JP2007236927A - Image delivery system and server for use in the system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply obtain a photograph by synthesizing an own portrait with a background image to be commemorated. <P>SOLUTION: This image delivery system includes: a plurality of mobile telephone terminals having an image display function and communicating with each other through an electric communication line network; a server communicating with the respective mobile telephone terminals through the electric communication line network; an imaging means for imaging an owner's portrait of each mobile telephone terminal; a specified image generating means for generating specified image data representing a synthesized specified image of the portrait based on a first image data and a background based on a second image data; and an image delivery control means for delivering the specified image data from the server to the mobile telephone communication terminal having a preset sending destination address through the mobile telephone terminal when an imge delivery request for requesting delivery of an image from a predetermined mobile telephone terminal among the plurality of mobile telephone terminals is output to the server. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image distribution system and a server used in the system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in game arcades where pachinko machines, pachislot machines, etc. are installed, services are provided that provide various information to customers using the remarkably popular mobile phone and the Internet.
For example, each pachinko machine installed in a game hall (hall) is configured so that a mobile phone held by the player can be connected, and the player can connect the mobile phone to the pachinko machine and play from the mobile phone. The model information and operation information of the pachinko machine are sent to the game information management server installed at the manufacturer via the carrier gateway network and the fixed line network. In this game information management server, each transmitted information is held in a database, and game information related to the pachinko machine is centrally managed, and game information corresponding to the type of the pachinko machine is accessed for the mobile phone to be accessed. There was what was made to deliver (for example, refer to patent documents 1).

Alternatively, an information providing web page in which information related to the gaming machine is described is created based on data input from the gaming machine, and the created information providing web page is a mobile phone owned by the player via the Internet. There is a game room upper providing system equipped with a web server that can be distributed to the Internet (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-144734 A JP 2002-336529 A

  However, although the conventional system is capable of distributing information on gaming machines and amusement halls to the last, it does not create new fun for the players themselves or between players.

  In other words, the conventional system may certainly be able to exchange meaningful game information directly related to the winning or losing of the game, but the system itself could not be used as a new amusement linked to the gaming machine. .

  For example, paying attention to gaming machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines in recent years, these perform internal lottery according to the game start signal, display a plurality of symbols in a variable manner, and are determined by the lottery result, In the case of winning, it is mainstream to have a game form that shifts to a special game state advantageous to the player (so-called “big hit game state or bonus”).

In general, the sign display indicating that the jackpot has been made is performed by various effect displays using moving images, etc., and game machine manufacturers have devised these effect displays, To attract people's interests.
In particular, there is a sign display called a premium with the highest reliability among the sign signs, and such a sign display is extremely rare, and the joy of the player who actually witnessed the premium display is immeasurable. For this reason, some players with such a sign display take a picture of themselves with the camera function attached to their mobile phone, and the game with this sign display as the background. Many of them attach a photograph of a person to an e-mail and notify a playmate that they have won a jackpot through a premium display.

  In this way, recent gaming machines are equipped with functions that attract players' interests and can be a common topic even among friends, such as the aforementioned indication of signs, and the entertainment characteristics of such gaming machines themselves A service that connects the player and the player himself is desired, but the situation is not so far.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image data distribution system capable of solving the above-described problems and a server used in the system.

  (1) According to the present invention of claim 1, a plurality of mobile communication terminals having an image display function and capable of communicating with each other via a telecommunication network, each mobile communication terminal and the telecommunication network A first server that stores a first image data obtained by extracting only a portrait from an image captured by the image capturing unit, a server that can communicate with each other via the image capturing unit, and an image capturing unit that captures the portrait of the owner of each mobile communication terminal. An image data storage means, a second image data storage means for storing second image data representing a background, and a specific image obtained by combining a portrait based on the first image data and a background based on the second image data When a specific image generation means for generating specific image data and an image distribution request for requesting image distribution from a predetermined mobile communication terminal among the plurality of mobile communication terminals are output to the server, the mobile object Through To the mobile communication terminal having a predetermined destination address via the terminal, and image delivery control means for delivering the specific image data from the server, and an image distribution system comprising a.

  (2) In the present invention described in claim 2, in the image distribution system according to claim 1, the server includes the first image storage unit, the second image storage unit, and the image distribution control unit. It is characterized by that.

  (3) In the present invention described in claim 3, in the image distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, the image pickup means is installed in a game arcade having a large number of gaming machines, and the second image data Is characterized in that it is image data of a special sign image indicating that the gaming state of the gaming machine has the highest probability of shifting to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player.

  (4) In the present invention described in claim 4, in the image distribution system according to claim 3, the mobile communication terminal includes a code reading function for reading a two-dimensional barcode and an application for making the image distribution request. The two-dimensional barcode includes information for individually identifying each gaming machine and information serving as a trigger for starting the application.

  (5) In the present invention described in claim 5, in the image delivery system according to claim 4, when the two-dimensional barcode is read by the code reading function, identification information unique to the gaming machine is sent from the mobile communication terminal to the server. The image distribution control unit causes the specific image generation unit to generate the specific image on which information for identifying the gaming machine is displayed.

