JP2005321504A - Photographing device and photographing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing device capable of obtaining a special illumination effect. <P>SOLUTION: The illumination box 27 of the photographing device is equipped with a box body 271, a light source 272 such as a stroboscope attached to the back plate 276 of the box body 271, and a flexible lens sheet 274 provided at the aperture part of the box body 271. The lens sheet 274 includes many Fresnel lenses 275 arrayed in a matrix state. The light from the light source 272 is refracted in prescribed directions by many Fresnel lenses 275, respectively, and guided to a subject. Though there is only one light source 272, the subject is illuminated as if there were a plurality of light sources. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photography apparatus and method, and more particularly to a photography apparatus and method for photographing a subject with a camera and printing the photograph on a sticker sheet for sale.

  Amusement facilities such as game centers are equipped with a photographic device that takes a photograph of a user as a subject and prints the photograph on a sticker sheet for sale. Recently, it has become common to have an editing function called “Doodle” or “Drawing” that allows a photographed image to be displayed on a tablet display or the like, and allows characters and figures to be input with the attached touch pen. The image input by the editing function is combined with the captured image, and the combined image is printed on a sticker sheet by a printer and provided to the user.

  In such a photography apparatus, the beauty of the finished photograph and the quality of the subject are greatly affected by popularity. For this reason, most photography apparatuses are provided with an illumination box for illuminating the subject. In the illumination box, a strobe such as a xenon arc tube that illuminates the subject brighter during photographing is provided in addition to a fluorescent lamp that always illuminates the subject. In addition, since a plurality of users often shoot together, it is required that there be no difference in brightness over a wide range.

  Under the circumstances as described above, various devices for irradiating light in a planar shape are applied to an illumination box used in a photography apparatus. In order to irradiate light in a planar shape, a plurality of point or line light sources are provided in the illumination box, a diffusion plate such as a milky white acrylic plate is provided between the light source and the subject, and the illumination box The inner surface of is painted white.

  With such a structure, light emitted from a plurality of point-like or linear light sources is not directly incident on the diffusion plate, but is reflected on the inner surface of the illumination box and indirectly incident on the diffusion plate. The light is diffused in various directions by the diffusion plate, and as a result, the subject is irradiated with uniform light.

  Recently, the design of the external appearance of photography apparatus has been diversified. For example, the diffuser plate of the lighting box is not limited to a flat plate, but a curved plate is also used. However, an acrylic plate used as a diffusion plate is generally difficult to process on a curved surface or be placed on a curved surface. Therefore, there is a problem that it is costly to use a curved acrylic plate.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a photographic apparatus that uses a strobe to irradiate the entire photographic space. In this photographic device, an upper reflector that is curved and extended so as to overhang toward the photographic space is provided, the light from the upper strobe is reflected to irradiate the photographic space from the upper side, and the lower reflector is It is provided and reflects the light from the lower strobe to irradiate the photographing space from the lower side. However, when a plurality of strobes are used, there is a problem that power consumption increases in proportion to the number of strobes, and replacement work takes time. In addition, since a large current flows during discharge, a high-intensity strobe has a short life and high maintenance costs.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses a photographic apparatus that prevents a portion where light from an illumination box is weakened and that can obtain a beautiful captured image that does not cause an unintended shadow. In this photography apparatus, the illumination box has a transmission surface that transmits light from the light source, and illuminates the subject by adjusting the transmittance for each of a plurality of areas obtained by dividing the transmission surface. However, the diffuser plate only diffuses light in a random direction and cannot irradiate the intended direction.

JP 2002-372739 A JP 2003-151030 A JP 2004-77958 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a photography apparatus and a method for obtaining a special lighting effect.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a photographic apparatus and method that use a small number of light sources and that can obtain the same lighting effect as when a large number of light sources are used.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a photography apparatus and method that can be easily manufactured even if the front panel of the lighting box is curved.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  A photography apparatus according to the present invention includes a light source, an optical member, photographing means, and photograph output means. The optical member is disposed between the light source and the subject, and refracts light from the light source in a predetermined direction and guides it to the subject. The photographing means photographs the subject illuminated with light from the light source. The photograph output means outputs a photograph of the subject photographed by the photographing means.

