JP7643141B2 - IMAGE DELIVERY SYSTEM, SERVER, TERMINAL, IMAGE DELIVERY METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image distribution system, a server, a terminal, an image distribution method, and a program, and more particularly to a distribution system for image content, etc.

There is a service that photographs visitors to theme parks such as amusement parks and sells the photographs and image data as souvenirs (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this type of service, when selling image data, a download ticket with a QR code (registered trademark) for accessing a site for downloading the images is sometimes provided to the visitor.

In addition, SNS (Social Networking
With the spread of the Internet Networking service (IMAP) and video sharing sites, it has become easy for users to share the images and videos they have created. As a result, new ways of enjoying the content have become popular, such as creating better works to attract attention, or watching and supporting the works of users you follow.

JP 2004-228637 A

However, in order to post images taken at theme parks etc. on social media etc., approval is required each time, creating a heavy burden on both the licensor and the poster. Also, previously, content available for purchase on-site (in the theme park) was limited to photographs, so there is a demand for services that can accommodate the new ways of enjoying the park as mentioned above.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an image distribution system etc. that allows the user to switch the range of image usage depending on how they want to enjoy it.

The first invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is an image distribution system comprising an on-site photography system for photographing visitors, a server for acquiring images photographed by the photography system, and a terminal capable of communicating with the server via a network, wherein the server comprises a user registration means for accepting registration from the terminal as a user of a specific user type, and an image providing means for providing the images to the terminal with different usage restrictions depending on the user type registered by the user registration means , the user types being general users and special users, and the image providing means permits the general users to download the images, and permits the special users to download, in addition to the images, official content, which is officially prepared content, and to synthesize and edit the images, the official content, and video and audio created by the special user .

In the present invention, a local location refers to a place that people actually visit, such as an amusement park, amusement facility, or other theme park, an event venue, an exhibition, a wedding hall, or a school.

According to the first invention, the server acquires images taken with a photography system at a theme park or other on-site location, and distributes the images with different usage restrictions depending on the type of user. This allows the user type to be set according to, for example, whether or not there is a charge and the system usage history, and images to be provided with different usage restrictions depending on the user type. This makes it possible to switch the scope of image usage depending on the user's way of enjoying the service. A variety of services can be provided to users.

In the first invention, the user types are general users and special users, and the image providing means permits the general users to download the images, and permits the special users to download official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images, and to synthesize and edit the images and the official content. This makes it possible to provide special users who have a wider range of image usage than general users. Since images and official content are provided to registered users, management is easy for the administrator, and users can feel at ease in editing images, etc., knowing that the content has been approved.

The system may further include a setting means for setting a rank for the special user, and an image management means for managing the image storage period according to the rank of the special user. The image providing means may provide different official content to the special user according to the rank set by the setting means. This allows for providing better service to users by further setting ranks for special users based on criteria such as registration fees, visit history, and purchase history, and setting image storage periods according to ranks and providing content according to ranks.

It is also preferable to further include a user type change means for accepting a change of the user type. This allows the user type to be changed according to the user's wishes or approval from the administrator. It is also preferable to further include an image publishing means for publishing a composite image that has been edited by the special user. This allows the special user to enjoy editing the composite image and to publish the composite image that he or she has created on a publishing site or the like.

The second invention is a server comprising: an image acquisition means for acquiring images taken by an imaging system installed on-site for photographing visitors; a communication means for communicating with a terminal used by a user via a network; a user registration means for accepting registration from the terminal as a user of a specific user type; an image providing means for providing the images to the terminal with different usage restrictions depending on the user type registered by the user registration means; and an editing processing means for downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided according to the user type, and for synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and video and audio created by the user .

The second invention provides a server for the image distribution system of the first invention.

The third invention is a terminal that is communicatively connected to a server that acquires images captured by an on-site photography system that photographs visitors, and is characterized by comprising: a user registration means for registering a user of a specific user type with the server; a download means for acquiring from the server the images, the images having different usage restrictions according to the user type registered by the user registration means; and an editing processing means for downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided according to the user type, and synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and video and audio created by the user .

The third invention provides a terminal in the image distribution system of the first invention.

A fourth invention is an image distribution method including the steps of: capturing images using an on-site photography system for photographing visitors; acquiring images captured by the photography system by a server; accepting, by the server, a registration for use as a user of a specific user type from a terminal connected to the server via a network; providing the images to the terminal with different usage restrictions according to the registered user type; and downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided according to the user type, and synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and video and audio created by the user .

According to the fourth invention, the server acquires images taken with a photography system at a theme park or other on-site location, and distributes the images with different usage restrictions depending on the type of user. This allows the user type to be set according to, for example, whether or not there is a charge and the system usage history, and images to be provided with different usage restrictions depending on the user type. This makes it possible to switch the scope of image usage depending on the user's way of enjoying the service. A variety of services can be provided to users.

The fifth invention is a program for causing a computer to function as an image acquisition means for acquiring images taken by an on-site photography system for photographing visitors, a communication means for communicating with a terminal used by a user via a network, a user registration means for accepting registration of a user of a specific user type from the terminal, an image providing means for providing the images to the terminal with different usage restrictions depending on the user type registered by the user registration means, and an editing processing means for downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided depending on the user type, and for synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and video and audio created by the user .

According to the fifth invention, it is possible to cause a computer to function as a server in the image distribution system of the first invention, or as a server of the second invention.

