JP4453681B2 - Photographic image processing apparatus, photographic image processing apparatus control method, photographic image processing control program, computer-readable recording medium, and composite image communication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic image processing apparatus that forms a composite image obtained by combining a decorative image with a photographed image, a control method for the photographic image processing apparatus, a photographic image processing control program, a computer-readable recording medium, and a composite image communication system. is there.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photographic image processing apparatus (photographing print apparatus, photo sticker machine) that takes a photograph of a user at an amusement facility such as a game center and outputs the sticker print after combining the photograph with a background image or the like. It is installed and has gained popularity. In this photographic image processing apparatus, for example, a model in which a graffiti or the like can be decorated with a pointing device such as a touch pen on a photographic image displayed on a display screen after photography is performed. Is popular. With this decoration function, the user can change, for example, the background color and pattern, and write characters and illustrations on the captured image. Furthermore, there is also a service for transmitting a composite image in which these photographed images are decorated to the user's mobile terminal, and the device allows the user to use the composite image on the mobile terminal even after using the photographic image processing apparatus. Has been made.

  As such a composite image distribution method, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a method of transmitting a captured image combined by a photographic image processing apparatus to a server and transmitting the composite image from the server to a portable terminal. . Also, for example, in Patent Document 2, when a service center transmits information about a template from a customer as specified information to a lab, the lab uses a high-resolution template data to process photo data and create a print. Is disclosed.

Further, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a communication device that changes a composite image to a format that can be displayed on a receiving terminal and transmits the composite image.
JP 2001-313913 A (published March 3, 2001) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-154218 (released on June 8, 1999) JP 2004-193809 A (released July 8, 2004)

  However, even if a moving image can be displayed as a composite image in the photographic image processing apparatus, if the composite image is transmitted to the user's communication terminal via the server, there is no function that can display a moving image on the communication terminal. An image is displayed or not displayed. For this reason, the user is uncomfortable or uncomfortable because it is different from the display on the photographic image processing apparatus.

  On the other hand, even if a moving image can be displayed as a composite image in the photographic image processing apparatus, if it is transmitted to the server as a still image in accordance with the user's communication terminal, the user transmits to the other person's communication terminal via the server. In this case, even if there is a function capable of displaying a moving image, the communication terminal of another person will eventually be unable to display the moving image.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can present a user with a state in which a composite image is displayed on a communication terminal of a type specified by the user, and further, a communication terminal of a type specified by the user Photographic image processing apparatus capable of presenting a composite image in a state suitable for the communication terminal when transferred to a communication terminal of a type other than the above, a photographic image processing control method, a photographic image processing control program, and a computer-readable recording medium An object of the present invention is to provide a composite image communication system.

In order to solve the above problems, a photographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention forms a composite image obtained by combining a decorative image with a captured image obtained by photographing a subject, and transmits the composite image to a communication terminal via a server device. A photographic image processing apparatus,
Option discriminating means for discriminating the type of option processing, which is processing applied to the decoration image, and the types that can be executed by the type of communication terminal specified by the user among the types of discriminated optional processing Communication processing for transmitting to the server device the presentation control means for presenting the composite image to the user and the option information relating to the determined type of option processing in association with the captured image Means.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the method for controlling a photographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention forms a composite image obtained by photographing a subject and combining a decorative image with the photographed image, and the composite image is transmitted via a server device. A method of controlling a photographic image processing apparatus that transmits to a communication terminal, wherein an option determination step for determining a type of option processing that is a process performed on the decorative image; and a type of the determined type of option processing Among them, the presentation control step to be presented to the user and the option information relating to the determined type of option processing are taken in the state where the type of option processing that can be executed by the type of communication terminal specified by the user has been performed. And a communication step of transmitting to the server device in association with an image.

  In the above configuration and the above method, an option that can be executed by a communication terminal of a type designated by a user is determined by determining the type of option processing that is processing performed on a decorative image combined with a captured image. Presented to the user after processing. Therefore, the composite image can be presented to the user in a state where the composite image is displayed on the type of communication terminal designated by the user in the photographic image processing apparatus. Therefore, the user can browse the composite image without a sense of incongruity when viewing the composite image on the type of communication terminal specified by the user, since it is not different from that created by the photographic image processing apparatus.

  Here, the decorative image is an image combined with the photographed image, and examples thereof include a background image, a frame image, a stamp image, and an image (so-called graffiti image) input by a user (handwritten). The decorative image may be displayed before or after the composite image is displayed. The decoration image may be a still image or a moving image. The optional process may be any process applied to the decoration image. Specifically, when the decoration image is displayed as a moving image, the decoration image is displayed. Refers to processing to display as a moving image. Further, for example, when a moving image is displayed before or after the composite image is displayed, a process for adding the moving image is an optional process.

  Further, in the configuration and the method described above, option information regarding the determined type of option processing is transmitted to the server device in association with the captured image. In the server device, when the composite image is transmitted according to the model of the information terminal, the composite image is transferred to the communication terminal of a type other than the type of communication terminal designated by the user via the server device. Even in this case, the server device can provide the composite image in a state suitable for the communication terminal. Therefore, even if the transfer destination communication terminal through the server device has a higher processing function than the type of communication terminal specified by the user, a composite image is created with the same processing function as the transfer destination. If so, the transfer destination communication terminal can present a composite image in accordance with its advanced function.

  In the photographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the presentation control unit stores a model information database storing model information in which a communication terminal is associated with a type of the optional process that can be presented by the communication terminal. From this, by acquiring the model information, the type of option processing that can be executed by the type of communication terminal specified by the user is specified, the communication processing means, among the types of option processing determined, Option information regarding all types of option processing that can be executed by at least one of the communication terminals included in the model information database may be transmitted.

  In the above configuration, the composite image is presented to the user in a state in which optional processing that can be executed by the type of communication terminal specified by the user is performed based on the model information database. Also, option information regarding all types of option processing that can be executed by at least one type of communication terminal included in the model information database is transmitted to the server apparatus. Even if the determined option processing is performed, if there is no information terminal model that can execute the option processing, it is useless to send data. According to the above configuration, such useless transmission of data can be suppressed. In addition, by sending option information regarding all types of option processing that can be executed on at least one model, when transferring from any model communication terminal to any model communication terminal via the server device However, it is always possible to display according to the model of the transfer destination.

  In the photographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the option information may be information for displaying the decoration image as a moving image.

  According to the above configuration, information for displaying a decoration image as a moving image is sent to the server device. In the server device, the decorative image in the composite image can be transmitted as a moving image to the information terminal as long as it is a moving image display compatible model capable of displaying a moving image according to the model of the information terminal to be transmitted. In the information terminal of the moving image display compatible model, the decoration image in the composite image created by the photographic image processing apparatus is presented as a moving image.

  In the photographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the option information may be information for displaying a decoration image further added to the composite image.

  According to the above configuration, the information of the decoration image displayed in addition to the composite image is sent to the server device. In the server device, the received decoration image can be transmitted to the information terminal in addition to the composite image as long as the added decoration image can be displayed according to the model of the information terminal to be transmitted. For example, if the decoration image to be added is a moving image and the transmission destination is a communication terminal of a model that supports moving image display, a new moving image is added to the composite image created by the photo image processing apparatus and presented on the communication terminal Is done. Therefore, the user can obtain not only a composite image created by the photographic image processing apparatus at the information terminal but also a composite image to which a new image is added, and can give satisfaction. Therefore, it is possible to lead to further use of the photographic image processing apparatus. Note that the decorative image displayed in addition to the composite image may be a moving image or a still image. In addition, in the case of a moving image, it may be a moving image that is displayed before or after displaying the combined image, as well as a moving image that is displayed superimposed on the combined image created by the photographic image processing apparatus. Further, the decoration image may be a frame image that borders the composite image, a stamp image to which a drawing is pasted, or the like.

  In the photographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the communication processing means may transmit identification information for identifying the optional processing as the optional information.

  According to the above configuration, the amount of data to be transmitted can be suppressed by transmitting the identification information to the server device. Of course, the information itself indicating the contents of the option processing may be transmitted.

  In the photographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the communication terminal may be a mobile phone.

  According to the above configuration, the composite image synthesized by the photographic image processing apparatus can be presented on the mobile phone according to the model of the mobile phone specified by the user. The user can also use this composite image as a so-called waiting screen, and the use of the composite image created by the photographic image processing apparatus spreads, leading to an increase in repeaters of the photographic image processing apparatus.

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

  According to these configurations, the same effect as that of the photographic image processing apparatus can be realized by causing the computer to read and execute the photographic image processing control program.

