Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To enable a user to easily utilize a system using an image.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 comprises a transmission unit 10, a registration unit 20, an image information confirmation unit 30, and a recording unit 40. The transmission unit 10 transmits a first image 11 to a communication terminal 2 by a first access from the communication terminal 2 of a user. The registration unit 20 registers first image identification information which identifies the first image 11, included in the first image 11, in a storage device 3. The image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3, by a first operation of the user. The recording unit 40 records user identification information and the first image 11 in association with each other, by inputting the user identification information which identifies the user to the communication terminal 2, when it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a stamp image on a mount screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-134626 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described in the above Patent Document 1, there is a technology that can provide a game system such as a stamp rally using images. Usually, to participate in a stamp rally game system using images, user information and the like is registered first, and then images are collected.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable users to easily use a system that uses images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] While the present inventor was developing a game system using images such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, he discovered a new problem in that in order to participate in the game system, users must register personal information such as user information before starting the game, and this is a psychological barrier for many users to participate in the game.

[0007] The inventor has therefore used his ingenuity to devise ways to reduce the psychological resistance felt by users as much as possible and to make them naturally want to participate in such systems, thereby softening the barriers mentioned above and allowing users to easily use systems that use images, such as stamp rally games (collecting electronic stamps).

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a transmission unit that transmits a first image to a communication terminal of a user in response to a first access from the communication terminal; a registration unit that registers, in a storage device, first image identification information that is included in the first image and that identifies the first image; an image information confirmation unit that confirms whether the first image identification information is registered in the storage device by a first operation of a user; The information processing device includes a recording unit that, when it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device, links and records the user identification information and the first image by inputting user identification information identifying the user into the communication terminal.

[0009] The invention described in claim 9 is The computer transmitting a first image to a communication terminal of a user in response to a first access from the communication terminal; registering first image identification information, which is included in the first image and identifies the first image, in a storage device; confirming whether the first image identification information is registered in the storage device through a first operation by a user; When it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device, the information processing method links and records the user identification information and the first image by inputting user identification information that identifies the user into the communication terminal.

[0010] The invention described in claim 10 is On the computer, a step of transmitting a first image to a communication terminal of a user in response to a first access from the communication terminal; a step of registering first image identification information, which is included in the first image and identifies the first image, in a storage device; a step of confirming whether or not the first image identification information is registered in the storage device by a first operation of a user; The information processing program executes a procedure in which, when it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device, user identification information identifying the user is input into the communication terminal, and the user identification information and the first image are linked and recorded. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first image according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a second image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a flow until the communication terminal according to the first embodiment acquires a first image. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for confirming whether first image identification information of a first image according to the first embodiment is registered in a storage device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for linking user identification information to a first image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting user identification information. [Figure 9] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flow until the communication terminal according to the first embodiment acquires a second image. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for confirming whether second image identification information of a second image according to the first embodiment is registered in the storage device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for linking user identification information to a second image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the flow for linking user identification information to a second image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for linking a second image and user identification information according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a mount screen related to the stamp rally system. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow until prize information is generated in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow until the communication terminal according to the third embodiment receives a first image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] In the following description, each component of each device is represented as a functional block, not as a hardware configuration. Each component of each device is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered on the CPU of any computer, memory, a program loaded into the memory, a storage medium such as a hard disk that stores the program, and a network connection interface. There are various variations in the realization method and device.

[0014] First Embodiment (Information processing device 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the information processing device 1 is a server for providing a stamp rally game (collecting electronic stamps) to users. The information processing device 1 may be a so-called cloud server. A storage device 3 is connected to the information processing device 1. The storage device 3 is a storage for storing predetermined information. The storage device 3 may be provided inside the information processing device 1 or may be provided outside the information processing device 1. The storage device 3 may be provided on a cloud.

[0015] The information processing device 1 is configured to be capable of communicating with a communication terminal 2 (described later) via a communication network 101. The communication network 101 includes, for example, communication over a 4G or 5G line. The information processing device 1 is configured to include a communication unit (not shown) for configuring the communication network 101.

[0016] (Communication terminal 2) The communication terminal 2 is a terminal that is owned, managed, carried, or used by a user. The communication terminal 2 includes any one of a smartphone, a tablet, and a PC (personal computer).

[0017] The communication terminal 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the information processing device 1 via a communication network 101. The communication network 101 includes, for example, communication over a 4G or 5G line. The communication terminal 2 is configured to include a communication unit (not shown) for configuring the communication network 101.

[0018] (Code 4) The code 4 includes at least one of an imaged two-dimensional code (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)), a one-dimensional code (e.g., a barcode), and a character string (including at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols). The character string may be, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The code 4 includes a first code 4a and a second code 4b (described later). The communication terminal 2 can read each of the first code 4a and the second code 4b.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the code 4 is a QR code (registered trademark). In the first embodiment, the code 4 is provided in a specific area. The specific area includes at least one of event venues (concert halls, movie theaters, exhibition halls, conference halls, outdoor live venues, etc.), sports facilities (stadiums, baseball fields, soccer fields, gymnasiums, skating rinks, etc.), transportation facilities (stations, airports, bus stops, service areas, etc.), tourist destinations (high-rise towers, lighthouses, famous historical sites, monuments, world heritage sites, parks, gardens, squares, ruins, shrines, temples, churches, etc.), cultural facilities (art museums, schools, zoos, aquariums, museums, memorial halls, etc.), cemeteries, civil engineering structures (dams, bridges, highways, harbors, tunnels, etc.), commercial facilities, water storage facilities, natural landforms (mountains, capes, peninsulas, islands, coasts, waterfalls, ponds, lakes, rivers, etc.), and buildings (high-rise buildings, warehouses, factories, school buildings, kindergartens, houses, condominiums, Western-style buildings, etc.).

