JP2006185208A - Picture input device, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture input device which enables a user himself or herself to obtain the pleasure in creation by performing an input operation of a unit picture and clarifies the visual interest to promote user's utilization. <P>SOLUTION: The picture input device is provided with a stamp picture storage part for storing stamp pictures inputted to a photographic picture and a display device for editing which displays the photographic picture to prompt the user to select a stamp picture and accepts an input of the selected stamp picture to the displayed photographic picture. A plurality of unit pictures for making an integrated design picture by combining them are stored as stamp pictures. The display device for editing allows a prescribed unit picture to be individually selected from unit pictures combined to make an integrated design picture and individually accepts the selected unit picture and combines the accepted unit picture with the photographic picture to display the photographic picture with the unit picture as a foreground of a subject. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input apparatus, method, and program that are installed in a game center or the like and can be applied to a photo print providing apparatus that photographs a user by inserting coins and prints and sells a photographed image. .

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a large number of photographic print providing apparatuses that take photographs and make sticker prints are installed in game centers and the like. Such a photographic print providing apparatus generally captures a subject as a user with a camera, synthesizes a frame image with the photographed image, and prints the synthesized image as a sticker print. In such a photographic print providing apparatus, the provided sticker print is exchanged between users on a daily basis. In addition, a scene is selected and a background image and a captured image corresponding to the scene are combined and provided.

As a photographic print providing apparatus as described above, there is one shown in the following Patent Document 1 as a prior art known to the applicant. The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 completes one background image by arranging a plurality of unit background images.
JP 2004-260650 A

  However, in the above-described conventional apparatus, the unit background image to be combined is synthesized as the background of the captured image, and the arrangement of the background is naturally determined, so that no input operation is required and the unit background image is used. Since the user himself / herself does not input by his / her own intention, the user himself / herself does not enjoy the creation by performing the input operation or combination. In addition, the user may take a picture while approaching the camera so that the face and the whole body are larger, and in that case, the area of the subject in the photographed image becomes large and the background is hardly captured. In such a case, even if the unit background image is combined with the photographed image as in the past, the area where the background image appears on the subject is small, and a single background image is completed by combining a plurality of unit background images. But it was hard to understand the visual interest. For this reason, the actual situation is that the effect of promoting the use of the user by enhancing the motivation for promoting the exchange between the users of the obtained seal was not sufficient. In addition, since arrangement of unit background images to be combined is automatically determined, no contrivance regarding input operation is made.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and as a stamp image input as a foreground of a subject with respect to a captured image, a plurality of unit images that are combined into a single design image can be individually selected and input. As a result, the user can enjoy the creation of the unit image input operation, promote the user's use by making the visual interest easy to understand, and devise the unit image input operation. It is an object to provide a performed image input apparatus and method, and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, an image input apparatus according to the present invention includes:
Image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image of the subject;
Storage means for storing a stamp image input to the photographed image;
Image receiving means for displaying the acquired captured image, receiving selection of the stamp image for a user, and receiving input of the selected stamp image for the displayed captured image;
A control means for controlling the image acquisition means and the image reception means,
The storage means stores a plurality of unit images that are combined into a unitary design image by combining a plurality of unit images as stamp images.
The control means accepts, for each unit image, a selection of a predetermined unit image among the unit images to be the integrated design image in the image receiving means, and with respect to the captured image of the unit image selected by the selection input. The gist of the invention is to individually control the input and to control the input unit image to be displayed in a synthesized state with the captured image so as to be the foreground of the subject.

Further, the image input method of the present invention includes:
Image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image of the subject;
Storage means for storing a stamp image input to the photographed image;
Image receiving means for displaying the acquired captured image, receiving selection of the stamp image for a user, and receiving input of the selected stamp image for the displayed captured image;
Preparing the image acquisition means and the control means for controlling the image reception means,
The storage means stores a plurality of the unit images that become an integrated design image by combining a plurality of unit images as a stamp image,
The control means accepts, for each unit image, a selection of a predetermined unit image among the unit images to be the integrated design image in the image receiving means, and with respect to the captured image of the unit image selected by the selection input. The gist of the invention is to individually control the input and to control the input unit image to be displayed in a synthesized state with the captured image so as to be the foreground of the subject.

The image input program of the present invention is
Image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image of the subject;
Storage means for storing a stamp image input to the photographed image;
Image receiving means for displaying the acquired captured image, receiving selection of the stamp image for a user, and receiving input of the selected stamp image for the displayed captured image;
Preparing the image acquisition means and the control means for controlling the image reception means,
The storage means stores a plurality of unit images that are combined into a unitary design image by combining a plurality of unit images as stamp images.
The control means accepts, for each unit image, a selection of a predetermined unit image among the unit images to be the integrated design image in the image receiving means, and with respect to the captured image of the unit image selected by the selection input. The gist of the invention is to allow the computer apparatus to execute a step of individually accepting the input and displaying the unit image that has accepted the input in a state of being combined with the photographed image so as to be the foreground of the subject.

  That is, according to the present invention, a plurality of unit images that are combined into a unitary design image by combining a plurality of unit images are stored as stamp images, and the unit image that becomes the integrated design image is stored in the image receiving unit. Selection of a predetermined unit image is individually received for each unit image, input for a captured image of the unit image selected by the selection input is individually received, and the unit image that has been input is used as a foreground of the subject. Displayed in a composited state with the shot image. As described above, the unit image can be selected and input individually as a unitary design image by combining a plurality of stamp images input to the photographed image. The unit image input operation, combination of a plurality of unit images, and the like can be performed, and pleasure to create can be given. Moreover, by displaying the received unit image so as to be the foreground of the subject, even if the user takes a picture close to the camera, the visual interest of the unit image can be easily understood. Use can be promoted. In addition, for example, when the composite image is printed out on a sticker or the like, motivation for promoting exchange between users can be strengthened, and further the use of the user can be promoted.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  1 to 3 are diagrams showing an embodiment in which the image input apparatus of the present invention is applied to a photographic print providing apparatus. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus including the casing 1, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the casing 1 as viewed from the photographing side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the entire apparatus as viewed from the editing side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic print providing apparatus includes a casing 1 having various devices provided on the front, back, side, and inside, and the front side of the casing 1 (the right side of FIG. 1, FIG. 2). Shooting side on the side (visible in Fig. 3), editing play of the shot image on the back side (side visible in Fig. 3), and photo printing on the side of the housing 1 (side visible in Fig. 1) It is supposed to be provided.

  That is, in this photo print providing apparatus, the front side of the housing 1 is a shooting play providing unit, the back side of the housing 1 is an editing play providing unit, and the side surface of the housing 1 is a print providing unit. The shooting play providing unit, the edit play providing unit, and the print providing unit are configured to be able to simultaneously provide a shooting play, an edit play, and a print, and a series of shooting play, editing play, and print. By providing the offer to the user 2 at different locations, the flow of customers can be smoothed, and an apparatus can be installed according to the situation of the store.

  On the front side of the casing 1, a back screen 3 is provided in a region that is the back of the subject 2. The casing 1 and the back screen 3 are connected by a ceiling portion 4a and a support frame member 4b, and a curtain 5a is suspended from the ceiling portion 4a at a portion serving as an entrance / exit thereof. The housing 1, the back screen 3, the ceiling 4a, and the curtain 5a form a shooting play space 31 that is an imaging region.

  On the other hand, a support frame member 4c is attached to the casing 1 so as to protrude to the back surface side, and a curtain 5b is suspended at the tip thereof (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). ). An edit play space 32 is formed between the back side of the housing 1 and the curtain 5b.

  A coin insertion slot 15 for inserting coins as a consideration for play is provided on the front surface of the casing 1, and a coin detection unit 34 (see FIG. 4) as a price receiving unit provided in the vicinity of the coin insertion slot 15. ) Is provided. The coin detection unit 34 detects the coins inserted therein, and shooting play is started. After the shooting play, an edit play is performed on the shot image, and the edited shot image is printed and provided as a photo print. It has become so.

  Inside the housing 1 is provided a camera 6 that images the subject 2 including the user 2 in the shooting play space and functions as the image acquisition means of the present invention. The front surface of the camera 6 is covered with a transparent plate 10. Below the transparent plate 10 on the front surface of the camera 6, a live monitor 20 is provided for displaying a captured image as a moving image captured by the camera 6, that is, a captured moving image.

  The display image displayed on the live monitor 20 can be visually confirmed by the user 2. In this example, the live monitor 20 functions as a live monitor that displays live video from a camera in real time, and also functions as a display unit that displays necessary information. In addition to the live monitor, display means such as a liquid crystal tablet for displaying necessary information and inputting data may be provided. Necessary information includes a title demonstration, a display for guiding an operation, a display for waiting for an operation, a display for prompting selection, a display for guiding a user, a display for prompting attention, and the like.