The sixth invention is a program for causing a computer connected via a network to a server which acquires images taken by an on-site photography system which photographs visitors to function as a user registration means for registering a user of a specific user type to the server, a download means for acquiring the images from the server, the images having different usage restrictions according to the registered user type, and an editing processing means for downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided according to the user type, and for synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and videos and audio created by the user .

According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to cause a computer to function as a terminal in the image distribution system of the first aspect, or as a terminal of the third aspect.

The present invention provides an image distribution system that allows users to change the scope of image usage depending on how they want to enjoy the image.

FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an image delivery system 1. FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a ticket issuing device 22 of the photographing system 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the data structure of photographed image data 20 photographed by the photographing system 2. FIG. 13 shows an example of a download ticket 82 (printed material 8). FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of a server 3. FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of a user terminal 4. FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of the server 3 and the user terminal 4. Flowchart showing the flow of new user registration processing FIG. 2 shows the data structure of user information 323. FIG. 3 shows the data structure of (a) visit history 324 and (b) purchase history 325. Flowchart showing the flow of download ticket issuing processing FIG. 3 shows the data structure of park image data 321, which is an image acquired from the photography system 2. Flowchart showing the flow of image management processing FIG. 13 shows an example of a download screen 60. Flowchart showing the flow of editing processing (web application) via a web site FIG. 2 shows the data structure of official content data 322 stored in the server 3. FIG. 13 shows an example of an editing screen 90. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 3A and a user terminal 4A according to a second embodiment. A flowchart showing the flow of an editing process using the editing application 42 of the user terminal 4A.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a photography system 2 that sells images taken of visitors at a theme park or the like will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The present invention can be applied to various photography services that have the above-mentioned problems.

Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of an image distribution system 1 according to the present invention. The image distribution system 1 is configured by a photography system 2, a server 3, and a user terminal 4 that are connected to each other via a network 5.

The photography system 2 includes a camera 21 installed, for example, in a theme park, and a ticket issuing device 22 that issues a download ticket 82 (printed material 8).

The camera 21 is a digital camera used by a photography company (cameraman) or installed in an attraction (e.g., a roller coaster) in a theme park to capture images of visitors. When the camera 21 captures an image, it issues a capture ID 20a, which is identification information for the image, and transmits the captured image 20b (photo or video) and the capture ID 20a to the ticket issuing device 22, which stores the captured image data 20 in the memory unit 202 or storage 100 of the ticket issuing device 22. The communication connection between the camera 21 and the ticket issuing device 22 may be either wired or wireless.

The ticket issuing device 22 is a device that issues a download ticket 82 for a user to download an image 20b. The download ticket 82 will be described later. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ticket issuing device 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the ticket issuing device 22 is composed of a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, a communication unit 203, an input unit 204, a display unit 205, a printer 206, storage 100, a bus 209, and the like.

The control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit).
Processing Unit), ROM (Read
Only Memory), RAM (Random
The CPU loads programs stored in the storage unit 202, the ROM, a recording medium, etc. into a work memory area on the RAM and executes them, drives and controls each device connected via the bus 209, and realizes the ticket issuing process performed by the ticket issuing device 22.

The storage unit 202 is a flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and stores the programs executed by the control unit 201, data required for program execution, the OS (Operating System), etc. As for the programs, a control program equivalent to the OS and an application program for causing the ticket issuing device 22 to execute the ticket issuing process of the downloaded ticket 82 are stored. Each of these program codes is read out as necessary by the control unit 201 and transferred to the RAM, and is then read out by the CPU and executed as various means.

The display unit 205 is realized by a touch panel display that also serves as the input unit of the ticket issuing device 22. The display unit 205 displays various screens related to user operations and selections, and accepts user input of instructions by touching the screen. The input unit 204 is composed of the above-mentioned touch panel and various buttons, and inputs input signals to the control unit 201.

The communication unit 203 has a communication control device, a communication port, etc., and is a communication interface that mediates communication between the ticket issuing device 22 and the network 5, and is capable of controlling communication between the storage 100 and other computers via the network 5. The network 5 may be wired or wireless. The bus 209 is a path that mediates the exchange of control signals, data signals, etc. between each device.

The printer 206 prints and outputs on a specified sheet of paper a download ticket 82 containing an image 20b captured by the camera 21 and a two-dimensional code 88 (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode) having address information for the server 3. The printer 206 is, for example, a high-resolution color printer, and any type of printer can be used, such as a dye-sublimation type or a melt type.

The memory unit 202 or the storage 100 stores the image 20b (captured image data 20) captured by the camera 21. The storage 100 may be an online storage accessible from the camera 21 and the ticket issuing device 22 via the network 5.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing the contents of the captured image data 20 stored in the memory unit 202 or the storage 100. In the captured image data 20, a capture ID 20a generated by the camera 21, an image 20b that is an image captured by the camera 21, and a passcode 20c are stored in association with each other.

The photography ID 20a is identification information that uniquely identifies the image 20b captured by the camera 21, and is issued by the camera 21 for each photography. The image 20b is the image data captured by the camera 21. The passcode 20c is an authentication code for the user to download the image 20b. The passcode 20c is issued by the ticket issuing device 22 each time a download ticket 82 is issued, i.e., for each image 20b.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the printed matter 8 printed by the printer 206 of the ticket issuing device 22. As shown in Figure 4, the printed matter 8 has a perforation 83 for separating it into two pieces. In one area 81 (the left area in Figure 4) separated by the perforation 83, a sample photograph 84 that is provided free of charge for image promotional purposes is printed. In the other area (the right area in Figure 4) separated by the perforation 83, a download ticket 82 is printed.

