JP6506911B2 - Terminal device, management server, photograph sticker creation device, image management system, image copy restriction method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention operates a computer as a terminal device for managing an image, a management server, a photograph sticker creating device, an image management system including such a terminal device and management server, an image copy restriction method for a terminal device, and a terminal device. The present invention relates to a program for recording and a recording medium.

  In recent years, as a service for providing a user with an image generated in a photo sticker creating apparatus, an image is displayed by displaying the image on a portable terminal owned by the user, in combination with a service for providing the print sticker on which the image is printed. The service that provides to users is spreading.

  For example, according to Patent Document 1 listed below, when a request for downloading image data is received from a portable terminal as a server device that performs a delivery service of image data, an image is generated depending on whether it is a member or a nonmember. A server device that gives points with data is described.

  However, with such a technology, even if the user is not a member, it is possible to download an image generated by the photo sticker creating apparatus.

JP, 2011-076473, A

  On the other hand, in recent years, there has been considered a service that provides an image only to a user who has registered as a member by a member registration system that requires a member registration in order to view an image stored in a server device. ing.

  However, even in a member registration system, transferring an image downloaded by a member registered user to another user who is not registered as a member using, for example, e-mail or SNS (Social Networking Service) There is a problem of being able to

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its main object is to copy an image managed as an image of another user from an image managed as an image of a certain user. It is providing the terminal device which can be controlled.

  The terminal device according to an aspect of the present invention displays an image managed as an image of a user of the terminal device among a plurality of images generated in the photo sticker creating apparatus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. A display unit, an instruction receiving unit for receiving a copy instruction for copying an image managed as an image of the user as an image managed by another user different from the user, and an image to be a candidate of a target of the copy instruction A display control means for displaying on the display unit, a flag for restricting copying is associated with at least a part of the plurality of images, and the instruction reception means is an image of the user It is characterized in that the acceptance of the copy instruction with respect to the image associated with the flag among the images managed as is restricted.

  According to the above configuration, the instruction receiving unit restricts the reception of the copy instruction to the image associated with the flag. Thus, the terminal device can suppress that an image managed as the image of the user is copied as an image managed by the other user, and so-called proxy acquisition of the image by the user is performed. It can be suppressed.

  The terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention further includes a determination unit that determines whether the user is a user having a predetermined authority, and the instruction reception unit determines that the user has the predetermined authority by the determination unit. When it is determined that the user is not the user having the above, it is preferable to restrict the acceptance of the copy instruction to the image to which the flag is associated.

  According to the above configuration, when the user does not have the predetermined authority, the instruction receiving unit restricts the reception of the copy instruction for the image associated with the flag. The user having the predetermined authority is, for example, a paid member, and the user not having the predetermined authority is, for example, a free member. Thus, the terminal device can limit copying of an image managed by the other user from the image managed as the image of the user according to the user's authority.

  In the terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention, the display control unit does not display the image associated with the flag when it is determined by the determination unit that the user is not a user having a predetermined right. Is preferred.

  According to the above configuration, when the user does not have the predetermined authority, the display control unit does not display the image associated with the flag as an image as a candidate of the target of the copy instruction. Thus, the terminal device can limit the display of the image associated with the flag as a candidate image of the target of the copy instruction according to the user's authority.

In the terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention, the display control means instructs the copying of the image associated with the flag when it is determined by the determination means that the user is not a user having a predetermined right. According to the above configuration, when the user does not have the predetermined authority, the display control unit displays an image as a candidate for the target of the copy instruction. The image to which the flag is associated is displayed in a non-selectable manner. Thus, when the user causes the user to select the image as the target of the copy instruction, the terminal device may restrict whether the image associated with the flag is displayed in a selectable manner according to the user's authority. it can.

  In the terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention, the display control means displays a user selection screen for displaying one or more users as candidates for the other users, and the instruction reception means displays the user selection screen. Preferably, a selection instruction to select the other user is received from the displayed user.

  According to the above configuration, the display control means displays the user selection screen, and the instruction receiving means receives a selection instruction for the user displayed on the user selection screen. In other words, the instruction receiving unit does not receive a selection instruction for a user other than the user displayed on the user selection screen. Therefore, the terminal device can prevent the image associated with the flag from being copied as an image managed by an unspecified user.

  In the terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention, the display control means displays a user having the predetermined authority among the one or more users who are candidates for the other user on the user selection screen. preferable.

  According to the above configuration, the display control unit displays the user having the predetermined right as a candidate of the other user. That is, the instruction receiving unit does not receive an operation of selecting a user other than the user having the predetermined authority as the other user. Therefore, in the terminal device, the flag is associated only when the user who issues the copy instruction has the predetermined right and the user as the other user has the predetermined right. Duplicate the image being

  Therefore, the terminal device manages the image associated with the flag when the user who issues the copy instruction and at least one of the other users do not have the predetermined authority. Can be prevented from being reproduced as an image. In other words, the terminal device permits copying of the image associated with the flag only when both the user who issues the copying instruction and the other user have the predetermined authority. Therefore, different services can be provided to the user having the predetermined authority and the user not having the predetermined authority.

  A management server according to an aspect of the present invention is a management server that manages, for each user who uses the photo sticker creating apparatus, a plurality of images created in the photo sticker creating apparatus in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. Control means and image copying means for generating a duplicate image to be managed as an image of another user different from the one user from an image managed as an image of the one user; A flag for limiting duplication is associated with at least a part of the images, and the control unit is configured to associate the flag among the images managed as the image of the user. It is characterized by restricting the duplication of

  According to the above configuration, the management server exhibits the same effect as the above-described terminal device.

  The management server according to an aspect of the present invention further includes transmission means for transmitting the image to the terminal device, and the resolution of the image to be transmitted for display using a predetermined application is determined without using the predetermined application. Preferably, it is higher than the resolution of the image to be sent for display.

  According to the above configuration, when the user of the terminal device browses the image using the predetermined application, the user can view the image more comfortably than browsing the image without using the predetermined application. You can browse the

  In order to solve the above problems, a photograph sticker creating apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image generation unit that photographs a user and generates an image, and an image generated by the image generation unit. A flag adding unit for associating a flag for restricting copying of an image, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the image and a flag associated with the image to a management server that manages the image. There is.

  According to the above configuration, the photograph sticker creating apparatus exhibits the same effect as the above-described terminal device.

  The photograph sticker creating apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention further includes a printing unit that prints the image on a sheet, and the printing unit prints on the sheet a digital watermark including specific information for specifying the sheet. Is preferred.

  According to the above configuration, the photograph sticker creating apparatus obtains an image without requiring a space for printing a code in the digital watermark and while maintaining the appearance of the printed sticker sheet of the image. A code can be printed on the sheet that allows the user to easily access the management server.

  An image management system according to an aspect of the present invention is a management server that manages, for each user who uses the photo sticker creating apparatus, a plurality of images created in the photo sticker creating apparatus, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. A terminal device capable of browsing an image managed by the management server, wherein the management server comprises a control unit and an image managed as an image of a certain user; And an image copying means for generating a duplicate image managed as an image of another user different from the user, and the terminal device comprises an image managed as an image of the certain user and the certain user. An instruction accepting means for accepting a copy instruction to be copied as an image managed by another different user, and a display for displaying an image to be a candidate of the target of the copy instruction on the display unit A flag for limiting duplication is associated with at least a part of the plurality of images, and the control unit is configured to manage the image managed as the image of the certain user Among them, the feature is that the duplication of the image associated with the flag is restricted.

  According to the above configuration, the image management system has the same effects as the above-described terminal device.

In order to solve the above problems, an image copying restriction method according to an aspect of the present invention is an image managed as an image of a user of the terminal device among a plurality of images generated by the photograph sticker creating apparatus. A method for restricting image copying of a terminal device having a display unit, the method comprising: receiving an instruction to copy an image managed as an image of the user as an image managed by another user different from the user And a display control step of displaying on the display unit an image to be a candidate of the target of the copy instruction.
A flag for restricting copying is associated with at least a part of the plurality of images, and the flag is associated among images managed as the image of the user in the instruction receiving step. It is characterized in that the acceptance of the copy instruction for the image is restricted.

  According to the above configuration, the image copy restriction method has the same effect as the above-described terminal device.

  The terminal device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the terminal device is realized by the computer by causing the computer to operate as each means included in the terminal device. The program and a computer readable recording medium recording the same also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The terminal device according to the present invention has an effect that it is possible to suppress duplication of an image managed as an image of another user from an image managed as an image of a certain user.

<Common part blue character>
It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the management server which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing composition of a photography picture management system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the external appearance of the photography seal | sticker production apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the appearance of the photographic sticker creation device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention from another angle. It is a figure explaining the movement of the user in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the imaging | photography part with which the photo sticker creation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the background part with which the photography seal | sticker production apparatus based on 1st Embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the editing part with which the photography seal | sticker production apparatus based on 1st Embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the after-sales customer part with which the photography seal | sticker production apparatus based on 1st Embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example inside the photography seal | sticker production | generation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the control part with which the photograph seal | sticker production apparatus based on 1st Embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the portable terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen transition figure showing an example of a web page displayed on a display of a personal digital assistant at the time of member registration processing in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of a flow of a series of processes from photography to image preservation | save in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen transition figure showing an example of the web page displayed on the display part of a personal digital assistant at the time of the picture preservation processing to the controlling server in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of a series of processes regarding the image preservation | save to the portable terminal in the picked-up image management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen transition figure showing an example of the web page displayed on the display part of a personal digital assistant at the time of the picture preservation processing to the personal digital assistant in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows a series of flows regarding the image sharing process between accounts in the picked-up image management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a series of flows regarding the image sharing process in the portable terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Embodiment 1
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Descriptions of configurations other than the configurations described in the following specific embodiments may be omitted as needed. However, in the case of being described in other embodiments, the configuration is the same as the configuration. Moreover, about the member which has the function same as the member shown to each embodiment for convenience of explanation, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. Furthermore, the shapes of the configurations described in the drawings, and the dimensions such as lengths, sizes and widths do not reflect the actual shapes and dimensions, and are appropriately changed to clarify and simplify the drawings. doing.

(Photographed image management system 10)
FIG. 2 is a view showing the configuration of a photographed image management system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the photographed image management system 10 includes a photograph sticker creating apparatus 1, a portable terminal 6, and a management server 4.

  The outline of the photographed image management system 10 will be described below. The photographed image management system 10 provides the user with a service for realizing photographing of the user, editing of the image, printing of the image as a photograph sticker, and storage of the image on the image providing site. Services of photography, image editing, and photo sticker printing are provided by a photo sticker creating apparatus 1 installed in a store such as a game center. The image storage service is provided by the management server 4 that manages the image providing site. The user can store his / her photographed image on the image providing site by operating the portable terminal 6 possessed by the user.

  In order to save the image on the image providing site, it is necessary to register in advance. The user registers himself as a free member on the image providing site. Free members do not have to pay a membership fee, but the image providing site is limited in the number of images that can be stored. In the present embodiment, the free member can save only one image for each game on the image providing site.