  Further, the composite image communication system according to the present invention includes any one of the above photographic image processing devices and option information associated with the photographic image and the photographic image from the photographic image processing device in order to pass the above-described problem. And a server device that receives information on the model from the communication terminal and transmits the option information corresponding to the model of the communication terminal and the composite image of the option information to the communication terminal, and its own model A communication terminal that transmits information on the server device, receives the composite image and option information corresponding to its model from the server device, and displays the composite image in a state where the option processing indicated by the option information is performed It is characterized by including.

  In the above system, a state in which a composite image is displayed on a communication terminal of a type designated by the user in the photographic image processing apparatus can be presented to the user. In the same state, the composite image can be presented on the type of communication terminal designated by the user. Therefore, the user can view the composite image without a sense of incongruity at the type of communication terminal specified by the user. Furthermore, even when this composite image is transferred to a communication terminal of a type other than the type of communication terminal specified by the user via the server device, the server device can provide the composite image in a state suitable for the communication terminal. . Therefore, even if the transfer destination communication terminal through the server device has a higher processing function than the type of communication terminal specified by the user, a composite image is created with the same processing function as the transfer destination. If so, the transfer destination communication terminal can present a composite image in accordance with the advanced function.

  As described above, the photographic image processing apparatus according to the present invention determines the type of option processing that is a process performed on a decoration image, and determines the type of option processing that is a process performed on an option determination decoration image. An option discriminating means for discriminating between the above and the above-mentioned composite image is presented to the user with the option processing of the type that can be executed by the type of communication terminal specified by the user among the types of option processing discriminated above. Presenting control means, and communication processing means for transmitting option information relating to the determined type of option processing to the server device in association with the captured image.

  According to the above configuration, the type of option processing, which is processing performed on the decoration image combined with the photographed image, is determined, and the optional processing that can be executed by the communication terminal of the type specified by the user is performed. Presented to the user in the applied state. Therefore, the composite image can be presented to the user in a state where the composite image is displayed on the type of communication terminal designated by the user in the photographic image processing apparatus. Therefore, the user can browse the composite image without a sense of incongruity when viewing the composite image on the type of communication terminal specified by the user, since it is not different from that created by the photographic image processing apparatus. Further, in the above configuration, the option information regarding the determined type of option processing is transmitted to the server device in association with the captured image. In the server device, when the composite image is transmitted according to the model of the information terminal, the composite image is transferred to the communication terminal of a type other than the type of communication terminal designated by the user via the server device. Even in this case, the server device can provide the composite image in a state suitable for the communication terminal. Therefore, even if the transfer destination communication terminal through the server device has a higher processing function than the type of communication terminal specified by the user, a composite image is created with the same processing function as the transfer destination. If so, the transfer destination communication terminal can present a composite image in accordance with its advanced function.

  The following describes one embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS.

(Overall system configuration)
First, a schematic configuration of the composite image communication system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the composite image communication system 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the composite image communication system 100 includes a photographic printing apparatus (photographic image processing apparatus) 1..., A management server system (server apparatus) 200, and a mobile phone (communication terminal) 300. In general, the composite image communication system 100 includes a plurality of photography printing apparatuses 1. However, a single photography printing apparatus 1 may be included.

  The photographic printing apparatus 1 has a function (photographing function) for taking a photograph of a user, image editing for the photographed image, decoration such as so-called “graffiti”, and the like. Is a device having a function (editing function) for performing a process for generating image data and a function (printing function) for printing a resultant composite image on a print paper such as a sticker paper. Note that all these functions are not essential. For example, a configuration in which the print function is omitted may be employed. Furthermore, the photography printing apparatus 1 has a function of transmitting the composite image to the user's mobile phone 300 via the management server system 200. Here, the e-mail address that has received the input from the user and the composite image information (described in detail later) are transmitted to the management server system 200, and the management server system sends the composite image to the mobile phone with the designated e-mail address. To 300.

  The photography printing apparatus 1 provides the user with the above functions by collecting a fee from the user. In addition, a time limit is provided for each function, and the user uses each function within this time limit.

  The management server system 200 receives the additional information including the composite image information related to the image that has been subjected to the editing process on the photographed image and the information of the mail address input by the user from each of the photography printing apparatuses 1. Further, the server system performs processing for transmitting the composite image data to the mobile phone 300 in response to an access from the mobile phone 300. The management server system 200 is generally a device provided in common for the plurality of photography printing apparatuses 1... But the management server system 200 may be shared by the photography printing apparatus 1. For example, the management server system 200 having only one of the plurality of photography printing apparatuses may be used, and a plurality of other photography printing apparatuses may be connected thereto.

  The management server system 200 and each of the photography printing apparatuses 1... Are connected by communication via a communication medium. Examples of the communication medium include dedicated line connection, but the communication mode is not particularly limited. Further, the management server system 200 and each of the mobile phones 300 are similarly communicably connected by a communication medium. Examples of the communication medium include a combination of a wireless telephone network and the Internet, but the communication form is not particularly limited.

  The mobile phone 300 has a telephone function based on a wireless telephone network such as a mobile telephone network and a PHS (registered trademark: Personal Handyphone System) telephone network, and a data communication function (including a mail communication function) using the wireless telephone network. And an information processing terminal having an information processing function. The information processing terminal applied to the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone, and can perform data communication with the management server system 200 regardless of wired or wireless information and can perform information processing. Any device may be used as long as it is a processing terminal.

  In the present embodiment, the user inputs the mail address of the mobile phone 300. However, for example, the photography printing apparatus 1 may be provided so as to be directly readable from the mobile phone 300. In this case, it is assumed that the photographic printing apparatus 1 and the mobile phone 300 perform short-range wireless communication. These devices include a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, or an infrared communication system that conforms to IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a, 11b, 11g, etc. It is possible to have a short-range communication unit including a module for performing short-range wireless communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the photographic printing apparatus 1 and the mobile phone 300 may be configured to be connected by a wired connection such as a USB cable. Alternatively, short-distance wireless communication is not performed, and connection may be made via a wide area network constituted by, for example, a public telephone line, a mobile phone line, a PHS line, the Internet, or the like.

(Usage form of composite image communication system)
A usage form of the composite image communication system 100 will be schematically described. For example, the user plays a game using the photographic printing apparatus 1 installed in an amusement facility or the like. In this game, the user takes a photograph, and performs a process of writing a decoration image on the photographed image, such as so-called graffiti, as an editing process for the photographed image on the photograph photographing printing apparatus 1. As a part of this decoration (doodle), the user writes a desired picture or character with a dedicated pen, or selects a stamp and writes the stamp pattern on the photographed image. The decorative image includes a moving image, which will be described in detail later.

  Then, the photographed print device 1 prints and outputs a composite image obtained by combining the photographed image with the decoration image (graffiti), so that the user can obtain the printed matter as a game result. In the composite image communication system 100, the user can transmit a composite image to the mobile phone 300. In this case, when the user registers (inputs) the e-mail address of the mobile phone 300 in the photography / printing apparatus 1, the photography / printing apparatus 1 stores composite image information (described later) and additional information (described later). To the management server system 200. Here, it is assumed that the e-mail address of the own mobile phone is registered as the identification information (ID) as the owner of the composite image and for receiving information from the server. As described above, the user's game in the photo printing apparatus 1 is completed.

  The management server system 200 stores the composite image information and the additional information sent from the photographic printing apparatus 1 in association with each other. Then, the management server system 200 transmits an email indicating the address information of the page from which the composite image can be acquired to the user's email address. The user can display the composite image on the mobile phone 300 by accessing the page of the address indicated in the received mail using his / her mobile phone 300. The displayed composite image can also be downloaded.

  In addition, when the photographic printing apparatus 1 transmits the composite image information and the additional information to the management server system 200, it is preferable that the transmission data includes association information that enables these associations. The association information may be transmitted by being included in the data of each information, or may be transmitted separately from the data of each information.

  Next, each component in the composite image communication system 100 will be described in detail.

(Appearance structure of photo printing device)
Next, the external configuration of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). The photography printing apparatus 1 includes a photographing unit 2 that photographs a user's photograph, an editing unit 3 that allows a user to edit graffiti and the like on a photograph (photographed image), and a photograph that the user has edited. And a printing unit 4 that outputs (edited image) to a print sheet. 3A shows an appearance from the photographing unit 2 side in the photographic printing apparatus 1, and FIG. 3B shows an appearance from the editing unit 3 and the printing unit 4 side.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the first editing unit 3a. Since the configuration of the second editing unit 3b is the same as that of the first editing unit 3a, it is not shown here. The second editing unit 3b is provided on the opposite side of the first editing unit 3a. Below, when it is not necessary to distinguish two, it demonstrates as the edit part 3 collectively.

