WO2015125510A1

WO2015125510A1 - Composite image generation server, composite image generation method, program therefor, and recording medium storing program

Info

Publication number: WO2015125510A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/050369
Authority: WO
Inventors: 学斌胡; 與那覇　誠
Original assignee: 富士フイルム株式会社
Priority date: 2014-02-19
Filing date: 2015-01-08
Publication date: 2015-08-27
Also published as: JP2015153357A

Abstract

Provided are a composite image generation server, a composite image generation method, a program therefor, and a recording medium storing the program, with which it is possible to achieve a balance among users if a composite image is being generated among a plurality of users. In the invention, user points are prescribed for each of a plurality of users. A postcard is created by the plurality of users by pasting a subject image (Ia) or the like to a post card (composite image) being displayed in a window (140). When a user performs the process, that user's points are deducted for each process. Because the points eventually run out if the process is performed frequently, the postcard will not be created with the preferences solely of a specific user. A postcard for which a balance has been achieved among the users is created.

Description

Composite image generation server, composite image generation method, program thereof, and recording medium storing the program

The present invention relates to a composite image generation server, a composite image generation method, a program thereof, and a recording medium storing the program.

When creating an electronic album, it is conceivable that the electronic album is created by a plurality of users rather than by only one user (Patent Document 1). By having multiple users involved, a well-balanced electronic album is created. Also, uploading images to a photo site server and sharing electronic albums (Patent Document 2), assigning image candidates to be used for albums according to points (Patent Document 3), and evaluating images (Patent Document 4).

JP 2009-237791 JP 2007-304970 JP 2012-178028 JP 2013-120414

When a composite image such as an electronic album is generated by a plurality of users, a specific user's opinion may be passed depending on the power relationship between the users. In such a case, it is equivalent to the fact that a composite image is generated by that specific user, and there are few merits that a composite image is generated by a plurality of users. In any of Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is not considered to generate a composite image while balancing among a plurality of users.

An object of the present invention is to enable a composite image to be generated while maintaining a balance between users when a composite image is generated by a plurality of users.

A composite image generation server according to the present invention includes a point storage unit that stores user points for each user, a command reception unit that receives a command for generating a composite image transmitted from the user using a client computer, and a command reception unit. In response to receiving the command in, identify the user who sent the command and analyze the command, and check whether the identified user has the user points necessary for the processing performed by the analyzed command The point determination means for determining based on the user points stored in the point storage means, and the point determination means according to determining that the identified user has the user points necessary for processing. The user corresponding to the user who sent the command The point, reduced from point storing means, and characterized in that it comprises processing means for performing processing based on the analyzed command.

The present invention also provides a synthetic image generation method. That is, in this method, the point storage means stores the user point for each user, and the command receiving means receives a command for generating a composite image transmitted from the user using a client computer, and determines the point. In response to receiving the command at the command receiving means, the means identifies the user who sent the command and analyzes the command, and identifies the user points necessary for processing performed by the analyzed command. Whether or not the user has is determined based on the user points stored in the point storage means, and the processing means uses the point determination means to determine that the identified user has the user points necessary for processing. Depending on the decision, the user point corresponding to the user who sent the command The cement, reducing the point storing means, and performs processing based on the analyzed command.

The present invention also provides a composite image generation server program for performing the above-described processing and a recording medium storing the program.

In response to determining that a command requesting competing processing has been received by the command receiving means, and a command requesting competing processing received by the competing command reception determining means. In addition, a command determination unit that determines a command to be executed as a command to be executed based on voting data transmitted from a user other than the user who transmitted the command may be provided.

A priority command reception determination unit that determines whether the command reception unit has received a priority command transmitted from any of the users who have transmitted commands that request competing processing may be further provided. . In this case, the point determination means, for example, has the user point necessary for execution of the priority command determined by the user who has transmitted the priority command when the priority command reception determination means determines that the priority command has been received. It may be determined based on the user points stored in the point storage means. Further, the command determining means transmits the user point necessary for executing the priority command from the user who sent the priority command when it is determined by the point judging means that the user who sent the priority command has. It is also possible to determine a command to be executed. Further, voting point determination means for determining voting points based on voting data may be further provided. In this case, the user point necessary for executing the priority command will be the voting point determined by the voting point determination means.

