JP2006293421A - Photographic sticker making device and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photographic sticker making device which improves the quality of joint of arranged photographs. <P>SOLUTION: A live-view display processing section 123 displays a live-view image together with past photographed images. A user confirms the images to be photographed and live-view images displayed on a monitor for input image display and is photographed in a desired pose. A photographic processing section 124 takes a picture by a CCD camera to input a still image and a connection processing section 126 connects photographed images for connection input as still images. The present invention is applicable to a photographic sticker vending machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo sticker creation apparatus and method, and a program, and more particularly, to improve the entertainment of a photo sticker creation game, improve user satisfaction, and improve the profitability of the apparatus. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating a photo sticker, and a program.

  Conventionally, a user (user) is photographed, and the obtained user image is subjected to an editing process for linking with a pre-prepared frame image, stamp image, or handwritten line image graffiti input image, and is applied to a sticker sheet. 2. Description of the Related Art Photo sticker creation apparatuses that print and provide to users are known.

  For example, a user (mainly a group of many people) who photographed himself / herself with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera installed in the housing after inserting coins, was recorded There has been a photo sticker creation device that performs editing by writing predetermined or arbitrary characters or figures on a liquid crystal panel using an attached pen or the like, creating a unique image, and dividing and printing on sticker paper. The photo sticker is created in this way, and the sticker paper provided to the user is exchanged with the user's friend or acquaintance by the user, pasted in a notebook, like an album, or on a postcard Or pasted.

  In other words, such a photo sticker creation device is different from the ID photo creation device, for example, it is possible to change the color and pattern of the curtain that is the background at the time of shooting, or graffiti (editing processing) on the shot image Not only to improve the entertainment of the photo sticker that is obtained as a result (to make it possible to obtain a photo sticker with more beautiful images and interesting images printed), but also photos Various ingenuity has been made to improve the amusement of the creation work of the seal (so that the user can enjoy the work).

  For example, there is a photography apparatus that enables a user to input a pen input image such as a handwritten image on a plurality of photographed images at the same time when editing the photographed image (doodle) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  In addition, after the shooting preparations 1 and 2 are executed, the video camera 3 starts imaging of the imaging area 1, and the captured image and the read frame image (here, frame image data Fm7) are synthesized to the CRT 5. There is a composite image creation device that displays (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Further, one of the plurality of images of the photographed subject is displayed at a first position designated in advance as a display position of an image for receiving an edit input, and one or more other images are displayed at the first position. Is displayed at a second position different from that of the image, receives an edit input input to the image displayed at the first position, edits the image based on the received edit input, and displays the image at the first position. There is an image printing apparatus that exchanges and displays a displayed image and one or more images displayed at a second position (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent No. 3529747 Japanese Patent No. 2985878 JP 2003-134425 PR

  However, the shooting operation must be performed within a limited time. Therefore, in order to obtain a sufficiently satisfactory photographed image, a certain amount of skill is required for the user. For example, it is possible to perform comparison only by simply determining a satisfactory pose (photographing posture) for one image. It is difficult for users who have a small number of objective plays and users who play for the first time. Performing a shooting operation to pose a coordinated pose among a plurality of captured images obtained by a plurality of shooting operations requires advanced techniques such as determining a pose while predicting other shooting results. Even if the user plays frequently, it is difficult to obtain satisfactory shooting results.

  Further, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 3, when shooting is performed in such a coordinated pose and a plurality of obtained captured images are synthesized, for example, the poses of the images are mutually “displaced”. As a result, there is a risk that the cooperation does not match and the image becomes unnatural. In other words, there is a possibility that the interest of the image displayed at the time of editing and the image of the printed photo sticker will be lowered, and the user's satisfaction will be lowered. A decrease in the satisfaction level of the user leads to a decrease in the profit rate, so that the satisfaction level of the manager of the game center in which such a photo sticker creating apparatus is installed may also decrease.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and allows the user to easily perform advanced shooting work, and not only improves the entertainment of the photo sticker creation game but also more entertainment. The high-quality photo sticker can be provided.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus according to the present invention performs a photographing operation with a user as a subject and an editing input operation for inputting editing information on the user's image obtained by the photographing operation, and further creates a photo sticker. In the game, the user is photographed, the obtained user image is edited based on the editing input inputted by the user, the obtained edited user image is printed on a predetermined sticker sheet, In the photo sticker creation device that discharges the sticker sheet on which the image of the edited user is printed and provides the photo sticker to the user, the image including the user is taken in at a predetermined timing. Image capturing means for storing images as captured images, and image display means for displaying an image including a user captured by the photographing means side by side with other images. To.

  The photographing means is composed of, for example, a CCD camera, and the image display means is composed of, for example, a captured image display monitor or a photographing monitor.

  In the photo sticker creating apparatus of the present invention, an image including a user is captured, an image including the user captured at a predetermined timing is stored as a photographed image, and an image including the user stored and captured is Displayed side by side with other images.

  Therefore, when the photo sticker creating apparatus is used by a plurality of people, the captured images can be stored and displayed side by side, so that a service that can be enjoyed by more users can be provided.

  The image display means can display the image side by side with another image that is a captured image saved in the previous shooting.

  Therefore, by viewing the images side by side, the user can easily compare the captured images saved in the previous shooting, and can also create unexpected photo stickers between users. is there.

  The image display means can display the image side by side with another image which is a predetermined image prepared in advance.

  Therefore, by viewing images that do not exist in front of the photographing means side by side, it is possible to provide a photo sticker with a high degree of satisfaction even for users who emphasize “play”.

  The image display means is provided in the vicinity of the photographing means, and the image display means arranges the images along with the other images so that the user who performs the photographing work can confirm the image including the user displayed together with the other images. Can be displayed.

  Therefore, the user who performs the shooting spreads a specific image when the images displayed side by side are connected. For example, the user can create a specific pose or the like that he / she wants to shoot by arranging previously captured images side by side.

  The image display means can be provided at a position that cannot be seen by the user who is taking the image.

  Therefore, a waiting person waiting for shooting can check the shot image on the monitor. For example, a waiter waiting for shooting can check a captured image on a monitor while waiting outside the shooting space. The photographing means can capture and store images including the user while checking one by one.

  Therefore, the user can shoot until an image that the user likes is taken.

  Images including users displayed along with other images can be continuously captured and saved.

  Therefore, the photographing unit can photograph images that are more varied, and the photographing time can be shortened by continuously capturing images.

  The camera may further include a connection unit that connects an image including a user displayed together with another image to a captured image stored in the previous shooting.

  Therefore, for example, when the contents of a plurality of captured images obtained in the shooting process are related to each other, such as a plurality of captured images in which the shooting postures of the users are related to each other, the relationship between the captured images is changed. It can be used in subsequent editing processing and printing processing. For example, these photographed images can be arranged on the editing screen in a layout in which the relationship between the photographing postures is as intended by the user, or printed on sticker paper.

  The image processing apparatus may further include a selection unit that selects each of the images connected to each other.

  Therefore, the user can select a favorite image from the linked images that have been taken once. For example, connected images can be reconnected again.

  In printing, it can further comprise an arrangement means for arranging the linked captured images according to the connection.

  Therefore, the user can create a photo sticker with a favorite arrangement, so that user satisfaction is improved.

  The photo sticker creation method of the present invention is a photo sticker creation game, in which a user performs a shooting operation with the user as a subject, and an editing input for inputting editing information on the user's image obtained by the shooting operation. In addition, in the photo sticker creation game, the user is photographed, the obtained user image is edited based on the editing input entered by the user, and the obtained edited user's image is edited. A method of creating a photo sticker that prints an image on a predetermined sticker sheet, discharges the sticker sheet on which the edited user's image is printed, and provides it to the user as a photo sticker. A shooting step for storing an image including a user captured at a predetermined timing as a captured image, and an image including a user captured by the shooting step as another image. Characterized in that it comprises an image display step of tiling.

  In the photo sticker creation method, an image including a user is captured, an image including the user captured at a predetermined timing is stored as a photographed image, and an image including the user stored and captured is aligned with other images. Is displayed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the entertainment of a photo sticker creation game can be improved, and a photo sticker with higher entertainment can be provided.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration example of an embodiment of a photographic sticker creating apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 enhances the amusement of work such as shooting and editing, and instead of allowing the user to perform such work as a game (play service), a game apparatus that receives a price from the user (Game service providing device), which is usually installed in a store such as a game center or a sightseeing spot. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 provides the user with a photo sticker creating game as will be described later. In the photo sticker creation game, the user (mainly a group of multiple people) takes a picture of himself / herself with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera installed in the housing after the coin is inserted and recorded. The user's image is edited by writing predetermined or arbitrary characters or figures on the liquid crystal panel using the attached pen or the like, creating a unique image and printing it separately on the sticker paper. The sticker paper thus created and provided to the user is exchanged with a friend or acquaintance of the user by the user, pasted in a notebook, like an album, or pasted on a postcard, for example. The

  The casing 10 of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 is composed of a plurality of units or the like, and the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance from the frame 14A, the frame 14B, and the floor portion. 13 to be connected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, of the four side surfaces perpendicular to the ground surface (upper surface of the floor portion 13) of the first unit 11 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the surface facing the second unit 12 is the front surface 11-1. The side surface adjacent to the right side of the front surface 11-1 is referred to as the right side surface 11-2, the side surface facing the front surface 11-1 is referred to as the back surface 11-3, and the side surface adjacent to the left side of the front surface 11-1 ( The side surface facing the right side surface 11-3) is referred to as the left side surface 11-4. The configuration of each surface will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are coupled at their upper left and right sides so as to maintain a predetermined distance by a frame 14 </ b> A and a frame 14 </ b> B. Moreover, the 1st unit 11 and the 2nd unit 12 are connected so that a fixed distance may be maintained by the floor part 13 in the lower part. The floor 13 is a member that connects the first unit 11 and the second unit 12, and the floor (photographing when the user performs photographing between the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 as described later). It is a member that becomes a floor of the space, and is a housing in which a predetermined part is stored. The floor 13 stores, for example, a cable that electrically connects the first unit 11 and the second unit. Of course, any other member may be stored. The upper surface of the floor portion 13 (the floor surface of the shooting space) may be a horizontal plane, a plane having an angle (inclined) with respect to the horizontal direction, or a curved surface with irregularities. There may be.

