JP2006060719A - Apparatus and method for image editing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To satisfy desire of a user by compositing a border between a background and a person without a sense of incongruity and applying efficient image processing to realize beautiful finish. <P>SOLUTION: A camera 11 photographs a background roll curtain 28 together with an object, and a photographic image is stored in a storage unit. A border region 82 between a background region 80 and an object region 81, and a region 83 other than the border region 82 are set on the basis of the photographic image stored in the storage unit, and predetermined image editing is applied to the border region 82. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image editing apparatus and an image editing method, and more particularly to an image that can satisfy a user's desire by realizing a beautiful finish by synthesizing a boundary portion between a background and a person without a sense of incongruity and applying effective image processing. The present invention relates to an editing apparatus and an image editing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many photo vending machines that take pictures and make sticker prints or the like have been installed in stores that provide games such as game centers. Such a photo vending machine is generally obtained by taking a photograph of a subject that is a user with a camera attached to the photo vending machine, or with a digital camera or a camera-equipped mobile phone owned by the user. It is common to have a function as an image editing device called so-called graffiti or drawing, which captures captured images, displays them on a tablet display, etc., and inputs characters and figures with the attached touch pen ing. The edited and input image is combined with the captured image, and the combined image is printed by a printer and provided to the user.

  In Patent Document 1, a body part area is set based on elements constituting a body part of a person image so that the decoration does not overlap with a body part such as a human face, and decoration is added to a background area other than the body part area A person image processing apparatus is disclosed. Moreover, adding decoration along the outer periphery of a body part area | region etc. is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, in order to prevent graffiti from overlapping the user's face, an editable range for inputting an image is set, and an image is edited when it is determined that an edit input has been made in the editable range. An image printing apparatus is disclosed.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an image processing apparatus having various pen functions that form a variety of shapes of drawn lines by using a mask image corresponding to a predetermined texture image.

  Patent Document 4 relating to a photo sticker vending machine includes a method for synthesizing a photographed image and a background image using a mask image, or a translucent composition of a photographed image and a background image.

According to Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is known that an area of a person part is extracted from a captured image and an image is combined with an area other than a person (so-called “background”), and a mask image is used for image input and image combination. It has been.
JP 2000-22929 A JP 2002-185892 A JP 2003-37813 A JP 2004-48275 A

  However, in Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is possible to realize complicated editing with a simple operation, such as using a mask image to divide an area between a person and a background and adding a decoration image only to the background area. However, this does not mean adding an elaborate image to the boundary between the person and the background, or realizing natural and smooth composition of the boundary.

  In addition, the photos provided by recent photo vending machines tend to require a good finish and the beauty of the images, and users cannot be satisfied with photos that simply synthesize a person and background. There was a problem.

  That is, the user cannot be satisfied unless the person and the background are combined without a sense of incongruity, and the image processing that makes the person look beautiful is not performed. In this way, the desire to provide users with good-finished photos tends to become stronger year by year.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and particularly relates to an image editing apparatus and an image editing method. In particular, a boundary portion between a background and a person is synthesized without a sense of incongruity, and a beautiful finish is achieved by performing effective image processing. The goal is to realize and meet the needs of users.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image editing apparatus according to the present invention includes a photographing unit that photographs a subject that is a user, a background unit that is disposed behind the subject and includes a background that is photographed together with the subject, Based on the captured image stored in the storage unit, a storage unit that stores the captured image including the subject and the background captured by the imaging unit, and sets a boundary portion between the subject and the background in the captured image It is characterized by comprising setting means and editing means for performing predetermined image editing on the boundary portion set by the setting means.

  According to the image editing apparatus, the boundary portion between the subject and the background can be set without requiring the user to perform a special operation. By setting such a boundary portion, the boundary portion between the subject and the background can be synthesized without a sense of incongruity, or image processing or image editing that has a predetermined effect on the boundary portion between the subject and the background can be performed by the editing means. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a more natural and beautiful finish photo.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a creating unit that creates a predetermined mask image that is distinguished into a boundary region corresponding to the boundary set by the setting unit and a region other than the boundary region, and the editing unit includes the mask image. The predetermined image editing is performed on the boundary portion.

  By the creation means of the image editing device, a mask image divided into a boundary area and an area other than the boundary area can be created without the user having to perform a special operation, and a boundary portion between the subject and the background can be set. it can. By using such a mask image, the boundary portion between the subject and the background can be synthesized without a sense of incongruity, or image processing or image editing that has a predetermined effect on the boundary portion between the subject and the background can be performed by the editing means. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a more natural and beautiful finish photo.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image editing method according to the present invention includes a step of specifying a background in a photographed image in which a background and a person are captured based on predetermined information, and corresponds to the specified background. Creating a first mask image distinguished into a background region to be performed and a human region that is a region other than the background region, and expanding the background region of the first mask image at a predetermined ratio in the direction of the human region Creating the first extended mask image, creating a second extended mask image in which the person area of the first mask image is extended at a predetermined ratio in the direction of the background area, and the first Calculating difference information between the extended mask image and the second extended mask image; setting a boundary between a background area and a person area based on the calculated difference information; and the set boundary A step of creating a boundary mask image distinguished into a corresponding boundary region and a region other than the boundary region, and a step of performing predetermined image editing on a portion of the photographed image corresponding to the boundary region of the boundary mask image With.

  According to the image editing method, it is possible to create a boundary mask image divided into a boundary region and a region other than the boundary region without requiring a user to perform a special operation. By using such a boundary mask image, the boundary portion between the subject and the background can be synthesized without a sense of incongruity, or image processing or image editing that has a predetermined effect on the boundary portion between the subject and the background can be performed by the editing means. This makes it possible to provide users with more natural and beautiful photos.

  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 the description thereof will not be repeated.

[Appearance of the side of the image editing device]

  FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of the appearance of an image editing apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. In the image editing apparatus, the main body 2 and the back surface 3 are disposed to face each other, and a frame frame (structural material), a panel (wall surface), a side curtain, and the like are combined with them.

  In the image editing apparatus 1, an imaging space 6 having an appropriate size is formed between the main body 2 and the back surface 3 by combining the above-described components. For convenience, the ceiling surface of the imaging space 6 is referred to as a ceiling portion 4 and the floor surface is referred to as a floor surface portion 5. A first editing space 7 a is formed on the outer surface of the main body 2, and a second editing space 7 b (these are collectively referred to as an editing space 7) on the outer surface of the back surface 3. A first editing section 8a is formed in the first editing space 7a, and a second editing section 8b is formed in the second editing space 7b (these are collectively referred to as the editing section 8).

  When using the image editing apparatus 1, a user who is a subject enters the shooting space 6 and performs shooting play in a direction opposite to the shooting operation side surface of the main body 2 (hereinafter referred to as the front for convenience). Then, after shooting, it is determined which of the editing spaces 7a and 7b is to be used based on a predetermined standard, and the user enters the determined first editing space 7a or second editing space 7b and enters the shot image. An edit play is performed in which a so-called graffiti stamp image or text is input with a pen.

[Configuration of the shooting space of the image editing device]

  First, the configuration of the shooting space 6 of the image editing apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main body 2 viewed from the front. The main body 2 houses various devices such as the printer 11, the photographing / printing computer device 100 a, the editing computer device 100 b, and the control unit 110. These details will be described later with reference to FIG.

A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) are used on the front of the main unit 2 to photograph a user as a subject.
And a live monitor 13 for displaying a video captured by the camera 12 in real time and allowing the user to visually check the video captured. A plurality of cameras 12 may be provided, or movement and angle adjustment may be performed. As the camera 12, a digital camera is generally used. Changes to items (for example, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction, white balance, etc.) that can be set with a general digital camera and shooting timing are instructed from the shooting / printing computer apparatus 100a.

  Further, a front illumination device 14a is provided on the left side of the camera 12, a front illumination device 14b is provided on the right side of the camera 12, and a front illumination device 14c is provided on the lower side of the camera 12 (these are collectively referred to as the front illumination device 14). The front lighting device 14 illuminates a user who is a subject from the front.

  The front lighting device 14 will be described in detail later together with the ceiling lighting device 41 and the side lighting devices 42L and 42R.

  A surface 17a is provided on the left side of the diffusion plate 31c of the front illumination device 14c, and a surface 17b is provided on the right side. The surfaces 17 a and 17 b are disposed so as to be inclined so that the left-right direction becomes lower toward the central direction of the main body 2 and the vertical direction becomes lower toward the lower direction of the main body 2. A photographing operation monitor 18 is provided in the center of the surface 17b, and a transparent touch panel 19 is laminated on the photographing operation monitor 18. The photographing operation monitor 18 displays a screen for performing photographing instructions, options, various guidance during play, and the like, and the touch panel 19 detects an input touched with a user's finger or the like. The user can perform a selection process on the options displayed on the photographing operation monitor 18.

  Since there is the photographing operation monitor 18 in which the touch panel 19 for performing the input operation is laminated on the surface inclined so as to become lower toward the center direction in this way, it is easier for the user to perform the input operation and the instruction screen is easier to see. Become. In addition, a pose at the time of photographing can be easily determined by placing a hand on the surface 17a or 17b and photographing.

  Further, a photographing side speaker 20L is provided above the vertical surface 17c below the left upper surface 17a, and a photographing side speaker 20R is provided above the vertical surface 17d below the right upper surface 17b. Is output.

  Below the right lower surface 17d (below the photographing speaker 20R) are provided a coin insertion slot 21 for inserting coins as a consideration, and a coin discharge slot 22 for discharging unaccepted coins.

  Below the illumination device 14c, a luggage storage area 23 is provided in a concave shape so that a user of the image editing apparatus 1 can place a package during play.

  A coin box door 24, a print outlet 25, and a print guide 26 are provided below the side surface of the main body 2. The coin box door 24 is an openable / closable door for an installer of the image editing apparatus 1 to take out a box for storing coins inserted as a consideration for playing the image editing apparatus 1. The print outlet 25 is an outlet for providing the user with a seal sheet discharged from the printer 11 inside the main body 2.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the print guide unit 26. The print guide unit 26 is a display device such as a liquid crystal or an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and externally notifies which editing unit 8 is printing, notification of completion of printing, or paper during printing. It has a function as notification means for notifying that an error such as running out, running out of ink, paper jam, or mechanical error has occurred. For example, when the sticker sheet of the first editing unit 8a is being printed, the first editing unit 8a has a blue design, so that “blue corner printing is in progress” is displayed as shown. It is possible to call attention by blinking such a display. In addition, by scrolling the display, it is possible to make notifications in an easy-to-understand manner without limiting the number of characters.

  In addition, a fan for escaping heat inside the main body 2 and a cable for plugging in the main body 2 when communicating with an external device such as image distribution to the external device and remote maintenance are provided. It is preferable that a LAN (Local Area Network) cable insertion port, a maintenance door that can be opened and closed when performing maintenance of an internal device, and the like are provided.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the back surface portion 3, the ceiling portion 4, and the floor surface portion 5 as viewed from the image editing apparatus 1 side. A front background device 40a is disposed near the approximate center of the ceiling portion 4, and a rear background device 40b is disposed near the back surface portion 3 of the ceiling portion 4 (these are collectively referred to as the background device 40). A ceiling lighting device 41 is provided between the front background device 40a and the rear background device 40b. Side illumination devices 42L and 42R are provided in the vicinity of the back surface portion 3. The floor 5 is provided with a front foot switch 43a, a rear left foot switch 43bL, and a rear right foot switch 43bR (these are collectively referred to as a foot switch 43).