  (6) In the present invention described in claim 6, in the image distribution system according to claim 4 or 5, a holder capable of holding the communication mobile terminal is attached to the gaming machine, and the holder is accommodated. The two-dimensional barcode is arranged at a position facing a lens of a camera mechanism provided in the mobile communication terminal at a predetermined distance.

  (7) In the present invention described in claim 7, in the image distribution system according to claim 6, the holder includes a game state detection means for detecting that the gaming machine has shifted to a jackpot gaming state. To do.

  (8) In the present invention according to claim 8, in the image distribution system according to claim 6 or 7, the holder includes a charger for charging the communication mobile terminal.

  (9) In the present invention described in claim 9, an image representing a portrait composed of first image data obtained from the imaging means is capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile communication terminals via a telecommunication network. A server that distributes a specific image obtained by combining an image representing a background made up of second image data prepared in advance to a specific mobile communication terminal among the plurality of mobile communication terminals, A specific image is generated from first image data storage means for storing one image data, second image data storage means for storing the second image data, and the first image data and the second image data. Specific image generation means, communication means for transmitting specific image data of the generated specific image to a predetermined mobile communication terminal, and specific image generation when receiving a specific image request signal from the mobile communication terminal Special means Together to execute image generation processing, the generated specific image, and a server and a control means for transmitting to the particular mobile communication terminal via the communication means.

  According to the present invention, for example, a telephone owner determines a photograph in which a portrait of a telephone owner and a predetermined background are combined by requesting from a mobile communication terminal owned by a player such as a mobile phone. It is transmitted to a mobile communication terminal, for example, the telephone owner himself or another friend's mobile phone. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain a photograph in which one's portrait is synthesized with a background image to be commemorated. For example, when you experience a gaming situation that you rarely encounter at a game hall, the situation is created as an image with your own portrait photo and you can automatically obtain it. As well as being a memorial, you can immerse yourself in a sense of superiority if you are among your friends.

  An image distribution system according to the present embodiment has a plurality of mobile communication terminals having an image display function and capable of communicating with each other via a telecommunication network, and each mobile communication terminal and the telecommunication network. A server communicable with each other, an imaging means for imaging a portrait of the owner of each mobile communication terminal, and first image data for storing first image data obtained by extracting only a portrait from an image captured by the imaging means A specific image representing a specific image obtained by combining a storage means, a second image data storage means for storing second image data representing a background, and a portrait based on the first image data and a background based on the second image data When a specific image generation means for generating data and an image distribution request for requesting image distribution from a predetermined mobile communication terminal among the plurality of mobile communication terminals are output to the server, the mobile body To the mobile communication terminal having a predetermined destination address via a signal terminal, in which and an image distribution control means for distributing the specific image data from the server.

  As a mobile communication terminal, it is desirable to construct a system on the assumption that a camera-equipped mobile phone is now popular, but it is not limited to this. Anything included in the category of mobile communication terminals can be a component of the system.

  In other words, according to this system, if a person who owns a camera-equipped mobile phone, for example, photographs his / her portrait with a dedicated digital camera and records this image data in a storage means in the system, An image request can be made by accessing a predetermined home page or a predetermined site via a mobile phone at any time via the Internet, for example, and a photograph in which a portrait and a predetermined background stored in response to the request are combined Will automatically be sent to your cell phone or other designated cell phone.

  That is, if a background image is prepared suitable for the place where the dedicated digital camera is installed, a commemorative photo at that place can be easily obtained. Various places such as sightseeing spots and specific facilities can be considered as places to install digital cameras for taking portraits.

  By the way, the first image storage means, the second image storage means, and the image distribution control means can be provided in the server. That is, the server is provided with a control unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device, and the like, and a hard disk or other memory as the storage device is used as the image storage means. Thus, by providing the image storage means in the server, the construction of the image distribution system is simplified. Further, at this time, it is preferable that the specific image generating unit also has the function assigned to the control unit in the server.

  Further, in the image distribution system described above, the imaging means is installed in a game hall provided with a large number of gaming machines, and the second image data is a jackpot where the gaming state of the gaming machine is advantageous to the player. If it is the image data of the special predictive image indicating that the probability of shifting to the gaming state is the maximum, the game hall can provide a new and fun service for the player at a very low cost.

  That is, a player who enters the amusement hall first takes a portrait photograph of himself with the imaging means installed in the amusement hall. The captured image data is stored in a server of the system. And when playing with a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, when a special sign called a so-called premium that is rarely seen can be produced and displayed a big hit, the player can When accessing a predetermined homepage or site and making an image distribution request, the portrait picture of the player against the premium special sign image is automatically sent to the player's mobile phone or a mobile phone specified by the player in advance. Delivered.

  The delivered special image is not only a memorial for the player, but when it is delivered to the mobile phone of another designated friend, it can be enjoyed by friends on the topic about this game, and the player himself You can immerse yourself in a sense of superiority.

Furthermore, the image distribution system described above may have the following configuration.
For example, the mobile communication terminal is equipped with a code reading function for reading a two-dimensional barcode and an application for making the image distribution request, and the two-dimensional barcode includes information for individually identifying each gaming machine, , Information serving as a trigger for starting the application is included.
In other words, there are two-dimensional barcodes called QR codes that can have a much larger amount of information than barcodes, but they can be attached to each gaming machine or printed on such a two-dimensional barcode on the game hall side. For example, if a player simply shoots the QR code with a camera of a mobile phone, the information specifying the gaming machine and the image distribution request are sent to the server at the same time. It becomes possible to.

