JP2001177750A - Image photographing system, image processing system, image service system interconnecting them, and photographing camera, image edit device, picture order sheet by subject and picture ordering method by subject - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image photographing, processing and service system that can effectively be in operation even if many communication devices are installed in a wide place such as a theme part through the application of its transmission reception function and to provide a photographing camera, an edit device, an individual order sheet and an ordering method that can simply and surely select photos for the purpose of creation of an album and ordering of photos. SOLUTION: The tasks above are solved by adopting the system that is provided with a 2nd communication means that transmits photographing information of an object at least in photographing, a photographing means, a 1st communication means that is in operation in interlocking with the photographing means and receives the photographing information sent from the 2nd communication means, and a storage means that stores the photographing information received by the 1st communication means and image data of an image of a subject to be photographed in connection with each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention is suitable for installation in an amusement park, a theme park, a famous sightseeing spot, or the like. Alternatively, the present invention can be used for a trip or sightseeing in a group, a shooting in a group event or event, and the like. An image photographing system, an image processing system, and an image providing system connecting these, and a photographing camera, an image editing apparatus, a subject-specific image order sheet and a subject, which are suitable for image editing such as album production and ordering by individuals. It relates to another image ordering method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, in a famous sightseeing spot or the like, a so-called sightseeing photographer has provided a service including photographing by preparing backgrounds and props for photographing. In recent years, a digital photographing print system having an automatic photographing function is often installed.

[0003] As a conventional digital photography print system, for example, a system that is installed at a key point of an attraction such as a so-called theme park and performs automatic photography when a vehicle arrives is known. This type of digital photography print system is often installed in a place where a photographing angle that cannot be taken by ordinary users can be obtained, and the user checks the contents of the photographing on the monitor at the exit of the attraction. If you like, you can order and buy prints.

[0004] On the other hand, when an individual takes a picture,
For example, in order to photograph a person riding a fast-moving vehicle such as a roller coaster in an amusement park, it is necessary to release a high-speed shutter so that blurring does not occur.
However, a beginner may not even know that an AE (Auto Exposure) camera has a speed priority mode and an aperture priority mode.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
Reference is made to a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 225, "a photographing mode selection camera and its transmitter". According to this technology, in order to realize a camera in which a specific mode is automatically set according to a shooting place or a subject, the camera is provided for each predetermined area, and a shooting mode unique to each area is provided. It is provided with a receiving means for receiving a shooting mode from a transmitting transmitter, and a means for automatically selecting a shooting mode, so to speak,
Through communication means, even a beginner can shoot in an appropriate shooting mode.

On the other hand, sightseeing trips such as school excursions, employee trips, inspection trips by tour teams and pack trips, group trips such as tours of the Olympics, soccer, tennis, skiing, motor sports such as F1 and the like, weddings, etc. In the case of a group event, such as an event or an event such as a ceremony, a festival, or various events, a group photo of the participants or a number of snapshots of each person are taken. These group photos and snapshots are commemorated for travel, sightseeing, regular and special events, and some of these photos are collected to create an album common to each person for the group and distributed to each person. Use it to select and order photos from them and create personal albums and the like.

[0007] Photographs taken during travel or sightseeing in these groups, events or events in groups, etc., are used to edit a common album for the group by using a large number of photographs output by a photographer or album editor. By visually observing the prints, the required number of photographic prints were selected and edited so that the photographed scenes and the participants were not extremely biased. In addition, photos taken during travel or sightseeing in these groups, events or events in groups, etc. are all posted or all put in albums, and are available for browsing for individual orders. Was. However, in order to order a picture of yourself out of all the pictures that have been browsed by notices and albums, you need to see all the pictures, and if there are many pictures, There was a problem that it was troublesome and time-consuming.

[0008]

In recent years, large amusement parks,
So-called theme parks have been constructed in various places, and here too, there is a strong demand for the introduction of an automatic photography system using the digital photography print system as described above. The problem here is that when multiple digital photography print systems are placed in a large venue, customers using these digital photography print systems are dissatisfied with waiting for prints to be completed each time. And that when there are multiple shooting scenes, each print becomes independent and cannot be combined (in other words, edited according to the user's preference) to make prints. It is to increase the efficiency of system maintenance.

That is, when each device has an independent photographing / printing function as in a conventional device, the user has to wait for the completion of printing at each installation location of the device, which is troublesome. was there. In addition, since it is necessary to purchase prints for each installation location, it is not possible to compare and select prints, and as a result it becomes expensive, and even if there are multiple shooting scenes, editing these There was also a problem that it was not possible to make the print more enjoyable. Furthermore, since the structure of the device is complicated, maintenance is troublesome, so that there is a problem that it is not advisable to install many such devices.

[0010] In addition, the work of editing an album for a group of photographs taken during a trip or sightseeing in a group or an event or event in a group as described above is not only a time-consuming and cumbersome operation, but also an operation that is necessarily selected. There is a problem that the frequency of the participants in the photograph is not uniform, and the participants may be disappointed. In addition, when an individual orders photos taken during a group trip or sightseeing, or a group event or event, he or she is included in all the photos that have been browsed by notices and albums. To select a photo,
It is necessary to see all the pictures, and when there are many pictures, there is a problem that it is troublesome and takes time.

A first object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, in particular, the above-mentioned problems in the conventional automatic photographing apparatus, and to apply the above-mentioned transmission / reception function to realize a theme park. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image capturing system, an image processing system, and a system connecting these, which can function effectively even when many devices are installed in a large site. A second object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to create an album common to individuals for groups and order personal photos from a large number of images such as photos in groups. In addition, a photographing camera, an image editing device, and the like that make it possible to easily and reliably select a photograph for production work and order.
It is an object to provide a subject-specific image order sheet and a subject-specific image ordering method.

[0012]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention provides, at least at the time of photographing a subject, a second communication means for transmitting photographing information of the photographed subject; A photographing unit for photographing, a first communication unit that operates in conjunction with the photographing unit and receives the photographing information transmitted from the second communication unit, and a first communication unit that receives the first information from the second communication unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image photographing system comprising a storage unit for storing the photographing information received by the communication unit and image data of the image of the subject photographed by the photographing unit in association with each other.

In this case, the first communication means is connected to the second communication means simultaneously with or before or after the photographing by the photographing means.
Inquiry information is sent to the communication means of
A transmission / reception unit that receives the photographing information transmitted by the second communication unit, wherein the second communication unit receives the inquiry information transmitted by the first communication unit, It is preferably a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting information. Alternatively, the first communication unit is a receiving unit, the second communication unit is a transmitting unit, and the photographing unit transmits the photographing information transmitted by the second communication unit to the first communication unit. Preferably, when the communication unit receives the image, an image of the subject is taken. Alternatively, the second communication means is a transmission means for constantly transmitting the photographing information, and the first communication means performs the second communication simultaneously with or before or after the photographing by the photographing means. Preferably, the receiving means is a receiving means for receiving the photographing information transmitted by the means.

The present invention also relates to the above-described image photographing system, further comprising an electromagnetic wave radiating element which operates in conjunction with the photographing means and emits electromagnetic energy simultaneously with or before or after photographing by the photographing means. Means, the second
The communication means is a transmission means for receiving the electromagnetic energy radiated from the electromagnetic wave radiating means and starting up at the same time as or before or after the photographing by the photographing means and transmitting the photographing information, The communication means is a receiving means for receiving the shooting information transmitted by the second communication means. Here, it is preferable that the second communication unit includes the electromagnetic wave emission unit.

Preferably, the photographing means, the first communication means and the storage means are integrated as a photographing camera. Further, it is preferable that the number of the second communication means is plural. Here, when the first communication means receives a plurality of pieces of the photographing information from the plurality of second communication means, respectively, the image data of the image photographed by the photographing means and the plurality of second It is preferable to store the plurality of pieces of photographing information received from the communication means in association with each other.

Further, it is preferable that the second communication means is carried by the subject. Preferably, the photographing information includes identification information for identifying the subject, which is registered in the second communication unit.

Further, according to the present invention, the image data of the image corresponding to at least one of the shooting information is selected from the image data of the image and the shooting information stored in the storage means of the image shooting system. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system comprising: an image search means for searching; and an image processing means for processing image data of the image searched by the image search means.

Further, the present invention is the above-mentioned image processing system, further comprising first reading means for reading the photographing information recorded in the second communication means in the image photographing system, The image search means, among the image data of the image and the shooting information stored in the storage means, retrieves the image data of the image corresponding to at least one of the shooting information read by the first reading means. An image processing system characterized by performing a search is provided. Here, it is preferable that at least one of the photographing information is identification information for identifying the subject.

Further, the present invention is the above-mentioned image processing system, further comprising: an image display means for displaying the image searched by the image search means; and an image designating means for designating a required image from the displayed image. And an image output means for outputting a designated image. Here, the image output means is a print output means for outputting the designated image as a photo print, a medium output means for outputting an image data recording medium on which image data of the designated image is recorded, and communicates the image data of the designated image. It is preferably at least one of the image distribution means for distributing via the means.

