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

Abstract

To allow a user to reselect an image to be received, after a game.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus receives a plurality of images generated by a game, the images being transmitted from an imaging apparatus that provides the game including imaging a user, who is a subject, and receives, in accordance with user operation on a portable terminal, a reselection for an image to be received, regarding a first image selected by the user during the game, as an image to be received by the user, and all other second images not selected. This technique may be applicable to a server which manages images generated in a photo-creation game machine that provides a series of games for printing captured images on a sticker sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing device, a mobile terminal, an information processing method, and a program, and particularly to an information processing device, a mobile terminal, an information processing method, and a program that enable a user to reselect an image to be received after playing a game. [Background technology]

[0002] Photo sticker creation devices are known in the art. These devices photograph a user, allow the user to edit the photographed image, and print the edited image on sticker paper. These photo sticker creation devices are installed in amusement facilities and the like.

[0003] The flow of a game provided by the photo sticker creation device typically involves taking a photo of the user in the photography space as the subject, then moving the user to the editing space, editing the image according to the operations performed in the editing space, and printing the edited image on sticker paper.

[0004] There is a membership-based service that provides users with images created in games using photo sticker creation devices as image data rather than as printed matter. Users who play the game can create an account to use the service, access an image acquisition site using a mobile device such as a smartphone, and view the images they created in the game on the screen of their mobile device.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that provides an image providing service that provides a user who is a free member with one edited image selected during a game from among multiple edited images. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-173747 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the system described in Patent Document 1, users who are free members select the one image they will receive during the game, but due to time constraints and other factors, they are unable to fully compare various images before making a selection.

[0008] If users can take their time to compare images while paying attention to appearance, it will help develop an eye for differences in appearance, which is likely to lead to an increase in users who are particular about appearance. Increasing the number of such users is also beneficial for manufacturers of photo sticker creation devices and businesses that provide image provision services.

[0009] The present technology has been developed in consideration of such circumstances, and allows the player to reselect the image they wish to receive after playing the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present technology includes a communication unit that receives a plurality of images generated by a game that includes multiple shots of a user as a subject and that are transmitted from a photographing device that provides the game, and an image management unit that accepts a reselection of images to be received by the user in response to an operation on a mobile device by the user, the reselection including a first image selected by the user during the game and all second images that were not selected as images to be received by the user.

[0011] Another aspect of the program of the present technology causes a computer that controls a mobile terminal that communicates with an information processing device that receives and manages multiple images generated by a game that includes multiple shots of the user as the subject, to display a selection screen that includes a first image selected by the user during the game and all second images that were not selected as images to be received by the user, and to execute a process that accepts the user's operation regarding reselection of the images to be received, targeting the first image and the second images.

[0012] In one aspect of the present technology, a plurality of images generated by a game are received from a photographing device that provides a game including multiple photographs of the user as the subject, and a reselection of the images to be received by the user is accepted in response to an operation by the user on the mobile device, with the reselection of the images to be received being targeted at a first image selected by the user during the game and all second images not selected.

[0013] In another aspect of the present technology, a mobile terminal that communicates with an information processing device that receives and manages multiple images generated by a game and transmitted from a photographing device that provides a game including multiple photographs of the user as the subject is controlled, and a selection screen is displayed that includes a first image selected by the user during the game and all second images that were not selected as images to be received by the user, and user operations regarding reselection of the images to be received, targeting the first image and the second image, are accepted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this technology, the image to be received can be reselected after the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image providing system according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2]10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of images generated by the photo sticker creating device; [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of an image with graffiti and an image without graffiti. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information uploaded from the photo sticker creating device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of how an image providing service is used. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a My Page screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of how images are managed in an image management server. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a confirmation screen for free members. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how an image is specified by an image management server. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how an image is specified by an image management server. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the photo sticker creating device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes executed by the image management server. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes executed by a mobile terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an image management server. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image management server. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described in the following order. 1. About the image provision service 2. Reselecting images for image retrieval 3. Processing of each device 4. Configuration of each device 5. Example of selection screen 6.Other

[0017] <About the image provision service> System Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image providing system.

[0018] The image providing system of FIG. 1 is configured by connecting an image management server 1, a photo sticker creating device 2, and a mobile terminal 3 via the Internet 11.

[0019] 1 shows only one photo sticker creation device 2, but in reality, multiple photo sticker creation devices 2 sold by the same manufacturer are provided. The mobile terminals 3 are smartphones of users (users) who use the photo sticker creation device 2, and are provided for example in the same number as the number of users who use the photo sticker creation device 2.

[0020] The photo sticker creation device 2 is a game machine that provides a photo creation game. The photo sticker creation device 2 is installed in amusement facilities such as game arcades and stores.

[0021] Users of the photo sticker creation device 2 are mainly high school girls and young women. Multiple users, usually two or three people per group, can enjoy the game with the photo sticker creation device 2. Of course, a single user can also enjoy the game with the photo sticker creation device 2.

[0022] In the photo sticker creation device 2, the user takes a photo of themselves as the subject. The user then edits the captured image obtained through the photo shoot to combine it with composite images such as handwritten characters and stamp images, and edits the captured image into a colorful image. The user then receives a sticker sheet on which the edited image, which is the edited captured image, is printed, and the series of games is completed.

[0023] In this way, the photo sticker creating device 2 has a function as a photographing device that takes a photograph of the user as a subject.

[0024] The photo sticker creation device 2 is equipped with a computer that controls the overall operation of the photo sticker creation device 2, a camera that takes pictures of the user, an editing monitor that the user uses to edit the images taken with the camera, a printer that prints the images on a printing medium such as sticker paper, etc. Details of the configuration of the photo sticker creation device 2 are disclosed in, for example, JP 2018-64220 A.