  Users can change their membership attributes from free members to paid members. Paid members can store an unlimited number of images on the image providing site, instead of having to pay a fixed fee on a continuous basis. In the present embodiment, it is possible to save all the photographed images generated by one photographing in the image providing site.

  The flow from photographing to image storage in the photographed image management system 10 will be briefly described below. One or more users pay the photo sticker creation device 1 and play games related to photography and image editing. The user shoots himself as a subject during the game. The user selects some of the images to be edited from the images generated by shooting and edits the images as desired. Also, the user inputs his or her e-mail address into the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 in order to save the image on the image providing site later.

  After the game is over, the user gets a photo sticker. On the other hand, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 associates the input user's mail address with the generated image, and sends it to the management server 4. The management server 4 sends an email to the received email address for guiding the user to save the received image in the image providing site. The user receives this mail at his portable terminal 6. The e-mail describes the procedure for storing the image on the image providing site. The user performs an operation for storing an image on the portable terminal 6 in accordance with the procedure. As a result, the image is stored in the image storage area dedicated to the user at the image providing site.

  After storing the image on the image providing site, the user can log in to the image providing site using the portable terminal 6 or another desired device to download the image.

(Configuration of photo sticker creation device)
The configurations and functions of the respective devices constituting the photographed image management system 10 will be described in detail below. First, the details of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the appearance of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 mainly includes a photographing unit 11, an editing unit 12, and a post customer reception unit 13. The photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 is installed in a state in which the photographing unit 11 and the editing unit 12 are in contact with each other and the editing unit 12 and the post customer service unit 13 are in contact with each other.

(Shooting unit 11)
The imaging unit 11 includes an imaging unit 21 and a background unit 22. The imaging unit 21 and the background unit 22 are disposed apart by a predetermined distance. Imaging control is performed in an imaging space which is a space formed between the imaging unit 21 and the background unit 22.

  The photographing unit 21 is a device that causes a user to perform photographing control. The imaging unit 21 enters the imaging space and is located in front of the user who is performing imaging control. A touch panel monitor or the like used by the user at the time of shooting control is provided on the front panel 41 of the shooting unit 21 that constitutes a surface that faces the shooting space in front. Assuming that 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 portion 22 is attached to the left end of the back panel 51 which is a plate-like member located on the back side of the user who is facing forward and performs imaging control and the back panel 51, and has a width smaller than that of the side panel 42A. And a side panel 52B (FIG. 4) which is a plate-like member attached to the right end of the back panel 51 and narrower in width than the side panel 42B.

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

  An opening formed by being surrounded by the side panel 42A of the imaging unit 21, the connecting unit 23A, and the side panel 52A of the background unit 22 is the entrance G1 of the imaging space. An opening formed by being surrounded by the side panel 42 B of the imaging unit 21, the connecting unit 23 B, and the side panel 52 B of the background unit 22 also serves as the entrance G 2 of the imaging space.

  A background curtain unit 25 is provided on the top of 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 roll-up background curtains of different colors or patterns and used as the background. The background curtain unit 25 operates in conjunction with photographing by a camera or the like provided in the photographing unit 21 and, for example, lowers a curtain of a color selected by the user and winds up other curtains at the time of photographing.

  As a background curtain stored in the background curtain unit 25, a lifting curtain may be prepared which uses a plurality of curtains as a curtain for one screen. In addition to attaching a curtain for chromaki to the back panel 51, which is the back of the shooting space, multiple types of background images for composition are prepared, and a background image desired by the user is used as a curtain in editing control described later. You may enable it to synthesize | combine.

  An opening surrounded by the front panel 41 of the photographing unit 21, the coupling unit 23A, the coupling unit 23B, and the background curtain unit 25 is formed above the photographing space, and the ceiling flash unit 24 is formed to cover a part of the opening. Provided. One end of the ceiling flash 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 incorporates a strobe that emits light toward the inside of the imaging space in accordance with imaging. A fluorescent lamp is provided inside the strobe which constitutes the ceiling strobe unit 24, and also functions as illumination of the photographing space.

(Editor 12)
The editing unit 12 is a device that allows the user to perform editing control, which is processing for editing an image obtained by shooting control. The editing unit 12 is connected to the photographing unit 11 so that one side face 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 at the time of editing control.

  Assuming that the configuration of the editing unit 12 shown in FIG. 3 is the configuration on the front side, the configuration used for editing control is on the front side and the back side of the editing unit 12 so that two sets of users can edit simultaneously. Provided.

  The front side of the editing unit 12 is a surface perpendicular to the floor surface, and is composed of a surface 71 which is a surface substantially parallel to the side panel 42A, and a slope 72 formed above the surface 71. The configuration to be used is provided on the slope 72. On the left side of the slope 72, a support portion 73A having a columnar shape and supporting one end of the lighting device 74 is provided. A support portion 75 for supporting the curtain rail 26 is provided on the upper surface of the support portion 73A. On the right side of the slope 72, a support 73B (FIG. 4) for supporting the other end of the lighting device 74 is provided.

  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 U-shaped. One ends of the rails 26A and 26B provided in parallel are respectively fixed to the connecting portion 23A and the connecting portion 23B, and both ends of the remaining single rail 26C are joined to the other end.

  A curtain is attached to the curtain rail 26 so that the space in front of the front of the editing unit 12 and the space in front of the back can not be seen from the outside. The space in front of the front of the editing unit 12 and the space in front of the back surrounded by the curtain attached to the curtain rail 26 become an editing space where the user performs editing control.

(Post-service section 13)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the appearance of the photo sticker creating apparatus from another angle. The post-service unit 13 is a device that performs post-service and allows the user to perform an operation on the post-service. The after-sales service includes a process of transmitting an image (including an edited image) to the management server 4, a process of causing a user to play a mini game, a process of causing a questionnaire to be answered, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the post-service unit 13 has a plate-like housing having a predetermined thickness, and is connected to the editing unit 12 so that the rear surface is in contact with the left side surface of the editing unit 12. Provided. On the front of the post-service unit 13, a tablet built-in monitor used by the user at the time of operation for the post-service, and an outlet for discharging a sticker sheet on which an image (including an edited image) is printed are provided. The space in front of the front end of the after-sales service unit 13 is a post-sales service space where a user waiting for printing on the sticker sheet performs an operation for the after-sale service.

(Move user)
The flow of the photo sticker creation game and the movement of the user accompanying it will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the user.

  The user of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 is formed between the photographing unit 21 and the background 22 from the entrance G1 as shown by the white arrow # 1 or from the entrance G2 as shown by the white arrow # 2. The user enters the space A1 and performs shooting control using a camera and a touch panel monitor provided in the shooting unit 21.

  It should be noted that, in photographing the user's image, not all photographings are for photographing the image to be printed on the sticker sheet, but to transmit to the portable terminal 6 (or to be viewable on the portable terminal 6) There are also cases where the image is taken only for transmission to the management server 4). This is because the preference of the user may be different between the image to be printed and the image to be transmitted to the portable terminal 6, and when photographing by the user, it is desirable to perform imaging taking into consideration the transmission to the portable terminal 6 It corresponds to the user's intention.

  The user who has finished shooting control exits the shooting space A1 using the entrance G1 as indicated by the white arrow # 3 and moves to the editing space A2-1, or the entrance G2 as indicated by the white arrow # 4. It is used to move out of the shooting space A1 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. It is guided by the screen display of the touch panel monitor of the imaging unit 21 or the like which one of the editing space A2-1 and the editing space A2-2 to move to. For example, the free 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 control. The user of the editing space A2-1 and the user of the editing space A2-2 can simultaneously perform editing control.

  After the edit control ends, printing of an image selected from among the images (including the edited image) is started. While printing an image, the user who has finished editing control moves from editing space A2-1 to post-service space A3 as indicated by outlined arrow # 5 when editing control is performed in editing space A2-1. In response to the customer service, perform operations for the service customer. In addition, the user who finished the editing control moves from the editing space A2-2 to the post service space A3 as shown by the outlined arrow # 6 when the editing control is performed in the editing space A2-2, and the post service In the space A3, the post service is received, and the post service is operated.

  When the printing of the image is completed, the user receives the sticker sheet from the outlet provided in the post customer service unit 13, and finishes the series of photo sticker creation games.

(Configuration of each member)
Next, the configuration of each member provided in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 will be described.

(Shooting unit 21)
FIG. 6 is a view showing a configuration example of the photographing unit 21 provided in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. The imaging unit 21 is configured by attaching the front panel 41, the side panel 42A, and the side panel 42B to the base 43 having a box-like shape.

  The front panel 41 is located in front of the user performing imaging control in the imaging space A1, and the side panel 42A and the side panel 42B are located on the left and right sides of the user performing imaging control in the imaging space A1. The connecting portion 23A is fixed above the side panel 42A, and the connecting portion 23B is fixed above the side panel 42B.

  A photographing / display unit 81 is provided substantially at the 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 imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and captures an image of the user in the imaging 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 the user instructs shooting is stored as an image (still image).

  The touch panel monitor 93 provided on the lower side of the camera 91 is configured of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch panel stacked thereon. The touch panel monitor 93 has a function as a live view monitor for displaying a moving image captured by the camera 91 and a function for displaying various GUI (Graphical User Interface) images and accepting user's selection operation by the touch panel. There is. The touch panel monitor 93 appropriately displays a moving image after an image such as a background is synthesized.

  An upper strobe 82 is installed on the front panel 41 with the position of the photographing / display unit 81 as a reference. Further, the left strobe 83 is installed on the left side, and the right strobe 84 is installed on the right side. At a lower position of the photographing / display unit 81, a lower strobe 85 is provided so that the upper surface of the base portion 43 partially protrudes.

  The upper strobe 82 illuminates the user from the upper front. The left strobe 83 illuminates the user from the left front, and the right strobe 84 illuminates the user from the right front. The lower strobe 85 illuminates the user from the lower front.

  The base portion 43 is also provided with a foot strobe 86 for illuminating the foot of the user. Fluorescent lights are provided inside the upper strobe 82, the left strobe 83, the right strobe 84, the lower strobe 85, and the foot strobe 86, and they are taken together with the fluorescent lights inside the strobe constituting the ceiling strobe unit 24. It is used as illumination in the space A1. As described later, by adjusting the amount of light emission of each fluorescent lamp, or by adjusting the number of fluorescent lamps to be emitted, the brightness in the photographing space A1 corresponds to the content of photographing control performed by the user. It will be adjusted accordingly.

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

  Spaces 43A and 43B formed on the left and right of the upper surface of the base portion 43 with the lower strobe 85 interposed therebetween are used as luggage storages for the user who performs imaging control to place baggage and the like. In the vicinity of, for example, the ceiling of the front panel 41, a speaker for outputting sound such as guidance sound for shooting control, BGM (Back Ground Music), and sound effects is also provided.

