JP2009033755A - Photo print providing apparatus, method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photo print providing apparatus capable of providing a composited image, using an image that corresponds to the scene which is satisfactory image to a user. <P>SOLUTION: A photo print providing apparatus is provided with a camera 6 for photographing a subject including a user within an imaging region; a monitor 20 for displaying required information; a storage device 41 for storing stored image to be composited with the image photographed by the camera 6; a first compositing means 90 for compositing the stored images in the storage device and the photographed image; a printer 9 for printing the composited image on a printing medium; and a computer system for controlling the respective means. The storage device 41 stores basic images within an image range that is larger than that of the photographed image as stored images, and the compositing means extracts a unit image of substantially the same image range as the image range of the photographed image from the basic images, and composites the extracted unit image and the photographed image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic print providing apparatus, method, and program that are installed in a game center or the like, photograph a user by inserting coins, print a photographed image, and sell it.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a large number of photographic print providing apparatuses that take photographs and make sticker prints are installed in game centers and the like. Such a photographic print providing apparatus generally captures a subject as a user with a camera, synthesizes a frame image with the photographed image, and prints the synthesized image as a sticker print. In such a photographic print providing apparatus, the provided sticker print is exchanged between users on a daily basis. In addition, a scene is selected and a background image and a captured image corresponding to the scene are combined and provided.

  As a photographic print providing apparatus as described above, there is one shown in the following Patent Document 1 as a prior art known to the applicant. The device described in Patent Document 1 is a frame image having a story.

JP-A-11-95312

  However, in the conventional apparatus, when the obtained sticker is exchanged between users, the images printed on the sticker are not related to each image, and the images collected by exchange are merely a collection. Even if a frame image is given a story as shown in Patent Document 1, each frame image is a single image, so that it does not lead to strong motivation to promote exchange between users. .

  In addition, the user may take a picture while approaching the camera so that the face and the whole body are shown larger, and in this case, the area of the subject in the taken image becomes large. In such a case, even if a background image according to the scene is used as described above, the area where the background image appears in the composite image with the photographed image is small, and it is difficult to understand in what kind of scene the photograph was taken. There is.

  For this reason, for example, it is conceivable to take a background image that is larger than the photographed image according to the scene, such as so-called panoramic photography, but in this case, the part where the subject is not photographed becomes unnecessarily wide, Cannot be provided, and a satisfactory image cannot be provided to a user who likes to have a lot of subjects.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. For example, it is an object of the present invention to provide a photo print providing apparatus, method, and program capable of providing a user with a composite image using an image according to a scene as being satisfactory to the user. And

In order to achieve the above object, a photographic print providing apparatus of the present invention includes a camera for photographing a subject including a user,
Display means for displaying images taken by the camera and necessary information;
A combining means for combining the unit image of the image range substantially the same as the image range of the captured image selected from the basic image of the image range larger than the image range of the captured image with the captured image;
Printing means for printing the composite image on a print medium,
The gist of the invention is that the display means displays a basic image display unit for displaying a basic image including the selected unit image.

Further, the photo print providing method of the present invention includes a photographing step for photographing a subject including a user,
A display step for displaying a photographed image by the camera and necessary information on a display means; and a unit image having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the photographed image selected from a basic image having an image range larger than the image range of the photographed image And a compositing step for compositing the captured image,
A printing step of printing the composite image on a printing medium,
The gist of the present invention is to display a basic image display unit for displaying a basic image including the selected unit image in the display step.

The photographic print providing program of the present invention includes a shooting step for shooting a subject including a user,
A display step for displaying a photographed image by the camera and necessary information on a display means; and a unit image having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the photographed image selected from a basic image having an image range larger than the image range of the photographed image And a compositing step for compositing the captured image,
A printing step for printing the composite image on a printing medium;
The gist of the present invention is to cause the computer device to execute a step of displaying a basic image display unit for displaying a basic image including the selected unit image in the display step.

  That is, from the basic image of the image range larger than the image range of the photographed image, a unit image having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the photographed image is selected, and the unit image and the photographed image are combined to generate a composite image, The composite image is printed out. In this way, since a composite image using a unit image selected from one basic image is printed out, the resulting photo print has an image pattern in which the unit images combined with the photographed image are related to each other. Users can get a lot of photo prints that are related to the pattern. Then, by collecting a plurality of composite images using unit images, the whole picture of the original basic image becomes clear, so that the user can enjoy collecting them. Users try to collect many photographic prints by reusing the device, and frequently exchange photographic prints between users to collect more relevant photographic prints. Thus, in this apparatus, strong motivation for user reuse and exchange works, and reuse can be promoted. In addition, since the display means is provided with a basic image display unit that displays a basic image including the selected unit image, what is the unit image used as a composite image during play? It can be visually confirmed whether it is extracted from a basic image.

  In the present invention, the basic image displayed on the basic image display unit is used as a composite image during play when the selection region display unit indicating the region of the selected unit image is provided. It is possible to visually confirm which region of the basic image is selected as the unit image. For example, by displaying the selected area by surrounding the area of the unit image with a frame, changing the color, or the like, it is easy to check which part is the unit image.

  In the present invention, when the basic image is configured in a state where a plurality of unit images are arranged without overlapping each other, a plurality of unit images selected from one basic image are arranged. Since the original basic image is completed, it is possible to give the user the pleasure of completing the original basic image by arranging the photographic prints using the unit images like a puzzle. Further, even when the user takes a picture close to the camera and the area of the subject in the taken image increases, the surrounding atmosphere can be well understood by arranging the unit images. Further, in this state, a large basic image is an image in which many subjects are arranged in various poses, and the enjoyment of the user is further increased.

  In the present invention, the unit image includes at least one of a foreground image to be combined as a foreground of a captured image and a background image to be combined as a background, and the combining unit combines the foreground image as a foreground of the captured image. A foreground compositing means and at least one of a background compositing means for compositing the background image as a background of the photographed image, a composite image obtained by compositing the unit image as a background or foreground can be provided as a photographic print. Can provide photo prints with various expressions.

  In the present invention, when the foreground composition means synthesizes at least a part of a unit image, the foreground having a transmissive part is synthesized as the foreground of the subject, and various synthesized expressions in which perspective and stereoscopic effect are expressed. Can provide photo prints.

  In the present invention, the unit image includes a confirmation image for confirming an image displayed on the display means and a print image for print output, and the composition means includes a live image and a confirmation image by a camera. A first combining unit that combines the images in real time and displays the combined image on the display unit, and a still image and a printing image of the subject obtained by performing a shutter operation while the combined image is displayed on the display unit. And a second combining unit that combines the unit images corresponding to the respective processing or display capabilities for confirmation by the first combining unit and for printing by the second combining unit. Can be used, the processing load can be reduced, the reduction in processing speed is small, and the user is not stressed. In addition, for example, by using a low-resolution image with a small number of pixels for confirmation and using a high-resolution image with a large number of pixels for printing, a low-resolution image with a small amount of data is used in the composition processing and display processing for confirmation. Using a high-resolution image in a printing composition process or printing, it is possible to create a beautiful photo print with excellent image quality.

  In the present invention, there is provided edit accepting means for displaying a composite image of a still image of a subject obtained by a shutter operation and a unit image and accepting an edit input by a user, and the edit accepting means combines different unit images. If the edit input is accepted with the joint image of the composite image displayed side by side displayed, the image can be edited across the joint of the composite image, and the photo print The edits made at the seam will appear to be complete when the items are arranged, which can provide new enjoyment to the user.

  In the present invention, when extracting the unit image by cutting out a part of the basic image as a unit image, the extraction unit can cut out an arbitrary area of the basic image to form a unit image. An infinite number of unit images can be generated from the images and used for synthesis.

  In the present invention, when the basic image includes a plurality of unit images, and the extraction unit extracts a unit image by selecting one of the plurality of unit images, the extraction is performed. The processing is simplified and the processing load is reduced, which is advantageous for ensuring the processing speed.

  In the present invention, the basic image includes a plurality of selection areas having an image range larger than the unit image, and the extraction unit selects and selects one of the plurality of selection areas. When a unit image is extracted by cutting out a part of the selected area as a unit image, an infinite number of unit images can be generated from each selected area and used for synthesis. And, for example, by making image patterns such as patterns and colors in each selection area have the same tendency, unit images extracted from the same selection area have the same tendency atmosphere and are grouped together. It is possible to give the user enjoyment of collecting photo prints in which the unit images of each group are used.

  In the present invention, the unit image extracted by the extraction unit and the unit image extracted by the synthesis unit and the captured image are combined a plurality of times, and a plurality of unit images generated by the plurality of extractions are controlled. When at least one of the unit images is extracted so as to have an image range different from that of the other unit images, a large composite image using the large unit images can be made into a photographic print. For example, the number of subjects When there are many images, a photographic print using a large unit image can be obtained. In addition, even when the user shoots close to the camera and the area of the subject in the captured image becomes large, by combining with a large unit image, the area other than the subject of the composite image can be taken large and the atmosphere can be clearly understood. Photo prints can be provided.

  In the present invention, there are a plurality of unit images having the same image pattern in the unit images constituting the basic image, and only one unit image having the same image pattern is stored in the storage means. In the basic image, where the unit images of the same image pattern are arranged side by side and the same pattern is repeated, it is only necessary to store one unit image and use the unit image. Effective use of resources.

  In the present invention, when a plurality of basic image groups composed of a plurality of basic images are provided, a plurality of unit images are extracted from each basic image of many basic images to generate a composite image, and a photo print As a result, the variation of photographic prints that can be provided increases. Further, in this case, the tendency of the image pattern can be aligned for each basic image group, and a shooting course corresponding to each basic image group can be set. Then, by prompting the user to select a course, by extracting a unit image from the basic image of the basic image group corresponding to the course in the shooting course selected by the user, generating a composite image and providing it as a photo print, Many types of photo prints can be provided according to the shooting course.

  In the present invention, in the case where the synthesizer inverts or rotates the synthesized image with respect to the unit image to be synthesized, the synthesizer photographic prints of an interesting composite image in which the subject is inverted or rotated with respect to the unit image. And the variation of images that can be provided increases.

  In the present invention, when the composition unit synthesizes the extracted unit image by inverting or rotating it with respect to the photographic image to be synthesized, the synthesized image is an interesting unit image that is inverted or rotated with respect to the subject. Photographic prints can be provided, and variations of images that can be provided are increased.

  In the present invention, when a plurality of the basic images are provided, the unit images are extracted from the basic images a plurality of times, and a plurality of synthesized images are provided and provided, the plurality of unit images are extracted in the same basic manner. When the unit image is extracted from the image, for example, when the original basic image is completed by arranging three unit images, the basic image is obtained by obtaining a photo print of three composite images. Can be completed. For example, when three composite images are provided in one play, the user can complete a basic image in one play. When two composite images are provided in one play, the user can complete the basic image in two plays, and there is a repeat effect of using the apparatus.

  In the present invention, when a plurality of the basic images are provided, the unit images are extracted from the basic images a plurality of times, and a plurality of composite images are combined and provided, the plurality of unit images are extracted differently. When a unit image is extracted from an image, for example, there are three basic images, each unit image is extracted one by one to generate a composite image, and three composite images are played in one play. In order to complete a basic image by combining photographic prints, it is necessary to play at least three times, and many basic images can be completed by overlapping the play, so collect photographic prints. Fun can be provided to the user and there is a repeat effect of using the device.

  In the present invention, when a composite image is printed on the printing medium and a basic image from which a unit image used to generate the composite image is extracted is finally printed, The basic image to be played can be confirmed on the photo print after the play is completed, and it is easy to understand which part is missing in the next play.

  In the present invention, when printing a composite image on the print medium, if a plurality of composite images are printed in different sizes, a basic image having a different size depending on the composite image having a different size. Can be completed.

  In the present invention, when a user has an operation unit for performing an operation input and unit images are extracted in response to the operation input to the operation unit, a portion insufficient to complete a basic image For example, it is possible to generate a composite image by selecting a unit image desired by the user, so that only unnecessary images already possessed do not cause dissatisfaction to the user.

  The print paper unit of the present invention is a set of print paper used for the printer and storage means for recording the printable number of print paper sheets, according to any one of claims 1 to 21. The first gist is that the reading means provided in the photographic print providing apparatus described above reads the number of prints that can be supplied from the storage means and supplies the same number of photographic prints.

  In the print paper unit of the present invention, a print paper used in the printer and a recording material such as an ink ribbon for printing an image on the print paper are set, and the print paper or the recording material includes the print paper or Identification information for identifying the recording material is attached, and the identification information is read by the reading means provided in the photographic print providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, whereby a photographic print is supplied. The second gist is configured as described above.

  The print paper unit of the present invention is a print paper unit provided with print paper used in the printer, and the print paper is provided with identification information for identifying the print paper. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the photo print is supplied by reading the identification information by the reading means provided in the photo print providing apparatus according to any one of the above.

  The present invention selects a unit image having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the photographed image from the basic image having an image range larger than the image range of the photographed image, and synthesizes the unit image and the photographed image to generate a composite image. Then, the composite image is printed out. In this way, since a composite image using a unit image selected from one basic image is printed out, the resulting photo print has an image pattern in which the unit images combined with the photographed image are related to each other. Users can get a lot of photo prints that are related to the pattern. Then, by collecting a plurality of composite images using unit images, the whole picture of the original basic image becomes clear, so that the user can enjoy collecting them. Users try to collect many photographic prints by reusing the device, and frequently exchange photographic prints between users to collect more relevant photographic prints. Thus, in this apparatus, strong motivation for user reuse and exchange works, and reuse can be promoted. In addition, since the display means is provided with a basic image display unit that displays a basic image including the selected unit image, what is the unit image used as a composite image during play? It can be visually confirmed whether it is extracted from a basic image.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  1 to 3 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a photographic print providing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus including the casing 1, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the casing 1 as viewed from the photographing side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the entire apparatus as viewed from the editing side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic print providing apparatus includes a casing 1 having various devices provided on the front, back, side, and inside, and the front side of the casing 1 (the right side of FIG. 1, FIG. 2). Shooting side on the side (visible in Fig. 3), editing play of the shot image on the back side (side visible in Fig. 3), and photo printing on the side of the housing 1 (side visible in Fig. 1) It is supposed to be provided.