[0025] The editing monitor displays an editing screen on which buttons for selecting various editing tools are provided. The user operates the display of the editing screen using, for example, a touch pen to edit the captured image.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image generated by the photo sticker creating device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0027] The image generated by editing is the edited image P1 shown on the left side of Fig. 2. The edited image P1 is composed of images of layers, for example, a captured image P11 and a foreground image P12.

[0028] The photographed image P11 is an image taken by the camera of the photo sticker creating device 2. As shown in Fig. 2, for example, by trimming the image taken by the camera, a close-up image showing a large area from approximately the chest up is generated as the photographed image P11. A whole-body image showing the user's entire body is also generated as appropriate.

[0029] In the example of Fig. 2, foreground image P12 is an image including an image of the handwritten characters "Love my friend" and a heart-shaped image. The image of the handwritten characters "Love my friend" is a pen image input by the user using a pen tool. The heart-shaped image is a stamp image input by the user using a stamp tool.

[0030] The edited image P1 is constructed by superimposing a foreground image P12 on a photographed image P11.

[0031] A background image may be used as an image constituting edited image P1. The background image is an image of a predetermined color or a predetermined pattern, and is used to display the predetermined color or pattern around the area in which the user appears.

[0032] When a background image is synthesized, a chromakey process is performed on the captured image P11, and a person area, which is the area of ​​the user, is extracted. The background image is arranged as an image in a layer below the captured image P11 consisting of the person area, and an edited image P1 is generated.

[0033] In one game provided by the photo sticker creating device 2, multiple photos are taken and multiple photographed images, for example, five photos, are generated. In addition, editing is performed on each of the multiple photographed images, and multiple edited images are generated.

[0034] Hereinafter, editing will be referred to as "scribbling" where appropriate. Editing of a photographed image is performed by selecting an editing tool displayed on the editing screen with a touch pen, and then tracing the photographed image to be edited with the touch pen as if drawing a scribble.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the edited image can be said to be a graffitied image, that is, an image with graffiti applied thereto, and the original captured image used for editing can be said to be a non-graffitied image, that is, an image without graffiti applied thereto.

[0036] The photo sticker creation device 2 not only prints the images created in this way onto sticker paper and provides them to users, but also makes the images viewable on the mobile terminal 3. The photo sticker creation device 2 transmits (uploads) the images created in the game to the image management server 1.

[0037] The image management server 1 receives images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2 and stores them by assigning a predetermined URL, etc. The image management server 1 provides an image provision service, which is a service that provides images to users who access the server by operating a mobile terminal 3.

[0038] The image providing service is a membership-based service that allows users to view images on the mobile terminal 3 and download images to the mobile terminal 3. It may also be possible to use the image providing service to perform image editing and the like.

[0039] After the user of the portable terminal 3 finishes the game using the photo sticker creating device 2, the user operates the portable terminal 3 to access the image management server 1 and uses the image providing service to view images, etc.

[0040] An application for displaying a screen of the image providing service provided by the image management server 1 is installed on the mobile terminal 3.

[0041] Other mobile terminals such as tablet terminals, or terminals such as PCs and TVs (television receivers) that can send and receive various information to and from servers on the Internet 11 may also be used as information processing terminals for using the image provision service.

[0042] About uploaded information FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 4, management information is added to images uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2. The management information is information that is generated in the photo sticker creating device 2 to manage the uploaded images and is transmitted to the image management server 1. In the image management server 1, the uploaded images are managed in association with each piece of information included in the management information.

[0044] The management information includes a sticker ID, an image selection flag, and an email address.

[0045] The sticker ID is an ID that is issued for each game according to a predetermined rule by the photo sticker creating device 2. Because it is an ID that is issued each time a game is played, it can also be said to be an ID for identifying the game.

[0046] For example, the sticker ID is printed on the edge of the sticker paper on which the edited image is printed and is notified to the user. When a user of a mobile terminal 3 who has logged in to the image providing service looks at the edge of the sticker paper and enters the sticker ID, the image management server 1 identifies the image created by the user of the mobile terminal 3 in the game. In this way, the sticker ID is used to identify the image created by each user.

[0047] The image selection flag is information that indicates the image selected by the user during the game as the image to be saved on the My Page screen.

[0048] For example, at a predetermined timing, such as when editing of a photographed image is completed, one image to be edited is selected using the screen displayed on the editing monitor. As will be described later, the My Page screen is a user-dedicated screen assigned to each user who has registered as a member, and is used for viewing images managed in the image management server 1.

[0049] The email address is the email address of the user entered during the game.

[0050] The user's email address is used by the image management server 1, for example, to notify the user of the URL assigned as the image storage destination via email. If there are two users, the email addresses of each user are included in the management information. By including the email addresses of the two users in the management information, it becomes possible to identify who played the game together.

[0051] For example, at a predetermined timing, such as when editing of a photographed image is completed, an email address is entered using a screen displayed on the editing monitor.

[0052] Membership type In order to use the image providing service provided by the image management server 1, the user must register as a member and create an account for the image providing service. The account for the image providing service consists of a user ID and a password.

[0053] Membership registration is performed, for example, by operating the mobile terminal 3 to access a predetermined site and setting a user ID and password with the registration screen displayed. The user's email address is used as the user ID.

[0054] By using an email address as the user ID, as described above, the image management server 1 can identify the user who played the game based on the email address included in the management information sent from the photo sticker creation device 2 along with the image.