(Background part 22)
FIG. 7 is a view showing a configuration example of the background portion 22 provided in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. As described above, the background curtain unit 25 is provided above the back panel 51. A rear central strobe 101 is mounted at substantially the center of the background curtain unit 25 for irradiating a user performing imaging control in the imaging space A1 from the rear center.

  A rear left strobe 102 is attached at a position above the rear panel 51 and on the side of the entrance / exit G1 for irradiating a user who is performing imaging control in the imaging space A1 from the rear left. In addition, a rear right strobe 103 is attached at a position above the rear panel 51 on the side of the entrance / exit G2 for irradiating a user performing imaging control in the imaging space A1 from the rear right.

(Editor 12)
FIG. 8 is a view showing a configuration example of the editing unit 12 provided in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. As shown in this figure, the tablet built-in monitor 131 is provided at the approximate center of the slope 72 in the editing unit 12. 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 pens 132A and 132B on a monitor such as an LCD. On the tablet built-in monitor 131, for example, an editing screen which is a screen used for editing the image selected as the 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.

  It should be noted that the editing of the image performed in the editing unit 12 is not limited to the editing for the image to be all printed, and an image that the user only assumes transmission to the portable terminal 6 (that is, an image not printed). It may be an edit to This is because the preference of the user is different between the image to be printed and the image to be transmitted to the portable terminal 6 and used on the web, and is printed, for example, for an image to be used for a blog etc. The image editing is intended to meet the user's intention to edit differently.

(Post-service section 13)
A post customer service unit 13 is provided on the left side of the editing unit 12. FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the after-sales service unit 13 provided in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1.

  A tablet built-in monitor 161 is provided at the upper center of the post-service unit 13. A touch pen 162A is provided on the left side of the tablet built-in monitor 161, and a touch pen 162B is provided on the right side. Similar to the tablet built-in monitor 131, the tablet built-in monitor 161 is also configured by superimposing a tablet capable of operation input using the touch pen 162A or 162B on a monitor such as an LCD. On the tablet built-in monitor 161, a screen used in the process of after-sales service such as a mini game is displayed.

  A noncontact IC reader / writer 163 is provided below the tablet built-in monitor 161, and a seal paper outlet 164 is provided below the noncontact IC reader / writer 163. A speaker 165 is provided below the sticker sheet outlet 164.

  The noncontact IC reader / writer 163 communicates with the proximity noncontact IC, reads data from the noncontact IC, and writes data to the noncontact IC.

  The sticker sheet discharge port 164 is a sticker sheet on which an image created by the user of the editing space A2-1 performs editing control, or an image created by the user of the editing space A2-2 performing editing control The sticker sheet on which the image is printed is discharged. A printer is provided inside the editing unit 12, and printing of an image is performed by the printer.

  The speaker 165 outputs sounds such as a guide voice, BGM, and sound effects at the time of post-service.

(Internal configuration of photo sticker creation device 1)
Next, an internal configuration of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

  The control unit 201 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, executes a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 206 or the storage unit 202, and controls the entire operation of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. A storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, a drive 204, a ROM 206, and a random access memory (RAM) 207 are connected to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 is also connected to the configurations of the imaging unit 21, the editing unit 12, the post-customer unit 13, and the printing unit 211.

  The storage unit 202 is made of 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. The information stored in the storage unit 202 is appropriately read 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 of the control unit 201.

  The drive 204 is appropriately attached with a removable medium 205 formed of an optical disk or a semiconductor memory. The computer program and data read from the removable medium 205 by the drive 204 are supplied to the control unit 201, and are stored in or installed in the storage unit 202.

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

  The imaging unit 21 performs processing related to imaging control of the user in the imaging space A1. The photographing unit 21 includes a coin processing unit 221, a background control unit 222, an illumination control unit 223, a camera 91, a touch panel monitor 93, and a speaker 224.

  The coin processing unit 221 detects the insertion of coins into the coin insertion and return port 87. For example, when detecting that a coin for a predetermined amount, such as 300 yen, has been inserted, the coin processing unit 221 outputs a start 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 in accordance with the background control signal supplied from the control unit 201. Selection of the background curtain may be made manually by the user.

  The illumination control unit 223 controls the light emission of each strobe in the imaging space A1 in accordance with the illumination control signal supplied from the control unit 201. As described above, in the shooting space A1, in addition to the strobes of the ceiling strobe unit 24, the upper strobe 82, the left strobe 83, the right strobe 84, the lower strobe 85, the foot strobe 86, and the background portion provided in the imaging unit 21. A rear center strobe 101, a rear left strobe 102, and a rear right strobe 103 are provided. Fluorescent lights are also provided inside each strobe.

  In addition, at the stage of photographing control performed by the user, the illumination control unit 223 adjusts the amount of light emission of the fluorescent lamps provided inside each strobe, or adjusts the number of fluorescent lamps to be emitted. The brightness in the shooting space A1 is adjusted accordingly.

  The camera 91 performs imaging under control of the control unit 201, and outputs an image (image) obtained by imaging to the control unit 201.

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

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

  The post customer service unit 13 performs processing on the post customer service in the post customer service space A3. The post-customer unit 13 includes a tablet built-in monitor 161, touch pens 162A and 162B, a noncontact IC reader / writer 163, and a speaker 165.

  The printing unit 211 includes a printer 241 that is configured to perform printing control, and a sticker sheet unit 242. The printer 241 prints an image or an edited image obtained by edit control by the user on a seal sheet stored in the seal sheet unit 242 mounted on the printer 241 and discharges the sheet to the seal sheet outlet 164. . The post-service unit 13 and the printing unit 211, which are shown surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line, are configured to perform processing regarding post-service with the user in the post-service space A3.

  In addition to printing the photographed image (or edited image) on the sticker sheet, the printing unit 211 acquires the image transmitted to the management server 4 outside the margin (such as the end of the sticker sheet) in the process related to printing control. You may print URL (Uniform Resource Locator), and seal | sticker ID (ID for image acquisition) etc. The seal ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying one or a plurality of images (including a photographed image and an edited image) generated in one game in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1, and the user is in one game It is an identifier for acquiring the generated image. The user accesses the URL for acquiring the image, and inputs the seal ID, whereby the web page (image acquisition page) for acquiring the image generated during one game in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 is displayed. It can be displayed on the portable terminal 6.

  This is because, for example, when receiving an input of an e-mail address from the user in the after-sales service unit 13 or the like, the correct address can not be received due to timeout or mistake input, and information such as a URL for acquiring an image is transmitted to the user This is in order to enable the user to acquire an image by accessing the URL printed on the sticker sheet and inputting the sticker ID if the printing can not be performed.

  The printing unit 211 may print, for example, a predetermined e-mail address or a QR code (registered trademark) instead of the URL as the information for acquiring the image. When a predetermined e-mail address is printed, the user receives an e-mail including a URL for acquiring an image from the management server 4 by transmitting a blank e-mail to the predetermined e-mail address. Can. When the QR code is printed on the sticker sheet, the user can also directly access the image acquisition page by accessing the web page indicated by the QR code using the portable terminal 6.

(Configuration of control unit)
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the control unit 201 provided in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. As shown in this figure, the control unit 201 includes a communication control unit 311, a photographing control unit 312, an editing control unit 313, a print control unit 314, and a post customer service control unit 315.

  The communication control unit 311 controls communication with an external device by the communication unit 203.

  The photographing control unit 312 relates to the photographing control of the user in the photograph sticker creating game, such as processing concerning the charge to be inserted when starting the photograph sticker creating game by the photographing unit 21 and photographing the user group according to the photographing control of the user. Control the process. The imaging control unit 312 can also generate date and time information related to the date and time when the image was captured.

  The editing control unit 313 controls processing related to editing control of the user in the photo sticker creating game, such as graffiti editing of an image by the editing unit 12A and the editing unit 12B.

  The print control unit 314 controls processing related to print control of the user in the photo sticker creation game, such as printing of a sticker sheet by the printing unit 211.

  The post customer service control unit 315 controls processing relating to the post customer service in the photo sticker creating game, such as processing by the post customer service unit 13 to service the user group who has finished the editing work.

(Management server 4)
Next, details of the management server 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the management server 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the management server 4 mainly includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, and a communication unit 403. The control unit 401 centrally controls each member provided in the management server 4. The storage unit 402 stores various data used in the management server 4. The communication unit 403 communicates with other devices constituting the captured image management system 10.

(Details of the control unit 401)
As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 401 includes a communication control unit 411, a mail creation unit 412, a web page creation unit 413, and an image management unit 414.

(Communication control unit 411)
The communication control unit 411 controls communication by the communication unit 403.

(E-mail creation unit 412)
The email creation unit 412 creates an email to be sent to the email address of the user who has played with the photo sticker creation apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, using the data stored in the mail database 421, the mail creation unit 412 creates a mail for guiding storage of an image, which is sent to the email address input from the communication control unit 411. , And output to the communication control unit 411.

(Web page creation unit 413)
The web page creation unit 413 creates a web page to be displayed on the mobile terminal 6. In the present embodiment, the web page creation unit 413 creates a web page corresponding to the access request received from the portable terminal 6 using the data stored in the web page database 423, and outputs the web page to the communication control unit 411. . Although the details will be described later, the web page creation unit 413 creates a web page according to the membership type of the user.

  In the following, “page” means, for example, data such as a web page for the management server 4 to transmit and display on a communication terminal such as the portable terminal 6 or the like. The page usually includes text data and image data, and may further include audio data and moving image data.

(Image management unit 414)
The image management unit 414 manages an image provided to the user through the image providing site. In the present embodiment, the image management unit 414 stores the image designated by the user in the image database 424 among the images created by the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1.

(Details of storage unit 402)
As shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 402 has a mail database 421, a member database 422, a web page database 423, and an image database 424.

(Mail database 421)
The mail database 421 stores various data for creating a mail to be sent to the user.

(Member database 422)
The member database 422 stores various information regarding the user who is a member of the image providing site. In the present embodiment, the member database 422 stores information (user identification information) for identifying a user who uses the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 for each user. The user identification information may include, for example, a member ID of the user, an e-mail address, a nickname, a date of birth, an address, a membership attribute, an admission date, and a terminal ID of a portable terminal owned by the user. Moreover, as a member attribute, for example, paid members and free members can be listed.

(Web page database 423)
The web page database 423 stores various data for creating a web page of the image providing site displayed on the portable terminal 6.

(Image database 424)
The image database 424 stores an image instructed by the user to be stored in the image providing site among the images of the user created by the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. In the image database 424, images are stored separately for each user registered in the member database 422 as a member.

  Although not shown, the storage unit 402 also has a temporary storage database for temporarily storing data such as an image received from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1.

(Details of the communication unit 403)
In the present embodiment, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 and the portable terminal 6 are communication partners of the communication unit 403. Under the control of the communication control unit 411, the communication unit 403 receives data from another device or transmits data to another device.