[0020] (1st image 11) The information processing device 1 includes a transmission unit 10, a registration unit 20, an image information confirmation unit 30, and a recording unit 40. The transmission unit 10 generates a first image 11 in response to a first access from the communication terminal 2, and transmits the generated first image 11 to the communication terminal 2. In the first embodiment, the first access includes the communication terminal 2 reading the first code 4a. The first access is a request issued from the communication terminal 2 to the information processing device 1. The first access is an access made before the second access (described later). The first access refers to an access from the communication terminal 2 that has not yet acquired the first image 11 (the communication terminal 2 reading the first code 4a). In the first embodiment, the first access may be the first access from the communication terminal 2.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first image 11 according to the first embodiment. The first image 11 is an image that is obtained (can be downloaded to the communication terminal 2) by the communication terminal 2 reading the first code 4a. The first image 11 according to the first embodiment includes at least one of a still image and a video. The first image 11 is an image that is obtained before the second image 12 (described later). The first image 11 is an image that can be obtained from a communication terminal 2 that has not yet obtained the first image 11. In the first embodiment, the first image 11 may be an image that is obtained for the first time when the communication terminal 2 reads the code 4.

[0022] In the first embodiment, the user is assumed to be, for example, a tourist in a local city (tourist destination). Also, assume that a first code 4a is placed at Shrine A among multiple tourist destinations. When the user reads the first code 4a using the communication terminal 2, a first image 11 (electronic stamp) of Shrine A as shown in FIG. 2 is obtained. The first code 4a is linked to an image such as Shrine A as the first image 11.

[0023] 2, the first image 11 includes a first registered code 11a. Like the code 4 (first code 4a), the first registered code 11a includes at least one of an imaged two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), a one-dimensional code (e.g., a barcode), and a character string (including at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols). In the first embodiment, the first registered code 11a is a QR code (registered trademark).

[0024] The first registration code 11a stores first image identification information for identifying the first image 11. The first image identification information includes at least one of the ID of the first image 11, the date and time when the first image 11 was acquired by the communication terminal 2, a unique serial number, a random number assigned to the serial number, and a check digit.

[0025] (2nd image 12) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a second image 12 according to the first embodiment. The transmission unit 10 generates the second image 12 upon a second access from the communication terminal 2, and transmits the generated second image 12 to the communication terminal. In the first embodiment, the second access includes the communication terminal 2 reading the second code 4b (see FIG. 1). In the first embodiment, the second access refers to an access subsequent to the first access. In the first embodiment, the second access may be an access subsequent to the acquisition of the first image 11 by the communication terminal 2.

[0026] The second image 12 is an image that is obtained (that can be downloaded to the communication terminal 2) by the communication terminal 2 reading the second code 4b. The second image 12 according to the first embodiment includes at least one of a still image and a video. In the first embodiment, the second image 12 refers to an image that is obtained after the first image 11. In the first embodiment, the second image 12 refers to an image that is obtained by the communication terminal 2 after the communication terminal 2 obtains the first image 11. In the first embodiment, there may be multiple second images 12.

[0027] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the second code 4b is placed in the museum B. When the user reads the second code 4b using the communication terminal 2, a second image 12 (electronic stamp) of the museum B as shown in FIG.

[0028] 3, the second image 12 includes a second registered code 12a. Like the code 4 (second code 4b), the second registered code 12a includes at least one of an imaged two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), a one-dimensional code (e.g., a barcode), and a character string (including at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols). In the first embodiment, the second registered code 12a is a QR code (registered trademark).

[0029] The second registration code 12a stores second image identification information for identifying the second image 12. The second image identification information includes at least one of the ID of the second image 12, the acquisition date and time of the second image 12, a unique serial number, a random number assigned to the serial number, and a check digit.

[0030] (Registration Section 20) 1, the registration unit 20 registers the first image identification information included in the first image 11 (first registration code 11a) in the storage device 3. The registration unit 20 stores in the storage device 3 a generation record of the first image 11 generated by the transmission unit 10.

[0031] Furthermore, the registration unit 20 registers the second image identification information included in the second image 12 (second registration code 12a) in the storage device 3. The registration unit 20 stores in the storage device 3 a generation record of the second image 12 generated by the transmission unit 10.

[0032] (Image information confirmation unit 30) The image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3 by a first operation by the user. The first operation is an operation performed by the user to confirm whether or not the first image 11 acquired using the communication terminal 2 is registered in the storage device 3 (whether the first image 11 has been generated legitimately). In the first embodiment, the first operation is an operation performed on the first image 11 using the communication terminal 2. In the first embodiment, the first operation includes reading the first registration code 11a. The first operation is the communication terminal 2 reading the first registration code 11a. By reading the first registration code 11a into the communication terminal 2, the image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3.

[0033] The method by which the communication terminal 2 reads the first registration code 11a is arbitrary, and the first registration code 11a (see FIG. 2) included in the first image 11 displayed on the display of the communication terminal 2 may be read by the communication terminal 2 itself. As another method, the first registration code 11a included in the first image 11 displayed on the display of the communication terminal 2 may be read by a communication terminal 2 other than the communication terminal 2.

[0034] The image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the second image identification information is registered in the storage device 3 by the second operation of the user. In the first embodiment, the second operation of the user is the communication terminal 2 reading the second registration code 12a. In the first embodiment, the second operation includes reading the second registration code 12a. When the second registration code 12a is read into the communication terminal 2, the image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the second image identification information is registered in the storage device 3. Note that the method by which the communication terminal 2 reads the second registration code 12a is arbitrary and is similar to the above. The second operation is an operation performed after the first operation.

[0035] (Recording section 40) When it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3, the recording unit 40 links the user identification information with the first image 11 and records them in the storage device 3 by inputting the user identification information to the communication terminal 2. The user identification information is information for identifying a user. In the first embodiment, the user identification information is information uniquely assigned to a user. The user identification information includes at least one of an email address, a phone number, a password, and other character strings. The character string includes at least one of letters, numbers, and symbols.

[0036] Furthermore, when it is confirmed that the second image identification information is registered in the storage device 3, the recording unit 40 causes the user identification information and the second image 12 to be recorded in the storage device 3 in association with each other.

