JP2005084899A - Photograph sticker vending machine and image-editing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-editing method in a photograph sticker vending machine that will not make a user feel the spatial narrowness and resulting difficulties in operation, even when a plurality of users edit a photographed image inside a single display screen. <P>SOLUTION: An image editing method in a photograph sticker vending machine displays a subject photographed by a photographing means on a screen and edits the subject. Further, the method comprises a first step that displays a plurality of editing images selected by a user on one display screen, a second step that accepts an arrangement change operation on the screen of each of the displayed editing images respectively independently, and a third step that changes the arrangement of the editing image on the screen with respect to the accepted arrangement change operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image editing method and an edited image in which an image of a user's whole body or upper body is photographed, and a user's favorite image (handwritten pattern, character, etc.) is drawn on the photographed image. The present invention relates to a photo sticker vending machine that prints and prints on a sticker paper.

Conventionally, an amusement device called a photo sticker vending machine is known. The photo sticker vending machine takes a picture of the user's whole body or upper body, and combines and edits a background image prepared in advance and an image containing patterns and characters freely created by the user into the sticker. It is a device that prints out on paper.
Recently, with a pen-type input device (hereinafter referred to as a touch pen), an editing function has been developed that allows a user to touch a captured image displayed on the screen to input patterns and characters and synthesize them at the touched position on the image. Many things are provided.
These image editing functions allow you to edit images as if you were drawing a pattern or text directly on the captured image, and because of their ease of use, they are accepted by many users. Yes.
By the way, these photograph sticker vending machines are generally used by a plurality of people as a set. For this reason, some conventional devices include a plurality of touch pens, and a plurality of users can simultaneously edit an image during image editing. However, when a plurality of users perform operations on a single display screen at the same time, since all the users operate the face and body close to the screen, it becomes spatially cramped and difficult to operate. Also, if the users move away from each other to avoid the cramps, the user's face position will shift from the screen, and the user will see the image being edited at an angle. After all, it becomes difficult to operate. Most of the conventional devices have problems that are difficult to operate, and these problems are problems to be solved.

In order to solve such problems, there is a photo sticker vending machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-77782.
This photo sticker vending machine is provided with two image display screens.
In this photo sticker vending machine, when two users perform image editing operations at the same time, editing operations are performed on different display screens, so that their bodies do not approach each other. As a result, the user can operate while looking at an easy-to-see angle without feeling cramped.
JP 2002-77782 A

  However, in the photo sticker vending machine described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-77782, since two display screens are provided, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the apparatus itself increases, and there is one display screen. It is requested to solve the above problems under the restrictions.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image of a photo sticker vending machine in which a plurality of users edit a single display screen within a single display screen so that the user does not feel spatial cramping or difficulty in operation associated therewith. An editing method and a photo sticker vending machine to which the method is applied.

In order to achieve the above object, an image editing method for a photo sticker vending machine according to the present invention is displayed with a first step of displaying a plurality of images to be edited selected by a user within one display device screen. A second step of independently accepting an arrangement change operation on the screen of each edit target image, and a third step of changing the arrangement of the edit target image on the screen in response to the accepted arrangement change operation. It is characterized by that.
Further, in the second step, a rotation operation or a movement operation of the editing target image is accepted, and in the third step, a screen of the editing target image according to the rotation operation or the movement operation accepted in the second step. Rotating the upper direction or moving the position on the screen.
In the photo sticker vending machine according to the present invention, display means for displaying a plurality of edit target images selected by the user on one display screen and an operation for changing the arrangement of the displayed edit target images on the screen are independent of each other. And an image arrangement changing means for changing the arrangement of the image to be edited on the screen in response to the accepted arrangement changing operation.
The image arrangement changing unit receives a rotation operation or a movement operation of the editing target image, and rotates the position of the editing target image on the screen or changes the position on the screen according to the received rotation operation or movement operation. It has a means to move, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

Hereinafter, an example of the form in the case of implementing this invention is demonstrated concretely with reference to drawings.
1-3 have shown the apparatus structural example of the photograph sticker vending machine which is one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is an oblique view of the overall appearance of the apparatus, FIG. 2 is a view of the apparatus casing as viewed from the front, and FIG. 3 is a function showing the connection relationship between the components in the configuration of FIGS. It is a configuration block diagram.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a housing of the apparatus, in which various apparatuses are housed. Reference numeral 2 denotes an exterior frame, which is assembled in a box shape so as to cover the housing 1, the housing 1 is installed on one side surface thereof, and the other side surface is covered with an exterior curtain.

