone and the management server 3, processing for causing a user to play a mini game, processing for answering a questionnaire, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the post-service unit 13 has a plate-like housing having a predetermined thickness as a part thereof, and the remaining part is provided integrally with the left side surface of the editing unit 12. On the front side of the post-service unit 13, there are provided a tablet built-in monitor used by the user at the time of post-service processing, a discharge port through which sticker paper on which a photographed image or an edited image is printed is discharged. The space in front of the front-end customer service unit 13 becomes a rear-end customer service space where a user waiting for printing on the sticker paper to perform post-service processing.

  Here, the flow of the photo sticker creation game and the accompanying movement of the user will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 as viewed from above.

  The user of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is formed between the photographing part 21 and the background part 22 from the entrance G1 as indicated by the white arrow # 1 or from the entrance G2 as indicated by the white arrow # 2. The photographing space A1 is entered, and photographing processing is performed using a camera or a touch panel monitor provided in the photographing unit 21.

  The user who has finished the shooting process exits the shooting space A1 and moves to the editing space A2-1 using the doorway G1 as indicated by the white arrow # 3, or moves to the editing space A2-1 as indicated by the white arrow # 4. To leave the shooting space A1 and move to the editing space A2-2.

  The editing space A2-1 is an editing space on the front side of the editing unit 12, and the editing space A2-2 is an editing space on the back side of the editing unit 12. Which of the editing space A2-1 and the editing space A2-2 is moved is guided by the screen display of the touch panel monitor of the photographing unit 21 or the like. For example, the empty space of the two editing spaces is guided as the destination. The user who has moved to the editing space A2-1 or the editing space A2-2 starts editing processing. The user of the editing space A2-1 and the user of the editing space A2-2 can perform editing processing at the same time.

  After the editing process is finished, printing of an image selected from the photographed image and the edited image is started. During printing of the image, the user who has finished the editing process moves from the editing space A2-1 to the subsequent customer service space A3 as indicated by the white arrow # 5 if the editing process has been performed in the editing space A2-1. Then, the customer service is processed after the fact. In addition, when the editing process is completed in the editing space A2-2, the user who has finished the editing process moves from the editing space A2-2 to the post-service area A3 as indicated by the white arrow # 6. Post service processing is performed in the customer service space A3.

  When the printing of the image is finished, the user receives the sticker paper from the outlet provided in the post-service section 13 and finishes a series of photo sticker creation games.

Next, the configuration of each device will be described.
[Configuration of shooting section]

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the front of the photographing unit 21. The photographing unit 21 is configured by attaching a front panel 41, a side panel 42A, and a side panel 42B to a base unit 43 having a box shape.

  The front panel 41 is positioned in front of the user who performs the shooting process in the shooting space A1, and the side panel 42A and the side panel 42B are positioned on the left side and the right side of the user who performs the shooting process in the shooting space A1, respectively.

  An imaging / display unit 81 is provided in the approximate center of the front panel 41. The photographing / display unit 81 includes a camera 91, a front strobe 92, and a touch panel monitor 93.

  The camera 91 is configured by an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and photographs a user in the photographing space A1. The moving image captured by the camera 91 is displayed on the touch panel monitor 93 in real time. An image captured by the camera 91 at a predetermined timing such as when a user gives an instruction to shoot is saved as a photographic image (still image).

  The front strobe 92 provided with a light emitting surface so as to surround the camera 91 emits light in accordance with the photographing by the camera 91 like other strobes, and irradiates the vicinity of the user's face as a subject from the front.

  A touch panel monitor 93 provided on the lower side of the camera 91 includes a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch panel laminated thereon. The touch panel monitor 93 has a function as a live view monitor that displays a moving image captured by the camera 91 and a function that displays various GUI (Graphical User Interface) images and accepts a user's selection operation through the touch panel. ing. On the touch panel monitor 93, a moving image after an image such as a background is appropriately displayed is displayed.

  On the front panel 41, an upper strobe 82 is installed on the upper side with respect to the position of the photographing / display unit 81. A left strobe 83 is installed on the left side and a right strobe 84 is installed on the right side.

  The upper strobe 82 irradiates the user from the upper front. The left strobe 83 irradiates the user from the left front, and the right strobe 84 irradiates the user from the right front.

  The base unit 43 is also provided with a foot strobe 86 that irradiates the user's foot. Fluorescent lamps are provided inside the upper strobe 82, the left strobe 83, the right strobe 84, and the foot strobe 86, and together with the fluorescent lights inside the strobe constituting the ceiling strobe unit 24, the inside of the photographing space A1. Used as lighting. By adjusting the light emission amount of each fluorescent lamp, or by adjusting the number of fluorescent lamps to emit light, the brightness in the shooting space A1 depends on the content of the shooting process performed by the user. Adjust as appropriate.

  On the right side of the foot strobe 86, a coin insertion / return port 87 through which a user inserts money is provided.

  Spaces 43A and 43B formed on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the base portion 43 are used as a luggage storage place for a user who performs a photographing process to place baggage and the like. For example, near the ceiling of the front panel 41, a speaker for outputting sound such as guidance sound for shooting processing, BGM (Back Ground Music), and sound effects is also provided.

[Configuration of the background]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the background portion 22 on the photographing space A1 side.

  As described above, the background curtain unit 25 is provided above the back panel 51. Near the center of the background curtain unit 25, a back center strobe 101 that irradiates a user who is performing a photographing process in the photographing space A1 from the rear center is attached.

  A rear left strobe 102 that irradiates a user who is performing a photographing process in the photographing space A1 from the left rear is provided above the rear panel 51 and on the doorway G1 side. Further, a rear right strobe 103 that irradiates a user who is performing a photographing process in the photographing space A1 from the right rear is provided above the rear panel 51 and on the entrance / exit G2 side.

[Configuration of editorial department]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the editing unit 12 on the front side (editing space A2-1 side).

  A tablet built-in monitor 131 is provided at substantially the center of the slope 72. A touch pen 132A is provided on the left side of the tablet built-in monitor 131, and a touch pen 132B is provided on the right side.

  The tablet built-in monitor 131 is configured by superimposing a tablet capable of operation input using the touch pen 132A or 132B on a monitor such as an LCD. On the tablet built-in monitor 131, for example, an editing screen that is a screen used for editing a captured image selected as an image to be edited is displayed. When two people perform editing work simultaneously, the touch pen 132A is used by one user, and the touch pen 132B is used by the other user.

  On the left side of the editing unit 12, a post-service unit 13 is provided.

[Composition of the customer service department]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the front side of the post-service unit 13.

  A monitor 161 with a built-in tablet is provided at the upper center of the post-service section 13. The tablet built-in monitor 161 is configured by superimposing a tablet capable of operation input with a user's finger or the like on a monitor such as an LCD. On the tablet built-in monitor 161, a screen used for post-service processing such as a mini game is displayed.

  A speaker 162 is provided below the tablet built-in monitor 161, and a sticker paper discharge port 163 is provided below the speaker 162.

  The speaker 162 outputs sound such as guidance voice, background music, and sound effects for the post-service processing.