[0037] (Hardware configuration example) 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0038] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0039] The processor 1020 is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0040] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0041] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a removable medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, or a read only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information processing device 1 (for example, the transmission unit 10, the registration unit 20, the image information confirmation unit 30, and the recording unit 40). The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules onto the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as the storage device 3.

[0042] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 1 to various input / output devices.

[0043] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 1 to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The method for connecting the network interface 1060 to the network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. The information processing device 1 may communicate with the communication terminal 2 via the network interface 1060.

[0044] (Operation Example 1 of First Embodiment: Acquisition Flow of First Image 11) 5 is a diagram showing an example of a flow until the communication terminal 2 according to the first embodiment acquires the first image 11. In the first embodiment, for example, a description will be given on the premise that a user U who is a tourist in a local city (tourist destination) reads the first code 4a installed at the shrine A with the communication terminal 2 in order to acquire the first image 11 which is an original image of the shrine A.

[0045] In step S10, the user U reads the first code 4a placed at the shrine A with the communication terminal 2 (first access).

[0046] In step S20, upon receiving information regarding the first access (information that the first code 4a has been read by the communication terminal 2), the information processing device 1 (transmission unit 10) generates a first image 11 corresponding to the first code 4a (first image 11 of Shrine A shown in FIG. 2). Then, the transmission unit 10 transmits the first image 11 to the communication terminal 2. In this manner, the transmission unit 10 transmits the first image 11 to the communication terminal 2 in response to the first access from the communication terminal 2.

[0047] After step S20, in step S30, the communication terminal 2 receives the first image 11. The first image 11 is displayed on the display of the communication terminal 2. Note that the communication terminal 2 may be able to store the first image 11 in a storage unit (not shown) of the communication terminal 2 as image data.

[0048] After step S20, in step S40, the information processing device 1 (registration unit 20) registers in the storage device 3 the first image identification information included in the first image 11 generated in step S20.

[0049] (Operation Example 2 of First Embodiment: Confirmation Flow of First Image 11) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for checking whether the first image identification information of the first image 11 according to the first embodiment is registered in the storage device 3. The flow shown in Fig. 6 is a continuation of the flow shown in Fig. 5 (A1 and A2 shown in Fig. 5 are subsequent to A1 and A2 shown in Fig. 6, respectively). In the flow shown in Fig. 5, it is assumed that after the user U acquires the first image 11 of the shrine A, the user reads the first registration code 11a included in the first image 11 at any timing.

[0050] In step S50, the user U reads the first registration code 11a using the communication terminal 2 (or another communication terminal 2) (first operation from the communication terminal 2).

[0051] In step S60, the first registration code 11a is read, and the image information checking unit 30 checks whether or not the first image identification information linked to the first registration code 11a is registered in the storage device 3.

[0052] If the first image identification information is not registered in the storage device 3 (NO in step S60), the process proceeds to step S70, where error process 1 is performed. In error process 1, for example, a screen stating "That image does not exist" is displayed on the communications terminal 2. Error process 1 occurs, for example, when the communications terminal 2 has been hacked by a malicious third party.

[0053] If the first image identification information has already been registered in the storage device 3 (YES in step S60), the process proceeds to step S80.

[0054] In step S80, the image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the user identification information and the first image 11 (first image identification information) acquired in step S30 have already been linked to each other.

[0055] If the user identification information and the first image 11 (first image identification information) are already linked (YES in step S80), the process proceeds to step S90, where error process 2 is performed. In error process 2, for example, the already linked user identification information is displayed on the communication terminal 2 (for example, a message such as "IDxxx has already been registered for that image" is displayed). Error process 2 occurs when a malicious user other than user U illegally obtains the first registration code 11a or the first image identification information included in the first registration code 11a, and uses the information to link the first image 11 with the user identification information of the other user in an attempt to steal it.

[0056] If the user identification information and the first image 11 (first image identification information) have not yet been linked (NO in step S80), the process proceeds to step S100 (described later).

[0057] (Operation Example 3 of First Embodiment: Flow of Linking User Identification Information to First Image 11) Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for linking user identification information according to the first embodiment to a first image 11. The flow shown in Fig. 7 is a continuation of the flow shown in Fig. 6 (B1 and B2 shown in Fig. 6 are subsequent to B1 and B2 shown in Fig. 7, respectively).

[0058] If the user identification information and the first image 11 have not yet been associated with each other (NO in step S80), in step S100, a screen such as "Please enter user information and register" is displayed on the display of the communication terminal 2.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting user identification information. A user U inputs user identification information such as an email address and a password into the screen shown in Fig. 8 and registers it. Although details will be described later, the email address and password shown in Fig. 8 are used for registration (participation) in a stamp rally system that uses a first image 11 and a second image 12. The email address and password shown in Fig. 8 are user identification information linked to the first image 11, and are also used for logging in to the stamp rally system.

[0060] Returning to Fig. 7, in step S105, the information processing device 1 (recording unit 40) registers the user identification information input in step S100 in the storage device 3 (registers the user information in the stamp rally system). Strictly speaking, after step S100 and before step S105, for example, a detailed flow is included in which the user identification information is provisionally registered, a confirmation email for the provisional registration is sent to the email address input by the user in step S100, and the user identification information is formally registered in the storage device 3 using a PIN number or the like written in the sent email, but this is omitted in Fig. 7. The flow including the provisional registration and the formal registration may be a flow generally used when registering a user in a system.

[0061] In step S110, the recording unit 40 acquires the user identification information (email address, password) registered in step S105 from the storage device 3, and stores the user identification information in a temporary storage area (a so-called session).

[0062] In step S120, the recording unit 40 links (at least a part of) the user identification information input in step S100 with the first image 11 and stores them in the storage device 3. In this way, when it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3 (YES in step S60), the recording unit 40 links the user identification information with the first image 11 and records them (step S120) by inputting the user identification information into the communication terminal 2 (step S100).

