JP4770466B2 - Image providing system, control program for image providing system, and recording medium recording control program for image providing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image editing apparatus that edits image data and prints it on a sheet, an image providing system, a control program for the image editing apparatus, and a recording medium on which the control program for the image editing apparatus is recorded.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photo sticker (image editing device) that outputs a photograph taken as a sticker has been widely used in entertainment facilities such as game centers. In such a photo sticker, a series of processes such as shooting by the user, editing of the shot image, and printing are executed as one game. The photo stickers obtained through a series of flows are used by being exchanged between friends or pasted on a user's belongings such as a notebook.

  In addition, with the widespread use of cellular phones (camera-equipped cellular phones) having photographing means such as digital cameras, there has been an increasing demand for sharing image data edited by a photo sticker with the cellular phone. . In view of this, for example, a device has been developed that can distribute image data shot and edited with a photo sticker to a mobile phone (see Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2). In this apparatus, the captured image data is transmitted to a server that is communicably connected to the photo sticker through a communication network such as the Internet. In this way, the server can receive and hold image data from the photo sticker. When a delivery destination of image data is designated via the mobile phone or the like, the server delivers the image data to the designated delivery destination.

Furthermore, an apparatus that provides information such as image data from a mobile phone to a photo sticker using infrared rays is also disclosed (see Patent Document 3). In addition, there is an apparatus that can print and output a two-dimensional barcode including URL information of a connection destination together with an image (see Patent Document 4). In addition, an image photographing transmission device that enables a photographed image to be transmitted via a network or a connector is disclosed (for example, see Patent Documents 5 and 6).
JP 2003-333573 A (published on November 21, 2003) JP 2001-313913 A (published on November 9, 2001) JP 2005-111814 A (published April 28, 2005) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-107947 (published on April 21, 2005) JP 2001-238107 A (released August 31, 2001) JP 2001-309108 A (published on November 2, 2001)

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, when imaged image data is stored for a long time, the image data is stored and managed by a server. However, the amount of data that can be stored in this server is finite, and if the amount of image data stored in the server becomes too large, the image data cannot be stored and overflows.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image editing apparatus, an image providing system, and an image editing apparatus capable of significantly reducing the amount of data stored in the image editing apparatus. And a recording medium on which the control program of the image editing apparatus is recorded.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image editing apparatus according to the present invention is an image editing apparatus that edits image data and prints it on a sheet, and performs the image data editing process in response to an input instruction from a user And an image data communication unit for establishing communication with a communication device having a storage unit for storing various types of information used by the user. The editing process is performed by the user. When receiving an instruction to save image data to be edited by the means, the image data communication unit transmits the image data to the communication device.

  According to the above configuration, since the image data communication unit is provided, when an image data saving instruction is received from the user, the image data to be edited by the editing processing unit is transmitted to the communication device used by the user. can do. Note that the image data to be edited may be, for example, data of an image taken by a user, or image data edited by an editing processing unit, but according to an instruction for editing processing. It may be image data that can be further edited. That is, the image data to be edited may be image data that can be edited by the editing processing means. The communication device is a device that can be used by the user. In addition to the communication device owned by the user, the communication device includes a communication device lent out in a store or the like that uses the image editing device according to the present invention. It is.

  The communication apparatus has a storage unit for storing various information. For this reason, the image editing apparatus according to the present invention can transmit image data to the communication apparatus and store the image data in a storage unit included in the communication apparatus.

  Further, since the image data communication unit and the editing processing means are provided, when the image data is received from the communication device used by the user, the image editing apparatus according to the present invention uses the received image data. Editing processing can also be performed based on an input instruction from a person.

  As described above, the image editing apparatus according to the present invention does not store the image data to be edited by the editing processing unit in its own apparatus, but transmits it to the communication apparatus used by the user. Can be memorized. Therefore, the image editing apparatus according to the present invention does not need to store the image data to be edited by the editing processing means in its own apparatus, so that the amount of data stored in the image knitting apparatus can be greatly reduced. There is an effect that can be.

  The image editing apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that, in the above-described configuration, the image data communication unit establishes communication with the communication apparatus by wireless communication and transmits or receives the image data. Preferably it is.

  According to the above configuration, the image data communication unit can establish communication with the communication device by wireless communication, and can transmit or receive the image data. In particular, transmission or reception of image data can be performed with respect to the communication device. In particular, when the communication device is carried by a user and moves, the image data communication unit is more suitable for movement of the communication device than a configuration in which image data is transmitted to or received from the communication device by, for example, a wired cable. Limits can be reduced.

  As described above, the image editing apparatus according to the present invention can reduce the restriction on the movement of the communication apparatus and can efficiently transmit the image data to the communication apparatus, and therefore can transmit the image data to be transmitted. It is possible to reduce the probability that a state such as holding without being generated occurs. In this way, since the probability that a state in which image data to be transmitted cannot be transmitted and held can be reduced, the amount of data stored in the image knitting apparatus can be reduced. Can do.

  The image editing apparatus according to the present invention, in the configuration described above, includes an encryption processing unit for encrypting image data to be transmitted to the communication device, and an encryption processing unit received from the communication device. It is preferable that the image processing apparatus further includes a decrypting unit for decrypting the encrypted image data.

  According to the above configuration, since the encryption processing means and the decryption processing means are provided, it is possible to perform editing processing on the image data transmitted and held in the communication device only in the image editing device. it can. That is, it is possible to prevent the image data from being edited in the communication device to which the image data has been transmitted from the image editing device or in another image editing device.

  Therefore, the image editing apparatus according to the present embodiment can store the image data to be edited by the editing processing unit in the communication apparatus used by the user, and therefore store the image data in the image editing apparatus. The amount of data can be reduced. On the other hand, the image data transmitted to the communication device can be edited only by the image editing device. Therefore, the image data to be edited transmitted to the communication device can be transferred to the communication device or another image editing device. It can be managed so that it is not edited without permission.

  Therefore, the image editing apparatus according to the present invention can greatly reduce the amount of data stored in the image editing apparatus and can manage image data to be edited by the editing processing unit.

  In the image editing apparatus according to the present invention, in the configuration described above, the communication apparatus is specified in response to a transmission request for decryption information for decrypting the encrypted image data from the communication apparatus. Specific information requesting means for requesting transmission of specific information, and providing means for providing the decryption information to the communication device that has transmitted the specific information in response to a request from the specific information requesting means. It may be configured.

  Since the specific information requesting means and the providing means configured as described above are provided, the decoding information can be transmitted only to the communication device specified by the specific information. In other words, the encrypted image data can be decrypted only in the communication device that can be managed by the specific information among the communication devices that have transmitted the image data.

  In addition, since the communication device managed by the specific information can acquire the decryption information that can decrypt the image data encrypted in the communication device, the number of communication devices managed by the specific information is improved. Can do.

  Therefore, the image editing apparatus according to the present invention can manage the communication apparatuses that can use the image data among the communication apparatuses that hold the image data, and the number of communication apparatuses to be managed. Can be improved.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image providing system according to the present invention includes the editing processing unit, the image data communication unit, the encryption processing unit, the decrypting unit, the specific information requesting unit, and the providing unit. An image editing apparatus, a storage unit for storing various types of information, and a communication apparatus that transmits or receives image data to be edited by the editing processing unit to the image editing apparatus. It is characterized by.

  According to the above configuration, in the image providing system according to the present invention, the image data to be edited by the editing processing means provided in the image editing apparatus is not stored in the image editing apparatus but in the communication apparatus possessed by the user. It can be memorized. As described above, in the image providing system according to the present invention, it is not necessary to store the image data to be edited, so that the amount of data stored in the image knitting apparatus can be greatly reduced.

  The image editing apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, a control program for an image editing apparatus for causing the image editing apparatus to be realized by a computer by causing the computer to operate as the respective means, and A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded also falls within the scope of the present invention.

  The image editing apparatus according to the present invention is an image editing apparatus that edits image data and prints it on a sheet as described above, and performs an editing process for the image data in accordance with an input instruction from a user. And an image data communication unit that establishes communication with a communication device having a storage unit for storing various types of information used by the user, and is edited by the editing processing unit from the user. When the image data storage instruction is received, the image data communication unit transmits the image data to the communication device.

  Therefore, the image editing apparatus according to the present invention does not need to store the image data to be edited by the editing processing means in its own apparatus, so that the amount of data stored in the image knitting apparatus can be greatly reduced. There is an effect that can be.