[0055] Instead of an email address, various types of identification information such as a telephone number or an ID of a social networking service (SNS) may be used as information for identifying a user.

[0056] The types of members include, for example: (1) Free membership (2) Paid membership (3) Premium Membership

[0057] A free member is a member who does not pay membership fees.

[0058] Free members are allowed to save only one image on their My Page screen that is generated in the photo sticker creation device 2 in one game and uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2. The image that can be saved on the My Page screen is, for example, one image selected during the game.

[0059] When a free member user performs an operation to save an unsaved image, one image selected during the game will be saved on the My Page screen.

[0060] Instead of one image, a free member may be allowed to save multiple images on the My Page screen.

[0061] A paid member is a member who is required to pay a membership fee of a predetermined amount, such as 300 yen / month.

[0062] Paid members can save all images generated in the photo sticker creation device 2 in one game and uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2 on their My Page screen.

[0063] A premium member is a member who is required to pay a higher membership fee than a paid member, for example, 500 yen / month. In the sense that a membership fee is required, a premium member can also be considered a paid member.

[0064] The images that paid members and free members can save on the My Page screen are edited images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2.

[0065] On the other hand, the images that premium members can save on the My Page screen are edited images uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2 and the photographed images that are the basis for the edited images.

[0066] When a paid member performs an operation to save an unsaved image, all edited images created in one game are saved on the My Page screen.

[0067] When a premium member user performs an operation to save an unsaved image, all edited images generated in one game and all photographed images that were the basis for each edited image are saved on the My Page screen.

[0068] In this way, the type and number of images that can be saved on the My Page screen differ depending on the type of membership for using the image providing service.

[0069] How to use the service FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of how the image providing service is used.

[0070] 5A and 5B, the image providing service can be used in two ways: by using a dedicated application 3A installed on the mobile terminal 3, and by using a web browser 3B. The dedicated application 3A is, for example, an application prepared by a service provider of the image providing service (the manufacturer of the photo sticker creation device 2).

[0071] 5A, when a user starts up the dedicated application 3A, the dedicated application 3A accesses the image management server 1. On the display of the mobile terminal 3, a login screen is displayed by the dedicated application 3A as appropriate.

[0072] When a login operation is performed using a user ID and password, the display of the mobile terminal 3 displays a screen such as a My Page screen for using the image provision service based on the information sent from the image management server 1.

[0073] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5B, when a user accesses the image management server 1 by launching a web browser 3B and entering a specific URL, a login screen is displayed by the web browser 3B on the display of the mobile terminal 3 as appropriate.

[0074] When a login operation is performed using a user ID and password, the display of the mobile terminal 3 displays a screen such as a My Page screen for using the image provision service based on the information sent from the image management server 1.

[0075] In this way, the user can use the image providing service via the dedicated application 3A or via the web browser 3B.

[0076] My Page screen FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the My Page screen.

[0077] When the user starts the dedicated application 3A and performs a login operation, or when the user starts the web browser 3B and accesses the image management server 1 and performs a login operation, the My Page screen is displayed on the display 21 of the mobile terminal 3 based on information transmitted from the image management server 1. The My Page screen shown in Fig. 6 is a screen displayed by the dedicated application 3A or the web browser 3B.

[0078] Here, the user of the portable terminal 3 is the same person as the user of the photo sticker creating device 2 who played the game using the photo sticker creating device 2.

[0079] In the image management server 1, the user who performed the login operation is identified based on the user ID, and information about images saved by the user is transmitted to the mobile terminal 3.

[0080] The name of the image providing service, "PPP LINK," is displayed in the upper left corner of the My Page screen in Figure 6.

[0081] Below the name of the image providing service, a menu area 31 is formed in which buttons used to select various items are arranged. For example, the menu area 31 includes a button to be operated when displaying the My Page screen, a button to be operated when viewing beauty-related information, and the like.

[0082] In the thumbnail area 32 below the menu area 31, images created by the user of the mobile terminal 3 using the photo sticker creating device 2 are displayed as thumbnail images.

[0083] 6, thumbnail images P21 to P26 are displayed in two rows in the thumbnail area 32. The entirety of thumbnail images P21 to P24 is displayed, and only the upper portions of thumbnail images P25 and P26 are displayed.

[0084] For the sake of convenience, the thumbnail images shown in FIG. 6 have not been edited, but the images displayed on the My Page screen will be edited as appropriate depending on the user's membership type, etc.

[0085] Many more images are arranged below the thumbnail images P21 to P24. The user can change the display range of the thumbnail area 32 and display other thumbnail images by placing a finger on the surface of the display 21 and performing a swipe operation or the like. For example, when a user taps on a specific thumbnail image, the image selected by the tap operation is enlarged and displayed on the My Page screen.

[0086] In this way, the user can view the images created when playing the game as a user of the photo sticker creating device 2 on the My Page screen.

[0087] The images displayed on the My Page screen as described above are images that have been uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2 to the image management server 1 and that have been selected by the user to be saved.

[0088] In other words, in order for a user to view an image created using the photo sticker creation device 2 on the My Page screen, the user must perform an operation to save (obtain) the image uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2.

[0089] -About image management FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of how images are managed in the image management server 1. As shown in FIG.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, the types of images managed by the image management server 1 include unsaved images P41 and saved images P42.

[0091] The unsaved image P41 is an image for which no operation to save has been performed, and the saved image P42 is an image for which an operation to save has been performed. The saved image P42 is an image to be displayed on the My Page screen.