Refusal command reception determination means for determining whether or not the command reception means has received a rejection command transmitted from the user may be further provided. In this case, the point determination means determines whether the user who sent the rejection command has the user points necessary to execute the rejection command when the rejection command reception determination means determines that the rejection command has been received. Will be determined based on the user points stored in the user point storage means. The command determining means transmits the user point necessary for executing the reject command from the user who sent the reject command when the point determining means determines that the user who sent the reject command has. Will determine the command to be executed.

If the frame to which the target image is to be pasted is defined in the template image, and the user points necessary for the process of compositing the target image to the frame are assigned to each frame, the point determination means uses the analyzed command Is the process of pasting the target image on the frame, whether the identified user has the user point assigned to the frame to be pasted is stored in the user point stored in the point storage means. It will be decided on the basis.

The command is, for example, a command for selecting a template image, a command for adjusting the size or position of a frame formed on the template image, a command for pasting the target image on the frame formed on the template image, or a template image. This command rejects the use of the target image that is pasted on the formed frame.

In the processing means, the addition command determining means for determining whether or not the command receiving means has received the point addition command transmitted from the user who has determined that the processing based on the analyzed command is preferable. A point addition means for adding the user points of the user who transmitted the analyzed command in response to determining that the addition command has been received may be further provided.

According to the present invention, user points are stored for each user. When a composite image generation command transmitted from a user using a client computer is received by the composite image generation server, user identification and command analysis are performed and necessary for processing performed by the analyzed command. It is determined whether the identified user has a user point. If it is determined that the identified user has, the user point corresponding to the user who sent the command is reduced from the point storage means, and processing based on the analyzed command is performed. Since whether or not a composite image can be generated is determined according to the remaining user points, when only a specific user performs a composite image generation process, the user point of the specific user As a result, the composite image cannot be generated. It is possible to prevent the composite image generation process from being performed only for a specific user. A composite image generation process is performed while balancing between users.

1 is an overview of a composite image generation system. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a client computer. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a synthetic image generation server. It is an example of a user table. It is an example of a voting table. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a client computer. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a client computer. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a client computer. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a client computer. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a synthetic | combination image generation server. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a synthetic | combination image generation server. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a synthetic | combination image generation server. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a synthetic | combination image generation server. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the window displayed on the display screen of a client computer. It is a flowchart which shows an edit process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows an edit process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows an edit process procedure.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is an outline of a composite image generation system.

The composite image generation system includes client computers A to E and a composite image generation server 20. These client computers A to E and the composite image generation server 20 are connected to be communicable with each other via a network (which may be an intranet or the Internet). The client computers A, B, C, D and E may not correspond to the users A, B, C, D and E, but in this embodiment, the client computers A, B, C, D and E The users are users A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. There may be one user of a plurality of client computers, or a plurality of users of one client computer. An image database 30 is connected to the composite image generation server 20. The image database 30 stores image data representing a number of images uploaded from users A to E, template image data representing a template image to be described later, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the client computer A. The other client computers B to E have the same configuration.

The overall operation of the client computer A is controlled by the CPU 7.

The client computer A includes a display device 2 controlled by the display control device 3, a memory 4 for temporarily storing data 4, a compact disk drive 6 for accessing the compact disk 5, and a user connected to the client computer A keyboard 8 and a mouse 9 for giving commands to A are included. The client computer A also includes a communication device 10 for communicating with the hard disk drives 11 and 20 for accessing the hard disk 12.

A compact disk 5 in which a program for controlling operations to be described later is stored is loaded into the client computer A, and the program stored in the compact disk 5 is read by the compact disk drive 6. When the read program is installed in the client computer A, the client computer A performs an operation described later. The program for controlling the client computer A may not be read from a recording medium such as the compact disc 5, but may be received from the Internet.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the composite image generation server 20.

The overall operation of the composite image generation server 20 is controlled by the CPU 21.

The composite image generation server 20 includes a memory 22 for temporarily storing data, a compact disk drive 24 for accessing the compact disk 23, and a printer interface 25 for connecting a printer 29. . The composite image generation server 20 also includes a hard disk 28 and a hard disk drive 27 for accessing the hard disk 28.