[0063] In step S130, a registration completion screen is displayed on the communication terminal 2, indicating that the user identification information has been linked to the first image 11. In this manner, the first image 11 of the shrine A shown in FIG. 2 is linked to the email address and other information entered by the user U.

[0064] (Operation Example 4 of First Embodiment: Acquisition Flow of Second Image 12) 9 is a diagram showing an example of a flow until the communication terminal 2 according to the first embodiment acquires the second image 12. In the first embodiment, for example, a description will be given on the premise that a user U who is a tourist in a local city (tourist destination) acquires a first image 11 (see FIG. 2) which is an original image of a shrine A, and then reads the second code 4b arranged in the museum B with the communication terminal 2 in order to acquire a second image 12 (see FIG. 3) which is an original image of the museum B. It is assumed that the user U has already linked the first image 11 with the user identification information of the user U, and has registered as a user in the stamp rally system.

[0065] In step S11, the user reads the second code 4b placed in museum B with the communication terminal 2 (second access).

[0066] In step S21, upon receiving information regarding the second access (information that the second code 4b has been read by the communication terminal 2), the information processing device 1 (transmission unit 10) generates a second image 12 corresponding to the second code 4b (the second image 12 of museum B shown in FIG. 3). Then, the transmission unit 10 transmits the second image 12 to the communication terminal 2. In this manner, the transmission unit 10 transmits the second image 12 to the communication terminal 2 in response to the second access from the communication terminal 2.

[0067] After step S21, in step S31, the communication terminal 2 receives the second image 12. The second image 12 is displayed on the display of the communication terminal 2. Note that the communication terminal 2 may be able to store the second image 12 in a storage unit (not shown) of the communication terminal 2 as image data.

[0068] After step S21, in step S41, the information processing device 1 (registration unit 20) registers in the storage device 3 the second image identification information included in the second image 12 generated in step S21.

[0069] (Operation Example 5 of First Embodiment: Confirmation Flow of Second Image 12) Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for confirming whether the second image identification information of the second image 12 according to the first embodiment is registered in the storage device 3. The flow shown in Fig. 10 is a continuation of the flow shown in Fig. 9 (A3 and A4 shown in Fig. 9 are subsequent to A3 and A4 shown in Fig. 10, respectively). In the flow shown in Fig. 9, it is assumed that after the user U acquires the second image 12 of the museum B, the user reads the second registration code 12a included in the second image 12 at any timing.

[0070] In step S51, the user U reads the second registration code 12a using the communication terminal 2 (or using another communication terminal 2) (a second operation from the communication terminal 2).

[0071] In step S61, the second registration code 12a is read, and the image information checking unit 30 checks whether the second image identification information linked to the second registration code 12a is registered in the storage device 3 or not.

[0072] If the second image identification information is not registered in the storage device 3 (NO in step S61), the process proceeds to step S70, where error process 1 is performed. The details of error process 1 are the same as those in the case of the first image 11.

[0073] If the second image identification information has already been registered in the storage device 3 (YES in step S61), the process proceeds to step S81.

[0074] In step S81, the image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the user identification information and the second image 12 (second image identification information) acquired in step S31 have already been linked to each other.

[0075] If the user identification information and the second image 12 (second image identification information) are already associated with each other (YES in step S81), the process proceeds to step S90, where error process 2 is performed. The details of error process 2 are the same as those in the case of the first image 11.

[0076] If the user identification information and the second image 12 (second image identification information) have not yet been associated with each other (NO in step S81), the process proceeds to step S95.

[0077] In step S95, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not the user U is logged in to the stamp rally system. The information processing device 1 may determine whether or not the user U is logged in to the stamp rally system by using the user identification information stored in the temporary storage area.

[0078] (Operation Example 6 of First Embodiment: One Example of a Flow for Linking User Identification Information to the Second Image 12) Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for linking user identification information to the second image 12 according to the first embodiment. The flow shown in Fig. 11 is a continuation of the flow shown in Fig. 10 (B3 and B4 shown in Fig. 10 are subsequent to B3 and B4 shown in Fig. 11, respectively). Fig. 11 shows an example of a flow for linking user identification information to the second image 12 when the user U has logged out of the stamp rally system.

[0079] If the user U has not logged in to the stamp rally system (NO in step S95), a login screen for the stamp rally system is displayed in step S140, and the user is prompted to log in to the system.

[0080] In step S150, the user U enters the email address and password (user identification information) that he or she has already registered in the stamp rally system on the login screen.

[0081] In step S160, recording unit 40 receives the user identification information input in step S150 from communication terminal 2, and determines whether the user identification information is correct (whether the combination of email address and password is correct).

[0082] If the user identification information is incorrect (NO in step S160), the process proceeds to step S170, where error process 3 is performed. In error process 3, for example, a screen stating "Email address or password is incorrect" is displayed on the communications terminal 2.

[0083] If the user identification information is correct (YES in step S160), in step S180, information processing device 1 (recording unit 40) stores the user identification information acquired in step S150 in a temporary storage area (a so-called session).

[0084] Then, in step S190, the recording unit 40 links (at least a part of) the user identification information input in step S150 with the second image 12 and stores them in the storage device 3. In this way, when it is confirmed that the second image identification information is registered in the storage device 3 (YES in step S61), the recording unit 40 links the user identification information with the second image 12 and records them (step S190) by inputting the user identification information into the communication terminal 2 (step S150).

[0085] In step S200, a registration completion screen is displayed on the communication terminal 2, indicating that the user identification information has been linked to the second image 12. In this manner, the second image 12 of the museum B shown in FIG. 3 is linked to the email address and other information input by the user.

[0086] (Operation Example 7 of First Embodiment: Another Example of Flow for Linking User Identification Information to Second Image 12) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a flow for linking user identification information to the second image 12 according to the first embodiment. The flow shown in Fig. 12 is a continuation of the flow shown in Fig. 10 (B4 and B5 shown in Fig. 10 are subsequent to B4 and B5 shown in Fig. 12, respectively). Fig. 12 shows an example of a flow for linking user identification information to the second image 12 when a user U is logged in to the stamp rally system.