  According to this photography apparatus, the light from the light source is refracted in a predetermined direction by the optical member and guided to the subject, so that a special illumination effect can be obtained.

  Preferably, the optical member includes a plurality of optical elements. Each of the optical elements refracts light in a predetermined direction.

  In this case, since the light from the light source is refracted in a predetermined direction by a plurality of optical elements and guided to the subject, the subject is illuminated as if there are a plurality of light sources even if there is actually only one light source. The Therefore, it is possible to obtain an illumination effect equivalent to that using a small number of light sources and using a larger number of light sources.

  More preferably, each of the optical elements is a Fresnel lens.

  In this case, the optical member can be realized thinly and inexpensively. A Fresnel lens is inferior in optical performance to a normal lens, but is sufficient to obtain a special illumination effect.

  Preferably, the optical member is a flexible lens sheet.

  In this case, various forms of optical members can be realized easily and inexpensively. For example, a photographic apparatus in which the front panel of the lighting box is curved can be easily manufactured. In addition, various forms such as winding and storing the lens sheet can be easily realized.

  Preferably, the photography apparatus includes a protective plate provided on the optical member.

  In this case, since the optical member is covered with the protective plate, it is difficult to get dirty or damaged.

  Another photography apparatus according to the present invention includes a light source, a Fresnel lens, photographing means, and photograph output means. The Fresnel lens is disposed on the opposite side of the subject across the light source, and guides the light from the light source to the subject by reflecting and / or refracting light in a predetermined direction. The photographing means photographs the subject illuminated with light from the light source. The photograph output means outputs a photograph of the subject photographed by the photographing means.

  According to this photography apparatus, the light from the light source is reflected and / or refracted in a predetermined direction by the Fresnel lens and guided to the subject, so that a special illumination effect can be obtained.

  The method for taking a photograph according to the present invention includes a step of refracting light from a light source in a predetermined direction by an optical member disposed between the light source and the subject and guiding the subject to the subject, and photographing the subject illuminated by the light from the light source. And a step of outputting a photograph of the photographed subject.

  According to this photography method, the light from the light source is refracted in a predetermined direction by the optical member and guided to the subject, so that a special illumination effect can be obtained.

  Another photography method according to the present invention includes a step of guiding light from a light source to a subject by reflecting and / or refracting light from the light source in a predetermined direction by a Fresnel lens disposed on the opposite side of the subject with the light source interposed therebetween, Photographing a subject illuminated by the light, and outputting a photograph of the photographed subject.

  According to this photography method, the light from the light source is reflected and / or refracted in a predetermined direction by the Fresnel lens and guided to the subject, so that a special illumination effect can be obtained.

  Here, for example, a strobe, a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, or the like is used as the light source. The number of light sources is not particularly limited, and may be one or more. As the photographing means, for example, a camera such as a digital camera or a video camera is used. As the photo output means, for example, a printer that prints a photo on a medium such as a sticker sheet, or a communication device that transmits the photo to a mobile phone or the like is used.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[Appearance configuration]
First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, an external configuration of a photography apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 1, this photography apparatus includes a housing 1, and has a photography corner 2 that performs photography and an editing corner 3 that performs editing called “doodle” or “drawing” on both sides thereof. The photography apparatus further includes an editing device 4 installed on the editing corner 3 side and a background device 5 for forming a background image.

  The user 6 enters the shooting corner 2 and takes a picture while facing the housing 1 side. After shooting, the user 6 moves to the editing corner 3 and edits the shot image using the editing device 4.

  The photographing corner 2 forms an appropriate space between the housing 1 and the background device 5 so that the user 6 can enter and exit and can secure a necessary distance between the housing 1 and the user 6. ing. The editing corner 3 is opened so that the user 6 can enter and exit, but a side curtain (not shown) is attached to protect the privacy of the user 6 and to block light from the outside. Yes.