Further, the present invention provides an image providing system characterized in that the above-described image photographing system and image processing system are connected to each other.

In order to achieve the second object, the present invention provides a photographing means for photographing a subject, and at least at the time of photographing, the subject transmitted from a second communication means carried by the photographed subject. First communication means for receiving photographing information including identification information for identifying the object, and the photographing information of the subject received by the first communication means and image data of an image of the subject photographed by the photographing means. And a storage means for storing the image data in association with each other.

According to the present invention, image data of a plurality of scene images photographed for a plurality of subjects, and photographing information including identification information of the subject photographed in each image in association with the image data of each image. From a plurality of scene images selected for editing as an album from among the plurality of scene images, the image data of those images and stored in association with the image data. Reading means for reading the photographing information, display means for displaying a reproduced image of the image data read by the reading means, and each of the plurality of subjects photographed in the selected several images. Counting means for counting the number of times a subject has been imaged based on the identification information of each subject read by the reading means Has, there is provided an image editing apparatus and displaying the shooting frequency of the respective objects which are counted by the counting unit on the display unit for the plurality of subjects. Further, the present invention is the image editing apparatus, further comprising an image search unit that searches for image data of the image stored in the storage unit in association with the shooting information using the shooting information. The image search means searches for an image of the subject in which the shooting frequency of each subject displayed on the display means is out of a preset frequency range by using shooting information of the subject. The present invention also provides an image editing apparatus wherein the retrieved image is read by the reading means and displayed on the display means.

The present invention is also the above image editing apparatus, further comprising the step of selecting the selected number when the photographing frequency of each subject displayed on the display means falls within a preset frequency range. Image synthesizing means for synthesizing the image data of some of the selected images so that the image of the selected image is edited as an album, wherein the image is edited as an album based on the image data synthesized by the image synthesizing means. Further, the present invention provides an image editing apparatus characterized by displaying the some images on the display means.
Here, the image synthesizing means may include information relating to photographing information of a subject photographed in at least one of the several images edited as an album as text or line drawing data in the one image. It is preferable to synthesize Further, the present invention is the image editing apparatus, further comprising image output means for outputting the some images edited as an album, synthesized as image data by the image synthesis means. An image editing device is provided. Here, it is preferable that the storage unit is the storage unit that stores an image photographed by the photographing unit in the image photographing system or the photographing camera.

Further, the present invention relates to image data of a plurality of scenes photographed for a plurality of subjects including a specific subject, and identifying the subject photographed in each image in association with the image data of each image. A storage unit for storing shooting information including information, and searching for images using a plurality of scenes stored in the storage unit using the shooting information related to a specific subject; Image search means for selecting the plurality of images to be read, and reading means for reading out the image data of the plurality of selected images and the shooting information stored in association therewith, searched by the search means, Image processing means for creating image data of each reduced image of the plurality of images from image data of the plurality of images read by the reading means; The subject name, the image data of each reduced image of the plurality of images, the order number of each image corresponding to each reduced image, and the order number entry column provided corresponding to each order number are used as subject-specific image order sheets. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image editing apparatus comprising a synthesizing means for synthesizing, and an image output means for outputting the image order sheet for each subject synthesized by the synthesizing means. Here, it is preferable that a title is further combined with the subject-specific image order sheet.

The present invention also relates to the above image editing apparatus, further comprising: a search result by the image search means, an image or photographing information read by the reading means, and the plurality of images created by the image processing means. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image editing apparatus having display means for displaying at least one of the reduced image of the image and the subject-specific image order sheet synthesized by the synthesis means. Here, it is preferable that the storage unit is the storage unit that stores an image captured by the imaging unit in the image capturing system or the capturing camera. Further, the plurality of images related to the specific subject is an image in which the specific subject is photographed,
Alternatively, the image is preferably an image in which at least one of a plurality of subjects belonging to a specific group to which the specific subject belongs is photographed.

Further, the present invention provides a method of setting a name of a specific subject,
It corresponds to reduced images of a plurality of images related to the specific subject selected from images of a plurality of scenes photographed for the plurality of subjects including the specific subject, and reduced images of the plurality of images. An object-specific image order sheet is provided, which has an order number of each image and an order number entry column provided corresponding to each order number. Preferably, the order form further has a title that includes the name of the particular matter in which the particular subject participated, and the images of the plurality of scenes are for the plurality of subjects photographed in the particular matter. Preferably, it is

According to the present invention, a plurality of images related to the specific subject selected from a plurality of scene images photographed for the plurality of subjects including the specific subject are provided. Data that can display on the image display means a subject-specific image order sheet including a reduced image, an order number of each image corresponding to the reduced images of the plurality of images, and an order number entry column provided corresponding to each order number. And distributes the image via the communication means, displays the image on the image display means of the specific subject, and receives the number of ordered images of each image input in the order number entry field by the specific subject via the communication means. The object of the present invention is to provide a method for ordering images by subject. Preferably, the order sheet further has a title that includes the name of a particular matter in which the particular subject participated, and the images of the plurality of scenes include images of the plurality of subjects photographed in the particular matter. Preferably, it is

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image photographing system according to the present invention,
An image processing system, an image providing system connecting them, a photographing camera, an image editing apparatus, a subject-specific image ordering sheet, and a subject-specific image ordering method will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams schematically showing the outlines of an embodiment of an image photographing system and an image providing system according to the present invention, respectively. FIG.
The image photographing system 10 shown in FIG. 1A is basically constituted by a pair of a two-way communication device 12 for transmitting and receiving a user and a photographing unit 14 including a photographing device 16 represented by a digital camera. Things. Here, the photographing unit 14 is a photographing device 1 for photographing a user.
6, a bidirectional communication device 18 for transmission and reception on the unit side for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the communication device 12 on the user side, and image data of an image photographed by the photographing device 16 and usage received from the communication device 12 on the user side. And an image memory 20 that stores (stores) information such as identification codes and numbers of persons (hereinafter also referred to as ID information) in association with each other.

The image (image data) stored in the image memory 20 in association with the user ID information is stored in an image processing system (not shown here, but described later) (see reference numeral 26 in FIG. 2). Input, image processing there,
Preferably, thereafter, the image data is output, for example, as a print or an image data recording medium for storing the processed image data, or the processed image data is displayed on a monitor or distributed via the Internet or the like. The input of the ID information and the image data in the image memory 20 to the image processing system 26 may be performed via a communication line, or the image memory 20 may be removed from the imaging unit 14 as a portable memory and transported. It may be set to be read in.

The image providing system 22 shown in FIG.
Is a photographing system 10a including a plurality of communication devices 12 and a plurality of photographing units 14a, and a server 24 connected to the plurality of photographing units 14a and storing image data and ID information acquired by the photographing apparatus.
And an image processing system 26 that processes image data stored in the server 24 and preferably outputs an image such as a print (print output, medium output, monitor display, network distribution, etc.). The photographing system 10a of the image providing system 22 in the illustrated example includes a photographing unit 14 having a photographing device 16 and a communication device 18 by removing the image memory 20 of the photographing unit 14 of the photographing system 10 shown in FIG.
It is characterized by the fact that the system has been systematized by collecting the removed memory in the memory 24a of the server 24, thereby making it easier to handle. Note that the photographing system 10a used in the image providing system 22
In, some or all of the photographing units 14a may be replaced with the photographing units 14 used in the photographing system 10, or one or several images of image data may be temporarily stored in some or all of the photographing units 14a. (Storage)
A temporary memory may be provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of one embodiment of the image providing system 22 shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). The image providing system 22 shown in FIG. 2 includes a plurality of imaging systems 10 and 10 having different configurations and types.
a and 10b, a server 24, and a plurality of image processing systems 26. Here, as described above, the imaging system 10 stores, as image data, the two-way communication device 12 for transmission and reception, the digital camera 16a as the imaging device, the two-way communication device 18 for transmission and reception, and the digital camera 16a. A photographing unit 14 having an image memory 20. Also, the photographing system 1
0a includes the communication device 12 and the imaging unit 14a including the digital camera 16a and the communication device 18 as described above. Imaging systems 10 and 10
“a” is an image capturing system in which image capturing is performed spontaneously. Therefore, the image capturing units 14 and 14a are both types of image capturing units that spontaneously image the user (customer) who owns the bidirectional communication device 12 for transmission and reception as a subject.