The sample photograph 84 has the image 20b captured by the camera 21 printed on it, and underneath this image 20b is printed information 85 indicating the passcode 20c, which is identification information for downloading the image 20b. The download ticket 82 has printed thereon address information for the server 3 in the form of a two-dimensional code 88, together with text 87 explaining the download procedure for the image 20b (park image 321b).

In the above description, the download ticket 82 is output as a printed matter 8 (paper medium), but the form of output is not limited to paper medium. For example, a short-range wireless communication function or the like provided in the communication unit 203 may be used to establish a communication connection between the ticket issuing device 22 and the user terminal 4, and data such as a sample photograph 84 equivalent to the printed matter 8, a passcode 85, and address information for the server 3 may be output. In this case, there is no need to provide a printer 206 in the ticket issuing device 22.

Next, we will explain the server 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 3 is a server that manages park image data 321, official content data 322, and user information 323 in the image distribution system 1.

The park image data 321 is data for managing images 20b (park images 321b) taken by the camera 21 (camera 21 of the photography system 2) in the theme park, and the images 20b purchased by the user are uploaded from the photography system 2 (ticket issuing device 22) and stored in the memory unit 302 of the server 3.

The official content data 322 is data for managing content (official content 322b), such as stock images and stock audio, that is officially provided by the operator of the photography system 2 or the server 3. The official content data 322 is stored in the memory unit 302.

The user information 323 is information about a user who has registered to use the image distribution system 1. The user information 323 is registered in the storage unit 302 of the server 3 by the new user registration process.

The server 3 provides (transmits to the user terminal 4) the park image 321b to the purchaser (the user who has registered for use). In addition, the server 3 provides the official content 322b to the user according to the type of user.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the server 3 can be realized by a computer configured by connecting, for example, a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a communication unit 303 via a bus 309 or the like. However, the configuration is not limited to this and various other configurations can be used as appropriate.

The functions of the control unit 301, memory unit 302, and communication unit 303 are substantially the same as those of the control unit 201, memory unit 202, and communication unit 203 described above. The memory unit 302 of the server 3 stores programs for causing the server 3 to execute image management processing, new user registration processing, editing processing, publication processing, and the like, which will be described later. Each of these processes will be described later. The server 3 may be configured with multiple computers for each function. For example, the server 3 may be configured with multiple computers, such as an image management server, a user registration server, an editing server, and a publication server, to share the processing.

The user terminal 4 is a terminal such as a smartphone, PC, or tablet owned by the user. In this embodiment, the user visits the theme park (local site), obtains a download ticket 82 issued by the ticket issuing device 22 of the photography system 2, and reads the address information (two-dimensional code 88) printed on the download ticket 82 with the camera 406 or the like of the user terminal 4, thereby accessing the server 3 and purchasing and downloading the captured image 20b (park image 321b). These processes (image management processes) will be described later.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 4. As shown in Figure 6, the user terminal 4 is configured by connecting a control unit 401, a memory unit 402, a communication unit 403, an input unit 404, a display unit 405, a camera 406, an audio input/output unit 407, etc. via a bus 408, etc. However, this is not limited to this, and various configurations can be used as appropriate.

The functions of the control unit 401, the memory unit 402, the communication unit 403, and the input unit 404 are substantially the same as those of the control unit 201, the memory unit 202, the communication unit 203, and the input unit 204 described above. The display unit 405 has a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, and is provided with a touch panel as the input unit 404. The audio input/output unit 407 is a microphone, a speaker, etc.

Next, the functional configuration of the server 3 and the user terminal 4 in the image distribution system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the server 3 is provided with a storage unit 302, a park image acquisition unit 31, a user registration unit 33, an image provision unit 34, an editing processing unit 35, a user rank setting unit 36, an image publication unit 37, an image management unit 38, a user history recording unit 39, and the like. In the first embodiment, the user registration unit 33, the image provision unit 34, and the editing processing unit 35 are installed in the server 3 as a web application 32, and perform user registration processing, image (park image 321b and official content 322b) provision processing, and editing processing via a website provided by the server 3.

The user terminal 4 is equipped with a web browser 41, and by accessing the above-mentioned website via the web browser 41, data is sent and received between the server 3, and user registration processing, image (park image 321b and official content 322b) provision processing, and editing processing are performed.

As described above, the memory unit 302 of the server 3 stores park image data 321, official content data 322, and user information 323.

The park image acquisition unit 31 acquires images 20b purchased by a user from among images 20b, which are images or videos captured by the photography system 2, and stores the images 20b as park images 321b in the storage unit 302. The park images 321b are stored in association with the user ID 321d (323a) of the user who purchased the images. The acquisition of images 20b (park images 321b) from the photography system 2 will be described later (Figure 9).

The user registration unit 33 registers the user in the image distribution system 1 as a user (user) of a specific user type. The user types are, for example, general users and special users. General users and special users have different scopes of use of the park image 321b.

Specifically, a general user is, for example, a user who does not pay a fee, and a special user is a user who has paid a specified fee. Note that the user type is not limited to whether or not a fee has been charged, and may be set, for example, based on theme park visit history 324, park images 321b, merchandise purchase history 325, affiliation, user attributes, etc. Also, the user type is not limited to two types, "general" and "special," and may be three or more types.

