JP2003250082A - Photo composite system, image supply apparatus, and digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain diversified composite images much characterized in photos. <P>SOLUTION: The image subscriber apparatus 1 of this invention stores an image photographed at a prescribed point directed in a prescribed direction with it corresponded to position information indicative of a photographing point and direction information representative of a photographing direction. A digital camera 2 acquires the position information from the image subscriber apparatus 1, sequentially its own position by a GPS and informs a user about it when the camera 2 approaches a prescribed point. When a prescribed operation such as a half shutter or the like takes place at the location, the camera 2 acquires the direction information denoting a camera angle, transmits the information to the image subscriber apparatus 1 together with the position information denoting its own position and downloads the image corresponding to them. Then the camera 20 extracts a portrait part from the image photographed actually, composes it with the downloaded image and displays the resulting image on a monitor. When a shutter is depressed, the camera 2 records the composed image. Thus, the composed photo can be obtained, wherein only the background of a person actually photographed is revised. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photo composition system, an image supply device, and a digital camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a user standing in front of the main body of a device is photographed on the inside of a station or a tourist spot, and a photograph of the user's face or full body photograph is a frame image prepared in advance. A device for synthesizing and providing an image desired by the user is installed. Further, in such an apparatus, in addition to simply printing and providing a photograph (composite photograph) obtained by synthesizing frame images, depending on the model, there is one that outputs it as image data to a recording medium or the like.

[0003]

However, in the above apparatus, the user to be photographed needs to be in front of the body of the apparatus, the photographing place is fixed, and the frame image to be combined is a pattern. Since it is an illustration or illustration, the photos that can be provided (composite photos) are uniform, and the personality of the photos is unavoidable.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and provides a photographic composition system, an image supply device, and a digital camera capable of obtaining a variety of composite images having a strong character as a photograph. The purpose is to

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, according to the invention of claim 1, a digital camera for photographing an object using an image pickup device, and an image supply wirelessly connected to the digital camera. A digital camera comprising a device, wherein the digital camera obtains position information by means of position obtaining means for obtaining position information indicating its own position, direction obtaining means for obtaining direction information indicating camera angle, and the position obtaining means. A transmitting means for transmitting the position information thus obtained and the direction information obtained by the direction obtaining means to the image supply device, a receiving means for receiving a predetermined combining image from the image supply device, and an image of a photographed subject. Is provided with a synthesizing unit for synthesizing with the image for synthesis received by the receiving unit, and a storage unit for storing the synthesized image synthesized by the synthesizing unit. The image supply device stores a plurality of compositing images having a screen configuration obtained at a predetermined shooting point with a predetermined camera angle in association with position information indicating the shooting point and direction information indicating the camera angle. A combination image storage means, a reception means for receiving position information and direction information from the digital camera, and a combination image stored in the combination image storage means, the position being received by the reception means. It is provided with a transmission means for transmitting a composite image corresponding to the information and the direction information to the digital camera.

In such a photo synthesizing system, an image for synthesizing is provided with a screen structure in which images which are photographed by a digital camera at a predetermined place and have different photographing conditions such as a photographing position and a camera angle are obtained under the same conditions. The image is combined with the image and the combined image is stored in the digital camera.

Further, in the invention of claim 2, the digital camera stores a plurality of position information respectively corresponding to a plurality of combination images stored in the combination image storage means of the image supply device. Whether the self-position indicated by the position information storage means and the position information acquired by the position acquisition means coincides with any of the photographing points indicated by the plurality of position information stored in the position information storage means. A determination means for determining whether or not there is provided, and a notification means for notifying the user of that fact when the determination means determines that the self-position matches any one of the photographing points.