  The photography apparatus further includes a ceiling frame 7 extending from the upper surface of the housing 1 to both sides, and the ceiling frame 7 defines a space for the photography corner 2 and the editing corner 3.

  Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a surface on the photographing corner 2 side of the housing 1 is a front surface, and a surface on the editing corner 3 side is a back surface.

  Referring to FIG. 2, on the front of the housing 1, a camera 21 that captures an image of the user 6 as a subject, and a subject and a background image captured by the camera 21 are displayed in real time and captured by the user 6. A live monitor 22 for visually confirming an image to be recorded, an operation unit 23 for accepting an operation of the user 6, a display 24 for displaying a demonstration screen, an operation procedure during photographing, and a coin as a consideration are inserted. Are provided with a coin insertion slot 25, a front door 26 for maintenance of various control devices accommodated in the housing 1, and a speaker (not shown) for outputting announcements such as BGM and operation procedures. It has been.

  Around the camera 21, there is provided an illumination box 27 that incorporates a fluorescent lamp, a strobe, etc., and illuminates the subject from the front. The detailed structure will be described later.

  As the camera 21, a digital camera is generally used. Setting, changing, and shutter timing of shooting conditions (for example, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction, white balance, etc.) are described later in accordance with an input from the operation unit 23 or preset data (reference numeral 50 in FIG. 4). ).

  The background device 5 shown in FIG. 1 includes background curtains of various colors and patterns, and uses them to form a background at the time of shooting. The background curtain may be set by a manual operation of the user 6 such as a roll-up type or a drawer type, or may be automatically set by operating the operation unit 23 or the operation unit dedicated to the curtain.

  The housing 1 includes a fan for releasing internal heat, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable outlet, etc. to enable communication with external devices such as distribution of captured images and remote maintenance. May be provided.

  Referring to FIG. 3, an editing device 4 installed on the rear surface of the housing 1 displays a picture taken by the photographing corner 2 and accepts an image editing operation, and a desired graphic or character. A touch pen 32 for inputting and a speaker 33 for outputting announcements such as BGM and operation procedures are provided.

  A box-shaped print outlet 8 is provided on the side surface of the housing 1. A printer (reference numeral 52 in FIG. 4) is provided inside the housing 1, and a photograph taken is printed on a sticker sheet by the printer and discharged. A printing LED (Light Emitting Diode) 9 and a printing error LED 10 are provided in the vicinity of the print outlet 8, and these are lit or blinking to notify that printing is in progress or to print paper during printing. Notification that an error such as running out, running out of ink, paper jam, or mechanical error has occurred.

[Circuit configuration]
Next, the circuit configuration of the above-described photography apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the photographic apparatus includes a computer device 50 that centralizes the entire device, and a control unit 51 that controls peripheral devices according to instructions from the computer device 50.

  The computer device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a semiconductor memory 502, a driver 503, a storage unit 504, and a communication unit 505.

  The driver 503 drives peripheral devices such as the camera 21, the tablet display 31, and the printer 52. The storage unit 504 stores a program for operating the apparatus, image data necessary for the operation, audio data, a captured image, an input edited image, and the like. A communication unit 505 communicates with an external device via a LAN cable.

  When the apparatus is turned on, the computer device 50 starts a program and controls the shutter timing of the camera 21, the display of the live monitor 22 and the display 24, the output of the printer 52, and the display of the tablet display 31.

  The computer device 50 also transmits an instruction signal to the control unit 51 according to the program and the editing operation input from the tablet display 31.

  The printer 52 prints the photographed and edited image on a sticker sheet. Here, a case where a photograph is printed on a sticker sheet will be described as an example. However, instead of the sticker sheet, a photograph may be printed on paper, metal, plastic, or another print medium. The printer 52 notifies the computer device 50 of a state such as out of paper, and the computer device 50 transmits an instruction signal to the control unit 51 in response to the notification. As the printer 52, a printer such as a sublimation type or a thermoautochrome method (a light fixing type direct thermal recording method) is generally used.

