JP2002125176A - Photograph automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide a photo vending machine capable of performing photographing with an expression and a pose suitable for the second image by fixing the photographed image after inputting the second image. A vending machine for photographing a subject including a user and selling the photograph, comprising: a camera for photographing the subject; and a first display for displaying an image taken by the camera in real time. A touch pen 12 for inputting a pen input image to be synthesized with the captured image by a user operation; an image synthesizing unit 30 for synthesizing the captured image and the pen input image; and a synthesizing image after inputting the pen input image. By providing the fixed image storage unit 38 that stores the image fixedly, the synthesized image is fixed after the input of the pen input image, so that it is possible to shoot with the expression and the pose that match the pen input image. For this reason, unlike the related art, a handwritten image or the like does not match with the photographed expression or pose.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vending machine which is installed in a game center or the like, shoots a user by inserting coins or the like, and prints and sells a shot image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many game vending machines have been installed in game centers and the like to take pictures and make sticker prints. As such a photo vending machine, the one shown in FIG. 6 is generally used. In this device, a half mirror 53 is provided inside a main body 52 at an angle of approximately 45 °. A camera 55 for photographing the user 54 is provided behind the half mirror 53, and a monitor 56 for displaying an image photographed by the camera 55 is provided below the half mirror 53. In the figure, 51 is a controller, and 57 is a printer for printing a photographic print 58.

In the photo vending machine, an image taken by a camera 55 through a half mirror 53 is displayed on a monitor 56, and the image displayed on the monitor 56 is reflected by the half mirror 53 and confirmed by the user 54. I can do it. Then, the user 54 takes a desired pose while checking his / her own appearance on the monitor 56, and operates the controller 51 at a desired position to take a still image. This still image is combined with an appropriate frame or foreground image and printed as a photo print 58.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned photo vending machine, a photo taken by the camera 55 can be output on the spot as a photo print 58 such as a sticker. Recently, the needs of photo vending machines have been diversifying as the population has increased. In order to meet these needs, there have been provided many elaborate frames and foregrounds that are synthesized with the image of the user 54, but an image that is simply output as a photographic print 58 on the spot is provided. One thing is no longer being satisfied.

Therefore, recently, there has been provided a photo vending machine in which an image photographed by a camera is fixed in a memory and displayed on a liquid crystal tablet or the like, and a handwritten image is input to the displayed fixed image with a touch pen or the like and is synthesized with the fixed image. Invented and put to practical use.

However, in the above-described photo vending machine, since the handwritten image is input after the taken image is fixed, once the input of the handwritten image is started, the fixed image cannot be changed.
Therefore, if the user's facial expression and pose taken during the writing of the handwritten image do not match the handwritten image, the photograph print must be made with the expression and pose that they do not like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and fixes a captured image after inputting a second image such as a handwritten image, thereby capturing an image with a facial expression or pose suitable for the second image. The purpose of this is to provide a vending machine that can be used.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a photo vending machine according to the present invention is a photo vending machine for photographing a subject including a user and selling the photograph, and an imaging means for photographing the subject. Image display means for displaying, in real time, an image captured by the image capturing means; second image input means for inputting a second image to be synthesized with the image captured by a user's operation; The gist of the invention is to provide an image synthesizing means for synthesizing the second image, and a fixed image storage unit for fixing and storing the synthesized image after the input of the second image.

That is, in the photo vending machine of the present invention, an image pickup means for picking up an image of an object, an image display means for displaying the picked-up image picked up by the image pick-up means in real time, and the image picked up by the user's operation A second image input unit for inputting a second image to be input, an image synthesizing unit for synthesizing the captured image and the second image, and a fixed image storage unit for fixing and storing the synthesized image after the input of the second image. Have.
As described above, since the captured video is fixed after the input of the second image, it is possible to perform shooting with an expression and a pose that match the second image. Therefore, unlike the related art, the second image such as the handwritten image hardly matches the photographed expression or pose of the user.

In the photo vending machine according to the present invention, a second image storage section for storing the second image is provided, and the image synthesizing means includes a captured image displayed in real time and a second image stored in the second image storage section. In the case of combining images, the configuration of the present invention in which the combined image is fixed after the input of the second image can be easily realized.