[Background equipment]

  The background device 40 will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 5 is a side view of the front background device 40a and the rear background device 40b. The front background device 40a includes a motor 46a (not shown), a winding device 47a, a background roll curtain 48a of various colors and patterns, and the like. The background image applied to the background roll curtain 48a represents the background of the subject at the time of shooting. Forms and functions as background means. The background roll curtain 48a is set with a background roll curtain 48a on which a user-desired background image is applied according to the user's selection at the time of play, or a predetermined background roll curtain 48a is set in advance, Determined and set in a corresponding manner. Similarly, the rear background device 40b includes a motor 46b (not shown), a winding device 47b, and a background roll curtain 48b.

  The front background device 40a is used at the time of close-up photography such as face-up photography, and has three types of background roll curtains 48a. The rear background device 40b is mainly used at the time of remote photography such as whole body photography, and has five types of background roll curtains 48b. In addition, since a background image is also provided on the back surface of the background roll curtain 48b of the back surface portion 3, a total of nine types of background images can be used.

  A background image with a pattern is applied to the background roll curtain 48a of the front background device 40a used for close-up photography. Users who want to shoot relatively beautifully prefer close-up photography such as face-up, so this pattern is used to create luxury and make the face look more beautiful. it can. Such a background image is preferably applied to the background roll curtain 48a.

  The background roll curtain 48b of the rear background device 40b used for remote photography is given a plain colored background image. Since the background roll curtain 48b is plain, a background pattern can be synthesized as will be described later, and therefore the types of background images can be increased.

  In addition, by using the front background device 40a and the rear background device 40b in this way, not only shooting at a free standing position using the rear background device 40b but also a standing position using the front background device 40a is limited. Shooting is possible. For this reason, in shooting using the front background device 40a, it is possible to naturally guide to an optimum standing position according to the illumination setting.

  As long as it has such a structure, there may be a space between the front background device 40a and the rear background device 40b to allow the user to be positioned. For this reason, the user is sandwiched between the background roll curtain 48a and the background roll curtain 48b, and there is a problem that the user does not appear in the camera 12.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the background roll curtain 48a of the front background device 40a is raised and lowered and the background roll curtain 48b of the rear background device 40b is moved between the background roll curtain 48a and the background roll curtain 48b. In addition, control is performed so that the user is not caught.

  Specifically, the CPU 101a transmits an instruction signal to the background control unit 115 (see FIG. 14) via the control unit 110, so that the lowering speed of the background roll curtain 48a is lower than the lowering speed of the background roll curtain 48b. Control to do.

  Alternatively, the background roll curtain 48a is controlled to be lowered step by step when it is lowered. That is, the background control unit 115 performs control such that the pause is performed several times while the background roll curtain 48a is being lowered.

  By controlling in this way, the user can recognize that the background roll curtain 48a is lowered before the background roll curtain 48a is completely lowered, so that the user can recognize the background roll curtain 48a. It is possible to move to a position closer to the camera 12. For this reason, a user can be prevented from being pinched between the background roll curtain 48a and the background roll curtain 48b.

  Normally, the background control unit 115 controls to lower the background roll curtain 48 to be used at the same time that the background roll curtain 48 used first is rolled up. Only when the front background roll curtain 48a is used and then the front background roll curtain 48a is used, control is performed so that the rear background roll curtain 48b is completely stored (lifted) and then the front background roll curtain 48a is lowered.

  By controlling in this way, time can be afforded until the background roll curtain 48a descends, so that the user can move to a position closer to the camera 12 than the background roll curtain 48a. For this reason, a user can be prevented from being pinched between the background roll curtain 48a and the background roll curtain 48b.

  Further, the length in the width direction of the background roll curtain 48a is made shorter than the length in the width direction of the background roll curtain 48b so as to be within the photographing range of the camera 12.

By doing in this way, even if it is sandwiched between the background roll curtain 48a and the background roll curtain 48b, it can be easily moved to the camera 12 side than the background roll curtain 48a.

  The above is the description of the background device.

[Lighting device]

  The lighting device will be described in more detail.

  6 and 7 are diagrams showing the internal structure of the front illumination device 14. A fluorescent lamp 15 is also provided inside the front illumination device 14, but is not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

  The interior of the front illumination device 14 is painted white and has an appropriate space. Each has an ordinary lamp illumination such as a fluorescent lamp 15, a flash illumination (flash) such as a strobe 16, and a black reflecting plate 30 that reflects light emitted from the strobe 16, and the surface in contact with the outside is a milky white acrylic panel A diffusing plate 31 is provided.

  The strobe 16 emits light in accordance with the timing of the shutter operation of the camera 12 when the user gives an instruction to start photographing and the shutter operation of the camera 12 is performed. The light emitted from the strobe 16 is repeatedly reflected inside the illuminating device 14, and diffuses and emits the light from the surface of the diffusion plate 31, thereby illuminating the user who is the subject from the front.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the front lighting device 14 a and the front lighting device 14 b are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the camera 12, and the strobes 16 a and 16 b are respectively arranged near the center inside the front lighting device 14. It is arranged to irradiate slightly upward and opposite to the direction of the diffusion plates 31a and 31b that are the exit surfaces, and functions as upper illumination means. Reflecting plates 30a and 30b, which are provided in black, are provided at the ends of the strobes 16a and 16b in the irradiation direction. The diffusing plates 31a and 31b are arranged so as to protrude forward as they go toward the ceiling. Further, the diffusion plates 31a and 31b are formed of curved surfaces.

  The front illumination devices 14a and 14b mainly illuminate the face portion of the subject. When illuminating the face portion of the subject, if the light intensity of the strobes 16a and 16b is too strong, the image will be blown out and a beautiful image cannot be realized. By applying the reflectors 30a and 30b to black, the light emitted from the strobes 16a and 16b is absorbed to some extent. By doing in this way, the light quantity irradiated to a face can be suppressed to an appropriate quantity. In addition, it is possible to realize a tight impression when black is added to the skin color of the face portion.

  Referring to FIG. 7, front illumination device 14c is disposed below front illumination devices 14a and 14b. The strobe 16c is arranged to irradiate in the direction of the diffusion plate 31d and functions as a lower illumination unit. A black reflecting plate 30c is provided near the center of the inner bottom surface. The diffusion plate 31c is arranged to protrude forward as it goes in the floor direction. Further, the diffusion plate 31c is formed of a curved surface. The diffusion plate 31d is disposed above the vertical surface at the lower center of the main body 2.

  As described above, the front illuminating device 14c has two emission surfaces of the diffusion plate 31c and the diffusion plate 31d. The light emitted from the diffusing plate 31c mainly illuminates the subject from the lower part of the face. By doing so, the light emitted from the illuminating devices 14a and 14b and the light emitted from the surface of the diffusion plate 31c of the illuminating device 14c interfere with each other, and the face portion of the subject can be irradiated with an appropriate amount of light. it can. On the other hand, the light emitted from the diffusing plate 31d mainly illuminates the foot and the lower part of the subject. In this way, it is possible to illuminate the vicinity of the foot of a subject that tends to be dark.

  The upper illumination means 14a and 14b and the lower illumination means 14c described above function as front illumination means.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ceiling lighting device 41 and the side lighting devices 42L and 42R. The ceiling illuminating device 41 irradiates the subject from an obliquely upper rear surface, and the side illumination devices 42L and 42R irradiate the subject from the side surface. Like the front lighting device 14, the inside has a normal lamp illumination such as a fluorescent lamp 15 (not shown) and a flash illumination (flash) such as a strobe 16 (not shown). The surface in contact with the outside is similarly formed of a diffusion plate 31 such as a milky white acrylic panel, and further, a lattice-like member called a grid is provided on the front surface of the diffusion plate 31. The grid is black and absorbs scattered light emitted from the diffusion plate 31 to make it pseudo parallel light. By using such a ceiling lighting device 41 and side lighting devices 42L and 42R, light is irradiated in parallel toward the back and back of the subject. By using such illumination, hair can be beautifully photographed, such as shining an angel's ring on the subject's hair.

  The ceiling lighting device 41 and the side lighting devices 42L and 42R function as a back lighting means.

  The above is the description of the lighting device. Details of the illumination setting using the illumination device as described above will be described later.

[Foot switch]

  The foot switch 43 will be described in more detail.

  The foot switch 43 is used in a “foot shutter” course among shooting courses described later. As shown in FIG. 4, the image editing apparatus 1 is provided on the floor 5 of the shooting space 6, and the shutter operation of the camera 12 is performed by the user's stepping operation.

  FIG. 9 is a view of the arrangement of the foot switch 43 provided on the floor 5 of the imaging space 6 as viewed from above.

  The foot switch 43 includes a front foot switch 43a disposed on the side close to the main body 2, a rear left foot switch 43bL disposed on the side close to the back surface 3, and a rear right foot switch 43bR. The rear foot switch 43b). The front foot switch 43a and the rear foot switch 43b are collectively referred to as a foot switch 43.

  The front foot switch 43a has a rectangular shape that is long in the width direction of the main body 3, and the rear foot switch 43b is slightly larger than a human foot. In addition, the distance between the front foot switch 43a and the rear foot switch 43b is increased in the shooting direction of the camera 12. For this reason, there is an appropriate space between the foot switches 43, and the user depresses the foot switches 43 at various positions in accordance with instructions displayed on the photographing operation monitor 18. In the “foot shutter” course, the foot switch 43 is depressed by the user to perform a shutter operation, so that the user can take pictures at various positions while having fun.

  FIG. 10 is a side view of the foot switch 43.

  As shown in the figure, the foot switch 43 includes a switch unit 50, a base unit 51, a stepping unit 52, and a rotating shaft unit 53 that rotatably holds the base unit 51 and the stepping unit 52. When the user steps on the stepping unit 52, the rotatable stepping unit 52 contacts the switch unit 50, and the switch unit 50 transmits an ON signal to the control unit 110. Since the front foot switch 43a has a large area of the stepping portion 52, a plurality (two in this case) of the switch portions 50 are provided.

  When the foot switch 43 is used in the image editing apparatus 1, if the foot switch 43 is small, the user is distracted by the foot switch 43 at the time of shooting, and there is a problem that it is difficult to pose at the time of shooting. It was.

  In addition, when the foot switch 43 is small, there is a problem that the position where the user steps on the foot switch 43 is limited, and photographing cannot be performed in a free position.

However, the foot switch 43 having a size that is easy for the user to step on has a problem that the manufacturing cost is high.

  In the foot switch 43 of the present embodiment, as described above, by covering the large base portion 51 and the stepping portion 52 over the commercially available small switch (switch portion 50), the area can be reduced with a simple mechanism and at a low cost. A wide foot switch 43 is realized.

  Thus, the user can use the foot switch 43 to perform shooting with high playability while taking a free position and taking care of the pose at the time of shooting. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, since the foot switch 43 has the same internal switch unit 50, the stepped unit 52 may have any shape. It can be realized in various shapes such as round and home base. In addition, the image editing apparatus 1 may change the form of play due to version upgrade or the like. Furthermore, the shape and arrangement of the stepping portion 52 may be changed depending on the form of play. In such a case, since the shape of the foot switch 43 can be changed only by changing the stepping portion 52, the cost is low.

  The above is the description of the foot switch 43.

[Configuration of image editing device editing space]

  Next, the configuration of the editing space 7 of the image editing apparatus 1 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the first editing unit 8a formed on the back surface of the main body unit 2 of the image editing apparatus 1 as viewed from the first editing space 7a side. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second editing unit 5b formed on the back surface of the back surface unit 3 of the image editing apparatus 1 as viewed from the second editing space 7b side. Since the first editing unit 8a and the second editing unit 8b have the same configuration, the first editing unit 8a will be described together.

