JP2003046913A - Image printing system and method printing medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase a rate of turnover of users and reduce the time of waiting one's turn. SOLUTION: The user waiting his turn views an operation manual of an image printing system 1 displayed on a before-shoot operation monitor 51 of a before-shoot operation panel 50 and comprehends the operation method. The user waiting his turn operates a touch pen 53 and selects a simulation mode of operation to display the operation screen on the before-shoot operation monitor 51, and the waiting user operates the simulation according to the operation screen and practices the operation method. In addition, the user waiting his turn selects a before-shoot setting operation mode to display an actual setting scene on the before-shoot operation monitor 51 and makes the setting information used at the shoot beforehand.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus and method, a print medium, and a program, and in particular, it has a monitor screen and an input device detachable from the image printing apparatus outside the shooting space, , An image printing apparatus and method for improving the turnover rate of the user and shortening the waiting time by making a simulated operation and creating shooting setting information The medium and the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image printing apparatus (for example, Print Club (trademark)) which captures an image of a user, synthesizes the image with a frame image prepared in advance, and prints the image on a sticker or the like. ing.

In this image printing apparatus, the user makes various settings at the time of shooting and printing, and writes (edits) arbitrary characters and figures on the taken image with an attached pen. There are also things that are made possible. The user can use such a function to enhance the originality of the printed matter provided.

[0004]

However, in such an image printing apparatus, since there are many operation items and the usage time is long at one time, the user waiting for the turn has to wait a long time. There is.

In addition, managing the image printing apparatus, for example,
On the game center side as well, the higher the user's turnover rate, the higher the profitability, which is preferable.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and a monitor screen and an input device are detachably attached to the image printing apparatus outside the photographing space so that the user can operate before photographing. By explaining and performing a simulated operation and creating shooting setting information, it is possible to improve the user's turnover rate and shorten the waiting time.

[0007]

An image printing apparatus of the present invention receives first display means for displaying information to a user before photographing, and an operation input for the information displayed by the first display means. A first input receiving means, and a first
Creating means for creating setting information based on the operation input accepted by the input accepting means, a storing means for storing the setting information created by the creating means, a photographing means for photographing a subject, and a photographing means for photographing. Second display means for displaying the image of the subject, second input acceptance means for accepting edit input for the image of the subject displayed by the second display means, and edit accepted by the second input acceptance means And an edit means for editing an image of the subject based on the input, the first display means displays a display space for displaying information to the user before photographing, and the second display means displays the subject. It is characterized in that it is provided at a position different from a shooting space for shooting an image.

The first display means is, for example, the pre-imaging work monitor 51 of FIG. 1, and the first input acceptance means is, for example, the touch pen 53 of FIG. 1 and the touch panel 125 of FIG. The creating unit is, for example, the CPU 101 that executes the process of step S47 of FIG.
4, the storage means is configured by, for example, the setting information storage unit 106 in FIG. 4, the photographing means is configured by, for example, the camera 11 in FIG. 1, and the second display means is configured in, for example, the edit in FIG. The monitor 21 is provided, the second input receiving means is made up of the operation panel 22, the touch pens 23 and 24 of FIG. 1, and the touch panel 123 of FIG. 4, and the editing means is, for example, the process of step S74 of FIG. It is configured by the CPU 101 that executes the.
Further, the display space for displaying information to the user before shooting by the first display means and the shooting space for shooting the image of the subject displayed by the second display means are provided at different positions.

The first display means and the second display means are provided on the side surface and the front surface of the housing 10, for example, as shown in FIG.

The user waiting for the turn of shooting is
The procedure from photographing to printing is confirmed by the information such as the operation description displayed by the display means, and the camera and the printing are set in advance in some cases. Then, when the turn comes around, the user enters the shooting space, shoots, and edits the shot image.

By providing the first display device and the first input receiving means at a position different from the photographing space, for example, when there is a user waiting in the queue, the user waits while waiting for the queue. In addition, the first display means allows the user to receive explanations about operations, practice procedures, and make settings. When the user's turn comes, the user performs operations from shooting to printing. Can be done smoothly.

With the above configuration, the waiting time for waiting can be shortened. Further, even from the side of the administrator who manages the image printing apparatus, the turnover rate of the user is improved, so that the profit rate can be improved.

The image forming apparatus further comprises: a printing unit for printing the image of the subject edited by the editing unit on a predetermined print medium; and a discharging unit for discharging the print medium on which the image of the subject is printed by the printing unit. You can

The printing means is, for example, the printer 10 shown in FIG.
8 and the discharging means is constituted by, for example, the printed matter take-out port 42 of FIG.

With the above arrangement, the user can print the edited photographed image on a sticker sheet or the like and take it home.

The photographing by the photographing means and the printing by the printing means can be performed based on the setting information stored in the storage means.

The photographing by the photographing means and the printing by the printing means are performed based on the setting information stored in the setting information storage section 106 as in the processing of step S64 of FIG.