  A translucent milky white plate 11 is provided around the transparent plate 10 and the live monitor 20, and the subject 2 is always illuminated behind the milky white plate 11 during shooting by the camera 6 during shooting play. A front fluorescent lamp 17 and a front strobe 7 that emits light when a still image is taken by a shutter operation are provided.

  An operation panel 16a for performing a shooting play operation is provided on the front surface of the housing 1. On the operation panel 16a, switching buttons 22a and 22b for performing selection input and switching input of the operation input, a determination button 14 for determining selection input and switching input of the switching buttons 22a and 22b, and the determined input are temporarily canceled. A cancel button 13 is provided. One set of the switching buttons 22a and 22b is provided on the right side and the left side, respectively, so that selection input and switching input can be performed respectively.

  In the shooting play, the live monitor 20 combines the live image and the frame or background read from the frame image storage unit 93 for storing the frame image and the stored image such as the background image to be synthesized with the live image from the camera 6. (See FIG. 4), in the shooting play, the frame and background are read and synthesized in real time, and the synthesized image synthesized in real time is displayed on the live monitor 20 in real time. .

  The switching buttons 22a and 22b, the determination button 14, and the cancel button 13 also function as switching input means, and enable switching input of frames and background stored images as will be described later. The determination button 14 functions as shutter means, and a still image 50 at a desired moment is captured and acquired from the live video of the subject 2 captured by the camera 6 by operating the determination button 14.

  In addition, a speaker 18a is provided on the front of the housing 1 for outputting a demonstration voice when waiting for play and a guidance voice when shooting.

  The back screen 3 is colored in a color that facilitates the synthesis of the background as a stored image and the captured video of the subject 2. For example, when the above synthesis is performed by chroma key synthesis, a blue screen or a green screen is preferably used.

  On the front side of the casing 1, the user 2 enters the shooting play space 31 and inserts coins into the coin insertion slot 15 to perform shooting play.

  In the shooting play, a basic image including a frame and background to be synthesized with a live video is prepared. When the live video from the camera 6 is displayed on the live monitor 20, the frame and background are read out and synthesized in real time with the live video by the first synthesis means 90. At this time, the stored image can be switched and input by the user 2 operating the switching buttons 22a and 22b. In response to the switching input, the stored image to be combined with the captured moving image is switched and combined in real time, and the combined image is displayed on the live monitor 20 in real time. Then, the synthesized video synthesized in real time is switched and displayed on the live monitor 20 in real time, and the synthesized video using the desired stored image is determined among the synthesized videos displayed by switching by the shutter operation by the decision button 14. It is fixed as a still image 50 at a predetermined timing.

  When the shooting play is completed, the subject 2 moves to the back side of the housing 1 and performs an edit play. Next, the rear side of the housing 1 where the edit play is performed will be described.

  An edit input panel 23 for performing edit input in edit play is provided on the back side of the housing 1. The edit input panel 23 displays a shot image as a still image 50 shot at a predetermined shutter timing in shooting play by the camera 6, and serves as an image receiving means of the present invention that receives an edit input in that state. An editing display 8 and a touch pen 12 as operation input means of the present invention for performing editing input to the editing display 8 are provided.

  At this time, the composite image displayed on the editing display 8 is a state in which the captured image as the still image 50 and the composite image such as the frame and the background are combined by the second combining means 60 (see FIG. 4). It is a composite image to be displayed.

  For example, a liquid crystal tablet or the like is used as the editing display 8 and includes a display processor, a monitor unit, and a touch panel. Then, according to the operation instruction displayed on the monitor unit of the editing display 8, the operation pen is lightly brought into contact with the touch panel on the surface of the editing display 8, and various operation signals are input. The touch pen 12 functions as the operation input means of the present invention.

  The tip of the touch pen 12 is brought into contact with the touch panel on the surface of the editing display 8 so that characters, figures and the like can be drawn and inputted. The editing display 8 displays a captured image that is a still image 50, prompts the user to select a stamp image to be input as the foreground of the subject, and selects the selected image for the displayed captured image. It accepts input of stamp images. At this time, the operation input enabling the selection of the stamp image and the input of the stamp image is performed by the operation input with the touch pen 12 on the editing display 8.

  At this time, as the stamp image, in the stamp image storage unit 56 as a storage unit of the present invention, a plurality of unit images that are combined into a unitary design image by combining a plurality of unit images are stored. Then, the second computer device 38 as the control means of the present invention makes it possible to individually select a predetermined unit image among the unit images to be the integrated design image by the touch pen 12 and edit the selected unit image. Individually received by the display 8 and displayed on the editing display 8 in a state where the unit image that has been input is combined with the photographed image so as to be the foreground of the subject.

  Then, image data such as characters and figures input by handwriting with the touch pen 12, a stamp image, and the like are photographed by the camera 6 by the second synthesis means 60 (see FIG. 4), and the still image 50 of the subject 2 fixed. The synthesized image is displayed on the monitor unit of the editing display 8 and the edited image is printed out by the printer 9 as will be described later. In the figure, reference numeral 18b denotes a speaker for outputting a guide voice for editing play.

  The side face of the casing 1 is provided with a delivery port 19 through which the printed photographic print is discharged. The user 2 who has finished editing play waits for the printing to end before the delivery port 19. Photo prints are provided.

  Next, the system configuration of the photographic print providing apparatus will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, this apparatus includes a first computer device 37 that mainly controls shooting play, and a second computer device 38 that mainly controls editing play and print provision. Both the first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 function as control means of the present invention. The first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 are connected so as to be able to transmit data directly or via a network hub (not shown).

  This apparatus includes a first compositing unit 90 that generates a composite video by synthesizing a captured moving image that is a live video by the camera 6 and a composite image in the first computer device 37. The first composite image is displayed in real time on the live monitor 20 so that the subject 2 can be visually confirmed. In addition, a synthesized image is generated by synthesizing the still image 50 in which the captured moving image is fixed by the shutter operation with the determination button 14 and the synthesis image on the second computer device 38, and a hand-drawn image or a stamp image by the touch pen 12 is also generated. Is received, and a second synthesizing unit 60 for synthesizing the received stamp image and the synthesized image is provided. The combined image generated by the second combining means 60 is printed by the printer 9 and provided as a photo print.

  First, the first computer device 37 will be described.

  A camera 6, a live monitor 20, a strobe control circuit 36, and a first control circuit 39 are connected to the first computer device 37. The strobe control circuit 36 controls the light emission timing of the front strobe 7.

  The first control circuit 39 controls the coin detector 34, the service panel 40a, the speaker 18a, and the operation panel 16a. As described above, the operation panel 16a is provided with the switching buttons 22a and 22b, the determination button 14, and the cancel button 13 (see FIG. 2).

  The service panel 40a is operated by a person who operates the installed device, and is necessary for a coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, a volume adjustment knob that adjusts a volume output from a speaker, and a photographing side of the device. A maintenance button for performing a maintenance mode and a service button for enabling the apparatus to be used without inserting coins such as a test play are provided.

  The first computer device 37 includes a CPU 44, a memory 45, a driver 46, a communication unit 47, and the like. Specifically, the first computer device 37 includes a storage device 41 and a first synthesis unit 90.

  The storage device 41 stores a control program 48 for mainly controlling shooting play, an operation screen 49 displayed on the live monitor 20 according to the control program 48, and a still image 50 fixed by the camera 6 by a shutter operation. ing. This still image 50 is not a frame or background synthesized but is a photograph of the subject 2 in the photographing region as it is, and the subject 2 and its back screen 3 are reflected.

  The storage device 41 functions as a storage unit that stores a storage image such as a frame and a background to be combined with a captured moving image that is a moving image by the camera 6, and stores a frame image and a background image combined with a captured image. Has been.

  The first synthesizing unit 90 includes an underlay synthesizing unit 42 as a background synthesizing unit, an overlay synthesizing unit 43 as a foreground synthesizing unit, and a capture (not shown) as necessary. The underlay synthesizing unit 42 and the overlay synthesizing unit 43 synthesize the stored image read from the stored image storage unit and the moving image, that is, the captured moving image that is a live image in real time.

  The underlay combining means 42 includes first extracting means (not shown) for extracting the subject 2 from the image captured by the camera 6, and a background image group is provided in a portion other than the subject extracted by the first extracting means. A background image is read from 51 and synthesized in real time.

  The overlay composition unit 43 reads out a frame image from the frame image group 52, and further synthesizes the frame image as a foreground with the image in which the background is synthesized with the moving image by the underlay synthesis unit 42. Then, the synthesized moving image obtained by combining the moving image synthesized by the overlay synthesizing unit 43, the background and the frame image in real time is output to the live monitor 20 and displayed in real time.

  In this way, the background of the subject 2 is subjected to underlay synthesis, and the frame that is the foreground of the subject 2 is overlaid, and in this state, the captured moving image of the subject 2 is synthesized in real time and can be visually confirmed by the user.

  In this state, by enabling frame and background switching input and switching display, it is possible not only to change the frame as in the past, but also to make a photo print that changes both the frame and the background. can get. In addition, switching input and switching display for both the frame and the background are possible, and a more elaborate shooting play is possible.

