JP2001148822A - Image pickup output system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup output system that can effectively operate even when many systems are installed in a wide plot such as a theme park. SOLUTION: The image pickup output system is provided with at least one image pickup system having an image pickup instruction means instructing an image pickup operation and picking up an object as a digital image, with an image output system that outputs the digital image, a means that communicates image data of the digital image from the image pickup system to the image output system, and preferably with an identification information provision means that provides identification information cross-referencing the image data with a customer. The customer is identified by the identification information and an output image outputted from the image output system is given to the customer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is suitable for installation in an amusement park, a theme park, a famous sightseeing spot, or the like.
The present invention relates to an image photographing output system that outputs a photographed image as a print, outputs an image data recording medium on which image data of the photographed image is recorded, or outputs the photographed image to a server so that the image can be browsed and stored. The present invention relates to an image photographing output system that can function suitably even if an image output system such as a print system, a medium output system, or an image browsing system that outputs the photographing result is installed at a remote position.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, in a famous sightseeing spot or the like, a so-called sightseeing photographer has provided a service including photographing by preparing backgrounds and props for photographing. In recent years, there have been many cases where a robot camera having an automatic photographing function is installed.

A conventional robot camera is set in advance to predetermined photographing conditions corresponding to an installation location.
The user is configured to wait for a while after receiving a coin or the like to end the shooting and receive the completed print on the spot. An example of this type of automatic photographing device is a photographing device for an identification photograph installed in a station, a shopping center, or the like.

[0004] All of the above-mentioned automatic photographing devices are used for photographing,
It is characterized by being an independent device having both functions of printing. The above-described automatic photographing apparatus is usually installed in a place where a change in photographing conditions hardly occurs, and in most cases, a countermeasure such as emitting a strobe light as necessary is taken.

[0005]

In recent years, large amusement parks,
So-called theme parks have been constructed in various places, and here too, there is a strong demand for the introduction of such automatic photography systems. The problem in this case is that when multiple automatic photographing devices are placed in a large venue, customers who use these automatic photographing devices are dissatisfied with waiting for the completion of printing each time. Solution and increase maintenance efficiency.

That is, when each device has independent photographing and printing functions as in a conventional device, it is necessary for a user to wait for a print to be completed at each installation location of the device, which is troublesome. was there. Also, since the structure of the device is complicated, maintenance is also troublesome, so that there is a problem that it is not advisable to install many such devices.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems in the conventional technology and to install a large number of such devices in a large site such as a theme park. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image photographing output system which can function effectively.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides at least one photographing system having photographing instruction means for instructing a photographing operation and photographing means for photographing a subject as a digital image. And an image output system for outputting image data of the digital image from the imaging system to the image output system.

Further, the present invention is the image photographing output system, further comprising identification information providing means for providing identification information for associating the image data of the digital image photographed by the photographing system with a customer. And providing the image photographing output system wherein the customer is identified by the identification information provided by the identification information providing means, and the output image output from the image output system is delivered to the customer. It is.

Here, it is preferable that the identification information is assigned to each customer by the identification information assigning means, and is acquired by the photographing system at the time of photographing. Further, it is preferable that the identification information is used for collation of the customer when the digital image is output and the output image is handed over to the customer in the image output system. Further, it is preferable that the identification information is an identification code automatically set in advance for each customer in the identification information providing means of the photographing system or a personal identification code previously input to the identification information providing means by the customer. .

The identification information providing means is provided separately from the photographing system, and provides the identification information prior to photographing of the subject by the photographing system, or is installed inside or near the photographing system. It is preferable that the identification information is added when the subject is photographed by the photographing system. Further, it is preferable that the identification information assigning means assigns the identification information according to payment of the consideration of the customer.

Further, it is preferable that the identification information providing means is an identification means issuing means for issuing an identification means recording the identification information. The identification means may include an identification piece in which the identification information is recorded so as to be visible, an identification piece in which the identification information is optically readable, an identification piece in which the identification information is magnetically recordable / reproducible, Identification pieces whose identification information is recordable / reproducible by magneto-optics, identification pieces whose identification information is recordable / reproducible by light, identification pieces whose identification information is recordable / reproducible electronically, or at least one of these Preferably, the image data recording medium is a composite identification piece obtained by combining the two, or an image data recording medium for recording image data of the digital image on which the identification information is recorded.

Further, the image output system further comprises:
It is preferable to have an identification information collating means for collating the identification information of the customer. Alternatively, it is preferable that the image output system further includes identification information matching means for reading the identification information of the customer from the identification means and checking the read identification information.

[0014] When the customer photographs a plurality of images in the at least one photographing system, the identification information providing means provides a single piece of identification information before or at the time of first photographing, Preferably, the at least one photographing system identifies the plurality of images photographed by the customer with the single identification information. Further, the at least one photographing system is a plurality of photographing systems, and the identification information assigning means identifies a plurality of images photographed by the plurality of photographing systems with a single identification information for each customer. Is preferred.