  In the sticker paper outlet 163, sticker paper on which an image created by the user of the editing space A2-1 is edited or printed by the user of the editing space A2-2 is edited. The sticker paper on which the created image is printed is discharged. A printer is provided inside the editing unit 12, and printing of images is performed by the printer.

[Internal configuration of photo sticker creation device]
Next, the internal configuration of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as the structure mentioned above. The overlapping description will be omitted as appropriate.

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, executes a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 206 and a storage unit 202, and controls the overall operation of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. A storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, a drive 204, a ROM 206, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 207 are connected to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 is also connected with each configuration of the photographing unit 208, the editing unit 209, and the post-service unit 210.

  The storage unit 202 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and stores various setting information supplied from the control unit 201. Information stored in the storage unit 202 is appropriately read out by the control unit 201.

  A communication unit 203 is an interface of a network such as the Internet, and communicates with an external device according to control by the control unit 201.

  A removable medium 205 made of an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately attached to the drive 204. Computer programs and data read from the removable medium 205 by the drive 204 are supplied to the control unit 201 and stored in the storage unit 202 or installed.

  The ROM 206 stores programs and data executed by the control unit 201. The RAM 207 temporarily stores data and programs processed by the control unit 201.

  The imaging unit 208 includes a coin processing unit 221, a background control unit 222, a lighting device 223, a camera 91, a touch panel monitor 93, and a speaker 224 that are configured to perform imaging processing in the imaging space A1.

  The coin processing unit 221 detects the insertion of coins into the coin insertion / return port 87. When the coin processing unit 221 detects that a predetermined amount of coins such as 400 yen has been inserted, the coin processing unit 221 outputs an activation signal indicating that to the control unit 201.

  The background control unit 222 raises and lowers the background curtain stored in the background curtain unit 25 according to the background control signal supplied from the control unit 201. The background curtain may be manually selected by the user.

  The illumination device 223 is a fluorescent lamp provided inside each strobe in the imaging space A1, and emits light according to an illumination control signal supplied from the control unit 201. As described above, in the shooting space A 1, in addition to the strobe of the ceiling strobe unit 24, the upper strobe 82, the left strobe 83, the right strobe 84, the foot strobe 86 and the background unit 22 provided in the photographing unit 21 are provided. A back center strobe 101, a back left strobe 102, and a back right strobe 103 are provided.

  Further, the lighting device 223 adjusts the brightness in the shooting space A1 according to the stage of the shooting work performed by the user by adjusting the light emission amount according to the control by the control unit 201.

  The camera 91 shoots according to the control by the control unit 201 and outputs an image obtained by the shooting to the control unit 201.

  The editing unit 209A includes a tablet built-in monitor 131, touch pens 132A and 132B, and a speaker 231 provided on the front side of the editing unit 12 as a configuration for performing editing processing in the editing space A2-1. The editing unit 209B has the same configuration as the editing unit 209A, and performs editing processing in the editing space A2-2.

  The tablet built-in monitor 131 displays an editing screen according to control by the control unit 201, and detects a user operation on the editing screen. A signal representing the content of the user's operation is supplied to the control unit 201, and the captured image to be edited is edited.

  The subsequent customer service unit 210 includes a tablet built-in monitor 161 that is configured to perform the subsequent customer service in the subsequent customer service space A3, a speaker 162, a printer 241 that is configured to perform the printing process, and a sticker sheet unit 242.

  The printer 241 prints the photographed image or the edited image obtained by the editing process on the sticker paper stored in the sticker paper unit 242 attached to the printer 241 and discharges it to the sticker paper discharge port 163.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, the control unit 201 will be described. FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of functional blocks realized by the control unit 201 executing a program stored in the ROM 206 or the like.

  The control unit 201 performs a process related to a charge input when starting the photo sticker creation game and a process related to a photographing work process of the photo sticker creation game such as photographing a user group. An editing processing unit 302 that performs processing related to the editing work process of the photo sticker creation game such as graffiti editing, a printing processing unit 303 that performs processing related to the printing process of the photo sticker creation game such as printing of sticker paper, and editing work. A post-service processing unit 304 is provided for performing processing related to the post-service process of the photo sticker creation game that serves the finished user group.

  That is, the control unit 201 controls processing related to each process of the photo sticker creation game.

[Configuration of editing processing section and post-service processing section]
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration example of the editing processing unit 302 and the post-service processing unit 304 in FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the editing processing unit 302 is configured to include a captured image editing unit 311, an SNS image generation unit 312, an information acquisition unit 313, and an SNS image editing unit 314.

  The captured image editing unit 311 performs graffiti editing on a captured image that is an image captured by the camera 91.

  The SNS image generation unit 312 generates an SNS image using a plurality of captured images that are images captured by the camera 91 and predetermined information acquired by the information acquisition unit 313. That is, although not shown, the SNS image generation unit 312 includes a combination unit that combines a plurality of captured images, an information addition unit that adds predetermined information to a plurality of captured images combined by the combination unit, a combined captured image, and An image generation unit that generates an SNS image based on the added predetermined information is displayed, and the SNS image generated by the image generation unit and its thumbnail image are displayed.

  SNS images are images that are automatically generated after shooting, and are used for posting to sites that provide services (also referred to as communities) that report recent conditions, such as social networking services (SNS), miniblogs, and blog services. It is an image.

  The SNS image generation unit 312 stores, in the storage unit 202, a plurality of captured images constituting the SNS image and predetermined information and design images constituting the SNS image as information regarding the generated SNS image.

  The information acquisition unit 313 acquires predetermined information such as information input by the user on the editing screen, game information in the photo sticker creation apparatus 1, information set on the maintenance screen, and the acquired information is used as an SNS image. This is supplied to the generation unit 312.

  The predetermined information includes, for example, information on the name of the other party who is photographing together with the name of the user, information on the installation location of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, information on the model name of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, and date and time Information.

  For example, before SNS image generation, for example, the name information entered on the left and right of the editing screen before shooting, after shooting, and before editing is acquired as the name of the user himself / herself and the name of the other party who is shooting together Is done. For example, information set as setting information on the store side on the maintenance screen is acquired as regional information. For example, the model name information is acquired from the setting information of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. For example, in the photo sticker creation apparatus 1, the date and time when the image was taken, the date and time when the SNS image was generated, the date and time stored in the management server 3, and the like are acquired as date and time information.

  The SNS image can be edited by displaying the thumbnail image of the SNS image on the editing screen and selecting the thumbnail image in the same manner as the thumbnail images of other captured images.

  When the information used for the SNS image is changed on the editing screen, the information acquisition unit 313 acquires the changed information and supplies the acquired information to the SNS image editing unit 314.

  In response to the information from the information acquisition unit 313, the SNS image editing unit 314 edits the SNS image generated by the SNS image generation unit 312 and displays the edited SNS image and its thumbnail image. The information regarding the SNS image stored in the storage unit 202 is changed.

  The subsequent customer service processing unit 304 is configured to include an SNS image acquisition unit 331 and a transmission control unit 332.

