CA2216830A1 - Image data printing apparatus - Google Patents
Image data printing apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA2216830A1 CA2216830A1 CA002216830A CA2216830A CA2216830A1 CA 2216830 A1 CA2216830 A1 CA 2216830A1 CA 002216830 A CA002216830 A CA 002216830A CA 2216830 A CA2216830 A CA 2216830A CA 2216830 A1 CA2216830 A1 CA 2216830A1
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- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 34
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 19
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 5
- 101100353161 Drosophila melanogaster prel gene Proteins 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 240000001973 Ficus microcarpa Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- G03B29/00—Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
- H04N23/66—Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Television Signal Processing For Recording (AREA)
- Cameras Adapted For Combination With Other Photographic Or Optical Apparatuses (AREA)
- Record Information Processing For Printing (AREA)
Abstract
An image data printing apparatus which is capable of arbitrarily writing graphic or literal information and thus providing amusement intrinsic to an amusement appliance after output of the image data. In the image data printing apparatus, image data taken by image pick-up means 8 and static image data stored in storage means 11 are outputted in parallel to image output control means 15. The image output control means is capable of selecting these data to output them alone or in combination to the display means 5. The dynamic image taken by the image pick-up means 8 is stored in an image memory 14 and outputted to the display means. Then, static image data or graphic data is written on the picture on the display means 5 at a desired position by directly operating coordinate input means.
The image data modified by the data writing is outputted to an output device 9.
The image data modified by the data writing is outputted to an output device 9.
Description
CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
TITLE OF THE lNv~NlION
IMAGE DATA PRINTING APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE lNV~NlION
FIELD OF THE lNv~NlION
The present invention relates to an image data printing apparatus incorporating image pick-up means (camera) and a liquid crystal tablet. In particular, it relates to an image data printing apparatus incorporating an image pick-up means and a liquid crystal tablet, which is used as a pay amusement appliance.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
As a pay amusement appliance equipped with an image pick-up camera, an appliance has been known which outputs a composite image of image data of a photograph with user's image and a static image data superimposed thereon, such as a border, a popular character and a graphic symbol.
Further, an apparatus has been known which outputs picked up image data from a video camera to an image monitor via, for example, video titler capable of writing graphic data. A user superimposes graphic data on the data from the video camera by operating the video titler in hand while watching composite image data appearing on the monitor.
The conventional pay amusement appliances equipped with an image pick-up camera are capable of superimposing static image data on image data of a photograph with user's image and printing out the resulting composite image data. However, the conventional pay amusement appliances have only a function of superimposing static image data selected by a user on image data of a photograph with user's image. Therefore, a user has only a freedom to select static image data from prelimi n~rily stored static image patterns.
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Further, there are limitations on positions where static image data is superimposed and on image patterns to be outputted.
Accordingly, users' demands for originality have not been sufficiently satisfied. Moreover, the images are combined into a composite image by means of the central processing unit (CPU) in a short time. This is unsatisfactory as an orthodox way to enjoy an amusement appliance.
In such an appliance that data is written on image data by means of a video titler, it is in reality difficult to write the data on a desired position while watching a monitor because the video titler is operated in hand. Accordingly, it is difficult to precisely input the data onto the intended position.
Further, in the pay amusement appliances as described above, only a pre-stored demonstration picture is repeatedly reproduced in the initial picture when a game is not played. With simple repeated reproduction of the demonstration picture, the appliance soon loses its popularity. This leads to a short commercial life thereof.
A pay amusement appliance is often placed in the open air, for example, at a store front. Accordingly, a printing ink is likely to be disadvantageously viscous in the depth of winter to extremely impair precision of printing, thereby leading to lowered image quality. In some appliances, a hot-air blower such as a dryer is provided nearby. In such cases, however, a surface of a print is inconveniently heated by hand. On the other hand, in midsummer, a temperature of an amusement appliance inevitably rises due to a high ambient temperature and heat emitted from a CPU. This is likely to lead to malfunction or runaway of the CPU.
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SUMMARY OF THE lNV~NllON
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an image data printing apparatus which is capable of arbitrarily writing graphic or literal information and thus providing amusement intrinsic to an amusement appliance.
The image data printing apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
image pick-up means for picking up a dynamic image, a coin acceptor for identifying coins, storage means, for example a hard disk, having static image data stored therein, a computer block, image output control means, display means equipped unitarily with monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor and a coordinate input device such as a coordinate input tablet capable of writing arbitrary data and being operated, and printing means for printing out image data. The computer block includes a capture board, an image memory and a CPU.
Image data taken by the image pick-up means and static image data stored in the storage means are outputted in parallel to the image output control means. The image output control means is capable of selecting these data to output them alone or in combination to the display means. Even prior to deposition of a coin into the apparatus, the static image data or the picked up image data may be selected by the image output control means and shown on the display means. Alternatively, a composite image data of the picked up image data and the static image data may be shown on the display means.
After the dynamic image taken by the image pick-up means is stored in the image memory and outputted as image data to the display means, desired static image data or graphic data may be inputted at a position where the data is intended to be written on the picture of the display means by directly operating the coordinate input means. Further, static image may be called by selecting operation menu by operating the coordinate input means and written on a desired position. Accordingly, complicated graphic data such as a frame of animation or a character design can be written with ease, of which writing is otherwise time-consuming.
As a method for obt~;n;ng composite image data of two different images, a composite image can be obtained with ease in such a manner that the static image data stored in the storage means such as a hard disk is set as a lower layer and the image data from the image pick-up means is set as an upper layer, and arbitrary graphic data is written by operating the coordinate input means and the image data as the upper layer is deleted in part by deleting operation of the coordinate input means to render corresponding part of the static image data as the lower data visible.
Further, after the image data taken by the image pick-up means is subjected to the modification operation as described above to complete desired image data, the completed image data may be divided by the image memory into divisional pieces along a selected pattern to play a game as a jigsaw puzzle in such a manner that the divisional pieces are separately arranged at predetermined positions as graphical data, and the divisional CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
graphical data pieces are returned to the prescribed positions by operating the coordinate input means to reconstitute the completed image data.
Moreover, image data from the image pick-up means and the static image data stored in the storage means are always inputted to the image output control means. Accordingly, for example, the image data from the image pick-up means may be outputted with priority to the display means, or both of them may be outputted in parallel as two-view data. Furthermore, external image data inputted from the external may be outputted as two-view data together with the picked up image data.
