JP2006003652A - Photograph printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photograph printing apparatus, capable of giving the sense of togetherness of background image to a user, by uniformly displaying the background part of a photographed photograph image, even when the user is photographed from various angles. <P>SOLUTION: The photograph printer 1 is provided with a background curtain 30, other surface which forms a photographing space 3 with the background curtain 30, and a CCD camera 12 capable of photographing the user from various angles and prints a photograph taken by the CCD camera 12. In the photographic printer 1, a reflecting mirror 32 is formed on a surface region facing the photographing space 3 in a ceiling part 31. Further, a reflecting mirror 34, a viewing angle adjusting plate 36, and a floor-reinforcing plate 38 are formed in the order, starting from below on the surface region facing the photographing space 3 on the floor part 33 as the other surface. A reflecting mirror 32 and a reflective mirror 34 reflect the background curtain 30 on the surface according to the reflection of light. Thereby, without performing special image processings, the image of the background curtain 30, a ceiling part 31 image, and the image of the floor part 33 are displayed as a uniform background image, having an integrated feeling in the photographed photographic image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus for taking a photograph of a user and combining the photograph with a background image or a graffiti image and outputting it as a sticker sheet.

  As a conventional photo printing device, a large number of users after coins are inserted, the user himself / herself is photographed by the photographing device installed in the housing, and the recorded image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel with an attached pen or the like. It is well known to provide a game in which a predetermined or arbitrary character or figure is used for editing, creating a unique image, and dividing and printing on a sticker sheet.

  As a place for installing the photo printing apparatus, there are mainly an amusement park, a game center, and the like. In such an installation location, a large number of various game machines including a photography printing apparatus are usually installed. For this reason, each device is required to have as small a housing as possible.

  Photographic printing devices have a relatively large casing in a game machine, but in view of providing a usage form that a user can enter and use in a shooting space, in fact, it has a small casing. I can say that. Therefore, there is a need for a method that makes maximum use of the space even in a narrow shooting space.

  In such a situation, there is also an apparatus that can produce a vivid background using a curtain or the like in order to make a unique sticker sheet.

  Many photography and printing devices often have a single fixed camera, but some cameras can be installed in various locations, or even one camera can be operated up and down. Some cameras can shoot from various angles.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a photo vending machine including a first camera that takes a bird's-eye view of a subject, a second camera that takes a subject from a substantially eye level, and a third camera that looks up at the subject. ing. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620, this apparatus enables shooting with a variety of camera angles and allows the subject to take a picture while confirming his / her appearance.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic photo sticker creation apparatus including a variable body that can form a part of a surrounding scene in an imaging space, and a fluctuation inducing means that can change the variable body during imaging processing. According to Patent Document 2, this apparatus can produce a dynamic and varied surrounding scene, enhance amusement with respect to imaging, and improve user satisfaction.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a photo printing apparatus including a hand-held camera that can freely change a shooting angle toward a subject. According to Patent Document 3, this apparatus can take a creative photographic image by freely determining a shooting angle.

  In Patent Document 4, a point light emitting unit that is located behind the standing position of the subject and emits light from a large number of points toward the image capturing unit, and the light from the point light emitting unit are transmitted to the image capturing unit. There is disclosed a photographic printing apparatus having a filter means for guiding a light pattern into the photographic image. And according to patent document 4, this apparatus can make the background part in a photographic image feel naturally.

As described above, the sticker completed in the photographic printing apparatus is mainly exchanged with friends and acquaintances, and is used by pasting it on a notebook to make it like an album or pasting it on a postcard.
JP 2001-296600 (release date: October 26, 2001) JP 2004-013070 (release date: January 15, 2004) JP2003-256931 (release date: March 5, 2002) JP2003-107575 (Publication date: April 9, 2003)

  However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that the user feels uncomfortable with the background portion of the photographed photograph image.

  In the photo vending machine described in Patent Document 1, for example, when a subject is photographed by the first camera, the photographed photograph image includes the background and the floor as the background image at the same time, and includes an image that impairs the sense of unity. Therefore, there is a problem that the user feels uncomfortable and the customer satisfaction is lowered.

  In the photo sticker automatic creating apparatus described in Patent Document 2, there is a problem that the background cannot be made uniform in the photographed photographic image.

  In the photo printing apparatus described in Patent Document 3, depending on the shooting angle, a ceiling portion and a floor portion are simultaneously captured in addition to the background portion in the photographed image, and these constitute a background image. The problem arises that the user can easily recognize that the background is not.

  In the photo printing apparatus described in Patent Document 4, when a background portion, a ceiling portion, and a floor portion are simultaneously photographed, a light pattern is projected on the background portion, but is projected on the ceiling surface and floor surface. Therefore, the two images have different textures in the photographed photographic image, and there arises a problem that the uncomfortable feeling and the uncomfortable feeling in the background image are still not resolved.

  As described above, in the conventional techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, when shooting is performed so as to look down from above, the floor below the background, that is, the floor on which the user stands is simultaneously shot. Also, if the user tries to take a picture looking up from below, the ceiling above the background, that is, above the user's head, is taken at the same time. In either case, the background of the curtain or the like will be cut off in the middle, and the appearance when the photo is completed is not good.

  As a means for solving the situation where the background is cut off in the middle, a chroma key process is possible in which the background of the same color (mainly yellow-green) is replaced with another image and the image is synthesized. However, this means is troublesome because a portion that cannot be replaced occurs when the contrast or the like is not uniform, and as a result, manual image correction is required in an interactive manner.