(Portable terminal 6)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the portable terminal 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the portable terminal 6 mainly includes a control unit 601, a storage unit 602, a communication unit 603, an input unit 604, and a display unit 605. The control unit 601 centrally controls each member provided in the mobile terminal 6. The storage unit 602 stores various data used in the mobile terminal 6. The portable terminal 6 communicates with other devices constituting the photographed image management system 10. The input unit 604 is a device such as a touch panel for the user to input information to the portable terminal 6. The display unit 605 is a device for displaying information, such as a liquid crystal display device.

(Details of control unit 601)
As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 601 includes a communication control unit 611, an input control unit 612, and a display control unit 613.

  The communication control unit 611 controls communication by the communication unit 603. The input control unit 612 controls information input in the input unit 604. The display control unit 613 controls information display on the display unit 605. For example, when the display control unit 613 outputs the web page input from the communication control unit 611 to the display unit 605, the web page can be displayed on the display unit 605.

(Member registration process)
In the photographed image management system 10, a user who is registered as a member of the image providing site can save the photographed image in the image providing site. The user registers himself as a free member in the image providing site in accordance with a predetermined procedure. The procedure will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a screen transition diagram showing an example of the web page displayed on the display unit 605 of the portable terminal 6 at the time of member registration processing.

  The user accesses the image providing site using the portable terminal 6 in order to register as a member on the image providing site. As a result, the top page 1001 of the image providing site as shown in (a) of FIG. 13 is displayed on the display unit 605 of the portable terminal 6. The top page 1001 at least includes a link image 1002 for proceeding with a member login process, and a link image 1003 for proceeding with a free member registration process.

  The user operates the input unit 604 of the mobile terminal 6 to select the link image 1003 for proceeding with the free member registration. As a result, the portable terminal 6 communicates with the management server 4, and as a result, the web page 1011 for free member registration as shown in FIG. 13B is displayed on the display unit 605.

  The web page 1011 has an input form 1012 for inputting information (user identification information) for identifying a user who is registered as a free member, and a link image 1013 for transmitting the input user identification information to the management server 4 At least including. The user operates the input unit 604 of the portable terminal 6 to input various personal information such as the user's member ID, password, and e-mail address into the input form 1012 as user identification information. The user selects the link image 1013 after completing the input of the user identification information. Accordingly, the portable terminal 6 transmits user identification information to the management server 4 and requests the management server 4 for free member registration of the user.

  The communication control unit 411 of the management server 4 receives the user identification information transmitted from the portable terminal 6 through the communication unit 403. The communication control unit 411 outputs the received user identification information to the mail creation unit 412 and instructs the mail creation unit 412 to create a member registration email. In response to this instruction, the mail creation unit 412 creates a member registration email 1021 as shown in (c) of FIG. The member registration mail 1021 is a mail addressed to the mail address included in the received user identification information, and includes a URL 1022 to a web page indicating completion of the free member registration. The mail creation unit 412 outputs the created member registration email 1021 to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 transmits the input member registration mail 1021 to the user's mail address via the communication unit 403.

  The portable terminal 6 receives the transmitted member registration mail 1021 and displays it on the display unit 605. The user confirms the displayed member registration mail 1021 and selects the URL 1022. Thereby, the portable terminal 6 requests the management server 4 for the web page specified by the URL 1022.

  In response to this request, the management server 4 completes the free member registration. Specifically, the management server 4 creates an account area for the user (storage area for storing member-specific data) in the member database 422, and stores the user identification information in the account area. At this time, information indicating that the user is a free member is added to the account area. Finally, the management server 4 creates a web page indicating that the free member registration has been completed, and transmits the web page to the mobile terminal 6.

  The user can log in to the image providing site by inputting a member ID and a password after the registration of the free member, and can register itself as a paid member in the image providing site by performing a predetermined procedure. After completion of the registration, information indicating that the user is a pay member is added to the account area of the user.

(Flow of service)
Next, details of the flow of service provided by the captured image management system 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of a series of processes from photographing to image storage in the photographed image management system 10.

(photography)
As shown in FIG. 14, the user starts playing the game on the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 (step S1). Specifically, the user stands in front of the front panel 41 of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 and inserts a coin of a charge necessary for playing the game into the coin insertion and return port 87. Based on the signal supplied from the coin processing unit 221, the photographing control unit 312 determines whether a coin for a predetermined amount has been inserted.

  If it is determined that the image has been inserted, the imaging control unit 312 controls the imaging unit 21 to cause the moving image of the subject captured by the camera 91 to be displayed on the touch panel monitor 93 in live view, and according to the imaging control by the user The user who is present is photographed as a subject (step S2). This photographing control is performed a plurality of times within the photographing processing time.

  Note that, as processing in shooting control, shooting may be performed a predetermined number of times as shooting of an image for transmission to the portable terminal 6 instead of shooting of an image for printing on a sticker sheet. In this case, as an image suitable for transmission to the portable terminal 6, an image obtained by chroma synthesis of a combining image and an image subjected to image processing such as filtering processing by a color filter are created at the time of shooting. Sometimes.

  After completion of photographing, the photographing control unit 312 guides the user in the photographing space A1 to move to the editing space A2-1 or the editing space A2-2. This guidance is performed by displaying a guidance screen on the touch panel monitor 93 of the imaging unit 21 or by outputting voice guidance from the speaker 224.

(edit a picture)
After the end of the guidance, the editing control unit 313 controls the editing unit 12 corresponding to the editing space of the moving destination of the user who has finished the photographing control among the editing space A2-1 and the editing space A2-2. Causes the editing unit 12 to edit the image (step S3). Specifically, the editing control unit 313 causes the user to select a combining image to be combined with the image selected or acquired as the image to be edited, and combines the selected combining image with the image. The composite image is edited in accordance with the editing operation by the user. Further, as an editing process for an image to be transmitted to the portable terminal 6, for example, a process of trimming an image to a predetermined size, a filtering process by a color filter, and a process such as a collage combining process of finishing a plurality of images as one image You can also do

  After the end of the editing, the editing control unit 313 guides the user who has finished editing control in the editing space A2-1 or the editing space A2-2 to guide the movement to the post-service space A3. This guidance is performed by displaying a guidance screen on the tablet built-in monitor 131 or by outputting a guidance voice from the speaker 231.

(Photo sticker printing)
After the end of the guidance, the print control unit 314 outputs the image selected by the user to the printer 241 and causes the printer 241 to print the image (step S4). When the printing is completed, the post customer service control unit 315 causes the tablet built-in monitor 161 to display the fact that the printing is completed, and the printer 241 can obtain an image from the management server 4 and the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 in the same procedure. The sticker ID created in the photo sticker creation apparatus 1 and the image acquisition information (URL of the image acquisition site or the e-mail address for acquisition, etc.) are printed in the margin, and a predetermined image is printed in the center The sealed sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge port 164.

(Post-service customer service)
During printing, the post customer service control unit 315 controls the post customer service unit 13 to control processing related to post customer service for the user waiting for printing completion (step S5). Specifically, the post customer service control unit 315 controls processing for transmitting an image (including an edited image) in the photo sticker creating game to the management server 4 as processing regarding the post customer service by the post customer service unit 13 . At that time, the post customer service control unit 315 causes the tablet built-in monitor 161 to display an input screen of an e-mail address for inputting an e-mail address of the user who played the game and a selection screen of an image to be transmitted. The user uses the touch pen 162A or the touch pen 162B to input a currently used e-mail address and select an image to be transmitted to the management server 4.

(Image transmission)
The communication control unit 311 transmits the input e-mail address and the selected image or the image determined as the transmission target by the control unit 201 to the management server 4 through the communication unit 203 (step S6). At this time, an identifier (image ID) for uniquely identifying the image is associated with the image transmitted. The communication unit 403 of the management server 4 receives the mail address, the image, and the image ID transmitted from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 (step S7), and outputs the mail control unit 411 to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 stores the received image in a temporary storage database (not shown) of the storage unit 402. Data such as stored images are continuously stored in the temporary storage database until a predetermined time limit has passed, and are automatically deleted from the temporary storage database when the time limit has elapsed.

  The communication control unit 311 may transmit all the images to the management server 4 in consideration of the case where the user becomes a pay member in the future, in addition to the predetermined number of images selected by the user. In this way, the user can acquire all the images taken in the free membership state when the user becomes a paid member on the site after shooting in the free membership state.

(Creating and sending a guidance email)
The communication control unit 411 outputs the received e-mail address and image ID to the e-mail creating unit 412. The e-mail creating unit 412 creates a guidance e-mail that is sent to the e-mail address received from the communication control unit 411 and guides the user to save the image. The procedure is as follows. The mail creation unit 412 outputs the image ID to the web page creation unit 413 and requests the web page creation unit 413 to generate a URL 1102 indicating a web page for storing the image specified by the image ID. The web page creation unit 413 creates the requested URL 1102 and outputs it to the mail creation unit 412.

  The email creation unit 412 acquires data for creating a guidance email from the email database 421. Then, using the data, the URL 1102 and the user's e-mail address, the guidance e-mail 1101 shown in FIG. 15A is created. In the text of the guide mail 1101, a URL 1102 is described. The email creation unit 412 outputs the created guidance email 1101 to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 transmits the guidance e-mail 1101 to the user's e-mail address via the communication unit 403 (step S8).

  Note that even if the email creation unit 412 transmits a guide email including a URL indicating a web page that only the user is required to input the seal ID, instead of the web page that combines the image ID and the image related to the image ID. Good. In this case, the management server 4 receives the input of the seal ID printed outside the margin of the sticker sheet from the portable terminal 6 on the web page indicated by the URL included in the guidance mail, and is transmitted to the management server 4 You may make it display an image.

(Request and Send Web Page for Image Storage)
The communication unit 603 of the portable terminal 6 receives the transmitted guide mail 1101 (step S 9), and outputs it to the communication control unit 611. The communication control unit 611 outputs the input guide mail 1101 to the display control unit 613. The display control unit 613 outputs the input guidance mail 1101 to the display unit 605. The user confirms the guide mail 1101 displayed on the display unit 605, and selects the URL 1102 using the input unit 604 in order to store the image in the image providing site (step S10).

  The input control unit 612 receives the selection input in the input unit 604, and notifies the communication control unit 611 that the URL 1102 has been selected. In response to this, the communication control unit 611 requests the management server 4 for a web page corresponding to the selected URL 1102. The specific procedure is as follows. The communication control unit 611 acquires the member ID of the user stored in the storage unit 602, and transmits a predetermined request including the member ID and requesting provision of a web page to the management server 4 through the communication unit 603.

  The communication control unit 411 receives the transmitted request through the communication unit 403 (step S11), and outputs the received request to the web page generation unit 413. The web page creation unit 413 determines the membership type of the user by querying the membership database 422 for the membership ID included in the request (step S12). In the present embodiment, the web page creation unit 413 determines whether the user is a free member or a paid member, and creates a web page according to the determination result. When it is determined that the user is a free member, the web page creation unit 413 creates a web page 1103 for the free member to save the image as shown in FIG. 15 (b). On the other hand, when it is determined that the user is a pay member, a pay member creates a web page 1107 for storing an image as shown in FIG. 15 (c).