Similar to the client computer A, a compact disk 23 storing a program for controlling operations described later is loaded into the composite image generation server 20 and stored in the compact disk 24 by the compact disk drive 24. The program is read. When the read program is installed in the composite image generation server 20, the composite image generation server 20 performs an operation described later. The program for controlling the composite image generation server 20 may also be received from the Internet instead of being read from a recording medium such as the compact disk 23.

Furthermore, the composite image generation server 20 also includes a database interface 29 for connecting to the image database 30.

FIG. 4 is an example of a user point table.

The user point table stores user points assigned to each user, and is recorded in the hard disk 28 (point storage means). User points are given in advance.

FIG. 5 is an example of a competition table.

Specifically, as will be described later, in this embodiment, when a command for competing processing is given from a different user in processing for generating a composite image, the user who has given the command requesting the competing processing is given. It is possible to determine which user's processing is to be performed based on voting data transmitted from other users.

The conflict table shown in FIG. 5 is generated when the process of pasting the image Ia on the frame FR3 formed on the template image and the process of pasting the image Ib on the frame FR3 conflict as will be described later. Is. A conflict table is generated in the composite image generation server 20 for each conflicting process. The number of votes is indicated with an asterisk. For example, since two asterisks are stored corresponding to the image Ia, it can be seen that the number of users who voted that it is preferable to paste the image Ia on the frame FR3 is two. Further, since one asterisk is stored corresponding to the image Ib, it can be seen that the number of users who voted that the image Ib should be pasted on the frame FR3 is one.

6 to 9 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the client computer (the processing procedure of any one of the client computers A to E). 10 to 13 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the composite image generation server 20.

In this embodiment, a post card (not limited to a post card, a composite image such as an electronic album or a photo album may be generated) is generated by a plurality of users. User points are used for this generation.

Assume that the client computers A to E and the image composition server 20 are already connected.

For example, assume that the client computer A accesses the composite image generation server 20. Then, the editing status window 120 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 2 of the client computer A (step 41 in FIG. 6).

The editing status window 120 displays the editing status of the postcard T1 currently being edited. If no one is editing, a predetermined postcard is displayed in the editing status window 120.

On the right side of the postcard T1, a user point display area 122 is displayed. In this user point display area 122, the user point of the user who is accessing the composite image generation server 20 is displayed. Here, since the user of the client computer A is the user A, the user point Pa of the user A is displayed in the user point display area 122.

On the lower side of the postcard T1, a “template selection / change” button 123 with characters “template selection / change”, a “layout change” button 124 with characters “change layout”, and “ A “target image selection / change” button 125 to which “target image selection / change” is attached is formed. The “template selection / change” button 123 is clicked by the user when selecting or changing a postcard template. The “change layout” button 124 is clicked by the user to change the postcard layout. The “target image selection / change” button 125 is clicked by the user when selecting or changing the target image to be pasted on the postcard frame.

Suppose user A has clicked template selection / change button 123 (YES in step 42 in FIG. 6). Then, a template selection / change command is transmitted from the client computer A to the composite image generation server 20 (step 51 in FIG. 7).

When the template selection / change command transmitted from the client computer A is received by the composite image generation server 20 (YES in step 81 in FIG. 10) (command receiving means), the template is sent from the composite image generation server 20 to the client computer A. Selection / change window display data is transmitted (step 91 in FIG. 11).

When the template selection / change window display data transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 is received by the client computer A (YES in step 52 in FIG. 7), the display screen of the display device 2 of the client computer A displays A template selection / change window 130 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed.

In the template selection / change window 130, the currently edited template T1 is displayed. In this template T1, frames FR1 to FR5 to which the target image is pasted are formed. As will be described later, when the user pastes the target image on frames FR1 to FR5 (the same applies to other frames), user points are required. User points necessary for pasting (combining) the target images are assigned to the upper left of each of the frames FR1 to FR5. For example, the number “3” is displayed on the upper left of the center frame FR3 of the template T1, and it can be seen that the user point “3” is necessary to paste the target image on the frame FR3. The same applies to the other frames FR1, FR2, FR4 and FR5. These points are stored in the composite image generation server 20 corresponding to the template and the frame, and it goes without saying that window display data is generated so that these points are displayed.