  In addition, as a means of solving the situation where the background is cut off in the middle, using some device, for example, a device that can create a background using a screen on the floor or curtain, the background is physically placed on the floor or ceiling. A method of projecting it can be considered. However, this method cannot be realized as easily as a method of changing only the background using a curtain, and it is difficult to pack many devices in a limited space.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to uniformly display the background portion of the photographed image even when the user is photographed from various angles, An object of the present invention is to provide a photographic printing apparatus that can give a user a sense of unity of a background image.

  In order to solve the above problems, a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention provides a user with a background surface, at least one other surface that forms a photographic space together with the background surface, and various angles in the photographic space. A photographic printing apparatus for printing a photograph taken by the photographic device, and capable of photographing by at least the photographic device in a surface area of the other surface facing the photographic space. The area is characterized by being formed by a mirror or a glossy material.

  According to said structure, a background surface is projected on the surface area | region equivalent to the range which can be image | photographed at least by the imaging device in the other surface which forms imaging | photography space. Thereby, in the photographic image image | photographed with the imaging device in this apparatus, the image of a background surface and the image of another surface are displayed as an image which has the mutually equivalent texture. Therefore, in the photographed photographic image, the boundary line between the background surface and the image of the other surface adjacent to the background surface becomes inconspicuous.

  Thereby, the image of the background surface and the image of the other surface forming the photographing space, for example, the image of the ceiling surface or the floor surface, are integrated into one image as if they were integrated in the photographic image photographed by the photographing device. Displayed as if it were a background image. In other words, the present apparatus has an effect of giving a sense of unity to the background image in the photographed photographic image without using special image processing or the like.

  Note that this apparatus has the same effect even when at least the range that can be photographed by the photographing apparatus on the background surface is formed of a mirror or a glossy material like the other surfaces.

  In the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the entire surface region of the other surface facing the photographic space is formed of the mirror or a glossy material.

  According to the above configuration, the imaging area of the imaging device almost certainly includes the surface area where the reflecting mirror is formed on the other surface forming the imaging space, regardless of the imaging angle of the imaging device. . Accordingly, since it is possible to take a photographic image having a sense of unity with the background image without adjusting the angle of the photographing apparatus in advance, there is an effect that the effort for designing the apparatus can be reduced.

  Further, in the photography printing apparatus according to the present invention, the portion of the other surface where the mirror or the glossy material is formed is further processed to prevent the user from being reflected. It is preferable.

  According to said structure, in the part in which the reflective mirror is formed in the other surface which forms imaging | photography space, the process which prevents a user's reflection, such as embossing, is given. Thereby, the user himself / herself is not clearly projected on the reflecting mirror, and the background, particularly the background color is clearly projected. Therefore, there is an effect that the sense of unity of the background image in the photographed photographic image can be further enhanced.

  In the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, a transparent and impact-resistant member is further formed on at least a portion of the floor as the other surface that serves as a scaffold for the user. Is preferred.

  According to the above configuration, even when a user stands on the floor with a large number of people and the weight of the user is loaded on the floor, the transparent and impact-resistant member supports the user. A strong load is not applied to the reflector. Thereby, even if a user uses this apparatus with a large number of people, there is an effect that the reflecting mirror formed on the floor surface is not distorted and polarized, or is not damaged and lost.

  In the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the surface area of the background surface facing the photographic space is colored in a single color.

  According to said structure, the background surface colored in single colors, such as white and black, for example is projected on the surface area | region of the other surface in which the reflective mirror is formed. Therefore, the image projected on the other surface also has a uniform texture close to white or black, like the background surface.

  As a result, in the photographic image taken by the photographing device, first, the background surface colored in a single color is displayed as a uniform image having that color. Further, the other surface is displayed as a uniform image having the same texture as that of the single color image. Therefore, there is an effect that the sense of unity of the background image in the photographed photographic image can be further enhanced.

  As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, at least the range that can be photographed by the photographing apparatus in the surface area facing the photographing space on the other surface forming the photographing space is a mirror or a glossy material. Even when the user is photographed from various angles, the background portion of the photographed image is displayed uniformly, giving the user a sense of unity of the background image. There is an effect that enables.

  A photographic printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  The photography printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a function for photographing a user's photograph (photographing function), a function for allowing a user to edit graffiti etc. on the photographed photograph (editing function), and editing. A function for printing a printed image (printing function) is provided.

(External configuration of the photography printing apparatus 1)
First, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the external appearance of the photography printing apparatus 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing details of the overall appearance of a photographic printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to this figure, the photo print apparatus 1 is provided with a device main body 2 for photographing a user as a subject and a background curtain 30 as a background of the subject. The upper part from the apparatus main body 2 to the background curtain 30 is formed by a ceiling part 31, and the lower part is formed by a floor part 33. Thereby, the imaging space 3 surrounded by a plurality of surfaces such as the ceiling part 31 and the floor part 33 for taking a photograph of the user is formed.

  Further, according to FIG. 1, a camera unit 10, a camera rail 16, a shooting processing touch panel 20, a coin insertion slot 26, and a coin return slot 28 are provided on the surface of the apparatus body 2 facing the shooting space 3. .

  The camera unit 10 includes a CCD camera 12 and a live view panel 14 and photographs a user. In the camera unit 10, a small live view panel 14 is installed immediately below the CCD camera 12. The CCD camera 12 and the live view panel 14 are combined into one and move on the camera rail 16 simultaneously. A driving device (not shown) is attached to the fixed portion of the CCD camera 12. With this driving device, the camera unit 10 moves automatically or manually over the camera rail 16. As a result, the CCD camera 12 can move in the vertical direction along the camera rail 16. Therefore, camera photography at various angles becomes possible.