2 and 3, reference numeral 3 denotes a control personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC), which performs photographing processing, image editing processing, various hardware control, and the like. Reference numeral 4 denotes a speaker, which outputs audio signals such as music flowing during operation, guidance voice, and sound effects. Reference numeral 5 denotes a digital camera that captures a subject and outputs the captured image to the control PC 3. A charging device 6 accepts and stores a usage fee. Reference numeral 7 denotes an illumination light that illuminates a subject (user) located in front of the housing 1. Reference numeral 8 denotes a strobe, which emits flash light for a short time to the subject at the time of shooting.
Reference numeral 9 denotes a monitor with a touch pen detection function, which displays images and messages to the user. The monitor 9 with a touch pen detection function has a digitizer (coordinate input device) function. Reference numerals 10a and 10b denote touch pens which perform operation inputs necessary for image editing and the like via a monitor 9 with a touch pen detection function (hereinafter abbreviated as monitor).
When the tip of the touch pen 10a or 10b is brought into contact with the screen of the monitor 9 (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as “tapping”), the touched position is detected. For example, when the user taps the icon such as a button displayed on the display screen of the monitor 9 with the touch pen 10a, the position is detected, and the function or operation assigned to the icon at the position is started. Is possible.
Reference numeral 11 denotes a small liquid crystal monitor, which receives a video image signal from the digital camera 5 and displays a photographed image of the digital camera 5 in real time, and mainly confirms the appearance of the user as a subject at the time of photographing. Used for.
Reference numeral 12 denotes a printer which inputs a photographed image or image data obtained by editing a photographed image from the control PC 3 and prints it on a predetermined sticker sheet. Reference numeral 13 denotes a control box, which exchanges control signals in the middle of various hardware such as the control PC 3 and the charging device 6, the illumination light 7, and the strobe 8. An uninterruptible power supply 14 supplies power to the control PC 3 and sends a control signal to the control PC 3 so that it can be safely shut down when the power is cut off. Reference numeral 15 denotes a caster used when the apparatus housing is moved, and is locked when the installation position is determined.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the example of the embodiment described above.
As shown in FIG. 4, the photo sticker vending machine of the present embodiment has a play start waiting process (step S401), a shooting mode selection (step S402), a shooting process (step S403), a shot image selection (step S404), and an image editing. The process is roughly divided into processes (step S405), print layout selection (step S406), and print process (step S407), and these steps are repeatedly executed for each user.
In FIG. 4, when the apparatus is turned on, the apparatus first starts a play start waiting process (step S401). With coin insertion, play starts when the fixed amount is reached due to the insertion of a predetermined fee, but the camera mode and the monitor display mode start operating when the first coin is inserted. As a result, it is possible to confirm the pose by the self-image displayed on the monitor other than the play time.
When a full amount of coins corresponding to the usage fee is inserted, the play start waiting process starts.
When the play start waiting process is completed, a shooting mode is selected (step S402). The shooting mode is a mode for setting conditions such as the brightness level of the flash 8 during shooting. This selection is performed by displaying a plurality of icons indicating shooting condition settings on the screen of the monitor 9 and tapping a desired one of them with the touch pen 10a or 10b.
When the shooting mode selection is completed, a shooting process is performed (step S403). In this process, a subject is photographed with the digital camera 5 to create a photographed image. The subject image is taken multiple times.

When the shooting process is completed, a shot image is next selected (step S404). This selection is performed by displaying thumbnails of all photographed images as icons on the screen of the monitor 9, and the user tapping a desired one of them with the touch pen 10a or 10b.
When the selection of the photographed image is completed, an image editing process is next performed (step S405). In this process, based on the operation of the touch pens 10a and 10b by the user, an image prepared in advance or a pattern created by the user is synthesized and edited with respect to the captured image selected in step S404 to create an edited image. To do. Details of the image editing process will be described later.
When the image editing is completed, a print layout is next selected (step S406). This selection is performed by displaying a plurality of icons indicating layout samples on the screen of the monitor 9, and the user tapping a favorite one from the icons with the touch pen 10a or 10b.
When the print layout selection is completed, the next print processing is performed (step S407). In this process, the edited image created in step S405 is reduced and arranged according to the print layout selected in step S406, and printed on sticker paper.
When the printing process is finished, the printed sticker paper is discharged, and the use of the apparatus is finished. Then, it returns to step S401 and waits for the coin insertion by the next user.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration displayed on the monitor 9 when the image editing process in step S405 of FIG. 4 is performed.
In FIG. 5, 16a and 16b are images to be edited (hereinafter referred to as edited images), and these images are obtained by editing the captured image selected by the user in step S404. 17a and 17b are pallets. What determines the pattern to be drawn during image editing is called a “drawing tool”. When the user inputs to the palettes 17a and 17b, one of a plurality of drawing tools is selected. The pattern to be drawn is determined. Reference numerals 18a and 18b denote image arrangement change tab icons (hereinafter referred to as image arrangement change tabs), and the user changes the display positions of the edited images 16a and 16b on the screen using the image arrangement change tabs 18a and 18b. Reference numeral 19 denotes an editing end button icon (hereinafter referred to as an end button). When the user taps the end button 19 with the touch pen 10a or 10b, the image editing process ends.