  Of course, the shape of the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 may not be a rectangular parallelepiped. Of course, the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 may be configured as one unit (one housing).

  FIG. 2 is an external view showing an installation example of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 2, in addition to the case of FIG. 1, a ceiling portion 21 is provided above the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 so as to cover the frame 14A and the frame 14B. The 1st unit 11 and the 2nd unit 12 are connected by ceiling part 21 with 14B. Thereby, the closing property of the imaging space which is the space (the space on the floor portion 13) between the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 can be improved as compared with the case of FIG. Space can be provided to users. A curtain 23 is further suspended from the left and right sides of the ceiling portion 21 (side surfaces serving as entrances and exits of the imaging space) to further improve the closing performance. In this way, by improving the closeness of the shooting space, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can not only form a shooting space with a stable environment but also view the state of shooting from a person located outside the shooting space. Can be suppressed.

  A U-shaped curtain frame 22 is provided on the upper portion of the first unit 11 on the back surface 11-3 side. An editing space is provided in the vicinity of the front surface of the rear surface 11-3, as will be described later. The curtain 23-1 to the curtain 23 are separated so as to divide the editing space and the surrounding space (so as to surround the editing space). 23-4 is provided. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the contents of the editing work from being peeped by others located outside the editing space.

  The curtain frames 22 may be provided so as to be movable with respect to the first unit 11 or attached to and detached from the first unit 11, respectively. For example, the curtain frame 22 may be slid or removed for each of the curtains 23-1 to 23-4 to open (omitted) this editing space. Of course, part or all of the curtain frame 22 and the curtains 23-1 to 23-4 may be stored in the first unit 11.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the front surface 11-1 of the first unit 11 in FIG. 1.

  On the front surface 11-1, for example, the illumination unit 31A, the illumination unit 31B, the imaging unit 32, the CCD camera 33, the captured image display monitor 34, the imaging monitor 35, the audio output unit 36A, the audio output unit 36B, and a coin input A function relating to photographing processing such as the discharge port 37 is provided.

  The illuminating unit 31-A and the illuminating unit 31-B are configured by an illuminating device that can emit strobe light, and the CCD camera 33 shoots a user (a frame image (moving image) captured by the CCD camera 33 (still image)). The image is taken out (captured) as a captured image, and the flash is emitted at the timing corresponding to the shooting timing (the timing at which the captured frame image is affected by the light emission) to illuminate the user who is shooting To do. Further, as will be described later, each of the illumination units 31-A and 31-B changes the light emission amount according to the position of the CCD camera 33 that performs imaging. Further, each of the illumination units 31 may be provided so as to have a predetermined angle with respect to the front surface 11-1 (in a tilted state so that the user can effectively irradiate light). Good. Furthermore, the number of the illumination units 31 is not limited to two, ie, the illumination unit 31-A and the illumination unit 31-B, and may be one or three or more. Moreover, the light emission timing of each illumination part may not be mutually simultaneous. In the following description, the illumination unit 31-A and the illumination unit 31-B will be referred to as the illumination unit 31 when it is not necessary to explain them separately.

  A photographing unit 32 for photographing a user is provided in the approximate center of the front surface 11-1. The photographing unit 32 is provided with a CCD camera 33 and a captured image display monitor 34. The CCD camera 33 is configured by a photographing element using a CCD for photographing a user and obtaining an image. Instead of the CCD camera 33, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor camera may be used. Further, any image can be used as long as it can photograph a user and obtain digital image data. The captured image display monitor 34 near the CCD camera 33 on the lower side in the figure is composed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and is taken by the CCD camera 33 and taken by the user. (Still image) is displayed as a captured image together with a confirmation input GUI or the like. That is, when a frame image at the shooting timing of the captured image (moving image) captured by the CCD camera 33 is held as a captured image, the captured image is displayed on the capturing monitor 35 as a captured image. The user confirms the captured image displayed on the photographing monitor 35 to confirm whether the obtained captured image is satisfactory (whether to re-take). When the user operates the touch panel of the photographing monitor 35 and permits the saving of the photographed image displayed on the photographing monitor 35, the photographed image is saved, and when the user does not permit, the photographed image is Deleted. In other words, this function increases entertainment and allows the user to select a more satisfying image as a captured image.

  The photographing monitor 35 is configured by a CRT display or LCD, and displays a screen for setting photographing work, a confirmation screen for setting contents, and the like. As will be described later, a colorless and transparent pressure-sensitive touch panel is superimposed on the display surface of the photographing monitor 35, and the user taps (contacts) the screen with a finger or the like, thereby the photographing monitor 35. The GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen displayed on the screen can be operated. In place of the pressure-sensitive touch panel described above, an electromagnetic induction touch pen and touch panel may be used, and an input device such as a switch is provided in the vicinity of the photographing monitor 35 separately from the photographing monitor 35. You may make it provide. Of course, other input devices may be used.

  The audio output unit 36A and the audio output unit 36B are configured by speakers, and output audio of two left and right channels (channels different from each other) (for example, shooting work guidance audio and BGM (Back Ground Music)). In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the audio output unit 36A and the audio output unit 36B, they are collectively referred to as the audio output unit 36. The coin insertion / exhaust port 37 is used for the user to start a photo sticker creation game (a series of operations until a photo sticker is provided from the photo sticker creation device 1 such as shooting and editing as described later). And an opening for inserting coins having a predetermined charge. The coin insertion / exhaust port 37 is, for example, an opening that serves as an outlet through which coins inserted are discharged when an incorrect amount of coins is inserted or when a user requests a refund of charges during the insertion. Also have. Of course, this coin insertion / exhaust port 37 may be provided on a surface other than the front surface 11-1, but the user has inserted coins by providing the coin insertion / exhaust port 37 on the front surface 11-1. Immediately after that, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can start processing relating to the game (processing relating to photographing work). Of course, instead of the coin insertion / exhaust port 37, a bill insertion (discharge) port through which a bill can be inserted may be provided so that the user can pay the bill with the bill. Of course, the bill insertion (discharge) port and the coin insertion / discharge port 37 described above may be used in combination. Of course, a mechanism may be provided in which the user can pay the price (by a method other than cash) using a prepaid card, a credit card, or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the right side surface 11-2 of the first unit 11.

  In FIG. 4, a post-service customer unit 40 is provided on the right side surface 11-2. The post-service customer unit 40 is provided with a post-service monitor 41, an audio output unit 42-1, and an audio output unit 42-2. The post-service monitor 41 displays a GUI image related to an input such as personal settings for a game or an additional service, and accepts an input for the GUI image. The audio output unit 42-1 and the audio output unit 42-2 are configured by speakers, and output audio of two left and right channels (channels different from each other) (for example, post-service audio and BGM). In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the audio output unit 42-1 and the audio output unit 42-2, they are collectively referred to as the audio output unit 42.

  By providing such a post-service unit 40, a user who completes the editing operation and waits until the printing process is finished and the sticker sheet is discharged can be processed by the post-service unit 40 (game). And additional services), you can spend time without getting bored. This improves user satisfaction. In addition, since it can be expected that the improvement of the satisfaction level of the user will lead to an increase in the number of customers, the store side can expect an improvement in profitability.

  A maintenance door 43 is provided below the customer service unit 40 on the right side surface 11-2. The maintenance door 43 opens and closes so as to rotate about the hinges 44-1 and 44-2. The maintenance door portion 43 is also provided with a door knob 45 to facilitate opening and closing of the maintenance door portion 43. Further, by providing the door knob 45 with a key mechanism, unnecessary opening and closing of the maintenance door 43 by the user or the like can be suppressed.

  The maintenance door 43 is further provided with a seal paper discharge port 46. The seal paper discharge port 46 is also provided with a stopper 47 that prevents the sticker paper discharged after printing by the internal printer from jumping out from the seal paper discharge port 46.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the back surface 11-3 of the first unit 11 of FIG.

  In FIG. 5, an editing unit 51-1 and an editing unit 51-2 in which items used when a user performs editing work are arranged on the rear surface 11-3. The editing unit 51-1 includes an editing input monitor 52-1, two touch pens 53-1 and 53-2, and two sound output units 54-1 and 54-2. Since the configuration of the editing unit 51-2 is the same as that of the editing unit 51-1, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the editing unit 51-1 and the editing unit 51-2, they are collectively referred to as the editing unit 51.

  The edit input monitor 52-1 is composed of a CRT display or LCD, and displays a GUI image (edit screen) for editing a shot image obtained by shooting work in the shooting space, as will be described later. A colorless and transparent touch panel (electromagnetic induction type) is superimposed on the screen of the edit input monitor 52-1. Further, in the vicinity of the left and right of the editing input monitor 52-1, a touch pen 53-1 and a touch pen 53-2 corresponding to the touch panel are fixed to the editing unit 51 by a predetermined attachment so as to be detachable. . Although details will be described later, the editing input monitor 52-1 displays an image in which two editing screens are arranged so that a plurality of users can simultaneously perform editing work. Each editing screen corresponds to a different one of the touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2, and basically the editing operation cannot be performed with the other non-corresponding touch pen. Has been made. Since the configuration of the edit input monitor 52-2 is the same as that of the edit input monitor 52-1, the description thereof is omitted.

  Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the edit input monitor 52-1 and the edit input monitor 52-2, they are collectively referred to as an edit input monitor 52.

  The touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2 are also electrically connected to the editing unit 51 by wire (or wireless). The touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2 operate in cooperation with a colorless and transparent touch panel (electromagnetic induction type) superimposed on the screen of the edit input monitor 52. The user operates the touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2 and taps the touch panel superimposed on the editing input monitor 52 (the touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2 are in contact with (or close to) the touch panel. These operate as input means for receiving input from the user. Note that different signals are input from the touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2 via, for example, a touch panel, as described later. Thus, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can identify where the touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2 are tapped on the touch panel. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can acquire not only the position information of the position where the touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2 are tapped, but also the identification information of the touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2. Since the configuration of the touch pen 53-3 and the touch pen 53-4 is the same as that of the touch pen 53-1 and the touch pen 53-2, description thereof is omitted.

  In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the touch pens 53-1 to 53-4 and describe them, they are collectively referred to as the touch pen 53.

  In addition, an audio output unit 54-1 and an audio output unit 54-2 are provided in the vicinity of the lower side of the edit input monitor 52 so as to be arranged side by side. The audio output unit 54-1 and the audio output unit 54-2 are each configured by a speaker, and output audio of two left and right channels (channels different from each other) (for example, audio for editing work guidance and BGM). The configurations of the audio output unit 54-3 and the audio output unit 54-4 are the same as those of the audio output unit 54-1 and the audio output unit 54-2, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the audio output units 54-1 to 54-4 and describe them, they are collectively referred to as the audio output unit 54.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining how the user moves in the space of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 during the game.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 has a shooting space 61, an editing space 62, and a post-service area 63.

  In FIG. 2, the imaging space 61 is a space surrounded by the first unit 11, the second unit 12, the floor 13, and the ceiling 21 of the housing 10 (including part of the second unit 12). This shooting space 61 is a space for a user in the game to perform shooting work for shooting himself / herself using the CCD camera 33 in this shooting space. The user enters the shooting space 61 in accordance with the guidance of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and starts the game by paying a fee, for example. Then, the user who started the game uses the CCD camera 33 to perform a photographing operation for photographing himself / herself in this photographing space. The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can provide a suitable photographing environment for the user by forming the photographing space 61 and performing photographing work in the photographing space 61. Therefore, the satisfaction of the user Can be improved. Note that the shooting space 61 is at least large enough to allow several users to perform shooting work while taking arbitrary poses.

  The editing space 62 is a space near the back surface 11-3 formed by being surrounded by the back surface 11-3 of the first unit 11 and the curtains 23-1 to 23-4. The editing space 62 is a space for a user in the game to perform editing input work using the editing unit 51 installed on the back surface 11-3. In the case of editing work, since the user does not have to move from the front of the editing unit 51, the editing space 62 is formed narrower than the shooting space 61. Thereby, it can suppress that the installation space of the photograph sticker production apparatus 1 increases unnecessarily.

  The subsequent customer service space 63 is a space near the right side surface 11-2 of the first unit 11. In FIG. 2, the post-service area 63 is not separated from the outside by using a curtain or the like. However, like the editing space 62, the post-service area 63 is separated from the outside by a curtain or the like. Of course it is good. The post-service area 63 is a space for a user who has finished the editing work in the game to move according to the guidance and perform work for the post-service that is performed until printing is completed. For example, setting input work such as game or e-mail transfer of photographed images is performed.

  Next, with reference to this FIG. 6, a mode that a user is guided (a customer service method of the photograph sticker production apparatus 1) is demonstrated.

  As described above, one game is roughly divided into a photographing operation for photographing a user, an editing operation for editing a user image obtained by the photographing operation, and a user image edited by the editing operation. It consists of three steps of printing work to print on paper (including subsequent customer service during the waiting time).

  First, the two users (A0 and B0) in the first set enter the shooting space 61 by following the guidance, etc., when the turn turns, start the game, and the shooting unit 32 (CCD camera 33). Take a picture of yourself by using (A1 and B1). When the photographing work is completed, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 displays an image of moving guidance to the editing space 62 for the users (A1 and B1) of the photographing space 61 and outputs a voice message prompting the user to move. Or In accordance with the guidance, the user leaves the shooting space 61 and moves to the editing space 62. The users (A2 and B2) who enter the editing space 62 use the editing unit 51 to perform editing work on the captured image. When the editing work is completed, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 guides the user (A2 and B2) of the editing space 62 to move to the vicinity of the sticker paper outlet 46 (near the post-service unit 40) (image display and (Guidance of movement by voice output). In accordance with the guidance, the user leaves the editing space 62 and moves to the post-service space 63 (A3 and B3). The users (A3 and B3) who have moved to the post-service area 63 wait for the printed sticker sheet to be discharged while operating the post-service unit 40 to perform image transfer processing setting work and the like. When the sticker paper is discharged, the user receives the sticker paper and the game ends.

  When the first set of users leave the shooting space 61 and move to the editing space 62, the shooting space 61 becomes empty. At that time, the next users (A0 and B0) waiting for the turn The player can enter the shooting space 61 and start the game (A1 and B1). The second set of users (A1 and B1) who entered the shooting space 61 pays the same price as the first set of users, starts the game, and uses the shooting unit 32 (CCD camera 33). Take a picture of yourself. When the photographing work is finished, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 determines whether or not the editing space 62 is in use at this time, and if the editing space 62 is not used (by the first set of users). When the editing work has already been completed), an image of moving guidance to the editing space 62 is displayed for the users (A1 and B1) of the shooting space 61, and a message for prompting the movement is output by voice. In accordance with the guidance, the user leaves the shooting space 61 and moves to the editing space 62. The second set of users (A2 and B2) who entered the editing space 62 uses the editing unit 51 to edit the captured image, as with the first set of users.

  As described above, in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, two sets of users can simultaneously perform a shooting operation and an editing operation using the shooting space 61 and the editing space 62 (two sets of two sets of users performing two operations). The game can be run in parallel). That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can serve different sets of users in the editing space and the shooting space. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can serve a maximum of two users at the same time. This is hereinafter referred to as “double customer service”. Note that the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can accurately receive three sets of users simultaneously including the users of the post-service space 63, but the customer service processing of the post-service space 63 is short as will be described later. Since this is a customer service during the printing waiting time (so-called “bonus processing”), the description will be continued here assuming that it is not included in the number of simultaneous customer services.

  Returning to the explanation of FIG. 6, when the second set of users finishes the editing work in the editing space 62, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 investigates the usage situation of the post-service area 63 and the post-service area 63 is not used. In this case, the second set of users (A2 and B2) in the editing space 62 is given guidance for movement to the post-service space 63 (movement guidance by image display and voice output). According to the guidance, the second set of users exits the editing space 62 and moves to the post-service space 63 (A3 and B3). The users (A3 and B3) who have moved to the post-service area 63 wait for the printed sticker sheet to be discharged while operating the post-service area 63 and performing setting work for image transfer processing. When the sticker paper is discharged, the user receives the sticker paper and the game ends.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 of FIG. The same parts as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 7, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 includes a control unit 71, a control information storage unit 72, an image data holding unit 73, a play information storage unit 74, a user information storage unit 75, which are connected to each other via a bus 100. A coin unit 81, a photographing unit 82, a first editing unit 83A, a second editing unit 83B, a printing unit 84, a subsequent customer service unit 85, a communication unit 86, and a drive 87 are configured. The same parts as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The control unit 71 is a processing unit that controls the entire apparatus of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, and includes a game management unit 91, a coin processing unit 92, a photographing processing unit 93, an editing processing unit 94, a print processing unit 95, and a post-service processing unit. 96 and a timer 97.

  The game management unit 91 creates a photo sticker and executes processing related to management control such as the progress of a game (photo sticker creation game) to be provided to the user. The coin processing unit 92 performs control processing related to coin insertion by the user. The imaging processing unit 93 mainly controls each unit provided on the front surface 11-1 of the first unit 11 and executes processing related to the user's imaging operation during game processing. The editing processing unit 94 mainly controls the first editing unit 83A and the second editing unit 83B, and executes processing related to the editing operation of the user during the game processing. The print processing unit 95 controls processing related to the printing work during the photo sticker creation game by controlling the printing unit 84 or the like. Subsequent customer service processing unit 96 executes processing related to the sub game and additional services that are performed while the user is waiting until the end of printing. The time measuring unit 97 performs processing related to time control, such as generating and supplying all time information based on the request of each unit.

  The control information storage unit 72 includes, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, and the like, and stores a program (for example, a program for executing a photo sticker creation game) for controlling the entire photo sticker creation device 1, data, and the like. The image data holding unit 73 is configured by, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and holds image data obtained by photographing with the CCD camera 33. The play information storage unit 74 includes, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, or a RAM, and various types of information (for example, image brightness set by the user) generated during execution (during play) of the photo sticker creation game. The setting information regarding sheath size etc.) is stored and managed as play information for each play. That is, the play information storage unit 74 stores information (play information) indicating what kind of play is being performed, and setting information necessary for each play (setting information managed for each piece of play information). . The user information storage unit 75 includes, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, or a RAM, and securely stores personal information such as an e-mail address input by the user in the post-service processing.

  Of course, some or all of these storage units may be configured by a single storage medium, or each of the storage units described above may be configured by a plurality of storage media.

