JP2003069860A - Image printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image printer capable of performing appropriate photographing corresponding to user's preference by making it possible to change camera position setting in accordance with a pose desired by a user being an object. SOLUTION: A photographing space is provided between a housing of the image printer and a background panel. The housing is equipped with a photographing device 31 for photographing the object existing in the photographing space and a display screen for displaying a photographed image. The photographing device 31 has an intermediate casing 102 and a holding casing 105 in addition to a fixed casing 101 fixed to the housing. The intermediate casing 102 is connected to the fixed casing 101 in a freely turnable way centering on a horizontal axis J1 and is turnably driven by a motor 124. A camera is held by the holding casing 105, and the intermediate casing 102 and the holding casing 105 are connected through a torque limiter 106. The holding casing 105 is turnably driven centering on the driving axis 104a of a motor 104 by the motor 104. The driving axis 104a configures a vertical axis J2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image printing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image printing apparatus (for example, Print Club (trademark)) which captures an image of a user, synthesizes the image with a frame image prepared in advance, and prints the image on a sticker or the like. ing. Some of the image printing apparatuses are designed so that the user can write (edit) arbitrary characters or figures on the photographed image with an attached pen.

In this type of image printing apparatus, the user takes a picture in a desired pose in a shooting space formed in front of the image printing apparatus. And
Generally, an image printing apparatus is provided with a strobe which is operated at the time of photographing, and a reflecting plate which reflects irradiation light emitted by the strobe toward a photographing space.

[0004]

By the way, a user as a subject in a photographing space takes various poses, and it is required to perform appropriate photographing according to the pose. For example, it is required that the upper half of the body, especially the face, be photographed, or that the whole body be photographed from the face to the toes. Such a request cannot be met by keeping the elevation angle of the camera in the shooting space constant.

Further, the number of users as subjects is not only one but also a plurality of users. Even in the case of a plurality of users, the number of users varies somewhat. Then, depending on the difference in the number of people, the relationship with the background, and the like, for example, a vertically long image or a horizontally long image is requested. Further, the subject may be located on the left side or the right side in the shooting space as a whole. However, from the user's point of view, such a situation may occur in the shooting frame (camera). It is a request to change the positional relationship in the left-right direction of the outer frame, which is the range to be photographed in.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to enable the user to change the position setting of the camera so as to correspond to the user's favorite pose as a subject. An object of the present invention is to provide an image printing apparatus capable of performing appropriate shooting according to the above.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the following solution method is adopted in the present invention. That is, in a housing located in front of the shooting space, a shooting unit that shoots a subject in the shooting space, an image shot by the shooting unit is displayed, and a display surface is set to face the shooting space. In the image printing apparatus provided with the display means of No. 1, the camera constituting the photographing means is
The elevation angle with respect to the photographing space can be changed by rotating about a predetermined horizontal axis, and the photographing frame can be rotated at least about the upright posture and the horizontal posture by rotating about a predetermined vertical axis. It is supposed to be possible to change between and. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the elevation angle of a camera and the setting of an imaging frame can be optimized according to a user's favorite pose, and the image which a user likes can be provided.

In the fixed casing fixed to the casing,
A movable casing is attached so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, and a first actuator that rotationally drives the movable casing is provided, and the camera is held in the movable casing so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis. With
A second actuator that rotationally drives the camera may be provided. In this case, since the mechanism for rotating the camera about the horizontal axis and the mechanism for rotating about the vertical axis can be separately configured, the movement of the camera can be ensured. However, the structure is simple.

When the movable casing is rotated about the lateral axis, a stopper is provided which abuts the movable casing at each rotation stroke end and restricts further rotation of the movable casing. Can be By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally turning too much about the lateral axis.

When the movable casing is in the rightward posture and the leftward posture, a stopper is provided which contacts the movable casing and restricts the further rotation of the movable casing. A torque limiter may be interposed between the second actuator and the second actuator. In this case, the torque limiter prevents an unreasonable force from acting on the second actuator, while ensuring the one-sided posture position or the other-sided posture position by contacting the movable casing with the stopper.

The optical axis and the vertical axis of the camera may be offset. By doing so, it becomes possible to change the imaging frame, that is, the imaging range to the right or left relative to the imaging space.

It is possible to further include a second display means installed at a position different from the first display means in the photographing space and displaying an image photographed by the photographing means. That is, a monitor that displays an image captured by the camera is installed at a position different from that of the first display unit in the shooting space. As a result, the user does not face the direction of the housing provided with the first display unit for displaying the captured image, but takes the desired posture for shooting, while the second display unit allows the camera to capture the image. You can check and set.

The second display means may be installed in the vicinity of a photographing table used by a subject during photographing by the photographing means. The second display unit is installed together with the operation panel in the shooting space in the vicinity of the shooting table installed so as to face the camera and the housing having the first display unit. As a result, the user can check the shooting range of the camera, set the shooting range, and perform shooting while staying on the shooting table without approaching the housing.

The second display means may be installed so that the direction of the display surface for displaying an image is variable. It is possible to change the display direction of the image display surface of the second display means installed in the shooting space to the direction desired by the user. As a result, the user can more easily confirm the shooting range of the camera and set the shooting while maintaining the shooting posture.