On the other hand, the photographing system 10b has a transmitting communication device 12a and a photographing unit 14b including a digital camera 16a, a receiving communication device 18a and a monitor 28, which are photographing devices. Is a photographing system in which is performed. Therefore,
When the user owning the transmission communication device 12a requests photographing by himself, the photographing unit 14b
This is a user-instruction type photographing unit for photographing a user or a person related thereto. As described above, the image providing system 22 according to the present embodiment includes such an imaging unit 1.
In addition to the above, two types of photographing units 14a and 14b are appropriately arranged according to the photographing point, and the photographing system 10 and the communication devices 12 and 12a owned (or carried or carried) by the user. 10a and 10b. Note that the image providing system 22 in the illustrated example includes a plurality of three types of the imaging unit 14, the imaging unit 14a, and the imaging unit 14b, respectively.
2 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one of these at least one imaging unit is provided, and at least one imaging unit (not shown) further including an image memory in the imaging unit 14b is provided. It may be.

FIG. 3 shows a photographing system 1 of the spontaneous photographing type.
2 shows a detailed configuration of an embodiment of the photographing unit 14 of No. 0.
In the photographing unit 14a shown in FIG. 3, reference numeral 16 denotes a digital camera for photographing as described above, and reference numeral 18 issues an inquiry signal to the transmission / reception communication device 12 carried or carried by the user at the time of photographing as described above, and responds thereto. User ID registered in the communication device 12 to be issued
A transmission / reception communication device on the unit side for receiving photographing information including, for example, an image memory for storing (storing) an image (image data) photographed by the digital camera 16a in association with ID information as described above; Reference numeral 30 denotes an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on an image (image data) captured by the digital camera 16a and stored in the image memory 20, and 32 denotes a communication line between the server 24 and at least one of the image processing system 26 A communication control unit 34 for controlling the main photographing system 10a and the photographing unit 1
4A shows a control unit (CPU / memory) that performs overall control of 4a. Needless to say, instead of the digital camera 16a, other photographing means and image information storage means may be appropriately combined and used. The image memory 2
When 0 is a portable memory, the communication control unit 32 does not have to have it. Further, the transmission and reception between the communication devices 12 and 18 may be controlled by the communication control unit 32.

FIG. 4 shows a photographing system 1 of a spontaneous photographing type.
5 shows a detailed configuration of an embodiment of the photographing unit 14a of the camera 0a. In the photographing unit 14a shown in FIG. 4, reference numeral 16 denotes the digital camera described above, and reference numeral 18 denotes the user's communication device 12.
A communication device for transmitting and receiving the inquiry signal and the photographing information between the above-described unit and the communication device for transmitting and receiving the unit; 30a, an image processing unit for performing predetermined image processing on an image (image data) photographed by the digital camera 16a; The communication control unit described above,
Reference numeral 34a denotes the main photographing system 10a and the photographing unit 14.
3 shows a control unit (CPU / memory) that performs overall control of “a”.

On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows a detailed configuration of one embodiment of the photographing unit 14b of the photographing system 10b of the user instruction type. In the photographing unit 14b shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 18 denotes a receiving communication device on the unit side for receiving a user's photographing request signal transmitted from the transmitting communication device 12a carried or carried by the user, 16 denotes the above digital camera, and 30b denotes a digital camera. Camera 16a
An image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on an image captured in
Reference numeral 28 denotes a monitor for displaying a captured image of the digital camera 16a after image processing by the image processing unit 30b, 32 denotes the above-described communication control unit, and 34b denotes a control unit which controls the entire imaging system 10b and the imaging unit 14b. (CP
U / memory). In the illustrated photographing unit 14b, the transmitting communication device 12 on the user side is used as the communication device on the user side and the communication device on the unit side.
a and the receiving communication device 18a on the unit side are used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the transmitting communication device 12a on the user side, the transmitting and receiving bidirectional communication device 12 on the user side is used. Alternatively, the unit-side receiving and transmitting bidirectional communication device 18 may be used instead of the unit-side receiving communication device 18a.

In these photographing systems 10, 10a and 10b, at least photographing units 14, 14a are used as communication devices 12 and 12a used as a transceiver or a transmitter carried or carried by the user.
There is no particular limitation as long as necessary information can be communicated with the communication devices 18 and 18a of the communication devices 14 and 14b, and any device may be used. It can be used as a non-contact type (wireless) IC card, such as a non-contact type (wireless) IC card, and can be used for a product monitoring tag of a radio wave type product monitoring system. A non-contact ID card with a built-in battery, an electromagnetic induction type (no power supply) non-contact ID card, and the like can be suitably used. The specific configuration of the communication devices 12, 12a, 18 and 18a will be described later. In addition,
The image processing units 30, 30a, and 30b of the above-described photographing units 14, 14a, and 14b do not necessarily need to be provided, but preferably perform image processing such as setup. Storage in server 24, storage in server 24, and monitor 2
Image data processing such as conversion into image data suitable for display on the display 8 can also be performed.

As the server 24, the image providing system 2
2 has an image memory 24a having a sufficient capacity to store (store) image data of an image necessary or sufficient for providing an image such as a print together with shooting information including ID information related thereto. Any memory may be used as long as it is done. The image processing system 26 receives image data together with the photographing information from the photographing unit 14 or the server 24, searches for and selects an image necessary for output, and performs necessary image processing. Further, if necessary, edit and convert to a format according to image output such as print output, medium output, monitor display, network distribution, etc., and create a photographic print in which the processed image is reproduced by the print creation unit. Output. The image processing system 26 outputs the image data storage medium storing the image data of the processed image in addition to or instead of the print output, and displays the processed image on a monitor, or displays the processed image. The image data may be distributed via the Internet. In FIGS. 3 to 5 described above and FIG. 6 described later, thin arrows indicate the flow of control signals.
The thick double arrow indicates the flow of data such as image data and ID information (ID data).

The image processing system 26 shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 is installed in, for example, a center having a window for dealing with a user. Are configured as illustrated. In the image processing system 26 shown in FIG. 6, a communication 36 is connected to the photographing units 14, 14a, and 14b, and communicates with the server 24 that stores (stores) photographing information including image data, identification numbers (ID information), and the like. A communication control unit for controlling the line,
Reference numeral 38 denotes an image processing unit that performs various image processes including editing and combining image data transmitted from the photographing units 14, 14a, and 14b.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a print making section for printing and developing a reproduced image of the processed image data processed by the image processing section 38 on photographic paper and producing a photographic print to be handed over to a user. . Various known printers such as a digital printer, a sublimation printer, and an ink jet printer that print and develop on photographic paper using a laser, an LED, or the like can be used for the print producing unit 40. The illustrated image processing system 26 includes an image processing unit 38.
MO, FD, which record the processed image data processed by
It also has a medium output unit 40a for outputting image data recording media such as smart media and ZIP, and a net distribution unit 40b for distributing processed image data via a communication network such as the Internet, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, any one of the print production unit 40, the medium output unit 40a, and the net distribution unit 40b may be provided.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a photographing information reading unit for setting a communication device 12 or 12a such as a user's transceiver or transmitter and reading photographing information including an identification number (ID information) recorded therein; Denotes an image search unit for searching for an image corresponding to the identification number included in the shooting information read by the shooting information reading unit 44; 48, a monitor for displaying the image searched by the image search unit 46; 42, designation of an image to be printed; An operation unit 50 for designating an editing method and the like is a control unit (C) for controlling the entire image processing system 26
PU / memory).

FIG. 7 shows a detailed configuration example of one embodiment of such an image processing section 38. As shown in FIG. 7, the image processing unit 38 includes an image preprocessing unit 38a, a read image memory (frame memory) 38b, an image processing unit 38c, a synthesis processing unit 38d, a D / A converter 38e, and a template image (background image). Image) memory 38f. Reference numeral 50 denotes a CPU / memory constituting the above-described control unit. The template image memory 38f may be formed in the memory of the control unit 50.

The image pre-processing unit 38 a
Alternatively, the (digital) image data directly received from the photographing unit 14 may be subjected to offset correction, Log
Various correction processes such as conversion and shading correction are performed. The read image memory 38b stores the image data for which the preprocessing has been completed. The image processing section 38c sets image processing conditions such as color / tone correction, magnification correction, and sharpness correction by creating a density histogram of the image data obtained above and calculating an image feature amount.

The image processing section 38c performs image processing on the image data according to the set image processing conditions. As the image processing performed by the image processing unit 38c, rotation or inversion of the image in the vertical and horizontal directions and correction of the color and / or gradation of the image are performed as necessary.
Next, image enlargement / reduction processing is performed according to the set magnification, and then, sharpness processing (sharpening processing) using an unsharpness mask or the like is performed.

The image processed by the image processing section 38c is combined with the template image by the combining section 38d in the subsequent stage as necessary, and then displayed on the monitor 48 as a combined image. Here, the template image to be combined is read from the template image memory 38f based on the designation (selection) by the user from the operation unit 42.

In the template image memory 38f, digital image data of various kinds of background images (also referred to as mount images) for commemorative photographing and bitmap image data of a plurality of types of fixed characters and fixed sentences are stored. . As described above, these data are read from the template image memory 38f by the control unit 50 when specified by the user using the operation unit 42 as described above.