  The coin unit 81 is controlled by the coin processing unit 92 and executes processing such as coin insertion and coin discharge at the coin insertion / exhaust port 37. The photographing unit 82 includes the photographing unit 32, and is controlled by the photographing processing unit 93 to perform photographing processing by the CCD camera 33, display image data obtained by photographing, and obtain the obtained image data. Or supplied to the image data holding unit 73 via the bus 100. The first editing unit 83A includes an editing unit 51 and is controlled by the editing processing unit 94 to perform processing related to editing input for image data obtained by photographing. Since the configuration of the second editing unit 83B is the same as that of the first editing unit 83A, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first editing unit 83A and the second editing unit 83B, they are collectively referred to as an editing unit 83.

  The printing unit 84 includes a printer, and is controlled by the print processing unit 95 and the like, and performs a process of printing printing data including the supplied captured image and the like supplied on a predetermined sticker sheet. The post-service unit 85 includes the post-service unit 40 and is controlled by the post-service unit 96 to provide a game, an additional service, and the like to a user who is waiting during printing of sticker paper. The communication unit 86 is connected to an external network 101 (for example, the Internet or the like), and performs communication processing with an external device as necessary, for example, when a captured image is distributed. The drive 87 includes a removable medium such as a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (including a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. The computer program 102 and the data read from them are stored or installed in the control information storage unit 72 as necessary.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a control mechanism related to the imaging control unit 111 in the imaging processing unit 93.

  The imaging processing unit 93 includes an imaging control unit 111, a connection pattern selection processing unit 112, a connection imaging processing unit 113, a normal imaging processing unit 114, and a keep image selection processing unit 115.

  The shooting control unit 111 controls each unit constituting the shooting processing unit 93, and controls the progress of processing for shooting work for shooting the user himself / herself during a series of processing of the photo sticker creation game.

  The connection pattern selection processing unit 112 is controlled by the imaging control unit 111, controls the imaging unit 82 via the bus 100, and executes processes related to various selected connection patterns. Here, the connection means that a plurality of captured images are arranged. When this connection is performed, the photo sticker creation apparatus 1 may combine the respective photographed image data into one (that is, compose the images to create one image data), or each photographed image data. Create information that does not summarize data but associates them with each other (defines an arrangement pattern) (for example, adds such information to the header of each data, or creates new definition data that defines the relationship between each data) You may do it. In other words, the “connected image” only needs to be displayed so that the images are arranged (as if they are connected) when displayed, and what is the form of the data? There may be. The connection pattern defines a connection method such as the number of images to be connected, the size and shape of each image, or the arrangement (arrangement pattern) of each image. In the following description, for example, a connection pattern is identified only by the number of images, such as two-sheet connection or three-sheet connection, and a single (that is, non-connection) may be regarded as one of the connection patterns. . Note that the imaging processing in the connection mode refers to processing for capturing a plurality of images for joining.

  For example, the connection pattern selection processing unit 112 displays a connection pattern selection image (a GUI image that allows the user to select a connection pattern (imaging method)) via the imaging monitor 35, and the connection control unit selects the connection pattern selection image. 111.

  The linked photographing processing unit 113 includes a coupling control unit 121, an instruction reception processing unit 122, a live view display processing unit 123, a shooting processing unit 124, a preview image display processing unit 125, and a coupling processing unit 126. The shooting process is performed.

  The connection control unit 121 performs control processing related to shooting in the connection mode, for example, by controlling the inside of the connection shooting processing unit 113.

  The instruction reception processing unit 122 performs processing for receiving a shooting instruction, for example, by controlling the shooting unit 82.

  The live view display processing unit 123 is controlled by the imaging control unit 111 to control the imaging unit 82, and sequentially captures captured images (moving images) captured from the CCD camera 33 as live views (images). It is displayed on the image display monitor 34. When the captured image data is supplied from the preview image display processing unit 125 in the connection mode, the live view display processing unit 123 captures the captured image data together with the captured image (side by side with the captured image). To display.

  The imaging processing unit 124 performs processing related to acquisition of a captured image by controlling the imaging unit 82 or the like. In other words, the photographing processing unit 124 takes out (captures) one frame image at the photographing timing as a photographed image of a still image out of the captured images captured by the CCD camera 33, and obtains data of the photographed image (photographed image data). , Acquired via the bus 100 and supplied to the preview image display processing unit 125.

  The preview image display processing unit 125 is controlled by the shooting control unit 111 to control the shooting unit 82 and the like, and the captured image (still image) acquired by the shooting processing unit 124 is captured as a preview, and the image display monitor 34. Then, the process is performed on the photographing monitor 35 to confirm whether or not the user discards the photographed image (whether to re-shoot). When discarding (when re-taking), the preview image display processing unit 125 deletes (discards) the captured image data. Further, when not discarding (when not re-taking), the preview image display processing unit 125 supplies the captured image data to the connection processing unit 126 and the live view display processing unit 123.

  The connection processing unit 126 is controlled by the shooting control unit 111 to temporarily hold the shot image (still image) data supplied from the preview image display processing unit 125, and to set the planned number of connections (a set of shot images for connection). When the number of images is equal, the captured image data are connected and supplied to the keep image selection processing unit 115.

  The normal imaging processing unit 114 is controlled by the imaging control unit 111, controls the imaging unit 82 via the bus 100, and executes processing related to normal imaging. For example, the normal imaging processing unit 114 captures a captured image using the CCD camera 33, displays a live view image on the captured image display monitor 34, accepts a user instruction, and captures the captured image. The captured photographed image is displayed on the photographing monitor 35 and supplied to the photographing control unit 111.

  The keep image selection processing unit 115 holds the captured image supplied from the linked shooting processing unit 113 and the normal shooting processing unit 114, accepts a user instruction, and takes the shot image according to the user instruction as an image data holding unit 73. Supply to (keep).

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the photographing unit 82.

  In FIG. 9, the photographing unit 82 includes an audio output control unit 131, an illumination control unit 132, a display control unit 133, a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 134, a touch panel 135, a touch panel control unit 136, a fan control unit 137, and a fan unit 138. The illumination unit 31, the photographing unit 32, the photographing monitor 35, and the sound output unit 36.

  The audio output control unit 131 generates an analog audio signal based on the audio data supplied from the imaging processing unit 93 via the bus 100 and supplies the analog audio signal to the audio output unit 36, so that the audio output unit 36 outputs the audio. Is output. The illumination control unit 132 controls light emission and power storage of the illumination unit 31, and based on control data supplied from the imaging processing unit 93 via the bus 100, a predetermined value corresponding to the imaging timing (timing for capturing a frame image). At this timing, the illumination unit 31 is caused to emit strobe light.

  The display control unit 133 converts the GUI image data supplied from the shooting processing unit 93 via the bus 100, the shot image data supplied from the image data holding unit 73, or the captured moving image data supplied from the CCD camera 33. On the other hand, image processing such as connection is appropriately performed using the VRAM 134, and an image (for example, a captured image) obtained by the image processing is displayed on the capturing monitor 35. A touch panel 135 is superimposed on the screen of the photographing monitor 35. The touch panel control unit 136 that controls the touch panel 135 detects a position designated by the user via the touch panel 135 and supplies the position information to the imaging processing unit 93 via the bus 100 as necessary. The instruction information input by the user is reflected in the image displayed on the photographing monitor 35. In addition, when the information controlled by the position information input by the user is only simple image processing such as movement of a cursor, the touch panel control unit 136 directly outputs the position information input by the user. It can also be supplied to the display control unit 133. In that case, the display control unit 133 processes the image data held in the VRAM 134 based on the supplied position information, and causes the photographing monitor 35 to display an image that easily reflects the user's input.

  The fan control unit 137 is controlled by the imaging processing unit 93 via the bus 100, drives the fan unit 138 (rotates the wings around the rotation axis), and blows air into the imaging space.

  Further, as shown in the photographing unit 32, it has a CCD camera control unit 141, a CCD camera 33, a display control unit 142, a VRAM 143, and a captured image display monitor 34.

  The CCD camera control unit 141 controls the operation of the CCD camera 33, controls the focus position, captures an image frame by frame, and sequentially supplies the captured frame image to the display control unit 142 as a moving image, or specifies The frame image is supplied to the image data holding unit 73 via the bus 100 as a still image obtained by photographing.

  The display control unit 142 controls the display on the captured image display monitor 34. At this time, the display control unit 142 accumulates the image data supplied from the CCD camera 33 via the bus 100 in the VRAM 143 frame by frame, and the connection moving image data supplied from the imaging processing unit 93 as necessary. One frame image is linked, and the linked image is captured as a live view and displayed on the image display monitor 34. Further, the display control unit 142 may capture a captured image immediately after capturing and display the captured image on the image display monitor 34 as a captured image.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the editing processing unit 94 of FIG.

  10, the editing processing unit 94 includes an editing control unit 161, an editing screen display processing unit 162, an input reception processing unit 163, an editing target image switching processing unit 164, an image processing unit 165, and a division number selection processing unit 166. Is done.

  The editing control unit 161 controls each part of the editing processing unit 94, and controls the progress of the processing for the shot image editing work performed by the user in a series of processes for creating a photo sticker.

  In order to display the editing GUI, the editing screen display processing unit 162 acquires a keep image from the image data holding unit 73 and creates a thumbnail, for example. The editing screen display processing unit 162 displays the captured image supplied by the control of the editing target image switching processing unit 164 in the center of the editing GUI.

  The input reception processing unit 163 controls the editing unit 83 to receive input from the user and perform processing for the input.

  The editing target image switching processing unit 164 performs processing related to switching of the display of the editing target image included in the editing GUI displayed by the editing screen display processing unit 162. For example, upon receiving an instruction regarding switching of the editing target image from the input receiving unit 163, the editing target image switching processing unit 164 supplies the editing screen display processing unit 162 with an instruction to switch the editing target image based on the instruction. . The edit screen display processing unit 162 reflects the switching instruction on the editing GUI.

