JP2005229356A - Automatic photograph vending machine, control method for automatic photograph vending machine, and control program for automatic photograph vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic photograph vending machine which enables a user to input his or her desired image to a photographic image. <P>SOLUTION: A scribble plate pointing out an input position of a stamp image or the like is displayed over the photographic image being an editing object, in response to depression of a scribble plate button in an editing picture. The user inputs a desired stamp image or the like to the photographic image in accordance with the position pointed out in the plate, so that the stamp image or the like is inputted in a beautiful layout. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo vending machine, a control method for a photo vending machine, and a control program for a photo vending machine, and in particular, a photo vending machine capable of inputting an image desired by a user to a photographed image. The present invention relates to a control method for a photo vending machine and a control program for a photo vending machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many photo vending machines that take pictures and make sticker prints or the like have been installed in stores that provide games such as game centers. Such a photo vending machine generally captures a subject that is a user with a camera, displays the captured image on a tablet display or the like, and inputs characters and figures with the attached touch pen, so-called graffiti and drawing The one with the so-called editing function has become common. The edited and input image is combined with the captured image, and the combined image is printed by a printer and provided to the user.

  In addition, since the user expects a variety of finished images with individuality, there are a wide variety of figures (so-called stamps) and characters (so-called pens) that are input by drawing. There are known a stamp that displays a plurality of figures while changing them (a roller stamp), a pen that draws a line with a border on a line input with the pen (a border pen), and the like.

  As a photo vending machine characterized by editing, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a plurality of predetermined pattern images are arranged at predetermined intervals on a straight line or a curve having endpoints at the start and end positions of pen input. An image printing apparatus that controls to arrange and display is disclosed.

Patent Document 2 discloses an image editing apparatus that automatically arranges elements to be arranged and mainly creates a postcard.
JP 2003-141558 A Japanese Patent No. 2542965

  However, even if an editing image that is unique and likes the user is prepared, the atmosphere of the entire photograph may be impaired depending on the arrangement when inputting. Therefore, after the user arranges the editing image, the user sometimes does not like the arrangement and starts over. However, in photo vending machines, the editing time is often set to a predetermined time, so it may take time for such redoing, and it may not be possible to perform editing as desired. was there. In addition, users who are not so familiar with play often do not know how to arrange editing images, and there is a problem that editing time may end while worried.

  In addition, an image printing apparatus such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 can input a plurality of pattern images at a time, but arranging a good-looking pattern image taking into consideration the entire finished photo is not possible. There was a problem that I could not.

  Further, the image editing apparatus as disclosed in Patent Document 2 is not intended to arrange the editing image on the image with a good appearance.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and improves the operability when editing a captured image, and arranges the image for editing in an attractive manner with respect to the captured image, and is desired by the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a photo vending machine capable of inputting such an image, a control method for the photo vending machine, and a control program for the photo vending machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, a photo vending machine stores a plurality of acquisition means for acquiring a photographed image and arrangement information (pattern) for arranging an image for editing on the photographed image. The storage means, the captured image acquired by the acquisition means, and predetermined arrangement information of the plurality of arrangement information are displayed on the display means, and an editing image is input to the captured image based on the arrangement information. An image input means for combining, a combining means for combining the photographed image and the input editing image, and an output means for outputting the combined image obtained by combining by the combining means.

  Furthermore, the photo vending machine includes a selection unit that allows the user to select desired arrangement information from among a plurality of pieces of arrangement information, and the image input unit displays the arrangement information selected by the selection unit and the captured image. Is preferably displayed.

  Alternatively, the storage unit stores the arrangement information in association with the editing image, and the image input unit extracts the arrangement information corresponding to the input editing image from the plurality of arrangement information stored in the storage unit. It is preferable that the image input unit includes an extraction unit, and the display unit displays the arrangement information and the photographed image extracted by the extraction unit.

  The arrangement information is a pattern image including a portion indicating the input position of the editing image, and the image input means preferably displays the arrangement information, which is a pattern image, on the photographed image on the display means.

  Furthermore, it is more preferable that at least a part of the portion indicating the input position of the editing image transmits the lower captured image when it is superimposed on the captured image by the image input means.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for a photo vending machine is a control for controlling a photo vending machine including storage means for storing a plurality of arrangement information (patterns) for arranging an editing image on a captured image. In the method, the acquisition step of acquiring a captured image, the captured image acquired in the acquisition step, and predetermined arrangement information among a plurality of arrangement information stored in the storage unit are displayed on the display unit, Based on the arrangement information, an image input step for inputting an editing image to the captured image, a combining step for combining the captured image and the input editing image, and a combined image obtained by combining in the combining step are output. Output step.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a control program for a photo vending machine controls a photo vending machine including storage means for storing a plurality of arrangement information (patterns) for arranging an editing image on a photographed image. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a captured image; a captured image acquired in the acquisition step; and predetermined arrangement information among a plurality of arrangement information stored in a storage unit An image input step of displaying on the display means and inputting an editing image to the captured image based on the arrangement information, a combining step of combining the captured image and the input editing image, and a combining step And an output step of outputting the obtained composite image.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the appearance of a photo vending machine in the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the photo vending machine according to the present embodiment is configured by combining casing 1, editing casings 2a, 2b, background 5, panel, frame material, side curtain 40, and the like. . In the photo vending machine according to the present embodiment, by combining the above-described components, an image or text by a touch pen, which is called a drawing or graffiti, is used for a shooting space 3 in which a shooting operation is mainly performed and an image after shooting. A plurality of editing spaces 4a and 4b (representing these as editing spaces 4) for performing an editing operation such as the above are formed.

  The housing 1 includes various devices such as computer devices 101a and 101b, a printer 12, and a control unit 102 (board). Details of these will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Furthermore, a cable for inserting a cable into the housing 1 when performing communication with an external device such as a fan for releasing heat inside the housing 1, image distribution to an external device, remote maintenance, etc. It is preferable that a LAN (Local Area Network) cable insertion port is provided.

  The imaging space 3 is formed including one surface of the outer surface of the housing 1, a panel, and a frame material. In the shooting space 3, the user 6 mainly performs shooting operations. A function necessary for photographing operation is provided on one surface side of the housing 1, and this surface is referred to as a front surface of the housing 1 for convenience. Further, the side facing the front in the photographing space 3 is defined as the front, and the side facing the front opposite to the front is defined as the rear. Further, a surface (back surface) that is paired with the front surface of the housing 1 and is in contact with the outside of the photo vending machine is defined as the back surface of the housing 1.

  The side of the photo vending machine is open so that the user 6 can enter and exit the shooting space 3, but for the purpose of considering the privacy of the user or blocking external light, Around the periphery, a side curtain 40a (not shown) that separates the periphery and the imaging space 3 is provided. Details of the configuration of the imaging unit in the imaging space 3 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  A background portion 5 is provided behind the imaging space 3. The background unit 5 is provided with a plurality of roll screens 41 representing background images of various colors and patterns, and one of the roll screens 41 or a combination of the plurality of roll screens 41 is used to capture the subject at the time of shooting. A background portion is formed. These details will be described later with reference to FIG. The surface of the background unit 5 on the side of the photographing space 3 is the front surface of the background unit 5, and the surface (back surface) that is paired with the surface is a back surface of the background unit 5. To do.

  The editing space 4a is formed including the back surface of the housing 1, the frame material, and the editing housing 2a. In the editing space 4a, the user 6 mainly performs an editing operation that is an input of an image or text with a touch pen so-called drawing or graffiti on the image after shooting. A curtain 40b is provided around the editing space 4a in order to consider the privacy of the user. Details of the configuration of the editing unit 401a in the editing space 4a will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The editing space 4b is formed including the back surface of the background portion 5, the frame material, and the editing housing 2b. In the editing space 4b, as in the editing space 4a, the user 6 mainly performs editing operations. A curtain 40c is provided around the editing space 4b in order to consider the privacy of the user. Details of the configuration of the editing unit 401b in the editing space 4b will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When using such a photo vending machine, the user 6 who is the subject enters the shooting space 3 and performs a shooting operation in a direction opposite to the housing 1, that is, in front. Then, after photographing, the user enters the editing space 4a or the editing space 4b, and performs an operation of inputting, with the touch pen 14, a stamp image or text called so-called drawing or graffiti. Note that in which editing space the user 6 performs the editing operation is determined by the number of times the photo vending machine is used (n), that is, by what number the corresponding user 6 group has used. Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Furthermore, in the photographing space 3, illumination boxes 18a to 18c (representing these as illumination boxes 18) for illuminating the subject from behind are arranged.

  The lighting box 18 is formed of a box, and the box 29 includes a lighting device 30 (see FIG. 6) such as flashes 29a and 29b or a fluorescent lamp. The inner surface of the box is formed to have a function as a reflective surface, such as being painted white, in order to efficiently illuminate the subject with illumination from a light source such as the flash 29a. Furthermore, a diffusion plate is provided on the outer surface of the illumination box 18 (the surface on the photographing space 3 side) to diffuse illumination from a light source such as the flash 29a and irradiate the subject in a planar shape.

