Image transmission / reception system, operation method of image transmission / reception system, and program

Abstract

Provided are an image transmission / reception system, an operation method for the image transmission / reception system, and a program, which are for transmission / reception of an image with consideration given to transmission-side information and reception-side information. An image transmission / reception system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an image transmission-side device, an image reception-side device, and a transmission / reception controller, wherein: the image transmission-side device acquires images by capturing images of subjects and transmits the acquired images to the transmission / reception controller; the image reception-side device receives input of identification information pertaining to a specific person whose image a user of the image reception-side device desires to view, and transmits, to the transmission / reception controller, the identification information pertaining to the specific person; and the transmission / reception controller extracts an image from the images received from the image transmission-side device, on the basis of the identification information pertaining to the specific person, identification information pertaining to a person who captured the image, identification information pertaining to a subject in the image, and attribute information pertaining to the user of the image reception-side device, and allows the user to view the extracted image.

Description

Image transmission / reception system, operation method of image transmission / reception system, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an image transmission / reception system for transmitting and receiving images, an operating method of the image transmission / reception system, and a program for operating a terminal device used in the image transmission / reception system.

[0002] Regarding a system for transmitting and receiving images, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for extracting an image containing a target subject and transmitting the image to a user.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-199666

[0004] One embodiment of the technology disclosed herein provides an image transmission / reception system that transmits and receives images taking into account information on the sending side and information on the receiving side, a method for operating the image transmission / reception system, and a program for operating a terminal device used in the image transmission / reception system.

[0005] An image transmission / reception system according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image transmission / reception system comprising an image transmission side device, an image receiving side device, and a transmission / reception control device, wherein the image transmission side device photographs a subject to acquire an image and transmits the acquired image to the transmission / reception control device, the image receiving side device accepts input of identification information of a specific person who is a person whose image the user of the image receiving side device wishes to view, and transmits the identification information of the specific person to the transmission / reception control device, and the transmission / reception control device extracts an image from the image received from the image transmission side device based on the identification information of the specific person, the identification information of the photographer of the image, the identification information of the subject in the image, and attribute information of the user of the image receiving side device, and displays the extracted image on the image receiving side device. In the first aspect and each of the following aspects, the "specific person" may be one person or multiple people.

[0006] In the image transmission / reception system according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the transmission / reception control device compares the identification information of a specific person with the identification information of a subject appearing in an image, and extracts images in which the specific person appears as the subject.

[0007] In the image transmission / reception system of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the transmission / reception control device recognizes the subject in the received image using a recognizer constructed using a machine learning algorithm, and obtains identification information of the subject through recognition.

[0008] The image transmission / reception system of the fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, in which the transmission / reception control device compares the identification information of the photographer with the identification information of a specific person and extracts images in which the specific person was the photographer.

[0009] In the image transmission / reception system of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the image transmission device accepts input of identification information of the photographer, associates the accepted input identification information with the image, and transmits it to the transmission / reception control device.

[0010] In the image transmission / reception system of the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the transmission / reception control device sets a priority for the extracted image based on whether the identification information of the subject in the extracted image matches the identification information of a specific person, and displays the extracted image according to the priority.

[0011] The image transmission / reception system of the seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the transmission / reception control device increases the priority when the identification information of the photographer and the identification information of the specific person match compared to when the identification information of the photographer and the identification information of the specific person do not match.

[0012] The image transmission / reception system of the eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the transmission / reception control device processes the image based on the user's attribute information and displays the processed image on the image receiving device.

[0013] The image transmission / reception system of the ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the transmission / reception control device displays the image on the image receiving device in different manners before and after the user decides to purchase the image.

[0014] The image transmission / reception system of the tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which the image transmitting device accepts input of the period for displaying the image on the image receiving device, associates it with the image and transmits it to the transmission / reception controller, and the transmission / reception controller displays the image on the image receiving device during the period.

[0015] An image transmitting / receiving system according to an eleventh aspect is the tenth aspect, wherein the transmitting / receiving controller causes the image receiving device to display the image in a different format during the period depending on the time elapsed from the start of the period.

[0016] The image transmitting / receiving system according to the twelfth aspect is the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the transmitting / receiving controller causes the image receiving device to display the image purchased and printed by the user even after the period has elapsed.

[0017] The image transmitting / receiving system according to a thirteenth aspect is any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the transmitting / receiving controller causes the image receiving device to display the image in different modes depending on the attributes of the user.

[0018] The image transmission / reception system of the 14th aspect is any one of the first to 13th aspects, in which the image transmitting device accepts input of additional information for the image and transmits the additional information to the transmission / reception controller, and the transmission / reception controller associates the image with the additional information and displays it on the image receiving device.

[0019] An image transmitting / receiving system according to a fifteenth aspect is any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the image transmitting device transmits an image whose transmission has been approved by an approval authority to the transmission / reception controller.

[0020] The image transmitting / receiving system according to a sixteenth aspect is any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, in which the transmitting / receiving control device specifies the number of times the image purchased by the user can be printed, and the image receiving device causes a printer to print the image purchased by the user within the range of the number of times the image can be printed. If printing fails, the image may be excluded from the count of the number of times the image can be printed.

[0021] The image transmitting / receiving system according to a seventeenth aspect is the sixteenth aspect, wherein the image receiving device causes an image purchased by the user to be printed on a printer that uses instant film.

[0022] In the image transmission / reception system of the 18th aspect, in any one of the 1st to 17th aspects, the image receiving device accepts input of a message for an image purchased by the user and transmits it to the transmission / reception control device, and the transmission / reception control device associates the message with the image and displays it on the image sending device.

[0023] A nineteenth aspect of the present invention relates to an operating method for an image transmitting / receiving system including an image transmitting device, an image receiving device, and a transmission / reception control device, wherein the image transmitting device photographs a subject to acquire an image and transmits the acquired image to the transmission / reception control device, the image receiving device accepts input of identification information of a specific person who is a person whose image the user of the image receiving device wishes to view and transmits the identification information of the specific person to the transmission / reception control device, and the transmission / reception control device extracts an image from the image received from the image receiving device based on the identification information of the specific person, the identification information of the photographer of the image, the identification information of the subject in the image, and attribute information of the user of the image receiving device, and displays the extracted image on the image receiving device. Note that the operating method according to the nineteenth aspect may have a configuration corresponding to the image transmitting / receiving systems according to the second to eighteenth aspects.

[0024] The program relating to the twentieth aspect is a program that operates a terminal device, and causes the terminal device to perform the following functions: accepting input of identification information of a specific person whose image the user of the terminal device wishes to view, and transmitting the identification information of the specific person to a transmission / reception control device; and displaying on the terminal device an image extracted by the transmission / reception control device based on the identification information of the specific person, the identification information of the photographer of the image, the identification information of the subject in the image, and the user's attribute information.