  That is, in this photo print providing apparatus, the front side of the housing 1 is the photographing play providing unit of the present invention, the back side of the housing 1 is the editing play providing unit of the present invention, and the side surface of the housing 1 is the side of the present invention. It is a print provider. The shooting play providing unit, the edit play providing unit, and the print providing unit are configured to be able to simultaneously provide a shooting play, an edit play, and a print, and a series of shooting play, editing play, and print. By providing the offer to the user 2 at different locations, the flow of customers can be smoothed, and an apparatus can be installed according to the situation of the store.

  On the front side of the casing 1, a back screen unit 3 is provided in a region that is the back of the subject 2. The casing 1 and the back screen unit 3 are connected to each other by a ceiling portion 4a and a support frame member 4b, and a curtain 5a is suspended from the ceiling portion 4a at a portion serving as an entrance / exit thereof. The housing 1, the back screen unit 3, the ceiling 4a, and the curtain 5a form a shooting play space 31 that is an imaging region of the present invention.

  On the other hand, a support frame member 4c is attached to the casing 1 so as to protrude to the back surface side, and a curtain 5b is suspended at the tip thereof (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). ). An edit play space 32 is formed between the back side of the housing 1 and the curtain 5b.

  A coin insertion slot 15 for inserting coins as a consideration for play is provided on the front surface of the casing 1, and a coin detection unit 34 (see FIG. 4) as a price receiving unit provided in the vicinity of the coin insertion slot 15. ) Is provided. The coin detection unit 34 detects the coins inserted therein, and shooting play is started. After the shooting play, an edit play is performed on the shot image, and the edited shot image is printed and provided as a photo print. It has become so.

  A camera 6 that captures an image of the subject 2 including the user 2 in the shooting play space is provided inside the housing 1. The front surface of the camera 6 is covered with a transparent plate 10. Below the transparent plate 10 on the front surface of the camera 6, a live monitor 20 is provided for displaying a captured image as a moving image captured by the camera 6, that is, a captured moving image. The display image displayed on the live monitor 20 can be visually confirmed by the user 2. In this example, the live monitor 20 functions as a live monitor of the present invention that displays live video from a camera in real time, and also functions as a display means of the present invention that displays necessary information. In addition to the live monitor, display means such as a liquid crystal tablet for displaying necessary information and inputting data may be provided. Necessary information includes a title demonstration, a display for guiding an operation, a display for waiting for an operation, a display for prompting selection, a display for guiding a user, a display for prompting attention, and the like.

  The captured image from the camera 6 is displayed on the live monitor 20 by being appropriately inverted so that the image can be correctly viewed from the user's eyes. In general, if the subject 2 moves to the right, the shooting moving image that can be visually confirmed by the user 2 also improves the shooting operability when moving to the right. Therefore, the shooting moving image from the camera 6 is inverted using a conventionally known inversion circuit or the like. Is done.

  A translucent milky white plate 11 is provided around the transparent plate 10 and the live monitor 20, and the subject 2 is always illuminated behind the milky white plate 11 during shooting by the camera 6 during shooting play. A front fluorescent lamp 17 and a front strobe 7 that emits light when a still image is taken by a shutter operation are provided.

  An operation panel 16a for performing a shooting play operation is provided on the front surface of the housing 1. On the operation panel 16a, switching buttons 22a and 22b for performing selection input and switching input of the operation input, a determination button 14 for determining selection input and switching input of the switching buttons 22a and 22b, and the determined input are temporarily canceled. A cancel button 13 is provided. One set of the switching buttons 22a and 22b is provided on the right side and the left side, respectively, so that selection input and switching input can be performed respectively.

  The switching buttons 22a, 22b, the determination button 14, and the cancel button 13 function as course selecting means of the present invention, and the user 2 selects a desired shooting course among a plurality of shooting courses prepared in advance. Let In the shooting play, the live monitor 20 displays a display screen that is set differently from the other shooting courses according to the selected shooting course.

  Specifically, as will be described later, a low-resolution image group 93 as a storage image storage unit (storage means) that stores storage images such as frames and backgrounds to be combined with live video from the camera 6, and the low-resolution images A first synthesis means 90 for synthesizing a frame or background read from the group 93 and a live video in real time (see FIG. 4), and in the shooting play, a frame corresponding to the shooting course selected by the course selection means. And the background are read out and synthesized in real time, and the synthesized image synthesized in real time is displayed on the live monitor 20 in real time.

  At this time, the frame and background read from the storage means are obtained by selecting (extracting) the frame and background as the unit image from the basic image formed by combining a plurality of unit images such as the frame and the background. Used. Further, depending on the shooting course described later, a frame or background is not directly selected from a basic image, but a frame or background prepared independently is directly read out instead of being related to the basic image.

  The switching buttons 22a and 22b, the determination button 14, and the cancel button 13 also function as switching input means, and enable switching input of frames and background stored images as will be described later. The determination button 14 functions as shutter means of the present invention, and a still image at a desired moment is captured from a live video of the subject 2 captured by the camera 6 by operating the determination button 14.

  Further, when a pose is taken away from the housing 1, another operation panel 16 b having the same function on the wall surface inside the apparatus other than the housing 1 can be operated without moving to the housing 1 for every shooting. Is provided. In this example, an operation panel 16 b having switching buttons 22 a and 22 b, a determination button 14, and a cancel button 13 is provided on the left wall surface of the shooting play space 31. An operation panel having a left switching button 22a, a determination button 14, and a cancel button 13 is provided on the left wall surface of the shooting play space 31, and a right switching button 22b, a determination button 14, and a cancel button 13 are provided on the right wall surface. An operation panel can be provided. By doing in this way, operativity becomes favorable when playing with two or more persons.

  In addition, a speaker 18a is provided on the front of the housing 1 for outputting a demonstration voice when waiting for play and a guidance voice when shooting. The speaker 18a functions as first sound output means for outputting sound set differently from other shooting courses according to the selected shooting course.

  The back screen unit 3 includes a screen 26 having a certain degree of light transmission. On the opposite side of the screen 26 from the subject 2, a back fluorescent light 28 that always illuminates the subject 2 during shooting by the camera 6 during shooting play, and a back strobe that emits light when shooting a still image by shutter operation. 27 are provided. The screen 26 is colored in a color that facilitates the synthesis of the background as a stored image and the captured video of the subject 2. For example, when the above synthesis is performed by chroma key synthesis, a blue screen or a green screen is preferably used.

  On the other hand, the ceiling part 4a is provided with a ceiling strobe 24 that illuminates the subject 2 from above when shooting a still image by shutter operation. The front strobe 7, the back strobe 27, and the ceiling strobe 24 in front of the housing 1 are different in the selection of which strobe light is emitted by the switching buttons 22a, 22b and the determination button 14, and the combination of the strobe light emission, the light emission balance, and the like. The lighting mode can be selected.

  On the front side of the casing 1, the user 2 enters the shooting play space 31 and inserts coins into the coin insertion slot 15 to perform shooting play.

  In the shooting play, first, the shooting course is selected by the user 2 operating the switching buttons 22a and 22b and the decision button 14. A basic image including a frame and background to be combined with the live video is prepared according to the shooting course. When the live video from the camera 6 is displayed on the live monitor 20, a frame or background as a unit image is read from the basic image corresponding to the shooting course, and is synthesized in real time with the first video synthesizing unit 90 with the live video. The image is displayed on the live monitor 20 in real time. At this time, a low-resolution confirmation image is used as a synthesis image such as a frame or background to be synthesized by the first synthesis unit 90.

  On the other hand, depending on the shooting course, the unit image is not read out from the basic image, but the frame and the background stored as the frame and the background are directly read out, and the stored image is switched by the operation of the switching buttons 22a and 22b by the user 2. Enable input. In response to this switching input, the stored image to be combined with the captured moving image is switched and combined in real time. Then, the synthesized video synthesized in real time is switched and displayed on the live monitor 20 in real time, and the synthesized video using the desired stored image is determined among the synthesized videos displayed by switching by the shutter operation by the decision button 14. It is fixed as a still image 50 at a predetermined timing.

  When the shooting play is completed, the subject 2 moves to the back side of the housing 1 and performs an edit play. Next, the rear side of the housing 1 where the edit play is performed will be described.

  An edit input panel 23 for performing edit input in edit play is provided on the back side of the housing 1. The edit input panel 23 displays a shot image as a still image 50 shot at a predetermined shutter timing in shooting play by the camera 6, and the edit display 8 that receives an edit input in that state, and the edit And a touch pen 12 for performing editing input to the display 8.

  At this time, the synthesized image displayed on the editing display 8 is a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing the photographed image as the still image 50 and the synthesis image such as the frame and the background by the second synthesis means 60 (see FIG. 4). It is. Further, a high-resolution printing image is used as the composition image used by the second composition means 60.

  For example, a liquid crystal tablet or the like is used as the editing display 8 and includes a display processor, a monitor unit, and a touch panel. Then, according to the operation instruction displayed on the monitor unit of the editing display 8, the operation pen is lightly brought into contact with the touch panel on the surface of the editing display 8, and various operation signals are input. Data can be input with the display of.

  The tip of the touch pen 12 is brought into contact with the touch panel on the surface of the editing display 8 so that characters and figures can be drawn and input. Image data such as handwritten characters and figures, stamp images, etc. Is synthesized by the second synthesizing unit 60 (see FIG. 4) with the still image 50 of the subject 2 photographed and fixed by the camera 6, and the edited image is displayed on the monitor unit of the editing display 8. As will be described later, it is printed out by the printer 9.

  Here, in the editing play, a plurality of editing courses are prepared according to the plurality of shooting courses, and in each editing course, the editing display 8 includes other editing courses related to the selected shooting course. Control is performed so that display screens set differently are displayed.

  Specifically, as will be described later, the second computer device 38 (see FIG. 4), which is the editing means in the editing play providing unit, displays the editing input tool displayed on the editing display 8 and selected by the user 2. In each editing course of the above edit play, an editing input tool set to be different from the other editing courses is displayed in relation to the selected shooting course, and corresponding to the shooting course. Controlled to allow editing.

  Reference numeral 18b denotes a speaker for outputting a guide voice for editing play. The speaker 18b functions as a second audio output unit that outputs to the edit play providing unit a sound that is set differently from the other edit courses in relation to the selected shooting course.

  The side face of the casing 1 is provided with a delivery port 19 through which the printed photographic print is discharged. The user 2 who has finished editing play waits for the printing to end before the delivery port 19. Photo prints are provided.

  Next, the system configuration of the photographic print providing apparatus will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, this apparatus includes a first computer device 37 that mainly controls shooting play, and a second computer device 38 that mainly controls editing play and print provision.

  In this photo print providing apparatus, a basic image having an image range larger than the image range of the photographed image is stored as a stored image including a frame, a background, and the like. Then, in the shooting play, a unit image having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the shot image is extracted from the basic image, and the combined unit image and the shot image are combined to generate a combined image. Is printed out.

  In this way, since a composite image using a unit image extracted from one basic image is printed out, the resulting photographic print has an image pattern in which the unit images combined with the photographed image are related to each other. Users can get a lot of photo prints that are related to the pattern. Then, by collecting a plurality of composite images using unit images, the whole picture of the original basic image becomes clear, so that the user can enjoy collecting them. Users try to collect many photographic prints by reusing the device, and frequently exchange photographic prints between users to collect more relevant photographic prints. Thus, in this apparatus, strong motivation for user reuse and exchange works, and reuse can be promoted.

  In addition, in the above shooting play, you can play while watching the composite image in which the background and frame according to the shooting course selected by the user's preference are synthesized in real time on the live video, and enjoy the shooting atmosphere while enjoying the original atmosphere of the course Can be done. In the edit play, an edit input tool related to the background or frame synthesized in the selected shooting course is displayed, and an edit play such as inputting a stamp image related to the selected shooting course can be performed. become able to. In this way, it is possible to create a photographic print with a unique atmosphere while enjoying a consistent atmosphere in shooting play and editing play.

  In this way, not only can the shooting course be selected according to the user's preference, but in the edit play, the edit course prepared according to the selected shooting course is automatically selected and the edit play is performed. In edit play, course-specific editing can be performed.

  Therefore, the user can perform shooting play while tasting a unique atmosphere different from other shooting courses according to the selected shooting course by selecting a desired shooting course. Then, when shooting play is completed and editing play is started, an edit play corresponding to the selected shooting play is automatically selected, and a display screen related to the atmosphere of the selected shooting course is displayed. You will be able to continue to enjoy the original atmosphere of the course while editing. In this manner, the user can perform shooting play while fully enjoying the atmosphere of the course, and can continue to perform editing play in that atmosphere. At this time, the edit play is automatically selected according to the selected shooting play, so the user can play in a consistent atmosphere from shooting to editing by simply selecting the shooting course at the start of shooting play. The operation will not be more complicated than necessary.

  Furthermore, this apparatus includes a first compositing unit 90 that synthesizes a moving image that is a live video by the camera 6 and a compositing image in the first computer device 37 to generate a composite video, and a second computer device 38. In addition, a second synthesizing unit 60 is provided for synthesizing the still image 50 in which the captured moving image is fixed by the shutter operation with the decision button 14 and the synthesis image to generate a synthesized image. Then, the first synthesized image by the first synthesizing means 90 is displayed in real time on the live monitor 20 so that the synthesized video can be visually confirmed on the subject 2, and the synthesized image generated by the second synthesizing means 60 is displayed by the printer 9. They are printed and provided as photo prints.