  Further, referring to FIG. 1, the illumination box 18 a is disposed on the ceiling surface located rearward from the substantially upper center in the imaging space 3 so as to be lowered as the diffuser plate goes rearward. For this reason, the illumination box 18a irradiates the back portion of the top of the user 6 that is a subject located substantially in the center of the shooting space 3 during shooting.

  The lighting box 18b and the lighting box 18c are arranged so that the surfaces of the respective diffusion plates face the substantially central direction of the shooting space on both rear side surfaces (the right hand side and the left hand side of the user 6 facing the front) in the shooting space 3. Be placed. In addition, a lattice-like member called a grid is provided in front of the diffuser plate to make light from the light source pseudo-parallel light. For this reason, at the time of shooting, the left and right oblique rear portions of the user 6 that is a subject located in the approximate center of the shooting space 3 are irradiated. Note that the lighting box 18b is also shown in an easy-to-understand manner in FIG.

  Speakers 23 a and 23 b (not shown) for outputting announcements such as BGM and operation methods are provided on the ceiling surface of the imaging space 3.

  A print outlet 8 is provided on one or both side surfaces of the housing 1. Further, a print lamp 9, a paper out lamp 10, and an error lamp 11 are provided near the print outlet 8. When these lamps are lit or blinking, it is notified to the outside that printing is in progress or that an error such as out of paper, out of ink, paper jam, or mechanical error has occurred during printing. . The print lamp 9 includes a print lamp 9 indicating that an image edited in the editing space 4a is printed, and a print lamp 9 indicating that an image edited in the editing space 4b is printed. It may be divided.

  A photographing lamp 7 is provided on one or both sides outside the photo vending machine. The shooting lamp 7 is lit or blinking to inform the outside that the photo vending machine is currently shooting.

  Next, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the front surface of the case 1 of the photo vending machine as seen from the side where the photographing operation is performed.

  With reference to FIG. 2, on the front surface of the housing 1, a camera 21 for imaging a subject, a release switch 20 for receiving an instruction to start shooting by the camera 21, and an image captured by the camera 21 are displayed. A live monitor 22 for visually confirming a video that is displayed in real time and picked up by a user, a touch panel display 24 for displaying a demonstration screen, an operation procedure during shooting, and the like, and receiving an instruction operation from the user 6 A coin insertion slot 26 for inserting coins as compensation, a coin return slot 27 for discharging the inserted defective coins, and a front door 28 for performing maintenance on the front surface.

  As the camera 21, a digital camera is generally used. Changes in items (for example, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction, white balance, etc.) that can be set with a general digital camera and shooting timing are instructed from the computer apparatus 101a (see FIG. 6).

  Around the camera 21, illumination boxes 18d to 18f for irradiating the subject from the front are provided. The illumination boxes 18d to 18f are each formed of a box similar to the illumination boxes 18a to 18c described above, and a diffusion plate is provided on the outer surface (the surface on the imaging space 3 side). Further, the lighting boxes 18 d to 18 f may be formed integrally with the housing 1.

  Further, referring to FIG. 2, the lighting box 18 d is disposed above the camera 21 so as to protrude from the front of the housing 1 toward the rear of the photographing space 3 and to be lowered as the diffusion plate moves forward. Is done. Therefore, the illumination box 18d irradiates light so as to face the illumination boxes 18e and 18f described later at the time of photographing.

  The illumination box 18e projects below the camera 21 toward the rear of the photographing space 3 as viewed from the front of the housing 1, and is shorter than the distance that the illumination box 18d projects, and lowers as the diffusion plate moves rearward. So as to be inclined. Therefore, at the time of photographing, light is irradiated so as to face the illumination box 18d.

  The upper surface of the lighting box 18e is formed substantially horizontally. Moreover, it is preferable that the height of the upper surface of the lighting box 18e is about the height of the user's 6 elbow. Alternatively, a step 32 or the like may be provided below the imaging space 3 (floor surface) so that the height of the upper surface of the lighting box 18e is about the elbow of the user 6. For this reason, the user 6 can put his elbow on shooting, and the pose with the elbow can be easily shot.

  The lighting box 18f protrudes toward the rear of the photographing space 3 as seen from the front of the housing 1 below the lighting box 18e, and the inclination angle in the horizontal direction is larger than that of the lighting box 18e as the diffusion plate moves rearward. It is arranged so as to be inclined. Therefore, at the time of photographing, light is irradiated so as to face the illumination box 18d. A touch panel display 24 is provided on the right surface of the lighting box 18f relative to the front surface of the housing 1, and the right surface is formed of a member through which light does not pass. For this reason, the left surface of the illumination box 18f relative to the front of the housing 1 is also formed of a member that does not transmit light so that the illumination balance is uniform left and right.

  With such an arrangement of the lighting boxes 18d to 18f, the light emitted from the lighting box 18d and the lighting boxes 18e and 18f interferes with each other without being directly irradiated to the subject, and a soft and soft impression is obtained. Illuminate the subject. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a softer lighting effect than when directly irradiating light on the subject, and a beautiful image can be obtained.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the photo vending machine as viewed from the editing space 4a side with respect to the editing unit 401a.

  With reference to FIG. 3, a speaker 23 c and an editing housing 2 a are provided on the rear surface of the housing 1 for outputting music, explanation of operation methods, and the like to the user. The editing housing 2a is provided with one or more tablet displays 13a for displaying an image obtained by photographing and receiving image editing, and a plurality of touch pens 14a and 14b for inputting images. These constitute the editing unit 401a. Although a curtain 40b is provided around the editing space 4a in order to consider the privacy of the user, it is not shown for convenience of explanation.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the photo vending machine as viewed from the editing space 4b side with respect to the editing unit 401b.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a speaker 23 d and an editing case 2 b are provided on the back of the background unit 5 for outputting music and explanation of operation methods to the user. The editing housing 2b includes one or more tablet displays 13b that display an image obtained by shooting and accept image editing, and a plurality of touch pens 14c and 14d for inputting images. These constitute the editing unit 401b. A curtain 40c is provided around the editing space 4b in order to consider the privacy of the user, but is not shown for convenience of explanation.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view as seen from the front of the background portion 5 of the photo vending machine.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the background portion 5 is fixed to the upper portion of the background portion 5 in a pair with the roll screen 41 and one or a plurality of roll screens 41 that are display media on which a background image is represented. A winding device 42 for winding and feeding the roll screen 41 and a motor (not shown) for driving the winding device 42 are configured.

  When the background unit 5 includes a plurality of roll screens 41, different background images are displayed on the respective roll screens 41. In this way, various background images can be obtained. The roll screen 41 used at the time of photographing may be automatically set by the user 6 selecting and operating a desired background on the touch panel display 24, or a background selection button or the like is provided. It may be automatically set by pressing. Further, the motor 6 is not provided, and the user 6 may manually operate to set the roll screen 41.

  Further, the setting method of the roll screen 41 in the background portion 5 may not be the winding and feeding type as described above, but may be an endless belt-like rotary type or the like. Moreover, the form which sets a background curtain by manual operation of the user 6, such as a drawer type, may be sufficient.

  Next, a specific example of the functional configuration of such a photo vending machine is shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the photo vending machine according to the present embodiment executes a computer apparatus 101a that mainly executes photographing processing and the like, and mainly executes editing processing and the like for operating the photo vending machine. And a control unit 102 that is configured from a board and that receives instructions from the operating computer apparatus 101 and controls various devices connected thereto. .

  The computer device 101a is connected to and controls the camera 21, the live monitor 22, the touch panel display 24, the printer 12 inside the housing 1, and the control unit 102. The computer device 101b is connected to the tablet displays 13a and 13b, the touch pens 14a to 14d provided in the editing units 401a and 401b, the communication terminal 110 for communicating with the outside, and the control unit 102 inside the housing 1, and these To control. Further, the computer apparatus 101a and the computer apparatus 101b are connected to each other and exchange image data and information data on a peer-to-peer basis.

  Note that the components connected to the computer apparatuses 101a and 101b are not limited to such a form, and may be divided for each function or for each position. Further, the computer apparatus 101 may not be configured with two units as in the present embodiment, and may be configured with one unit or may be configured with two or more units.

  The computer apparatus 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is an arithmetic device that controls the computer apparatus 101, a program for operating the apparatus, graphic data necessary for the program, audio data, captured images and captured images. Software for controlling peripheral devices such as a camera 21, printer 12, and tablet display 13, a storage unit for storing edited images and other various images input to the memory, a memory serving as a temporary work area for programs, and the like. Including certain drivers. The computer apparatus 101 may also include a communication unit that performs communication when connected to an external device via a LAN cable.