In such a configuration, when the digital camera moves to a place where the image supply device is provided with a composite image, that is, a shooting place where the composite image can be obtained, the determining means determines and the notifying means. The user is notified.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image supply device wirelessly connected to a digital camera for photographing an object using an image pickup device, wherein the image is obtained at a predetermined photographing position and a predetermined camera angle. Image storage means for storing a plurality of combination images each having a screen configuration corresponding to position information indicating the shooting location and direction information indicating the camera angle; and position information and direction information from the digital camera. And a composition image stored in the composition image storage unit, the composition image corresponding to the position information and the direction information received by the reception unit being transmitted to the digital camera. And a transmission means for performing the transmission.

In such an image supply device, by using it, the photo composition system according to claim 1 can be realized.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a digital camera for photographing an object using an image pickup device,
A position acquisition unit that acquires position information that indicates the self position, a direction acquisition unit that acquires direction information that indicates the camera angle, and an image of the photographed subject at the shooting location indicated by the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit. A synthesizing means for synthesizing with a synthesizing image having a screen configuration obtained by the camera angle indicated by the direction information obtained by the directional obtaining means, and a storing means for storing the synthesized image synthesized by the synthesizing means. I made it.

In such a digital camera, an image taken at a predetermined place and having different shooting conditions such as a shooting point and a camera angle is combined with a combining image having a screen configuration obtained under the same conditions, The combined image is stored.

Further, in the invention of claim 5, an image for composition having a screen configuration obtained by a predetermined camera angle at a predetermined photographing position is shown, and position information indicating the photographing position and the camera angle are shown. A transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the position information acquired by the position acquiring unit and the direction information acquired by the direction acquiring unit to an image supply device that stores a plurality of pieces of image information corresponding to the direction information, and the transmitting unit. A receiving unit that wirelessly receives a combining image corresponding to the transmitted position information and direction information from the image supply device, wherein the combining unit receives the image of the photographed subject by the transmitting and receiving unit. I decided to synthesize with.

In such a structure, by using it, the photo composition system according to claim 1 can be realized.

Further, in the invention of claim 6, the receiving means receives a plurality of combining images corresponding to the position information and the direction information transmitted by the transmitting means from the image supply device, and at the same time, the receiving means. Further comprising: selecting means for selecting a desired combining image from the plurality of combining images received by the means, wherein the combining means combines the captured image of the subject with the combining image selected by the selecting means. I decided to do it.

In such a structure, the user can select the image for composition to be combined with the image photographed by himself.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, a position information storage means for storing a plurality of position information respectively corresponding to a plurality of composition images stored in the composition image storage means of the image supply device. And whether or not the self-position indicated by the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit matches any of the photographing points indicated by the plurality of position information stored in the position information storage unit. The determining means and the notifying means for notifying the user of the fact that the own position coincides with any one of the photographing points are provided.

In such a configuration, when the image supply device moves to a place where a composite image is prepared at the time of use, that is, a photographing place where the composite image can be obtained, the judging means judges it and the notifying means informs the user. Be informed.

Further, in the invention of claim 8, the image for composition having a screen configuration obtained by a predetermined camera angle at a predetermined photographing position shows position information indicating the photographing position and the camera angle. Image information for synthesizing is stored in association with the direction information, and the synthesizing unit obtains the image of the photographed subject by the position information obtained by the position obtaining unit and the direction obtaining unit. The image is to be combined with the combination image stored in the combination image storage means in correspondence with the direction information.

In such a structure, images which are photographed at a predetermined place and have different photographing conditions such as a photographing point and a camera angle are combined with a combining image having a screen structure obtained under the same condition, and are combined. The operation of storing a later image can be performed independently.

In the ninth aspect of the invention, the composition image storage means stores a plurality of composition images corresponding to the same position information and direction information, while the composition image storage means is stored. A desired combination image from among the plurality of combination images stored in the plurality of combination images corresponding to the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit and the direction information acquired by the direction acquisition unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a selecting unit that selects an image, and the combining unit combines the captured image of the subject with the image for combining selected by the selecting unit.

In such a structure, the user can select the image for composition to be combined with the image taken by him / herself.