Further, in the image photographing output system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the photographing system is adjustable so that the setting of the photographing means can be appropriately set in accordance with an installation place, a photographing background, and an intention. . Here, the items to be set by the photographing means include the aperture of the lens, the shutter speed, the charge storage time of the CCD, and the like. Furthermore, it is preferable that the photographing conditions and image processing conditions of the photographing system can be automatically set according to at least one of season, weather, time, brightness, and light source color temperature at the time of photographing.

The photographing system further includes a monitor. The photographer can confirm the photographing result by using the monitor, and when the photographer thinks that the photographing has failed, for example, when the expression is not appropriate, the photographing system can be photographed again. It is preferable to be able to provide satisfactory prints to customers. The image output system includes a print system that outputs the digital image as a photographic print, a medium output system that outputs the digital image as image data to an image data recording medium, and a server, and the server outputs the digital image to an image. It is preferably at least one of an image browsing system that outputs the data to a server and saves the data, and allows browsing via a communication network. Further, it is preferable that at least one piece of photographing information of a photographing place and a photographing time of the digital image is added to the image data of the digital image as additional information.

[0017]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an image capturing / outputting system according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an image photographing output system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of an embodiment of the image photographing output system shown in FIG. In these figures, 10 is a photographing system, 20 is a print system, 30 is a medium output system, 40 is an image browsing system, 50 is these photographing systems 10, and the print system 20, the medium output system 30, and the image browsing system 40. Are shown as communication lines. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 60 denotes image data read from the image data recording medium R output by the medium output system 30, or
Reference numeral 70 denotes a normal commercial communication network such as the Internet, which receives the image data provided by 0 and displays the image on a display screen.

In the illustrated image taking and outputting system, an image outputting system for outputting a digital image includes:
A print system 20 for outputting a photographic print P, a medium output system 30 for outputting an image data recording medium R on which image data of a photographed image is recorded, an image browsing system 40 for outputting to a server for saving and browsing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image output system includes a print system 20, a medium output system 3
0, or only one of the image browsing systems 40 or any two of them. In the following description, a print system 2 that outputs a photographic print is used as an image output system that outputs a digital image.
0 will be described first as a representative.

The photographing system 10 includes a digital camera 11 for photographing, a monitor 12 for displaying an image-processed image of a photographed result, and an ID (identification information, for example, an identification code) for associating with a customer. An ID assigning / issuing unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a card issuing unit) 13 for issuing an ID card or the like in which an ID is recorded, a currency accommodating unit 14 for accommodating a price for photographing, An image processing unit 15 for performing predetermined image processing; a communication line 50 for transmitting image data, ID, and the like to the print system 20
, And an operation unit 17 for performing operations such as instructing the photographing digital camera 11 to perform a photographing operation of a customer and inputting a customer ID.

The print system 20 is installed in an image output center 28 having a customer service window 26. The print system 20 is connected to the photographing system 10 in order to receive image data and IDs from the photographing system 10. A communication control unit 21 for controlling a communication line 50 between the two, an ID collation unit 22 for collating a customer ID, an image processing unit 23 for performing supplementary image processing of image data transmitted from the photographing system 10, A print producing unit 24 for producing a photographic print to be handed over to a customer by baking and developing an image on a photographic photosensitive material (photographic paper), a monitor 25 for an operator of the print system 20, and an operating unit for the operator (not shown) It is basically composed of

Digital camera 11 in photographing system 10
Is preferably a digital camera of a so-called megapixel class or higher, and has an auto exposure control (AE) function, an auto focus (AF) function, a remote control shooting function, and an auto white balance (A
It is preferable to have a function unique to a digital camera such as a WB) function. The monitor 12 is a digital camera 11
And displays the ID given by the card issuing unit 13 (more precisely, an image after appropriate image processing has been performed), such as a television monitor or a monitor of a personal computer (PC). Can be used.

The card issuing unit 13 assigns and sets an ID for associating with a customer, and a plurality of modes can be used. For example, prior to the photographing, after accepting the consideration of the photographing by the currency storage unit 14 described later, the customer inputs a personal identification code such as a personal identification number from the operation unit 17 and assigns the input personal identification code as an ID. And the ID (identification information) assigned to the I
A mode in which a D card (sheet) is issued. In the same way, after accepting the price for shooting, an identification code such as an identification number set in advance is automatically assigned to the card issuing section 13 as an ID, and the assigned ID is recorded. A mode for issuing a completed ID card (sheet) can be used. The ID assigned by the card issuing unit 13 can be displayed on the display screen of the monitor 12. However, when only the image browsing system 40 is used as the image output system, the ID assigning / card issuing unit 13 The assigned ID may be displayed on the monitor 12 without issuing an ID card (sheet).