  As shown in FIG. 15B, the web page 1103 has one thumbnail image 1104, a link image 1105 prompting the user to register a pay member, and a link image 1106 for storing one image at the image providing site. Contains. If the user is a free member, there is one image that can be stored, so the thumbnail image 1104 is a thumbnail of the one image. The single image is an image selected by the user in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of images, the thumbnail image 1104 is a thumbnail of one of the plurality of images.

  As shown in FIG. 15C, the web page 1107 includes one thumbnail image 1104 and a link image 1108 for storing all the images.

  In this example, since the user is a free member, the web page creation unit 413 creates a web page 1103 for the free member. The web page creation unit 413 outputs the created web page 1103 to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 transmits the input web page 1103 to the portable terminal 6 through the communication unit 403 (step S13).

(Save image)
The portable terminal 6 receives the web page 1103 through the communication unit 603 (step S14). The web page 1103 is output to the display control unit 613 via the communication control unit 611. The display control unit 613 outputs the input web page 1103 to the display unit 605. The user confirms the web page 1103 displayed on the display unit 605. When the user is a free member, even if there are a plurality of images, any one of them can be stored in the image providing site. When the user wants to save one image, the user selects the link image 1106 through the input unit 604. The image to be stored is not limited to the image selected as the image to be transmitted to the portable terminal 6 in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1, and for example, the portable terminal 6 accessing the image providing site is designated as the image to be stored. It may be an image.

  The input control unit 612 receives the selection input in the input unit 604, and notifies the communication control unit 611 that the link image 1106 has been selected. In response to this, the communication control unit 611 transmits an image storage instruction to the management server 4 (step S15).

  The communication control unit 411 receives the transmitted storage instruction through the communication unit 403 (step S16). Thus, the communication control unit 411 instructs the image management unit 414 to save the image. In response to the instruction, the image management unit 414 stores the image of the user stored in the temporary storage database in the image database 424 in association with the member ID of the user (step S17). At that time, if there is only one image, the image is stored. On the other hand, if there are a plurality of images, one of them (for example, an image corresponding to the thumbnail image 1104) is stored. This completes the series of processes shown in FIG.

  The user who is a free member selects the link image 1105 when he wants to save all the images. In this case, a series of processing for pay member registration is performed in the photographed image management system 10. Then, when the registration is completed, all the images are stored in the image database 424 in association with the member ID of the user.

  In addition, the storage processing when the user is a pay member is essentially the same as the storage processing for the free member described above. However, the user selects the link image 1108 included in the web page 1107. Thus, the management server 4 stores all the images in the image storage area of the user in the image database 424. The selection of the images to be stored by the user (one image for a free member, all images for a paid member) may be accepted in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. In this case, the image management unit 414 may store the image selected in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 in the image database 424.

(Image storage to mobile terminal 6)
The flow of processing when saving an image stored in the image providing site to the portable terminal 6 of the user will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of a series of processes related to image storage on the portable terminal 6 in the photographed image management system 10. FIG. 17 is a screen transition diagram showing an example of a web page displayed on the display unit 605 of the portable terminal 6 at the time of image storage processing on the portable terminal 6.

  The user accesses the image providing site to log in to the image providing site. As a result, the top page 1001 of the image providing site as shown in FIG. 17A is displayed on the display unit 605 of the portable terminal 6. The user operates the input unit 604 of the portable terminal 6 to select the link image 1002 for proceeding with the member login process to the image providing site. The input control unit 612 receives this selection operation, and notifies the communication control unit 611 that the link image 1002 has been selected. Thus, the communication control unit 611 reads the member ID and password of the user from the storage unit 602, transmits it to the management server 4 through the communication unit 603, and requests the management server 4 to log in to the image providing site (step S21). . Note that, when the link image 1002 is selected, the communication control unit 611 may acquire a web page for inputting a member ID and a password of the user. In this case, the management server 4 may receive the input of the member ID and the password on the web page.

  The communication control unit 411 of the management server 4 receives this request through the communication unit 403 (step S22). Next, the communication control unit 411 outputs the received member ID and password to the web page creation unit 413 and instructs the web page creation unit 413 to create the member top page 1031.

  The web page creation unit 413 determines whether the user is registered as a member in the image providing site by collating the input member ID and password with the member database 422. If it is determined that it is registered, data for generating the member top page 1031 is acquired from the web page database 423. The web page generation unit 413 generates a member top page 1031 as shown in FIG. 17B using the data and outputs the member top page 1031 to the communication control unit 411. The member top page 1031 includes a link image 1032 for displaying a list of images of the user stored in the image providing site. The communication control unit 411 transmits the member top page 1031 to the portable terminal 6 through the communication unit 403 (step S23).

  The communication control unit 611 of the mobile terminal 6 receives the member top page 1031 through the communication unit 603. The communication control unit 611 outputs the received member top page 1031 to the display control unit 613. The display control unit 613 outputs the member top page 1031 to the display unit 605. As a result, the member top page 1031 is displayed on the display unit 605 (step S24).

  The user operates the input unit 604 of the portable terminal 6 to select the link image 1032 (step S25). The input control unit 612 receives this selection operation and notifies the communication control unit 611 that the link image 1032 has been selected. Accordingly, the communication control unit 611 transmits a request for providing a web page including a list of images of the user stored in the image providing site to the management server 4 through the communication unit 603.

  The communication control unit 411 of the management server 4 receives the transmitted request through the communication unit 403 (step S26). Next, the communication control unit 411 instructs the web page generation unit 413 to generate an image list page 1041 including a list of images of the user stored in the image database 424.

  The web page generation unit 413 acquires data for generating the image list page 1041 from the web page database 423. The web page generation unit 413 generates an image list page 1041 as shown in FIG. 17C by using data and referring to all images of the user stored in the image database 424, and the communication control unit Output to 411. The image list page 1041 includes a plurality of thumbnail images 1042 individually representing all the images of the user stored in the image database 424. The communication control unit 411 transmits the image list page 1041 to the portable terminal 6 through the communication unit 403 (step S27).

  The communication control unit 611 of the portable terminal 6 receives the image list page 1041 through the communication unit 603. The communication control unit 611 outputs the received image list page 1041 to the display control unit 613. The display control unit 613 outputs the image list page 1041 to the display unit 605. As a result, the image list page 1041 is displayed on the display unit 605 (step S28).

  The user operates the input unit 604 of the portable terminal 6 to select a thumbnail image 1042 corresponding to an image to be stored in the portable terminal 6 among the thumbnail images 1042 being displayed (step S29). In response to the selection operation, the input control unit 612 notifies the communication control unit 611 that the thumbnail image 1042 has been selected. Thus, the communication control unit 611 transmits a request for providing an image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image 1042 to the management server 4 through the communication unit 603.

  The communication control unit 411 of the management server 4 receives the transmitted request through the communication unit 403 (step S30). Next, the communication control unit 411 instructs the image management unit 414 to output, to the communication control unit 411, an image of the user whose provision has been requested from the portable terminal 6.

  The image management unit 414 acquires the instructed image from the image database 424 and outputs the acquired image to the communication control unit 411. The communication control unit 411 transmits the input image to the portable terminal 6 through the communication unit 403 (step S31).

  The communication control unit 611 of the portable terminal 6 receives the transmitted image through the communication unit 603, and stores the received image in the storage unit 602 (step S32). Thus, the image storage process on the portable terminal 6 is completed.

  In the above description, the configuration in which the mobile terminal 6 acquires an image by logging in to the image providing site is described as an example, but in the present embodiment, an image can also be acquired using a seal ID. . For example, the portable terminal 6 accesses the web page indicated by the URL printed on the sticker sheet (or the URL included in the guidance e-mail), and receives the entry operation of the sticker ID by the user, the image acquisition page Access to

  At this time, the page for image acquisition is an image specified by the seal ID when the user is a pay member, and the user displays a list of all the images generated during one game so that the user can select In the case of a free member, only one image among all the images specified by the seal ID may be displayed as a list selectable by the user. Further, when the user is a free member, the image acquisition page may display only one image selected in advance in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1. Although it is preferable that only the edited image is listed and displayed on the image acquisition page, for example, if there is a photographed image in which the edited image is not generated, the edited image and the photographed image in which the edited image is not generated. The images may be displayed in a list, or all of the edited image and the captured image may be displayed in a list, and the present invention is not particularly limited.

  The portable terminal 6 acquires an image selected by the user from among the images displayed in a list on the image acquisition page from the management server 4 and stores the image in the storage unit 602. When the user is a pay member, the portable terminal 6 manages all the images displayed in a list without accepting the user's selection operation on the images displayed in a list on the image acquisition page. , And may be stored in the storage unit 602.

(Image sharing and restrictions)
The sharing of the image (including the edited image) generated in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 and the restriction thereof in the photographed image management system 10 (image management system) will be described below. In the present specification, “sharing” refers to a case where a user who has taken a certain image using the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 with another user (friend) other than the certain user. It means sharing the certain image.

  As a method of sharing an image with a friend, for example, (1) a method of copying and storing an image stored in an account area of a user in the management server 4 also in the account area of a friend (2) A method of making it possible to view an image stored in a certain user's account area from a friend's account, (3) A picture stored in a certain user's account area as a friend's portable terminal 6 (terminal device), (4) a method of transferring an image stored in a portable terminal 6 of a certain user to the portable terminal 6 of a friend, and the like.

  Further, the image generated in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 is stored in the image database 424 of the management server 4 and is encrypted so that browsing can not be performed simply by accessing the management server 4 by the portable terminal 6. It is also good. In this case, after executing an application for viewing the image on the portable terminal 6 (hereinafter, also described as an application for viewing the image), the management server 4 is accessed, and the encrypted image is viewed by the image viewing application By decoding by the function, it is possible to browse the image generated in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 using the portable terminal 6.

  As described above, processing for accessing the management server 4 from the portable terminal 6 and storing the image generated in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 and processing for storing the image stored in the management server 4 in the portable terminal 6 Etc. can also be realized by executing the image viewing application.

(Photo sticker creation device)
As described above, the photographing control unit 312 and the editing control unit 313 function as an image generation unit that generates an image. Further, the control unit 201 of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 also functions as a flag adding unit that associates a flag (hereinafter, also described as a copy restriction flag) for restricting copying of the image with each generated image. Then, the communication control unit 311 (communication unit) transmits the image and the copy restriction flag to the management server 4 via the communication unit 203. The copy restriction flag does not completely prohibit sharing of the image associated with the copy restriction flag, and in order to determine whether or not sharing is possible according to the member attribute (paying member, free member) of the user who instructs sharing May be used. For example, when the user is a pay member, it is determined that the user is a user having a predetermined authority, and copying of the image associated with the copy restriction flag may be permitted (that is, in the case of a free member) Does not allow duplication of images).

