JP2004309742A - Automatic photograph preparation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic photograph preparation device capable of effectively preventing a shadow generated on a subject with a light radiated from an illumination device or the like at the time of photographing. <P>SOLUTION: A half mirror 31 is arranged in the surface part of a liquid crystal touch panel 20 which is a display part for displaying images to be used for a user to perform the edition work of photographed images, shutter operation, printing instructions or the like. At the time of operation other than photographing, images formed by a liquid crystal panel 34 are displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20. Since a flash is generated from a flash 11, the user side is made brighter than the back light side. A flash from the flash 11 or light from the illumination device is reflected on the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20. A user's face is irradiated with the reflected light from the lower side. Consequently, a shadow generated in the user's face is removed and a fine photographed image can be obtained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automatic photograph creation device that photographs a user with a camera and outputs a composite image generated based on the photographed image as a photograph.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an amusement photo creator that captures a user with a camera and outputs the captured image as a photograph. Such an amusement photo creator includes a lighting device that is constantly turned on, such as a fluorescent lamp and an incandescent lamp, and a flash that emits a flash at the moment of shooting in order to obtain a good shot image. These lighting devices and flashes directly irradiate light to a subject. However, shadows tend to occur on a subject depending on the position of the subject, and in particular, a captured image that satisfies the user may not be obtained due to shadows occurring on the face of the subject.
[0003]
In general photography, a plate-like reflector called a reflex board is provided around a subject, and a shadow generated on the subject by light reflected from the reflector is eliminated. In a conventional amusement photo creator, the reflectivity of light is increased by whitening the housing of the main body. In particular, by whitening a portion around the operation unit operated by the user, the reflected light irradiates the subject from below, thereby reducing the influence of the shadow generated on the subject.
[0004]
The apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-85645 is provided with a movable reflex plate. According to this device, the user can adjust the position of the reflector while checking the effect of the reflected light on the monitor screen.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2003-85645 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional method of whitening the housing of the apparatus main body, the effect of the reflected light is not sufficient. Further, in the device disclosed in JP-A-2003-85645, since the user needs to perform an operation for adjusting the reflex board, when the reflex board is adjusted so that a good captured image can be obtained. Not necessarily.
[0007]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo-creating device capable of effectively preventing a shadow generated on a subject by light emitted from a lighting device or the like during photographing.
[0008]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
According to a first aspect, there is provided an automatic camera including: an imaging unit configured to image a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging region; an illumination unit configured to illuminate the user; and a display unit including a display screen directed to the user. A photo creator,
The display means includes a plate-like member that functions as both a reflection plate and a transparent plate and covers the display screen.
[0009]
According to the first aspect, the light emitted from the illumination unit is reflected on the surface of the display unit during photographing. Then, the reflected light illuminates the subject, and eliminates the shadow occurring on the subject. As a result, a high-quality captured image free from the influence of shadows is provided.
[0010]
In a second aspect, in the first aspect,
The lighting means is arranged above the display means,
The display means is arranged below the photographing means so as to face upward.
[0011]
According to the second aspect, the light emitted from the illumination unit is reflected on the surface of the display unit during photographing. Then, the reflected light irradiates above the display means. On the other hand, the face (subject) of the user is located above the display means during face-up shooting. For this reason, the reflected light irradiates the subject from below, and eliminates the shadow occurring on the subject. As a result, a high quality captured image in which the influence of the shadow is effectively eliminated is provided.
[0012]
The third invention is the first invention and the second invention,
The display means includes an operation screen for the user.
[0013]
According to the third aspect, when the user performs an operation on an operation screen realized as, for example, a touch panel, the user's face (subject) is located above the display means, and Is effectively irradiated with reflected light. As a result, a high quality captured image in which the influence of the shadow is effectively eliminated is provided. Further, there is no need to provide an operation screen separately from the display means, and an effect of saving space can be obtained.
[0014]
In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects,
A backlight for irradiating the display screen with light from the back side,
The plate-shaped member is a half mirror.
[0015]
According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect,
The backlight device further comprises a unit for switching between turning on and off the backlight.