  The photography apparatus further includes a power switch 53, a power control unit 54, and a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) 55. The power switch 53 is turned on and off. The power supply control unit 54 controls the power supply system such as the live monitor 22, the speaker 33, and the lighting device 30, and stabilizes the voltage of the power supplied to them from the outside. If the program running on the computer device 50 is forcibly terminated by power-off, the operation becomes unstable. Therefore, even if the power is turned off, the UPS 55 backs up the power for a while and transmits a power failure signal to the computer device 50. In the meantime, the computer device 50 executes a program end process and normally ends the program. At this time, the computer apparatus 50 transmits an end signal to the UPS 55.

  In addition to the computer device 50 and the power supply control unit 54, the control unit 51 includes an operation unit 23, a speaker 33, a service panel 56, a coin control unit 57, a background device 5, a printing LED 9, a printing error LED 10, and a strobe control unit 58. Connected to.

  The operation unit 23 receives the operation of the user 6 and transmits an operation signal to the control unit 51. The computer device 50 receives an operation signal from the control unit 51 and executes processing according to the operation content.

  The control unit 51 controls the speaker 33 according to the instruction signal received from the computer device 50, and the speaker 33 outputs operation guidance, BGM, and the like during the game.

  The service panel 56 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 for adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker 33, and the apparatus. A test button for switching to the test mode, a service button for making the apparatus usable without inserting coins, and the like are provided. The service panel 56 is used when the installer of this apparatus performs various settings and maintenance. The control unit 51 transmits a control signal to the service panel 56 in accordance with the instruction signal received from the computer device 50. The service panel 56 operates a coin counter and a print counter according to the control signal. The installers here are managers, managers, and employees of stores and the like where the apparatus is installed to conduct business, and are persons who can respond to users during business.

  The coin control unit 57 determines the validity of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 25 and transmits a detection signal indicating the insertion of the coin to the control unit 51. The control unit 51 transmits a control signal to the coin control unit 57 according to the instruction signal received from the computer device 50, and the coin control unit 57 shields the coin slot 25 according to the control signal. Thereby, for example, coin insertion can be prohibited during a game.

  When the user 6 operates the operation unit 23 to select a desired background image, the control unit 51 drives the motor of the background device 5 according to the operation signal received from the operation unit 23 to control the roll screen winding device. . As a result, the background image selected by the user 6 is set in the background device 5. In some cases, the background image is automatically determined and set in accordance with the instruction signal received from the computer device 50.

  The control unit 51 receives an instruction signal corresponding to the state of the printer 52 from the computer device 50 and controls the printing LED 9 and the printing error LED 10. As a result, the printing LED 9 or the printing error LED 10 is turned on or blinked.

  The photography apparatus further includes a strobe 59. The strobe 59 is built in the illumination box 27 shown in FIG. 2 together with the illumination device 30 such as a fluorescent lamp. The lighting device 30 constantly illuminates the subject, whereas the strobe 59 illuminates the subject instantaneously in synchronization with the shutter of the camera 21. The strobe controller 58 is connected to the camera 21 and receives a shutter synchronization signal SS according to the shutter timing of the camera 21. The strobe control unit 58 flashes the strobe 59 in response to the shutter synchronization signal SS.

  The strobe control unit 58 may set the flash intensity or the like according to the control signal from the control unit 51. Similarly, the illumination device 30 may set illuminance or the like according to a control signal from the control unit 51.

  The illustrated form is merely an example of a photography apparatus. Therefore, other functions not shown in the figure may be provided, and conversely, not all the functions shown in the figure may be provided. For example, the printer 52 may not be provided in the photographic apparatus main body. In this case, the photography apparatus may output the image data to the outside via an electric communication line such as a LAN, print the photograph with an external printer, or store the photograph in a mobile phone.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the above-described photography apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. This operation is realized by the CPU 501 reading a program from the storage unit 504 to the memory 502 and executing it.

  First, when the power switch 53 is turned on, power is supplied to various devices, and a program stored in the storage unit 504 is activated. The computer device 50 checks whether or not various devices are normally connected, and performs initialization for devices that require initialization (S100). Thereafter, a title demo that prompts the user to use the apparatus is displayed on the display 24, and at the same time, sound is output from the speaker 33 (S101).