  The image processing unit 165 edits the captured image, and reflects the edited image graffiti on the print image.

  The division number selection processing unit 166 stores the division mode (for example, information indicating 8 division and 16 division) in the control information storage unit 72. The division number selection processing unit 166 reads the division mode (information indicating) via the control unit 71, causes the voice output unit 54 to output a message prompting selection of the division number, displays the message on the editing monitor 52, and allows the user to select it. The control mode storage unit 72 stores the split mode (information indicating the split mode) that has received the selection of the split mode.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the first editing unit 83A in FIG. The editing unit 83A includes an interface processing unit 171, an audio output control unit 172, a display control unit 173, a VRAM 174, a touch panel 175, a touch panel control unit 176, an edit input monitor 52, touch pens 53-1 and 53-2, and an audio output unit. 54. Note that the configuration example of the second editing unit 83B is the same as the configuration example of the first editing unit 83A, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The interface processing unit 171 is connected to the bus 100 and executes interface processing of each unit in the first editing unit 51-1.

  The audio output control unit 172 generates an analog audio signal based on the audio data supplied from the editing processing unit 94 via the interface processing unit 171, supplies the analog audio signal to the audio output unit 54, and receives the audio from the audio output unit 54. Is output.

  The display control unit 173 appropriately converts the GUI image data supplied from the editing processing unit 94 via the interface processing unit 171 or the captured image data (editing target image) supplied from the image data holding unit 73, as appropriate, into the VRAM 174. And the display image is displayed on the edit input monitor 52. A touch panel 175 is superimposed on the screen of the edit input monitor 52. An instruction from the user input by the touch panel 175 and the touch pen 53 (touch pens 53-1 and 53-2) is supplied to the touch panel control unit 176. The touch panel control unit 176 detects a position designated by the user by tapping the touch pen 53 on the touch panel 175, and the position information, identification information of the touch pen 53, and the like are passed through the interface processing unit 171 as necessary. The instruction information input to the editing processing unit 94 and input by the user is reflected in the image displayed on the editing input monitor 52.

  In addition, the touch panel control unit 176 displays the position information input by the user when the information controlled by the position information input by the user is only simple image processing such as movement of a cursor. Alternatively, it can be directly supplied to the display control unit 173. In this case, the display control unit 173 processes the image data held in the VRAM 174 based on the supplied position information, and displays an image that easily reflects the user input on the editing input monitor 52. Let

  The photographed image data (edited image data) edited based on the user input in this way is supplied from the VRAM 174 to the image data holding unit 73 and is held in the temporarily held image data holding unit 73. The edited image data is then used for print processing, post-service processing, etc., as will be described later.

  Next, an example of the game process executed by the control unit 71 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  The control unit 71 displays a game standby screen on the captured image display monitor 34 before starting the game process. For example, a message such as “Pay money!” Is displayed on the game standby screen. The message may be output from the audio output unit 36 configured by a speaker.

  In step S11, the control unit 71 determines whether or not a coin of a predetermined price has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 37, based on the activation signal for activating the game process from the coin processing unit 92 of FIG. To do. Specifically, the coin processing unit 92 detects the amount of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 37, and when a coin of a predetermined price or more is inserted, the control unit outputs an activation signal that instructs activation of the game process. 71. When a coin having a larger amount than the predetermined price is inserted from the coin insertion slot 37, the coin processing unit 92 calculates the amount of change and performs a process of discharging the calculated change coin to the coin return slot 32. . And the control part 71 determines whether the coin of the predetermined price was thrown in by determining whether the starting signal was supplied. In step S <b> 11, when it is determined that a coin with a predetermined price has not been inserted into the coin slot 37, the control unit 71 waits until it is determined that a coin with a predetermined price has been inserted from the coin slot 37.

  Only when it is determined in step S11 that a coin of a predetermined price has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 37, the process proceeds to step S12, and the control unit 71 performs a shooting setting process. Thus, for example, a shooting mode for selecting a curtain as a background is selected based on a user operation.

  In step S12, the control unit 71 performs a photographing process for photographing a user (user). Details of this photographing process will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  In step S13, the control unit 71 performs an editing process for editing the photographed image obtained by photographing in the process of step S13. Details of this editing process will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  In step S14, the control unit 71 performs a printing process of printing the edited image obtained by editing in the process of step S13 on a sticker sheet, and ends the process. Details of this printing process will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 24 described later.

  In step S <b> 15, the print processing unit 95 controls the printing unit 84 to print the edited photographed image on photographic sticker paper, and discharges the printed sticker paper from the sticker outlet 46. Until the sticker sheet is discharged, the post-service processing unit 96 performs post-service processing for the user waiting for the end of the printing process in the post-service space 63 in step S15, and transfers the edited image by e-mail, Run mini-games.

  When the printing process ends, the photo sticker creation game process ends.

  Each part of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 executes the above photo sticker creating game process for each set of users.

  Next, details of the photographing process in step S12 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S <b> 31, the photographing control unit 111 displays a connection pattern selection screen on the photographing monitor 35. A message “Please select a connection pattern” is displayed on the photographing monitor 35 (the message may be output as a sound from the sound output unit 36 including a speaker). As a result, the user can pose while viewing the live view image that is displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 and is captured by the CCD camera 33 and is a moving image of the user.

  FIG. 14 is an example illustrating selection of a connection pattern. In this display example, a message “Please select a connection pattern!” Is displayed (the message may be output from the audio output unit 36 including a speaker).

  The connection pattern selection screen in FIG. 14A includes the message described above, a remaining time display unit indicating the remaining time of editing processing, a connection pattern designation button displayed on a GUI (Graphical User Interface), a background, and a connection method. The OK button is used to end the selection operation.

  In FIG. 14A, the connection pattern selection method corresponding to the background image is composed of thumbnails, and the user selects a desired thumbnail using an anchor or the like for the thumbnail displayed on the GUI (Graphical User Interface). By doing so, it is possible to select a connection method corresponding to a favorite background image.

  The connection pattern selection screen in FIG. 14B includes the message described above, a remaining time display portion indicating the remaining time of editing processing, a connection pattern designation button displayed on a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and a background image designation button. And an OK button for ending the selection work of the background and connection method.

  In FIG. 14B, each of the background image selection method and the connection pattern selection method is composed of thumbnails, and the user uses an anchor or the like for the thumbnail displayed on the GUI (Graphical User Interface), and selects the desired thumbnail. By selecting, it is possible to select a favorite background image and a favorite connection method, respectively, so that a photo sticker full of originality can be created.

  In the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 of the present invention, either of FIG. 14A or FIG. 14B may be adopted as a screen for selecting a photographing mode.

  In step S32, the instruction reception processing unit 122 receives and processes the instruction captured in step S31 and displayed on the image display monitor 34.

  In step S33, the imaging control unit 111 determines whether a linked imaging instruction has been received. For example, when a button (not shown) for performing linked shooting displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 is selected by a user operation input, the shooting control unit 111 determines that a linked shooting instruction has been received. To do.

  If it is determined in step S33 that a linked shooting instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S34 to perform a linked shooting process. The details of the linked shooting process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the linked photographing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S36.

  If it is determined in step S33 that a linked shooting instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S35, and the normal shooting processing unit 114 performs normal shooting processing. The image photographed at this time is photographed by the CCD camera 33, displayed on the photographing monitor 35 as a photographed image, and can be captured as a still image. When the normal photographing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, the shooting control unit 111 determines whether or not the number of shots exceeds the shooting limit number. For example, the manufacturer of the photo sticker vending machine 1 stores setting information such as the number of selected images necessary for printing the sticker paper in the play information storage unit 74 at the time of manufacture. The shooting control unit 111 determines whether the number of shots exceeds the limit number of shots based on the setting information. For example, when information indicating that the number of selected images is four is stored in the play information storage unit 74 as setting information, the shooting control unit 111 determines whether four images have been selected. This selection is performed, for example, by designating an image displayed on the photographing monitor 35 by a user operation input. If the number of shots exceeds the limit of shots, the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, the imaging control unit 111 refers to the information supplied from the time measuring unit 97, and determines whether or not a time limit (for example, 20 seconds) has elapsed. Specifically, the shooting control unit 111 determines whether the time limit has elapsed or an instruction to end shooting has been given. If it is determined in step S37 that the print image selection time has not passed the time limit or that the end of shooting has not been instructed, the shooting control unit 111 returns to step S31 and repeats the above-described processing.

  If it is determined in step S37 that the print image selection time has passed the time limit (for example, 20 seconds) or that an instruction to end shooting has been given, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, the keep image selection processing unit 115 performs a process related to selection of the set number of keep images. For example, the manufacturer of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 stores setting information such as the number of keep images necessary for editing an image in the control information storage unit 72 at the time of manufacture. An administrator who manages the operation of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 may be allowed to change this setting. The keep image selection processing unit 115 displays a keep image selection screen on the photographing monitor 35 and allows the user to select the number of images to be kept.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a keep image selection screen. As shown in FIG. 15, in the keep image selection screen, a message “Please select an image to keep!”, The remaining time of the photo sticker creation game, an icon for selecting a keep image, and a keep image are displayed. An OK button for determining the selection is displayed. As icons for selecting a keep image, a photographed image is displayed as an icon. At this time, the linked captured images are displayed in a linked layout. In FIG. 15, four icons (upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right) are displayed as the selection icons.

  The icon on the upper left shown in FIG. 15 is an icon for selecting two photographed images to be coupled (two photographed images for linking). One of these two images for connecting cannot be selected. The user can save both of the two images for connection as a keep image by selecting both of the images for connecting the two images and pressing the OK button.

  Similarly, the lower right icon shown in FIG. 15 is an icon for selecting three photographed images to be connected (three photographed images for linking). As in the case of the two images for linking, the three images for linking are not saved unless the user selects all three images as keep images.

