WO1994007324A1 - Improvements in or relating to video-photo installations - Google Patents

Improvements in or relating to video-photo installations Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1994007324A1
WO1994007324A1 PCT/GB1993/001920 GB9301920W WO9407324A1 WO 1994007324 A1 WO1994007324 A1 WO 1994007324A1 GB 9301920 W GB9301920 W GB 9301920W WO 9407324 A1 WO9407324 A1 WO 9407324A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
subject
installation according
installation
montage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1993/001920
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Roy Kemp
Original Assignee
Photo-Me International Plc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Photo-Me International Plc filed Critical Photo-Me International Plc
Publication of WO1994007324A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994007324A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00281—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal
    • H04N1/00283—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal with a television apparatus
    • H04N1/00286—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal with a television apparatus with studio circuitry, devices or equipment, e.g. television cameras
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
    • G03B17/48—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor adapted for combination with other photographic or optical apparatus
    • G03B17/50—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor adapted for combination with other photographic or optical apparatus with both developing and finishing apparatus
    • G03B17/53—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor adapted for combination with other photographic or optical apparatus with both developing and finishing apparatus for automatically delivering a finished picture after a signal causing exposure has been given, e.g. by pushing a button, by inserting a coin
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N1/00—Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission; Details thereof
    • H04N1/00127—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
    • H04N1/00281—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal
    • H04N1/00283—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal with a television apparatus
    • H04N1/00286—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal with a television apparatus with studio circuitry, devices or equipment, e.g. television cameras
    • H04N1/00289—Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal with a television apparatus with studio circuitry, devices or equipment, e.g. television cameras in a video photo booth or the like