  The editing unit 3 is for executing an editing process such as graffiti on a captured image after the user finishes the shooting process by the shooting unit 2. The touch panel unit 31, the touch pen 32, and the voice output unit 33 are used for the editing unit 3. Etc. Each unit of the editing unit 3 is controlled by the control unit 10. Details of the above-described units will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the printing unit 4. In the present embodiment, the printing unit 4 is provided on the side surface of the editing unit 3. Therefore, FIG. 5 shows the side surface of the editing unit 3. The printing unit 4 prints an edited image after the user has finished the editing process by the editing unit 3 on sticker paper, and discharges the printed sticker paper. In the present embodiment, print discharge ports 44a and 44b are provided on the side of the editing unit 3, and the sticker sheet of the edited image that has been edited by the first editing unit 3a is discharged from the print discharge port 44a. The sticker sheet of the edited image edited by the second editing unit 3b is discharged from the print discharge port 44b.

  In the photographic printing apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, the user first enters the photographic space provided with the photographic unit 2 and executes the photographic process, and then the editing unit 3 (the first editing unit 3a or the second editing unit 3). The editing unit 3b) is moved to the editing space provided to execute the editing process, and the printing unit 4 receives the sticker paper on which the photographed image or the edited image (composite image) is printed from the print discharge ports 44a and 44b. In this way, enjoy the game process. Further, when the user registers (inputs) the mail address of the mobile phone 300 in the photography printing apparatus 1, the mobile phone 300 can later acquire the composite image from the management server system 200.

  As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus 1, the photographing unit 2 and the editing unit 3 are provided in different spaces. Therefore, even when a set of users is performing editing processing in the editing unit 3, other users can start shooting processing. Thereby, it is possible to improve a rotation rate.

  The editing process in the editing unit 3 is basically provided with a time limit. On the other hand, the editing process time may be unlimited until another user enters the shooting process, and the time limit may be set for the editing process from the time when another user starts the shooting process.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the photography printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure including two editing units 3, and includes a first editing unit 3a and a second editing unit 3a. The editing unit 3b is installed on the opposite side. As described above, by providing more editing units 3 than photographing units 2, it is possible to disperse the processing time related to the editing process that is a bottleneck and improve the rotation rate. However, the photography printing apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration. The installation position of the editing unit 3 is not particularly limited, and the number of installations may be one editing unit 3 or three or more editing units 3 may be provided if the installation location can be secured. Good.

(Functional configuration of photo printing device)
Next, the functional configuration of the photography printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic printing apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes a photographing unit 2, an editing unit 3, a printing unit 4, a control unit 10, and a recording unit 50.

  The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the operations of the above-described units included in the photographic printing apparatus 1. The detailed configuration of the control unit 10 will be described in detail later. The control unit 10 is configured by, for example, a PC (personal computer) based computer. 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 control unit 10 is configured to be connected to a communication network such as the Internet, a mode in which the program is downloaded via the communication network, installed on a hard disk, and the like can be considered.

  The photographic printing apparatus 1 includes a recording unit 50 that includes a nonvolatile storage device such as the hard disk described above. Examples of the contents stored in the recording unit 50 include a photographed image taken by the photographing unit 2, an image for editing, composite image information, a printed image, and a model information database. These will be described later. Further, the control unit, an OS (Operating System) program, various other programs, operation setting values in the camera unit 23, image data of a captured image and an edited image, and the like are recorded in the recording unit 50. Examples of operation setting values in the camera unit 23 include white balance values set at the time of shipment and maintenance of the photographic printing apparatus 1, various parameter values related to image processing when adjusting the brightness and darkness of captured images, and the like. It is done.

  The imaging unit 2 executes an imaging process, and includes a coin processing unit 21, an illumination unit 22, a camera unit 23, a captured image display unit 24, a camera image display unit 25, and an operation unit 26. Although not shown here, the photographing unit 2 may include a voice output unit for performing voice guidance so as to prompt the user to perform a certain operation.

  The coin processing unit 21 performs coin insertion / return processing when collecting charges from the user. When it is determined that a predetermined coin has been inserted, the control unit 10 is notified. And the control part 10 will perform an accounting process, if the notification from the coin process part 21 is received. That is, the control unit 10 counts notifications from the coin processing unit 21 and controls various operations for the user according to the amount of money that the user has inserted.

  The illumination unit 22 functions as a photographic flashlight such as a strobe lamp at the time of photographing and also functions as a normal illumination. In this embodiment, a flash lamp is used as the light source, but a light source that emits continuous light, such as a fluorescent lamp, can also be used. Further, a fluorescent lamp or the like can be provided as an auxiliary light source in the vicinity of the flash lamp. By using a continuous light source or an auxiliary light source, it is possible to infer a shot at the time of shooting from a live view image before shooting.

  The camera unit 23 mainly takes a photograph of a user as a subject, and is configured by a digital camera including, for example, a lens group, a diaphragm, a CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor, and the like. The camera unit 23 is configured to be able to switch, for example, a lens group to be used and an aperture so as to be able to cope with both whole body photography and close-up photography.

  The captured image display unit 24 provides a user interface to the user, and displays various images, various operation buttons, and the like. The photographed image display unit 24 is configured by providing a touch panel on the surface of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display element or a CRT, for example. By displaying the captured image captured by the camera unit 23 on the captured image display unit 24, the user can check the captured image.

  The camera image display unit 25 displays a real-time video captured by the camera unit 23, that is, a live view image before shooting. By displaying the live view image on the camera image display unit 25, the user can confirm the image in advance and start shooting. The photographed image display unit 24 and the camera image display unit 25 may be provided as the same thing.

  The operation unit 26 is an input device for inputting an instruction signal for the user to perform a game operation on the photo printing apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 is realized as a touch panel integrated with the captured image display unit 24. That is, a GUI screen such as operation buttons is displayed on the captured image display unit 24. When the display screen of the photographed image display unit 24 is pressed by a user's finger (or a pointing device such as a touch pen), an instruction signal indicating a button or an image corresponding to the position is input into the photograph printing apparatus 1. Is done.

  In the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 is configured as a touch panel provided integrally with the captured image display unit 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation unit 26 is provided with, for example, a numeric keypad or a cross key. It may be configured as an input device such as a remote controller or a keyboard.

  The editing unit 3 executes an editing process, and includes a touch panel unit 31 and a touch pen 32. The editing unit 3 may further include an audio output unit 33.

  The touch panel unit 31 provides a user interface to the user, and includes an edited image display unit 31a and an operation reception unit 31b. The edited image display unit 31a displays an image to be edited (an image to be edited) in the editing process and a result (composite image) obtained by editing the captured image. The operation accepting unit 31b accepts a user instruction signal input by using a pointing device such as a touch pen and transmits it to the inside of the photographic printing apparatus 1.

  The touch pen 32 is used by a user to perform fine operation input on the touch panel unit 31 in image editing processing or the like, and is disposed near the touch panel unit 31. The user can select a button displayed according to the progress of the process or draw an image such as a graffiti by bringing the touch pen 32 into contact with or approaching the touch panel unit 31. For example, when the screen of the touch panel unit 31 is pressed with the touch pen 32, an instruction signal indicating a button or an image corresponding to the position is input to the inside of the photographic printing apparatus 1. Thereby, the user can perform graffiti on the photographed image, press a stamp, or select a print target image to be printed.

  In the present embodiment, two touch pens 32 are provided so that a plurality of users can easily perform image editing. However, in order to simplify the configuration, only one touch pen 32 may be provided. Yes, and more than two can be deployed for more than two users. Similarly, a plurality of touch pens 32 can be provided.

  The audio output unit 33 outputs guidance voices and sound effects for various operations, and is provided at an appropriate place of the photo print apparatus 1. For example, a speaker is used as the audio output unit 33.

  The printing unit 4 executes a printing process by printing a photographed image and / or edited image selected as a printing target, and includes an ID tag reader / writer unit 41 and a printer unit 42. A seal paper 142 and an ID tag 141 serving as a photo print output medium are delivered to the printing unit 4 as a seal paper unit 43 as a set.

  When image data to be output is sent from the control unit 10, the printer unit 42 prints on the sticker sheet 142 based on the image data. As the printer unit 42, for example, a sublimation printer is used. When a sublimation printer is used, a sublimation ink film is delivered as a set in addition to the sticker paper 142 and the ID tag 141.

  The ID tag reader / writer unit 41 reads out various pieces of identification information recorded in the ID tag 141 and outputs them to the control unit 10. The ID tag 141 is configured by an IC chip having a memory function. Examples of the identification information include a unique ID, the number of sheets, a sheet type, and ink-specific color information (when an ink film is set).