  Therefore, the player is freed from the hassle of operating a mobile phone to access a predetermined homepage or site via the Internet and then requesting image distribution, and is valuable by a simple operation of photographing a QR code. An image can be obtained.

  Further, in order to use this image distribution system, a player needs a mobile phone equipped with a code reading function and an application for making an image distribution request. If it is constructed, it can also promote cell phone sales.

  Further, when the two-dimensional bar code is read by the code reading function, the mobile communication terminal can make an image distribution request including identification information unique to the gaming machine to the server, and the image distribution control means includes It is also possible to cause the specific image generating means to generate the specific image on which information for identifying the gaming machine is displayed.

  In other words, in this case, it is possible to display even character information indicating which game machine (where a game machine is used, the number of the game machine, etc.) in a specific image. If it is a system, it becomes PR by word of mouth for the game hall, and the merit for the game hall is also increased.

  Still further, in the image distribution system described above, a holder capable of holding the mobile phone (communication mobile terminal) is attached to the gaming machine, and the holder is a camera mechanism provided in the mobile phone in a housed state. The two-dimensional barcode arranged at a position facing the lens with a predetermined distance may be provided.

  With such a configuration, the player only has to store the mobile phone in the holder when starting a game on the gaming machine and release the shutter of the mobile phone when image distribution is desired. In this case, since the distance between the two-dimensional bar code and the lens of the camera mechanism of the mobile phone is optimized in advance, it is not necessary to adjust the focus and the image can be obtained with a simpler operation.

  In addition, the holder may include a gaming state detection unit that detects that the gaming machine has shifted to a jackpot gaming state.

  In other words, this game field body detection means may be configured to receive a jackpot signal from an output terminal from a control board inside the gaming machine, and by making it possible to detect a change in gaming state, Can be added, for example, by emitting light or sound from the light emitting means or sound output means provided in the holder to prompt the player to take a QR code.

  Furthermore, the holder and the mobile phone can be electrically connected so that the terminal provided on the holder is connected to the external terminal of the mobile phone in a normal state in which the mobile phone is held in the holder so that a functional cooperation can be achieved. It is also possible to keep it. With this configuration, the jackpot signal is input to the mobile phone via the holder, and the mobile phone can automatically capture the QR code and output the image distribution signal to the server.

  Furthermore, a charger for charging a mobile phone can be provided in the holder, which is a new service for the player from the game hall side, and can please the player.

  As the server in the image distribution system described above, an image showing a portrait composed of first image data obtained from the imaging means, which can communicate with a plurality of mobile communication terminals via a telecommunication network, A server that distributes a specific image obtained by synthesizing an image indicating a background composed of second image data prepared in advance to a specific mobile communication terminal among the plurality of mobile communication terminals, A specific image is generated from the first image data storage means for storing the image data, the second image data storage means for storing the second image data, and the first image data and the second image data. When receiving the specific image generation means, the communication means for transmitting the specific image data of the generated specific image to a predetermined mobile communication terminal, and the specific image request signal from the mobile communication terminal, Together to perform a specific image generation processing to the constant image generating means, the generated specific image, can be configured to include a control means for transmitting to the particular mobile communication terminal via the communication means.

By having such a server, it is possible to easily construct an image distribution system. For example, if the organization that constructs such a system is a company that manufactures and sells mobile phones, for example, the mobile phones handled by the company It becomes possible to contribute to sales promotion.
By the way, although the gaming machine has been described as a pachinko machine, it may naturally be a pachislot machine or the like.

  Hereinafter, an image distribution system and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which an image distribution system according to the present invention is introduced by a game hall where a pachinko machine or the like is installed.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view showing a network that connects a server that constructs an image distribution system according to the present embodiment and a mobile communication terminal, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a game arcade in which the image distribution system is introduced. 3 is a block diagram of a server in this system, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a gaming machine, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific image to be distributed, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of various data stored in a hard disk of the server It is.

As shown in FIG. 1, an image distribution system according to the present embodiment includes a server S that is communicably connected to each other via a telecommunication network such as the Internet N, and an illustrated mobile phone M having an image display function. It is constructed from mobile communication terminals such as.
H is a game arcade (hereinafter also referred to as “hole”), and includes an imaging device C that can capture images by digital processing and transmit the imaging data to the server S. C1 is a digital camera, and C2 is a personal computer having a communication function.

  That is, in the hall H, as shown in FIG. 2, a gaming island 10 in which a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “gaming machines 1”) are arranged is arranged as appropriate, and prizes are handed over or amusement park members A counter D for registration and the like is provided, and a shooting booth B is provided at one corner of the store. The imaging device C is installed in the imaging booth B. It is desirable that a blue screen is installed on the wall surface of the shooting booth B facing the digital camera C1 or a blue panel in place thereof is installed so that only portraits can be easily extracted. The wall itself may be a single blue color.

  A player who wants to use the image distribution system needs to photograph his / her portrait in the photographing booth B and register the image data in the server S in the system.