[0025] The program according to the twenty-first aspect is the twentieth aspect, and further causes the terminal device to execute a function of causing a printer to print images purchased by a user within a range of printable times specified by the transmission / reception control device. The programs according to the twentieth and twenty-first aspects may further include configurations corresponding to the image transmission / reception systems according to the second to eighteenth aspects. For example, a failed print may be excluded from the count of the number of prints, or the printer may be limited to printers that use instant film. A non-transitory, tangible recording medium having computer-readable code recorded thereon for the program according to these aspects may also be cited as an aspect of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image distribution system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a server device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a processor of the server device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configurations of a talent terminal device and a user terminal device. FIG. 5 is a diagram (1 / 2) illustrating the processing flow of the image distribution system. FIG. 6 is a diagram (2 / 2) illustrating the processing flow of the image distribution system. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of image display content on a user terminal device. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of image processing. FIG. 9 is another diagram illustrating an example of image processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the initial screen of a user terminal device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the initial screen of a user terminal device. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the initial screen of a user terminal device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying talent information. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a time-limited photo has been distributed. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a user is encouraged to register as a premium member. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed while a photo is being printed. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when photo printing is complete. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a list of photos that a user is recommended to print by a celebrity that the user follows. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen announcing the distribution of time-limited photos. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a user searches for and determines a celebrity to follow. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a user's personal page. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a user manages celebrities that the user follows. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a celebrity's manager sets up an account. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a celebrity sets up an account. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of a screen on which a celebrity sets up an account. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a celebrity posts photos. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing another example of a screen on which a celebrity posts photos. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which a photo is registered. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which information required for photo registration is set. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of photos awaiting approval. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which photo registration details are confirmed. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing another example of a photo registration details confirmation screen.Fig. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for requesting correction of registered contents of a photo, and Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a preview screen of a photo.

[0027] [Situations Assumed in This Embodiment] This embodiment assumes a situation in which a talent photographs themselves or their friends (e.g., members of the same group) at a live concert, photo session, or other event, distributes the images, and users (fans of the talent) view and purchase the images. Alternatively, a staff member, such as a manager, photographs the talent and distributes the images, rather than the talent themselves. In such situations, a talent's fans may enthusiastically support or cheer on specific members of the group in addition to the entire group. Such "specific members whom fans particularly enthusiastically support or cheer on" (specific individuals) may be referred to as individual fans' "oshi," "oshimen," or "oshi members," and supporting such specific members may be referred to as "supporting." Furthermore, for talents who work in groups or teams, supporting the entire group or team may be referred to as "box support." Furthermore, activities by fans to support their "oshi" (e.g., participating in events, purchasing personalized merchandise, etc.) may be referred to as "oshikatsu" (supporting activities). In the following description and accompanying drawings, terms such as "oshi" may be used in this sense.

[0028] Furthermore, the following description uses the term "talent," but the scope of the person referred to by this term can be broad. Specifically, "talent" includes, but is not limited to, so-called "idols" who perform singing and dancing at live concerts and various events. It can also include singers, stars, actors, actresses, comedians, television personalities (those who host programs), celebrities, and the like who appear on television programs, online streaming programs, movies, and stage plays. Furthermore, "talent" can also be athletes such as baseball players and soccer players. A "talent" can be a person of any age or gender who works alone or who belongs to a group consisting of multiple members. In addition to the talent themselves, managers and other staff members are also included in the following description, which will be referred to as "talent, etc." Furthermore, the following description and accompanying drawings may include names of talents, group names, etc., and user names, but all of these are fictitious.

[0029] [Issues with Conventional Image Distribution Systems] When images are distributed in the above-described situation, if images of a large number of talents are distributed without distinguishing between individual members, users will have to spend time and effort selecting images featuring a specific member they support (the aforementioned "oshi"; a specific person) as the subject. Furthermore, users may desire not only images featuring a specific member, but also "images taken by a specific member" or "images taken from the perspective of a specific member." Meanwhile, service providers may wish to offer different services (such as the quantity and quality of images available for purchase) depending on user attribute information (such as membership type and rank). However, conventional technologies have not been able to deliver optimal images taking these various conditions into consideration.

[0030] The present inventors have conducted extensive research in light of the above circumstances and have come up with the idea for the present invention. Hereinafter, specific aspects of an image transmission / reception system, an operation method of the image transmission / reception system, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] [First Embodiment] [Configuration of Image Delivery System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image delivery system 10 (image transmission / reception system) according to a first embodiment. The image delivery system 10 includes a server device 100 (transmission / reception controller), a talent terminal device 200 (image transmission device), and a user terminal device 300 (image reception device, terminal device), which are connected via a network NW. The connection may be wired or wireless. A printer 400 (printer) is connected to the user terminal device 300. The image delivery system 10 may include multiple server devices 100, in which case the load may be distributed across the multiple server devices. Furthermore, there may be one or more talent terminal devices 200 and user terminal devices 300.

[0032] The image distribution system 10, configured as described above, transmits and receives images between the talent terminal device 200 and the user terminal device 300, and distributes talent images to users. In this embodiment, the images distributed in this manner, additional information such as comments on the images, products such as film on which the images and additional information are printed, or the entire service provided by the image distribution system 10 may be collectively referred to as "photos." This "photo" may also be replaced with the name of a photo-related product or service (e.g., "Instax" (registered trademark) manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation).

[0033] [Meaning of "User" in the Present Embodiment] In the present embodiment, fans who view, purchase, print, etc., photos (images) are "users" of the image distribution system 10 and its services, but other users of the image distribution system 10 and its services, i.e., talents, managers, and other staff who distribute images, can also be called "users." However, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, when "user" is written without limitation, it means "fans who support talents" and "users of user terminal devices 300."

[0034] [Configuration of Server Device] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of server device 100 (transmission / reception controller). As shown in the figure, server device 100 includes a processor 102 (processor), ROM 104 (ROM: Read Only Memory, a non-transitory, tangible recording medium), RAM 106 (RAM: Random Access Memory), an operation unit 108, a speaker 110, a display 112, an input / output interface 114, and a recording device 116. These components are connected via a bus 118 and communicate as needed. Furthermore, under the control of processor 102, server device 100 communicates with entertainer terminal devices 200 and user terminal devices 300 via input / output interface 114 and network NW.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor 102. An overview of these functions is provided below. The account management unit 102A manages the registration and deletion of talent and user accounts, changes to registered information, and manages billing and points associated with service usage. The image extraction unit 102B extracts images from images posted by talents (images received by the server device 100 from the talent terminal device 200; the "photos" described above) based on the talent's identification information, etc. The image processing unit 102C performs image processing (e.g., see FIGS. 8 and 9 described below) on the extracted images based on user instructions, attribute information, etc. The input / output control unit 102D controls communication between the talent terminal device 200 and the user terminal device 300 via the input / output interface 114, transmits and receives account information and images, controls display, etc., and controls the input / output of information with the recording device 116.

[0036] The processor 102 is composed of various processors and electrical circuits, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The functions of the processor 102 do not necessarily correspond one-to-one to the processors and electrical circuits. Multiple functions may be realized by a single processor, or a single function may be realized by multiple processors. When these processors and electrical circuits execute software (programs), computer-readable code for the software to be executed is stored in a non-transitory, tangible recording medium, such as the ROM 104, and the computer references the software. The "computer" here refers to, for example, the various processors and electrical circuits that constitute the processor, and / or a combination thereof.