[0087] If the user U has already logged in to the stamp rally system (YES in step S95), a confirmation screen for linking the second image 12 with the user identification information (registering the second image 12 in the stamp rally system) is displayed in step S141.

[0088] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen for linking the second image 12 and user identification information according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, for example, the confirmation screen displays an email address as user identification information and an image ID linked to the second image 12. Note that the "email address as user identification information" is automatically input using the login information of the user U. Then, when the "Register" icon shown in Fig. 13 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S191 in Fig. 12.

[0089] In step S191, the recording unit 40 uses the user identification information (email address) stored in the temporary storage area in step S110 (see FIG. 7) to associate the user identification information with the second image 12 and stores them in the storage device 3.

[0090] Then, in step S201, a registration completion screen is displayed on the communication terminal 2, indicating that the association between the user identification information and the second image 12 has been completed (for example, "The second image 12 has been registered in the system"). In this way, the user identification information (email address) previously associated with the first image 11 can be used to associate the user identification information with the second image 12 of the museum B shown in FIG. 3.

[0091] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a mount screen 13 related to the stamp rally system. As shown in FIG. 14, the user may be able to view the first image 11 and the second image 12 associated with the user identification information on the stamp rally system on the mount screen 13 displayed on the communication terminal 2. The mount screen 13 is a part of the function of the stamp rally system, and the first image 11 and the second image 12 registered in the stamp rally system (associated with the user identification information) are displayed on the mount screen 13. In FIG. 14, the first image 11 (electronic stamp) of the shrine A, the second image 12b of the museum B, and the second image 12c of the monument C are displayed on the mount screen 13.

[0092] Then, the user U can view the first image 11 and the second image 12 acquired by the user U on the mount screen 13. Note that the first image 11 and the second image 12 displayed on the mount screen 13 may or may not include the first registration code 11a and the second registration code 12a, respectively.

[0093] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the first embodiment includes the transmission unit 10, the registration unit 20, the image information confirmation unit 30, and the recording unit 40. When the recording unit 40 confirms that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3, it can link the first image 11 with user identification information (such as an email address) unique to the user.

[0094] In a general stamp rally system, the user usually registers as a user and then starts collecting electronic stamps (images). However, as described above, when registering in a general stamp rally system, the user must register personal information, so there is a psychological resistance to registering in the stamp rally system. However, in the present invention, a user who has simply collected electronic stamps can register in the stamp rally system through the electronic stamps that he or she has already acquired. That is, in the conventional stamp rally system, the order is "register as a user" and "collect electronic stamps," but in the present invention, the order is "collect electronic stamps" and "register as a user." This eliminates the need for a user to bother to register as a user and then start collecting electronic stamps (first image 11 or second image 12). Furthermore, the order is "collect electronic stamps" and "register as a user," so that a user who has already collected electronic stamps will have a desire to utilize the electronic stamps that he or she has worked so hard to collect (to register in the stamp rally system and view them at a glance (to satisfy the desire to collect), to receive prizes, etc.), and therefore the psychological resistance to registering as a user will be reduced. Therefore, users can easily start using a system that uses images (electronic stamps) without feeling any psychological resistance to registering personal information. Furthermore, it is a great advantage for the operators of the system in that it makes it easier to increase the number of users of the system.

[0095] Furthermore, the image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3 by the user's first operation (such as reading the first registration code 11a). This allows the user to confirm that the first image 11 he or she owns was legitimately acquired by visiting the site in the past. Furthermore, since the first image identification information includes the ID of the first image 11, the acquisition date and time of the first image 11, a unique serial number, a random number assigned to the serial number, and a check digit, by confirming that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3, the user can confirm that the first image 11 he or she owns has not been tampered with.

[0096] Furthermore, the first image identification information may include the date and time when the first image 11 was acquired, in which case the user can recall past memories (going to a specific place at a specific date and time), thereby satisfying the user's desire as a collector.

[0097] Furthermore, by linking and recording the user identification information and the first image 11, the first image 11 acquired by the user can be registered in the system, making it clear that the user owns the first image 11.

[0098] Furthermore, by reading the first registration code 11a, the image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3. This allows the user to easily confirm that the first image 11 that he or she owns has been generated legitimately.

[0099] Furthermore, the image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the user identification information has already been linked to the first image 11. This allows the user to confirm that the first image 11 that the user owns was generated exclusively for the user.

[0100] Furthermore, the image information confirmation unit 30 confirms whether or not the second image identification information has been registered in the storage device 3 by the user's second operation, and when the recording unit 40 confirms that the second image identification information has been registered in the storage device 3, it links the user identification information to the second image 12 and records them. This makes it possible to link the same user identification information to the second image 12 acquired from the second image onwards, using the user identification information linked to the first image 11 acquired by the user the first time. This makes it possible to easily link the user identification information to the second image 12.

[0101] <Second embodiment> 15 is a block diagram for explaining the information processing device 1 according to the second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the information processing device 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a prize information generation unit 50.

[0102] (Prize information generating unit 50) The prize information generating unit 50 generates prize information regarding a prize to be provided to the user using at least one of the information that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and the information that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12. More specifically, the prize information generating unit 50 uses the information regarding the link between the user identification information and the first image 11 and the information regarding the link between the user identification information and the second image 12 to determine whether or not a prize should be provided to the user, and generates prize information if a prize should be provided.

[0103] The prize to be provided to the user may be an intangible or tangible item. The prize information includes at least one of the following: an event-limited electronic image, audio, or video, a limited background image that can be used on the communication terminal 2, an electronic gift certificate, an electronic coupon (discount ticket), an electronic exchange ticket (e.g., exchangeable for a tangible prize), an application form for obtaining a tangible prize, and information containing information for obtaining the tangible prize.

[0104] To further explain how it works, the prize information generation unit 50 makes a judgment and generates prize information based on prize information generation rules stored in the storage device 3. The prize information generation rules define how to generate prize information using information related to linking the first image 11 and / or the second image 12 to a user account (user identification information).