  The printer 12 is a printer for printing a photographed image on a printing medium such as paper, sticker, metal, or plastic, and is a printer such as a sublimation type printer or a thermoautochrome type (light-fixing type direct thermal recording type). Is generally used. In the present embodiment, the description will be made on the assumption that the printer 12 prints a sticker. However, the print medium is not limited to a sticker, and the same processing is executed even with another print medium. The printer 12 notifies the computer device 101a of a state such as the above-mentioned out of paper. The computer apparatus 101a transmits a control signal to the control unit 102 according to the state.

  The communication terminal 110 receives an image prepared externally for use in the photo vending machine from an external device, or transmits an image created by the photo vending machine to an external terminal or server. For this purpose, a terminal capable of wireless communication, such as PHS (Personal Handyphone System), is used. The PHS may be a card type. In addition, the communication terminal 110 is not limited to the PHS as long as it can transmit and receive with an external terminal or server through a network such as the Internet.

  When the power switch 31 is pressed and the photo vending machine is turned on from the power plug, the above-described program is started, and the computer device 101a detects the shutter timing of the connected camera 21 and the live monitor 22 The display, the display on the touch panel display 24, and the output from the printer 12 are controlled. The computer device 101b controls display on the connected tablet displays 13a and 13b.

  The computer apparatus 101a performs the above-described program execution and the control unit 102 based on an instruction signal received from the touch panel display 24 of the photographing unit and touched with a finger of the user 6 or the like. Send a control signal.

  Further, the computer apparatus 101a receives an image photographed by the camera 21 and stores the image data in a storage unit.

  The computer apparatus 101b is based on the instruction signal according to the input operation performed by the touch pen 14a to 14d etc. received from the tablet displays 13a and 13b of the editing unit 401a and the editing unit 401b and the execution of the program. Then, a control signal is transmitted to the control unit 102.

  The computer apparatus 101 b receives image data transmitted from an external terminal such as a portable terminal or a PC via the communication terminal 110. Conversely, the computer apparatus 101b can also transmit image data and the like stored in the computer apparatus 101b from the communication terminal 110 to an external terminal such as a portable terminal or a PC via a predetermined network and server.

  The photo vending machine also includes a power supply control unit 103 that controls a power supply system such as the computer device 101, the lighting device 30, and the control unit 102 that require power, and stabilizes the voltage of the power supply to these devices from the outside. To control. Further, such turning on and off of the power is performed by pressing the power switch 31. However, forcibly terminating a program running on the computer apparatus 101 by turning off the power causes the operation to become unstable. Therefore, even if the power is turned off, the UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) 104 backs up the power for a while and transmits a power failure signal to the computer apparatus 101. In the meantime, the computer apparatus 101 performs a program termination procedure and terminates the program normally. On the other hand, when the computer apparatus 101 is terminated in a regular procedure, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the UPS 104.

  In addition to the computer device 101 and the power supply control unit 103, the control unit 102 includes a release switch 20, a flash control unit 106, speakers 23a to 23c, a service panel 105, a coin control unit 107, a shooting lamp 7, a printing lamp 9, and paper. The cut lamp 10, the error lamp 11, and the background portion 5 are connected.

  The release switch 20 is a switch for remotely operating the shutter operation of the camera 21 for instructing the user desired shooting timing when the user 6 is shooting. When the user 6 presses the release switch 20, the control signal is transmitted to the computer apparatus 101 a via the control unit 102, and the control signal is transmitted from the computer apparatus 101 a to the camera 21. Do.

  In addition, you may arrange | position light-emitting bodies, such as LED (Light Emitting Diode), in the cable which connects the release switch 20 and the control part 102. FIG. When the release switch 20 is pressed, the light emitter is turned on or blinked so that the light appears to shift from the release switch 20 side to the control unit 120 side until the shutter operation of the camera 21 is performed. When all the lights are illuminated, the shutter operation is performed. Of course, the light may be sequentially turned off from the release switch 20 side to the control unit 120 side, or the color may be changed. In this way, when the release switch 20 is pressed, a visual effect can be obtained, and the timing of the shutter operation can be visually transmitted to the user 6, so that customer satisfaction can be improved.

  The flash control unit 106 is connected to the camera 21 and acquires a synchronization signal corresponding to the shutter timing in the camera 21. Then, control is performed so that the flash is emitted in synchronization with the shutter timing of the camera 21. The flash control unit 106 is connected to the control unit 102 to select the flash 29 that emits light and to set the light emission level of the flash 29. Similarly, the lighting device 30 may be connected to the control unit 102, and the lighting degree and the like may be set.

  The speakers 23 a to 23 c receive an instruction signal via the control unit 102 in accordance with an instruction from the computer device 101, and output guidance such as operation in the play of the photo vending machine, BGM at the time of shooting, and the like. Note that a volume adjustment knob for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker 23 is provided in the service panel 105.

  The service panel 105 includes a coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, a print counter that counts the number of printed prints, a volume adjustment knob that adjusts the volume of audio output from the speaker 23, and a test mode. A panel with test buttons and service buttons that allow the device to be used without inserting coins, and used when the installer of the photo vending machine performs various settings and maintenance operations. It is done. When a control operation such as operation of a service button is performed, service panel 105 transmits a control signal according to the operation to control unit 102.

  The control unit 102 transmits a control signal to the service panel 105 in accordance with a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the computer apparatus 101. The service panel 105 operates a coin counter or a print counter according to the control signal (for example, increments the counter by 1).

  The coin control unit 107 detects the validity of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 26 and transmits a detection signal indicating that a coin has been inserted to the control unit 102.

  The control unit 102 transmits a control signal to the coin control unit 107 in accordance with a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the computer apparatus 101. The coin control unit 107 can block the coin insertion slot 26 so that coins are not inserted according to the control signal. Thus, for example, coin insertion can be prohibited during play.

  Further, the control unit 102 transmits a control signal to the shooting lamp 7 according to the detection signal indicating that the coin received from the computer apparatus 101 is inserted, and turns on the shooting lamp 7.

  Further, the control unit 102 receives a control signal corresponding to the state of the printer 12 from the computer apparatus 101a, and controls the printing lamp 9, the out-of-paper lamp 10, and the error lamp 11 according to the control signal. By this control signal, the printing lamp 9, the out-of-paper lamp 10, and the error lamp 11 are turned on or blinked.

  In addition, the control unit 102 receives an instruction signal according to an input operation for the user 6 to select a desired background from the computer device 101a to the touch panel display 24, and the roll screen 41 of the background unit 5 according to the instruction signal. The operation of the motor that drives the winding device 42 is controlled. By controlling the operation of the motor in this way, the roll screen 41 on which the background image selected by the user 6 is applied is set on the background portion 5.

  Needless to say, the form of the photo vending machine is not limited to the specific examples shown in FIGS. That is, other functions not shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 may be provided, or not all of the functions shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 may be provided. For example, the printer 12 may not be included in the photo vending machine main body, and in this case, the photo vending machine outputs a print control signal to the printer 12 via a dedicated line such as a LAN or wireless communication. And

  Next, processing of the photo vending machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The processing of the photo vending machine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU of the computer apparatus 101 reading the program stored in the storage unit into the memory and executing it.

  Referring to FIG. 7, first, a power switch 31 provided in the photo vending machine is turned on, and various devices are turned on. Then, the operation program stored in the storage unit of the computer apparatus 101 is activated. The computer device 101 checks whether various devices are normally connected, and performs initialization for devices that need to be initialized (S100). At this time, the number of uses (n) of the photo vending machine is initialized at the same time. For example, initialization is performed by storing the value of the number of uses (n) in a predetermined file in the storage unit and setting the value to 0. Thereafter, a title demonstration that prompts the user to use the photo vending machine is displayed on the display 24, and at the same time, sound is output from the speakers 23a and 23b (S105).

  In the state where the title demo is displayed, the pressing of the test button (S110) and the reception of a predetermined value are monitored (S120).

  When the test button is pressed (YES in S110), a test mode for performing maintenance of the photo vending machine is activated (S115). The test mode is a mode for the operator of the photo vending machine to operate the photo vending machine. In this mode, the usage status (for example, the number of coins inserted) of the photo vending machine is checked and the number of uses Initialization and setting of (n), setting of available editing units, and adjustment of peripheral devices such as the camera 21 and the printer 12 can be performed. Here, the owner of the photo vending machine is the manager, manager, and employee of the store where the photo vending machine is installed and operates, and can respond to the user during business. It is.

  If the test button has not been pressed (NO in S110) and a coin insertion (predetermined price) for using the photo vending machine is accepted at the coin insertion slot 26 (YES in S120), the accepted coin In the coin control unit 107, the legitimacy and the number of sheets are detected. When the coin is received normally, the play is started, and the number of uses (n) of the photo vending machine is counted (S125). The count of the number of uses (n) may or may not include the number of uses when a function for allowing the photo vending machine to be used free of charge is provided.