[0092] Each image uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2 is managed as an unsaved image P41 or a saved image P42 according to its attribute. The unsaved image P41 and the saved image P42 may be stored in physically different storage media.

[0093] An image uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2 and stored in a predetermined storage area is first managed as an unsaved image P41.

[0094] A storage period, such as one week, is set for all images uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2. Images uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2 are stored in the storage area of ​​the image management server 1 until the storage period expires. Images whose storage period has expired are, for example, deleted from the storage area.

[0095] When a user accesses the image management server 1 using the mobile terminal 3 and performs an operation to save an image, the unsaved image P41 for which the operation to save has been performed is managed as a saved image P42, as indicated by the arrow A1. For example, the attributes set for each image are changed.

[0096] Images managed as saved images P42 continue to be stored in the storage area, for example, as long as the member registration is valid and the user can use the My Page screen.

[0097] In this way, in order for a user to view an image created using the photo sticker creation device 2 on the My Page screen, the user must perform an operation to save the image before the expiration date for saving the image has passed.

[0098] The unsaved image P41 is an image for which a storable period is set, whereas the saved image P42 displayed on the My Page screen is an image for which there is no time limit.

[0099] Furthermore, the saved image P42 is an image that has no restrictions on how it can be used, and can be viewed on the My Page screen as well as downloaded to the mobile terminal 3. The image downloaded to the mobile terminal 3 is saved in the local storage of the mobile terminal 3, for example.

[0100] The user can manage the images downloaded to the mobile terminal 3, for example, using an album application of the mobile terminal 3.

[0101] When a user operates the mobile terminal 3 to log in to the image providing service and performs an operation to save an unsaved image, a confirmation screen according to the user's membership type, etc. is displayed on the display 21 of the mobile terminal 3.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the confirmation screen.

[0103] When a free member user performs an operation to save an unsaved image, the message "One image has been saved to your page" is displayed, as shown at the top of Figure 8, and the saved image is displayed as a thumbnail image below it.

[0104] As mentioned above, the image that free members can save is one edited image (image with graffiti) selected during the game. In Figure 8, the rectangular frame surrounding the words "with graffiti" represents a thumbnail image of the image with graffiti. Note that "Pri" refers to an image created in the game using the photo sticker creation device 2.

[0105] The graffiti-containing image selected during the game is identified by an image selection flag included in the management information transmitted from the photo sticker creating device 2 together with the image.

[0106] Below each saved image, a message is displayed informing users that there are unsaved images, and below that, multiple thumbnail images representing the unsaved images are displayed. In the example of Figure 8, there are six unsaved images with graffiti.

[0107] Below the unsaved images, there are provided a save button 51 displaying the words "Save all Puri" and a confirmation button 52 displaying the words "Check saved Puri."

[0108] The save button 51 is pressed when all unsaved images are to be saved. When the save button 51 is pressed, a screen used for changing the membership type to a paid membership or premium membership is displayed. The confirm button 52 is pressed when checking saved images.

[0109] In this way, the confirmation screen for free members displays information informing them that one graffiti image has been saved, as well as information informing them that there are other unsaved images remaining.

[0110] If images without graffiti are included in the images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2, not only the images with graffiti but also the images without graffiti are displayed as unsaved images on the confirmation screen of the free member user. In this case, the free member user can save not only the images with graffiti but also the images without graffiti by changing the membership type to a premium membership.

[0111] In the image management server 1, when a user performs an operation to save an unsaved image, the image that the user created in the game is identified and presented on the confirmation screen as described above.

[0112] The method for identifying an image created by a user differs depending on whether the user is using the image providing service via the dedicated application 3A or via the Web browser 3B.

[0113] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing examples of how the image management server 1 specifies an image.

[0114] FIG. 9 shows a specific example in which a user uses an image providing service via a dedicated application 3A.

[0115] When a user uses the image providing service via the dedicated application 3A, the image created by the user is identified based on the sticker ID entered on a predetermined screen (the application screen in FIG. 9A) of the dedicated application 3A, as shown in Fig. 9A. After the sticker ID is entered, the image to be saved is selected on the dedicated application 3A.

[0116] In the image management server 1, based on the sticker ID entered by the user, images associated with the same sticker ID are identified and presented to the user. As described above, images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2 are managed in association with the sticker ID issued by the photo sticker creation device 2.

[0117] The user can also display the confirmation screen by operating the URL included in the image saving notification email sent after the game ends. After the game ends, the image management server 1 sends an image saving notification email, which is an email notifying the user of the URL where the image is saved.

[0118] The image saving notification email contains a dedicated application URL, which is a URL for launching the dedicated application 3A and displaying the confirmation screen, and a web browser URL, which is a URL for launching the web browser 3B and displaying the confirmation screen.

[0119] When the dedicated app URL is operated, the sticker ID information is stored in the URL, so the image created by the user can be identified without entering the sticker ID. As mentioned above, the images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2 are managed in association with not only the sticker ID but also the email address entered during the game.

[0120] When access is made to the image management server 1 using a dedicated application URL, as shown in Figure 9B, images associated with the same email address as the email address used to notify the URL are identified, and the images to be saved are selected on the dedicated application 3A.

[0121] FIG. 10 shows a specific example in which a user uses an image providing service via a web browser 3B.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 10A, when the site of the image providing service is accessed directly via Web browser 3B, the image created by the user is identified based on the sticker ID entered on a specific screen of the site (the service site in Fig. 10A). After the sticker ID is entered, the image to be saved is selected on Web browser 3B.

[0123] Also, as shown in Figure 10B, if the web browser URL included in the image saving notification email is operated, the sticker ID information is stored in the URL, so the image created by the user can be identified without entering the sticker ID.