Further, in the invention of claim 10, the self-position indicated by the position information acquired by the position acquisition means is indicated by a plurality of position information stored in the compositing image storage means. A determination means for determining whether or not it matches any of the shooting points, and a notification means for notifying the user to that effect if the determination means determines that the own position matches any of the shooting points. I was prepared.

In such a structure, when the digital camera moves to the place where the image for composition is recorded in the image for image composition for composition, that is, the photographing position where the composite image can be obtained, it is judged by the judging means and the notification is given. The user is informed by means.

According to the invention of claim 11, there is further provided an extracting means for extracting a human part from an image actually photographed, and the synthesizing means uses the human part extracted by the extracting means for the synthesizing. It is supposed to be combined with the image.

With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a composite image in which the person portion of the photographed image is combined with the image for composition.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, the storage means stores the image of the subject photographed together with the composite image.

In such a structure, it is possible to obtain both the image actually photographed and the image after composition by one photographing operation.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photo composition system according to the present embodiment. This system is used for a photo composition service performed at a specific place such as a tourist spot or a theme park.
00 is connected to the telephone network 100 via a wireless base station 101 such as a PHS or a mobile phone, and one or a plurality of wireless data communication with the image supply server 1 is possible. It is composed of a digital camera 2. The image supply server 1 is managed by the operator of the above service. Also, the digital camera 2
It is rented to the user of the service, and the current location of the user can be acquired by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellites 102 (actually four or more).

Configuration of Image Supply Server FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image supply server 1. The image supply server 1 includes a control unit 11 that controls the entire apparatus, an input unit 12 including a keyboard and a mouse, a CRT and an LCD.
It has a display unit 13 and a communication unit 14 which are display devices such as. The communication unit 14 is a transmission unit and a reception unit of the present invention, and transmits and receives various data mainly with the digital camera 2 via the telephone network 100. The control unit 11 uses the CP
It is composed of a U, a working memory, and the like, and controls the above-mentioned units and performs various data transfer, calculation, temporary storage, and other processing. The input unit 12 and the display unit 13 are interfaces that are used when inputting and outputting various data to and from the image supply server 1. Also, the image supply server 1
Is a program data storage unit 1 that is configured by storage means such as a hard disk or a magneto-optical disk.
5. The image database for composition 16 is provided. The program data storage unit 15 stores a control program for causing the control unit 11 to execute a process necessary for the operation of the image supply server 1 described later.

The composition image database 16 constitutes the composition image storage means of the present invention, and as shown in FIG.
A point number 160a indicating a plurality of shooting points provided in advance in a plurality of locations within the target area of the photo composition service (a tourist spot, a theme park, etc.), and latitude that is position information indicating the position of each shooting point (registered point). It is composed of longitude data 160b, and a plurality of direction data 160c and image data 160d corresponding to them. Direction data 16
0c is direction information indicating a camera angle, and the shooting direction of the camera at the registration point indicated by the latitude / longitude data 160b is, for example, “east” or “north-northeast” in four directions, eight directions, and sixteen directions. It is the data shown. Also,
The image data 160d is data of an image for composition having a screen configuration obtained at the shooting direction, that is, the camera angle, indicated by the direction data 160c at the corresponding registration point. Examples of images for synthesis include past and future images created in advance by computer graphics, images actually taken under various weather conditions, times, seasons, and computer graphics in theme parks and the like. It is an image showing a costume (a person dressed as a character or the like) that has been composited or actually photographed by the user. Note that FIG. 3 shows the case where the number of the direction data 160c and the number of the image data 160d corresponding thereto are the same at each registration point, but the direction data 16 is different for each registration point.
0c and the number of image data 160d may be different,
Also, a plurality of image data 1 corresponding to the direction data 160c
60d may be stored.