[0105] The prize information generation rule includes a method of generating prize information by a combination of information that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and information that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12. In this case, for example, when a user acquires the first image 11 of the shrine A (see FIG. 2) and the second image 12b of the museum B (see FIG. 14), a limited original background image of a tourist character as prize information may be generated from a combination of information that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 of the shrine A and information that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12b of the museum B. As another example, when a user acquires the first image 11 of the shrine A and the second image 12c of the monument C (see FIG. 14), a discount coupon (image) for a store in a tourist spot may be generated as prize information from a combination of information that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 of the shrine A and information that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12c of the monument C.

[0106] The prize information generation rule also includes a method of generating prize information using the total number of pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12. In this case, for example, the discount rate of the electronic coupon serving as prize information may increase as the total number of pieces of information indicating that the first image 11 and the user identification information are linked to each other and pieces of information indicating that the second image 12 and the user identification information are linked to each other increases.

[0107] In this manner, the prize information generation unit 50 generates prize information using at least one of a combination of linking information of the first image 11 and the plurality of second images 12 to the user identification information, and a total number of links of the first image 11 and the plurality of second images 12 to the user identification information. In addition, the prize information generation rules are updateable, and the prize information generation rules can be added or changed at any time.

[0108] (Example of operation of the second embodiment: Flow for generating prize information) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a flow up to generating prize information according to the second embodiment. It is assumed that a user U is collecting electronic stamps that can be obtained in a specific area (railroad station, roadside station, city area, tourist spot (shrine, temple, museum, monument, etc.)). As in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the user U is, for example, a tourist in a local city (tourist spot). It is also assumed that the user U is collecting electronic stamps from a plurality of tourist spots. For example, it is assumed that a first code 4a is installed at a shrine A, a second code 4b1 (see FIG. 15) is installed at a museum B, and a second code 4b2 (see FIG. 15) is installed at a monument C among a plurality of tourist spots. Then, it is assumed that a user reads the first code 4a, the second code 4b1, and the second code 4b2 using the communication terminal 2, respectively, to generate a first image 11 (electronic stamp) of the shrine A as shown in FIG. The first code 4a is linked to an image such as a shrine A as the first image 11, the second code 4b1 is linked to an image such as a museum B as the second image 12b, and the second code 4b2 is linked to an image such as a museum B as the second image 12. It is assumed that the user U has already obtained the first image 11, the second image 12b, and the second image 12c as electronic stamps and registered them in the stamp rally system. In other words, it is assumed that the first image 11, the second image 12b, and the second image 12c are linked to user identification information (such as an email address) and registered in the storage device 3. Based on the above, a flow up to the generation of prize information will be described.

[0109] Returning to FIG. 16, in step S210, the prize information generation unit 50 acquires from the storage device 3 the first image 11 and the second image 12 (the second image 12b and the second image 12c) linked to the user identification information.

[0110] In step S220, the prize information generating unit 50 generates prize information based on the prize information generating rule using the first image 11 and the second image 12 acquired in step S210. In the second embodiment, the prize information generating rule is a rule that prize information is generated according to the total number of pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12. In the second embodiment, for example, when the total number of pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12 is two, a background image limited to the sightseeing event is generated, and when the total number of pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12 is three or more, an original image of a tourist character may be generated. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the total number of the first image 11 and the second image 12 is three, so an original image of a tourist character is generated.

[0111] In step S230, the prize information generation unit 50 displays the prize information generated in step S220 on the display of the communication terminal 2. In the second embodiment, an original image of the tourist character is displayed on the display of the communication terminal 2. The original image may be saved in a storage unit (not shown) of the communication terminal 2. After step S230, the process ends.

[0112] The prize information generation rule can be updated at any time, for example, when the stamp rally campaign is changed. The process of step S210 can be started at any time.

[0113] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the second embodiment includes a prize information generating unit 50. The prize information generating unit 50 generates prize information using at least one of information that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and information that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12. This allows the user to obtain a prize by collecting the first image 11 and the second image 12. This makes it easier to guide the user to register for the stamp rally system (to participate in the stamp rally).

[0114] Usually, in the case of a stamp rally system in which a user is given a prize according to the electronic stamps he or she has collected, the user must first register with the system and then collect the electronic stamps. Therefore, even if a stamp rally campaign for collecting electronic stamps is planned, the psychological resistance of the user registration makes it difficult for the user to participate in the stamp rally campaign.

[0115] However, even in the second embodiment, after collecting electronic stamps (first image 11 and second image 12), the electronic stamps can be linked to user identification information and registered in the stamp rally system. Therefore, the user can easily start using the stamp rally system without feeling any psychological resistance to registering personal information.

[0116] For example, let us assume that there is a user who collects electronic stamps regardless of the stamp rally campaign. The purpose of the user is to collect electronic stamps, and the user is not very interested in stamp rallies. Even if a stamp rally campaign is planned, such a user is unlikely to participate in the stamp rally.

[0117] However, in the present invention, the code (first registration code 11a or second registration code 12a) provided in the electronic stamp (first image 11 or second image 12) that the user has already acquired can be used to easily link the electronic stamp to user identification information. In other words, the electronic stamp can be easily registered in the stamp rally system. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a prize is awarded to the user according to the number of electronic stamps collected. Therefore, even a user who is interested in collecting electronic stamps but not stamp rallies is more likely to participate in the stamp rally. Furthermore, by awarding prizes according to the number of electronic stamps collected, the user's motivation to collect electronic stamps can be further fostered.

[0118] Furthermore, the prize information generating unit 50 generates prize information using at least one of a combination of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12 and the total number of pieces of information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the first image 11 and information indicating that the user identification information is linked to the second image 12. Changing the reward (prize) provided to the user based on uncertain factors can attract the user's interest in the prize. This can motivate the user to collect electronic stamps (the first image 11 and the second image 12).