  Based on the identification information read by the ID tag reader / writer unit 41, the control unit 10 determines whether the attached sticker paper 142 and the ink film are usable in the photography printing apparatus 1, and can be used. Only when it is, the printer unit 42 can be operated. In other words, settings other than the seal paper 142 and the ink film designated in the photo printing apparatus 1 are set so that they cannot be used.

  In addition, by counting down the number of sheets each time sticker paper is used based on the information on the number of sheets recorded in the ID tag 141, the remaining number of sheets can be grasped. Therefore, when the remaining number of sheets is reduced, a configuration that warns the user with a display means or the like can avoid a problem such as running out of sheets during use by the user. . When counting down the number of sheets, it is desirable to rewrite the number of sheets information recorded in the ID tag 141. As a result, when the paper is used up, the paper number information recorded in the ID tag 141 is also zero, and the ID tag 141 can be invalidated. Further, by reading the paper type information recorded in the ID tag 141 and the color information unique to the ink, and correcting the color component of the image data in consideration of these, the seal paper 142 and the ink film are accurately obtained. Image output can be performed.

  As the ID tag 141, there are a non-contact type ID tag capable of performing wireless data communication and a contact type ID tag provided with a terminal. The ID tag reader / writer unit 41 includes It corresponds to either one or both.

  In the above example, the ID tag 141 is used to confirm whether or not the sticker paper 142 can be used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sticker paper 142 and the ink film are used. It is also possible to use a bar code printed on a packing material for packing. However, when a barcode is used, there are problems that the amount of information that can be included is small and that information cannot be rewritten by counting down the number of sheets, for example.

  In this embodiment, the seal sheet 142 is assumed to be a seal sheet including an adhesive sheet and a release sheet attached to the adhesive surface of the adhesive sheet, but is not limited thereto. The photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present invention can be configured to use a paper sheet that is a normal paper medium instead of the sticker paper 142.

  Moreover, the photography printing apparatus 1 of the present invention may include a curtain unit 27. The curtain unit 27 provides a curtain as a background of the captured image. Curtains with various colors and patterns are prepared, and can be freely selected by the user at the time of shooting, or can be automatically selected by the photo-taking and printing apparatus 1. The plurality of curtains are arranged so as to overlap the back of the shooting space (facing the shooting unit 2) (see FIG. 3 (a)), and at the time of shooting, the selected curtain is positioned so that the selected curtain appears behind the subject. Installed on the front. The installation of the selected curtain may be executed by the background control unit 15 of the control unit 10 controlling the curtain unit 27, or may be configured to be manually performed by the user himself / herself. In addition, in this embodiment, although the curtain part 27 was set as the structure which provides a some curtain, it is not limited to this. A curtain that can be installed in the curtain unit 27 may be one type. In this case, if a plurality of types of background images for synthesis are prepared and the background image desired by the user is synthesized in the editing process, even if there is only one type of curtain, the user can have various preferences. Can respond.

  Next, the control unit 10 and the recording unit 50 of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 includes a captured image acquisition unit 11, an image editing unit 12, an option determination unit (option determination unit) 16, a presentation control unit (presentation control unit) 17, a print image creation unit 13, and a communication process. Unit (communication processing means) 14 and a background control unit 15. Since the background control unit 15 is as described above, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The recording unit 50 includes a captured image recording unit 51 that records captured images, an editing image recording unit 52 that records editing images such as background images, frame images, and stamp images provided in image editing (editing processing). A composite image information recording unit 53 that records information relating to an edited image, a print image recording unit 54 that records a print image, and options that are set for each model of the mobile phone 300 and that can be presented by the mobile phone 300, which will be described below A model information recording unit 55 that records a model information database, which is information on the type of processing, is included.

  The captured image acquisition unit 11 acquires a captured image created by capturing a subject from the camera unit 23. The captured image acquisition unit 11 records the acquired captured image in the captured image recording unit 51.

  The image editing unit 12 performs image editing on a captured image in accordance with a user operation. Examples of image editing include adding a background image and / or a frame image read from the editing image recording unit 52, adding a stamp image read from the editing image recording unit 52 to an arbitrary position, or using a touch pen. Adding a so-called graffiti to decorate the captured image (synthesize the decorative image with the captured image). These decoration images (background image, frame image, stamp image, pen image) can also be displayed on the edited image display unit 31a as a moving image, which will be described in detail later.

  However, the image editing is not limited to the above-described example, and the editing is executed by the user operating any input means (operation unit) connected to the photography / printing apparatus 1, and the original photographed image is decorated. Any processing content may be used as long as it is an edit that can be performed to obtain a composite image (a decoration image combined with a photographed image) as a result of the change.

  The image editing unit 12 records composite image information, which is information about the composite image, in the composite image information recording unit 53 instead of recording the composite image (edited image). The composite image information includes identification information of a captured image, identification information of a background image and a frame image, identification information and position information of a stamp image, a pen image, and when a decoration image is edited as a moving image by the above image editing Examples include information for displaying a decoration image as a moving image, and various other attribute information.

  The print image creation unit 13 creates a print image in which a composite image corresponding to the size of each divided region is arranged in each of the plurality of divided regions. The size and arrangement of the composite image in the print image are usually determined by the user selecting one of a plurality of patterns, but may be determined freely by the user, or the photography printing apparatus 1 It may be determined at random. The print image creation unit 13 records in the created print image recording unit 54. Then, the control unit 10 instructs the printer unit 42 to print the print image recorded in the print image recording unit 54 on the sticker sheet 142 at an appropriate timing.

  The option discriminating unit 16 discriminates the type of option processing that is processing performed on the decoration image. Here, the option processing refers to processing for displaying a decoration image as a moving image when the decoration image is edited as a moving image in the image editing. In the composite image communication system 100, when the composite image is transmitted to the mobile phone 300 via the management server system 200, other decorative images other than the edited image can be added. For example, in the display on the mobile phone 300, when a moving image in which a goat brings a letter is displayed first, and then a composite image created by the photography printing apparatus 1 is displayed, the goat This is another decoration image to which a moving image is added. Of course, it is not limited to videos. In addition, for example, a moving image (or still image) frame is given as an example of another decorative image, but of course, it is not limited thereto. When adding such another decoration image, the user can select to add another decoration image in the photography printing apparatus 1, and the process of adding another decoration image is performed. Optional processing.

  Therefore, specific examples of the model information recorded in the model information recording unit 55 are information indicating whether or not a moving image can be displayed. Furthermore, it is information indicating whether or not the other decoration images described above can be displayed.

  Of the types of option processing discriminated by the option discriminating unit 16, the presentation control unit 17 is a type that can be executed by the mobile phone 300 of the mail address (address input will be described later) input by the user. With the option processing applied, the composite image created by the editing processing is displayed on the edited image display unit 31a. At this time, the presentation control unit 17 acquires the model information of the model of the mobile phone with the mail address input by the user from the model information recording unit 55, and can be executed by the type of communication terminal specified by the user. Specify the type of option processing.

  In the present embodiment, the presentation control unit 17 does not include all other decorative images (for example, moving images and moving image frames in which the goats bring letters) added at the time of transmission to the mobile phone 300. Only the displayed image is displayed. When displayed in this way, the data storage amount of the photographic printing apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  The communication processing unit 14 executes communication processing with the management server system 200 via a communication interface. The communication processing unit 14 performs transmission / reception processing of composite image information (in this embodiment, the captured image specified by the identification information of the captured image included in the composite image information) and additional information.

  Further, the communication processing unit 14 transmits option information regarding the type of option processing determined by the option determining unit 16 to the management server system 200. Here, the communication processing unit 14 transmits option information for all option processes that can be executed by at least one model of the mobile phone included in the model information recorded in the model information recording unit 55 among the determined option processes. It shall be. The option information of all the determined option processes may be transmitted. In this embodiment, identification information for identifying option processing (for example, moving image frame identification information for adding a certain moving image frame) is transmitted as option information. By transmitting the identification information to the management server system, the amount of data to be transmitted can be suppressed.

  Here, the option information is transmitted by being included in the composite image information, but may be transmitted in any manner as long as it is transmitted in association with the captured image (or the composite image).

  As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the type of optional processing that is processing performed on the decorative image combined with the captured image is determined, and the type specified by the user is the combined image. It is presented to the user in a state where optional processing executable by the communication terminal is applied. Therefore, the composite image can be presented to the user in a state in which the composite image is displayed on the type of communication terminal designated by the user in the photographic printing apparatus 1. Therefore, when the user browses the composite image with the designated mobile phone 300 (by inputting an e-mail address), the user browses the composite image without any sense of incongruity because there is no difference from the one created with the photo print apparatus 1. be able to. Further, the photo photographic printing apparatus 1 transmits option information regarding the determined type of option processing to the management server system 200 in association with the photographic image. In the management server system 200, when a composite image is transmitted according to the model of the mobile phone 300, the composite image is transmitted to the mobile phone 300 of the type of the mobile phone 300 specified by the user. Even when transferred via the system 200, the management server system 200 can provide a composite image in a state suitable for the model of the mobile phone 300. Therefore, even if the transfer destination mobile phone 300 via the management server system 200 has a higher processing function than the user's mobile phone 300, the composite image is processed with the same processing function as the transfer destination mobile phone. Is created, the transfer destination mobile phone 300 can present a composite image in accordance with its advanced function.