  The SNS image acquisition unit 331 acquires information such as a plurality of captured images, predetermined information, and design images stored as information about the SNS image in the storage unit 202, and transmits the acquired information about the SNS image. This is supplied to the control unit 332.

  The transmission control unit 332 controls transmission of information related to the SNS image to the management server 3.

[Configuration example of the management server]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the management server 3 as an image providing apparatus.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 411, a ROM 412, and a RAM 413 are connected to each other via a bus 414.

  An input / output interface 415 is further connected to the bus 414. The input / output interface 415 is connected to an input unit 416 including a keyboard and a mouse, and an output unit 417 including a display and a speaker. The input / output interface 415 includes a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, and the like. The input / output interface 415 includes a storage unit 418 that stores various types of information and a network interface. A communication unit 419 and a drive 420 that drives the removable medium 421 are connected.

  The storage unit 418 stores information on SNS images transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, image management information for managing the images, information on various sites managed by the management server 3, and the like.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the management server 3. At least a part of the functional units shown in FIG. 13 is realized by executing a predetermined program by the CPU 411 in FIG. In the management server 3, an image management unit 431, an image generation unit 432, an editing processing unit 433, and a service providing unit 434 are realized.

  The image management unit 431 stores and manages a plurality of photographed images, predetermined information, and design images transmitted as information related to the SNS image from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 in the storage unit 418 based on the image management information.

  The image generation unit 432 generates an SNS image based on a plurality of photographed images, predetermined information, and design images as SNS images accessed by the user's mobile terminal 2 that are managed in the storage unit 418. Then, the generated SNS image is supplied to the service providing unit 434. That is, the image generation unit 432 reconstructs the SNS image generated by the photo sticker creation apparatus 1.

  The editing processing unit 433 performs editing processing on the SNS image provided to the mobile terminal 2 in response to a user operation, and performs a plurality of shootings as the SNS image after the editing processing. The image, the predetermined information, and the design image are updated.

  The service providing unit 434 manages various sites and provides various services to the mobile terminal 2 that has accessed the site. For example, the service providing unit 434 transmits the SNS image generated by the image generation unit 432 or the SNS image edited by the editing processing unit 433 to the mobile terminal 2 that has accessed the site. Provide (transmit) to the terminal 2.

[Configuration example of mobile terminal]
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the mobile terminal 2.

  The mobile terminal 2 includes a control unit 441, an antenna 442, a communication unit 443, a storage unit 444, a display unit 445, a non-contact type IC 446, and an operation unit 447.

  The control unit 441 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, executes a predetermined program, and controls the entire operation of the mobile terminal 2. For example, the control unit 441 controls the communication unit 443 to communicate with the management server 3, and when the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 includes a non-contact type IC reader / writer, controls the non-contact type IC 446 to take a photograph. It communicates with the seal creation device 1.

  The communication unit 443 performs demodulation processing on the signal supplied from the antenna 442 in response to reception of a radio wave transmitted from the base station, and outputs information obtained by performing the demodulation processing to the control unit 441. . In addition, the communication unit 443 performs modulation processing on the information supplied from the control unit 441 and transmits the obtained signal from the antenna 442.

  The storage unit 444 includes a flash memory or the like, and stores various information such as a portable terminal ID (Identifier), a mail address, and a portable transmission image downloaded from the management server 3.

  The display unit 445 includes an LCD or the like, and displays various information. For example, the SNS image transmitted from the management server 3 and received by the communication unit 443 is displayed on the display unit 445.

  The non-contact type IC 446 is a non-contact type IC reader / writer when the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 includes a non-contact type IC reader / writer and is within a communicable range with the non-contact type IC reader / writer. Proximity communication.

  The operation unit 447 includes various buttons and a touch panel provided on the display unit 445 and outputs a signal representing the content of the user's operation to the control unit 441.

[Image creation and editing process for SNS of photo sticker creation device]
Here, with reference to FIG. 15, the SNS image generation editing process executed by the editing processing unit 302 of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 will be described. The SNS image generation / editing process of FIG. 15 is performed in an editing process in a photo sticker creation game described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S11, the SNS image generation unit 312 (a combination unit thereof) acquires a plurality of captured images that are images captured by the camera 91 and combines the acquired plurality of captured images. For example, the total six captured images are composed of four up images and two whole body images, of which four up images and one whole body image are acquired. Further, when all the six shot images are all up images, all are acquired. Note that the number of captured images acquired is not limited to the number described above. Further, for example, the user may be able to freely select from the captured image.

  In step S <b> 12, the information acquisition unit 313 acquires predetermined information from information set in advance or input information in the photo sticker creation apparatus 1, and supplies the acquired information to the SNS image generation unit 312. .

  For example, before SNS image generation, for example, the name information entered on the left and right of the editing screen before shooting, after shooting, and before editing is acquired as the name of the user himself / herself and the name of the other party who is shooting together Is done. For example, information set as setting information on the store side on the maintenance screen is acquired as regional information. For example, the model name information is acquired from the setting information of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. For example, in the photo sticker creation apparatus 1, the date and time when the image was taken, the date and time when the SNS image was generated, the date and time stored in the management server 3, and the like are acquired as date and time information.

  Use information (for example, karaoke, shopping, girls' association, dinner party, etc.) when selecting a composite image to be combined with the photographed image, or information corresponding to the composite image selected before or during editing. (Information on a compositing image) may also be acquired. For example, when an image that is the background or foreground of karaoke is selected, the characters “Karaoke!” Are automatically entered in the SNS image, or the management server 3 stores an image for each piece of usage information. It may be.

  In step S13, the SNS image generation unit 312 (its information addition unit) adds the predetermined information acquired in step S12 to the plurality of captured images combined in step S11.

  In step S14, the SNS image generation unit 312 (the image generation unit thereof) generates an SNS image using the plurality of captured images combined in step S11 and the predetermined information added in step S13. The generated SNS image is displayed on the editing screen when the thumbnail image of the SNS image is displayed on the editing screen and the thumbnail image is selected in the same way as the thumbnail images of other captured images. Editable.

  In step S15, the SNS image generation unit 312 includes, as information about the generated SNS image, a plurality of captured images that configure the SNS image, predetermined information and design images that configure the SNS image, Save in the storage unit 202.

  In step S16, the information acquisition unit 313 determines whether editing has been performed on the SNS image. When it is determined that the SNS image has been edited, the information used for the SNS image on the editing screen is changed, so the information acquisition unit 313 sends the changed information to the SNS image editing unit 314. Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S <b> 17, the SNS image editing unit 314 edits the SNS image generated by the SNS image generation unit 312 corresponding to the information from the information acquisition unit 313. Accordingly, the edited SNS image and its thumbnail image are displayed on the editing screen.

  In step S18, the SNS image editing unit 314 changes the information related to the SNS image stored in the storage unit 202.

  If it is determined in step S16 that the SNS image has not been edited, the SNS image generation / editing process ends.

[Example of edit screen]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a part of the editing screen.