  The CCD camera 12 is a well-known photographing device and photographs a user in the photographing space 3. As described above, the CCD camera 12 can photograph a user from various angles.

  The live view panel 14 is configured by a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT (cathode ray tube), for example. The live view panel 14 displays a so-called live view image such as a shooting screen at the time of shooting. As a result, a user who takes a shooting pose toward the camera unit 10 can view his / her appearance through the live view panel 14 in real time even when the CCD camera 12 moves up and down, and confirms his / her pose. The shooting process can be performed.

  The photographing processing touch panel 20 is configured by providing a touch sensor on a display surface of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT, for example. On the photographing process touch panel 20, various messages and images in the photographing process are displayed. Specifically, the shooting process touch panel 20 displays a demonstration screen, an opening screen, a billing process instruction screen, various operation contents in the shooting process, and the like. The user can operate the photographic printing apparatus 1 by touching a predetermined place on the screen of the photographing processing touch panel 20.

  The coin slot 26 is an slot for a user to insert a predetermined amount of coins as a play fee. The coin return port 28 is a return port for returning coins to the user when a change occurs or when the coin is reset after the coin is inserted. In addition to these, a coin container (not shown) for storing coins collected from the user is provided inside the apparatus main body 2.

  The illumination device 22 functions as illumination at the time of photographing and also functions as illumination of the photographing space 3 at normal time. Specifically, the illuminating device 22 secures a light amount in a live view captured by the camera unit 10 at the time of photographing, that is, a light amount in a period in which the user considers the composition and pose of the photographing. At the same time, for example, a lighting space is produced by lighting such as giving the user an impression that “a beautiful photo can be taken”. The illumination device 22 is arranged on both sides of the camera unit 10 in the apparatus main body 2.

  The speaker 24 outputs guidance voices, sound effects, BGM (back ground music), etc. for various operations to the user. The speakers 24 are arranged on both sides of the camera unit 10 in the apparatus main body 2.

  The background curtain 30 is colored white, and is photographed by the CCD camera 12 as a part of the background portion in the photographic image taken by the user. The background curtain 30 is preferably colored in a single primary color such as white or black because it can improve the sense of unity of the background. However, the background curtain 30 is not limited to this and has a pattern. Also good. A reflecting mirror 32 is formed on the entire surface area of the ceiling portion 31 facing the imaging space 3. The reflecting mirror 32 is a general silver-plated mirror. Thereby, the ceiling part 31 projects the adjacent background curtain 30 etc. on the surface area | region by reflection of light. Therefore, when the CCD camera 12 shoots as if looking up at the user from the lower side of the photographic space 3, the texture of the ceiling portion 31 that appears in the upper part of the photographic image to be photographed is made equal to that of the background curtain 30. Can do. Therefore, the ceiling portion 31 that is originally reflected in the photographic image and has no sense of unity with the background curtain 30 can be assimilated into a part of the background.

  Instead of the reflecting mirror 32, a material having a luster close to that of a silver-plated mirror on the surface, such as a metal represented by aluminum foil, is provided in the surface area facing the photographing space 3 in the ceiling portion 31. However, the same effect can be obtained. Further, the ceiling portion 31 itself may be the reflecting mirror 32.

  The entire surface of the ceiling portion 31 facing the photographing space 3 is further embossed with irregularities formed on the surface. Thereby, the reflection in the user's own ceiling part 31 can be reduced, and the sense of unity of the background image in the photographed photograph image can be further improved.

  A reflecting mirror 34, a viewing angle adjusting plate 36, and a floor reinforcing plate 38 are formed in this order from the bottom over the entire surface area of the floor 33 facing the imaging space 3. These may be formed directly on the floor 33 by coating, for example, or may be provided so as to overlap each other.

  The reflector 34 is a general silver-plated mirror similar to the reflector 32 described above. The reflecting mirror 34 projects the adjacent ceiling portion 31 and the like on its surface by light reflection. As a result, when the CCD camera 12 is placed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 2 and is photographed so as to look down at the user from above the photographing space 3, the texture of the floor portion 33 that appears in the lower part of the photographed photographic image is changed to the background. It can be made equivalent to that of the curtain 30. Therefore, the floor portion 33 that is originally reflected in the photographic image as it is and has no sense of unity with the background curtain 30 can be assimilated into a part of the background.

  Further, the surface of the reflecting mirror 34 is embossed with an uneven pattern. For this reason, the user himself / herself is clearly projected on the surface of the reflecting mirror 34, and the background, in particular, the background color is clearly projected. Thereby, the sense of unity of the background image in the photographed photographic image can be further enhanced. Note that this embossing is preferably performed in the photographing and printing apparatus 1 when the reflectance of the reflecting mirror 34 is high, and particularly when the user himself / herself is projected clearly.

  The same effect can be obtained even when a glossy material such as a metal represented by aluminum foil is formed on the surface region of the floor 33 facing the imaging space 3 instead of the reflecting mirror 34. Can do. Further, the floor portion 33 itself may be the reflecting mirror 34, and the viewing angle adjusting plate 36 and the floor reinforcing plate 38 may be formed thereon.