In addition to the above-described user point display area 122 being displayed on the right side of the template T1, the following buttons are formed. A “priority command” button 131 to which the characters “priority command” are attached. A “reject command” button 132 to which “reject command” is attached. An “addition command” button 133A to which the characters “addition” are attached. A “voting command” button 133B with the characters “voting” attached thereto. A “decision command” button 134 to which the characters “decision command” are attached. A “change layout” button 135 and a “target image selection / change” button 136. The “priority command” button is a button that is clicked by the user when processing is preferentially performed when image synthesis processing conflicts. The “reject command” button is a button clicked by the user when rejecting the image composition processing performed by another user. The “addition command” button 133A is a button clicked by the user when evaluating a process performed by another user and giving a user point to the user. The given user points may or may not be subtracted from the user giving the user points. The “voting command” button 133B is a button that is clicked by the user when voting on the competing process and the process performed by another user is favorably evaluated. The “decision command” button 134 is a button that is clicked by the user when the decided command is transmitted to the composite image generation server 20.

A template list window 139 is formed under the template T1. A number of templates T2 and the like are displayed in the template list window 139. A slide bar 138 is formed at the top of the template list window 139. By moving the slide bar 138 in the horizontal direction using the mouse 9, a template that does not appear in the template list window 139 appears in the template list window 139.

When user A wants to select or change a template (the same applies to other users), drag the desired template from the templates displayed in the template list window 139 to the position of the template T1 using the mouse 9.・ And drop. Then, it is regarded as a template selection / change process (YES in step 53 in FIG. 7, NO in

steps

54, 55 and 56). Thereafter, the “decision command” button 134 is clicked. Then, the template change request command, the template identification data for identifying the template to be changed, and the user ID are transmitted from the client computer A to the composite image generation server 20 (step 57 in FIG. 7). Needless to say, the user ID is input in advance by the user A who uses the client computer A.

When a template change request command or the like transmitted from the client computer A is received by the composite image generation server 20 (YES in step 92 in FIG. 11), postcard editing processing is performed in accordance with the request command (FIG. 11). 11 Step 93). This editing process uses user points, which will be described in detail later. The template selection / change window display data after editing is transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 to the client computer A (step 94 in FIG. 11).

When the template selection / change window display data transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 is received by the client computer A (YES in step 52 in FIG. 7), the edited template is displayed in the template selection / change window 130. It becomes like this. The processing from step 53 is repeated until the editing is completed (step 58 in FIG. 7).

When the “change layout” button 135 is clicked by the user (YES in step 55 in FIG. 7), the process proceeds to the process in FIG. 9, and when the “select / change target image” button 136 is clicked (in step 56 in FIG. 7). YES), the process proceeds to the process of FIG.

It is assumed that the “target image selection / change” button 136 (125) is clicked by the user A (YES in step 56 in FIG. 7 or YES in step 43 in FIG. 6). Then, a target image selection / change command is transmitted from the client computer A to the composite image generation server 20 (step 61 in FIG. 8).

When the target image selection / change command transmitted from the client computer A is received by the composite image generation server 20 (YES in step 82 in FIG. 10), the target image selection / change window display data is sent from the composite image generation server 20 to the client. It is transmitted to computer A (step 101 in FIG. 12).

When the target image selection / change window display data transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 is received by the client computer A (YES in step 62 in FIG. 8), the display screen of the display device 2 of the client computer A includes A target image selection / change window 140 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed.

In the target image selection / change window 140, the currently edited template T1 is also displayed.

On the right side of the template T1, the user point display area 122, “priority command” button 131, “rejection command” button 132, “addition command” button 133A, “voting command” button 133B, and “decision command” button 134 are displayed. , “Layout change” button 135 and “Template selection / change” button 137 are formed.

A target image list window 149 is formed under the template T1. A large number of target images Ia and the like are displayed in the target image list window 149. A slide bar 148 is formed in the upper part of the target image list window 149. By moving the slide bar 148 in the horizontal direction using the mouse 9, a target image that does not appear in the target image list window 149 appears in the target image list window 149.

When the user A wants to select or change a target image (the same applies to other users), a desired target image is formed in the template T1 from the target images appearing in the target image list window 149. Drag and drop using the mouse 9 to a desired frame position in the frames FR1 to FR5. Then, it is regarded as a target image selection / change process (YES in step 63 in FIG. 8, NO in

steps

64, 65 and 66). Thereafter, the “decision command” button 134 is clicked. Then, the target image selection / change request command, target image identification data for identifying the target image to be selected or changed, and the user ID are transmitted from the client computer A to the composite image generation server 20 (step 67 in FIG. 8).