A rank may also be set for special users by the user rank setting unit 36. For example, a predetermined criterion may be set based on history information such as the above-mentioned visit history 324 and purchase history 325, and if the criterion is met, a rank such as "S", "A", or "B" may be set.

The image providing unit 34 provides the park image 321b to the user terminal 4 of the purchaser. Since the park image 321b is provided to the user terminal 4 online, it is not limited to photos, but can also provide videos and audio. The image providing unit 34 permits general users to download the park image 321b, and permits special users to download the official content 322b in addition to the park image 321b, and to synthesize and edit the park image 321b and the official content 322b, or to synthesize and edit the park image 321b, the official content 322b, and the video and audio created by the user. The image providing unit 34 may also provide different official content 322b depending on the rank of the user. For example, official content 322b limited to users of the "A" rank and official content 322b available to users of all ranks are prepared. The image providing unit 34 may also provide official content 322b according to the park image 321b provided. For example, it is possible to diversify the content provided, such as providing official content 322b according to the date on which the park image 321b was taken, or official content 322b related to the characters or attractions shown in the park image 321b.

The editing processing unit 35 is an editing processing unit for performing composite editing of the park image 321b and the official content 322b, and for performing composite editing of the park image 321b and the official content 322b with video and audio created by the user, and provides an editing screen 90 (FIG. 17) to the user terminal 4 via a website. The user terminal 4 can perform editing processing using the editing screen 90 by accessing the server 3 via a web browser 41.

The image publishing unit 37 publishes the composite image 55 for which a publishing request has been received from the user. The image may be published on a dedicated publishing site of the image distribution system 1, or on a general SNS or video site. Before publishing, it is desirable for the server 3 to check the contents of the composite image 55 created by the user. For example, it may check whether the composite image 55 is suitable for publishing, whether it contains any inappropriate content, etc.

The image management unit 38 acquires the image 20b (park image 321b) captured by the imaging system 2 from the imaging system 2, manages the use of the park image 321b (provision to the user terminal 4), and manages the storage period of the park image 321b stored in the memory unit 302.

The user history recording unit 39 records history information such as the theme park visit history 324 of the user registered by the user registration unit 33 and the purchase history 325 of park images 321b, etc.

Next, each process executed by the image delivery system 1 will be described.
First, the new user registration process will be described with reference to FIG.
When a user wishes to register a new user (user registration), the user accesses the user registration site of the server 3 via the Web browser 41 of the user terminal 4 (step S101). The control unit 301 (user registration unit 33) of the server 3 transmits a new user registration screen to the user terminal 4 (step S102). The user terminal 4 displays the new user registration screen on the display unit 405 (step S103). The user inputs information about the user (name, password, email address, etc.) and the desired user type on the new user registration screen (step S104). The user type may be, for example, either a "special user" or a "general user". If the "special user" is selected, for example, a predetermined fee must be paid. If the "general user" is selected, no payment is required and anyone can register. The control unit 401 of the user terminal 4 transmits the input user type and user information to the server 3 (step S105).

When the server 3 (user registration unit 33) receives the user type and user information (step S106), it issues a user ID 323a and associates it with the received user information and user type and stores it in the memory unit 302 (Figure 9). If the user type is a "general user", registration is now complete. If the user type is a "special user", registration is performed after payment processing (step S107). The control unit 301 of the server 3 sends a user registration completion notification to the registered email address (user terminal 4) (step S108). The user registration completion notification includes the user ID and user type. When the user terminal 4 receives the registration completion notification, it displays it on the display unit 405 (step S109).

9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user information 323 registered in the server 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the user information 323 stores a user ID 323a, a name 323b, an email address 323c, a password 323d, a user type 323e, and a rank 323f. The user ID 323a is issued by the control unit 301 of the server 3 when a new user is registered. The name 323b, the email address 323c, and the password 323d are registration information transmitted from the user terminal 4. The user type 323e is set to "special user" or "general user" according to the user's preference. The rank 323f is set when the user type 323e is "special user", and is set to "S", "A", "B", ..., based on a predetermined criterion. For example, the rank 323f is set according to the user's visit history 324, purchase history 325, charged amount, etc.

Figure 10 (a) shows an example of a theme park visit history 324 of a user with user ID "u001", and Figure 10 (b) shows an example of a purchase history 325 of images, etc. The control unit 301 of the server 3 obtains the user's visit date and time from the photography system 2, and records it in the visit history 324. Furthermore, when park images 321b, official content 322b, or other goods are purchased, the control unit 301 of the server 3 links the purchase date and purchased items with the user ID and records them in the purchase history 325.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, a process (ticket issuing process) in which the photography system 2 photographs a visitor (subject) and transmits the photographed image to the ticket issuing device 22 to issue a download ticket 82 will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the visitor has completed user registration processing in advance and has an admission ticket linked to the user ID 323a. The admission ticket is not limited to a paper medium, and may be in the form of a digital ticket that can be displayed on the user's smartphone, for example.

The camera 21 captures a visitor as a subject (step S201). For example, the camera 21 captures a user visiting a theme park and enjoying an attraction. The camera 21 issues a capture ID 20a to identify the capture, and transmits it to the ticket issuing device 22 together with the captured image 20b (step S202).

The control unit 201 of the ticket issuing device 22 receives the shooting ID 20a and the image 20b from the camera 21 (step S203), and displays the received image 20b on the display unit 204 (step S204). If the visitor wishes to purchase the image 20b after viewing the displayed image 20b, the visitor selects the image 20b to be purchased and performs the purchase process (step S205). In the purchase process, the user inputs the user ID 323a via the input unit 204 of the ticket issuing device 22 and pays the prescribed fee.