  The viewing angle adjusting plate 36 adjusts the viewing angle of the image projected on the reflecting mirror 34. The viewing angle adjusting plate 36 may be any material as long as it is a material that has undergone anti-reflection processing, that is, a material that is blind-processed with a louver structure and can control the visible angle (such as a polarizing plate). Thereby, when the floor portion 33 is observed from a certain angle due to the blind effect of the viewing angle adjusting plate 36, it is impossible to see the reflected image reflected on the reflecting mirror 34. Thereby, the reflection of the user himself / herself in the floor portion 33 can be reduced. In addition, when a female junior and senior high school student who is supposed to be a main user of the photo print device 1 shoots with a skirt wearing, there is a problem that the inner side appears on the floor 33 even if a short skirt is worn. Therefore, the photography printing apparatus 1 can be used with peace of mind.

  The floor reinforcing plate 38 is made of a transparent and impact-resistant material such as reinforced plastic or tempered glass, and has a predetermined strength (for example, a strength that does not break even when five people ride on it simultaneously). By providing the floor reinforcing plate 38 in a portion that serves as a scaffold for the user, the photographic printing apparatus 1 allows the reflecting mirror 34 and the viewing angle adjusting plate to be taken even when the user stands on the floor 33 with a large number of people. 36 will not be distorted and polarized, or it will be damaged and lose its effect.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photography printing apparatus 1 is formed with an editing space 4 on one side of the apparatus main body 2 that allows the user to perform editing. The apparatus main body 2 includes an editing processing touch panel 40 and touch pens 42 and 42 on the editing space 4 side.

  The editing processing touch panel 40 is configured by providing a touch sensor on a display surface of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT, for example. The touch panel 40 for editing processing displays various messages and images in editing processing such as graffiti. Specifically, the editing processing touch panel 40 displays an image to be edited and various editing tools during image editing processing such as graffiti.

  Touch pens 42 and 42 are provided in the vicinity of the editing processing touch panel 40 (left and right of the editing processing touch panel 40 in FIG. 1). The user can select a button displayed according to the progress of the process or draw an image such as a graffiti by bringing the touch pens 42 and 42 into contact with the editing processing touch panel 40. . Here, as shown in FIG. 1, two touch pens 42 and 42 are installed in the apparatus main body 2. Thereby, two users can input graffiti processing etc. simultaneously.

  In addition, it is preferable that a speaker is provided in the vicinity of the editing processing touch panel 40 so that a voice for giving an instruction of editing work to the user can be output. Further, it is preferable that a fluorescent lamp is provided near the editing processing touch panel 40 because the editing space 4 can be illuminated brightly. The editing space 4 may be provided with a dedicated enclosure, for example, a curtain. By providing such a curtain, other people do not look into the editing work. Therefore, the user can calmly perform editing work.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of the photographic printing apparatus 1. According to this figure, a printing space 5 is further formed in the back surface portion of the apparatus body 2 of the photographic printing apparatus 1. The apparatus main body 2 is provided with a print processing display panel 50 and a sticker paper discharge port 53 on the print space 5 side.

  The display panel 50 for print processing is configured by providing a touch sensor on a display surface of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display device or a CRT, for example. This print processing display panel 50 displays some information to the user waiting for the print processing.

  After the photographing process and the editing process are finished, a sticker sheet printed by a printer 54 described later is discharged to the sticker paper discharge port 53. The printer 54 is disposed on the printing space 5 side inside the apparatus main body 2. When the editing operation is completed, the user moves to the printing space 5 and takes out the sticker paper.

  In addition, it is preferable that a speaker be provided near the print processing display panel 50 so that the user can output a voice for a subsequent customer service. In addition, it is preferable that a fluorescent lamp is provided in the vicinity of the print processing display panel 50 because the printing space 5 can be illuminated brightly. Further, it is preferable that a dedicated enclosure such as a curtain is provided in the printing space 5. If there is a dedicated enclosure, others will not be able to look into the screen on the display panel 50 for print processing, so the user should calmly look at the screen or work in the printing space 5 calmly. Can do. However, the display panel for print processing 50 is not an essential configuration in the present invention and may not be provided.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the photographic printing apparatus 1 as viewed from above. According to this figure, in the photographic printing apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, the photographing space 3 for performing photographing processing, the editing space 4 for performing editing processing, and the printing space 5 for performing printing processing are separated. The photographing space 3, the editing space 4, and the printing space 5 can be served in triplicate, and the rotation rate of the user can be increased.

  Note that in the photographic printing apparatus 1, the photographic space 3, the editing space 4, and the printing space 5 do not have to be separated. Further, although there are three touch panels, for example, all of the display in the photographing process, the editing process, and the printing process may be performed with one touch panel. Alternatively, touch panels may be provided at two locations, and any two of display in the photographing process, the editing process, and the printing process may be performed on the same touch panel.

  Further, the photographic printing apparatus 1 may be provided with a lamp or the like on the outside for displaying that the user is in the photographic space 3 so as to face the outside of the photographic space 3. In addition, when a luggage storage space, a luggage hook, or the like is provided in the shooting space 3, the editing space 4, and the printing space 5, the user can put the luggage in the field of view, thereby preventing the deposit. . In addition, the installation position of the installation object is not particularly limited.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of the photo print apparatus 1 when viewed from the side. According to this figure, the camera unit 10 moves up and down along the camera rail 16, for example, a camera position 60 located substantially in front of the user, a camera position 62 when looking up at the user from his feet, and the user overhead. It can be located at the camera position 64 looking down from. As described above, in the photo printing apparatus 1, the camera unit 10 is arranged at various positions, so that the user can be photographed from various angles, and unique photographic images can be provided to the user.