[0124] When image management server 1 is accessed using a web browser URL, images associated with the same email address as the email address used to notify the URL are identified, and images to be saved are selected.

[0125] In addition, when a user uses the image providing service via the dedicated application 3A, the image created by the user may be identified based on the user ID (email address) entered when logging in to the image providing service.

[0126] In this case, the email address entered by the user when logging in is managed by the dedicated application 3 A. The image management server 1 checks whether the email address entered by the user when using the photo sticker creation device 2 and sent from the photo sticker creation device 2 as part of the management information matches the email address managed by the dedicated application 3 A, thereby identifying the image created by the user.

[0127] The same applies when using the image providing service by directly accessing the image providing service's site via Web browser 3B.

[0128] <About reselecting images for image get> As described above, the user of the photo sticker creating device 2 selects the image to receive by saving it on the My Page screen during the game. After finishing the game, the user performs an operation on their mobile terminal to save the image they selected during the game on the My Page screen.

[0129] When a user finishes playing the photo sticker creating device 2 and saves the image they created in the game on their My Page screen, this is referred to as "getting an image," meaning that they are receiving the image. The selection of an image during the game is the selection of an image for getting an image.

[0130] In-game selection screen FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for selecting an image for image get.

[0131] 11 is displayed at a predetermined timing during the game, such as when editing (doodling) of a photographed image is finished. The selection screen is displayed on the editing monitor 2A of the photo sticker creating device 2, for example, in place of the editing screen.

[0132] 11, the selection screen has a selection area 101L and a selection area 101R. The selection area 101L is an area used by a user standing on the left side of the editing monitor 2A to select an image for image acquisition. The selection area 101R is an area used by a user standing on the right side of the editing monitor 2A to select an image for image acquisition.

[0133] A message prompting the user to select an image is displayed above the selection area 101L on the left side, and a display area 102L in which the selected image is displayed is formed below the message. In the example of Fig. 11, the first image, image P101, is selected from images P101 to P108 using the thumbnail images arranged below the selection area 101L, and is enlarged and displayed in the display area 102L.

[0134] In this example, one image can be selected from eight images as the image for image get. Although an image without graffiti or the like is shown in Fig. 11, in reality, the image for image get is selected from images with graffiti or the like. The image for image get may also be selected from images without graffiti.

[0135] Below the images P101 to P108, an OK button 103L is displayed, which is operated when finishing the selection of the image for image get. The image being selected when the OK button 103L is operated is selected as the image for image get.

[0136] A display similar to that of selection area 101 L is also provided in selection area 101 R on the right side. In the example of Fig. 11, the third image, image P103, is selected.

[0137] Using this selection screen, an image for image get is selected within a time limit. The numbers at the top left and top right of the selection screen indicate the remaining time (in seconds) for selecting an image for image get.

[0138] In this way, a game using the photo sticker creating device 2 is usually played by multiple users, such as friends. Below, we will explain the processing when two users, user A and user B, are playing together in a game using the photo sticker creating device 2. The people shown in the respective images in Figure 11 are user A and user B.

[0139] The following describes the process when user A uses the display in selection area 101L to select the first image P101 from images P101 to P108 as the image for image get during the game, and user B uses the display in selection area 101R to select the third image P103 from images P101 to P108 as the image for image get during the game. Users A and B are free members.

[0140] Post-game selection screen In the image providing system according to an embodiment of the present technology, the user is allowed to reselect an image for image acquisition after the game. The reselection after the game is performed using the mobile terminal 3.

[0141] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal 3 of the user A.

[0142] When an image created by user A during the game is identified by, for example, inputting a sticker ID on his / her mobile terminal 3, a selection screen such as that shown on the left side of Fig. 12 is displayed on the display 21. The selection screen shown in Fig. 12 is a screen displayed by the dedicated application 3A or the web browser 3B. Images P101 to P108 created by user A during the game are identified as shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

[0143] 12, a message prompting the user to select an image is displayed, and below that, in a display area 111, an enlarged version of image P101 that user A selected during the game as the image for the image get is displayed. Below the display area 111, a message "Image selected on photo booth" is displayed as information indicating that image P101 displayed in the display area 111 is the image for the image get that was selected during the game. The fact that user A has selected image P101 as the image for the image get is identified by an image selection flag included in the management information uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2 together with the image.

[0144] Thumbnail images of images P101 to P108 are displayed side by side below the display area 111. By tapping any of the thumbnail images, user A can select another image in place of image P101, as shown in FIG.

[0145] In the example of Figure 13A, the second image P102 is selected, and in the example of Figure 13B, the eighth image P108 is selected. Images P102 and P108 are not the images selected by user A during the game to get the image, so the message "Image selected on photo booth" is not displayed below display area 111.

[0146] In this way, user A can confirm that the image selected during the game as the image for image get is image P101. User A can also select another image as the image for image get instead of image P101.

[0147] There is no time limit for image selection on the mobile terminal 3. User A can enlarge and display various images in the display area 111 without worrying about time, and can compare the appearance of each image while selecting the image to ultimately receive.

[0148] 12, below the thumbnail images of images P101 to P108, a horizontally long OK button 121 and a SAVE button 51 are displayed. The SAVE button 51 is a button that is operated when all unsaved images are to be saved (FIG. 8).

[0149] When the decision button 121 is operated, a confirmation screen for the image to be finally received by Image Get is displayed. When the decision button 121 is operated while image P101 is selected, a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not image P101 is to be the image to be finally received by Image Get is displayed, as indicated by the tip of arrow A11.