Configuration of Digital Camera FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 2. The digital camera 2 includes a CCD 21 for converting an optical image of a photographed subject into an image pickup signal and a DSP / CP.
U22 and. The DSP / CPU 22 is a one-chip microcomputer that has a digital signal processing function and controls each unit of the digital camera 2. DSP / CPU
22 is a TG (Timing Generat) for driving the CCD 21.
or) 23 is connected to the TG 23, and an analog image signal output from the CCD 21 is input to the TG 23.
4 is connected. The unit circuit 24 includes a CDS that holds the input image pickup signal, a gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) that amplifies the image pickup signal, and an A / D converter (AD) that converts the amplified image pickup signal into a digital image pickup signal. The output signal of the CCD 21 is sent to the DSP / CPU 22 as a digital signal via the unit circuit 24.

The DSP / CPU 22 has a display device 25,
Key input unit 26, alarm unit 27, communication unit 28, GPS
A module 29 and a direction sensor 30 are connected, and a DRAM 32, via an address / data bus 31
Built-in flash memory 33, external flash memory 3
4, the I / O port 35 is connected. DRAM 32
Serves as a working memory of the DSP / CPU 22 while temporarily storing image data of a subject which is imaged and digitized by the CCD 21 when the photographing standby mode is set. The built-in flash memory 33 has a DS
The operation program of the P / CPU 22 and various data used for controlling each unit are stored. And DSP / CP
U22 functions as a synthesizing unit, a determining unit, and an extracting unit of the present invention by operating according to the operation program.

The external flash memory 34 is a recording medium (memory card or the like) detachably attached to the main body of the apparatus, which functions as the storage means of the present invention.
In 4, the image data of one frame (one screen), which is acquired in accordance with the photographing operation by pressing the shutter key and is compressed by the DSP / CPU 22 in the JPEG format or the like, is recorded. Furthermore, the external flash memory 34 functions as the position information storage means of the present invention, and the latitude / longitude data stored in the above-described image database for composition 16 of the image supply server 1 is used before using the digital camera 2. 160b is stored in advance. I / O port 35
Is an interface for inputting / outputting image data converted into a serial signal by the DSP / CPU 22, and image data (JPE) stored in the external flash memory 34.
It is used when outputting a G format image file) to an external device by connecting a cable.

The display device 25 includes a color LCD and a drive circuit thereof, displays image data of a subject imaged and digitized by the CCD 21 and a composite image to be described later when the photographing standby mode is set, and an external device when the reproduction mode is set. The image data read from the flash memory 34 and expanded is displayed. The key input unit 26 includes a shutter key, a plurality of operation keys, a power key, etc., and outputs a key input signal to the DSP / CPU 22 according to the operation of each key. The alarm unit 27 is a notification means of the present invention, and is a DSP / CPU.
A notification sound is generated as required by a command from 22.
The communication unit 28 is a transmission unit of the present invention having an antenna 36,
The image supply server 1 is a receiving means and will be described later.
Data communication processing between the image supply server 1 and the image supply server 1 and sends the data received from the image supply server 1 to the DSP / CPU 22. G
The PS module 29 is the position acquisition means of the present invention having the GPS antenna 37, and demodulates and decodes the L1 band C / A code (GPS data) from the satellite received from the GPS satellite 102 to obtain the latitude / position of the current position. The longitude is calculated, and the calculated latitude / longitude information is sent to the DSP / CPU 22. The azimuth sensor 30 is the direction acquisition means of the present invention,
Which direction (orientation) the lens of the camera body faces is measured, and the measurement result is sent to the DSP / CPU 22.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described by taking as an example the case of using it for a photo composition service in a specific tourist destination. Here, the contents of the photo composition service in the present embodiment are as follows when the digital camera 2 is lent to the user and collected.
The image recorded in the digital camera 2 is printed according to the user's request or is output as image data to a recording medium to be provided to the user.