Definitions

  • This invention concerns improvements in or relating to video-photo installations and in particular is directed to the enhancement of their user-friendliness.
  • the invention provides a video-photo installation including a video camera for receiving a real-time image of a subject-user, sensing means for sensing the position of the subject-user and for adjusting the position of the subject-user and/ or the camera to obtain a correct sight of the subject-user image, a computer including a memory having a plurality of stored images, control means enabling the subject user to control the installation, a visual display monitor for visually representing a montage of the image of the subject-user and one or more stored images, the control means being adapted for actuation by the subject-user to select one or more of the stored images for display on the monitor and to effect operation of the camera to focus upon the subject user to obtain a real-time image, the control means being further adapted upon command of the subject-user to freeze a particular real-time image, means for instructing the subject-user as to the manner and sequence in which the
  • the video photo installation is housed within a booth which incorporates a seat, or other support, for the subject-user, the seat or other support being movable to position the subject-user accurately for the camera.
  • the camera is adapted for movement into a position whereat the subject-user comes within its field of vision.
  • the focussing of the camera is preferably automatic.
  • the visual display monitor gives a mirror image of the subject-user.
  • control means are actuable by means of a touch screen, and instructions for the subject-user may be visual or audio/visual. Furthermore, the subject-user may select in which language the instructions are to be given, the installation having a multi-lingual capability.
  • the means for informing the subject-user as to when the selected montage is to be captured may be in the form of a light which is illuminable at a predetermined time prior to the capture.
  • an audible means may be employed.
  • the installation may include illumination means for illuminating the subject-user and the means may be provided as a backlit screen and may include a flash light.
  • the illumination means may be arranged to compensate automatically for any changes in ambient lighting levels.
  • the camera lens may be provided with an auto iris to assist in obtaining the correct light levels.
  • the subject-user may input a preselected image temporarily into the memory such that it becomes a stored image, a scanner being provided for that purpose.
  • Means may be provided to enable the subject-user to add further images as enhancements to the real time or stored images thereby giving effectively a three-plane montage.
  • the further images may be in the form of cosmetic enhancements such as cephalic features, for example scars, or different hair styles.
  • the further images may be messages.
  • control means are conveniently adapted to respond to a specific print command such that the subject-user has control over the time of photographic printing.
  • the material in which the photographic print is fixed is security coded, for example by means of a bar code, to ensure that printing will only occur when the correct material is fed to the printer.
  • the computer of the installation is provided with a service menu which can be accessed upon an appropriate command by authorised personnel.
  • the service menu may include a facility whereby the stored images can be replaced by reloading via a diskette.
  • the installation of the present invention is thus more user friendly than conventional installations of a similar type since it facilitates automatic composition of the personalised montage and control is simplified with visual or audio/visual aids in the selected language of the subject-user.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Cameras Adapted For Combination With Other Photographic Or Optical Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Studio Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A video-photo installation for producing a photographic montage using a real time image of a subject-user of the installation and a stored image selected by the subject-user, includes inter alia a sensor for sensing the position of the subject-user and for adjusting that position, and control means to enable the installation to be controlled by the subject-user in accordance with instructions provided by the installation.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO VIDEO-PHOTO INSTALLATIONS
This invention concerns improvements in or relating to video-photo installations and in particular is directed to the enhancement of their user-friendliness.
It is known principally from European Patent Application No 0 326 515 to employ a video-photo installation wherein the subject user is able to select a computer-stored background for a photographic montage and to superimpose a real time image thereon in the representational format which meets the user's requirements. In particular, the known installations of this kind enable a subject to personalise for example greetings cards by combining a real time image of the subject either as background or foreground with a personally selected message or illustration drawn from the computer memory.
One of the difficulties which detracts from the ease and simplicity of using installations of this type is the requirement within a relatively short time span to make decisions regarding the composition of the end product, namely the montage, and specifically when a personal real time image of the subject user is to be utilised, to ensure that the correct pose is obtained. The conventional installations generally confront the user with an array of controls which although not technically difficult to operate, present at least the possibility of yielding a poor result in the event of inadvertent misuse, for example by giving the installation an instruction prematurely whereby an unposed, and therefore an unwanted, image is captured.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET Furthermore, current installations of the kind described afford the user the opportunity to create a double image or double plane montage only with the real time image being the foreground or the background.
In view of the variety in the size of subject users, it is important to facilitate the manner in which the individual poses in front of the camera and in current installations manual means are provided for example to adjust the seat height to enable correct positioning. However, this activity is both time consuming and laborious and in any event does not ensure that the subject is correctly positioned.
In this day and age with most major cities in any country being of a cosmopolitan character, either permanently or seasonally, it is desirable to provide installations which are user-friendly to all on a multi-lingual basis.
It is in the nature of the potential user that novelty wears thin in the absence of change and accordingly it is advantageous to provide an integral capability in such video-photo installations whereby the choice of computer stored images can be changed. However, currently existing installations require extensive and thus expensive reprogramming remotely from their site, and the necessity for removal is unwelcome commercially because of the consequential financial loss from downtime.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a video-photo installation which gives to the subject user a more user-friendly facility than with conventional installations in terms of comprehensibility and ease of use, and to give a greater degree of automaticity.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a video-photo installation which facilitates maintenance. SUBST,TUTE SKEEτ Accordingly the invention provides a video-photo installation including a video camera for receiving a real-time image of a subject-user, sensing means for sensing the position of the subject-user and for adjusting the position of the subject-user and/ or the camera to obtain a correct sight of the subject-user image, a computer including a memory having a plurality of stored images, control means enabling the subject user to control the installation, a visual display monitor for visually representing a montage of the image of the subject-user and one or more stored images, the control means being adapted for actuation by the subject-user to select one or more of the stored images for display on the monitor and to effect operation of the camera to focus upon the subject user to obtain a real-time image, the control means being further adapted upon command of the subject-user to freeze a particular real-time image, means for instructing the subject-user as to the manner and sequence in which the control means are actuable, means for informing the user as to when the montage is to be captured, means for recording and printing the captured montage, the control means being actuable to effect printing of the captured montage.
Conveniently the video photo installation is housed within a booth which incorporates a seat, or other support, for the subject-user, the seat or other support being movable to position the subject-user accurately for the camera. In the alternative or in addition, the camera is adapted for movement into a position whereat the subject-user comes within its field of vision. The focussing of the camera is preferably automatic. Preferably the visual display monitor gives a mirror image of the subject-user.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET Advantageously for the subject-user the control means are actuable by means of a touch screen, and instructions for the subject-user may be visual or audio/visual. Furthermore, the subject-user may select in which language the instructions are to be given, the installation having a multi-lingual capability.
The means for informing the subject-user as to when the selected montage is to be captured may be in the form of a light which is illuminable at a predetermined time prior to the capture. In addition or in the alternative, an audible means may be employed.
The installation may include illumination means for illuminating the subject-user and the means may be provided as a backlit screen and may include a flash light.
The illumination means may be arranged to compensate automatically for any changes in ambient lighting levels. In this respect also the camera lens may be provided with an auto iris to assist in obtaining the correct light levels.
Conveniently, the subject-user may input a preselected image temporarily into the memory such that it becomes a stored image, a scanner being provided for that purpose.
Means may be provided to enable the subject-user to add further images as enhancements to the real time or stored images thereby giving effectively a three-plane montage. The further images may be in the form of cosmetic enhancements such as cephalic features, for example scars, or different hair styles. In the alternative, the further images may be messages.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET The control means are conveniently adapted to respond to a specific print command such that the subject-user has control over the time of photographic printing. Preferably the material in which the photographic print is fixed is security coded, for example by means of a bar code, to ensure that printing will only occur when the correct material is fed to the printer.
For the purpose of ease of maintenance, the computer of the installation is provided with a service menu which can be accessed upon an appropriate command by authorised personnel. The service menu may include a facility whereby the stored images can be replaced by reloading via a diskette.
The installation of the present invention is thus more user friendly than conventional installations of a similar type since it facilitates automatic composition of the personalised montage and control is simplified with visual or audio/visual aids in the selected language of the subject-user.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

