JP2006287943A - Photographing/printing apparatus and method for controlling same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the layout of edited images by simple input operation. <P>SOLUTION: A method for controlling a photographing/printing apparatus includes a photographing step for photographing an object, an editing step for editing an image photographed by the photographing step in accordance with user's operation, an output step for printing out the image edited by the edition step, and an output layout setting step for setting the layout of edited images to be printed out in accordance with user's operation. In the output layout setting step, a plurality of edited images to be candidates to be laid out for printing on a screen and the edited images selected by the user's operation are automatically displayed in respective divided areas on the same screen as enlarged images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus and a method for controlling a photographic printing apparatus that take a photograph of a user and synthesize the photograph with a background image and print it out.

  In recent years, for example, a photographic printing apparatus known under the name of Print Club (registered trademark) has been installed in game centers and the like, and is gaining popularity. In the photo printing device, users can pose their own pose in the shooting room or select their favorite background and take their own images. A variety of editing processes can be performed and printed out.

  In such a photographic printing apparatus, for the purpose of improving the utilization rotation rate, a plurality of sets of users proceed in parallel at different positions (for example, the photographic room and the outside of the photographic room) in the photographing process and the subsequent editing process. Multiple customer service is widely adopted. In particular, as a form having a large number of simultaneous customers, there has also been proposed a photographic printing apparatus that advances shooting play, pre-edit play, edit play, and print play in parallel (Patent Document 1). In this photography and printing device, the time required for each play is leveled while ensuring sufficient time for edit play that takes a long time, especially for the enjoyment of users by making the edit play and pre-edit play independent. The utilization turnover rate can be improved.

There is also a photography printing apparatus that equalizes the time required for each play by allowing the user to select the layout of the print image at the print play position instead of the normal edit play position when receiving multiple customers. It has been proposed (Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-304474 A (published October 24, 2003) JP 2003-195212 A (published July 9, 2003)

  In FIGS. 5 to 6 of Patent Document 1, the function of the layout setting unit 56 causes the image data obtained by editing play to be transferred, for example, by drag and drop according to the user's preference, and An arrangement on a layout is disclosed.

  Similarly, in FIGS. 5 to 6 of Patent Document 2, a layout area 61 for laying out and displaying a selected image corresponding to the printable area of the photo sticker and a plurality of images 62 after the graffiti processing are shown. In a layout determination screen 60 including a candidate image display area for displaying thumbnails and an image size selection area for displaying a plurality of image size selection buttons 63, a layout area in which an image is to be laid out when the user touches with a touch pen. Designating a position on 61 is disclosed.

  However, since these layouts arrange the selected image in the same size or determine the size of the edited image according to the user's instruction input, it is difficult to optimize the layout. Was complicated. If the time required for input becomes longer due to such complicated operation input, the above-described use rotation rate is also adversely affected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to realize a photography printing apparatus and a photography printing apparatus control method that realize a layout arrangement of edited images by simple operation input. It is in.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a photographic unit that shoots a subject, and an edit that is operated by a user and edits an image captured by the photographic unit. Photographic printing apparatus comprising: means; output means for printing out an image edited by the editing means; and output arrangement setting means operated by a user to set the arrangement of the edited image in the print output The output arrangement setting means displays a plurality of edit images that are candidates for arrangement in the print output on the screen and is selected by a user operation in accordance with the area division state of the print output. The edited image is automatically enlarged and displayed in each divided area on the same screen.

  Further, the control method of the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a photographing stage for photographing a subject, an editing stage for editing an image photographed in the photographing stage according to a user operation, A photography printing apparatus comprising: an output stage for printing out an image that has been edited in the editing stage; and an output arrangement setting stage for setting an arrangement of the edited image in the print output in accordance with a user operation. In the control method, in the output arrangement setting stage, a plurality of edited images that are candidates for arrangement in the print output are displayed on the screen, and in correspondence with the area division state of the print output, by a user operation The selected edited image is automatically enlarged and displayed in each divided area on the same screen.

  In the above configuration, the print output area division state refers to, for example, a state in which the print range of the print paper is divided into a predetermined number of image allocation areas. In addition to the original image allocation area (output area), an additional area for allocating output of bonus images may be provided as the area division state for print output.

  In the above-described configuration, the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention has the above-described configuration in which the output arrangement setting unit edits selected by a user operation in correspondence with an area division state in which the output area of the print output is divided into two. It is preferable that the image is automatically enlarged and displayed in each divided area on the same screen.

  In the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, in the above configuration, it is preferable that the output arrangement setting means arranges two edited images in a state where the output area of the print output is divided into two.

  According to the present invention, a layout arrangement of an edited image can be realized by a simple operation input.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The photography printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of taking a photograph of a user who is a subject, a function of allowing a user to edit graffiti on the photographed photograph, and a function of printing an edited image. Have at least.

[1. Appearance structure of photo printing device]
First, the external appearance of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a surface of the apparatus main body 2 on the photographing space (photographing room) R1 side and a surface on the enjoyment space R3 side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a surface of the apparatus main body 2 on the editing space R2 side. That is, a shooting space R1, an editing space R2, and a fun space R3 are provided around the apparatus body 2 as different areas.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus main body 2 includes a camera (photographing means) 12, a photographing processing touch panel 13, a live view display panel 14, a coin insertion slot 15, a coin return slot 16, and an illumination device on the photographing space R <b> 1 side. 17a and 17b and front speakers 18a and 18b are provided. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the device main body 2 is provided with a fun touch panel 30 and a print discharge port (output means) 31 on the same side surface on the enjoyment space R3 side.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the device main body 2 includes, on the editing space R2 side, editing processing touch panels (editing means) 21 and 21, touch pens (editing means) 22 and 22, a ceiling lighting device 17c, a rear speaker. 18c is provided.