(Processing flow in photography printing equipment)
Next, the operation flow of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, as a play start acceptance process, a standby demonstration screen is displayed on the captured image display unit 24. The demonstration screen includes information such as the machine name, abbreviation, and outline of the photographic printing apparatus 1. In this demonstration screen, a message prompting the user to insert coins, such as “Please insert coins”, may be displayed. When a user who has entered the shooting space inserts a coin (step 1; hereinafter referred to as S1), and the charging process by the charging processing unit is completed, the demonstration screen is switched to the shooting process screen, and the reception process is completed.

  Next, in S2, a screen for allowing the user to select a shooting course is displayed on the shot image display unit 24, and an input of a shooting course selection from the user is accepted. Shooting courses include, for example, a normal shooting course (the user selects and captures a desired curtain (background color)), an automatic shooting course (automatically selects and shoots a curtain), a pose shooting course (a user completes a model sample image (completed) It is assumed that the user can select a course that the user likes.

  In S3, the user takes a plurality of pictures in the photographing space based on the photographing course. At this time, the user can take a picture while visually recognizing his / her appearance displayed on the camera image display unit (live view display panel) 25. In S <b> 4, the user selects an image to be edited from the captured images as a keep image, and the captured image selected here is recorded in the captured image recording unit 51. Note that the process of S4 may be omitted and all the captured images may be subject to editing processing. In this case, since the process of S4 can be omitted, the editing process can be made longer.

  Next, in S5, a game selection performed after the editing process is performed. A plurality of types of games to be selected here are prepared. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that at least a game related to processing (portable transmission) for transmitting a composite image to the mobile phone 300 is included. Examples of other games include a game related to a process of generating a decoration image that can be added to an e-mail with respect to the mobile phone 300. Here, in order to allow the user to select a game, for example, a game selection screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the edited image display unit 31a for user selection.

  In S6, editing processing is performed on the captured image kept in S4. In this editing process, the edited image display unit 31a displays an image to be edited and various editing tools at the time of the image editing process such as graffiti, and various editing processes are performed based on an input instruction from the touch pen 32 or the like from the user. Done. Here, editing processing using a moving image target tool described below is also performed.

  In S7, it is determined whether or not the game selected in S5 is a game related to “mobile transmission”. If NO in S7, that is, if a game other than the game related to “mobile transmission” is selected, a sticker printing process is performed in S8 after the game is executed, and the process ends.

  If YES in S7, that is, if a game relating to “mobile transmission” is selected, first in S9, the communication processing unit 14 receives an input of a mail address to which the composite image is transmitted from the user. At this time, a mail address input screen for inputting a mail address as shown in FIG. 8, for example, is displayed on the edited image display unit 31a in order to allow the user to input a mail address. Next, the presentation control unit 17 causes the edited image display unit 31a to display a synthesized image as a still image that does not include a moving image among the plurality of synthesized images generated by the editing process, and to be transmitted from the user. Is received (S10). At this time, for example, a still image selection screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the edited image display unit 31a. On the still image selection screen, the composite images edited in S6 are displayed and are used for user selection.

  Thereafter, the presentation control unit 17 determines the model or type of the cellular phone 300 corresponding to the email address based on the email address and the model information recording unit 55 input in S9, and the cellular phone 300 displays the moving image. It is determined whether or not it corresponds to (S11). If YES in S11, that is, if the model or type of the mobile phone 300 corresponds to a moving image (moving images can be displayed), the presentation control unit 17 includes a plurality of synthesized images generated by editing processing. A composite image as a moving image including a moving image is displayed on the edited image display unit 31a, and a selection input of a composite image to be transmitted is received from the user (S12). At this time, for example, a moving image selection screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the edited image display unit 31a. In addition, when there are a plurality of types of motion of a moving image, it is assumed that the moving image is displayed on the moving image selection screen for the number of types.

  Thereafter, the communication processing unit 14 transmits the composite image information of the composite image selected in S10 and S12 to the management server system 200 (S13). At this time, if there is a moving image related to the composite image, the information is also transmitted. Thereafter, a seal printing process is performed in S8, and the process ends.

  If NO in S11, that is, if the moving image display is not supported, the communication processing unit 14 transmits the composite image information of the composite image selected in S10 to the management server system 200 (S13), and in S8. A seal printing process is performed, and the process ends.

(Structure of composite image information including moving images)
Next, the structure of composite image information including moving images will be described. The composite image information includes a plurality of layer data. Examples of the layer data include shooting layer data including shooting image data indicating a shooting image, editing layer data including editing image data edited by the image editing unit 12, and background layer data including background image data. It is done. It should be noted that at least one of the editing layer data and the background layer data may be included.

  In addition, at least one of the shooting layer data, the editing layer data, and the background layer data includes a plurality of layers. In the layer data including a plurality of layers, moving image expression is realized by switching between display and non-display of each layer. In addition, as a display / non-display switching timing of each layer at the time of moving image display, the display period and the non-display period may all be repeated at equal intervals, or may be repeated at different intervals.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the structure of this composite image information. In the example shown in the figure, the composite image information CP includes a background layer LB composed of background image data indicating a background image, a photographing layer LP composed of photographed image data, and two editing layers LEA and LEB composed of edited image data. It has become. When the composite image information CP having such a configuration is displayed, the background layer LB is the lowest layer, and the shooting layer LP, the editing layer LEA, and the editing layer LEB are arranged in this order toward the upper layer.

  Here, the editing layer LEA is an image as shown in FIG. 12A, the editing layer LEB is an image as shown in FIG. 12B, and the shooting layer LP is an image as shown in FIG. To do. In this case, when these shooting layer LP, edit layer LEA, and edit layer LEB are displayed in this order so as to overlap each other, a composite image as shown in FIG. 13 is obtained.

  In addition, by switching display / non-display of the editing layer LEA and the editing layer LEB, a moving image display in which an image in which a plurality of stars are scattered flashes or light in an outline portion of a handwritten character image flashes is realized. Is done. FIG. 14A shows a display screen in a state where the editing layer LEA is hidden and the editing layer LEB is displayed. FIG. 14B shows the editing layer LEB hidden and the editing layer LEA displayed. The display screen in the displayed state is shown. By repeatedly performing such display / non-display switching, the moving image display as described above is realized.

  In the above example, the case where there are two editing layers is shown, but by further increasing the number of editing layers, more complicated moving image display can be realized. For example, when a character is written by handwriting by the user in the editing process, the stroke order progress at the time of character formation is recorded as a plurality of images, and these stroke order image data are included in the composite image information as a plurality of editing layers. Also good. In this case, a moving image display in which the characters are displayed in the stroke order when the characters are formed can be realized.

  Other examples of moving image display include changing the color of characters and various images, changing the position and angle of characters and various images, and the like.

  Further, shooting layer data including a plurality of shooting layers may be included in the composite image information, and the shot image may be displayed as a moving image. In this case, it is possible to display a moving image such as switching of the captured image, changing the position and angle of the captured image, and changing the number of displayed captured images.

  FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B show a case where a plurality of partial captured images are displayed on a basic captured image and at least one of the position and angle of at least one partial captured image changes. An example in which a moving image is displayed is shown. In this case, the partial captured image is composed of a plurality of imaging layers, and moving image display is realized by switching between display and non-display of each imaging layer. In the example of FIG. 9A, an example is shown in which a moving image display in which the partial captured image is shaken is performed by changing the angle of at least one partial captured image. In this example, a moving image display in which the number of partial captured images to be displayed is changed in time series may be performed. In the example of FIG. 5B, a moving image display is performed in which an image obtained by combining a partially captured image and an edited image moves from the right to the left on the basic captured image.

  Further, background layer data including a plurality of background layers may be included in the composite image information, and the background image may be displayed as a moving image. In this case, it is possible to display a moving image such that the background color changes or the background pattern or pattern changes.

  The order of the layers in the composite image information is not limited to the above example, and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, an edit layer may be provided between the shooting layer and the background layer, or an edit layer may be provided behind the background layer.