  In the example of FIG. 16, the left part of the edit screen 501 is shown. That is, although two image display units are configured on the editing screen 501, only the left side portion where the image display unit 511 is provided is shown in the example of FIG. 16 for convenience of explanation.

  On the editing screen 501, an image display unit 511, thumbnail images 521-1 to 521-6, a thumbnail image 522, an end button 523, a whole body image change button 524, an eraser button 525, and a pen thickness change button 526 are displayed. ing. Also, the editing screen 501 includes a button 527, a set return button 528, a forward button 529, a return button 530, a portable image creation button 531 and a one-time graffiti creation button 532, a content name 533 being edited, A content palette 534 is displayed.

  The image display unit 511 displays an image that is edited by the user on the left side. In the example of FIG. 16, when the thumbnail image 522 is selected by the user on the left side, the SNS image 512 corresponding to the SNS thumbnail image 522 is displayed.

  The SNS image 512 is generated by combining four up images and one whole body image among the captured images. In the SNS image 512, a plurality of images (four up images and one whole body image) can be combined in the best arrangement (an arrangement that is easy to see) as an SNS image. Details of the SNS image 512 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The thumbnail images 521-1 to 521-6 are displayed on the upper part of the image display unit 511 corresponding to the photographic image, and are thumbnail images for selecting a photographic image to be edited.

  An SNS thumbnail image 522 is also arranged next to the thumbnail image 521-6. As with the thumbnail images 521-1 to 521-6, the SNS thumbnail image 522 is selected by the user so that the SNS image 512 corresponding to the SNS thumbnail image 522 is displayed on the image display unit 511. The SNS image 512 can be edited.

  Note that an image showing the graffiti is superimposed on the lower part of the thumbnail images 521-3 and 521-6. In the example of FIG. 16, only the character indicating selection and the image of the finger pointing to the right side are shown as the thumbnail image 521-5, but actually, the character indicating selection is displayed in the thumbnail image 521-5. A finger image pointing to the right side is superimposed. By seeing this, the user can see that the captured image corresponding to the thumbnail image 521-5 is displayed on the image display unit (not shown) on the right side, and that the image is being edited.

  In the example of FIG. 16, only the character indicating selection and the image of the finger pointing to the right side are shown as the SNS thumbnail image 522, but actually, the characters indicating selection are displayed on the SNS thumbnail image 522. A finger image pointing to the left side is superimposed. By viewing this, the user can see that the captured image corresponding to the thumbnail image 522 is displayed on the left image display unit 511 and that the image is being edited.

  An end button 523 to a return button 530 are displayed on the right side of the image display unit 511. The end button 523 is a button for inputting an instruction to end all editing processes. The whole body image change button 524 is a button for replacing the whole body image of the captured images combined with the SNS thumbnail image with another whole body image. Note that the whole body image can be changed only when the total number of photographed images is four up images and two whole body images.

  In the above description, the case of four up images and two whole body images has been described. However, when there are two or more whole body images, the whole body image can be changed.

  The eraser button 525 is a button for erasing stamp pressing or pen drawing performed on the image. The pen thickness change button 526 is a button for changing the pen thickness to large, medium, or small when pen drawing. It should be noted that the eraser button 525 may have a large, medium, or small button configuration that represents the thickness of the eraser, like the pen thickness change button 526.

  The button 527 from the beginning is a button for canceling all editing performed on the image displayed on the image display unit 511 and starting again from the beginning. The one set return button 528 is a button for canceling one set of editing performed on the image displayed on the image display unit 511.

  The forward button 529 is a button for performing the editing canceled by the return button 530 again. The return button 530 is a button for canceling the editing performed immediately before the image displayed on the image display unit 511.

  A portable image creation button 531 and a one-time graffiti creation button 532 are displayed on the left side of the image display unit 511. The portable image creation button 531 is a button for creating a standby image for a mobile phone or the like. The one-time graffiti creation button 532 is a button for automatically performing optimum editing on the image displayed on the image display unit 511 only by pressing the button.

  In the above description, it has been described that the image created by the portable image creation button 531 is a standby image for a mobile phone or the like. However, not limited to this, images (such as pictograms and decorations used in e-mails, animated GIFs, etc., images for blogs, etc.) that can be used on mobile phones and mobile terminals, etc. Can be generated.

  The content name 533 being edited and the content palette 534 are displayed at the bottom of the image display unit 511.

  The content name 533 being edited indicates the type of content being edited by the image display unit 511. The content palette 534 is a palette on which tools for editing images and the like are displayed. In the example of FIG. 16, the content palette 534 displays an SNS image 512 on the image display unit 511. The configuration corresponds to the image. That is, the content name 533 being edited clearly indicates to the user that the content palette 534 has a configuration corresponding to the SNS image. It should be noted that the content name 533 being edited is switched to a display such as “normal graffiti” when editing a normal captured image.

  On the top of the content palette 534, a design change tab 541, a stamp tab 542, and a pen tab 543 are displayed.

  The design change tab 541 is selected when the design used as the background (or foreground) of the combined photographed image is changed in the SNS image. As shown in FIG. Multiple designs are displayed. When the user selects any design, the SNS image 512 displayed on the image display unit 511 is changed to the design selected by the user.

  The stamp tab 542 is selected when editing using a stamp. At this time, although not shown, for example, a face-off stamp is displayed at the bottom of the content palette 534, and the user selects it. By doing so, you can edit using the selected stamp.

  Note that an opaque stamp is pasted on the face erase stamp when it is pressed. Alternatively, an opaque stamp may be pasted on the face portion pressed by face recognition. Furthermore, an opaque stamp may be pasted on all the photographed images of the same person.

  Although there is a stamp image in addition to the face-off stamp, even if the image display unit 511 presses the stamp across an image different from the image, the stamp image is pasted only on the editable image portion. That is, when a heart-shaped stamp is pressed at the center of an image, half of the heart-shaped stamp image can be pasted only on the image to be edited on one side.

  The pen tab 543 is selected when editing with a pen. At that time, although not shown, a pen tool of various shapes is displayed at the bottom of the content palette 534, and the user selects a desired pen. By doing so, you can edit using the selected pen.

  When pen drawing is performed across images, the pen display is displayed only on the image portion to be edited in the image display unit 511.

  That is, in the editing using the stamp tab 542 and the pen tab 543, since the image cannot be edited across the images, the image display unit 511 displays an anchor in the image section being edited so as to clearly show it to the user. It is also possible to perform gray scale display for areas other than the image segment being edited. Further, when the image section to be edited is selected in the image display unit 511, the selected image section may be displayed in a pop-up at the center.

  On the right side of the content palette 534, an area change button 544, a name correction button 545, and a name exchange button 546 are displayed.

  The area change button 544 is a button for the user to change a narrow area in the information on the installation location of the photo sticker creation apparatus 1 (that is, area information) set on the maintenance screen. In the example of FIG. 16, the areas of Shibuya and Tokyo are displayed. Here, the default of the regional information is not changed, but the regional information used for the SNS image 512 currently being edited is changed.

  The name correction button 545 is a button for changing the name of the user who has been input before the editing and the name of the other party who is photographing together. The name exchange button 546 is a button for exchanging the name of the user who has been input before editing and the name of the partner who has taken the image together.