First, the digital camera 2 is lent to the user of the photo composition service in a state in which the above-described latitude / longitude data 160b is stored in the external flash memory 34 in a registered position. The rented digital camera 2 starts the standby process shown in FIG. 5 when the power is turned on, and sequentially measures the position by the GPS module 29 (step SA1), and the measured self-position is indicated by the latitude / longitude data 160b. It is determined whether or not it is within a certain distance from the registration point (step SA2). Then, when the self-position reaches within a certain distance from the registered point (YES in step SA2), an alarm sound is generated from the alarm unit 27 to inform the user that the point is a point where the photo composition service can be implemented. (Step SA3). As a result, the user can surely know the place where the photo composition service can be received. Then, it is determined whether or not the photographing standby mode has been set by the user (step SA4), and if the photographing standby mode has not been set, the above processing is repeated, and in the meantime, use at any registration point (or in the vicinity thereof). When the person sets the photographing standby mode (YES in step SA4), the photographing process is executed (step SA5), and the process returns to step SA1.

In the photographing process, as shown in FIG.
The through image is displayed on the display device 25 (step SB
1) During that time, if the shutter key is half-pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) (step SB2
After that, the subject image is captured by the CCD 21 and temporarily stored in the DRAM 32 (step SB).
3), the orientation sensor 30 measures the orientation (shooting direction) of the camera body at that time (step SB).
4). Then, while accessing the image supply server 1, the measured data of the shooting direction and the latitude / longitude data of the self position measured at that time are transmitted (step SB5), and the images corresponding to those data are transmitted. The data is downloaded from the image supply server 1 and temporarily stored in the external flash memory 34 (step SB6).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an image supply process on the image supply server 1 side corresponding to the above operation of the digital camera. When the image supply server 1 is accessed by the digital camera 2 (YES in step SC1)
S) After receiving the transmitted latitude / longitude data and the data of the shooting direction (step SC2), the image data 160d corresponding to these data is searched in the composition image database 16 (step SC3) and searched. The plurality of image data 160d are read out and transmitted to the digital camera 2.

On the other hand, the digital camera 2 uses the image data 1
When the download of 60d is completed, the person portion is extracted from the image displayed as the through image by a known method such as image recognition processing (step SB7), and the image data of the person portion is combined with the image data downloaded in step SB6, Specifically, the image in which the human part is downloaded in the front is combined in the back (step SB8), and the combined image is displayed on the display device 25 (step SB).
9). Further, in that state, if there is a predetermined switching operation by the user (YES in step SB10), each time,
The image of the person portion extracted in step SB7 is combined with another downloaded image (step SB11), and the combined image is displayed on the display device 25 (step SB).
9).

Then, when the composite image desired by the user is displayed on the display device 25 and the shutter key is fully pressed in that state (step SB12), the composite image being displayed and stored in step SB3. Both the captured image and the captured image are recorded in the external flash memory 34 (step SB13). At that point, all the image data 160d downloaded from the image supply server 1 and recorded in the external flash memory 34 are erased, and the photographing process ends.

Thereafter, the digital camera 2 is collected by the provider of the photo composition service, and all the images recorded in the external flash memory 34 at that time are printed,
Alternatively, it is output to a recording medium as image data and provided to the user.

Here, the composite image provided to the user in the present embodiment is an image which is photographed by a digital camera at a preset registration point and has different photographing conditions such as a photographing point and a camera angle. , And is synthesized with a synthesis image having a screen configuration obtained under the same conditions. Therefore, by using the above-described photo composition system, it is possible to provide a variety of composite photos that have a strong character as a photo. Note that, in the present embodiment, only the case where a composite photograph in which only the background of the photographed person is changed has been described, but in addition to this, if the system described above is used, for example, in a theme park, etc. It is also possible to provide a composite picture in which a costume that did not exist at the time of shooting was composited, that is, a composite picture with the actually captured image as a background.