  On the other hand, since the upper right icon and the lower left icon are captured images that are not connected, the user selects the captured images to be kept one by one by selecting each icon and pressing the OK button. can do.

  In addition, even in the case of an icon of a linked shooting image, such as an icon at the upper left or lower right, the user selects any one image (or the entire icon) once and presses the OK button. Thus, all of the linked captured images may be stored as a keep image. Further, even in the case of the icon of the linked photographed image, the user may be able to select each image individually as a keep image. In that case, when a part of the captured images for connection is selected, the connection is canceled (for example, data defining the connection is deleted).

  The keep image selection processing unit 115 receives the input instruction for selecting the keep image input in this way, selects a captured image to be a keep image based on the instruction, advances the process to step S39, and selects the selected captured image. Is supplied to and held in the image data holding unit 73.

  Returning to step S <b> 39, the imaging control unit 111 stores the images (for example, four images) kept in step S <b> 38 in the image data holding unit 73. In step S40, a message prompting the user to move to the editing space is displayed on the photographing monitor 35. When step S40 ends, the process returns to step S12 in FIG. 12, and the subsequent processes are performed.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the linked shooting process executed in step S34 of FIG.

  In step S51, the preview image display processing unit 125 displays a preview image (display screen) on the photographing monitor 35.

  In step S52, the live view display processing unit 123 connects the connecting images and displays a live view image display screen. For example, in the case of the first shooting, a shot image does not yet exist. Accordingly, the live view display processing unit 123 displays a live view image display screen composed of only captured images on the captured image display monitor 34. In the second and subsequent shootings, since there are linked captured images obtained by shooting, they are displayed side by side with the captured image and displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 as a live view image display screen. Thereby, the user pauses while viewing both the past captured image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 and the live view image that is the current moving image of the user captured by the CCD camera 33. Can be taken. Therefore, the user can easily and more accurately take a pose (photographing posture) in cooperation with each other during each photographing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, the instruction reception processing unit 122 determines whether a shooting instruction has been received. For example, when a button for shooting (not shown) displayed on the shooting monitor 35 is selected by a user operation input, the shooting control unit 111 determines that a shooting instruction has been received. If it is determined in step S53 that the shooting instruction has not been received, the determination process is repeated until the shooting instruction is received.

  If it is determined in step S53 that an imaging instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S54, and the imaging processing unit 124 performs imaging with the CCD camera 33. The captured image is a still image captured by the CCD camera 33, but an image as intended by the user (substantially the same image as the live view image) can be captured as a still image.

  In step S55, the preview image display processing unit 125 causes the photographing monitor 35 to display a preview image of the still image (the frame image extracted from the captured image at the photographing timing) photographed in the process of step S54. The user inputs an instruction as to whether or not to retake the preview image. As a result, the user can check his / her own still image captured by the CCD camera 33 displayed on the capturing monitor 35.

  In step S56, the instruction reception processing unit 122 confirms the preview image and determines whether or not to retake the image. If it is desired to re-take, the process returns to step S51 to repeat the same processing as described above. If re-take is not desired, the process proceeds to step S57.

  In step S57, the imaging control unit 111 determines whether or not the number of linked shots has reached the scheduled number of shots. For example, the imaging control unit 111 determines this by counting how many times the processing of steps S51 to S56 has been repeated. Note that the shooting control unit 111 may determine this by checking how many shot images are stored in the image data holding unit 73.

  In step S58, the connection processing unit 126 connects the captured images for connection, ends the combined shooting process, and returns the process to step S36 in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example of the preview image display screen displayed on the photographing monitor 35 in step S55 of FIG. FIG. 17A is an example of a preview image display screen for the first shooting result. As shown in FIG. 17, the photographing monitor 35 displays a message “I will shoot the first picture!”.

  FIG. 17B is an example of a preview image display screen for the second shooting result. As shown in FIG. 17B, a message “Take a second picture!” Is displayed on the live view screen. At this time, since the photographing monitor 35 displays a preview image (still image) that has been photographed as the first image, the user can perform photographing work while confirming the positional relationship of the poses between the photographed images. it can. FIG. 17C is an example of a preview image display screen for the third shooting result. In FIG. 17C, a message “I will shoot the third picture!” Is displayed on the photographic monitor 35. Also in this case, the user can perform the shooting operation while confirming the positional relationship of the poses between the captured images.

  In other words, the user who is photographed after the second image can make a pose after confirming the content of the still image obtained in the previous photographing displayed on the photographing monitor 35.

  For example, the photograph sticker 1 may not be three people as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the first live view image is displayed on the left side toward the photographing monitor 35, but may be displayed on the right side. Further, a plurality of images to be connected may be displayed in a line up and down toward the photographing monitor 35. Furthermore, a plurality of images may be displayed in an overlapping manner.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the preview image displayed in step S55 of FIG. The photographing monitor 35 displays a message “Is it okay to change like this?”. If the user does not like the preview image (still image) displayed on the photographing monitor 35, the user can touch the button on the GUI screen where the word “No!” Is placed. It is also possible to instruct re-shooting.

  FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34. The user is photographed as a live view image (moving image) until photographed, and after the photographing, the user image is displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 as a preview image (still image).

  In FIG. 19B, the captured image display monitor 34 displays a preview image (still image) that has been captured as the first image, and the user who performs the next capture displays the 1 displayed on the captured image display monitor 34. It is possible to photograph while confirming that the contact point with the preview image (still image) photographed on the first sheet is matched.

  In other words, the user who is photographed after the second image can make a pose and photograph after confirming the first still image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34.

  In FIG. 19C, the captured image display monitor 34 displays a preview image (still image) that has been photographed as the second image, and the user who performs the next photographing displays the 1 displayed on the captured image display monitor 34. Images can be taken while confirming that the contact points with the preview images (still images) taken on the second and second images are matched.

  Next, details of the editing process in step S13 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S 61, the edit screen display processing unit 162 displays the edit screen on the edit input monitor 52.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of an edit screen displayed on the edit input monitor 52 at this time. As shown in the figure, the image to be edited is displayed on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) 217 for editing. The GUI 217 includes a graffiti tool display unit 211 provided with various buttons for selecting a graffiti tool for a photographed image, such as a pen and a stamp, an image information display field 212 for displaying information on the photographed image on which graffiti editing is performed, A remaining time display unit 214 indicating the remaining time of the editing process, an end button 215 for ending the graffiti editing work, and a graffiti target image display area 216 for displaying a captured image to be subjected to graffiti editing are arranged. The graffiti tool display unit 211 includes a graffiti tool display unit 211A and a graffiti tool display unit 211B.

  The image information display field 212 is provided with thumbnails 213A to 213D for image designation in which images are displayed in the graffiti target image display area 216. Actually, thumbnails 213A to 213D display images obtained by reducing the image corresponding to the image number (graffit target image). Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the thumbnails 213A to 213D, they are simply referred to as thumbnails 213.

  For each thumbnail 213, images shot in the shooting space 61 are assigned one by one in accordance with, for example, the shooting order. When the user operates the thumbnail 213 (for example, the thumbnail 213 is operated as a button by touching the thumbnail 213 with the touch pen 53), a captured image corresponding to the operated thumbnail 213 is displayed in the graffiti target image display area 216. The Images with different numbers (image numbers) are displayed on each thumbnail 213, and the user operates the thumbnail 213, and a captured image corresponding to the thumbnail 213 is displayed in the graffiti target image display area 216.

  For the image displayed in the graffiti target image display area 216, the user operates the graffiti tool display unit 211 using the touch pen 53 and selects a graffiti tool, and then performs graffiti editing input.

  In this example, the graffiti tool display unit 211A arranged on the left side of the GUI 217 includes “solid”, “plane”, “color”, “monochrome”, “lame”, “ Four buttons representing the type of “pen” such as “shadow” are displayed. By selecting a desired button, the user can use the touch pen 53 as a graffiti tool corresponding to the selected button.

  In addition, the “stamp” as the graffiti tool of the graffiti tool display section 211A includes “stamp” such as “HAPPY !!”, “friend”, “real”, “heart”, “glitter”, “logo”. Six buttons representing types are displayed. By selecting a desired button, the user can use the touch pen 53 as a graffiti tool corresponding to the selected button.

  The “logo” is, for example, an image such as a logo mark of a clothing brand, and when “logo” is selected, the touch pen 53 is used as a stamp for inputting a pattern corresponding to the selected button. be able to.

  On the graffiti tool display portion 211B arranged on the right side of the GUI 217, buttons such as fill, color, monochrome, sepia, special color, or range designation are arranged.

  Returning to FIG. 20, in step S62, the editing target image switching processing unit 164 controls the input receiving processing unit 163 to receive an instruction to select an editing target image, and based on the selection instruction, the modified S milk screen display processing unit. 162 is controlled to display the selected image in the graffiti target image display area 216.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of thumbnails displayed as keep images.

  FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating a display example of the thumbnail 213 displayed as a keep image. In the example of FIG. 22A, the image information display field 212 displays a thumbnail of one image a on the left, two thumbnails of images b1 and b2, and a thumbnail of three images c1 to c3 on the right. Yes. The thumbnails of the two images b1 and b2 in the center and the thumbnails of the three images c1 to c3 on the right are connected to each other.

  For example, when the user selects the image a, the image a is displayed in the graffiti target image display area 216-1-A as shown in FIG. 22B. Next, when the user selects the images b1 and b2, the images b1 and b2 are displayed in the graffiti target image display area 216-1-B as shown in FIG. 22B. Thereafter, when the user selects the images c1 to c3, the images c1 to c3 are displayed in the graffiti target image display area 216-2-A as shown in FIG. 22B. When the thumbnail of the image is not displayed in the image information display column 212, a demonstration screen may be displayed in the graffiti target image display area 216-2B.