[0015]

1 and 2, a background panel 6 is arranged at a predetermined interval with respect to a casing (case) 11 of an image printing apparatus 1, and the casing 11 and the background panel 6 are separated from each other. The space between them is the shooting space 3. In front of the background panel 6, a staircase-shaped photographing table 2 is arranged, and a subject (a user who has posed) on the photographing table 2 is indicated by a symbol H. In the following description, the orientation of the shooting space 3 is referred to as a front-back direction in which the housing 11 and the background panel 6 are connected, and the housing 11 side of the shooting space 3 is referred to as the front.
The background panel 6 side is the rear side. Regarding each wall surface of the housing 11, a surface facing the shooting space 3 is referred to as a front surface portion 11a, and a surface opposite to the shooting space 3 is referred to as a rear surface portion 11b.
The left side surface portion is indicated by reference numeral 11c, and the right side surface portion is indicated by reference numeral 11d.

The length of the background panel 6 in the left-right direction is substantially the same as the length of the imaging table 2 in the left-right direction.
It is sufficiently higher than the shooting table 2 and extends upward. A background suitable for the background of the subject H is provided on the front surface of the upper part of the background panel 6 that faces the shooting space 3.

An outline of various devices included in the image printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. First,
A coin insertion slot 12 is provided on the front part 11a of the housing 11 at the right side position, and when the user uses the image printing apparatus 1, the user inserts a predetermined amount of money, and the inserted coin is the final coin. Specifically, it is stored in the storage box (safe box) 4 in the housing 11. An imaging guide speaker 13 is provided in the front part 11a in the vicinity of the coin slot 112. The photographing guidance speaker 13 outputs various voice guidances and the like to guide the user to a photographing method (procedure for creating a sticker).

At the upper center of the front part 11a, a CRT (Cathod
An imaging monitor 14 including an e Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is installed. Shooting monitor 1
Reference numeral 4 displays a screen for guiding the shooting method and an image of a subject shot by the shooting device 31.

An operation panel 15 is installed on the front portion 11a near the monitor 14. Operation panel 1
Reference numeral 5 denotes various operation buttons operated by the user, which are operated, for example, when adjusting the zoom of the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera 32. In particular,
As shown in FIG. 3, on the operation panel 15, for example, “O button” 201 that is operated when making a decision with respect to various selections displayed on the imaging monitor 14, and when canceling the decided one. “X button” 202 to be operated, “+ button” 203 and “− button” 204 to be operated when moving the cursor or the like displayed on the photographing monitor 14
Are arranged, and in addition, a “shooting start button” that is operated when instructing the start of shooting is appropriately arranged.

In addition to the above, the operation panel 15 includes a photographing device 31 (CCD camera 32, captured image display section 3).
As a button for issuing a command for posture adjustment in 3), "↑
"Button" 205, "↓ button" 206, "rotate button"
207 is provided. By operating the “↑ button” 205, the photographing device 31 changes upward, and by operating the “↓ button” 206, the photographing device 31 changes downward. In addition, by operating the “rotate button” 207, the photographing device 31 moves 90 degrees around the vertical axis.
It is rotated one by one. In the embodiment, the “rotate button” 20
Each time 7 is operated, the imaging device 31 causes the imaging device 31 to erect posture → leftward posture → upright posture → rightward posture → upright posture → leftward posture.
... is changed.

Further, a pair of left and right lighting devices 16L and 16R are arranged on the front part 11a with the monitor 14 interposed therebetween.
The brightness of the photographing space 3 necessary for operating the operation panel 15 and the like is secured. The illumination devices 16L and 16R may additionally include a strobe that is activated at the timing of photographing the subject H (the irradiation direction is set to face the photographing table 2). This lighting device is installed so as to face obliquely upward, and is also intended to maintain an appropriate amount of light from the bottom when the image is taken up.

An image pickup device 31 is installed above the housing 11 at an intermediate portion in the left-right direction. This camera 3
A CCD camera 32 and a captured image display unit 33 including a small LCD are arranged on the surface of the unit 1 which is inclined downward by a predetermined angle. The CCD camera 32 captures an image of the subject, and the image (moving image) is displayed on the captured image display unit 33. Captured image display unit 33
Is provided in the vicinity of the CCD camera 32, the user can take a picture with his or her line of sight directed toward the CCD camera 32 while checking his / her image displayed on the captured image display section 33. .

In the vicinity of the photographing table 2, a photographing table operation panel 72 in which the same operation buttons as those of the operation panel 15 installed in the housing 11 are arranged is installed. That is,
The user can operate the operation buttons of the operation table 72 for the imaging stand to take an image without approaching the housing 11 (operation panel 15). Various types of information input from the operation table 72 for the imaging stand are stored in the cable 221 (see FIG. 3) under the floor.
4)) to the image printing apparatus 1.

A CRT or LCD is provided on the left side portion 11c of the housing 11.
Monitor 18 for editing input, a speaker 19 for editing guidance, a touch pen 20, and a sticker removal port 21
Is provided.

The image photographed by the CCD camera 32, selected as an image to be edited, and stored is displayed on the edit input monitor 18 after the user finishes the photographing process. A touch panel 93 (see FIG. 6) is stacked on the edit input monitor 18, and the user can edit the edit input monitor 1
By operating the touch pen 20 on the image displayed on the screen 8, any character or figure can be written (input) in the image to be edited (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as the image to be edited). . The left side surface 11c of the housing 11 in which the edit input monitor 18 is located corresponds to the outside of the photographing space 3, and the left side surface portion 11c, that is, the external space facing the edit input monitor 18 is the edit space 5.