  Here, the composition image used in the first composition unit 90 is a confirmation image that is displayed on the live monitor 20 as a composition moving image and visually confirmed by the user 2, and has a relatively low resolution frame. Images and background images are stored as a low-resolution image group 93 as a storage means.

  Further, the composition image used in the second composition means 60 is a print image for composition and printing with the still image 50 fixed by the shutter operation, and has a resolution higher than the resolution of the confirmation image. Images are used. The high-resolution frame image and background image are stored as a high-resolution image group 94 as storage means.

  The printing image used in the second synthesizing unit 60 is an image having substantially the same image pattern corresponding to the confirmation image used in the first synthesizing unit 90, and is stored in the low resolution image group 93. Corresponding means (not shown) for associating the confirmation image with the printing image of the high resolution image group 94 corresponding to the confirmation image is provided.

  In this way, the confirmation image used for the first composition unit 90 and the print image used for the second composition unit 60 are prepared separately, and the composition process for confirmation by the live monitor 20 and the composition process for printing by the printer 9 are respectively performed. Since the processes are performed separately, the load of the control process is distributed, the processing speed is hardly lowered, and the user is not stressed. In addition, by using a low-resolution image with few pixels for confirmation and using a high-resolution image with many pixels for printing, a low-resolution image with a small amount of data is used for composition processing and display processing for confirmation. Thus, processing is performed with a light load, and a beautiful photo print with excellent image quality can be created by using a high-resolution image in the composition processing or printing for printing.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, in this apparatus, the first computer device 37 is mainly used as a control means for controlling photographing play, and the second computer device 38 is mainly used as a control means for controlling editing play and printing. And. The first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 are connected so as to be able to transmit data directly or via a network hub (not shown).

  First, the first computer device 37 will be described.

  A camera 6, a live monitor 20, a strobe control circuit 36, and a first control circuit 39 are connected to the first computer device 37. The strobe control circuit 36 controls the front strobe 7, the back strobe 27, the ceiling strobe 24, the presence / absence of light emission, light emission balance, light emission timing, and the like.

  The first control circuit 39 controls the coin detector 34, the service panel 40a, the speaker 18a, and the operation panels 16a and 16b. As described above, the operation panels 16a and 16b are provided with the switching buttons 22a and 22b, the determination button 14, and the cancel button 13 (see FIG. 2).

  The service panel 40a is operated by a person who operates the installed device, and is necessary for a coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, a volume adjustment knob that adjusts a volume output from a speaker, and a photographing side of the device. A maintenance button for performing a maintenance mode and a service button for enabling the apparatus to be used without inserting coins such as a test play are provided.

  The first computer device 37 includes a CPU 44, a memory 45, a driver 46, a communication unit 47, and the like. Specifically, the first computer device 37 includes a storage device 41 and a first synthesis unit 90.

  The storage device 41 stores a control program 48 for mainly controlling shooting play, an operation screen 49 displayed on the live monitor 20 according to the control program 48, and a still image 50 fixed by the camera 6 by a shutter operation. ing. This still image 50 is not a frame or background synthesized, but is a photograph of the subject 2 in the photographing region as it is, and the subject 2 and the screen 26 behind it are reflected.

  As will be described later, the control program 48 has two modes of “normal mode” and “story mode” as a plurality of shooting courses in this example. The “normal mode” has three genres of “colorful”, “pop”, and “gorgeous”. The “story mode” further has three types of “situation”, “select”, and “automated”, and the situations include “school”, “shopping”, “amusement park”, and the like. In this example, “mode”, “genre”, “type”, and “situation” such as “school”, “shopping”, and “amusement park” can all be included in “shooting course” and “editing course”. Is.

  The control program 48 prompts the user to select a shooting course of “normal mode”, “story mode”, “colorful”, “pop”, “gorgeous”, “situation”, “select”, and “automatic”, and selects the selected shooting. Shooting play in the course is to be executed.

  The storage device 41 functions as a storage unit of the present invention that stores a storage image such as a frame or background to be combined with a captured moving image that is a moving image by the camera 6, and is a frame image combined with a captured image. In addition, a basic image that is the basis of the background image is stored.

  The basic image stored in the storage device 41 is a basic image having an image range larger than the image range of the captured image, and a unit that becomes a frame image, a background image, or the like from the basic image by the extraction unit 95 shown in FIG. The image is extracted by cutting out and the like, and synthesized with the photographed image by the first synthesis means 90. Here, the extraction means 95 extracts unit images (frame image and background image) having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the captured image from the basic image. That is, the first synthesizing unit 90 functions as a synthesizing unit of the present invention, and the extracting unit 95 functions as an extracting unit of the present invention. In the following description, “frame”, “background”, and the like are extracted from the basic image. Unit image.

  In this example, the basic image is configured to include a plurality of unit images, and is configured in a state in which the plurality of unit images are arranged without overlapping each other. The extracting means 95 extracts a unit image by selecting any one of the plurality of unit images.

  By doing so, the extraction process is simplified, the processing load is reduced, and it is advantageous for ensuring the processing speed. In addition, since the original basic image is completed in a state where a plurality of unit images extracted from one basic image are arranged, the basic image obtained by arranging the photographic prints using the unit images like a puzzle is displayed. Users can be given the pleasure of completing it. Further, even when the user takes a picture close to the camera 6 and the area of the subject in the photographed image increases, the surrounding atmosphere can be well understood by arranging the unit images such as the frame and the background. Further, in this state, a large basic image is an image in which many subjects are arranged in various poses, and the enjoyment of the user is further increased.

  Further, the basic image including the frame image and the background image stored in the storage device 41 is prepared and stored in an image pattern having a course atmosphere according to each of the above-described shooting courses.

  For example, “colorful”, “pop”, and “gorgeous” in “normal mode” are stored as a frame image and a background image, respectively, with colorful color images, pop color images, and gorgeous atmosphere images. ing. By selecting a genre (shooting course), frames and backgrounds belonging to the genre are read out and a shooting play can be performed. In the “normal mode”, no frame or background is extracted from the basic image, and the frame and background stored independently are not read out and used independently.

  In addition, as a “story mode” situation, corresponding to “school”, “shopping”, and “amusement park”, a basic image including a frame image and a background image, a school landscape, a shopping landscape, and an amusement park landscape, respectively. Is remembered. Corresponding to each situation (shooting course), a basic image group composed of a plurality of basic images is prepared. Then, by selecting the situation (shooting course), the basic image group belonging to the situation is read out, and the user extracts the frame and background from the basic image of the basic image group, and uses the frame and background. And shooting play can be performed.

  As described above, since a plurality of sets of basic images composed of a plurality of basic images are provided, a plurality of unit images are extracted from each basic image of many basic images to generate a composite image and output it as a photographic print. Therefore, the variation of photographic prints that can be provided increases. In addition, the tendency of the pattern is arranged for each basic image group, a shooting course corresponding to each basic image group is set, and unit images are extracted from the basic image of the basic image group corresponding to the course in the shooting course selected by the user. Since a composite image is generated and provided as a photographic print, many types of photographic prints having an atmosphere corresponding to the shooting course can be provided.

  Further, the basic image including the frame image and the background image stored in the storage device 41 is a low-resolution confirmation image that is displayed on the live monitor 20 as a composite image and visually confirmed by the user 2. They are stored as a low resolution image group 93, that is, a low resolution background image group 51 and a low resolution frame image group 52.

  The first synthesizing unit 90 includes an underlay synthesizing unit 42 as a background synthesizing unit of the present invention, an overlay synthesizing unit 43 as a foreground synthesizing unit of the present invention, and a capture (not shown) as necessary. Yes. The underlay synthesizing unit 42 and the overlay synthesizing unit 43 synthesize the stored image read from the stored image storage unit and a moving image, that is, a captured moving image that is a live image, in real time.

  The underlay synthesizing means 42 includes first extracting means (not shown) for extracting the subject 2 from the image captured by the camera 6, and a low-resolution background is provided in a portion other than the subject extracted by the first extracting means. A background image is read from the image group 51 and synthesized in real time.

  Further, the overlay synthesizing unit 43 reads out a frame image from the low resolution frame image group 52, and further synthesizes the frame image as a foreground with the image synthesized with the background by the underlay synthesizing unit 42. Then, the synthesized moving image obtained by combining the moving image synthesized by the overlay synthesizing unit 43, the background and the frame image in real time is output to the live monitor 20 and displayed in real time.

  In this way, the background of the subject 2 is subjected to underlay synthesis, and the frame that is the foreground of the subject 2 is overlaid, and in this state, the captured moving image of the subject 2 is synthesized in real time and can be visually confirmed by the user. At this time, as described above, the image pattern according to the atmosphere of the shooting course selected by the user (genre such as “colorful”, “pop”, “gorgeous”, and situations such as “school”, “shopping”, “amusement park”) Since the frame and background are used, it is possible to shoot while fully enjoying the atmosphere of the selected shooting course. A composite image obtained by combining unit images as a background or foreground can be provided as a photographic print, and photographic prints with various expressions can be provided.

  In the “normal mode”, the frame and background can be switched and displayed in this state, so that the frame is not simply changed as in the prior art, but both the frame and the background. A photographic print with changes can be obtained. In addition, switching input and switching display for both the frame and the background are possible, and a more elaborate shooting play is possible. In particular, since low-resolution confirmation images with a small amount of data are used as frames and backgrounds, the processing load at the time of switching display can be reduced, and smooth switching display is realized and stress is applied to the user. Absent.

  As described above, the operation panels 16a and 16b include the switching buttons 22a and 22b, the determination button 14, and the cancel button 13. The shooting course described above can be selected by the user 2 operating the switching buttons 22a and 22b.

  In each “story mode” situation “school”, “amusement park”, “shopping”, etc., a plurality of basic images are prepared, and unit images are extracted from each basic image. At this time, the unit image to be extracted, that is, the frame and the background can be automatically selected and extracted, or can be selected and extracted by the operation of the switching buttons 22a and 22b by the user 2.

  Thus, by extracting the unit image in accordance with the operation input to the switching buttons 22a and 22b by the user, the basic image is completed when the basic image is completed by combining the unit images. However, it is possible to select a unit image desired by the user, such as a lacking portion, and generate a composite image, so that only unnecessary images that are already possessed do not continuously dissatisfy the user.

  In the “normal mode”, the frame and background can be switched and input from a list of frames and backgrounds stored in the low-resolution background image group 51 and the low-resolution frame image group 52. In the “normal mode”, as described above, the frame and background stored independently are directly read out and used.

  Multiple frames and backgrounds belonging to the selected genre such as “Colorful”, “Pop” and “Gorgeous” in “Normal Mode” are read out and displayed, and the user can select desired frames and backgrounds from them. You can switch and select to play.

  Then, in response to a frame or background switching input by the switching buttons 22a and 22b, the overlay combining unit 43 and the underlay combining unit 42 switch the frame and background to be combined with the captured moving image and combine them in real time. The synthesized video synthesized in real time is switched and displayed in real time on the live monitor 20.

  In this way, the user 2 can check the frame and background sequentially while visually confirming the real-time composite image of the captured moving image of the user 2 himself / herself displayed in real time and the frame and background to be switched and displayed. While performing the switching input, the composite image can be visually confirmed in real time. The synthesized video displayed in real time at this time has an atmosphere corresponding to the shooting course, and the user 2 can perform shooting play while enjoying the atmosphere of the course. In addition, it is possible to perform an elaborate shooting play such as searching for a desired frame or background, or determining a pose or expression according to the pattern of the frame or background.

  On the operation panels 16a and 16b, the left switching button 22a functions as background switching input means for performing the background switching input, and the right switching button 22b functions as frame switching input means for performing the frame switching input. . The background switching input and the frame switching input can be separately performed by the left and right switching buttons 22a and 22b in accordance with the course of shooting play.

  For example, when shooting with a plurality of users (for example, Mr. A and Mr. B), with one set of switching buttons, when the background and the frame are selected independently, if two people operate, the hands may collide or even one person The display layout with the background and the frame distributed to the left and right makes it difficult to grasp the operation image. By using two sets, for example, Mr. A can select a background image with the left switching button 22a, and Mr. B can select a frame with the right switching button 22b. In addition, operability is improved because the operation can be performed with a little distance between the two persons.

  And by switching input for the background and switching input for the frame, the user can freely select the combination of the frame and the background, making it possible to have a more elaborate shooting play and a variety of changes. Photo prints can be provided. Even at this time, since the low-resolution confirmation image with a small amount of data is used as the frame and background, the processing load at the time of switching display can be reduced, and smooth switching display can be realized to stress the user. Not give.

  Further, the first synthesizing unit 90 includes an overlay synthesizing unit 43 that synthesizes the frame with the captured moving image and an underlay synthesizing unit 42 that synthesizes the background. Since the synthesizing process is performed separately, the load of the control process is distributed, the processing speed is hardly lowered, and the user is not stressed.

  In the “story mode”, a predetermined combination of the background and the frame is set in advance. In this “story mode”, a frame and background are extracted from the basic image, and the extracted frame and background are synthesized.

  In the “Situation” type of “Story Mode”, situations of “School”, “Shopping”, and “Amusement Park” can be selected, and basic images belonging to the selected situation are read out respectively, and multiple scenes (each scene is different) When shooting is performed while the frame and the background are automatically switched, the frames and backgrounds used for each shooting are extracted from the basic image.

  In the “Select” type of “Story Mode”, each of the “School”, “Shopping”, and “Amusement Park” situations is shot with a combination of automatically selected frames and backgrounds. Done. The frame and background used for each shooting here are also extracted from the basic image.

  In the “Omakase” type of “Story Mode”, shooting is performed a predetermined number of times by a combination of a frame and a background that are randomly selected from all situations of “School”, “Shopping”, and “Amusement Park”. The frame and background used in each shooting here are those extracted from the basic image.

