JP2005107187A - Automatic photograph taking system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an automatic photograph taking system automatically taking the souvenir photograph or the snapshot of a visitor and providing the taken picture to the visitor in recreational facilities such as a theme park or an amusement park, whose processing just before closing the recreational facilities is made more efficient. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic photograph taking system 1 is equipped with a plurality of photograph taking units 10 automatically taking the photograph of a user, a radio tag 20 possessed by the user and transmitting identification information for discriminating the user, a server 30 in which picture data obtained by the unit 10 is recorded, an ordering terminal 40 receiving an order to output desired picture data out of the picture data recorded in the server 30 from the user, and an output means 50 or the like outputting the picture data for which the order is received by the terminal 40. In the system 1, the terminal 40 is constituted so that the output finishing time of the picture data for which the order is received is estimated on the basis of the working circumstances of the output means 50 and displayed on a monitor when receiving the order from the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic photographing system, and more particularly, to an automatic photographing system that automatically takes a commemorative photo or snapshot of a visitor at an amusement facility such as a theme park or an amusement park and provides the photographed image to the visitor. Is.

  Conventionally, in entertainment facilities such as theme parks and amusement parks, a service has been provided in which customers are photographed in the attraction, and prints of the photographed images are sold after the attraction ends.

  In addition, the applicant of the present application has proposed an automatic photographing system as described in Patent Document 1 as a means for efficiently performing the above service.

  As an example of this automatic photographing system, the following forms are considered. First, a communication device in which user ID information (identification information) is stored is distributed to service users. After that, whenever a user with a communication device stops at each attraction or predetermined shooting spot in the entertainment facility, the user is automatically shot by a camera installed for each attraction or predetermined shooting spot, ID information is acquired from the communication device of the user who has taken the image, the user's ID information, image data obtained by shooting, and thumbnail image data generated based on this image data are transmitted to the server. The ID information, the image data, and the thumbnail image data are recorded in association with each other. When an order is received from an ordering terminal installed in an amusement facility, the server searches image data obtained by photographing the user based on the ID information, and prints the image data to provide to the user or record it. Recording and providing image data on a medium or the like.

Thus, when desired, the user can order an arbitrary image from a plurality of images taken in the entertainment facility using an order terminal installed in the entertainment facility. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a more convenient service.
JP 2001-177750 A

  By the way, in amusement facilities such as theme parks and amusement parks, there are nearly 100,000 visitors a day in many places, so it is expected that the number of users of the above services will be considerable. Most of the users visit the recreational facilities during the day and order images on the way back, so the order is concentrated from the evening to just before the park closes. There is a possibility that the service will be hindered, for example, it takes longer time than usual, or the above-mentioned processing cannot be delivered by the closing time, and the deliverable cannot be delivered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an automatic photographing system that automatically takes a commemorative photo or snapshot of a visitor at an amusement facility such as a theme park or an amusement park, and provides the photographed image to the visitor. The purpose is to improve the efficiency of processing just before closing in an amusement facility.

  An automatic photographing system according to the present invention automatically captures image data obtained by photographing in an automatic photographing system that automatically photographs a user and outputs image data obtained by photographing according to the user's order and provides the user with the image data. A recording server, an ordering terminal that accepts an order for outputting desired image data out of image data recorded on the server and connected to the server, and an image that is connected to the server and accepts an order by the ordering terminal Output means for outputting data, and the ordering terminal is estimated by the output end time estimating means for estimating the output end time of the image data for which the order has been received based on the operating status of the output means, and the output end time estimating means And a notification means for notifying the user of the output end time that has been output.

  Here, the output end time estimation means may query the server or the output means about the operating status of the output means, and may estimate and output the output end time based on the operating status, or the output end to the server or the output means. It is also possible to inquire about the time and output the output end time estimated by the server or the output means.

  In the automatic photographing system according to the present invention, the ordering terminal preferably inquires the user about the delivery form of the deliverable by the output means when the output end time estimated by the output end time estimation means exceeds a predetermined time. .

  Here, “inquire the user about the delivery form of the deliverable by the output means” refers to the user about the output form of the deliverable (print output, recording on a recording medium such as a CD-R, distribution via the Internet, etc.) Also, when delivery is not in time on the day of ordering, it means that the user is inquired about delivery methods such as whether to come to the store at a later date or to deliver by mail. As for the inquiry method, the inquiry content may be displayed on the monitor provided in the ordering terminal or inquired by voice.

  The automatic photographing system according to the present invention is an automatic photographing system that automatically photographs a user, outputs image data obtained by photographing according to the user's order, and provides the image to the user. A server that records image data, an ordering terminal that is connected to the server and accepts an order for outputting desired image data from the image data recorded on the server from a user, and is connected to the server and accepts an order from the ordering terminal Output end time estimating means for estimating an output end time of image data for which an order has been received in an ordering terminal based on the operating status of the output means in an automatic photographing system comprising output means for outputting the received image data And a notification means for notifying the user of the output end time estimated by the output end time estimation means. In particular, it is possible to notify the user in advance of when it is possible to deliver on the day, especially when it is possible to close it at a recreational facility. Since it is no longer possible to hand over, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the process just before closing.