  As described above, the operation panel 16a includes the switching buttons 22a and 22b, the determination button 14, and the cancel button 13. Then, in response to a frame or background switching input by the switching buttons 22a and 22b, the overlay combining unit 43 and the underlay combining unit 42 read out the frame and background corresponding to the switching input from the frame image storage unit 93 and convert them into a captured moving image. Real-time composition by switching the frame and background to be synthesized. The synthesized video synthesized in real time is switched and displayed in real time on the live monitor 20.

  In this way, the user 2 can check the frame and background sequentially while visually confirming the real-time composite image of the captured moving image of the user 2 himself / herself displayed in real time and the frame and background to be switched and displayed. While performing the switching input, the composite image can be visually confirmed in real time. As a result, it is possible to perform an elaborate shooting play such as searching for a desired frame or background, or determining a pose or expression according to the pattern of the frame or background.

  On the operation panel 16a, the left switching button 22a functions as background switching input means for performing background switching input, and the right switching button 22b functions as frame switching input means for performing frame switching input. The background switching input and the frame switching input can be separately performed by the left and right switching buttons 22a and 22b.

  For example, when shooting with a plurality of users (for example, Mr. A and Mr. B), with one set of switching buttons, when a background and a frame are selected independently, two people may collide with each other, or even one person may collide. The display layout with the background and the frame distributed to the left and right makes it difficult to grasp the operation image. By using two sets, for example, Mr. A can select a background image with the left switching button 22a, and Mr. B can select a frame with the right switching button 22b. In addition, operability is improved because the operation can be performed with a little distance between the two persons.

  And by switching input for the background and switching input for the frame, the user can freely select the combination of the frame and the background, making it possible to have a more elaborate shooting play and a variety of changes. Photo prints can be provided. Even at this time, since the low-resolution confirmation image with a small amount of data is used as the frame and background, the processing load at the time of switching display can be reduced, and smooth switching display can be realized to stress the user. Not give.

  Further, the first synthesizing unit 90 includes an overlay synthesizing unit 43 that synthesizes the frame with the captured moving image and an underlay synthesizing unit 42 that synthesizes the background. Since the synthesizing process is performed separately, the load of the control process is distributed, the processing speed is hardly lowered, and the user is not stressed.

  Further, it is possible to perform a switching input in units of the combination by operating the switching buttons 22a and 22b. At this time, it is also possible to select a desired unit image, that is, a frame and a background by a user's operation input, and the user can perform an operation if the displayed frame and background already have a frame and a background. You can shoot by selecting the frame and background you want by switching by input. In this case, in the case of an operation that does not require the two sets of switching buttons 22a and 22b, either one set of inputs may be accepted, or two sets of inputs may be accepted.

  In this way, by previously setting a combination that matches the pattern as a combination of the frame and the background, and performing switching input in units of the combination, the user 2 does not have to worry about selecting a combination that does not match the pattern or color. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary operations and to substantially increase the time for searching and selecting a frame and a background. For this reason, it is possible to give the user 2 enough time to think, or conversely, to shorten the play time and improve the customer turnover rate.

  The operation panel 16a is provided with a determination button 14 and a cancel button 13.

  The determination button 14 determines a composite image using a desired frame or background from among the composite images that are switched and displayed by the operation of the switch buttons 22a and 22b by the user, and forms a still image 50 at a desired moment. It functions as shutter means for fixing. By doing so, the still image 50 can be shot by selecting a desired frame or background from a number of frames or backgrounds in a state where the frame or background and the captured moving image are actually combined. It makes it easier to select the optimal frame and background according to the clothes, hairstyle, mood and play friends at that time.

  The still image 50 of the subject 2 photographed by the operation of the determination button 14 is, together with the identification information for identifying the frame and the background selected when the still image 50 is photographed when the photographing play is finished, the second computer device. 38.

  The cancel button 13 is operated when canceling the operation input once determined by operating the determination button 14 or returning the operation screen once advanced.

  Next, the second computer device 38 will be described.

  The second computer device 38 includes an editing display 8 that functions as an editing input unit that receives editing input at the time of editing play, a printer 9 that prints and outputs an image edited by editing play on the print medium 35, and a speaker. A second control circuit 62 for controlling 18b and the service panel 40b is connected. The editing display 8 is provided with a touch pen 12 for performing editing input and operation input.

  The service panel 40b is operated by a person who operates the installed apparatus. The service panel 40b is operated by a print counter that counts the number of printed prints, a volume adjustment knob that adjusts a volume output from a speaker, and an editing side of the apparatus. A maintenance button for performing a required maintenance mode is provided.

  The second computer device 38 includes a CPU 44, a memory 45, a driver 46, a communication means 47, and the like. Specifically, the second computer device 38 includes a control program 53 that mainly controls editing play and a storage device 33.

  The control program 53 includes subject extraction means 59 for extracting the subject by removing the reflection of the back screen 3 from the still image 50 (an image in which the back screen 3 is reflected on the back of the subject 2), and this subject extraction. Second combining means for reading out and combining the frame and background with the subject image extracted by the means 59, and further combining an image for editing such as a stamp image input to the editing display 8 with the combined image. 60.

  The second synthesizing unit 60 generates a synthesized image by synthesizing the frame and the background with a portion other than the subject extracted by the subject extracting unit 59. Further, a stamp image or a hand-drawn image is synthesized as a further foreground to a synthesized image in which a frame is synthesized with the foreground of the subject and a background image is synthesized with the background of the subject.

  In the storage device 33, an operation screen 57 displayed on the editing display 8 according to the control program 53, a still image 50 of the subject 2 photographed by the shutter operation in the photographing play and transmitted from the first computer device 37, Is remembered.

  The storage device 33 stores a frame image and a background image. The frame image and the background image stored in the storage device 33 are displayed as a composite video on the editing display 8 so that the user 2 can visually confirm the frame image and the background image, and are used when the still image 50 is printed out on the print medium 35. The image for printing is stored as a background image group 55 and a frame image group 54.

  The storage device 33 also edits a stamp image selected by the user with the touch pen 12 and input to the captured image, or a hand-drawn image input to the editing display 8 with the touch pen 12 in an edit play. A stamp image storage unit 56 is provided as a storage unit of the present invention in which an image for use is stored.

  The stamp image storage unit 56 stores a plurality of unit images that are combined into a unitary design image by combining a plurality of unit images. An example of such a plurality of unit images and a design image completed by them is shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows the unit images 21, and in this example, words such as “all”, “good friends”, “like”, “you”, “always”, “together”, etc. are displayed on each unit image 21. It is displayed.

  FIG. 5B shows an example in which one design image 25 is completed by combining the unit images. In this example, the unit image 21 of “Much” and the unit image 21 of “Good friend” are combined to complete the design image 25 of “I ’m good friend”. Similarly, the “always” unit image 21 and the “always good” unit image 21 complete the “always good” design image 25, the “all” unit image 21 and the “you” unit. The image 21 and the unit image 21 “I like you” and the design image “I like you all the time” are completed. Thus, each unit image can be arbitrarily combined, and two or more unit images can be handled as one set.

  FIG. 6 shows an example in which the design image 25 is completed by combining unit images 21 on which not only text but also patterns are displayed. FIG. 6A shows an example in which the design image 25 is completed with a set of two unit images 21, and FIG. 6B shows an example in which any combination is possible. FIG. 6C shows an example in which a design image is completed with three or more unit images 21.

  The editing display 8 displays a photographed image photographed by the camera 6, accepts selection of the stamp image from the user 2, and inputs the selected stamp image to the displayed photographed image. It functions as an image receiving means for receiving.

  That is, in the editing display 8, a frame and a background are added to portions other than the subject extracted by the subject extracting means 59 from the still image 50 that is a captured image taken by the camera 6 and transferred from the first computer device 37. Are combined to generate and display a composite image. Then, the stamp image is displayed to the user and the selection is accepted, and the input of the selected stamp image with respect to the displayed photographed image is accepted. An operation input enabling the selection of the stamp image and the input of the stamp image on the editing display 8 is performed by the touch pen 12.

  At this time, a predetermined unit image 21 among the unit images 21 to be the integrated design image 25 can be individually selected by the touch pen 12, and the selected unit image 21 can be individually received by the editing display 8. It has become. Then, the second synthesizing means 60 displays the unit image 21 that has received the input on the synthetic image on the editing display 8 in a state of being synthesized so as to be a foreground of the subject, the background image, and the frame image. .

  Here, the identification information for identifying the frame and the background selected when the still image 50 was shot in the shooting play, which is transmitted from the first computer 37 and the reading of the frame and background in the second computer device 38 is performed. By performing based on the above, it is configured so as to correspond to both.