That is, the user uses the front part 1 of the housing 11.
After being photographed by the photographing device 31 while being positioned in the photographing space 3 so as to face 1a, it moves to the editing space 5 where the left side surface portion 11c of the housing 11 faces.
Edit the picture of yourself.

The edit input monitor 18 displays selection buttons of various editing tools and the like together with the image to be edited. Then, the edit input monitor 18 has a touch pen 20.
When written in, the edited image generated in response to the input is displayed. The editing guide speaker 19
A voice guidance explaining an input method of editing is output to the user.

The touch pen 20 is a monitor for editing input 18
It is configured according to the position detection method (for example, resistance film type, ultrasonic type, etc.) of the touch panel laminated on the touch panel, and when not used for editing, a holding portion (not shown) provided on the left side surface portion 11c such as a protrusion ). The sticker take-out port 21 ejects a sticker sheet on which an edited image is printed, which is made up of a plurality of stickers of a predetermined number and size.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper part of the photographing space 3 is entirely covered with the ceiling member 41. The right side surface of the imaging space 3 is entirely covered with the right side member 42. Of the left side surface of the photographing space 3, from the background panel 6 to the front end position of the photographing table 2, that is, almost the rear half of the photographing space 3, is entirely covered by the left side member 43. Each of the members 41, 42, 43 is composed of a flexible sheet made of, for example, synthetic resin or the like, and partitions the photographing space 3 from the outside.

The front half of the left side of the photographing space 3 is covered with an openable curtain 44 extending downward from the left end of the ceiling member 41 by a predetermined length. That is, the user opens the curtain 44 and enters the shooting space 3, then closes the curtain 44, finishes shooting in the shooting space 3, and then opens the curtain 44 again to exit from the shooting space 3 and edit space. It will be moved to the front of the editing monitor 18 of 5.

In order to hold the ceiling member 41 made of a flexible sheet, a holding frame 51 is arranged above the photographing space 3 as shown in FIG. Holding frame 51
Has a pair of left and right side frame portions 52L and 52R extending in the front-rear direction. Left and right side frame parts 5
The front and rear ends of the 2L and 52R are connected to each other by the end connecting frame portions 53 and 54, and are also connected to each other by the central connecting frame portion 55 at a substantially middle portion in the front-rear direction of the imaging space 3. Each frame portion 52L, 52R, 53, 54, 55 uses a pipe material or an angle material of metal or synthetic resin,
It is composed of a member that is lightweight and has sufficient bending strength.

The front end of the holding frame 51 is
A pair of left and right support frames 56L, 56 extending in the vertical direction
Connected to the vicinity of the back surface portion 11b of the housing 11 via R,
It is supported. The rear end of the holding frame 51 is connected to the upper end of the background panel 6. Further, the holding frame 51 includes a pair of left and right central support frames 57L, 5L extending vertically in the vicinity of the central coupling frame portion 55.
It is supported via 7R. Central support frame 57
L and 57R are the shooting table 2 in the front-back direction of the shooting space 3.
It is located near the front end of the. The center support frames 57L and 57R are connected to the background panel 6 through a plurality of (two in the embodiment) reinforcing frames 58L and 58R extending in the front-rear direction at approximately the middle portion in the vertical direction.

The ceiling member 41 made of a flexible sheet is attached and fixed to the holding frame 51. That is, the inner surface 41a of the ceiling member 41 faces the photographing space 3 with a large area, but the central connecting frame portion 55 surely prevents the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction from hanging downward, and it is as possible as possible. It is designed to form a flat surface.

The ceiling member 41 constitutes a reflecting plate as described later, and its inner surface 41a is a reflecting surface. For this reason, the inner surface 41a as the reflecting surface is almost white, and is subjected to a matting treatment with fine irregularities. The almost white color improves the reflection efficiency, and the matte treatment allows diffused light to be diffused widely and uniformly without using a separate diffusion plate.

Above the housing 11, a pair of left and right upper reflectors 6 extending in the up-down direction so as to sandwich the photographing device 31 therebetween.
0 is provided. Each upper reflection plate 60 is formed of a thin plate of synthetic resin or the like, extends upward from the back surface portion 11b of the housing 11, and is curved so as to gradually move toward the shooting space 3 as it goes upward. That is,
The upper reflecting plate 60 extends so as to overhang the photographing space 3, and the upper end thereof is located in the vicinity of the ceiling member 41. A reflecting surface 60a of the upper reflecting plate 60 facing the photographing space 3 is almost white and has fine irregularities, and is matte-treated.

As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of left and right upper strobes 61 is built in the upper part of the housing 11 below the upper reflection plate 60. This upper strobe 61
Is operated in conjunction with the photographing device 31, and is located immediately in front of the lower end of the upper reflector 60. An opening 62 is formed in the housing 11 at a position between the upper reflecting plate 60 and the upper strobe 61, through which the irradiation light emitted by the upper strobe 61 passes.

The upper strobe 61 emits light obliquely forward and upward, that is, toward the upper reflector 60. The irradiation light emitted from the upper strobe 61 is reflected by the upper reflecting plate 60 and reflected light α (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
The reflected light α is directed toward the upper part of the subject H posing on the photographing table 2, particularly near the upper part of the face (to be directed near the upper part of the background panel 6). ). An irradiation region (irradiation pattern) on the upper reflection plate 60 by the upper strobe 61 is shown in FIG. 6, and its upper end position is indicated by reference sign α1 and its lower end position is indicated by reference sign α2.