In the photo vending machine of the present invention, when a plurality of fixed images are stored in the fixed image storage section, it is easy to take a plurality of photos and obtain a photo having a desired expression or pose.

In the photo vending machine of the present invention, when a plurality of second images are stored in the second image storage section, a plurality of types of second images having different patterns are stored. Thereby, it is easy to obtain a composite image in which the desired second image is composited.

When the vending machine of the present invention is provided with an image fixing switch for fixing a composite image at a desired timing, the user can determine his / her facial expression and pose at the time of shooting and shoot at a desired timing. It is easy to get photos of your favorite expressions and poses.

In the photographic vending machine of the present invention, if a composite image can be automatically fixed a plurality of times at predetermined intervals, automatic continuous shooting can be performed without taking the shutter timing by itself. , You can feel like being photographed by a photographer.

When the photo vending machine of the present invention is provided with an image selecting means for selecting one or more fixed images from a plurality of fixed images, the user selects a fixed image having a desired expression or pose and selects the fixed image. You can get a photo.

In the photo vending machine of the present invention, when a plurality of fixed images are stored, the second image inputted last time is stored, and the second image is added after the second time. By adding the second image sequentially,
It can produce the fun of creating images.

In the vending machine of the present invention, when a plurality of fixed images are stored, if the previously input second image is deleted and a new second image is input,
By inputting a new second image each time, it is possible to produce an interesting effect of changing the pattern of the image.

In the photographic vending machine of the present invention, when the imaging means has a zooming function, the angle of view can be changed even when the subject does not move when photographing with a plurality of persons or when photographing the whole body. You can shoot. Further, even when the second image becomes too large and the subject is hidden, the angle of view can be changed to cope with the situation, so that the usability is good when inputting the second image prior to fixing the composite image.

If the photograph vending machine of the present invention is provided with a zooming operation means capable of performing the zooming operation of the image pickup means at a position away from the apparatus main body, for example, when photographing is performed by a plurality of persons, The zooming operation can be performed at a position distant from the main body of the apparatus, which is convenient and convenient.

In the photographic vending machine of the present invention, when the image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image quality of the captured image is provided, or the image quality adjusting means is selected from among brightness, hue, monotone and color, sharp and soft of the captured image. If at least one of them is adjusted, the user can sell a picture having a desired image quality.

When the photo vending machine of the present invention is provided with printing means for printing the fixed image stored in the fixed image storage section on a print medium, a photographic print on which the fixed image is printed can be obtained.

In the photographic vending machine of the present invention, the printing means is at least one of a sublimation printer, an ink jet printer, a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, a fusion printer, a thermal printer, a photographic paper printer, and an instant film printer. In some cases,
High-quality prints can be output by relatively inexpensive and relatively inexpensive printing means.

When the picture vending machine of the present invention is provided with an image transmitting means for outputting the fixed image stored in the fixed image storage section to the outside via a communication line, the fixed image is received by an external terminal or the like. Can be enjoyed in remote places.

In the photo vending machine of the present invention, when a second image storage unit for receiving and storing a second image that can be input by the second image input means from outside is provided, various second images can be stored. Because you can add and change, for example,
It is possible to easily input the second image of the effect according to the season, the location of the installation location, and the like.

In the photographic vending machine of the present invention, when the second image is received via a communication line,
The second image can be supplied from a remote place, and the cost for adding or changing the second image is reduced.

In the photographic vending machine of the present invention, if the image display means includes a television monitor for displaying at least one of the above-mentioned picked-up image, second image and composite image, the image quality is good prior to printing or the like. The image on the television monitor can be confirmed, and the photographer can obtain a satisfactory photograph.

In the photo vending machine according to the present invention, when the image display means is arranged so as to face the user substantially in front of the user, the image display means is easy to see from the user.
Photo buyers can get satisfactory photos.

[0028]

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

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a photo vending machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an apparatus main body of the photo vending machine. In this vending machine, various devices are provided inside and on the surface of the housing 1. Here, for convenience of explanation, a user (subject) 2
1 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) is defined as the front side of the housing 1, and the opposite side (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) is defined as the rear side of the housing 1.