  If the test button is pressed while the title demo is displayed (YES in S102), the apparatus enters a test mode for maintenance (S103). In the test mode, the usage status of the apparatus (for example, the number of coins inserted) can be confirmed, and peripheral devices such as the camera 21 and the printer 52 can be adjusted.

  On the other hand, when the test button is not pressed during the display of the title demonstration (NO in S102), the coin insertion is accepted at the coin insertion slot 25, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined price has been received (S104). If the predetermined consideration has not been received (NO in S104), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the coin control unit 57 detects the correctness and number of coins, and determines that the coin has been received normally and a predetermined price has been received (YES in S104), the process proceeds to the next step S105, where A play operation is started.

  The game begins with shooting. Images captured by the camera 21 are displayed on the live monitor 22 in real time. The user 6 takes a favorite facial expression or pose while viewing the image displayed on the live monitor 22. The image captured by the camera 21 may be displayed on the live monitor 22 as it is, or may be displayed with the left and right reversed. When the left and right sides are reversed, the user 6 can be displayed on the live monitor 22 in the same direction as the direction in which the user 6 is reflected in the mirror. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user 6 to take a favorite expression and pose while watching the live monitor 22.

  Next, when there are a plurality of modes in the shooting method, the options are displayed on the operation display 24, and the user 6 is made to select a preferred shooting mode with the buttons of the operation unit 23 (S105). Here, the situation of the user 6 such as the number of photographers may be input. Thereby, a series of games can be provided according to a user's situation. Then, shooting is started in the selected shooting mode (S106).

  Here, not only the shooting mode is selected, but also the background color and pattern formed by the background device 5 are selected according to the operation screen displayed on the display 24 and the sound flowing from the speaker, or the camera 21 is selected as desired. It can be moved to a position, the camera 21 can be rotated, and the orientation of the camera 21 can be adjusted. These instructions are received by the operation unit 23 or the like. Further, when buttons for instructing the direction of the camera 21, zooming, and the like are provided in the vicinity of the camera 21, etc., instructions for the direction of the camera 21 and zooming are received thereby. Then, shooting is performed in the selected shooting mode or background.

  Shooting is automatically performed by outputting a countdown such as “3, 2, 1” to the display 24 or the speaker as time passes. Alternatively, it may be performed manually by pressing a shooting button (not shown) provided in the vicinity of the camera 21. Shooting is performed when a shooting signal is transmitted from the computer device 50 to the camera 21 and the shutter is released. In step S106, such shooting is repeated a predetermined number of times.

  When shooting is completed, all the shot images are displayed on the display 24, and a desired image is selected by the user 6 using the operation unit 23, and the image is kept (S107).

  When the keep image is selected, guidance for urging the user 6 to move to the editing corner 3 is displayed on the display 24. The user 6 moves to the editing corner 3 according to the guidance. Thereafter, the operation of the user 6 is performed at the editing corner 3.

  When the user 6 is not playing, the computer device 50 displays a standby screen on the tablet display 31. When the keep image selected in step S107 is ready, the keep image is displayed on the tablet display 31. Then, a screen for performing image processing such as brightness adjustment (high key adjustment) and rotation of the keep image itself is displayed, and the user 6 adjusts the image quality of the photographed image or processes the photographed image as desired. (S108).

  Next, an edit input with the touch pen 32 is received with respect to the selected photographed image, and the user 6 is made to perform a desired edit (S109). At this time, operability (editing efficiency) can be improved by outputting shooting guidance, BGM, sound effects, and the like from the speaker 33.

  During editing input, the tablet display 31 has a button for switching the keep image to be edited and “frame”, “line”, “stamp”, “pen”, and input stamp for selecting the editing function. Displays buttons such as “Kishigomu” to erase edited images such as images, “Return” to return the input operation to the previous state, “From the beginning” to redo the image input from the beginning . The user 6 selects a tool to be used by pressing these buttons with the touch pen 32. Furthermore, after selecting a color, a pattern, etc., an edit input is performed on the edit area where the selection screen to be edited is displayed.