  Further, it is possible to perform a switching input in units of the combination by operating the switching buttons 22a and 22b. At this time, a desired unit image, that is, a frame and a background can be selected by a user's operation input, and the user can perform an operation if the displayed frame and background already have a frame and a background. You can shoot by selecting the frame and background you want by switching by input. In this case, in the case of an operation that does not require the two sets of switching buttons 22a and 22b, only one set of inputs may be accepted, or two sets of inputs may be accepted.

  In this way, by previously setting a combination that matches the pattern as a combination of the frame and the background, and performing switching input in units of the combination, the user 2 does not have to worry about selecting a combination that does not match the pattern or color. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary operations and to substantially increase the time for searching and selecting a frame and a background. For this reason, it is possible to give the user 2 enough time to think, or conversely, to shorten the play time and improve the customer turnover rate.

  The details of the shooting course will be described later, but are selected by the user at the start of shooting play, and shooting play corresponding to the course is executed.

  The operation panels 16a and 16b are provided with a determination button 14 and a cancel button 13.

  The determination button 14 determines a composite image using a desired frame or background from among the composite images that are switched and displayed by the operation of the switch buttons 22a and 22b by the user, and forms a still image 50 at a desired moment. It functions as shutter means for fixing. By doing so, the still image 50 can be shot by selecting a desired frame or background from a number of frames or backgrounds in a state where the frame or background and the captured moving image are actually combined. It makes it easier to select the optimal frame and background according to the clothes, hairstyle, mood and play friends at that time.

  The still image 50 of the subject 2 photographed by the operation of the determination button 14 is, together with the identification information for identifying the frame and the background selected when the still image 50 is photographed when the photographing play is finished, the second computer device. 38.

  At this time, course identification data for identifying the shooting course selected by the user in the shooting play is also transmitted from the first computer device 37 to the second computer device 38. Then, in the second computer device 38, an edit play using the still image 50 is executed. In this edit play, the edit course related to the shooting course selected in the shooting play is the above course. The selection is automatically selected based on the identification data, and the editing play is executed according to the editing course.

  The cancel button 13 is operated when canceling the operation input once determined by operating the determination button 14 or returning the operation screen once advanced.

  Next, the second computer device 38 will be described.

  The second computer device 38 includes an editing display 8 that functions as an editing input unit that receives editing input at the time of editing play, a printer 9 that prints and outputs an image edited by editing play on the print medium 35, and a speaker. A second control circuit 62 for controlling 18b and the service panel 40b is connected. The editing display 8 is provided with a touch pen 12 for performing editing input and operation input.

  The service panel 40b is operated by a person who operates the installed apparatus. The service panel 40b is operated by a print counter that counts the number of printed prints, a volume adjustment knob that adjusts a volume output from a speaker, and an editing side of the apparatus. A maintenance button for performing a required maintenance mode is provided.

  The second computer device 38 includes a CPU 44, a memory 45, a driver 46, a communication means 47, and the like. Specifically, the second computer device 38 includes a storage device 33 in which a control program 53 for mainly controlling edit play is stored.

  Here, the control program 53 has a plurality of editing courses according to the plurality of shooting courses. Then, from the course identification data transmitted from the first computer device 37, the shooting course selected and executed in the shooting play of the series of plays is identified, and the editing course corresponding to the shooting course is automatically selected. To be executed.

  In the storage device 33, an operation screen 57 displayed on the editing display 8 according to the control program 53, a still image 50 of the subject 2 photographed by the shutter operation in the photographing play and transmitted from the first computer device 37, Is remembered.

  The storage device 33 functions as storage means of the present invention for storing a stored image such as a basic image including a frame and a background to be combined with the still image 50, and stores the frame image and the background image. Yes.

  The frame image and the background image stored in the storage device 33 are displayed as a composite video on the editing display 8 so that the user 2 can visually confirm the frame image and the background image, and are used when the still image 50 is printed out on the print medium 35. The high-resolution print image is stored as a high-resolution background image group 55 and a high-resolution frame image group 54.

  Further, the storage device 33 stores an editing image 56 such as a hand-drawn image or a stamp image input to the editing display 8 with the touch pen 12 in the editing play.

  The control program 53 includes a subject extraction unit 59 that extracts the subject by removing the reflection of the screen 26 from the still image 50 (an image in which the screen 26 is reflected on the back of the subject 2), and the subject extraction unit 59. A second synthesizing unit 60 for synthesizing and synthesizing a high-resolution frame and background with the extracted subject image and further synthesizing the editing image 56 input to the editing display 8 with the synthesized image. It has.

  The second synthesizing means 60 includes second extracting means (not shown) for extracting the subject 2 from the still image 50 photographed by the camera 6, and the second synthesizing means 60 is provided in a portion other than the subject extracted by the second extracting means. A high resolution frame and background are combined to generate a composite image.

  The high-resolution frame and background to be combined with the subject image in the second combining unit 60 are stored in the storage device 33 as the high-resolution background image group 55 and the high-resolution frame image group 54. The high-resolution frame and background read out at this time have the same color pattern as the selected frame and background when the still image 50 of the subject 2 is shot by operating the enter button 14 in shooting play. Uses a low resolution frame and background (confirmation image), whereas a high resolution frame and background (print image).

  That is, the first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 store a frame image and a background image having the same image pattern, but in this example, they are not the same image data. At the time of shooting play, if the image data of about 640 × 480 dots is sufficiently used, the first computer device 37 stores a low resolution image. On the other hand, since high resolution images are required in edit play and printing, high resolution images of about 1280 × 1024 dots are stored and used.

  As described above, since the confirmation image and the printing image are prepared separately, the confirmation image combining process and the printing image combining process are performed separately, so that the load of the control process is distributed and the processing speed is reduced. There is little drop and does not let user feel stress. In addition, since a low-resolution image with few pixels is used as the confirmation image and a high-resolution image with many pixels is used as the printing image, a low-resolution image with a small amount of data is used in the composition processing and display processing of the confirmation image. A high-resolution image can be used to create a beautiful photographic print with excellent image quality in the process of combining and processing a print image.

  Here, in the correspondence means, for example, correspondence between a high-resolution print image and a low-resolution confirmation image is performed as follows. That is, reading from the high-resolution frame and the background high-resolution background image group 55 and the high-resolution frame image group 54 is selected when the still image 50 transmitted from the first computer device 37 is captured by the shooting play. This is done based on the identification information for identifying the frame and the background.

  Specifically, a part of the file name of the image in the first computer device 37 and the image in the second computer device 38 is made common. For example, “PICT01_1.BMP” may be used for the first computer device 37 and “PICT01_2.BMP” may be used for the second computer device 38 to indicate that PICT01 is an image having the same picture. Also, information (table or the like) for associating a unique image number with an associated image file name or the like is defined, and the table is stored in the first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 for reference. You can also In this way, it is possible to synchronize which frame or background is used in the shooting play.

  As described above, a plurality of computer devices are provided, and the confirmation image composition processing and the print image composition processing are performed by different computer devices, and the print composition processing is performed from the first computer device 37 that performs the confirmation composition processing. In the data transfer to the second computer device 38, since the image identification information is transferred and the image data itself is not transferred, the image data having a large amount of data is not transferred. Since only the identification information needs to be transmitted, the load required for the transmission process is reduced, the processing speed is hardly reduced, and the time lag between the plurality of control means can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second computer 38 may be provided with extraction means 95 similar to the first computer 37 to extract the frame and background from the basic image.

  Furthermore, an operation unit (for example, a power switch or the like) can be provided so that the power supplied to the plurality of computer devices can be turned on and off independently of each other. In such a case, even if a problem occurs in one computer device that cannot be recovered without turning off the power, only the power supply of the computer device with the abnormality can be turned on and off. Does not affect the other computer device. For example, as described above, when shooting shooting and editing play are played simultaneously in different places, even if an abnormality occurs on the shooting play side, the editing play side is not affected, and the device returns to normal. As a result, there is no wasted time for the user on the editing play side.

  The storage device 33 also has a still composite image 58 composed of the still image 50 synthesized by the second synthesis means 60, a high-resolution frame and background, and an editing image 56 such as a hand-drawn image or a stamp image. Remembered.

  At this time, a plurality of kinds of combinations are prepared and stored in the editing image 56 such as the stamp image according to the editing course. In this editing play, in the automatically selected editing course, the editing display 8 displays a stamp tool which is an editing input tool set to be different from other editing courses in relation to the selected shooting course. Thus, editing using a stamp image corresponding to the shooting course can be performed.

  The still composite image 58 that has been edited according to the editing course is output to the print medium 35 by the printer 9 and provided as a photographic print. At this time, a beautiful photographic print can be provided because a higher-resolution printing image having a high image quality is used as a frame or background.

  An example of the operation of the photographic print providing apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, in FIGS. 6 to 10, “S” means a step.

  First, the entire process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the apparatus described in this example, the user 2 performs a shooting play in the shooting play space 31, and when the shooting play ends, the user 2 moves to the editing play space 32 and performs an editing play. When the edit play is finished, it waits for the photographic print to be discharged in front of the sending port 19 on the side surface of the housing 1. The shooting play is controlled mainly by the first computer device 37, and the editing play is controlled mainly by the second computer device 38.

  First, when the device is turned on, the control programs 48 and 53 stored in the storage devices 41 and 33 of the first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 are activated, and the devices start to operate. When the device is activated, the devices connected to the first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 are checked. If there is no abnormality, a title demo screen is displayed on the live monitor 20 and the editing display 8. (S1). In the title demo screen display state, the player always waits for coins to be inserted. If a coin is inserted, the process proceeds to the next step. If no coin is inserted, the title demo screen is continuously displayed.

  When the user 2 enters the shooting play space 31, a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 15, and a coin is detected by the coin detection unit 34 (S <b> 2), the mode selection screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the live monitor 20. It is displayed (S3). In this example, two types of modes, “Normal mode” and “Story mode”, are prepared, and the description of the mode temporarily selected with the mode selection button on the left side of the screen is displayed on the explanation screen on the right side of the screen. It has come to be.

  Here, the selection of the mode selection button is switched by operating the switching buttons 22a and 22b, and the selection is determined by operating the decision button 14. On the screen, a counter (not shown) that displays the remaining time during which a course can be selected is displayed, a specified time (for example, 20 seconds) is displayed first, and the count decreases as time elapses. The user 2 selects and decides the course until the counter reaches 0, but if it is not decided even when the count becomes 0, the course selected at the current cursor position is decided.

  Here, when “normal mode” is selected in step 3, the genre selection screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed (S4-5). “Colorful”, “Pop”, “Princess”, “Gorgeous”, and “Random Set” are prepared as the above genres, and the explanation of the genre temporarily selected by the genre selection button on the left side of the screen is displayed on the explanation screen on the right side of the screen It has come to be. FIG. 6 shows only three genres of “colorful”, “pop”, and “gorgeous”.

  On the other hand, when “story mode” is selected in step 3, the situation selection screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed (S6-7). As the situation, “school”, “shopping”, and “amusement park” are prepared, and the situation type can be selected. In addition, on this situation selection screen, it is possible to select a type of “select” or “automatic”. The description of the situation or type temporarily selected by the selection button on the left side of the screen is displayed on the description screen on the right side of the screen.

  Next, photographing is performed by the photographing course selected in step 5 or step 7 (S8). The shooting operation of each shooting course will be described later.

  When a series of photography is completed and a plurality of still images 50 are obtained, a photo for selecting a photo to be edited is selected from them (S9). Here, a photo selection screen is displayed on the live monitor 20, a list of still images 50 obtained by a plurality of shutter operations in the shooting course is displayed, and the user 2 defines a favorite image from the displayed images. Select the number (may be all or part).

  For example, the screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed as the above-described photo shooting screen, thumbnails of six taken photos are displayed vertically in the left side of the screen, and the selected photo is displayed large in the center. The thumbnails of the selected images are displayed side by side at the top. In this way, it is possible to select four favorite photos from among six shots and use them for editing play. At this time, the number of shots taken in step 8 and the number selected in step 9 are limited to those illustrated. Not what you want. As a result, it is possible to delete a captured image that does not require subsequent editing or printing.

  In the shooting of each of the shooting courses, the still image 50 selected in step 9 among the still images 50 taken of the subject 2 and the frame and background identification information used for the shooting are obtained from the first computer device 37 as the second. The data is transmitted to the computer device 38 (S10). At this time, the course identification data for identifying the shooting course selected and executed in the shooting play is also transmitted to the second computer device 38, and the shooting play ends.

  When the shooting play is completed, a message prompting the user to move to the edit play space 32 is displayed on the live monitor 20 on the live monitor 20, and the user 2 exits the shooting play space 31 and exits the edit play space 31. 32, the edit play is started.

  When the second computer device 38 receives information that the photographing play by the first computer device 37 has been completed (S11), the second computer device 38 on the editing play side uses the still image 50 in the first computer device 37 and the photographing thereof. The used frame and background identification information is read (S12). In addition, course identification data indicating which shooting course is executed in the shooting play is also read. The method of synchronizing these operations may be performed for an inquiry from either computer device 37 or 38.

  Next, in the edit play, an edit course corresponding to the read photographing course is automatically selected, and an edit play based on this edit course is executed (S13). At this time, a plurality of types of combinations are prepared for the editing image 56 such as the stamp image according to the editing course, and a stamp tool different from the other editing courses is displayed on the editing display 8 to correspond to the shooting course. Editing can be performed using the stamp image.

  When the edit play is started, the second computer device 38 generates a high-resolution frame and background based on the still image 50 read from the first computer device 37 and the frame and background identification information used for shooting the still image 50. The still synthesized image 58 is synthesized by reading.

  In this editing play, a graffiti screen (see FIG. 23) is displayed on the editing display 8, and a static composite image 58 is displayed, and an editing play is performed in which a stamp image, a graffiti image, and the like are input. Details of the graffiti screen and the edit play will be described later.