As described above, the ID card issued by the card issuing unit 13 is a character or the like whose ID can be visually recognized on a sheet or card (hereinafter, represented by a card) such as a paper piece or various material pieces, or a bar code. The ID may be printed or recorded by an optically readable code, or the ID may be recorded and reproduced (read) by magnetic, optical or magneto-optical.
A magnetic card or a magneto-optical card having a magnetic recording layer, an optical recording layer, a magneto-optical recording layer, etc.
The ID may be an IC card or the like that can be electronically recorded and reproduced. Also, the ID card can be visually recognized, optically readable, magnetic, optical, and the like by two or more methods such as recording or printing the ID with characters or codes, recording with magnetic, optical or magneto-optical, or electronic recording. Alternatively, it may be a composite card recorded so as to be recordable / reproducible (readable) by magneto-optics. Further, such an ID card is stored in the currency storage unit 1.
4 may be in the form of a receipt in which the value of the photographing accepted is recorded or printed, or a voucher for a photo print P or image data recording medium R.

Alternatively, an ID is stored as digital data in an image data recording medium R (for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a magneto-optical recording medium) for storing image data of a digital image photographed by the digital camera 11. Thus, it may be used instead of an ID card. In this case, the image data may be stored or not stored, and the stored image data may not be subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 14 described below. It may be the same size or may be reduced.

In the illustrated example, the card issuing unit 13
An ID card may be issued before photographing with the digital camera 11 of the photographing system 10, or when photographing, for example, when a photographing operation is instructed to the digital camera 11 by the operation unit 17 described later, 11
The ID card may be issued in conjunction with the photographing operation. If the ID card issued by the card issuing unit 13 is an optically, magnetically, optically or magneto-optically, or electronically readable card, the ID card is issued only when the customer first shoots. May be issued.

In the illustrated example, the card issuing unit 13 is built in (installed inside) the photographing system 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be installed separately from the photographing system 10. When the card issuing unit 13 is installed near the photographing system 10, an ID card can be issued as in the case where the card issuing unit 13 is built in. On the other hand, if the card issuing unit 13 is set apart from the imaging system 10 or in another place, for example, at a theme park or the like, at a ticket sales point or near an entrance gate or an entrance of each attraction venue, , Shooting system 1
It may be issued in advance before photographing with the 0 digital camera 11. For example, it may be issued simultaneously with the admission ticket. In this case, the admission ticket itself may be used as an ID card. When the card issuing unit 13 is installed at the admission ticket sales place in this way, the customer may be able to purchase the ID card together with the admission ticket. ID card is one for one shot
The ID card may be issued one by one, or a single ID card may be used to shoot a plurality of times.

When the ID card issued by the card issuing unit 13 is a card which can be read optically, magnetically, optically or magneto-optically, or electronically, the card issuing unit 13 sends the ID card to the customer. It is preferable to have a function of reading and acquiring an ID. By doing so, a single ID can be assigned to each customer. Even when the same customer shoots a plurality of images, this single ID can be assigned.
Can be used to identify a plurality of images. This is shown in FIG.
Is effective when the same customer photographs a plurality of images with one photographing system 10 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, when there are a plurality of photographing systems 10, one customer can have a single ID, so even when photographing is performed by a different photographing system 10 among the plurality of photographing systems 10. It can be easily identified and a plurality of images can be arranged for each customer. The function of reading the ID of the ID card may be provided not in the card issuing unit 13 but in a currency storage unit 14 described later, or a dedicated ID card reading unit (not shown) may be provided.

The ID card issued by the card issuing unit 13 has a function of simply identifying a given customer ID and a function of a prepaid card that enables photographing a number of times corresponding to a prepaid consideration. You may have it. In particular, when the card issuing unit 13 is installed in a different place away from the photographing system 10, it is preferable that the ID card has a function of a prepaid card. In this case, in addition to the function of reading the ID recorded on the ID card by the card issuing unit 13, the number of times the image can be taken is read, and the digital camera 11
It is necessary to have a function of reducing the number of times that can be taken for each shooting by the camera, and more preferably, a function of displaying the remaining number of times on the monitor 12. When only an ID card having the function of a prepaid card is used, the photographing system 10 includes a currency storage unit 1 described later.
4 may not be provided. Conversely, this currency storage unit 1
4 may have a function of reading various information of the ID card, and the card issuing unit 13 may not be provided. Further, when a dedicated ID card reading unit is provided, both the card issuing unit 13 and the currency storage unit 14 need not be provided.