Since the reflecting surface 60a of the upper reflecting plate 60 is almost white, the reflection efficiency is high. In addition, the reflective surface 6
Since 0a is matt-treated, the reflected light α is sufficiently diffused without using a separate diffusion plate. In FIG. 5, when the optical axis 31a of the photographing device 31 is extended in the horizontal direction, the optical axis 61a of the upper strobe 61 is on the reflecting surface 60a of the upper reflecting plate 60.
The height is set to be almost the same as or slightly higher than the optical axis 31a.

An opening 63 extending in the left-right direction is formed in the lower portion of the front portion 11a of the housing 11. A lower reflection plate 64 is provided in the housing 11 along the opening 63. Lower reflector 64
The reflecting surface 64a is set to face upward and backward (on the side of the imaging space 3) with an inclination of approximately 45 degrees.
This reflecting surface 64a is also almost white and has a matte treatment with fine irregularities.

In FIGS. 1 and 9, a lower strobe 65 that emits light downward is disposed in the housing 11 above the lower reflector 64. Lower strobe 6
Reference numeral 5 operates in conjunction with the image pickup device 31, and the irradiation light emitted from here is reflected by the reflecting surface 64a of the lower reflecting plate 64.
Is reflected to become reflected light β (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and this reflected light β is directed to the photographing space 3 through the opening 63 and slightly upward. As a result, the lower part of the imaging space 3 is illuminated by the reflected light β.

The irradiation width of the lower strobe 65 in the left-right direction is set so as to extend over substantially the entire length of the lower reflection plate 64 extending in the left-right direction as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. Due to the high reflection efficiency at the reflecting surface 64a and the diffusing action of the reflected light β due to the matte treatment, the lower portion of the photographing space 3 is illuminated substantially uniformly over the entire length in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of left and right lateral strobes 66 are provided at a high position in the photographing space 3 and at a substantially intermediate position in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the lateral strobe 66 emits light toward the inner surface 41a of the ceiling member 41 described above as a reflecting surface.
As shown in FIG. 7, the irradiation direction is directed upward and inward in the left-right direction.

The irradiation light emitted from the side strobe 66 is
The reflected light γ is reflected by the inner surface 41 of the ceiling member 41 (FIG. 1,
(See FIG. 2), and the reflected light γ causes the shooting space 3
Is almost entirely irradiated from above. In particular, since the inner surface 41a is almost white, the reflection efficiency is high, and since the inner surface 41a is subjected to the erasing process, the reflected light γ is sufficiently diffused, and the photographing space 3 is almost uniform from above over a wide range. Is irradiated.

The lateral strobe 66 directly connects the lateral members 42,
Although it is possible to mount the plate-shaped mounting bracket 67 on the holding frame 51 and the central support frame 57 as shown in FIG.
It is preferable for ensuring a firm attachment. Specifically, a holding case 68 made of synthetic resin or the like is fixed to the mounting bracket 67, and the lateral strobe 66 is housed in the holding case 68. Of course, an opening 68a through which the irradiation light from the lateral strobe 66 passes is formed on the upper surface of the holding case 68.

Next, the movement of the user who uses the apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, at the time of shooting, the user enters the shooting space 3 between the housing 11 and the background panel 6 and uses the shooting table 2 to take various poses and shoot.

When the shooting in the shooting space 3 is completed, a guide screen for the editing space 5 is displayed on the shooting monitor 14, and the user follows the guidance and exits from the shooting space 3 to edit the editing space 5. Enter the. Then, after editing the image to be edited using the edit input monitor 18, the user receives the sticker sheet discharged from the sticker take-out port 21.

As described above, by providing the shooting space 3 and the editing space 5 at different positions, when there is a user waiting next time, that user has been shooting in the shooting space until then. It is possible to enter the shooting space in place of the user and start shooting. Therefore, the waiting time for shooting can be shortened, and at the same time, the editing time can be set longer. As a result, from the side of the administrator who manages the image printing apparatus 1, the turnover rate of the user is improved, and the profit rate is improved.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 9 and FIG.
1 is equipped with a printer 89 that prints an image after being edited using the edit input monitor 18. The printer 89 is arranged near the left side surface portion 11c of the housing 11, and the seal sheet 2 printed by the printer 89 is supplied to the left side surface portion 11c.
1 is formed. That is, in the printer 89, a predetermined amount of roll-type seal sheets are stocked, and an edited image of a predetermined layout selected by the user is printed on the seal sheet in a predetermined area, cut and discharged. The printer 89 and the sticker take-out port 21 are connected to the printer 89 via a detachable discharge duct 46 (see FIG. 9).

A large opening 47 is formed in the lower part of the left side surface portion 11c of the housing 11, and this opening 47 is
It is adapted to be opened and closed by a lid member 48 (see FIG. 1).
See also 1). The lid member 48 has a key and can be opened and closed in a door form. When the lid member 48 is closed, the left side surface 1
It constitutes a part of 1c. The lid member 48 is fixed to the housing 11 with a screw or the like, and the opening 47 is opened or closed according to the attachment or detachment of the screw. obtain.

The above-mentioned seal take-out port 21 is formed in the lid member 48. In addition, the above-mentioned exhaust duct 46
Is normally fixed to the lid member 48 (the discharge duct 46 is not shown in FIG. 13), and is connected to the seal discharge port of the printer 89 when the lid member 48 is closed. By opening the lid member 48, the printer 89 is accessible from the outside through the large opening 47. Thereby, the lid member 4
8 is opened, and the seal sheet is replenished to the printer 89.