In the internal space of the housing 1, there are provided a camera 6 as an image pickup means for picking up an image of the subject 2, a computer device 7 for receiving an image signal from the camera 6 and synthesizing an image, and the like. A first display 8 and a second display 14 for receiving an image signal such as a composite image transmitted from the display 7 and displaying the image are provided.

The first display 8 is disposed obliquely upward toward the subject 2 so that the image displayed on the first display 8 can be viewed by the user 2. As the first display 8, for example, a liquid crystal tablet or a touch panel is used, and the tip of the touch pen 12 is brought into contact with the surface to draw characters, figures, and the like.
Handwritten images can be input. Further, a stamp image such as a star mark or a heart mark prepared in advance is selected, and the tip of the touch pen 12 is brought into contact with the display surface, so that the stamp image can be input. In this example, the handwritten image and the stamp image are input as the second image.

The handwritten image and the stamp image are combined with the image picked up by the camera 6, and the combined image is displayed on the first display 8 and printed on the print medium 15. Furthermore, various operations can be performed by tapping (lightly tapping) a button or the like displayed on the screen with the tip of the touch pen 12 in accordance with an instruction displayed on the screen.

On the other hand, the second display 14 is arranged toward the user 2 at the level of a line of sight substantially in front of the user 2, and the image displayed on the second display 14 is visually checked by the user 2. It is supposed to be. The second display 14 uses a television monitor in which an image is easier to see than the liquid crystal display device. , So that the displayed image is easy to see.

A plurality of operation dials 11 operated by the user 2 are provided on the front surface of the housing 1. The operation dial 11 is used for adjusting brightness and hue, switching between sharp / software, switching between monochrome / color, and the like, for captured images captured by the camera 6 and displayed on the first and second displays 8 and 14 in real time. Image quality can be adjusted.

Further, a user 2 is provided on the front of the housing 1.
The zoom dial 10 is operated by the user.
The zoom dial 10 allows the user to operate the zoom lens of the camera 6 to adjust the angle of view taken by the camera 6. Further, a foot pedal 10A for performing a zooming operation of the camera 6 at a position away from the housing 1 is provided on the front side of the housing 1 similarly to the zoom dial 10. By providing this foot pedal 10A,
At the time of photographing the whole body or photographing by a plurality of persons, the zooming operation can be performed while standing at a position away from the housing 1.

A shutter switch 13 operated by the user 2 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1.
By operating the shutter switch 13, the captured image captured by the camera 6 and the pen input image are combined, and the combined image displayed in real time on the first and second displays 8, 14 is fixed. The fixed image is printed on the print medium 15.

Further, a foot switch 13A is provided on the front side of the housing 1 for performing a fixing operation of the composite image at a position away from the housing 1 similarly to the shutter switch 13. With the provision of the foot switch 13A, the shutter operation can be performed while standing at a position distant from the housing 1 at the time of photographing the whole body or photographing by a plurality of persons.

In this photo vending machine, the shutter switch 1
3 and other than manual shooting by operating the foot switch 13A, for example, at predetermined intervals such as one minute intervals,
Automatic photographing in which a plurality of shutter operations are automatically performed can be performed.

In this example, the composite image viewed by the user 2 from the first and second displays 8 and 14 is
And a pen input image by the touch pen 12 are combined. The subject 2 inputs the pen input image by operating the touch pen 12 or the like while watching the captured image displayed in real time on the first and second displays 8 and 14, and inputs the captured image according to the atmosphere of the pen input image. Adjust the image quality such as brightness and hue to the desired state. Then, the user enters the shutter switch 13 by taking an expression or pose that matches the pen input image or the image quality atmosphere.
Is operated to fix the composite image and perform printing or the like.

In the internal space of the housing 1, a fixed image signal transmitted from the computer device 7 is received.
A printer 9 for printing the fixed image on the print medium 15 and outputting the print is provided. The print medium 15 printed by the printer 9 is sent out from an outlet 19 formed on the front surface of the housing 1.

Various printers can be used as long as they are suitable for printing of photographic quality. For example, there are a sublimation type printer, an ink jet type printer, a color laser printer, a thermal transfer type printer, a fusion type printer, a thermal printer, a photographic paper printer, an instant film printer and the like.