The user waiting in order by photographing and printing based on the stored setting information,
The work time can be shortened by omitting the setting process performed at the time of shooting.

For the photographing by the photographing means and the printing by the printing means, the same information as the information relating to the input of the setting information displayed on the first display means is displayed on the second display means and the second input acceptance means is displayed. The setting can be performed based on the setting information created according to the information input from.

The photographing by the photographing means and the printing by the printing means are performed after the setting information is created in the photographing space as in the processing of step S65 in FIG.

By creating the setting information in the shooting space and performing the shooting and printing, a user who has not created the setting information while waiting for a turn can also perform the shooting and printing.

The first display means and the first input acceptance means may be detachable from the housing of the image printing apparatus.

In this case, the first display means and the first input acceptance means are installed on the pre-imaging work panel 50 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The pre-imaging work panel 50 is detachable from the housing 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pre-imaging work panel 50 is connected to the housing 10 by a cable 54, and the user can operate the pre-imaging work panel 50 with the pre-imaging work panel 50 removed from the housing 10. Further, the cable 54 is reinforced by an iron chain or the like to prevent cutting due to rough operation or mischief, etc., and durability is improved.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the user waiting for the turn can see the image displayed by the first display means in a desired posture. Further, for example, when used by a plurality of users, all the users can see the image displayed by the first display means.

The information displayed by the first display means may be information relating to the explanation of the operating method of the image printing apparatus.

The first display means, as in the processing of step S1 in FIG. 5, displays an explanation regarding the operation method from photographing to printing.

By viewing this explanation, the user waiting in order can understand the procedure of the operation and can smoothly perform the work from photographing to printing.

The information displayed by the first display means is information related to the operation of the image printing apparatus displayed by the second display means, and the user before photographing operates the displayed image printing apparatus. The information can be information that can simulate the operation of the image printing apparatus.

The first display means displays the information regarding the input operation and reflects the input accepted by the first input acceptance means on the displayed image, as in the processing of step S4 of FIG.

By performing this simulated operation, the user waiting in order can understand the procedure of the input operation and can smoothly perform the operations from photographing to printing.

The information displayed by the first display means is information relating to the input of setting information, and the user before photographing inputs the setting information in accordance with the information relating to the input of the displayed setting information. be able to.

As in the processing of step S5 in FIG. 5, the first
The setting information input screen is displayed by the display means of
The input acceptance unit accepts the input from the user, and the setting information is input.

By performing this setting operation, the user waiting for the turn can shorten the work time by omitting the setting process performed at the time of photographing.

The image printing method of the image printing apparatus of the present invention comprises:
In the display space, a first display step of displaying information to the user before shooting, a first input receiving step of receiving an operation input for the information displayed by the processing of the first display step, and a first input step. A creating step of creating setting information based on the operation input accepted by the processing of the input accepting step, and a storing step of storing the setting information created by the processing of the creating step,
In a shooting space different from the display space, a shooting step of shooting the subject, a second display step of displaying an image of the subject shot by the processing of the shooting step, and a shooting step of the subject displayed by the processing of the second display step A second input acceptance step of accepting an edit input for the image, an edit step of editing the image of the subject based on the edit input accepted by the process of the second input accept step, and an edit step of the edit step. A printing step of printing an image of the subject.

The first display step is composed of, for example, step S1 of FIG. 5, the first input receiving step is composed of, for example, step S2 of FIG. 5, and the creation step and the storage step are composed of, for example, FIG. The image capturing step is performed by, for example,
The second display step is configured by, for example, step S69 in FIG. 11, and the second input reception step is configured by, for example, FIG.
11. The editing step and the printing step are configured by, for example, step S74 of FIG.

The print medium of the present invention, in the display space,
A first display step of displaying information to the user before shooting, a first input receiving step of receiving an operation input for the information displayed by the processing of the first display step, and a first input receiving step. A creating step of creating setting information based on the operation input accepted by the processing, a storing step of storing the setting information created by the processing of the creating step, and a shooting step of shooting a subject in a shooting space different from the display space. A second display step of displaying an image of the subject captured by the processing of the capturing step; a second input acceptance step of accepting an edit input for the image of the subject displayed by the processing of the second display step; Based on the editing input received by the processing of the second input receiving step, An editing step of editing the image, characterized in that it is printed by the image printing method comprising a printing step of printing an image of the object edited by the processing of the editing step.

The print medium is, for example, a seal sheet composed of a predetermined number of stickers. This seal sheet is
It is possible to use a sheet having seals of the same size or a sheet having seals of various sizes. Of course, it may be one large seal. The print medium is not limited to the seal sheet, and may be paper, and may be, for example, a floppy disk or a semiconductor memory card having a non-volatile flash memory.