(Video display using brightness enhancement information)
As a variation when switching between display / non-display of a plurality of editing layers, there is a method in which at least one editing layer is a brightness enhancement information layer composed of data indicating brightness enhancement information. The brightness enhancement information layer is made up of data indicating the degree of enhancing the brightness of at least one of another editing layer, shooting layer, and background layer. By switching between display and non-display of this brightness enhancement information layer, a moving image display in which the brightness of a specific area in the composite image information is switched is possible.

  FIG. 16 shows an example in which a moving image is displayed using the brightness enhancement information. In the figure, the synthesized image information CP is obtained by synthesizing the brightness enhancement information layer TP with the basic synthesized image information BCP composed of at least one image of another editing layer, shooting layer, and background layer. An example of a configuration is shown. The brightness enhancement level information layer TP is image data in which a brightness enhancement level indicating the degree of enhancement of brightness is set for each pixel of the basic composite image information BCP. In the example of the brightness enhancement level information layer TP shown in the same figure, the black area does not perform brightness enhancement, and shows that the degree of brightness enhancement increases as it approaches white.

  Whether the brightness enhancement information layer TP is displayed or not is displayed by displaying the basic composite image information BCP with or without reflecting the brightness enhancement information indicated in the brightness enhancement information layer TP. It is realized by switching.

An example of calculating each pixel value when displaying the brightness enhancement information is as follows.
(Pixel value of composite image information) = (1− (lightness enhancement degree)) × (pixel value of basic composite image information) + (lightness enhancement degree) × (pixel value of 30% increase in lightness of basic composite image information)
In the above formula, the brightness enhancement level takes a value of 0 to 1. When the brightness enhancement level is 0, the pixel value of the basic composite image information does not change, and the basic composite image as the brightness enhancement level approaches 1. The brightness of the information approaches the value increased by 30%. That is, the brightness can be increased in the range of 0 to 30% according to the region.

  Note that the above calculation example is merely an example, and any calculation may be performed as long as the calculation can change the brightness of each pixel of the basic composite image information.

  Further, in the above example, one editing layer is a brightness enhancement information layer composed of data indicating the degree of enhancement of the brightness of at least one of another editing layer, a shooting layer, and a background layer. However, this layer may be a change degree information layer including data indicating a change degree of a parameter capable of changing the display state of the image. Examples of such parameters include parameters for setting blur, mosaic, brightness, image enlargement / reduction, and the like.

(Editing with the video target tool)
Next, a process for generating a plurality of editing layers for realizing moving image display when the image editing unit 12 performs an editing process will be described. FIG. 17 shows an example of an editing screen displayed on the edited image display unit 31a in the editing process. As shown in the figure, the editing screen includes an editing object image display area A1, an editing tool selection area A2, an editing tool setting area A3, an eraser tool selection area A4, an editing object image selection area A5, and a movie preview button A6. It is displayed. In addition, a remaining time display area, clear of edit processing, undo, redo button, end button, and the like are displayed. In this editing screen, an editing target image display area A1, an editing tool selection area A2, an editing tool setting area A3, and an eraser tool selection area A4 so that two users can simultaneously perform editing processing. Are displayed on the left and right sides of the screen.

  In the editing target image display area A1, the photographed image selected in the editing target image selection area A5 is displayed, and editing processing such as image drawing and pasting is performed in this area. The editing tool selection area A2 is an area for receiving selection of various editing tools used in editing processing. As an editing tool, a pen tool and a handwriting tool for drawing a line image corresponding to a user's input locus, a stamp tool and a roll tool for pasting a predetermined image at a position on an image to be edited designated by the user, and Special tools that have special effects are listed. Detailed setting of the tool selected here is performed in the editing tool setting area A3. The eraser tool selection area A4 is an area where the size of the erase area of the eraser tool for erasing the edited image added to the photographed image by the editing process is selected. The moving image preview button A6 is a button for switching between a state in which an edited image that can be displayed as a moving image is displayed as a moving image and a state in which the edited image is displayed as a still image.

  In the present embodiment, the editing tool includes a moving image target tool that enables editing of an image (moving image editing image) with movement. There are two main types of moving image target tools. The first moving image target tool corresponds to a stamp tool, a roll tool, and the like, and a predetermined moving image arrangement tool that arranges a predetermined moving image selected by the user at a position on the editing target image specified by the user. It is. The second moving image target tool corresponds to a pen tool, a handwriting tool, and the like, and is a handwritten moving image generation tool that displays a line image corresponding to a user's input locus as a moving image.

  It should be noted that which pen tool or stamp tool is to be displayed as a moving image may be configured not to be clearly shown to the user, or, for example, all the tools included in the special tool may be displayed as a moving image. . In addition, a tab “moving” may be set on the tabs arranged in the upper part of the editing tool setting area A3 (tabs where “normal” and “undecided” are arranged), and a tool that displays a moving image may be stored in the tab. .

  Drawing with the predetermined moving image placement tool is realized as follows. First, predetermined moving image data composed of a plurality of layers is recorded for each type in the editing image recording unit 52. Image data of a plurality of layers included in each moving image image data is composed of different image data, and moving image display is realized by switching and displaying these layers.

  When specific moving image data is selected by the user, the image editing unit 12 reads out the corresponding moving image data from the editing image recording unit 52 onto the work memory. After that, when the position on the editing target image is specified by the user, the image editing unit 12 converts the data of the plurality of layers included in the moving image data into the corresponding ones of the plurality of editing layers included in the editing target image. Processing to arrange at the position is performed. Further, the image editing unit 12 records the information specifying the moving image data and the arrangement position information of the moving image data in the composite image information recording unit 53 as the edited image information for the corresponding editing target image.

  Drawing by the handwritten moving image generation tool is realized as follows. First, the moving image line image data drawn according to the input locus of the user is recorded in the editing image recording unit 52 for each type. Here, the moving image line image data includes data of a plurality of layers. The data of each layer is data for drawing different line images, and moving image display is realized by switching and displaying these layers.

  When specific moving image line image data is selected by the user, the image editing unit 12 reads the corresponding moving image line image data from the editing image recording unit 52 onto the work memory. Thereafter, when an input trajectory for the image to be edited is input by the user, the image editing unit 12 first records position information of the input trajectory in the work memory. Thereafter, the image editing unit 12 applies a line image corresponding to the position information of the input locus to each of the plurality of editing layers included in the editing target image based on the data of the plurality of layers included in the moving image line image data. Perform the placement process. Further, the image editing unit 12 records the information specifying the moving image line image data and the position information of the input locus in the composite image information recording unit 53 as the edited image information for the corresponding editing target image.

  FIG. 18 shows a state in which moving image line image data is drawn on each editing layer in accordance with the user's input trajectory. In the example shown in the figure, when drawing input is performed by the user, line images having different designs are drawn on both the editing layer LEA and the editing layer LEB. In the example shown in the figure, a moving image display is realized by switching between a line image with a border image and a line image with no border image. In addition, as an example of the moving image display of the line image, an example in which at least one of the color, pattern, shape, position, and the like of the line image is changed can be given.

  When editing processing is performed using a tool that is not displayed on a moving image, the image editing unit 12 applies the same image corresponding to the tool that is not included in the moving image to each of a plurality of editing layers included in the editing target image. Should be arranged. As a result, even if the display / non-display of each editing layer is switched, the image corresponding to the moving image non-target tool does not change.

(Configuration by software)
The control unit 10 included in the photography printing apparatus 1 may be configured by hardware logic, or may be realized by software using a CPU as follows.

  That is, the control unit 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, a RAM (random access memory) that expands the program, A storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data is provided. An object of the present invention is a recording medium on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the control unit 10 which is software that realizes the above-described functions is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. This can also be achieved by supplying the control unit 10 and reading and executing the program code recorded on the recording medium by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include tapes such as magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, magnetic disks such as floppy (registered trademark) disks / hard disks, and disks including optical disks such as 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.

  The control unit 10 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.

(Management server system configuration)
Next, the configuration of the management server system 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the management server system 200 includes an FTP server 201, a registration processing server 202, an image file server 203, an additional information file server 204, a WEB server 205, and a mail transmission server 206. .

  The FTP server 201 is a file transfer server that performs processing for receiving the composite image information and additional information sent from the photographic printing apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used as a protocol for performing data communication with the photographic printing apparatus 1, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. Data received by the FTP server 201 is transmitted to the registration processing server 202. If a large number of photography printing apparatuses 1 are installed over a wide area, data transmission processing may be distributed by providing a plurality of FTP servers 201.

  The registration processing server 202 performs processing for transmitting the composite image information received from the FTP server 201 to the image file server 203 and transmitting additional information to the additional information file server 204. Here, when transmitting the additional information to the additional information file server 204, the registration processing server 202 also transmits image specifying information for specifying the composite image information corresponding to the additional information. As a result, the additional information file server 204 records information on the combination of the additional information and the image specifying information for specifying the corresponding composite image information as a database.