A coin slot 1 is provided on the front of the housing 1.
A coin detection unit 17 is provided at a position adjacent to the coin insertion slot 18 inside the housing 1 and detects the inserted coin and transmits a detection signal to the computer device 7 (see FIG. 3).
Is provided. Also, a speaker 16 for receiving an audio signal from the computer device 7 and outputting the audio and a light 20 for irradiating the subject 2 are provided at an appropriate position on the front of the housing 1 (see FIG. 2).

Behind the subject 2, there is provided a curtain 3 for blocking light from the outside and reflecting as a background. The curtain 3 is supported by a support frame 4 protruding from upper and lower portions of the front surface of the housing 1. The inner surface of the curtain 3 can be given a color according to a method of synthesizing an image. For example, in the case of chroma keying, the entire inner surface of the curtain 3 is colored with a color suitable for chroma keying such as green and blue. Will be applied.

Next, the system configuration of the computer 7 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 7 comprises an image synthesizing means 30 for synthesizing images and a camera 6.
And control means 31 for controlling image capturing, image synthesis, and the like. The control means 31 starts various controls such as imaging and image synthesis by receiving a detection signal from the coin detection unit 17.

The computer device 7 is provided with a stamp image storage unit 33 for storing a predetermined stamp image. In addition, a pen input image storage unit 32 that stores a pen input image such as a handwritten image or a stamp image input by the touch pen 12 is provided.

On the other hand, on the first display 8, an input unit 3 to which a handwritten image or the like is inputted by the touch pen 12 is provided.
5 and a display unit 36 for displaying a composite image, an operation instruction message, and the like.

Further, the computer device 7 is provided with an image quality adjusting means 37 which receives an operation signal from the operation dial 11 and adjusts the image quality such as brightness and color of the image taken by the camera 6. The captured video image quality adjusted by the image quality adjusting unit 37 is synthesized with the pen input image by the image synthesizing unit 30, and the synthesized image is displayed on the display unit 36 of the first display 8 and the second display 14.

Further, the computer 7 receives a shutter operation signal from the shutter switch 13 or an automatic shutter signal from the control means 31 and combines the picked-up image and the pen input image synthesized by the image synthesizing means 30. A fixed image storage unit 38 for fixing the synthesized image and storing the fixed image is provided. The fixed image storage unit 38 is configured to store a plurality of fixed images by performing manual or automatic shutter operations a plurality of times as necessary.

The plurality of fixed images stored in the fixed image storage section 38 are stored in the touch pen 1 after the photographing operation is completed.
By the operation 2, the user can select one or a plurality of desired fixed images and perform printing or the like. At this time, it is also possible to print all the fixed images by selecting (or not performing the selecting operation) all the fixed images.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a print control unit, which transmits the fixed image stored in the fixed image storage unit 38 to the printer 9 to perform print output. Reference numeral 39 denotes a transmission / reception unit, which can transmit a fixed image stored in the fixed image storage unit 38 to an external terminal device (not shown) or the like via the Internet (NET). By doing so, it is possible to output the photographed picture with a terminal device at a remote place.

The transmission / reception means 39 can receive a stamp image from a remote place via the Internet and store it in the stamp image storage section 33. In this manner, various stamp images can be added or changed, and for example, a stamp image of an effect adapted to the season, the land pattern of the installation location, or the like can be easily added. In addition, the stamp image can be supplied from a remote place, and the addition or change of the stamp image can be performed at low cost. In addition, by supplying advertisement information and questionnaire data from a remote place, and supplying the advertisement information and inputting a response to the questionnaire, it is also possible to provide a discount service, additional print service, and the like.

Next, the operation of the photo vending machine will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the figure, "S" means a step.

First, when the user 2 inserts a coin, a message prompting selection of a photographing mode is displayed on the first and second displays 8 and 14, and the user 2 operates the touch pen 12 in accordance with the message to perform manual photographing. A selection is made between shooting in the mode and shooting in the automatic shooting mode (step 10).

If it is determined in step 10 that the manual shooting mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step 20. If the automatic shooting mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step 25.

First, the operation in the manual photographing mode will be described.