  For example, a part of the file name of the image in the first computer device 37 and the image in the second computer device 38 is made common. For example, “PICT01_1.BMP” may be used for the first computer device 37 and “PICT01_2.BMP” may be used for the second computer device 38 to indicate that PICT01 is an image having the same picture. Also, information (table or the like) for associating a unique image number with an associated image file name or the like is defined, and the table is stored in the first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 for reference. You can also In this way, it is possible to synchronize which frame or background is used in the shooting play.

  As described above, a plurality of computer devices are provided, and the confirmation image composition processing and the print image composition processing are performed by different computer devices, and the print composition processing is performed from the first computer device 37 that performs the confirmation composition processing. In the data transfer to the second computer device 38, since the image identification information is transferred and the image data itself is not transferred, the image data having a large amount of data is not transferred. Since only the identification information needs to be transmitted, the load required for the transmission process is reduced, the processing speed is hardly reduced, and the time lag between the plurality of control means can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second computer device 38 may be provided with extraction means 95 similar to that of the first computer device 37 to extract the frame and background from the basic image.

  The still composite image 58 that has been edited according to the editing course is output to the print medium 35 by the printer 9 and provided as a photographic print. At this time, since a high-resolution printing image with good image quality is used as a frame or background, a beautiful photo print can be provided.

  An example of the operation of the photographic print providing apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, in the figure, “S” means a step.

  First, the entire process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the apparatus described in this example, the user 2 performs a shooting play in the shooting play space 31, and when the shooting play ends, the user 2 moves to the editing play space 32 and performs an editing play. When the edit play is finished, it waits for the photographic print to be discharged in front of the sending port 19 on the side surface of the housing 1. The shooting play is controlled mainly by the first computer device 37, and the editing play is controlled mainly by the second computer device 38.

  First, when the device is turned on, the control programs 48 and 53 stored in the storage devices 41 and 33 of the first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 are activated, and the devices start to operate. When the device is activated, the devices connected to the first computer device 37 and the second computer device 38 are checked. If there is no abnormality, a title demo screen is displayed on the live monitor 20 and the editing display 8. (S1). In the title demo screen display state, the player always waits for coins to be inserted. If a coin is inserted, the process proceeds to the next step. If no coin is inserted, the title demo screen is continuously displayed.

  When the user 2 enters the shooting play space 31, a coin is inserted into the coin slot 15, and the coin is detected by the coin detector 34 (S2), a shooting process is executed (S3). Detailed operation of the photographing process will be described later.

  When a series of photography is completed and a plurality of still images 50 are obtained, a photo for selecting a photo to be edited is selected from them (S9). Here, a photo selection screen is displayed on the live monitor 20, a list of still images 50 obtained by a plurality of shutter operations in the shooting course is displayed, and the user 2 defines a favorite image from the displayed images. Select the number (may be all or part). As a result, it is possible to delete a captured image that does not require subsequent editing or printing.

  In the photographing process, the still image 50 selected in step 9 among the still images 50 obtained by photographing the subject 2, and the frame and background identification information used for the photographing are obtained from the first computer device 37 to the second computer device 38. (S10). At this time, the identification data for identifying the frame or background used in the shooting play is also transmitted to the second computer device 38, and the shooting play ends.

  When the shooting play is completed, a message prompting the user to move to the edit play space 32 is output to the speaker 18a or displayed on the live monitor 20, and the user 2 temporarily exits the shooting play space 31 for editing. Prompt to move to the play space 32. Thereafter, the edit play is started.

  When the second computer device 38 receives information that the photographing play by the first computer device 37 has been completed (S11), the second computer device 38 on the editing play side uses the still image 50 in the first computer device 37 and the photographing thereof. The used frame and background identification information is read (S12). The method of synchronizing these operations may be performed for an inquiry from either computer device 37 or 38.

  Next, in an edit play, an editing process is executed (S13). At this time, a plurality of types of design images 25 are prepared in which the above-mentioned stamp image is formed by combining a plurality of types of unit images 21, and a stamp tool corresponding to the design image 25 is displayed on the editing display 8, and editing using the stamp image is performed. Can be done.

  When the edit play is started, the second computer device 38 generates a high-resolution frame and background based on the still image 50 read from the first computer device 37 and the frame and background identification information used for shooting the still image 50. The still synthesized image 58 is synthesized by reading.

  In this edit play, a graffiti screen (see FIG. 11) is displayed on the editing display 8, and a still composite image 58 is displayed, and an edit play is performed in which a stamp image, a doodle image, and the like are input. Details of the graffiti screen and the edit play will be described later.

  When the editing play of step 13 is completed, the image data of the edited still composite image 58 is sent to the printer 9, printed out on the print medium 35, and the photo print is discharged from the sending port 19 (S14).

  Next, details of the photographing process will be described.

  When a coin is inserted in S2 of FIG. 7, after a predetermined waiting screen on which explanation of shooting play is displayed (S101), the shooting screen of FIG. 9 is displayed, and a frame and background are selected ( S102), photographing and (S103) are performed.

  On this shooting screen, a live video display unit 77 for displaying in real time a synthesized moving image in which a captured moving image that is a captured image taken by the camera 6 and a selected frame and background is synthesized in real time is displayed in the center of the screen. In addition, a background selection unit 78 for selecting a background by displaying a plurality of thumbnail images of the background vertically is displayed on the left side of the screen, and a frame is selected by displaying a plurality of thumbnail images of the frame vertically and on the right side of the screen. A frame selection unit 79 is displayed. A counter (not shown) for displaying the remaining time is displayed on the upper center of the screen.

  On the shooting screen, the user 2 selects a background image with the left switching button 22a, and selects a frame image with the right switching button 22b. In the selected background image and frame image, the thumbnails of the background selection unit 78 and the frame selection unit 79 are highlighted, and the captured moving image from the camera 6 is instantly synthesized and displayed on the live video display unit 77. In this image composition, the first computer device 37 reads the frame and background from the background image group 51 and the frame image group 52, and composes the moving image from the camera 6 by the underlay composition unit 42 and the overlay composition unit 43. And displayed. As described above, in the shooting play, the frame and the background are only displayed on the live monitor 20, so that the processing load is reduced by using the low-resolution image.

  When switching the frame or background, the user 2 switches the background image with the left switching button 22a and switches the frame image with the right switching button 22b. In response to this, the frame and background selected by switching are combined with the moving image from the camera 6 in real time, and switched and displayed on the live video display unit 77 in real time.

  As a result, the user 2 can check the synthesized moving image while switching the background image or the frame image in various ways before the shutter operation, and can shoot while having fun. The background selection unit 78 and the frame selection unit 79 are scrolled up and down sequentially in response to the switching by the left and right switching buttons 22a and 22b, and when scrolling once, the same thumbnail is repeatedly displayed.

  The frame and background switching can be selected until the counter 64 becomes zero. When it becomes 0, it is forcibly decided by the contents selected at that time. When the enter button 14 is pressed as an instruction to start shooting before the counter 64 reaches 0, the front strobe 7 is irradiated after the voice “3.2.1” and the countdown display by the screen display, and the camera 6 The shutter is operated and a still image 50 is photographed (S103). By the shutter operation, the camera 6 takes a still image 50 of the subject 2. At this time, the shutter operation described above is automatically performed twice in succession, and two still images 50 are obtained.

  Then, two composite images of the still image 50 obtained by the two shutter operations and the currently selected frame and background are displayed on the live monitor 20 (S104). In addition, by the shutter operation, the camera 6 captures the still image 50 of the subject 2 and stores the image data, and stores the frame and background identification information selected at the time of the shutter operation in association with each other. These pieces of information are transmitted from the first computer device 37 to the second computer device 38 upon completion of the photographing play, and are used in the edit play in the second computer device 38. Thus, the composite image is created for confirmation at the time of shooting, and the composite image itself is not stored, but only the captured still image 50 is stored.

  Then, in S105, it is determined whether or not the prescribed number of times (for example, three times) has been taken. If the number of times has not reached the prescribed number (NO in S105), the process returns to S102, and the frame image and background are again displayed. The image and lighting method can be selected, and the operation is repeated a specified number of times (in this case, three times), and six still images 50 are obtained. On the other hand, if the prescribed number of times of shooting is completed, the shooting course is ended and the process proceeds to the next process, photo selection (S9) (YES in S105).

  In this example, the image displayed on the background selection unit 78, the frame selection unit 79 or the combination selection unit (not shown) on which the combined image of the frame and background is displayed on the shooting screen during shooting is a person image. It can also be an image synthesized with an image to be synthesized such as a background or a frame. In this case, a composite image stored in advance in the storage device may be displayed, or a person image stored in advance at the time of display and an image to be combined such as a background or a frame may be combined and displayed. It is difficult to tell which part of the image is to be combined with the foreground and which part is to be combined with the background by simply displaying an image such as a background or a frame that does not include a human image. In this way, by displaying and selecting an image including a person image, it is possible to confirm the combined image and to easily pose at the time of shooting.