  The camera 12 photographs the user. The camera 12 includes a digital camera having a lens group, a diaphragm, a CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor, and the like. In addition, the camera 12 may be configured to be able to switch between zoom, aperture, filter, and the like so as to support a plurality of photographing methods such as whole body photographing and up photographing. Further, the camera 12 may be attached to be vertically movable by a rail provided vertically. According to this structure, it can install in the optimal height according to a user's instruction | indication etc.

  The live view display panel 14 is provided in the vicinity of the camera 12 (lower part in FIG. 3), and is a display panel for displaying a live view for a user who takes a shooting pose toward the camera 12. Specifically, the live view display panel 14 displays, for the user, a captured moving image including the user captured by the camera 12, and a decorative moving image that becomes a foreshadow or background for the captured moving image. And the synthesized moving image (live view image) is displayed to the user himself / herself.

  Thereby, the user who takes a shooting pose toward the camera unit can visually recognize his / her appearance in real time, and can perform shooting processing while confirming his / her pose. In addition, since the user who is photographing can visually recognize his / her appearance decorated with the decorative moving image, the user can experience the theme expressed by the decorative moving image in a pseudo manner. For example, the theme expressed by the decorative moving image includes “in the sea”, “shabondama”, “rain”, “glitter” (see FIGS. 7 to 8), and the like. A live view with decoration based on each theme is displayed in a state in which a captured moving image obtained by shooting and a decoration moving image with decoration based on each theme are combined.

  The live view display panel 14 includes a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display element or a display panel such as a CRT (cathode ray tube).

  The imaging processing touch panel 13, the editing processing touch panel 21, and the enjoyment touch panel 30 are configured by providing touch sensors on a display surface such as a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display element or a CRT (cathode ray tube).

  The photographing process touch panel 13 is provided on the photographing space R1 side of the apparatus body 2, and displays various messages and images in the photographing process. Specifically, the shooting process touch panel 13 displays a demonstration screen, an opening screen, a billing process instruction screen, various operations in the shooting process, a shooting screen during shooting, and the like. Also, the above-described live view may be displayed on the photographing processing touch panel 13.

  The editing processing touch panel 21 is provided on the editing space R2 side of the apparatus main body 2, and displays various messages and images in editing processing such as graffiti. Specifically, the editing processing touch panel 21 displays an image to be edited and various editing tools during image editing processing such as graffiti. As described above, when the photography printing apparatus 1 is operated, various messages and images to be presented to the user are displayed by the photographing processing touch panel 13 or the editing processing touch panel 21.

  A touch pen 22 is provided near the editing processing touch panel 21 (next to the editing processing touch panel 21 in FIG. 4). By bringing the touch pen 22 into contact with the editing processing touch panel 21, the user can select a button to be displayed according to the progress of the process or can draw an image such as a graffiti.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, two sets of editing processing touch panel 21 and touch pen 22 are arranged in parallel in apparatus body 2. Thus, two users can simultaneously input graffiti processing or the like on the captured images displayed on the two editing processing touch panels 21 and 21 respectively. Note that different images can be displayed on the editing processing touch panels 21 and 21, respectively, and the user can input graffiti processing or the like for different images. Also, in the graffiti process, a reflection process in which the graffiti process input from one editing process touch panel 21 is reflected in the other editing process touch panel 21 or a process for limiting the doodleable range is performed. Also good.

  The enjoyment touch panel 30 is provided on the enjoyment space R3 side of the apparatus body 2, and displays information related to the additional function of the user participation type for the user who waits for the print processing. Based on the user's operation input, a function for executing the user participation type additional function is realized. Details of additional functions of the user participation type realized by the touch panel for enjoyment will be described later.

  The coin insertion slot 15 is an insertion slot for the user to insert a predetermined amount of coins as a play fee. The coin return port 16 is a return port for returning coins to the user when change occurs or when the coin is reset after the coin is inserted. Further, a coin container (not shown) for storing coins collected from the user is provided inside the apparatus main body 2.

  The print discharge port 31 is a place where a print sheet printed by a printer (output unit) 34 described later is discharged after the photographing process and the editing process are finished. The printer 34 is arranged on the side of the enjoyment space R3 inside the apparatus main body 2. When the editing operation is completed, the user moves to the enjoyment space R3 and takes out a photographic print.

  The illuminating devices 17a and 17b in the photographing space R1 function as a flash at the time of photographing and also function as a normal illumination. Inside these lighting devices, for example, a strobe lighting unit that emits light during flash and a fluorescent lamp that emits light as normal illumination are provided. In addition to the illuminating devices 17a and 17b, the photographic printing apparatus 1 can be appropriately provided with an illuminating device intended for a special illumination effect in a specific mode. The ceiling lighting device 17c in the editing space R2 functions as lighting during graffiti.

  The front speakers 18a and 18b and the rear speaker 18c (hereinafter collectively referred to as the speaker 18) output guidance voices, sound effects, BGM (back ground music), etc. for various operations to the user. It is. In FIG. 4, the rear speaker 18 c is illustrated only on one side surface of the editing housing 23 in the apparatus body 2, but is not illustrated on the other side surface of the editing housing 23 in addition to the rear speaker 18 c. A rear speaker is provided.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 5, the photography and printing apparatus 1 provides services according to the following flow. (1) A user enters the shooting space R1 and performs shooting processing. (2) The user moves to the editing space R2 and performs editing processing such as graffiti. (3) The user moves to the enjoyment space R3, waits for the print paper to be discharged while enjoying the additional function of the user participation type, and receives the print paper.

  According to the photographic printing apparatus 1 having such a configuration, the photographic space R1 for performing the photographic processing, the editing space R2 for performing the editing processing, and the enjoyment space R3 are separated. It is possible to serve customers in triplicate in the space R3 and to increase the user's turnover rate.