  In the example of the editing screen in FIG. 16, only the whole body image change button 524 is shown as an image change in the SNS image 512 displayed on the image display unit 511. Good.

  For example, when 6 or 5 full body images or 5 up images can be selected in the SNS image 512, a “button for changing the image” is set in the content palette 534 or tab. When selected, the captured image is displayed, and the thumbnail image of the SNS image 512 may be displayed on the editing screen 501 or the content palette 534, and the thumbnail image to be changed may be anchored to be changed. As a result, the same image can be selected many times, or the user's favorite images can be selected and combined.

  In the case of changing only the whole body image, only two of the whole body images may be displayed so that one of them can be selected.

[Other examples of edit screen]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of part of the edit screen.

  In the example of FIG. 17, the left portion of the editing screen 551 is shown. In the example of FIG. 17, the same parts as those of the example of FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be repeated, and will be omitted as appropriate.

  The editing screen 551 includes an SNS image editing screen 551A, thumbnail images 521-1 to 521-6, a thumbnail image 522, and an end button 523. In the example of FIG. 17, the SNS thumbnail image 522 is selected by the user on the left side, so that the SNS image editing screen 551A is displayed in a pop-up manner. Note that when any one of the other thumbnail images 521-1 to 521-6 is selected, for example, the display returns to the editing screen for editing the captured image corresponding to the thumbnail image 521.

  The SNS image editing screen 551A includes an SNS image editing unit 552 and a design change palette 553.

  In the SNS image editing unit 552, an image display unit 511 for displaying an image to be edited by the user on the left side is arranged. When the thumbnail image 522 is selected by the user on the left side, the image display unit 511 displays an SNS image 512 corresponding to the SNS thumbnail image 522.

  The SNS image 512 is generated by combining four up images and one whole body image among the captured images. In the SNS image 512, a plurality of images (four up images and one whole body image) can be combined in the best arrangement (an arrangement that is easy to see) as an SNS image.

  An area name on / off button 561, a shooting area selection button 562, and a name correction button 563 are arranged above the left side of the image display unit 511.

  The area name on / off button 561 is a button for selecting display / non-display of the shooting area. In the area name on / off button 561 of FIG. 17, “on” is selected. However, when “on” is selected, a shooting area selection button 562 arranged below the area name can be displayed. Information on the shooting area selected by the selection button 562 is added to the SNS image 512. When off is selected, the shooting area selection button 562 is not displayed, and information on the shooting area selected by the shooting area selection button 562 is not added to the SNS image 512. That is, information added according to the selection of the area name on / off button 561 can be excluded. In other words, it is possible to exclude information for which off is selected from the information to be added, or change information for which off is selected to on and reselect the information to be added.

  In the example of FIG. 17, an example in which the area name on / off button 561 is provided has been described, but a button for selecting on / off of other information (for example, name) added to the SNS image 512 is provided. It is also possible.

  The shooting area selection button 562 is a button for displaying two common names of preset shooting areas (in the example of FIG. 17, Shibuya, Tokyo). By pressing either of the common names, Information on the shooting area is added to the SNS image 512.

  Similarly to the name correction button 545 in FIG. 16, the name correction button 563 is a button for changing the name of the user who has been input before editing and the name of the other party who is photographing together. In the above description, the input of the name is performed before editing. However, when the name can be input and corrected during editing, this button for changing the name can also be displayed.

  On the right side of the image display unit 511, a number change button 564 for changing the number of images combined with the SNS image 512 is arranged.

  Here, there are a course for selecting a whole-body image and a course for not selecting a whole-body image as shooting courses, which can be changed by the user. The course for selecting the whole body image is, for example, four up images and two whole body images, and the course for not selecting the whole body image is, for example, six up images.

  When the number of shots is 4 up images and 2 whole body images, the number change button 564 is a button for displaying 5 or 2 images as shown in the example of FIG. 17 and presses the corresponding button. Thus, the number of images combined with the SNS image 512 can be changed to five or two. The number change button 564 is a button for determining the number of images to be combined with the SNS image 512, and may be an arbitrary number of 6 to 1 that can be combined.

  In the example of FIG. 17, since five of the number change buttons 564 are selected, the SNS image 512 has a configuration of four up images and one whole body image as shown in FIG. 18A. In FIG. 18A, four up images and one whole body image 512 for SNS are shown. At this time, the whole body image change button 565a is displayed below the image display unit 511, and by using the whole body image change button 565a, the user can select the SNS image from the two shots as the whole body image. Can be selected.

  When two of the number change buttons 564 are selected, the SNS image 512 has a configuration of one up image and one whole body image, as shown in FIG. 18B. FIG. 18B shows an SNS image 512 including one up image and one whole body image. At this time, in addition to the whole body image change button 565a, an up image change button 565b is also displayed below the image display unit 511. By using the up image change button 565b, in addition to the selection of the whole body image described above, the user can select one image to be used as an SNS image from among the four images to be captured as the up image. it can.

  When two of the number change buttons 564 are selected, the SNS image 512 may have a configuration of two up images as shown in FIG. 18C. In FIG. 18C, two up images SNS images 512 are shown. At this time, a left image change button 565c and a right image change button 565d are displayed below the image display unit 511. By using one of the left image change button 565c and the right image change button 565d, the user can select each of the left image and the right image from the four images that are the number of up images as the up image. One can be selected.

  In the course of not selecting the whole body image, as shown in FIG. 19, the number change button 564 is a button for displaying six or two images, and by pressing the corresponding button, the image for SNS is displayed. The number of images combined with 512 can be changed to six or two.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating another example of the SNS image editing unit 552. In the example of FIG. 19, since six images are selected, the SNS image 512 has a configuration of six up images. At this time, since all the captured images are used for the SNS image 512, a button for changing the image is not displayed below the image display unit 511.

  When two of the number change buttons 564 are selected, the SNS image 512 has the configuration of the two up images described above with reference to FIG. 18C. At this time, a left image change button 565c and a right image change button 565d are displayed below the image display unit 511. By using one of the left image change button 565c and the right image change button 565d, the user can select each of the left image and the right image from the six images that are the number of up images taken as an up image. One sheet (two sheets in total) can be selected. It is also possible to select the same image on the left and right.

  Hereinafter, the whole body image change button 565a, the up image change button 565b, the left image change button 565c, and the right image change button 565d are collectively referred to as an image change button 565 unless it is particularly necessary to distinguish them.

  Note that each image change described above is displayed by sequentially switching images by pressing the image change button 565. In addition, a changeable target image may be displayed on either the upper part or the lower part of the screen, and may be selected and changed.

  Returning to FIG. 17, the design change palette 553 includes a plurality of design images 571-1 to 571-8 for changing the design to be the background (or foreground) of the combined photographed image in the SNS image 512. The arranged page is displayed. The design images 571-1 to 571-8 are preview images of a combination image of the SNS image 512 and a background image. By changing the number of images with the number change button 564, the thumbnail images also correspond to the number of images. change. The image is a fixed model image, but may be a fixed model image or a user (subject) image.