When the manual photographing mode is selected in step 10, image pickup by the camera 6 is started (step 20). The captured video of the subject 2 is provided in real time via the image combining means 30 to the first and second displays 8 and 8.
14 is displayed.

Next, the tip of the touch pen 12 is brought into contact with the surface of the first display 8 to input a pen input image such as a handwritten image or a stamp image (step 3).
0). At this time, when inputting a handwritten image, the first
Input is performed by drawing characters or images while the tip of the touch pen 12 is in contact with the surface of the display 8.

When inputting a stamp image,
As shown in FIG. 5, for example, by tapping the star mark icon 26 or the heart mark icon 27, a stamp image such as a star mark or a heart mark is arranged at an arbitrary position on the screen. In FIG. 5, reference numerals 25A to 25C denote color pencil buttons that are tapped when changing the color of the pen input image.

When the pen input image is input, it is stored in the pen input image storage section 32, and is synthesized by the image synthesizing means 30 with the image picked up by the camera 6 (step 40).
The composite image of the captured video and the pen input image is displayed on the first and second displays 8 and 14 in real time.

At this time, if necessary, the zoom dial 1
By operating 0 or the foot pedal 10A, a zooming operation is performed, and the angle of view of the image captured by the camera 6 is adjusted. By doing so, it is possible to change the angle of view even when the subject 2 does not move, for example, when shooting with a plurality of persons. Also, when the pen input image becomes too large and the subject 2 is likely to be hidden, it can be dealt with by changing the angle of view.

By operating the operation dial 11 before and after the input of the pen input image, adjustment of the brightness and color of the image captured by the camera 6, image quality adjustment such as switching between sharp / soft and monochrome / color, etc. Is performed (step 50). The synthesized image of the picked-up video and the pen-input image, the image quality of which has been adjusted by the image quality adjusting means 37, is displayed in real time on the first and second displays 8,
14 is displayed.

Then, by operating the shutter switch 13 or the foot switch 13A, a composite image of the picked-up image and the pen input image whose image quality has been adjusted is fixed and stored in the fixed image storage unit 38 (step 6).
0). At this time, in the manual shooting mode, since the user can determine the facial expression and pose at the time of shooting and shoot at a desired timing, it is easy to obtain a photograph with the desired facial expression and pose.

Here, it is determined whether the time limit has elapsed or the number of shots has reached the limit (step 70). If it is determined in step 70 that the time limit or the number of shots has not been reached, the process proceeds to step 80, and a message prompting the user to determine whether to perform additional shooting is displayed on the first and second displays 8 and 14 (step 8).
0).

In step 80, when additional photographing is to be performed, an operation for starting additional photographing is performed using the touch pen 12, and the process returns to step 20 to start image pickup by the camera 6 again. Next, the pen input image is input in step 20. In the pen input in the second and subsequent shootings, the pen input image from the previous shooting is stored and displayed, and the pen input image is further displayed thereon. Additional input is performed.

Then, the operations of steps 20 to 80 are repeated until the time limit or the number of shots is reached. If the time limit or the number of shots has been reached in step 70, or if an operation to start printing without performing additional shooting has been performed in step 80, the process proceeds to step 90.

In step 90, a list of a plurality of fixed images taken is displayed on the first and second displays 8 and 14, and a fixed image taken with a favorite expression or pose is selected. The image selected at this time is
One sheet or a plurality of sheets may be used. It is also possible to make no selection (select all images).

When the image selection is completed, a sheet is selected (step 100). Here, a desired sheet is selected as a print medium 15 to be printed from sticker mounts or postcards, and the number and size of stickers in sticker printing are selected. When a sheet is selected, the selected fixed image is printed on the predetermined print medium 15 by the printer 9 (step 110).

Next, the operation in the automatic photographing mode will be described.

When the automatic photographing mode is selected in step 10, image pickup by the camera 6 is started (step 2).
5). The captured video of the subject 2 is provided in real time via the image combining means 30 to the first and second displays 8 and 14.
Will be displayed.