  In addition, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 may prompt the user to input member information such as an e-mail address and a member ID, for example, in a post service processing in the post service unit 13 or the like. In this case, the control unit 201 temporarily stores information for determining the chargeable members and free members stored in the management server in the RAM 207 or the like, and the user attributes of the user based on the input member information. Determine Furthermore, the control unit 201 may be configured to add the copy restriction flag to the image when the member attribute is determined, and not to add the copy restriction flag to the image when the member attribute is not determined. The input of the member information may be received by, for example, the photographing unit 21 and the editing unit 12, and is not particularly limited. In addition, the control unit 201 may add a copy restriction flag on the assumption that all users are free members without accepting the input of the member ID.

  Furthermore, the control unit 201 may be configured to add a copy restriction flag to the image according to the determination result of the member attribute. For example, by adding the copy restriction flag only when it is determined that the member is a pay member, it is possible to limit the copy of the image of the pay member, so that the image is copied despite the intention of the pay member. You can prevent. In addition, by adding the copy restriction flag only when it is determined that the member is a free member, while it is possible to restrict the copy of the image of the free member while permitting the copy of the image of the pay member, the free member can More flexible services can be provided. The copy restriction flag added in the control unit 201 may be correctable in the management server 4. In this case, for example, when the user acquires an image from the image acquisition site, the member attribute of the user is determined with reference to the member database 422 of the management server 4, and the copy restriction flag is corrected according to the determination result. Just do it.

(Management server)
The communication control unit 411 of the management server 4 receives the image and the copy restriction flag associated with the image from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 through the communication unit 403, and supplies the received image and the copy restriction flag to the image management unit 414. Do.

  The image management unit 414 encrypts the image received from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1, associates the encrypted image with the copy restriction flag, and stores the image in the image database 424. Here, a configuration in which the image management unit 414 encrypts an image is described as an example, but the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 may be configured to acquire an image that has been previously encrypted. The image data indicating the image and the copy restriction flag may be separate separate data, but of course, the header of the image data in which the copy restriction flag indicates the image (specifically, according to the format of the image It may be included in the header part holding character information.

  The image management unit 414 may store predetermined image management information managed for each image in the management table together with image data indicating each image. In this case, the image management unit 414 may store the copy restriction flag acquired from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 in the predetermined image management information, and then store the copy restriction flag together with the image data in the management table.

  Further, the image management unit 414 is stored in the account area dedicated to the user of the portable terminal 6 in the image database 424 for the portable terminal 6 that accesses the image providing site of the management server 4 by executing the image viewing application. Provide data to browse the image. The portable terminal 6 can display the image in a viewable manner by decrypting the encrypted image based on the data.

  Furthermore, when a notification to the effect of requesting sharing of an image is received from the image management unit 414 and the portable terminal 6, sharing is performed in the account area of another user (friend) who is the other party of the sharing specified in the notification. The image sharing is realized by duplicating the target image (sharing target image). In other words, the image management unit 414 also functions as an image copying unit that generates an image (replicated image) managed as an image of another user from an image managed as an image of the user of the portable terminal 6.

  Here, when the control unit 401 receives a notification from the mobile terminal 6 to request sharing of an image, the control unit 401 determines whether the user is a pay member from the membership attribute of the user of the mobile terminal 6. If the control unit 401 determines that the member is a pay member, the web page creation unit 413 includes a list of images (including images associated with the copy restriction flag) stored in the account area of the user. Generate an image list page.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 401 determines that the member is a free member, the web page creation unit 413 includes only the image not associated with the copy restriction flag among the images stored in the account area of the user. Generate an image list page. Also, in this case, the web page creation unit 413 generates an image list page that displays the images not associated with the copy restriction flag in a selectable manner and displays the images associated with the copy restriction flag in an unselectable manner. You may In other words, among the images managed as the image of the user of the portable terminal 6, the control unit 401 copies the image associated with the copy restriction flag when the user of the portable terminal 6 is a free member. It also functions as a limiting control means.

  In addition, although the web page preparation part 413 demonstrates the structure which produces | generates the image list page according to the member attribute of a user here, it is not limited to this as an example. For example, the communication control unit 411 transmits the image stored in the image database 424 to the portable terminal 6 according to the user's membership information (sends an image associated with the copy restriction flag only when the member is a paid member) Etc.) may be configured. Also, the communication control unit 411 may transmit all the images to the portable terminal 6 regardless of the user's membership information.

  Furthermore, when the copy restriction flag is not added to the image acquired from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1, the control unit 401 may function as a flag adding unit that adds the copy restriction flag to the acquired image. . In this case, the control unit 401 adds the copy restriction flag to the image when the member attribute is determined, and does not add the copy restriction flag to the image when the member attribute is not determined. It is also good. After adding the copy restriction flag, the control unit 401 stores the image acquired from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 in the image database 424.

  The control unit 401 can also add a copy restriction flag to the image according to the determination result of the member attribute. For example, by adding the copy restriction flag only when it is determined that the member is a pay member, it is possible to limit the copy of the image of the pay member, so that the image is copied despite the intention of the pay member. You can prevent. In addition, by adding the copy restriction flag only when it is determined that the member is a free member, while it is possible to restrict the copy of the image of the free member while permitting the copy of the image of the pay member, the free member can More flexible services can be provided.

  In addition, when the control unit 401 acquires an image from the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1, the control unit 401 combines member information such as an e-mail address and a member ID for which an input has been received from the user in You just need to get it. Thus, the control unit 401 can determine the membership attribute of the user from the membership information acquired together with the image.

  In addition, when the e-mail address and the member ID are associated with each other, the control unit 401 may determine the member attribute of the user by the e-mail address. Furthermore, the control unit 401 periodically transmits information for determining the membership attribute of the user to the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 so that the photo sticker creation is performed each time the membership attribute is determined in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 The device 1 may not need to communicate with the management server 4.

(Mobile terminal)
The input control unit 612 of the portable terminal 6 receives an execution instruction of the image viewing application performed by the user operating the input unit 604. When the input control unit 612 receives an instruction to execute the image viewing application, the control unit 601 executes the image viewing application.

  The communication control unit 611 accesses the image providing site provided by the management server through the communication unit 603 when the image viewing application is executed in the control unit 601.

  The display control unit 613 displays the image stored in the account area dedicated to the user of the portable terminal 6 in the image database 424 of the management server 4 on the display unit 605 in a viewable manner.

  Further, the image stored in the storage unit 602 by the process shown in FIG. 16 is encrypted as in the case of the image stored in the management server 4. For this reason, when browsing the image stored in the storage unit 602, it is necessary to execute the image browsing application as in the case of browsing the image stored in the management server 4. Preferably, the image viewing application is an application that can refer to and hold a key that combines encrypted image data (in other words, a predetermined program that operates on a predetermined portable terminal).

  The input control unit 612 (instruction receiving unit) receives, through the input unit 604, a copy instruction to copy an image managed as an image of the user of the portable terminal 6 as an image managed by another user. In addition, the display control unit 613 (display control unit) sets at least one of the image stored in the account area of the user of the management server 4 and the image stored in the storage unit 602 as a target of the copy instruction. An image to be a candidate is displayed on the display unit 605.

  At this time, when the control unit 601 determines that the member is a pay member, the display control unit 613 displays the image (including the image associated with the copy restriction flag) stored in the storage unit 602. A list may be displayed in 605. On the other hand, when the control unit 601 determines that the member is a free member, the display control unit 613 displays only the images not associated with the copy restriction flag among the images stored in the storage unit 602. List on Further, in this case, the display control unit 613 causes the display unit 605 to display a list of images that can not be associated with the copy restriction flag in a selectable manner and a list that can not select the images that are associated with the copy restriction flag. You may display it. In this case, the control unit 601 also functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the user is a pay member from the membership attribute of the user of the mobile terminal 6.

(Image sharing process between accounts)
Next, among the images stored in the account area of a certain user of the image database 424 of the management server 4, the image associated with the copy restriction flag is also stored in the account of the other user, thereby sharing the image. A flow of processing (image sharing processing between accounts) at the time of processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing a sequence of image sharing processing between accounts in the captured image management system 10.

  The following image sharing processing is performed by executing the image browsing application in the control unit 601 of the portable terminal 6 and using the image sharing function of the image browsing application.

When the mobile terminal 6 executes the image viewing application, it receives an instruction to access the image providing site provided by the management server 4 and is accessed by the user operating the input unit 604, and accesses the image providing site. A log-in request for sending is sent to the management server 4 (step S101). When the management server 4 receives a log-in request for accessing the image providing site from the portable terminal 6 (step S102), the management server 4 determines the member attribute of the user from the member ID and the password received together with the log-in request. The membership attributes of the user include paid members and free members. Then, the management server 4 transmits a member top page according to the determination result (step S103), and the portable terminal 6 displays the member top page on the display unit 605 (step S104).
Then, upon receiving a user operation of selecting the storage box (link image 1032 shown in FIG. 17B) displayed on the member top page (step S105), the communication control unit 611 stores the image in the image providing site. A request for provision of a web page including a list of images of the user is transmitted to the management server 4 through the communication unit 603 (step S106).

  Note that the main processing of steps S101 to S108 shown in FIG. 18 is the same as the processing of steps S21 to S28 shown in FIG. 16, and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted here. By executing the processing of steps S101 to S108, the display unit 605 of the portable terminal 6 displays an image (including an image associated with the copy restriction flag) stored in the account area of the user in the image database 424. The thumbnail images corresponding to are displayed in a list (step S108).

  Here, when the logged-in user is a pay member, the thumbnail images displayed in a list can share the corresponding images, even when the copy restriction flag is associated with the corresponding image. Listed (in other words, selectable for sharing). On the other hand, when the logged-in user is a free member, the thumbnail images displayed in a list are regarded as images for viewing only when the copy restriction flag is associated with the corresponding image (that is, shared) The list should be displayed as unavailable for selection. Hereinafter, the case where the logged-in user (user of the portable terminal 6) is a pay member will be described.

  When the image list page is displayed on the display unit 605 of the portable terminal 6, the user operates the input unit 604 to share the thumbnail image included in the displayed image list page with another user. To select a desired sharing target image (step S109). Communication control unit 611 causes communication unit 603 to notify (a shared image request) that sharing of an image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is requested according to the selection operation of the user accepted through input unit 604 in input control unit 612. To the management server 4 through

  The communication control unit 411 of the management server 4 receives the transmitted shared image request through the communication unit 403 (step S110). When the communication control unit 411 receives the shared image request, next, a friend account list page including a list of friends' accounts is generated in order to make the user select the friend's account to be shared with.

  At this time, the web page creation unit 413 may acquire the friend account list page from the member database 422 and the web page database 423. Further, the web page creation unit 413 generates a friend account list page by referring to the acquired data, and outputs the page to the communication control unit 411. On the friend account list page, for example, account names registered as the user's friends may be displayed in a list, or account images may be displayed in a list. The communication control unit 411 transmits the friend account list page to the portable terminal 6 through the communication unit 403 (step S111).