[2. Functional configuration of photo printing device]
Next, the functional configuration of the photo print apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic printing apparatus 1 includes a storage device (recording medium) 23, an external disk drive (recording medium) 24, a communication interface (I / F) in addition to the above-described components. ) (Communication means) 25, ID tag reader / writer 33, printer 34, print paper unit 40, and control device 50.

  The control device 50 comprehensively controls the operations of the various configurations described above in the photographic printing apparatus 1. The control device 50 includes a communication control unit 51 that controls communication with an external device via the communication interface 25, an additional function execution processing unit (additional function execution processing means) 52 that controls execution of a user participation type additional function, and photographing. Includes a touch panel control unit (additional function information display processing means) 53 that performs overall control of display and user operation input on the touch panel group including the processing touch panel 13, the editing processing touch panel 21, and the enjoyment touch panel 30, and editing processing. An image processing unit 54 that executes various types of image processing is provided.

  The additional function execution processing unit (additional function execution processing unit) 52 includes a transmission / reception processing unit (additional function execution processing unit) 52a that executes transmission / reception management of image data, and a game processing unit (additional function execution processing) that executes a game function. Means) 52b, and a questionnaire processing unit (additional function execution processing means) 52c for executing the questionnaire function.

The control device 50 is configured by, for example, a PC-based computer. And operation control of various composition is performed by making a computer run a control program.
For example, the control program recorded on an external disk such as a CD-ROM may be read and used by the external disk drive 24, or the control program stored in the storage device 23 may be read and used. It may be a form to do. Further, a mode in which the control program is downloaded from an external network via the communication interface 25, stored in the storage device 23, and the like may be considered.

  The storage device 23 is configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk. The contents stored in the storage device 23 include the above-described control program (including data corresponding to a selection mode such as image editing content), an OS (operating system) program, various other programs, and operation settings in the camera 12. Values, captured images and edited image data. Examples of the operation setting values in the camera 12 include white balance values set at the time of shipment of the apparatus and maintenance, various parameter values related to image processing when adjusting the brightness and darkness of a captured image, and the like.

  The external disk drive 24 is a drive device that reads from and writes to an external disk such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, or DVD-RAM. Instead of the external disk drive 24, a semiconductor memory card reader / writer may be used.

  The ID tag reader / writer 33 and the printer 34 constitute a printer unit, and a print paper 42 and an ID tag 41 serving as a photo print output medium are mounted on the printer unit as a print paper unit 40 as a set. It is like that.

  When image data of a print image to be output is sent from the control device 50, the printer 34 performs printing on the print paper 42 based on the image data. For example, a sublimation printer is used as the printer 34. When a sublimation type printer is used, a sublimation type ink film is delivered as a set in addition to the print paper 42 and the ID tag 41, and is attached to the photographic printing apparatus 1.

  The ID tag reader / writer 33 reads out various identification information recorded in the ID tag 41 and outputs it to the control device 50. The ID tag 41 is configured by an IC chip having a memory function. Examples of the identification information include a unique ID, the number of sheets, a sheet type, and ink-specific color information (when an ink film is set).

  Based on the identification information read by the ID tag reader / writer 33, the control device 50 determines whether the attached print paper 42 and ink film can be used in the photography printing apparatus 1 and can use them. The printer 34 can be operated only in some cases. That is, it is set so that only the print paper 42 and the ink film specified in the photo printing apparatus 1 can be used.

  In addition, by counting down the number of sheets each time the print sheet 42 is used based on the sheet number information recorded in the ID tag 41, the remaining number of sheets can be grasped. Therefore, when the remaining number of sheets is reduced, a configuration that warns the user with a display means or the like can avoid a problem such as running out of sheets during use by the user. . When counting down the number of sheets, the sheet number information recorded in the ID tag 41 is also rewritten. As a result, when the paper is used up, the paper number information recorded in the ID tag 41 is also zero, and the ID tag 41 can be invalidated.

  Further, by reading out the paper type information recorded in the ID tag 41 and the color information specific to the ink, and correcting the color component of the image data in consideration of these, an accurate image on the paper or the ink film is obtained. Output can be performed.

  The ID tag 41 includes a non-contact type ID tag capable of wireless data communication and a contact type ID tag provided with a terminal. The ID tag reader / writer 33 is either one of these or It corresponds to both.

  In the above example, the ID tag 41 is used to check whether the print paper 42 can be used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the print paper 42 and the ink film are used. It is good also as a structure which confirms using the barcode etc. which are printed on the packing material etc. which pack up. However, when a barcode is used, there are problems that the amount of information that can be included is small, and that information cannot be rewritten by counting down the number of sheets, for example.

  The printed paper 42 may be a paper sheet which is a normal paper-like medium, or a seal sheet made up of an adhesive sheet and a release sheet attached to the adhesive surface of the adhesive seal. May be.

  The functional configuration of the photographic printing apparatus 1 has been described above. However, the photographic printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to pass through the communication interface 25 and the communication network N (network) such as the Internet as shown in FIG. It is configured to be able to perform data communication with the management server 100 and other photography and printing apparatuses 1. That is, the photographic printing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit for communicating with an external device via the communication network N.

[3. Customer service in the shooting space)
Next, referring to FIGS. 6 to 15, the customer service of the photographing printing apparatus 1 in the photographing space R1 will be described. As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus 1, the user designates the moment when the user takes a picture with the photographic processing touch panel 13 while visually recognizing his / her appearance displayed on the live view display unit 14. The photographing process in R1 is performed.

  6 to 7 are flowcharts showing a screen switching flow on the photographing process touch panel 13 in the photographing process. Hereinafter, the operation of the photographic printing apparatus 1 in the photographic process will be described sequentially.

