JP2006227722A - Photographing device, and photograph vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographing device for performing excellent displaying. <P>SOLUTION: When a CCD camera is attached to the finder of a single-lens reflex camera, so as to photograph the image of the finder, a black frame is obtained in the circumference of the image (Fig. A). A computer performs trimming in a black part from the image through the finder, which is obtained in real-time, (Fig. B), magnifies/reduces and resizes it to suit the displaying of a live monitor. The image processed in that manner is displayed on the live monitor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic apparatus and a photographic vending machine, and more particularly to a photographic apparatus and a photographic vending machine that can provide beautifully finished photographs.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many photo vending machines that take pictures and make sticker prints or the like have been installed in stores that provide games such as game centers. In such a vending machine, generally a photograph of a subject, which is a user, is taken with a camera, the photographed image is displayed on a tablet display, etc., and characters and figures are entered with the attached touch pen. The one with the editing function said to have become common. The edited and input image is combined with the captured image, and the combined image is printed by a printer and provided to the user.

  Regarding the technique of the photographic apparatus, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for extracting and displaying a finder image of a single-lens reflex digital camera.

  Patent Document 2 discloses the use of a single-lens reflex camera in a photography system.

Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for providing a mirror that allows a photo vending machine to confirm his / her appearance.
JP 2001-313849 A JP 2003-203273 A JP 2001-296600 A

  Even if an image of the camera finder is taken out and displayed as in Patent Document 1, a useless image inside the finder (inside the camera) is reflected, and there is a problem that beautiful display cannot be performed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographic apparatus and a photographic vending machine capable of providing a beautiful display.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a photographic apparatus includes a finder, a camera for photographing a subject, a digital image sensor that receives light from the camera finder, and a digital image sensor The processing means for processing the part other than the image captured by the camera, which is captured in the video by acquiring the subject through the viewfinder, and the display for displaying the video processed by the processing means Means.

  Preferably, the camera is a single-lens reflex camera, and the processing means processes an image inside the camera reflected around the image.

  Preferably, the processing means processes an image of a frame indicating a focus mark or a shooting range, which is reflected in the image.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the photo vending machine includes a price receiving means for receiving a price, a price detecting means for detecting the price input from the price receiving means, a shooting means for shooting a subject, and a subject at the time of shooting. Illuminating means for illuminating, editing means for performing editing input on the photographed image, and output means for outputting the edited image, the photographing means being a single-lens reflex camera and the shape of the subject photographed by the single-lens reflex camera Including mirrors.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the photo vending machine includes a price receiving means for receiving a price, a price detection means for detecting the price input from the price receiving means, a shooting means for shooting a subject, and a subject at the time of shooting. Illuminating means for illuminating the camera, editing means for performing editing input on the photographed image, and output means for outputting the edited image. The photographing means is a single-lens reflex camera and a digital camera provided near the single-lens reflex camera. And a display means for displaying an image acquired by the digital image sensor.

  According to these inventions, in the photography apparatus, it is possible to process a portion other than the image photographed by the camera by capturing the subject through the finder, so that a beautiful display can be performed. A photography apparatus can be provided.

  In addition, since the photo vending machine can capture the appearance of the subject, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the appearance of a photo vending machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The photo vending machine is configured to include a housing, and is divided into the housing, the surface on the side where the shooting operation is performed, and the image after the shooting, which is called a drawing or graffiti, which is called a drawing or graffiti. It is provided with a pair on the side where the editing operation, which is input of text or the like, is performed. FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the surface on the side where the photographing operation is performed.

  The casing houses various devices such as the computer devices 101a and 101b, the printer 12, and the control unit 102 (substrate). These details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In addition to the housing, the photo vending machine includes a panel and a frame material that form a photographing space together with the surface on the side where the photographing operation is performed. In the imaging space formed by these, a background portion 5 that forms a background at the time of imaging is arranged behind the user who is the subject. Details of the background portion 5 will be described later.

  When using such a photo vending machine, a user who is a subject enters a shooting space on the shooting operation side of the casing and takes a picture in a direction facing the casing. Then, after shooting, the user enters the editing space on the editing operation side, and performs an operation of pen-inputting a stamp image or text called so-called drawing on the shot image in a direction opposite to the casing. In the following description, for convenience, the surface on the photographing operation side of the housing is referred to as the front surface, and the surface on the editing operation side is referred to as the back surface.