In addition, Hall H may recruit game members, and it is possible to take a face photograph at the time of member registration and use the imaging data at that time.
A member card is issued to the game member, and this member card can store various information in a nonvolatile manner like an IC card, and stores various information including the imaging data. For example, a member ID, a card number, an amount of money that a player can exchange for a game ball, a game date, a game time, and a number of winning prize balls saved. If the player inserts this member card into a card reader attached to the gaming machine 1, the player can receive a game ball lending within the amount remaining on the card, and a pachinko game is possible at any time. Note that the number of winning prize balls saved refers to a form in which the prize balls acquired by the player are not exchanged for prizes or the like but deposited in the hall H, and the accumulated number of the winning prize balls is written on the member card.

  A player who has photographed his / her own portrait then enjoys pachinko on the desired gaming machine 1 and rarely sees it on the liquid crystal display screen of the gaming machine 1 when, for example, a jackpot described later occurs during the pachinko game. If a memorable situation occurs, such as when an effect image that cannot be displayed is displayed, an image distribution request is made using the mobile phone M as a mobile communication terminal that the user possesses, thereby With the distribution system, you can receive a special image that shows yourself against a commemorative background.

  In addition to the self-owned mobile phone M, if it has the above-described functions, for example, the mail address of a mobile phone of a friend or the like is registered in advance as an image distribution destination, so that the server S The specific image is also distributed to the mobile phone M. This distribution destination registration can also be performed at the time of game member registration, for example. And it can be updated at any time.

  In the present embodiment, the memorial background is an image characteristically showing the gaming machine 1, and for example, one of the effect images described later can be suitably used.

  When a special image is to be distributed, for example, the mobile phone M accesses a dedicated website for using this system to request distribution, or calls a dedicated telephone number to provide voice guidance for the telephone. However, in the present embodiment, the mobile phone M with the camera function can be used in a two-dimensional manner to be described later so that an image distribution request and image distribution can be received more easily. A bar code (QR code) 4 is used.

  Here, the server S of the image distribution system will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the server S stores the CPU 20, ROM 21, RAM 22, portrait image data registered by the player, background data serving as the background of the portrait, and unique data of the gaming machine 1. A control unit 2 having a stored hard disk (HDD) 23 is provided, and a communication interface circuit 24 for connection to the Internet N (electric communication network) is connected to the control unit 2. Reference numeral 25 denotes an input / output bus.

  In the ROM 21, for example, a predetermined program such as an image processing program or a communication processing program for extracting only a portrait portion from image data taken by the player with the imaging device C, fixed data used by these programs, and the like. It is stored and functions as specific image generation means together with the CPU 20.

  For example, when creating the specific image P3, the CPU 20 receives the portrait of the player as the first image and the predetermined image as the second image from the HDD 23 as the first image data storage means and the second image data storage means. A background image is read out, and both are synthesized according to an image processing program. Thereafter, the generated specific image data of the specific image P3 can be distributed to a predetermined distribution destination by the communication interface circuit 24, and the specific image P3 can be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the received mobile phone M.

  The player's portrait image may be stored in the HDD 23 as image data in which only the portrait portion is extracted in advance when registration is accepted, or may be stored in the HDD 23 with the blue background and the specific image. Only the portrait portion may be extracted when generating P3.

  As described above, the server S in the present image distribution system uses the image (portrait image P1) indicating the portrait composed of the first image data D1 obtained from the imaging device C, and the second image data D2 prepared in advance. A specific image P3 obtained by combining an image indicating the background (background image P2) can be distributed to a specific mobile phone M among the plurality of mobile phones M, and the first image data D1 The specific image P3 from the first image data D1 and the second image data D2, and the HDD 23 functioning as the second image data storage means for storing the first image data storage means and the second image data storage means for storing the second image data. And a control unit 2 that functions as communication means for transmitting the specific image data of the generated specific image P3 to a predetermined mobile phone M registered in advance.

  Therefore, when the server S according to the present embodiment receives the specific image request signal from the mobile phone M, the server S executes the specific image generation process and transmits the generated specific image P3 to the mobile phone M registered in advance. can do.

  In this way, a plurality of mobile phones M having an image display function and capable of communicating with each other via the Internet N, each server S capable of communicating with each other via the Internet N, and each mobile phone An image distribution system is constructed by the imaging device C that captures the portrait of the owner of the telephone M.

  In addition, from the structure mentioned above, in this image delivery system, the 1st image data storage means which stores the 1st image data D1 which extracted only the portrait from the image imaged by the said imaging device C, and a background are represented. The HDD 23 of the server S serves as the second image data storage means for storing the second image data D2. The control unit 2 having the HDD 23, the ROM 21, and the RAM 22 generates specific image data D3 representing the specific image P3 in which the portrait based on the first image data D1 and the background based on the second image data D2 are combined. Functions as a specific image generating means.

  Further, when an image distribution request for requesting image distribution is output from the predetermined mobile phone M among the plurality of mobile phones M to the server S, the control unit 2 sets in advance via the mobile phone M. It also functions as an image distribution control means for distributing the specific image data D3 to another mobile phone M having the transmission destination address.