  First, in S <b> 1, a standby demonstration screen (demo screen) is displayed on the photographing processing touch panel 13. The “demo screen” includes information such as the machine name, abbreviation, and outline of the photographic printing apparatus 1. In this demonstration screen, a message such as “Please insert coins” to prompt the user to insert coins may be displayed.

  When a user who has entered the shooting space R1 inserts a coin, and the billing process by the billing processing unit 43 is finished, the display of the “demo screen” is finished and the “touch panel explanation screen” is displayed (S12). By displaying this “touch panel explanation screen”, the user understands the operation method of the photographing processing touch panel 13.

  After the “touch panel explanation screen” is displayed for a predetermined time, a “lighting selection screen” as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the photographing processing touch panel 13 (S13). The “lighting selection screen” is a screen for switching the brightness (lighting) of the strobe light emitted by the lighting devices 17a and 17b at the time of taking a picture according to the preference of the user. Here, two types of lighting modes of “brightening whitening (brightening soft)” and “natural skin (clear natural)” are prepared, and the brightness of this flash can be switched in two stages.

  When the user touches a button indicating “brighter whitening” in accordance with the “lighting selection screen”, the lighting mode of “brighter whitening” is selected. In this case, the photography / printing apparatus 1 causes the strobe illumination unit to emit light so that the entire image output on the printed paper has uniform brightness during photography.

  If the user touches a button indicating “natural skin” according to the “lighting selection screen”, the lighting mode of “natural skin” is selected. In this case, the photographic printing apparatus 1 emits the strobe illumination unit so that the brightness of the face portion of the user image (particularly between the eyes and nose) is emphasized in the image output on the print paper. Let Here, “brighter whitening” is set as a default, and if the user does not select a lighting mode within a predetermined time, the “brighter whitening” lighting mode is automatically selected.

  In the example of the display screen of FIG. 8, the remaining time of the time limit that can be edited is displayed in the upper corner. This remaining time display is also appropriately displayed on other display screens.

  After the writing mode is selected, a “shooting mode selection screen” as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the shooting process touch panel 13 (S14). Here, the “shooting mode selection screen” is a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to combine a decorative moving image with a captured moving image obtained by shooting the user. In the photo processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, three types of photographing modes, “beauty mode”, “dream color mode”, and “super dream color mode” are prepared. Further, the BGM output from the front speakers 18a and 18b may be changed according to the type of mode selected. Further, the “super dream color mode” in FIG. 9 may be configured to be displayed as an option only when the user inputs a specific operation or a hidden command (back technique) in the photography printing apparatus 1.

  When the user touches a button indicating “beauty mode” in accordance with the display of the “shooting mode selection screen”, “beauty mode” is selected (S15). In this case, at the time of subsequent shooting, a shooting moving image in which the user is shot with the monochrome curtain as a background is displayed on the live view display unit 14, and the decoration moving image is not synthesized with the shooting moving image.

  When the user touches the button indicating “dream color mode” in accordance with the display of the “shooting mode selection screen”, “dream color mode” is selected (S15). In this case, at the time of subsequent shooting, a synthesized moving image obtained by synthesizing the moving image taken by the user with the decorative moving image serving as the foreground and / or background of the captured moving image is displayed on the live view display unit 14. No photo is taken against a monochrome curtain.

  When the user touches a button indicating “super dream color mode” in accordance with the display of the “shooting mode selection screen”, “super dream color mode” is selected. In this case, at the time of subsequent shooting, a synthesized moving image obtained by synthesizing the decorative moving image with a moving image shot of the user with the monochrome curtain as a background is displayed on the live view display unit 14.

  Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the “super dream color mode” shooting in which the decoration moving image synthesis in the “dream color mode” and the shooting with the background of the single color curtain in the “beauty mode” are performed in a superimposed manner. The flow of processing will be described for the modes, and the description of the flow of processing will be omitted for each shooting mode of “dream color mode” and “beauty mode”.

  When “super dream color mode” is selected in S15, a “curtain selection screen” as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the photographing processing touch panel 13 (S21). This “curtain selection screen” is a screen for selecting the color of a single-color curtain that is the background of the user at the time of shooting. In S21, the user can select a curtain of a desired color by touching the button of the desired color from the buttons of each color displayed on the “curtain selection screen”. In S21, two curtain colors can be selected. If the user does not select a curtain within a predetermined time, the color of the curtain is automatically selected by the control device 50.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed from the display of the “curtain selection screen” or when the user has finished selecting the curtain, the “dream selection screen” shown in FIGS. 11 to 12 is displayed on the photographing processing touch panel 13 (S22). The “dream selection screen” is a screen for selecting a decorative moving image to be synthesized with a captured moving image taken by the user.

  In addition, although eight themes are displayed on the “dream selection screen” shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, all the 12 themes are only displayed in advance when the user performs a specific operation (a trick). You may make it display.

  In S <b> 22, the user can select a decorative moving image representing a desired theme by touching the button of the desired theme among the buttons indicating each theme displayed on the “dream selection screen”. In S22, two themes can be selected. The BGM output from the front speakers 18a and 18b may be changed according to the selected theme.

  Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the display of the “dream selection screen” ends. When the user does not select a theme while the “dream selection screen” is displayed, two default themes are automatically selected by the control device 41.

  After the end of the display of the “dream selection screen”, the “shooting screen” shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the shooting processing touch panel 13 (S23). In this “shooting screen”, a live view in which a captured moving image obtained by photographing the user with the curtain selected in S21 as a background and a decorative moving image expressing the theme selected in S22 is synthesized in real time. In addition to being displayed, a shooting button is displayed. The live view is also displayed on the live view display unit 14.