The currency storage unit 14 is, literally, for accepting the price of photography, and has a function of processing currency such as coins and bills similar to various vending machines. is there. In a theme park or the like, a dedicated coin may be used. Further, the currency storage unit 14 may have a function of using various payment cards such as cash cards, debit cards, and credit cards other than currency. Further, as described above, instead of the card issuing unit 13, the ID card I
A function of reading the above various information such as D may be provided. The image processing unit 15 performs predetermined image processing on an image photographed by the digital camera 11, and includes, for example, various processes such as a gradation adjustment process and a density adjustment process, and further,
If necessary, red-eye correction processing at the time of flash photography is also added. The image processing unit 15 may, of course, perform various conventionally known image processing.

The communication control section 16 adds image data to information on the value of the photographing received by the currency storage section 14 and information on the ID given by the card issuing section 13 by receiving (by customer input) or automatically issuing. In addition to the information, processed image data and the like resulting from subjecting the image captured by the digital camera 11 to predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 15 are transmitted from the imaging system 10 to the print system 20 via the communication line 50, Output system 30,
It controls communication for transmitting to the image browsing system 40 or the customer service window 26.

The communication control unit 16 transmits the processed image data to the print system 2 via the communication line 50 together with additional information such as photographing consideration information and information on ID.
0, when outputting to the medium output system 30, the image browsing system 40 or the customer service window 26, additional information on the shooting location, for example, the location name (the name of the theme park, the name of the attraction venue, the building or the structure ( Or the like), date and time, and the like. Such additional information of the image data may be described as header information, may be stored (recorded) as text data and linked to the image data, or may be included in the image data as in the case of electronic printing. You may let it slip.

Specifically, in a relatively independent area such as a theme park, a so-called LAN (Local A
A communication line 50 such as rea network) is laid, and a plurality of photographing systems 10 and print systems 20 are
It is preferable to connect the medium output system 30, the image browsing system 40 or the customer service window 26. The communication control unit 16 has a control function for performing communication between points connected to the communication line 50 such as a LAN.

The operation unit 17 is a digital camera 1 for photographing.
In addition to the customer's operations such as instructing the customer to perform a photographing operation, inputting a customer ID, and inputting a customer's photographing intention and favorite processing, the entire photographing system 10 and individual elements such as the digital camera 11 and the like. It is a part for performing operations for adjustment, control, setting, and the like of the monitor 12, the card issuing unit 13, the currency storage unit 14, the image processing unit 15, the communication control unit 16, and the like.
For example, the operation unit 17 is provided with a photographing start button or the like for instructing a photographing operation of the customer, and when the customer presses this button, a self-timer built in the digital camera 11 operates. , An image is taken by the digital camera 11.

By the way, since the installation location of the photographing system 10 is fixed to a photographing spot or a photographing point, the background and composition of the subject photographed by the digital camera 11 are limited. Therefore, the photographing system 10
The shooting conditions such as the aperture and shutter speed of the digital camera 11 can be adjusted according to the installation location, shooting background, and intention, that is, the installation location of the digital camera 11, its shooting background, and the customer's shooting intention. Can be set so that the most appropriate shooting conditions for the digital camera 11 are obtained. In the photographing system 10, for example, the digital camera 11 has a built-in calendar, clock, and sensors (such as an exposure sensor and an exposure meter). The photographing season, date and time, time, weather, brightness, and light source color are used. Since information such as temperature can be detected, the most appropriate shooting conditions and image processing conditions described above can be automatically set according to at least one of the information.
As a result, for example, the photographing conditions are set so that the image is as vivid as a sunny day even on a rainy day, or the image processing conditions for a vivid finish such as a sunny day are set. Can be set to shooting conditions such that light-ups and fireworks appear beautifully and image processing conditions for finishing finely. The photographing system 10 of the image photographing output system according to the present invention is basically configured as described above.

In the print system 20,
The communication control unit 21 is for accepting image data and various information transmitted from the communication control unit 16 in the above-described imaging system 10 via the communication line 50, and may issue an ID or the like in some cases. In order to perform the operation, the communication control unit 16 having the same function as the communication control unit 16 in the imaging system 10 may be used. Note that a dedicated L is used as the communication line 50.
Instead of providing an AN or the like, a normal commercial communication line (public line) may be used, and the above-described communication may be performed via the public line.

The ID collating unit 22 receives information relating to the customer's ID set in the photographing system 10 together with the image data, extracts and retains information relating to the ID linked to the image data. Accordingly, by inputting an ID written on an ID card such as a voucher or a receipt held by the customer or an ID offered by the customer, or by reading an ID from an ID card held by the customer , For authenticating the customer (collating the ID) and having a storage function (storage means) for this. It should be noted that the ID collating unit 22 may be configured to perform, in addition to the authentication of the customer, a process of confirming the storage of the price for photographing.