[0016]
According to the fifth aspect, when the backlight is on, the light emitted from the backlight irradiates from the surface of the display means. When the backlight is off, the light on the surface of the display means is applied. The user is perceived as reflecting light. Thus, when the backlight is turned off, the screen of the display means has a function as a mirror.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects,
The display means displays the display screen in black according to a predetermined operation.
[0018]
According to the sixth aspect, when the display screen is displayed in black, the user recognizes that light is reflected on the surface of the display means. Thus, when the display screen is displayed in black, the screen of the display means has a function as a mirror.
[0019]
A seventh aspect of the present invention is directed to an automatic apparatus including: an imaging unit that images a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging region; an illumination unit that illuminates the user; and a display unit that includes a display screen directed to the user. An automatic photo creation method in a photo creation device,
An illumination step of irradiating the user with light by the illumination means,
A photographing step of photographing the user irradiated with light in the lighting step by the imaging means,
The display unit includes a plate-shaped member that functions as a reflection plate and also functions as a transparent plate and covers the display screen.
In the lighting step, the user is irradiated with direct light emitted from the lighting means and indirect light emitted from the lighting means and reflected by the plate-shaped member.
[0020]
An eighth invention is a print medium, characterized by being printed as a photograph by the automatic photograph creation method according to the seventh invention.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<1 First embodiment>
<1.1 Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body portion 4 of the game photo creation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The main body 4 of the game photographing device includes a camera 10 as an imaging unit for photographing a user, a flash 11 disposed at an appropriate position above the camera 10 and emitting flash light, and a left and right side of the camera 10. Illuminating devices 201L and 201R such as fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps which are arranged at positions and are always lit, a liquid crystal display which is arranged below the camera 10 and provides an operation screen, and a transparent for operation position detection which covers the operation screen A liquid crystal touch panel 20 made of a sheet and a touch pen 21 used for operating the liquid crystal touch panel 20 are provided. The camera 10 shoots a user as a subject and outputs an image signal representing the shot image. Typically, a digital camera that generates a digital image signal using a CCD (charge coupled device) is used. The flash 11 emits a flash at the time of shooting and irradiates the subject with bright light in order to obtain a good shot image. The liquid crystal touch panel 20 is arranged with the operation surface of the user facing upward, and functions as a display unit. By operating the liquid crystal touch panel 20 with the touch pen 21, the user can perform editing of a captured image, selection of a background image, instructions for printing, and the like.
[0022]
The main body unit 4 includes a main control device and an I / O control device that are configured mainly by a computer and perform image processing such as control of each unit and image synthesis, a captured image obtained by the camera 10, or a composite image including the captured image. A printer or the like that outputs the image as a photo sticker (or photo card) is built in. Further, the main body 4 is provided with a coin insertion slot (not shown) on the lower front side, and a photo sticker outlet (not shown) on the side.
[0023]
<1.2 Configuration of LCD touch panel>
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a conventional liquid crystal touch panel 20. The liquid crystal touch panel 20 includes a tempered glass 36, a position sensor 32, a liquid crystal panel 34, and a backlight 35. These are arranged in the order of the tempered glass 36, the position sensor 32, the liquid crystal panel 34, and the backlight 35 from the surface of the main body 4 toward the inside. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 according to the present embodiment. In the conventional liquid crystal touch panel 20, the tempered glass 36 is used for the surface portion. In the present embodiment, the half mirror 31 is used instead of the tempered glass 36. Other portions of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the related art, and the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, as an example, a description will be given assuming that a liquid crystal touch panel 20 using an electromagnetic induction method is used. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an instruction on the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 by the touch pen 21 in this method. The touch pen 21 attached to the liquid crystal touch panel 20 has a built-in resonance circuit including a coil and a capacitor. As shown in FIG. 3, the position sensor 32 has a plurality of loop coils arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Then, while sequentially selecting and radiating a radio wave from the loop coil, the coordinate value of the designated position is obtained by receiving the radio wave radiated from the resonance circuit provided in the touch pen 21, and based on the coordinate value, User operation is identified.