  When the user selects the connected images c1 to c3, as shown in FIG. 22C, the connected captured images are displayed as c1, c2, and c3 one by one from the left in the graffiti target image display area 216. Can also be done. In FIGS. 22A to 22C and the following FIG. 23, the symbols a, b1, b2, c1, c2, and c3 shown in each image are provided for convenience of explanation, and are actually displayed. (The captured image (or its thumbnail image) is displayed respectively).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating another example of thumbnails displayed as keep images.

  FIG. 23A is a diagram showing another display example of thumbnails displayed as keep images. In this case, as shown in FIG. 23A, the image information display field 212 displays image a, image b1, image b2, image c1, image c2, and image c3 separately from the left.

  In this case, thumbnails displayed in the image information display column 212 (FIG. 23A) selected by the user are displayed one by one in each of the graffiti target image display areas 216 shown in FIG. 23B.

  Returning to FIG. 20, in step S <b> 63, the input reception processing unit 163 receives an editing input corresponding to the operation of the touch pen 53. In step S64, the edit screen display processing unit 162 displays the image edited based on the edit input accepted in step S63 in the graffiti target image display area 216.

  In step S65, the image processing unit 165 reflects the editing result on the editing screen display processing unit 162 (that is, the input graffiti data (editing data)) in the image data (captured image).

  In step S66, the editing control unit 161 determines whether the editing time has passed the time limit or whether the editing process has been commanded to end. If it is determined in step S66 that the editing time has not passed the time limit and the end of the editing process is not instructed, the process returns to step S62 and repeats the same process as described above.

  If it is determined in step S66 that the editing time has passed the time limit or the editing process has been commanded to end, the process proceeds to step S67, and the division number selection processing unit 166 says “Please select the division number”. The message (the message is not limited to this as long as it is a message prompting the selection of the number of divisions, and the message may be output by the audio output unit 54) is displayed on the editing input monitor 52.

  Specifically, for example, the manufacturer of the photo sticker vending machine 1 stores a division mode (for example, 8 divisions and 16 divisions) in the control information storage unit 72 as setting information at the time of manufacture. The division number selection processing unit 166 reads out the division mode and displays it on the edit input monitor 52. Thereby, the user can select a favorite number of divisions among 8 divisions and 16 divisions according to the division mode. In step S68, the division number selection processing unit 166 receives selection of the division mode by the user, and proceeds to step S69. The division number selection processing unit 166 displays the division mode received in step S68 as the play information storage unit 74. Save (remember).

  Next, details of the printing process in step S14 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S71, the control unit 71 reads out the division mode stored in the play information storage unit 74 in step S69 of FIG. 20, and proceeds to step S72.

  In step S72, the control unit 71 controls the header unit in the printer unit, and prints the edited image data for printing stored in the image data holding unit 73 on the basis of the division mode read in step S71. And proceed to step S73.

  In step S73, the control unit 71 controls the header unit in the print unit, prints the edited image on a sticker sheet, and outputs the result.

  In this way, a photographic sticker on which a stamp image according to the user's preference is arranged is provided.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing on sticker paper.

  In the case of FIG. 25, the printing area of the sticker paper is divided into eight, and eight images of the user photographed in the photographing space 61 and edited in the editing space 62 are printed. It should be noted that like the three images surrounded by the chain line, the images that are connected and photographed may be arranged according to the connection method and printed as one image. Further, the option of the division mode may be limited by fixing the position pattern of the images that are connected and photographed in the print area of the sticker paper.

  For example, unlike a normal photo sticker, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is like a panoramic photo by printing images that are linked and photographed as one image (three images surrounded by a chain line). Photo stickers can be created.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of printing on sticker paper.

  In the case of FIG. 26, the printing area of the sticker paper is divided into 24, and 24 images of the user photographed in the photographing space 61 and edited in the editing space 62 are printed. It should be noted that, like the two images of A1 and A2, the images that are linked and photographed are arranged according to the connection method, and are printed as one image like the images of B or C. Also good. Further, the option of the division mode may be limited by fixing the position pattern of the images that are connected and photographed in the print area of the sticker paper.

  In FIG. 26, A1, A2, B, and C are numbers for convenience of explanation.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of printing on sticker paper.

  In the case of FIG. 27, the printing area of the sticker paper is divided into 30, and 30 images of the user shot in the shooting space 61 and edited in the editing space 62 are printed. It should be noted that the images that are linked and photographed as in the three images A1, A2, and A3 are arranged according to the coupling method, and printed as a single image, such as the B, C, or D image. You may make it do. Further, the option of the division mode may be limited by fixing the position pattern of the images that are connected and photographed in the print area of the sticker paper.

  In FIG. 27, A1 to A3 and B to D are numbers for convenience of explanation.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing another example of the linked shooting process executed in step S34 of FIG.

  In step S91, the imaging control unit 111 displays a message “I will shoot!” (The message is not limited to this as long as it is a message that encourages shooting, and the message may be output from the audio output unit 36). Is displayed on the monitor 35 for shooting.

  In step S92, the connection processing unit 126 displays the captured images captured by the CCD camera 33 side by side on the capturing monitor 35, and the live view display processing unit 123 is a moving image of the user himself / herself to be captured. Display the live view image. At this time, as in the case of step S52 of FIG. 16, if the captured image display monitor 34 has a captured image to be linked so far, the captured image (linked captured image) is also displayed. They are displayed side by side. As a result, the user pauses while confirming not only the live view image that is displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 but captured by the CCD camera 33, and the captured image so far. Can be taken. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S93.

  In step S93, the instruction reception processing unit 122 determines whether a shooting instruction has been received. For example, when a button for shooting (not shown) displayed on the shooting monitor 35 is selected by a user operation input, the shooting control unit 111 determines that a shooting instruction has been received. If it is determined in step S93 that no shooting instruction has been received, the determination process is repeated until the shooting instruction is received.

  If it is determined in step S93 that an imaging instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S94, and the imaging processing unit 124 performs imaging with the CCD camera 33. The captured image is a still image captured by the CCD camera 33, but an image as intended by the user (substantially the same image as the live view image) can be captured as a still image.

  Note that in step S94, the shooting processing unit 124 has a continuous shooting function that can continuously shoot a subject as a shooting function, and can take a plurality of images at a time. Shortening is possible.

  In step S95, it is determined whether or not the number of linked shots has reached the planned number of links. For example, the imaging control unit 111 determines this by counting how many times the processing of steps S91 to S94 has been repeated. Note that the imaging control unit 111 may determine this by checking how many captured images are stored in the image data holding unit 73. If the number of images for connection has reached the planned number of connections, the process proceeds to step S96, and if the number of images for connection has not reached the planned number of connections, the process proceeds to step S97.

  In step S <b> 96, the preview image display processing unit 125 displays the confirmation preview image on the photographing monitor 35. The user can confirm whether the image is satisfactory to the user by looking at the confirmation preview image.

  In step S97, the preview image display processing unit 125 displays the shooting guidance preview image, and the process returns to step S94.

  In step S98, the user determines whether to retake the image while checking the preview image displayed in step S96. If it is desired to re-take, the process returns to step S91 to repeat the same process as described above. If re-take is not desired, the process proceeds to step S99.

  In step S99, the connection processing unit 126 connects the captured captured images captured as still images, and the control unit 71 causes the capturing monitor 35 to display a message that prompts the user to move to the editing space 62.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a live view image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34. The captured image display monitor 34 displays an indicator indicating the remaining time and a timer at the lower right of the screen. The user can take a picture within the time by checking the indicator indicating the remaining time and the timer.

  Further, the image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 is the same as the content described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram showing another example of the preview image displayed on the photographing monitor 35. As shown in FIG. FIG. 30A is an image displayed on the same 35 for shooting before the first shooting, and the captured image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 with the message “I will shoot the first image!”. (The center image of the three images displayed side by side) is displayed. A demo screen is displayed on both the left and right sides of the captured image. For example, a celebrity photo and advertisement may be displayed as a demonstration screen.

  FIG. 30B is an image displayed on the photographing monitor 35 before photographing the second image. In the case of FIG. 30B, among the three displayed images, the left image is obtained by displaying a captured image captured in the first shooting as a preview image. The center image is the (current) captured image of the second shot. The image on the right is a demonstration screen as in FIG. 30A.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a live view screen displayed on the captured image display monitor 34. FIG. 30A is an example of a live view image displayed before the first shooting. Of the three images, the center image is the current captured image, and the images on the left and right sides are the demo screens. For example, a celebrity photo and advertisement may be displayed as a demonstration screen.

  FIG. 30B is an example of a live view image displayed before the second shooting. Of the three images arranged, the left image is a captured image (connection captured image) obtained in the first shooting, the center image is the current captured image, and the right image is the demo screen. .

  That is, in the case of FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, the captured image display unit 34 and the photographing monitor 35 are always displayed in a state where the connection is completed by complementing with the demonstration screen. By doing in this way, the user can determine the pose (shooting posture) and perform shooting while grasping the state where the connection is completed more accurately. That is, the user can perform more accurate linked shooting more easily.

  Note that the number of connections may be four or more, and may be any direction, not limited to the horizontal direction, and may be arranged in a plurality of directions such as a matrix direction. Further, only one of the captured image display unit 34 and the photographing monitor 35 may be supplemented with a demonstration screen.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing still another example of the linked shooting process executed in step S34 of FIG.

  In step S <b> 111, the preview image display processing unit 125 displays a preview image (display screen) on the photographing monitor 35.