Further, the user who is moving can be surely informed of the registration point (the point where the image for composition is prepared) where the photo composition service can be received, and the user can make a composite picture. Since you can select the background image for composition by yourself, it is convenient. Regarding this point, it is possible to select multiple background compositing images, and when the shutter key is pressed all the way down, the selected compositing images and the human part image are composited, and those images are taken. You may make it record with an image or only the several image combined. Further, in the above-described shooting process, the process of allowing the user to select a composite image is eliminated, and when the shutter key is fully pressed, the image of the person portion is automatically combined with all the composite images received by the digital camera 2. The composited images may be combined with each other and all the combined images may be recorded in the external flash memory 34, and the user may select a desired combined image when the recorded combined image is finally provided to the user. Further, in the present embodiment, an image (photographed image) actually photographed by one photographing operation
Since it is possible to obtain both the image and the combined image, this is also convenient.

In this embodiment, the image supply server 1 and the digital camera 2 transmit and receive the latitude / longitude data and the image data via the wireless base station 101 and the telephone network 100. The configuration may be such that transmission / reception is performed directly.

Further, although the position of the registration point where the image for synthesis is prepared in the image supply server 1 is specified by the latitude / longitude, it is specified by the position information other than the latitude / longitude. May be. For example, a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the above-mentioned point number 160a within a specific range is installed at each registration point, and the digital camera 2 is provided with a receiving unit for receiving the point number 160a as position acquisition means of the present invention. Keep it. Then, the digital camera 2 may transmit the spot number 160a to the image supply server 1, and the image supply server 1 may transmit the image data 160d corresponding to the received spot number 160a to the digital camera 2. In that case, the position registration work of previously storing the latitude / longitude data 160b in the digital camera 2 is unnecessary. Further, if the digital camera 2 is caused to generate a notification sound at the time when the spot number 160a is received, the user can be surely notified of the spot where the photo composition service can be received, as in the present embodiment. You can Further, although the convenience for the user is reduced, a standing bill or the like indicating the spot number may be provided around the registered spot so that the user can manually input the spot number.

Further, in the present embodiment, the photographic composition system in which the digital camera 2 is mainly supplied with the image for composition from the image supply server 1 has been described, but for example, the external flash memory 34 of the digital camera 2 is used in the present invention. As the composition image storage means, the composition image database 16 shown in FIG. 3 is secured therein, and the image data 160d corresponding to the position information such as latitude / longitude at each registration point is read out and used in the above-mentioned photographing processing. You may do it. In that case, the digital camera 2 alone can provide the same photo composition service as in the present embodiment at a low cost.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the digital camera 2 is finally collected, the external flash memory 3
The system that prints the image recorded in 4 or outputs it to a recording medium and provides it to the user was explained.
Separately from this, the digital camera 2 is made to transfer the image (and the image actually taken) synthesized by the above-described procedure to the image supply server 1, and these are accumulated in the image supply server 1 so that the user needs In accordance with the above, it is possible to provide a system in which a synthesized image or the like is printed and purchased at a predetermined store equipped with a printing device accessible to the image supply server 1.

[0049]

As described above, in the photo composition system according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image taken by a digital camera at a predetermined place and having different shooting conditions such as a shooting point and a camera angle has the same conditions. The image for composition having the screen configuration obtained in step (3) is combined and the combined image is stored in the digital camera. Therefore,
It is possible to obtain a variety of composite photographs with a strong personality as photographs.

Further, in the photographic composition system according to the second aspect, when the digital camera moves to a place where an image for synthesizing is prepared, that is, a photographing place where the synthetic image can be obtained, the user is notified of it. did. Therefore, the user can be surely notified of the shooting location where the composite image can be obtained, and the usability is improved.

Further, in the image supply device according to the third aspect, by using the image supply device, the photographic composition system according to the first aspect can be realized.

Further, in the digital camera according to the present invention, an image for synthesizing is provided with a screen configuration in which images having different photographing conditions such as a photographing point and a camera angle photographed at a predetermined place are obtained under the same condition. Composite with the image,
The composited image is stored. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a variety of composite photographs with a strong personality as photographs.

Further, in the digital camera according to the fifth aspect, the use of the digital camera enables the photographic composition system according to the first aspect to be realized.

Further, in the digital camera of the sixth aspect, the user can select the image for composition to be combined with the image taken by the user.
Therefore, it is possible to obtain more diverse composite photographs.