The control unit 201 of the ticket issuing device 22 issues a passcode 20c for the purchased image 20b, and stores the passcode 20c in the memory unit 202 or storage 100 in association with the photography ID 20a received in step S203, the image 20b, and the user ID 323a entered in step S205 (step S206). The control unit 201 of the ticket issuing device 22 also transmits (uploads) the purchased image 20b to the server 3 together with the photography ID 20a, the passcode 20c, and the user ID 323a of the user who made the purchase (step S207).

12 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the park image data 321 for managing the image 20b (park image 321b) uploaded to the server 3. The control unit 301 (park image acquisition unit 31) of the server 3 stores the image 20b uploaded from the photography system 2 (ticket issuing device 22) as the park image 321b, in association with the photography ID 321a (20a), the passcode 321c (20c), the user ID 321d (323a) of the purchasing user, and the storage period 321e. The photography ID 321a may be the same as the photography ID 20a in the photography system 2 (ticket issuing device 22), or a different ID may be assigned. The park image 321b and the passcode 321c are the same as the image 20b and the passcode 20c of the photographed image data 20 in the photography system 2 (ticket issuing device 22). The user ID 321d is the user ID 323a entered by the purchaser in step S205. The storage period 321e stores the date and time determined based on a specified storage period (e.g., three months from the date of upload).

Next, the control unit 201 of the ticket issuing device 22 creates a download ticket 82 (printed matter 8) (step S208). As described above, the image 20b received in step S203 is laid out as a sample photograph 84 on the printed matter 8, and information 85 indicating the passcode 20c, which is identification information for downloading the image 20b, text 87 explaining the download procedure for the image 20b, a two-dimensional code 88 having address information to the server 3, an identification code 89 for matching the ticket stub 81 on the sample photograph 84 side with the ticket stub on the download ticket 82 side, etc. are laid out.

The control unit 201 outputs the created download ticket 82 (printed material 8) to the printer 206, prints it on a specified sheet of paper (step S209), and outputs (issues) it from the print outlet (step S210). The staff member hands the stub of the download ticket 82 to the purchaser of image 20b.

Next, referring to FIG. 13, we will explain the process in which a user who has received a download ticket 82 downloads image 20b from server 3 using a user terminal 4.

The following explanation will be given for the case where a user uses the download ticket 82 in Figure 4 to download image 20b linked to the shooting ID 20a ("pp001") in Figure 3.

First, the user activates the camera 406 of the user terminal 4 to read the two-dimensional code 88 of the download ticket 82 (step S301). The control unit 401 of the user terminal 4 displays on the display unit 405 a confirmation screen for the user to confirm whether or not to access the server 3 indicated by the address information (URL) read from the two-dimensional code 88. When the user approves access to the server 3 on the confirmation screen, the control unit 401 accesses the server 3 via the communication unit 403 (step S302).

The server 3 transmits an input screen for inputting the passcode 20c (85) and login information to the user terminal 4 (step S303). The user terminal 4 displays the input screen for the passcode 20c (85) and the like on the display unit 405.

The user inputs login information (user ID 323a, password 323d, etc.) and the passcode 20c of the image 20b printed on the download ticket 82 into the input screen. The control unit 401 of the user terminal 4 transmits the input passcode 20c and login information (user ID 323a, password 323d, etc.) to the server 3 (step S304).

The server 3 receives the passcode 20c and the login information (user ID 323a, password 323d, etc.) and performs authentication processing (step S305). If authentication is successful, the control unit 301 of the server 3 transmits a download screen 60 of the image 20b (321b) corresponding to the passcode 20c to the user terminal 4 (step S306). The user terminal 4 displays the download screen 60 on the display unit 405.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a download screen 60. As shown in Figure 14, the download screen 60 displays an image 61 (park image 321b) to be purchased, and also displays a confirmation message 62 such as "Do you want to download this image?", a download button 63, a cancel button 64, and an upgrade button 65. The upgrade button 65 is a button for a general user to upgrade to a special user (change user type).

If the user wishes to upgrade on the download screen 60, the user presses the upgrade button 65. Also, when the user presses the download button 63, the control unit 401 of the user terminal 4 sends an upgrade request or a download request to the server 3 according to the input contents (step S307).

When an upgrade request is sent from the user terminal 4, the server 3 changes the user type 323e of the corresponding user ID 323a to "special user" (step S308). The control unit 301 of the server 3 also reads out the park image 321b corresponding to the passcode 20c from the storage unit 302 and sends it to the user terminal 4 (step S309). The control unit 401 of the user terminal 4 receives the park image 321b sent from the server 3 and displays it on the display unit 405 (step S310). The purchased park image 321b can be saved in the user terminal 4 (step S311).

The control unit 301 (image management unit 38) of the server 3 manages the storage period of the park image 321b stored in the memory unit 302 based on the park image data 321. For example, the control unit 301 of the server 3 deletes the park image 321b whose storage period has expired from the memory unit 302 (step S312).

Also, in the photography system 2 (ticket issuing device 22), images 20b that have passed a predetermined period of time are deleted from the memory unit 202 or storage 100 (step S313). The images 20b stored in the ticket issuing device 22 may be stored for a shorter period of time than the storage period of the park images 321b in the server 3, because purchased images are uploaded to the server 3 and unpurchased images do not need to be stored for a long period of time.