[0037] The software stored in the non-transitory, tangible recording medium includes programs for transmitting, receiving, extracting, and processing images, as well as data used in executing the programs. Instead of the ROM 104, the code may be recorded in a non-transitory, tangible recording medium such as a flash ROM or an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Note that this "non-transitory, tangible recording medium" does not include non-tangible recording media such as carrier signals or propagation signals themselves. When processing using the software, the RAM 106 is used as a temporary storage area or a working area.

[0038] The processing using the processor 102 having the above-described configuration will be described in detail later.

[0039] [Configuration of the Recording Device] The recording device 160 is composed of recording media (non-transitory, tangible recording media) such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, and various types of magneto-optical recording media, as well as their associated control units, and records or saves various types of information. Information recorded in the recording device 160 includes account information for talents and users, images received from the talent terminal device 200, and information on talents followed by each user (especially talents that users enthusiastically support and wish to receive photos of; the aforementioned "oshi"). The recording device 160 also stores identification information and attribute information associated with each talent and user. "Identification information" is information that can uniquely identify a person, such as a name, stage name, or nickname for a talent, and an ID, name, or registered name for a user. "Attribute information" includes, for example, whether the talent is the talent himself or a staff member such as a manager, the name of the group or subgroup (or team) to which the talent belongs, and whether the user is a paid or free member. When a person's identification information (such as name) is given, the server device 100 (processor 102) can learn the person's attribute information by using the identification information as a key and referencing the recording device 160. Conversely, once the attribute information (for example, whether the person is the talent themselves or their manager) is determined, it is possible to extract the identification information of the person (not necessarily just one person) who has that attribute information.

[0040] [Configuration of the Talent Terminal Device and the User Terminal Device] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the talent terminal device 200 (image sending device) and the user terminal device 300 (image receiving device, terminal device). In Fig. 3 and the following description, reference numerals in parentheses indicate the configuration of the user terminal device 300.

[0041] The talent terminal device 200 includes a camera 202, a microphone 204, a speaker 206, a display 208, an operation unit 210, a processor 212, a communication interface 214, a memory card 216, a flash memory 218, and a RAM 220. The camera 202 is used by the talent to capture images of themselves or other people as subjects. Note that the subject does not have to be a person (see, for example, the table in FIG. 7 described below). Audio input via the microphone 204 can be added to the captured images, and the input audio can be output from the speaker 206. The captured images can be recorded on a removable memory card 216. The display 208 is a touch-panel display, allowing the user (talent) of the talent terminal device 200 to perform operations such as tapping and flicking on the display 208. The operation unit 210 includes, for example, various buttons and switches, and the functions of these components may also be realized by the display 208.

[0042] Processor 212, like processor 102 described above, is composed of various processors and electrical circuits, and controls the various processes performed by talent terminal device 200. When processor 212 performs processing, it references programs and data stored in flash memory 218 (a non-transitory, tangible recording medium) and uses RAM 220 as a temporary storage area and work area. Communication between talent terminal device 200 and server device 100 is performed via communication interface 214.

[0043] [Functions of the Talent Terminal Device] The programs stored in the flash memory 218 have functions such as registering, modifying, and deleting accounts of talents, etc. (see, for example, Figures 23 and 24 ), taking, editing, and recording images, posting photos (see, for example, the examples in Figures 26 to 29 ), inputting messages and emotional colors (described below) for photos (see, for example, the example in Figure 29 ), and viewing comments and reactions from users. These functions can be realized by installing dedicated application software on a typical smartphone, tablet, or the like. Note that in addition to the talent themselves, staff such as managers may also use the talent terminal device 200. In this case, it is possible to install application software with different functions (e.g., the presence or absence of photo approval authority, as described below; see, for example, Figures 32 and 33 ) depending on whether the terminal device is being used by the talent themselves or a manager, etc. (differences in attribute information), or to restrict or disable the functions of the same application software depending on the identification information and attribute information.

[0044] [Functions of User Terminal Device] As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal device 300 includes a camera 302, a microphone 304, a speaker 306, a display 308, an operation unit 310, a processor 312, a communication interface 314, a memory card 316, a flash memory 318, and a RAM 320. Using the user terminal device 300, a user can search for and set the talent to follow (the aforementioned "oshi") (see, for example, Figures 10 to 12, 21, 22, etc.), view, purchase, and print photos (see, for example, Figures 14 to 19, etc.), and input messages and reactions to photos. These functions of the user terminal device 300 can be realized by installing dedicated application software on a general smartphone, tablet, or the like, in the same manner as described above for the talent terminal device 200.

[0045] [Processing Flow of Image Distribution System] Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams showing the processing flow in the image distribution system 10. Note that the processing flow described below shows an example of processing, and processing may be performed using a different procedure. For example, the order of communication between the talent terminal device 200 and the server device 100 and communication between the user terminal device 300 and the server device 100 may be reversed, or necessary processing may be performed repeatedly. Furthermore, the server device 100 may perform processing between multiple talent terminal devices 200 and user terminal devices 300 in parallel.

[0046] [Account Registration] A talent (as described above, this may be the talent themselves or a staff member such as a manager) launches an application for the image distribution system and inputs account information on the talent terminal device 200 (step S200). For example, as shown in FIG. 23 , they input an ID such as an email address, a password, a nickname, and the like. The server device 100 registers an account for the talent based on this information (step S100). Specifically, the server device 100 associates the talent's identification information, attribute information, account information, and the like and records them in the recording device 160. Similarly, a user (a fan supporting the talent) inputs account information on the user terminal device 300 (step S300), and the server device 100 registers the user's account based on this information (step S110).

[0047] [Registering Supported Members] The user enters information about a member they particularly support (the "favorite" mentioned above) on the user terminal device 300. Registration may be for one or more individuals, subgroups or teams that make up a group, or the entire group (multiple groups may also be registered). Input can be performed by tapping and selecting a favorite talent from a list of talent names, group names, and representative photos, as shown in, for example, Figures 10 to 12 . Talent not listed may also be searched for and selected (for example, tapping label 900C in Figure 10 transitions to the search screen in Figure 20 ). The server device 100 registers the member the user particularly supports in response to the information input (step S120). The server device 100 can associate the user's identification information with the identification information of the talent (the user's "favorite") and register them in the recording device 160.

[0048] [Posting a Photo] A talent or other person photographs a subject with the camera 202 of the talent terminal device 200, acquires an image, and posts a photo using that image. Specifically, the talent terminal device 200 transmits the image and additional information, such as a comment on the image, to the server device 100 (transmission / reception controller) (step S210). Figures 26 to 29 show examples of screens displayed on the display 208 of the talent terminal device 200 when posting a photo. When posting a photo, the talent or other person can check the photo layout, as shown in Figure 29, input a color ("emotional color") that expresses their current feelings, enter a comment, and specify the distribution start date and time and printing point. Note that the subject may be a person or not (e.g., a dressing room, backstage, various props, etc.). When photographing a person, the photographer may photograph themselves (the photographer is the subject; a so-called "selfie" or "selfie") or may photograph other talents. The number of people photographed may be one or more.