The palettes 17a and 17b, the image layout change tab icons 18a and 18b, and the edit end button icon 19 execute processing assigned to each when receiving input from the touch pens 10a and 10b. In the image editing process, the user repeats the input to the palettes 17a and 17b, the image layout change tab icons 18a and 18b, the editing end button icon 19 and the input to the edited images 16a and 16b by the touch pens 10a and 10b. Done.
The touch pens 10a and 10b, the edited images 16a and 16b, the palettes 17a and 17b, the image layout change tab icons 18a and 18b, and the edit end button icon 19 are elements related to the image editing process.
Elements related to these image editing processes are roughly divided into three groups A, B, and C. The group A includes the touch pen 10a, the edited image 16a, the palette 17a, and the image arrangement change tab 18a, and the group B includes the touch pen 10b, the edit image 16b, the palette 17b, and the image arrangement change tab 18b. The group C includes an end button 19. Of the three groups, A and B are independent and non-interfering with each other. For example, the edited image 16a belonging to A does not accept the input of the touch pen 10b belonging to B.

Details of the image editing process for each element group will be described below. However, since the elements of the A group and the B group have the same functions, only the A group will be described below, and the description of the B group will not be described. Omitted.
Reference numeral 16a in FIG. 5A denotes an edited image. When the user touches an arbitrary position on the image with the touch pen 10a or moves while touching (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as “drag”), this becomes an edit input to the image. When any editing operation is performed on the edited image 16a, a pattern or a line is drawn at the position touched by the touch pen 10a at that time, and the pattern or line is combined and edited with the target edited image. As a result, the user can edit the image as if drawing directly on the image.
In FIG. 5A, reference numeral 17a denotes a pallet. A plurality of icons indicating selectable drawing tools are displayed side by side on the palette 17a. When the user taps these icons with the touch pen 10a, the drawing tool selected at that time is changed to one corresponding to the tapped icon. Thereafter, when the editing image 16a is touched with the touch pen 10a, a pattern or a line corresponding to the newly selected drawing tool is drawn.
The palettes 17a and 17b may be displayed at positions independent of the editing screens 16a and 16 as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 5A, reference numeral 18a denotes an image layout change tab. There are two methods for changing the display position of the edited image 16a (hereinafter referred to as “movement mode”), one is called “rotation” and the other is called “parallel movement”.

When the image layout change tab 18a is tapped with the touch pen 10a, the movement mode of the edited image 16a is switched from “rotation” to “parallel movement” or from “parallel movement” to “rotation”. When the image layout change tab 18a is dragged with the touch pen 10a, an operation corresponding to the movement mode at that time is performed.
First, if the image layout change tab 18a is dragged with the touch pen 10a when the movement mode of the edited image 16a is “rotation”, the center of the edited image 16a (intersection of two diagonal lines) is used as a rotation axis in the drag direction. The edited image 16a rotates. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, there are three rotation angles when the drag start point is point S, the center of the edited image 16a is point O, and the drag end point is point E, as shown in FIGS. It is equal to the size of the corner SOE consisting of points.
Next, when the image layout change tab 18a is dragged with the touch pen 10a when the movement mode of the edited image 16a is “parallel translation”, the edited image 16a is translated in the dragged direction. The distance moved at this time is equal to the length of a straight line SE connecting the two points when the starting point of the drag is point S and the end point of the drag is point E, as shown in FIG.
By executing such “rotation” and “parallel movement” in combination, the user can change the arrangement of the edited image 16a so as to be easily operated.

  In FIG. 5, 20 is a confirmation button icon. When the confirmation button icon 20 is tapped with the touch pen 10a, the image layout is temporarily returned to the initial state and displayed. As a result, the user can check the quality of the edited image with the image straight.