The printer 89 has a sensor (not shown) for detecting the amount of the seal sheet stocked. When the stocked seal sheets run out, or when the remaining number of sheets is less than or equal to a predetermined number, a predetermined signal is output from the pulley end 89 to the edit input monitor 18, and the edit input monitor 18 is displayed. Is displayed to the effect that it should be replenished.

When the administrator of the image printing apparatus 1 confirms that the edit input monitor 18 indicates that the seal sheet should be replenished, the lid member 48 is opened and the seal sheet is put on the printer 89. To replenish. The user can continue shooting in the shooting space 3 even while performing this supply operation.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of the image printing apparatus 1 of FIG. In FIG. 14,
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81 is a ROM (Read On
program stored in the memory 82 or from the program storage unit 84 to RAM (Random Access Mem).
The overall operation of the image printing apparatus 1 is controlled via the bus 90 according to the program loaded in the ory) 83. RAM
Further, the data and the like necessary for the CPU 81 to execute various processes are appropriately stored in 83.

The program storage unit 84 comprises a hard disk and its drive and stores various programs executed by the CPU 81. The drive 85 is a magnetic disk such as a floppy disk or a hard disk, or a CD-RO.
A program stored in a recording medium such as an optical disk such as M or DVD is read and supplied to the program storage unit 84 or the like via the bus 90. For example, the drive 85 supplies a new content image to be combined with the subject image.

Inside the photographing device 31, a CCD camera control unit 86 is arranged in addition to the CCD camera 32 and the captured image display unit 33 described above. CCD camera control unit 8
6 is the CCD camera 32 input by the user operating the operation panel 15 or the operation table 72 for the imaging stand.
The zoom ratio of the CCD camera 32, the amount of light (brightness) to be taken in, and the like are controlled in accordance with the adjustment request of. In addition, there is control for directing the elevation angle of the CCD camera 32 upward, control for directing it downward, and further control for rotating the CCD camera 32 clockwise or counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis. The control of the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation changes the direction of rotation when the rotation is stopped by the stopper.

The keep image storage unit 87 stores a predetermined number of images selected by the user as images to be edited. For example, the keep image storage unit 87 stores up to six keep images (editing target images).

The coin processing unit 88 counts the coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 21 and, when it is determined that a predetermined amount of money has been inserted as a price for creating an image, notifies the CPU 81 of it.

The audio output control unit 91 controls the speaker 13 for photographing guidance based on the control of the CPU 81, and various kinds of voice guidance for explaining the photographing method and the like, for example, shutter sound when capturing a still image. Output a sound effect. On the other hand, the voice output control unit 94 controls the editing guidance speaker 19 to output various types of voice guidance for explaining the editing method and the like, and sound effects generated when writing the image. In this way, different sounds are output to the photographing guidance speaker 13 and the editing guidance speaker 19 as needed.

The display processor 92 keeps the image storage section 8 when the photographing process is completed and the user starts editing.
The keep image transferred from the bus 7 via the bus 90 is stored in the built-in memory 92A. Then, when an edit input is made on the touch panel 93, the display processor 92 detects the input position on the edit target image, reflects it on the edit target image, and displays it on the edit input monitor 18. Although the edit input monitor 18 and the touch panel 93 are shown in different positions in FIG. 6,
Actually, they are arranged in a stack.

The strobes 61, 65, 66 are operated in conjunction with the photographing device 31, that is, they are emitted at the timing when the shutter of the photographing device 31 is released.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the edit input monitor 18 is provided on the back surface portion 11b of the housing 11. That is, the back side of the housing 11 is the editing space 5. Further, a lid member 48 (opening 47) for maintenance and inspection of the printer 89 is formed on the back surface 11b of the housing 11.

One side surface side of the housing 11 (in the embodiment, the right side surface 11d side of the housing 11) is set as a communication passage 50 that connects the photographing space 3 and the editing space 5.
The members indicated by broken lines in FIG. 14 are curtains 95, 96, 97 that are opened and closed by the user. The curtain 95 is for entrance to the shooting space 3, and the curtain 96 is for the editing space 5.
The curtain 97 serves as a partition between the shooting space 3 and the editing space 5.

Next, a specific example of the image pickup device 31 related to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, in FIG. 16 to FIG. 20, the imaging device 31 includes the housing 1
1 has a fixed casing 101 fixed to the upper part thereof.
The first casing 101 includes an intermediate casing 102.
However, it is rotatably held by the connecting pin 103 about the horizontal axis J1. A motor 104 as a second actuator is held in the intermediate casing 102, and its rotation axis is shown by reference numeral 104a.

CCD camera 32, captured image display section 3
3 are fixed to the holding casing 105, respectively. The holding casing 105 is used for the torque limiter 10.
The drive shaft 104 a of the motor 104 is connected via the drive shaft 6. The torque limiter 106 is shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 17, and its details are shown in FIG. This Figure 1
9, the first member 111 of the torque limiter 106 is fixed to the holding casing 105. The first member 111 is relatively rotatably fitted to the drive shaft 104a via a bearing 107.

The second member 112 of the torque limiter 106 is fixed to the tip of the drive shaft 104a by a pin 115. The third member 113 is provided between the second member 112 and the first member 111 in the axial direction of the drive shaft 104a.
And the 4th member 114 is interposed. Third member 11
The third and fourth members 114 are fitted to the drive bearing 104a so as to be rotatable relative to each other. And the second member 1
Between the 12 and the third member 113, the coil spring 1
16 is interposed, and the spring 116 causes the fourth member 114 to move through the third member 113 and the first member 111.
Being pressed against.