Further, in the digital camera according to the seventh aspect, when the user moves to a place where the image for synthesis is prepared, that is, a shooting place where the synthesized image can be obtained at the time of use, the user is notified of it. Therefore, for the user,
Since the shooting location where the composite image can be acquired can be surely notified, usability is improved.

Further, in the digital camera according to the present invention, an image for synthesizing is provided with a screen configuration in which images having different photographing conditions such as a photographing position and a camera angle photographed at a predetermined place are obtained under the same condition. Composite with the image,
The operation of storing the combined image can be performed independently. Therefore, it is possible not only to obtain a variety of composite photographs having a strong personality as photographs, but also to realize them at low cost.

Further, in the digital camera of the ninth aspect, the user can select the image for composition to be combined with the image photographed by him / herself. Therefore,
It is possible to obtain more diverse composite photographs.

Further, in the digital camera of the tenth aspect, when the composite image moves to a photographing place where it can be acquired, the judgment means judges it and the notification means informs the user. Therefore, for the user,
Since the shooting location where the composite image can be acquired can be surely notified, usability is improved.

Further, in the digital camera of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to obtain a composite image in which the person portion of the image actually photographed is combined with the image for composition. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a composite photograph in which only the background of the person photographed by the user is changed.

Further, in the digital camera of the twelfth aspect, since it is possible to obtain both the image actually photographed and the image after composition by one photographing operation, the usability is also improved. To do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photo composition system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image supply server.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a synthesis image database.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation regarding a standby process in the digital camera.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation relating to a photographing process in a digital camera.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation relating to image supply processing in the image supply server.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image supply server 11 Control unit 14 Communications department 15 Program data storage 16 Image database for composition 2 digital camera 21 CCD 22 DSP / CPU 26 Key input section 27 alarms 28 Communications Department 29 GPS module 30 direction sensor 34 External flash memory 100 telephone network 101 wireless base station 102 GPS satellites 160a Point number 160b longitude data 160c direction data 160d image data

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/765 H04N 5/907 B 5C076 5/907 7/18 V 7/18 101: 00 // H04N 101 : 00 5/91 LF Term (reference) 5C022 AA13 AB62 AB65 AC01 AC13 AC69 CA00 5C052 AA12 AA17 AB03 AB04 DD04 GA02 GA08 GB01 GB09 GC00 GE06 5C053 FA09 GA11 GB06 GB12 GB36 HA21 JA21 KA03 KA24 LA01 LA14 5C054 CH05 CD03 CD03 CD03 CD03 CD03 EA07 EH01 FA01 FE12 FE16 FF02 FF03 GB02 GB14 HA14 5C062 AA01 AA25 AA37 AB17 AB38 AB42 AC02 AC22 AC24 AC34 AE01 AF00 BB03 5C076 AA02 AA14 BA04 BA06