  When the editing play of step 13 is completed, the image data of the edited still composite image 58 is sent to the printer 9, printed out on the print medium 35, and the photo print is discharged from the sending port 19 (S14).

  Next, the details of each of the shooting courses will be described.

  First, the “normal mode” will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the “normal mode”, the user 2 separately selects and inputs a favorite frame and a favorite background, and an image obtained by combining the selected and input frame, the background, and a moving image captured by the camera 6 is displayed on a live monitor. 20 can be taken while checking. As described above, in the normal mode, no frame or background is extracted from the basic image.

  When “normal mode” is selected in S3 of FIG. 6, a genre is selected in S5. On this genre selection screen (see FIG. 12), a genre selection unit 75 with a plurality of genre names displayed on the left side of the screen is displayed, and the switch buttons 22a and 22b are operated from among the genres displayed here. Switches the selection input. During the selection, a description including the frame image, background image, etc. of the currently selected genre is displayed in the genre description unit 76 on the right side of the screen. Thereby, the user 2 can confirm what kind of image is in which genre, and can easily select a favorite genre. The genre is decided by the decision button 14, and the process proceeds to the next step. The cancel button 13 returns to the mode selection screen of S3 in FIG.

  When the favorite genre is determined in S5, a waiting screen is displayed (S101), and then the shooting screen of FIG. 15 is displayed, and selection of the frame background (S102) and shooting (S103) are performed.

  On this shooting screen, a live video display unit 77 for displaying in real time a synthesized moving image in which a captured moving image that is a captured image taken by the camera 6 and a selected frame and background is synthesized in real time is displayed in the center of the screen. In addition, a background selection unit 78 for selecting a background by displaying a plurality of thumbnail images of the background vertically is displayed on the left side of the screen, and a frame is selected by displaying a plurality of thumbnail images of the frame vertically and on the right side of the screen. A frame selection unit 79 is displayed. A counter (not shown) for displaying the remaining time is displayed on the upper center of the screen.

  At this time, different frames are used for the frame and background that can be used when the thumbnail image is displayed depending on the selected genre (the shooting course of the present invention). For example, if “colorful” is selected as the genre, an image group including only colorful frames and backgrounds is used, and a desired combination of frame and background can be selected from the image group. Even when “pop”, “gorgeous”, or “princess” is selected as the genre, image groups having different atmospheres are read and displayed as thumbnail images so that they can be selected.

  When “Random Set” is selected, the frame and background are not selected separately, but the frame and background are set from the beginning, and a desired set is selected from an image group including various genre sets. Can be selected.

  On the shooting screen, the user 2 selects a background image with the left switching button 22a, and selects a frame image with the right switching button 22b. In the selected background image and frame image, the thumbnails of the background selection unit 78 and the frame selection unit 79 are highlighted, and the captured moving image from the camera 6 is instantly synthesized and displayed on the live video display unit 77. In this image composition, the first computer device 37 reads the frame and background from the low-resolution background image group 51 and the low-resolution frame image group 52, and the underlay composition unit 42 and the overlay composition unit 43 from the camera 6. It is combined with the video and displayed. As described above, in the shooting play, the frame and the background are only displayed on the live monitor 20, so that the processing load is reduced by using the low-resolution image.

  When switching the frame or background, the user 2 switches the background image with the left switching button 22a and switches the frame image with the right switching button 22b. In response to this, the frame and background selected by switching are combined with the moving image from the camera 6 in real time, and switched and displayed on the live video display unit 77 in real time. In the case of the “automatic set”, an image in which the frame and the background are combined is displayed on the background selection unit 78 or the frame selection unit 79, and switching is performed using the switching button 22a or 22b.

  As a result, the user 2 can check the synthesized moving image while switching the background image or the frame image in various ways before the shutter operation, and can shoot while having fun. The background selection unit 78 and the frame selection unit 79 are scrolled up and down sequentially in response to the switching by the left and right switching buttons 22a and 22b, and when scrolling once, the same thumbnail is repeatedly displayed.

  Although not shown, it is possible to select which strobe light to irradiate at the time of shooting by operating the cancel button 13. In the “normal flash”, the front strobe 7 is irradiated to produce a normal shooting effect. In the “flash from above”, the ceiling strobe 24 of the point light source is irradiated, and the user's 2 head can be photographed to express the shine like an angel's ring. In “all flashes”, all of these effects are achieved by irradiating all of them, and being bright overall and optimizing the balance of light quantity.

  Here, the back strobe 27 emits light in any lighting method, and the shadow of the subject 2 is prevented from being formed on the screen 26 to improve the background synthesis accuracy. Further, the back fluorescent lamp 28 always emits light when displaying a synthesized moving image of the captured moving image and the frame or background on the live monitor 20 while switching the frame or the background, and the shadow of the subject 2 is formed on the screen 26. Prevent and improve the synthesizing accuracy of composite video that is switched and displayed in real time.

  Frame and background switching selection and illumination method selection input can be selected until the counter reaches zero. When it becomes 0, it is forcibly decided by the contents selected at that time. When the enter button 14 is pressed as an instruction to start shooting before the counter reaches 0, a strobe is emitted after a countdown display of “3.2.1” sound and screen display, and the shutter of the camera 6 is released. It operates and the still image 50 is photographed (S103). By the shutter operation, the camera 6 takes a still image 50 of the subject 2. At this time, the shutter operation described above is automatically performed twice in succession, and two still images 50 are obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the live monitor 20 displays two composite images of the still image 50 obtained by the two shutter operations and the frame and background selected at that time (S104). ). In addition, by the shutter operation, the camera 6 captures the still image 50 of the subject 2 and stores the image data, and stores the frame and background identification information selected at the time of the shutter operation in association with each other. These pieces of information are transmitted from the first computer device 37 to the second computer device 38 upon completion of the photographing play, and are used in the edit play in the second computer device 38. Thus, the composite image is created for confirmation at the time of shooting, and the composite image itself is not stored, but only the captured still image 50 is stored.

  Then, in S105, it is determined whether or not the prescribed number of times (for example, three times) has been taken. If the number of times has not reached the prescribed number (NO in S105), the process returns to S102, and the frame image and background are again displayed. The image and lighting method can be selected, and the operation is repeated a specified number of times (in this case, three times), and six still images 50 are obtained. On the other hand, if the prescribed number of times of shooting is completed, the shooting course is ended and the process proceeds to the next process, photo selection (S9) (YES in S105).

  Next, the case where the “situation” type is selected in the “story mode” will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this “situation” type, several situations are set, and images (a frame image and a background image extracted from the basic image) suitable for the situations are determined in advance. In this course, the user does not select the frame image or the background image directly, but simply selects the situation, and the shooting is performed continuously.

  When “story mode” is selected in S3 of FIG. 6, the selection screen of FIG. 13 is displayed (S201). On this selection screen, a selection portion on which a plurality of situations (in this example, “school”, “shopping”, “amusement park”) is displayed is displayed on the left side of the screen, and the switch button 22a is selected from the situations displayed here. , 22b to switch the selection input. During selection, a description including the frame image and background image of the currently selected situation is displayed in the description section on the right side of the screen. The situation is decided by the decision button 14, and the process proceeds to the next step. The cancel button 13 returns to the mode selection screen of S3 in FIG.

  When a preferred situation is determined in S201, a plurality of scene frames and backgrounds prepared in advance in the situation are automatically selected and read out and displayed on the live monitor 20 (S202), and a shutter operation in this scene is performed. And a still image 50 is obtained. As with the scene 1 shooting, when the shooting of the scenes 2 to 6 is automatically performed and six still images 50 are obtained, the shooting course is ended, and the next process is the photo selection (S9). move on.

  For example, when “school” is selected as the situation, for example, a shooting screen as shown in FIG. 17A is displayed. On this shooting screen, a live video display unit 77 for displaying in real time a composite video in which a moving image captured by the camera 6 and a frame and background determined in the first scene of the selected genre are combined in real time is displayed. ing. The frame and background displayed at this time are extracted from the basic image. The extraction of the frame and background from the basic image will be described later. Although not shown, a setting scene display in the selected genre is displayed on the right side of the screen so that a scene is shot once in one scene, and a scene to be shot in the future is displayed by highlighting or the like.

  On the left side of the screen, a shooting notice display section (not shown) is displayed. In this shooting notice display section, the arrow moves from top to bottom, and the shutter operates when the arrow comes to the “shooting” location. In this course, the shutter operation by the user 2 is not required, and shooting is continuously performed. In this case, it is necessary to secure the time for charging the strobe for continuous shooting, but the display of the shooting notice section can make the user 2 feel bored.

  When one shooting is completed, shooting is automatically performed in the next scene, and shooting is continuously repeated until the number of scenes (for example, six scenes) is completed. The frame and background to be used in the next scene are combined with the captured moving image from the camera 6 and displayed on the live video display unit 77. When “School” is selected as the genre, “School Gate”, “Classroom”, “Playground”, “Lunch”, “Gymnasium”, “Back of School Building”, etc. are prepared as scenes.

  At this time, one basic image is prepared for each of the plurality of scenes, and a frame and a background are extracted from each basic image and used in photographing in each scene. That is, the unit image is extracted from the basic image a plurality of times to provide a plurality of synthesized images, and the plurality of unit image extractions extract unit images from different basic images. When there are three basic images, each unit image is extracted one by one to generate a composite image, and three composite images are provided in one play, the basic image is completed by combining photographic prints. In order to achieve this, at least three plays are required, and many basic images can be completed by repeating the play, so that it is possible to provide the user with the pleasure of collecting photo prints, and there is a repeat effect of using the apparatus.

  In addition, since a low-resolution confirmation image with a small amount of data is used as a frame or background, the processing load during switching display can be reduced, and smooth continuous shooting can be realized.

  In each of the above scenes, for example, as shown in FIG. 17 (a), a set of frames and backgrounds is displayed (scene 1), and then shooting in FIGS. 17 (b), 17 (c) and scene 2 and thereafter is performed. Is done. At this time, scene 1 is a school attendance scene, scene 2 is a classroom lesson scene, scene 3 is a physical education scene in the ground, scene 4 is a lunch break, scene 5 is a club activity, scene 5 is a school attendance scene, etc. By assuming that the scenes are assembled in a story style that follows the time series, the user 2 can perform a shooting play while fully enjoying the atmosphere of the situation.

  In shooting in this situation, the lighting setting suitable for each situation is automatically selected. For example, the lighting setting of a relatively bright morning atmosphere is selected in the school attendance scene of the scene 1, and the lighting setting of atmosphere close to the sunset is selected in the lower school scene of the scene 6.

  Next, the case where the “select” type is selected in the “story mode” will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this “Select” type, in each of the “School”, “Shopping”, and “Amusement Park” situations, shooting is performed with a combination of automatically selected frames and backgrounds, and shooting in three situations is taken continuously. This is a course where

  When “story mode” is selected in S3 of FIG. 6, the selection screen of FIG. 13 is displayed (S7). In this selection screen, in addition to a selection section displaying a plurality of situations (in this example, “school”, “shopping”, “amusement park”), a “select” type selection button is displayed on the left side of the screen.

  Here, when the “select” type is selected, a shooting screen similar to that shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. First, an image group prepared in the “school” situation is displayed. Two sets of predetermined frames and backgrounds are selected by operating the switching buttons 22a and 22b (S301).

  The set of frames and backgrounds that are displayed and can be selected by the user at this time are frames extracted one by one from the basic images prepared for each scene in the “situation” type described above. And the background. Next, a total of two shots are taken for each one cut based on the selected two sets of frames and backgrounds (S302).

  That is, also in this case, the unit image is extracted from the basic image a plurality of times (that is, a plurality of times of photographing is performed), and a plurality of synthesized images are combined and provided. In order to extract a unit image from a basic image, for example, there are three basic images, each unit image is extracted one by one to generate a composite image, and three composite images are provided in one play. In order to complete the basic image by combining the photo prints, it is necessary to play at least three times, and many basic images can be completed by repeating the play, so that users can enjoy collecting photo prints. And repeat effect of using the device occurs.

  Next, an image group prepared in the “shopping” situation is displayed, and the user 2 selects two sets of predetermined frames and backgrounds by operating the switch buttons 22a and 22b (S303). Next, a total of two cuts are shot for each one cut based on the selected two sets of frames and backgrounds (S304). Further, the image group prepared in the “amusement park” situation is displayed, and the frame and background are selected and photographed in the same manner (S305 to 306). As described above, when the six still images 50 are automatically obtained, the shooting course is ended, and the process proceeds to the next process, photo selection (S9). Even in the shooting with this select, the lighting setting suitable for each situation is automatically selected.

  Next, the “automatic” type of “story mode” will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the “automatic” type, shooting is performed a predetermined number of times by a combination of a frame and a background that are automatically selected at random from all the situations of “school”, “shopping”, and “amusement park”.

  This “Random” type may be selected from a combination prepared in advance, so that it is not necessary to select a frame image and a composite image separately, which is convenient for the user 2.

  When “story mode” is selected in S3 of FIG. 6, the selection screen of FIG. 13 is displayed (S7). In this selection screen, in addition to a selection section in which a plurality of situations (in this example, “school”, “shopping”, and “amusement park”) are displayed, a “Random” type selection button is displayed on the left side of the screen.

  Here, when the “Random” type is selected, a shooting screen similar to that shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. First, image groups prepared for the “school”, “shopping”, and “amusement park” situations. Of these, a set of a frame and a background is automatically selected (S401). Next, one cut is photographed by the set of the selected frame and background (S402).

  Then, in S403, it is determined whether or not the prescribed number of times (for example, six times) has been taken. If the number of times has not reached the prescribed number (NO in S403), the process returns to S401 until the prescribed number of times is reached. Frame / background selection and shooting are repeated. When the specified number of times has been reached in S403 (YES in S403) and the six still images 50 are automatically obtained, the shooting course ends and the process proceeds to the next process, photo selection (S9). Even in the shooting with this select, the lighting setting suitable for each situation is automatically selected.