In addition, under a low temperature condition, the warmer is actuated under temperature monitoring of the temperature sensor to warm up the whole printing apparatus. Further, appropriate heat is transmitted form the printing apparatus to a surface of a sheet of paper on which image data is printed out to ensure preferable color development, thereby obtaining a printed picture with high image quality. On the other hand, if the temperature in the apparatus rises beyond a predetermined level, blower means such as a fan is actuated to dissipate the internal heat of the apparatus to the outside, thereby preventing the internal temperature from rising to excess.
In the image data printing apparatus according to the present invention, by operating the coordinate input means, arbitrary graphic data may be written on the image data taken by the image pick-up means and then stored in the image memory.
Further, since the static image data is preliminarily stored, complicated graphic data can by written on the picked up image data with ease. Moreover, the completed image data may be used to CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
play a game as described above. The completed image data is transmitted as printout data to a printer or the like and printed out to stably obtain a print with high image quality.
As described above, according to the image data printing apparatus of the present invention, since a user can play a game using image data of a photograph with user' image prior to output of the image data, the user is sufficiently amused before as well as after the output of the image data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig.l is a block diagram systematically showing structure of one embodiment of the image data printing apparatus according to the present invention.
Fig.2 is a perspective view showing appearance of the apparatus in Fig.l.
Fig.3 is a sectional view of the apparatus in Fig.2.
Fig.4 is another sectional view of the apparatus in Fig.2.
Fig.5A to Fig.5C is illustrative representations showing examples of mode for outputting the picked up image data and the static image data from an image output control circuit to a display.
Fig.6 shows a mode selection picture.
Fig.7 is a block diagram illustrating flow of procedure in a scrawl mode.
Fig.8 is a block diagram illustrating flow of procedure in an icon-pasting mode.
Fig.9 is a block diagram illustrating flow of procedure in a puzzle mode.
Fig.10 is a view illustrating manner for playing jigsaw puzzle.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig.1 is a block diagram systematically showing structure of one embodiment of the image data printing apparatus according to the present invention. Fig.2 is a perspective view showing appearance of the apparatus in Fig.1. Fig.3 and 4 are sectional views of the apparatus in Fig.2 viewed from different directions.
In Figs.2, 3 and 4, reference number 1 represents an image data printing apparatus, reference number 2 represents an outer casing of the apparatus 1, and reference number 3 represents a coin slot. Reference number 4 represents a line code, and the image data printing apparatus 1 is always powered. The image data printing apparatus 1 comprises a liquid crystal tablet 5 composed unitarily of a liquid crystal monitor and coordinate input means, a coin acceptor 6, a computer block 7, an image pick-up means 8 for picking up a dynamic image, an output device 9 for printing image data such as a photograph developing device or a printer, a power source unit 10 for supplying stabilized power, and a hard disk 11 for storing static image data.
The computer block 7 comprises a capture board 13, an image memory 14, an image output control circuit 15, and a central processing unit (CPU) 16. The image memory 14 includes an area for storing image data from the image pick-up means 8, an area for storing static image data from the hard disk 11, an area for storing split screen-image data, an area for storing reconstructed image data after division of a picture, and an area for storing image data having a reduced size suitable for printing. The CPU
16 has a mode selecting function, a time measuring function and CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
the like. A temperature in the apparatus 1 is controlled by actuating a warmer 17 or a fan 19 based on output of a temperature sensor 18 which monitors the temperature in the apparatus 1. An external image input terminal 20 is provided in a side of the outer casing 2.
Next, modes of image input signals shown on the liquid crystal tablet 5 will be described with reference to a block diagram showing system configuration in Fig.1. Data output paths to the liquid crystal tablet 5 include two paths, i.e., a path such that picked up image data transmitted from the image pick-up means 8 is outputted via the capture board 13, the image memory 14 and the CPU 16 (hereinafter referred to as "picked up image data output mode"), and a path such that static image data stored in the hard disk 11 is captured in the image memory 14 via the CPU 16 and outputted again via the CPU 16 (hereinafter referred to as "static image data output mode").
In the image memory 14, a storage area for storing image data of the picked up image data output mode and a storage area for storing image data of the static image data output mode are independently provided. Accordingly, these modes may operate in parallel. In the image output control circuit 15, a method for outputting picked up image data from the picked up image data output mode and static image data from the static image data output mode to the liquid crystal tablet 5 may arbitrarily set.
For example, there may arbitrarily set a method in which either the picked up image data or the static image data is outputted with priority, or a method in which both of the picked up image data and the static image data are image-outputted in parallel on a two-part split screen.
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Fig.5A to Fig.5C is illustrative representations showing examples of mode for outputting the picked up image data and the static image data from the image output control circuit 15 to the liquid crystal tablet 5. Modes of image output signals includes three modes, i.e., (l)picked up image data output mode, (2)static image data output mode and (3)external image data output mode.
The picked up image data output mode is such a mode that the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means 8 is outputted to the image output control circuit 15 via the capture board 13, the image memory 14 and the CPU 16 of the computer block 7. It is to be noted that the picked up image data outputted in the picked up image data output mode includes not only the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means 8 but also composite image data of the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means with the static image data, as described below.
The static image data output mode is such a mode that the static image data taken out of the hard disk 11 by the CPU 16 is stored in the image memory 14 and outputted to the image output control circuit 15 again via the CPU 16. The static image data stored in the hard disk 11 includes full-screen static image data with which the whole screen of the liquid crystal tablet 5 is filled and partial static image data such as data of cartoon characters and graphic data. The full-screen static image data is used in combination with the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means 8 to obtain composite image data, and it is also used as a demonstration image shown prior to deposition of a coin. The partial static image data is used mainly to paste the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means 8 therewith.
The external image data output mode is such a mode that CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
image data from the video camera or the like connected to the external image input terminal 20 is captured in the image memory 14 via the CPU 16 and the capture board 13 of the computer block 7 and outputted to the image output control circuit 15 again via the CPU 16. It is to be noted that the image data outputted in the external image data output mode includes not only the image data inputted from the external image input terminal 20 but also composite image data of the external image data the with the static image data.
Fig.5A shows a display mode showing only image data in (l)picked up image data output mode or image data in (2)static image data output mode on a single view screen (unsplit screen).
Fig.5B shows a display mode showing image data in (l)picked up image data output mode and image data in (2)static image data output mode, or image data in picked up image data output mode (1) and image data in (3)external image data output mode on a two-part split screen. Fig.5C shows a display output mode showing a four-part split screen with two views, i.e., a two-view screen with image data in (l)picked up image data output mode shown on 3/4 area of the screen and image data in (2)static image data output mode or image data in (3)external image data output mode shown in 1/4 area of the screen.