  Referring to FIG. 1, on the front of the housing, a camera 21 for capturing an image of a subject and a live image for displaying a video captured by the camera 21 in real time and allowing a user to visually check the captured image. A monitor 24, a speaker 23 (not shown) for outputting announcements such as BGM and operation methods, a touch screen display 22 for displaying a demonstration screen, an operation procedure during shooting, etc., and receiving input from the user, and a coin as a price Are provided with a coin insertion slot and a front door for performing maintenance on the front surface.

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

  Here, the camera 21 is a single-lens reflex digital camera provided with a viewfinder. Light passing through the finder of the digital camera is captured by a digital imaging device such as a CCD camera, and the image is processed and then displayed on the live monitor 24. Thereby, the user can confirm his / her appearance in real time.

  Around the camera 21, there are built-in fluorescent lamps, flashes, and the like, and lighting boxes (front lighting) 18a to 18d for illuminating the subject are provided.

  In addition, a fan for releasing heat inside the housing, a LAN for inserting a cable when communicating with an external device such as image distribution to an external device, remote maintenance, etc. Local Area Network) cable outlets are preferably provided.

  Further, the background unit 5 provided in the shooting space includes background curtains 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b of various colors and patterns driven by a motor or the like. Form. The background curtain may be set by a user's manual operation such as a roll-up type or a drawer type, or may be automatically set by operating the touch panel display 22.

  In addition, the side of this device is open so that the user can enter and exit the shooting space, but the surroundings and the shooting space must be separated for the purpose of considering the privacy of the user or blocking external light. A side curtain (not shown) for dividing may be provided.

  Further, side lighting for irradiating light from the side to the user is provided on the side of the apparatus, and ceiling lighting (1) 18f for irradiating the user from above to the ceiling, and ceiling lighting (2 ) 18g is provided.

  A print LED (Light Emitting Diode) 10 and a print error LED 11 are provided near the print outlet 9. By lighting or blinking, it is notified that an error such as out of paper, out of ink, paper jam, or mechanical error has occurred during printing or printing.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the photo vending machine as viewed from the editing operation side on the back side.

  Referring to FIG. 2, on the back of the housing, one or more tablet displays 13 for displaying an image obtained by shooting and receiving image editing, and one or more for inputting an image. The touch pen 14 and a speaker (not shown) that outputs music, explanations of operation methods, and the like to the user by voice are provided.

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

  Referring to FIG. 3, the photo vending machine according to the present embodiment executes a computer apparatus 101a that mainly executes photographing processing and the like, and mainly executes editing processing and the like for operating the photo vending machine. And a control unit 102 that is configured from a board and that receives instructions from the operating computer apparatus 101 and controls various devices connected thereto. .

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

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

The computer apparatus 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is an arithmetic device that controls the computer apparatus 101, a program for operating the apparatus, graphic data necessary for the program, audio data, captured images and captured images. Software for controlling peripheral devices such as the camera 21, the printer 12, and the tablet display 13; a storage unit for storing edited images and other various images input to the memory; a memory serving as a temporary work area for the program; A driver (not shown). The computer apparatus 101 may also include a communication unit that performs communication when connected to an external device via a LAN cable.

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

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

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

  The computer apparatus 101a controls the control unit 102 based on an instruction signal according to an input operation performed by executing the program or touching with a user's finger or the like received from the touch panel display 22 of the photographing unit. Send a signal.

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

  The computer apparatus 101b performs the above-described program execution and the control unit 102 based on an instruction signal that is received from the tablet display 13 of the editing unit 401 and touched with the touch pen 14 or the like. Send a control signal.

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

  The photo vending machine also includes a power supply control unit 103 that controls a power supply system such as the computer device 101, the lighting device 18, and the control unit 102 that require power, and stabilizes the power supply voltage for these devices from the outside. To control. Further, such turning on and off of the power is performed by pressing the power switch 31. However, forcibly terminating a program running on the computer apparatus 101 by turning off the power causes the operation to become unstable. Therefore, even if the power is turned off, the UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) 104 backs up the power for a while and transmits a power failure signal to the computer apparatus 101. In the meantime, the computer apparatus 101 performs a program termination procedure and terminates the program normally. On the other hand, when the computer apparatus 101 is terminated in a regular procedure, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the UPS 104.

  In addition to the computer device 101 and the power supply control unit 103, the control unit 102 includes a release switch 20, a flash control unit 106, a speaker 23, a service panel 105, a coin control unit 107, a print lamp 10, an error lamp 11, and a background unit 5. Connected to.

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

  If the shutter operation is remotely controlled, a foot switch, a dedicated button, or the like may be provided.