The image processing section 23 is for producing an appropriate photographic print P or a print P desired by the customer based on the image data of the image processing result performed by the image processing section 15 in the photographing system 10. It has a function of performing various necessary image processing (conventionally known image processing may be performed) and determining printing conditions (exposure conditions of photographic paper) for the image processing. The print production unit 24 includes the image processing unit 2
Using the image data processed in step 3, exposure to photographic paper and development processing of the exposed photographic paper are performed based on the printing conditions obtained in the same manner, to create a photographic print P. At this time, by using additional information such as a customer ID, a photographing place, and date and time, characters, line drawings, and images relating to the additional information are combined with the photo print P, added, or printed on the back side (back print). Is also good.

The monitor 25 is for displaying on a display screen for verification or the like before a predetermined image processing is performed by the image processing unit 23 and a print image to be prepared by the print preparation unit 24 is prepared. It is. On the display screen of the monitor 25, additional information such as information of customer ID and photographing price, the number of photographed images of the same customer, a reduced image of one or more photographed images, and all other information necessary for print production are displayed. Information may be displayed. The print system 20
An operation unit (not shown) provided in the unit is a unit for performing all operations necessary for producing a photographic print, such as input of a customer ID, reading of an ID card, processing of a desired finish or preference of a customer. In addition to the operations such as inputting the information, etc., adjustment, control, setting, etc. of the entire print system 20 and individual elements such as the communication control unit 21, the ID collation unit 22, the image processing unit 23, the print production unit 24, the monitor 25, etc. This is the part that performs the operation for performing. The print system 20 of the image photographing output system according to the present invention is basically configured as described above.

At the customer service counter 26 of the image output center 28, an ID card such as a voucher or a receipt, an automatically readable ID card, or the like is received from the customer. Done I
The photographic print P output from the image data of D is delivered to the customer. In the print system 20, an ID recorded (described) on the ID card received at the customer service counter 26 is input or automatically read at the operation unit, and the ID is collated and authenticated by the ID collation unit 22. A photo print P is produced by the print production section 24 from the image data in which the image data P matches. Of course, in the print system 20,
First, a photo print P is created for each ID, and customer service counter 2
6, the photo prints P may be sorted for each ID, and the customer service counter 26 may exchange the ID card brought in by the customer, confirm the ID, and deliver the corresponding photo print P. The image photographing output system of the present invention is basically configured as described above.

Next, as another image output system of the image photographing output system of the present invention, a medium output system 3
0 will be explained. The medium output system 30 shown in FIG. 2 has the same configuration as that of the print system 20 except that the print system 20 has a medium output unit 30 instead of the print production unit 24. Have the same reference numerals and their detailed description is omitted. Medium output system 30
Is for providing a customer with an image data recording medium R in which an image photographed by the photographing system 10 is stored as digital image data, and is installed in an image output center 82 having a customer service window 26, like the print system 20. It comprises a communication control unit 21, an ID collation unit 22, an image processing unit 23, a monitor 25, a medium output unit 80, and an operation unit (not shown).

Here, the communication control section 21 and the ID collation section 22 function in the same manner as described above. In the image processing unit 23,
After the required image processing is performed in the same manner as described above, the image data recording medium R
The image data is converted into image data according to the recording format of the image data recording medium R. On the monitor 25, the above-described various additional information and the like are displayed on a display screen together with the image stored in the image data recording medium R.

The medium output unit 80 records and stores digital image data of a photographed image desired by the customer on the image data recording medium R in accordance with the recording format. At this time, the above-described various additional information may be added to the image data stored in the image data recording medium R. In particular, information on the customer ID, the shooting location, the date and time, etc. may be described in the header of the image data, may be stored as text data linked to the image data, or may be stored in the image data as in the case of electronic printing. You may wear it. The image data recording medium R used here is not particularly limited. For example, a conventionally known image data recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a magneto-optical recording medium can be used.
The storage (recording) capacity is preferably large. As such an image data recording medium, for example, a CD-R,
DVD, MO, Zip, FD, etc. can be mentioned.
Medium output system 30 of image shooting output system of the present invention
Is basically configured as described above.

Next, an image browsing system 40 will be described as still another image output system of the image photographing output system of the present invention. Image browsing system 40 shown in FIG.
Have the same configuration except that they have an image server 84 and a communication control unit 86 instead of the print system 20 and the print production unit 24. And their detailed description is omitted. The image browsing system 40 converts the image photographed by the photographing system 10 into digital image data as an image server 84.
To allow the customer to access the image server 84 via the communication line network 70, search for the image stored in the image server 84 by the customer ID,
The image desired by the customer is displayed on the display device 60 (see FIG. 1, for example, a display of a computer or the like owned by the customer) for browsing by the customer. The image browsing system 40 includes a communication control unit 21 and an ID collation unit 2
2, image processing unit 23, monitor 25, image server 8
4, a communication control unit 86, and an operation unit (not shown).