The program of the present invention is, in the display space, a first display step for displaying information to the user before photographing, and a first display step for accepting an operation input for the information displayed by the processing of the first display step. Input accepting step, a creating step of creating setting information based on the operation input accepted by the process of the first input accepting step, a storing step of storing the setting information created by the process of the creating step, and a display step. A photographing step for photographing a subject in a photographing space different from the space, a second display step for displaying an image of the subject photographed by the processing of the photographing step, and an image of the subject displayed by the processing of the second display step A second input acceptance step for accepting edit input for Based on the editing input received by management, characterized in that to execute the editing step of editing the image of the object, and a printing step of printing an image of the object edited by the processing of the editing step to the computer.

The program of the present invention is recorded in a predetermined recording medium, read by the drive 140 of FIG. 4, for example, and installed in the image printing apparatus. The recording medium is a magnetic disk such as a floppy disk, CD-R
OM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital
An optical disc such as a Versatile Disk), MD (MiniDis
It is composed of a magneto-optical disk such as k) or a semiconductor memory.

[0040]

1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an image printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS is provided above the center of the front of the casing 10 of the image printing apparatus 1.
A camera 11 made of (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or the like is arranged, and the camera 11 is directed obliquely downward at a predetermined angle. Also, the camera 11
The can change the orientation by a user's operation at a predetermined angle during shooting. Furthermore, the camera 11 can incorporate a wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens, or the like therein to shoot an image based on a user operation.

The image captured by the camera 11 is displayed on a photographing monitor 12 which is installed slightly above the front of the housing 10 and faces the front. Shooting monitor 1
2 is CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD (Liquid Crystal)
Display) and the like, and displays the image of the subject captured by the camera 11 at the time of shooting. The user, who is the subject, determines the posture at the time of shooting by looking at the image displayed on the shooting monitor 12.

An illuminating device 13 is arranged slightly above and to the left and right of the front of the housing 10. The illuminating device 13 has a light emitting body (flash) inside, and when the user gives an instruction to start photographing and the camera 11 photographs (captures) the subject, illuminates the subject at the timing. .

When the graffiti edit mode is entered after the shooting mode is finished, the shot image is displayed on the editing monitor 21 installed in the center of the front of the table 10A of the housing 10 facing diagonally upward. The editing monitor 21 is a CRT or LCD
A screen for guiding the operation method, a selection button of an editing tool, an image of a subject photographed by the camera 11, an image input by editing, and the like are displayed.

The operation panel 22 is installed on the right side of the center of the table 10A and includes various operation buttons operated by the user, and is operated, for example, when adjusting the zoom of the camera 11.

The touch pens 23 and 24 are mounted on the table 1.
It is provided on the left and right of the center of 0A. A touch panel 123 (see FIG. 4) is stacked on the editing monitor 21, and the user operates the touch pen 23 or 24 on the image displayed on the editing monitor 21 to edit the image to be edited. You can write (enter) any character or figure in and select the displayed button. The touch pens 23 and 24 are configured according to a phase detection method (for example, a resistance film type or an ultrasonic type) of the touch panel 123 stacked on the editing monitor 21.

Speakers 3 are provided on the lower left and right of the front of the housing 10.
1 is provided. The speaker 31 outputs various types of voice guidance and guides the user on a method of operation (imaging, image editing, printing, etc.).

A coin insertion slot 41 is provided on the left side of the center of the right side surface of the housing 10. The user inserts a predetermined amount of money when using the image printing apparatus 1.

The printed matter take-out port 42 is used for the image printing apparatus 1.
Is provided on the lower right side surface of the housing 10 of a predetermined number,
And ejecting a seal sheet on which the edited image is printed, which is composed of a plurality of seals of different sizes.

The pre-photographing work panel 50 includes a pre-photographing work monitor 51 for displaying information such as operational explanations to a user waiting for a turn, a speaker 52 for outputting operational explanations by voice, and a pre-photographing work. The touch pen 53 is configured to receive an input for an image displayed on the monitor 51 and is detachably installed on the right side surface of the housing 10. In addition, the pre-imaging work panel 50 has a cable 54
Is connected to the housing 10, and the user can operate the pre-imaging work panel 50 with the work panel 50 removed from the housing 10. Further, the cable 54 is reinforced by an iron chain or the like to prevent cutting due to rough operation or mischief, etc., and durability is improved.

FIG. 2 shows the work panel 5 before photographing from the housing 10.
It shows how 0s are separated. Pre-shooting work panel 50
Is attached to and detached from the housing 10 by the user. As a result, the user can take a desired posture and use the pre-shooting work monitor 5
The image displayed in 1 can be viewed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the image printing apparatus 1 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, a curtain frame 71 is attached to the upper part of the housing 10 in the horizontal front direction, and a curtain 72 is provided on the curtain frame 71. Similarly, a curtain frame 81 is attached to the upper part of the housing 10 in the horizontal right direction, and a curtain 82 is provided on the curtain frame 81. The curtain frame 71 includes the curtain 72, and the curtain frame 8
Reference numeral 1 hangs the curtain 82, and the curtain 72 and the curtain 82 block outside light and contribute to capture a good image.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the image printing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. Description of the parts described in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be omitted.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101
Is a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 or RAM from the program storage unit 104.
According to the program loaded in the (Random Access Memory) 103, the entire operation of the image printing apparatus 1 is controlled by the bus 120.
Control through. The RAM 103 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute various processes.