  In the above “Random” type, multiple types of combinations of frame images and background images are prepared in advance, and shooting is performed by selecting the combination of frame images and background images. Thus, a combination screen that can be selected and input on the next day may be displayed in advance.

  In this way, by making the combination image of the frame and background that can be selectively input into a daily image that is changed every day, it is possible to provide the user 2 with a timeless play. Also, by displaying the combination screen that can be selected and input on the next day in advance, the user 2 wants to use the combination screen that can be used on the next day if he / she likes it. Therefore, the repeat effect of the user 2 is increased.

  The images that can be selected are not limited to daily changes, and can be changed as appropriate, such as weekly or monthly. In addition, here, the case where a combined image of a frame and a background is illustrated as an image to be displayed as a notice image as a daily image is not limited to this, but a notice image is displayed with the frame and the background changed daily or weekly respectively. You can also

  And, as described above, the frame and background can be used as a period-change image, and it can be displayed in advance as an image group of each genre in normal mode, and each situation such as “School” “Shopping” “Amusement park” It can also be performed in the image group and select type. In addition, the basic image prepared in each situation can be displayed in advance as a unit for daily or weekly display.

  Next, a description will be given of a state in which frames and backgrounds that are unit images are extracted from basic images in the shooting of each situation such as “school”, “shopping”, and “amusement park”.

  The basic images illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 are basic image groups used in the “school” situation, and 1, 2, and 3 in FIG. 18 are used in scenes 1, 2, and 3 of the situation, respectively. Basic images prepared as objects, 4, 5, and 6 in FIG. 19, are basic images prepared as used in scenes 4, 5, and 6 of the situation.

  That is, scene 1 is an image pattern of a “school gate” scene, scene 2 is an image pattern of a “classroom” scene, scene 3 is an image pattern of a “corridor” scene, scene 4 is an image pattern of a “train” scene, Scene 5 is an image pattern of a “ticket gate” scene, and scene 6 is an image pattern of a “go to school” scene.

  The images of the scenes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are each composed of three sets of unit images, and each unit image is a combined image of a frame and a background. The unit images belonging to the basic image of each scene have image patterns associated with each other, and are image patterns having continuity with each other in a state where a plurality of unit images are arranged. One set of unit images is used for one-cut shooting.

  In this case, the storage device 41 stores a frame and a background, and stores a set of the unit images (a combination of the frame and the background) as a plurality of sets. Further, although the “school” situation is illustrated, the image group of each scene is similarly composed of a plurality of unit images in the “shopping” and “amusement park” situations.

  For example, in the case of shooting in each situation of “story mode”, in this example, shooting is performed for each of six scenes from scene 1 to scene 6 (see FIG. 8). In this case, the image of scene 1 is taken. Any one unit image is selected or extracted from the group and used for photographing.

  At this time, any unit image is selected from the basic images of each scene and displayed on the live monitor 20 or the like for shooting, and the still image 50 obtained as a result of the shooting, A combined image with the selected unit image is printed out by the printer 9.

  In this way, a shooting play is performed with any of the unit images, and the still image 50 and the combined image of the frame and the background are provided as a photographic print. The photo prints provided in this way have continuity in the image pattern with each other in a state where a plurality of sheets are arranged, so the photo prints provided after play are arranged side by side with friends or continuous with the image pattern You can exchange things that have sex.

  Here, in the image composition of the photographed image, the frame, and the background in the photographing play, the frame can be transparently synthesized.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the first synthesizing unit 90 extracts the subject 2 from the moving image that is a video image taken by the camera 6, and synthesizes the background image in a portion other than the extracted subject 2 in real time. And an overlay composition unit 43 that performs real-time composition with a frame image as a foreground on an image obtained by synthesizing a background with a captured image by the underlay composition unit 42.

  Further, the high-resolution frame image group 54 and the high-resolution background image group 55 are stored in the high-resolution image group 94 as the synthesis images used by the second synthesis unit 60.

  The low resolution image group 93 stores mask data 102 corresponding to each frame image stored as the low resolution frame image group 52. The high resolution image group 94 also stores mask data 102 corresponding to each frame image, similar to the one stored in the low resolution image group 93.

  The mask data 102 defines an area that is hidden by the frame, an area that is not hidden by the frame, and an area that appears to be translucent among all the areas of the frame image to be overlaid according to the image pattern of each frame image, that is, the pattern. It is data.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 20A, a background image layer 105 on which a background image is developed is underlay-combined with a photographed image layer 103 on which a photographed image of the subject 2 photographed by the camera 6 is developed. A background image is combined with a portion other than the subject. The frame image layer 104 on which the frame image is developed is overlaid with the synthesized image, and the frame image is synthesized as a foreground.

  FIG. 20B shows an example of a state where a frame image, a subject image, and a background image are developed on the frame image layer 104, the photographed image layer 103, and the background image layer 105, respectively. FIG. 20C shows an example of the mask data 102 corresponding to the frame image in this case. In this example, the frame image represents a sliding door pattern as an image pattern. As mask data 102 corresponding to the frame image, a region C where no sliding door exists is a transparent region, and the window glass of the sliding door. A region H corresponding to is defined as a translucent region, and a sliding door region M other than the window glass is defined as an opaque mask region.

  Then, when overlay synthesis by the overlay synthesis unit 43 of the first synthesis unit 90 is performed in real time, by referring to the mask data 102 of the frame image, as shown in FIG. The image in which the background is combined with the moving image that is the captured video is displayed so as to have an area hidden in the frame, an area that is not hidden behind the frame, and an area that appears to be translucent. In this way, it is possible to perform a shooting play while viewing a real-time composite image of a moving image in the presence of an area hidden in the frame, an area that is not hidden behind the frame, and an area that appears to be translucent. Giving great play fun.

  Also, the second synthesizing unit 60 performs synthesizing with reference to the mask data 102 similar to that of the first synthesizing unit 90, generates a synthesized image 106 as shown in FIG. 9 to print.

  Here, for the photographed image (moving image or still image) to appear translucent, the transparency is not limited, and it is sufficient that the photographed image can be recognized at least. Further, a special synthesis can be performed in the region where the synthesis is performed so as to appear translucent. This special composition can be performed in combination with translucent composition, or only special composition can be performed without performing translucent composition. As the above-mentioned special composition, for example, the photographed image is subjected to optical conversion such as telephoto or wide-angle lens, shape conversion such as enlargement, reduction, deformation, etc., painting style, emboss, negative, positive, sepia, monochrome etc. For example, color tone conversion. Furthermore, the special synthesis can be performed alone or in combination of two or more as appropriate.

  In this way, since the overlay combining unit 43 transparently combines at least a part of the unit image, the composite image 106 of the frame image with respect to the image obtained by combining the captured image that is a moving image by the camera 6 and the background is displayed on the monitor 20. However, when shooting to obtain a still image 50 by shutter operation, an image in which the captured image and the background are combined has an area hidden in the frame, an area that is not hidden by the frame, and an area that appears to be translucent. You can play while watching the synthesized video. A desired background is combined with the back of the subject 2, and a frame having a semi-transparent portion is combined as a foreground of the subject to provide a play where a variety of combined expressions can be enjoyed. It is possible to provide photographic prints of various synthetic expressions that are expressed. Furthermore, by performing special composition, it is possible to provide a play that allows you to enjoy more diverse composition expressions.

  FIG. 21 is a second example of a shooting screen displayed on the monitor 20 when shooting play is performed. The setting scene display 85 displayed on the right side of the screen has a scene setting of “amusement park” as a genre. The selected state is shown. In FIG. 21, 86 is a countdown display for photographing, and 87 is a timer.

  For example, in this shooting course, the shutter operation by the user 2 is not required, and shooting is continuously performed. When one shooting (S203 in FIG. 8) is completed, shooting is automatically performed in the next scene. The shooting is continuously repeated until the number of scenes (for example, 6 scenes) is completed (S204 in FIG. 8). The frame and background to be used in the next scene are combined with the captured moving image from the camera 6 and displayed on the live video display unit 77.

  In this example, when “amusement park” is selected as the genre, “gate”, “ferris wheel”, “merry-go-round”, “lunch box”, “roller coaster”, “go-cart”, etc. are prepared as scenes. In shooting play, a combination of a frame image and a background image corresponding to each scene is selected and displayed on the monitor 20.

  In the shooting play, when the first combining unit 90 combines the combination used in a specific (in this example, “roller coaster”) scene with the captured image and displays it on the monitor 20. Then, a composite image in which the top and bottom of the captured image is reversed and the frame and background are left as they are is generated and displayed on the monitor 20, and the shutter operation is performed in that state.

  That is, in the scene “roller coaster”, the frame image and the background image of the image pattern suitable for a state in which the top and bottom of the captured image are reversed, and in other scenes, the image that is suitable for the normal state of the captured image. It is a frame image and background image of the pattern.

  FIG. 22A shows a frame layer 104 in which a frame image at the time of the scene “roller coaster” is developed, a background layer 105 in which a background image at the same scene is developed, and the subject 2 on this screen. An example of the photographed image layer 103 in which the picked-up video is developed.

  As shown in FIG. 22A, the frame image and the background image are image patterns suitable for a state in which the top and bottom of the captured video are inverted. In shooting in this scene, the top and bottom of the captured video is automatically reversed, and a composite image 106 that matches the frame and background image patterns is displayed on the monitor 20 as shown in FIG.

  In this way, the composite image 106 having an image pattern that looks normal in a state where the top and bottom of the photographed image is reversed can be used, and the normal composite video can be confirmed when confirming the composite video before the shutter operation. it can.

  In this example, out of 6 shots in 6 scenes, a frame and background of an image pattern suitable for inverting the top and bottom of the shot image are used in one shot of each scene. At this time, the composite image 106 in which the top and bottom of the captured image is reversed is automatically generated.

  By doing so, shooting is performed with the composite image 106 in which the captured image is reversed during a plurality of shootings, and a play with change can be provided, and a photographic print with various composite expressions is provided. can do. In addition, the mask data 102 is referred to and combined as described above even when shooting with the top and bottom of the shot image reversed.

  In addition, when editing input by the editing display 8, the frame and background are combined with the still image 50 by the second synthesizing unit 60, and when the editing input is received by the editing display 8, the frame and background are When the image pattern is suitable for reversing the top and bottom of the captured image, as in the “roller coaster” scene, the composite image (with the top and bottom of the frame and the background remaining unchanged) An editing input is received in a state where the state shown in FIG. 22B is generated and displayed. Then, the edited image is printed by the printer 9.

  In this way, when using a composite image of an image pattern that looks normal with the top and bottom of the captured image reversed, it is possible to perform editing input while viewing the normal composite video in the editing operation, Photo prints with various expressions can be provided.

  In the above-described example, the unit image to be synthesized is synthesized by reversing (reversing) the top and bottom of the photographed image, but it can also be synthesized by reversing or reversing the left and right, or rotating a predetermined angle. In addition, the extracted unit image can be reversed, reversed, or rotated with respect to the photographed image to be synthesized. By doing so, a photographic print of an interesting composite image can be provided, and variations of images that can be provided increase.

  Each genre of “normal mode” (“colorful”, “pop”, “gorgeous”, etc.), each situation of “story mode” (“school”, “shopping”, “amusement park”, etc.), and “select” of “story mode” When the shooting operation of the “Omakase” type or “Random” type shooting course ends (S8 in FIG. 6), after the photo selection in step 9 is performed, the obtained still image 50, frame and background identification information are obtained. The course identification data is stored in the first computer device 37 and transmitted to the second computer device 38.

  On the other hand, a message prompting the user to move to the edit play space 32 is displayed on the sound and the live monitor 20, and the user 2 exits the shooting play space 31 and moves to the edit play space 32, and the edit play is started. The

  When the edit play is started, the editing course corresponding to the shooting course is based on the still image 50, the frame and background identification information, and the course identification data transmitted from the first computer apparatus 37 in the second computer apparatus 38. Is automatically selected, and edit play by the edit course is started (S13 in FIG. 6).

  Here, the edit play by the automatically selected edit course will be described.

  In the edit play, a postcard screen as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the edit display 8, and the edit play is performed.

  In the graffiti screen, 63 is a graffiti input unit, which displays a still composite image 58 of a frame, a background, and a subject image captured in photographing play, and an editing image 56 such as a hand-drawn image or a stamp image by operating the touch pen 12. Accepts input. Reference numeral 64 denotes a counter that displays the remaining time of the edit play, and 66 is an end button that is operated before the counter reaches 0, that is, before the predetermined edit play time is reached, to end the edit play.

  The above-mentioned graffiti screen is provided with displays necessary for input operations on the left and right of the screen, the left screen is operated with the left touch pen 12, the right screen is operated with the right touch pen 12, and the left touch pen 12 is operated with the right side. The screen cannot be operated. Conversely, the left screen cannot be operated with the right touch pen 12. An image switching unit 65 that can be operated in common with the left and right touch pens 12 is arranged in the center.

  An image switching unit 65 is an active state in which a plurality of thumbnail images are displayed for the still composite image 58 of the frame, background, and subject image captured in the shooting play and displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 for graffiti input. It becomes possible to switch the still composite image 58.

  Reference numeral 73 denotes a tool selection unit which selects an editing tool to be used for editing input. 73D is a pen button that is selected when a pen is input, and 73C is a stamp button that is selected when a stamp is input. Although not shown, a background button to be selected when changing the background of the static composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 or a frame to be selected when changing the frame of the static composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 is selected. A frame button may be provided.

  Reference numeral 72 denotes an edit input selection unit, which is a pop-up menu that is displayed when the pen button 73D or the stamp button 73C is pressed. The state shown in the figure appears when the stamp button 73C is pressed. The edit input selection unit 72 displays an edit input menu such as a stamp image and a pen type to be actually input by the editing tool selected by the tool selection unit 73 as an icon, and selects the menu to be actually edited and input. To do.