Here, the communication control section 21 and the ID collation section 22 function in the same manner as described above. In the image processing unit 23,
After the required image processing is performed in the same manner as described above, if necessary, the image data is converted not to the photo print P but to image data according to a data format suitable for distribution via the communication network 70 such as the Internet. Is converted. On the monitor 25, the above-mentioned various additional information and the like are displayed on the display screen together with an image to be retrieved from the image server 84 by the customer ID and distributed via the communication line network 70 for the purpose of browsing the customer.

The image server 84 stores the digital image data of the photographed image for each customer in accordance with the recording format.
This is for linking and recording and storing a large number of photographed images. At this time, the stored image data
The above-mentioned various additional information may be added by a similar method. It is preferable that the image server 84 be configured to be accessible by the customer so that the customer can search and browse through the communication network 70.
Of course, it is preferable that only the search and the browsing can be performed so that the image data and the additional information stored by the customer or the third party are not rewritten. The communication control unit 86
It performs bidirectional communication between the image browsing system 40 and the display device 60 of the customer via a communication network 70 such as a normal commercial line such as the Internet or a public line,
It may be integrated with the communication control unit 21, or both may be shared if the communication mode can be shared.

The display device 60 on the customer side is not particularly limited as long as it can display additional information such as images and characters. For example, a display device such as a computer owned by the customer may be used. A display device for displaying a high-definition image inside or outside the image browsing system 40 is installed for a customer who desires a fine image display,
It may be made available to customers. Here, the monitor 25 in the image browsing system 40 may be a high definition image display device. The image browsing system 40 of the image photographing output system of the present invention is basically configured as described above.

Next, another embodiment of the image photographing output system of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The image photographing output system of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the image photographing output system of the present invention shown in FIGS.
Instead, the print system 20, the media output system 30, and the image browsing system 40 are not individually independent but integrated as one image output system 90. Since they have the same configuration except for the difference, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. When transmitting the image data to the image output system 90 via each communication line 50, the plurality of photographing systems 10 preferably add information of each photographing system 10 as additional information. The plurality of photographing systems 10 are connected to the communication control unit 21 of the image output system 90 by respective communication lines 50.

The image output system 90 is connected to the customer service window 2
6 in an image output center 92 having
Communication control section 21, ID collation section 22, image processing section 23
, A print production unit 24, a monitor 25, a medium output unit 80, an image server 84, a communication control unit 86, and an operation unit (not shown). The image output system 90 in the illustrated example can provide a customer with an image data recording medium R storing a photograph print P or digital image data in which an image photographed by the photographing system 10 is reproduced,
Also, it enables browsing of customers via a communication network 70 such as the Internet. Therefore, the image processing unit 23 needs to perform the above-described image processing and conversion suitable for each of the print production unit 24, the medium output unit 80, and the image server 84. According to the image output system 90, the output of the photographic print P,
Not only can it respond to both output of the image data recording medium R and browsing of images, but it can also respond to two or more of these requests.

The image output system 90 in the illustrated example is
It has a print production unit 24, a medium output unit 80, and an image server 84 (integrally with the communication control unit 86), and can output any of the photo prints P, output the image data recording medium R, and browse images. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as it enables at least one of them, and accordingly, the print making unit 24,
It is only necessary to have at least one of the medium output unit 80 and the image server 84. An image photographing output system according to another embodiment of the present invention is basically configured as described above.

Next, the operation of the image photographing output system of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 shows an operation flowchart relating to the photographing operation of the customer at the time of photographing. FIG. 5 shows a corresponding operation on the system side in the photographing system 10. Hereinafter, based on these drawings, the operation of the image photographing output system according to the present embodiment will be described with the print system 20 as a representative example of the image output system.

When the customer comes to a point (photographing point) where he or she wants to perform photographing with the photographing system 10,
In accordance with a guide display (not shown) (may be displayed on the monitor 12) or the like, a price necessary for shooting is inserted into the currency storage unit 14 of the shooting system 10 in a predetermined currency (steps 31 and 32 in FIG. 4, FIG. Step 4 of 5
1). Next, the imaging system 10 instructs the input of the ID by using the monitor 12 or the like. The customer inputs the ID to the card issuing unit 13 through the operation unit 17 (step 3 in FIG. 4).
3), the imaging system 10 transmits the information to the communication line 50
To the print system 20, and the ID collation unit 22 of the print system 20 checks whether there is any overlap. If there is an overlap, a message to that effect is displayed on the monitor 12 or the like, and the customer repeats inputting the ID again until there is no overlap (step 34 in FIG. 4).

The above check is based on the fact that different customers have the same I
This is to avoid confusion of the print P by using D, but it is necessary to grasp and distinguish the case where the same customer has taken a picture at a different photographing point. Specifically, it is possible to take measures such as adding information on the number of shots (shooting points) to the ID, for example, to distinguish the second and subsequent shots.