Next, the tip of the touch pen 12 is brought into contact with the surface of the first display 8 to input a pen input image such as a handwritten image or a stamp image (step 3).
5). At this time, when inputting a handwritten image, the first
Input is performed by drawing characters or images while the tip of the touch pen 12 is in contact with the surface of the display 8.

When inputting a stamp image,
As described above, for example, by tapping the star mark icon 26 or the heart mark icon 27,
A stamp image such as a star mark or a heart mark is arranged at an arbitrary position on the screen.

When the pen input image is input, it is stored in the pen input image storage section 32, and is synthesized by the image synthesizing means 30 with the image picked up by the camera 6 (step 45).
The composite image of the captured video and the pen input image is displayed on the first and second displays 8 and 14 in real time.

At this time, if necessary, the zoom dial 1
By operating 0 or the foot pedal 10A, a zooming operation is performed, and the angle of view of the image captured by the camera 6 is adjusted. By doing so, it is possible to change the angle of view even when the subject 2 does not move, for example, when shooting with a plurality of persons. Also, when the pen input image becomes too large and the subject 2 is likely to be hidden, it can be dealt with by changing the angle of view.

By operating the operation dial 11 before and after the input of the pen input image, adjustment of the brightness and color of the image picked up by the camera 6, image switching such as switching between sharp / soft and monochrome / color, etc. Is performed (step 55). The synthesized image of the picked-up video and the pen-input image, the image quality of which has been adjusted by the image quality adjusting means 37, is displayed in real time on the first and second displays 8,
14 is displayed.

When the predetermined time has elapsed, the subject 2
A countdown message notifying the shutter timing is displayed, and after a predetermined count, the shutter operation is automatically performed, and the composite image of the captured image whose quality has been adjusted and the pen input image is fixed in the fixed image storage unit 38. It is stored (step 65). Here, it is determined whether the time limit has elapsed or whether the number of shots has reached the limit (step 75).

In step 75, if the time limit or the number of shots has not been reached, step 25 is automatically executed.
And the imaging by the camera 6 is started again. Next, at step 25, a pen input image is input.
In the pen input in the second and subsequent shootings, the pen input image from the previous shooting is stored and displayed, and the pen input image is additionally input thereon.

Then, the operations of steps 25 to 75 are automatically repeated until the time limit or the number of shots is reached. If the time limit or the number of shots has been reached in step 75, the process proceeds to step 90 without performing additional shooting. In this manner, in the auto shooting mode, automatic continuous shooting can be performed without taking the shutter timing by yourself, so that the photographer can feel as if shooting.

In step 90, a list of a plurality of fixed images taken is displayed on the first and second displays 8 and 14, and a fixed image taken with a favorite expression or pose is selected. The image selected at this time is
One sheet or a plurality of sheets may be used. It is also possible to make no selection (select all images).

When the image selection is completed, a sheet is selected (step 100). Here, a desired sheet is selected as a print medium 15 to be printed from sticker mounts or postcards, and the number and size of stickers in sticker printing are selected. When a sheet is selected, the selected fixed image is printed on the predetermined print medium 15 by the printer 9 (step 110).

As described above, according to the above-described photo vending machine, the captured image is fixed after the input of the pen input image, so that the photographing can be performed with the expression and pose suitable for the pen input image. Therefore, unlike the related art, the pen input image such as the handwritten image does not match the photographed expression or pose of the user.

In the above embodiment, the pen input image input in the previous shooting is stored in the pen input image storage unit 32.
In the second and subsequent shootings, the pen input image is additionally input. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pen input image is erased for each shooting and a new pen input image is input. An image may be input.

In the above embodiment, as the external terminal, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, a facsimile, a portable information terminal, or the like can be used.
These external terminals have a high penetration rate and can easily and inexpensively transmit and receive data. In addition, when a mobile phone is used as the external terminal, various mobile phones of 800 MHz analog system, 800 MHz digital system, 1.5 GHz digital system, a simplified mobile phone (PHS), and the like can be used. Various telephones can be used if possible.