[0025]
Next, general properties of the half mirror 31 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of properties of the half mirror 31. The half mirror 31 has a property of reflecting half (50%) of the light projected on the half mirror 31 and transmitting the other half (50%) of the light. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when one is bright and the other is dark via the half mirror 31, half of the light emitted from the bright side toward the half mirror 31 passes through the half mirror 31, The other half is reflected by the half mirror 31. In such a case, when the half mirror 31 is viewed from the bright side, an image on the bright side is projected on the half mirror 31. On the other hand, when the half mirror 31 is viewed from the dark side, an image on the bright side is projected by light transmitted through the half mirror.
[0026]
When the half mirror 31 is used on the surface portion of the liquid crystal touch panel 20, the following phenomena are observed based on the above-described properties of the half mirror 31. Hereinafter, the side where the user is located is referred to as “user side” and the opposite side is referred to as “backlight side” with reference to the surface portion of the liquid crystal touch panel 20.
[0027]
Since the backlight side is brighter than the user side except during photographing, an image formed on the liquid crystal panel 34 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 by the light emitted from the backlight 35. On the other hand, at the time of shooting, a flash is emitted by the flash 11, so that the user side is brighter than the backlight side. Therefore, light from the flash 11 is reflected on the surface of the half mirror 31, and the reflected light irradiates the user from below.
[0028]
<1.3 Functional configuration>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment as viewed from a functional aspect. This game photo creation device functionally includes an imaging unit 52, a display unit 62, an output unit 64, an illumination unit 70, an I / O control unit 72, and a main control unit 80. .
[0029]
In this configuration, the imaging unit 52 corresponds to the camera 10 configured using an imaging device such as a CCD, and captures an image in real time and outputs an image signal representing the image. This image signal is input to the main control unit 80 and stored in an internal memory.
[0030]
The display unit 62 corresponds to the liquid crystal touch panel 20, displays an operation screen for the user, receives operations by the user such as a shutter operation and a print output operation, and a signal indicating these operations is used as an operation signal. It is input to the main control unit 80. Now, assuming that the shutter button is pressed for photographing by the user, a flash is emitted from the flash 11 in the photographing direction of the camera 10 after a predetermined time of about several seconds has elapsed based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. An image signal output from the imaging unit 52 as a signal representing a captured image of the user is input to the main control unit 80, and a print image is stored in a memory or a hard disk device as an auxiliary storage device in the main control unit 80. Stored as data. The output unit 64 corresponds to a printer built in the main unit 4, and outputs an image represented by the print image data as a photo sticker (or photo card) based on an instruction from the main control unit 80.
[0031]
The illuminating unit 70 corresponds to the illuminating devices 201L and 201R and the flash 11 in the main unit 4, and the I / O control unit 72 controls on / off and dimming based on an instruction from the main control unit 80.
[0032]
The I / O control unit 72 corresponds to an I / O control device built in the main body unit 4, controls the illumination unit 70 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80, and controls the illumination unit 70 from a coin detection unit (not shown). Are transferred to the main control unit 80.
[0033]
The main control unit 80 is built in the main unit 4 and corresponds to a main control device mainly including a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a timer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and is stored in an internal memory. Each unit is controlled by the CPU executing the predetermined program. Further, a composite image for printing is generated based on the editing process of the captured image by the user. The composite image for printing is output from the output unit as a photo sticker or the like.
[0034]
In addition to the above components, a coin detection unit (not shown) for detecting a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot of the main unit 4 is further provided in the main unit 4. Based on the detection results of the units, each unit is controlled to allow the user to play by the present game photo creator, such as photographing for a predetermined time or generating a composite image by drawing the photographed image. The control operation by the main control unit 80 based on the coin detection unit and the detection result is the same as that of the conventional amusement photo creator and is well known, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0035]
<1.4 Action>
Next, a flow of a user's play progress in the game photograph creation device will be described, and an operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0036]
When the game photograph creation device is not used, a demonstration image is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 of the game photograph creation device. When a user inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot, play is started. At this time, since the backlight side is brighter than the user side, the user recognizes that the image formed on the liquid crystal panel 34 is projected on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 by the backlight 35. That is, on the liquid crystal touch panel 20, an operation screen for a user that receives a shutter operation or print output is displayed, and the user can read the operation screen.