The program storage unit 104 comprises a hard disk and its drive, and stores various programs executed by the CPU 101. The drive 140 is a magnetic disk 15 including a floppy disk or a hard disk.
1, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD (D
igital Versatile Disk) including optical disc 152, MD
The program stored in the recording medium of the magneto-optical disk 153 including (Mini-Disk) or the semiconductor memory 154 is read out, and the program storage unit 1 is read via the bus 120.
04 etc. For example, from drive 140,
A new frame image or the like to be combined with the image of the subject is supplied.

The camera control unit 105 controls the zoom rate of the camera 11, the amount of light to be taken in, and the like in response to an adjustment request of the camera 11 input by the user operating the operation panel 22 or the like.

The setting information storage section 106 stores the setting information input by the user operating the touch pen 53 according to the information displayed on the pre-shooting work monitor 51. The CPU 101 then sets the setting information storage unit 106.
Photographing and printing processing is performed based on the setting information stored in.

The coin processing unit 107 counts the coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 41, and when it determines that a predetermined amount of money set in advance as the image creation price has been inserted, notifies the CPU 101 of it.

The printer 108 stocks a plurality of types of seal sheets of seals divided into a predetermined number and sizes, and prints the edited image on the seal sheet selected by the user. The sticker sheet printed by the printer 108 is discharged from the printed matter take-out port 42 and provided to the user.

The voice output control section 121 controls the speaker 31 under the control of the CPU 101, and various voice guidances for explaining the operation method of photographing and image editing, and the like.
For example, a sound effect such as a shutter sound when the camera 11 shoots a subject is output.

The video input / output control unit 122 reflects the editing information input from the touch panel 123 on the captured image and displays it on the editing monitor 21. Note that FIG.
In the editing monitor 21 and the touch panel 123,
Although shown in different positions, they are actually stacked.

Under the control of the CPU 101, the illuminating device 13 illuminates the subject at the timing when the camera 11 photographs (captures) the subject.

The video input / output control section 124 reflects the operation information input from the touch panel 125 on the image of the operation explanation or the setting input and displays it on the pre-shooting work monitor 51. In FIG. 4, the pre-imaging work monitor 51
Although the touch panel 125 and the touch panel 125 are shown at different positions, they are actually stacked.

The audio output control unit 126 controls the speaker 52 based on the control of the CPU 101, and outputs various audio guidances for explaining the operation method of photographing and image editing.

Next, the image printing process of the image printing apparatus 1 will be described.

A user waiting for a turn is waiting on the side of the housing 10 where the pre-photographing work panel 50 is located.
The image printing apparatus 1 performs pre-shooting preparation processing for the user. The pre-shooting preparation process by the image printing apparatus 1 is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the image printing apparatus 1 causes the pre-shooting work monitor 51 of the pre-shooting work panel 50 via the video input / output control unit 124.
On the screen, an explanation about an operation method such as a user's operation procedure required from photographing to printing is displayed. In addition, the CPU 101 causes the speaker 52 to output voice and music corresponding to the screen, if necessary, via the voice output control unit 126. The user waiting in order can understand the operation method from shooting to printing in advance by viewing the explanation.

On the pre-imaging work monitor 51, in addition, a button for selecting a mode in which the user can perform a simulated operation of an actual operation screen and setting information to be actually used are created in advance. Buttons for selecting the modes that can be used are displayed. When the previous user enters the shooting space, inserts money, the information in the setting information storage unit 106 is stored in the RAM 103, and the data in the setting information storage unit 106 is deleted, the user operates the touch pen 53, The mode can be selected by designating those buttons.

In step S2, the CPU 101 determines whether or not data exists in the setting information storage unit 106. If the CPU 101 determines that it exists, the CPU 101 returns to step S1 and repeats the subsequent processing.

When it is determined that there is no data in the setting information storage unit 106, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S3 and determines whether or not the user has selected the mode. When it is determined that the mode is not selected, the CPU 101 returns to step S1 and repeats the subsequent processing.

When it is determined that the user has operated the touch pen 53 to select the mode, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S4 and determines whether the mode selected by the user is the simulated operation mode. When it is determined that the simulation operation mode is set, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S5 and performs simulation operation processing. Details of the simulated operation processing will be described later with reference to FIG. When the simulation operation process ends, the CPU 101 ends the pre-imaging preparation process.