[0119] Furthermore, the prize information generation unit 50 generates prize information based on prize information generation rules, which are changeable. By making the prize information generation rules changeable, the prize information can be easily changed. For example, even when one stamp rally campaign ends and another stamp rally campaign begins, the prize information generation rules can be changed (added) to easily enhance the content of the prize information. Therefore, the stamp rally campaign can be easily continued.

[0120] <Third embodiment> FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining the information processing device 1 according to the third embodiment. The information processing device 1 according to the third embodiment further includes a location information acquisition unit 60, unlike the second embodiment. The location information acquisition unit 60 acquires location information of the communication terminal 2 from the communication terminal 2. The location information of the communication terminal 2 is generated, for example, from information output from a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver of the communication terminal 2. The location information acquisition unit 60 acquires the location information of the communication terminal 2, for example, through the GPS receiver. In the third embodiment, the location information acquisition unit 60 acquires the location information of the communication terminal 2 from the communication terminal 2 by a POST method. Note that, in the third embodiment, the location information acquisition unit 60 may acquire the location information of the communication terminal 2 from the communication terminal 2 by synchronous communication.

[0121] (Operation Example of Third Embodiment: Acquisition Flow of First Image 11) FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a flow until the communication terminal 2 according to the third embodiment receives the first image 11. In the third embodiment, the acquisition flow of the first image 11 is different from that of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the user Y is, for example, a tourist in a local city (tourist destination). In the third embodiment, it is assumed that a first code 4a (QR code (registered trademark)) in which a URL that outputs the first image 11 to the communication terminal 2 when accessed is encoded is provided at a shrine A in the above-mentioned tourist destination (specific area). When the user Y reads the first code 4a with the communication terminal 2 at the shrine A, an original image (first image 11) of the shrine A is output to the communication terminal 2. Based on the above, an operation example of the third embodiment will be described.

[0122] In step S300, the user uses the communication terminal 2 to read the first code 4a (QR code (registered trademark)) placed at the shrine A.

[0123] In step S301, the communication terminal 2 decodes the first code 4a and accesses the URL obtained by decoding. Then, in step S302, the communication terminal 2 transmits an image request to the information processing device 1. The image request is a request for outputting image data (first image 11) corresponding to the URL obtained by decoding to the communication terminal 2. Note that in the third embodiment, the communication terminal 2 transmits the image request to the information processing device 1 by a GET method. Moreover, the communication terminal 2 transmits the image request to the information processing device 1 by synchronous communication.

[0124] In step S303, the information processing device 1 receives first access information (information indicating that the user has accessed the above URL) including the image request from the communication terminal 2. In this manner, the information processing device 1 receives the first access information obtained when the above URL (predetermined URL) is accessed by decoding the information through an operation (reading of the first code 4a) from the communication terminal 2.

[0125] In step S304, the information processing device 1 judges whether or not a predetermined temporary storage area (so-called session) has already been set. The predetermined temporary storage area is the temporary storage area set in step S305, which will be described later.

[0126] If the predetermined temporary storage area has already been set (YES in step S304), the process proceeds to step S318. Step S318 will be described later. If the predetermined temporary storage area has not been set (NO in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0127] In step S305, the information processing device 1 sets (generates) a temporary storage area (=the above-mentioned predetermined temporary storage area) for storing information (first information, second information) shown in step S312 or step S314 described later.

[0128] In step S306, the information processing device 1 transmits a predetermined script to the communication terminal 2. The predetermined script includes at least an instruction for the communication terminal 2 to acquire location information of the communication terminal 2 and transmit the acquired location information to the information processing device 1.

[0129] In step S307, the communication terminal 2 receives the predetermined script and displays a loading screen on the display of the communication terminal 2. The loading screen is a screen indicating that the communication terminal 2 is communicating with the information processing device 1, and is a standby screen for suggesting to the user to wait.

[0130] In step S308, the communication terminal 2 executes the script and acquires the location information of the communication terminal 2.

[0131] In step S309, the communication terminal 2 transmits the location information of the communication terminal 2 acquired in step S308 to the information processing device 1 (location information acquisition unit 60) by the POST method. In addition, the communication terminal 2 transmits the location information to the information processing device 1 by synchronous communication.

[0132] In step S310, the location information acquisition unit 60 receives the location information of the communication terminal 2 from the communication terminal 2 by the POST method. Note that the location information acquisition unit 60 may receive the location information from the communication terminal 2 by synchronous communication.

[0133] In step S311, the information processing device 1 determines whether or not a predetermined criterion is satisfied, using the location information of the communication terminal 2 acquired in step S310. In the third embodiment, the information processing device 1 may determine that the predetermined criterion is satisfied when the measured location of the communication terminal 2 is within a predetermined distance from the predetermined location.

[0134] For example, when the measured position of the communication terminal 2 is within a radius of 30 [m] (within a specified distance) from the location where the shrine A is located (corresponding to the above-mentioned specified location (for example, indicated by longitude and latitude)), the information processing device 1 may determine that the above-mentioned specified criterion is satisfied. Note that information regarding the above-mentioned specified criterion (such as the location information (latitude and longitude) of the shrine A and the specific value of the specified distance (within a radius of 30 [m])) may be stored in the storage device 3 in advance.

[0135] If the information processing device 1 determines that the predetermined criterion is not satisfied (NO in step S311), the process proceeds to step S314. Step S314 will be described later. If the information processing device 1 determines that the predetermined criterion is satisfied (YES in step S311), the process proceeds to step S312.

[0136] In step S312, the information processing device 1 stores (sets) the first information in the temporary storage area set in step S305. The first information is information indicating that the above-mentioned predetermined criterion is satisfied.

[0137] After that, in step S313, the information processing device 1 generates a first image 11 to be output to the communication terminal 2. The first image 11 according to the third embodiment is image data to be output to the communication terminal 2 when the information processing device 1 determines that the above-mentioned predetermined criterion is satisfied. In this manner, the information processing device 1 generates the first image 11 using the determination result of the information processing device 1 (whether or not the above-mentioned predetermined criterion is satisfied).