  During editing, the captured image and the edited image are developed on different layers, and are displayed on the tablet display 31 in a superimposed manner. Which image is displayed above is set according to the application. For example, when the edited image is used as the foreground of the photographed image, the edited image becomes the upper layer. The edited image may further include a plurality of layers such as a stamp image layer and a frame image layer.

  The edit input time is preset. Then, the remaining time is displayed on the tablet display 31 and the countdown is performed. Editing input ends when the remaining time becomes zero. By pressing the “end” button displayed on the screen, the editing input can be forcibly terminated before the remaining time becomes zero.

  Editing can be continued until the editing input time is reached or the “end” button is pressed. When the editing input is completed, a plurality of predetermined print layouts are displayed on the tablet display 31 according to the number of keep images, and the selection of the user 6 is accepted (S110). Before accepting the selection of the print layout, the edited image may be displayed on the tablet display 31 and the selection of the image to be printed may be accepted. When the selection of the print layout is received, the generated print image data is output to the printer 52 in accordance with the selected print layout. Further, an announcement for guiding the user 6 in front of the printer 52 is output from the speaker 33 or the tablet display 31. Then, printing is executed by the printer 52 (S111) and provided to the user 6 from the print outlet 8 (S112).

  The operation in the case where one set of users 6 uses the photography apparatus has been described above. However, in this embodiment, the editing corner 3 is installed at a different location from the photography corner 2, so two sets of users are used. Can be used simultaneously. In this case, when the previous user finishes shooting and moves to the editing corner 3, the display 24 displays a standby screen and accepts the coin insertion of the next user. When a coin is inserted, shooting of the next user is started. Here, the shooting corner 2 and the editing corner 3 are installed at different positions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shooting and editing may be performed at one place.

  In addition, when two sets of users use at the same time, a single computer device 50 may be heavily loaded. For this reason, a computer device for controlling photographing and a computer device for controlling editing can be provided to improve user operability. In this case, an apparatus necessary for photographing is connected to the photographing computer, and an apparatus necessary for editing is connected to the editing computer. Devices necessary for both, such as the control unit 51 and the service panel 56, may be connected to a computer device for photographing and editing by dividing their functions, or may be connected to one of the computer devices. .

  A program for operating the computer device 50 is a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a memory card. Or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet. The provided program is installed and executed on a hard disk or the like.

[Lighting box]
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the illumination box 27 emits light from the front surface thereof to illuminate the subject. Specifically, the lighting box 27 includes a box body 271, a light source 272 attached to the back plate 276 of the box body 271, and a lens sheet 274 provided at an opening of the box body 271. The inner surface of the box body 271 is painted white in order to increase the reflectance. As the light source 272, a strobe, a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, or the like is used.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the lens sheet 274 is composed of a large number of Fresnel lenses 275 arranged in a matrix. Each Fresnel lens 275 has a substantially square outer shape and is formed integrally with another adjacent Fresnel lens 275.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the Fresnel lenses 275 is formed by densely forming sawtooth grooves in a stepped and concentric manner, and each groove serves as a small refractive surface (prism surface). As a whole, it performs the same function as one large lens. That is, the Fresnel lens 275 can make the light from the light source provided at the focal point into parallel light.

  6 and 7 again, the direct light from the light source 272 or the indirect light reflected by the inner surface of the box 271 is incident on the lens sheet 274, thereby being refracted in a predetermined direction and irradiated forward. .

  According to such a photography apparatus using the illumination box 27, the subject is illuminated and photographed from various predetermined angles, so that a special illumination effect different from that of the conventional diffusion plate can be obtained. Further, even if there are not many light sources, many Fresnel lenses 275 form many images based on one light source 272, so even if there is only one light source 272, it is the same as when there are many light sources. The subject can be illuminated. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a lighting effect equivalent to that using a small number of light sources and using a larger number of light sources, and to reduce the cost of the light source 272.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the lens sheet 274, a lens in which square Fresnel lenses 275 are closely arranged as shown in FIG. 8 is used. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a hexagonal Fresnel lens 275 is used. It may be densely arranged. A shape that allows the Fresnel lenses 275 adjacent to each other to be densely arranged is preferable, but is not particularly limited.