The first editing unit 8a includes an editing operation monitor 60a on which a transparent touch panel 61a that displays an image obtained by shooting and accepts editing of the image is stacked, and a plurality of touch pens 62aL and 62aR for inputting images. The editing side speaker 63a for outputting a description of music and operation method to the user by voice and touch pen folders 64aL and 64bL to be placed when the respective touch pens are not used are provided. Data is displayed on the editing operation monitor 60a, and the touch panel 61a detects an input made by touching with the touch pens 62aL and 62aR. In this way, it is possible to perform an editing operation called so-called graffiti in which an image for graffiti is input to the photographed image.

  In the following description, when the same description is performed, the editing operation monitors 60a and 60b are combined and the editing operation monitor 60 and the touch panels 61a and 61b are combined. The touch pen 62 and the editing speakers 63a and 63b are collectively referred to as the editing speaker 63 and the touch pen folders 64aL, 64aR, 64bL, and 64bR are collectively referred to as a touch pen folder 64.

  It should be noted that since various devices such as the computer apparatus 101 are arranged inside the main body 2, heat is easily generated. For this reason, a heat exhaust port 65 is provided on the first editing unit 8 a side, which is the back surface of the main body unit 2.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the touch pen folder 64 and the touch pen 62. Conventionally, the touch pen 62 has no place when it is not in use and is left in a hanging state, or even if there is a place, the user cannot place it there, Even if it was placed properly, there was a problem that it was difficult to fix in that position. Moreover, since the touch pen 62 easily collides with various places when it is in a hanging state as described above, there is a problem that the touch pen 62 is easily broken.

  Taking such problems into consideration, a touch pen folder 64 is provided for each touch pen 62 so that the user can easily place the touch pen 62 at a position that is easy for the user to understand, as shown in FIG. In this way, the user can place the touch pen 62 in the touch pen folder 64 as shown in FIG. 13B, and the touch pen 62 is prevented from being left hanging. Can be prevented.

[Functional configuration of image editing device]

  Next, a specific example of the functional configuration of the image editing apparatus 1 is shown in the schematic functional block diagram of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 14, an image editing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging / printing computer apparatus 100a and an editing computer apparatus 100b that are the central part of calculation and control for each function and processing operation. These are collectively referred to as a computer device 100), and includes a control unit 110 that is configured of a board and controls and drives various devices connected thereto in response to an instruction from the computer device 100.

  The image editing apparatus 1 includes a power supply control unit 112 that controls a power supply system such as a fluorescent lamp 15 and a strobe 16 that require power, and controls the power supply voltage for these apparatuses from the outside to be stabilized. Although not shown, the power controller 112 is connected to a device that requires a power source in addition to the strobe 16 and performs the same control. Further, such turning on and off of the power is performed by pressing the power switch 111. However, forcibly terminating a program running on the computer device 100 by turning off the power causes the operation to become unstable. Therefore, even if the power is turned off, the UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) 113 backs up the power for a while and transmits a power failure signal to the computer apparatus 100. In the meantime, the computer apparatus 100 performs a program termination procedure and terminates the program normally. On the other hand, when the computer apparatus 100 is terminated in a regular procedure, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the UPS 113.

  The computer apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 that is an arithmetic apparatus that performs arithmetic processing as a central part of the computer apparatus 100, a program for operating the apparatus, graphic data necessary for the program, audio data, and a photograph. For controlling peripheral devices such as a storage unit 102 for storing edited images and other various images input to images and captured images, a memory 103 serving as a temporary work area for programs, and cameras, various monitors, and printers. And a communication unit 105 (not shown) that performs communication when connected to an external device via a LAN cable. Also, an input / output interface 106 (not shown) is provided, and a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is mounted as necessary.

  In the computer apparatus 100, when the power switch 111 for controlling the turning on and off of the power is pressed and the power is turned on from the power plug to the apparatus, the program is started and the operation is started. The photographing / printing computer device 100 a controls shutter timing of the connected camera, display on the live monitor 13 and photographing operation monitor 18, and output on the printer 11. The editing computer device 100b controls display on the connected editing operation monitor 60.

  The photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a controls the control unit 110 based on the instruction signal according to the execution of the program and the input operation received from the touch panel 19 and touched with the user's finger. Send a signal. The editing computer device 100 b transmits a control signal to the control unit 110 based on the instruction signal received from the touch panel 61 and according to the input operation touched with the touch pen 62.

  The printer 11 is a printer for printing a photographed image on a printing medium such as paper, sticker, metal, or plastic, and is a printer such as a sublimation type printer or a thermoautochrome type (light-fixing type direct thermal recording type). Is generally used. The image editing apparatus will be described on the assumption that the sticker is printed by the printer 11, but the print medium is not limited to the sticker, and the same processing is executed even for other print media.

  The printer 11 notifies the photographing / printing computer device 100a of the above-described state such as running out of paper. The photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a transmits a control signal to the control unit 110 according to the state.

  In addition to the photographing / printing computer device 100a, the editing computer device 100b, and the power control unit 112, the control unit 110 includes a strobe control unit 114, photographing side speakers 20L and R, foot switches 43a and 43b, a background control unit 115, The service panel 116, the coin control unit 117, the editing side speakers 63a and 63b, and the print guide unit 26 are connected.

  The flash control unit 114 is connected to the camera 12 and acquires a synchronization signal corresponding to the shutter timing in the camera 12. Then, the flash 16 is controlled to emit light in synchronization with the shutter timing of the camera 12. The strobe controller 114 controls ON / OFF of the light emission of each strobe 16 and the amount of light.

  The control unit 110 transmits an instruction signal to the photographing speakers 20L and 20R in accordance with a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a, and performs an operation in photographing play of the image editing apparatus 1. Information and BGM (Back Ground Music) are output. Similarly, the control unit 110 transmits an instruction signal to the editing speakers 63a and 63b in accordance with the control signal received from the editing computer device 100b, and outputs guidance, BGM, and the like for operations in the editing play of the image editing device 1. To do. Note that a volume adjustment knob for adjusting the sound volume of the photographing speaker 20 or the editing speaker 63 is provided in the service panel 116.

  The foot switches 43a, 43bL, and 43bR (collectively referred to as the foot switch 43) are detected signals when a stepping action from the user is detected during shooting play in a specific shooting course (here, the foot shutter course). Is transmitted to the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a via the control unit 110. When receiving the detection signal, the imaging / printing computer apparatus 100 a transmits an instruction signal for performing a shutter operation to the camera 12.

  In addition, the control unit 110 receives an instruction signal according to an input operation for the user to select a desired background from the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a using the touch panel 19, and controls the background control unit 115 according to the instruction signal. By doing so, the winding and feeding of the background roll curtain 48 are controlled. In this way, the background control unit 115 controls the operation of the motor 46 to feed and set the background roll curtain 48 with the background image selected by the user from the winding device 47. Alternatively, the background roll curtain 48 may be set by automatically determining a background image by a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a.

  The service panel 116 includes a coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, a print counter that counts the number of printed prints, and a volume adjustment knob that adjusts the volume of sound output from the photographing speaker 20 or the editing speaker 63. , A panel having a test button for performing a test mode, a service button for enabling the apparatus to be used without inserting coins, and the installer of the image editing apparatus 1 performs various settings and maintenance operations. Used when performing. When a control operation such as operation of a service button is performed, service panel 116 transmits a control signal according to the operation to control unit 110.

  The control unit 110 transmits a control signal to the service panel 116 according to the control signal received from the computer device 100. The service panel 116 operates a coin counter or a print counter according to the control signal (for example, increments the counter by 1).

  The coin control unit 117 detects the validity of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 21 and transmits a detection signal indicating that a coin has been inserted to the control unit 110.

  The control unit 110 transmits a control signal to the coin control unit 117 according to the control signal received from the computer apparatus 100. In accordance with the control signal, the coin control unit 117 can block the coin insertion slot 21 so that coins are not inserted, or can discharge coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 21 from the coin discharge slot 22. The coin control unit 117 functions as a coin blocker in the former case, and functions as a coin canceller in the latter case. This makes it possible to prohibit coin insertion during play.

  Further, the control unit 110 receives a control signal corresponding to the state of the printer 11 from the computer apparatus 100, and controls the display of the print guide unit 26 according to the control signal.

  Needless to say, the form of the image editing apparatus is not limited to the specific examples shown in FIGS. That is, other functions not described in FIGS. 1 to 14 may be provided, or not all of the functions described in FIGS. 1 to 14 may be provided.

[Shooting play processing of image editing device]

  Next, processing in the image editing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.

  Such processing of the image editing apparatus is realized by the CPU 101 of the computer apparatus 100 reading out the program stored in the storage unit 102 to the memory 103 and executing it.

  Play (play) in the image editing apparatus is mainly divided into shooting play and editing play. Since each play is performed in a different space, a series of processing in the image editing apparatus is a flowchart showing processing performed on the photographing space 6 side in FIG. 15, and the editing space 7 and the print outlet 25 in FIG. This will be described with reference to a flowchart showing processing performed on the side.

  First, shooting play processing performed in the shooting space 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the power switch 111 provided in the image editing apparatus 1 is turned on, power is supplied to various apparatuses, and an operation program stored in the storage unit 102a of the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a is activated. The photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a checks whether various apparatuses are normally connected, and initializes an apparatus that needs to be initialized (S1).

  At this time, initialization of the edit assignment flag (f) value of the present apparatus is also performed. The value of the editing unit allocation flag (f) is a variable, and the value of the editing unit allocation flag (f) when the power is turned on is f = 0. When the shooting play of one set of users is finished, the value of the editing section assignment flag (f) is f = 1, and when the shooting play of the next set of users is finished, the editing section assignment flag (f) is set again. The value is f = 0. That is, the CPU 101a alternately switches the value of the editing unit assignment flag (f) between “0” and “1” by using an XOR operation or the like every time a set of users finishes the shooting play. The editing part assignment flag (f) is stored (set) in a predetermined storage area of the memory 103a by the CPU 101a, and is a flag for identifying which editing part is used during the play.

  When the value of the editing unit assignment flag (f) is f = 0, the instruction screen of the photographing operation monitor 18 is configured with a design based on blue, and the editing play uses the first editing unit 8a. When the value of the editing part assignment flag (f) is f = 1, the instruction screen of the photographing operation monitor 18 is configured with a design based on red, and the editing play uses the second editing part 8b. That is, the CPU 101a switches the design of the instruction screen according to the value of the editing unit assignment flag (f).

  Note that it is possible to guide which editing unit 8 is used after shooting play before shooting play by the value of the editing unit assignment flag (f). For this reason, since the user can be aware of which editing unit 8 is used before shooting play, the user is less likely to get lost when moving to the editing unit 8 and the rotation is smooth.

  In addition, a design based on blue is applied to the devices and curtains forming the first editing unit 8a, and a design based on red is applied to the devices and curtains forming the second editing unit 8b.

In this way, the user can naturally understand which editing unit to use.

  Next, the CPU 101a displays a title demonstration screen prompting the use of the image editing apparatus 1 on the photographing operation monitor 18, and outputs sound from the photographing speakers 20L and 20R accordingly (S5).