Incidentally, the digital camera 16a in the photographing units 14, 14a and 14b shown in FIGS.
Is preferably a digital camera of so-called megapixel class or higher, and has an automatic exposure control (AE) function,
Auto focus (AF) function, remote control shooting function, and auto white balance (AW
It is preferable to have a function specific to the digital camera such as B). The photographing unit 14b shown in FIG.
The monitor 28 is for displaying an image photographed by the digital camera 16a (accurately, an image after appropriate image processing has been performed), and is not necessarily required.

As described above, the image processing unit 30,
Although 30a and 30b are not necessarily required, when the image processing units 30, 30a and 30b are provided,
The image processing performed on the image captured by the digital camera 16a includes, in addition to the above-described conversion processing, for example,
Examples of the processing include tone adjustment processing, density adjustment processing, and pixel density conversion for adjusting to print size.

The communication control unit 32 in the photographing units 14, 14a and 14b and the communication control unit 36 in the image processing system 26 include the photographing units 14, 14a and 14b.
Between the image processing system 26 and the server 2
The transmission / reception of various information such as an identification number (ID information), photographing information, and image data of a photographed image is controlled between the photographing unit 14 and the photographing unit 14 and the image processing system 26. It goes without saying that this communication may be performed wirelessly.

Specifically, in a relatively independent area such as a theme park, a so-called LAN (Local
It is preferable to lay an area network or the like and connect the plurality of photographing units 14, 14a and 14b to the server 24 and the image processing system 26 (there may be a plurality of the units). The communication control units 32 and 36 have a function for performing communication between the points connected to the LAN.

The image processing unit 38 includes the photographing unit 1
Image processing conditions are set from image data obtained by the digital camera 16a in the image processing units 4, 14a, and 14b (or image data obtained by performing image processing on the image data in the image processing units 30, 30b, and 30a). The image processing according to the set conditions is performed on the image data to generate output image data for image recording, and further, if necessary, further edits and synthesizes the image data.
It has the function of sending to

The above-mentioned image processing generally includes color balance adjustment, contrast correction (gradation processing), brightness correction, dodging processing (compression / expansion of density dynamic range), saturation correction, and sharpness (sharpness). ) Processing, red-eye correction processing at the time of flash photography, and the like. These processes include a calculation using an arithmetic expression, a processing calculation using an LUT (look-up table), a matrix (MTX) calculation,
It is performed by appropriately combining the processing operations by the filter and the like.

In the image providing system according to the present embodiment, when entering the theme park, the user transmits / receives a transmitter / receiver or a transmitter (ie, a photographing information including a different identification number (ID information)). , The aforementioned communication devices 12, 12a). This identification number is used when using various facilities including the image providing system according to the present embodiment. Here, the identification number (ID information)
May be different for each communication device supplied to the user, but the same ID information may be given in a group such as a family, a pair of lovers, or a group of friends. It is preferable that a part of the ID information be shared in one group, and that the remaining part be identified by individual users. By doing this,
Even if the photograph image does not show the individual user, a photograph showing other users in the group, children in the family, etc. can be obtained.

Next, the communication devices 12, 12 used in the image photographing system and the image providing system of the present invention.
a, 18 and 18a will be described in more detail.
First, FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a circuit configuration of one embodiment of an imaging system 10c incorporating the bidirectional communication devices 12 and 18 for transmission and reception. As shown in the figure, the photographing system 10c has an ID card 12b functioning as a two-way communication device 12 for transmission and reception, and a photographing camera 14c functioning as a photographing unit 14.

The photographing camera 14c includes a bidirectional communication device 18 for transmission and reception, a photographing unit 16b composed of a photographing device such as a digital camera, a storage unit 20a composed of an image memory and the like, a communication device 18, a photographing unit 16b and a storage unit. And a control unit 52 for controlling the unit 20a. The communication device 18 transmits the modulated transmission data modulated by the modulation unit 54 to the ID card 12b, and transmits the ID transmission data modulated by the modulation unit 54 to the ID card 12b.
It has a transmitting / receiving unit 56 and an antenna 56a for receiving modulated data such as ID information transmitted from the card 12b, and a demodulating unit 58 for demodulating modulated received data such as ID information received by the transmitting / receiving unit 56.

On the other hand, the ID card 12b stores the registered I
A storage unit 60 for storing D information and the like;
c from the storage unit 60 in response to the inquiry information from c.
A control unit 62 that reads information and the like; a modulation circuit 64 that modulates ID information and the like received from the control unit 62;
4, a transmitting / receiving unit 66 and an antenna 66a for receiving modulated data such as ID information transmitted from the photographing camera 14c and transmitting the modulated transmission data such as the ID information modulated in Step 4, and transmitting and receiving the inquiry information and the like received by the transmitting / receiving unit 66. A demodulation circuit 68 for demodulating the modulated reception data. Here, the control unit 62 controls the storage unit 60, the modulation circuit 64, the transmission / reception unit 66, and the demodulation circuit 68.

In such a photographing system 10c,
In the photographing camera 14c, the control unit 52 sends inquiry information and the like to the modulation unit 54 as transmission data,
Modulates the inquiry information and the like sent from the control unit 52 into modulated transmission data and sends the modulated transmission data to the transmission / reception unit 56.
Transmits the modulated inquiry information to the antenna 5 at predetermined intervals.
Send from 6a. On the other hand, when the user holding the ID card 12b enters the photographable area of the photographing camera 14c,
The transmitting and receiving unit 66 of the D card 12b is connected to the antenna 56 of the transmitting and receiving unit 56 of the photographing camera 14c by the antenna 66a.
Receives modulation inquiry information and the like transmitted from a.

In the ID card 12b, the transmitting / receiving unit 5
6 sends the modulation inquiry information and the like received by the antenna 66a to the demodulation circuit 68, and the demodulation circuit 68 demodulates the received modulation inquiry information and the like and sends it to the control unit 62 as inquiry information and the like. The control unit 62 reads the registered ID information and the like stored in the storage unit 60 according to the received inquiry information and the like from the photographing camera 14c and sends the information to the modulation circuit 64. The modulation circuit 64 modulates the received ID information and the like and sends the modulated information to the transmission / reception unit 66.
The modulated ID information and the like are transmitted from the antenna 66a to the photographing camera 14c.

In the photographing camera 14c, the transmitting / receiving unit 56
Receives the modulation ID information and the like transmitted from the ID card 12b by the antenna 56a and sends the received modulation ID information and the like to the demodulation unit 58, and the demodulation unit 58
The information and the like are demodulated into ID information and the like, and sent to the control unit 52 as received data. When receiving the ID information and the like from the ID card 12b, the control unit 52 sends a control signal of a shooting instruction to the shooting unit 16b and holds the ID information and the like. The photographing unit 16b that has received the photographing instruction control signal photographs the user holding the ID card 12b, and sends back image data of the photographed image to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 stores the received image data in the storage unit 20a in association with ID information or the like, which is reception data received and held earlier. Thus, the storage unit 20a stores the image data associated with the user ID information and the like.

FIG. 9 shows a transmission one-way communication device 12a.
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a photographing system 10d incorporating a one-way communication device 18a for reception. Note that the photographing system 10d shown in FIG. 9 is different from the photographing system 10c shown in FIG. An electromagnetic wave having electromagnetic energy is radiated from the coil 72a of the transmitting / receiving unit 72, and the radiated electromagnetic wave from the ID card 12c is transmitted / received by the transmitting / receiving unit 7.
No. 4 coil 74a generates an induced current, generates power in power generation circuit 76, and drives each circuit of ID card 12c to continue transmitting ID information and the like as long as power is available. Since the other components have the same configuration, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The photographing system 10d shown in FIG. 9 is an ID card 1 which functions as a one-way communication device 12a for transmission.
2c, and a photographing camera 14d functioning as a photographing unit having the one-way communication device 18a for reception. The photographing camera 14d includes a communication device 18a, a photographing unit 16b, a storage unit 20a, and a control unit 52a that controls the communication device 18a, the photographing unit 16b, and the storage unit 20a. Then, the communication device 18a
a modulating section 70 for generating a modulation signal for generating an electromagnetic wave having electromagnetic energy radiated toward the ID card 12c in response to the periodic signal from The electromagnetic wave generated by the ID card 1
A transmitting / receiving unit 72 that radiates toward the antenna 2c and receives modulated data such as ID information transmitted from the ID card 12c.
And a coil 72a functioning also as an antenna, and a demodulation unit 58 for demodulating modulated reception data such as ID information received by the transmission / reception unit 72 via the coil 72a.