Next, the editing process executed between the server 3 and the user terminal 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In the first embodiment, the server 3 provides the special user with a web application 32 for editing using park image 321b and official content 322b. The user terminal 4 can access the editing site provided by the server 3 from a web browser 41, and perform image synthesis editing on the web site (editing site). It is assumed that the editing site can be accessed, for example, from a screen displayed after login is complete.

When the user terminal 4 accesses the editing site via the web browser 41 (step S401), the control unit 301 (image providing unit 34) of the server 3 reads out the park image 321b stored in association with the user ID 321d (323a) of the user terminal 4 from the storage unit 302 (step S402). The control unit 301 (image providing unit 34) of the server 3 also references the user type 323e and rank 323f of the user information 323 of the user terminal 4, and reads out the corresponding available official content 322b from the storage unit 302 (step S403). In step S403, the available official content 322b may be read out from the storage unit 302 according to the shooting date of the park image 321b and the attraction and character photographed.

The control unit 301 (image providing unit 34, editing processing unit 35) of the server 3 transmits the editing screen 90 including the park image 321b and the official content 322b read in steps S402 and S403 to the user terminal 4 (step S404). The user terminal 4 displays the received editing screen 90 on the display unit 405 (step S405, FIG. 17).

Here, the official content data 322 stored in the server 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the official content data 322 stores a content ID 322a, a usage range 322c, content information 322d, etc. for each official content 322b in association with each other. The content ID 322a is identification information for the official content 322b. The official content 322b is a material officially provided by the operator of the photography system 2 or the server 3, and is, for example, image material such as a theme park character or logo, audio material by a voice actor, music material, etc. The usage range 322c is set with a rank 323f of a user who can use the official content 322b. The content information 322d is set with information on the contents of the official content 322b, a usage period, etc. For example, a "XX campaign" or a usage period "limited to February to April 2021" is set. In the example of FIG. 16, a special user with rank "A" is provided with official content 322b with content ID 322a of "c001" and "c002". A special user with rank "B" is not provided with official content 322b with content ID 322a of "c002", but is provided with only official content 322b with content ID 322a of "c001".

Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen 90 provided on the editing site. The editing screen 90 includes a park image library 91 that displays available park images 321b, an official content library 92 that displays available official content 322b, a preview window 93 that displays the image being edited, a toolbar 97 for inputting various editing operations, and the like. In addition, an import button 98 that is operated when importing a new park image 321b, official content 322b, or video or audio created by the user, a cancel button 94 that is operated when canceling editing, a save button 95 that is operated when saving the image being edited, and a publish button 96 that is operated when publishing the completed composite image 55, and the like are provided. Note that the configuration of the editing screen 90 in Figure 17 is one example, and is not limited to this.

The user inputs an editing operation for the composite image 55 by placing the park image 321b and the official content 322b displayed in the park image library 91 and the official content library 92 of the editing screen 90 in the preview window 93, or by using the toolbar 97 to process the image or perform effects, etc. (step S406). Also, in step S406, if the user wants to combine the park image 321b and the official content 322b with a video or audio created by the user, the user presses the import button 98 to read the desired video file or audio file from the user terminal 4, places these videos, park image 321b, and official content 322b on the timeline (not shown), and inputs an editing operation using the toolbar 97 to input an editing operation for the composite image 55. The control unit 301 (editing processing unit 35) of the server 3 performs editing processing according to the editing operation input from the user terminal 4 (step S407). The control unit 301 (editing processing unit 35) of the server 3 displays the composite image 55 being edited in the preview window 93, and performs playback processing such as playing, stopping, fast forwarding, and fast rewinding the composite image 55 in response to operations from the user terminal 4. The control unit 301 (editing processing unit 35) of the server 3 also transmits the edited composite image 55 to the user terminal 4 (step S408). When the user terminal 4 receives the composite image 55 (step S409) and operates the save button 95 (step S410), the control unit 401 of the user terminal 4 can store the composite image 55 in the storage unit 402.

If the publish button 96 on the editing screen 90 is operated on the user terminal 4 (step S411), the control unit 301 (image publishing unit 37) of the server 3 uploads the composite image 55 created by the user to the publishing site (step S412). If the cancel button 94 is operated on the user terminal 4 (step S413; Yes), the control unit 301 (editing processing unit 35) of the server 3 closes the editing screen 90 and ends the editing process.

The composite image 55 may be made public on a public site provided by the image distribution system 1, or may be made public on a general SNS or a specific video site, etc.

The control unit 301 of the server 3 may also check the content of the composite image 55 edited by the user terminal 4 before publication. For example, the control unit 301 of the server 3 performs a checking process to check whether the composite image 55 is suitable for publication, whether it contains inappropriate information, etc. After the checking process, the control unit 301 of the server 3 converts the composite image 55 into a data format corresponding to the publication method, and transmits it to an upload destination corresponding to the publication method.