  Here, when the camera unit 10 located at the camera position 60 shoots the inside of the shooting space 3, as shown in FIG. 4, a background portion 70 is displayed as the background of the photographic image to be shot. At this time, since the camera unit 10 is located at the camera position 60 and photographs the user from a substantially front direction, the background curtain 30 is reflected in the photographed photograph image, but the ceiling portion 31 and the floor portion 33 are projected. Not. Therefore, the background portion of the photographic image is integrated, and the user does not feel uncomfortable.

  On the other hand, when the camera unit 10 located at the camera position 62 shoots the inside of the shooting space 3, a background portion 72 is displayed as the background of the shot photographic image as shown in FIG. At this time, the camera unit 10 is located at the camera position 62 and shoots the user as if looking up from the foot toward the ceiling portion 31. Therefore, in addition to the background curtain 30, a part of the ceiling portion 31 is simultaneously projected as a background portion 72 in the photographed photographic image.

  As described above, the ceiling 31 projects the background curtain 30 on the surface area by the action of the reflecting mirror 34. Therefore, the image of the ceiling portion 31 in the photographed photograph image has substantially the same texture as the image of the background curtain 30. Thereby, although the background curtain 30 and the ceiling part 31 are simultaneously photographed, the background portion 72 becomes a background that gives a sense of unity, and does not give a sense of incongruity to a user who has a sticker. That is, the photo print apparatus 1 uses sticker paper including a background portion having a sense of unity even when the user is taken to look up, as in the case where the user is taken from the front. Can be provided. In addition, by giving the user a sense of unity, the user can feel the atmosphere of another world, and amusement can be improved.

  Further, when the camera unit 10 located at the camera position 64 takes an image of the inside of the shooting space 3, as shown in FIG. 4, a background portion 74 is displayed as the background of the taken photographic image. At this time, the camera unit 10 is located at the camera position 64 and shoots the user looking down from the head toward the background. Therefore, in addition to the background curtain 30, a part of the floor portion 33 is simultaneously projected as a background portion 74 in the photographed photographic image.

  As described above, the floor portion 33 projects the background curtain 30 on the surface area. Therefore, the image of the floor 33 in the photographed image has almost the same texture as the image of the background curtain 30. Thereby, although the background curtain 30 and the floor portion 33 are simultaneously photographed, the background portion 74 becomes a background that gives a sense of unity, and does not give a sense of incongruity to a user who has a sticker. In other words, in the photo printing apparatus 1, even when the user is taken to look down, the sticker paper including the background portion having a sense of unity is used for the user as in the case where the user is taken from the front. Can be provided. In addition, by giving the user a sense of unity, the user can feel the atmosphere of another world, and amusement can be improved.

(Functional Description of Photographic Print Device 1)
Next, the functional configuration of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing details of the physical and electronic configuration of the photographic printing apparatus 1. According to this figure, the photographic printing apparatus 1 includes the CCD camera 12, live view panel 14, illumination device 22, speaker 24, photographing processing touch panel 20, editing processing touch panel 40, and printing processing display panel 50. In addition, a control unit 80, a storage device 90, and a printer 54 are provided.

  The control unit 80 includes a charging processing unit 82, a photographing processing unit 84, an image processing unit 86, and a printing processing unit 88, and comprehensively controls the operations of the various configurations described above in the photographic printing apparatus 1.

  The charging processing unit 82 controls the input of money from the coin insertion slot 26 and the return processing to the coin return slot 28, and performs processing related to charging collected from the user. The control unit 80 controls the operation for the corresponding user in accordance with the charging status by the charging processing unit 82.

  The photographing processing unit 84 performs control when photographing processing is performed in the photographing space 3. For example, the imaging processing unit 84 displays various messages in the imaging process, a live view image captured by the live view panel 14 of the camera unit 10, and the like on the imaging process touch panel 20. Further, various shooting settings are performed in accordance with a user input instruction from the shooting processing touch panel 20, captured image data is acquired in accordance with the shooting instruction, and the captured image data is stored in the storage device 90. Furthermore, an instruction is given to the illumination device 22 and the speaker 24 during the photographing process.

  The image processing unit 86 is in charge of control when an editing process such as graffiti is performed on a photographed image after the photographing process is performed in the photography printing apparatus 1. More specifically, the image processing unit 86 reads out the captured image data from the storage device 90, displays it on the editing processing touch panel 40, and performs image editing processing in accordance with an input instruction by the user. Further, after the editing process is completed, the edited image data is stored in the storage device 90.

  After completing the editing process, the print processing unit 88 reads the edited image data from the storage device 90 and outputs it to the printer 54.

  When the image data to be output is sent from the control unit 80, the printer 54 prints on the sticker paper based on the image data, and discharges it from the apparatus main body 2 through the sticker paper discharge port 53. For example, a sublimation printer is used as the printer 54. In this case, in addition to the sticker paper, a sublimation ink film is set and stored in the printer 54.

(Process flow)
6 to FIG. 6 show a series of processing flow from when the photograph photographing and printing apparatus 1 photographs a user according to a user instruction, discharges the photographed image as sticker paper, and finally allows the user to receive it. This will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the photographing process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9 to 14.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing from the start of the shooting process to the start of the editing process in the photographic printing apparatus 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen for requesting the user to select whether to raise or lower the CCD camera 12.

  According to FIG. 6, the billing processing unit 82 first confirms that a coin has been inserted into the apparatus main body 2 through the coin insertion slot 26 (step S11). Next, the photographing processing unit 84 causes the photographing processing touch panel 20 to display a screen for requesting the user to adjust the position of the CCD camera 12 (step S12).