  Further, when the portion of the person image is displayed in a blinking display or the like, the position where the captured image is synthesized can be visually recognized, and it becomes easier to confirm the synthesized image and to easily induce a pose. Further, at the time of shooting, a composite image is displayed on the live video display unit 77, and at the same time, an image including a person image is displayed on the background selection unit 78, the frame selection unit 79, and the combination selection unit. Become.

  In general, the term “frame” in a frame image means a frame or the like. However, in the present invention, the term “frame” is not limited to the meaning of an image surrounding the periphery of the subject. That is the meaning. Similarly, the background image is an overall image synthesized with the background of the subject. Therefore, as a frame image, in addition to decorating the periphery of the subject, use an image that disguises the subject, such as clothes, glasses, footwear, and a headwear, or an image that creates a scene such as a tear, a speech bubble image, or a glove. Can do.

  Here, in the image composition of the photographed image, the frame, and the background in the photographing play, the frame can be transparently synthesized.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the first synthesizing unit 90 extracts the subject 2 from the moving image that is the image captured by the camera 6, and synthesizes the background image in a portion other than the extracted subject 2 in real time. And an overlay composition unit 43 that performs real-time composition with a frame image as a foreground on an image obtained by synthesizing a background with a captured image by the underlay composition unit 42.

  In addition, the frame image group 54 and the background image group 55 are stored in the storage device 33 as images for synthesis used by the second synthesis unit 60.

  The frame image storage unit 93 stores mask data 102 corresponding to each frame image stored as the frame image group 52. The storage device 33 also stores mask data 102 corresponding to each frame image, similar to the one stored in the frame image storage unit 93.

  The mask data 102 defines an area that is hidden by the frame, an area that is not hidden by the frame, and an area that appears to be translucent among all the areas of the frame image to be overlaid according to the image pattern of each frame image, that is, the pattern. It is data.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, a background image layer 105 in which a background image is developed is underlay-combined with a photographed image layer 103 in which a photographed image of the subject 2 photographed by the camera 6 is developed. A background image is combined with a portion other than the subject. The frame image layer 104 on which the frame image is developed is overlaid with the synthesized image, and the frame image is synthesized as a foreground.

  FIG. 10B shows an example of a state in which a frame image, a subject image, and a background image are developed on the frame image layer 104, the photographed image layer 103, and the background image layer 105, respectively. FIG. 10C shows an example of the mask data 102 corresponding to the frame image in this case. In this example, the frame image represents a sliding door pattern as an image pattern. As mask data 102 corresponding to the frame image, a region C where no sliding door exists is a transparent region, and the window glass of the sliding door. A region H corresponding to is defined as a translucent region, and a sliding door region M other than the window glass is defined as an opaque mask region.

  Then, when overlay synthesis by the overlay synthesis unit 43 of the first synthesis unit 90 is performed in real time, by referring to the mask data 102 of the frame image, as shown in FIG. The image in which the background is combined with the moving image that is the captured video is displayed so as to have an area hidden in the frame, an area that is not hidden behind the frame, and an area that appears to be translucent. In this way, it is possible to perform a shooting play while viewing a real-time composite image of a moving image in the presence of an area hidden in the frame, an area that is not hidden behind the frame, and an area that appears to be translucent. Giving great play fun.

  Further, the second synthesizing unit 60 performs synthesizing with reference to the mask data 102 similar to that of the first synthesizing unit 90 to generate a synthetic image 106 as shown in FIG. Then, a stamp image or the like is input and further combined and edited, and the edited image is printed by the printer 9.

  In this way, since the overlay combining unit 43 transparently combines at least a part of the image, a composite image 106 of the frame image with respect to the image obtained by combining the captured image that is a moving image by the camera 6 and the background is displayed on the live monitor 20. However, when shooting to obtain a still image 50 by shutter operation, an image in which the captured image and the background are combined has an area hidden in the frame, an area that is not hidden by the frame, and an area that appears to be translucent. You can play while watching the synthesized video. A desired background is combined with the back of the subject 2, and a frame having a semi-transparent portion is combined as a foreground of the subject to provide a play where a variety of combined expressions can be enjoyed. It is possible to provide photographic prints of various synthetic expressions that are expressed. Furthermore, by performing special composition, it is possible to provide a play that allows you to enjoy more diverse composition expressions.

  When the above photographing operation is completed, after the photograph is selected in step 9, the obtained still image 50, frame and background identification information, and course identification data are stored in the first computer device 37, and the second computer device 38. Is transmitted.

  On the other hand, a message prompting the user to move to the edit play space 32 is displayed on the sound and the live monitor 20, and the user 2 exits the shooting play space 31 and moves to the edit play space 32, and the edit play is started. The

  When the edit play is started, the editing course corresponding to the shooting course is based on the still image 50, the frame and background identification information, and the course identification data transmitted from the first computer apparatus 37 in the second computer apparatus 38. Is automatically selected, and the edit play by the edit course is started (S13 in FIG. 7).

  Next, details of the editing process will be described.

  In the edit play, a postcard screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the edit display 8, and the edit play is performed.

  In the graffiti screen, 63 is a graffiti input unit, which displays a still image 58 of a frame, a background, and a subject image captured in shooting play, and an editing image such as a hand-drawn image or a stamp image by operating the touch pen 12. Accept input. Reference numeral 64 denotes a counter that displays the remaining time of the edit play. Reference numeral 66 denotes an end button that is operated before the counter 64 reaches 0, that is, before the predetermined edit play time is reached, to end the edit play.

  The above-mentioned graffiti screen is provided with displays necessary for input operations on the left and right of the screen, the left screen is operated with the left touch pen 12, the right screen is operated with the right touch pen 12, and the left touch pen 12 is operated with the right side. The screen cannot be operated. Conversely, the left screen cannot be operated with the right touch pen 12. An image switching unit 65 that can be operated in common with the left and right touch pens 12 is arranged in the center.

  An image switching unit 65 is an active state in which a plurality of thumbnail images are displayed for the still composite image 58 of the frame, background, and subject image captured in the shooting play and displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 for graffiti input. It becomes possible to switch the still composite image 58.

  Reference numeral 73 denotes a tool selection unit which selects an editing tool to be used for editing input. 73D is a pen button that is selected when a pen is input, and 73C is a stamp button that is selected when a stamp is input. Although not shown, a background button to be selected when changing the background of the static composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 or a frame to be selected when changing the frame of the static composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 is selected. A frame button may be provided.

  Reference numeral 72 denotes an edit input selection unit. In this example, when the pen button 73D or the stamp button 73C is pressed, a pop-up menu is displayed as shown. The illustrated state shows a pop-up menu that is displayed when the stamp button 73C is pressed. The edit input selection unit 72 displays an edit input menu such as a stamp image and a pen type to be actually input by the editing tool selected by the tool selection unit 73 as an icon, and selects the menu to be actually edited and input. To do.

  For example, in the illustrated example, the stamp button 73C is selected by the tool selection unit 73, and the edit input selection unit 72 displayed at this time displays “school”, “heart”, “star” as the types of stamp images. Menus such as “flowers” and “various” are displayed. For example, when the “heart” menu is selected, a stamp image related to “heart” is displayed on the stamp image display unit 74, and the displayed stamp image is selected with the touch pen 12 and then displayed on the surface of the graffiti input unit 63. By bringing the tip of the touch pen 12 into contact, the selected stamp image can be input in a predetermined arrangement.

  When another stamp menu (star, flower, etc.) is selected by the tool selection unit 73, the edit input selection unit 72 displays the stamp image belonging to the stamp menu as an icon on the stamp image display unit 74, By selecting the displayed icon with the touch pen 12 and bringing the tip of the touch pen 12 into contact with the surface of the graffiti input unit 63, a stamp image in the selected stamp mode can be input.

  Here, as described above, as described above, a plurality of unit images 21 that are combined into a design image 25 by combining a plurality of unit images 21 are stored in the stamp image storage unit 56 (FIG. 5). And FIG. 6).

  In the second computer device 38, the editing display 8 individually accepts selection of a predetermined unit image 21 among the unit images 21 to be the integrated design image 25 for each unit image 21, and the selection input. In addition to receiving individually input of the unit image 21 selected by the unit image 21, control is performed so that the unit image 21 that has received the input is displayed in a synthesized state so as to be a foreground of the subject.

  Next, the input of the stamp image in the editing process will be described in detail.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a first example of stamp image input control.

  FIG. 12 shows a main part of a graffiti screen (see FIG. 11) displayed on the editing display 8 when a stamp image is input in the editing process. FIG. 12A is a graffiti screen on which two left and right graffiti input sections 63a and 63b are displayed (buttons other than the graffiti input sections 63a and 63b are omitted). FIG. 12B shows an edit input selection unit 72a for selecting a stamp image displayed as a pop-up menu when the stamp button 73C is pressed, corresponding to the postcard input unit 63a displayed on the left side. FIG. 12C corresponds to a postcard input unit 63b displayed on the left side, and is an edit input selection unit 72b that is displayed as a pop-up menu when the stamp button 73C is pressed to select a stamp image. That is, the graffiti input unit 63a and the edit input selection unit 72a constitute a left operation unit, and the graffiti input unit 63b and the edit input selection unit 72b constitute a right operation unit.