FIG. 4 shows the gaming machine 1 installed in the hall H. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is a pachinko machine.
The pachinko machine (game machine 1) in the present embodiment has a game area 11 formed on the front surface of the housing, and a liquid crystal display device 12 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. A launch handle 13 is rotatably provided in the lower right portion of the housing, and a player operates the launch handle 13 to launch a game ball into the game area 11, and a winning opening provided on the game area 11. A prize ball can be received by putting a game ball into the ball. 14 is a saucer unit for storing game balls and receiving prize balls, 15 is a speaker, and 16 is a lamp, and these perform effects using sound and light.

  In addition, a special winning port (not shown) called a starting port is provided at a predetermined location in the game area 11, and when a game ball is won in this winning port, on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 12, The identification image 17 composed of a plurality of types of figures and designs is displayed in a variable manner in a plurality of columns, and the combination of the identification images in all the columns when it is stopped is a predetermined combination (for example, all the identification images of the same type are stopped and displayed. ), A so-called “big hit” game is played. Then, in the case of a big win, a special winning opening which is larger than the other winning openings and is normally closed is opened for a predetermined time, which is not shown, and a big winning gaming state in which the opening / closing operation is repeated a predetermined number of times. Therefore, in the jackpot gaming state, the player can acquire a larger number of prize balls.

  When the game is started, an effect image is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 12 separately from the variation display of the identification image 17. For example, an effect display with a story characteristic is made by a unique character, and the game is excited to entertain the player.

  Furthermore, there may be a notification effect that predicts the game result. This indicates the possibility that the identification image 17 is stopped and displayed so as to show a jackpot. Usually, there are a plurality of ranks, a level that can hardly be expected, a level that can be expected to some extent, and a level that can be expected with considerable probability. Production is made. Note that whether or not to perform a notification effect, and which level of notification effect to display, is usually determined by lottery in the control unit in the gaming machine 1.

  Also, in the notification effect, there is a case where a so-called premium special sign image indicating that the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is the maximum (approximately 100%).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the game is started, the identification images 17 (in this case, numbers) displayed in three rows on the liquid crystal display device 12 are variably displayed. In the middle of the change, as shown in FIG. 4B, the special character 3 that can be said to be a symbol of the premium effect is displayed, and an indication that a big hit is made with a probability of approximately 100% is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, the identification image 17 is eventually stopped and displayed in a state where the identification images 17 are arranged in the same pattern in three columns, and the jackpot is determined.

  By the way, such a premium effect has a very low probability of being lottery. For example, the premium effect has such a probability that it will not be displayed even if it is displayed all day long. Therefore, pachinko fans have many topics related to such a premium production, and encountering this premium production is extremely pleasing to the player and even a proud species.

  Therefore, the special character 3 used for the premium effect is used as the background image of the specific image P3 in the present embodiment so as to commemorate the player who has encountered such a premium effect.

  Further, the player can immediately obtain a specific image P3 composed of a composite image of the player himself against the background of the special character 3 or tells a friend or the like the fact that he has encountered a premium performance with joy. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the present embodiment, the QR code 4 is attached to each gaming machine 1, while the mobile phone M has a code reading function for reading the QR code 4. And an application for making the image distribution request.

  In the QR code 4, information for individually identifying each gaming machine 1 and information serving as a trigger for starting the application are recorded. The information for individually identifying the gaming machines 1 includes the name of the hall H, the machine number of the gaming machine 1, the type of character used in the game of the gaming machine 1, and the like. The application is software composed of a predetermined program, and can cause the control unit of the mobile phone M to output an image distribution request signal.

  Therefore, when the player takes an image with the camera of the mobile phone M carrying the QR code 4, the QR code is read by the code reading function, and the identification information unique to the gaming machine is transferred from the mobile phone M to the server S of the image distribution system. The image distribution request including can be automatically made.

  Then, in response to the image distribution request, the specific image P3 as shown in FIG. 5 is distributed from the server S to the player's mobile phone M or another mobile phone designated in advance by the player.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, text such as “I've hit now” is also embedded in the background image P2 on which the special character 3 used for the premium effect is displayed. Thus, the background image P2 may be set as appropriate. Further, a plurality of types of background images P2 may be prepared, selected by lottery, and combined with the portrait image P1 of the player.

  In addition, based on the identification information acquired from the QR code 4, the image distribution control unit that the control unit 2 of the server S handles is displayed on the specific image P3 generated by the control unit 2 functioning as the specific image generation unit. The name of the hall H, the machine number of the gaming machine 1 and the like can be displayed as text information T as shown in the figure, such as “Horse Δ series”.

  When this text information T is displayed on the specific image P3, as shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the background image data (second image data D2) and portrait image data (first image data D1) in the HDD 23. The identification information of the gaming machine 1 for each hall H into which the present image distribution system is introduced may be stored in advance as gaming machine data D4.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the QR code 4 is attached to the left side of the front frame of the gaming machine 1, but it does not interfere with the game and the player can use the camera of the mobile phone M. As long as it can be photographed, the installation location can be anywhere.

  Here, image distribution processing executed by the server S in the image distribution system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the server of the image distribution system, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the image reading processing, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the image composition processing.

  When the mobile phone M possessed by the player captures the QR code 4 and the dedicated application software of the mobile phone M is activated and an image distribution request signal is transmitted from the mobile phone M, the signal is transmitted to the server S via the Internet N. Entered. When the server S receives this signal, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 20 of the server S first executes a transmitting terminal specifying process for specifying the mobile phone M that has transmitted the image distribution request signal (step S01).