If there is no problem in this check, the photographing system 10 sets a formal ID in the card issuing unit 13 (step 42 in FIG. 5) and issues a receipt or ID card in which the ID is recorded. Next, after instructing the customer to take a picture on the monitor 12 or the like, the customer operates the operation unit 17 to take a picture (Step 3 in FIG. 4).
5, step 43 in FIG. 5). Then, predetermined image processing is performed on the captured image (Step 4 in FIG. 5).
4) Display an image of the processing result on the monitor 12 (FIG. 4)
Step 36, and step 45 in FIG. 5). If the customer confirms the displayed image and indicates OK by the operation unit 17 (step 37 in FIG. 4 and step 46 in FIG. 5), the photographing at one photographing point ends.

At this time, the photographing system 10 collectively transmits the information of the deposit, the formal ID, the image data that has been subjected to the image processing in the photographing system 10 and the like, from the communication control unit 16 to the printing system 20 ( Step 47 in FIG. 5). Thereafter, the print system 20 continuously receives and organizes similar image data with additional information from each photographing system 10 and prepares a print P as described later.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed photographing operation of the photographing system 10 in step 43 (photographing step) in FIG. 5 described above. In the photographing system 10, at least one piece of information that influences the determination of the photographing conditions, such as the season, weather, time, brightness, and light source color temperature, is stored at the time before the photographing is started. (Step 51). For this purpose, it is preferable to use a technique such as reading from a built-in table or calculation from a built-in clock.

Next, photographing conditions and image processing conditions are automatically determined based on at least one of the obtained information (step 52). In this case, a method such as reading from a built-in table may be used. Note that most shooting conditions (for example, the aperture of the lens of the digital camera 11,
The charge accumulation time of D, etc.) can be determined in advance, and it can be said that it is practical to appropriately adopt such simplification. Finally, whether the photographing conditions and image processing conditions determined in this way are appropriate is checked by comparing it with a reference value prepared in advance (step 53).

At this time, if a predetermined number of repetitive checks do not match the reference value, an alarm may be issued (steps 54 to 5).
6). It is also possible to ignore the current setting and adopt the above-mentioned reference value. However, in this case, it is preferable that the situation is explained to the customer, and a message for confirming whether or not to perform shooting is displayed or output on the monitor 12 or the like.

FIG. 7 shows the details of the image processing in the photographing system 10 in step 44 (image processing step) in FIG. 5 described above. In the photographing system 10, the image processing unit 15
Performs image processing according to the set image processing conditions (step 61). As described above, the main points of the image processing in the photographing system 10 are the gradation adjustment processing, the density adjustment processing, the red-eye correction processing, and the like, but are not limited thereto. Optional processing (steps 62 to 66) such as combining with a background prepared in advance may be performed.

The processing such as combining with the previously prepared background is performed, for example, in a so-called “commemorative photograph” even when shooting on a rainy day by appropriately synthesizing the background with a clear background where the background is clearly photographed. It is intended to provide the customer with a "photo taken well as a photograph", and to perform the photographing according to the customer's request (step 6).
The purpose is 2).

The procedure of the above optional processing is as follows.
If there is a request from the customer (Yes in step 62), for example, a menu of optional processing that can be performed at that time is displayed on the monitor screen (step 63), and the customer selects a desired one (step 64). ), And execute the selected optional process (step 65). Next, it is possible to adopt a method in which it is checked whether or not the result is the one desired by the customer (step 66), and a predetermined number of times, conditions and the like are changed and repeated until OK is obtained.

FIG. 8 shows a flow of processing in the printing system 20.
Additional information such as image data and ID information received from the photographing system 10 is stored in the storage means (steps 71 and 7).
2) A predetermined print is immediately created for the image data (step 73), and the ID information and the like are arranged for correspondence with the customer (step 74).

The produced prints P are stocked while associating them with the customer, and are prepared so that they can be handed over smoothly when the customer arrives (step 75). When the customer comes to pick up, the customer is authenticated using a receipt or ID card to which the brought ID is assigned (step 76), and if there is no error, the contents of the print P are confirmed and handed over (step 76). Step 7
7, 78).

Although the specific configuration and operation of the image photographing output system according to the present invention have been described based on the embodiments, the above embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It goes without saying that changes and improvements can be made.

[0065]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image photographing output system which can function effectively even when many devices are installed in a large site such as a theme park. It is. That is, according to the image photographing output system according to the present invention, even when a plurality of automatic photographing devices are arranged in a large venue such as a theme park, customers using these automatic photographing devices are required to take photographs each time. This makes it possible to eliminate the dissatisfaction of waiting for the completion of printing on the spot, and to obtain the effect of increasing the maintenance efficiency from the installer side.