1. A video-photo installation including a video camera for receiving a real-time image of a subject-user, a computer including a memory having a plurality of stored images, control means enabling the subject user to control the installation, a visual display monitor for visually representing a montage of the image of the subject-user and one or more stored images, the control means being adapted for actuation by the subject-user to select one or more of the stored images for display on the monitor and to .effect operation of the camera to focus upon the subject user to obtain a real-time image, characterised by sensing means for sensing the position of the subject-user and for adjusting the position of the subject-user and/ or the camera to obtain a correct sight of the subject-user image, the control means being further adapted upon command of the subject-user to freeze a particular real-time image, means for instructing the subject-user as to the manner and sequence in which the control means are actuable, means for informing the user as to when the montage is to be captured, means for recording and printing the captured montage, the control means being actuable to effect printing of the captured montage.
2. An installation according to Claim 1 characterised in that the installation is housed within a booth which incorporates a seat, or other support, for the subject-user, the seat or other support being movable to position the subject-user accurately for the camera.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
3. An installation according to Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the camera is adapted for movement into a position whereat the subject-user comes within its field of vision.
4. An installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the focussing of the camera is preferably automatic.
5. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the visual display monitor gives a mirror image of the subject-user.
6. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the control means are actuable by means of a touch screen.
7. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that instructions for the subject-user are visual or audio/visual.
8. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the means for informing the subject-user as to when the selected montage is to be captured is in the form of a light which is illuminable at a predetermined time prior to the capture.
9. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that there is provided illumination means for illuminating the subject-user.
10. An installation according to claim 9 characterised in that the illumination means includes a flash light.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET - 8 -
11. An installation according to any one the preceding claims characterised in that the illumination means includes a backlit screen.
12. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 characterised in that the illumination means is arranged to compensate automatically for any changes in ambient lighting levels.
13. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the camera lens is provided with an auto iris to assist in obtaining the correct light levels.
14. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that a scanner is provided.
15. An installation according to claim 14 characterised in that the scanner is adapted to scan a preselected image provided by the subject-user for inputting into the installation temporarily for use as a stored image.
16. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that means are provided to enable the subject-user to add further images as enhancements to the real time or stored images thereby giving effectively a three-plane montage.
17. An installation according to claim 16 characterised in that the further images are in the form of cosmetic enhancements.
18 An installation according to claim 16 characterised in that the further images are in the form of messages.
SUBSTITUTE SH «jεfcr57" - 9 -
19. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the control means are adapted to respond to a specific print command such that the subject-user has control over the time of photographic printing.
20. An installation according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the computer of the installation is provided with a service menu which can be accessed upon an appropriate command by authorised personnel.
21. An installation according to claim 20 characterised in that the service menu includes a facility whereby the stored images can be replaced by reloading via a diskette.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
PCT/GB1993/001920 1992-09-12 1993-09-10 Improvements in or relating to video-photo installations WO1994007324A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9219367.1 1992-09-12
GB929219367A GB9219367D0 (en) 1992-09-12 1992-09-12 Improvements in or relating to video-photo installations