  Now, a cursor 572 indicating that the design image 571-1 is selected as the design of the SNS image 512 displayed on the image display unit 511 is displayed on the design image 571-1.

  On the design images 571-1 to 571-8, a page display unit 573 indicating that there are four pages on which these design images are arranged is displayed. Of these, page number 2 is the other page. It is displayed differently from the number, and it can be seen that the second page is now displayed. Note that. The content palette displayed by default when editing an SNS image is a page with a randomly displayed design.

  Further, a back button 574 is arranged on the left side of the design images 571-1 to 571-8, and a next button 575 is arranged on the right side of the design images 571-1 to 571-8. In the example of FIG. 17, the user can view the design image displayed on the page with the first page number by pressing the back button 574. The user can see the design image displayed on the third page number by pressing the Next button 575.

  For example, among the design images 571-1 to 571-8, the design image 571-3 is a monochrome design image, and the design image 571-8 is a sepia-tone design image. By selecting the design image 571-3, the SNS image 512 can be processed in monochrome. Also, by selecting the design image 571-8, the SNS image 512 can be processed in sepia.

  In addition, without selecting a monochrome or sepia design image, an editing button or the like is provided on the SNS image editing unit 552, and by pressing it, the SNS image 512, which is a combined image, Processing such as monochrome or sepia may be performed. Further, for each individual image of the SNS image 512, it may be possible to select whether or not to edit.

  Further, the processing is not limited to monochrome or sepia tone, and may be other filter processing.

  In the example of FIG. 17, since five sheets of the number change button 564 are selected, an example in which the design images 571-1 to 571-8 of the design change palette 553 are each composed of five combined images. It was shown. Therefore, when two of the number change buttons 564 are selected, the design images 571-1 to 571-8 of the design change palette 553 are each two images like the SNS image 512 in the example of FIG. 18B. Changed to a combined image.

[Example of SNS image]
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an SNS image.

  In the example of FIG. 20, an SNS image 512 is shown. “Akitter” 601 displayed in the icon mark portion for the photographer of the SNS image 512 is the name of the user himself / herself, and is based on the name information input on the left and right on the editing screen before photographing, after photographing, and before editing. Acquired and quoted.

  “Natsumi” and “NATSUMI” 602 are names of the people who are shooting together, and the names entered on the left and right of the editing screen before shooting, after shooting, and before editing, as well as the user's own name. Obtained and quoted from information.

  “Shibuya, Tokyo, japan”, “shibuya”, and “shibuya” 603 are regional information, and are obtained and quoted from information input as setting information on the store side on the maintenance screen.

  “2012.03.26 mon, 1901,19: 01” 604 is, for example, date / time information, game information, date / time of shooting, date / time when an image for SNS was generated, date / time stored in the management server 3, etc. Obtained and quoted from.

  The combined image 605 is generated by combining four up images and one whole body image, or five or six up images among the total captured images. The total number of shots is 6, and when there are 4 up images and 2 whole images, the whole body images can be changed as described above with reference to FIG.

  When all the six captured images are up-images, as shown in FIG. 21, the SNS image 607 is generated using all six captured images.

  Further, as described above with reference to the content palette 534 of FIG. 16, the design of the SNS image 512 can also be changed. In the example of FIG. 22, a plurality of combined captured images are the same, but SNS images 611 to 615 having different designs are shown.

  As described above, the image for SNS is not mainly intended to upload the image taken with the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 to the management server 3 or the like as in the past. It is an image for providing information accompanying the purpose of “reporting”.

  As shown in FIG. 22, SNS images are “not too assertive”, “design is new and cute”, “recent report is written”, “easy to upload from the site” For this reason, it is easier and easier than ever to upload (send) images to the server.

  As described above, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can provide an image more convenient for the user.

[Example of maintenance screen]
In the example of FIG. 23, a maintenance screen 621 for inputting the installation location of the shop for the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is shown.

  The maintenance screen 621 includes a pull-down 622 for selecting a direction such as Kanto, Tohoku, Hokuriku, a pull-down 623 for selecting a prefecture, a pull-down 624 for selecting a region such as Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku, and a store. A pull-down 625 for selecting a name is displayed.

  By selecting a place from these pull-downs 622 to 625, the installation location of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is input, and this information is used as regional information for generating an image for SNS.

  The store name may not be pulled down, and may not be manually input or input, for example. If not input, the location information on the GPS and the server is accessed at the time of startup, so that the installation location information may be automatically created.

  In addition to the above, a region may be set by inputting a zip code. A composite image for photographing or editing content (such as a stamp or frame specialized for a region, a background or a foreground) may be displayed based on the region information. Furthermore, guidance specific to the region may be displayed on the demonstration screen. In addition, for example, when there is a predetermined time (for example, 48 hours) when the power is not turned on due to relocation, for example, when the power is turned on, the maintenance screen for inputting the installation location is displayed first. You may make it display on.

[Operation of image providing system]
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24, a series of processing of the photo sticker creation game until the image obtained in the photo sticker creation device 1 is transmitted to the management server 3 and provided to the portable terminal 2 will be described. .

  In step S31, the photographing processing unit 301 of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 determines whether or not a predetermined amount of coins has been inserted based on a signal supplied from the coin processing unit 221 until it is determined that the coins have been inserted. stand by.

  If it is determined in step S31 that a coin has been inserted, in step S32, the imaging processing unit 301 controls the imaging unit 208 to display a moving image of the subject captured by the camera 91 on the touch panel monitor 93 in a live view. Then, a photographing process for photographing a user in the photographing space A1 as a subject is performed. In the photographing process, photographing is performed a plurality of times, and a plurality of (for example, six) captured images are obtained.

  In step S33, the imaging processing unit 301 guides the user in the imaging space A1 to move to the editing space A2-1 or the editing space A2-2. The guidance for movement to the editing space A2-1 or the editing space A2-2 is performed by displaying a screen on the touch panel monitor 93 of the photographing unit 208 or by outputting sound from the speaker 224.

  In step S34, the editing processing unit 302 controls the editing unit 209 corresponding to the editing space of the editing space A2-1 and the editing space A2-2 that is the destination of the user who has finished the shooting process, Edit processing. Specifically, the editing processing unit 302 causes the user to select a captured image as an editing target image, and edits the selected captured image according to an editing operation by the user. At this time, the SNS image generation / editing process described with reference to FIG. 15 is executed, and information relating to the generated or edited SNS image is stored in the storage unit 202.

  In step S35, the editing processing unit 302 guides the user who has finished editing processing in the editing space A2-1 or the editing space A2-2 to move to the post-service space A3. The guidance of the movement to the post-service space A3 is performed by displaying a screen on the tablet built-in monitor 131 or by outputting sound from the speaker 231.

  In step S <b> 36, the print processing unit 303 performs (starts) a print process in which an image selected by the user is output to the printer 241 and printed on a sticker sheet. During the printing process, a game or the like is displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 161 and the following process is performed as a subsequent customer service process.