When the target image selection / change request command or the like transmitted from the client computer A is received by the composite image generation server 20 (YES in step 102 in FIG. 12), postcard editing processing is performed according to the request command. (Step 103 in FIG. 12). The target image selection / change window display data after editing is transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 to the client computer A (step 104 in FIG. 12). If there is a computer connected to the composite image generation server 20 other than the client computer A, the target image selection / change window display data is also transmitted to that computer.

When the target image selection / change window display data transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 is received by the client computer A (YES in step 62 in FIG. 8), the edited target image is displayed in the target image selection / change window 140. It will be displayed. If there is a computer connected to the composite image generation server 20 other than the client computer A, it is also displayed in the edited target image / selection change window 140 on the display screen of that computer. The processing from step 63 is repeated until the editing is completed (step 68 in FIG. 8).

When the “change layout” button 135 is clicked by the user (YES in step 65 in FIG. 8), the process proceeds to FIG. 9, and when the “template selection / change” button 137 is clicked (YES in step 66 in FIG. 8). ), The process proceeds to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the target image Ia that has appeared in the target image list window 149 is dragged and dropped onto the frame FR3, the target image Ia is displayed on the frame FR3 by the above-described processing. The target image Ia is deleted from the target image list window 149.

In the above situation, it is assumed that the user B connects to the composite image generation server 20 using the client computer B. Assuming that the user B wants to select the target image, the editing status window 120 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display screen of the client computer B as described above. Thereafter, when the target image selection / change button 125 is clicked by the user B, the target image selection / change window 140 shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the display screen of the client computer B. In the user point display area 122, the user point Pb of the user B is displayed.

When the user B thinks that the target image Ib is preferable to the target image Ia pasted on the frame FR3, the user B drags the target image Ib onto the target image Ia pasted on the frame FR3.・ And drop. When the “decision command” button 134 is clicked by the user B, the target image selection / change request command, the target image identification data, and the user ID are transferred from the client computer B to the composite image generation server 20 as described above. It is transmitted (step 67 in FIG. 8). The composite image generation server 20 determines that a competing command has been received (competitive command receiving means), and determines a process to be performed among the processes competing by voting as will be described later (command determining means). In response to these request commands, etc., postcard editing processing is performed in the composite image generation server 20 as described above (step 103 in FIG. 12), and the target image selection / change window display data after editing is the composite image. The data is transmitted from the generation server 20 to the client computer B (step 104 in FIG. 12).

When the target image selection / change window display data transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 is received by the client computer B (YES in step 62 in FIG. 8), the display screen of the client computer B is shown in FIG. A target image selection / change window 140 is displayed. The target image Ib pasted by the user B is overlaid on the frame FR3 so that a part of the target image Ia pasted by the user A can be seen. When different target images are pasted on the same frame FR3, the target images are overlaid so that a part of the target image can be seen. As a result, the user knows that the process of pasting the target image is competing. As described above, if there is a computer connected to the composite image generation server 20 in addition to the client computer B, the target image selection / superimposition on which the target image is superimposed on the display screen of the computer as in FIG. A change window 140 is displayed. If the client computer A is connected to the composite image generation server 20, the display screen of the client computer A displays the target image selection / change window 140 similar to FIG. It can be seen that different target images are pasted on the frame FR3 by other users. The same applies to other frames as well as the frame FR3.

In the case where processing conflicts as described above, in this embodiment, it is determined which processing is to be performed based on a vote by a user other than the user who performed the conflicting processing.

When a user other than the user A and the user B pasting the target image on the frame FR3 connects to the composite image generation server 20, a target image selection / change window 140 as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. However, the user points displayed in the user point display area 122 correspond to the respective users.

Users other than user A and user B who have pasted the target image to frame FR3 vote for target images that they would prefer to paste to frame FR3 among target images Ia and Ib pasted to frame FR3. it can. When voting on the target image Ib, the target image Ib is clicked, and then the “voting command” button 133B is clicked. Then, a voting command indicating that the target image Ib has been voted is transmitted from the client computer to the composite image generation server 20. When voting on the target image Ia hidden behind the target image Ib, first, a visible portion of the target image Ia is clicked. Then, the target image Ia appears on the front (the target image Ib is hidden by the target image Ia). The target image Ib that appears in the foreground is clicked again, and then the “voting command” button 133B is clicked. Then, a voting command indicating that the target image Ia has been voted is transmitted from the client computer to the composite image generation server 20. When the voting command is received by the composite image generation server 20, the number of votes is added corresponding to the voted target image in the voting table as shown in FIG.