Here, as shown in FIG. 9, when the user presses the up button 112 or down button 113, the CCD camera 12 moves up and down along the camera rail 16 (step S13). For example, when the user presses the button 112 to be raised, the CCD camera 12 moves above the apparatus main body 2 and the camera image 101 also moves to the camera image 105 side. On the other hand, when the lower button 113 is pressed, the CCD camera 12 moves below the apparatus body 2 and the camera image 101 also moves to the camera image 106 side.
0 Next, the imaging processing unit 84 checks whether or not the position of the CCD camera 12 has been determined (step S14). If the photographing processing unit 84 determines that the position of the CCD camera 12 has not yet been determined, that is, the user has not yet pressed the next button 107 (NO), the process returns to step S12. The imaging processing unit 84 again displays a screen for requesting the user to adjust the position of the CCD camera 12 on the imaging processing touch panel 20. On the other hand, when the position of the CCD camera 12 is confirmed, that is, when the user determines that the camera processing unit 84 has pressed the next button 107 (YES), the camera processing unit 84 transmits a command signal to the CCD camera 12. The user is photographed (step S15).

  Thereafter, the photographing processing unit 84 temporarily stores the image data sent from the CCD camera 12 in the storage device 90 and displays the image represented by the image data on the photographing processing touch panel 20 ( Step S16). As a result, the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the editing processing touch panel 40.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that asks the user to select whether to save or delete a photographic image taken by the photographic printing apparatus 1. According to this figure, at this stage, the photographed touch panel 20 has a photographed image 111 showing the user and the background curtain 30 at the center of the screen, and a save button 112 and a delete button 113 at the bottom of the photographed image 111, respectively. Is displayed. Here, when the user presses the save button 112, the image data is saved as confirmed data in the storage device 90. On the other hand, when the user presses the delete button 113, the image data representing the photographic image is deleted from the storage device 90.

  That is, when the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the photographing processing touch panel 20, the photographing processing unit 84 checks whether or not a photographic image has been saved (step S17). Here, if the photographing processing unit 84 determines that the user has pressed the delete button 113 (NO), the image processing unit 84 discards the image data on the storage device 90, and then the current time limit for photographing (here, 180 seconds) or less. (Step S18).

  Here, when the determination result in step S18 is “true” (YES), the process returns to step S15, and the CCD camera 12 captures the user again according to the user's operation. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S18 is “false” (NO), the shooting process is terminated, and then the process in the photographic printing apparatus 1 shifts to an editing process.

  In step S <b> 17, if it is determined that the user has pressed the save button 112 (YES), the imaging processing unit 84 saves the image data in the storage device 90 as confirmed data. Next, the shooting processing unit 84 confirms whether or not the current time is within the time limit for shooting (here, 180 seconds) and the number of shot photos is within the limit number (here, 6). (Step S19). Here, when the determination result in step S19 is “true” (YES), the process returns to step S15, and the CCD camera 12 captures the user again according to the operation of the user. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S19 is “false” (NO), the shooting process ends, and then the process in the photographic printing apparatus 1 shifts to an editing process.

  Another example of a screen displayed on the shooting process touch panel 20 in the shooting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a screen for requesting the user to select saving or erasing of a photographic image taken by the photographic printing apparatus 1.

  As shown in this figure, in the photographic printing apparatus 1, a part of the photographed image 121 is a cut image 124 indicated by a dotted line, and image processing is performed to cut the cut image 124, and the image is displayed on a sticker sheet provided to the user And That is, in the photographic printing apparatus 1, when the photographic CCD camera 12 is operated up and down, an entrance for a user, a curtain for partitioning a space, etc., which are assumed to be captured on the left and right of the photograph, The image is not automatically projected by the built-in program. In this process, the focus and position of the CCD camera 12 are adjusted in advance so as not to physically shoot a range that is not desired to be imaged, so that it is not displayed in the image at the stage of confirmation by the user. Good.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 11, in the captured image 121, in addition to the user image, a background curtain image 125 that projects the background curtain 30 and a floor image 126 that projects the floor 33 are displayed. Here, as described above, the reflecting mirror 34 is formed on the floor 33, and the background curtain 30 is projected by reflection of light. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the floor image 126 is an image in which the background curtain 30 is projected on the surface area of the floor portion 33, and as a result, is qualitatively equivalent to the background curtain image 125. Thereby, the background curtain image 125 and the floor image 126 are displayed in the captured image 121 as if they were one integrated background image. Thereby, since the user can obtain a photographic image in which these different portions are projected and feels a sense of unity in the background, customer satisfaction is improved.

  On the other hand, if the floor portion 33 is not devised as in the case of the photographic printing apparatus 1, the background image does not have a sense of unity as described above. For example, when the surface area of the floor portion 33 is formed of a normal material that does not have gloss and does not project a reflection image on the surface, as shown in FIG. Is displayed, and a floor image 136 that is clearly different in texture from the background image 135 is displayed. Therefore, a sense of unity does not occur in the background portion composed of the background image 135 and the floor image 136. Further, it can be easily understood by the user that this photographic image is clearly taken by the photographic image printing apparatus. For these reasons, customer satisfaction is reduced.

  Still another example of the screen displayed on the shooting process touch panel 20 in the shooting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing still another example of a screen that asks the user to select whether to save or delete a photographic image taken by the photographic printing apparatus 1.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 13, in the captured image 141, in addition to the user image, a background image 145 in which the background curtain 30 is projected and a floor image 146 in which the ceiling portion 31 is projected are displayed. Here, as described above, the reflecting mirror 32 is formed on the surface area of the ceiling portion 31, and the background curtain 30 is projected by reflection of light. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the floor image 146 is an image in which the background curtain 30 is projected on the surface area of the ceiling portion 31, and as a result, is qualitatively equivalent to the background image 145. Thereby, the background image 145 and the floor image 146 are displayed in the captured image 141 as if they were one integrated background. As a result, the user can obtain a photographic image in which these different portions are projected and feel a sense of unity in the background, so that customer satisfaction is improved.