  In step S37, the SNS image acquisition unit 331 acquires information such as a plurality of captured images, predetermined information, and design images stored in the storage unit 202 as information related to the SNS image.

  In step S <b> 38, the transmission control unit 332 controls the communication unit 203 to transmit information related to the SNS image, such as a plurality of captured images, predetermined information, and design images, to the management server 3.

  Note that a plurality of captured images that are stored and transmitted as information related to the SNS image may be combined, or may be stored separately and transmitted. When a plurality of captured images are stored and transmitted separately, recombination of the captured images can be easily performed on the management server 3 side. Even when a plurality of photographed images are combined, the design image can be changed or the predetermined information can be changed.

  Further, the captured image may be transmitted after being compressed by JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or the like.

  In the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, when printing is completed, in step S39, the post-service processing unit 304 displays that the printing has been completed on the tablet built-in monitor 161, and the printer 241 seals the sticker sheet on which the image is printed. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge port 163 and the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, in the management server 3, when the communication unit 419 receives information such as a plurality of photographed images, predetermined information, and design images transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 in step S51, the image is displayed in step S52. The management unit 431 assigns storage URLs to these images, and stores these images as information related to the SNS image in association with the e-mail address of the portable terminal 2 transmitted from the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 Store in 418.

  In step S53, the image management unit 431 transmits an e-mail including the URL for saving the SNS image assigned in step S52 to the e-mail address of the portable terminal 2.

  In the mobile terminal 2, in step S <b> 71, the communication unit 443 of the mobile terminal 2 receives an e-mail including the SNS image storage destination URL transmitted from the management server 3.

  When access to the SNS image is instructed by the user who confirmed the content of the e-mail, in step S72, the control unit 441 includes the received e-mail that is access information for accessing the SNS image. The management server 3 is accessed based on the received URL, and the screen of the download site is displayed on the display unit 445.

  In the management server 3, in step S 54, the image management unit 431 determines whether the download button on the download site screen displayed on the display unit 445 in the mobile terminal 2 has been selected by the user or the like. Specify the storage location for SNS images according to access.

  In step S55, the image management unit 431 reads information related to the designated SNS image at the storage destination, and the image generation unit 432 reconstructs the SNS image generated by the photo sticker creation apparatus 1, and the service providing unit 434. Transmits the reconstructed SNS image to the mobile terminal 2. In addition, when the image for SNS is preserve | saved by 1 sheet, since the reconstruction is unnecessary, the process is skipped.

  That is, the SNS image may be generated by the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and stored by the management server 3, or the SNS image may be reconstructed by the image generation unit of the management server 3. By doing so, the number of transmitted images can be reduced, and the transmission capacity can be reduced.

  In the portable terminal 2, in step S <b> 73, the control unit 441 receives the SNS image transmitted from the management server 3 and causes the display unit 445 to display it.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 25, a display screen 631 for browsing the SNS image 512 is displayed on the display unit 445 of the mobile terminal 2.

  An SNS image 512 is displayed on the display screen 631, and various posting buttons 632 to 637 for displaying an SNS, miniblog, or blog service are displayed in the vicinity of the lower part. The posting buttons 632 to 637 are generated and provided by the service providing unit 434, for example.

  Therefore, when the user presses any of the posting buttons 632 to 637 on the screen 631, an image for SNS can be easily displayed on a service corresponding to the pressed button among SNS, miniblog, or blog service. Can be up. Or you can easily access the service.

  For example, in FIG. 25, the user presses a posting button 634. In response to this, the service providing unit 434 accesses the service corresponding to the posting button 634, and transmits the storage destination URL of the SNS image and predetermined information.

  Correspondingly, the display unit 445 of the mobile terminal 2 displays the URL for saving the SNS image, predetermined information, and a comment input window, so that the user operates the operation unit 447 to comment. To instruct these transmissions.

  Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 26, the posted article 641 of the miniblog site is displayed on the display unit 445 of the mobile terminal 2. In the posted article 641, in addition to the user's input comment “Pre-Nau” commented by the user, the saved URL 642 of the SNS image 512 and information 643 such as the imaged partner, location, date and time, model name, etc. Is automatically entered. At this time, the “hash tag” may be automatically input.

  In addition, although the information equivalent to the information 643 is contained in the image for SNS, the recent condition can be emphasized more by displaying the information 643 as a comment.

  As described above, you can easily post and access SNS images on SNS and blog sites. At this time, predetermined information added to the SNS image can also be used.

  In the above description, as an example of the information related to the SNS image, information such as a plurality of captured images, predetermined information, and design images is transmitted as separate data. In this case, if there is another design image on the management server 3 side, another SNS image can be generated by combining a plurality of images and predetermined information according to the design image. Furthermore, a plurality of photographed images can be sent in combination as well as individually, and in this case, the images can be easily recombined.

  On the other hand, one SNS image may be sent instead of being sent as separate data.

  Furthermore, as will be described below, a plurality of images may be transmitted for each game, and one sticker-like image may be generated on the management server 3 side. Also at this time, the predetermined information is added to the image and transmitted.

[Seal paper-like image generation method]
In the example of FIG. 27, an example is shown in which the display screen of the site (PPPLINK) provided by the management server 3 is displayed on the display unit 445 of the mobile terminal 2. Arrows pointing up and down on the right display unit 445 indicate that the display screen can be scrolled up and down. The same applies to the drawings after FIG.

  On the display screen 651, for example, six up images are shot in one game, transmitted to the management server 3, and thumbnail images corresponding to these images are displayed. Further, a sticker image creation button 651a is also displayed below the thumbnail image.

  For example, when the user operates the operation unit 447 and presses the sticker image creation button 651a, a display screen 653 is displayed on which a sticker-like image 652 generated by combining the displayed thumbnail images is displayed. The

  Note that seven images are used for the sticker-like image 652, but six images may be used for the seventh image, or another image (photographed on another day). Or different images on the same day).

  Conventionally, the captured images are acquired one by one from the management server 3 and stored, and depending on the SNS or blog site, the method of uploading them in one batch or uploading them one by one has been different. In addition, it was necessary to look at each of the images that the friends had done well.

  On the other hand, since a plurality of images are transmitted for each game and a single sticker-like image is generated on the management server 3 side, images for one game can be acquired collectively. Moreover, it is only necessary to upload this sticker-like image as a good finished image without changing the upload method depending on the SNS or blog site. A good image of a friend can also be seen by looking at this single seal-like image.

  As described above, the captured image can be easily shared.

[Example of sticker paper-like image]
In the example of FIG. 28, a sticker-style image 652 and sticker-style images 661 to 664 are shown.

  The sticker-style image 652 and the sticker-style images 661 to 664 are different in design, and are generated by combining six images obtained in the same game on the same day. It is possible to select and change the design in this way.

  In addition, the sticker-style image 652 and the sticker-style images 661 to 664 include, in addition to the photographed image (background or foreground), a photographing model and photographing date / time, user name, and photographed partner as predetermined information added thereto. The name of is listed.