  Note that the timing of counting the number of uses (n) is not limited to that performed by detecting the valid price as described above. For example, in a photo vending machine at the end of shooting or at the end of printing. Any timing can be used as long as it can be determined that play has been performed.

  The CPU of the computer device 101 of the photo vending machine guides the user 6 to the editing space 4a when the number of uses (n) is odd, and to the editing space 4b when the number of uses (n) is even. Assign processing. Alternatively, processing may be assigned to guide the user 6 to the editing space 4a when the number of uses (n) is an even number and to the editing space 4b when the number of uses (n) is an odd number. Also, the allocation of processing related to the editing space 4 is not limited to such a form, and the user 6 may select the editing space 4 that the user 6 wants to use in the editing operation, and allocate according to the selection. It should be noted that it is preferable that the setting regarding the allocation of the processing related to the editing space 4 can be set by the installer in a test mode or the like.

  Furthermore, in the test mode, settings may be made so that only one of the editing spaces 4 can be used without referring to the number of uses. In this way, even if a situation occurs in which one of the two editing spaces 4 cannot be used due to a device failure, only the editing space 4 that is not in failure can be used. Further, when a failure of the apparatus is detected, the setting may be changed so that only the editing space 4 that has not failed automatically is used.

  Next, after the number of uses (n) is counted in step S125, the selection of the shooting course is accepted (S130). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that there are a plurality of courses in the photographing method. In step S130, shooting course options are presented on the touch panel display 24, and a preferred shooting course is received from the user 6.

  Specifically, the shooting course includes a “normal shooting” course and a “free shooting” course, and a selection is accepted by touching a corresponding area of options displayed on the touch panel display 24 with a finger of the user 6 or the like. If the selected shooting course is “normal shooting” (YES in S130), shooting starts with the shooting method of the course (S135), and if the selected shooting course is “free shooting” (NO in S130), the course Shooting is started by this shooting method (S140). Each photographing process will be described later with a subroutine.

  When the “normal shooting” in step S135 or the “free shooting” in step S140 is completed, if the number of times the photo vending machine is used (n) counted in step S125 is an odd number (YES in S145), the editing unit It is monitored whether or not 401a is available (S150). If the editing unit 401a is in an unusable state (for example, NO in S150), such as a user in another group playing first is currently using or out of order (NO in S150), a standby display or an error guidance display is displayed. Then, the user 6 is urged to wait in the imaging space 3 by waiting by voice from the speakers 23a, 23b or outputting an error guide (S155).

  If the editing unit 401a is in a usable state (YES in S150), guidance display for guiding to the editing space 4a where the editing unit 401a is provided is displayed on the touch panel display 24, and guidance guidance is output from the speakers 23a and 23b by voice. Thus, the user 6 is prompted to move to the editing space 4a (S160). Then, the captured image data of the user 6 stored in the computer device 101a is transferred to the processing execution area in the editing unit 401a of the storage unit of the computer device 101b (S165), and the processing shifts to editing processing (S165). S190).

  On the other hand, if the usage count (n) of the photo vending machine counted in step S125 is an even number (NO in S145), it is monitored whether the editing unit 401b can be used (S170). If the editing unit 401b is in an unusable state (eg, NO in S170), such as a user in another group playing first is in use or out of order (NO in S170), a standby display or an error guidance display is displayed. The user 6 is urged to stand by in the shooting space 3 by waiting by voice from the speakers 23a, 23b or outputting an error guide (S175).

  If the editing unit 401b is in a usable state (YES in S170), a guidance display for guiding to the editing space 4b in which the editing unit 401b is provided is displayed on the touch panel display 24, and guidance guidance is output by voice from the speakers 23a and 23b. Thus, the user 6 is prompted to move to the editing space 4b (S180). Then, the captured image data of the user 6 stored in the computer device 101a is transferred to the processing execution area in the editing unit 401b of the storage unit of the computer device 101b (S185), and the processing shifts to editing processing (S185). S190).

  The user 6 moves to the editing space 4a or the editing space 4b according to the guidance as described above. The subsequent operations of the user 6 are performed in the editing space 4a or the editing space 4b.

  By preparing a plurality of spaces for editing operations in this way, the editing time can be lengthened, the waiting time for the order can be shortened, and the customer satisfaction of the user 6 can be improved. . Also, since the waiting time can be shortened, the operating rotation rate of the photo vending machine can be improved. Furthermore, since the user 6 is alternately edited in the editing space 4a and the editing space 4b, the user 6 is switched one after another, and the user waiting for the turn is reflected in the popular model and further attracting customers can be obtained.

  The contents of the editing process in step S190 and subsequent steps in the editing space 4a and the editing space 4b are different in place, position, device, etc., but have the same configuration and the same process is performed. Do not repeat. Processing in each editing space 4 is controlled by the computer apparatus 101b.

  In step S190, an editing process for receiving an editing input from the user 6 with the touch pen 14 is performed on the photographed image. The editing input time is set in advance. Then, the remaining time is displayed on the tablet display 13 and counted down. When the remaining time becomes zero, the editing input is completed. Alternatively, it can be forcibly terminated by pressing an “end” button prepared on the screen. The editing process in step S190 will be described in detail later.

  When the editing input in step S190 ends, the captured image and the input image are combined, and the combined image is displayed on the tablet display 13. Then, the user 6 receives a setting relating to the handling of an image to be printed on a printing medium such as a sticker and a change in selection (S195). It is also possible to accept selection of an image to be printed or selection not to print an image for which editing input has failed. The print image handling setting in step S195 will also be described in detail later.

  Then, a plurality of predetermined print layouts are displayed on the tablet display 13 according to the number of images selected in step S195, and the selection of the user 6 is accepted (S200).

  When the selection of the image to be printed and the selection of the print layout are accepted in step S195 and step S200, print image data is generated according to the selected print layout and printed out from the printer 12. That is, the generated print image data is transferred from the computer apparatus 101b to the computer apparatus 101a (S205), and the print image data is output to the printer 12 under the control of the computer apparatus 101a. Further, guidance for guiding the user 6 in front of the printer 12 (for example, “The sticker comes out from the right!”) Is output from the speakers 23 c and 23 d or the tablet displays 13 a and 13 b arranged in each editing space 4. Then, printing is executed by the printer 12 (S205) and provided to the user 6 from the print outlet 8.

  The above processing is a play performed by a set of users 6 in the photo vending machine of the present embodiment. When the above processing is completed, the standby screen is output again from the speakers 23c and 23d or the tablet displays 13a and 13b arranged in the editing space 4 until the next coin is inserted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the form used by one set of users 6 has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 1, there are a shooting space 3 for shooting and an editing space 4 for editing a shot image. Since it is installed in different places, it can be used simultaneously by two sets of users. In this case, when the previous user finishes shooting and moves to the editing space 4, a demo image is displayed on the display 24 and accepts the coin insertion of the next user. Then, when a coin is inserted, shooting of the next user is started. In the present apparatus, the shooting space 3 and the editing space 4 have been described as being provided at different positions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and shooting and editing may be performed in one space. Good.

  Further, a detailed description will be given below of some processes included in the above-described play.

[Normal shooting course]
The processing of the “normal shooting” course executed in step S135 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 8, when “normal shooting” is selected in the shooting course selection in step S130 of FIG. 7, a background selection screen is displayed on touch panel display 24, and the user 6 is prompted to select a background (S300). When a background image is selected from the user 6, an instruction signal indicating the selected background image is transmitted from the computer apparatus 101a to the control unit 102. The control unit 102 sets the selected background image in the background unit 5 by operating a motor that drives the winding device 42 of the background unit 5 based on the instruction signal.

  Next, when a background is selected in step S300, a brightness selection screen is displayed on the touch panel display 24, and the user 6 is prompted to select brightness (S305). The brightness here refers to the brightness of the captured image. When the brightness is selected by the user 6, an instruction signal indicating the selected brightness is transmitted from the computer apparatus 101a to the control unit 102. The control unit 102 changes the settings of the flash 29, the illumination device 30, the camera 21, and the like based on the instruction signal, or performs image processing on the captured image based on the setting file of the computer device 101a. A photographed image with a specified brightness is realized.

  Next, when the selection of brightness in step S305 is completed, a timer of a photo vending machine (not shown) starts counting (counting) (S310). When the count is started, it is determined whether the predetermined time has been reached, and the count is continued until the predetermined time is reached (NO in S315). Then, a countdown such as “3, 2, 1” is output to the touch panel display 24 or the speakers 23a, 23b as time elapses. If it is determined that the count has ended (YES in S315), shooting is performed (S320).

  Shooting in step S320 is performed by releasing a shutter when a shooting signal is transmitted from the computer apparatus 101a to the camera 21 and at the same time when the flash 29 is emitted by the flash control unit 106.