[0049] [Subject Recognition] The server device 100 can acquire the subject's identification information by analyzing the image received from the celebrity terminal device 200 and recognizing the person who is the subject in the image. The server device 100 may also recognize the subject using a recognizer constructed using a machine learning algorithm. Such a recognizer can be constructed by providing a neural network, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN), with the image and the subject's identification information as training data and allowing the network to learn. The server device 100 may also analyze the content of comments added to the image using artificial intelligence and reflect this in the subject recognition. For example, if a comment reads, "I took a photo with Mr. A!", it can infer that one of multiple people is "Mr. A." The server device 100 associates the posted photo with the photographer's identification information and the subject's identification information obtained through the above recognition, records the photo in the recording device 160, and publishes the photo immediately after posting or at a specified distribution date and time.

[0050] [Approval for Posting a Photo] When a celebrity posts a photo, approval by a person with approval authority, such as a manager, may be required. As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the approval authority checks the content of the image and comments, the distribution date and time, etc., and if there are no problems, approves the post as shown in Figure 32, and can request corrections if necessary as shown in Figure 33. The approval authority can give this approval using the celebrity terminal device 200.

[0051] [Photo Extraction and Display] The server device 100 extracts photos from among the photos posted by celebrities (photos received from the celebrity terminal device 200) based on the identification information of the celebrity the user particularly supports (the above-mentioned "oshi") (step S140), and displays the photos on the user terminal device 300. If comments, "emotional colors," etc. are added to the images, these pieces of information are also extracted and displayed. The server device 100 can extract and display the photos immediately after the above-mentioned approval (or, if a distribution date and time has been set, at the set date and time).

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of image extraction and display. First, regarding user X, in the example of FIG. 7 , user X's "favorite" (a particularly enthusiastic supporter of talent A; a specific person) is talent A, so the server device 100 extracts images featuring talent A. The server device 100 compares the user's input name (identification information of the specific person) with the identification information of the subject appearing in the image to extract images for which the identification information matches. Furthermore, the server device 100 may extract not only images featuring talent A (the "favorite") as the subject, but also images in which talent A is the photographer (images from the "favorite's" perspective). In this case, images with a non-human subject, such as image 802, may be extracted. The server device 100 compares the photographer's identification information with the identification information of the specific person (the "favorite") to extract images in which the specific person is the photographer. The photographer's identification information can be determined from account information set in the talent terminal device 200.

[0053] Similarly, since celebrity B is a "favorite" for user Y, the server device 100 can extract images 806 and 808 in which celebrity B is the subject.

[0054] [Services According to User Attribute Information] In the example of FIG. 7 , users X and Y are paid members. In this case, as described above, users X and Y can view images taken by talents A and B (the talents themselves) and image 808 taken by manager C. In contrast, user Z is a free member. In this case, in the example of FIG. 7 , user Z can only view image 808 taken by manager C. As in this example, in the image distribution system 10 of this embodiment, different photos may be displayed on the user terminal device 300 according to the user's attribute information. For example, paid members may be able to view both "close-up" photos (photos taken close up of the talent) and "long-distance" photos (photos taken from a distance of the talent), while free members may only view "long-distance" photos. Whether a member is a paid member or a free member is an example of attribute information. Paid members may also be further classified (e.g., regular members and premium members) and the service content may be differentiated according to the classification. For example, it is possible to differentiate between the types of photos that can be printed and the number of photos that can be purchased (number of photos that can be printed) per month (see FIG. 15, etc., described later).

[0055] The server device 100 may process photo images based on attribute information such as the user's membership type and display the processed images on the user terminal device 300. For example, free and regular members may not be able to process images, while paid and premium members may. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of image processing. Part (a) of Figure 8 illustrates an image 810 containing multiple celebrities, including a portion (area 810A) of the "favorite" celebrity. Part (b) of Figure 8 illustrates an image 812 generated by enlarging area 810A. The portion of the "favorite" celebrity can be determined using a recognizer or feature extraction, as described above. Figure 9 also illustrates a composite image of multiple images of the "favorite" celebrity, with additional decorations (here, floral illustrations). When performing this composition, the server device 100 may also composite multiple images of the same celebrity taken at approximately the same time. For example, it is conceivable to combine multiple images of celebrity A taken by celebrity B and manager C from different angles (such as the front and an angle). Alternatively, for example, a user may register his or her own image and combine it with the celebrity's image. This type of composition allows the user to feel as if he or she were photographed together with the celebrity.

[0056] The server device 100 can also set priorities for photos. For example, the server device 100 can determine whether the photographer's identification information matches the subject's identification information, and can set the highest priority for an image in which the identification information matches, i.e., in the example of FIG. 7 , image 800 of celebrity A photographing himself. This image 800 is an image of a celebrity's favorite taking a so-called "selfie." The server device 100 can then set priorities in the following order: images in which the subject's identification information matches the identification information of a specific person (images in which the celebrity appears as the subject), images in which the photographer's identification information matches the identification information of a specific person (images taken by the celebrity), images in which a person is the subject, and other images (see images 802 to 806). The server device 100 may also allow the user to change the priority.

[0057] The server device 100 can display photos according to the priority thus set. For example, photos with a high priority can be displayed near the top of the list display, or the images can be displayed larger.

[0058] The server device 100 may also change the display mode on the user terminal device 300 over time. For example, the resolution of photos may be set low immediately after the start of distribution and then increased depending on the amount of time elapsed since the start of the distribution period (after purchase, the photos are displayed at normal resolution). By implementing such a strategy, it is expected that enthusiastic fans (users) will purchase photos immediately after distribution begins, thinking, "I want to buy a photo of my favorite talent (my "oshi") even if I can't see the details" or "I want to buy it as soon as possible," while less enthusiastic fans will purchase photos some time after distribution begins, thinking, "I'll wait until the content is clearly displayed before I purchase," thereby spreading out purchase timing overall and leveling the load on the server device 100. Similarly, the server device 100 may change the cost of purchasing photos (e.g., fees, points consumed, etc.) over time (e.g., a high price immediately after distribution begins and a lower price over time).

[0059] [Purchasing and Printing Photos] The user of the user terminal device 300 can view the photos displayed on the user terminal device 300 and purchase and print the desired photos (step S330). The user cannot print photos that they have not purchased. The user can print a photo up to a specified number of times (number of prints allowed), and the server device 100 can set the number of prints allowed based on instructions input by the service provider. The printers that can print photos may be limited to those that use instant film. Such restrictions can be imposed by application software installed on the user terminal device 300. The instant film may be, for example, a self-developing instant film, in which case one side is the exposure surface and the other side is the observation surface. The exposure surface has an exposure area, a pod portion, and a trap portion, and the observation surface has an observation area, and the image is printed in the observation area. After exposure, the instant film is developed by spreading the developing solution from the pod portion into the exposure area. When the instant film is transported, a pair of rollers provided in the printer crushes the pod portion, spreading the developing solution.

[0060] If a user fails to print, the server device 100 may exclude the number of failures from the count of the number of times printing is possible.