  As described above, the image providing system according to the present invention includes the editing processing unit, the image data communication unit, the encryption processing unit, the decrypting unit, the specific information requesting unit, and the providing unit. And a storage device for storing various information, and a communication device that transmits or receives image data to be edited by the editing processing means to the image editing device. .

  As described above, in the image providing system according to the present invention, it is not necessary to store the image data to be edited, so that the amount of data stored in the image knitting apparatus can be greatly reduced.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a photo sticker 2 (image editing device), a communication terminal (communication device) 3, a member registration management server 5, and a base station 6. It is. In the image providing system 1, the member registration management server 5 and the base station 6 can communicate with each other through the communication network 4 as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The communication terminal 3 is operated by a user and transmits / receives various data to / from the photo sticker 2. The communication terminal 3 may be owned by the user, or may be lent to the user at a store where the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment is installed. The communication terminal 3 is a portable communication terminal such as a portable PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, and a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) (registered trademark) terminal so that the user can carry it. desirable. The communication established between the communication terminal 3 and the photo sticker 2 is realized by wireless communication using, for example, infrared rays or radio waves. In the present embodiment, the communication terminal 3 can establish communication with the photo sticker 2 by short-range wireless communication using infrared rays. Furthermore, the communication terminal 3 can establish communication with the member registration management server 5 via the base station 6.

  The photo sticker 2 takes a picture of the user and, if desired, edits the photo with a background image or the like and prints it on sticker paper. The photo sticker 2 is installed in an entertainment facility such as a game center, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the photographic sticker 2 has a shooting space where a user takes a photograph, an editing space where a photographed image is edited, and a sticker sheet that is printed based on image data. A printing space to be discharged is provided. 3 and 4 are views showing the appearance of the photographic sealing machine 2. FIG. 3 is a view of the photographic sticker 2 as viewed from the photographing space side, and FIG. 4 is a view of the photographic sticker 2 as viewed from the print space side.

  This photographing space is provided with a photographing unit 40 for photographing a user and generating a photographed image. In the editing space, an editing unit 41 for editing an image generated by the imaging unit 40 and an image captured by the imaging unit 40 or an image edited by the editing unit 41 are printed on sticker paper. The printing unit 42 is provided. Further, the editing space is provided with a short-range wireless communication unit (image data communication unit) 43, and various information can be transmitted to and received from the communication terminal 3 by the short-range wireless communication unit 43. It can be done.

  In the editing space, for example, like the photo sticker 2 shown in FIG. 4, a similar editing unit 41 is also provided at a position (not shown in FIG. 4) opposite to the editing unit 41, and the printing unit Another set of 42 is also provided. That is, in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment, two sets of users can perform editing and printing processes separately in the editing space at the same time. Note that the groups that can simultaneously instruct editing and printing processing are not limited to these two groups. For example, a similar editing unit and printing unit 42 are further adjacent to the editing unit 41 shown in FIG. The provided structure may be sufficient.

  Although not specifically shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the printing unit 42 reads an ID tag delivered in a set with a sticker sheet for printing image data, in addition to the printer 23 and the sticker paper outlet 24. An ID tag reader / writer 9 to be described later is also provided.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 for convenience of explanation, curtains are provided around the entrance and / or the editing space of the shooting space, and the shooting process and the editing process cannot be viewed by a third party. It is configured as follows. The opening and closing of the curtain is controlled by the control unit 10 to be described later. For example, the opening and closing of the curtain is controlled as follows.

  First, in the customer waiting state, the control unit 10 controls the curtain to be opened. When the charging processing unit 25 confirms that a predetermined amount of money has been inserted by the user, control is performed to close the curtain at this point. At this time, for example, a customer service lamp may be turned on to notify the outside of the shooting space that there is a user in the shooting space. For example, when the user is in the shooting space, the character of the customer service lamp may be turned on, and if the user disappears from the shooting space, the character may be turned off. Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the photographing process and the editing process are completed, the control unit 10 performs control to open the curtain at this point.

  Also, when the curtain is forcibly closed by the user when the curtain should be open, or when the curtain should be closed, the user forcibly opened the curtain. In such a case, an alarm may be issued at a volume that can be heard by the surroundings, and control may be performed to stop the progress of shooting. By doing in this way, the crime in a sealed space can be prevented or mischief can be prevented.

  Moreover, although not shown in figure, it is good also as a structure which provided the weight sensor etc. in the luggage storage space and luggage hook mentioned above, for example. In this case, when the user places a luggage in the luggage storage space or places the luggage on the luggage hook, the apparatus can recognize that the luggage has been placed. Therefore, for example, if the baggage is placed after a predetermined period of time after shooting or editing, the user is expected to forget the baggage. It is possible to issue a warning about misplaced luggage. Also, if it is detected that the baggage has been removed while shooting or editing is in progress, an alarm will be issued because it is anticipated that the user would be engaged in a while while the user was engrossed in play. Is possible.

  The member registration management server 5 performs member registration processing for a user who uses the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment. That is, in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment, the image data (encrypted image data 39) obtained by the photo sticker 2 is acquired by the communication terminal 3 only for a user who is registered as a member as will be described later. It can be viewed on the display unit 35 of the communication terminal 3.

(Configuration of photo seal machine)
Here, with reference to FIG. 1, the detail of a structure of the photograph sticker 2 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the photo sticker 2 includes a control unit 10 and a memory in addition to the photographing unit 40, the editing unit 41, the printing unit 42, and the short-range wireless communication unit (image data communication unit) 43. The apparatus further includes a device 11. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a photographic seal machine.

  The photographing unit 40 includes a CCD camera 13, a live view panel 14, a photographing processing touch panel 15, an illumination device 16, a speaker 17, and a coin processing device 18.

  The CCD camera 13 shoots a subject, and is constituted by a digital camera including, for example, a lens group, a diaphragm, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging device, and the like.

  The live view panel 14 displays a live view image taken by the CCD camera 13, and is configured by an LCD (liquid crystal display), for example.

  The shooting process touch panel 15 displays various messages and images in the shooting process, and receives various instructions and selections from the user. Examples of the various messages described above include a message explaining the procedure of the photographing process and a greeting to the user. The photographing processing touch panel 15 is configured by providing a touch sensor on a display surface such as a flat panel display or a CRT, and is disposed at a position where the user can easily see and operate.

  The illumination device 16 functions as illumination means for illuminating a user who is a subject. The illuminating device 16 is configured to include a fluorescent lamp that functions as illumination at the time of shooting and also functions as illumination of a shooting space at normal time, and a strobe lamp that functions as a photographic flashlight at the time of shooting.

  The speaker 17 outputs various voice guidance and sound effects related to the photographing process.

  The coin processing device 18 determines whether or not a coin inserted from a coin slot by a user as a usage fee for the photo sticker 2 is a predetermined coin. If it is determined that the coin is a predetermined coin, the coin processing device 18 notifies the control unit 10 and sends the inserted coin to a coin container (not shown) for storing coins. On the other hand, when it determines with it being coins other than a predetermined coin, the coin processing apparatus 18 sends out the inserted coin to a coin return port (not shown). In addition, when there is no money change machine for exchanging bills or coins into predetermined coins near the photo seal machine 2, a bill input port is newly provided to provide a bill processing device or a change processing device. It is desirable.

  The editing unit 41 includes an editing speaker 19, an editing processing touch panel 20, and an editing processing touch pen 21. As described above, the editing unit 41 is configured to be provided at two locations in the editing space in the photographic sticker 2, but only one editing unit 41 is illustrated in FIG. 1 for convenience of explanation.

  The editing process touch panel 20 displays various messages and images in the editing process and receives various instructions and selections from the user. The touch panel 20 for editing processing is configured by providing a touch sensor on a display surface such as a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display element or a CRT (cathode ray tube). Examples of the various messages described above include a message explaining the procedure of editing processing. The editing processing touch panel 20 is configured and arranged in the same manner as the photographing processing touch panel 15 described above.

  The edit processing touch pen 21 is used by a user to perform fine operation input in image editing processing, and is disposed in the vicinity of the editing processing touch panel 20. The user touches the editing processing touch pen 21 to the editing processing touch panel 20 to select a button to be displayed according to the progress of processing or to draw an image such as an arbitrary character or figure. be able to. As shown in FIG. 4, the editing processing touch pen 21 includes two editing units 41, that is, two editing units 41 in the photographic sticker 2 according to the present embodiment. Four are installed. However, the number of editing processing touch pens 21 to be installed is not limited to this, and a plurality of editing processing touch pens 21 may be provided, or one editing unit 41 may be provided.