[0150] 12, a decision button 122 and a back button 123 are displayed along with the save button 51. When the back button 123 is operated, the display returns to the selection screen as indicated by the tip of arrow A12, and image selection can be continued.

[0151] The decision button 122 is a button that is operated when deciding on the image that will ultimately be received by Image Get. When the decision button 122 is operated in the state shown on the right side of Fig. 12, image P101 is decided as the image that will ultimately be received by Image Get, and image P101 is saved on the My Page screen of user A as described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0152] Using a similar screen, the image for image get is also reselected on the mobile terminal 3 of user B.

[0153] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal 3 of the user B.

[0154] In the example of Fig. 14, image P103, which user B selected during the game as an image for getting an image, is enlarged and displayed in display area 111. A message indicating that image P103 displayed in display area 111 is the image for getting an image selected during the game is displayed below display area 111. The fact that user B has selected image P103 as an image for getting an image is identified by an image selection flag included in management information uploaded from photo sticker creating device 2 together with the image.

[0155] User B can also select another image as the image for image get, instead of image P103, which he selected as the image for image get during the game.

[0156] 1, the image for image acquisition is reselected from among all images that were selected as images for image acquisition during the game and all images that were not selected. Users who have been playing together can individually operate their own mobile terminals 3 and reselect the image they will ultimately receive without worrying about time.

[0157] <Processing of each device> Image management server operation A series of processes executed by the image management server 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0158] In step S1, the image management server 1 acquires images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2. In the above example, eight images, images P101 to P108, generated when user A and user B played a game together are acquired.

[0159] In step S2, the image management server 1 manages the acquired image as an unsaved image. An unsaved image has a storage limit set, and is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the image management server 1 until the limit has passed.

[0160] In step S3, in response to being accessed by the mobile terminal 3 operated by, for example, user A, the image management server 1 displays a selection screen for an image to be used for image acquisition on the display 21 of the mobile terminal 3. A screen similar to the screen described with reference to Fig. 12 is displayed on the display 21 of the mobile terminal 3. User A operates the selection screen for an image to be used for image acquisition and performs an operation to save the image.

[0161] In step S4, the image management server 1 accepts an operation by user A to reselect an image for image get based on the information transmitted from the portable terminal 3.

[0162] In step S5, the image management server 1 manages the unsaved image selected by reselection in response to an operation by user A as a saved image.

[0163] Mobile device operation Next, a series of processes executed by the mobile terminal 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 16. The processes in Fig. 16 are started, for example, when user A operates his / her mobile terminal 3 and starts up the dedicated application 3A.

[0164] In step S11, the mobile terminal 3 (dedicated application 3A of the mobile terminal 3) accesses the image management server 1 in response to an operation by user A, and logs in to the image providing service.

[0165] In step S12, the mobile terminal 3 displays an image selection screen for image get on the display 21 based on the information transmitted from the image management server 1.

[0166] In step S13, the mobile terminal 3 accepts the operation of user A, requests the image management server 1 to get the image selected by user A, and ends the process. In response to the request from the mobile terminal 3, the image management server 1 manages the image selected by user A as a saved image.

[0167] Through the above process, each user can select the image they will ultimately receive after the game from the image they selected during the game as the image for getting the image and all the images they did not select during the game. That is, while comparing the appearance of each image, the user can receive the same image as the image they selected during the game as the image for getting the image, or they can receive any image they did not select during the game.

[0168] By taking the time to compare images while paying attention to appearance, users can develop the ability to sense differences in appearance. Manufacturers of photo sticker creation devices and businesses that provide image provision services can sense differences in appearance and increase the number of users who are particular about appearance.

[0169] <Configuration of each device> Image management server configuration FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image management server 1. As shown in FIG.

[0170] 17, the image management server 1 is composed of a computer. The image management server 1 may be composed of multiple computers. When the image management server 1 is composed of multiple computers, the computers work together to realize various processes for providing the image provision service.

[0171] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 are interconnected by a bus 204.

[0172] An input / output interface 205 is further connected to the bus 204. An input unit 206, an output unit 207, a storage unit 208, a communication unit 209, and a drive 210 are connected to the input / output interface 205.

[0173] The input unit 206 is made up of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The output unit 207 is made up of a display, etc.

[0174] The storage unit 208 is configured with a hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 208 stores various information used to provide the image providing service, such as the program executed by the CPU 201 and images uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 2.

[0175] The communication unit 209 is an interface to the Internet 11. For example, the communication unit 209 communicates with the photo sticker creation device 2 and receives images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2. The communication unit 209 also communicates with the mobile terminal 3 and transmits various types of information, such as information used for screen display, to the mobile terminal 3.

[0176] The drive 210 controls writing of data to and reading of data from the removable medium 211 .

[0177] In the computer configured as above, the CPU 201 loads a program stored in the storage unit 208 into the RAM 203 and executes it, thereby performing processing for realizing the image providing service.

[0178] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image management server 1. As shown in FIG.

[0179] 18, an information processing unit 241 is implemented in the image management server 1. The image management server 1 is an information processing device having the information processing unit 241.

[0180] The information processing unit 241 is composed of an image acquisition unit 251, an image management unit 252, an image storage unit 253, a user information management unit 254, a user information storage unit 255, and a display control unit 256. At least some of the functional units shown in FIG. 18 are realized by the CPU 201 executing a predetermined program.

[0181] The image acquisition unit 251 acquires images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2 and received by the communication unit 209, along with management information. The image acquisition unit 251 outputs the images uploaded from the photo sticker creation device 2 and the management information to the image management unit 252.