Further, in response to the voting command received by the composite image generation server 20, the target image selection / change window display data reflecting the vote is generated. The generated target image selection / change window display data is transmitted to the client computer. Then, as shown in FIG. 20, an asterisk is displayed on the upper right of the voted target image Ib so that it can be seen that the target image Ib has been voted (when the target image Ib has been voted).

Similarly to voting, if you think that a template selected by another user, a target image pasted by another user, or a layout made by another user is good, add that user's user points. be able to. In FIG. 20, the user who thinks that the target image Ib is good clicks the target image Ib, and then clicks an “addition command” button 133A. When the determination command button 134 is clicked, a point addition command for adding the user point of the user of the target image Ib is transmitted from the client computer to the composite image generation server 20. When the point addition command is received by the composite image generation server 20 (addition command determination means), a predetermined point is added to the user point of the user B who is the user of the target image Ib (point addition means).

Furthermore, the target image selection / change window display data that displays a balloon (added with the word “Good!”) Indicating that the target image Ib is highly evaluated and added as described above is displayed. It is generated in the composite image generation server 20. The generated target image selection / change window display data is transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 to the client computer. Then, as shown in FIG. 20, a balloon including the characters “Good!” Is displayed corresponding to the target image Ib.

Suppose user A clicks layout change button 135 (YES in step 65 in FIG. 8). Then, a layout change command is transmitted from the client computer A to the composite image generation server 20 (step 71 in FIG. 9).

When the composite image generation server 20 receives the layout change command (YES in step 83 in FIG. 10), layout change window display data is transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 to the client computer A (step 111 in FIG. 13). .

When the layout change window display data transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 is received by the client computer A (YES in step 72 in FIG. 9), the layout change window as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display device of the client computer A. 2 is displayed on the display screen. When the frame is dragged by the user A using the mouse 9, the frame position is changed, enlarged or reduced. Further, the target image pasted on the frame can be dragged to another frame, so that the target image can be pasted on another frame. As described above, when the layout change such as the change of the frame position or the like is performed and the “decision command” button 134 is clicked (YES in step 73 in FIG. 9, NO in

steps

74, 75 and 76). ), Layout information indicating the changed layout, a user ID, and a layout change request command are transmitted from the client computer A to the composite image generation server 20 (step 77 in FIG. 9).

When the request command transmitted from the client computer A is received by the composite image generation server 20 (YES in step 112 in FIG. 13), the content of the request command is analyzed, and editing is performed according to the content. (FIG. 13, step 113). Layout change window display data whose layout has been changed for the postcard is generated and transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 to the client computer A (step 114 in FIG. 13).

When the client computer A receives the layout change window display data transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 (YES in step 72 in FIG. 9), the display screen of the display device 2 of the client computer A displays As shown in FIG. 6, a layout change window 150 in which the postcard layout is changed is displayed. In the layout change window 150 shown in FIG. 22, the position of the frame FR3 and the positions of the frames FR4 and FR5 are reversed.

The process from step 72 is repeated until the editing is completed (step 78 in FIG. 9).

Although the above-described conflict has been described only for the target image, the conflict is not limited to the target image, but the template conflict and the layout conflict are the same. In these cases as well, the conflict is determined by voting. You can also add user points.

When image editing performed by the user (template, target image selection, layout editing, etc.) competes, the processing to be performed is determined by user voting as described above, but the priority command is used. Thus, the user's image editing using the priority command can be prioritized regardless of the user's vote. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the target image Ia and the target image Ib compete with each other, if the user B wants to paste the target image Ib preferentially on the frame FR3, the “priority command” button 131 is pressed. It is. When the determination command button 134 is subsequently clicked, a priority command is sent from the client computer A to the composite image generation server 20 in addition to the request command for pasting the target image, the target image identification data, and the user ID as described above. Sent. A priority command can be transmitted to the composite image generation server 20 not only in pasting the target image but also in template selection, layout change, and the like.