In the above embodiment, an example of transmitting and receiving data via the Internet has been described. However, communication lines other than the Internet include, for example, analog telephone lines, high-speed digital lines (ISDN lines), radio, and optical fibers. , Mobile phone line (for example, DoPa etc.), ZAQ,
PHS line (for example, PIAFS, αDATA32
Etc.), integrated intelligent communication network (UICN), new advanced information communication (VI & P), satellite communication line, cable broadcasting, data communication and data transfer by various communication cables, etc.
Various types other than these can also be used. Also,
Regardless of whether the connection is a constant connection, the connection may be made by dialing up each time.

In each of the above embodiments, the two images of the image picked up by the camera 6 and the pen input image are combined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a frame image serving as a background or a background may be combined.

In the above embodiment, the camera 6
A digital camera or a video camera can be used, and there is no particular limitation as long as it can convert a captured image into an electric signal, and various types can be used. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which one camera 6 is provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of cameras 6 may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the shooting or printing process is started by inserting a coin. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and money, bills, medals, prepaid cards, credit cards, cash cards, etc. The purpose is to include various things as long as they have a value equivalent to being traded with money.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the stamp image stored in the stamp image storage unit 33 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a floppy disk, CD-ROM, CD-R Alternatively, image data stored in various storage media such as a magneto-optical disk may be read and used.

[0089]

As described above, according to the photo vending machine of the present invention, the captured image is fixed after the input of the second image, so that it is possible to shoot with the expression and pose that match the second image. Therefore, unlike the related art, the second image such as the handwritten image hardly matches the photographed expression or pose of the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a photo vending machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an apparatus main body of the photo vending machine.

FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a computer device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a print selling method according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen of a pen input image.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 6 camera 8 first display 12 touch pen 30 image synthesizing means 38 fixed image storage unit

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission Date] April 18, 2001 (2001.4.1
8)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

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Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A photograph vending machine for photographing a subject including a user and selling the photograph, comprising: an image pickup means for picking up an image of the subject; and an image display means for displaying a picked-up image picked up by the image pickup means in real time. A second image input unit for inputting a second image to be synthesized with the captured image by a user operation, an image synthesizing unit for synthesizing the captured image and the second image, and synthesizing after inputting the second image A vending machine for photographing, comprising: a fixed image storage section for fixing and storing an image. A second image storage unit for storing the second image, wherein the image synthesizing unit synthesizes the captured image displayed in real time with the second image stored in the second image storage unit. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein 3. The photo vending machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of fixed images are stored in the fixed image storage section. 4. The photo vending machine according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of second images are stored in the second image storage section. 5. The vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising an image fixing switch for fixing the composite image at a desired timing. 6. The photographic vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the composite image can be automatically fixed a plurality of times at a predetermined interval. 7. The photo vending machine according to claim 3, further comprising an image selection unit that selects one or a plurality of fixed images from the plurality of fixed images. 8. The method according to claim 3, wherein when storing a plurality of fixed images, the second image input last time is stored, and the second image is additionally input after the second time. The vending machine according to claim 1. 9. The method according to claim 3, wherein when storing a plurality of fixed images, the previously input second image is deleted and a new second image is input. Photo vending machine. 10. The photographic vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means has a zooming function. 11. The photographic vending machine according to claim 10, further comprising a zooming operation means capable of performing a zooming operation of said image pickup means at a position distant from the apparatus main body. 12. The vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising image quality adjusting means for adjusting the image quality of the captured image. 13. The image quality adjusting means for adjusting at least one of brightness, hue, monotone and color, and sharp and soft of a captured image.
2. The picture vending machine described in 2. 14. A printing apparatus for printing a fixed image stored in a fixed image storage section on a print medium.
14. The vending machine according to claim 13. 15. The printer according to claim 14, wherein the printing means is at least one of a sublimation printer, an ink jet printer, a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, a fusion printer, a thermal printer, a photographic paper printer, and an instant film printer. Photo vending machine. 16. The photographic vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising an image transmitting means for outputting the fixed image stored in the fixed image storage unit to the outside via a communication line. 17. The photographic vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising a second image storage unit that receives and stores a second image that can be input by the second image input unit from outside. . 18. The photo vending machine according to claim 17, wherein the second image is received via a communication line. 19. An image display means, comprising:
19. The photo vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising a television monitor for displaying at least one of the second image and the composite image. 20. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the image display means is arranged substantially in front of the user with the user facing the user.