Next, the CPU 20 of the server S performs a reading process of the background image and the portrait image (step S02).
In this process, as shown in FIG. 8, the first image data D1 stored in the HDD 23 is first read (step S11), and then the second image data D2 stored in the HDD 23 is similarly read. (Step S12), and finally, the gaming machine data D4 stored in the HDD 23 is read (step S13), and the process proceeds to step S03.

  Specifically, in step S <b> 11, first image data D <b> 1 indicating a portrait image associated with the mobile phone M that is a transmission terminal is read from the HDD 23 and developed in the RAM 22. Then, in step S12, the second image data D2 including the special character 3 for premium effect used as the background is read from the identification information of the gaming machine 1 superimposed on the image distribution request signal, and is expanded in the RAM 22, and further. In step S 12, the text information related to the gaming machine 1 is also expanded from the HDD 23 to the RAM 22.

When the process of step S02 is completed, the CPU 20 executes an image composition process (step S03).
That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the premier image generated from the background data is pasted (step S21), the player's portrait image is superimposed on the premier image (step S22), and the target gaming machine 1 (game) Data), text data such as date and hall H are superimposed on the premier image (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S04. The specific image P3 is obtained by synthesizing images through such a series of processes.

That is, in step S21, the background image P2 on which the special character 3 is displayed is generated from the second image data D2 according to the program of the image processing software and pasted on the background layer. In step S22, a portrait image P1 is generated from the first image data D1 from which the player's portrait portion has been extracted, and is pasted on the first layer, and this first layer is overlaid on the background layer. This makes the background and portrait appear to overlap. Next, in step S23, the text data is imaged from the gaming machine data D4 and pasted on the second layer, and the second layer is overlaid on the first layer. By such composition processing, a specific image P3 (see FIG. 5) in which the portrait of the player and characters overlap with each other is generated.
The first layer and the second layer may be interchanged as long as the character and the portrait are not overlapped, and the process of step S22 and the process of step S23 can be interchanged. is there.

  In step S04, the CPU 20 executes an image distribution process, and distributes the specific image data D3 to the mobile phone M set in advance as a delivery destination, including the mobile phone M that has requested the image distribution. The received mobile phone M can display the specific image P3 as shown in FIG. 5 on the liquid crystal display screen.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when a player plays a pachinko game and encounters a premier effect, when the player makes an image distribution request from the mobile phone M owned by the player, A photograph (specific image P3) obtained by combining the appearing special character 3 is transmitted to his / her mobile phone M and a friend's mobile phone M registered and set in advance. In addition, the specific image P3 also displays information on the gaming machine 1, which is a memorial and can boast of encountering a premier performance that is rarely seen for friends. You can immerse yourself in the feeling.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, with regard to pachinko games, a new way of enjoying pachinko games between the players themselves or friends including the players' friends is provided, and a new service from the hall H side is provided. Will be pleased by the player.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the image distribution system according to the present invention will be described.
A characteristic configuration in the present embodiment is that a holder 5 capable of holding the mobile phone M is attached to each gaming machine 1 in the hall H, and each holder 5 is stored in the mobile phone M in the accommodated state. Is provided with a two-dimensional barcode (QR code) 4 disposed at a position facing the lens M1 of the camera mechanism provided at a predetermined distance.

  FIG. 10 is a side view of the gaming machine 1 provided with a holder, FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the holder, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the holder. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the holder 5 is attached to the front surface of the gaming machine 1 via a stay 6. The stay 6 has a vertically long strip 61 formed with a connecting portion 60 which is folded back at the upper end and connected and fixed to the upper surface of the game island 10 or the gaming machine 1 with a mounting bolt 7 or the like, and a substantially right angle from the lower end of the vertically long strip 61. The holder 5 is attached to the holder fixing portion 62, and the QR code 4 is attached to a predetermined position of the vertically long belt portion 61.

  That is, the mobile phone M held in the holder 5 is in a fixed posture, and the QR code 4 is attached to a position facing the lens M1 of the camera function in this posture, and the lens M1 and the QR code 4 are It is in a state of being separated by an optimum distance for shooting.

  With this configuration, the player only needs to hold the mobile phone M in the holder 5 when starting the game with the gaming machine 1 and only needs to release the shutter of the mobile phone M when image distribution is desired. It's okay. In other words, since the distance between the QR code 4 and the lens M1 of the camera mechanism of the mobile phone M is optimized in advance, there is no need for focusing and the specific image P3 can be obtained with a simpler operation. It becomes.

  In the present embodiment, a holder-side terminal 50 that is electrically connected to the mobile phone M is provided inside the holder 5, and the other end of the cord 51 that includes a plurality of wires that are connected to the terminal 50 and one end is connected to the game. It is connected to an output terminal of a control board 2a provided inside the machine 1.

  Then, one wiring of the cord 51 is used as a signal communication line, and this signal communication line is made to function as a gaming state detection means for detecting that the gaming machine 1 has transitioned to the big hit gaming state, so that the gaming machine 1 The jackpot signal can be received by the mobile phone M via the holder 5 from the control board 2a.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the mobile phone M is held in the holder 5, the holder-side terminal 50 and an external terminal (not shown) of the mobile phone M come into contact with each other from the control board 2 a of the gaming machine 1. The mobile phone M can receive the output signal. Signal input from the mobile phone M side to the control board 2a is disabled.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot signal is input, the mobile phone M is loaded with an automatic shutter application that activates the camera function and controls to release the shutter in response to the input of the signal.