In this way, the user of the image distribution system 1 can download the image 20b (park image 321b) captured by the imaging system 2 to the user terminal 4 and store it in the storage unit 402 in the user terminal 4. In addition, if the user type is registered as a "special user" in the user registration process, the user can receive more diverse services than a "general user". For example, the special user can receive official content 322b, enjoy editing a composite image 55 using the park image 321b and the official content 322b, and publish the created composite image 55 on a public site or the like. The composite image 55 includes the park image 321b and the official content 322b, so that the theme park can be appealed to viewers. In addition, the user can use the park image 321b and the official content 322b in an officially approved manner, so that the user can create the composite image 55 with peace of mind in terms of licensing. In addition, the viewers can enjoy the theme park while looking at the published composite image 55.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the image distribution system 1 of the first embodiment, the park image 321b and the official content 322b are provided and edited by the web application 32 (website) of the server 3, but in the second embodiment, a dedicated editing application 42 is installed in the user terminal 4, and the editing application 42 is used to download the park image 321b and the official content 322b from the server 3, edit the composite image 55, and upload (publish) the composite image 55.

The hardware configurations of the photography system 2, server 3A, and user terminal 4A of the second embodiment are similar to those of the photography system 2 (Fig. 2), server 3 (Fig. 5), and user terminal 4 (Fig. 6) of the first embodiment, and the same components are described with the same reference numerals. Also, the overall configuration of the image distribution system 1 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment (Fig. 1), in that the photography system 2, server 3A, and user terminal 4A in the theme park are communicatively connected via a network 5.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a server 3A and a user terminal 4A in an image distribution system 1 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, the server 3A is provided with a memory unit 302, a park image acquisition unit 31, a user registration unit 33, an image provision unit 34, a user rank setting unit 36, an image publication unit 37, an image management unit 38, a user history recording unit 39, etc. The user terminal 4 has an editing app 42, which includes the functions of a download unit 43, an editing processing unit 44, and an upload unit 45. What differs from the first embodiment is that the user terminal 4 has an editing app 42 which has a download unit 43, an editing processing unit 44, and an upload unit 45, and the server 3 does not have an editing processing unit 35.

The download ticket issuing process (FIG. 11) in the photography system 2, the image management process (FIG. 13) for the park image 321b in the server 3, and the new user registration process (FIG. 8) are the same as those in the first embodiment. That is, the user can access the server 3 via the web browser 41 and download the park image 321b (20b) to the user terminal 4 by inputting the passcode 20c of the download ticket 82.

When the import button 98 is operated on the editing screen 90 (e.g., FIG. 17) of the editing application 42, the download unit 43 of the user terminal 4 accesses the server 3 and downloads from the server 3 the park image 321b purchased by the user and the official content 322b that can be downloaded. The downloaded park image 321b and official content 322b are displayed in the park image library 91 and official content library 92 on the editing screen 90 of the user terminal 4, and can be edited and saved. Note that if the user type is a "general user", only the park image 321b is imported, and if the user type is a "special user", both the park image 321b and the official content 322b are imported.

The editing processing unit 44 performs editing processing in response to user operations on the editing screen 90. Through the editing processing, the user creates a composite image 55 that combines the park image 321b and the official content 322b, or a composite image 55 that combines the park image 321b, the official content 322b, and video and audio created by the user.

The upload unit 45 uploads the composite image 55 created by the editing processing unit 44 to the server 3. The server 3 stores the composite image 55 uploaded from the user terminal 4 in the storage unit 302. Furthermore, when a publication instruction is given from the user terminal 4, the control unit 301 of the server 3 uploads the composite image 55 of the relevant user to a predetermined publication destination (the server 3 of the publication site, the SNS server, the video site server, etc.).

Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the editing process in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, when a user launches the editing application 42 on the user terminal 4 (step S601), the control unit 401 of the user terminal 4 displays, for example, the editing screen 90 shown in Fig. 17 on the display unit 405 (step S602). When the import button 98 on the editing screen 90 is operated, the control unit 401 (download unit 43) of the user terminal 4 requests the server 3 to download the park image 321b and the official content 322b (step S603).

In response to the request from the user terminal 4, the control unit 301 (image providing unit 34) of the server 3 reads out the park image 321b stored in association with the user ID 321d (323a) of the corresponding user (step S604). The control unit 301 (image providing unit 34) of the server 3 also reads out the available official content 322b from the storage unit 302 by referring to the user type 323e and rank 323f of the user information 323 of the user terminal 4 (step S605). The control unit 301 (image providing unit 34) of the server 3 transmits the park image 321b and the official content 322b read out in steps S604 and S605 to the user terminal 4 (step S606). The user terminal 4 displays the received park image 321b in the park image library 91 of the editing screen 90, and displays the official content 322b in the official content library 92 (step S607).

The user performs editing processing of the composite image 55 by applying image processing, effects, etc. to the park image 321b and the official content 322b displayed in the park image library 91 and the official content library 92 of the editing screen 90 using the toolbar 97. The control unit 401 (editing processing unit 44) of the user terminal 4 performs editing processing according to the input editing operation (step S608). Also, in step S608, if the user wants to combine a video or audio created by the user with the park image 321b or the official content 322b, the user presses the import button 98 to read the video file or audio file stored in the storage unit 402 of the user terminal 4, and places these videos, park image 321b, and official content 322b on a timeline (not shown), and performs editing processing using the toolbar 97.
The control unit 401 (edit processing unit 44) of the user terminal 4 displays the composite image 55 being edited in the preview window 93, and performs playback processes such as play, stop, fast forward, and fast rewind in response to operations input from the user terminal 4. When the save button 95 is operated, the control unit 401 (edit processing unit 44) of the user terminal 4 associates the data of the composite image 55 being edited with the user ID 323a and stores it in the storage unit 402 of the user terminal 4 (step S609).