  Further, it is not necessary to arrange all the Fresnel lenses of the same size. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a large Fresnel lens 277 may be partially arranged. For example, if such a Fresnel lens 277 having a different size is arranged at a position facing a specific part of the subject such as the face, head, and eyes, a special lighting effect can be obtained.

  In the embodiment described above, the light source 272 is arranged on the back plate 276 side of the box 271 as shown in FIG. 7, but the light source 272 is placed in the center of the box 271 as shown in FIG. Further, the reflector 273 may be provided behind the light source 272 (on the front side of the illumination box 27).

  The light emitted from the light source 272 is reflected by the reflecting plate 273 and enters the inner surface of the box body 271 or directly enters the inner surface of the box body 271 and is repeatedly reflected in the box body 271, resulting in indirect light. Enters the lens sheet 274 and is irradiated forward.

  In this case, if the depth D of the box body 271 is substantially equal to the focal length of the Fresnel lens 275, it can be considered that innumerable point light sources exist virtually on the inner surface of the back plate 276. Therefore, the light emitted from these virtual point light sources is made almost parallel light by a large number of Fresnel lenses 275.

  According to such a photographic apparatus using the illumination box 27, the subject is illuminated with parallel light and photographed, so that a photograph with a more beautiful finish than before can be obtained, such as fine skin.

  The lens sheet 274 can adjust the light amount and the emission angle by forming the Fresnel lenses with different sizes and characteristics. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the size is different for each Fresnel lens, and FIG. 15 shows an example in which the emission angle is different for each Fresnel lens. In the figure, the dotted line of the arrow represents the traveling direction of light, and the length represents the amount of light. The amount of light and the emission angle can be freely adjusted by changing the size of the Fresnel lens, the shape of the groove, the angle, the pitch, and the like. Accordingly, it is possible to illuminate the entire imaging space almost uniformly, for example, by increasing the intensity of light applied to a position in the imaging space where light is difficult to be applied. Conversely, a desired position such as a specific part of the subject, the upper part, the center part, or the lower part of the photographing space can be brightened or darkened.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a protective plate 278 may be provided on the lens sheet 274. The protection plate 278 is formed of a hard and transparent acrylic plate or glass plate. By covering the entire lens sheet 274 with the protective plate 278, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the lens sheet 274 directly, and to prevent contamination and damage due to mischief.

  The lens sheet 274 may be formed of a hard acrylic plate or glass plate, but is preferably formed of a thin flexible resin sheet that can be easily bent, cut, curved, or the like. Recently, the lighting box 27 often has a curved front surface due to functionality such as design and lighting efficiency. If the lens sheet 274 is flexible, such curved surface processing can be performed at low cost.

  If the lens sheet 274 is flexible, the lens sheet 274 can be wound and stored like a roll screen. Therefore, it is possible to form an apparatus that slides the lens sheet 274 up and down or left and right. If several types of lens sheets 274 are prepared for one lighting box 27, various lighting effects can be realized by one lighting box 27. For example, the lens sheet 274 can be automatically switched if the user selects a desired illumination method.

  The thin flexible lens sheet 274 is easily deformed and easily damaged. Therefore, in order to support and fix the lens sheet 274, the opening of the box 271 may be closed with a hard and transparent acrylic plate or glass plate, and the lens sheet 274 may be stuck thereon. In this case, the acrylic plate or the glass plate may be flat, but may be curved.

  Moreover, it may replace with the illumination box 27 mentioned above, and may employ | adopt the illumination box 34 shown in FIG.16 and FIG.17. In the illumination box 34, the lens sheet 274 is provided on the inner surface of the back plate 276, and a diffusion plate 341 is provided in the opening of the box body 271. The diffusion plate 341 is formed of a transparent milky white acrylic plate or the like. In this case, the back plate 276 blocks or reflects the light transmitted through the lens sheet 27, thereby preventing the light from being transmitted to the rear of the lens sheet 274. Other configurations are basically the same as those of the lighting box 27 described above.