The ID card 12c transmits the storage section 60, the control section 62a, the modulation circuit 64, the modulated transmission data such as the ID information modulated by the modulation circuit 64, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the photographing camera 14c. A transmission / reception unit 74 for generating an induced current by receiving an electromagnetic wave having energy, a coil 74a also functioning as an antenna, and an induction current generated in the coil 74a received via the transmission / reception unit 74,
It has a storage unit 60, a control unit 62a, a modulation circuit 64, and a power generation circuit 76 that generates power for driving the transmission / reception unit 74 of the D card 12c. Here, the control unit 62a
Controls the storage unit 60, the modulation circuit 64, the transmission / reception unit 74, and the power generation circuit 76.

In such a photographing system 10d, in the photographing camera 14d, the control unit 52a sends a periodic signal to the modulation unit 70, and the modulation unit 70 modulates the periodic signal sent from the control unit 52a into a modulation signal. And send it to the transceiver 72,
The transmission / reception unit 72 radiates the modulated signal from the coil 72a as an electromagnetic wave having electromagnetic energy. On the other hand, ID card 1
When the user holding the camera 2c enters the photographable area of the photographing camera 14d, the coil 74a of the ID card 12c receives an electromagnetic wave radiated from the coil 72a of the transmitting / receiving unit 72 of the photographing camera 14d to generate an induced current. .

In the ID card 12c, the coil 74
The induced current generated in step (a) flows to the power generation circuit 76 via the transmission / reception unit 74, and the power generation circuit 76 generates power in accordance with the induction current. Each circuit such as the storage unit 60 is driven. The started control unit 62 reads out the registered ID information and the like stored in the storage unit 60 and sends the information to the modulation circuit 64. The modulation circuit 64 modulates the received ID information and the like and sends the modulated information to the transmission / reception unit 74.
Information and the like are transmitted from the coil 74a to the photographing camera 14d. Note that the power generated by the power generation circuit 76 is
As long as it exists, the transmission / reception unit 74 continuously transmits the modulation ID information and the like to the photographing camera 14d.

In the photographing camera 14d, the transmitting / receiving section 72
When the coil 72a receives the modulation ID information and the like transmitted from the ID card 12c, the coil 72a sends the received modulation ID information and the like to the demodulation unit 58, and the demodulation unit 58 demodulates the received modulation ID information and the like, and The information is sent to the control unit 52a as reception data. When receiving the ID information and the like from the ID card 12c, the control unit 52a sends a control signal of a photographing instruction to the photographing unit 16b in the same manner as the control unit 52 of the photographing camera 14c, and photographs the user holding the ID card 12c. Then, the image data of the captured image is sent back. The control unit 52a stores the image data and the ID information in the storage unit 20a in association with each other. Thus, the storage unit 20a stores the image data associated with the user ID information and the like.

The above-described image photographing system 10d
Is the modulation I from the ID card 12c as long as the power generated by the power generation circuit 76 of the ID card 12c exists.
D information and the like are continuously transmitted to the photographing camera 14d. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a battery is arranged in the ID card 12c instead of the power generation circuit 76, and the coils 72a and 74a Is provided, a receiving unit and a transmitting unit are provided instead of the transmitting and receiving units 72 and 74, the modulation unit 70 is removed, and the modulation ID information and the like are constantly transmitted from the ID card 12c. Only reception of information or the like may be performed. In the configuration of the image photographing system 10c described above, it goes without saying that the modulation ID information and the like may always be transmitted from the ID card 12b and the photographing camera 14c may only receive the modulation ID information and the like.

The image photographing systems 10c and 10d correspond to the image photographing systems 10 and 10a described above.
And 10b can be used in the image providing system 22 instead of or together with them. An image photographing system, an image processing system, an image providing system connecting these, and a photographing camera according to the present invention are basically configured as described above.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image photographing system and the image providing system according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, FIG. 10 shows a communication device 12 of a user in the photographing system 10b shown in FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a shooting operation related to the operation of “a” and the corresponding operation of the shooting unit 14b. Less than,
An example of a photographing operation in the photographing system 10b will be described based on FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 10.

When the user knows that he or she has arrived at the "photographing point for performing photographing in response to the request" by the guidance, he or she makes a photographing request using the communication device 12a if desired (step 601). This photographing request is made by operating the communication device 12a and transmitting photographing information including the above-mentioned identification information such as the identification number. This photographing information is received by the receiving communication device 18a on the photographing unit 14b side (step 611). The photographing unit 14b reads the identification number of the requester (user) from the received information (step 612), and the digital camera 16
The client is photographed by a (step 613). The photographing by the digital camera 16a is not limited to only the requester, and may include a person or an animal related to the requester. If the confirmation is possible, the requester is included. You don't have to.

The photographing unit 14b displays the photographed image on the monitor 28 and prompts the user to confirm (step 614). In response to this, the user makes an image determination (step 602) and responds with the result (instruction) to the photographing unit 14b (step 603).
If so, the photographing unit 14b transmits the image data and the photographing information including the user identification number and other information to the server 24.

Note that, in case the user is not satisfied with the current photographed image and wishes to redo the photographing (re-photographing), the photographing unit 14b is set to the above-described steps 611 to 611.
15 may be re-executed. When the photographing (satisfied by the user) is completed (step 615), the photographing unit 14b transmits the image data and the photographing information including the user identification information and other information to the server 24.

The server 24 records the received image data and the identification number in association with each other, and thereafter, the image retrieval unit 46 in the image processing system 26 shown in FIG. It is possible to search for and output numbered image data.

As a result, the user later inputs the identification number to the image processing system 26 in the center via the communication device 12 or 12a at the reception counter for the user installed in the center. , Image processing system 26
To obtain the image transmitted from the photographing unit 14b stored in the server 24 through the form of a photographic print, an image data recording medium (image data), a network distribution (image data), etc. Preparation is completed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a photographing operation relating to the operation of the user's communication device 12 and the corresponding operation of the photographing unit 14a in the photographing system 10a shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. . Based on FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 11, the photographing system 10a
Between the user (communication device 12) and the photographing unit 14a, ie, the photographing unit 1
A photographing operation based on an inquiry from 4a will be described.

The feature of the operation of the photographing unit 14a is that the photographing unit 14b is installed.
The communication device 18 of the imaging unit 14a inquires of the user's communication device 12 for imaging information,
On the other hand, photographing information is transmitted from the communication device 12 of the user to the communication device 18 of the photographing unit 14a,
It is obtained (recorded). Note that the shooting in this case is performed at a timing preset in the shooting unit 14a.

That is, the photographing unit 14a monitors whether or not the photographing timing has come, for example, whether or not the attraction vehicle has come to a predetermined photographing point (step 711). When the shooting timing comes, predetermined shooting is performed (step 717), and the user is inquired of shooting information using the communication device 18. (Step 71
2).

The communication device 12 of the user who received the inquiry (Step 701) immediately returns the photographing information including the identification number (Step 702). At this time,
If the imaging information reception signal is not returned from the imaging unit 14a, the communication device 18 repeats returning the imaging information a predetermined number of times (step 703).

The photographing unit 14a monitors the response from the user's communication device 12 (step 713). If there is a response, the photographing information of the user is read from the communication contents (step 714). Communication device 1
2 is transmitted a photographing information reception signal (step 7).
15). This photographing information reception signal is a signal including the received identification number, so that many communication devices 12
To the specific communication device 12 to notify the completion of reception. In general, at one photographing point, there are responses from the communication devices 12 of a plurality of users, but the photographing unit 14a performs the processing when there is no response from the communication device 12 of the next user. finish.

The photographing unit 14a transmits the above-mentioned image data and photographing information including the user identification number and other information to the server 24. The server 24 records the received image data and the identification number in association with each other, and as described above, later, the image search unit 4 in the image processing system 26 shown in FIG.
6 makes it possible to search for and output image data provided with the same identification number using the identification number as a search key.

Thus, as in the previous case, the user later transmits the photographing information via the communication device 12 or 12a at the reception counter for the user installed in the center. Input to the image processing system 26,
The preparation for obtaining the image transmitted from the photographing unit 14a stored in the server 24 via the image processing system 26 in the form of a print or the like is completed.

As described above, each photographing unit 14, 14
According to a, 14b,..., the image data of the photographing result obtained at each photographing point and the corresponding photographing information are stored in the memory 24a in the server 24. FIG.
Exemplifies the situation. Here, various kinds of photographing information, that is, photographing date and time,
The shooting number, shooting conditions, and user information (communication device identification number) for each shooting point (imaging system number)
They are stored in the order of shooting time. Note that this arrangement order is
Other orders may be used.

The photographing number for each photographing point is associated with image data. As will be described later, the image processing system 26 performs a search using the user information in the photographing information as a key, and This is used when searching for the target image data from the shooting number corresponding to the user information.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a record corresponding to the photographing performed based on the user information from the communication device carried by one user, or from a communication device carried by a plurality of users. 5 is an example of a record corresponding to shooting performed based on the user information of FIG. In, there is one piece of user information corresponding to one shooting number, and in, there are two pieces of user information corresponding to one shooting number.