[0037]
When the user selects an area representing a shutter button on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 with the touch pen 21, shooting is started. Here, the user brings the face close to the camera 10 when performing face-up shooting. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the present photograph creation device and a user during face-up shooting. As shown in FIG. 6, the face of the user is often located above the liquid crystal touch panel 20.
[0038]
At the time of shooting, a flash is emitted by the flash 11. Since the flash light from the flash 11 is brighter than the light emitted from the backlight 35, at the time of shooting, the user side is brighter than the backlight side. Then, strong light on the user side, such as flash light from the flash 11 or light from the lighting devices 201L and 201R, is reflected on the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20, and the reflected light irradiates the user's face (subject) from below. .
[0039]
Thereafter, the user performs editing work or the like based on the photographed image, outputs a photo sticker or the like by printout, and ends the play. It should be noted that a user's editing work of a captured image and the like are not related to the present invention, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0040]
<1.5 Effect>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the flash light from the flash 11 and the light from the lighting devices 201L and 201R are reflected on the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20. Then, when the user performs face-up shooting, the face (subject) of the user is located above the liquid crystal touch panel 20. Therefore, the light reflected on the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 irradiates the user's face from below. Thereby, the shadow that has occurred on the user's face is eliminated, and a good captured image can be obtained.
[0041]
<2 Second Embodiment>
Next, a description will be given of an amusement photo creator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the half mirror has a property of reflecting half of the light emitted from the bright side. For this reason, when the backlight 35 of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 is turned off, the image formed by the liquid crystal panel 34 becomes invisible on the liquid crystal touch panel 20, and an image of the user is displayed. That is, the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as a mirror. Therefore, based on this property, the liquid crystal touch panel 20 according to the present embodiment has a function as a mirror.
[0042]
<2.1 Configuration>
In this game photographing apparatus, the backlight 35 of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 can be switched on and off. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 according to the present embodiment. On the screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 20, a selection area (hereinafter, referred to as a "mirror button") for turning off the backlight 35 is displayed. When the user operates the mirror button, the control unit operates as described later, and the liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as a mirror.
[0043]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment, as viewed from a functional aspect. In the present embodiment, a backlight switch unit 40 is provided in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. The other functional components in the present embodiment are almost the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted ( 1 and 2).
[0044]
<2.2 Operation of control unit>
Next, the operation of the control unit 80 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 80 when the user operates the liquid crystal touch panel 20 with the touch pen 21.
[0045]
When the user operates the liquid crystal touch panel 20 with the touch pen 21, the control unit 80 determines whether the liquid crystal touch panel 20 is in a mirror state, that is, whether the backlight 35 is on or off (step S10). . If the result of determination is that the backlight 35 is off, the process proceeds to step S43, and if the backlight 35 is on, the process proceeds to step S20.
[0046]
When it is determined in step S10 that the backlight 35 is turned on, that is, when the liquid crystal touch panel 20 is not in a mirror state, a position on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 operated by the user with the touch pen 21 is obtained (step S10). S20). At this time, the position indicated by the touch pen 21 is transmitted to the control unit 80 by being detected by the position sensor 32.
[0047]
After acquiring the position specified by the touch pen 21, it is determined whether or not the position is included in the area representing the mirror button (step S30). As a result of the determination, if it is included in the area representing the mirror button, the process proceeds to step S42.
[0048]
When it is determined in step S30 that the area is not included in the area representing the mirror button, a conventional process is performed according to the position pointed by the touch pen 21 (step S41).
[0049]
When it is determined in step S30 that the backlight is included in the area representing the mirror button, the backlight switch unit 40 is instructed to turn off the backlight 35 (step S42). When the backlight switch unit 40 turns off the backlight 35, the image formed by the liquid crystal panel 34 disappears on the liquid crystal touch panel 20, and an image of the user is displayed. That is, the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as a mirror.