  The editing speaker 19 outputs various voice guidances and sound effects related to editing processing in response to an instruction from the control unit 10.

  The printing unit 42 includes an ID tag reader / writer 9, a printer 23, and a sticker paper discharge port 24. Further, although not particularly shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, a light emitting lamp 8 is provided which emits light in a predetermined color to notify that the sticker is discharged from the sticker outlet 24 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the light-emitting lamp 8 is provided in the vicinity of the seal paper discharge port 24 (upper left and right in FIG. 4). As described above, when the printing unit 42 includes the light-emitting lamp 8, the user has an additional advantage that the user can easily grasp the seal paper discharge port from which the seal paper is discharged.

  In particular, the ID tag reader / writer 9 and the printer 23 constitute a printer unit, and a sticker paper and an ID tag as an output medium of a photo print are delivered to the printer unit as a sticker paper unit. It has become. Note that, as described above, the printing unit 42 is configured to be provided at two places in the editing space in the photographic sticker 2, but FIG. 1 shows only one printing unit 42 for convenience of explanation.

  When image data to be output is sent from the control unit 10, the printer 23 prints on a sticker sheet based on the image data. For example, a sublimation printer is used as the printer 23. When a sublimation printer is used, a sublimation ink film is delivered as a set in addition to sticker paper and an ID tag.

  The sticker paper discharge port 24 is an opening for discharging the sticker paper printed and output by the printer 23 to the outside.

  The ID tag reader / writer 9 reads various identification data recorded in the ID tag and outputs it to the control unit 10. The ID tag is constituted by an IC chip having a memory function, and the identification data recorded on the ID tag includes a unique ID, the number of sheets, a sheet type, and ink-specific color information (ink film is a set). Etc.). Then, based on the identification data read by the ID tag reader / writer 9, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the attached sticker paper and ink film are usable in the photo sticker 2. The printer 23 is made operable only when it is possible. That is, it is set so that only the sticker paper and the ink film specified in the photo sticker 2 can be used.

  The photo sticker 2 is configured to count down the number of sheets each time the sticker is used based on the number of sheets information recorded on the ID tag. Therefore, the photo sticker 2 can grasp the remaining number of sheets. Therefore, when the remaining number of sheets is reduced, for example, a warning is generated by a display unit such as the editing processing touch panel 20 so that the sheet runs out during use by the user. It is possible to avoid problems.

  Note that when counting down the number of sheets, the control unit 10 also rewrites the number of sheets recorded in the ID tag. As a result, when the paper is used up, the information on the number of sheets recorded in the ID tag is also zero, and this ID tag can be invalidated.

  Further, since the photo sticker 2 can read the paper type information recorded on the ID tag and the color information specific to the ink, the image data is taken into consideration by reading the information read by the ID tag reader / writer 9. Can be corrected. Therefore, the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment can accurately output an image on the paper or ink film.

  The ID tag includes a non-contact type ID tag capable of wireless data communication and a contact type ID tag provided with a terminal. The ID tag reader / writer 9 is either one of these. Or it corresponds to both.

  In the above embodiment, the ID sticker is used to check whether or not the photo sticker 2 is a usable sticker. However, this check is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which confirmation is performed using a barcode printed on a packing material for packing sticker paper and an ink film. However, when a barcode is used, there are problems that the amount of information that can be included is small, and information cannot be rewritten by counting down the number of sheets, for example.

  In addition, as said sealing paper, in the photographic sealing machine 2 which concerns on this Embodiment, it is a sealing sheet which consists of an adhesive sheet and the peeling sheet affixed on the adhesive surface of this adhesive seal. However, the sticker paper is not limited to this, and may be a paper sheet that is a normal paper medium.

  The control unit 10 performs overall control of each unit included in the photo sticker 2. The control unit 10 can be realized by a PC (Personal Computer) based computer, for example. And operation control of various composition is performed by making a computer run a control program.

  This program may be in the form of reading and using what is recorded on a removable medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be in the form of reading and using what is installed on a hard disk or the like. Further, when the photo sticker 2 is connected to a communication network such as the Internet, a form in which the program is downloaded via the communication network, installed on a hard disk, and the like can be considered. Details of the control unit 10 of the present embodiment will be described later.

  The storage device 11 stores various data and programs. The storage device 11 is configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk. The contents stored in the storage device 11 include the control program, the OS (Operating System) program, various other programs, operation setting values in the CCD camera 13, and the like. Examples of the operation setting values in the CCD camera 13 include white balance values set at the time of shipment of the apparatus and maintenance, various parameter values relating to image processing when adjusting the brightness and darkness of a captured image, and the like. Further, the storage device 11 also temporarily stores image data created by the photographing process for editing processing and printing processing.

  The short-range wireless communication unit 43 is for performing wireless communication with the communication terminal 3. The short-range wireless communication unit 43 converts various data received from the control unit 10 into a format suitable for data communication, and then transmits the data to the communication terminal 3 using infrared rays. The short-range wireless communication unit 43 converts various data received from the communication terminal 3 by infrared rays into a data format that can be handled in the apparatus, and then transmits the data to the control unit 10.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 10 for functioning as the photo sticker 2 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 includes, as functional blocks, a charging processing unit 25, a photographing processing unit 26, an image editing processing unit (editing processing unit) 27, a printing processing unit 28, and a decoding unit (decoding unit) 29. And an encryption processing unit <encryption processing means> 30. When the control unit 10 is realized by a CPU or the like, for example, the functional block can be realized by reading and executing a program stored in the storage device 11 into a RAM (not shown) or the like by the CPU.

  The billing processing unit 25 performs billing processing when the coin processing device 18 notifies the control unit 10 of coin insertion. When the billing processing unit 25 confirms that the billing process has been completed normally, that is, counts the notification from the coin processing device 18 and determines that a predetermined number of coins have been inserted into the coin processing device 18 from the user. The shooting processing unit 26 is notified of the start of the play operation.

  The photographing processing unit 26 performs photographing processing based on the notification from the billing processing unit 25. The photographing process is mainly performed as follows. That is, first, the number of shots and the shooting time are set. Next, shooting settings are performed. Specifically, the whole body photographing or the up photographing is selected and the photographing angle is adjusted. Next, a live view image captured by the CCD camera 13 is displayed on the live view panel 14. When the user takes a desired pose while referring to the live view image and presses the shooting button on the shooting processing touch panel 15 at a desired timing, shooting is performed after the countdown.

  Next, the photographing processing unit 26 receives the photographed image data generated by the CCD camera 13 by the photographing and temporarily stores it in the storage device 11. The photographing processing unit 26 repeats the operation related to the photographing processing until the set number of photographings and / or photographing time is reached.

  The image editing processing unit 27 performs an image editing process based on an editing instruction input from a user. That is, when the shooting process is completed, the image editing processing unit 27 reads an image to be edited, that is, an image generated by the shooting process, from the storage device 11, and an image to be edited, i. An image generated by the processing is displayed.

  Editing processing is performed on the image using the editing processing touch pen 21. In this image, for example, a selection area of tools for performing an editing process may be displayed. Examples of the tools include a plurality of types of pens and their colors, an eraser, and a plurality of stamps.

  In addition, a selection image for selecting an image to be edited may be displayed as a thumbnail in the image to be edited. Then, the user can switch the enlarged image displayed as the editing target at the center by touching the selected image with the editing processing touch pen 21 from the thumbnail display. Note that this selected image corresponds to an image at the time of each shooting when a plurality of shootings are performed in the above shooting process.

  As a result, it is possible to select an image suitable for the user's preference by eliminating a photographed image or the like that is closed during photographing or unintentionally photographed.

  Next, the selected photographed image is displayed on the editing processing touch panel 20, and image editing such as background image selection, color change, and graffiti is performed on the photographed image using the editing processing touch pen 21. When image editing is subsequently performed on another captured image, the previously edited image data is temporarily stored in the storage device 11, and the above-described processing related to image editing is repeated. When the period set as the editing process elapses, the print processing unit 28 is notified of completion of the image editing process. As described above, when the image editing processing unit 27 finishes performing the image editing processing, the image editing processing unit 27 notifies the print processing unit 28 to that effect and temporarily stores the edited image in the storage device 11.