  The CPU 101a determines whether or not the test button on the service panel 116 is pressed while the title demo screen is displayed (S10). When the test button is pressed while the normal title demonstration screen is displayed (YES in S10), a test mode for maintaining the image editing apparatus can be activated (S15). The test mode is a mode for the installer of the image editing apparatus to operate the image editing apparatus. In this mode, the usage status of the image editing apparatus can be confirmed and peripheral devices such as the camera 12 and the printer 11 can be adjusted.

  As used herein, an image editing device installer is a manager, manager, or employee of a store or the like that has installed the image editing device and is in business, and is a person who can handle users during business. is there. Note that it is desirable not to accept coins during the test mode.

  If the test button is not pressed during the title demonstration display (NO in S10) and the coin control unit 117 does not detect the insertion of a coin (NO in S20), the process returns to step S5 and continues to press the test button. Monitor coin insertion. On the other hand, if the coin control unit 117 detects reception of a predetermined price (YES in S20), the process proceeds to step S23.

  Consideration required for play is not limited to coin insertion such as the above-mentioned currency. Compensation for play (game) may be included, including the use of magnetic cards, prepaid cards, dedicated coins, contactless electronic money, operations with private passwords, etc., as alternatives to coins.

  When the coin control unit 117 detects reception of a predetermined price (YES in S20), the CPU 101a first displays the editing unit guide screen illustrated in FIG. 16 on the photographing operation monitor 18 (S23). This is a screen that guides which of the plurality of editing units 8 performs the edit play after the shooting play. Depending on the value of the editing section allocation flag (f), a guidance screen for either the first editing section 8a (blue corner) or the second editing section 8b (red corner) is displayed.

  For this reason, since the user can be aware of which editing unit 8 is used before shooting play, the user is less likely to get lost when moving to the editing unit 8 and the rotation is smooth.

  Next, the CPU 101a displays a shooting course selection screen for selecting a shooting course shown in FIG. 17 on the shooting operation monitor 18 (S25). These function as selection means for selecting one of a plurality of shooting plays.

  As shown in FIG. 17, “specific 6 shots”, “automatic 10 shots”, “foot shutter”, and the like are displayed for each course, and the corresponding area of the touch panel 19 stacked on the photographing operation monitor 18 is touched with a user's finger or the like. Thus, a shooting course is selected.

  The “Fix 6 Shots” course is set to repeat a predetermined number of times of shooting, but the selection of lighting, background and brightness prior to shooting takes place in the time required for selection. Since there are individual differences, the time at which the predetermined number of times of shooting is different varies depending on the user. For this reason, when the predetermined time limit has not been reached after the predetermined number of times of shooting has been completed, the extraordinary shooting is performed as a time adjustment, whereby the shooting play of “Fixed 6 Shots” ends at the predetermined time limit. The shooting play of “special 6 shots” is an example of the second shooting play.

  The “Omakase 10 Shot” course repeats shooting at a preset timing, and the shooting set at the preset timing is automatically performed. End with the time limit. “Omakase 10 Shot” shooting play is an example of a first shooting play.

  In the “foot shutter” course, shooting is performed at either the timing desired by the user or the time limit for one shooting, so by adjusting either the number of shooting times or the time limit for one shooting, The “foot shutter” shooting play ends in a predetermined time limit. “Foot shutter” shooting play is another example of the second shooting play.

  As described above, these shooting courses can be adjusted to finish at the same time depending on the playing situation, although the playing method is different. Then, the CPU 101a executes the shooting process (S30) according to the shooting process procedure of the shooting course selected by the user.

  During the photographing process, the CPU 101a displays the image acquired from the camera 12 on the live monitor 13 in real time. The user can visually check the pose and facial expression at the time of shooting by displaying on the live monitor 13.

  The shooting process procedure for each shooting course will be described with reference to different flowcharts.

[Special 6-shot shooting process]

  First, photographing processing in the “discerning 6-shot” course will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In “Fix 6 Shots”, 2 continuous shootings are repeated 3 times (6 times in total).

  If the CPU 101a determines that “6 special shots” has been selected in the shooting course selection in step S25, the CPU 101a starts counting the shooting limit time (S101). In this way, the time is counted up to a predetermined time limit at which the user can perform shooting play.

  Next, the CPU 101a displays the illumination selection screen shown in FIG. 19 on the photographing operation monitor 18 (S103). As illustrated in FIG. 19, the lighting selection screen displays options for setting the lighting at the time of photographing, such as “smooth skin”, “brilliant hair”, and “whole body”.

  “Ultimate skin” is set up so that the skin looks beautiful with close-up photography (close-up photography), “Kira-hair” is set up so that the hair looks beautiful, and “Whole body” is taken with full body photography (remote photography). The lighting is set so that the whole body can be seen beautifully evenly.

  The CPU 101a determines which of the lighting selection options has been selected, and transmits an instruction signal to the strobe control unit 114 as described above via the control unit 110 in accordance with the lighting setting selected by the user.

  Next, the CPU 101a displays a background selection screen on the photographing operation monitor 18 (S105). In the case of “smooth skin”, any of the background roll curtains 48 provided on the front background device 40a and the rear background device 40b can be selected. In the case of “brilliant hair” and “whole body”, only the background roll curtain 48 provided in the rear background device can be selected. As described above, in order to provide shooting with an optimal background in each lighting method, selectable backgrounds are limited.

  The amount of light of the strobe 16 and the presence or absence of light emission are configured to differ depending on the shooting course, the shooting method, and the like. The setting is stored in advance in the storage unit 102a of the photographing / printing-side computer device 100a, and the strobe control unit 114 (see FIG. 14) determines whether the strobe 16 emits light or not depending on which photographing course and photographing method is selected at the time of photographing. Control the amount of light.

  In the present embodiment, the strobes 16a and 16b of the upper illumination means 14a and 14b of the front lighting device are directed in the opposite direction to the diffusion plates 31a and 31b that are the irradiation surfaces, so the light is weakened to the outside. Is emitted. Since the strobe 16c of the lower illumination means 14c of the front illumination device faces the direction of the diffusion plate 31c that is the irradiation surface, light is emitted to the outside with a stronger intensity. Further, the strobes 16d to 16f (not shown) of the ceiling lighting device 41 and the side lighting devices 42L and 42R face the direction of the diffusion plates 31e to 31g which are irradiation surfaces, so that the light is emitted to the outside with strong intensity. Is done.

  As described above, since the amount of light emitted from the diffusion plate 31 to the outside differs depending on the position and direction in which the strobe 16 is provided, the setting considering the arrangement and direction of the strobe 16 is performed and stored in the storage unit 102a. . Based on the setting, the strobe controller 114 controls the light emission of the strobe 16.

  The amount of light when the strobe 16 emits light is divided into weak (S), medium (M), and strong (L). Further, among them, the value is further divided into five levels. The weakest light quantity value among the weaknesses is S1, the strongest light quantity value is S5, and the larger the numerical value, the stronger the light quantity. Similarly, medium (M) is divided into light quantity values such as M1 to M5, and strong (L) is divided into light quantities such as L1 to L5.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the light amount setting of the strobe 16 in each illumination setting. The light amount setting includes “smooth skin” for close-up photography, “brilliant hair” that can easily achieve a beautiful image at the hair center or any position, and “whole body” for remote photography. The illustrated light amount setting is a standard setting, and the light amount value varies depending on the brightness selected in the brightness selection described later.

  “Ulder skin” is a lighting setting for close-up photography that makes the face look beautiful in close-up photography. Since the strobe 16c of the front illumination device 14c faces the direction of the diffusing plate 31c that is the irradiation surface, light is emitted to the outside with a stronger intensity. Since the light emitted from the diffusion plate 31c illuminates the face from below the subject, if the amount of light of the strobe 16c is strong, a shadow is formed in the upward direction of the face portion. , 16b is set to emit light stronger, and the strobe 16c emits light weakly.

  Specifically, the amount of light of the strobes 16a and 16b of the front lighting devices 14a and 14b is L3, the amount of light of the strobe 16c of the front lighting device 14c is S3, the strobe 16d of the ceiling lighting device 41, and the strobe 16e of the side lighting devices 42L and 42R. , 16f is turned off.

  “Kira Hair” is an illumination setting for hair-centered photography that makes hair look beautiful. In order to photograph hair beautifully, it is possible to photograph the subject beautifully by irradiating the subject obliquely from above and behind, such as an angel's ring on the hair. Therefore, the ceiling illumination device 41 and the side illumination devices 42L and 42R emit light. It is set. Since the overall light intensity is too strong, the light intensity of the front illumination devices 14a, 14b, 14c is set to emit light weakly.

  Specifically, the amount of light of the strobes 16a and 16b of the front lighting devices 14a and 14b is M1, the amount of light of the strobe 16c of the front lighting device 14c is S3, the amount of light of the strobe 16d of the ceiling lighting device 41 is M4, the side lighting device 42L, The light quantity of the 42R strobes 16e and 16f is set to L3.

  “Whole body” is a lighting setting for remote shooting so that the whole body is photographed equally and beautifully. In order to photograph the whole body beautifully, it is necessary to irradiate light evenly to the rear of the photographing space 6, and therefore, the light intensity of the front illumination devices 14a, 14b, and 14c is controlled to be emitted intensely. Further, as described above, the front lighting devices 14a and 14b and the front lighting device 14c have different orientations of the strobes 16, so that the light intensity of the front lighting devices 14a and 14b is set to emit light slightly stronger than the front lighting device 14c. ing.

  Specifically, the amount of light of the strobes 16a and 16b of the front lighting devices 14a and 14b is L2, the amount of light of the strobe 16c of the front lighting device 14c is L1, the strobe 16d of the ceiling lighting device 41, and the strobe 16e of the side lighting devices 42L and 42R. , 16f is turned off.

  In the image editing apparatus 1, “Ulder skin”, “Skin hair”, and “Whole body” are appropriately selected according to the shooting course and shooting method, and shooting is performed. At the time of shooting, the CPU 101a instructs the strobe control unit 114 through the control unit 110 to execute each of the lighting settings of “Ulable skin”, “Skin hair”, and “Whole body”, and the strobe control unit 114 follows the setting. The flash 16 is controlled to realize light emission and light amount setting.

  Note that shooting is continuously performed twice with the illumination method selected in the above-described illumination selection. For this reason, in this background selection, the user selects the background roll curtain 48 to be used for each photographing. That is, two types of background roll curtains 48 are selected.

  Next, the CPU 101a displays a brightness selection screen on the photographing operation monitor 18 (S107). The brightness desired by the user can be selected from among five levels of brightness from 1 to 5. The brightness becomes brighter as the numerical value increases, and the standard setting of the light amount value in FIG.

  It should be noted that the brightness selected here is common to two consecutive shootings, and the same brightness adjustment is performed at each shooting. The brightness of each is adjusted by the amount of light when the strobe 16 emits light. The ratio of the illumination balance in the illumination method selected by the illumination setting described above is maintained, and the light amount is increased when the bright setting is selected, and the light amount is decreased when the dark setting is selected.

  More specifically, when brightness 4 is selected for “Ulable Skin”, the amount of light of the strobes 16a and 16c of the upper illumination units 14a and 14b of the front illumination device is set to L4, and the strobe of the lower illumination unit 14c of the front illumination device is used. The amount of light of 16c is set to S4.

  Next, the CPU 101a displays an explanation screen regarding the photographing method on the photographing monitor 18 (S109). In the case of “smooth skin”, you can get a beautiful picture by shooting close to the camera, so take a close-up! Take it close to the camera. Then, you can get beautiful pictures, so “Shoot with your whole body! Look back”, “Kira-hair”, you can get the same effect at any position, “Ready? Audio is output from the speakers 20L and 20R. In this way, guidance is performed so as to guide to a position where an optimum image condition can be realized with each illumination setting.