[0061] Once the photo has been printed, the user can enter a message (such as a comment or a reaction) for the photo (step S340). For example, as described below with reference to Figures 16 and 17, the user can tap a reaction button to express their feelings (e.g., "moved," "cool," "cute," "tearful," "funny," "like," etc.). The user may also be allowed to enter a comment in text. The server device 100 can associate the message entered by the user with the photo posted by the celebrity or the like and display it on the celebrity terminal device 200 (step S170), thereby allowing the celebrity or the like to know the reaction of the user (fan). The server device 100 can also tally up the messages entered by the user (such as the number of reactions) and display them on the photo (see the example of Figure 14).

[0062] The server device 100 can display the photos that the user has purchased and printed on the user terminal device 300 even after the distribution period has elapsed. The server device 100 may also display the photos in different ways before and after the purchase decision is made. For example, before the purchase decision, possible display ways include only displaying a portion of the photo, blurring the image, lowering the resolution, or superimposing a word, graphic, or symbol such as "not purchased" (see examples in Figures 14 and 17).

[0063] When a user purchases and prints a photo, the server device 100 manages the purchase history (step S170). The server device 100 can, for example, handle billing, consume points, grant points, update the monthly print count, etc. The server device 100 may also pay a fee or grant points to the talent who posted the photo depending on the user's photo purchase status.

[0064] [Screen Examples] Below, we will explain example screens of the celebrity terminal device 200 and the user terminal device 300. Note that in the examples below, the names of celebrities, group names, etc., and user names, etc. may be listed, but these are all fictitious. Furthermore, in the implementation of the present invention, the numerical values ​​of fees and points may differ from the values ​​in the following screen examples. Note that in the places in the figures where "XXX..." is listed, comments from celebrities, etc., are displayed in text.

[0065] [Initial Screen of User Terminal Device] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen of the user terminal device 300 (image receiving device, terminal device). In screen 900, area 900A displays the user's name or a display name such as a nickname. If the user does not have a registered talent that they follow or a talent that they particularly support (the aforementioned "oshi," "oshimen," or "oshi-member"), a representative image of a talent recommended by the system is displayed in area 900B. When the user taps a representative image, the screen of the user terminal device 300 transitions to the screen of each talent (see, for example, FIG. 13). The user terminal device 300 can display multiple representative images (e.g., 10 images) and can also display them in order of the number of users following them. Furthermore, if the user does not have a registered talent to follow, tapping label 900C labeled "Find a Favorite" transitions the screen of the user terminal device 300 to a state in which the user can search for a talent (see, for example, FIG. 20).

[0066] Area 900D displays photos currently being distributed (photos that have not been purchased or printed). Area 900E displays photos that users have purchased and printed. Each photo displays the number of users who purchased and printed the photo and the number of users who reacted to the photo (by posting a comment on the photo, selecting an icon that shows the user's feelings, etc.).

[0067] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen when a user has already registered a talent to be followed. Similar to the example of FIG. 10, the screen 902 shown in FIG. 11 displays an area 902A displaying the user's name or a display name such as a nickname. Furthermore, an area 902B displays a representative image of the talent the user is following. When the user taps on a representative image, the screen transitions to the screen for that talent (see, for example, FIG. 13). If there has been an update since the last time the screen was viewed (e.g., the start of distribution of new photos, an announcement of an event, etc.), it is preferable to display the representative image of that talent in an identifiable manner (e.g., by adding a mark).

[0068] Even if a talent to follow is registered, when the user taps label 902C that displays "Add a favorite," the screen transitions to a state where the user can search for talent (see, for example, FIG. 20).

[0069] Areas 902D and 902E display photos currently being distributed, purchased, and printed, respectively, in the same manner as described above for areas 900D and 900E.

[0070] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing yet another example of the initial screen of the user terminal device 300. Similar to the examples of Figs. 10 and 11, the screen 904 shown in Fig. 12 displays an area 902A that displays the user's name or a display name such as a nickname. When the user taps area 904B, the screen transitions to a screen for registering a talent to follow. Area 904C displays information such as event announcements, and area 904D displays a list (or multiple) of currently streaming Instax cameras.

[0071] [Screen for Each Talent] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen for each talent on the user terminal device 300. The top screen displays information about the talent. In the screen 905 shown in the figure, area 905A displays the talent's name (or title), and, if applicable, the group name. Tapping left or right on area 905B transitions to a screen displaying information about other talents. Area 905C displays icons indicating the number of photo distributions, the number of followers, and whether or not the talent is being followed. Furthermore, tapping the "+" (plus or minus sign) in area 905D expands area 905D to display the talent's profile. The displayed profile information is, for example, information entered on the screens shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 (described later). When area 905D is expanded, the cross symbol changes to a "-" (minus or minus sign), and tapping the "-" closes (collapses) the profile display. Area 905E displays a message from the talent. Also, a list of photos of the talent may be displayed at the bottom of area 905E (not shown in FIG. 13).

[0072] FIG. 14 shows a screen for an individual photo of a celebrity on the user terminal device 300. The figure shows the state in which the photo has been uploaded and is now available for purchase and printing. On the screen 906 shown in FIG. 14, a notice that the photo has been uploaded is displayed in area 906A. Different messages may be displayed for normal photos and special photos (premium photos). Area 906B displays the distribution period for the photo (the period during which the photo can be purchased and printed).

[0073] In area 906C, a framed image of the photo is displayed. This image is unclear until it is printed, and becomes clearly visible after printing. In this embodiment, the period during which the photo can be purchased and printed may be limited. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the remaining time from the start of distribution of the photo is counted down and displayed in area 906B. When the count reaches zero, the display pattern changes to indicate that the photo cannot be purchased or printed. In addition, on screen 906, the background of the photo is displayed in a color or pattern selected by the user or talent. For premium photos, the background color or pattern may be different from that of regular photos to create a sense of luxury.

[0074] Area 906C displays the number of reactions to the photo by users who have already printed it. Different icons correspond to different reactions. Area 906D displays a large icon (a heart mark in the example of FIG. 14 ) of the reaction with the highest number when the user opens screen 906, among the reactions by users who have already printed it. Area 906E is a comment area, and displays the sender's (celebrity, etc.) name (title), affiliation (group name, etc.), representative image, and comment.

[0075] When the user taps label 906F, the screen returns to the talent's top screen (for example, the state shown in FIG. 13). Area 906G displays important notices in text, and area 906H displays the points required to purchase a photo. When the user taps area 906I, the screen transitions to a photo purchase and printing screen.

[0076] It should be noted that a "following area" may be provided on the screen of Fig. 14. This following area includes, for example, area 906H and area 906I, and is always displayed at the bottom of the screen regardless of a scroll operation or the like.

[0077] [Limitations on Service Content According to User Type] In this embodiment, limitations may be placed on the service content (e.g., the number of photos that can be printed). These limitations may vary depending on the user's type or attribute (e.g., general member and premium member, or bronze member, gold member, and platinum member; one aspect of attribute information). FIG. 15 illustrates an example screen displayed on the user terminal device 300 when a user (assumed to be a general member) reaches the print limit. In screen 908, a message stating "The print limit has been reached" and a message stating "Become a premium member and enjoy unlimited prints" are displayed in area 908A. Additionally, an overview of the premium membership service and a statement regarding the premium membership monthly fee and free period are displayed in areas 908B and 908C. When the user taps label 908D, the terms of use for premium membership are displayed, and check box 908E is activated (allowing it to be turned on or off). When the user checks check box 908E, area 908F is activated, allowing the user to complete the premium membership registration process.