  Further, when the output end time estimated by the output end time estimation means exceeds a predetermined time (for example, closing time at an entertainment facility), the order terminal is inquired of the delivery form of the deliverable by the output means to the user, and the predetermined time It is possible to reliably deliver the deliverable to the user by changing to an output form that can be output within, or by changing the delivery method to a store or mailing at a later date.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an automatic photographing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The automatic photographing system 1 includes a plurality of photographing units 10 that automatically photograph a subject (service user), a wireless tag 20 that is possessed by the user and that transmits identification information for identifying the user, and the photographing unit 10. The server 30 for recording the image data obtained by the above, the order terminal 40 for receiving an order for outputting desired image data among the image data recorded on the server 30 from the user, and the order terminal connected to the server 30 40 includes an output unit 50 that outputs image data for which an order has been accepted, and a communication path 60 that interconnects the photographing unit 10, the server 30, and the order terminal 40.

  As a specific example of the wireless tag 20, a long-distance RFID tag with a built-in battery and a communication distance of several meters or more can be considered. The wireless tag 20 is distributed to each user who uses a service using the automatic photographing system 1. Each wireless tag 20 stores a unique user ID. When the wireless tag 20 is distributed, the user name, address, and other user information necessary for the service are acquired from the user. In this case, the same group ID is given to the users of the same group, and the user ID, the group ID, and the user information are associated with each other and stored in the user ID database as shown in FIG. Since the wireless tag 20 only needs to transmit user ID information as identification information, communication can be simplified. Note that a group ID is assigned even when the user is not a group but alone.

  In addition, after group registration, it is possible that different groups (including singles) would like to shoot together. In such a case, different groups can be regarded as the same group and shot. Therefore, in the user ID database, in addition to the user ID, group ID, and user information, it is possible to store a group ID (related group ID) of a group to be further associated. The related group ID is set based on an instruction from the user.

  The photographing unit 10 includes a digital camera 12 that photographs a subject, a wireless tag 20 that the subject possesses, an antenna 13 that communicates with the wireless tag 20, and a digital camera 12 and a computer 11 connected to the antenna 13. It is comprised and is installed in several places in the theme park in which the automatic imaging | photography system 1 is provided.

  The computer 11 includes a communication control unit that communicates with the server 30 and the order terminal 40, a CPU / memory, and the like, and serves as a control unit that causes the camera to take a picture based on reception of identification information by the antenna 13. And a function as image data generation means for generating thumbnail image data based on image data obtained by photographing with the digital camera 12.

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which the photographing unit 10 is installed in a theme park. The digital camera 12 is installed at a position where a predetermined shooting spot in the theme park can be shot, and the antenna 13 is installed at a position where the wireless tag 20 existing within the shooting range of the digital camera 12 can be detected. ing.

  A unique location ID corresponding to the installation location is set for each of the photographing units 10. In addition, the image data obtained by photographing with the digital camera 12 is given a file name including a unique image ID and a symbol indicating that the data is image data. For example, if the image ID is A001 and the symbol indicating image data is G, a file name such as A001G is given. When the image data is obtained by photographing with the digital camera 12, the computer 11 generates thumbnail image data based on the image data. The thumbnail image data is given a file name consisting of the same image ID as the base image data and a symbol indicating that the thumbnail image data is the thumbnail image data. For example, if the image ID used as the base is A001 and the symbol indicating thumbnail image data is S, a file name such as A001S is given.

  The computer 11 uses the shooting date and time, the location ID, the user ID of the user who has taken the image, and the image ID of the image data obtained by the shooting as shooting information, and transmits the thumbnail image data and the image data to the server 30. To do. The transmitted shooting information is stored in a shooting information database as shown in FIG. 4 in the server 30, and thumbnail image data and image data are stored in an image database in the server 30.

  The server 30 includes a computer 11 of the photographing unit 10, an order terminal 40 installed at a plurality of locations in the theme park, a communication control unit that communicates with an output unit 50 that outputs an image, a user ID database, A storage unit for storing a photographing information database, an image database, and the like, and a CPU / memory for controlling them are provided.

  The order terminal 40 includes a communication control unit that communicates with the computer 11 and the server 30 of the photographing unit 10, a monitor that displays an order input screen, an operation unit that allows a user to perform an order operation, and the wireless tag 20 Output end time for estimating the output end time of image data that has received an order, based on the operating status of the output means 50, and an antenna for receiving identification information from the CPU and a CPU / memory for controlling them. It has a function as an estimation unit and a function as a notification unit that notifies the user of the output end time estimated by the output end time estimation unit.

  In the present embodiment, the output end time estimation means inquires of the server 30 about the operating status (number of output waiting cases) of the output means 50, and estimates and outputs the output end time based on this operating status. As a means, a monitor provided in the order terminal 40 is used.

  The output means 50 is composed of a printer for printing image data on paper and a recording device for recording image data on a recording medium. The output means 50 includes two types of print output and output to a recording medium such as a CD-R or a semiconductor memory. It corresponds to the output form.