[0138] In the third embodiment, the first image 11 is an original image of Shrine A (see FIG. 2). The first image 11 according to the third embodiment is image data obtained simply by reading the first code 4a provided at Shrine A at the tourist spot. For example, the first image 11 cannot be obtained even if the first code 4a is saved as a photograph and read at a location that is more than a predetermined distance away from Shrine A.

[0139] Returning to FIG. 18, in step S316, the information processing device 1 transmits (outputs) to the communication terminal 2 the data relating to the first image 11 generated in step S313.

[0140] Then, in step S317, the communication terminal 2 receives the data on the first image 11 transmitted by the information processing device 1 in step S316, and causes the communication terminal 2 to display the first image 11 on its display.

[0141] After step S316, in step S319, the information processing device 1 (registration unit 20) registers in the storage device 3 the first image identification information included in the first image 11 generated in step S313.

[0142] The flow shown in FIG. 18 may be followed by the flow shown in FIG. 6 (A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 18 are subsequent to A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 6, respectively).

[0143] If the information processing device 1 determines that the predetermined criterion is not satisfied (NO in step S311), the process proceeds to step S314. In step S314, the information processing device 1 stores second information in the temporary storage area set in step S305. The second information is information indicating that the predetermined criterion is not satisfied.

[0144] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S315, where error process 4 is performed. In error process 4, for example, a screen stating "Image cannot be downloaded" is displayed on the communications terminal 2.

[0145] (If temporary storage area is already set) If the temporary storage area in step S305 has already been set (YES in step S304), the process proceeds to step S318. In step S318, the information processing device 1 determines whether the first information is stored in the temporary storage area. If the first information is stored in the temporary storage area (YES in step S318), the process proceeds to step S313. If the first information is not stored in the temporary storage area (NO in step S318), the process proceeds to step S315.

[0146] The processes in steps S304 and S318 eliminate the need to perform the same process (such as acquiring location information of the communication terminal 2 and determining whether or not the location information satisfies a predetermined criterion) again for a user who has accessed the predetermined URL once. This reduces the load on the information processing device 1 and speeds up the output of the first image 11 to the user.

[0147] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the third embodiment further includes the location information acquisition unit 60. Whether or not the first image 11 can be acquired can be controlled based on the location information of the communication terminal 2, so that it is possible to prevent the user from acquiring the first image 11 illegally (the user cannot acquire the first image 11 unless he or she actually goes to shrine A where the first code 4a is located).

[0148] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0149] The recording unit 40 may include the function of the registration unit 20. In this case, the registration unit 20 may be omitted.

[0150] The first access may be accessing a specific URL for obtaining the first image 11 without using the first code 4a.

[0151] The first operation may be to access a specific URL for checking whether the first image identification information is registered in the storage device 3, without using the first registration code 11a.

[0152] The second operation may access a character string (such as a URL) included in the second image 12 without using the second registration code 12a. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1. Information processing device 2. Communication terminals 3 Storage device 4. Code 10 Transmitter 11 First image 11a First Registration Code 12 2nd image 12a Second Registration Code 20 Registration Department 30 Image information confirmation section 40 Recording Section 50 Prize Information Generation Department

Claims

1. a transmission unit that transmits a first image to a communication terminal of a user in response to a first access from the communication terminal; a registration unit that registers, in a storage device, first image identification information that is included in the first image and that identifies the first image; an image information confirmation unit that confirms whether the first image identification information is registered in the storage device by a first operation of the user; An information processing device comprising: a recording unit that, when it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device, links and records the user identification information and the first image by inputting user identification information identifying the user into the communication terminal.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, the first image includes a first registration code that stores the first image identification information; the first operation includes reading the first registration code; When the first registration code is read, the image information confirmation unit confirms whether or not the first image identification information is registered in the storage device.

3. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, The image information confirmation unit confirms whether the user identification information and the first image are already associated with each other.

4. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, the transmission unit transmits a second image to the communication terminal in response to a second access from the communication terminal; The registration unit registers, in the storage device, second image identification information that is included in the second image and that identifies the second image; the image information confirmation unit confirms whether the second image identification information is registered in the storage device by a second operation of the user; When it is confirmed that the second image identification information is registered in the storage device, the recording unit links the user identification information and the second image and records them.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, the second image includes a second registration code that stores the second image identification information; the second operation includes reading the second registration code; When the second registration code is read, the image information confirmation unit confirms whether or not the second image identification information is registered in the storage device.

6. 5. The information processing device according to claim 4, The information processing device further includes a prize information generation unit that generates prize information regarding a prize to be provided to the user using at least one of information that the user identification information is linked to the first image and information that the user identification information is linked to the second image.

7. 7. The information processing device according to claim 6, The prize information generation unit generates the prize information based on prize information generation rules stored in the storage device, The prize information generation rule is changeable.

8. 7. The information processing device according to claim 6, The prize information generation unit generates the prize information using at least one of a combination of the information that the user identification information is linked to the first image and the information that the user identification information is linked to the second image, and the total number of the information that the user identification information is linked to the first image and the information that the user identification information is linked to the second image.

9. The computer transmitting a first image to a communication terminal of a user in response to a first access from the communication terminal; registering first image identification information, which is included in the first image and identifies the first image, in a storage device; confirming whether the first image identification information is registered in the storage device through a first operation by the user; An information processing method in which, when it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device, user identification information identifying the user is input into the communication terminal, and the user identification information and the first image are linked and recorded.

10. On the computer, a step of transmitting a first image to a communication terminal of a user in response to a first access from the communication terminal; a step of registering first image identification information, which is included in the first image and identifies the first image, in a storage device; a step of confirming whether or not the first image identification information is registered in the storage device by a first operation of the user; An information processing program for executing a procedure in which, when it is confirmed that the first image identification information is registered in the storage device, user identification information identifying the user is input into the communication terminal, and the user identification information and the first image are linked and recorded.

Images