  Then, the CPU 101a starts a countdown until the shutter operation (photographing) of the camera 12 (S111). When the count is not finished (NO in S113), the count is finished (becomes “0”). Continue counting. When the counting is completed (YES in S113), a shutter operation (photographing) is performed with the set illumination (S115).

  Next, the CPU 101a displays a preview screen of the photographed image photographed in step S115 on the photographing operation monitor 18 (S117). By doing in this way, the user can visually confirm the state of the captured image.

  Next, the CPU 101a determines whether or not a predetermined number of times (here, twice) of continuous shooting has been performed (S119). If photographing has not been performed a predetermined number of times (here, twice) (NO in S119), the process returns to step S109. If shooting has been performed a predetermined number of times (here, 2 times) (YES in S119), whether or not shooting has been performed a predetermined number of times (here, 2 times x 3 sets, 6 times) in the "six 6 shots". Determine (S121). If shooting has not been performed a predetermined number of times (six times here), the process returns to step S103. If shooting has been performed a predetermined number of times (here, 6 times) (YES in S121), it is determined whether or not the shooting time limit for counting (counting) has been reached from step S101 (S123).

  In the “Special 6 Shots” course, the lighting, background and brightness are selected before shooting. Since the time required for such selection varies from person to person, the time required to complete a predetermined number of times of shooting differs depending on the user. For this reason, if the predetermined number of times of shooting has been completed and the shooting time limit has not been reached (NO in S123), extra shooting processing is performed (S125).

  That is, the CPU 101a compares the elapsed time measured by the time measuring means such as a timer with the predetermined time limit after the predetermined number of times of shooting is completed, and the elapsed time measured by the time measuring means is a predetermined time limit (shooting limit). If the time has not been reached, the user is allowed to perform extra shooting to adjust the shooting play to end at a predetermined time.

[Bonus shooting process]

  The extra photographing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the bonus shooting process, shooting is performed as a bonus when the predetermined shooting time limit is not reached in the “discerning 6-shot” course. That is, the shooting time is adjusted by extra shooting. By doing in this way, time can be adjusted efficiently, when comprised by a some imaging | photography course like this embodiment. Further, not only normal shooting but also additional shooting can be performed, so that the user can feel a sense of profit and customer satisfaction can be improved.

  First, the CPU 101a displays on the photographing monitor 18 an explanation screen regarding bonus photography from now on, and a photographing method for extra photography, and performs audio output from the speakers 20L and 20R (S131).

  Then, the CPU 101a starts a countdown until the shutter operation (shooting) of the camera 12 (S133). If the count is not finished (NO in S135), the count is finished ("0"). Continue counting. When the counting is completed (YES in S135), a shutter operation (photographing) is performed (S137). At this time, a countdown display is also performed on the live monitor 13 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a specific example of a countdown display screen in the live monitor 13. Conventionally, such a live monitor 13 is often configured to allow a user to visually confirm an image acquired by the camera 12 in real time. However, there is a problem that the user looks at the live monitor 13 so much that the user is concerned about the appearance of the image. As a result, there is a problem that the line of sight is deviated, for example, the line of sight is deviated from the optical axis direction of the camera 12 and the image is taken with the line of sight to the live monitor 13. In addition, there is a problem that a natural expression that is conscious of the live monitor 13 is difficult to appear.

  Therefore, at the time of the countdown before shooting, as shown in FIG. 22, the live image of the user who is the subject acquired by the camera 12 is not displayed, and the live monitor 13 is controlled to display the countdown. By doing so, the user can have a natural expression without taking the line of sight of the live monitor 13 at the time of shooting, and a photograph with good image quality can be provided.

  Of course, control is performed not to display the live image of the user who is the subject acquired by the camera 12 but to display the countdown on the live monitor 13 at the time of the countdown before shooting (shutter operation), even during the extra shooting. May be.

  Next, the CPU 101a displays a preview screen of the photographed image photographed in step S137 on the photographing operation monitor 18 (S139). By doing in this way, the user can visually confirm the state of the captured image.

  The above is the description of the bonus shooting process.

  When one shooting of the bonus shooting process is completed, the process returns to step S123 in FIG. In this manner, extra photographing processing is performed until the photographing time limit is reached (YES in S123 of FIG. 18). If the photographing time limit has been reached (YES in S123 in FIG. 18), the process returns to the main flow in FIG.

  As described above, “discretion 6 shots” are repeatedly performed for a predetermined number of times. However, the selection of the illumination, background, and brightness performed before shooting has individual differences in the time required for selection, and therefore the time at which the predetermined number of shootings is completed differs depending on the user. For this reason, when the predetermined time limit has not been reached after the predetermined number of times of shooting has been completed, the shooting play can be ended by the predetermined time limit by executing the extra shooting process.

  The above is the description of the photographing process in the “discerning 6-shot” course.

[Auto 10-shot shooting process]

  Next, photographing processing in the “Random 10 Shots” course will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In “Omakase 10 Shot”, shooting is performed sequentially at a predetermined timing in accordance with the animation displayed on the shooting operation monitor 18 and the sound of a song or announcement such as BGM (Back Ground Music) output from the speakers 20L and 20R. .

  If the CPU 101a determines that “10 automatic shots” has been selected in the shooting course selection in step S25, the CPU 101a displays a brightness selection screen on the shooting operation monitor 18 (S151). The brightness desired by the user can be selected from five levels of brightness. Further, the brightness selected here is common to five shootings, and the same brightness adjustment is performed at each shooting. The brightness of each is adjusted by the amount of light when the strobe 16 emits light.

  Next, the CPU 101a sets 1 to the number of photographing (n) (S153).

  Next, the CPU 101a starts measuring time with a timer, simultaneously starts animation display on the photographing operation monitor 18, and outputs BGM and announcements from the speakers 20L and 20R (S155). The above timer measures the elapsed time from the start of the animation. The animation described above includes shooting (shutter operation) timing and shooting guide information. The shooting guide information includes a countdown until shooting and a guidance display for shooting before shooting. BGM and announcements are output in synchronization with the animation display.

  Such an animation may be sequentially displayed and output by combining still images one by one, or a moving image may be output. If the animation and the audio output are synchronized, the audio file and the animation data file may be the same or different.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a specific example of the setting of the shooting timing for each predetermined number of times (here, 5 times) during the animation and the background and lighting at the time of each shooting. The shooting timing is indicated by the elapsed time of a timer that starts timing simultaneously with the start of display of the animation image. When the elapsed time reaches the shooting time shown in FIG. 24, shooting (shutter operation) is automatically performed. This shooting is performed with the corresponding background and illumination settings with reference to FIG. Such settings are stored as a setting file of the storage unit 102a, and play proceeds with reference to the information of the setting file described above during shooting play.

  Next, the CPU 101a refers to the background information in the setting file illustrated in FIG. 24 and instructs the background control unit 115 via the control unit 110 to feed out the background roll curtain 48 corresponding to the number of times (n) of photographing. The signal is transmitted, and the background control unit 115 controls the corresponding background roll curtain 48 to be fed out. At this time, the CPU 101a refers to the illumination information in the setting file shown in FIG. 24, and transmits an instruction signal to the flash control unit 114 via the control unit 110 so as to set the illumination setting corresponding to the number of times (n). Then, the flash controller 114 controls the flash 16 to emit light according to the illumination information (S157).

  Then, the CPU 101a refers to the setting file illustrated in FIG. 24, and the timer value (elapsed time) at which the measurement is started in step S155 is the time when the current number of times (n) is taken (shutter operation). It is determined whether or not (shooting timing) has been reached (S159). If the shooting time (shooting timing) has not been reached (NO in S159), it is determined whether or not the shooting time (shooting timing) has been reached. When the shooting time (shooting timing) is reached (YES in S159), shooting (shutter operation) is performed (S161). Before shooting (shutter operation), shooting guide information is displayed during animation, and BGM and announcements are output in synchronization with the animation.

  Next, the CPU 101a determines whether or not shooting has been completed a predetermined number of times (here, n = 5) (S163). If it is determined that the predetermined number of times of shooting has been completed (YES in S163), the process proceeds to S165. If the predetermined number of shootings has not been completed (NO in S165), +1 is added to the number of shootings (n) (S167), and the process returns to step S157.

  If the CPU 101a determines that the predetermined number of times (here, n = 5) of shooting has been completed (S163), the CPU 101a performs an animation and BGM termination process (S165). When the animation and BGM are ended, the CPU 101a displays a preview screen of the captured image captured in step S161 on the imaging operation monitor 18 (S169). In this way, the user can visually check the quality of the captured image.

  Next, the CPU 101a determines whether shooting by animation display for a predetermined number of times (here, shooting 5 times × 2 sets) is finished (S171). If the above-described shooting by the predetermined number of animation displays has not ended (NO in S171), the process returns to step S151, and a series of processes starting from brightness selection is repeated. At this time, shooting is performed with an animation different from the first animation and a setting file corresponding to the animation. When shooting by animation display for a predetermined number of times (here, 5 shots × 2 sets) is completed (YES in S171), the process returns to the main flow of FIG.

  In this way, in the “Omakase 10-shot course”, shooting is repeated at a preset timing, and the shooting set at the preset timing is automatically performed. It can be finished in a time limit.

  Also, with this configuration, the user does not need operations such as shooting instructions, background selection, and background arrangement, and the production of a series of animation images, songs, and voices (narration) without being confused by the timing of shooting. You can enjoy shooting with multiple backgrounds in a natural pose. In addition, the monotonousness and boredness of automatic repeated photography can be eliminated. Thereby, the effect of attracting customers increases.

  The above is the description of the shooting process in the “Random 10 Shots” course.

[Foot shutter shooting processing]

  Next, photographing processing in the “foot shutter” course will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the “foot shutter” course, the foot switch 43 is used to perform shooting play.

  When the CPU 101a determines that the “foot shutter” course has been selected in the shooting course selection in step S25, the CPU 101a starts counting the shooting limit time (S181). In this way, the time is counted up to a predetermined time limit at which the user can perform shooting play.

  Next, the CPU 101a displays an explanation screen regarding the photographing method on the photographing operation monitor 18 (S183). The foot switch 43 is used to guide the user to take a picture.

  Next, the CPU 101a starts displaying an animation on the photographing operation monitor 18, and outputs BGM from the speakers 20L and 20R (S185). Since animation and BGM flow at a good tempo during shooting, the user's mood can be improved.

  Then, the CPU 101a displays a screen for instructing which foot switch 43 to press on the photographing monitor 18 (S187), and starts counting the time limit for one photographing (S189). If the foot switch 43 other than the specified one is pressed, the designated foot switch 43 is not pressed, or if the time limit for one shooting has not been reached (NO in S191), the time limit for one shooting will continue. Continue counting.

  If either the designated foot switch 43 is pressed or the time limit for one shooting is reached (YES in S191), a shooting start screen is displayed on the shooting operation monitor 18 (S193), and the shutter operation of the camera 12 is performed. (Shooting) is performed (S195).

  Next, the CPU 101a displays a preview screen of the photographed image photographed in step S195 on the photographing operation monitor 18 (S197), and proceeds to step S199.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the shooting limit time for which time counting (counting) has been performed from step S181 has been reached, or whether or not shooting has been completed a predetermined number of times (here, 10 times) (S199). If the shooting limit time has been reached or shooting has been completed a predetermined number of times (10 times here) that can be shot (YES in S199), the process returns to the main flow of FIG. Here, if the shooting time limit has been reached, the shooting play ends even if shooting has been performed less than a predetermined number of times (here, 10 times). In this way, the shooting play can be finished within a predetermined time limit by adjusting the number of times of shooting.