  A round button located on the left side in the “shooting screen” is a shooting button. When the user touches the “shoot button”, the countdown starts. Then, at the end of the countdown, a still image is set from the live view display unit 14 or the live view displayed on the “shooting screen”. In this way, a still image is set from a synthesized moving image obtained by synthesizing a captured moving image and a decorative moving image. In the subsequent editing process, editing is performed based on the still image set here.

  In S23, after such photography is performed twice, a “photographing confirmation screen” shown in FIG. This “photographing confirmation screen” is a screen for accumulating and displaying photographed images.

  In FIG. 14, among images accumulated by photography, an image touched by the user is enlarged and displayed on the left side in the figure, and the remaining images are displayed side by side on the right side in the figure. With this enlarged display, the user can confirm the desired image in detail.

  The control device 50 repeats the processes of S21 to S23 until a predetermined maximum shooting time has elapsed. When the processes of S21 to S23 are repeated a total of four times and the number of shots reaches the cumulative limit of eight, or when a predetermined maximum shooting time has elapsed, an “image selection screen” shown in FIG. 15 is displayed ( S24). On this “image selection screen”, still images taken by the processing so far are displayed. When the user touches a still image desired to be printed, the touched still image is selected as a still image for editing and print output. In the photo processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, up to four still images for editing and print output can be selected.

  When the user finishes selecting the still image for editing and printout, the user touches the “selection end button” displayed in the upper right part of the “image selection screen” to display the “image selection screen”. The display can be terminated.

  If the user does not select four still images for editing and print output within a predetermined time, the display of the “image selection screen” is automatically ended. In this case, the control device 50 automatically determines the remaining still images so that there are exactly four still images to be selected. In this automatic determination, control may be performed so that still images are selected in the order in which they were taken.

  When the display of the “image selection screen” is completed, a “graffiti movement screen” that displays a message for prompting the user to move to the doodle editing space R2 is displayed on the photographing processing touch panel 13 (S25). Here, guidance for urging the user to move from the speaker 25 may flow.

  As described above, the photographing process when the “super dream color mode” is selected as the photographing mode is completed, so the display of the photographing process touch panel 13 returns to the “demo screen” in S11 and waits for the next user. (S26).

[4. Customer service in editing space)
Next, customer service of the photographic printing apparatus 1 in the editing space R2 will be described. In the photographic printing apparatus 1, after the photographing process in the photographing space R <b> 1, editing processing such as graffiti is performed by the function of the image processing unit 54.

  The edit processing touch panels 21 and 21 display a graffiti editing screen as shown in FIG. 16, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 in a standby state or when the movement completion timing to the user editing space R2 is estimated. Ready to perform. On the left side of the editing screen for graffiti shown in FIG. 16, the image to be edited selected from the four still images for editing and print output selected in S24 is displayed. The user can switch the image to be edited as appropriate by operating the touch pens 22 and 22. In the upper center of FIG. 16, the remaining time of the time limit that can be edited is displayed.

  In addition, a selection area for tools for performing editing processing is displayed on the upper right side of the editing screen. As tools, for example, a plurality of types of pens and their colors, frame images, and various stamp buttons are displayed, and a desired editing process is performed by selecting one of these buttons. In FIG. 16, selectable pens, stamps, frame type selection buttons and size specification buttons are displayed from the right side to the center of the editing screen. Note that, as shown as “recommended” and “standard” in FIG. 16, the stamp types on the editing screen are preferably classified into groups according to the frequency of use and the theme of the pattern. If such group classification is performed, the user can quickly select a desired stamp. Further, if a configuration is adopted in which the display stamp group is switched for each group, even if the number of types of stamps is enormous, it becomes easier for the user to grasp and select.

  Also, at the bottom of the editing screen, buttons such as eraser (large, medium and small) and redo (one / all) are displayed, and a desired erasing process is performed by selecting one of these buttons.

  In the editing process of the photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a “hollow stamp” function that uses a part of the image to be edited as a stamp pattern can be used. The specific procedure when using the “cut-out stamp” function is as follows.

  First, by using the touch pens 22 and 22 to touch the “cutout stamp” button on the editing screen, the use of the “cutout stamp” function is started. Next, by selecting a desired stamp shape from the stamp shape list displayed on the editing screen, the shape of “cutout stamp” is selected. For example, the stamp shape list includes shapes such as a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, a star, and a trapezoid, and the user selects a desired shape from these shapes.

  Thereafter, when the user touches an arbitrary part of the image to be edited on the editing screen with the touch pens 22 and 22, the selected shape appears around the pressed part of the image to be edited. The area within the selected shape is a cut-out portion of the image to be edited, that is, a stamp image area.

  At this time, when the touch panel 22 for editing processing is continuously pressed with the touch pen 22, it is also preferable to periodically change the size of the cutout portion in the order of small → medium → large → medium → small. Thereby, the user can cut out the image to be edited with a desired area size by separating the touch pen 22 from the editing processing touch panels 21 and 21 at an arbitrary timing.

  The cutout image of the editing target image obtained in this way is displayed on the editing screen as a freely selectable “cutout stamp”, and is then freely selected as a stamp image on the editing target image. Can be added to. Of course, the image to be edited that is the target of the “Cut out stamp” may be the image that was the source of the cut out when creating the “Cut out stamp”. An image different from the cut-out source selected as the target image may be used.

  If such a “cut-out stamp” is used, not only the type of stamp prepared in advance by the photographic printing apparatus 1 but also a part of one's own photographed image is used as a stamp image in the editing process. Will be able to.

  When the editing process is completed by the user after a predetermined time has elapsed, a message for prompting the user to move to the enjoyment space R3 is displayed on the editing process touch panel 21 or 21, and editing processes such as graffiti are performed. Complete. Here, guidance for urging the user to move from the speaker 25 may flow.