  Here, for example, when the display screen 653 of FIG. 27 is scrolled down, as shown in FIG. 29, a comment field 671, various SNS and blog site posting buttons 672, and a completion button are displayed at the bottom of the sticker-like image 652. 673 is displayed.

  Also in this case, simply by inputting a comment in the comment field 671 and pressing the post button 672, the URL or the like where the sticker-like image 652 is stored is transmitted to the corresponding service. Thereby, external diffusion can be easily performed.

  In the case of a sticker-style image, information added to the sticker-style image, that is, the shooting model, the shooting date and time, the user name, the name of the shooting partner, and the like may be transmitted to the service.

  Further, in the above-described SNS image or sticker-style image, when any one of a plurality of combined images is selected, a standby image is obtained based on one image selected from the plurality of images. You may make it produce | generate and provide to the portable terminal 2. FIG. In this case, coordinate position information in an SNS image or a sticker-like image is used.

  Furthermore, when the management server 3 selects the above-described SNS image or sticker-like image, it searches for an image according to predetermined information associated with the image (photographing date and time, person who photographed, location, etc.) A list may be displayed.

[Examples of other display screens provided by the management server 3]
Next, the display screen of the site (PPPLINK) provided by the management server 3 will be further described with reference to FIG. 30 also shows an example in which the display screen provided by the management server 3 is displayed on the display unit 445 of the portable terminal 2.

  The management server 3 provides four display screens for browsing a plurality of photographed images taken by the user with the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and sent to the management server 3.

  That is, in the example of FIG. 30, from the left side, a display screen 681 in which thumbnail images corresponding to a plurality of photographed images are arranged in the order of preservation, a display screen 682 in which a plurality of thumbnail images are arranged by sticker, and a plurality of thumbnail images are photographed. A display screen 683 arranged according to the type of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 is displayed. Note that arrows pointing up and down on each display screen indicate that the screen can be scrolled up and down.

  In addition, in the example of FIG. 31, a calendar display screen 684 is displayed for each month (by date and time) that displays captured images for each shooting schedule. A thumbnail image is displayed in the day frame corresponding to the shooting date in the calendar.

  When the frame 684a of the date on which the thumbnail image is displayed (for example, March 16) in the calendar of the display screen 684 is pressed, the display screen 684 displays a thumbnail of the image taken on “March 16, 2012”. The display transitions to a display screen 685 in which images are arranged.

  Furthermore, when one thumbnail image 691a is pressed by the user on the display screen 691 shown in FIG. 32, the display screen 691 is displayed as an image detail page together with an image 693 corresponding to the thumbnail image 691a and an image processing button 694. Transitions to a display screen 692 on which is displayed.

[Example of functions provided by the management server 3]
Next, image processing as an example of a site function provided by the management server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. This image processing is executed by the editing processing unit 433 in FIG.

  When the image processing button 694 is pressed on the display screen 692, the display screen 692 transitions to an editing screen 721A for the image 693. On the editing screen 721A, a cutout button 722 and a determination button 723 are displayed together with an image 693 to be edited.

  When the cutout button 722 is pressed, as shown in the display screen 721B, the brightness of the image 693 is reduced and the range selection tool 731 is displayed. Therefore, the user selects a range using the range selection tool 731. By this range selection, as shown in the display screen 721C, the brightness of the selected range 732 in the image 693 with low brightness is increased. If the selected range 732 is acceptable, by pressing the enter button 723, the image 693 is cut out, and the cut-out image 741 is displayed as shown in the display screen 721D.

  When the determination button 723 is further pressed, a button 742 for saving in the management server 3 and a button 743 for saving in the camera roll of the portable terminal 2 are displayed as shown in the display screen 721E.

  As described above, on the site provided by the management server 3, it is possible to easily edit the clipped image.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 34, a monthly posting contest will be described as an example of a site function provided by the management server 3. FIG.

  As shown in the display screen 751, the posting contest starts the mail application (mailer) of the mobile terminal 2, sends a photograph taken with the machine C (the model name of the photo sticker creation apparatus 1), and sends it. This is a function to give a prize to a winning work or introduce a winning work by selecting or voting by a manufacturer.

  When a link 752 to a past prize-winning work provided on the display screen 751 is pressed, the display screen 751 transitions to a display screen 753 on which past prize-winning works are arranged, and an excellent photographed image can be viewed.

  Further, on the site of the management server 3, as shown in a display screen 761 in FIG. 35, a page introducing each model of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and information on a store where the model is installed are provided.

  Also, by depressing an original wallpaper button 762 on the introduction page, original wallpaper 771 and 772 for each model is distributed (downloaded) free of charge.

  In the above description, an example in which a plurality of photographed images are used for an SNS image or a sticker-like image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a photographed image. It is also possible to use already edited images.

  In the above description, the SNS image and the captured image are transmitted to the mobile terminal. However, the SNS image and the captured image are transmitted not only to the mobile terminal but also to a terminal device owned by the user such as a personal computer. can do.

  By the way, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When the above-described series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network or a recording medium.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the recording medium is distributed to distribute the program to the administrator of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 separately from the main body of the apparatus. Disk), optical disk (including CD-ROM and DVD), magneto-optical disk (including MD), or removable media 205 made of semiconductor memory, etc., but also pre-installed in the main unit The ROM 206 that stores the program and the hard disk included in the storage unit 202 are distributed to the administrator.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  In the above, the printing medium is not limited to sticker paper or photographic paper. For example, printing on a predetermined size of paper or film, poster paper, a card such as a telephone card, or a cloth such as a T-shirt. You may make it do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo sticker production apparatus 2 Portable terminal 3 Management server 11 Imaging unit 12 Editing part 13 Subsequent customer service part 201 Control part 208 Photographing part 209 Editing part 210 Subsequent customer service part 301 Photographing process part 302 Editing process part 303 Print processing part 304 Post customer service process Unit 311 Captured Image Editing Unit 312 SNS Image Generation Unit 313 Information Acquisition Unit 314 SNS Image Acquisition Unit 331 SNS Image Selection Unit 332 Transmission Control Unit

Claims (5)

A combination unit that combines shot images from a plurality of shot images obtained by shooting a user as a subject;
The whole body imaging of the captured image combined by the combining unit, by changing to other systemic image of the plurality of captured images, and the image changing unit for changing the combination of captured images,
An image generation unit that generates a combination image using the captured image whose combination has been changed by the image change unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image providing unit that provides a combined image generated by the image generating unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the captured image includes a whole body image and an up image. An information adding unit for adding predetermined information to the captured image combined by the combination unit;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit generates a combined image using a captured image whose combination has been changed by the image change unit and predetermined information added by the information addition unit. The predetermined information is at least one of a housing name, a region name, and a shooting date / time.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 . The image processing device
A combination step of combining photographed images from a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing a user as a subject,
An image change step of changing the combination of the captured images by changing the whole body image of the captured images combined by the processing of the combination step to another whole body image of the plurality of captured images;
An image generation step for generating a combined image using a captured image whose combination has been changed by the processing of the image changing step;
An image providing method comprising: an image providing step of providing a combined image generated by the processing of the image generating step.

Images