  On the other hand, if the ceiling portion 31 is not devised as in the case of the photographic printing apparatus 1, the background image does not have a sense of unity as described above. For example, when the surface region of the ceiling portion 31 is not coated with the reflecting mirror 32 and nothing is projected on the surface, as shown in FIG. A background image 155 that displays 30 and a floor image 156 that is clearly different in texture from the background image 155 are displayed. Therefore, a sense of unity does not occur in the background portion composed of the background image 155 and the floor image 156. Further, it can be easily understood by the user that this photographic image is clearly taken by the photographic image printing apparatus. Accordingly, customer satisfaction is reduced.

  As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus 1, even if the CCD camera 12 for shooting is operated up and down and the camera angle is automatically or manually changed to a certain vertical angle capable of shooting, the floor portion 33 and the ceiling portion 31. Since the background curtain 30 is projected on the surface, the background created by the background curtain 30 is not cut off in the middle of the photographic image. In other words, in the photographic printing apparatus 1, a pseudo horizontal (horizontal line) effect is produced in the photographed photographic image, and the texture of the background curtain 30 is reflected on the ceiling portion 31 and the floor portion 33 to enhance the appearance of the photographic image. Can be better. In addition, assembling special image composition processing (chroma key processing) into the program and installing a special device for producing the background, it is as easy as a device that uses curtains on the floor 33 and the ceiling 31. A background with a sense of unity can be created. Therefore, it is possible to provide the photography printing apparatus 1 that can be accommodated at a very low cost.

  Further, as described above, the surface area of the background curtain 30 facing the shooting space 3 is colored in a single white color. Thereby, in the photographic image photographed by the CCD camera 12, first, the background curtain 30 (one surface) colored in a single color is displayed as an image having that color, and the other surface forming the photographing space 3. That is, the ceiling part 31 and the floor part 33 are displayed with the same texture as this single color image. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the sense of unity of the background image in the photographed photographic image.

  Next, editing processing in the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing from the start of the editing process to the start of the printing process in the photographic printing apparatus 1. According to FIG. 7, after the editing process is started, first, the image processing unit 86 displays the image editing screen shown in FIG. 15 on the editing process touch panel 40 (step S21). FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a screen for requesting the user to edit a photographic image taken by the photographic printing apparatus 1. According to this figure, the captured image 161, the pen tools P1 to P5, the frame tools F1 to F5, the stamp tools S1 to S6, the typeface tools T1 to T5, the color tools C1 to F8, and the next button 162 are displayed on this image. Has been.

  Here, the user selects these editing (doodle) tools using the attached touch pens 42 and 42 on the editing processing touch panel 40 and doodles the photographed image 161. As a result, the image processing unit 86 receives the edited content of the user (step S22), and stores the edited content in the storage device 90 (step S23). Here, after step S23, the image processing unit 86 determines whether or not it is currently within the time limit for graffiti (here, 180 seconds) (step S24). Here, when the determination result in step S24 is “true” (YES), the process returns to step S22, and the user edits (draws) the captured image 161 again. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S24 is “false” (NO), the editing process ends, and the process in the photographic printing apparatus 1 proceeds to the printing process.

  A printing process which is the last of the processes in the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 16, and FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the printing process in the photographic printing apparatus 1. According to FIG. 8, after the printing process is started, the print processing unit 88 causes the print processing display panel 50 to display the sticker print image selection screen shown in FIG. 16 (step S31). FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a screen that asks the user which one of the photographic images taken by the photographic printing apparatus 1 is to be printed. When the screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the display panel 50 for print processing, the user touches a predetermined place on the screen, etc., and selects one of the images to be printed on the sticker paper from the photographed images 171 to 176. Select one.

  At this time, the print processing unit 88 confirms the image selected by the user (step S32), and then displays the seal division number selection screen shown in FIG. 17 on the print processing display panel 50 (step S34). . FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a screen that asks the user which division pattern is used to print an image captured by the photographic printing apparatus 1. When the screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display panel 50 for print processing, the user selects one favorite pattern from four different seal division patterns shown in the division patterns 181 to 184. . Further, the user presses the print button 185. Upon confirming this selection (step S34), the print processing unit 88 outputs image data representing the image selected by the user to the printer 54, and causes the printer 54 to print sticker paper (step S35). Thereby, the printed sticker paper is discharged from the sticker paper discharge port 53 (step S36).

  As described above, the photographic printing apparatus 1 shoots the user from various angles, and even if the ceiling portion 31 and the floor portion 33 are projected in addition to the background curtain 30 in the photographed photographic image, Without performing any special image processing, the user can be provided with a sticker sheet in which the background is displayed with a sense of unity.