  Thereafter, the display of the editing processing touch panels 21 and 21 is switched to a state of waiting for the next user.

[5. Customer service in fun space)
Next, referring to FIGS. 17 to 30, the customer service of the photographic printing apparatus 1 in the enjoyment space R3 will be described. As described above, in the photographic printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, after editing processing such as graffiti, the user moves to the enjoyment space R3 and waits for the print paper to be discharged while enjoying the user-participation type additional function. By receiving print paper, you can realize triple customer service.

  FIG. 17 to FIG. 18 are flowcharts showing a screen switching flow in the enjoyment touch panel 30. Hereinafter, the operation of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described sequentially.

  First, in S31, a demonstration screen (demonstration screen) is displayed in the standby state on the enjoyment touch panel 30 or in anticipation of the user entering the enjoyment space R3.

  After that, when a predetermined time elapses, the display of the “demo screen” ends, and a “seal split screen” as shown in FIGS. In this “sticker split screen”, a split number setting process is performed (S32). This division number setting process (output arrangement setting stage) is a process for setting in what division each image is printed on the printing paper during printing. A normal division number setting screen is, for example, as shown in FIG. In this division number setting screen, divided images of 4 divisions, 8 divisions, 12 divisions, 16 divisions, 20 divisions, 24 divisions, 28 divisions, and 32 divisions are displayed, and the user selects one of them. Become. In addition, if the user selects the “Dodeca 2 split” button at the top of the “Separate split screen” in FIG. 20, the screen is switched to the “Seal split screen” in FIG. 21, and a split image of 2 splits is displayed. The user can select this two-division setting.

  In the “seal split screen” in FIG. 21, when the user selects one of the candidate images displayed on the left and right sides of the screen, the selected candidate image is displayed at the center of the screen (in FIG. 21, “Select the image to be printed here”. The area is displayed in a magnified state), so that the user can visually confirm the output image in a state where it is easy to grasp.

  As described above, when the division number setting process is completed, the print image is finalized. Therefore, the control device 50 instructs the printer 34 to start print output. With the function of the data transmission unit 53a, the control device 50 adds a captured image or an edited image as a user-participatory additional function to the waiting time for image print output by the printer 34 via the communication network N (see FIG. 2). To obtain an e-mail address to be sent to the user's mobile phone.

  That is, a message screen “image transmission confirmation screen” asking whether or not to use the image transmission function is displayed on the enjoyment touch panel 30, and the user's selection as to whether or not to use the image transmission function Is received (S33). If the user uses the image transmission function (Yes in S34), the display on the touch panel 30 for enjoyment is “transfer image for selecting an image to be transferred from among the edited image and the photographed image. The screen is switched to the “selection screen” (see FIG. 22) (S35).

  When the user selects an image to be transferred on the “transfer image selection screen”, a “mobile phone company selection screen” as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed in order to obtain the mail address of the user's mobile phone ( S36) The mobile phone company name (any of W, X, Y, Z in this case) is accepted by the user, and the mobile phone of the user is determined by making a determination based on the entered mobile phone company name. Automatically determines the domain part of the e-mail address (for example, “@ mobile.ne.jp”) (S37).

  Thereafter, the display on the touch panel 30 for enjoyment is switched to a “mail address input screen” as shown in FIG. 24 (S38). Depending on the type of the mobile phone company, the location area is further selected (S39a). Then, by inputting the subdomain part of the email address (S39b) or selecting the subdomain part (S39c), the entire email address of the user's mobile phone is obtained, and the email address is then changed to “address By displaying the “confirmation screen”, the user is confirmed whether or not the acquired mail address is correct (S40).

  If the e-mail address that is the transmission destination of the selected image is determined as described above, the control device 50 uses the functions of the data transmission unit 53a, the communication control unit 51, and the communication interface 25 to perform communication network N (see FIG. 2). The selected image data is transmitted to the e-mail address via.

  Next, the control device 50 displays a game screen on the enjoyment touch panel 30 by the function of the game processing unit 52b, and executes a game function (mini game) as a user participation type additional function (S41). It is preferable that the game screen includes a captured image and an edited image obtained by the user himself / herself.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 25 to 28, mini games 1 to 4 will be described as examples of game functions (mini games) using captured images and edited images.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a display screen example of the enjoyment touch panel 30 when the “mistake finding game” is executed as the mini game 1. This “Finding mistake” game displays eight edited images (grafted images) on the screen, of which eight are the same image and one is a slightly different image from the other seven. ing. The rule is that the user gets a higher score as he answers a different image earlier. Alternatively, it may be repeated within a predetermined time limit and compete for how many different images can be found within the time limit.

  As the different image, for example, an image obtained by adding one stamp image to the other seven identical images can be employed. For example, if the user selects and adds a flower image stamp when editing a graffiti, an image in which the color, size, type, etc. of the added flower image stamp is changed (for example, a cherry image and a chrysanthemum image are Can be selected as one of the different images. In addition, it is preferable that the type and the addition position of the stamp image in the different one image are randomly different each time.

  Further, as the different one image, for example, an image (petit shaped image) obtained by detecting a face portion and performing image deformation processing only on the detected face portion among the other seven identical photographed images. It may be adopted.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a display screen example of the touch panel 30 for enjoyment when a “puzzle game” is executed as the mini game 2. This “puzzle game” is a game in which one shot image or edited image is divided into a plurality of partial images (pieces), and an original image is completed based on these pieces. In FIG. 26, 16 pieces of partial images are randomly arranged in a matrix on the right side of the screen, and an arrangement destination area is prepared on the left side of the screen. The user operates the enjoyment touch panel 30 to designate a piece on the right side of the screen, complete the original image while applying it to the arrangement destination area on the left side of the screen, and compete for scores and rankings by the time until completion. If the piece fitted to the placement destination area is inappropriate, the user can select the fitted piece and touch the cancel button to return the piece to the original position on the right side of the screen.