If it is determined in step S4 that the mode selected by the user is not the simulated operation mode, the CPU
The process proceeds to step S6, and the 101 performs pre-shooting setting operation processing. Details of the pre-shooting setting operation processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. When the CPU 101 ends the pre-shooting setting operation process, the pre-shooting preparation process ends.

As described above, the user can know the operation method of the image printing apparatus 1 in advance and, in some cases, the setting information can be created in advance, so that the operation from photographing to printing can be smoothly performed. You will be able to do it.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
Details of the simulated operation process executed in step S5 of FIG. 5 will be described.

When the user waiting for a turn designates the simulated operation mode selection button displayed on the pre-shooting work monitor 51, the CPU 101 of the image printing apparatus 1 starts the simulated operation processing. As a result, the user can operate the operation screen that is actually displayed on the editing monitor 21 during shooting and editing.

First, in step S21, the CPU 101 of the image printing apparatus 1 causes the frame selection screen to select the design of the frame image to be combined with the captured image and the layout setting (the number of frame divisions) of the captured image at the time of printing. Is displayed on the pre-shooting work monitor 51 via the video input / output control unit 124. The user can operate the touch pen 53 to select the design of the frame image and select the number of frame divisions of the captured image at the time of printing.

The CPU 101, in step S22,
It is determined whether the user has selected the design of the frame to be used and the number of frame divisions. If it is determined that the selection has not been made, the CPU 101 returns to step S21 and repeats the subsequent processing.

When it is determined that the user has operated the touch pen 53 to select the frame design and the number of frame divisions, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S23 and determines the range and direction of the photographed image and the effects such as wide angle and telephoto. The captured image selection screen for selecting whether to display the
It is displayed on the pre-imaging work monitor 51 via 24.

On the photographed image selection screen displayed on the pre-photographing work monitor 51, instead of the photographed image by the camera 11, a person image prepared in advance as a simulated photographed image is displayed. As this person image, a large number of images having different shooting ranges, directions, and effects such as wide-angle and telephoto are prepared. Based on the simulated operation of the user, the image to which the effect of the operation is applied is displayed. Is displayed. As a result, the user can operate the touch pen 53 to select a captured image in a simulated manner (simulate control of the camera 11).

The person image which is the simulated image is the ROM 102, the RAM 103, or the program storage unit 1.
It is stored beforehand in 04.

In step S24, the CPU 101
It is determined whether the user has selected a captured image. When it is determined that the selection has not been made, the CPU 101 performs step S2.
Returning to step 3, the subsequent processing is repeated.

When it is determined that the user has operated the touch pen 53 to select the photographed image, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S25 to display the graffiti input screen on the video input / output control unit 1
It is displayed on the pre-imaging work monitor 51 via 24.
The CPU 101 uses the ROM 10 as an image to be scribbled.
2, the RAM 103 or the program storage unit 104, the sample image stored in advance, the video input / output control unit 12
The image is displayed on the pre-imaging work monitor 51 via 4. The user can operate the touch pen 53 to scribble on this sample image.

At step S26, the CPU 101
It is determined whether or not the graffiti input is completed. When it is determined that the processing has not ended, the CPU 101 returns to step S25 and repeats the subsequent processing.

When it is determined that the user has finished the graffiti input, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S27 to display the print image as a result of the user's simulated operation on the pre-shooting work monitor 51 via the video input / output control unit 124. Then, it is displayed on the pre-imaging work monitor 51. From the displayed print image, the user can grasp the state of the print.

The CPU 101 displaying the print image,
The simulation operation process is ended, and the pre-imaging preparation process of FIG. 5 is ended.

As described above, since the user can simulate the actual operation screen, the operations from photographing to printing can be smoothly performed.

Next, referring to the flow chart of FIG.
Details of the pre-shooting setting operation process executed in step S6 of FIG. 5 will be described. Further, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 as necessary.

When the user waiting for a turn specifies the pre-shooting setting operation mode selection button displayed on the pre-shooting work monitor 51, the CPU 101 of the image printing apparatus 1 starts the pre-shooting setting operation process. This allows the user to input in advance the setting information used during shooting and editing.

First, in step S41, the CPU 10
1 displays the frame selection screen on the pre-shooting work monitor 51. Since the displayed frame selection screen is the same as the screen displayed in step S21 of FIG. 6,
The description is omitted.

CPU 101 displaying the frame selection screen
Determines whether or not the user has selected the frame design and the number of frame divisions in step S42. When it is determined that the selection has not been made, the CPU 101 returns to step S41 and repeats the subsequent processing.

When it is determined that the user has operated the touch pen 53 to select the frame design and the number of frame divisions, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S43 to display the photographed image selection screen on the pre-imaging work monitor 51, and then to step S43. In S44, it is determined whether or not the user has operated the touch pen 53 to select a captured image. When it is determined that the selection has not been made, the CPU 101 returns to step S43 and repeats the subsequent processing.

Since the displayed photographed image selection screen is the same as the screen displayed in step S23 of FIG. 6, its description is omitted.