  In step S112, the live view display processing unit 123 causes the captured image display monitor 34 to display a live view image that is a moving image of the user in the first shooting. Further, the live view display processing unit 123 displays a message “I will shoot!” (The message is not limited to this as long as it is a message that encourages shooting, and the message may be output from the audio output unit 36 as audio). Is displayed. As a result, the user can pose while viewing the live view image that is displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 and is captured by the CCD camera 33 and is a moving image of the user. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the instruction reception processing unit 122 determines whether a shooting instruction has been received. For example, when a button for shooting (not shown) displayed on the shooting monitor 35 is selected by a user operation input, the instruction reception processing unit 122 determines that a shooting instruction has been received. If it is determined that a shooting instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S113.

  If it is determined in step S113 that an imaging instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S114, and the imaging processing unit 124 performs imaging with the CCD camera 33. Unlike the image captured by the CCD camera 33 and captured as a live view image and displayed on the image display monitor 34, the image captured at this time is a still image captured by the CCD camera 33. An image as intended by the user (substantially the same as the live view image) can be captured as a still image.

  In step S115, the connection processing unit 126 connects the connection image (the connection shooting image obtained by the previous shooting) to the shooting image obtained this time, and the preview image display processing unit 125 displays the shooting monitor 35. Display a preview image on. As a result, the user can confirm the preview image that is the connected image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34.

  In step S116, the instruction reception processing unit 122 confirms the preview image and determines whether to retake the image. If it is desired to retake, the process returns to step S111, and the same processing as described above is repeated. If retake is not desired, the process proceeds to step S117.

  In step S117, the shooting control unit 111 determines whether the number of linked shots has reached the scheduled number of shots. For example, the imaging control unit 111 determines this by counting the number of times the processes in steps S111 to S116 are repeated. Note that the control unit 71 may determine this by confirming how many photographed images are stored in the image data holding unit 73.

  In step S <b> 118, the connection processing unit 126 connects the connection captured images, and the control unit 71 causes the shooting monitor 35 to display a message that prompts the user to move to the editing space 62.

  The user can confirm only the live view image that is displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 and is a moving image of the user that is captured by the CCD camera 33. You can enjoy the unexpectedness of photo stickers.

  33 to 35 are top views of the second unit 12 of the photographic sticker creating apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 33, the CCD camera 33 photographs a user who is a subject, and the captured image display monitor 34 displays a live view image. At this time, a standby person who is a user other than the subject waits in the shooting space 61 and waits at a place where the CCD camera 33 cannot take a picture (outside the angle of view).

  For example, the user takes a picture with the CCD camera 33 while confirming the connected image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34. Further, the standby person can confirm the connected image displayed on the monitor 221A or the monitor 221B (hereinafter, simply referred to as the monitor 221 when it is not necessary to distinguish between the monitor 221A and the monitor 221B), and the user Therefore, the CCD camera 33 can shoot a beautiful image.

  Further, the user takes a picture with the CCD camera 33 while checking the live view image on the captured image display monitor 34. On the other hand, the standby person can check the connected image displayed on the monitor 221, but the subject cannot check the connected image during shooting, so the finish of the connected image after shooting is unexpected. I can enjoy it.

  In FIG. 34, a CCD camera 33 photographs a user who is a subject, and a captured image display monitor 34 displays a live view image. At this time, a standby person who is a user other than the subject waits outside the shooting space 61 and waits at a place where the CCD camera 33 cannot take a picture (outside the angle of view).

  For example, the user takes a picture with the CCD camera 33 while confirming the connected image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34. On the other hand, the standby person can also check the connected image displayed on the monitor 221, and the CCD camera 33 can take a beautiful image.

  Further, the user takes a picture with the CCD camera 33 while checking the live view image on the captured image display monitor 34. On the other hand, since the standby person can check the connected image displayed on the monitor 221, the subject cannot check the connected image during shooting, so the finish of the connected image after shooting is unexpected. I can enjoy it.

  A background curtain 231 is used between the space where the subject is photographed and the space where the standby person confirms with the monitor 221 so as not to hinder the photographing of the subject. Although not shown, a plurality of background curtains may be used. Furthermore, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 may install a sofa, a chair, or the like in a space where a standby person is waiting, or may display a game or the like on the monitor 221 in addition to the live view image.

  In FIG. 35, the CCD camera 33 photographs a user who is a subject, and the captured image display monitor 34 displays a live view image. At this time, a standby person who is a user other than the subject waits outside the imaging space 61.

  For example, the user takes a picture with the CCD camera 33 while confirming the connected image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34. On the other hand, the standby person can also check the connected image displayed on the monitor 221, and the CCD camera 33 can take a beautiful image.

  Further, the user takes a picture with the CCD camera 33 while checking the live view image on the captured image display monitor 34. On the other hand, since the standby person can check the connected image displayed on the monitor 221, the subject cannot check the connected image during shooting, so the finish of the connected image after shooting is unexpected. I can enjoy it.

  In FIG. 35, background curtains 241-1 to 241-8 are used. Although not shown, a plurality of background curtains may be used. Furthermore, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 may display a game or the like on the monitor 221 in addition to the live view image, such as pre-service and post-service.

  Note that when the user uses the second unit 12 as a connected image housing, for example, when the user shoots a normal image for a plurality of times in FIG. When the width of the conventional housing as shown is divided by the number of times the CCD camera 33 takes an image, the width of the image when connected is the width of one image. The chain line shown in the case of FIG. 35 assumes the case of a conventional case as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the steps of executing the series of processes described above in this specification are performed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes performed in time series in the order described. The processing to be performed is also included.

It is a perspective view which shows the example of a whole structure of the photograph sticker production apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the example of installation of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the front of the 1st unit of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the right side surface of the 1st unit of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the back surface of the 1st unit of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure explaining a user's movement pattern. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the imaging | photography process part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the imaging | photography part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the edit process part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the edit part of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of photograph sticker creation game processing. It is a flowchart explaining the example of imaging | photography process. It is a figure which shows the example of selection of a connection pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a keep image selection. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a joint imaging | photography process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a preview image display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a preview image. It is a figure which shows the example of a preview image. It is a flowchart explaining the example of an edit process. It is a figure which shows the example of an edit screen. It is a figure which shows the example of the thumbnail currently displayed as a keep image. It is a figure which shows the example of the thumbnail currently displayed as a keep image. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process. It is a figure which shows the example of printing of a sticker paper. It is a figure which shows the detailed example of printing of a sticker paper. It is a figure which shows the detailed example of printing of a sticker paper. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a joint imaging | photography process. It is a figure which shows the example of a live view image. It is a figure which shows the example of a preview image. It is a figure which shows the example of a live view screen. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a joint imaging | photography process. It is a top view of the 2nd unit of a photograph sticker creation apparatus. It is a top view of the 2nd unit of a photograph sticker creation apparatus. It is a top view of the 2nd unit of a photograph sticker creation apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo sticker production apparatus 32 Imaging unit 33 CCD camera 34 Captured image display monitor 35 Imaging monitor 36 Audio output unit 51 Editing unit 52 Editing input monitor 54 Audio output unit 61 Shooting space 62 Editing space 71 Control unit 82 Shooting unit 83 Editing Unit 93 Imaging Processing Unit 94 Editing Processing Unit 111 Imaging Control Unit 161 Editing Control Unit

Claims (12)

As a photo sticker creation game, the user is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the user as a subject, and an editing input operation to input editing information to the user's image obtained by the shooting operation. In the photo sticker creating game, the user is photographed, the obtained user image is edited based on the editing input inputted by the user, and the edited user image obtained is obtained. Is a photo sticker creation device that prints on a predetermined sticker sheet, discharges the sticker sheet on which the edited image of the user is printed, and provides it to the user as a photo sticker,
Image capturing means for capturing an image including the user and storing the image including the user captured at a predetermined timing as a captured image;
A photo sticker creating apparatus comprising: an image display unit configured to display an image including the user captured by the photographing unit side by side with another image. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit displays the image side by side with the other image that is a captured image stored in the previous shooting. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image display means displays the image side by side with another image which is a predetermined image prepared in advance. The image display means is provided in the vicinity of the photographing means,
The image display means displays the image side by side with the other image so that the user who performs the photographing operation can confirm the image including the user displayed together with the other image. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit is provided at a position that is not visible to the user who is taking a picture. The photographic sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing unit captures and stores images including the user while checking each image one by one. The photograph sticker creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein images including the user displayed together with the other images are continuously captured and stored. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting unit that connects an image including the user displayed together with the other image to the captured image stored in the previous shooting. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising selection means for selecting each of the images connected to each other. 2. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an arrangement unit that arranges the linked photographed image and the input graffiti edit according to the coupling in printing. As a photo sticker creation game, the user is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the user as a subject, and an editing input operation to input editing information to the user's image obtained by the shooting operation. In the photo sticker creating game, the user is photographed, the obtained user image is edited based on the editing input inputted by the user, and the edited user image obtained is obtained. Is printed on a predetermined sticker sheet, the sticker sheet on which the edited image of the user is printed is ejected and provided to the user as a sticker photo,
An image capturing step of capturing an image including the user and storing the image including the user captured at a predetermined timing as a captured image;
An image display step of displaying an image including the user captured in the photographing step side by side with another image. As a photo sticker creation game, the user is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the user as a subject, and an editing input operation to input editing information to the user's image obtained by the shooting operation. In the photo sticker creating game, the user is photographed, the obtained user image is edited based on the editing input inputted by the user, and the edited user image obtained is obtained. In a program for printing a predetermined sticker sheet, discharging the sticker sheet on which the edited image of the user is printed, and causing the computer to perform processing for providing the user as a photo sticker,
An image capturing step of capturing an image including the user and storing the image including the user captured at a predetermined timing as a captured image;
An image display step of displaying an image including the user captured by the photographing step side by side with another image.

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