  Further, when the image editing processing unit 27 is requested by the user to save the image data after the editing process, the image editing processing unit 27 transmits the image data to the encryption processing unit 30, encrypts the image data, and performs communication. It also instructs the terminal 3 to transmit.

  When the image editing processing unit 27 receives the encrypted image data (encrypted image data 39) from the communication terminal 3, the image editing processing unit 27 edits the image data obtained by decrypting the encrypted image data 39. It is also displayed on the processing touch panel 20 or edited according to an instruction from the user received by the editing processing touch panel 20.

  The print processing unit 28 prompts the user for a print processing procedure in response to a notification from the image editing processing unit 27, and executes print processing based on an instruction from the user. More specifically, this printing process is mainly performed as follows. That is, first, when a notification indicating the end of the image editing process is received from the image editing processing unit 27, the print processing unit 28 instructs the editing processing touch panel 20 to use the number of divisions or the division pattern on the sticker sheet. Display for the user to select. In response to the display on the editing processing touch panel 20, information indicating the division number or division pattern desired by the user is input by the editing processing touch panel 20. When receiving the input from the user, the print processing unit 28 controls the printer 23 so that the edited image edited by the image editing processing unit 27 is printed for each divided region selected by the user. Print on sticker paper. Then, the printed sticker paper is discharged from the sticker paper discharge port 24. Thereafter, the printing process is terminated, and the user's play operation is terminated.

  When the decryption unit 29 receives the encrypted image data 39 from the communication terminal 3 via the short-range wireless communication unit 43, the decryption unit 29 decrypts the encrypted image data 39. The decoding unit 29 transmits the decoded image data to the image editing processing unit 27.

  The encryption processing unit 30 encrypts image data in accordance with an instruction from the image editing processing unit 27. The encryption processing unit 30 transmits the encrypted image data (encrypted image data 39) to the communication terminal 3 via the short-range wireless communication unit 43.

(Configuration of communication terminal)
Next, details of the configuration of the communication terminal 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5, the communication terminal 3 includes a terminal storage device (storage unit) 31, a terminal communication processing unit 32, a terminal control unit 33, a first antenna 34a, a second antenna 34b, a display unit 35, The image pickup unit 36 is provided. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the member registration management server.

  The terminal storage device 31 is a readable / writable recording medium and stores various data and programs. The contents stored in the terminal storage device 31 include a control program for executing various controls of the communication terminal 3, various other programs, encrypted image data 39 received from the photo sticker 2, and the like.

  The terminal communication processing unit 32 establishes infrared communication with the photo seal machine 2 through the first antenna 34a, and converts various information into a format that can be transmitted and received by infrared communication. Furthermore, the terminal communication processing unit 32 controls the second antenna 34 b to establish communication with the member registration management server 5 via the base station 6, and manages various information via the base station 6. It is also converted into a format that can be transmitted to and received from the server 5.

  The terminal control unit 33 performs various controls of each unit of the communication terminal 3. More specifically, the terminal control unit 33 stores the encrypted image data 39 received from the photo sticker 2 in the terminal storage device 31 via the terminal communication processing unit 32, or the encrypted image data 39 Is sent to the photo sticker 2 to request editing processing and / or display of the encrypted image data 39.

  Furthermore, the terminal control unit 33 requests the member registration management server 5 to perform registration processing as a member using the photo sticker 2, or the encrypted image data issued from the member registration management server 5 after member registration. The key information 57 for decrypting 39 is received, and the encrypted image data 39 is decrypted and displayed on the display unit 35.

  In addition, when an image photographed by the imaging unit 36 to be described later is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), the terminal control unit 33 analyzes the two-dimensional code acquired as the photographed image, and Information recorded in the two-dimensional code can also be acquired.

  The display unit 35 displays image data and the like in response to an instruction from the terminal control unit 33. The display unit 35 is configured by, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display).

  The imaging unit 36 captures a subject in accordance with an instruction from the terminal control unit 33 and generates image data. The imaging unit 36 is configured by a CCD (charge coupled device) or a CMOS. The image data captured by the imaging unit 36 is adjusted in exposure and image quality by the terminal control unit 33 and is displayed on the display unit 35 as a preview. In addition, the displayed image is stored in the terminal storage device 31 in response to an operation instruction using an operation unit (not shown) in the preview display state. That is, a so-called camera function is realized by such an operation.

(Configuration of member registration management server)
Next, details of the configuration of the member registration management server 5 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the member registration management server 5 includes a server communication processing unit 51, a member registration processing unit (providing means / specific information requesting means) 52, a settlement processing unit 53, and a server storage unit 54. It is a configuration.

  The server communication processing unit 51 establishes communication with the communication terminal 3 via the base station 6 connected through the communication network 4, and converts the information into a format that can be transmitted and received and processed. For example, when the server communication processing unit 51 receives a request for member registration from the communication terminal 3, the server communication processing unit 51 transmits the request to the member registration processing unit 52, or receives key information 57 distributed to the communication terminal 3 that has completed the member registration process. When received from the member registration processing unit 52, it is transmitted to the communication terminal 3 via the base station 6.

  The member registration processing unit 52 performs various controls of each unit of the member registration management server 5. In particular, the member registration processing unit 52 executes processing related to member registration of a user who owns the communication terminal 3 in response to a request for member registration received from the communication terminal 3. The member registration processing unit 52 includes a key information providing unit (providing unit) 58 and a member data requesting unit (specific information requesting unit) 59 as functional blocks. If the member registration processing unit 52 can be realized by a CPU or the like, for example, the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the server storage unit 54 or a ROM (not shown) to a RAM (not shown) or the like. This can be achieved.

  When the member data requesting unit 59 receives a member registration request (ie, key information distribution request) from the communication terminal 3, the member data requesting unit 59 sends the identification information of the communication terminal 3 to the communication terminal 3 that has received the request. It requests to send an e-mail address as (specific information). Further, the member data requesting unit 59 requests to transmit the information related to the fee payment related to the membership registration to the communication terminal 3, and the information related to the payment of the fee obtained in response to the request is set as the settlement processing unit 53. It is also a thing to notify. When the payment processing unit 53 confirms the information related to the payment of the fee for membership registration, the member data request unit 59 stores the acquired mail address as the member data 56 in the server storage unit 54.

  The key information providing unit 58 transmits key information 57 to the communication terminal 3 that has transmitted the e-mail address and has confirmed the information related to the payment of the fee for membership registration in the settlement processing unit 53. It is.

  The settlement processing unit 53 performs processing for confirming information related to the fee payment related to membership registration received from the communication terminal 3, and performs a settlement process based on the information related to the fee payment. For example, when the payment processing unit 53 includes a credit card number as information relating to payment of a fee related to member registration, the payment processing unit 53 checks the appropriateness of the credit card number and subtracts the fee for member registration from the account of the user of the communication terminal 3. Bill your bill as you would.

  The server storage unit 54 is a readable / writable recording medium, and is configured by a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk. The server storage unit 54 stores a control program and an OS (Operating System) program for controlling the server communication processing unit 51, the member registration processing unit 52, the settlement processing unit 53, and the like. The server storage unit 54 also stores member data 56, which is information on a user who has completed membership registration, and key information 57 used to decrypt the encrypted image data 39.

(Photo sticker creation process)
Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the photo sticker creating process in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. The photo sticker creation process is a series of processes from the time when the user visits the photo sticker 2, inserts a coin, takes a picture, edits the obtained image data, and prints it as a photo sticker. . FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of photo sticker creation processing in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment.

  First, the user inserts coins from the coin insertion slot in the shooting space (step S11, hereinafter referred to as S11). When the user inserts a predetermined amount of money, a processing procedure related to execution of shooting processing is displayed on the shooting processing touch panel 15, and a shooting processing guidance broadcast flows from the speaker 17. Then, the shooting process is executed in accordance with the guidance broadcast and the instruction from the shooting touch panel (S12). Details of this photographing process will be described later. When the shooting process is completed, information for guiding the movement to the editing space is displayed on the shooting process touch panel 15 in accordance with an instruction from the shooting processing unit 26 (S13). In accordance with this guidance, the user moves from the shooting space to the editing space.

  When the user moves to the editing space, a display asking whether or not to save the captured image is displayed on the editing processing touch panel 20 (S14). Here, when requesting the storage of the photographed image (“Yes” in step S14), the user operates the editing processing touch panel 20 to instruct the storage request for the photographed image. In response to this instruction, the image editing processing unit 27 performs processing for storing the captured image data (S15).