  The graffiti screen, pop-up menu, and the like are appropriately read out from the storage device 33 of the second computer device 38 as the operation screen and displayed on the editing display 8. Further, the images displayed on the graffiti input units 63a and 63b are read out and displayed as the still images 50 that have been shot in the shooting process and transferred from the first computer device 37 to the second computer device 38. The graffiti input units 63a and 63b read the frame and background selected in the shooting process from the frame image group 54 and the background image group 55, and the second combining means sets the frame as the foreground of the subject and the background as the subject. It is displayed in the synthesized state as the back scene (see FIG. 10).

  In the edit input selection units 72a and 72b, a menu selection unit 75 for selecting a menu such as “heart” or “star” is displayed at the top. For example, when a button labeled “heart” is pressed with the touch pen 12, A stamp image related to “heart” is read from the stamp image storage unit 56 and displayed on the stamp image display unit 74. At this time, a selection tab for selecting “for two people”, “for three people”, and “message” is displayed on the stamp image display section 74. For example, when “for two people” is selected, “heart” is displayed. A stamp image of a pattern for two people is read out from the related stamp images and displayed. By pressing the stamp image displayed on the stamp image display unit 74 with the touch pen 12, selection of the stamp image pressed on the editing display 8 is accepted.

  The illustrated example is a display example when “for two people” is selected. The displayed stamp image is a set of two unit images 21a and 21b on the left and right, and one design image 25 is completed. Unit images 21a and 21b are displayed in a selectable state. That is, one design image 25 is completed with the left unit image 21a and the right unit image 21b arranged side by side adjacent to each other.

  At this time, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, a stamp image display unit 74 for selecting a stamp image has a pair of left unit images 21a and a right unit that form a design image 25 as a pair. By arranging and displaying the images 21b side by side, the user 2 can easily understand that the adjacent unit images 21a and 21b are a pair.

  In this example, the left graffiti input unit 63a and the edit input selection unit 72a constituting the left operation unit input the left unit image 21a, and the right graffiti input unit 63b constituting the right operation unit and the edit input. The right unit image 21b is input to the selection unit 72b.

  That is, among the unit images 21a and 21b displayed on the left edit input selection unit 72a, the right unit image 21b is controlled so as to restrict the acceptance of selection so that it cannot be selected by the left touch pen 12. . That is, as shown in FIG. 12B, the user 2 displays that the acceptance of the selection is limited, for example, the color is displayed in black, and the right touch pen 12 can be operated even if the left touch pen 12 is operated. Control is performed so that the selection operation of the unit image 21b is not performed. Therefore, in this state, control is performed so that only the left unit image 21a can be selected.

  In addition, among the unit images 21 a and 21 b displayed on the right edit input selection unit 72 b, the left unit image 21 a is controlled so as to restrict acceptance of selection so that it cannot be selected by the right touch pen 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 12C, the color is displayed in black so that the user 2 can recognize that the acceptance of selection is restricted, and the unit for the left can be operated even if the right touch pen 12 is operated. Control is performed so that the selection operation of the image 21a is not performed. Therefore, in this state, control is performed so that only the right unit image 21b can be selected.

  In the example shown in the figure, the right unit image 21b is selected by the right operation unit, and the selected unit image 21b is highlighted. Next, when the unit image 21a is selected, a desired position on the graffiti input unit 63b on the right side of the graffiti screen is pushed with the touch pen 12, so that the selected unit image 21b is input in a predetermined arrangement. That is, the second computer device 38 recognizes the coordinate position pressed by the touch pen 12 on the graffiti input unit 63b and displays the selected unit image 21b at the coordinate position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the unit image 21b becomes a foreground further than the background image layer 105 in which the background is displayed, the shooting image layer 103 in which the subject is displayed, and the frame image layer 104 in which the frame is displayed. It is input and displayed on the stamp image layer 107 (see FIG. 12A).

  Similarly, the left unit image 21a is selected and input for the left unit image 21a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, the unit image 21a that completes one design image 25 paired with the unit image 21b that has already been input from the right operation unit is displayed blinking. Control to highlight. By doing in this way, it becomes easy for the user 2 to find the unit image 21a which is paired with the unit image 21b whose input has already been received, and the operability is improved.

  In this way, control is performed so that the unit images 21a and 21b can be input one by one with respect to one photographed image. By doing in this way, it is prevented that both unit images 21a and 21b forming a set with respect to one photographed image are input, and the realization of the visual effect of the present invention is ensured. In addition, the left unit image 21a is displayed on the left side by the frame input unit 63a, and the right unit image 21b is displayed on the right side by the frame input unit 63b. When the left and right unit images 21a and 21b are input and displayed on 63a and 63b, the state of the design image 25 completed by the two unit images 21a and 21b is easy to understand, and it is easy to predict the finished state of the photo print. User convenience is good.

  In the above-described example, the arrangement of the input positions of the unit images 21a and 21b can be forcibly controlled so that the joint ends of the unit images 21a and 21b coincide with the end portions of the captured images. Specifically, when the left unit image 21a is input to the left graffiti input unit 63a, the input position of the left unit image 21a is controlled to be automatically arranged at the right end of the graffiti input unit 63a, and the right side image 21a is controlled. When the right unit image 21b is input to the graffiti input unit 63b, the types of unit images 21a and 21b to be input are set so that the input position of the right unit image 21b is automatically arranged at the left end of the graffiti input unit 63b. Accordingly, the input position can be forcibly controlled so that the joint ends of the unit images 21a and 21b coincide with the end portions of the captured image.

  Further, not only the left and right arrangement positions but also the upper and lower arrangements can be controlled to be automatically arranged at predetermined positions. By doing so, when the left and right unit images 21a and the right unit image 21b are input to the left and right, photographic prints related to the photographed image are arranged side by side, the positions where the unit images 21a and 21b exactly match. Thus, it is possible to improve the operability by omitting the user 2 himself / herself and to provide a photo print with a high degree of completion.

  In the above-described example, only the left unit image 21a is displayed on the editing input selection unit 72a of the left operation unit and the selection is accepted, and the editing unit selection unit 72b of the right operation unit accepts the selection. It is also possible to display only the image 21b and accept the selection.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a second example of stamp image input control.

  In this example, two sets of unit images 21a and 21b are simultaneously preliminarily selected, and it is automatically determined whether to input the left unit image 21a or the right unit image 21b according to the input location. Thus, selection is accepted and control is performed so as to accept input to a predetermined arrangement.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 14B, left and right unit images 21a and 21b in which the design image 25 is completed in pairs are arranged on the stamp image display unit 74 as a stamp image for two people. Arranged and displayed. Then, by pressing any one of a set of left and right unit images 21a and 21b with the touch pen 12, control is performed so that a preliminary selection is simultaneously received for one set of unit images 21a and 21b. Then, when the touch pen 12 is moved onto the graffiti input parts 63a and 63b to determine the input position, the position of the tip of the touch pen 12 exists in the region L on the left side of the center line of the graffiti input parts 63a and 63b, or the center line It is detected by the detection means whether it exists in the region R on the right side.

  When the position of the tip of the touch pen 12 is present in the region L on the left side of the center line of the graffiti input units 63a and 63b, the right unit image 21b is automatically selected and is present in the region R on the right side of the center line. Automatically selects the left unit image 21a. Then, the selection and input of the right unit image 21b are simultaneously accepted by bringing the tip of the touch pen 12 into contact with the region L on the left side of the center line, and the unit image for the left side is brought into contact with the region R on the right side of the center line. Control is performed so that selection and input of 21a are received simultaneously.

  At this time, as in the first example, the arrangement of the input positions of the unit images 21a and 21b is forcibly controlled so that the joint ends of the unit images 21a and 21b coincide with the end portions of the captured images. Can do. That is, when the right unit image 21b is input to the left region L of the graffiti input units 63a and 63b, the input position is controlled to be automatically arranged at the left end of the graffiti input units 63a and 63b. When the left unit image 21a is input to the region R on the right side of the graffiti input units 63a and 63b, the input position is controlled to be automatically arranged at the right end of the graffiti input units 63a and 63b. Further, not only the left and right arrangement positions but also the upper and lower arrangements are controlled to be automatically arranged at predetermined positions. By doing so, when the left and right unit images 21a and the right unit image 21b are input to the left and right, photographic prints related to the photographed image are arranged side by side, the positions where the unit images 21a and 21b exactly match. Thus, it is possible to improve the operability by omitting the user 2 himself / herself and to provide a photo print with a high degree of completion.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating input control of a stamp image for three people. In this example, the left and right and center unit images 21a, 21b, and 21c, in which the design image 25 is completed in a set of three, are arranged and displayed side by side on the left and right as a stamp image for three people. Then, by pressing any one of a set of left and right unit images 21a, 21b, and 21c with the touch pen 12 so as to simultaneously receive a preliminary selection for the set of unit images 21a, 21b, and 21c. Then, when the touch pen 12 is moved onto the graffiti input parts 63a and 63b and the input position is determined, the position of the tip of the touch pen 12 is present in the left area L of the graffiti input parts 63a and 63b or in the right area R. An area C near the center is detected by the detecting means.