Next, the operation between the user and the image processing system 26 in the image processing system 26 will be described. Here, the description will be continued assuming that the reception terminal is located at a reception window for a user in a center provided additionally to the image processing system 26.

The user comes to the user service counter in the center of the image providing system 22 and sends the communication device 1 to the reception terminal (photographing information reading unit 44) of the image processing system 26.
Set 2 or 12a. The photographing information reading unit 44
When the photographing information stored in the communication device 12 or 12a is read, the image search unit 46 searches the image stored in the server 24 for an image corresponding to the identification number included in the photographing information.

Next, the image processing system 26 displays the retrieved image on the monitor 48. As a display method, an appropriate method such as a method of displaying a plurality of images in an index format, a method of selecting a template based on a shooting location managed by the system and displaying it in a format combined with the template is used. Can be used. The user looks at the displayed image, decides (selects) a necessary image, its format, and the like, and requests a print production.

FIG. 13A shows an example of a display image.
What is shown here is a collection of images corresponding to the identification number of one user, and displays the captured images at each capturing point with a list. As described above, the user (or the representative of the group) selects the displayed images and requests the print production by designating the arrangement design and the like. In the image processing system 26, a print is produced for a required image by using the print producing unit 40 based on a request from the user.

As described above, when a plurality of users participate in one shooting, such as when entering a group, the shooting unit 14a or 14b
It is also possible to input an identification number corresponding to the number of users who wished to take an image to the image processing system 26, and to associate them collectively in the image processing system 26.

Thus, at the time of producing a print, for example,
If three identification numbers are input, images taken in association with these three identification numbers are displayed, so that a necessary image can be selected. In other words, it is also possible to print three photographs into one print. An example of this is shown in FIG.
(B). In FIG. 13B, 101 and 102 are images corresponding to the identification number of the user A, 103 and 104 are images corresponding to the identification number of the user B, and 105 and 106.
Indicates an image corresponding to the identification number of the user C, and such a composite image cannot be obtained conventionally.

In the above description, the output format in the image processing system 26 has been described as print. However, as described above, the output on the image data storage medium by the medium output unit 40a and the Internet by the net distribution unit 40b are used. It is preferable to be able to support other output formats, such as image distribution via the Internet. Further, as will be described later, it is also possible to record an identification number and request image output later, without directly requesting printing on the spot.

According to the above embodiment, even when a large number of automatic photographing devices are installed in a large site such as a theme park, each of these many automatic photographing devices autonomously performs photographing. This is convenient for the user, and has the effect that the automatic image providing system can be efficiently operated without any hassle for the installer.

The above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the photographing units 14a, 14b, etc. do not particularly have storage means for photographed images, and are configured to transmit and store all information of photographed images to the server 24. Depending on the case, like the photographing unit 14, the photographing units 14a and 14b may have a storage means.

In the above embodiment, the communication devices 12, 12a, 12b, 12c carried by the user
From the photographing units 14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14
d, communication devices 12, 1
Although only an example using the identification information registered in 2a, 12b, 12c is shown, in addition to this, the communication devices 12, 1
Attributes (name, age, gender, etc.) of the user carrying 2a, 12b, 12c may be included. In this case, the above-mentioned user attributes may be displayed in association with individual prints.

For example, if the user wishes,
The user once brings the admission ticket or the like recorded with the identification number back to the home and transmits the identification number from a personal computer (Personal Computer) at home via a network, so that the images stored in the server 24 can be stored. It is also possible to easily realize a service for outputting in a desired format and at an arbitrary place such as a nearby photo point.

The above-described image photographing systems 10, 10a,
The photographing units 14, 14a, 14b and the photographing cameras 14c, 14d used in the 10b, 10c, 10d and the image providing system 22 are fixedly installed on premises such as an amusement park, a theme park, a stadium, and an event hall. Communication devices 12, 12a and I
It is a preferable application example that the system is extensively systemized together with the D cards 12b and 12c.
The present invention is not limited to this, and may function as a portable photographing camera assembly that is a unitized photographing unit, and may be systemized with a card-type communication device. For example, the image capturing systems 10c and 10c
As in d, the photographing cameras 14c and 14d have configurations suitable as portable photographing cameras, and the ID cards 12b and 12c have configurations suitable as card-type communication devices.

These image photographing systems 10c and 1
0d is applied to group photos and sightseeing photos in group travel and sightseeing, group events and events (hereinafter referred to as group travel), and subsequent album editing and individual order sheet creation. You can also. That is,
ID card 12b or 1
2c with the camera 14c or 14d
, The image capturing system 10c or 10d can be configured. It is preferable that the ID information registered in the ID cards 12b and 12c include not only an ID code and a number but also identification information for specifying a group trip, sightseeing, and an event or event in a group. By doing so, as described above, the image capturing camera 14c is used in the image capturing system 10c or 10d.
Alternatively, shooting by 14d can be performed.

Of course, in taking such a group photo or sightseeing photo, the photographing cameras 14c and 14d may be arranged as the above-mentioned fixed type photographing unit, or the photographing units 14, 14a and 14b may be arranged. Participants carry or carry ID cards 12b and 12c and communication devices 12 and 12a, and take
0b or the like.

Thus, the photographing camera 14c or 14d
The image data of the images of the plurality of subjects photographed in the storage unit 20a together with the photographing information including the ID information and the like of the subjects.
Is stored. The photographing information including the images of the plurality of subjects and their ID information is stored in the photographing unit 14.
May be stored in the image memory 20 or the image memory 24a of the server 24. Using the images of a plurality of subjects and the shooting information including their ID information and the like stored in the storage unit 20a and the image memories 20 and 24a, an album creation and an individual (subject) image order sheet creation are performed. Can be edited for the purpose. One embodiment of the image editing apparatus according to the present invention for editing such an image is shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 14, an image editing apparatus 80 of the present invention is an image editing apparatus for an album creating apparatus for editing images when creating an album. A search unit 82, an image reading unit 83,
A counting unit 84, an image synthesizing unit 85, an image output unit 86,
A display unit 87. Here, in the image memory 81,
Photographing information including images of a plurality of subjects and their ID information and the like stored in the storage unit 20a, the image memories 20 and 24a, and the like are read and stored by known means. The image data stored in the image memory 81 has been subjected to image processing required for image output.
It is preferable that the data is so-called image-processed image data.

The image retrieval unit 82 is used to identify the identification information relating to a certain group trip or the like and the I of the specific individual (subject) of the participant.
Using the D information, each of the image memories 81 is searched to extract a corresponding (hit) image. Image reading unit 83
Reads from the image memory 81 the image data of the image extracted by the image search unit 82 and the imaging information (including ID information) associated therewith. Note that the image reading unit 83 may read out only the image data of the image selected for creating the album and the photographing information thereof. The counting unit 84 counts, for each of the plurality of images selected for creating the album, the appearance frequency (that is, the shooting frequency) of the subject in each of the plurality of images. Here, the counting unit 84 may also serve as the control unit (CPU) of the image editing device 80.

The image synthesizing section 85 is used for creating an album when the photographing frequency of each subject (each participant) by the counting section 84 is equal or substantially equal, or within a predetermined range. The plurality of images (image data) selected and read by the image reading unit 83 are edited for an album, and, for example, a plurality of photographic images are directly displayed on one page of the album, or are scaled or trimmed. Then, if necessary, characters, phrases, sentences, line drawings, and characters are combined to create image data for each page of the album. At this time, particularly in the case of a group photo, it is preferable to combine the name of the individual subject within or outside the image.

The image output section 86 outputs the image (image data) of each page edited for the album as a print image (hard copy image) over all pages. The print of each page of the album output in this way is bound for all pages,
Created as one album. The image output unit 8
No. 6 is not limited to the one that outputs each page of the album as a hard copy image, and is distributed over a network via an image data recording medium that records data including the image of each page of the album or a communication means such as the Internet. There may be. The display unit 87 displays search results by the image search unit 82,
A monitor for displaying a reproduced image of the image data read by the image reading unit 83 and its photographing information (ID information, etc.), a counting result by the counting unit 84, a combined image of each page of the album by the image combining unit 85, and the like. (Display).

The image editing apparatus used for creating an album according to the present invention is basically configured as described above. The operation of the apparatus will be described below. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an image editing method for creating an album by the image editing device 80 of FIG. First, step 701 in FIG.
, All the image data of one group trip or the like for which an album is to be created from the image memory 81 and their IDs
The imaging information including the data is read into the image reading unit 83. At this time, if the image data and the photographing information stored in the image memory 81 are those of a plurality of photographed images of a group trip or the like, the image data is obtained by using a part of the photographing information representing the group travel or the like. It is preferable that the retrieval unit 82 retrieves only the captured images of the group travel or the like, and that the image reading unit 83 reads out the image data of the extracted captured images and the photographing information. Note that the shooting information associated with the group photo image includes a plurality of subject ID data.