[0050]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that the backlight 35 is turned off, that is, when the liquid crystal touch panel 20 is in a mirror state, the backlight switch unit 40 is instructed to turn on the backlight 35 (step S43). . When the backlight switch unit 40 turns on the backlight 35, an image formed by the liquid crystal panel 34 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20, and the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as an operation unit.
[0051]
<2.3 Effects, etc.>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to switch between turning on and off the backlight 35 included in the liquid crystal touch panel 20 by a user's operation. Further, since the half mirror 31 is used on the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20, when the backlight 35 is turned off, it is assumed that light emitted from the user side is reflected on the surface of the liquid crystal touch panel 20. Is recognized by others. For this reason, the liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as a mirror, thereby enabling the user to make up makeup before photographing.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as a mirror by turning off the backlight 35, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid crystal touch panel 20 may function as a mirror by displaying the display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 in black in response to a user's instruction on the operation screen.
[0053]
<3 Modifications>
In each of the above embodiments, the surface portion of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 is provided with the half mirror 31 instead of the conventional tempered glass 36, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the half mirror 31, for example, a mirror that can greatly improve the reflectance by flowing a current may be used.
[0054]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the half mirror 31 may be provided between the tempered glass 36 and the position sensor 32. According to this configuration, as in the above embodiments, half of the light component of the light emitted from the bright side toward the half mirror 31 passes through the half mirror 31 and the other half is the half mirror 31 Reflected by Therefore, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.
[0055]
Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the liquid crystal touch panel 20 based on the electromagnetic induction method has been described as being used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the position sensor 32 shown in FIG. 2, the present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal touch panel 20 of a resistive film type having a resistive film.
[0056]
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, a transmissive liquid crystal display device is used as the liquid crystal touch panel 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. A reflective liquid crystal display device having a front light that irradiates light from inside the half mirror and outside the display screen may be used as the liquid crystal touch panel 20.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body of a game photograph creating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal touch panel according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an instruction on a surface of a liquid crystal touch panel by a touch pen in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating properties of a half mirror according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the game photo creation device according to the first embodiment viewed from a functional aspect.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a game photographing apparatus and a user during face-up shooting in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a liquid crystal touch panel according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a game picture creating apparatus according to a second embodiment as viewed from a functional aspect.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the control unit when the user operates the liquid crystal touch panel with the touch panel in the second embodiment. .
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal touch panel according to a modification of the first and second embodiments.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional liquid crystal touch panel.
[Explanation of symbols]
4 Body 10 Camera 11 Flash 20 Liquid crystal touch panel 21 Touch pen 31 Half mirror 32 Position sensor 34 Liquid crystal panel 35 Backlight 80 Main controller (main controller)
201L ... lighting device 201R ... lighting device

Claims (8)

An automatic photograph creation device, comprising: an imaging unit that images a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging region; an illumination unit that illuminates the user; and a display unit that includes a display screen directed to the user. ,
The automatic photographing apparatus, wherein the display means includes a plate-shaped member that functions as both a reflection plate and a transparent plate and covers the display screen. The lighting means is arranged above the display means,
2. The automatic photograph creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is disposed below the photographing unit so as to face upward. 3. The automatic photograph creation device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes an operation screen for the user. A backlight for irradiating the display screen with light from the back side,
4. The automatic photograph creation device according to claim 1, wherein the plate-shaped member is a half mirror. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a unit configured to switch on and off of the backlight. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display unit displays the display screen in black according to a predetermined operation. An automatic photographing apparatus for photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing area, an illuminating means for illuminating the user, and a display means including a display screen directed to the user; Method of creation,
An illumination step of irradiating the user with light by the illumination means;
A photographing step of photographing the user irradiated with light in the lighting step by the imaging means,
The display means includes a plate-shaped member that functions as a reflection plate and also functions as a transparent plate and covers the display screen,
In the illuminating step, the direct light emitted from the illuminating means and the indirect light emitted from the illuminating means and reflected by the plate-shaped member are irradiated to the user, How to make. A print medium printed as a photograph by the automatic photograph creation method according to claim 7.

Images