  For example, in the illustrated example, the stamp button 73C is selected by the tool selection unit 73, and the edit input selection unit 72 displayed at this time displays “school”, “heart”, “star” as the types of stamp images. Menus such as “flowers” and “various” are displayed. Then, when the “school” menu is selected, a stamp image 74 related to the “school” situation is displayed as shown in the figure, and the stamp image 74 is selected with the touch pen 12 and then displayed on the surface of the graffiti input unit 63. By bringing the tip of the touch pen 12 into contact, the selected stamp image 74 can be input.

  In this example, when the “school” situation is selected as the shooting course in the shooting play, an edit course that can select the stamp image 74 related to the “school” situation is automatically selected in the edit play, as described above. It is executed. Similarly, when a “shopping” “amusement park” situation is selected as a shooting course in a shooting play, an edit course in which a stamp image 74 related to the “shopping” “amusement park” situation can be selected in each editing play. Is automatically selected and executed as described above. Thus, what is provided with the menu which can make the stamp image 74 corresponding to a photography course is included in the edit course of this invention.

  When another stamp menu (such as a heart or a star) is selected by the tool selection unit 73, a stamp image 74 belonging to the stamp menu is displayed on the editing input selection unit 72 as an icon. The stamp image 74 in the selected stamp mode can be input by making the tip of the touch pen 12 come into contact with the surface of the graffiti input unit 63 after selecting with the touch pen 12.

  When the pen button 73D is selected by the tool selection unit 73, the editing input selection unit 72 displays the pen type, thickness, color, and the like as icons, and the icons are selected by the touch pen 12. A hand-drawn image in the selected pen input mode can be input by writing a picture on the surface of the Karakaki input unit 63.

  When a background button is selected by the tool selection unit 73, various background images are displayed as icons or thumbnails on the edit input selection unit 72, and the icons or thumbnails are selected by the touch pen 12, The background used in the static composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 can be changed to the background selected here. The frame and background to be replaced here may be selected in the shooting play, or a completely different image that is not displayed in the shooting play is prepared and can be replaced with the image. Good.

  When a frame button is selected by the tool selection unit 73, various frames are displayed on the editing input selection unit 72 as icons or thumbnails. By selecting the icons or thumbnails with the touch pen 12, the graffiti is displayed. The frame used in the static composite image 58 displayed on the input unit 63 can be changed to the background selected here.

  Reference numeral 67 denotes a frame erasure button which can erase a frame used in the still composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 by a single operation. Reference numeral 68 denotes a background erasing button, which can erase the background used in the still composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 by a single operation. The frame erasing button 67 and the background erasing button 68 are easier to operate than erasing with the touch pen 12 with a graffiti erasing button 69 described later, because the frame and background are erased by a single operation. The frame erase button 67 and the background erase button 68 can also erase the replaced frame and background as described above.

  As described above, after a desired frame or background is determined by the shutter operation in the shooting play and fixed as the still image 50, the frame or background used for the still image 50 in the edit play before printing out by the printer 9 is performed. If you don't like the frame or background you selected while switching, you can replace it before printing. Prints can be provided.

  69 is a graffiti erasing button for erasing a hand-drawn image or stamp image that has already been input, 70 is a return button for returning to the previous operation and redoing, and 71 is a button for starting the operation from the beginning again.

  When the editing is completed, the brightness adjustment screen for the photographed image is displayed on the editing display 8 and the touch pen 12 is operated to adjust the brightness of the selected photo. In this screen, the orientation of the selected image can be rotated next.

  When the brightness adjustment is completed, a sticker division selection screen is displayed on the editing display 8. Depending on the number of edited pictures, a plurality of sticker layouts laid out in a predetermined arrangement depending on the size and number of pictures are displayed, and a desired sticker layout is touched with the touch pen 12 and selected.

  When the selection of the sheet layout is completed, the image data of the edited still composite image 58 is sent to the printer 9, printed out on the print medium 35, and the photographic print is discharged from the delivery port 19 (S14 in FIG. 6). .

  As described above, in each embodiment, the image displayed on the background selection unit 78, the frame selection unit 79, or the combination selection unit (not shown) on which the combined image of the frame and the background is displayed on the shooting screen at the time of shooting. In addition, a person image and an image to be combined such as a background or a frame can be combined. In this case, a composite image stored in advance in the storage device may be displayed, or a person image stored in advance at the time of display and an image to be combined such as a background or a frame may be combined and displayed. It is difficult to tell which part of the image is to be combined with the foreground and which part is to be combined with the background by simply displaying an image such as a background or a frame that does not include a human image. In this way, by displaying and selecting an image including a person image, it is possible to confirm the combined image and to easily pose at the time of shooting.

  Further, when the portion of the person image is displayed in a blinking display or the like, the position where the captured image is synthesized can be visually recognized, and it becomes easier to confirm the synthesized image and to easily induce a pose. Further, at the time of shooting, a composite image is displayed on the live video display unit 77, and at the same time, an image including a person image is displayed on the background selection unit 78, the frame selection unit 79, and the combination selection unit. Become.

  In general, the term “frame” in a frame image means a frame or the like. However, in the present invention, the term “frame” is not limited to the meaning of an image surrounding the periphery of the subject. That is the meaning. Similarly, the background image is an overall image synthesized with the background of the subject. Therefore, as a frame image, in addition to decorating the surroundings of the subject, use an image that disguises the subject such as clothes, glasses, footwear, and a headwear, or an image that creates a scene such as a tear, a speech bubble image, or a glove. Can do.

  In the above description, an example in which the present invention is applied to the apparatus of the above embodiment has been described. Next, various aspects of the present invention that can be applied to the above apparatus will be described with reference to schematic diagrams and the like.

  First, the example shown in FIG. 24 is the same as the “situation” type shooting in the above embodiment, but scene images corresponding to the three scenes A, B, and C (corresponding to the basic image of the present invention). A, B, and C are prepared. The scene image A is composed of three unit images A-1, A-2 and A-3. Similarly, the scene image B is composed of three unit images B-1, B-2 and B-3. The scene image C is composed of three unit images C-1, C-2, and C-3.

  In shooting in the scene A, one of the three unit images A-1, A-2, and A-3 is selected and combined with the shot image. Similarly, in shooting in scene B and scene C, one unit image is selected for each, and a composite image is generated.

  FIG. 25 is an example of a printout of a composite image of a photographed image taken in each scene and a unit image. In this example, each composite image is printed and output as a sticker 88. The composite image is printed on each of the stickers 88 arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions of the mount, and the margin portion is an element that can be generated when unit images are combined. The scene images A, B, and C are printed small. In this way, when a composite image is printed on a print medium, a scene image finally obtained is played by printing together with a scene image from which a unit image used for generating the composite image is extracted. It can be confirmed on the photo print after the end, and it is easy to see which part is missing in the next play.

  Then, the user collects the stickers 88 on which the composite image is printed, and arranges the unit images like a puzzle and joins them together as shown in FIG. 26 to complete and play the original scene image (shooting). The image or subject is not shown).

  In the example described above, when shooting multiple times in one play, one basic image is extracted from each of the different scene images A, B, and C, and the resulting composite image is printed. When shooting multiple times, that is, when extracting a unit image from a scene image multiple times and combining and providing a plurality of synthesized images, the unit image is extracted from the same scene image each time. An image can also be extracted. Specifically, a combined image obtained by selecting unit images A-1, A-2, and A-3 in the scene image A of FIG. 24 in one play can be printed.

  In this way, for example, when an original scene image is completed by arranging three unit images, the scene image can be completed by obtaining a photo print of three composite images. For example, when three composite images are provided in one play, the user can complete a scene image in one play. When two composite images are provided in one play, the user can complete a scene image in two plays, and there is a repeat effect of using the apparatus.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, a basic image display unit 89 for displaying a scene image obtained by extracting a unit image extracted in the shooting cut is provided on the monitor 20 that is visually confirmed by the user when shooting shooting is performed. It can also be. The scene images A, B, and C displayed on the basic image display unit 89 can be provided with an extraction region display unit (indicated by hatching in the drawing) indicating the region of the extracted unit image.

  By doing so, it is possible to visually confirm what scene image the unit image used as the composite image is extracted during play. In addition, it is possible to visually confirm what region of the scene image is extracted from the unit image used as the composite image during play. For example, by displaying the extraction area by surrounding the unit image area with a frame, changing the color, or the like, it is easy to check which part is the unit image.

  FIG. 28 is a second example of the completed image of the scene image C. In this example, there are a plurality of unit images having the same image pattern in the unit images constituting the scene image, and the unit images having the same image pattern. There are places where the same pattern repeats side by side. In the illustrated example, the unit image C-2 is repeated to complete a scene image in which the arrow graphic extends left and right.

  In this case, only one unit image C-2 having the same image pattern may be stored in the storage unit. By doing in this way, in the scene image, where the unit images of the same image pattern are arranged side by side, it is only necessary to store only one unit image and use the unit image. The resources of the storage means can be used effectively.

  In FIG. 29, a plurality of times of image capturing are performed, and control is performed such that the extraction of the unit images and the synthesis of the extracted unit images and the captured images are performed a plurality of times. In this example, at least one unit image is extracted so as to have an image range different from that of other unit images.

  In this example, the unit image used in the illustrated composite image A is extracted so as to have a larger image range than the unit image used in the illustrated composite image B. By doing so, a large composite image using a large unit image can be made into a photographic print. For example, when the number of subjects is large, a photographic print using a large unit image can be made. In addition, even when the user shoots close to the camera and the area of the subject in the captured image becomes large, by combining with a large unit image, the area other than the subject of the composite image can be taken large and the atmosphere can be clearly understood. Photo prints can be provided.

  FIG. 30 shows an example in which a plurality of composite images are printed in different sizes when a composite image is printed out on a print medium. By doing in this way, the scene image of a different size can be completed by the composite image of a different size.

  FIG. 31 shows an example in which a scene image, that is, a basic image is composed of a plurality of unit images, but the completed scene image itself has a completed shape.

  FIG. 32 shows a second example of the editing screen of the editing display 8 that displays a composite image of a still image of a subject obtained by a shutter operation and a unit image and receives an editing input by a user.

  On the editing screen, image switching scroll buttons are displayed on the left and right of the graffiti input section. As shown in FIG. 33, composite images obtained by combining different unit images are displayed side by side. By operating the image switching scroll button with the touch pen 12, the seam 96 is displayed on the graffiti input unit. Appears and receives an edit input in a state where the joints of the composite images displayed side by side are displayed.

  By doing so, it is possible to edit the image across the seam 96 of the composite image, and when the photo prints are arranged, the edit applied to the seam 96 appears to be completed, providing a new enjoyment to the user. can do.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34 (a), the basic image is completed by arranging a plurality of unit images, and the extracting means 95 is one of the plurality of unit images. The unit image is extracted by selecting the unit image, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), it is possible to extract a unit image by cutting out an arbitrary part of the basic image as a unit image. In this way, an arbitrary region of the basic image can be cut out to form a unit image, and an infinite number of unit images can be generated from one basic image and used for synthesis.

  As shown in FIG. 34C, the basic image includes a plurality of selection areas having an image range larger than the unit image, and the extraction unit selects one of the plurality of selection areas. A unit image can be extracted by selecting a region and cutting out a part of the selected selection region as a unit image.

  In this way, an infinite number of unit images can be generated from each selected area and used for synthesis. And, for example, by making image patterns such as patterns and colors in each selection area have the same tendency, unit images extracted from the same selection area have the same tendency atmosphere and are grouped together. It is possible to give the user enjoyment of collecting photo prints in which the unit images of each group are used.

  As described above, the photographic print providing apparatus and method have a basic image having an image range larger than the image range of the captured image as a stored image, and a unit image having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the captured image from the basic image Is extracted, the extracted unit image and the captured image are combined to generate a combined image, and the combined image is printed out. In this way, since a composite image using a unit image extracted from one basic image is printed out, the resulting photographic print has an image pattern in which the unit images combined with the photographed image are related to each other. Users can get a lot of photo prints that are related to the pattern. Then, by collecting a plurality of composite images using unit images, the whole picture of the original basic image becomes clear, so that the user can enjoy collecting them. Users try to collect many photographic prints by reusing the device, and frequently exchange photographic prints between users to collect more relevant photographic prints. Thus, in this apparatus, strong motivation for user reuse and exchange works, and reuse can be promoted.

  In shooting play, you can play while watching the composite image in which the stored image corresponding to the shooting course selected by the user's preference is synthesized in real time on the background and frame, and shooting while enjoying the atmosphere unique to the course You will be able to play. In the edit play, an edit input tool related to the stored image synthesized as a background or frame in the selected shooting course is displayed, and an edit play such as inputting a stamp image related to the selected shooting course is performed. You can do it. In this way, it is possible to create a photographic print with a unique atmosphere while enjoying a consistent atmosphere in shooting play and editing play.

  In this way, not only can the shooting course be selected according to the user's preference, but in the edit play, the edit play is performed in the edit course prepared in accordance with the selected shooting course. You can do your own editing. Therefore, the user can perform shooting play while tasting a unique atmosphere different from other shooting courses according to the selected shooting course by selecting a desired shooting course. Then, when shooting play is completed and editing play is started, an edit play corresponding to the selected shooting play is automatically selected, and a display screen related to the atmosphere of the selected shooting course is displayed. You will be able to continue to enjoy the original atmosphere of the course while editing. In this manner, the user can perform shooting play while fully enjoying the atmosphere of the course, and can continue to perform editing play in that atmosphere. At this time, the edit play is automatically selected according to the selected shooting play, so the user can play in a consistent atmosphere from shooting to editing by simply selecting the shooting course at the start of shooting play. The operation will not be more complicated than necessary.