Next, at step 702, the image reading section 83
Are displayed on the display unit 87. In step 703, the operator selects an image to be used for creating an album from all the displayed captured images. At this time, a plurality of photographed images are reduced to one to facilitate selection for an album.
It is preferable that the image is displayed on a screen and can be enlarged and displayed in order to confirm the selected photographed image. In this way, the number of album images required for album creation is selected. Thereafter, the photographing information of the image selected for creating the album is sent to the counting unit 84, and in step 704, the counting unit 84 counts (counts) a plurality of subject ID data included in the photographing information of the image. Then, the number of appearances (appearance frequency) is counted for each subject for all the images for the album, and the number of appearances (photographing frequency) for each individual subject is calculated. Subsequently, the calculated number of appearances for each individual is displayed on the display unit 8.
7 is displayed.

Next, in step 705, it is determined from the display of the number of appearances for each of the plurality of subjects for each individual whether there is any extreme variation in the number of appearances by the operator. It is preferable that the number of appearances for each individual is equal or substantially equal, but if there is no extreme variation, it is better to use it as an album image. It is preferable that the allowable range of the variation in the number of appearances is set in advance. If the result of the determination is that there is an extreme variation in the number of appearances (Y),
Returning to the first step 701, the image reading section 81 reads the image data and its photographing information.
2, display of an image on the display unit 87, selection of an image for an album in step 703, counting of the number of appearances by individual by the counting unit 84 in step 704, display of the result on the display unit 87, and number of appearances by individual in step 705. Judgment of variation. Steps 701 to 705 are performed until the result of determination in step 705 that there is no extreme variation is obtained.
repeat. At this time, using the ID number of the subject with a small number of appearances, the image including the subject is searched by the image search unit 82, all are extracted, read by the image reading unit 83, and displayed on the display unit 87. By displaying, it is possible to easily and reliably select an album image in which the number of appearances is averaged.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step 705 is that there is no extreme variation in the number of appearances (N), the flow advances to step 706 for the next image editing.
A plurality of images selected for the album are processed as they are, or are enlarged or reduced or trimmed, and are assigned to each page of the album, or are combined into one page. In the case of a group photo, in particular, in the case of a group photo, the name of the individual subject is combined with the inside or outside of the image to create one page of image data for each page of the album. At this time, it is preferable that the image of each page is displayed on the display unit 87 so that the operator can confirm it.

Finally, in step 707, data including an image of each page of one album is output to the image output section 86. Note that the selected image for album, its processed image or composite image, and data such as characters and line drawings may be created in order to output them separately. Thus, the image editing method for creating an album by the image editing apparatus 80 shown in FIG. 14 ends. Next, the image output unit 86 outputs a print image of each page of the album, and binds all pages into one to create one album. The appearance frequencies of the subjects appearing in the photographic images in one album thus created are averaged, and no extreme variation occurs. The image editing apparatus for creating an album according to the present invention is basically configured as described above.

Next, an image editing apparatus for creating an image order sheet for individual subjects according to the present invention will be described. FIG.
An image editing device 90 shown in FIG. 1 is an image editing device for editing an image when creating a print (image) order sheet for each individual subject. 93, an image processing unit 94, an image synthesizing unit 95, an image output unit 96, and a display unit 97. Since the image editing device 90 has a configuration similar to that of the image editing device 80, detailed description of similar components will be omitted.

Here, the image memory 91 is the image memory 8
1 has the same configuration as that of FIG. The image search unit 92 searches the image memory 91 using the ID information of the specific subject, as in the image search unit 82, and extracts a hit image of the specific subject. At this time, the identification information may be used to specify a group trip or the like. Also, when the family or group participates in the group travel or the like, a part of the ID information of the specific subject is shared, and the common part is used or a plurality of ID information is used. You may search. The image reading unit 93 reads out the image data of the image extracted by the image search unit 92 and the shooting information (including ID information) associated therewith from the image memory 91. The image processing unit 94 creates a reduced image of all images in which the individual subject is shown, for example, a thumbnail image.
The image processing section 94 may perform the above-described known image processing for improving the finish of the reproduced image. In addition, the image processing unit 94 includes the image editing device 9
The control unit (CPU) may also be used as the control unit (CPU).

The image synthesizing unit 95 is a thumbnail of an image showing a specific subject, reduced by the image processing unit 94, in order to create a print (image) order sheet for each subject (hereinafter simply referred to as an order sheet). Edit and combine reduced images such as images. At this time, as shown in an image ordering sheet 110 for each individual subject shown in FIG. 17, a specific subject name 111 “Fuji Hanako”, a group travel title 112 “XX travel photograph order form”, and each reduction “No.3, No.7, No.2” of “Photo No.” 114, which is the order number of the image 113
6, No. 30 and No. 34 "and characters such as" photo number order quantity "in the order quantity entry field 115 are preferably combined with the edited thumbnail image. Of course, the mark, name, line drawing, etc. of the lab or shop may be combined.

The image output unit 96 outputs an order sheet having a reduced image (image data) of a specific subject edited and combined by the image combining unit 95 as an order sheet 110 which is a hard copy image. The display unit 97 includes the image search unit 9
2, a reproduction image of the image data read by the image reading unit 93, its photographing information (such as ID information),
A monitor (display) for displaying a reduced image such as a thumbnail image by the image processing unit 94, an order sheet synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 85, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 17, the order sheet 110 output from the image output unit 96 of the image editing apparatus 90 includes only the image in which the specific subject and its related persons are always selected. The orderer only needs to check the number 114 of the required photograph (reduced image 113) from among them and write the required number of the number in the order number column 115. For this reason, the orderer can use the order form 110 to order the required number of required photos extremely easily without the trouble of searching for a personal photo from numerous photos. Note that the order may be made by inputting into the order number entry field 115 of the order sheet 110 displayed on the display unit 87.

The image output section 96 is not limited to the one that outputs the order sheet 110 as a hard copy image, but may be a communication medium such as the Internet or an image data recording medium on which data of the order sheet 110 including the thumbnail image 113 is recorded. The information may be distributed to the Internet via a means. By doing so, the order sheet 110 in the image data recording medium or the order sheet 110 distributed via the Internet is displayed on a monitor (display) such as a personal computer (PC) of the user, and a plurality of the displayed order sheets 110 are displayed. Required photograph number 114 from the reduced images 113
And enter the required number in the order number entry field 115, hand over the image data recording medium to the lab or shop,
Alternatively, an order may be made again by replying via the Internet or the like. Such an ordering method using a net such as the Internet implements the image ordering method for individual subjects according to the present invention, and can further reduce the trouble of ordering photographic print images and the like, and ordering can be performed more easily. Can be.

As described above, the image photographing system, the image processing system, the image providing system connecting them, the photographing camera, the image editing apparatus, the subject-specific image ordering sheet, and the subject-specific image ordering method according to the present invention have been described in various embodiments. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is a matter of course that various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above image providing system, when the photographing unit photographs the user while using the theme park or the like, the user carries a reduced image of the photographed image from the photographing unit, the server, or the image system side. Send to mobile phone. The user checks the reduced image displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone, and places an order with the mobile phone if necessary.
You may order in other ways. In this way, users can return home without spending time waiting for prints.
You can receive prints of the ordered images. The use of the mobile phone can be applied to an ordering method in an image editing apparatus and an ordering method using the Internet according to the present invention.

[0115]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a photographing camera and an image which can function effectively even when many are installed in a large site such as a theme park by applying a communication function. The present invention has an effect of realizing a photographing system, an image recording system, and an image providing system connecting these. Further, according to the present invention, when producing an album common to individuals for an organization or ordering personal photos from images such as a large number of photographs in an organization, an album production operation and an order for Not only can the photograph selection be made simply and reliably, but the order itself can be made very simply.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a basic system configuration of an embodiment of an image capturing system and an image providing system according to the present invention, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an embodiment of the image providing system shown in FIG. 1 (b).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of one embodiment of the photographing unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of another embodiment of the photographing unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of another embodiment of the photographing unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an embodiment of the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an embodiment of the image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of one embodiment of a photographing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of another embodiment of the photographing system of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart showing a user's operation and a corresponding operation on the imaging unit side in the embodiment of the imaging system shown in FIG. 2;

11 is an operation flowchart between a user and a photographing unit in another embodiment of the photographing system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of shooting information stored in an image memory in the server shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams each showing an example of an image displayed in the image processing system.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an image editing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another embodiment of the image editing apparatus according to the present invention.