[0078] [Photo Printing Screen] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal device 300 during photo printing. This screen 910 is displayed after the purchase check is complete and the purchase is completed. Because printing photos on instant film takes time, it is preferable to display "Printing" on the screen. The start and completion timing of printing can be determined based on information from the printer itself. In addition, in the screen shown in Figure 16, the background color of area 910A and the reaction button 910B can be the color set by the celebrity for the photo (a color representing the celebrity's emotion toward the photo; also known as "emotion color"). The reaction button 910B on screen 910 is not intended to accept taps on screen 910, but rather to prompt the user to tap on the next print completion screen. Once photo printing is complete, the screen on the user terminal device 300 transitions to the print completion screen shown in Figure 17.

[0079] [Printing Completion Screen] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of a printing completion screen (a screen displayed when the printer has finished printing a photo) on the user terminal device 300. In this screen 912, a message indicating printing completion is displayed in area 912A. The number of miles or points earned by the user may also be displayed. Area 912B displays the delivery date and time of the photo, and area 912C displays the printed photo in a frame. As in the examples of Figures 14 and 17, the photo is not displayed clearly before printing, and is only displayed clearly after printing, thereby motivating the user to purchase and print the photo. Furthermore, once printing is performed, the number of prints is reflected in the count of prints shown in Figure 12.

[0080] Additionally, a reaction button 912D is displayed on the screen 912. As described above, once printing of the photo is complete, the user can tap the reaction button 912D, allowing the user to express their feelings by tapping. The result of the tap is reflected in the reaction count results shown in FIGS. 12 and 14.

[0081] 17 is a comment area, and displays the sender's (celebrity's) name, affiliation, representative image, and comment. When the user taps area 912F, the screen of the user terminal device 300 transitions to a photo album (a list of photos recommended for printing by celebrities the user follows; see FIG. 18 ).

[0082] [Photo Album] Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of a photo album screen display on the user terminal device 300. On the screen 914, the top area 914A displays the sender's (celebrity's) name or title and affiliation. Area 914B is a fixed area, displaying icons indicating selectable menus. Area 914C is an area displaying the date of the photo displayed on the screen, and is displayed in a fixed area when the screen is scrolled (displayed in the same area on the screen). The date itself in area 914C changes in conjunction with the displayed photo.

[0083] Area 914D displays a list of photos. It is preferable to display purchased and printed photos differently from unpurchased photos. For example, as described above, it is possible to turn blurring on and off before and after purchase and printing, or to add or remove the "unpurchased" label. In addition, in area 914D, premium photos are marked with the word "Premium." Area 914D also displays the most popular reaction from all users for each photo.

[0084] [Example of photo display order in list display] An example of the photo display order in list display will be described. The display is set to newest first as standard, and only photos that have been distributed can be displayed (they will not be displayed while being distributed). As shown in the example of FIG. 18, photos are displayed in sets of three in the following order: "no enlargement," "enlarged and left-justified," "no enlargement," and "enlarged and right-justified." Only purchased photos are subject to enlargement, and if a purchased Instax is not among the three, they will not be enlarged. Furthermore, if two or more photos have been purchased, the newest one will be enlarged. If the bottom row does not contain a set of three photos (if there is only one or two photos), the photos in that row will not be enlarged.

[0085] [Details Screen for Each Photo] Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of a details screen for each photo. This screen 916 is displayed from a photo list screen or a calendar display screen. Tapping button 916A on screen 916 returns to the original screen. Area 916B shows the title of screen 916. Area 916C shows the details of the photo, and is common to both the user (fan) and the talent. It displays the background color (displayed in the selected color), the distribution date and time, the image (framed) included in the photo, and a reaction icon. The image displayed in area 916C is clear if the photo has been purchased, and blurred and not clearly visible if the photo has not been purchased. The talent's name (name), affiliation, representative image, and comment are displayed at the bottom of area 916C, and further below that, the points the user will earn by printing the photo are displayed (the numbers shown are for illustrative purposes only; the same applies below).

[0086] As described above, screen 916 can be transitioned from multiple screens, but by tapping button 916D, it is possible to return to the original screen.

[0087] [Searching for a Talent to Follow] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen (a screen displayed on the user terminal device 300) for a user to search for a talent to follow (a "favorite") . A search box 918A is displayed at the top of the screen 918, allowing the user to search for a talent by name or group name. Below the search box 918A, names or titles and representative images of talents recommended for the user (talents recommended by the service provider) are displayed, and tapping these displays transitions to the screen for each talent (see, for example, FIG. 13 ). Multiple recommended talents can be displayed, and can be displayed, for example, in order of most followed talents, in alphabetical order, in alphabetical order, or in order of most recently posted photos. The user may be able to select the display conditions.

[0088] [User's Personal Page] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a user's personal page (also referred to as "My Page"). In the screen 920 shown in FIG. 21, the user's name is displayed in area 920A, and when the user taps this area, the screen transitions to an account editing screen. Area 920B displays the user's type (general member / premium member), the number of points the user has, and labels for links to point purchases and point usage records. Area 920C displays titles acquired by the user. "Titles" are assigned based on the user's service usage status. For example, titles are assigned when a photo is purchased and printed for the first time, when a followable talent is registered, or when a photo is purchased and printed just before the distribution period. In the example of FIG. 21, the three most recent titles are displayed. If no titles have been assigned, messages such as "You have not acquired any titles" or "Purchase / print photos to earn titles!" may be displayed.

[0089] Area 920D displays the following status of the celebrity, and tapping a link transitions to a screen for each celebrity (see, for example, FIG. 13). Area 920E displays links to other functions, and in the example of FIG. 21, links are displayed regarding the connection (e.g., via short-range wireless communication) between the user terminal device 300 and the printer 400 (printer) and a usage guide. A list of notifications from the system and links to the notifications are displayed below area 920E.

[0090] [Management of Followed Talents] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a management screen (accessible from the personal page described above) on the user terminal device 300 for when multiple followed talents (also called "oshi"; specific individuals) are set. The screen 922 shown in FIG. 22 displays a button 922A at the top, which can be tapped to return to the personal page. Area 922B displays the page title (here, "Following"). Area 922C displays a list of followed talents, including thumbnail images of the talents, their names and affiliations, the number of photos posted, the number of users followed, and an icon indicating whether or not they are being followed. It is preferable that the screen 922 be provided with a function that allows the user to change the display order of the talents (e.g., by dragging and dropping). It is also preferable that the display order changed using this function be reflected in the list display of talents on other screens.

[0091] [Confirming and Editing Account Information] Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for confirming and editing account information. Screen 924 shown in Figure 23 has button 924A at the top, and tapping this button returns to the user's personal page (see Figure 21) described above. Area 924B displays the title of the screen (ID / Account Settings). Below the title, areas 924C to 924G display information about the ID (email address in this case), password, nickname, notification settings, and automatic login. Tapping the button on the right of each area transitions to an editing screen for the respective item. Tapping label 924H at the bottom of the screen returns to the system login screen.