  If the shooting limit time has not been reached and shooting for a predetermined number of times (here, 10 times) has not ended (NO in S199), the process returns to step S183. In this way, the shooting play ends when either the shooting time limit is reached or the shooting is performed a predetermined number of times. Note that the predetermined number of times that the image can be taken is set to the maximum number of times that the image can be taken within the restricted time.

  In addition, after the completion of one shooting, the maximum number of times (here, 10 times) that can be shot is taken by controlling to change the time limit for the next one shooting. You can also.

  First, the remaining time until the time limit is calculated by subtracting the elapsed time counted by the timer from the time limit for shooting play. Then, the remaining number of times of photographing is calculated by subtracting the number of currently photographed images from the maximum number of times (here, 10 times) that can be photographed in the “foot shutter” course. By dividing the remaining number of shootings from the remaining time, it is possible to calculate one shooting limit time for shooting all the remaining shootings. In this way, by repeatedly calculating the time limit for one shooting every time one shooting is completed, it is possible to perform the maximum number of shootings that can be performed in the “foot shutter” course, It can end at the time limit for shooting.

  In this way, since the “foot shutter” course is shot at either the user-desired timing or the time limit for one shooting, either the number of shooting times or the time limit for one shooting is adjusted. Thus, the shooting play can be completed within a predetermined time limit.

  The above is the description of the photographing process in the “foot shutter” course.

  As described above, in each of the shooting courses, the shooting limit time is determined in the “special 6 shots” course, and normal shooting ends early, and when the time is over, extra shooting processing is performed and time adjustment is performed. In the “Omakase 10 Shots” course, shooting is automatically performed according to the animation, so the shooting play proceeds at a predetermined time from the beginning. In the “foot shutter” course, time adjustment is performed by adjusting either the time limit for one shooting or the number of times that shooting is possible.

  In this way, it is possible to provide a plurality of types of shooting play according to the user's preference. Moreover, since play of the same time can be provided in the same price in any play, a user's satisfaction improves. Further, since the apparatus operates for any user in a certain time, the rotation efficiency is good, and the operation rate of the apparatus is improved.

  Furthermore, as in the image editing apparatus of the present embodiment, the place where the shooting play is performed is different from the place where the editing play is performed, and if a plurality of sets of users play at once, even if the shooting play ends early, Since the editing play cannot be performed until the previous user finishes the editing play, a waiting time occurs.

  In order not to cause such a waiting time, even if the shooting courses are different, the shooting play time is adjusted to be the same as described above. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the user's edit play waiting time, and for example, it is possible to make a sense of value, such as being able to take extra pictures, and to improve customer satisfaction.

  In addition, there are a plurality of places where editing play is performed like the image editing apparatus of the present embodiment, and when assigning users to each editing section alternately, if the shooting time varies depending on the shooting course and shooting method, it is efficient. There was a problem that a user could not be assigned to each editorial department. In addition, there is a problem that a waiting time occurs as in the case where there is one editing unit.

  As described above, by adjusting the shooting time to be the same for every shooting course, the next user can start editing at the same time as the previous user finishes editing, which improves the rotation efficiency. The operating rate of the device is increased. Moreover, since the user is not bored with waiting time, satisfaction is improved.

  In step S30, when the shooting process is completed for each shooting course, a mask image creation process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 26 is performed to make the shot image more beautiful (S35).

[Boundary mask image creation processing]

  In the mask creation process in step S35 of FIG. 26 described above, a plurality of mask images are created for use in image processing during the editing process. Among such mask images, the boundary mask image creation processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, although not shown in the figure, information on the background roll curtain 48 that is arranged behind the subject during photographing processing by the photographing means such as the camera 12 and used as a background to be photographed together with the subject, and information on the illumination setting used. Keep it. Based on predetermined information such as background color information with reference to the setting file stored in the storage unit 102a from the above information, the background area and the background area other than the background area of the captured image stored in the storage unit 102b at the time of shooting The subject area that is the area of the subject is specified. The subject is mainly a user (person) playing with the image editing apparatus.

  The setting file stores background color information of the color of each background roll curtain 48 at the time of shooting with each lighting setting. The background color information is stored as RGB values, for example. Since the color of the photographed background roll canteen 48 differs depending on the illumination setting, background color information is prepared for (number of types of illumination settings) × (number of types of background roll curtain 48).

  At the time of photographing, since light is emitted from the front lighting device 14, a shadow of the subject is generated in the background portion. That is, a dark portion occurs even with the same background color, so that it is not possible to accurately extract all the background regions (portions other than the subject) only by extraction using only the original background color information. For this reason, each of the background color information in the setting file stores a plurality of pieces of background color information in consideration of a portion that becomes a shadow of the subject. Then, the CPU 101a specifies the background region 80 from the photographed image based on the plurality of types of background color information a plurality of times stepwise based on the setting file during the background specifying process (S251).

  As described above, the image editing apparatus 1 of the present invention can accurately specify the background region 80a by specifying the background region a plurality of times with a plurality of types of background color information. That is, as shown in FIG. 27A, the captured image A can be divided into a background region 80 (shaded portion) and a subject region 81 (portion other than the shaded portion).

  Then, based on the region information described above, a first mask image (mask image B) shown in FIG. 27B is created (S253). That is, the CPU 101a sets the RGB values of the pixels included in the subject area 81 to (R, G, B) = (0, 0, 0), and sets the RGB values of the pixels included in the background area 80 to ( R, G, B) = (255, 255, 255) and the first mask image B is created.

  In this way, a first mask image B is created that is distinguished from the background region 80 corresponding to the specified background and the subject region 81 that is a region other than the background region.

  Next, the CPU 101a expands the background area 80 of the first mask image B by a predetermined number of pixels in the direction of the subject area 81 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 27C) (S255), and FIG. A first extended mask image C shown in the figure is created.

  In this way, the first extended mask image C is created by extending the background area of the first mask image in the direction of the subject area at a predetermined ratio.

  Next, the CPU 101a reduces the background area 80 of the first mask image B by a predetermined number of pixels in the direction of the subject area 81 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 27D) (S257), and FIG. A second extended mask image D shown in the figure is created.

  In this way, the second extended mask image D is created by extending the subject area of the first mask image in the direction of the background area at a predetermined ratio.

  Then, the RGB value of the second extended mask image D is subtracted from the RGB value of the first extended mask image C. That is, difference information between the first extended mask image C and the second extended mask image D is calculated.

  When such subtraction is performed, when both the first extended mask image C and the second extended mask image D are black, that is, at the point of the RGB value (0, 0, 0), C (0, 0, 0) −D (0,0,0) = (0,0,0). When both the first extended mask image C and the second extended mask image D are white, that is, at a point of RGB value (255, 255, 255), C (255, 255, 255) -D (255, 255, 255) ) = (0, 0, 0). At the point where the first extended mask image C is white and the second extended mask image D is black, C (255, 255, 255) −D (0, 0, 0) = (255, 255, 255). .

  By expanding the background area as described above, the first extended mask image C has an area having RGB values (255, 255, 255) wider than the first mask image B. In addition, by reducing the background area, the second extended mask image D has an area having an RGB value (0, 0, 0) wider than the first mask image B.

  In this way, the CPU 101a uses the difference information calculated by performing the subtraction process of the second extended mask image D from the first extended mask image C, as shown in FIG. A boundary mask image in which a boundary region 82 (white region in FIG. 27E) is set between the subject region 81 and the subject region 81, and is distinguished into a boundary region 82 corresponding to the set boundary and a region 83 other than the boundary region 82 E is created (S259).

  That is, the CPU 101a has a function as setting means for setting a boundary portion between the background and the subject in the captured image.

  The boundary area 82 of the boundary mask image E created in this way is a range that gradually covers from the boundary portion of the captured image toward the background area 80 and the subject area 81. The range of the boundary region 82 can be widened or narrowed by adjusting the number of extended pixels when the image information C is created and the number of reduced pixels when the image information D is created. The boundary mask image E can be used in image editing for a captured image.

  The plurality of mask images created in this way are stored in the storage unit 102a together with the captured image (S261), and can be used as needed when necessary for processing. For example, by using the first mask image B, it is possible to insert a heart or a check pattern only in the background area by the synthesis process, and provide more various backgrounds than the actual types of the background roll curtain 48 can do. The method of using the boundary mask image E will be described later in detail.

  Here, the boundary mask image creation process is performed by the photographing / printing computer apparatus 101a after the photographing is completed, but may be performed by the editing computer apparatus 101b before the editing process. In addition, a mask image may be created for each shooting performed during the shooting process.

  The above is the description of the boundary mask image creation process.

[Image processing using boundary mask image]

  The mask image created as described above can be subjected to various image processing on the photographed image or used for editing processing described later. As an example of performing image processing on a captured image, a process of applying a glow (glow) effect to a captured image using the boundary mask image E will be described.

  The CPU 101a creates an image with a glow effect only on the boundary area 82 based on the boundary area 82 of the boundary mask image E created in step S259 of FIG. 26, and synthesizes it with the captured image. In this way, a glow (glow) effect is applied to a range that borders the subject area 81 of the captured image. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 27F, it is possible to provide a beautifully finished photograph in which the periphery of the subject appears to be shone in light.

  Further, by using the information of the boundary area 82 of the boundary mask image E, other image processing such as adding a color to the corresponding area of the captured image, changing the color tone, sharpening, or blurring can be performed.

  In addition, a function (tool) for applying an image processing effect to the boundary area 82 can be selected during editing play, which will be described later, so that the user can select what effect to apply to the boundary area of the captured image. It may be.

  As described above, the image editing apparatus 1 according to the present invention combines a pattern image with the boundary region set in the boundary mask image E, or directly changes the color tone, sharpness, blur, glow (glow), brightness to the captured image A. Editing means for performing image editing such as image processing such as a change in image size is provided.

  The above is an explanation of an example of processing for performing image processing on a captured image.

  Next, the CPU 101a performs an editing unit assignment process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28 (S40).

[Editor section assignment process]

  First, the CPU 101a refers to the value of the current editing unit assignment flag (f) and determines whether or not the value is f = 0 (S301). If the value of the editing unit allocation flag (f) is f = 0 (YES in S301), the process proceeds to step S303, and if the value of the editing unit allocation flag (f) is f = 1 (NO in S301). ), The process proceeds to step S311.

  If the value of the editing unit assignment flag (f) is f = 0 (YES in S301), the CPU 101a determines whether or not the user currently in the shooting space 6 can use the first editing unit 8a. (S303). If it is determined that the first editing unit 8a can be used (YES in S303), the process proceeds to S307. If it is determined that the first editing unit 8a cannot be used (NO in S303), the process proceeds to S305.

  The “editing unit can be used” includes a case where a user of another group who has played before does not use the editing unit, or a case where the editing unit is not out of order.

  If the user in the shooting space can use the first editing unit 8a (YES in S303), the CPU performs guidance guidance that prompts the user to guide to the first editing unit 8a (S307). Specifically, a message such as “Please move to the blue booth!” Is displayed on the operation monitor, and the guidance guidance as described above is output by voice from the photographing speakers 20L and 20R to the user. The user is prompted to move to the blue booth, that is, the first editing space 7a.

  Next, when the user is guided to the first editing unit 8a, the CPU 101a performs an image data transfer process for transferring the image to be edited (captured image) to the first editing unit (S309). In the image data transfer process, the user's photographed image stored in the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a is transferred to a storage area for image data corresponding to the first editing section 8a of the storage section 102b of the editing computer apparatus 100b. It is supposed to transfer.