Furthermore, in the composite image generation system according to this embodiment, image editing performed by the user can be rejected. As shown in FIG. 20, when the user A wants to reject the target image Ib pasted by the user B, the target image Ib is clicked, and the “reject command” button 132 is clicked. When the determination command button 134 is subsequently clicked, the target image identification data, the user ID, and the rejection command are transmitted from the client computer A to the composite image generation server 20. In addition to rejecting the pasting of the target image, a reject command can be similarly transmitted to the composite image generation server 20 in template selection, layout change, and the like.

Returning to FIG. 10, when a certain time (date) has elapsed since image editing (YES in step 86 in FIG. 10), the composite image generation server 20 determines whether or not a priority command has been transmitted for the competing process (step 10). 86) (Priority command reception determination means). If there is no priority command (NO in step 86), a command (process) to be executed is determined based on the vote result (step 87). Editing for generating a composite image is performed in accordance with the determined command (step 88). The edited window display data (template selection / change window display data, target image selection / change window display data, layout change window display data) is transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 to the client computer (step 89). If there is a priority command, a command (process) to be executed is determined according to the priority command, as will be described later.

FIG. 23 to FIG. 25 are flowcharts showing the editing process (the process at step 93 in FIG. 11, the process at step 103 in FIG. 12, and the process at step 123 in FIG. 13) according to the request command.

The user is identified from the user ID transmitted from the client computer, and the request command is analyzed (step 161 in FIG. 23).

If a priority command is included in the request command (step 162) (priority command reception determination means), whether or not the user point of the user who transmitted the priority command remains as necessary for processing the priority command. Confirmed (step 163) (point determination means). If it remains (YES in step 163), the user point determined in advance corresponding to the priority command is reduced from the user point of the user who transmitted the priority command (step 164). A command (processing) is determined according to the priority command, editing is performed, and window display data is generated (step 166) (processing means, command determining means). If there are no remaining user points necessary for processing the priority command (NO in step 163), non-priority window display data indicating that the priority command is not recognized is generated (step 165). The generated window display data is transmitted from the composite image generation server 20 to the client computer (step 167).

The process shown in FIG. 23 is a process for a priority command, but the same is true for a reject command. If the request command includes a reject command (YES in step 162), it is checked whether the user who sent the reject command has the user point necessary for processing the reject command ( Step 163). If so (YES in step 163), the user points are reduced in response to the reject command. Editing is performed according to the reject command (for example, when the pasted target image is rejected, the target image is deleted), and window display data is generated (step 166).

If the request command includes a voting command (NO in step 162 in FIG. 23, YES in step 171 in FIG. 24), voting points are determined from the voting command (step 172) (voting point determination means). For example, the voting point is determined as “1” in response to transmission of a voting command from the user. The voting points are added to the corresponding competing process in the voting table (see FIG. 5). Further, editing is performed according to the voting command, and window display data is generated. By transmitting the window display data to the client computer, an asterisk is displayed on the display screen of the client computer so that it can be seen that the vote has been made as shown in FIG.

The case where the addition command is included in the request command (YES in step 171) is the same as the case where the voting command is included. However, voting points are not determined, and user points are added to users to whom points are to be added (step 173) (see FIG. 4). Window display data notifying that points have been added is generated (step 174).

This is a case where the request command does not include the priority command, reject command, voting command or addition command, and the edit command (template selection / change command, target image selection / change command, layout change command) is included in the request command. If it is included (YES in step 181 in FIG. 25), the user point required for processing the analyzed request command (template selection / change processing, target image selection / change command, layout change command) It is confirmed whether or not the user who sent the command has (step 182) (point determination means). If so (YES in step 182), the user points are reduced according to the contents of the request command (step 183). Editing is performed according to the analyzed request command, and window display data is generated (step 184) (processing means). If the user who sent the request command does not have the user point necessary for processing the request command (NO in step 182), editable window display data is generated (step 185).

When the priority command and the reject command conflict, either command may be given priority, or the command with the higher user point of the user who sent the command may be given priority.

Also, the points given to the users may be equal, or weights may be given so that the number of photographers and users appearing in the photos increases. Conversely, if the user is a photographer or a user shown in a photograph, the user points required for processing may be less (for example, half) than that of a normal user.