When the image data captured in the image memory 14 is image-outputted to and shown on the liquid crystal tablet 5, data can be written on the image data by directly operating an operation menu shown in the liquid crystal tablet 5 by means of a coordinate input device. Likewise, data can be written on the static image data stored in the hard disk 11. After the picked up data taken by the image pick-up means 8 is modified in this manner, CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
the modified data is transmitted to the output device 9 and printed thereby.
Next, operation of the image data printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
When a coin is deposited into the coin slot 3 of the image data printing apparatus, the coin is ex~m;ned by the coin acceptor 6. If the coin is accepted, the operation menu proceeds to mode selection and a mode selection picture 30 shown in Fig.6 appears.
In this embodiment, three modes "icon pasting" , "scrawl" and "puzzle" are shown. One of them is selected by indicating it with the coordinate input device, for example, a pen of the liquid crystal tablet 5. If you wish to know contents of any of the modes, a "demo" shown beside the mode is indicated with the pen.
The picture is thereby switched to a demonstration picture 31.
The demonstration picture 31 is stored in the hard disk 11 as static image data. On completion of inputting with pen to the demonstration picture 31, the picture is returned to the mode selection picture 30. Then, mode selection can be made.
In the first place, flow of procedure in a case where the scrawl mode is selected in the mode selection picture 30 shown in Fig.6 will be described with reference to Fig.7 and the block diagram of system configuration in Fig.1. When the scrawl mode is selected, the image output control circuit 15 outputs the image data from the image pick-up means 8 with priority to the liquid crystal tablet 5.
First, border selection picture 41 with some of border patterns 41a, 41b, 41c is shown, and one of the patterns is selected by indicating it with the pen. These border patterns 41a, 4lb, 41c are stored in the hard disk 11 as static image data.
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When the border is selected, the picture is switched to preliminaries of photographing picture 42. A self-timer button 42a and a window 42b showing the image taken by the image pick-up means 8 are shown. The image shown on the window 42b is the image data from the image pick-up means 8 which has been captured in the image memory 14 via the capture board 13 of the computer block 7.
When self-timer button 42a is pushed, the picture is advanced to carrying out photographing picture 43. Count-down is shown in animation in an area 43a below a window 43b, and the image data which has been captured in the image memory 14 is fixed.
Subsequently, the procedure advances to photograph check picture 44. In the photograph check picture 44, a composite image of the image taken by the image pick-up means 8 with the border pattern 4la selected in the border selection picture 41 is shown.
In other words, the border pattern 4la is superimposed on the image taken by the image pick-up means 8. If the composite image shown is unsatisfactory, a "retake" portion 44c is indicated with the pen. The picture is thereby returned to the prel; m; n~ries of photographing picture 42 to retake the image data. If the retaken image is satisfactory, an "OK" button 44b is pushed. As a result, the procedure advances to the subsequent scrawl picture 45.
In the scrawl picture 45, two scrawling methods are shown, i.e., a method to write arbitrary data on the image data which has been captured in the image memory 14 by means of the coordinate input device (pen) of the liquid crystal tablet 5, and a method to write data on the image data which has been captured in the image memory 14 by pasting thereon static image data stored in the hard disk 11. When "pencil" shown in the left side of the picture is selected, arbitrary data can be written on the image data shown on CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
the window 45b by free-hand writing. When "stamp" is selected, icons 45a as graphic representations of complicated animation or character design which are shown in a lower portion of the picture can be selected by the pen to paste the image data with the selected icon at a desired position. If it is desired that the written data be deleted to return the image to the previous state, "undo" is selected. The icons 45a are stored in the hard disk ll as static image data. As color of the scrawl, preferred one may be selected from a color bar 45c shown in the right side of the picture. The complicated icons 45a are stored as static image data as described above, and accordingly, these may be simply and freely written on the image data. By virtue of this, the image data is completed with enjoyment.
Besides these methods, as a method for combining two image, there may be provided a mode to obtain composite image data by superimposing image data from the picked up image data output mode as an upper layer upon static image data from the static image data output mode as a lower layer. In this case, the static image data as a lower layer is obstructed by the upper layer and thus not visible. If an uncalled-for portion, for example, data of a background in a case where a person is intended as a subject of a photograph is deleted by operating the coordinate input device such as a pen, the static image data appears and becomes visible.
Accordingly, composite image data of the two image can be obtained with ease.
If the image data to be printed is completed, a print button 45d is pushed. Then, the procedure advances to print demanding picture 46 to call attention to deposition of a coin. When a coin is deposited, the procedure proceeds to the print picture 47.
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After completion of printing by means of the output device 9, the picture returns to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
It is noted that the CPU 16 always carries out time measurement. If a period of time corresponding the coin deposited elapses, a message is shown to the effect that an additional coin should be deposited if it is intended to continue the procedure.
If deposition of a prescribed amount of coin is confirmed by the coin acceptor 6, the procedure is continued. If not, however, the procedure is discontinued and returned to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
In the next place, flow of procedure in a case where the "icon -pasting" mode is selected in the mode selection picture will be described with reference to Fig.8. When the icon-pasting mode is selected, the image output control circuit 15 outputs the image data stored in the hard disk 11 with priority to the liquid crystal tablet 5.
When "icon-pasting" is selected in the mode selection shown in Fig.6, the picture shown on the liquid crystal tablet 5 is switched to background selection picture 51 and a plurality of background patterns 51a, 51b, 51c are shown. The background patterns 51a, 51b, 51c are full-screen static image data preliminarily stored in the hard disk 11. When desired one is selected from the patterns, the picture is switched to the subsequent icon-pasting picture 52.
In the icon-pasting picture 52, the background pattern previously selected is shown in a window 52a and a menu of "stamp", "scissors", "eraser", "undo" and the like is shown on the left side of the window 52a. When "stamp " is selected, icons 52b as graphic representations of complicated animation or character CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
design which are shown in a lower portion of the picture can be selected by the coordinate input device such as a pen to paste the selected icon on the image data at a desired position. The icons 52b are stored in the hard disk 11 as static image data. When "scissors" is selected, the icon pasted in "stamp" can be moved to a desired position. When "eraser" is selected, icons each of which is capable of erasing one pasted icon and an icon which is capable of erasing all of pasted icons are shown in the portion where the icons 52b as graphic representations have been shown.
By selecting these icons, the pasted icons can be erased to return the image data to the initial state. If it is desired to delete the written data to return the image to the previous state, "undo"
is selected. In the "icon-pasting" mode, various combination of patterns can freely be made. This enables a mother and a child to complete a picture book while commlln; cating with each other.