  Then, depending on whether the position of the tip of the touch pen 12 is in the left region L, the right region R, or the center region C, the left unit image 21a is automatically selected in the case of the left region L, When it is the right side region R, the right unit image 21b is automatically selected, and when it is the center side region C, the center unit image 21c is automatically selected. Then, by making the tip of the touch pen 12 come into contact with each region, control is performed so that selection and input of the unit images 21a, 21b, and 21c selected at that time are received simultaneously.

  At this time, as in the first and second examples, the arrangement positions of the left and right unit images 21a and 21b are forcibly aligned so that the joint ends of the unit images 21a and 21b coincide with the end portions of the captured images. The position is controlled so that the upper and lower arrangements are automatically arranged at predetermined positions. Further, the central unit image can be controlled to be automatically arranged at a predetermined position.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a third example of stamp image input control.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 16B, as a stamp image, instead of unit images 21a, 21b, and 21c determined as a set of two or one set, a unit for messages that can be combined at random. This is an image 21. In this example, for example, the unit image 21 “long” is combined with the unit image 21 “together”, or the unit image 21 “you” is combined with the unit image 21 “like” and the unit image 21 “!”. For example, the user can perform a selection operation and an input operation so as to arbitrarily combine the unit images 21.

  Then, when the user 2 presses the desired unit image 21 by selecting the touch pen 12, the selection is accepted by the editing display 8, and in this state, the tip of the touch pen 12 is grabbed and an arbitrary position of the input unit 63 is pressed. Control is performed so that the pressed position on the graffiti input unit 63 is recognized and the unit image 21 whose selection is accepted is input and displayed at that position. And in this example, as shown to Fig.16 (a), the unit image 21 can be input and arrange | positioned by arbitrary arrangement | positioning, and the edit with a high degree of freedom of the user 2 can be provided.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of stamp image input control.

  This example is an example of a device in which one graffiti input unit 63 and one edit input selection unit 72 are provided, and the present invention is intended to be applied to such a device. The state shown in the figure is a state in which the left unit image 21a is selected and input. Since the left unit image 21a is already selected, the selection is accepted so that the unit image 21b that completes the design image 25 in combination with the already selected unit image 21a for the same photographed image cannot be selected and input. In order to make it possible for the user 2 to recognize that the acceptance of selection is restricted, the display is controlled so as to be darkened. Then, by switching the image to be written by switching an image switching button (not shown) or the like, the restriction on accepting the selection is released, and control is performed so that selection of the unit image 21b as a group and acceptance of input can be performed. By doing in this way, it is prevented that both unit images 21a and 21b forming a set with respect to one photographed image are input, and the realization of the visual effect of the present invention is ensured.

  In this example, depending on the type of the selected unit images 21a and 21b, the arrangement of the input positions of the unit images 21a and 21b is forcibly set so that the joint ends of the unit images 21a and 21b coincide with the end portions of the captured images. Control to be. Specifically, when the unit image 21a for the left is input, the input position is automatically controlled to be arranged at the right end of the scribing input unit 63a. When the unit image 21b for the right is input, the unit image 21b The input position is automatically arranged at the left end of the graffiti input unit 63b. Also, the upper and lower arrangements are controlled to be automatically arranged at predetermined positions.

  On the other hand, the pen selection button 73D can be selected by the tool selection unit 73 to accept hand-drawn image input.

  That is, when the pen button 73D is selected by the tool selection unit 73, the editing input selection unit 72 displays the pen type, thickness, color, and the like as icons, and the icons are selected by the touch pen 12. A hand-drawn image in the selected pen input mode can be input by writing a picture on the surface of the Karakaki input unit 63.

  When a background button is selected by the tool selection unit 73, various background images are displayed as icons or thumbnails on the edit input selection unit 72, and the icons or thumbnails are selected by the touch pen 12, The background used in the static composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 can be changed to the background selected here. The frame and background to be replaced here may be selected in the shooting play, or a completely different image that was not displayed in the shooting play is prepared so that the image can be read and replaced. May be.

  When a frame button is selected by the tool selection unit 73, various frames are displayed on the editing input selection unit 72 as icons or thumbnails. By selecting the icons or thumbnails with the touch pen 12, the graffiti is displayed. The frame used in the static composite image 58 displayed on the input unit 63 can be changed to the background selected here, as in the case of replacing the background image described above.

  Reference numeral 67 denotes a frame erasure button which can erase a frame used in the still composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 by a single operation. Reference numeral 68 denotes a background erasing button, which can erase the background used in the still composite image 58 displayed on the graffiti input unit 63 by a single operation. The frame erasing button 67 and the background erasing button 68 are easier to operate than erasing with the touch pen 12 with a graffiti erasing button 69 described later, because the frame and background are erased by a single operation. The frame erase button 67 and the background erase button 68 can also erase the replaced frame and background as described above.

  As described above, after a desired frame or background is determined by a shutter operation in a shooting play and fixed as a still image 50, a stamp image or a hand-drawn image is input and the still image is input in an edit play before printing out by the printer 9. Since the frame and background used in the image 50 can be replaced or deleted, the selected frame or background is changed during the shooting play and is not in the editing stage. Replacing while confirming the editing state, it is possible to provide a more satisfactory photo print.

  69 is a graffiti erasing button for erasing a hand-drawn image or stamp image that has already been input, 70 is a return button for returning to the previous operation and redoing, and 71 is a button for starting the operation from the beginning again.

  When the editing is completed, the brightness adjustment screen for the photographed image is displayed on the editing display 8 and the touch pen 12 is operated to adjust the brightness of the selected photo. In this screen, the orientation of the selected image can be rotated next.

  When the brightness adjustment is completed, a sticker division selection screen is displayed on the editing display 8. Depending on the number of edited pictures, a plurality of sticker layouts laid out in a predetermined arrangement depending on the size and number of pictures are displayed, and a desired sticker layout is touched with the touch pen 12 and selected.

  When the selection of the sheet layout is completed, the image data of the edited still composite image 58 is sent to the printer 9, printed out on the print medium 35, and the photo print is discharged from the delivery port 19 (S14 in FIG. 7). .

  At this time, for example, when the edited images 91 and 92 into which the pair of unit images 21a and 21b are respectively input are printed on the print medium 35, the layout is determined in the order of photographing or the order of photo selection when determining the print layout. Rather than arranging them, the edited images 91 and 92 to which a pair of unit images 21a and 21 are input are displayed, the edited image 91 to which the left unit image 21a is input is on the left, and the right unit image 21b is to be displayed. Control is performed so that the input edited image 92 is arranged side by side so as to be arranged on the right side. Since one design image 25 is completed by the left unit image 21a and the right unit image 21b on the photographic print printed out in this manner, the visual effect can be given to the user 2. And can provide photo prints that are easy to separate when carving. This is realized by setting a flag for identifying the right and left position and the type of design image on the edited image 92 to which the unit image 21 is input, and arranging the images having the corresponding flag next to each other.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 18A, an edited image 91 to which the left unit image 21a is input and an edited image 92 to which the right unit image 21b is input as described above are respectively attached to the sticker mount. 18B, an edited image 91 to which the left unit image 21a is input and an edited image 92 to which the right unit image 21b is input are displayed. Are arranged side by side, one design image 25 is completed by the unit image 21a for the left and the unit image 21b for the right.

  As described above, the above-described photographic print providing apparatus and method can individually select and input unit images 21 that form a unitary design image 25 by combining a plurality of stamp images that are input to a captured image. Thus, the user 2 can perform the input operation of the unit image 21 and the combination of the plurality of unit images 21 with his / her own intention, and can enjoy the creation. Moreover, by displaying the received unit image 21 so as to be the foreground of the subject, even if the user 2 takes a picture close to the camera 6, it is possible to easily understand the visual interest of the unit image 21. The utilization of the user 2 can be promoted. In addition, for example, when the composite image is printed out on a sticker or the like, motivation for promoting the exchange between the users 2 can be strengthened, and the use of the user 2 can be further promoted.

  Also, a confirmation image used for the first composition unit 90 and a print image used for the second composition unit 60 are prepared separately, and the confirmation composition process by the live monitor 20 and the composition process for printing by the printer 9 are separately performed. For this reason, the control processing load is distributed, the processing speed is hardly lowered, and the user is not stressed. In addition, by using a low-resolution image with few pixels for confirmation and using a high-resolution image with many pixels for printing, a low-resolution image with a small amount of data is used for composition processing and display processing for confirmation. Thus, processing is performed with a light load, and a beautiful photo print with excellent image quality can be created by using a high-resolution image in the composition processing or printing for printing.