8 to 12 are flowcharts showing details of the image editing process in step S405. FIG. 8 shows the overall flow of the image editing processing, and FIGS. 9 to 12 show details of partial processing in the flowchart of FIG. Also in the following description, for the elements included in both the A group and the B group, only A is described, and B is omitted.
FIG. 8 shows the overall flow of the image editing process. The image editing process is realized by a program stored in the memory of the control PC 15.
First, the edited image 16a selected by the user is displayed on the monitor 9 screen (step S801). The position where the image is displayed can be freely changed by executing processing in a later step.
Next, it is determined whether or not there has been an operation input from the touch pen 10a by the user (step S802). If there is an input from the touch pen 10a, the process proceeds to step S803. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S806.
In step S803, input coordinates of the touch pen 10a (this coordinate is represented by p) are acquired. Next, it is determined whether or not the end button 19 exists at the position of the coordinate p (step S804). If the end button 19 is present, the image editing process is terminated. If the end button 19 is not present, a process corresponding to the input type of the touch pen 10a is performed (step S805), and after the process is completed, step S806 is performed. Proceed to
In step S806, it is determined whether the set time has elapsed (step S806). If the set time has elapsed at this point, the image editing process ends. If not, the process returns to step S801 to repeat a series of processes.
The above is the processing flow shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the individual input process (step S805) in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the edited image 16a exists at the position of the coordinate p (step S901). When the edited image 16a exists at the position of the coordinate p, the process input to the edited image (step S902) is executed, and then the individual input process (step S805) is terminated. If the edited image 16a does not exist at the position of the coordinate p, the process proceeds to step S903.
In step S903, it is determined whether or not the palette 17a exists at the position of the coordinate p. If the pallet 17a exists at the position of the coordinate p, the process (step S904) in the case of input to the pallet is executed, and then the individual input process (step S805) is terminated, and the pallet 17a does not exist at the position of the coordinate p. In this case, the process proceeds to step S905.
In step S905, it is determined whether or not the image layout change tab 18a exists at the position of the coordinate p. When the image layout change tab 18a exists at the position of the coordinate p, the process (step S906) when input to the image layout change tab is executed, and then the separate input process (step S805) is terminated, and the position of the coordinate p If the image layout change tab 18a does not exist, the process proceeds to step S907.
In step S907, it is determined whether or not the confirmation button 20 exists at the position of the coordinate p. If the confirmation button 20 exists at the position of the coordinate p, the processing when the input is made to the confirmation button 20 (step S908) is executed, and then the individual input processing (step S805) is terminated, and the confirmation button is located at the position of the coordinate p. If 20 does not exist, the individual input process (step S805) is terminated.
The above is the processing flow shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of step S902 in FIG.
First, a pattern corresponding to the currently selected drawing tool is drawn (step S1001). Next, the drawn pattern is synthesized at the position of the coordinate p on the edited image 16a (step S1002).
The above is the processing flow shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of step S904 in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the input by the touch pen 10a is a drag (step S1101). If the input is a drag, the process of step 904 is terminated, and if the input is not a drag, the process proceeds to step S1102.
In step S1102, it is determined whether the input with the touch pen 10a is a tap. If the input is a tap, the process proceeds to step S1103. If the input is not a tap, the process of step S904 ends.
In step S1103, it is determined which drawing tool the icon on the palette 17a at the coordinate p belongs to. Next, the found drawing tool is newly selected (step S1104), and the process of step S904 is ended. Thereafter, when drawing on the edited image, a pattern corresponding to the drawing tool is drawn.
The above is the processing flow shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of step S906 in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the input by the touch pen 10a is a tap (step S1201). If the input is a tap, the process proceeds to step S1202, and if the input is not a tap, the process proceeds to step S1206.
In step S1202, it is determined whether or not the current movement mode is “rotation”. If the current movement mode is “rotation”, the movement mode is changed to “parallel movement” (step S1203), and then the process of step S906 is terminated. If the current movement mode is not “rotation”, step S1204 is performed. Proceed to
In step S1204, it is determined whether or not the current movement mode is “parallel movement”. When the current movement mode is “parallel movement”, the movement mode is changed to “rotation” (step S1205), and then the process of step S906 is terminated. What is the case when the current movement mode is not “parallel movement”? Without doing so, the processing of step S906 is terminated.