The axis of the drive shaft 104a is the vertical rotation axis J2. That is, when the drive shaft 104a of the actuator 104 is rotationally driven, the second torque limiter second
The member 112, the third member 113, and the fourth member 114 are rotated, and this rotation causes the first member 111 holding casing 105 to rotate.
Is transmitted to the holding casing 105, and the holding casing 105 is rotated about the vertical axis J2 as a whole. When a large relative torque of a predetermined value or more acts between the holding casing 105 and the drive shaft 104a of the motor 104, the fourth member 114 causes the third member to move to the third position.
Sliding with respect to at least one of the member 113 and the first member 111, it is possible to prevent torque exceeding a predetermined value from acting on the holding casing 105. In addition, in FIG. 17 and FIG.
Reference numeral 108 denotes a holding member that holds the drive shaft 104a in rotation.

In order to drive the holding casing 105 to rotate about the horizontal axis J1, the following drive mechanism is provided. First, as shown in FIG. 17, the intermediate casing 102 is formed with a plate-shaped extension portion 102a extending toward the fixed casing 101 side. This extension 10
2a has a guide hole 121 elongated in the longitudinal direction.
Are formed.

On the other hand, in the fixed casing 101, the screw rod 122 is extended in the vertical direction and is held so as to be rotatable and not displaceable in the axial direction, and the guide rod 123 is fixedly held in parallel with the screw rod 122. . Screw rod 12
2 is rotationally driven by a motor 124 as a first actuator fixed to the upper surface of the fixed casing 101.

A nut member 125 is screwed onto the screw rod 122. The first projection 125 a protruding from the nut member 125 is fitted to the guide rod 123, so that the nut member 125 cannot rotate around the screw rod 122. As a result, the nut member 125 is displaced in the vertical direction according to the forward and reverse rotations of the screw rod 122.

The nut member 125 is further provided with a second protrusion 125b. This second protrusion 125b
A slider 126, which is a bearing, is rotatably held in the intermediate casing 10.
It is slidably inserted into a guide hole 121 formed in the second extension 102a. As a result, when the nut member 125, that is, the slider 126 is displaced in the vertical direction, the intermediate casing 102 is rotated about the horizontal axis J1.

The fixed casing 101 includes a nut member 1
Three sensors S11, S12, S13 for detecting the height position of the first protrusion 125a of 25, that is, the rotational angle position of the intermediate casing 102 about the lateral axis J1 are provided.

The rotation of the intermediate casing 102 about the lateral axis J1 is, at the end, the CCD camera 32,
Holding casing 10 holding the captured image display portion 33
5 about the horizontal axis J1. The fixed casing 101 is provided with two stoppers 131 and 132 in order to prevent the holding casing 105 from rotating more than a predetermined amount around the horizontal axis J1 (FIG. 1).
6, FIG. 23, FIG. 24). The stopper 131 is in a state in which the holding casing 105, that is, the CCD camera 32 and the captured image display unit 33 face the front (in this state,
The optical axis of the CCD camera 32 is oriented horizontally. At this time, the stopper 131 holds the holding casing 1.
When 05 is abutted (see FIG. 16), the CCD camera 32 is restricted from going over the horizontal and facing upward. Also, C
When the CD camera 32 faces downward by approximately 30 degrees, the holding casing 105 is brought into contact with the stopper 132 (see FIG. 24), and the CCD camera 32 is restricted from further downward. It is preferable that the stoppers 131 and 132 be formed of an elastic member such as rubber in order to reduce the impact at the time of contact.

As described above, when the holding casing 105 is in contact with the stopper 131 and the CCD camera 32 is in the horizontal state of FIG. 16, the nut member 125 is in the position of FIG. 20, and at this time, the sensor S11 is used. By CCD
It is confirmed that the camera 32 is in the horizontal position. Also,
The holding casing 105 comes into contact with the stopper 132 and CC
When the D camera 32 is oriented downward by approximately 30 degrees, the nut member 125 is in the state shown in FIG. 25. At this time, the sensor S13 causes the CCD camera 32 to move approximately 3 times.
It is confirmed to be 0 degree downward. CCD camera 32
23 is in a downward direction of about 10 degrees, the nut member 125 (the first protruding portion 125a thereof) is at a position to detect the sensor S12, and the CCD camera 32 is set to a downward direction of about 10 degrees without fail. can do.

Next, the rotation of the holding casing 105 about the vertical axis J2 will be described. 22 and 2
7, as shown in FIG. 29, the intermediate casing 102 is provided with a detection piece 141 for detecting the rotational position around the longitudinal axis J2, while the holding casing 105 is provided with
Detection sensors S21 and S22 are provided. Further, in order to prevent the holding casing 105 from being excessively rotated about the vertical axis J2 by a predetermined amount or more, the holding casing 1
05 is provided with two stoppers 142 and 143.

As shown in FIGS. 21, 26 and 28, the optical axis of the CCD camera 32 provided in the holding casing 105 is offset from the vertical axis J2. More specifically, the vertical axis J2 is positioned between the CCD camera 32 and the captured image display unit 33. The image pickup frame of the CCD camera 32 (the outer frame shape of the image pickup for determining the image pickup range) is rectangular, and therefore the captured image display unit 33 is also rectangular.