  According to the illumination box 34, a part of the light emitted from the light source 272 is reflected in a predetermined direction on the surface of the lens sheet 274, and the remaining part is transmitted through the lens sheet 274, reflected by the back plate 276, and again the lens. The sheet 274 is transmitted. Therefore, the remaining portion is refracted by the lens sheet 274 and is emitted from the lens sheet 274 in a predetermined direction. The light emitted from the lens sheet 274 is repeatedly reflected in the box body 271, is diffused by the diffusion plate 341, and is emitted toward the photographing space.

  In the above-described embodiment, the Fresnel lens 275 is used, but a concave lens, a convex lens, or the like may be used instead. In the embodiment described above, the lens is disposed on the entire lens sheet 274, but may be disposed on only a part thereof. Further, the position of the light source 272 is not particularly limited, and is appropriately determined according to the purpose of the lighting box, the content of the lighting effect, the mounting position, and the like. The inner surface of the lighting box is painted white, but is not particularly limited, and the color is appropriately selected according to the purpose of the lighting box, the content of the lighting effect, and the like.

  The mounting position, direction, size, number, etc. of the lighting box are not limited to those shown in FIG. For example, illumination boxes may be arranged on the back, side, top, bottom, etc. of the subject.

  While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit thereof.

  The photography apparatus according to the present invention can be used in a stick printing machine having an illumination box.

It is a side view which shows the external appearance structure of the photography apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the photography apparatus shown in Drawing 1 from the photography corner side. It is the perspective view which looked at the photography apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from the edit corner side. It is a functional block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the photography apparatus shown in FIGS. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the photography apparatus shown in FIGS. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the lighting box in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the lighting box shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view of the lens sheet in FIGS. 6 and 7. It is a front view of the Fresnel lens which comprises the lens sheet shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the Fresnel lens shown in FIG. It is a front view of another lens sheet different from the lens sheet shown in FIG. It is a front view of another lens sheet different from the lens sheet shown in FIG.8 and FIG.11. It is sectional drawing of another lighting box different from the lighting box shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of another lighting box different from the lighting box shown in FIG.7 and FIG.13. It is sectional drawing of another illumination box different from the illumination box shown in FIG.7, FIG.13 and FIG.14. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of still another lighting box different from the lighting box shown in FIGS. 7, 13, 14, and 15. It is sectional drawing of the illumination box shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

21 Cameras 27 and 34 Illumination box 52 Printer 271 Box 272 Light source 274 Lens sheet 275 and 277 Fresnel lens 278 Protection plate

Claims (8)

A light source;
An optical member that is disposed between the light source and the subject, refracts light from the light source in a predetermined direction, and guides the light to the subject;
Photographing means for photographing a subject illuminated with light from the light source;
A photographic apparatus comprising: photographic output means for outputting a photograph of a subject photographed by the photographing means. The photography apparatus according to claim 1,
2. The photographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical member includes a plurality of optical elements each refracting light in a predetermined direction. The photography apparatus according to claim 2,
Each of the optical elements is a Fresnel lens. The photography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The photographic device, wherein the optical member is a flexible lens sheet. The photography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
A photographic apparatus comprising a protective plate provided on the optical member. A light source;
A Fresnel lens disposed on the opposite side of the subject across the light source and guiding the light from the light source to the subject by reflecting and / or refracting light in a predetermined direction;
Photographing means for photographing a subject illuminated with light from the light source;
A photographic apparatus comprising: photographic output means for outputting a photograph of a subject photographed by the photographing means. Refracting light from the light source in a predetermined direction by an optical member disposed between the light source and the subject and guiding the light to the subject;
Photographing a subject illuminated with light from the light source;
And a step of outputting a photograph of the photographed subject. A step of reflecting and / or refracting light from the light source in a predetermined direction by a Fresnel lens disposed on the opposite side of the subject with the light source interposed therebetween,
Photographing a subject illuminated with light from the light source;
And a step of outputting a photograph of the photographed subject.

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