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994007324A1 true WO1994007324A1 (en) 1994-03-31

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PCT/GB1993/001920 WO1994007324A1 (en) 1992-09-12 1993-09-10 Improvements in or relating to video-photo installations

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GB (2) GB9219367D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1994007324A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2724800A1 (en) * 1994-09-19 1996-03-22 Kis Automatic booth for taking user's photograph
FR2724801A1 (en) * 1994-09-19 1996-03-22 Kis Automatic booth for personalised postcards or photographs

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2307126B (en) * 1995-11-07 1997-10-29 South Hill Holdings Ltd Camera system
BR9711980A (en) * 1996-09-02 2000-01-18 Snk Corp Imaging device.
GB2335105B (en) * 1998-07-25 2000-02-23 Loyaltop Ltd Composite image method and apparatus
FR2809518B1 (en) * 2000-05-25 2004-10-15 Lignieres Bertrand Sapin SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AND ROUTING VIRTUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE CARDS
FR2820862B1 (en) * 2001-02-15 2003-09-19 Ernest Larisch AUTOMATIC PAYMENT APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SOUND RECORDINGS FROM IMAGES OF PEOPLE OR OBJECTS

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4738526A (en) * 1986-11-21 1988-04-19 Autostudio Corporation Auto-portrait photo studio
EP0326515A1 (en) * 1988-01-18 1989-08-02 Alport Holding Inc. Photo-video system
US4864410A (en) * 1986-08-01 1989-09-05 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Apparatus and method of making photographs from a video image
WO1990010251A1 (en) * 1989-02-28 1990-09-07 Photostar Limited Automatic picture taking machine
GB2235347A (en) * 1989-08-21 1991-02-27 Pamela L Barber Making electronically-produced postcards
WO1991011748A1 (en) * 1990-01-29 1991-08-08 Photostar Ltd. Automatic picture taking machine
GB2260057A (en) * 1991-09-28 1993-03-31 Pmi Photomagic Ltd Video self-portrait installation combines subject image with stored foreground image

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4891660A (en) * 1988-11-29 1990-01-02 Pvi, Inc. Automatic photographic system and frame dispenser
GB2242592A (en) * 1990-03-30 1991-10-02 Photo Me Int Producing a picture of a subject against a selected background

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4864410A (en) * 1986-08-01 1989-09-05 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Apparatus and method of making photographs from a video image
US4738526A (en) * 1986-11-21 1988-04-19 Autostudio Corporation Auto-portrait photo studio
EP0326515A1 (en) * 1988-01-18 1989-08-02 Alport Holding Inc. Photo-video system
WO1990010251A1 (en) * 1989-02-28 1990-09-07 Photostar Limited Automatic picture taking machine
GB2235347A (en) * 1989-08-21 1991-02-27 Pamela L Barber Making electronically-produced postcards
WO1991011748A1 (en) * 1990-01-29 1991-08-08 Photostar Ltd. Automatic picture taking machine
GB2260057A (en) * 1991-09-28 1993-03-31 Pmi Photomagic Ltd Video self-portrait installation combines subject image with stored foreground image

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2724800A1 (en) * 1994-09-19 1996-03-22 Kis Automatic booth for taking user's photograph
FR2724801A1 (en) * 1994-09-19 1996-03-22 Kis Automatic booth for personalised postcards or photographs

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9318806D0 (en) 1993-10-27
GB2270605A (en) 1994-03-16
GB9219367D0 (en) 1992-10-28

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