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A photo composition system comprising a digital camera for photographing an object using an image pickup device and an image supply device wirelessly connected to the digital camera, wherein the digital camera is a position indicating its own position. The image supply device includes a position acquisition unit that acquires information, a direction acquisition unit that acquires direction information indicating a camera angle, the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit, and the direction information acquired by the direction acquisition unit. To the image supply device, a receiving means for receiving a predetermined combining image from the image supply device, a combining means for combining the captured image of the subject with the combining image received by the receiving means, and this combining means. Storage means for storing a composite image combined by the image supply device, wherein the image supply device sets a predetermined camera angle at a predetermined shooting position. A composite image storage unit that stores a plurality of composite images having a screen configuration obtained in association with position information indicating the shooting location and direction information indicating the camera angle, and position information from the digital camera. A receiving unit that receives direction information; and a combining image stored in the combining image storage unit, the combining image corresponding to the position information and the direction information received by the receiving unit. A photo compositing system, comprising: 2. The position information storage means for storing a plurality of position information respectively corresponding to a plurality of composition images stored in the composition image storage means of the image supply device; Determination means for determining whether or not the self-position indicated by the position information acquired by the means coincides with any of the photographing points indicated by the plurality of position information stored in the position information storage means, 2. The photo composition system according to claim 1, further comprising: an informing unit for informing the user of the fact that the determining unit determines that the self-position matches any one of the photographing points. 3. An image supply device wirelessly connected to a digital camera for photographing a subject using an image pickup device, wherein a composite image having a screen configuration obtained at a predetermined camera angle at a predetermined camera angle is displayed. A combination image storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of position information corresponding to the position information indicating the shooting point and the direction information indicating the camera angle; a reception unit that receives position information and direction information from the digital camera; An image for composition stored in the image storage means for composing, and a transmitting means for transmitting an image for composition corresponding to the position information and the direction information received by the receiving means to the digital camera. Image supply device. 4. A digital camera for photographing an object using an image pickup device, comprising: position acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating a self position; direction acquisition means for acquiring direction information indicating a camera angle; Combining an image of a subject with a compositing image having a screen configuration obtained by the camera angle indicated by the direction information acquired by the direction acquisition unit at the shooting point indicated by the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit A digital camera comprising: a means and a storage means for storing a composite image combined by the combining means. 5. A plurality of combining images having a screen configuration obtained at a predetermined shooting point with a predetermined camera angle are stored in association with position information indicating the shooting point and direction information indicating the camera angle. Corresponding to the transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the position information acquired by the position acquiring unit and the direction information acquired by the direction acquiring unit to the image supply device, and the position information and the direction information transmitted by the transmitting unit. Receiving means for wirelessly receiving the composition image from the image supply device, wherein the composition means combines the captured image of the subject with the composition image received by the transmission / reception means. 4. The digital camera described in 4. 6. The receiving unit receives a plurality of combining images corresponding to the position information and the direction information transmitted by the transmitting unit from the image supply device, and a plurality of combining images received by the receiving unit. Further comprising a selection means for selecting a desired image for composition from among the
6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the image of the photographed subject is combined with the combining image selected by the selecting unit. 7. A position information storage unit for storing a plurality of position information items respectively corresponding to a plurality of composition images stored in the composition image storage unit of the image supply device; and the position information acquisition unit. Judgment means for judging whether or not the self-position indicated by the position information coincides with any one of the photographing points indicated by the plurality of position information stored in the position information storage means, and the self-position by the judgment means. 7. The digital camera according to claim 5, further comprising: an informing unit for informing the user of the fact that the image coincides with any one of the photographing points. 8. An image for composition having a screen configuration obtained at a predetermined shooting point with a predetermined camera angle is stored in association with position information indicating the shooting point and direction information indicating the camera angle. And a synthesizing image corresponding to the position information acquired by the position acquiring means and the direction information acquired by the direction acquiring means. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the digital camera is combined with an image for combination stored in a storage unit. 9. The composition image storage means stores a plurality of composition images corresponding to the same position information and direction information, while the composition image storage means stores a plurality of composition images. It is further provided with a selection unit that selects a desired image for synthesis from a plurality of images for synthesis corresponding to the position information acquired by the position acquisition unit and the direction information acquired by the direction acquisition unit, 9. The digital camera according to claim 8, wherein the synthesizing unit synthesizes the captured image of the subject with the synthesizing image selected by the selecting unit. 10. Whether or not the self-position indicated by the position information acquired by said position acquisition means matches any one of the photographing points indicated by the plurality of position information stored in said composition image storage means. 9. A determination means for determining whether or not it is included, and a notification means for notifying a user of that fact when the determination means determines that the self-position matches any one of the photographing points. Or the digital camera described in 9. 11. An extraction means for extracting a human part from an image of a photographed subject, wherein the synthesizing means synthesizes the human part extracted by the extracting means with the synthesizing image. Any one of items 4 to 10
The digital camera according to item. 12. The digital camera according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit stores an image of a subject photographed together with the composite image.