  During the photographing process in step S320, an image acquired from the camera 21 is displayed on the live monitor 22 in real time. The user 6 can take a favorite facial expression and pose while viewing the image displayed on the live monitor 22. Here, the image acquired from the camera 21 may be displayed on the live monitor 22 as it is, or may be displayed after being reversed left and right. When the left and right are reversed and displayed, the user 6 can be displayed on the live monitor 22 in the same direction as the direction in which it is reflected in the mirror. Therefore, the user 6 can easily take a favorite facial expression or pose while watching the live monitor 22.

  When one shooting is completed, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number (here, two times) of continuous shooting has been taken (S325), and the shooting in step S320 is continuously performed until the specified number is reached (NO in S325). ). If the specified number of times of continuous shooting has been reached (YES in S325), it is determined whether a predetermined number of sets (here, three sets of continuous shootings) have been performed (S330), and the predetermined number of sets. If it is not photographed (NO in S330), the process returns to step S300, and the photographing process starting from the background selection is repeated again. When the predetermined number of sets have been photographed (YES in S330), ratings such as rating and ranking for the photographed photographed images, handling settings, and image handling settings that are addition of information are performed (S335). .

  In a photo vending machine, a plurality of shots are taken in one play. Among a plurality of shot images, there are images that the user likes and images that do not like the image because of the quality of the image. The image handling setting executed in step S335 is a setting that ranks (ranks) the captured images in order of preference, prints the captured images, sends them to a mobile terminal, or prints them as “bonus images”. Refers to settings such as form. That is, if these setting contents are defined as “evaluation”, it can be said that the image handling setting in step S335 is an evaluation process for evaluating an image. In step S335, all captured images may be displayed as a list, and evaluations may be received for all images, or evaluations may be received for only some images.

  9 and 10 are diagrams showing specific examples of the image handling setting screen in the “normal shooting” course displayed on the touch panel display 24. FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the image handling setting screen in the “normal shooting” course includes a shot image selection area 301 in which all or a part of the shot images shot in step S320 can be selected, and each shot image. And a handling ranking display area 303 representing a ranking in handling (hereinafter referred to as handling ranking), which is one of the evaluations for the above.

  In the photographed image selection area 301 of the image handling setting screen shown in FIG. 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F represent all or part of the image photographed in step S320. Further, in the handling order display area 303 of the image handling setting screen shown in FIG. 9, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6” indicate the handling of each captured image. The order is shown in that order.

  Furthermore, the handling order display area 303 may also display a usage form that is one of evaluations for each captured image or predetermined image, together with the handling order. For example, the photographed images corresponding to Nos. 5 and 6 having a low handling order can be candidates for bonus images to be printed in the margin of the sticker. In that case, it is preferable that the handling order display area 303 displays not only the handling order but also a “bonus image” candidate, and the like, indicating the usage form of the captured image.

  In the image handling setting screen shown in FIG. 9, the user 6 touches the captured images A to F displayed in the captured image selection area 301 in the order of higher handling order (or lower order) to handle each captured image. Specify the rank. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the photographed image C touched first is moved to the position “1” in the handling order display area 303, and the photographed image D touched second is moved to the position “2”. The photographed image E touched in the second position is “3”, the photographed image F touched fourth is in the position “4”, the photographed image A touched fifth is in the position “5”, and is sixth. The touched captured image B is displayed at the position “6”, and the captured order A to F are rearranged in the touched order in the handling order display area 303 and the handling order of the images is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In this manner, in step S335, the image is evaluated, and the handling order is set for each captured image. That is, in step S335, a plurality of photographed images are displayed so as to be selectable, and a comparative evaluation is performed for each photographed image. Unlike a method of selecting and selecting a predetermined photographed image based on absolute evaluation, it is possible to reduce the user's hesitation. Therefore, the operation time is shortened. In addition, all captured images can be used effectively.

  In addition, since it may be assumed that a user wishes to change the evaluation once determined, it is more preferable that the evaluation set for the captured image can be replaced. That is, by touching the selection of the photographic image to be changed among the photographic images displayed for each handling order in the photographic image selection area 301 after the allocation of the handling order for each captured image is completed according to the above-described operation. , They are replaced. Further, it may be possible to re-determine the handling order for each captured image from the beginning by touching a redo button (not shown). The method for changing the order of handling is not limited to such a form, and any other method may be used as long as the order of handling determined for each captured image is changed.

  The image handling setting in step S335 ends when the determination button shown in FIG. 10 is touched or reaches a predetermined time, and the process returns to step S145 in FIG.

[Free shooting course]
The “free shooting” course executed in step S140 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when “free shooting” is selected in the shooting course selection in step S <b> 130 of FIG. 7, the timer of the photo vending machine takes a shooting that can be taken in a preset “free shooting” course. Timing (counting) until the time limit is started (S400). When the count is started, a predetermined predetermined background image is set in the background portion 5 (S405). Further, various components are set so as to realize a photographed image with a predetermined predetermined brightness (S410), and a guidance for photographing by pressing the release switch 20 is output from the touch panel display 24 or the speakers 23a and 23b. Is done.

  Next, when the brightness setting in step S410 is completed, the timer of the photo vending machine starts counting (counting) until one shooting limit time (S415). At this time, it is monitored whether or not the release switch 20 has been pressed by the user 6 (S420). If it is determined that the release switch 20 has been pressed (YES in S420), shooting is performed at the timing when the release switch 20 is pressed. Is performed (S430).

  On the other hand, if the release switch 20 has not been pressed (NO in S420), the monitoring in Step S420 is continued until the count up to one shooting time limit started in Step S415 is completed (NO in S425). If the release switch 20 is not pressed within the time limit for one shooting, a countdown such as “3, 2, 1” is output from the touch panel display 24 or the speakers 23a, 23b as time elapses. If it is determined that the count up to one shooting limit time has ended (YES in S425), shooting is performed at that timing (S430).

  Shooting in step S430 is performed when the shutter is released when a shooting signal is transmitted from the computer apparatus 101a to the camera 21, and the flash 29 is simultaneously emitted by the flash control unit 106.

  That is, in the “free shooting” course, the shutter operation is performed by either the end of the count up to one shooting limit time or the depression of the release switch 20.

  During the photographing process in step S430, an image acquired from the camera 21 is displayed on the live monitor 22 in real time.

  When one shooting operation is completed, rating such as rating and ranking, shooting settings, and image handling settings, which are information additions, are performed subsequently (S435).

  In the image handling setting in the “free shooting” course performed in step S435, a button for selecting an impression on the shot image is displayed for each shooting, and the handling of the shot image is set according to the selection result. Is done.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of an image handling setting screen in the “free shooting” course.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the image handling setting screen in the “free shooting” course is displayed in a captured image display area 305 for displaying one captured image captured in step S430 and a captured image display area 305. Easy-to-understand choices (buttons) that express the impression of the shot image, such as “I ’m happy! ) Is selected and displayed so as to be selectable.

  In the image handling setting screen shown in FIG. 12, the user 6 specifies the impression of the photographed image displayed in the photographed image display area 305 by touching a button displayed in the impression selection area 307. Then, the evaluation of the captured image is determined in accordance with the selected impression. Specifically, if it ’s “Let ’s go! If the user wants to send it to the mobile phone, the usage status is for mobile phone transmission, and the evaluation of the handling order, usage status, etc. is preset according to the impression.

  For example, when the user 6 takes 8 shots and obtains 8 shot images A to H, the shot image A is “I want to send it to the mobile phone” by the user 6 for each shot. B is “I did it”, the captured image C is “normal”, the captured image D is “normal”, the captured image E is “may be an extra”, and the captured image F is “normal”. If G is selected to be “Absolute! Welcomed!” And the photographed image H is selected as “Absolute! Welcomed!”, The photographed image A is “for mobile phone transmission” and the photographed image B is selected. “Rank 4”, “Rank 2” for the captured image C, “Rank 2” for the captured image D, “Rank 3” for the captured image E, “Rank 2” for the captured image F, “Rank 1” for image G, and photographed image It is set to "No. 1" for H.

  This is because, when an impression is selected for a captured image, the impression already selected for the captured image is displayed in the impression selection area 307 so that a pair of the captured images can be selected. 1, the handling order can be assigned. Or, if the same impression is selected for multiple shot images, the higher the order of handling of the shot image for which the impression was selected later, the higher the order of handling than the shot image for which the impression was selected earlier. By lowering the handling order previously assigned to the captured image for which the impression is selected, the handling order can be assigned to each captured image on a one-to-one basis. Or, conversely, the handling order may be assigned to each captured image on a one-to-one basis.

  By the way, the user 6 of the photo vending machine is often a group composed of a plurality of users. When the user 6 is a group composed of a plurality of users, it is assumed that the evaluation for one captured image is different for each user constituting the group. Therefore, the image handling setting is performed multiple times for one captured image. You may make it the structure received. With such a configuration, it is possible to accept an evaluation for each user constituting the group with respect to one captured image. In such a case, a score may be given to the photographed image in accordance with a plurality of evaluations with respect to the photographed image input by a plurality of users, and the handling order of the photographed image may be determined based on the total score.