When it is determined that the user has selected the photographed image, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S45 to display the setting contents confirmation screen on the pre-imaging work monitor 51 so that the contents set by the user can be confirmed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the setting content confirmation screen. On the setting content confirmation screen 200, a setting content display unit 201 that displays the content of the setting selected by the user, a setting content confirmation unit 202 that displays a text to confirm the setting content,
A confirmation button 203 for instructing to save the setting contents, and
An opposite button 204 for instructing deletion of setting contents is included.

For example, in the setting content confirmation section 202, a sentence "This selection information will be used in production. Are you sure?" Is displayed, and the confirmation button 203 is "Yes".
Is displayed, and “No” is displayed on the opposite button 204.

When the user operates the touch pen 53 to specify the confirmation button 203, the setting content displayed on the setting content display section 201 is saved. When the user specifies the opposite button 204, the setting content displayed on the setting content display unit 201 is erased.

Returning to FIG. 7, in step S46, CP
The U 101 determines whether or not the user has decided the setting content. When the user operates the touch pen 53 to specify the confirmation button 203 in FIG. 8 and determines that the setting content is determined, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S47 and sets the setting content displayed on the setting content display unit 201. Information is created and stored in the setting information storage unit 106. The CPU 101 storing the setting information ends the pre-shooting setting operation process,
The pre-imaging preparation process of FIG. 5 is ended.

In step S46 of FIG. 7, the user operates the touch pen 53 to operate the opposite button 204 of FIG.
Is specified and it is determined that the settings have not been determined,
The CPU 101 proceeds to step S48 and displays the reset confirmation screen without creating the setting information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the reset confirmation screen. In the reset confirmation screen 300, a reset confirmation unit 301 that displays a sentence for asking the user whether to perform resetting,
A confirmation button 302 for instructing resetting and an opposite button 303 for instructing not to reset
Is included.

For example, the reset confirmation section 301 displays a sentence "Reset?", The confirmation button 302 displays "Yes", and the opposite button 303 displays "No". Has been done.

When the user operates the touch pen 53 to specify the confirmation button 302, the setting process is performed again. When the user specifies the opposite button 303,
The setting process ends.

Returning to FIG. 7, in step S49, CP
The U 101 determines whether or not the user has instructed the resetting. When it is determined that the user has operated the touch pen 53 to specify the confirmation button 302 in FIG. 9 and instructed the reset, the CPU 101 returns to step S41 and repeats the subsequent processing.

The user operates the touch pen 53 to display the screen shown in FIG.
When it is determined that the opposite button 303 has been designated and the resetting has not been instructed, the CPU 101 ends the pre-shooting setting operation process and ends the pre-shooting preparation process of FIG.

As described above, since the user can create the setting information in advance, the operations from photographing to printing can be smoothly performed.

When the user turns around, he / she enters the photographing space and photographs. The image printing apparatus 1 performs an image printing process on a user who has entered the venue. Image printing device 1
The image printing process by the method will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, in step S61, the CPU 10
Reference numeral 1 denotes a demonstration screen (hereinafter, referred to as a demo screen) stored in the program storage unit 104 such as a shooting progress method, which is used as a shooting monitor 12 or an editing monitor via the video input / output control unit 122. 21 is displayed. Further, the CPU 101 causes the speaker 31 to output voice and music corresponding to the demo screen, via the voice output control unit 121, as necessary.

At step S62, the CPU 101
Based on the output from the coin processing unit 107, it is determined whether or not a predetermined price (the price for creating the seal sheet) has been inserted, and a demo screen is displayed and waits until it is determined that it has been inserted. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the price has been input, the process proceeds to step S63, and the setting information storage unit 10
It is determined whether or not the setting information is stored in 6.

When it is determined that the setting information is stored, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S64, fetches the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 106 into the RAM 103, acquires the setting information from the RAM 103, and acquires the setting information. Storage unit 1
The data of 06 is erased. At this time, the CPU 101 displays an image photographed by the camera 11 or an explanation screen explaining various functions and operating methods on the photographing monitor 1.
2 or display on the editing monitor 21 via the video input / output control unit 122. Further, the CPU 01 causes the speaker 31 to output a voice or music corresponding to the explanation screen, via the voice output control unit 121, as necessary.

When it is determined that the setting information is not stored in the setting information storage unit 106, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S65 and performs the setting process. Details of the setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

The CPU 101 having acquired the setting information starts accepting the photographing start button of the operation panel 22 in step S66. The user can instruct the start of shooting by pressing the shooting start button on the operation panel 22.

At step S67, the CPU 101
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed and whether or not the user has operated the shooting start button, and the process waits until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed or that the shooting start button has been operated. The predetermined time is predetermined and stored in the ROM 102. Further, the predetermined time may be set in the program loaded from the program storage unit 104 into the RAM 103.