  In addition, the user 2 does not perform a shutter operation according to a predetermined frame image as in the prior art, but the user 2 himself / herself displayed in real time, and a frame or background to be switched and displayed. While visually confirming the real-time composite image, the frame and background can be switched sequentially and the composite image can be visually confirmed in real time. For this reason, it is possible to perform shooting with elaborate tastes, such as searching for a desired frame or background memory image, or determining a pose or expression according to the frame or background pattern. In addition, since the frame and background and the captured video are actually combined, you can select the desired one from a number of frames and backgrounds. This makes it easier to select the optimal frame and background.

  In each of the above embodiments, a frame or background to be combined with the foreground or background of the subject is selected in the shooting process, and a stamp image is further added to the combined image in which the frame or background is combined with the shot image in the subsequent editing process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the subject is shot in the shooting process, and the frame and background are selected and input in the editing process. Hand-drawn images may be input and combined, or only shooting of the subject is performed in the shooting process, and stamp images and hand-drawn images are input by editing without selecting or inputting a frame or background. You may make it synthesize | combine.

  In each of the above embodiments, the shooting play providing unit, the edit play providing unit, and the print providing unit are provided in different places so that the shooting play, the editing play, and the print can be provided simultaneously. The present invention is not limited, and the shooting play providing unit and the edit play providing unit may be provided at the same place so that the shooting play and the edit play are sequentially executed. In this case, only the print providing unit can be provided in another place, or can be provided in the same place as the shooting play providing unit. It is also possible to provide the shooting play providing unit and the edit play providing unit in different places so that the edit play providing unit and the print providing unit are shared. A plurality of shooting play providing units, editing play providing units, and print providing units may be provided.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the computer device and the control circuit are each constituted by two is described, but there is no particular limitation as long as there is no problem with the processing capability, and one may be used. Further, as described above, the service panel may be configured by one when the shooting play providing unit and the edit play providing unit are provided in the same place.

  In each of the above embodiments, the printer 9 includes various types of printers such as sublimation printers, ink jet printers, laser printers, thermal transfer printers, fusion printers, thermal printers, photographic paper printers, and instant film printers. It can be applied and is not particularly limited. Further, a plurality of the printers 9 may be provided so that the user can select a favorite printer 9 that the user desires to print.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the photographic print to be output is not particularly limited, and can be output as a sticker print, a card or the like, and is not intended to limit the material and configuration of the print medium 35.

  In each of the above embodiments, shooting is started by inserting coins. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be paid as a price for shooting, such as bills, prepaid cards, medals, credit cards, cash cards, etc. If it is a thing, it is the meaning containing various aspects. In addition, these are intended to include not only the case of using alone but also the case of using them in combination.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the image input device of the present invention is applied to a photo print providing device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. The present invention can also be applied to an apparatus, a method, and a program for providing an image input game.

  In this example, a service server 97 that provides a service via the Internet 98 and a terminal device 99 used by the user 2 are connected, and the terminal device 99 enables an image input operation.

  In this example, a user transmits a desired image to the service server 97 via Internet mail or a browser, and the service server 97 receives the image to acquire a captured image. Then, the homepage for service provision stored in the service server 97 is displayed on the browser of the terminal device 99, for example, a graffiti screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display device of the terminal device 99, and an image in the terminal device 99 is displayed. Is received by the service server 97. In this case, an input device (for example, a mouse or a keyboard) attached to the terminal device 99 functions as an operation input unit, and a display device and a browser of the terminal device function as an image receiving unit. Further, the storage devices of the service server 97 and the terminal device 99 function as storage means, and the CPU functions as control means. This example also has the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

It is sectional drawing which shows one Embodiment of the photographic print provision apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the said housing | casing. It is a perspective view of the said photographic print provision apparatus. It is a system block diagram of the said photographic print provision apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a stamp image. It is a figure which shows an example of a stamp image. It is a flowchart explaining an example of operation | movement of the said photograph print provision apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows imaging | photography operation | movement. It is a figure which shows an example of an imaging | photography screen. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the said photo print production apparatus, (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the synthetic | combination state of an image, (b) is an example of each image, (c) is an example of mask data, (d) is a composition. It is an example of an image. It is a figure which shows an example of a graffiti screen. It is a figure explaining an example of input control of a stamp image. It is a figure explaining an example of input control of a stamp image. It is a figure explaining the 2nd example of input control of a stamp image. It is a figure explaining the 2nd example of input control of a stamp image. It is a figure explaining the 3rd example of input control of a stamp image. It is a figure explaining the 4th example of input control of a stamp image. It is a figure explaining an example of printing control of photograph printing. It is a figure explaining the example which applied this invention to the web service.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 User, subject, user 3 Back screen 4a Ceiling part 4b Support frame material 4c Support frame material 5a Curtain 5b Curtain 6 Camera 7 Front strobe 8 Edit display 9 Printer 10 Transparent plate 11 Milky white plate 12 Touch pen 13 Cancel Button 14 Enter button 15 Coin slot 16a Operation panel 17 Front fluorescent lamp 18a Speaker 18b Speaker 19 Outlet 20 Live monitor 21 Unit image 21a Unit image 21b Unit image 21c Unit image 22a Switching button 22b Switching button 23 Editing input panel 25 Design image 31 Space for Shooting Play 32 Space for Editing Play 33 Storage Device 34 Coin Detection Unit 35 Print Medium 36 Strobe Control Circuit 37 First Computer Device 38 Second Computer Device 39 First Control Circuit 40a Service panel 40b Service panel 41 Storage device 42 Underlay combining means 43 Overlay combining means 44 CPU
45 Memory 46 Driver 47 Communication Means 48 Control Program 49 Operation Screen 50 Still Image 51 Background Image Group 52 Frame Image Group 53 Control Program 54 Frame Image Group 55 Background Image Group 56 Stamp Image Storage Unit 57 Operation Screen 58 Still Composite Image 59 Subject Extraction Means 60 Second composition means 62 Second control circuit 63 Input section 63a Input section 63b Input section 64 Counter 65 Image switching section 66 End button 67 Frame erase button 68 Background erase button 69 Erase button 70 Return button 71 Beginning button 71 Edit input 72 Selection unit 72a Editing input selection unit 72b Editing input selection unit 73 Tool selection unit 73C Stamp button 73D Pen button 74 Stamp image display unit 75 Menu selection unit 77 Live video display unit 78 Background selection unit 79 Frame Selection unit 90 First composition unit 91 Edited image 92 Edited image 93 Frame image storage unit 95 Extraction unit 97 Service server 98 Internet 99 Terminal device 102 Mask data 103 Shooting image layer 104 Frame image layer 105 Background image layer 106 Composite image 107 Stamp layer

Claims (3)

Image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image of the subject;
Storage means for storing a stamp image input to the photographed image;
Image receiving means for displaying the acquired captured image, receiving selection of the stamp image for a user, and receiving input of the selected stamp image for the displayed captured image;
A control means for controlling the image acquisition means and the image reception means,
The storage means stores a plurality of unit images that are combined into a unitary design image by combining a plurality of unit images as stamp images.
The control means accepts, for each unit image, a selection of a predetermined unit image among the unit images to be the integrated design image in the image receiving means, and with respect to the captured image of the unit image selected by the selection input. An image input apparatus characterized by receiving input individually and controlling to display a unit image in which the input is received in a synthesized state so as to be a foreground of a subject. Image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image of the subject;
Storage means for storing a stamp image input to the photographed image;
Image receiving means for displaying the acquired captured image, receiving selection of the stamp image for a user, and receiving input of the selected stamp image for the displayed captured image;
Preparing the image acquisition means and the control means for controlling the image reception means,
The storage means stores a plurality of the unit images that become an integrated design image by combining a plurality of unit images as a stamp image,
The control means accepts, for each unit image, a selection of a predetermined unit image among the unit images to be the integrated design image in the image receiving means, and with respect to the captured image of the unit image selected by the selection input. An image input method characterized by receiving input individually and controlling to display a unit image in which the input is received in a synthesized state with a photographed image so as to be a foreground of a subject. Image acquisition means for acquiring a captured image of the subject;
Storage means for storing a stamp image input to the photographed image;
Image receiving means for displaying the acquired captured image, receiving selection of the stamp image for a user, and receiving input of the selected stamp image for the displayed captured image;
Preparing the image acquisition means and the control means for controlling the image reception means,
The storage means stores a plurality of unit images that are combined into a unitary design image by combining a plurality of unit images as stamp images.
The control means accepts, for each unit image, a selection of a predetermined unit image among the unit images to be the integrated design image in the image receiving means, and with respect to the captured image of the unit image selected by the selection input. An image input program characterized by causing a computer device to execute a step of individually accepting inputs and displaying a unit image in which the inputs are accepted in a synthesized image so as to be a foreground of a subject.

Images