[0182] The image management unit 252 manages the images supplied from the image acquisition unit 251 by linking them with management information and storing them in the image storage unit 253. For example, the image management unit 252 manages each image stored in the image storage unit 253 as an unsaved image or a saved image.

[0183] The image management unit 252 manages the storable period of each image managed as an unsaved image. The image management unit 252 deletes images that have not been selected as images to be saved after a predetermined period, such as one week, has elapsed since they were uploaded. The image management unit 252 outputs to the display control unit 256 an image of a user who has performed a login operation to the image providing service.

[0184] The user information management unit 254 stores and manages user information, which is information about each user who has registered as a member of the image providing service, in the user information storage unit 255. The user information includes a user ID and password that constitute an account, and information indicating the membership type.

[0185] The user information management unit 254 communicates with the mobile terminal 3 and manages logins to the image providing service via the web browser 3B and logins to the image providing service via the dedicated application 3A. The user information management unit 254 manages information about users who are logged in to the image providing service.

[0186] The display control unit 256 causes the mobile terminal 3 to display the above-mentioned confirmation screen, my page screen, and image selection screen for image get based on the images supplied from the image management unit 252. The display control unit 256 also controls the screen display of the mobile terminal 3 in response to user operations and the like.

[0187] 15, the process of step S1 is performed by the image acquisition unit 251. The processes of steps S2, S4, and S5 are performed by the image management unit 252. The process of step S3 is performed by the display control unit 256.

[0188] Mobile device configuration FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal 3.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 19, the mobile terminal 3 is provided with a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a memory 303, an operation unit 304, and a camera 305 in addition to the display 21.

[0190] The control unit 301 is configured with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The control unit 301 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 3 by executing a predetermined program.

[0191] An application execution unit 301A is implemented in the control unit 301. The application execution unit 301A executes various applications such as the dedicated application 3A, thereby implementing the above-described processes such as the processes of the steps in FIG. 16 .

[0192] The communication unit 302 communicates with the image management server 1 via the Internet 11. The communication unit 302 receives information transmitted from the image management server 1 and outputs the information to the control unit 301. The communication unit 302 also transmits information supplied from the control unit 301 to the image management server 1.

[0193] The memory 303 is configured by a flash memory or the like. The memory 303 corresponds to the local storage of the mobile terminal 3. When a removable memory card is attached to the mobile terminal 3, the memory card may be used as the local storage.

[0194] The memory 303 stores various information such as images downloaded from the image management server 1 and applications executed by the control unit 301 .

[0195] The operation unit 304 is configured with various buttons and a touch panel provided over the display 21. The operation unit 304 outputs to the control unit 301 a signal indicating the content of the user's operation.

[0196] The camera 305 takes pictures in response to operations by the user.

[0197] The display 21 is configured by an organic EL display, an LCD, etc. Based on the information received by the communication unit 302, the display 21 displays various screens as described above.

[0198] <Selection screen display example> Comparison example 1 FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of the selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal 3. As shown in FIG.

[0199] 20, the same components as those described with reference to FIG. 12 etc. are denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The same applies to FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0200] 20 displayed on user A's mobile terminal 3, a display area 112 is formed to the right of display area 111. In display area 111, image P101 selected by user A during the game as an image for getting an image is displayed fixedly. Below display area 111, a message is displayed indicating that image P101 displayed in display area 111 is the image for getting an image selected by user A during the game.

[0201] Meanwhile, the image selected using the thumbnail image below is displayed in display area 112. In the example of Fig. 20, image P102 is displayed in display area 112. When another image is selected, the selected image is displayed in display area 112 in place of image P102.

[0202] In this way, the images selected using the thumbnail images may be displayed side by side in the same size as the images selected during the game, allowing User A to easily compare the images he or she selected during the game as images for image acquisition with the images he or she did not select.

[0203] Comparison example 2 FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another example of the selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal 3. In FIG.

[0204] 21 displayed on user A's mobile terminal 3 also has a display area 112 formed to the right of display area 111. Image P101 that user A selected during the game as the image for getting the image is displayed in display area 111. Below display area 111, a message "Image that A-chan selected on the photo booth" is displayed, which is information indicating that image P101 displayed in display area 111 is the image for getting the image that user A selected during the game. User A's name included in the message is displayed based on the user information managed by user information management unit 254.

[0205] Meanwhile, image P103, which user B selected during the game as the image for getting the image, is fixedly displayed in display area 112. Below display area 112, a message "Image selected by B-chan on the photo booth" is displayed, which is information indicating that image P103 displayed in display area 112 is the image for getting the image selected by user B during the game.

[0206] For example, if user A selects another image using the thumbnail images displayed below display area 111 and display area 112, the selected image is displayed in display area 111 in place of image P101.

[0207] In this way, the image selected during the game by User B, a friend who played the game together, may be displayed side by side in the same size as the image selected by User A. This allows User A to easily compare the image that User A selected during the game as an image for image acquisition or a newly selected image with the image that User B selected during the game.

[0208] Furthermore, user A can select an image different from the image selected by user B, or can select the same image.

[0209] The fact that User A and User B have played a game together may be identified based on email addresses entered during the game, as described above, or based on user IDs entered at a predetermined timing, such as when the game starts. The user ID is entered, for example, by User A and User B operating their own mobile terminals 3 to launch a dedicated application 3A and having the photo sticker creation device 2 read a two-dimensional code displayed on the screen of the dedicated application 3A. In this case, the dedicated application 3A is equipped with a function for displaying a two-dimensional code including the user ID. The photo sticker creation device 2 is also provided with a configuration for reading two-dimensional codes.