  As another variation of the above “puzzle game”, a partial image divided into 16 pieces is simply displayed in a matrix on the touch panel 30 for fun, and the user can select any two pieces of these partial images. The original image may be completed by repeating the procedure of replacing the two pieces by selecting.

  Further, as a further variation of the “puzzle game”, partial images divided into 16 pieces are randomly displayed in a matrix on the fun touch panel 30, but only one of them is set as “missing teeth”. As a result, since one piece of the matrix display area for 16 pieces is always a blank area, the pieces adjacent to the blank area are sequentially slid to the blank area to complete the original image. Also good.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a display screen example of the enjoyment touch panel 30 when the “petit shaping game” is executed as the mini game 3. On this "petit shaping game" screen, the user can use a photo processing pen (clear pen, brown hair pen, fluffy pen) and a small shaping stamp (slightly deformed, greatly deformed, deformed, slightly deformed, slightly deformed, small deformed The image is freely processed using (deformation). In addition to enjoying the processed image, a score may be assigned to the processed image using a predetermined criterion.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a display screen example of the enjoyment touch panel 30 when the “fortune-telling game” is executed as the mini game 4. In this “Fortune-telling game” screen, the face images of two users are arranged, and the degree of similarity between each face image and the face image of a celebrity prepared in advance, such as “Ayumi” and “Hikaru” Calculate (“Ayumi” and “Hikaru”) and enjoy. The similarity may be calculated not by the celebrity face image but by a comparison with an animal image, or by a comparison between the two users.

  As described above, the minigames 1 to 4 have been described as examples of the game function (minigame) using the photographed image or the edited image with reference to FIGS. 25 to 28, but the photograph printing apparatus 1 is used by a plurality of people. In this case, it is preferable that these game functions are also set to be enjoyable by a plurality of people.

  When the game function ends, the control device 50 displays the “game result display screen” shown in FIG. 29 or FIG. 30 according to the result of the game function (for example, score or achievement level) by the function of the touch panel control unit 53. The information is displayed on the touch panel 30 for enjoyment (S42).

  For example, if the score of the game function is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control device 50 displays specific information regarding the use of the photography printing apparatus 1 (here, a predetermined operation is performed for a predetermined time). If it is performed within (1 hour), it provides the user with trick information that allows the user to select a special dream mode. On the other hand, for example, if the score of the game function is less than a predetermined value, the control device 50 displays only the sorry message of FIG.

  As described above, the control device 50 returns the display of the enjoyment touch panel 30 to the “demo screen” (S43), and completes the customer service of the photography printing apparatus 1 in the enjoyment space R3. The user receives the photographic print output from the printer 34 and discharged from the print discharge port 31, and ends a series of play operations.

  In the flow shown in FIG. 17, when the user does not use the image transmission function (No in S34), the customer service of the photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment performs the processing shown in FIG. Although the processing of FIG. 18 is different from the processing of FIGS. 17 to 18 only in that there is no mail address acquisition processing (S35 to S40), the same step numbers as in FIG. 18 are assigned to the other processing. Therefore, the description is omitted.

[6. (Survey function)
In addition, the photography printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can also perform a questionnaire function with respect to a user in addition to or in place of the above-described mail address acquisition function and game function.

  For example, “How many times a month do you shoot with a print sticker?” “Who will come with you?” “What kind of print sticker do you want?” “How much does the mobile phone call charge each month?” “○○ Predetermined questionnaire information is displayed on the touch panel 30 for enjoyment, such as “When you want a product“ ○ ”to be released?” Or “What are you most interested in?” And accepts user's answers. Such display of questionnaire information and reception of answer input are executed by the control device 50 by the functions of the questionnaire processing unit 52c and the touch panel control unit 53. Such display and execution of the questionnaire function is not limited to the enjoyment space R3, but is performed in the shooting space R1 (shooting processing touch panel 13) and the editing space R2 (shooting processing touch panel 21). May be.

  By executing such a questionnaire function, it is possible to give users more interactive enjoyment, accumulate user information, and collect useful marketing information. For example, when questionnaire information irrelevant to the photography printing apparatus 1 is set, a wide range of consumer awareness trends can be investigated.

  Also, the curtain color (blue, pink, etc.) selected during the shooting process, the type of dream experience selected (such as “Under the Sea”, “Shabondama”, “Grass”), and the stamp (flower) selected during the graffiti editing process Based on information on images, animal images, ribbon images, etc., the user's hobbies and preferences may be analyzed to select the type of questionnaire information.

  For example, if a stamp of a flower image is selected by the user during the graffiti editing process, the questionnaire information regarding the type and color of the favorite flower is selected as the questionnaire information. At this time, it is also preferable to let the user input personal information such as age and email address, and to give the user the actual flower that the user has selected by lottery.

  Also, for example, when specific graffiti content (for example, a bear image stamp) is used during the graffiti editing process, an advertisement (image, description, price information, etc.) of “Kuma no stuffed toy” is displayed. It is also preferable to select a questionnaire regarding “Kuma no Plush Toy”. At this time, it is also preferable to allow the user to input personal information such as age and e-mail address, and separately present the “Kuruma Plush” to the user by lottery.

  Further, the service content of the photography apparatus 1 can be improved, such as changing the next menu and options based on the information obtained by the questionnaire function.

[7. Others]
In the photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is also preferable that the control device 50 uses the communication interface 25 and the communication control unit 51 to transmit information obtained by executing the game function or the questionnaire function to an external device. According to this configuration, network communication with an external device such as another photo print device 1 or management server 100 (see FIG. 2) is possible, so the photo print device 1 has more advanced functions and play. realizable.