  Further, when the editing screen is composed of a plurality of surfaces and accepts editing from a plurality of users, the image handling setting for one captured image may be accepted as many times as the number of editing screens. Specifically, when the editing screen is composed of two editing screens, two image handling settings can be accepted for one captured image. The two image handling settings may be accepted at the same time, or another image handling setting may be accepted after receiving the one image handling setting. With such a configuration, it is possible to accept an evaluation for each user constituting the group with respect to one captured image. Furthermore, at the time of editing, which will be described later, each editing screen is displayed in which the evaluation of the captured image in each image handling setting is reflected, so that each user can efficiently perform editing operations on the desired captured image. .

  As described above, in step S435, an evaluation form is used in which the captured image is intuitively evaluated for each shooting. This can reduce the user's hesitation. Moreover, since it is only necessary to select from the choices, the operation is facilitated. For this reason, the operation time is shortened.

  Note that some users may wish to change the evaluation once determined, so that the evaluation set for the photographed image can be reset after all the photographing is completed in the “free photographing” course. It is more preferable to do so. In this way, it is possible to make a setting closer to the evaluation of the captured image intended by the user 6.

  In the “Free Shooting” course, the image handling setting may be performed in such a way that the order is determined after all shooting is completed, as in the “Normal Shooting” course, and similarly in the “Normal Shooting” course. As in the “free shooting” course, an image handling setting may be performed in which the impression and rating of the shot image are selected for each shooting.

  When the image handling setting in step S435 is completed, it is determined whether or not the photographing time limit that started counting in S400 has been reached (S440). If the photographing time limit has been reached (YES in S440), the process returns to step S145 in FIG.

  If the shooting time limit has not been reached (NO in S440), it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of possible shootings (here, 8) set in the “free shooting” course has been taken (S445), and the predetermined number of times. If it has not been shot (NO in S445), the process returns to step S405, and the shooting process starting from the background set is repeated again. If the predetermined number of times has been shot (YES in S445), the process returns to step S145 in FIG. In this way, in the “free shooting” course, shooting can be repeated until either the shooting limit time or the number of possible shots is reached.

[Editing process 1]
The first editing process among the editing processes executed in step S190 described above will be described.

  During the editing process in step S190, the “normal shooting” course in step S135 corresponds to the evaluation for the shot image set in the image handling setting for each shooting in step S335, and the “free shooting” course in step S140 in step S435. Will be displayed.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of the editing screen displayed on the tablet display 13 at the time of editing in step S190, and shows a specific example of the editing screen displayed corresponding to the evaluation of the captured image set in the image handling setting. It is a figure which shows an example.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the editing screen displays a photographed image to be edited, a drawing area 80 for actually performing edit input on the photographed image, and an edit that is a decoration image for editing input to the photographed image. Selection area 81 for selecting an image for use, a button for switching a photographed image to be edited, and “pen”, “stamp”, “frame”, “doodle plate”, “doodle layout” for selecting a function for editing Function selection buttons such as "", "Kakegomu" (not shown) for erasing the input image, "Return" (not shown) for returning the input operation to the previous state, image input A selection button display area 82 for displaying a process selection button such as “from the beginning” (not shown) for starting over from the beginning, and a pre-selected that can be displayed in the drawing area 80 and can be edited. Configured to include an edited image selection area 83 for selectably displaying a captured image of a few. Note that the editing process performed by selecting “Doodle Plate” and “Doodle Layout” which are function selection buttons displayed in the selection button display area 82 will be described later as a second editing process and a third editing process. explain.

  In the editing screen shown in FIG. 13, the selection buttons displayed in the drawing area 80, the selection area 81, and the selection button display area 82 have a two-screen configuration in pairs so that the editing operation can be performed separately with the two touch pens 14. It has become. Since the screen is configured in this way, a plurality of users 6 can enjoy editing play. Each touch pen 14 corresponds to each of two screens. In the description of the processing, one of the two screen configurations is used, but the same processing is performed on the other screen. Needless to say, the configuration of the editing screen may be a single screen configuration or a plurality of screen configurations of two or more screens, and the touch pen 14 may be configured of one or two or more.

  During the editing process, the captured image and the editing input image are developed on different layers, and the layers are displayed on the tablet display 13 in an overlapping manner. Which of the layers is displayed above is set according to the application. For example, when the edited and input image is used as the foreground image of the captured image, the edited and input image becomes the upper layer. Further, the edited and input image may be composed of a plurality of layers such as a stamp image layer and a frame image layer.

  In the editing screen shown in FIG. 13, the user 6 selects a captured image to be edited from a plurality of captured images displayed in the edited image selection area 83 and touches it with the touch pen 14. Further, the function selection button corresponding to the tool used in the editing process is touched with the touch pen 14 from the function selection buttons displayed in the selection button display area 82. Then, the captured image to be edited is displayed in the drawing area 80, the editing image that can be used with the selected tool is displayed in the selection area 81, and the color, pattern, size, etc. of the editing image are selected. it can. Then, editing input can be performed on the photographed image to be edited displayed in the drawing area 80 using the editing image.

  Furthermore, in the edit image selection area 83 of the edit screen shown in FIG. 13, a captured image is displayed according to the evaluation set in the image handling setting described above. For example, when the handling order as shown in FIG. 10 is set in step S335 of the above-described “normal shooting” course as an evaluation for each of the shot images A to F, as shown in FIG. In the edited image selection area 83, priority display corresponding to evaluation is performed in which the captured images C, D, E, F, A, and B are arranged in order from the top according to the handling order. As evaluation, it is preferable that the captured images A and B for which the usage form is “bonus image” are displayed so that the set usage form can be understood. This is the same for the evaluation set in step S435 of the “free shooting” course. Further, if the usage form is “for mobile phone transmission” as an evaluation, It is preferable that a display such as “I will send it to my mobile phone” is displayed so that the usage form is for mobile phone transmission.

  Further, in the case where the editing screen is composed of a plurality of editing screens, as described above, in the image handling setting, one photographed image is evaluated by the user 6 according to the number of editing screens constituting the editing screen. Is received, the evaluation of each user is reflected in how the captured images are displayed on the respective editing screens, that is, in the order of the captured images. Specifically, when the editing screen is composed of two editing screens, priority display corresponding to the two kinds of evaluations accepted in the image handling setting is made in the edited image selection area 83 included in each editing screen. The In this way, each user can efficiently perform an editing operation with a desired captured image.

  In the present embodiment, priority display is performed by arranging the captured images in order from the top in accordance with the handling order that is the evaluation of the captured image. However, the display method is not limited to such a method. The evaluation set for the shot image, such as a display method that displays a higher priority image than a lower priority image, or a display method that lowers the saturation of an image with a lower priority and makes it gray. Any other display method may be used as long as it can be understood by the user 6.

  With this display on the editing screen, you can easily see the evaluation of the previously set shot image and easily identify the one with the highest evaluation, and you can preferentially edit your favorite shot image as the image to be edited. This facilitates editing, improving operability in editing and facilitating editing.

[Editing process 2]
Of the editing process executed in step S190 described above, the second editing process, which is an editing process using the graffiti plate function, performed by selecting “Doodle Plate” on the editing screen shown in FIG. .

  The graffiti plate function is a user who temporarily places a graffiti plate on the photographed image to indicate the position to input the image for editing to decorate and edit the photographed image such as a stamp image, line image, or frame image. 6 is a function that assists the editing operation so that the finished image can be easily recognized and edited.

  14A to 14D are diagrams showing specific examples of graffiti plates.

  Referring to FIGS. 14A to 14D, a graffiti plate is an image including a portion 501 indicating a position where an editing image is to be arranged, and in which arrangement an editing image such as a stamp should be input. It is an image to be expressed. A portion 501 is a portion in which the position where the editing image is arranged is expressed using a figure or the like. By displaying such a graffiti plate superimposed on the image to be edited, and inputting the image for editing from there, the user can input the image for editing with a desired pattern in a clean layout on the image. it can.

  The portion 501 indicating the position where the image for editing included in the graffiti plate is arranged is transparent such as transparent or translucent, or at least so that the image to be edited such as a grid, dither, or dot can be easily confirmed. Preferably some are shown to be permeable. By doing so, the captured image behind the position where the editing image is to be input can be visually recognized, and a portion such as the face where the editing image is not desired to be input can be easily confirmed.

  Moreover, it is preferable that portions other than the graffiti plate portion 501 are configured so that the superimposed captured images can be seen through. By doing this, it is possible to input an editing image while confirming a captured image to be edited, so that an input operation in consideration of the output image can be easily performed.