20 composite image generation server 21 CPU (point determination means, processing means, competitive command reception determination means, command determination means, priority command reception determination means, voting point determination means, addition command determination means, point addition means)
26 Communication device (command receiving means)
28 Hard disk (point storage means)

Claims

Point storage means for storing user points for each user;
Command receiving means for receiving a command for generating a composite image transmitted from a user using a client computer;
In response to receiving the command in the command receiving means, the user who sent the command is identified and the command is analyzed, and the identified user determines the user points necessary for processing performed by the analyzed command. If the identified user has the user points necessary for processing by the point determination means for determining whether or not it is based on the user points stored in the point storage means, and the point determination means. Processing means for reducing a user point corresponding to the user who transmitted the command from the point storage means and performing processing based on the analyzed command according to the determination;
A composite image generation server.
It is determined that a command requesting competing processing has been received by the command receiving unit, and a command requesting competing processing has been received by the competing command reception determining unit. Command determining means for determining a command to be executed as a command to be executed according to voting data transmitted from a user other than the user who transmitted the command,
The composite image generation server according to claim 1, further comprising:
A priority command reception determining means for determining whether or not the command receiving means has received a priority command transmitted from any of the users who have transmitted commands that request competing processing;
The point determination means is
In response to the determination that the priority command is received by the priority command reception determination means, the user point storage stores whether or not the user who has transmitted the priority command has a user point necessary for executing the priority command. Based on user points stored in the means,
The command determination means is
When the point determination means determines that the user who has transmitted the priority command has the user points necessary for executing the priority command, the command transmitted from the user who transmitted the priority command is executed. Which determines the command to be
The composite image generation server according to claim 2.
A voting point determining means for determining voting points based on the voting data;
The user points necessary for executing the priority command are the voting points determined by the voting point determining means.
The composite image generation server according to claim 3.
A rejection command reception determination means for determining whether or not the rejection command transmitted from the user has been received by the command reception means;
The point determination means is
In response to the rejection command reception determination means determining that the rejection command has been received, the user point storage stores whether or not the user who has transmitted the rejection command has a user point necessary for executing the rejection command. Based on user points stored in the means,
The command determination means is
When the point determination means determines that the user who sent the rejection command has the user points necessary to execute the rejection command, the command sent from the user who sent the rejection command is executed. Which determines the command to be
The composite image generation server according to claim 2.
The frame where the target image is pasted is defined in the template image, and the user points necessary for the process of combining the target image with the frame are assigned to each frame.
The point determination means is
When the analyzed command is processing for pasting the target image on the frame, whether or not the identified user has the user point assigned to the frame to be pasted is stored in the point storage means. Based on user points,
The composite image generation server according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The above command
A command for selecting a template image, a command for adjusting the size or position of the frame formed on the template image, a command for pasting the target image on the frame formed on the template image, or a frame formed on the template image This command rejects the use of the target image pasted on
The composite image generation server according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
An addition command determining means for determining whether or not the command receiving means has received a point addition command transmitted from a user who has determined that processing based on the analyzed command is preferable in the processing means; and Means for adding the user points of the user who sent the analyzed command in response to determining that the means has received a point addition command;
The composite image generation server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:
Point storage means stores user points for each user,
The command receiving means receives a command for generating a composite image transmitted from a user using a client computer,
In response to the reception of the command by the command receiving means, the point determination means identifies the user who sent the command and analyzes the command, and obtains the user points necessary for processing performed by the analyzed command, Whether or not the identified user has is determined based on the user point stored in the point storage means,
When the processing means determines that the identified user has the user point necessary for the processing by the point determination means, the user point corresponding to the user who sent the command is determined as the point. Reduce processing from the storage means and perform processing based on the analyzed command.
Composite image generation method.
A computer-readable program for controlling the composite image generation server,
Remember user points for each user,
Using a client computer to receive a composite image generation command sent from the user,
In response to receiving the command, the user who sent the command is identified and analyzed, and whether or not the identified user has the user points necessary for processing performed by the analyzed command. Make a decision based on the stored user points,
In response to determining that the identified user has the user points required for processing, the user point corresponding to the user who sent the command is reduced from the stored user points and analyzed. A program that controls the composite image generation server to perform processing based on the command that has been issued.
A recording medium storing the program according to claim 10.