  Further, when transmitting the composite image information to the image file server 203, the registration processing server 202 also transmits information for specifying the user among the additional information corresponding to the composite image information. As a result, the image file server 203 records a database in which the composite image information corresponding to the user is recorded in the folder corresponding to each user. Note that the image file server 203 may generate a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image size of the composite image indicated by the received composite image information, and store the thumbnail image in the same folder.

  In addition, the registration processing server 202 performs processing for generating an e-mail in which URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information (WEB address) for accessing the WEB server 205 is accessed for the e-mail address included in the additional information. The generated electronic mail is sent to the mail transmission server 206.

  Each of the image file server 203 and the additional information file server 204 is a file server that constructs a database based on information received from the registration processing server 202 and records / stores the database. Note that the image file server 203 and the additional information file server 204 may be realized in the form of a file server as described above, or may be an image file recording device and an additional information recording device depending on a recording medium used by the registration processing server 202. It may be configured.

  The mail transmission server 206 performs processing for transmitting the electronic mail received from the registration processing server 202. Since the mail address specified here is basically the mail address of the mobile phone 300, the mail transmission server 206 transmits the mail to the mobile phone 300.

  The WEB server 205 is a server device that provides composite image information recorded in the image file server 203 in the form of a WEB page in response to access from the mobile phone 300. Further, the WEB server 205 performs processing for reading additional information and image specifying information from the additional information file server 204 and extracting it. Details of the processing in the WEB server 205 will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the management server system 200 includes a plurality of server devices, that is, an FTP server 201, a registration processing server 202, an image file server 203, an additional information file server 204, a WEB server 205, and a mail transmission server 206. Although it is the structure provided, the function implement | achieved by several server apparatus is good also as a structure implement | achieved by the function which one server apparatus has among these server apparatuses.

(Web server configuration)
Next, the configuration of the WEB server 205 will be described below with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the WEB server 205 includes a data acquisition unit 61, a composition processing unit 62, a WEB server processing unit 63, and a composition image storage unit 64.

  The WEB server processing unit 63 performs processing for providing a WEB page on the Internet. Specifically, the WEB server processing unit 63 transmits the page data of the WEB page related to the provision of the composite image data in response to the WEB access from the mobile phone 300, and information necessary for the provision of the composite image data. Is received from the mobile phone 300. The information required for providing the composite image data received from the mobile phone 300 is information on the model of the mobile phone, such as information on option processing that can be executed by the mobile phone 300.

  The data acquisition unit 61 receives the composite image information and additional information necessary for providing the WEB page by the WEB server processing unit 63 and the composite image information necessary for the composition processing by the composition processing unit 62 from the image file server. 203 and the additional information file server 204 are acquired.

  The composition processing unit 62 performs processing for generating composite image data provided by the WEB server processing unit 63. Specifically, the composition processing unit 62 generates composite image data in a format that can be provided by the WEB server processing unit 63 based on the composite image information. The combining process here may be performed using only the data included in the combined image information, or may be performed using the combining image data stored in the combining image storage unit 64.

  The composition image storage unit 64 stores images (such as a stamp image, a still image frame image, and a moving image frame image) that are used for the composition processing by the composition processing unit 62. For example, if the composite image information to be processed includes stamp identification information and video frame identification information (identification information for identifying optional processing), a stamp image corresponding to the identification information, The moving image frame image is read from the image storage unit 64 for synthesis, and the synthesis process is performed by the synthesis processing unit 62 together with the synthesized image information.

(Processing flow of the management server system when receiving composite image information and additional information)
Next, the flow of processing when the management server system 200 receives the composite image information and the additional information from the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 21, the FTP server 201 waits for reception of composite image information and additional information from the photographic printing apparatus 1. In S22, when the composite image information and the additional information data are received, the FTP server 201 transmits the received data to the registration processing server 202, and the registration processing server 202 receives the data from the FTP server 201. The composite image information thus transmitted is transmitted to the image file server 203, and the additional information is transmitted to the additional information file server 204. Thereby, the composite image information and the additional information are registered in the management server system 200 (S23).

  Also, the registration processing server 202 determines whether or not the additional information includes mail address information (S24). If included, the registration processing server 202 accesses the WEB server 205 for the mail address. A process of generating an electronic mail in which URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information (WEB address) is described is performed. The generated electronic mail is sent to the mail transmission server 206. Then, the mail transmission server 206 performs processing for transmitting the electronic mail received from the registration processing server 202 (S25).

(Processing flow in WEB server)
Next, the flow of processing in the WEB server 205 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in S <b> 31, the WEB server processing unit 63 receives a WEB access from the mobile phone 300. Here, the mobile phone 300 performs WEB access based on the WEB address described in the electronic mail received from the mail transmission server 206.

  Next, in S <b> 32, the WEB server processing unit 63 specifies the mobile phone 300 that has accessed. The WEB server processing unit 63 acquires the model information included in the additional information corresponding to the accessed mobile phone 300 from the additional information file server 204. Alternatively, the model information corresponding to the accessed mobile phone 300 may be acquired directly from the mobile phone 300. Based on the acquired model information, an information page corresponding to the mobile phone 300 is transmitted to the mobile phone 300 (S33).

  In the above example, it is assumed that the WEB address described in the e-mail sent from the mail transmission server 206 is a WEB address indicating an information page corresponding to the mail address of the user of the mobile phone 300. ing. That is, S32 and S33 are automatically performed by WEB access from the mobile phone 300. More specifically, the WEB server processing unit 63 acquires information that can specify the mobile phone 300 or the user by the accessed address in S32, and adds additional information corresponding to this information to the additional information file server 204. Will get from.

  On the other hand, the WEB address described in the e-mail is the WEB address of the top page of the WEB page provided by the WEB server 205, and the user can specify personal identification information such as a mail address (if necessary) on the top page. The personal information page may be accessed by inputting a password or the like. That is, in S32, the WEB server processing unit 63 acquires information that can specify the mobile phone 300 or the user from personal identification information such as an e-mail address input on the top page, and adds information corresponding to this information. Information is acquired from the additional information file server 204.

  Next, in S34, the WEB server processing unit 63 determines whether or not the accessed mobile phone 300 is a model that does not support moving image display. Here, the WEB server processing unit 63 may acquire the model information corresponding to the accessed mobile phone 300 by the processing in S32 described above, or receives the model information transmitted by the mobile phone 300 at the time of access. Or may be acquired by inputting model information by the accessing user. The above determination is made by the WEB server processing unit 63 inquiring the additional information file server 204. Alternatively, the model information corresponding to the accessed mobile phone 300 may be acquired directly from the mobile phone 300. If YES in S34, that is, if it is determined that the model is not compatible with moving image display, the WEB server processing unit 63 transmits a page for a non-moving image compatible model to the mobile phone 300 in S35. Here, the WEB server processing unit 63 sends the e-mail address of the mobile phone 300 from the image file server 203 (or the e-mail address of the user of the transfer-source mobile phone 300 in the mobile phone 300 to which the e-mail is transferred). ) Corresponding to the combined image information is read, and the thumbnail image data is transmitted to the mobile phone 300 as still image state data.

  In this case, the display screen of the mobile phone 300 shows the user's mail address of the mobile phone 300 (or, in the mobile phone 300 to which the e-mail is transferred, the user's mail address of the transfer source mobile phone 300). Correspondingly, a still image thumbnail image corresponding to at least one composite image information recorded in the image file server 203 is displayed. Here, the displayed thumbnail image is displayed in a link format. When a link of this thumbnail image is selected (S36), the composite image information corresponding to the thumbnail image is read from the image file server 203. Then, the composite image data generated based on the composite image information is transmitted to the mobile phone 300 (S37).

  Thereafter, when an instruction to change the display format is received from mobile phone 300 (YES in S38), WEB server processing unit 63 transmits composite image data whose display format has been changed in accordance with the instruction to mobile phone 300. The change in the display format is a change in the number of pixels of the composite image data. For example, a pixel number changing process such as maximum horizontal, maximum vertical, or reduced in accordance with the size of the display screen of the mobile phone 300 can be given. By default, composite image data having the maximum number of horizontal pixels is transmitted.

  On the other hand, if NO in S34, that is, if it is determined that the model is a video display compatible model, the web server processing unit 63 transmits a page for the video compatible model to the mobile phone 300 in S40. Here, the WEB server processing unit 63 sends the mail address of the mobile phone from the image file server 203 (or, in the mobile phone 300 to which the e-mail is transferred, the mail address of the user of the mobile phone 300 as the transfer source). The thumbnail image data of the composite image information corresponding to is read, and the thumbnail image data that can be displayed as a moving image is transmitted to the mobile phone 300 as moving image state data.