When the image in the window 52a is completed, a print button 52c is pushed. Then, the procedure advances to print demanding picture 53 to call attention to deposition of a coin.
When a coin is deposited, the procedure proceeds to the print picture 54. After completion of printing by means of the output device 9, the picture returns to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
Also in this mode, the CPU 16 always carries out time measurement.
If a period of time corresponding the coin deposited elapses, a message is shown to the effect that an additional coin should be deposited if it is intended to continue the procedure. If deposition of a prescribed amount of coin is confirmed by the coin acceptor 6, the procedure is continued. If not, however, the procedure is discontinued and returned to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
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In the third place, flow of procedure in a case where "puzzle" is selected in the mode selection picture will be described with reference to Fig.9. When the puzzle mode is selected, the image output control circuit 15 outputs the image data from the image pick-up means 8 with priority to the liquid crystal tablet 5.
When "puzzle" is selected in the mode selection picture, the picture shown on the liquid crystal tablet 5 is switched to prel;m;n~ries of photographing picture 61. A self-timer button 6la and a window 6lb showing the image taken by the image pick-up means 8 are shown. The image shown on the window 6lb is the image data from the image pick-up means 8 which has been captured in the image memory 14 via the capture board 13 of the computer block 7.
When self-timer button 61a is pushed, the picture is advanced to carrying out photographing picture 62. Count-down is shown in animation in an area 62a below a window 62b, and the image data which has been captured in the image memory 14 is fixed.
Subsequently, the procedure advances to photograph check picture 63. In the photograph check picture 63, the image data fixed in the image memory 14 is shown in a window 63a. If the image shown in the window 63a is unsatisfactory, a "retake"
portion 63c is indicated with the pen. The picture is thereby returned to the prel;m;n~ries of photographing picture 61 to retake the image data. If the retaken image is satisfactory, an "OK" button 63b is pushed. Then, the procedure advances to the subsequent course selection picture 64. In the course selection picture 64, degree of difficulty of the puzzle is selected. The degree of difficulty of the puzzle is determined according to the number of divisional pieces of the picture. For example, desired CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
one is selected from beginner's course (12 pieces), less advanced course (24 pieces), intermediate course (48 pieces) and advanced course (70 pieces). When the course is selected, the picture is switched to play puzzle picture 65.
In the play puzzle picture 65, the image to be completed in a window 65a is divided in conformity with a prescribed pattern according to the degree of difficulty selected in the course selection picture 64. The divisional pieces 65b are shown at random outside the window 65a. As shown in Fig.10, a player of the puzzle reconstructs the original image by carrying the-divisional pieces 65b into the window 65a and pasting them thereon by means of the pen 60.
After completion of the puzzle, the procedure advances to the subsequent print demanding picture 66 to call attention to deposition of a coin. When a coin is deposited, the procedure proceeds to the print picture 67. After completion of printing by means of the output device 9, the picture returns to the top menu shown in Fig.6. With respect to the jigsaw puzzle, it is to be noted that the jigsaw puzzle may be selected after the image data is completed in the scrawl mode or the icon-pasting mode.
Also in the puzzle mode, the CPU 16 always carries out time measurement. If a period of time corresponding the coin deposited elapses, a message is shown to the effect that an additional coin should be deposited if it is intended to continue the procedure.
If deposition of a prescribed amount of coin is confirmed by the coin acceptor 6, the procedure is continued. If not, however, the procedure is discontinued and returned to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
Prior to printing, the completed image may be reduced to, CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
for example, 1/4, 1/9 or 1/16. The reduced images are arranged in the window to form a split screen with a picture of the arranged reduced images, and then the picture is printed out.
The CPU 16 is susceptible to malfunction in a high temperature environment. To cope with this, the fan 19 is actuated under control by means of the temperature sensor 18 to dissipate internal heat to the outside, thereby preventing temperature rise to too high a degree. On the other hand, in a low temperature (generally said to be about 5~C) environment, a printing ink tends to be disadvantageously viscous and is likely to be affected in color development after printing. To cope with this, in a low temperature environment, a warmer 17 is actuated under control based on the detection of the temperature sensor 18 to apply appropriate heat to the whole printing device 9 continually. Accordingly, a printing ink is prevented from becoming disadvantageously viscous, and a surface of a sheet of paper on which image data is printed out is appropriately heated to ensure preferable color development of the ink. By virtue of this, a printed picture with high image quality can be obtained.
The output device (printing device) 9 used in the present invention may be a printer to produce a picture by printing or may be an instantaneous photograph developing device to produce a picture by development. The reason for this is that in the present invention, image data from the scrawl mode, jigsaw puzzle, etc. is simply transmitted as printout data to the printing device such as a printer.
As described above, according to the present invention, picked up video signals are captured as image data. By virtue of this, for example, an arbitrary graphic data may written on the CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
image data in the scrawl mode, and the image data may be played as a game in the jigsaw puzzle mode. Subsequently, the completed image data may be transmitted as printout data to the printer or the like and printed out thereby.
In the present invention, arbitrary graphic data or complicated static image data can be written on the picked up image data, thereby enabling enlarged breadth of originality to be realized. Further, the image input control circuit is capable of outputting image data as two-view data and combining two different data into a composite image with ease, thereby enabling enlarged breadth of originality of the printed out image and wide variety of personalization of the image to be realized.
In addition, by providing the temperature control system, a printed image with good color development and high image quality is stably obtained even in a low temperature environment.
TITLE OF THE lNv~NlION
IMAGE DATA PRINTING APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE lNV~NlION
FIELD OF THE lNv~NlION
The present invention relates to an image data printing apparatus incorporating image pick-up means (camera) and a liquid crystal tablet. In particular, it relates to an image data printing apparatus incorporating an image pick-up means and a liquid crystal tablet, which is used as a pay amusement appliance.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
As a pay amusement appliance equipped with an image pick-up camera, an appliance has been known which outputs a composite image of image data of a photograph with user's image and a static image data superimposed thereon, such as a border, a popular character and a graphic symbol.
Further, an apparatus has been known which outputs picked up image data from a video camera to an image monitor via, for example, video titler capable of writing graphic data. A user superimposes graphic data on the data from the video camera by operating the video titler in hand while watching composite image data appearing on the monitor.
The conventional pay amusement appliances equipped with an image pick-up camera are capable of superimposing static image data on image data of a photograph with user's image and printing out the resulting composite image data. However, the conventional pay amusement appliances have only a function of superimposing static image data selected by a user on image data of a photograph with user's image. Therefore, a user has only a freedom to select static image data from prelimi n~rily stored static image patterns.