In step S1206, it is determined whether or not the input by the touch pen 10a is a drag. If the input is a drag, the process proceeds to step S1207. If the input is not a drag, the process of step S906 ends.
In step S1207, it is determined whether or not the current movement mode is “rotation”. If the current movement mode is “rotation”, the editing image 16a is rotated according to the drag direction and length (step S1208), and then the process of step S906 is terminated, and the current movement mode is “rotation”. If not, the process proceeds to step S1209.
In step S1209, it is determined whether or not the current movement mode is “parallel movement”. If the current movement mode is “parallel movement”, the edited image is translated in accordance with the direction and length of the drag (step S1210), and then the process of step S906 is terminated. The current movement mode is “parallel”. If it is not “move”, the process of step 906 is terminated without doing anything.
The above is the processing flow shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of step S908 in FIG.
First, the arrangement state of the edited image 16a at that time is stored (step S1301). Next, the arrangement of the edited image 16a is returned to the initial state and displayed (step S1302). At this time, the editing state applied to the edited image 16a is maintained as it is.
Next, it is determined whether or not the touch pen 10a is separated from the confirmation button 20, and if the touch pen 10a is separated from the confirmation button 20, the process proceeds to step S1304. If not, the process returns to step S1302.
In step S1304, the image arrangement is returned to the state stored in step S1301, and the process in step S908 ends.
The above is the processing flow shown in FIG.

As is clear from the above description, according to the above embodiment, the two editing screens 16a and 16b are displayed on the screen of one monitor 9, and each of the editing screens 16a and 16b is independently displayed by each user. Since the editing screens 16a and 16b can be arranged in an arbitrary position at an arbitrary angle on the screen of the monitor 9, a plurality of editing screens 16a and 16b can be arranged on the screen of one monitor 9. Even when the user edits the captured image, the user can perform the editing operation without making the user feel the spatial cramp and the difficulty of the operation associated therewith.
If the two editing screens 16a and 16b partially overlap when the arrangement position on the screen is changed, the overlapping portion is made transparent so that the image of the editing screen located on the back side can be seen. It is possible to perform processing such as.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the photograph sticker vending machine which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the apparatus housing | casing of the photograph sticker vending machine from the front. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship of each part in the configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the photograph sticker vending machine which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the Example of the screen which performs an image editing process. It is a figure which shows the operation example at the time of dragging image arrangement change tabs 18a and 18b when a movement mode is "rotation". It is a figure which shows the operation example at the time of dragging image arrangement change tabs 18a and 18b when a movement mode is "parallel movement." It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an image editing process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when the input of a touch pen is received in an image editing process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when touching the edit images 16a and 16b with a touch pen in an image editing process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when touching on the palettes 17a and 17b with a touch pen in an image editing process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when touching on the image arrangement | positioning change tabs 18a and 18b with a touch pen in an image editing process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when touching the confirmation button 20 with a touch pen in an image editing process.

Explanation of symbols

1 device housing 2 exterior frame 3 control PC
4 Speaker 5 Digital camera 6 Billing device 7 Illumination light 8 Strobe 9 Monitor with touch pen detection function 10a, 10b ... Touch pen 11 Liquid crystal monitor 12 Printer 13 Control box 14 Uninterruptible power supply 15 Casters 16a, 16b Edited images 17a, 17b Palette 18a, 18b Image layout change tab 19 Exit button 20 Confirm button

Claims (4)

An image editing method in a photo sticker vending machine that displays and edits a subject image taken by a photographing means on a screen,
A first step of displaying a plurality of images to be edited selected by a user in one display device screen;
A second step of independently accepting an arrangement change operation on the screen of each displayed image to be edited;
And a third step of changing the arrangement of the image to be edited on the screen in response to the accepted arrangement changing operation. An image editing method in a photo sticker vending machine.   In the second step, a rotation operation or a movement operation of the editing target image is accepted, and in the third step, the editing target image is displayed on the screen in accordance with the rotation operation or the movement operation accepted in the second step. 2. The image editing method in a photo sticker vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the direction is rotated or the position on the screen is moved. In a photo sticker vending machine that displays and edits the subject image taken by the photographing means on the screen,
Display means for displaying a plurality of images to be edited selected by the user in one display screen;
Image layout changing means for independently accepting an arrangement change operation on the screen of each displayed image to be edited and changing the arrangement of the image to be edited on the screen in response to the accepted arrangement change operation. Photo sticker vending machine.   The image arrangement changing unit receives a rotation operation or a movement operation of the image to be edited, and rotates or moves a position on the screen of the image to be edited in accordance with the received rotation operation or movement operation. 4. The photo sticker vending machine according to claim 3, further comprising means.

Images