FIG. 21 shows the holding casing 105, that is, C
The CD camera 32 is shown in the upright posture position. At this time, the CCD camera 32 is positioned above the lateral axis J1 and the captured image display unit 33 is positioned below.
The rectangular captured image display unit 33 has a horizontally long shape. Then, the CCD camera 32 and the captured image display unit 33 are arranged in a bilaterally symmetrical position with the vertical axis J2 as a boundary.

In the upright posture shown in FIG. 21, the detection piece 14
The relationship between 1 and the sensors S21 and S22, and the relationship between the stoppers 142 and 143 provided on the holding casing 105 and the intermediate casing 102 are as shown in FIG. Figure 21
From the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 26 shows a state of being rotated 90 degrees clockwise about
In this state, the CCD camera 32 is in the rightward posture position with the CCD camera 32 positioned to the right from FIG. In this rightward posture position, as shown in FIG.
Is detected by the sensor S21 to confirm that it is in the rightward posture position, and the stopper 142 contacts the intermediate casing 102 to prevent the holding casing 105 from rotating any further in the clockwise direction in FIG. It

From the state shown in FIG. 21, the holding casing 105
FIG. 28 shows a state in which is rotated 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction about the vertical axis J2, and the CCD camera 32 is in the leftward posture with the left side. In this leftward posture, as shown in FIG. 29, the detection piece 141 is moved to the sensor S22.
It is confirmed that the posture is to the left, and the stopper 143 contacts the intermediate casing 102 to prevent the holding casing 105 from rotating any further in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 28. The stopper 14
It is preferable that the members 2 and 143 are formed of an elastic member such as rubber in order to reduce the impact at the time of contact.

As described above, the holding casing 105, that is, the CCD camera 32 and the captured image display unit 33 can take three kinds of elevation angles with respect to the photographing space 3 by rotating about the horizontal axis J1. By rotating about the vertical axis J2, the posture of the imaging frame can be changed in three ways. By combining the setting of the total of three rotational positions about the horizontal axis J1 and the setting of the three rotational positions about the vertical axis J2, a total of nine rotational positions can be set. You will get it. Such setting of the turning position can be arbitrarily selected according to the preference of the user who is the subject (selection using the operation panel 15 or 72).

The intermediate casing 102 and the holding casing 105, which are movable casings, have a divided structure because the torque limiter 106 is provided. However, when the torque limiter 106 is not provided, they can be integrally formed. Further, a torque limiter may be provided between the motor 124 and the screw rod 122. further,
There may be two or four or more ways of changing the elevation angle obtained by the rotation about the horizontal axis J1. Similarly, the posture change about the vertical axis J2 may be performed in the right direction or in the upright posture. It is possible to have one of the leftward sideways postures in total of two ways, but it is also possible to have four or more ways, which is larger than the three ways shown in the embodiment.

Further, a photographing table monitor may be installed near the photographing table 2 to display the image photographed by the CCD camera 32 as described above. FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing another internal configuration example of the image printing apparatus 1 of FIG. In FIG. 30, the CPU 81 has a CCD camera 32.
The photographed image photographed by is displayed on the photographing monitor 14, and the photographed image is also displayed on the photographing stand monitor 201.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an example of the image printing apparatus 1 having the photographing table monitor 201. In FIG. 31, the shooting table monitor 201 is installed on the reinforcing frame 58R. The user who is located on the shooting table for shooting checks the shot image displayed on the shooting table monitor 201 and operates the shooting table operation panel 72 to determine whether or not to save the displayed shot image. Give instructions. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for the user to move from the shooting table to the vicinity of the housing after shooting and to give an instruction to save the shot image. That is, for example, the convenience is particularly improved when shooting is performed a plurality of times.

FIG. 32 is a lateral view of the photographing space near the photographing table. In FIG. 32, the reinforcing frame 58R
The display surface of the imaging stand monitor 201 installed in the display is oriented in the horizontal direction, and the user can check the captured image without facing the direction of the housing 11. This allows
For example, the user can see the photographed image while viewing the photographing table monitor 72 while taking a desired posture during photographing such as landscape.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of the back side of the display surface for displaying an image of the monitor 201 for the imaging stand. In FIG. 33, the shooting table monitor 201 is attached to the reinforcing frame 58R by a metal fixed stand 211. The fixed stand 211 is fixed to the reinforcing frame 58R with a screw or the like, and the photographing stand monitor 201 is fixed with a screw or the like. In addition, the fixed stand 211,
It has a tubular shape, and a cable for the photographing table monitor 201 is wired therein, and the photographing table monitor 201 is electrically connected to the housing 11. Furthermore, a groove is formed on the surface of the fixed stand 211, and the fixed stand 211 is deformable. That is, the user can orient the display surface of the imaging stand monitor 201 in a desired direction by bending, extending, twisting, or the like of the fixed stand 211.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing another arrangement example of each device in the photographing space. Note that, in FIG. 34, for convenience of description, a frame, a curtain, a background panel, and the like are omitted.

In the photographing space, there are arranged a photographing stage 2 composed of two stairs and an upper slope.
The user can take various poses and enjoy shooting by using the shooting table 2. In the vicinity of the image capturing base 2, an image capturing base operating panel 72 in which the same operation buttons as the operation panel 15 installed in the housing 11 are arranged is installed. In the same manner as the photographing monitor 14 installed in the housing 11, a photographing stand monitor 201 that displays a photographed image is installed.
That is, the user can take an image by operating the operation buttons of the imaging stand operation panel 72 while looking at the imaging stand monitor 201 without approaching the housing 11 (operation panel 24). In addition, the captured image is supplied to the image capturing table monitor 201 via the cable 221 under the floor by the CPU inside the housing 11, and various information input from the image capturing table operation panel 72 is stored under the cable under the floor. It is supplied to the CPU via 221. As a result, the photographing table monitor 20
The cables for electrically connecting the 1 and the operation table 72 for the imaging stand and the housing 11 can be put together into a cable 221.