  For example, by transmitting the score information of the game function to the management server 100, it becomes possible for users all over the country to compete for the score ranking, or to give a prize to the user with a winning probability or grade corresponding to the score.

  Further, for example, by sending a questionnaire result to the management server 100, a premium is given to a user who has answered a large number of questionnaires, or a user who seems to have a particular interest / purchasing orientation according to the answers to the questionnaire. Can also be given.

  When giving a premium to such a user, the user selects the type or course of the desired prize, and sends the selection result to the management server 100 together with the questionnaire result. It is preferable to keep it.

  In addition, the photography printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment receives update information related to user-participation-type additional functions such as a game function, a questionnaire function, and an image transmission function from an external device such as the management server 100, and the update information. It is also preferable to update the information on the additional function based on the above. According to this configuration, since the content of the additional function can be updated, it is possible to always execute the additional function of the latest content and to give continuous enjoyment without getting the user bored. Therefore, the use frequency of the photographic printing apparatus can be expected to be improved by repeated use by the user. Moreover, if the advertisement information of a store is included as the update information, the latest advertisement content can be confirmed by the user.

  In the above description, the case where the user participation type additional function is the game function, the questionnaire function, and the image transmission function has been described. However, the user actively participates in order to realize the function by the operation input. If it is, it will not specifically limit.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Note that each unit and each processing step of the photographic printing apparatus according to the embodiment is such that a calculation unit such as a CPU executes a program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM, and an input such as a keyboard. It can be realized by controlling the means, output means such as a display, or communication means such as an interface circuit. Therefore, various functions and various processes of the photographic printing apparatus of the present embodiment can be realized simply by a computer having these means reading a recording medium storing the program and executing the program. Further, by recording the program on a removable recording medium, the various functions and various processes described above can be realized on an arbitrary computer.

  As the recording medium, a memory (not shown) such as a ROM may be used as a program medium for processing by the microcomputer, and a program reader is provided as an external storage device (not shown). It may be a program medium that can be read by inserting a recording medium therein.

  In any case, the stored program is preferably configured to be accessed and executed by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it is preferable that the program is read out, and the read program is downloaded to the program storage area of the microcomputer and the program is executed. It is assumed that the download program is stored in the main device in advance.

  The program medium is a recording medium configured to be separable from the main body, a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or a disk such as a CD / MO / MD / DVD. Fixed disk, IC card (including memory card), etc., or semiconductor ROM such as mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), flash ROM, etc. In particular, there are recording media that carry programs.

  In addition, if the system configuration is capable of connecting to a communication network including the Internet, the recording medium is preferably a recording medium that fluidly carries the program so as to download the program from the communication network.

  Further, when the program is downloaded from the communication network as described above, it is preferable that the download program is stored in the main device in advance or installed from another recording medium.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to a general photographic printing apparatus that takes a photograph and performs a print output based on the photograph.

It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the photography printing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the communication connection structure of the said photography printing apparatus. It is the perspective view which showed the surface by the side of photography space R1 of the said photography photography printing apparatus, and the surface by the side of enjoyment space R3. It is the perspective view which showed the surface by the side of the edit space R2 of the said photography printing apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the flow of the user in the said photography photography printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the switching flow of the screen in the imaging process touch panel. It is a flowchart which shows the switching flow of the screen in the imaging process touch panel. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "writing selection screen." It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "photographing mode selection screen." It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "curtain selection screen". It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "dream selection screen". It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "dream selection screen". It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "imaging screen." It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "photographing confirmation screen". It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an "image selection screen". It is a figure which shows the example of an edit screen for graffiti. It is a flowchart which shows the switching flow of the screen in a fun touch panel. It is a flowchart which shows the switching flow of the screen in a fun touch panel. It is a flowchart which shows the switching flow of the screen in a fun touch panel. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "seal division | segmentation screen." It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "seal division | segmentation screen." It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "transfer image selection screen." It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "mobile telephone company selection screen". It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "mail address input screen". It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a game screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "game result display screen." It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a "game result display screen."

Explanation of symbols

R1 shooting space R2 editing space R3 fun space N communication network 12 camera (shooting means)
21 Touch panel for editing (editing means)
22 Touch pen (editing means)
23 Storage Device 24 External Disk Drive 25 Communication Interface 31 Print Ejection Port (Output Unit)
34 Printer (output means)
52 Additional function execution processing unit 52a Transmission / reception processing unit 52b Game processing unit 52c Questionnaire processing unit 53 Touch panel control unit

Claims (3)

Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Editing means for editing an image operated by the user and photographed by the photographing means;
An output means for printing out the image edited by the editing means;
A photography printing apparatus comprising an output arrangement setting means that is operated by a user and sets an arrangement of an edited image in the print output,
The output arrangement setting means displays a plurality of edit images that are candidates for arrangement in the print output, and displays the edit image selected by the user's operation in correspondence with the area division state of the print output. A photographic printing apparatus that automatically enlarges and displays each divided area on the screen.   The output arrangement setting means automatically enlarges and displays the edited image selected by the user's operation in each divided area on the same screen in correspondence with the divided area of the output area of the print output. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A shooting stage for shooting the subject;
An editing stage for editing the image taken in the shooting stage according to the user's operation;
An output stage for printing out the image edited in the editing stage;
An output arrangement setting step for setting an arrangement of an edited image in the print output in accordance with a user operation, and a control method for a photographic printing apparatus comprising:
In the output arrangement setting stage, a plurality of edit images that are candidates for arrangement in the print output are displayed on the screen, and the edit image selected by the user's operation corresponding to the area division state of the print output is displayed. A method for controlling a photographic printing apparatus, which automatically enlarges and displays each divided area on the screen.

Images