  When the transfer is completed, the process returns to the main flow of FIG. 15 to switch the value of the editing unit assignment flag (f) (S45 of FIG. 15). That is, if the value of the editing unit allocation flag (f) is f = 0, the mode is switched to f = 1, and if the value of the editing unit allocation flag (f) is f = 1, the mode is switched to f = 0.

  If the user in the shooting space cannot use the first editing unit (NO in S303), the CPU 101a prompts the user to wait outside the shooting space until the first editing unit can be used. Standby guidance is performed (S305). Specifically, a standby display such as “Please go out and wait beside the blue booth!” Or an error guide is displayed on the photographing operation monitor 18, and the above-mentioned voices are emitted from the photographing speakers 20L and 20R as described above. By outputting a simple standby guidance or error guidance, the user is urged to wait at a position around the first editing unit 8a outside the imaging space. Then, it is monitored whether or not the first editing unit 8a can be used.

  If the first editing unit 8a is not usable (NO in S303), the CPU 101a continuously monitors whether the first editing unit 8a can be used, and if the first editing unit 8a is usable ( (YES in S303), image data transfer processing is performed to transfer the captured image to an area corresponding to the first editing unit 8a of the storage unit 102b of the editing-side computer device 100b (S309), and the value of the editing unit allocation flag (f) is set. Switch.

  On the other hand, if the value of the editing unit assignment flag (f) is f = 1 in S301 (NO in S301), the CPU 101a determines whether or not the user currently in the shooting space can use the second editing unit 8b. Is discriminated (S313). Since the subsequent processing from S311 to S317 is the same as the processing from S303 to S309 of the first editing unit 8a described above, detailed description will not be repeated.

  That is, the CPU 101a alternately determines which editing unit is to execute the graffiti input and guides the user to the first editing unit 8a or the second editing unit 8b according to the determination result. Control is performed using an operation monitor and a speaker.

  In accordance with the guidance as described above, the user moves to the first editing unit 8a or the second editing unit 8b. In order not to be confused about the direction in which the user moves, for example, “first editing booth” is displayed with an arrow, guidance indicating the direction of the first editing unit 8a, and “second editing booth” is displayed with an arrow. It is preferable to display a guide indicating the direction of the second editing unit 8b on a panel or a side curtain in the photographing space 6.

  In addition, since the guide screen to the editing unit 8 can determine which editing unit 8 is used by referring to the value of the edit allocation flag (f), it is not limited after the photographing process ends. It may be displayed at any timing. For this reason, since the user can be aware of which editing unit 8 is used before shooting play, the user is less likely to get lost when moving to the editing unit 8 and the rotation is smooth.

  The above is the description of the shooting play process.

[Edit play processing of image editing device]

  Next, the edit play process performed in the edit space 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The contents of the editing process executed in the first editing unit 8a and the second editing unit 8b are different in location and position, but have the same configuration and the same processing is performed. Therefore, the first editing unit 8a The description is not repeated. The processing of each editing unit is controlled by the editing computer device 100b.

  When the power switch 111 is operated and the power is turned on, the CPU 101b of the editing computer device 100b activates the program stored in the storage unit 102b, like the photographing / printing computer device 100a. Next, the CPU 101b checks whether various devices are normally connected, and performs an initialization process (S51). In the initialization process, initialization is performed on a device that needs to be initialized.

  Next, the CPU 101b displays on the editing operation monitor 60a a standby screen for allowing the user to wait for the editing operation or a screen for guiding the user to start playing from the shooting, and accordingly, from the editing speaker 63a to the user. A standby process of outputting a guidance for waiting for use by voice is performed (S53). Next, the CPU 101b determines whether or not photographic image data started to be transferred from the photographic / printing computer apparatus 100a has been received (S55). That is, the CPU 101b monitors whether reception of captured image data has started while displaying a standby screen. If it is determined that the reception of the captured image data has not started (NO in S55), the process waits until the captured image data is received.

  When the reception of the captured image data is started (YES in S55), the CPU 101b displays a guide on the editing operation monitor 60a that the captured image data is being received (S59), and whether or not the reception of the captured image data has ended. Is determined (S61). While the reception of the photographic image data has not been completed (NO in S61), the guidance during reception of the photographic image is continuously displayed (S59). When the transfer of the photographic image data is completed (YES in S61), the process proceeds to S63.

  Next, the CPU 101b performs an editing course selection process for selecting a predetermined editing course from a plurality of types of editing courses (S63). FIG. 30 shows an edit course selection screen. In the editing course selection process, an editing course selection screen for the user to select an editing course is displayed on the editing operation monitor 60a, and accordingly, the editing speaker 63a guides the user to select the editing course. Output by voice and let the user select an editing course.

  The editing courses are “Nakayoshi”, “Everyone” and “Love Love”. “Nakayoshi” provides a suitable material for graffiti images such as message stamps for doodles with a small number of friends. “Everyone” provides materials suitable for graffiti with many friends. “Love Love” provides materials suitable for graffiti between lovers.

  Since image editing devices are often played by multiple people, users such as when playing with two friends, when playing with a lot of people, when playing with lovers, etc. There are various relationships. As described above, by providing the graffiti image material according to each relationship, editing is facilitated, and the completed sheet is likely to satisfy the user.

  Next, the CPU 101b performs an edit target image selection process for selecting an image to be edited (edit target image) from the photographed images (S65). In the editing target image selection process, an editing target image selection screen for the user to select an editing target image is displayed on the editing operation monitor 60a, and the editing target image is sent from the editing speaker 63a to the user accordingly. The guidance to be selected is output by voice, and the user is made to select a predetermined number of images to be edited (four in this case). If the predetermined number of images is not selected, the images are automatically selected in the order of shooting. In other words, a predetermined number of images (four images in this case) are always selected. Here, the captured image that has not been selected as the image to be edited is processed as a bonus image. Details of the bonus image will be described later.

  When the selection of the editing target image is completed, an editing process for accepting an editing input to the editing target image with the touch pens 62aL and 62aR from the user is performed (S67).

  [Edit processing]

A specific example of the editing process executed in step S67 will be described.

  FIG. 31 shows an editing screen. As shown in FIG. 31, the editing screen displays the image selected as the image to be edited in step S65 among the photographed images and allows the image to be selected, and the image to be edited in step S65 among the photographed images. An extra image selection area 201 that displays an image that has not been selected as a target image and allows selection, and a captured image selected from the captured images displayed in the image selection area are displayed, and the user inputs an edit input. Graffiti input areas 202a and 202b (collectively referred to as the graffiti input area 202) and "special", "pen", "stamp", "frame" for selecting the editing function Doodle function selection area 203, which is a selection area for selecting so-called editing tools such as “& Line” and so-called drawing palette. Graffiti image selection areas 204a and 204b (collectively referred to as the graffiti image selection area 204) for displaying and selecting a graffiti image (pattern image) of the function selected in the graffiti function selection area 203. It includes a hint display area 205 that sequentially displays words and questions that serve as hints for dates and doodles. The hints are automatically controlled at regular intervals.

  In addition, there is a “start from” button to restart the graffiti image input from the beginning, “kakegomu” to erase the input graffiti image, and to return the input operation to the previous state. Various function buttons such as “Return” are also arranged.

  The user selects a function to be used by touching these buttons with the touch pens 62aL and 62aR, and performs an editing operation. The graffiti image of the tool is displayed in the graffiti image selection area 204, and after selecting the color, pattern, size, etc., editing is performed on the image to be edited displayed in the graffiti input area (drawing area) 202 Input (input of graffiti image) can be performed.

  Of the functions such as the stamp described above, the details of the “parent-child stamp” will be described later.

  The illustrated editing screen includes a plurality of graffiti input areas 202 and graffiti image selection areas 204.

  In the above-described case, the selection operation of the image to be edited is allowed by two people at the same time, and the editing screen is so-called so that two people can simultaneously perform the editing operation corresponding to the photographed image selected by each user. It has a two-screen configuration. In this way, editing play can be enjoyed by a plurality of users. Each touch pen 62a corresponds to each graffiti input area 202, and each touch pen 62a is configured to be able to perform different editing simultaneously.

  Specifically, the editing target image selection area 200, the bonus image selection area 201, and the function selection area 203 in the central portion accept input operations with both touch pens 62aL and 62aR, and the graffiti input area 202a and graffiti image selection area. 204a accepts input operations only on the left touch pen 62aL, and the graffiti input area 202b and graffiti image selection area 204b accept input operations only on the right touch pen 62aR.

  In the editing process, the user can play editing within the time limit for editing. The editing time limit is displayed on the editing screen of the editing operation monitor 60a so as to be easily understood by the user, and the countdown is performed.

  While the user is performing the editing process, the CPU 101b monitors whether the editing process has been completed (S69). The editing time ends when the remaining time of the timer reaches “0” and reaches the editing time limit. By doing in this way, it can prevent that a user's one-time play time is prolonged, For this reason, the fall of the working rotation rate (customer turnover rate) of this apparatus can be prevented.

  Next, when the editing process is completed, the CPU 101b performs a bonus image selection process for selecting a bonus image (S71). One to four extra images can be selected as desired by the user. Here, the selected image is printed on the sticker sheet as a bonus image. In this way, since an extra image can be selected, an extra image desired by the user can be provided.

  The bonus image is an image printed in the corner or margin of the sticker sheet separately from the image to be edited that is normally printed. A photographed image that has not been selected as the image to be edited can be printed as a bonus image in the corner or margin of the sticker sheet. FIG. 32 is a specific example of a printed sticker sheet. Normally, only the image to be edited is printed on the sticker sheet, but in this embodiment, the image to be edited is printed in the area A, and the photographed image not selected as the image to be edited is printed in the area B as an extra image. Has been. In this way, the user can feel a sense of profit.

  When the bonus image selection process is completed, the CPU 101b performs a print layout selection process for selecting a seal layout desired by the user (S73). In the print layout selection process, a print layout screen composed of a plurality of predetermined print layouts is displayed according to the number of images to be edited, and the user can select a desired print layout from the plurality of print layouts. Is supposed to be selected.

  When the above-described print layout selection processing is completed, the CPU 101b displays a screen for guiding the user to the print exit 25, such as “Seal is being printed. Please wait before the print exit” on the editing operation monitor 60a. At the same time, the announcement voice (for example, “The sticker comes out from the left!”) Is output from the editing speaker 63a. Thus, the user is guided in front of the print outlet 25 (S75).

  The CPU 101b creates print image data including a composite image obtained by combining the captured image and the input graffiti image based on the selected layout. Then, transfer of the created print image data from the editing computer apparatus 100a to the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100b is started (S79). When the transfer of the print data is completed (YES in S81), the process returns to step S53 and waits for the next user editing operation.

  The above is the description of the edit play process.

  When the print image data is transferred from the editing computer apparatus 100b, the CPU 101a of the photographing / printing computer apparatus 100a performs a print start process for performing print control for printing the print image on the surface of the sticker sheet. That is, the printer 11 prints and outputs on the sticker sheet print image data in which a plurality of combined images of the photographed image and the graffiti image are arranged according to the layout.

  At this time, if the print image data currently being output is the print image data of the first editing unit 8a (blue corner), the CPU 101a "prints the blue corner sheet", the second editing unit 8b (red corner) In the case of the print image data, “printing sheet at red corner” is displayed on the print guide unit 26.

  When printing is completed, the seal sheet is discharged to the print outlet 25.