[0092] [Talent Account Creation] Figures 24 and 25 are diagrams showing examples of the talent account creation screen. Figure 24 shows a screen 926 for inputting required fields. When selecting whether to enter an individual talent or a group talent in the upper area 926A, the screen display changes depending on the selection. Area 926B displays a label reading "Required Fields." Before selecting a profile image (representative image), a "Select Image" button 926D appears below the "Profile Image" title in area 926C. Tapping this button transitions to the image selection screen. After selecting an image, the selected image is displayed below the title. Areas 926E, 926F, and 926G are areas for entering the talent's account name (e.g., idol name), the Romanization of the account name, and the account name, respectively. Below these areas, areas for entering text introducing the talent are provided.

[0093] FIG. 25 shows a screen 928 for inputting optional items. Areas 928A-928F are areas for inputting the group name, assigned color (the color assigned to each talent; image color), birthday, hometown, debut date, and website URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Area 928G is an area for inputting URLs for various SNSs (Social Networking Services), and multiple areas may be provided corresponding to multiple SNSs. A confirmation button 928H is always displayed at the bottom (displayed following scrolling operations). If all of the required items described above have not been entered or if errors remain, this button 928H is inactive. Once input is complete and the errors are resolved, tapping button 928H transitions to the account creation completion screen.

[0094] [Posting a Photo] Figure 26 is an example of a screen for posting a photo (regular photo or premium photo) on the celebrity terminal device 200. On screen 930, if there is a "notice" from the system that requires the celebrity to take action, a message is displayed in area 930A, and tapping this message transitions to a screen listing notifications. An example of a "notice requiring action" might be, "There was a problem with the image or comment of a time-limited photo (a photo that users can purchase and print for a limited period of time) that the celebrity tried to post, and the post was returned to the celebrity after the manager pointed it out."

[0095] If there is no "notice requiring action" as described above, a screen like that shown in Fig. 27 is displayed. In the screen 932, an upper area 932A displays the talent's account name, group name, representative image (profile image), etc., and tapping this area transitions to a screen for checking and editing account information (see, for example, Fig. 23).

[0096] Screen 932 shown in Figure 27 is a screen for posting the aforementioned time-limited photo, and tapping button 932B transitions to a screen for posting a 10-minute limited photo (a photo that can only be purchased for 10 minutes). Buttons 932C and 932D are buttons for transitioning to a list screen of temporarily saved photos and a list screen of photos scheduled for distribution, and label 932E is a label for transitioning to a photo album. Such time-limited photos not only increase the rarity of the photo, but also allow fans to experience the feeling of "being connected to the talent they support right now."

[0097] [Photo Distribution Settings] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting up photo distribution. A button 934A for returning to the talent's personal page is displayed at the top of the screen 934, and a title ("Distribution Settings") is displayed in area 934B. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the talent (including the talent themselves, as well as managers and staff who have accounts) can post photos from a smartphone or photo camera (e.g., a digital camera with an instant printer that can be connected to a network). Note that the system also allows the talent to post photos with audio, depending on their settings.

[0098] [Detailed Photo Distribution Settings] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for detailed photo distribution settings (an example screen of the celebrity terminal device 200). Note that FIG. 29 illustrates the case of distributing time-limited photos. On the screen 936 shown in the figure, a button 936A for returning to the previous screen (e.g., the screen of FIG. 28 ) is displayed at the top, and the screen title ("Detailed Registration") is displayed in an area 936B. An image of the photo to be posted (as printed on instant film) is displayed in a frame in an area 936C. Tapping a label 936D below it transitions to an editing screen where the image can be edited (enlarged, reduced, rotated, moved, cropped, etc.). A button 936E is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and tapping this button transitions to a confirmation screen. If all required fields have not been entered, it is preferable to deactivate button 936E.

[0099] In this embodiment, the details that can be set may be different between normal photos and premium photos. For example, in the case of premium photos, an image color and a comment may be added to the image as shown in FIG.

[0100] [Displaying a List of Photos Awaiting Approval] In the image distribution system 10, photos posted by a talent may be uploaded and published only after approval by a manager or other authorized approver. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example screen displaying a list of photos awaiting approval. In the screen 938 shown in the figure, a button 938A for returning to the previous page (e.g., the manager's personal page) is provided at the top of the screen, and the page title ("List of Photos Awaiting Approval") is displayed in area 938B. Area 938C is an area for switching the list display target. "All" is selected by default, and photos awaiting approval for all talents managed by a manager or other such person are displayed in area 938D at the bottom of the screen. Tapping an individual talent's image in area 938C displays only photos awaiting approval by that talent in area 938D. Area 938D displays photos awaiting approval, displaying, for example, the image used for the photo, the distribution time, the talent's name or title, the group name, and any comments or messages from the talent, in order of the release time. In the case of a premium photo, a display indicating this is displayed (in the example of FIG. 30, an icon displaying "Premium" is added).

[0101] When the area of ​​one of the photos is tapped while the photos are displayed in a list, the screen transitions to a posting content approval screen (see, for example, FIG. 31).

[0102] [Approval of Posted Content] Figure 31 is a diagram showing an example of a posted content approval screen. In the screen 940 shown in the figure, a button 940A for returning to the previous screen (the screen displaying a list of photos waiting for approval or the screen notifying the user of the photo approval request) is displayed at the top, and the title of the screen ("Approval of Post") is displayed in an area 940B. The following areas are areas for confirming the posted content. An area 940C displays the number of points required to print the photo, and an area 940D displays the posted image. The posted image includes the image (with frame) used in the photo, the image color, comments, the distribution date and time, the points the user will earn if the photo is printed, etc., but other information may also be displayed.

[0103] 32 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which an approval authority can approve or request revisions. This screen 942 may be displayed at the bottom of the above-described screen 940. When button 942A is tapped, the photo is distributed (and, depending on the distribution time, may be added to a list of photos scheduled for distribution), and when button 942B is tapped, the screen transitions to a revision request screen (see, for example, FIG. 33).

[0104] [Request for Correction of Posted Content] Figure 33 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which an approval authority can request a correction of posted content. On screen 944 shown in the figure, a button 944A for returning to the previous screen (e.g., the posted content confirmation screen of Figure 31, etc.) is displayed at the top, and the title of the screen ("Enter correction request") is displayed in area 944B. Area 944C is an area for inputting a correction request to the celebrity (in the example of Figure 33, "Please correct the posting time to 20:00"). Tapping button 944D sends the correction request to the celebrity.

[0105] [Photo Preview Screen] Figure 34 is a diagram showing an example of a photo preview screen. In the screen 946 shown in the figure, the screen displayed on the user terminal device 300 when printing is complete is displayed in an area 946A. The following information is displayed: the background color (displayed in a color selected by the celebrity, etc.), the distribution date and time, the image used in the photo (framed), reaction buttons (display only, not functional), the poster's name or title, the group name, a representative image, and comments, but different displays may also be used.