  That is, the image editing processing unit 27 reads out the image data captured by the imaging processing in step S12 from the storage device 11, passes it to the encryption processing unit 30, and instructs the communication terminal 3 to transmit it. In response to an instruction from the image editing processing unit 27, the encryption processing unit 30 encrypts the image data. Then, a communication terminal storage request flag indicating that the image data cannot be viewed on the communication terminal 3 is set and managed for the image data to be transmitted. Further, the encryption processing unit 30 assigns authentication information and an authentication number set for each store to the image data. The authentication information may be identification information assigned to the photo sticker 2 or the store where the photo sticker 2 is installed, or the photo sticker 2 is extracted from the face image of the user. In the case of a configuration for acquiring information indicating a feature point, information indicating the feature point may be used.

  In this way, the encryption processing unit 30 assigns the authentication information and the authentication number to the encrypted image data. Then, the encryption processing unit 30 transmits the image data to the communication terminal 3 by controlling the short-range wireless communication unit 43 together with the information indicating the authentication number. The image data to be transmitted (encrypted image data 39) is encrypted so that it can be decrypted by key information received from the member registration management server 5 as will be described later.

  On the other hand, in the communication terminal 3, the encrypted image data 39 from the photo sticker 2 is received by the terminal control unit 33 via the terminal communication processing unit 32 and stored in the terminal storage device 31. Thus, in the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image data taken by the photo sticker 2 can be stored in the communication terminal 3.

  When the image saving process is completed, the image editing processing unit 27 displays an inquiry as to whether or not to request the image editing process held by the communication terminal by controlling the editing process touch panel 20 (S16).

  When the user desires to edit the image (encrypted image data 39) stored in the communication terminal 3 in response to the inquiry display, the user gives an instruction to the user that the editing is desired. Operate and input. Furthermore, the user operates the communication terminal 3 to transmit the encrypted image data 39 desired to be edited from the first antenna 34a to the photograph sticker 2 by infrared rays.

  On the other hand, when the encrypted image data 39 is received from the communication terminal 3 together with the instruction from the user, the photo sealer 2 receives the encrypted image data 39 from the communication unit 3 via the short-range wireless communication unit 43. Receive. Then, the decryption unit 29 decrypts the received encrypted image data 39 and transmits it to the image editing processing unit 27.

  That is, when receiving the encrypted image data 39, the decrypting unit 29 instructs the image editing processing unit 27 to display on the editing processing touch panel 20 to prompt the input of the authentication number. In response to the instruction from the decryption unit 29, the image editing processing unit 27 performs a display prompting the editing processing touch panel 20 to input an authentication number. In response to this display, the user inputs the authentication number transmitted from the photo sticker 2 when the encrypted image data 39 is stored in the communication terminal 3.

  When the edit processing touch panel 20 receives the input of the authentication number from the user, the edit number is transmitted to the decryption unit 29 via the image edit processing unit 27. When receiving the input of the authentication number from the user, the decryption unit 29 confirms whether the received authentication number is appropriate. When it is determined that the authentication number is appropriate, the communication terminal storage request flag set for the encrypted image data 39 is removed, and authentication information assigned to the encrypted image data 39 is authenticated. When the authentication information authentication is completed, the encrypted image data 39 is decrypted and transmitted to the image editing processing unit 27.

  In this way, the image editing processing unit 27 can acquire the image (encrypted image data 39) held in the communication terminal 3 (S17). When receiving the encrypted image data 39 decrypted by the decrypting unit 29, the image editing processing unit 27 performs an editing process based on the image data (S18). On the other hand, when editing of the encrypted image data 39 stored in the communication terminal 3 is not requested, that is, when editing processing is performed only on the image data captured in step S12 (“No” in S16), step S16 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the editing process in step S18.

  At the start of the editing process in step S18, on the editing process touch panel 20, a guide for explaining the editing process method for the captured image data or the image data acquired from the communication terminal 3 is displayed along with the editing screen. The editing speaker 19 guides the editing method by voice. The user inputs an editing instruction from the editing processing touch panel 20 in accordance with the guidance display and voice instructions.

  When an editing instruction is input by the user according to the display and the voice guidance in this way, the image editing processing unit 27 responds to the instruction, and the image editing processing unit 27 or the communication terminal 3 generates the image data generated by the plurality of times of shooting. Control is performed to display an image based on the image data acquired from the editing processing touch panel 20.

  When this image is displayed on the editing processing touch panel 20, the user selects an image for editing processing such as graffiti from these images. As a result, it is possible to select an image suitable for the user's preference by eliminating a photographed image or the like that is closed during photographing or unintentionally photographed.

  Next, the selected image is displayed on the editing processing touch panel 20, and the background image is selected, the color is changed, and the image is edited using the editing processing touch pen 21. When editing another captured image, the edited captured image is temporarily stored in the storage device 11 as a composite image. Then, the image editing process for the further photographed image is repeated, and the image data after the editing process is temporarily stored in the storage device 11 as data to be output in the subsequent printing process. Then, the image editing processing unit 27 notifies the printing processing unit 28 of the completion of the editing process. When the editing process is completed, the user operates the operation buttons on the editing process touch panel 20 to set the number of divisions or the division pattern of the image to be printed on the sticker paper and to execute the printing process. Enter.

  In response to the input by the user, the print processing unit 28 controls the printer 23 to print the edited image obtained by the editing process in step S16 on the sticker sheet (S19). After executing the editing process and the printing process in this way, the editing process touch panel 20 displays a guidance screen for guiding the user to move to the printing space and wait for the sticker sheet to be discharged (S20).

  Then, the printed sticker paper is discharged from the sticker paper discharge port 24 (S21). Details of the printing process shown in step S19 will be described later.

  In the “photo sticker creation process” described above, it is determined at the time when the photographing process is completed and the user moves to the editing space, that is, whether or not the image storage is requested in step S14, and in the next step S15. It was the structure which performs the preservation | save process of an image. However, the timing for performing the image saving process is not limited to this, and after the editing process shown in step S18, the necessity for saving the edited image is inquired, and if the image needs to be saved, the image after the editing process is processed. May be configured to perform a storage process. In the case of such a configuration, the processes in steps S14 and S15 described above are performed after the process in step S18.

(Shooting process)
With reference to FIG. 7, a user's photographing process in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a photographing process executed by the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment.

  When a coin is inserted from the user in step S11, the charging processing unit 25 determines whether or not the inserted coin has reached a predetermined amount (S31). In this determination, while the billing processing unit 25 determines that the inserted coin has not reached the processing amount (“No” in S31), the imaging processing unit 26 controls the imaging processing touch panel 15. Demo images such as shooting examples, illustrations, and animations are displayed (S32).

  On the other hand, when the charging processing unit 25 determines that the amount of money that has been input has reached a predetermined amount (“Yes” in S31), the accounting processing unit 26 is notified of the determination result. That is, the billing processing unit 25 counts the notification of coin insertion from the coin processing device 18, and when the user determines that a predetermined number of coins have been inserted into the coin processing device 18, the start of the play operation is photographed. Notify the unit 26.

  Based on the notification from the billing processing unit 25, the photographing processing unit 26 stops the display of the demo image, and switches to a display that prompts for settings related to the photographing processing. Then, the imaging processing unit 26 receives an input from the user via the imaging processing touch panel 15 and performs settings related to the imaging process (S33). That is, the shooting processing unit 26 first designates a plurality of shooting courses, and performs a display on the shooting processing touch panel 15 for setting the number of shots, background, and shooting time in the specified shooting course. In accordance with this display, the user operates the shooting processing touch panel 15 to set the number of shots and the shooting time. When the settings relating to the number of shots and the shooting time are completed, the shooting processing unit 26 instructs the shooting processing touch panel 15 to display to prompt selection of whole-body shooting or up-shooting, adjustment of the shooting angle, and the like. With reference to this display, the user operates the photographing processing touch panel 15 to input information indicating instructions regarding selection of whole body photographing or up photographing, adjustment of photographing angle, and the like.

  The imaging processing touch panel 15 notifies the imaging processing unit 26 when the information input from the user is received. In response to the notification received from the imaging processing touch panel 15, the imaging processing unit 26 performs settings such as selection of whole body imaging or up imaging and adjustment of the imaging angle. Subsequently, the photographing processing unit 26 activates the CCD camera 13 and displays an image (live view image) photographed by the CCD camera 13 on the live view panel 14.