  The communication control unit 611 of the mobile terminal 6 receives the friend account list page through the communication unit 603, and supplies the received friend account list page to the display control unit 613. The display control unit 613 outputs the friend account list page (user selection screen) to the display unit 605, and displays the friend account list page on the display unit 605 (step S112).

  When the friend account list page is displayed, the user operates the input unit 604 to select an account name (or account image) among the account names (or account images) included in the displayed friend account list page as a target for sharing the image. The account (share destination account) of the friend to be selected is selected (step S113). The input control unit 612 notifies the communication control unit 611 that the sharing destination account has been selected by the user operation, and the communication control unit 611 requests a sharing destination request for sharing the image corresponding to the notified sharing destination account. And transmits to the management server 4 through the communication unit 603.

  The communication control unit 411 of the management server 4 receives the transmitted sharing destination request through the communication unit 403 (step S114). The communication control unit 411 notifies the image management unit 414 of the received sharing destination request and the sharing image request received in step S110. The image management unit 414 stores the sharing target image designated in the sharing image request in the account area of the sharing destination account designated in the acquired sharing destination request (step S115). When the sharing of the image is completed, the communication control unit 411 transmits a page (sharing completed page) indicating that the sharing of the image generated in the web page creation unit 413 is completed to the portable terminal 6 through the communication unit 403.

  When the communication control unit 611 of the portable terminal 6 receives the sharing completion page through the communication unit 603, the communication control unit 611 supplies the received sharing completion page to the display control unit 613, and the display control unit 613 outputs the sharing completion page to the display unit 605. Do. As a result, the sharing completion page is displayed on the display unit 605 (step S116), and the image sharing process between the accounts ends.

  In the example described above, the image associated with the copy restriction flag is displayed as an unselectable list as the sharing target in step S108 when the login user is a free member. It is not limited. For example, an image associated with the copy restriction flag may not be displayed, or a page indicating that the image sharing with another user is not supported is displayed on the display unit 605 of the portable terminal 6. It is also good. In addition, the page may include a display prompting registration to a pay member. As a result, the user who is a free member can be effectively prompted to register as a paid member.

  Further, even if the logged-in user is a free member, the image associated with the copy restriction flag may be displayed as selectable to be shared in step S108. In this case, the control unit 401 of the management server 4 determines whether the copy restriction flag is associated with the image selected as the sharing target, and the image management unit 414 copies the image associated with the copy restriction flag. Should be limited. Furthermore, a page or the like indicating that the image sharing with another user is not supported may be displayed on the display unit 605 of the mobile terminal 6.

  Although the case where image sharing is performed by storing an image to be shared for an account of an arbitrary friend is described as an example when the user who wishes to share is a pay member, the present invention is limited thereto. It is not a thing. For example, as accounts included in the friend account list page transmitted in step S111, only accounts of friends who are pay members may be included. In this case, the control unit 401 may determine whether the friend targeted for the list display is a paid member or a free member by referring to the information indicating the attribute of the user included in the account area. . Then, the web page creation unit 413 may list and display only the accounts of the friends determined to be pay members by the control unit 401 on the friend account list page. As a result, the management server 4 can permit sharing of images only for pay members.

(Sharing images between mobile devices)
Next, processing for sharing an image by transmitting an image associated with the copy restriction flag among the images stored in the portable terminal 6 to the portable terminal of another user (image sharing between portable terminals The flow of the process) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow of image sharing processing in the portable terminal 6. The portable terminal 6 executes the image sharing process by executing the image sharing function of the image viewing application in the control unit 601.

  The user of the portable terminal 6 instructs the execution of the image viewing application by operating the input unit 604. When the control unit 601 receives a user instruction to execute the image viewing application through the input unit 604 in the input control unit 612, as shown in FIG. 19, the control unit 601 executes the image viewing application (step S121).

  When the image viewing application is executed, the control unit 601 first acquires the membership attribute of the user of the mobile terminal 6 (step S122). At this time, the control unit 601 may acquire, for example, the member attribute stored in the storage unit 602 by the function of the image viewing application, or acquires the member attribute registered in the member database of the management server 4 You may

  When the member information is acquired, the control unit 601 determines whether the user is a pay member from the acquired member information (step S123). When it is determined that the user is a pay member (YES in step S123), the control unit 601 individually represents a plurality of images (including an image associated with the copy restriction flag) stored in the storage unit 602. A list of saved images in which thumbnail images of are displayed. The control unit 601 supplies the generated storage image list to the display control unit 613, and the display control unit 613 outputs the acquired storage image list to the display unit 605. As a result, a list of stored images is displayed on the display unit 605 (step S124).

  When the stored image list is displayed on the display unit 605, the user operates the input unit 604 to select a sharing target image from thumbnail images included in the displayed stored image list. Thus, the input control unit 612 receives an operation of selecting a sharing target image by the user (step S125).

  When the input control unit 612 receives a selection operation of a sharing target image, the control unit 601 next generates a friend list for causing the user to select a friend who is a partner to share the sharing target image. The control unit 601 supplies the generated friend list to the display control unit 613, and the display control unit 613 outputs the acquired friend list to the display unit 605. As a result, a list of friends to be shared is displayed on the display unit 605 (step S124).

  At this time, for example, the control unit 601 may display a member registered as a user's friend by the function of the image viewing application in the friend list, or is registered in the member database of the management server 4 as a friend. Members may be displayed in the friends list. In addition, the names of friends may be displayed as a list of friends, or the email addresses of friends may be displayed as a list, and an image registered by the management server 4 as an image indicating each friend's own account If there is an (account image), the account images may be displayed in a list.

  When the friend list is displayed on the display unit 605, the user operates the input unit 604 to select a friend who wants to share the image from the friends included in the displayed friend list (friend to be shared) Choose Thereby, the input control unit 612 receives an operation for selecting a friend to be shared by the user (step S127).

  The input control unit 612 supplies the sharing target friend accepted in step S127 to the communication control unit 611, and the control unit 601 reads the sharing target image accepted in step S125 from the storage unit 602 and supplies it to the communication control unit 611. . The communication control unit 611 transmits the supplied sharing target image to the sharing target friend through the communication unit 603 (step S128).

  At this time, the communication control unit 611 may transmit the image to be shared to, for example, the mobile terminal specified by the email address of the friend to be shared, or may manage the information indicating the image to be shared and the friend to be shared By transmitting to 4, the image to be shared may be transmitted to the friend to be shared via the management server 4.

  In addition, when the sharing target friend is a free member or a paid member, an image is shared from another member in a predetermined area of the member top page (my page set for each member) of the sharing target friend. You may display a message to the effect. At this time, a thumbnail image of the sharing target image (an image having a smaller image size than the sharing target image) is displayed on the guidance display, and the sharing target image of the original size (the sharing target image itself) is displayed by clicking the thumbnail image. It can also be displayed.

  When the image to be shared is transmitted to the friend to be shared, the display control unit 613 displays a screen indicating that the transmission is completed on the display unit 605, and the image sharing process ends. Further, when it is determined that the user is a free member (NO in step S123), the control unit 601 generates a screen (sharing non-support screen) indicating that the image sharing with other users is not supported. , And the display control unit 613. Then, the display control unit 613 causes the display unit 605 to display the sharing non-corresponding screen (step S129), and the image sharing processing ends. When it is determined that the user is a free member, the control unit 601 may allow the user of the free member to share only one image, or only a rough image (for example, a thumbnail image) of pixels. You may allow sharing of

  Note that the control unit 601 may be configured to display only the friends who are paid members in the friend list displayed in step S126. In this case, the control unit 601 may determine whether it is a paid member or not from the member attribute of the friend to be displayed as a list. In addition, the control unit 601 may acquire, as a candidate for list display, a friend associated with member information indicating that the member is a pay member by the function of the image sharing application, and the member database 422 of the management server 4 pays. A friend registered as a member may be acquired as a list display candidate. As a result, the management server 4 can permit sharing of images only for pay members.

  In addition, when it is determined in step S123 that the user is a free member, the sharing non-support screen may include a display prompting registration to a pay member. As a result, the user who is a free member can be effectively prompted to register as a paid member.

  Further, when it is determined that the user is a free member, the control unit 601 (in particular, the input control unit 602) causes the display control unit 613 to list the images associated with the copy restriction flag among the stored images as unselectable. The acceptance of the duplication instruction may be restricted by displaying or listing only the images not associated with the duplication restriction flag among the stored images.

(Other configuration)
Although the configuration in which the copy restriction flag is associated with the image is described as an example, the flag associated with (added to) the image is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be employed in which a flag (restriction flag) that restricts duplication of an image by limiting the number of times of image sharing (number of duplications) is associated with the image generated in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. Then, when the number limit flag is associated with the image, the image may be shared with other users the number of times permitted by the number limit flag.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the image associated with the copy restriction flag (or the number restriction flag) can not be shared unless the user is a paid member, but these flags are not related. Images can be shared even for free members by executing the image sharing process as described above.

  Further, when the user is a free member, only one image of the images associated with the copy restriction flag is selected in step S109 or S125, and sharing of the selected image is permitted. Can also be adopted.

  Furthermore, the copy restriction flag may be configured to be associated with all the images generated in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 or, for example, associated with a large size image, a high resolution image, etc. May be configured. Note that the large-sized image is, for example, an image having a large data size, an image arranged to be larger than other images, and the like. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which a copy restriction flag is associated with an image excluding a small number (for example, one) of images which are allowed to share among free images among a plurality of images generated in one game. .

  Specifically, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 can freely copy small thumbnail images without associating the copy restriction flag, and can associate the copy restriction flag with the image of the original size. Furthermore, the copy restriction flag may manage the storage restriction for a predetermined area, and may allow copying or storage a predetermined number of times. In this case, when the image is shared, the number of permitted copying times of the copy restriction flag may be reduced. As described above, since the copy restriction flag can allow an image to be copied or stored a predetermined number of times, even when the image associated with the copy restriction flag is viewed by a friend. If the number of copies exceeds a predetermined number, it is possible to prevent the friend from copying.

  Further, a friend application function may be provided as one of the functions such as a member registration system (a service for a member provided by the management server 4 or the like) or an image viewing application. The user can make a friend application for a friend who wants to share an image by using the friend application function.

  Note that the control unit 401 of the management server 4 according to the present embodiment sets a period (transferable period) in which transfer (share) is possible to the portable terminal 6 with respect to the images stored in the image database 424. Good. For example, the control unit 401 may prohibit transfer of an image whose transferable period has elapsed from the time when it is stored in the image database 424. Further, the control unit 401 may prohibit the transfer even if the transferable period is in the case where the number of transfers of the image to be transferred exceeds the predetermined number.

  In addition, when the user changes from a free member to a paid member, the control unit 401 may correct the copy only restriction flag associated with the image of the user. For example, when the copy restriction flag is associated with the image when the user is a free member, the copy restriction flag may be canceled when becoming a paid member, or when the user is a free member If the copy restriction flag is not associated with the, the copy restriction flag may be added when becoming a pay member.