  In the photographic printing apparatus 1, the reflecting mirror 32 may be formed on a part of the ceiling portion 31 instead of the whole. Similarly, the reflecting mirror 34 and the viewing angle adjusting plate 36 may be formed on a part of the floor 33 instead of the whole. Therefore, these examples will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing another internal configuration when the photographic printing apparatus 1 is observed from the side. In the photographic printing apparatus 1 shown in this figure, a reflecting mirror 32 is formed in a part of the surface area facing the shooting space 3 of the ceiling 31. On the other hand, the remaining part of the ceiling part 31 is formed by a non-reflective ceiling material 92 made of a material that does not reflect light. Here, the reflecting mirror 32 is formed in an area within the range where the CCD camera 12 can shoot in the surface area of the ceiling portion 31 facing the shooting space 3. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the reflecting mirror 32 is formed in the maximum range that can be photographed by the CCD camera 12 located at the camera position 62 of the ceiling portion 31. On the other hand, the portion of the ceiling portion 31 that is outside the photographing range of the CCD camera 12, that is, the blind spot of the CCD camera 12, is formed by the non-reflective ceiling material 92. Thus, since only the necessary part in the ceiling part 31 is formed by the reflecting mirror 32, the ceiling part 31 can be formed at a lower cost.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a reflecting mirror 34 and a viewing angle adjusting plate 36 are formed on a part of the floor 33, and the remaining part is formed of a non-reflective floor material 94 made of a normal material that does not reflect light. Is done. Here, the reflecting mirror 34 and the viewing angle adjusting plate 36 are formed within a range where the CCD camera 12 located at the camera position 64 can shoot. On the other hand, a portion outside the imaging range of the CCD camera 12, that is, a blind spot of the CCD camera 12 is formed by the non-reflective floor material 94. Thereby, since only a necessary part in the floor portion 33 is formed by the reflecting mirror 34 and the viewing angle adjusting plate 36, the floor portion 33 can be formed at a lower cost. Note that it is conceivable that the user gets on the floor 33 outside the range that can be photographed by the CCD camera 12. Therefore, it is preferable that the floor reinforcing plate 38 is installed not on a part of the floor 33 but on the entire surface.

  As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 18, reflection is performed on a part of the surface area of the ceiling portion 31 and the floor portion 33 corresponding to the range that can be photographed by the CCD camera 12 movable in the vertical direction. A mirror 32 and a reflecting mirror 34 are formed. On the other hand, the non-reflective ceiling material 92 and the non-reflective floor material 94 are formed in the remaining part. Thereby, even if the reflecting mirror 32 and the reflecting mirror 34 are not formed on the entire surface of the ceiling portion 31 and the floor portion 33, a sense of unity can be generated in the background image, so that the cost can be reduced.

  In the photographic printing apparatus 1, in addition to the ceiling portion 31 and the floor portion 33, the mirror or glossy material described above is further applied to the surface area facing the photographic space 3 on the side surface forming the photographic space 3. It may be formed. By doing this, even if the CCD camera 12 is zoomed in to photograph the user or the panorama, and the photographed photograph image includes a side image, the image of the background curtain 30 is obtained. It is possible to get a sense of unity with. In addition, by giving the user a sense of unity, the user can feel the atmosphere of another world, and amusement can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in general in a photographic printing apparatus that captures a photograph of a user in an entertainment facility or amusement facility such as a game center and prints and outputs the photograph on a plurality of sheets.

1 is a perspective view showing details of an overall appearance of a photographic printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the apparatus back surface part of a photographic printing apparatus. It is the top view which looked at the photography photography printing apparatus from the top. It is sectional drawing which shows an internal structure at the time of seeing a photography printing apparatus from the side. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the physical and electronic structure of a photography printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a process from the start of the imaging | photography process in a photography photography printing apparatus to the start of an edit process. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing from the start of editing processing to the start of printing processing in the photo-taking and printing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a printing process in the photographic printing apparatus. It is a figure showing the screen which asks a user for selection of raising / lowering of an imaging device. It is a figure showing an example of the screen which asks a user for selection of preservation or erasure of a photograph image photographed in a photography photographing printer. It is a figure showing the other example of the screen which asks the user for selection of preservation | save or deletion of the photograph image image | photographed in the photography photography printing apparatus. It is a figure showing an example of the screen which requests | requires the user to select the preservation | save or deletion of the photograph image image | photographed in the prior art. It is a figure showing another example of the screen which requests | requires the user to select the preservation | save or deletion of the photograph image image | photographed in the photography photography printing apparatus. It is a figure showing the other example of the screen which asks a user for selection of preservation | save or deletion of the photograph image image | photographed in the prior art. It is a figure showing the screen which asks a user for photographic image editing photoed with a photography printing device. It is a figure showing the screen which asks a user which is made into the printing object among the photograph images photoed with the photography photography printing device. It is a figure showing the screen which asks a user for which division pattern to print the picture photoed with the photography photography printing device. It is sectional drawing which shows the other internal structure at the time of observing a photography printing apparatus from the side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photographic printing apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 3 Shooting space 4 Editing space 5 Printing space 10 Camera unit 12 CCD camera 14 Live view panel 16 Camera rail 24 Speaker 26 Coin slot 28 Coin return slot 30 Background curtain 31 Ceiling part 32 Reflector 33 Floor 34 Reflector 36 Viewing angle adjustment plate 38 Floor reinforcement plate

Claims (5)

A background surface, at least one other surface that forms a photographing space together with the background surface, and a photographing device capable of photographing the user from various angles in the photographing space, and prints a photograph taken by the photographing device. In the photography printing device to
A photographic printing apparatus characterized in that at least a range that can be photographed by the photographing apparatus in a surface region facing the photographing space of the other surface is formed by a mirror or a glossy material.   2. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an entire surface area of the other surface facing the photographing space is formed by the mirror or a glossy material.   2. The photograph according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the other surface where the mirror or glossy material is formed is further processed to prevent reflection of a user. Photography printing device.   2. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a member that is a scaffold for the user is further formed with a transparent and impact-resistant member on the floor as the other surface. .   2. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a surface area facing the photographing space on the background surface is colored in a single color.

Images