  The flash control unit 106 is connected to the camera 21 and acquires a synchronization signal corresponding to the shutter timing in the camera 21. Then, control is performed so that the flash is emitted in synchronization with the shutter timing of the camera 21. The flash control unit 106 is connected to the control unit 102 to select the flash 29 that emits light and to set the light emission level of the flash 29. Similarly, the lighting device 18 is connected to the control unit 102, and the lighting degree and the like are set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the control unit 102 receives an instruction signal in accordance with an input operation for the user to select a desired background from the computer device 101a to the touch panel display 22, and the background curtain (roll) of the background unit 5 according to the instruction signal. The operation of the motor that drives the screen winding device is controlled. By controlling the operation of the motor in this way, the roll screen on which the background image selected by the user is applied is set in the background portion 5.

  Needless to say, the form of the photo vending machine is not limited to the specific examples shown in FIGS. That is, other functions not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be provided, or not all of the functions shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be provided. For example, the printer 12 may not be included in the photo vending machine main body, and in this case, the photo vending machine outputs a print control signal to the printer 12 via a dedicated line such as a LAN or wireless communication. And

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for capturing a live video.

  Referring to the figure, a small CCD camera 31 that receives light from the viewfinder is fixed to the viewfinder portion of the camera 21. The computer apparatus 101a processes the image from the CCD camera 31. More specifically, the computer device 101a obtains an image obtained through the viewfinder and an image obtained at the time of photographing by trimming a part other than the image photographed by the camera 21 at the time of photographing from an image photographed by the CCD camera 31. Match the image.

  The light incident from the lens L of the camera 21 is reflected by the mirror 21a and enters the CCD camera 31 via the prism 21b. A digital electric signal obtained by the CCD camera 31 is input to the computer apparatus 101a.

  At the time of photographing, the mirror 21a moves, so that light incident from the lens L enters a CCD sensor (not shown), and a photographed image is acquired.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method for processing an image obtained through the viewfinder, which is performed by the computer apparatus 101a.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the CCD camera 31 is directly attached to the finder and an image is taken, the inside of the camera (finder) is reflected around the image, and a black frame is formed.

  Therefore, the computer apparatus 101a obtains the video shown in FIG. 5B by trimming the black portion from the image obtained through the viewfinder obtained in real time, and enlarges or reduces the video to display the live monitor 24. Resize to a size suitable for display. The image processed in this way is displayed on the live monitor 24.

  Further, instead of performing trimming, the black portion may be replaced with a frame image for decorating the image and displayed on the live monitor 24.

  Also, if the image in the viewfinder has a mark for focusing (a mark indicating the area where autofocus is performed), a frame indicating the shooting range, or a mark indicating the shutter speed, aperture value, battery level, etc. Alternatively, they may be displayed on the live monitor 24 after being deleted by performing image processing. In addition, in order to give an atmosphere of shooting with a single-lens reflex camera, a part of the display in the finder may be left.

  Unlike a compact digital camera, a single-lens reflex digital camera does not always receive the image to be captured in the CCD sensor used for shooting, but only enters the CCD sensor for shooting when the shutter is pressed. I can't let you. In the present embodiment, by fixing a CCD sensor different from the CCD sensor used at the time of shooting with the above configuration to the viewfinder portion of the camera, a real-time live image can be displayed while using a single-lens reflex camera, The user can take an image while confirming his / her facial expression and pose.

  In addition, the image quality of a captured image can be improved by using a single-lens reflex camera. In addition, there is an effect that the lens can be exchanged for shooting.

[Second Embodiment]
Since the basic configuration of the photo vending machine in the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example in the vicinity of the camera 21 of the photo vending machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, a single-lens reflex digital camera is used as the camera 21 also in the present embodiment. A mirror 33 surrounding the periphery of the camera 21 is provided so as to capture the appearance of the subject in the shooting direction of the camera 21.

  According to the present embodiment, there is an effect that the user can confirm the facial expression and the pose with the mirror 33 at the time of shooting without providing a CCD camera near the viewfinder as in the first embodiment.

  In addition, even if it does not arrange | position a mirror so that a camera may be enclosed like FIG. 6, if a mirror is installed in the vicinity of the lens of a camera, there exists an effect that a user can confirm a self figure in real time. . In addition, a curved mirror may be used so that a region wider than the size of the mirror is captured.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the appearance of a photo vending machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The photo vending machine according to the present embodiment is provided with a CCD camera 31 that is a digital image sensor in the vicinity of the single-lens reflex camera 21 as compared with the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the camera 21 and the CCD camera 31.