  Next, processing by the automatic photographing system 1 will be described.

  First, the wireless tag 20 is distributed to each user of the group using the service. At this time, the user name, address, and other user information necessary for the service are obtained from each user, and the same group ID is assigned to the users of the same group, and the user ID, group ID, and user information are given. Are stored in the user ID database in the server 30.

  When a user having the wireless tag 20 enters an attraction provided with the photographing unit 10 and comes to a predetermined photographing spot, the antenna 13 receives identification information from the wireless tag 20 possessed by the user and also uses the digital camera 12. To photograph the user.

  The computer 11 generates thumbnail image data based on the image data obtained by photographing with the digital camera 12, and transmits the photographing information to the server 30 together with the thumbnail image data and the image data.

  Next, a flow of order reception processing by the order terminal 40 will be described.

  When the user who owns the wireless tag 20 accesses the order terminal 40 in the theme park, the order terminal 40 starts accepting an order, acquires the user ID from the wireless tag 20 held by the user, and acquires the acquired user ID information. Is transmitted to the server 30.

  Based on the user ID received from the ordering terminal, the server 30 searches for the group ID of the user who has accessed the ordering terminal, extracts the shooting information corresponding to the extracted group ID from the shooting information database, and performs this shooting. Based on the information, thumbnail image data showing a group of users who have accessed the order terminal is extracted from the image database, and shooting information and thumbnail image data are transmitted to the order terminal 40.

  The order terminal 40 receives the thumbnail image data together with the shooting information from the server 30, displays the thumbnail image data as a preview, causes the user to input the order number and delivery form of the image data, and sends the information to the server 30. Send to. The delivery form means a combination of an output form of either print output or output to a recording medium and a delivery method of delivery at a store or delivery by mail.

  When the server 30 receives the order information such as the order quantity of image data and the delivery form from the order terminal 40, the server 30 transmits the output waiting number information of each output form of the output means 50 to the order terminal 40.

  The order terminal 40 receives the output waiting number information of each output form from the server 30, estimates the output end time of the image data ordered for output from the user based on the output waiting number information, and displays it on the monitor as shown in FIG. A notification screen of the output end time as shown in (a) is displayed to prompt the user to confirm whether or not to place an order. When the user confirms the order, information indicating that and the order information are transmitted to the server 30.

  At this time, if the estimated output end time exceeds the closing time of the theme park, a notification screen of the output end time as shown in FIG. 5 (b) is displayed on the monitor, and the delivery is made to the user by the closing time. Notify you that you are not in time and ask if you want to change the delivery form or cancel the order. When the user chooses to change the delivery mode, a selection screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the monitor, and when it is in time for the closing time by changing to another output mode, the output mode The output end time is displayed and the output form is changed, or the delivery method is changed to delivery at the store or delivery by mail at a later date. When the user confirms the order, information indicating that and the order information are transmitted to the server 30.

  When the server 30 receives the order information and the information indicating that the order is confirmed from the order terminal 40, the server 30 outputs the image data to the output means 50 based on the received order information, and then ends the processing.

  As described above, by estimating the output end time of the image data ordered by the order terminal 40 and notifying the user, it can be delivered on the day at the closing time in the theme park, etc. Since it is possible to notify the user in advance whether delivery is possible, it is not possible to deliver the deliverables before the closing time, so it is not possible to deliver the deliverable, etc. it can.

  Further, when the output end time exceeds the closing time at the theme park, the order terminal 40 inquires the user about the delivery form of the deliverable and changes the output form so that it can be output within a predetermined time. By changing the delivery method to mail or the like, it is possible to reliably deliver the deliverable to the user.

Block diagram of the automatic photographing system of the first embodiment Explanatory drawing of the user ID database of the automatic photographing system The figure which shows the example of installation of the imaging | photography unit of the said automatic imaging | photography system Explanatory drawing of the photographing information database of the automatic photographing system The figure which shows the notification screen of the output end time in the order terminal of the said automatic imaging | photography system The figure which shows the selection screen of the delivery form in the order terminal of the said automatic imaging | photography system

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic imaging | photography system 10 Imaging | photography unit 11 Computer 12 Digital camera 13 Antenna 20 Wireless tag 30 Server 40 Order terminal 50 Output means 60 Communication path

Claims (2)

In an automatic photographing system for automatically photographing a user and outputting image data obtained by the photographing according to the user's order and providing the user with the image data,
A server for recording image data obtained by the shooting,
An ordering terminal connected to the server and receiving an order for outputting desired image data among the image data recorded in the server from the user;
An output means connected to the server and outputting the image data for which an order has been received by the order terminal;
The order terminal estimates the output end time of the image data received the order based on the operating status of the output means, and the output end time estimated by the output end time estimation means. An automatic photographing system comprising: notification means for notifying the user.   The order terminal, when the output end time estimated by the output end time estimation means exceeds a predetermined time, inquires the user about the delivery form of the deliverable by the output means. The automatic photographing system according to 1.

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