  Also, a confirmation image used for the first composition unit 90 and a print image used for the second composition unit 60 are prepared separately, and the confirmation composition process by the live monitor 20 and the composition process for printing by the printer 9 are separately performed. For this reason, the control processing load is distributed, the processing speed is hardly lowered, and the user is not stressed. In addition, by using a low-resolution image with few pixels for confirmation and using a high-resolution image with many pixels for printing, a low-resolution image with a small amount of data is used for composition processing and display processing for confirmation. Thus, processing is performed with a light load, and a beautiful photo print with excellent image quality can be created by using a high-resolution image in the composition processing or printing for printing.

  Furthermore, in the shooting play, sound corresponding to the shooting course selected by the user's preference is output, and the shooting play can be performed while tasting the original atmosphere of the course, and in the editing play, the sound is related to the selected shooting course. Audio is output and editing play can be performed in that atmosphere. Thus, the user can play while enjoying a consistent atmosphere in the shooting play and the edit play.

  In addition, the user 2 does not perform a shutter operation according to a predetermined frame image as in the prior art, but the user 2 himself / herself displayed in real time, and a frame or background to be switched and displayed. While visually confirming the real-time composite image, the frame and background can be switched sequentially and the composite image can be visually confirmed in real time. For this reason, it is possible to perform shooting with elaborate shooting, such as searching for a desired frame or background memory image, or determining a pose or expression according to the frame or background pattern. In addition, since the frame and background and the captured video are actually combined, you can select the desired one from among the many frames and backgrounds. This makes it easier to select the optimal frame and background.

  35 to 37 show an embodiment of the print paper unit of the present invention. Each print paper unit described below is a print paper unit that is supplied to the photographic print providing apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 32 and used in the printer 9 to generate a photographic print.

  The print paper unit shown in FIG. 35 is a unit in which a storage means 82 such as an IC chip or an IC card and a print paper 80 used in the printer 9 of the photo print providing apparatus are supplied as a set to the photo print providing apparatus. . In this example, a roll-shaped print paper 80 is shown. The storage means 82 records the number of photographic prints that can be printed out by the apparatus to be supplied, that is, the number of prints that can be supplied, on the print paper 80 that is supplied as a set with the storage means 82. On the other hand, the photographic print providing apparatus is provided with reading means 81 for reading information stored in the storage means 82.

  When the print paper unit is used in a photographic print providing apparatus, the storage means 82 is set in the reading means 81 and the print paper 80 is loaded in the printer 9. Then, the reading means 81 reads the number of prints that can be supplied from the storage means 82, and the printer 9 prints on the printing paper 80 supplied as a set and supplies a photographic print. Printing is performed for the number of prints that can be supplied from the storage unit 82 set and supplied by the reading unit 81 to supply photographic prints. Thereafter, until the next storage unit 82 and the printing paper 80 are supplied, the printing is performed. The supply is stopped.

  Although not shown, the system configuration for realizing the operation as described above supplies the read data from the reading means 81 to the output number limiting unit provided in the computer device, and the output number limiting unit reads the data. When the photographic print is printed by the number of prints that can be supplied, the print output is limited until the next storage means 82 is supplied. When the remaining number of printable sheets reaches a predetermined number, an alarm can be issued to prepare the next print sheet. By doing so, it is possible to operate a photography apparatus having a high turnover without waiting for the customer. When the reading unit 81 is provided inside the printer 9, information detected inside the printer 9 is transmitted to the computer device and controlled. When the reading unit 81 is provided outside the printer 9, the information is read and controlled by the computer device.

  The print paper unit shown in FIG. 36 does not include storage means 82 such as an IC chip or an IC card, and print paper 80 used in the printer 9 of the photo print providing apparatus is supplied to the photo print providing apparatus. is there. In this example, a roll-shaped print paper 80 is shown. Identification information for identifying the authenticity of the print paper 80 is attached to the print paper 80 by a barcode or the like (not shown). The photo print providing apparatus is provided with reading means 81 for reading the identification information of the print paper 80 loaded in the printer 9.

  When the print paper unit is used in a photo print providing apparatus, the print paper 80 is loaded into the printer 9. Then, the identification information of the printing paper 80 is read by the reading means 81, and the identification information is supplied to the determination means provided in the computer device. The determination means prints the photo print only when the read identification information is correct. Printing is not performed if the print is not authentic.

  The print paper unit shown in FIG. 37 includes a print paper 80 used in the printer 9 of the photo print providing apparatus and a recording material 83 such as an ink ribbon for printing an image on the print paper 80 in a set state. It is supplied to the providing device. In this example, a roll-shaped print paper 80 is shown. In the figure, reference numeral 84 denotes a print head. Identification information for identifying the authenticity of the recording material 83 is attached to the recording material 83 by a barcode or the like (not shown). The photo print providing apparatus is provided with reading means 81 for reading the identification information of the recording material 83 loaded in the printer 9.

  When the print paper unit is used in a photographic print providing apparatus, the print paper 80 and the recording material 83 are loaded into the printer 9. The identification information of the recording material 83 is read by the reading means 81, and the identification information is supplied to the determination means provided in the computer device. The determination means prints a photographic print only when the read identification information is correct. Printing is not performed if the print is not authentic.

  In this example, identification information such as a barcode may be attached to the print paper 80 instead of the recording material 83, and the reading unit 81 may read the identification information of the print paper 80 loaded in the printer 9. The illustrated example is an example of a sublimation printer or the like in which the printer 9 uses an ink ribbon as a recording material. However, the printer 9 can also be applied to an ink jet type printer or the like using a cartridge type ink as a recording material. .

  According to these print paper units, it can be determined from the identification information or the like whether the print paper 80 is optimal for the performance unique to the photo print providing apparatus or the quality of the finished photo print. The photo print providing apparatus can be made not to operate according to the reading result of the identification information and the like, and the photo print with better quality can be provided to the user. In addition, counterfeit products such as paper can be prevented from leaking to the market.

  In each of the above embodiments, the shooting play providing unit, the editing play providing unit, and the print providing unit are provided in different places so that shooting play, editing play, and print provision can be executed simultaneously. The present invention is not limited, and the shooting play providing unit and the edit play providing unit may be provided at the same place so that the shooting play and the edit play are sequentially executed. In this case, only the print providing unit can be provided in another place, or can be provided in the same place as the shooting play providing unit. It is also possible to provide the shooting play providing unit and the edit play providing unit in different places so that the edit play providing unit and the print providing unit are shared.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the computer device and the control circuit are each constituted by two is described, but there is no particular limitation as long as there is no problem with the processing capability, and one may be used. Further, as described above, the service panel may be configured by one when the shooting play providing unit and the edit play providing unit are provided in the same place.

  In the above embodiment, the editing course is automatically selected according to the shooting course selected in the shooting play in the editing play. However, the present invention is not limited to this and corresponds to the shooting course. The user 2 may select a desired editing course by operating the touch pen 12 while viewing the display on the editing display 8. For example, a plurality of editing courses corresponding to one shooting course may be prepared, and a desired one may be selected from them.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer 9 includes various types of printers such as sublimation printers, ink jet printers, laser printers, thermal transfer printers, fusion printers, thermal printers, photographic paper printers, and instant film printers. It can be applied and is not particularly limited. Further, a plurality of the printers 9 may be provided so that the user can select a favorite printer 9 that the user desires to print.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the photographic print to be output is not particularly limited, and can be output as a sticker print, a card or the like, and is not intended to limit the material and configuration of the print medium 35.

  In each of the above embodiments, shooting is started by inserting coins. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be paid as a price for shooting, such as bills, prepaid cards, medals, credit cards, cash cards, etc. If it is a thing, it is the meaning containing various aspects. In addition, these are intended to include not only the case of using alone but also the case of using them in combination.

It is sectional drawing which shows one Embodiment of the photographic print provision apparatus of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the said housing | casing. It is a perspective view of the said photographic print provision apparatus. It is a system block diagram of the said photographic print provision apparatus. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the said system configuration. It is a flowchart explaining an example of operation | movement of the said photograph print provision apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography operation | movement of normal mode. It is a flowchart which shows a situation type imaging | photography operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows select type imaging | photography operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows an entrusting type imaging | photography operation | movement. It is a figure which shows an example of a mode selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a genre selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of selection screens, such as a situation. It is a figure which shows an example of a photograph selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an imaging | photography screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a photograph display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of an imaging | photography screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the image group used for a "school" situation. It is a figure which shows an example of the image group used for a "school" situation. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the said photo print production apparatus, (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the synthetic | combination state of an image, (b) is an example of each image, (c) is an example of mask data, (d) is a composition. It is an example of an image. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the said photo print production apparatus, and is an example of an imaging | photography screen. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the said photo print production apparatus, (a) An example of each image, (b) is an example of a synthesized image. It is a figure which shows an example of a graffiti screen. It is a figure which shows an example of several scene images and the unit image which comprises them. An example of printing a photographic print is shown. The state where the seals are arranged is shown. The 2nd example of an imaging | photography screen is shown. The 2nd example of a completion image is shown. An example of a composite image using unit images having different image ranges is shown. An example in which a composite image is printed out with different sizes is shown. The other example of a basic image is shown. The 2nd example of an edit screen is shown. It is a figure which shows the use condition of the said edit screen. It is a figure which shows the state which extracts a unit image from a basic image, (a) is a 1st example, (b) is a 2nd example, (c) is a 3rd example. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the printing paper unit of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the printing paper unit of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the printing paper unit of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Subject, User, User 3 Back screen unit 4a Ceiling 4b Support frame material 4c Support frame material 5a Curtain 5b Curtain 6 Camera 7 Front strobe 8 Editing display 9 Printer 10 Transparent plate 11 Milky white plate 12 Touch pen 13 Cancel button 14 Enter button 15 Coin slot 16a Operation panel 16b Operation panel 17 Front fluorescent lamp 18a Speaker 18b Speaker 19 Outlet 20 Live monitor 22a Switching button (left side)
22b Switching button (right side)
23 Editing Input Panel 24 Ceiling Strobe 26 Screen 27 Back Strobe 28 Back Fluorescent Light 31 Shooting Play Space 32 Edit Play Space 33 Storage Device 34 Coin Detection Unit 35 Print Medium 36 Strobe Control Circuit 37 First Computer Device 38 Second Computer Device 39 First Control Circuit 40a Service Panel 40b Service Panel 41 Storage Device 42 Underlay Combining Unit 43 Overlay Combining Unit 44 CPU
45 Memory 46 Driver 47 Communication means 48 Control program 49 Operation screen 50 Still image 51 Low resolution background image group 52 Low resolution frame image group 53 Control program 54 High resolution frame image group 55 High resolution background image group 56 Editing image 57 Operation screen 58 still composite image 59 subject extraction means 60 second composition means 62 second control circuit 63 graffiti input section 64 counter 65 image switching section 66 end button 67 frame erase button 68 background erase button 69 graffiti erase button 70 return button 71 button from the beginning 72 Edit Input Selection Unit 73 Tool Selection Unit 73C Stamp Button 73D Pen Button 74 Stamp Image 75 Genre Selection Unit 76 Genre Description Unit 77 Live Video Display Unit 78 Background Selection Unit 79 Frame Selection Unit 80 Print Paper 81 reading means 82 storage means 83 recording material 84 print head 85 setting scene display 86 countdown display 87 timer 88 seal 89 basic image display section 90 first synthesis means 93 low resolution image group 94 high resolution image group 95 extraction means 96 joint 102 Mask data 103 Shooting image layer 104 Frame image layer 105 Background image layer 106 Composite image

Claims (9)

A camera for photographing a subject including a user;
Display means for displaying images taken by the camera and necessary information;
A combining means for combining the unit image of the image range substantially the same as the image range of the captured image selected from the basic image of the image range larger than the image range of the captured image with the captured image;
Printing means for printing the composite image on a print medium,
2. The photographic print providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a basic image display unit for displaying a basic image including the selected unit image is displayed on the display means.   2. The photographic print providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the basic image displayed on the basic image display unit is provided with a selection region display unit indicating a region of the selected unit image.   3. The photographic print providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the basic image is configured in a state in which a plurality of unit images are arranged without overlapping each other.   The unit image is configured by at least one of a foreground image to be combined as a foreground of a captured image and a background image to be combined as a background, and the combining unit is a foreground combining unit that combines the foreground image as a foreground of the captured image. The photographic print providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a background composition unit configured to compose the background image as a background of the photographed image.   5. The photographic print providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said foreground composition means performs at least a part of the unit image by transmission composition.   As the unit image, a confirmation image for confirming an image displayed on the display means and a print image for printout are provided, and the composition means synthesizes the live video by the camera and the confirmation image in real time. The first combining means for displaying the composite video on the display means and the still image of the subject obtained by performing the shutter operation while the composite video is displayed on the display means and the print image are combined. The photographic print providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 2 combining means.   Edit receiving means for displaying a composite image of a still image of a subject obtained by a shutter operation and a unit image and receiving an edit input by a user, and the edit reception means includes a composite image obtained by combining different unit images. The photographic print providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the photographic print providing apparatus receives the editing input in a state in which the joints of the composite images displayed side by side are displayed. A shooting step for shooting a subject including a user;
A display step for displaying a photographed image by the camera and necessary information on a display means; and a unit image having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the photographed image selected from a basic image having an image range larger than the image range of the photographed image And a compositing step for compositing the captured image,
A printing step of printing the composite image on a printing medium,
In the display step, a basic image display unit for displaying a basic image including the selected unit image is displayed. A shooting step for shooting a subject including a user;
A display step for displaying a photographed image by the camera and necessary information on a display means; and a unit image having an image range substantially the same as the image range of the photographed image selected from a basic image having an image range larger than the image range of the photographed image And a compositing step for compositing the captured image,
A printing step for printing the composite image on a printing medium;
A photographic print providing program that causes a computer device to execute a step of displaying a basic image display unit that displays a basic image including the selected unit image in the display step.

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