The above-mentioned photographing table monitor 201 or the photographing table operation panel 72 is not limited to the above-mentioned position, and may be any place where the user can easily operate on the photographing table.

[0088]

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an appropriate photographed image according to the user's favorite pose as a subject.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an image printing apparatus to which the present invention has been applied.

2 is a partial cross-sectional top view of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a button.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a ceiling member and a holding frame that supports the ceiling member.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view showing the relationship between the upper reflector and the upper strobe.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an irradiation area of an upper strobe with respect to an upper reflector.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of an essential part showing a state of irradiation of a ceiling member by a lateral strobe.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a mounting example of a lateral strobe.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the image printing apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the image printing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the image printing apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the image printing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of relevant parts showing a state in which a lid member is opened for printer maintenance.

1. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image printing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a simplified plan view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a specific example of the image pickup apparatus, showing the most upright position.

17 is a partial cross-sectional top view of the imaging device shown in FIG.
It is a figure which abbreviate | omits a camera and a display part.

18 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the imaging device shown in FIG.
It is a figure which abbreviates the fixed casing side and is shown.

19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a torque limiter portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a simplified side view showing an example of a mechanism for rotating about a lateral axis.

FIG. 21 is a front view showing the holding casing when the camera is in the upright position.

FIG. 22 is a rear view showing the positional relationship between the holding casing and the intermediate casing when the camera is in the upright position.

FIG. 23 is a side view showing a state in which the camera is in a slightly downward posture from the horizontal position.

FIG. 24 is a side view showing a state in which the camera is oriented most downward.

FIG. 25 is a simplified side view corresponding to FIG. 20, with the camera in the most downward position.

FIG. 26 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 21, showing a state in which the camera is in the rightward posture.

FIG. 27 is a rear view corresponding to FIG. 22, showing a state where the camera is in the rightward posture.

28 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 21, showing a state in which the camera is in a leftward posture.

FIG. 29 is a rear view corresponding to FIG. 22, showing a state in which the camera is in the leftward posture.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing another example of the internal configuration of the image printing apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an example of an image printing apparatus having a monitor for an imaging stand.

[Fig. 32] Fig. 32 is a diagram of a shooting space in the vicinity of a shooting table as viewed laterally.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of the back side of the display surface for displaying an image on the monitor for an imaging table.

[Fig. 34] Fig. 34 is a diagram illustrating another arrangement example of each device in a shooting space.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image printing device 3 shooting space 5 Editing space 11 housing 14 Shooting monitor (display means) 21 Seal outlet 31 Imaging device 32 CCD camera 32 Image capture display section 46 Seal discharge duct 72 Operation panel for shooting table 89 Printer 101 Fixed casing 102 Intermediate casing 103 connecting pin 104 motor (for rotation around vertical axis) 105 holding casing 106 Torque limiter 122 screw rod 123 Guide rod 124 motor (for rotation around the horizontal axis) 125 nut member 102a extension member 121 Guide hole 125b Second protrusion 201 Monitor for shooting table 211 Fixed stand 221 cable

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yukio Arimoto             Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi Shioji-dori Horikawa Higashiiri Minamifudo-cho             801 OMRON Corporation (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Higashi             6 at 2-6 Kozukayama, Tarumi-ku, Kobe F-term (reference) 5C022 AA13 AB62 AB66 AC27 AC42                 5C054 AA05 CA04 CC02 CE16 CF01                       CG08 CH02 EA01 EA05 EA07                       EH07 FA02 GA04 GA05 GC03                       GD07 HA14

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A casing located in front of the photographing space, photographing means for photographing a subject in the photographing space, and an image photographed by the photographing means are displayed and a display surface faces the photographing space. In the image printing apparatus provided with the first display unit set as described above, the elevation angle with respect to the photographing space is changed by rotating the camera constituting the photographing unit about a predetermined lateral axis. An image printing apparatus, characterized in that the photographing frame is capable of changing between at least an upright posture and a horizontal posture by being rotated about a predetermined vertical axis. 2. A fixed casing fixed to the casing is provided with a movable casing which is rotatable about the lateral axis, and a first actuator which rotationally drives the movable casing is provided. The image according to claim 1, wherein the movable casing holds the camera rotatably about the vertical axis and a second actuator for rotatably driving the camera. Printing device. 3. A stopper for abutting against the movable casing at each rotation stroke end to restrict the further rotation of the movable casing when the movable casing is rotated about the lateral axis. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image printing apparatus is provided. 4. A stopper that contacts the movable casing and restricts further rotation of the movable casing when the movable casing is in the rightward posture and the leftward posture. The image printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a torque limiter is provided between the camera and the second actuator. 5. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical axis of the camera and the vertical axis line are offset from each other. 6. The second display means for displaying the image captured by the image capturing means, the second display means being installed at a position different from that of the first display means in the image capturing space. 6. The image printing apparatus according to any one of 5 to 5. 7. The image printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second display unit is installed in the vicinity of a photographing table used by the subject at the time of photographing by the photographing unit. 8. The image printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second display unit is installed so that a direction of a display surface for displaying the image is variable.