  Furthermore, instead of adding the copy inhibition flag in the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1, for example, when the images are displayed in a list on the portable terminal 6 using the image viewing application, the image selected by the user is copied A configuration in which a prohibition flag is added can also be adopted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration has been described by way of example in which it is determined that the user is a user having a predetermined authority when the user is a pay member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a step is provided for the amount paid by the pay members, and a pay member having a predetermined amount or more is determined to be a user having a predetermined authority, and a user having a predetermined amount of pay members less than the predetermined amount is not a predetermined authority. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that determines that

[Modification 1]
It is general that the seal paper provided by the photo sticker making apparatus has a unique seal ID (that is, the seal paper and the seal ID are associated one to one). . Also, conventionally, by printing a seal ID, a QR code, and the like on a seal sheet provided to the user, a photograph sticker creating apparatus capable of acquiring an image stored in the management server 4 by the user based on such information. It has been known. However, for example, the seal ID is often printed in the form of a band at the end of the seal paper, and is not attractive. Also, the QR code requires a space for printing on the seal paper, which affects the layout of the seal paper.

  On the other hand, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 according to the present modification is a digital watermark for accessing the management server 4 on the seal sheet (sheet) in the print control unit 314 (the printing unit), and the seal sheet is used. A configuration is employed in which a digital watermark including specific information (for example, a seal ID) for specifying is printed. Here, the digital watermark is a digital code that can not be identified by the user's eye, and is printed in a form embedded in a printed matter.

  At this time, the portable terminal 6 executes the digital watermark reading function of the image viewing application and then accesses the management server 4 easily by reading the digital watermark printed on the sticker sheet. Thereby, the portable terminal 6 uses the same image as the image printed on the seal sheet (in other words, the image managed in association with the seal ID indicated by the digital watermark (or the seal ID indicated by the digital watermark) Images included) can be acquired from the management server 4.

  According to this configuration, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 allows the user to easily obtain an image without requiring a space for printing a code and while maintaining the appearance of the sticker sheet on which the image is printed. A code capable of accessing the management server 4 can be printed on a sticker sheet.

  Furthermore, the print control unit 314 of the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 preferably prints the digital watermark across a plurality of images printed on the sticker sheet, and preferably prints the entire surface of the sticker sheet. According to this configuration, when the plurality of images printed on the seal sheet are separated, the portable terminal 6 may manage the management server even if it reads a part of the digital watermark printed on the separated seal sheet. You will not be able to access 4 In this way, when a plurality of images printed on the seal sheet are separated, all the images printed on the original seal sheet are acquired by reading the digital watermark printed on one cut sheet of the sticker sheet. You can prevent it from being done. In other words, by collecting all the images printed on the sticker sheet so that the digital watermark can be completely read, the digital watermark can be read by the portable terminal 6 for the first time, and the image data showing each image from the management server 4 You can get all of them.

  Of course, the digital watermark may be printed for each image printed on a sticker sheet. The side of the seal on which the digital watermark is printed is preferably the front side (the side on which the image is printed), but of course it may be the back side.

[Modification 2]
In addition, when a low resolution image included in a page of a site is selected by accessing, for example, a website with a portable terminal or the like, it is general that a high resolution image (an original image of a low resolution image) is displayed. It is.

  Furthermore, since a website can browse images using a common web browser, images generated by the photo sticker creating apparatus are also displayed as large images by accessing the management server. , Download is possible. For this reason, the user who is not related to the image generated in the photograph sticker creating apparatus can acquire the image.

  On the other hand, the transmission control unit 411 (transmission unit) of the management server 4 according to the present modification is the predetermined image to be transmitted to the portable terminal 6 for display using the image viewing application (predetermined application). A configuration is employed that transmits an image higher than the resolution of the image to be transmitted for display without using an application of (i.e., using a general web browser or the like).

  Thereby, the user can view the image at high resolution by the function of the image viewing application by accessing the management server 4 using the image viewing application on the portable terminal 6. That is, when the user accesses the management server 4 using the image browsing application, the user browses and acquires images more comfortably than when accessing the management server 4 without using the image browsing application. Can. On the other hand, with the above configuration, it is possible to prevent an unspecified user from being able to acquire an image generated by the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1 as a large image.

  In the present modification, the functions of the management server 4 may be realized by a plurality of servers. For example, among the configurations of the management server 4 shown in FIG. 1, (1) a control unit 401 including a communication control unit 411, a mail creation unit 412, and an image management unit 414, a storage unit 402 including a mail database 421, and an image database 424. And (2) a control unit 401 including a communication control unit 411 and a web page creation unit 413, a storage unit 402 including a member database 422 and a web page database 423, and a communication unit The function of the management server 4 can also be realized by the second server provided with 403.

  Further, the portable terminal 6 can acquire an image from the management server 4 by requesting browsing of an image using an image viewing application, and can also acquire an image from the management server 4 by a push method. .

[Example of software implementation]
The photo sticker creating apparatus 1, the management server 4, and the control blocks (in particular, the control unit 201, the control unit 401, and the control unit 601) of the portable terminal 6 are logic circuits (hardware) formed in integrated circuits (IC chips) or the like. Hardware, or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  In the latter case, the photograph sticker creating apparatus 1, the management server 4, and the portable terminal 6 can read the program and various data from the computer (or CPU) that executes the instructions of the program that is software that implements each function. The ROM (Read Only Memory) or storage device (these are referred to as a "recording medium") recorded in the RAM, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for developing the program. Then, the object of the present invention is achieved by the computer (or CPU) reading and executing the program from the recording medium. As the recording medium, a “non-transitory tangible medium”, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit or the like can be used. Also, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be widely used as a photographed image management system for storing a photographed image of a user created in a photograph sticker creating apparatus in a management server.

1 Photo sticker creation device 4 Management server 6 Mobile terminal (terminal device)
11 Imaging unit 12 Editing unit 13 Post-customer unit 21 Imaging unit 201 Control unit (flag adding means)
311 Communication control unit (transmission means)
312 imaging control unit (image generation means)
313 Editing control unit (image generation means)
314 Printing Control Unit (Printing Means)
315 Post-service control unit 401 Control unit (control means)
402 storage unit 403 communication unit 411 communication control unit (transmission means)
412 mail creation unit 413 web page creation unit 414 image management unit (image copying means)
601 control unit (determination means)
602 storage unit 603 communication unit 604 input unit 605 display unit 611 communication control unit 612 input control unit (instruction accepting unit)
613 Display control unit (display control means)

Claims (13)

A display unit for displaying an image managed as an image of the user of the terminal device among the plurality of images generated in the photograph sticker creating apparatus;
An instruction receiving unit that receives a copy instruction to copy an image managed as an image of the user as an image managed by another user different from the user;
Display control means for displaying on the display unit an image to be a candidate for the target of the copy instruction;
A determination unit that determines whether the user is a user having a predetermined right;
Equipped with
A flag that restricts duplication is associated with at least a part of the plurality of images,
The instruction receiving unit restricts the reception of the copy instruction to the image associated with the flag among the images managed as the image of the user,
The display control means displays the image associated with the flag in a mode that can not be selected as the target of the copy instruction when the determination means determines that the user is not a user having a predetermined right.
A terminal device characterized by The instruction accepting unit restricts the acceptance of the copy instruction to the image associated with the flag when it is determined by the determination unit that the user is not a user having a predetermined right.
The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display control means does not display the image associated with the flag when it is determined by the determination means that the user is not a user having a predetermined right.
The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display control means displays a user selection screen for displaying one or more users as candidates for the other users,
The instruction accepting means accepts a selection instruction to select the other user from the user displayed on the user selection screen.
The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. The display control means displays a user having the predetermined authority among the one or more users who are candidates for the other user on the user selection screen.
The terminal device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A management server that manages, for each user who uses the photo sticker creating apparatus, a plurality of images created so as to be viewable in the photo sticker creating apparatus,
Control means,
A member database storing information identifying the user;
And image copying means for generating, from an image managed as an image of a certain user, a duplicate image managed as an image of another user different from said certain user,
The information identifying the user includes at least the email address of the user,
A flag for restricting copying is associated with at least a part of the plurality of images generated to be viewable ,
The control means displays a plurality of images generated so as to be viewable, and based on the mail address of the user inputted by the photograph sticker creating apparatus and the mail address of the user stored in the member database The image is managed as an image of a certain user by selectively displaying an image not associated with a flag for restricting duplication and unselectably displaying an image associated with a flag for restricting duplication . Restrict duplication of the image associated with the above flag among the images,
Management server characterized by It further comprises transmission means for transmitting the image to the terminal device,
The management server according to claim 6, wherein a resolution of an image transmitted to be displayed using a predetermined application is higher than a resolution of an image transmitted to be displayed without using the predetermined application. . Image generation means for photographing a user to generate an image;
A determination unit that determines whether the user is a user having a predetermined right;
Flag adding means for associating, with the image generated by the image generating means, a flag for limiting copying of the image according to the determination result of the determining means;
Transmission means for transmitting the image and a flag associated with the image to a management server that manages the image;
The image includes a high resolution image and a low resolution image, and in the flag adding unit, the high resolution image is associated with a flag that restricts duplication.
A photo sticker creation device characterized by The printing apparatus further comprises printing means for printing the image on a sheet,
The printing unit prints on the sheet a digital watermark including identification information for identifying the sheet.
The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein A management server for managing for each user to utilize the viewable to the generated plurality of images are the photo sticker creation device in photo sticker creation device, a terminal device can view the images that are managed in the management server, the An image management system comprising:
The above management server is
Control means,
A member database storing information identifying the user;
And image copying means for generating, from an image managed as an image of a certain user, a duplicate image managed as an image of another user different from said certain user,
The information identifying the user includes at least the email address of the user,
The terminal device is
An instruction to display a plurality of images generated so as to allow browsing and to receive a copy instruction to copy an image managed as an image of a certain user as an image managed by another user different from the certain user Reception means,
Display control means for displaying on the display unit an image generated to be viewable, which is a candidate for the target of the copy instruction.
A flag for restricting copying is associated with at least a part of the plurality of images generated to be viewable ,
The control means, browsing and email address of the user input at the photo sticker creation device, based on the mail address of the user stored in the member database, and manages the image of the certain user Restrict the duplication of the image to which the flag is associated among the images generated as much as possible ,
An image management system characterized by A method for restricting image copying of a terminal device comprising a display unit for displaying an image managed as an image of a user of a terminal device among a plurality of images generated in a photograph sticker creating apparatus,
An instruction receiving step of receiving an instruction to copy an image managed as an image of the user as an image managed by another user different from the user;
A display control step of displaying on the display unit an image to be a candidate of the target of the copy instruction;
The plurality of images include a high resolution image and a low resolution image, and the high resolution image is associated with a flag that restricts duplication.
Restricting the acceptance of the copy instruction to the image associated with the flag among the images managed as the image of the user in the instruction accepting step;
A method of restricting image duplication characterized by   It is a program for functioning a computer as a terminal unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the program for functioning a computer as said each means.   A computer readable recording medium having the program according to claim 12 recorded thereon.

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