  With this configuration, when the jackpot signal is input from the control board 2a to the mobile phone M, the mobile phone M can automatically capture the QR code 4 and output the image distribution signal to the server S. .

  Therefore, when the player enters the jackpot gaming state, the player can receive the distribution of the specific image P3 without bothering his / her hand, and the convenience is further improved.

  The mobile phone M may not be equipped with the application for the automatic shutter. In this case, the holder 5 is provided with light emitting means such as an LED and sound generation means such as a speaker. When a jackpot signal is input to the player, the player can be prompted to shoot the QR code 4 so that the LED emits light or emits sound from a speaker.

Further, a charging function for charging the mobile phone M can be added to the holder 5. That is, one of the plurality of wires of the cord 51 is connected to an external power source, and a charging terminal portion is provided on the holder side terminal 50.
With such a configuration, the holder 5 functions as a charger, and the player can charge his / her mobile phone M during the game. As a new service to the player from the Hall H side, Can please.

  Also in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a new way of enjoying in pachinko games, and it is a system that is delighted by the player because it does not require the player.

  In any of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the service provided by the image distribution system includes a mobile phone M possessed by the player himself and a server S that operates the image distribution system. Since the burden is on the side, there is almost no need for capital investment on the hall H side, and the hall H can increase the number of customers at low cost.

  In addition, if the service company of the mobile phone M operates this system, the number of mobile phone M sold is expected to increase, and both Hall H and the mobile phone sales company have merits.

  Each of the embodiments described above is merely a specific example, and does not particularly limit the present invention. All are encompassed by the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims.

In particular, in the embodiment described above, the QR code 4 is fixedly arranged on the gaming machine 1 side. However, the QR code 4 does not necessarily have to be attached to the gaming machine 1 side. It may be printed on a card-like medium and distributed appropriately from the game hall side to the player.
In this form, the player can take a picture of the QR code 4 according to his / her convenience, can concentrate on the game during the game, and receives the service in this system when he / she desires. be able to.

  From the embodiments described above, the following image distribution system and server can be realized.

  A plurality of mobile communication terminals (for example, mobile phone M) having an image display function and capable of communicating with each other via a telecommunication network (for example, the Internet N), each mobile communication terminal, and the telecommunication network A server S that can communicate with each other via the camera, an imaging unit that captures the portrait of the owner of each mobile communication terminal (for example, an imaging device C), and a portrait obtained by extracting only a portrait from the image captured by the imaging unit First image data storage means for storing one image data D1 (for example, hard disk 23 provided in the server S) and second image data storage means for storing second image data D2 representing a background (for example, the server A hard disk 23) provided by S, a portrait (for example, portrait image P1) based on the first image data D1, and a background (for example, a special character) based on the second image data d2. Specific image generating means (for example, CPU 20, ROM 21, RAM 22, hard disk 23 of the control unit 2 provided in the server S) that generates specific image data D3 representing the specific image P3 synthesized with the background image P2 on which 3 is displayed. ) And an image distribution request for requesting image distribution from a predetermined mobile communication terminal among the plurality of mobile communication terminals is output in advance via the mobile communication terminal. An image distribution control means for distributing the specific image data from the server S to the mobile communication terminal having the transmission destination address (for example, the communication interface circuit 24 of the control unit 2 provided in the server S). Distribution system.

  In the image distribution system, the imaging unit is installed in a game hall (Hall H) including a large number of gaming machines 1 (for example, pachinko machines), and the second image data D2 is stored in the gaming machine 1 Image distribution system that is image data of a special sign image (for example, an image in which the special character 3 for the premier effect is displayed) indicating that the probability that the game state of the player will shift to the jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is the maximum .

  In the image distribution system, the mobile communication terminal is equipped with a code reading function (for example, a camera mechanism) for reading a two-dimensional barcode (for example, QR code 4) and an application for making the image distribution request, An image distribution system in which the two-dimensional barcode includes information for individually identifying each gaming machine and information serving as a trigger for starting the application.

  In the image distribution system, when the two-dimensional barcode (for example, QR code 4) is read by the code reading function (for example, camera mechanism), a game is played from the mobile communication terminal (for example, mobile phone M) to the server S. An image distribution request including identification information unique to a machine (for example, a pachinko machine) can be made, and the image distribution control means (for example, the communication interface circuit 24) is configured to output the specific image generation means (for example, the control unit 2). CPU 20) generates the specific image P3 in which information for identifying the gaming machine is displayed in text.

  In the image distribution system, a holder 5 capable of holding the communication mobile terminal (for example, a mobile phone M) is attached to the gaming machine 1 (for example, a pachinko machine), and the holder 5 is in the accommodated state. An image distribution system comprising the two-dimensional barcode (QR code) arranged at a position facing a lens M1 of a camera mechanism provided in a body communication terminal at a predetermined distance.

  In the image distribution system, the holder 5 includes a game state detection means (for example, a signal communication line) that detects that the gaming machine 1 (for example, a pachinko machine) has shifted to a jackpot gaming state.