[0210] Comparison example 3 FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of the selection screen displayed on the mobile terminal 3. As shown in FIG.

[0211] 22 displayed on user A's mobile terminal 3 also has a display area 112 formed to the right of display area 111. Display area 111 displays image P101 that user A selected during the game as the image for getting the image. Below display area 111, a message "Image selected by A-chan on the photo booth" is displayed, which is information indicating that image P101 displayed in display area 111 is the image for getting the image that user A selected during the game.

[0212] Meanwhile, image P108, which user B selected as the image for image get by reselection, is fixedly displayed in display area 112. Below display area 112, a message "Image selected by user B by reselection" is displayed, which is information indicating that image P108 displayed in display area 112 is the image for image get that user B selected by reselection.

[0213] Even in this case, if user A selects another image using the thumbnail images displayed below display area 111 and display area 112, the selected image is displayed in display area 111 in place of image P101.

[0214] In this way, the image finally selected by User B, a friend who played the game together, may be displayed side by side in the same size as the image selected during the game by User A. This allows User A to easily compare the image that User A selected during the game as an image for image capture or the newly selected image with the image that User B finally selected through reselection.

[0215] Furthermore, user A can select an image different from the image ultimately selected by user B, or can select the same image.

[0216] <Other> In addition to the one image selected during the game, one image from the images not selected during the game may be selected after the game as the image to be received. This selection is also made using a screen similar to the selection screen described with reference to FIG. 12 etc.

[0217] This also allows users to take their time comparing images while paying attention to appearance, etc. In addition, users who are free members can receive one image selected during the game and one image selected from all images not selected during the game, and save the two images on their My Page screen.

[0218] About the program The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0219] The installed program is provided by being recorded on removable media such as an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.) or semiconductor memory. It may also be provided via wired or wireless transmission media such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting.

[0220] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0221] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are contained in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0222] The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0223] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present technology.

[0224] For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0225] Furthermore, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0226] Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0227] 1 image management server, 2 photo sticker creation device, 3 mobile terminal, 241 information processing unit, 251 image acquisition unit, 252 image management unit, 253 image storage unit, 254 user information management unit, 255 user information storage unit, 301 control unit

Claims

1. a communication unit that receives a plurality of images generated by a game that includes a plurality of photographs of a user as a subject and that are transmitted from a photographing device that provides the game; a display control unit that displays, on a display of a portable terminal operated by the user, a selection screen used for reselecting an image to be received, the selection screen including a first image selected by the user during the game as an image to be received by the user and a plurality of second images not selected; Equipped with The display control unit displays, on the selection screen, information representing the first image selected during the game by another user who played the game together with the user. Information processing device.

2. The display control unit displays one of the first images and one of the second images selected from the plurality of second images side by side in the same size on the selection screen. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The display control unit displays, on the selection screen, information representing the first image selected by the other user through the reselection.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The present invention further includes an image management unit that provides the image selected by the reselection to the user.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1.

5. The communication unit further receives selection information indicating the first image selected by the user during the game.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1.

6. The information processing device receiving a plurality of images generated by a game including a plurality of photographs of the user as a subject, the plurality of images being transmitted from a photographing device that provides the game; displaying, on a display of a portable terminal operated by the user, a selection screen used for reselecting an image to be received, the selection screen including a first image selected by the user during the game as an image to be received by the user and a plurality of second images not selected; The selection screen displays information representing the first image selected during the game by another user who played the game together with the user. Information processing methods.

7. On the computer, receiving a plurality of images generated by a game including a plurality of photographs of the user as a subject, the plurality of images being transmitted from a photographing device that provides the game; displaying, on a display of a portable terminal operated by the user, a selection screen used for reselecting an image to be received, the selection screen including a first image selected by the user during the game as an image to be received by the user and a plurality of second images not selected; The selection screen displays information representing the first image selected during the game by another user who played the game together with the user. A program for executing a process.

8. a computer that controls a mobile terminal that communicates with an information processing device that receives and manages a plurality of images generated by a game that includes a plurality of photographs of a user as a subject, the information processing device receiving and managing the plurality of images from the game; displaying a selection screen on which information representing a first image selected by the user during the game and a plurality of second images not selected by the user as images to be received by the user and selected by other users who have played the game together with the user during the game is displayed; Accepting an operation by the user regarding reselection of an image to be received, targeting the first image and the second image. A program that executes a process.

9. On the selection screen, one of the first images and one of the second images selected from the plurality of second images are displayed side by side in the same size. The program according to claim 8.

10. The selection screen displays information indicating the first image selected by the other user through the reselection. The program according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A mobile terminal that communicates with an information processing device that receives and manages a plurality of images generated by a game that includes multiple shots of a user as a subject and that is transmitted from a photography device that provides the game, a display control unit that displays a selection screen including a first image selected by the user during the game and a plurality of second images not selected by the user as images to be received by the user, and on which information representing the first images selected during the game by other users who have played the game together with the user is displayed; an image management unit that accepts an operation by the user regarding reselection of an image to be received, the reselection being targeted at the first image and the second image; A mobile terminal comprising:

12. a mobile terminal that communicates with an information processing device that receives and manages a plurality of images generated by a game that includes multiple photographs of a user as a subject and that is transmitted from the photography device; displaying a selection screen on which information representing a first image selected by the user during the game and a plurality of second images not selected by the user as images to be received by the user and selected by other users who have played the game together with the user during the game is displayed; Accepting an operation by the user regarding reselection of an image to be received, targeting the first image and the second image. Information processing methods.

Images