[Editing using parent-child stamps]

  Next, the “parent-child stamp” editing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The “parent-child stamp” is one of the “stamp” functions for editing and inputting a graffiti image in a photographed image.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a pattern image of a parent-child stamp. The graffiti image used in the “parent / child stamp” includes a parent image 210 and a child image 211. The child image 211 further includes image elements 212a to 212d (collectively referred to as image elements 212). The “parent-child stamp” displays the parent image 210 at the position currently touched by the touch pen 62, and places the child image 211 on the locus of movement of the touch pen 62, thereby causing the image element 212 a of the child image 211 from the parent image 210. ˜212d is a stamp that expresses one after another.

  First, when “stamp” is selected as a function to be used from among the functions displayed on the edit screen shown in FIG. 31, the functions used in the “stamp” function are easily displayed by category. Is done.

  When “parent / child stamp” is selected as a function used in the “stamp” function from among the displayed functions, a graffiti image (pattern image) used in the “parent / child stamp” function in the graffiti image selection area 204 on the editing screen. A plurality of icons are displayed so as to be selectable. Note that the icon shown in the graffiti image selection area 204 is not limited to a pattern image that is actually arranged on the image to be edited, but may be any icon that can image the arranged pattern image. Then, the user touches and selects a pattern image used for editing input from the displayed icons with the touch pen 62.

  The CPU 101b determines whether or not a “parent-child stamp” pattern image used for editing input has been selected (S401). If it is determined that the pattern image is not selected (NO in S401), the process proceeds to step S405. If it is determined that the pattern image has been selected (YES in S401), the process proceeds to step S403.

  Next, the CPU 101b determines whether or not the graffiti input area 202 displayed on the editing operation monitor 60 has been touched with the touch pen 62 (S403). If it is determined that the graffiti input area 202 is not touched with the touch pen 62 (NO in S403), the process proceeds to step S405. If it is determined that the graffiti input area 202 is touched with the touch pen 62 (YES in S403), the process proceeds to step S409.

  When the pattern image is not selected and the graffiti input area 202 is not touched with the touch pen 62, the CPU 101b determines whether another operation such as selecting another function with the touch pen 62 has been performed (S405). . When another operation such as selection of another function is performed (YES in S405), processing according to the other operation is performed (S407). If no other operation is performed (NO in S405), the process returns to step S401.

  When the CPU 101b determines that the graffiti input area 202 is touched with the touch pen 62 (YES in S403), the CPU 101b detects the current position coordinates (x, y) on the graffiti input area 202 touched with the touch pen 62. Then, as shown in FIG. 35A, the parent image 210 is displayed on the current position coordinates (x, y) being touched with the touch pen 62 (S409).

  Next, the CPU 101b determines whether or not the touch pen 62 has left the graffiti input area 202 (S411). If the touch pen 62 is not separated from the graffiti input area 202 (NO in S411), the process proceeds to step S413.

  Next, the CPU 101b determines whether or not the touch pen 62 has moved on the graffiti input area 202 (S413). If the touch pen 62 has moved on the graffiti input area 202 (YES in S413), the process proceeds to step S415. If the touch pen 62 has not moved on the graffiti input area 202 (NO in S413), the process returns to step S411, and a series of processes starting from the process of determining whether or not the touch pen 62 has left the graffiti input area 202 is performed.

  When the CPU 101b determines that the touch pen 62 has moved from the current position coordinates (YES in S413), as shown in FIG. 35B, the displayed parent image 210 is erased, and the moved touch pen 62 is touched. The parent image 210 is displayed on the current position coordinates (S415).

  Next, the CPU 101b determines whether or not the length of the locus of movement of the touch pen 62 has reached a predetermined value (S417). The predetermined value here is the length w of the image element 212a of the child image 211 shown in FIG. When the length of the trajectory reaches a predetermined value (YES in S417), the image element 212a of the child image 211 is displayed on the trajectory of the touch pen 62 as shown in FIG. 35C (S419). Then, the process returns to step S411.

  When the touch pen 62 further moves and the length of the moved locus reaches a predetermined value, the image element 212b of the child image 211 is displayed on the locus of the touch pen 62 as shown in FIG. That is, when the touch pen 62 is moved by a length that allows the image element 212 of the child image 211 to be arranged, the image elements 211 are in a predetermined order as shown in FIG. 35E (here, 212a → 212b → 212c → 212d). Thus, it is arranged on the locus of the touch pen 62. When the touch pen 62 continues to move, the image elements 211 are again arranged on the locus of the touch pen 62 in a predetermined order (here, 212a → 212b → 212c) as shown in FIG. 35 (F). .

  The position where each image element 211 is arranged does not necessarily have to be on the locus drawn by the touch pen 62. For example, when the position where the parent image 210 is arranged is the coordinates (x, y), the image element 211a is arranged. The position where the image element 211b is arranged may be (x, y + 1) and the position where the image element 211b is arranged may be (x, y + 1).

  When the locus drawn with the touch pen 62 is a curve, the image element 212 may be rotated along the curve. This is realized by rotating each image element 212 in accordance with the normal to the locus at the position where the image element 212 is placed on the locus of the touch pen. Alternatively, each image element may hold control information for rotating the included image element 212, and the included image element may be rotated according to the law of the control information.

  In this way, the parent image 210 moves on the current position of the touch pen 62 as the touch pen 62 moves, and on a trajectory composed of coordinates (x, y) continuously detected at predetermined intervals (for example, 10 ms). The image element 212 of the child image 211 is repeatedly arranged to display the pattern image on the graffiti input area 202.

  In the CPU 101b, when the touch pen 62 leaves the graffiti input area 202, the pattern image including the parent image 210 and the child image 211 displayed when the touch pen 62 leaves is determined as the input graffiti image (S421). .

  By doing so, it is possible to perform an expression such that the child images 211 are born one after another from the parent image 210 at the time of drawing, and the fun at the time of editing input increases.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a pattern image of “parent / child stamp” when there are a plurality of child images 211. As shown in FIG. 36A, a plurality of child images 211 may be configured. As described above, when the “parent-child stamp” including the plurality of child images 211 is drawn, the child image 211b becomes an accent of the child image 211a as illustrated in FIG.

  The above is the description of the editing process using the “parent-child stamp”.

Furthermore, the control method of the computer device 51 of the image editing apparatus described above can be provided as a program. Such programs include a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random
It can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an Access Memory) or a memory card and provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. The program can also be provided through a network such as a telecommunication line or a satellite communication line.

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

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

1 is a schematic side view of the appearance of an image editing apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied. It is the perspective view which looked at the main-body part 2 from the front. This is a specific example of the print guide unit 26. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a back surface portion 3, a ceiling portion 4, and a floor surface portion 5 as viewed from the image editing apparatus 1 side. 4 is a side view of the background device 40. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the front illuminating devices 14a and 14b. It is a perspective view which shows the front illuminating device 14c. It is a perspective view which shows the ceiling illuminating device 41 and the side illuminating devices 42L and 42R. It is the figure which looked at the foot switch 43 of the floor surface part 5 from upper direction. It is the figure which looked at the foot switch 43 from the side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first editing unit 8a formed on the back surface of the main body unit 2 of the image editing apparatus 1 when viewed from the first editing space 7a side. It is the perspective view which looked at the 2nd editing part 8b formed in the back of the back part 3 of the image editing apparatus 1 from the 2nd editing space 7b side. It is a figure which shows the touch pen 62 and the touch pen folder 64 of the edit part 8. FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the image editing apparatus 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by imaging | photography play. It is a specific example of an editorial department guidance screen. It is a specific example of a photography course selection screen. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography process in a "discerning 6 shot" course. It is a specific example of an illumination selection screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example of illumination setting. It is a flowchart which shows the extra imaging | photography process in a "discerning 6 shot" course. It is a specific example of a countdown display screen in bonus shooting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography process in a "Random 10 shot" course. It is a specific example of the content of the setting file of the “Random 10 Shots” course. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography process in a "foot shutter" course. It is a flowchart which shows a boundary mask image creation process. It is a figure which shows a picked-up image and a mask image. It is a flowchart which shows an edit part allocation process. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by an edit play. It is a specific example of an edit course selection screen. It is a specific example of an edit screen. It is a specific example of a seal sheet. It is a flowchart which shows the edit process of a "parent-child stamp". It is a figure which shows the pattern image of a "parent-child stamp." It is a specific example of the display on the graffiti input area of “parent-child stamp”. It is a figure which shows the pattern image of a "parent-child stamp."

Explanation of symbols

1 image editing device,
2 body part,
3 Background section,
4 Ceiling part,
5 Floor part,
6 shooting space,
7a, 7b editing space,
8a, 8b editorial department,
11 Printer,
12 cameras,
13 Live monitor,
14a, 14b, 14c Front illumination device,
15 Fluorescent light,
16 Strobe,
17a, 17b, 17c, 17d surface,
18 Shooting operation monitor 19 Touch panel 20L, 20R Shooting side speaker,
21 Coin slot,
22 coin outlet 23 luggage storage,
24 Coin box door,
25 Print outlet 26 Print guide,
27a, 27b LED during printing,
28 Out of paper LED,
29 Print error LED,
30 reflector 31 diffuser plate 40a, 40b background device,
41 Ceiling lighting device,
42L, 42R Side illumination device 43a, 43b Foot switch 46 Motor 47 Winding device 48 Background roll curtain 60a, 60b Editing operation monitor 61a, 61b Touch panel 62aL, 62aR, 62bL, 62bR Touch pen 63a, 63b Editing side speaker 64aL, 64aR, 64bL 64bR Touch pen folder 80 Background area 81 Subject area 82 Boundary area 83 Areas other than the boundary area 100a, 100b Computer devices 101a, 101b CPU
102a, 102b Storage unit 103a, 103b Memory 104 Driver 105 Communication unit 110 Control unit 111 Power switch 112 Power control unit 113 UPS
114 Strobe control unit 115 Background control unit 116 Service panel 117 Coin control unit 200 Editing target image selection area 201 Extra image selection area 202 Graffiti input area 203 Graffiti function selection area 204 Graffiti image selection area 205 Hint display area 210 Parent image 211a, 211b Child image 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d Child image element

Claims (3)

Photographing means for photographing the subject as a user;
Background means disposed behind the subject and including a background photographed with the subject;
Storage means for storing a photographed image including the subject and the background photographed by the photographing means;
Setting means for setting a boundary portion between the subject and the background in the photographed image based on the photographed image stored in the storage means;
An image editing apparatus comprising: editing means for performing predetermined image editing on the boundary portion set by the setting means. A creation unit that creates a predetermined mask image that is distinguished into a boundary region corresponding to the boundary set by the setting unit and a region other than the boundary region;
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the editing unit performs predetermined image editing on a boundary portion using the mask image. Identifying a background in a captured image in which a background and a person are imaged based on predetermined information;
Creating a first mask image distinguished into a background region corresponding to the identified background and a person region that is a region other than the background region;
Creating a first extended mask image obtained by extending the background area of the first mask image in the direction of the person area at a predetermined ratio;
Creating a second extended mask image in which the person area of the first mask image is extended in a predetermined ratio in the direction of the background area;
Calculating difference information between the first extended mask image and the second extended mask image;
Based on the calculated difference information, a boundary mask image is generated that is distinguished into a step of setting a boundary between a background region and a person region, a boundary region corresponding to the set boundary, and a region other than the boundary region. And steps to
An image editing method comprising: performing predetermined image editing on a portion of the captured image corresponding to a boundary region of the boundary mask image.