  In the graffiti plate portion 501 that represents the position where the editing image is to be placed, in addition to the so-called figures shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, characters such as those shown in FIG. included. When a photo vending machine is equipped with a pen function for inputting characters based on the locus of the touch pen 14 by handwriting, there is a problem that a user who is not good at writing wants to write cute characters but cannot write well. . In that case, by using a graffiti plate including a portion 501 that is a character as shown in FIG. 14D, a draft serving as a model of a handwritten character is displayed on a photographed image to be edited, and the user can be viewed from there. 6 can be traced with the touch pen 14. For this reason, cute characters can be entered.

  Furthermore, the portion 501 that is a character included in the graffiti plate is created as a model of a handwritten character based on the type input by the user 6 typing in a desired word, and can be input with a pen from there. You may do it. At this time, it is preferable that a font or the like can be further selected. By doing in this way, the user 6 who is not good at a character can also input a desired word with a cute character, and can improve customer satisfaction.

  A second editing process that is an editing process using the graffiti plate function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 15, “graffiti plate” is used with touch pen 14 as a function to be used from among the function selection buttons displayed by user 6 in the selection button display area 82 of the editing screen shown in FIG. 13. If selected by touching (YES in S600), the second editing process is started.

  First, a graffiti plate selection screen for selecting a graffiti plate to be used is displayed in the selection area 81 of the edit screen as shown in FIG. 16 (S605).

  In the graffiti plate selection screen displayed in the selection area 81 in step S605, selectable graffiti plate options and a determination button 85a for determining the selected graffiti plate as a graffiti plate to be used in the editing process are displayed. When the user 6 selects any one of the graffiti plates from the choices, a layer on which the graffiti plate is displayed is displayed on the tablet display 13, and the selected graffiti plate is an object to be edited in the drawing area 80. The image is displayed so as to overlap (S610). At this time, the graffiti plate displayed on the photographed image in the drawing area 80 is switched by touching a switching button (not shown) or selecting a graffiti plate option different from the selected graffiti plate. Also good. Then, it is monitored whether or not the decision button 85a is touched (S615), and the graffiti plate selection process in steps S605 and S610 is continued until the decision button 85a is touched (NO in S615).

  When the enter button 85a is touched (YES in S615), the selected graffiti plate is determined as the graffiti plate used in the editing process and displayed on the captured image.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, an editing image selection screen for selecting an editing image such as a stamp image used in the editing process is displayed in the selection area 81. On the editing image selection screen, there are displayed an editing image option to be input to the photographic image to be edited and a plate erasing button 86 for erasing the graffiti plate displayed on the photographic image. The selectable editing images may be all editing images stored in the storage unit of the computer apparatus 101, may be editing images set in advance by an installer, It may be an image for editing stored in the storage unit in association with the determined graffiti plate.

  The user 6 touches a desired editing image on the editing image selection screen in the selection area 81 and inputs the editing image on the drawing area 80 (S620). At this time, by inputting the editing image while referring to the graffiti plate portion 501 displayed on the photographed image on the drawing area 80, the editing image can be beautifully arranged and input.

  Here, it is assumed that the image for editing can be input after the graffiti plate is determined by touching the enter button 85a, but there is no enter button 85a on the graffiti plate selection screen, and the graffiti plate and the image for editing are simultaneously displayed. It may be in the form of being displayed and sequentially switched or input.

  When inputting the editing image in step S620, it is monitored whether or not the plate erasing button 86 is touched (S625). Until the plate erasing button 86 is touched (NO in S625), the editing image input process in step S620 is continued.

  When the plate erasing button 86 is touched (YES in S625), the graffiti plate is displayed on the editing screen by preventing the tablet display 13 from displaying the layer on which the graffiti plate is displayed as shown in FIG. Is erased from the drawing area 80 (S630).

  The graffiti plate is only displayed on the editing screen and is not used at the time of composition for printing or outputting the image to be edited. That is, at the time of printing or outputting, the graffiti plate is not displayed on the medium to be printed or output, even if the display of the graffiti plate on the editing screen is erased or not erased by the erase button 86. For example, even if the editing time ends without the erase button 86 being touched and a graffiti plate is displayed on the editing screen, it is not displayed during printing or output. Alternatively, the graffiti plate erase button 86 may be omitted.

  As described above, by using the graffiti plate in the editing process in step S190, the user 6 can efficiently create a beautifully arranged photograph using a desired editing image. Therefore, customer satisfaction can be improved.

[Editing process 3]
Of the editing process executed in step S190 described above, the third editing process, which is an editing process using the graffiti layout function, performed by selecting “Doodle Layout” on the editing screen shown in FIG. 13 will be described. .

  The graffiti layout function is a layout information display that arranges the layout image as a layout image for editing and decoration such as the selected stamp image, line image, and frame image. This is a function that assists the user 6 in editing input.

  A third editing process that is an editing process using the graffiti layout function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 19, “Doodle Layout” is selected with the touch pen 14 as a function to be used from among the function selection buttons displayed by the user 6 in the selection button display area 82 of the editing screen shown in FIG. 13. If selected by touching (YES in S700), the third editing process is started.

  First, in the selection area 81 of the editing screen, an arrangement image selection screen for selecting an editing image such as a stamp as an arrangement image as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed (S705).

  In the arrangement image selection screen displayed in the selection area 81 in step S705, the selection of the editing image that can be selected as the arrangement image and the selection state of each editing image selected as the arrangement image are canceled. Delete buttons 87a and 87b (representatively referred to as “delete button 87”) corresponding to each of the editing images, and a determination button 85b for determining the selected editing image as an arrangement image. When the user 6 selects a desired editing image, the selected editing image is displayed in the selection area 81 as an arrangement image (S710). At this time, a delete button 87 is displayed in the vicinity of the placement image simultaneously with the placement image. By doing so, the selected state can be canceled when the editing image is once selected as the arrangement image but is still unfavorable. Then, it is monitored whether or not the delete button 87 is touched (S715). If the delete button 87 is not touched (NO in S715), it is further monitored whether or not the enter button 85b is touched. (S725). Until the determination button 85b is touched (NO in S725), the arrangement image selection processing in steps S705 to S720 is continued.

  When the delete button 87 is touched (YES in S715), the selection state of the editing image selected as the corresponding arrangement image is released, and the arrangement image selection processing in steps S705 to S720 is continued.

  When the enter button 85b is touched (YES in S725), a graffiti layout selection screen for selecting a graffiti layout used in the editing process is displayed in the selection area 81 as shown in FIG. In the layout selection screen, a selection button for determining the doodle layout corresponding to the layout image determined in step S725 using the layout image and the selected doodle layout as a doodle layout to be used in the editing process. 85c is displayed.

  The user 6 touches and selects one desired graffiti layout on the layout selection screen in the selection area 81 (S730). When the user 6 selects any graffiti layout from the options in step 730, the layer on which the graffiti layout is displayed is displayed on the tablet display 13, so that the selected graffiti layout is edited in the drawing area 80. Is displayed so as to overlap with the captured image (S735). For this reason, it is possible to easily scribble a photographed image in a short time using the arrangement image desired by the user 6.

  If the user does not like the selected layout image, the “reselect stamp” button displayed on the graffiti layout selection screen is touched to return the process to step S705 to edit the layout image again. Processing for reselecting the image for use may be performed.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 22, during the state in which the graffiti layout selected on the drawing area 80 in step S735 is displayed, the placement images on the drawing area 80 are individually moved or deleted. The arrangement image may be edited on the graffiti layout selection screen. This is because each arrangement image is formed with different layers, and when the area touched by the touch pen 14 is within the same or approximate range as the coordinate information of one arrangement image, the corresponding arrangement image is displayed. This is achieved by making the layer movable.

  While the graffiti layout selected in the drawing area 80 in step S735 is displayed, it is monitored whether or not the decision button 85c on the layout selection screen displayed in the selection area 81 is touched (S740). Until the determination button 85c is touched (NO in S740), the graffiti layout selection process in steps S730 to S740 is continued.

  When the enter button 85c is touched (YES in S740), the position of the placement image is determined in the current graffiti layout (S745).

  As described above, by using the graffiti layout in the editing process in step S190, the user 6 can efficiently create a beautifully arranged photograph using a desired editing image. Therefore, customer satisfaction can be improved. Furthermore, the operation time can be shortened.

  In any editing process such as the graffiti plate process or the graffiti layout process that is the editing process in step S190, if the display area of the selection area 81 is narrow and difficult to operate, another screen is displayed on the edit screen. You may comprise so that it can display and can operate this process. Alternatively, operations for processing such as graffiti plate processing and graffiti layout processing may be performed in processing prior to the editing processing in step S190.

[Print image handling settings]
The print image handling setting in step S195 described above will be specifically described. In step S 195, as the print image handling setting, along with the selection of the image to be printed, the usage mode, which is the evaluation of the image to be printed, is reset or changed.