16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image editing method for creating an album by the image editing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an image order sheet for each subject according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Imaging system 12, 12a User's communication device 12b, 12c User's ID card 14, 14a, 14b Imaging unit 14c, 14d Imaging camera 16 Imaging device 16a (Digital) camera 16b Imaging unit 18, 18a Communication device on unit side 20, 24a, 81, 91 Image memory 20a, 60 Storage unit 22 Image providing system 24 Server 26 Image processing system 28, 48 Monitor 30, 30a, 30b, 38, 94 Image processing unit 32, 36 communication control unit 34, 34a, 34b, 50, 52, 52a, 62, 6
2a control unit 38a image preprocessing unit 38b read image memory 38c image processing unit 38d synthesis processing unit 38e D / A converter 38f template image memory 40 print production unit 40a medium output unit 40b net distribution unit 42 operation unit 44 shooting information reading Unit 46 image search unit 54, 70 modulation unit 56, 66, 72, 74 transmission / reception unit 58 demodulation unit 64 modulation circuit 68 demodulation circuit 76 power generation circuit 80, 90 image editing circuit 83, 93 image reading unit 84 counting unit 85, 95 Image synthesizing unit 86, 96 Image output unit 97, 97 Display unit 101-106 Display image 110 Subject individual image order form (sheet) 111 Subject name 112 Title 113 Thumbnail (reduced) image 114 Photo number 115 Order number entry column

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/387 H04N 1/387 5/76 5/76 B 7/18 7/18 UA // H04N 101 : 00 101: 00

Claims (30)

[Claims] A second communication unit for transmitting photographing information of the subject to be photographed at least at the time of photographing the subject; a photographing unit for photographing the subject; A first communication unit that receives the photographing information transmitted from the second communication unit; a first communication unit that receives the photographing information received by the first communication unit from the second communication unit; Storage means for storing image data of an image in association with the image data. 2. The first communication means transmits inquiry information to the second communication means simultaneously with or before or after the photographing by the photographing means, and transmits the inquiry information to the second communication means.
And the second communication unit receives the inquiry information transmitted by the first communication unit and transmits the imaging information in response to the inquiry information. 2. The image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the image capturing system is a transmission / reception unit that performs the transmission. 3. The first communication means is a receiving means, the second communication means is a transmitting means, and the photographing means transmits the photographing information transmitted by the second communication means. The image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein when the first communication unit receives the image, the image of the subject is captured. 4. The second communication means is a transmission means for transmitting the photographing information at all times, and the first communication means is configured to transmit the photographing information simultaneously with or before or after photographing by the photographing means. 4. The image photographing system according to claim 1, wherein the image photographing system is a receiving unit that receives the photographing information transmitted by the second communication unit. 5. The image photographing system according to claim 1, further comprising an electromagnetic wave that operates in conjunction with said photographing means and emits electromagnetic energy simultaneously with or before or after photographing by said photographing means. The second communication means receives the electromagnetic energy radiated from the electromagnetic wave radiating means and activates at the same time as or before or after the photographing by the photographing means, and transmits the photographing information. An image photographing system, wherein the first communication means is a receiving means for receiving the photographing information transmitted by the second communication means. 6. The image photographing system according to claim 5, wherein said second communication means includes said electromagnetic wave radiating means. 7. The image photographing system according to claim 1, wherein said photographing means, said first communication means, and said storage means are integrated as a photographing camera. 8. The image photographing system according to claim 1, wherein said second communication means is plural. 9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit is configured to transmit the plurality of second communication signals.
When each of the plurality of pieces of photographing information is received from the communication means, the image data of the image photographed by the photographing means is associated with the plurality of pieces of photographing information received from the plurality of second communication means and stored. The image capturing system according to claim 8, wherein: 10. The image photographing system according to claim 1, wherein said second communication means is carried by said subject. 11. An image photographing system according to claim 1, wherein said photographing information includes identification information for identifying said subject registered in said second communication means. 12. An image photographing system according to claim 1, wherein said photographing information corresponds to at least one of said image data and said photographing information stored in said storage means. An image processing system comprising: image search means for searching for image data of the image; and image processing means for processing image data of the image searched by the image search means. 13. The image processing system according to claim 12, further comprising a first reading unit that reads the photographing information recorded in the second communication unit in the image photographing system, The image search means includes: image data of the image corresponding to at least one of the shooting information read by the first reading means from the image data of the image and the shooting information stored in the storage means. An image processing system for searching for 14. The image processing system according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the photographing information is identification information for identifying the subject. 15. An image processing system according to claim 12, further comprising: an image display means for displaying an image searched by said image search means; and a necessary image from the displayed image. An image processing system comprising: an image designating unit for designating; and an image output unit for outputting a designated image. 16. The image output means includes: a print output means for outputting the designated image as a photo print; a medium output means for outputting an image data recording medium on which image data of the designated image is recorded; and image data of the designated image. 16. The image processing system according to claim 15, wherein the image processing system is at least one of image distribution units that distributes the image data via a communication unit. 17. An image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the image capturing systems is connected to at least one of the image processing systems according to any of claims 12 to 16. An image providing system characterized by the following. 18. A photographing means for photographing a subject, and a photographing information including identification information for identifying the subject, which is transmitted from at least a second communication means carried by the subject to be photographed at the time of photographing. 1 communication means; and storage means for storing the photographing information of the subject received by the first communication means and image data of the image of the subject photographed by the photographing means in association with each other. Shooting camera. 19. A storage for storing image data of images of a plurality of scenes photographed for a plurality of subjects and photographing information including identification information of the subject photographed in each image in association with the image data of each image. Means, for some images selected for editing as an album from the images of the plurality of scenes, from the storage means, image data of those images and the shooting information stored in association with the image data Reading means for reading the image data; display means for displaying a reproduced image of the image data read by the reading means; and an image of each of the plurality of objects photographed in the selected images. Counting means for counting the photographing frequency based on the identification information of each of the objects read by the reading means. An image editing apparatus characterized in that the photographing frequency of each subject counted by the counting means is displayed on the display means for the plurality of subjects. 20. The image editing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising: searching for image data of the image stored in the storage unit in association with the shooting information using the shooting information. The image search means has an image of the subject, using the shooting information of the subject displayed on the display means, the shooting frequency of each subject being out of a preset frequency range. An image editing apparatus which searches for an image, reads out the searched image by the reading means, and displays the image on the display means. 21. The image editing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising the step of: selecting the selected one of the photographed powers of each of the subjects displayed on the display means when the photographed power falls within a predetermined power range. Image synthesizing means for synthesizing image data of the selected some images so that some images are edited as an album, and an album based on the image data synthesized by the image synthesizing means. An image editing apparatus, wherein the some images edited as (1) are displayed on the display means. 22. The image synthesizing means, as character or line drawing data, information relating to photographing information of a subject photographed in at least one of the several images edited as an album. The image editing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the image editing apparatus synthesizes the image in an image. 23. The image editing apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: an image output unit that outputs the some images synthesized as image data by the image synthesis unit and edited as an album. An image editing apparatus, comprising: 24. The image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein said storage means stores an image captured by said image capturing means in the image capturing system according to claim 18. The image editing apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the image editing apparatus is a unit. 25. A photographing method including image data of images of a plurality of scenes photographed for a plurality of subjects including a specific subject, and identification information of a subject photographed in each image in association with image data of each image. A storage unit that stores information; and a plurality of scenes stored in the storage unit that are searched using the imaging information related to a specific subject, and a plurality of the images related to the specific subject are searched. An image search means for selecting an image; a reading means for searching the image data of the plurality of selected images and the photographing information stored in association with the image data; Image processing means for creating image data of each reduced image of the plurality of images from the read image data of the plurality of images; and Compositing for composing a name, image data of each reduced image of the plurality of images, an order number of each image corresponding to each reduced image, and an order number entry field provided corresponding to each order number as a subject-specific image order sheet. And an image output means for outputting the subject-specific image order sheet synthesized by the synthesizing means. 26. The image editing apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising: a search result obtained by said image search means, an image or photographing information read by said reading means, and said plurality of images created by said image processing means. An image editing apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays at least one of the reduced image of the image and the subject-specific image order sheet synthesized by the synthesis unit. 27. The image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein said storage means stores an image captured by said image capturing means in the image capturing system according to claim 18. The image editing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the image editing apparatus is a unit. 28. The plurality of images related to the specific subject include an image in which the specific subject is photographed or at least one of a plurality of subjects belonging to a specific group to which the specific subject belongs. The image editing apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the image editing apparatus is a captured image. 29. A name of a specific subject, a reduced image of a plurality of images related to the specific subject selected from images of a plurality of scenes photographed for a plurality of subjects including the specific subject, and A subject-specific image order sheet, comprising: an order number of each image corresponding to the reduced images of the plurality of images; and an order number entry column provided corresponding to each order number. 30. A name of a specific subject, a reduced image of a plurality of images related to the specific subject selected from images of a plurality of scenes photographed for a plurality of subjects including the specific subject, and Communication means, as data which can be displayed on the image display means, by a subject image order sheet having an order number of each image corresponding to the reduced images of the plurality of images and an order number entry field provided corresponding to each order number; And displaying the image on the image display means of the specific subject, and receiving the order number of each image input in the order number entry field by the specific subject via the communication means. How to order images by subject.