When the CPU 101 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed or the shooting start button has been operated, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S68, displays the countdown until the shooting start on the shooting monitor 12, and responds to the countdown display. The voice output control unit 1 outputs voice and music as needed.
It is output from the speaker 31 via 21. Then, at the timing of the start of shooting, the CPU 101 controls the illumination device 13 to illuminate the subject with the flash, and stores the image captured by the camera 11 at that moment in the RAM 103 as a still image. Also, CPU
The 101 calculates the number of times of this photographing and stores the calculation result in the RAM 103.

At step S69, the CPU 101 executes R
The still image stored in the AM 103, a re-shooting button for instructing re-shooting, and an explanation screen for explaining the operation method are displayed on the editing monitor 21 via the video input / output control unit 122. Further, the CPU 101 outputs a voice or music corresponding to the explanation screen from the speaker 31 via the voice output control unit 121 as needed. The user can determine the image to be printed on the sticker sheet (referred to as a print image in the following description) by selecting the still image displayed on the editing monitor 21 using the touch pen 23 or 24. Further, the user can retake the print image by operating the touch pen 23 or 24 and selecting the re-shooting button.

In step S70, the CPU 101
It is determined whether or not re-imaging is instructed. When the CPU 101 determines that the user has instructed reshooting, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S7.
In step 1, it is determined whether the number of remaining shootable images is 1 or more based on the information stored in the RAM 43. The number of shootable images is set in advance in the ROM 102 or a program loaded from the program storage unit 104 into the RAM 103.

When it is determined that the number of remaining shootable images is one or more, the CPU 101 returns to step S66, repeatedly executes the subsequent processes, and performs a process for retaking a still image.

If it is determined in step S70 that the user has selected the still image displayed on the editing monitor 21 and has not instructed reshooting, or step S71.
In step S72, when it is determined that the number of remaining shootable images is zero and there is not more than one, the CPU 101 displays the graffiti input screen on the editing monitor 21 via the video input / output control unit 122 in step S72. Start accepting graffiti input. The user can operate the touch pen 23 or 24 to perform graffiti processing on the captured image.

The CPU 101, in step S73,
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, and whether or not the user has operated a print button for instructing printing of a captured image, and it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed or that the print button has been operated. Wait until The predetermined time is predetermined and stored in the ROM 102. Further, the program storage unit 104
Therefore, it may be defined in the program loaded in the RAM 103.

When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed or the print button has been operated, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S74, edits the photographed image based on the graffiti information input by the user, and controls the printer 108. Then, the print image is printed on the seal sheet. The printed sticker sheet is discharged from the printed matter outlet 42. Then, the CPU 101 returns to step S61,
Repeat the subsequent processing.

Since the image printing apparatus 1 performs the image printing process as described above, the user can perform the operation as grasped in advance, so that the operation from photographing to printing can be smoothly performed. Become.

Next, the details of the setting process executed in step S65 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S91, the CPU 10
1 displays the frame selection screen on the editing monitor 21 via the video input / output control unit 122. Since the displayed frame selection screen is the same as the screen displayed in step S21 of FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted.

CPU 101 displaying the frame selection screen
In step S42, the CPU 101 determines whether the user has selected the frame design and the frame division number. If it is determined that it is not selected, CPU
101 returns to step S91 and repeats the subsequent processing.

When it is determined that the user has operated the touch pen 23 or 24 to select the frame design and the number of divided frames, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S93 to display the photographed image selection screen on the editing monitor 21.
In step S94, it is determined whether the user has operated the touch pen 23 or 24 to select the captured image. When it is determined that the selection has not been made, the CPU 101 returns to step S93 and repeats the subsequent processing.

Since the displayed photographed image selection screen is the same as the screen displayed in step S23 of FIG. 6,
The description is omitted.

When the user determines that the photographed image is selected, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S95 to display the setting contents confirmation screen on the pre-imaging work monitor 51 so that the user can confirm the contents set by the user. Since the displayed setting content confirmation screen is the same as the screen shown in FIG. 8, the description thereof will be omitted.

At step S96, the CPU 101
It is determined whether the user has decided the setting contents. When the user operates the touch pen 23 or 24 to determine that the setting content is determined, the CPU 101 determines in step S9.
7, the setting information is created and stored in the RAM 103. The CPU 101 that has stored the setting information ends the setting process.

When it is determined in step S96 that the user has not decided the setting contents, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S98 and displays the resetting confirmation screen without creating the setting information. Since the displayed reset confirmation screen is the same as the screen shown in FIG. 9, the description thereof will be omitted.

In step S99, the CPU 101
It is determined whether the user has instructed the resetting. When it is determined that the user has instructed the resetting, the CPU 101 returns to step S91 and repeats the subsequent processing.

When the CPU 101 determines that the user has not instructed the resetting, the CPU 101 ends the setting processing.

As described above, the user can create the setting information.