  FIG. 23A is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a print image setting screen for determining an image to be printed on a print medium such as a sticker. In FIG. 23A, images A to F are thumbnail images representing synthesized images obtained by synthesizing a captured image and an edited and input image.

  Referring to FIG. 23A, on the print image setting screen, an image to be printed is displayed together with the set usage pattern, and a delete button for canceling the print target is displayed for each image. Is done. Specifically, in FIG. 23A, a high evaluation is set at the time of image handling setting in step S335 in the case of the “normal shooting” course or in step S435 in the case of the “free shooting” course. The composite images C, D, E, and F obtained from the photographed images are displayed with an image indicating “normally printed” indicating that normal printing is performed in the vicinity thereof. . In addition, the composite images A and B obtained from the captured images set with a low evaluation are printed as “bonus images” in the vicinity as “bonus images”. The displayed image is added and displayed.

  Even if the evaluation is set low at the time of setting the image handling in step S335 or step S435, the evaluation of the image is performed at the time of shooting and after the editing, such as when the editing input is successfully made for the captured image. It can also fluctuate. Therefore, in the print image setting in step S195, an image is one of the evaluations such that the composite image to be printed by normal printing and the composite image to be printed as a “bonus image” in the margin can be replaced. The usage mode set in can be changed or reset before printing.

  In the print image setting screen shown in FIG. 23A, the user can release the image from the print target by touching the delete button displayed in association with the image to be printed. Further, when the image is released from the print target, the delete button displayed in association with the image may be changed to a return button and used to return the image to the print target again.

  FIG. 23B is a diagram for describing a method of changing the usage mode set in the composite image on the print image setting screen shown in FIG.

  For example, as a result of the editing in step S190, the composite image A becomes more liked by the user 6 than the composite image F set with higher evaluation than the composite image A. If the user wants to change the usage mode of the combined image A, touch the thumbnail image of the combined image F on the tablet display 13, and then touch the thumbnail image of the combined image A, as shown in FIG. Thus, it is possible to change the usage mode of the composite image F and the composite image A.

  The print image setting may not be a form in which the print images are changed one by one as described above. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another specific example of a print image setting screen for setting an image to be printed on a print medium such as a sticker. Also in FIG. 24, images A to F are thumbnail images representing synthesized images obtained by synthesizing a captured image and an edited and input image.

  Referring to FIG. 24, in the print image setting screen, if all the composite images A to F that can be printed are in the “normal shooting” course, in step S335, or in the “free shooting” course. In this case, in step S435, the composite images obtained from the highly evaluated captured images set at the time of image handling setting are displayed side by side. The print target image can be determined by selecting only the image to be printed from all the composite images that can be the print target shown in the images A to F.

  Furthermore, the print image setting screen shown in FIG. 24 includes an area for selecting and inputting a thumbnail image representing a composite image for which the usage mode is to be set for each usage mode. By selecting only the image to be printed, the image to be printed and the usage form of the image are determined. In other words, after the editing input in step S190 is completed, an image to be printed may be selected and reset. Or you may enable it to select the image which is not made into printing object.

  The usage pattern includes not only how to print, but also how to output. For example, in the case of a photo vending machine that can send a composite image to a mobile phone or the like as well as print, it may be possible to set which composite image is sent to the mobile phone as a usage form.

  Furthermore, as a usage form, the size and position of an image to be printed may be set corresponding to the evaluation. For example, a highly evaluated image may be printed large or printed at a conspicuous position.

  In this way, since the usage mode can be set according to the evaluation set for the photographed image with respect to the composite image that can be the print target, it is possible to create a print sticker that satisfies the customer. This improves customer satisfaction.

  FIG. 25 shows a specific example of print image data generated according to the print layout in step S210 and printed on a print medium such as a sticker. Specifically, the usage form shown in FIG. A specific example of print image data for printing the composite images A to F for which is set.

  As shown in FIG. 25, in this case, in step S195, the composite images C, D, E, and A for which normal printing is set on the print image setting screen shown in FIG. The combined images B and F, which are arranged at the position and set to print as “bonus images”, are arranged in the margin as “bonus images”.

  Further, the above-described method for controlling the computer device 101 of the photo vending machine can be provided as a program. Such programs include a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory). ) And a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, and can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. The program can also be provided via a network such as a telecommunication line or a satellite communication line.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure which shows the specific example of the external appearance of the photograph vending machine in this Embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the front of case 1 of the photo vending machine in this embodiment from the side which performs photography operation. It is the perspective view which looked at the edit part 401a from the edit space 4a side in the photo vending machine in this Embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the edit part 401b from the edit space 4b side of the photo vending machine in this Embodiment. It is the perspective view seen from the front of the background part 5 of the photograph vending machine in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a function structure of the photograph vending machine in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the photograph vending machine concerning this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the "normal imaging | photography" course performed by step S135. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the image handling setting screen in a "normal imaging | photography" course. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the image handling setting screen in a "normal imaging | photography" course. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the "free imaging | photography" course performed by step S140. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the screen of the image handling setting in a "free photography" course. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the edit screen displayed at the time of the edit of step S190. It is a figure which shows the specific example of each graffiti plate. It is a flowchart which shows the edit process using a graffiti plate function. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a graffiti plate selection screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the image selection screen for an edit. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the image selection screen for an edit. It is a flowchart which shows the edit process using a graffiti layout function. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the image selection screen for arrangement | positioning. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a doodle layout selection screen. It is a figure explaining the edit of the image for arrangement | positioning performed on a graffiti layout selection screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a print image setting screen. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of a print image setting screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the printing image data printed on a printing medium.

Explanation of symbols

  1 housing, 2, 2a, 2b editing housing, 3 shooting space, 4, 4a, 4b editing space, 5 background, 6 user, 7 shooting lamp, 8 print outlet, 9 printing lamp, 10 out of paper lamp , 11 Error lamp, 12 Printer, 13, 13a, 13b Tablet display, 14, 14a-14d Touch pen, 18, 18a-18f Illumination box, 20 Release switch, 21 Camera, 22 Live monitor, 23, 23a-23d Speaker, 24 Touch panel display, 26 Coin insertion slot, 27 Coin return slot, 28 Front door, 29, 29a, 29b Flash, 30 Lighting device, 31 Power switch, 32 Step stand, 40, 40a-40c Side curtain, 41 Roll screen, 42 Winding Equipment, 80, 81, 8 , 301, 303, 305, 307 area, 85, 86, 87 buttons, 101, 101a, 101b computer device, 102 control unit, 103 power supply control unit, 104 UPS, 105 service panel, 106 flash control unit, 107 coin control unit 110 Communication terminal 401a, 401b Editing unit 501 part.

Claims (7)

Acquisition means for acquiring a captured image;
Storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of arrangement information (patterns) for arranging the image for editing on the photographed image;
An image input for displaying a captured image acquired by the acquisition unit and predetermined arrangement information among the plurality of pieces of arrangement information on a display unit, and inputting an editing image to the photographed image based on the arrangement information Means,
Combining means for combining the photographed image and the input editing image;
A photo vending machine comprising: output means for outputting a composite image obtained by the synthesis means. A selection means for allowing a user to select desired arrangement information from the plurality of arrangement information;
The photo vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the image input unit displays the arrangement information selected by the selection unit and the captured image on a display unit. The storage means stores the arrangement information in association with an editing image,
The image input means includes extraction means for extracting arrangement information corresponding to an input image for editing from the plurality of arrangement information stored in the storage means,
The photo vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the image input unit displays the arrangement information extracted by the extraction unit and the captured image on a display unit. The arrangement information is a pattern image including a portion indicating an input position of the editing image,
The photo vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image input means displays the arrangement information, which is a pattern image, on the display means so as to overlap the photographed image.   5. The photo automatic according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of a portion indicating an input position of the editing image is transmitted through the lower captured image when the image input unit overlays the captured image. Vending machine. A control method for controlling a photo vending machine including storage means for storing a plurality of arrangement information (patterns) for arranging an image for editing on a photographed image,
An acquisition step of acquiring a captured image;
The photographed image obtained in the obtaining step and the predetermined arrangement information among the plurality of arrangement information stored in the storage means are displayed on the display means, and the photographed image is edited based on the arrangement information. An image input step for inputting an image for use;
A synthesizing step of synthesizing the captured image and the input editing image;
A control method for a photo vending machine, comprising: an output step of outputting a composite image obtained by the synthesis step. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for controlling a photo vending machine including storage means for storing a plurality of arrangement information (patterns) for arranging an editing image on a captured image,
An acquisition step of acquiring a captured image;
The photographed image obtained in the obtaining step and the predetermined arrangement information among the plurality of arrangement information stored in the storage means are displayed on the display means, and the photographed image is edited based on the arrangement information. An image input step for inputting an image for use;
A synthesizing step of synthesizing the captured image and the input editing image;
A control program for a photo vending machine, which executes an output step of outputting a composite image obtained by the synthesis step.

Images