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Further, there are limitations on positions where static image data is superimposed and on image patterns to be outputted.
Accordingly, users' demands for originality have not been sufficiently satisfied. Moreover, the images are combined into a composite image by means of the central processing unit (CPU) in a short time. This is unsatisfactory as an orthodox way to enjoy an amusement appliance.
In such an appliance that data is written on image data by means of a video titler, it is in reality difficult to write the data on a desired position while watching a monitor because the video titler is operated in hand. Accordingly, it is difficult to precisely input the data onto the intended position.
Further, in the pay amusement appliances as described above, only a pre-stored demonstration picture is repeatedly reproduced in the initial picture when a game is not played. With simple repeated reproduction of the demonstration picture, the appliance soon loses its popularity. This leads to a short commercial life thereof.
A pay amusement appliance is often placed in the open air, for example, at a store front. Accordingly, a printing ink is likely to be disadvantageously viscous in the depth of winter to extremely impair precision of printing, thereby leading to lowered image quality. In some appliances, a hot-air blower such as a dryer is provided nearby. In such cases, however, a surface of a print is inconveniently heated by hand. On the other hand, in midsummer, a temperature of an amusement appliance inevitably rises due to a high ambient temperature and heat emitted from a CPU. This is likely to lead to malfunction or runaway of the CPU.
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SUMMARY OF THE lNV~NllON
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an image data printing apparatus which is capable of arbitrarily writing graphic or literal information and thus providing amusement intrinsic to an amusement appliance.
The image data printing apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
image pick-up means for picking up a dynamic image, a coin acceptor for identifying coins, storage means, for example a hard disk, having static image data stored therein, a computer block, image output control means, display means equipped unitarily with monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor and a coordinate input device such as a coordinate input tablet capable of writing arbitrary data and being operated, and printing means for printing out image data. The computer block includes a capture board, an image memory and a CPU.
Image data taken by the image pick-up means and static image data stored in the storage means are outputted in parallel to the image output control means. The image output control means is capable of selecting these data to output them alone or in combination to the display means. Even prior to deposition of a coin into the apparatus, the static image data or the picked up image data may be selected by the image output control means and shown on the display means. Alternatively, a composite image data of the picked up image data and the static image data may be shown on the display means.
After the dynamic image taken by the image pick-up means is stored in the image memory and outputted as image data to the display means, desired static image data or graphic data may be inputted at a position where the data is intended to be written on the picture of the display means by directly operating the coordinate input means. Further, static image may be called by selecting operation menu by operating the coordinate input means and written on a desired position. Accordingly, complicated graphic data such as a frame of animation or a character design can be written with ease, of which writing is otherwise time-consuming.
As a method for obt~;n;ng composite image data of two different images, a composite image can be obtained with ease in such a manner that the static image data stored in the storage means such as a hard disk is set as a lower layer and the image data from the image pick-up means is set as an upper layer, and arbitrary graphic data is written by operating the coordinate input means and the image data as the upper layer is deleted in part by deleting operation of the coordinate input means to render corresponding part of the static image data as the lower data visible.
Further, after the image data taken by the image pick-up means is subjected to the modification operation as described above to complete desired image data, the completed image data may be divided by the image memory into divisional pieces along a selected pattern to play a game as a jigsaw puzzle in such a manner that the divisional pieces are separately arranged at predetermined positions as graphical data, and the divisional CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
graphical data pieces are returned to the prescribed positions by operating the coordinate input means to reconstitute the completed image data.
Moreover, image data from the image pick-up means and the static image data stored in the storage means are always inputted to the image output control means. Accordingly, for example, the image data from the image pick-up means may be outputted with priority to the display means, or both of them may be outputted in parallel as two-view data. Furthermore, external image data inputted from the external may be outputted as two-view data together with the picked up image data.
In addition, under a low temperature condition, the warmer is actuated under temperature monitoring of the temperature sensor to warm up the whole printing apparatus. Further, appropriate heat is transmitted form the printing apparatus to a surface of a sheet of paper on which image data is printed out to ensure preferable color development, thereby obtaining a printed picture with high image quality. On the other hand, if the temperature in the apparatus rises beyond a predetermined level, blower means such as a fan is actuated to dissipate the internal heat of the apparatus to the outside, thereby preventing the internal temperature from rising to excess.
In the image data printing apparatus according to the present invention, by operating the coordinate input means, arbitrary graphic data may be written on the image data taken by the image pick-up means and then stored in the image memory.
Further, since the static image data is preliminarily stored, complicated graphic data can by written on the picked up image data with ease. Moreover, the completed image data may be used to CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
play a game as described above. The completed image data is transmitted as printout data to a printer or the like and printed out to stably obtain a print with high image quality.
As described above, according to the image data printing apparatus of the present invention, since a user can play a game using image data of a photograph with user' image prior to output of the image data, the user is sufficiently amused before as well as after the output of the image data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig.l is a block diagram systematically showing structure of one embodiment of the image data printing apparatus according to the present invention.
Fig.2 is a perspective view showing appearance of the apparatus in Fig.l.
Fig.3 is a sectional view of the apparatus in Fig.2.
Fig.4 is another sectional view of the apparatus in Fig.2.
Fig.5A to Fig.5C is illustrative representations showing examples of mode for outputting the picked up image data and the static image data from an image output control circuit to a display.
Fig.6 shows a mode selection picture.
Fig.7 is a block diagram illustrating flow of procedure in a scrawl mode.
Fig.8 is a block diagram illustrating flow of procedure in an icon-pasting mode.
Fig.9 is a block diagram illustrating flow of procedure in a puzzle mode.
Fig.10 is a view illustrating manner for playing jigsaw puzzle.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the following, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig.1 is a block diagram systematically showing structure of one embodiment of the image data printing apparatus according to the present invention. Fig.2 is a perspective view showing appearance of the apparatus in Fig.1. Fig.3 and 4 are sectional views of the apparatus in Fig.2 viewed from different directions.
In Figs.2, 3 and 4, reference number 1 represents an image data printing apparatus, reference number 2 represents an outer casing of the apparatus 1, and reference number 3 represents a coin slot. Reference number 4 represents a line code, and the image data printing apparatus 1 is always powered. The image data printing apparatus 1 comprises a liquid crystal tablet 5 composed unitarily of a liquid crystal monitor and coordinate input means, a coin acceptor 6, a computer block 7, an image pick-up means 8 for picking up a dynamic image, an output device 9 for printing image data such as a photograph developing device or a printer, a power source unit 10 for supplying stabilized power, and a hard disk 11 for storing static image data.