In the above description, the print medium has been described as the seal sheet, but the print medium is not limited to the seal sheet, and for example, the print medium may be printed on a paper of a predetermined size or a paper for poster. Further, the photographed image data may be recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk prepared by the user.

In the present specification, the steps for writing the program recorded on the recording medium are not limited to the processing performed in time series according to the order described, but are not necessarily performed in time series. It also includes processing executed in parallel or individually.

[0134]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the turnover ratio of the user and shorten the waiting time for the turn.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an image printing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pre-imaging work panel 50 is separated from the housing 10 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the image printing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the image printing apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a pre-shooting preparation process performed by the image printing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of a simulated operation process executed in step S5 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of pre-shooting setting operation processing executed in step S6 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a setting content confirmation screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a reset confirmation screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image printing process performed by the image printing apparatus.

11 is a flowchart illustrating an image printing process performed by the image printing apparatus, which is subsequent to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating details of a setting process executed in step S65 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image printing device 10 housing 11 cameras 12 Shooting monitor 13 Lighting device 21 Editing monitor 22 Operation panel 23,24 Touch pen 31 speakers 41 coin slot 42 Printed material outlet 50 Work panel before shooting 51 Pre-shooting work monitor 52 speakers 53 Touch pen 54 cable 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 106 setting information storage unit 108 Printer 121 Audio output control unit 122 Video input / output control unit 123 touch panel 124 Video input / output control unit 125 touch panel 126 Audio output control unit

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 HJ F term (reference) 2C061 AP10 CQ04 CQ05 CQ34 2C087 AB01 BA03 BA04 BA05 BB03 CB17 CB20 2H104 AA19 BC06 BC07 BC31 BC35 BC41 BC48 5C052 AA01 AC08 DD04 5C053 FA08 FA23 KA24 LA01 LA03 LA11

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A first display unit for displaying information to a user before photographing, a first input reception unit for receiving an operation input for the information displayed by the first display unit, and the first display unit. Creating means for creating setting information based on the operation input accepted by the first input accepting means, storage means for storing the setting information created by the creating means, photographing means for photographing a subject, and Second display means for displaying the image of the subject photographed by the photographing means; second input acceptance means for accepting edit input for the image of the subject displayed by the second display means; Editing means for editing the image of the subject based on the editing input received by the input receiving means of The display space for displaying the information to the user before shooting and the shooting space for shooting the image of the subject displayed by the second display means are provided at different positions. Image printing device. 2. A printing unit that prints the image of the subject edited by the editing unit on a predetermined print medium, and a discharge unit that discharges the print medium on which the image of the subject is printed by the printing unit. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the shooting by the shooting unit and the printing by the printing unit are performed based on the setting information stored in the storage unit. 4. The same information as the information relating to the input of the setting information displayed on the first display means is used for the photographing by the photographing means and the printing by the printing means.
The image printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image printing is performed on the basis of the setting information created according to the information displayed on the display unit and input from the second input receiving unit. 5. The first display unit and the first input receiving unit are detachable from the casing of the image printing apparatus. The image printing device described. 6. The image printing according to claim 1, wherein the information displayed by the first display unit is information regarding an explanation of an operation method of the image printing apparatus. apparatus. 7. The information displayed by the first display means is information related to the operation of the image printing apparatus displayed by the second display means, and the user before the photographing is displayed. 7. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is information that can simulate the operation of the image printing apparatus according to the information about the operation of the image printing apparatus. 8. The information displayed by the first display means is information related to the input of the setting information, and the user before the photographing performs the setting according to the displayed information related to the input of the setting information. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information is input. 9. A first display step of displaying information to a user before photographing in a display space, and a first input for accepting an operation input for the information displayed by the processing of the first display step. A receiving step, a creating step of creating setting information based on the operation input received by the processing of the first input receiving step, and a storing step of storing the setting information created by the processing of the creating step , A photographing step of photographing a subject in a photographing space different from the display space, a second display step of displaying an image of the subject photographed by the processing of the photographing step, and a processing of the second display step A second input accepting step of accepting edit input for the displayed image of the subject; An editing step of editing the image of the subject based on the editing input accepted by the processing of the second input acceptance step, and a printing step of printing the image of the subject edited by the processing of the editing step. An image printing method comprising: 10. A print medium printed by the image printing method according to claim 9. 11. A first display step of displaying information to a user before photographing in a display space, and a first input for accepting an operation input for the information displayed by the processing of the first display step. A receiving step, a creating step of creating setting information based on the operation input received by the processing of the first input receiving step, and a storing step of storing the setting information created by the processing of the creating step A photographing step of photographing a subject in a photographing space different from the display space; a second display step of displaying an image of the subject photographed by the process of the photographing step; and a process of the second display step. A second input receiving step of receiving an edit input for the displayed image of the subject; An editing step of editing the image of the subject based on the editing input accepted by the processing of the second input acceptance step; and a printing step of printing the image of the subject edited by the processing of the editing step. A program that causes a computer to execute.