When the composite image 55 is completed and the publish button 96 is operated, the control unit 401 (upload unit 45) of the user terminal 4 reads the data of the composite image 55 from the storage unit 402 and uploads it to the server 3 (step S610). Alternatively, the user may upload the composite image 55 by specifying a social networking site or a video site as the publication destination. When the server 3 receives the composite image 55 transmitted from the user terminal 4, it stores it in the storage unit 302 and uploads the composite image 55 to the publication site (step S611).

If the cancel button 94 is operated on the user terminal 4 (step S612; Yes), the control unit 401 of the user terminal 4 closes the editing screen 90 and ends the editing process.

As described above, in the image distribution system 1 of the second embodiment, the editing application 42 installed on the user terminal 4 can be used to download and edit the park image 321b and the official content 322b on the user terminal 4 side, and upload (publish) the composite image 55. Therefore, even if there is no environment for connection to the network 5, the editing process of the composite image 55 can be carried out.

Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, in this embodiment, an example of application of the present invention to a photography service at a theme park or the like has been described, but the present invention can be applied in various situations, such as a two-shot photography service with a character, a photography service at a tourist spot, a photography service for wedding commemorations, and a photography service for school graduation commemorations. The present invention can also be applied to other services.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the server 3 uses the download ticket 82 to acquire the image from the photography system 2, but this is not necessarily limited to this method. For example, an IC tag storing the user ID 323a may be used as an admission ticket to a theme park, and the photography system 2 may acquire the user ID from the IC tag when taking a photograph, and link the image 20b to the user ID 323a. In addition, the purchase of the image (payment process) does not necessarily have to be made after the photograph is taken, and it may be possible to purchase the image in advance, or to sell an admission ticket with the right to purchase the image.

In addition, it is clear that a person skilled in the art could conceive of various modifications or amendments within the scope of the technical ideas disclosed in this application, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

1...Image distribution system 2...Photographing system 3, 3A...Server 4, 4A...User terminal 5...Network 8...Printed material 20...Photographed image data 21...Camera 22...Ticket issuing device 20b...Image 20c...Passcode 31...Park image acquisition unit 32...Web application 33...User registration unit 34...Image provision unit 35...Editing processing unit 36...User rank setting unit 37...Image publication unit 38...Image management unit 39...User history recording unit 41...Web browser 42...Editing application 43...Download unit 44...Editing processing unit 45...Upload unit 55...Composite image 82...Download ticket 90...Editing screen 100...Storage 321...Park image data 321b...Park image 322...Official content data 322b...Official content 323...User information 323a...User ID
323e...User type 323f...Rank

Claims (10)

A photography system will be installed on-site to photograph visitors,
A server that acquires images captured by the photography system;
A terminal capable of communicating with the server via a network,
The server,
a user registration means for accepting registration of a user of a specific user type from the terminal;
an image providing means for providing the image to the terminal by setting different usage restrictions according to the user type registered by the user registration means ,
The user types are general users and special users,
The image providing means includes:
An image distribution system characterized in that the general users are permitted to download the images, and the special users are permitted to download official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images, and to synthesize and edit the images, the official content, and videos and audio created by the special users . A setting means for setting a rank for the special user;
2. The image delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising an image management unit for managing a storage period of the image according to the rank of the special user. 3. The image delivery system according to claim 2 , wherein the image providing means provides the special user with different official contents depending on the rank set by the setting means. 4. The image delivery system according to claim 1 , further comprising a user type change unit that accepts a change in the user type. 5. The image delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising an image publishing unit for publishing a composite image that has been composite-edited by the special user. an image acquisition means for acquiring images captured by a photography system installed on-site for photographing visitors;
A communication means for communicating with a terminal used by a user via a network;
a user registration means for accepting registration of a user of a specific user type from the terminal;
an image providing means for providing the image to the terminal with different usage restrictions according to the user type registered by the user registration means;
an editing processing means for downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided according to the user type, and for synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and videos and audio created by the user;
A server comprising: A terminal that is communicatively connected to a server that acquires images taken by a photography system installed on-site to photograph visitors,
A user registration means for registering a user of a specific user type to the server;
a download means for acquiring from the server the image having different usage restrictions according to the user type registered by the user registration means;
an editing processing means for downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided according to the user type, and for synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and videos and audio created by the user;
A terminal comprising: Taking images using a photography system installed on-site for photographing visitors;
A step of a server acquiring an image captured by the imaging system;
The server receives a registration for use as a user of a specific user type from a terminal connected to the server via a network;
the server providing the image to the terminal with different usage restrictions according to a registered user type;
downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the image provided according to the user type, and synthesizing and editing the image, the official content, and a video and a sound created by the user;
An image delivery method comprising: Computer,
an image acquisition means for acquiring images captured by an image capture system installed on-site for capturing images of visitors;
A communication means for communicating with a terminal used by a user via a network;
a user registration means for accepting user registration as a user of a specific user type from the terminal;
an image providing means for providing the image to the terminal with different usage restrictions according to the user type registered by the user registration means;
an editing processing means for downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided according to the user type, and for synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and videos and audio created by the user;
A program to function as a A computer connected to a server via a network for communication with the server is provided to acquire images taken by a photography system installed on-site to photograph visitors.
A user registration means for registering a user of a specific user type to the server;
downloading means for acquiring from the server the image having different usage restrictions according to a registered user type;
an editing processing means for downloading official content, which is officially prepared content, in addition to the images provided according to the user type, and for synthesizing and editing the images, the official content, and videos and audio created by the user;
A program to function as a

Images