  In the image distribution system, the holder 5 includes a charger for charging a communication mobile terminal (for example, a mobile phone M).

  The first image obtained from the imaging means (for example, the imaging device C) that can communicate with a plurality of mobile communication terminals (for example, the mobile phone M) via a telecommunication network (for example, the Internet N). A specification that combines an image representing a portrait composed of data D1 (portrait image P1) and an image representing a background composed of second image data D2 prepared in advance (for example, background image P2 displaying special character 3) First image data storage means (for example, hard disk 23) that is a server that distributes the image P3 to a specific mobile communication terminal among the plurality of mobile communication terminals, and stores the first image data D1. And second image data storage means (for example, hard disk 23) for storing the second image data D2, and the first image data D1 and the second image data D2. Specific image generating means (for example, CPU 20, ROM 21, RAM 22, hard disk 23) for generating the constant image P3, and communication means (for example, transmitting specific image data D3 of the generated specific image P3 to a predetermined mobile communication terminal) When a specific image request signal is received from the communication interface circuit 24) and the mobile communication terminal, the specific image generation unit is caused to execute a specific image generation process, and the generated specific image is transmitted to the communication unit. And a control means (for example, CPU 20 of the control unit 2) that transmits the data to a specific mobile communication terminal.

It is typical explanatory drawing which shows the network which connects the server which builds the image delivery system which concerns on this embodiment, and a mobile communication terminal. It is explanatory drawing of the game hall where the image delivery system was introduced. It is a block diagram of the server in the image delivery system. It is explanatory drawing of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the specific image delivered. It is explanatory drawing of the various data stored in the hard disk which a server has. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the server of an image delivery system. It is a flowchart which shows the image reading process. It is a flowchart which shows an image composition process. It is explanatory drawing by the side view of the game machine provided with the holder in the image delivery system which concerns on other embodiment. It is an enlarged side view of the holder. It is a perspective view of the holder.

Explanation of symbols

C Imaging device (imaging means)
H hall (game hall)
M Mobile phone (mobile communication terminal)
M1 Lens N Internet (telecommunications network)
P1 Portrait image P2 Background image P3 Specific image S Server 1 Game machine 2 Control unit 4 QR code (two-dimensional barcode)
5 holder 20 CPU
21 ROM
22 RAM
23 Hard disk 24 Communication interface circuit

Claims (9)

A plurality of mobile communication terminals having an image display function and capable of communicating with each other via a telecommunication network;
A server capable of communicating with each mobile communication terminal via the telecommunication network,
Imaging means for imaging the portrait of the owner of each mobile communication terminal;
First image data storage means for storing first image data obtained by extracting only a portrait from an image captured by the imaging means;
Second image data storage means for storing second image data representing the background;
Specific image generation means for generating specific image data representing a specific image in which a portrait based on the first image data and a background based on the second image data are combined;
When an image distribution request for requesting image distribution is output from the predetermined mobile communication terminal of the plurality of mobile communication terminals to the server, a transmission destination address set in advance via the mobile communication terminal Image distribution control means for distributing the specific image data from the server to a mobile communication terminal having:
An image distribution system comprising:   2. The image distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the first image storage unit, the second image storage unit, and the image distribution control unit are provided in the server. The imaging means is installed in a game hall equipped with a large number of gaming machines,
The second image data is image data of a special sign image indicating that a probability that the gaming state of the gaming machine shifts to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to a player is maximum. Or the image delivery system of 2.   The mobile communication terminal is equipped with a code reading function for reading a two-dimensional bar code and an application for making the image distribution request, and the two-dimensional bar code includes information for individually identifying each gaming machine, 4. The image distribution system according to claim 3, further comprising information serving as a trigger for starting the application.   When the two-dimensional barcode is read by the code reading function, an image distribution request including identification information unique to a gaming machine can be made from the mobile communication terminal to the server, and the image distribution control means The image distribution system according to claim 4, wherein the generation unit is configured to generate the specific image in which information for identifying the gaming machine is displayed in characters. A holder that can hold the communication mobile terminal is attached to the gaming machine,
The holder is
The said two-dimensional barcode arrange | positioned in the position facing predetermined distance apart and the lens of the camera mechanism provided in the said mobile communication terminal of the accommodated state is provided. Image distribution system.   The image distribution system according to claim 6, wherein the holder includes a gaming state detection unit that detects that the gaming machine has shifted to a jackpot gaming state.   The image distribution system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the holder includes a charger for charging the communication mobile terminal. It is communicable with a plurality of mobile communication terminals via a telecommunication network, and is composed of an image representing a portrait composed of first image data obtained from an imaging means and second image data prepared in advance. A server that distributes a specific image obtained by combining an image representing a background to a specific mobile communication terminal among the plurality of mobile communication terminals,
First image data storage means for storing the first image data;
Second image data storage means for storing the second image data;
Specific image generating means for generating a specific image from the first image data and the second image data;
Communication means for transmitting the specific image data of the generated specific image to a predetermined mobile communication terminal;
When a specific image request signal is received from the mobile communication terminal, the specific image generation unit executes a specific image generation process, and the generated specific image is transmitted to the specific mobile communication terminal via the communication unit. Control means for transmitting to
A server comprising:

Images