  In this case, the display screen of the mobile phone 300 shows the user's mail address of the mobile phone 300 (or, in the mobile phone 300 to which the e-mail is transferred, the user's mail address of the transfer source mobile phone 300). A thumbnail image including a moving image corresponding to at least one composite image information recorded in the image file server 203 as corresponding composite image information is displayed. Here, the displayed thumbnail images are displayed in a link format. When a thumbnail image that does not include a moving image is selected (YES in S42), the processing from S37 is performed.

  On the other hand, when a thumbnail image including a moving image is selected (YES in S41), the combined image information corresponding to the thumbnail image is read from the image file server 203 and combined including the moving image generated based on the combined image information. The image data is transmitted to the mobile phone 300 (S43). Here, the composite processing unit 62 generates composite image data in a format that can be provided by the WEB server processing unit 63 based on the composite image information. That is, composite image data as a moving image is generated. The combining process here may be performed using only the data included in the combined image information, or may be performed using the combining image data stored in the combining image storage unit 64. Further, the composition processing unit 62 may change the composite image data according to the date and time, for example. For example, if there is identification information of a cherry stamp image in the composite image information, the composite image data may be generated in place of a sunflower or autumnal stamp image according to the date and time (season). Alternatively, the synthesized image data may be generated by changing the moving image frame according to the date and time. Of course, this is just an example.

(Image display on mobile phones)
Next, display of composite image data received from the management server system 200 on the mobile phone 300 will be described. When the mobile phone 300 receives an e-mail from the mail transmission server 206 of the management server system 200, the mobile phone 300 performs WEB access based on the WEB address described in the received e-mail. When the URL described in the e-mail is clicked for access, an information page as shown in FIG. 23A, for example, is displayed. Alternatively, when the e-mail is not received and the WEB server 205 is directly accessed, for example, a user identity confirmation page as shown in FIG. 23B is displayed. In this case, for example, it is assumed that identity verification can be performed by inputting an ID described on a sticker sheet possessed by the user. The identity verification may be a method other than this, for example, confirmation using an ID previously obtained when using the WEB server, an ID registered in the photography / printing apparatus 1 or acquired from the photography / printing apparatus 1. These are merely examples. When the identity is confirmed by the identity verification, a personal information page similar to the above is displayed.

  When there is no image to be acquired by accessing the WEB server 205, for example, when the image storage period in the management server system 200 has expired, for example, an expiration explanation screen as shown in FIG. 24C is displayed. The Further, when the period is not expired, an error screen as shown in FIG. 24D is displayed, for example.

  When there is an image to be acquired by accessing the WEB server 205 and the accessing mobile phone 300 is a model compatible with moving image display, for example, as shown in FIG. A thumbnail image a and a thumbnail image b of a composite image as a still image are displayed. On the other hand, when the accessing mobile phone 300 is a model that does not support moving image display, for example, as shown in FIG. 24F, only the thumbnail image b of the composite image as a still image is displayed.

  When the accessing mobile phone 300 is a video display compatible model and the user selects acquisition of a moving image, a composite image as a moving image is displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 300 as shown in FIG. The The user can also use this moving image as a so-called waiting screen.

  When the mobile phone 300 being accessed is a video display compatible model or the mobile phone 300 being accessed is a model not compatible with video display and the user selects acquisition of a still image, for example, as shown in FIG. A thumbnail image of the composite image as a still image is displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 300. Furthermore, if the user wants to display the screen on which the thumbnail image of the composite image as a still image is displayed to the full height standard of the display screen of the mobile phone 300, the user can input the instruction (display screen). Click “Full” in FIG. 24), and the composite image is displayed to the full height standard as shown in FIG. In addition, if it is desired to display in another display state, if an input for instructing it is made (click here if you can't see it), it will be displayed in another state as shown in FIG. . When the user selects acquisition of a still image, a composite image as a still image is displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone 300. The user can use this still image as a so-called waiting screen.

  Further, when the electronic mail received from the mail transmission server 206 is transferred to another mobile phone 300 via the management server system 200, the other mobile phone 300 also has a moving image according to the model of the other mobile phone 300. A composite image as a still image or a composite image as a still image is displayed.

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

  The present invention can be used in general in a photographic printing apparatus that takes a photograph of a user and combines the photographed image with a decorative image in an entertainment facility or amusement facility such as a game center, for example.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a photographic printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the synthetic | combination image communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the external appearance of the said photography photography printing apparatus. It is a front view of the editing part of the said photography printing apparatus. It is a front view of the printing part of the said photography printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the said photography photography printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a game selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an e-mail address input screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a still image selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a moving image selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of synthetic | combination image information. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows an example of the image of the edit layer each displayed by overlapping. It is a figure which shows the synthesized image which displayed the edit layer in piles. (A) is a display screen in which one editing layer is hidden and the other editing layer is displayed, and (b) is a state in which one editing layer is displayed and the other editing layer is hidden. It is a figure which shows a display screen. (A), (b) is an example in which a plurality of partial captured images are displayed on a captured image, and a moving image display in which at least one of the position and the angle of at least one partial captured image is changed is performed. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example in which a moving image display is performed using brightness emphasis degree information. It is a figure which shows an example of an edit screen. It is a figure explaining the moving image line image data according to the input locus drawn on each edit layer. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the management server system contained in the synthetic | combination image communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the Web server contained in the composite image communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the said management server system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the said web server. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the example of a display screen when a mobile telephone receives notification mail. (A)-(j) is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed when accessing a WEB server with a mobile telephone.

Explanation of symbols

1 Photographic printing device (Photographic image processing device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 12 Image editing part 14 Communication processing part (communication processing means)
16 Option discriminating section (option discriminating means)
17 Presentation control unit (presentation control means)
55 Model Information Recorder (Model Information Database)
100 Composite Image Communication System 200 Management Server System (Server Device)
300 Mobile phone (communication terminal)
A1 Editing target image display area A2 Editing tool selection area A3 Editing tool setting area A4 Eraser tool selection area A5 Editing target image selection area A6 Movie preview button a Thumbnail image of a composite image as a moving image b Thumbnail of a composite image as a still image image

Claims (10)

A photographic image processing apparatus that forms a composite image obtained by combining a decorative image with a photographed image of a subject and transmits the composite image to a communication terminal via a server device,
Option discriminating means for discriminating the type of option processing that is processing performed on the decoration image;
An operation reception unit for receiving user input operations;
The type of the communication terminal specified by the user is specified from the contents of the input operation received by the operation receiving unit , and among the determined types of option processing, the types that can be executed by the specified type of communication terminal The presentation control means for presenting the composite image to the user in a state where the optional processing is performed,
Communication processing means for transmitting option information relating to the determined type of option processing to the server device in association with the captured image or the composite image;
A photographic image processing apparatus comprising: The presentation control unit obtains the model information from a model information database that stores model information in which a communication terminal and a type of the option process that can be presented by the communication terminal are associated with each other, thereby obtaining the operation receiving unit. Identifies the type of optional processing that can be executed on the type of communication terminal identified from the contents of the input operation received by
The communication processing means transmits option information regarding all of the types of option processing that can be executed by at least one type of communication terminal included in the model information database among the types of option processing determined. The photographic image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The photographic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the option information is information for displaying the decoration image as a moving image.   3. The photographic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the option information is information for displaying a decoration image further added to the composite image.   5. The photographic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication processing means transmits identification information for identifying the option processing as the option information.   The photographic image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal is a mobile phone. A method for controlling a photographic image processing apparatus, which shoots a subject, forms a composite image obtained by combining a decorative image with a photographed image, and transmits the composite image to a communication terminal via a server device,
An option discriminating step for discriminating the type of option processing that is processing performed on the decoration image;
Receiving a user input operation;
The type of the communication terminal specified by the user is identified from the contents of the input operation accepted in the step of accepting the input operation, and can be executed on the identified type of communication terminal among the identified types of option processing A presentation control step to be presented to the user with various types of option processing,
A communication step of transmitting option information relating to the determined type of option processing to the server device in association with the captured image or the composite image;
A control method for a photographic image processing apparatus.   A photographic image processing control program for causing a computer to realize each of the means included in the photographic image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the photographic image processing control program according to claim 8 is recorded. The photographic image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The information related to the composite image and the option information associated with the photographed image or the composite image are received from the photographic image processing apparatus, and the information related to the model is received from the communication terminal. A server device that transmits the option information corresponding to the terminal model and the composite image to the communication terminal;
Information on its own model is transmitted to the server device, the above-mentioned composite image and option information corresponding to its model are received from the server device, and the above-mentioned composite image is displayed in a state where the option processing indicated by the option information has been performed. A communication terminal;
A composite image communication system comprising:

Images