  Referring to the figure, the CCD camera 31 is installed so as to be able to photograph a range substantially equal to the range captured by the camera 21. An image taken by the CCD camera 31 is sent to the live monitor 24 and displayed in real time. Thereby, the user U can confirm an image substantially equal to the image photographed by the camera 21 with the live monitor 24, and there is an effect that the user U can confirm an expression and a pose.

  In order to match the shooting range of the CCD camera 31 and the shooting range of the camera 31 as much as possible, it is desirable that the CCD camera 31 be as close as possible to the lens L of the camera 21 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the apparatus is configured such that the CCD camera 31 is placed on the lens L.

[Others]
When a single-lens reflex camera is adopted as the camera 21, it is possible to remove the lens L from the body portion B for maintenance as shown in FIG. 10, or to change the lens L to a different type. Therefore, when a single-lens reflex camera is adopted, there is a problem that dust and dust easily enter the body portion B of the camera.

  In order to solve such a problem, as shown in FIG. 11, it is desirable that the camera 21 is housed in a case 39 and configured to shoot a subject through a transparent door 37. Further, if a key that locks the opening / closing of the door 37 or a mechanism that issues an alarm when the door 37 is opened, theft of the camera can be prevented.

  Furthermore, when the bellows member 35 surrounding the periphery of the lens L is attached, it becomes possible to further prevent dust and dust from entering the body portion B. In this case, the bellows member 35 can be expanded and contracted to support various lenses.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, by providing suction mechanisms 43 and 44 for sucking dust and dirt in the vicinity of the lens mounting portion of the body portion B, the portion where the camera is mounted may be cleaned. Good. 12A is a view corresponding to FIG. 11, and FIG. 12B is a view showing the camera 21 viewed from the front through the transparent door 37 (reference numeral 41 indicates opening and closing of the door 37). Indicates the key to lock). It is also possible to automatically operate the suction mechanisms 43 and 44 when the lens L is removed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an image captured by using a CCD camera or a mirror is shown to the user. However, light from the camera finder is reflected by the mirror 51 and the prism 53 as shown in FIG. It may be shown to the user by projecting it onto the screen 55. By adopting such a mechanism, image processing is unnecessary, and an image with no time lag can be shown to the user.

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

It is a figure which shows the specific example of the external appearance of the photograph vending machine in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the photograph vending machine from the edit operation side which is the back. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a function structure of a photograph vending machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the mechanism which images a live image | video. It is a figure which shows the processing method of the image obtained through the finder which the computer apparatus 101a performs. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the vicinity of the camera 21 of the photograph vending machine in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the external appearance of the photograph vending machine in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a camera 21 and a CCD camera 31. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a camera 21 and a CCD camera 31. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which removed the lens L from the body part B. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state where the camera 21 is housed in a case 39. It is a figure which shows the suction mechanisms 43 and 44 which attract | suck the dust and dust near the lens attaching part of the body part B. It is a figure which shows the mechanism in which the light from the finder of a camera is reflected.

Explanation of symbols

  21 camera, 22 touch panel display, 24 live monitor, 31 CCD camera, 33 mirror, 101a computer device.

Claims (5)

A camera with a viewfinder for shooting subjects,
A digital image sensor for receiving light from the viewfinder of the camera;
A processing means for processing a part other than an image captured by the camera, which is reflected in the video by acquiring the subject through the finder, out of the video acquired by the digital imaging device,
A photographic apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an image processed by the processing means. The camera is a single-lens reflex camera,
The photographic device according to claim 1, wherein the processing means processes an image inside the camera reflected around the image.   The photographic device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit processes a video of a frame indicating a focus mark or a shooting range, which is reflected in the video. Consideration acceptance means for accepting consideration;
Compensation detection means for detecting the compensation input from the compensation acceptance means;
Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Illuminating means for illuminating the subject during the photographing;
Editing means for performing editing input on the photographed image;
Output means for outputting the edited image,
The photo vending machine includes a single-lens reflex camera and a mirror that captures the shape of a subject photographed by the single-lens reflex camera. Consideration acceptance means for accepting consideration;
Compensation detection means for detecting the compensation input from the compensation acceptance means;
Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Illuminating means for illuminating the subject during the photographing;
Editing means for performing editing input on the photographed image;
Output means for outputting the edited image,
The photographing means includes a single-lens reflex camera and a digital image sensor provided in the vicinity of the single-lens reflex camera,
A photo vending machine comprising display means for displaying an image acquired by the digital image sensor.

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