The computer block 7 comprises a capture board 13, an image memory 14, an image output control circuit 15, and a central processing unit (CPU) 16. The image memory 14 includes an area for storing image data from the image pick-up means 8, an area for storing static image data from the hard disk 11, an area for storing split screen-image data, an area for storing reconstructed image data after division of a picture, and an area for storing image data having a reduced size suitable for printing. The CPU
16 has a mode selecting function, a time measuring function and CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
the like. A temperature in the apparatus 1 is controlled by actuating a warmer 17 or a fan 19 based on output of a temperature sensor 18 which monitors the temperature in the apparatus 1. An external image input terminal 20 is provided in a side of the outer casing 2.
Next, modes of image input signals shown on the liquid crystal tablet 5 will be described with reference to a block diagram showing system configuration in Fig.1. Data output paths to the liquid crystal tablet 5 include two paths, i.e., a path such that picked up image data transmitted from the image pick-up means 8 is outputted via the capture board 13, the image memory 14 and the CPU 16 (hereinafter referred to as "picked up image data output mode"), and a path such that static image data stored in the hard disk 11 is captured in the image memory 14 via the CPU 16 and outputted again via the CPU 16 (hereinafter referred to as "static image data output mode").
In the image memory 14, a storage area for storing image data of the picked up image data output mode and a storage area for storing image data of the static image data output mode are independently provided. Accordingly, these modes may operate in parallel. In the image output control circuit 15, a method for outputting picked up image data from the picked up image data output mode and static image data from the static image data output mode to the liquid crystal tablet 5 may arbitrarily set.
For example, there may arbitrarily set a method in which either the picked up image data or the static image data is outputted with priority, or a method in which both of the picked up image data and the static image data are image-outputted in parallel on a two-part split screen.
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Fig.5A to Fig.5C is illustrative representations showing examples of mode for outputting the picked up image data and the static image data from the image output control circuit 15 to the liquid crystal tablet 5. Modes of image output signals includes three modes, i.e., (l)picked up image data output mode, (2)static image data output mode and (3)external image data output mode.
The picked up image data output mode is such a mode that the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means 8 is outputted to the image output control circuit 15 via the capture board 13, the image memory 14 and the CPU 16 of the computer block 7. It is to be noted that the picked up image data outputted in the picked up image data output mode includes not only the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means 8 but also composite image data of the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means with the static image data, as described below.
The static image data output mode is such a mode that the static image data taken out of the hard disk 11 by the CPU 16 is stored in the image memory 14 and outputted to the image output control circuit 15 again via the CPU 16. The static image data stored in the hard disk 11 includes full-screen static image data with which the whole screen of the liquid crystal tablet 5 is filled and partial static image data such as data of cartoon characters and graphic data. The full-screen static image data is used in combination with the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means 8 to obtain composite image data, and it is also used as a demonstration image shown prior to deposition of a coin. The partial static image data is used mainly to paste the picked up image data taken by the image pick-up means 8 therewith.
The external image data output mode is such a mode that CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
image data from the video camera or the like connected to the external image input terminal 20 is captured in the image memory 14 via the CPU 16 and the capture board 13 of the computer block 7 and outputted to the image output control circuit 15 again via the CPU 16. It is to be noted that the image data outputted in the external image data output mode includes not only the image data inputted from the external image input terminal 20 but also composite image data of the external image data the with the static image data.
Fig.5A shows a display mode showing only image data in (l)picked up image data output mode or image data in (2)static image data output mode on a single view screen (unsplit screen).
Fig.5B shows a display mode showing image data in (l)picked up image data output mode and image data in (2)static image data output mode, or image data in picked up image data output mode (1) and image data in (3)external image data output mode on a two-part split screen. Fig.5C shows a display output mode showing a four-part split screen with two views, i.e., a two-view screen with image data in (l)picked up image data output mode shown on 3/4 area of the screen and image data in (2)static image data output mode or image data in (3)external image data output mode shown in 1/4 area of the screen.
When the image data captured in the image memory 14 is image-outputted to and shown on the liquid crystal tablet 5, data can be written on the image data by directly operating an operation menu shown in the liquid crystal tablet 5 by means of a coordinate input device. Likewise, data can be written on the static image data stored in the hard disk 11. After the picked up data taken by the image pick-up means 8 is modified in this manner, CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
the modified data is transmitted to the output device 9 and printed thereby.
Next, operation of the image data printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
When a coin is deposited into the coin slot 3 of the image data printing apparatus, the coin is ex~m;ned by the coin acceptor 6. If the coin is accepted, the operation menu proceeds to mode selection and a mode selection picture 30 shown in Fig.6 appears.
In this embodiment, three modes "icon pasting" , "scrawl" and "puzzle" are shown. One of them is selected by indicating it with the coordinate input device, for example, a pen of the liquid crystal tablet 5. If you wish to know contents of any of the modes, a "demo" shown beside the mode is indicated with the pen.
The picture is thereby switched to a demonstration picture 31.
The demonstration picture 31 is stored in the hard disk 11 as static image data. On completion of inputting with pen to the demonstration picture 31, the picture is returned to the mode selection picture 30. Then, mode selection can be made.
In the first place, flow of procedure in a case where the scrawl mode is selected in the mode selection picture 30 shown in Fig.6 will be described with reference to Fig.7 and the block diagram of system configuration in Fig.1. When the scrawl mode is selected, the image output control circuit 15 outputs the image data from the image pick-up means 8 with priority to the liquid crystal tablet 5.
First, border selection picture 41 with some of border patterns 41a, 41b, 41c is shown, and one of the patterns is selected by indicating it with the pen. These border patterns 41a, 4lb, 41c are stored in the hard disk 11 as static image data.
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When the border is selected, the picture is switched to preliminaries of photographing picture 42. A self-timer button 42a and a window 42b showing the image taken by the image pick-up means 8 are shown. The image shown on the window 42b is the image data from the image pick-up means 8 which has been captured in the image memory 14 via the capture board 13 of the computer block 7.
When self-timer button 42a is pushed, the picture is advanced to carrying out photographing picture 43. Count-down is shown in animation in an area 43a below a window 43b, and the image data which has been captured in the image memory 14 is fixed.
Subsequently, the procedure advances to photograph check picture 44. In the photograph check picture 44, a composite image of the image taken by the image pick-up means 8 with the border pattern 4la selected in the border selection picture 41 is shown.