[0106] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described aspects and various modifications are possible.

[0107] 10 Image distribution system 100 Server device 102 Processor 102A Account management unit 102B Image extraction unit 102C Image processing unit 102D Input / output control unit 108 Operation unit 110 Speaker 112 Display 114 Input / output interface 116 Recording device 118 Bus 160 Recording device 200 Talent terminal device 202 Camera 204 Microphone 206 Speaker 208 Display 210 Operation unit 212 Processor 214 Communication interface 216 Memory card 218 Flash memory 300 User terminal device 302 Camera 304 Microphone 306 Speaker 308 Display 310 Operation unit 312 Processor 314 Communication interface 316 Memory card 318 Flash memory 400 Printer 800 Image 802 Image 806 Image 808 Image 810 Image 810A Area 812 Image 900 Screen 900A Area 900B Area 900C Label 900D Area 900E Area 902 Screen 902A Area 902B Area 902C Label 902D Area 902E Area 904 Screen 904B Area 904C Area 904D Area 905 Screen 905A Area 905C Area 905D Area 905E Area 906 Screen 906A Area 906B Area 906C Area 906D Area 906E Area 906F Label 906G Area 906H Area 906I Area 908 Screen 908A Area 908B Area 908C Area 908D Label 908E Check box 908F Area 910 Screen 910A Area 910B Reaction button 912 Screen 912A Area 912B Area 912C Area 912D Reaction button 912E Area 912F Area 914 Screen 914A Area 914B Area 914C Area 914D Area 916 Screen 916A Button 916B Area 916C Area 916D Button 918 Screen 918A Search box 920 Screen 920A Area 920B Area920C area 920D area 920E area 922 screen 922A button 922B area 922C area 924 screen 924A button 924B area 924C area 924D area 924E area 924F area 924G area 924H label 926 screen 926A area 926B area 926C area 926D button 926E area 926F area 926G area 928 screen 928A area 928B area 928C area 928D area 928E area 928F area 928G area 928H button 930 screen 930A area 932 screen 932A area 932B button 932C button 932D button 932E label 934 screen 934A button 934B area 936 screen 936A button 936B area 936C area 936D label 936E button 938 screen 938A button 938B area 938C area 938D area 940 screen 940A button 940B area 940C area 940D area 942 screen 942A button 942B button 944 screen 944A button 944B area 944C area 944D button 946 screen 946A area

Claims

1. An image transmitting and receiving system comprising an image transmitting device, an image receiving device, and a transmission and reception control device, wherein the image transmitting device photographs a subject to obtain an image and transmits the obtained image to the transmission and reception control device, the image receiving device accepts input of identification information of a specific person who is a person whose image a user of the image receiving device wishes to view and transmits the identification information of the specific person to the transmission and reception control device, and the transmission and reception control device extracts an image from the image received from the image transmitting device based on the identification information of the specific person, the identification information of the photographer of the image, the identification information of the subject in the image, and attribute information of the user of the image receiving device, and displays the extracted image on the image receiving device.

2. An image transmitting / receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting / receiving control device compares the identification information of the specific person with the identification information of the subject appearing in the image, and extracts images in which the specific person appears as the subject.

3. The image transmission / reception system of claim 2, wherein the transmission / reception control device recognizes a subject in the received image using a recognizer constructed using a machine learning algorithm, and obtains identification information of the subject through the recognition.

4. An image transmission / reception system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission / reception control device compares the identification information of the photographer with the identification information of the specific person, and extracts images in which the specific person was the photographer.

5. An image transmission / reception system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image transmitting device accepts input of identification information of the photographer, associates the accepted input identification information with the image, and transmits the associated information to the transmission / reception control device.

6. An image transmission / reception system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission / reception control device sets a priority for the extracted image based on whether or not the identification information of the subject in the extracted image matches the identification information of the specific person, and displays the extracted image according to the priority.

7. An image transmission / reception system as described in claim 6, wherein the transmission / reception control device increases the priority when the identification information of the photographer and the identification information of the specific person match compared to when the identification information of the photographer and the identification information of the specific person do not match.

8. An image transmitting / receiving system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmitting / receiving control device processes an image based on attribute information of the user and causes the processed image to be displayed on the image receiving device.

9. An image transmitting / receiving system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmitting / receiving control device causes the image receiving device to display the image in a different manner before and after the user decides to purchase the image.

10. An image transmission / reception system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image sending device accepts input of a period for which the image is to be displayed on the image receiving device, associates the image with the image and transmits it to the transmission / reception control device, and the transmission / reception control device displays the image on the image receiving device during the period.

11. An image transmitting / receiving system according to claim 10, wherein said transmitting / receiving control device causes said image receiving device to display said image in a different manner during said period depending on the time elapsed from the start of said period.

12. The image transmitting / receiving system according to claim 10, wherein said transmitting / receiving control device causes said image receiving device to display the images purchased and printed by said user even after said period has elapsed.

13. An image transmitting / receiving system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmitting / receiving control device causes the image receiving device to display the image in different formats depending on the attributes of the user.

14. An image transmission / reception system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image sending device accepts input of additional information for the image and transmits the additional information to the transmission / reception control device, and the transmission / reception control device associates the image with the additional information and displays it on the image receiving device.

15. An image transmitting / receiving system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image transmitting device transmits to the transmitting / receiving control device images whose transmission has been approved by an approval authority.

16. An image transmission / reception system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission / reception control device specifies the number of times that the image purchased by the user can be printed, and the image receiving device causes a printer to print the image purchased by the user within the range of the number of times that the image can be printed.

17. An image transmitting / receiving system according to claim 16, wherein said image receiving device causes a printer that uses instant film to print the images purchased by said user.

18. An image transmission / reception system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image receiving device accepts input of a message for an image purchased by the user and transmits it to the transmission / reception control device, and the transmission / reception control device associates the message with the image and displays it on the image sending device.

19. An operation method of an image transmitting / receiving system comprising an image transmitting device, an image receiving device, and a transmission / reception control device, wherein the image transmitting device photographs a subject to obtain an image and transmits the obtained image to the transmission / reception control device, the image receiving device accepts input of identification information of a specific person who is a person whose image the user of the image receiving device wishes to view, and transmits the identification information of the specific person to the transmission / reception control device, and the transmission / reception control device extracts an image from the image received from the image receiving device based on the identification information of the specific person, the identification information of the photographer of the image, the identification information of the subject in the image, and attribute information of the user of the image receiving device, and displays the extracted image on the image receiving device.

20. A program for operating a terminal device, the program causing the terminal device to execute the following functions: accepting input of identification information of a specific person whose image the user of the terminal device wishes to view, and transmitting the identification information of the specific person to a transmission / reception control device; and displaying on the terminal device an image extracted by the transmission / reception control device based on the identification information of the specific person, the identification information of the photographer of the image, the identification information of the subject in the image, and the attribute information of the user.

21. The program according to claim 20, further causing said terminal device to execute a function of causing a printer to print the image purchased by said user within the range of the number of prints allowed designated by said transmission / reception control device.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having the program according to claim 20 or 21 recorded thereon.