  The user takes a desired pose while referring to the live view image displayed on the live view panel 14. Then, the user presses a button indicating the start of shooting on the shooting processing touch panel 15 at a desired timing, or when a predetermined time has elapsed (“Yes” in S34), a shot image is generated (S35).

  On the other hand, shooting is set until the button indicating the start of shooting is pressed or until a predetermined time elapses, that is, during “No” in step S34. Further, the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment is configured to notify the user of the elapse of the predetermined time by displaying a countdown indicator on the photographing processing touch panel 15.

  If “Yes” is determined in step S34, the CCD camera 13 generates image data by the shooting (S35), and transmits the generated image data to the shooting processing unit 26. The imaging processing unit 26 receives the generated image data and temporarily stores it in the storage device 11 (S36). When the image data generated in this way is temporarily stored in the storage device 11 for editing processing, the process returns to the generation of the captured image again, and the above processing operation is performed until the set predetermined imaging time is reached. Or until the button indicating the end of shooting is pressed, that is, until “Yes” is determined in step S37. On the other hand, if “Yes” is determined in step S37, the photographing process ends, and the process proceeds to step S13 shown in FIG.

(Printing process)
Next, the details of the printing process in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a printing process in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment.

  As described above, when the image editing processing unit 27 finishes the image editing processing, the image editing processing unit 27 notifies the print processing unit 28 to that effect and causes the storage device 11 to store the edited image. Upon receiving a notification indicating the end of the image editing process from the image editing processing unit 27, the print processing unit 28 instructs the editing processing touch panel 20 to cause the user to select the number of divisions or the division pattern on the sticker sheet. To display.

  When information indicating the division number or division pattern desired by the user is input by operating the editing processing touch panel 20 in accordance with the display on the editing processing touch panel 20, the print processing unit 28 inputs the input information. Accept. Then, the print processing unit 28 creates image print data based on the information input by the user (S41). Then, after creating the print data, the print processing unit 28 controls and activates the printer 23 and checks whether the status of the printer 23 is normal (S42). If the status of the printer 23 is not normal, the print processing unit 28 controls the editing processing touch panel 20 to display an error message indicating that the printer is in an error state (S43). The display of this error message is continued until the status of the printer 23 becomes normal.

  On the other hand, when the status of the activated printer 23 is normal, the print processing unit 28 prints the edited image edited by the image editing processing unit 27 for each divided area selected by the user. The printer 23 is controlled to print on sticker paper (S44).

  As described above, the photo sticker 2 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which image data to be edited by the image editing processing unit 27 is distributed and stored in the communication terminal 3 of the user. For this reason, when image data to be edited is stored for a long time, it is not necessary to store the image data in the storage device 11 provided in the photo sticker 2.

  As described above, since it is not necessary to store the image data to be edited in the storage device 11, the amount of data to be stored in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment can be greatly reduced. Therefore, in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to consider that the storage capacity of the storage device 11 is designed to be large in advance so that image data can be sufficiently stored.

  The image data distributed to the communication terminal 3 is encrypted and cannot be displayed and viewed on the communication terminal 3 under normal settings. That is, the editing process for the image data can be executed only in the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment. That is, it is possible to manage such that the image editing process is not executed in the communication terminal 3 that holds the image distributed from the photo sticker 2 or in another photo sticker 2.

  In addition, since the image data distributed to the communication terminal 3 cannot be browsed and edited by the communication terminal 3 or another photo seal machine 2 in this way, the user can download the image distributed to the communication terminal 3. If it is desired to view and edit the image, it is necessary to go to the photo sticker 2. Therefore, the frequency of use by the user of the photo sticker 2 can be improved.

  In the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, a member can be registered for the use of the photo sticker 2, and the user can register the encrypted image data 39 on the communication terminal 3 by registering as a member. It can be decoded and displayed. In the following, the member registration process in the image providing system 1 and the image display process in the communication terminal after the member registration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of member registration processing of the communication terminal 3 in the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

(Member registration process)
First, when a user visits the photo sticker 2, the QR code provided in the photo sticker 2 is photographed by the imaging unit 36 included in the communication terminal 3 to obtain an image of the QR code (S 51). That is, the imaging unit 36 is arranged facing the QR code, and an operation unit (not shown) of the communication terminal 3 is operated to photograph the QR code and acquire an image of the QR code.

  When the communication terminal 3 acquires the QR code image, the terminal control unit 33 analyzes the QR code image and acquires the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the member registration management server 5 recorded in the QR code ( S52). The terminal control unit 33 temporarily stores the acquired URL in the terminal storage device 31 and performs a display requesting a connection instruction with the member registration management server 5 indicated by the URL on the display unit 35.

  In response to this display, when the user operates the operation unit to instruct connection, the terminal control unit 33 reads the URL temporarily stored in the terminal storage device 31 and establishes a connection with the URL destination. To the terminal communication processing unit 32. Then, the terminal communication processing unit 32 establishes a connection with the member registration management server 5 via the base station 6 in response to an instruction from the terminal control unit 33.

  When the connection between the communication terminal 3 and the member registration management server 5 is established in this way, the communication terminal 3 transmits information indicating a request for member registration to the member registration management server 5 (S53).

  On the other hand, in the member registration management server 5, when the member data requesting unit 59 of the member registration processing unit 52 receives a member registration request from the communication terminal 3 via the server communication processing unit 51 (S54), this member registration is performed. An instruction is sent to the requesting communication terminal 3 to send a mail address (S55). When the communication terminal 3 receives the mail address transmission instruction from the member registration management server 5, the terminal communication processing unit 32 passes the transmission instruction to the terminal control unit 33. In response to this transmission instruction, the terminal control unit 33 activates mail creation software (not shown) to create a blank mail (S56), and displays on the display unit 35 the confirmation of blank mail transmission. In response to this display, when receiving a transmission instruction from the user, the terminal control unit 33 instructs the terminal communication processing unit 32 to transmit this empty mail to the member registration management server 5 (S57).

  On the other hand, when the member registration management server 5 receives a blank mail from the communication terminal 3 (S58), the member data request unit 59 analyzes the blank mail. Then, the member data request unit 59 acquires the mail address information of the sender attached to the empty mail (S59). When the e-mail address is acquired from the communication terminal 3 in this way, in the member registration management server 5, the member data requesting unit 59 requests the communication terminal 3 for a fee for member registration (S60).

  On the other hand, in the communication terminal 3, when the terminal communication processing unit 32 receives a request for a fee from the member registration management server 5 (S61), information indicating the request is transmitted to the terminal control unit 33. The terminal control unit 33 displays the fee payment method on the display unit 35 in accordance with the information indicating the request for the fee. Examples of the fee payment method include credit settlement or a method in which the member registration management server 5 makes a contract with a carrier and records the fee as a call charge.

  In response to the display of the fee payment method on the display unit 35, the user selects a desired payment method and instructs determination (S62). In response to this instruction, the terminal control unit 33 controls the terminal communication processing unit 32 to transmit information relating to the payment method selected by the user to the member registration management server 5 (S63). In the case of performing credit settlement, the information on the payment method includes information such as a credit card number.

  When the server communication processing unit 51 receives input of information indicating a payment method from the communication terminal 3 (S64), the server communication processing unit 51 transmits the information to the member data requesting unit 59 of the member registration processing unit 52. When the member data requesting unit 59 receives information indicating the payment method, the member data requesting unit 59 transmits this information to the settlement processing unit 53 and instructs to perform settlement processing based on this information. In response to the instruction from the member registration processing unit 52, the payment processing unit 53 performs a payment process (S65). When the settlement processing unit 53 completes the settlement process, it transmits information indicating that fact to the member data requesting unit 59 and the key information providing unit 58 in the member registration processing unit 52.

  In the member registration processing unit 52, when the member data requesting unit 59 receives information indicating the completion of the payment processing from the payment processing unit 53, the member data is used as the identification information of the registered user for the mail address acquired from the communication terminal 3. 56 (S66). In the member registration processing unit 52, the key information providing unit 58 reads the key information 57 from the server storage unit 54 and transmits it to the communication terminal 3 in which the member registration has been performed (S67). When the key information 57 is transmitted from the member registration management server 5 in this manner, the communication terminal 3 receives the key information 57 via the terminal communication processing unit 32 and receives it in the terminal storage device 31. The key information 57 is recorded.