In other words, the border pattern 4la is superimposed on the image taken by the image pick-up means 8. If the composite image shown is unsatisfactory, a "retake" portion 44c is indicated with the pen. The picture is thereby returned to the prel; m; n~ries of photographing picture 42 to retake the image data. If the retaken image is satisfactory, an "OK" button 44b is pushed. As a result, the procedure advances to the subsequent scrawl picture 45.
In the scrawl picture 45, two scrawling methods are shown, i.e., a method to write arbitrary data on the image data which has been captured in the image memory 14 by means of the coordinate input device (pen) of the liquid crystal tablet 5, and a method to write data on the image data which has been captured in the image memory 14 by pasting thereon static image data stored in the hard disk 11. When "pencil" shown in the left side of the picture is selected, arbitrary data can be written on the image data shown on CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
the window 45b by free-hand writing. When "stamp" is selected, icons 45a as graphic representations of complicated animation or character design which are shown in a lower portion of the picture can be selected by the pen to paste the image data with the selected icon at a desired position. If it is desired that the written data be deleted to return the image to the previous state, "undo" is selected. The icons 45a are stored in the hard disk ll as static image data. As color of the scrawl, preferred one may be selected from a color bar 45c shown in the right side of the picture. The complicated icons 45a are stored as static image data as described above, and accordingly, these may be simply and freely written on the image data. By virtue of this, the image data is completed with enjoyment.
Besides these methods, as a method for combining two image, there may be provided a mode to obtain composite image data by superimposing image data from the picked up image data output mode as an upper layer upon static image data from the static image data output mode as a lower layer. In this case, the static image data as a lower layer is obstructed by the upper layer and thus not visible. If an uncalled-for portion, for example, data of a background in a case where a person is intended as a subject of a photograph is deleted by operating the coordinate input device such as a pen, the static image data appears and becomes visible.
Accordingly, composite image data of the two image can be obtained with ease.
If the image data to be printed is completed, a print button 45d is pushed. Then, the procedure advances to print demanding picture 46 to call attention to deposition of a coin. When a coin is deposited, the procedure proceeds to the print picture 47.
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After completion of printing by means of the output device 9, the picture returns to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
It is noted that the CPU 16 always carries out time measurement. If a period of time corresponding the coin deposited elapses, a message is shown to the effect that an additional coin should be deposited if it is intended to continue the procedure.
If deposition of a prescribed amount of coin is confirmed by the coin acceptor 6, the procedure is continued. If not, however, the procedure is discontinued and returned to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
In the next place, flow of procedure in a case where the "icon -pasting" mode is selected in the mode selection picture will be described with reference to Fig.8. When the icon-pasting mode is selected, the image output control circuit 15 outputs the image data stored in the hard disk 11 with priority to the liquid crystal tablet 5.
When "icon-pasting" is selected in the mode selection shown in Fig.6, the picture shown on the liquid crystal tablet 5 is switched to background selection picture 51 and a plurality of background patterns 51a, 51b, 51c are shown. The background patterns 51a, 51b, 51c are full-screen static image data preliminarily stored in the hard disk 11. When desired one is selected from the patterns, the picture is switched to the subsequent icon-pasting picture 52.
In the icon-pasting picture 52, the background pattern previously selected is shown in a window 52a and a menu of "stamp", "scissors", "eraser", "undo" and the like is shown on the left side of the window 52a. When "stamp " is selected, icons 52b as graphic representations of complicated animation or character CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
design which are shown in a lower portion of the picture can be selected by the coordinate input device such as a pen to paste the selected icon on the image data at a desired position. The icons 52b are stored in the hard disk 11 as static image data. When "scissors" is selected, the icon pasted in "stamp" can be moved to a desired position. When "eraser" is selected, icons each of which is capable of erasing one pasted icon and an icon which is capable of erasing all of pasted icons are shown in the portion where the icons 52b as graphic representations have been shown.
By selecting these icons, the pasted icons can be erased to return the image data to the initial state. If it is desired to delete the written data to return the image to the previous state, "undo"
is selected. In the "icon-pasting" mode, various combination of patterns can freely be made. This enables a mother and a child to complete a picture book while commlln; cating with each other.
When the image in the window 52a is completed, a print button 52c is pushed. Then, the procedure advances to print demanding picture 53 to call attention to deposition of a coin.
When a coin is deposited, the procedure proceeds to the print picture 54. After completion of printing by means of the output device 9, the picture returns to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
Also in this mode, the CPU 16 always carries out time measurement.
If a period of time corresponding the coin deposited elapses, a message is shown to the effect that an additional coin should be deposited if it is intended to continue the procedure. If deposition of a prescribed amount of coin is confirmed by the coin acceptor 6, the procedure is continued. If not, however, the procedure is discontinued and returned to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
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In the third place, flow of procedure in a case where "puzzle" is selected in the mode selection picture will be described with reference to Fig.9. When the puzzle mode is selected, the image output control circuit 15 outputs the image data from the image pick-up means 8 with priority to the liquid crystal tablet 5.
When "puzzle" is selected in the mode selection picture, the picture shown on the liquid crystal tablet 5 is switched to prel;m;n~ries of photographing picture 61. A self-timer button 6la and a window 6lb showing the image taken by the image pick-up means 8 are shown. The image shown on the window 6lb is the image data from the image pick-up means 8 which has been captured in the image memory 14 via the capture board 13 of the computer block 7.
When self-timer button 61a is pushed, the picture is advanced to carrying out photographing picture 62. Count-down is shown in animation in an area 62a below a window 62b, and the image data which has been captured in the image memory 14 is fixed.
Subsequently, the procedure advances to photograph check picture 63. In the photograph check picture 63, the image data fixed in the image memory 14 is shown in a window 63a. If the image shown in the window 63a is unsatisfactory, a "retake"
portion 63c is indicated with the pen. The picture is thereby returned to the prel;m;n~ries of photographing picture 61 to retake the image data. If the retaken image is satisfactory, an "OK" button 63b is pushed. Then, the procedure advances to the subsequent course selection picture 64. In the course selection picture 64, degree of difficulty of the puzzle is selected. The degree of difficulty of the puzzle is determined according to the number of divisional pieces of the picture. For example, desired CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
one is selected from beginner's course (12 pieces), less advanced course (24 pieces), intermediate course (48 pieces) and advanced course (70 pieces). When the course is selected, the picture is switched to play puzzle picture 65.
In the play puzzle picture 65, the image to be completed in a window 65a is divided in conformity with a prescribed pattern according to the degree of difficulty selected in the course selection picture 64. The divisional pieces 65b are shown at random outside the window 65a. As shown in Fig.10, a player of the puzzle reconstructs the original image by carrying the-divisional pieces 65b into the window 65a and pasting them thereon by means of the pen 60.