Further, according to the present invention, a customer can obtain an image data recording medium storing image data of a photographed image which is the same as a print image in addition to or separately from a photographic print. It can be displayed and viewed on a personal computer or the like, and can be subjected to desired image processing and the like. Further, according to the present invention, the customer can additionally or separately use a personal computer or the like owned by the customer,
Since you can search and browse the same captured image as the print image via a communication network such as the Internet,
Images downloaded and displayed can be viewed, and desired image processing can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of an image capturing and outputting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the image photographing output system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an image photographing output system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation flow relating to a customer operation at the time of photographing in the photographing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation flow on the system side in the photographing system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

6 is a diagram showing a detailed operation flow of photographing of the photographing system in a photographing step in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of image processing in the image capturing system in the image processing step in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of processing in the print system according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 photographing system 11 digital camera 12, 25 monitor 13 ID assigning / card issuing unit 14 currency storage unit 15, 23 image processing unit 16, 21, 86 communication control unit 17 operation unit 20 print system 22 ID collation unit 24 print production unit 26 Customer service window 28, 82, 92, image output center 30 medium output system 40 image browsing system 50 communication line 60 display device 70 communication line network 80 medium output unit 84 image server 90 image output system

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 7/18 U 5/765 101: 00 7/18 5/91 J // H04N 101: 00 L

Claims (19)

[Claims] An image output system for outputting the digital image; an image output system for outputting the digital image; and an image output system for outputting the digital image. Means for communicating image data of the digital image to the digital camera. 2. The image photographing output system according to claim 1, further comprising: identification information providing means for providing identification information for associating the image data of the digital image photographed by the photographing system with a customer. An image photographing output system comprising: identifying the customer based on the identification information given by the identification information giving means; and delivering the output image output from the image output system to the customer. 3. The image photographing output system according to claim 2, wherein said identification information is provided for each customer by said identification information providing means, and is acquired by said photographing system at the time of photographing. 4. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is used in the image output system when the digital image is output and the output image is delivered to the customer. Image shooting output system. 5. The identification information is an identification code automatically set in advance for each customer in the identification information providing means of the photographing system or a personal identification code input to the identification information providing means in advance by the customer. The image capturing output system according to claim 2. 6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said identification information providing means is provided separately from said photographing system, and provides said identification information prior to photographing of said subject by said photographing system. Image shooting output system. 7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said identification information providing means is provided inside or near said image capturing system, and adds said identification information when said object is imaged by said image capturing system. Image shooting output system. 8. The image photographing output system according to claim 2, wherein said identification information providing means adds said identification information in response to payment of said customer's consideration. 9. The image photographing output system according to claim 2, wherein said identification information providing means is an identification means issuing means for issuing identification means recording said identification information. 10. The identification means comprises: an identification piece on which the identification information is recorded so as to be visible; an identification piece on which the identification information is optically readable;
An identification piece that can be reproduced, an identification piece whose identification information can be recorded / reproduced by magneto-optics, an identification piece whose identification information can be recorded / reproduced by light, and an identification piece that can be recorded / reproduced electronically. The image according to claim 9, wherein the image is a certain identification piece, a composite identification piece obtained by combining at least two of these pieces, or an image data recording medium for recording image data of the digital image on which the identification information is recorded. Shooting output system. 11. The image according to claim 9, wherein said image output system further comprises identification information collating means for reading said identification information of said customer from said identification means and collating said read identification information. Shooting output system. 12. The image photographing output system according to claim 2, wherein said image output system further comprises identification information collating means for collating said identification information of said customer. 13. When the customer photographs a plurality of images in the at least one photographing system, the identification information providing means provides a single piece of identification information before or at the time of first photographing, The image photographing output system according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the at least one photographing system identifies the plurality of images photographed by the customer by the single identification information. 14. The at least one photographing system,
A plurality of photographing systems, wherein the identification information providing means comprises:
A plurality of images photographed by the plurality of photographing systems are identified by a single identification information for each of the customers.
3. The image photographing output system according to any one of 3. 15. The imaging system according to claim 15, wherein:
The image photographing output system according to claim 1, wherein the image photographing output system is adjustable so that the setting of the photographing unit becomes appropriate according to a background and an intention of photographing. 16. The photographing condition and image processing condition of the photographing system can be automatically set according to at least one of season, weather, time, brightness, and light source color temperature at the time of photographing. 16. The image capturing and output system according to any one of claims 15 to 15. 17. An image photographing output system according to claim 1, wherein said photographing system further comprises a monitor, wherein said monitor confirms the photographing result and performs photographing again when necessary. . 18. An image output system comprising: a print system for outputting a digital image as a photographic print; a medium output system for outputting the digital image as image data to an image data recording medium; and a server. 18. The image capturing and outputting system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the image capturing and outputting system is configured to output and store the image data as image data to a server and browse the image data via a communication network. 19. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of photographing place and photographing time of said digital image is added to said image data of said digital image as additional information. Output system.