  Thus, the member registration process in the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment is completed.

  As described above, since the communication terminal 3 registered as a member can acquire key information from the member registration management server 5, the encrypted image data 39 received from the photo sticker 2 is decrypted in its own apparatus and displayed on the display unit. 35 can be displayed.

  In the communication terminal 3 held by the user who has completed the member registration process in this way, the encryption that is held even at a place away from the place where the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment is installed. The privilege that the converted image data 39 can be decoded and displayed can be obtained. Therefore, in the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of members can be improved by providing such a privilege to the registered user.

  Conversely, in the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, since the member registration management server 5 holds the member data 56, the encrypted image data 39 received from the photo sticker 2 is decrypted. It is possible to manage the communication terminals 3 that can be used.

  The member registration execution timing may be before the editing process is performed in the editing space, or before the shooting process is performed in the shooting space. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when a pre-space is provided in advance for performing settings at the time of shooting processing, it may be performed as one of the pre-processing in this pre-space.

  In the case where the photo sticker 2 has such a pre-service space, the flow of movement of the user is as follows. That is, as a premise, two groups of users A1 and A2 and users B1 and B2 use the photo sticker 2. Then, it is assumed that the photo sticker 2 is used in order from the former group.

  Under such a premise, each of the users A1 and A2 first performs settings in the photographing process in the advance customer service space, and performs member registration processing when member registration is desired. That is, a QR code that records the URL of the member registration management server 5 is provided in the pre-service space. The QR code image is acquired by the imaging unit 36 of the communication terminal 3, and the acquired image is analyzed to obtain the URL. Then, the communication terminal 3 establishes connection with the member registration management server 5 at the URL destination and performs the member registration process as described above.

  As described above, when the setting at the time of member registration processing or photographing processing is completed and the photographing space is free, the groups of users A1 and A2 move to the photographing space and perform photographing. Then, while the users A1 and A2 are photographing, the users B1 and B2 move to the pre-service area, and the setting at the time of the photographing process or the member registration process is performed similarly to the users A1 and A2. I do.

  Note that the number of QR codes provided in this pre-service space may be one, or two or more. However, since the photo sticker 2 according to the present embodiment is often used by a group composed of a plurality of people as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of QR codes are provided according to this usage pattern. It is preferable that

  When the group of users A1 and A2 finishes the shooting process in the shooting space, the group moves to the editing space. In the present embodiment, two sets of editing processing and printing processing can be simultaneously performed in the editing space. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the groups of users A1 and A2 move to the left area in the shooting space, and perform editing processing and printing processing.

  On the other hand, when the group of users A1 and A2 moves to the editing space, the group of users B1 and B2 moves to the shooting space and performs shooting processing. Then, when the photographing process is finished, it moves to an area on the open side of the editing space (a right side area of the editing space in FIG. 10). Then, the users B1 and B2 perform the editing and printing process at positions opposite to the groups of the users A1 and A2 that are currently editing and printing.

  As described above, when performing settings relating to the photographing process in the customer service space or registering as a member, the photo sticker 2 is configured to further include the following members in addition to the QR code described above. That is, the touch panel further includes a touch panel that displays guidance about processing to be executed in the customer service space and receives input from the user, and a touch pen that is attached to the touch panel. And a user will instruct | indicate the setting which concerns on an imaging | photography process by operating this touch panel provided for pre-service processing.

  Further, when the member registration process is completed in the pre-service space, the user can display the encrypted image data 39 of an image captured in the past on the communication terminal 3 before performing the imaging process. As described above, in the case of a configuration in which image data captured in the past is read out before imaging processing, the user can check the history of images captured in the past. Furthermore, during the shooting process, the shooting process can be performed with reference to a shooting pose shot in the past.

  As described above, in the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, in the case of a user who is not registered as a member, image data obtained by photographing is transmitted from the communication terminal 3 to the photo sticker 2, It was the composition which instructed display and edit. Note that this member registration is not performed when the member registration is not intentionally performed and when the photo sticker 2 is installed in the basement or the like, and the communication terminal 3 and the member registration management server 5 Both cases where communication between the two cannot be established are assumed. In the latter case, the communication terminal 3 stores information on the URL of the member registration management server 5 acquired from the QR code. When the user moves to a place where communication with the member registration management server 5 can be established, the stored URL is read by operating the communication terminal 3, and the connection with the URL destination is established and the member is established. Perform the registration process. Then, using the key information 57 distributed by this member registration process, the communication terminal 3 decrypts and displays the encrypted image data 39 received from the photo sticker 2.

  Further, in the image providing system 1 described above, the communication terminal 3 acquires the encrypted image data 39 that is the image data subjected to the encryption process from the photo sticker 2. On the other hand, the communication terminal 3 is configured to receive the key information 57 for decrypting the encrypted image data 39 from the member registration management server 5 through the base station 6 after the member registration processing.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the communication terminal 3 may be configured to access the member registration management server 5 through the photo sticker 2 and execute the member registration process. In the image providing system 100 shown in FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 12, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the photo sticker 2 is registered as a member as a functional block of the communication processing unit 12 and the control unit 10. The configuration includes a request unit 22. For this reason, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same member and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image providing system 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram showing an example of a main part configuration of a photographic sticker.

  The communication processing unit 12 establishes a connection with the member registration management server 5 through the communication network 4 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 10 and transmits / receives various information to / from the member registration management server 5. is there.

  When the member registration request unit 22 provided as a functional block in the control unit 10 receives a request for member registration processing from the communication terminal 3 via the short-range wireless communication unit 43, the member registration request unit 22 controls the communication processing unit 12 to manage member registration. Communication with the server 5 is established. Then, the communication processing unit 12 is instructed to transmit or receive various information related to the member registration process.

  That is, in the image providing system 100 according to the present embodiment, various information and instruction information necessary for member registration processing are transmitted and received between the communication terminal 3 and the member registration management server 5 via the photo sticker 2. The member registration process can be executed.

  In such a configuration, since the communication terminal 3 does not need to establish a connection with the member registration management server 5 via the base station 6, the communication state between the communication terminal 3 and the base station 6 is poor and communication is not possible. Therefore, the problem that the member registration process cannot be performed can be prevented. In the case of such a configuration, the communication terminal 3 does not need to establish communication with the member registration management server 5 via the base station 6, and therefore the second antenna 34 b may not be provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the photo seal machine 2 further includes a member registration processing unit 52 and a settlement processing unit 53 provided in the member registration management server 5 shown in FIG. 5, and member data stored in the server storage unit 54. 56 and the key information 57 may be further stored in the storage device 11, that is, the photo sticker 2 and the member registration management server 5 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, and is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a main part of a photographic seal machine.

  In this way, when the member registration management server 5 and the photo sticker 2 are integrally configured, a request for member registration from the user is received by the short-range wireless communication unit 43 in the photo sticker 2 and the member registration processing unit. 52. Upon receiving a member registration request from a user, the member registration processing unit 52 requests the user's communication terminal 3 to send an e-mail address, and performs member registration in the same manner as the above-described “member registration processing”. The key information 57 is transmitted to the communication terminal 3 that has completed member registration.

  In the image providing system 1 and the image providing system 100 according to the present embodiment, in the above-described “member registration process”, an email address is transmitted from the communication terminal 3 to the member registration management server 5 as user identification data. It was a configuration. However, the identification data is not limited to this, and may be a device ID number of the communication terminal 3 or information indicating a feature point extracted from a user's face image.

  For example, when information indicating a feature point extracted from a user's face image is used as identification information, this information is obtained and used as follows. More specifically, in the photographing process of step S12 shown in FIG. 6, the photo sticker 2 takes a picture of the user, and recognizes the user's face image from the acquired photographed image. Then, the photo sticker 2 extracts a feature point of the user's face based on the recognized face image, and creates a face ID based on the extracted face feature point. The photo sticker 2 notifies the user of the created face ID, adds it to the photographed user image, and temporarily stores it in the storage device 11. On the other hand, the user holds the notified face ID in the communication terminal 3 as identification data assigned to the user. Then, at the time of the above-described member registration process, instead of transmitting an empty mail from the communication terminal 3 to the member registration management server 5, the held face ID is transmitted.

  In the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, key information 57 for decrypting the encrypted image data 39 is provided to the member registration management server 5 for the communication terminal 3 possessed by the user who is registered as a member. It was the composition which transmits from. However, instead of the key information 57, an application that can decrypt the encrypted image data 39 may be distributed to the communication terminal 3 and downloaded.

  In the case of such a configuration for distributing an application, for example, the terminal control unit 33 included in the communication terminal 3 does not have a function of decrypting the encrypted image data 39 using the key information 57. In addition, decryption processing can be performed by activating this application.

  Further, in the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the communication terminal 3 acquires the QR code image provided in the photo sticker 2 and analyzes the image to obtain the URL of the member registration management server 5. It was a configuration to acquire. However, the URL acquisition method is not limited to this. Information on the URL is recorded by a barcode instead of the QR code, and an image of the barcode is acquired, analyzed, and membership registration management. The configuration may be such that the URL of the server 5 is acquired. However, since a QR code records a larger amount of data than a bar code, it is preferable that information is recorded in the QR code when acquiring larger data. Furthermore, the structure which the communication terminal 3 acquires this URL directly from the photograph sticker 2 by infrared rays may be sufficient.

  Further, in the image providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the photo sticker 2 stores image data after shooting or editing, the image data is transmitted to the communication terminal 3, and the terminal included in the communication terminal 3 In this configuration, the data is stored in the storage device 31. However, for example, when image data is stored, the image data may not be stored even if the image data is transmitted from the photo sticker 2 to the communication terminal 3. The case where the data cannot be stored is, for example, a case where no more data can be stored in the storage area of the terminal storage device 31 of the communication terminal 3 or a case where the data is close between the photo sticker 2 and the communication terminal 3. This is the case when distance wireless communication cannot be established normally.

  Therefore, when the image data desired to be stored cannot be stored in the communication terminal 3 as described above, the image data may be stored in the storage device 11 included in the photo sticker 2.

  That is, in the photo sticker 2, the short-range wireless communication unit 43 monitors whether or not the image data has been normally transmitted to the communication terminal 3. When it is determined that the image data has not been transmitted normally, the short-range wireless communication unit 43 instructs the image editing processing unit 27 to store the image data desired to be stored in the storage device 11. In response to this instruction, the image editing processing unit 27 stores the image data desired to be stored in the storage device 11. Note that a predetermined period (for example, one week) that can be stored in the storage device is set for the image data stored in the storage device 11, and the image editing processing unit 27 performs this processing after the predetermined period has elapsed. The stored image data is deleted.

  Further, when the image data is stored in the storage device 11 as described above, the image editing processing unit 27 cannot store the image data in the communication terminal 3 in the editing processing touch panel 20, and therefore the photo sealing machine 2. To display that it is stored for a predetermined period of time. By displaying in this manner, the photo sticker 2 can notify the user that the image data is stored only for a predetermined period by the self-sealing machine.

  As described above, the photo sticker 2 can store the image data in the communication terminal 3 by configuring the storage device 11 so that the image data desired to be stored can be stored for a predetermined period. If it is not possible, you can deal with it.

  Further, since the image data in the photo sticker 2 is deleted after a predetermined period, it is possible to prevent a problem that the amount of image data to be stored increases and further image data cannot be stored.

  Further, when using the stored image data, the user must always go to the photo sticker 2. Therefore, the usage frequency by the user with respect to the photo sticker 2 can be improved.

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

  Finally, each block of the photo sticker 2, particularly the member registration request unit 22 of the control unit 10, the accounting processing unit 25, the imaging processing unit 26, the image editing processing unit 27, the print processing unit 28, the decryption unit 29, and the encryption The processing unit 30 (in addition to the member registration processing unit 52 and the settlement processing unit 53 in the configuration shown in FIG. 13) may be configured by hardware logic, or realized by software using a CPU as described below. Also good. Similarly, each block of the communication terminal 3, particularly the terminal control unit 33 and each block of the member registration management server 5, particularly the key information providing unit 58 of the member registration processing unit 52 and the member data requesting unit 59 are also hardware. You may comprise by a logic and may implement | achieve by software using CPU as follows.

  That is, in each of the photo sticker 2, the communication terminal 3, and the member registration management server 5, a CPU (central processing unit) that executes a command of a control program that realizes each function, and a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program A RAM (random access memory) for expanding the program, and a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. The object of the present invention is to provide program codes (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control programs of the photo seal machine 2, the communication terminal 3, and the member registration management server 5, which are software for realizing the functions described above. ) Is recorded to be readable by a computer, and supplied to each of the photo sticker 2, the communication terminal 3, and the member registration management server 5, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) is recorded on the recording medium. This can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the photo sticker 2, the communication terminal 3, and the member registration management server 5 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The image editing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to transmit image data to a communication apparatus when receiving an instruction to save image data to be edited by an editing processing unit from a user. That is, the image editing apparatus distributes data utilized for each user to each user, and does not need to store this data in the own apparatus. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a device that performs editing processing or the like on data utilized by each user and does not have a large storage capacity, or the amount of data to be stored is large.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1, showing an embodiment of the present invention, is a block diagram showing a configuration of main parts of a photographic sealing machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which looked at the photography sticker concerning this embodiment from the above-mentioned photography space side. It is the figure which looked at the photograph sticker concerning this embodiment from the printing space side. 1, showing an embodiment of the present invention, is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a member registration management server. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the photograph sticker creation process in the photograph sticker which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the imaging | photography process performed with the photograph sticker based on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the printing process in the photo sticker which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the member registration process of the communication terminal in the image provision system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the arrangement | positioning of the photo sticker which concerns on this Embodiment, and the state of a user's movement. It is a block diagram which shows another Example of this invention and shows the principal part structure of an image provision system. It is a figure which shows another Example of this invention, and is a block diagram which shows an example of a principal part structure of a photograph sticker. It is a figure which shows another Example of this invention, and is a block diagram which shows an example of a principal part structure of a photograph sticker.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image providing system 2 Photo sticker (image editing device)
3 Communication terminal (communication device)
11 Storage Device 27 Image Editing Processing Unit (Editing Processing Unit)
29 Decoding unit (decoding means)
30 Encryption processing unit (encryption processing means)
31 Terminal storage device (storage unit)
43 Short-range wireless communication unit (image data communication unit)
52 Member registration processing section (providing means / specific information requesting means)
57 Key information (decryption information)
58 Key information provider (providing means)
59 Member Data Request Department (Specific Information Request Means)
100 Image providing system

Claims (6)

An image editing device for editing image data and printing on a sheet ;
A communication unit having a display unit and a storage unit for storing various types of information, and transmitting and receiving image data to be edited to the image editing device;
An image providing system comprising: a server device that performs a member registration process for a user who uses the image editing device ,
The image editing apparatus includes an editing processing means for performing edit processing of the image data in accordance with an input instruction from the user, and the image data communication unit to establish communication with the upper Symbol communication device,
When receiving an instruction to save image data to be edited by the editing processing unit from the user, the image data communication unit transmits the image data to the communication device, and the image data is transmitted to the communication device . Save it in the memory ,
When receiving an editing instruction for image data stored in the storage unit of the communication device from the user, the editing processing means receives the image data received and stored by the communication device from the image data communication unit. was obtained from the communication device, it has rows the editing process,
The image editing apparatus decrypts image data received from the communication apparatus and encrypted by the encryption processing means for encrypting image data to be transmitted to the communication apparatus. And a decoding means for
The server device provides key information for providing the communication terminal with key information for decrypting the encrypted image data when receiving information on membership registration request and fee payment from the communication device. With means,
When receiving the key information from the server device, the communication device includes terminal control means for decoding the image data received from the image data communication unit using the key information and displaying it on the display unit. An image providing system characterized by this. The image providing system according to claim 1, wherein the image data communication unit establishes communication with the communication device by wireless communication and transmits or receives the image data. The image data communication unit transmits an authentication number to the communication device together with the encrypted image data,
When the image data received from the communication device is encrypted by the encryption processing means, the user is prompted to input the authentication number. When the input authentication number is appropriate, the decryption means image providing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for decoding the image data. The image editing device
Specific information requesting means for requesting transmission of specific information for specifying the communication device in response to a transmission request for decryption information for decoding the encrypted image data from the communication device;
3. The image provision according to claim 1, further comprising: a provision unit that provides the decoding information to the communication device that has transmitted the specific information in response to a request from the specific information request unit. System . A control program for operating the image providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the control program of the image providing system causes a computer to function as each of the means. A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program for the image providing system according to claim 5 is recorded.