After completion of the puzzle, the procedure advances to the subsequent print demanding picture 66 to call attention to deposition of a coin. When a coin is deposited, the procedure proceeds to the print picture 67. After completion of printing by means of the output device 9, the picture returns to the top menu shown in Fig.6. With respect to the jigsaw puzzle, it is to be noted that the jigsaw puzzle may be selected after the image data is completed in the scrawl mode or the icon-pasting mode.
Also in the puzzle mode, the CPU 16 always carries out time measurement. If a period of time corresponding the coin deposited elapses, a message is shown to the effect that an additional coin should be deposited if it is intended to continue the procedure.
If deposition of a prescribed amount of coin is confirmed by the coin acceptor 6, the procedure is continued. If not, however, the procedure is discontinued and returned to the top menu shown in Fig.6.
Prior to printing, the completed image may be reduced to, CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
for example, 1/4, 1/9 or 1/16. The reduced images are arranged in the window to form a split screen with a picture of the arranged reduced images, and then the picture is printed out.
The CPU 16 is susceptible to malfunction in a high temperature environment. To cope with this, the fan 19 is actuated under control by means of the temperature sensor 18 to dissipate internal heat to the outside, thereby preventing temperature rise to too high a degree. On the other hand, in a low temperature (generally said to be about 5~C) environment, a printing ink tends to be disadvantageously viscous and is likely to be affected in color development after printing. To cope with this, in a low temperature environment, a warmer 17 is actuated under control based on the detection of the temperature sensor 18 to apply appropriate heat to the whole printing device 9 continually. Accordingly, a printing ink is prevented from becoming disadvantageously viscous, and a surface of a sheet of paper on which image data is printed out is appropriately heated to ensure preferable color development of the ink. By virtue of this, a printed picture with high image quality can be obtained.
The output device (printing device) 9 used in the present invention may be a printer to produce a picture by printing or may be an instantaneous photograph developing device to produce a picture by development. The reason for this is that in the present invention, image data from the scrawl mode, jigsaw puzzle, etc. is simply transmitted as printout data to the printing device such as a printer.
As described above, according to the present invention, picked up video signals are captured as image data. By virtue of this, for example, an arbitrary graphic data may written on the CA 02216830 1997-09-2~
image data in the scrawl mode, and the image data may be played as a game in the jigsaw puzzle mode. Subsequently, the completed image data may be transmitted as printout data to the printer or the like and printed out thereby.
In the present invention, arbitrary graphic data or complicated static image data can be written on the picked up image data, thereby enabling enlarged breadth of originality to be realized. Further, the image input control circuit is capable of outputting image data as two-view data and combining two different data into a composite image with ease, thereby enabling enlarged breadth of originality of the printed out image and wide variety of personalization of the image to be realized.
In addition, by providing the temperature control system, a printed image with good color development and high image quality is stably obtained even in a low temperature environment.
Claims (6)
1. An image data printing apparatus comprising:
image pick-up means for picking up a dynamic image, a coin acceptor for identifying coins, storage means having static image data stored therein, a computer block including a capture board, an image memory and a CPU, image output control means, display means equipped with a coordinate input device, and printing means for printing an image shown on the display means, wherein video signals from the image pick-up means are stored in the image memory via the capture board and outputted to the image output control means via the CPU as first signals, and static image data stored in the storage means is stored in the image memory via the CPU and outputted to the image output control means again via the CPU as second signals, the image output control means has a function of selecting the first signals or the second signals or setting a combination of the first and second signals, as image signals to be outputted to the display means, the image data printing apparatus has such a function that when the video signals picked up by the image pick-up means and stored in the image memory are outputted to the display means, data is written on the picked up image data by means of the coordinate input device and/or static image data stored in the storage means is written on the picked up image data, and then the modified image data is transmitted to the printing means and printed out thereby.
image pick-up means for picking up a dynamic image, a coin acceptor for identifying coins, storage means having static image data stored therein, a computer block including a capture board, an image memory and a CPU, image output control means, display means equipped with a coordinate input device, and printing means for printing an image shown on the display means, wherein video signals from the image pick-up means are stored in the image memory via the capture board and outputted to the image output control means via the CPU as first signals, and static image data stored in the storage means is stored in the image memory via the CPU and outputted to the image output control means again via the CPU as second signals, the image output control means has a function of selecting the first signals or the second signals or setting a combination of the first and second signals, as image signals to be outputted to the display means, the image data printing apparatus has such a function that when the video signals picked up by the image pick-up means and stored in the image memory are outputted to the display means, data is written on the picked up image data by means of the coordinate input device and/or static image data stored in the storage means is written on the picked up image data, and then the modified image data is transmitted to the printing means and printed out thereby.
2. The image data printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output control means is capable of arbitrarily assigning priority for the image data from the image pick-up means or the static image data stored in the storage means, or capable of outputting both of the image data as image data appearing in parallel on a split screen with two views.
3. The image data printing apparatus according to claim 1, having such a function that the image data from the image pick-up means is divided into image pieces along a pre-selected pattern after having been stored in the image memory, and reconstructed from the divisional pieces by operating the coordinate input device.
4. The image data printing apparatus according to claim 1, having such a function that the static image data stored in the storage means is set as a lower layer and the image data from the image pick-up means is set as an upper layer, and the image data as the upper layer is deleted in part to reveal corresponding part of the static image data as the lower layer to obtain composite image data.
5. The image data printing apparatus according any one of claims 1 to 4, incorporating therein a temperature sensor, a warmer, and a fan.
6. The image data printing apparatus according claim 2, further comprising an external image input terminal, wherein external image data inputted from the external image input terminal is stored in the image memory as image data to be shown together with the image data from the image pick-up means on a split screen with two views.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP8257065A JPH10108112A (en) | 1996-09-27 | 1996-09-27 | Video data printer |
| JP257065/1996 | 1996-09-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2216830A1 true CA2216830A1 (en) | 1998-03-27 |
Family
ID=17301260
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002216830A Abandoned CA2216830A1 (en) | 1996-09-27 | 1997-09-25 | Image data printing apparatus |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH10108112A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR19980024927A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2216830A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP5285875B2 (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2013-09-11 | 株式会社タイトー | Server system |
-
1996
- 1996-09-27 JP JP8257065A patent/JPH10108112A/en active Pending
-
1997
- 1997-09-24 KR KR1019970048597A patent/KR19980024927A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-09-25 CA CA002216830A patent/CA2216830A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH10108112A (en) | 1998-04-24 |
| KR19980024927A (en) | 1998-07-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |