JP2008040988A - Photography game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photography game machine in which the load of a controller required for printing processing is reduced, memory capacity required on the controller side is reduced, and a printing processing time is shortened. <P>SOLUTION: The controller 100 photographs a subject with a camera 10, generates data of a plurality of kinds of photographic images and transfers the data of the plurality of kinds of photographic images together with data of a predetermined print layout to a printer 55. The printer 55 receives the data of the photographic images and the data of the print layout transferred from the controller 100, lays out the plurality of kinds of photographic images on the basis of the received data to generate data of print images and prints the print images on the basis of the generated data of the print image. The data of photographic images are sequentially transferred in each different kind. Transfer processing is performed in parallel with image processing. Photographic images of the same kind are subjected to correction processing only one time, and photographic images of the same size are subjected to resizing processing only one time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photography game machine, and more particularly to a photography game machine that photographs a subject and provides a photo sticker.

  The photo shoot game machine is installed in an amusement facility, etc., and automatically shoots a subject as a user in a shooting booth, and an edited image ( There are characters, figures, stamp images, frame images, background images, etc., which are also referred to as written image images), and the composite image is laid out and printed on a sticker sheet to provide a photo sticker.

  An example of a photographic sticker is shown in FIG. This photo sticker 61 is a web that provides a user with a composite image 62 of a photographic image and an edited image, a shooting date and time image 63 that indicates the shooting date and time, a model information image 64 that indicates the product name of the present photography machine, and a composite image 62. A site information image 65 indicating a URL of the site, a margin image 66, and the like are included.

  Photographic gaming machines are generally composed of a computer device (control device) and a printer for printing. When the photographic sticker 61 shown in FIG. 22 is created, the computer device generates a print image 67 in a print area indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of types of synthesized images 62 obtained by synthesizing a photographic image and an edited image are generated, and these synthesized images 62 are laid out based on a print layout 68 selected by the user. Thereby, the print image 67 is generated. The computer device transfers the generated print image 67 to the printer 55. The printer 55 prints the transferred print image 67 on the seal sheet as it is. Thereby, the photo sticker 61 is created.

  In the case of such a printing method, as shown in FIG. 24, the print processing time T from the completion of image editing to the completion of printing is represented by a simple sum of the image processing time T1, the transfer time T2, and the printing time T3. The The image processing time T1 is a time required for correction processing such as brightness and color tone of the composite image 62, resizing processing for enlarging or reducing the composite image 62 to a print size. The transfer time T <b> 2 is the time taken to transfer the print image 67 from the computer device to the printer 55. The printing time T3 is the time taken for the printer 55 to actually print the print image 67.

  Photographic gaming machines are always required to shorten the print processing time T in order to improve the customer turnover rate, but on the other hand, the resolution of images has been improved as the performance of cameras and printers has improved. It is high. As a result, there is a problem that the print processing time T becomes long or other processing becomes slow as the load on the print processing increases. In addition, since the data amount of the print image 67 becomes large, there is a problem that a memory having a large storage capacity must be provided on the computer device side in order to temporarily store the data.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-50052 (Patent Document 1) states that “not only an image input to an image input device such as a digital camera but also data such as a layout when outputting an image is supplied to an image output device such as a printer. An image input / output system that can save a plurality of images by printing a plurality of images on a printing paper or the like by transferring is described (summary of Patent Document 1).

  However, this image input / output system is merely a printer that prints a photographic image taken with a digital camera or the like, and does not take into consideration the circumstances peculiar to the photographic gaming machine. For example, if it is assumed that three people are shown in each of the images 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1, the images 1 to 4 are printed on one print sheet 501, and the same 3 is printed. It is common to create a sheet and distribute it to three people. Therefore, a plurality of the same images are not printed on one printing paper.

On the other hand, in a photography gaming machine, even if a plurality of users use it together, only one photo sticker is created per play. Therefore, the user selects a desired layout according to the number of people and cuts out one photo sticker together. Therefore, in the photography gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 21, it is necessary to print a plurality of the same images on one sticker sheet. If a number of photo stickers are created for each play, the printing process time becomes long and the customer turnover rate decreases. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the image sizes are all the same, but a plurality of the same images having different sizes may be printed.
JP 2000-50052 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a photographic game machine that reduces the load on a control device for print processing.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a photography game machine in which the memory capacity required for the control device side is reduced.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a photography gaming machine with a shortened printing processing time.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  A photography gaming machine according to the present invention includes a camera, a printer, and a control device that controls the camera and the printer. The control device includes camera control means and data transfer means. The camera control means controls the camera so as to shoot a subject and generate data of a plurality of types of photographic images. The data transfer means transfers data of a plurality of types of photographic images to a printer together with data of a predetermined print layout. The printer includes data receiving means, layout means, and printing means. The data receiving means receives a plurality of types of photographic image data and print layout data transferred from the control device. The layout unit lays out the plurality of types of photographic images based on the data of the plurality of types of photographic images and the data of the print layout received by the data receiving unit, and generates print image data. The printing unit prints the print image based on the print image data generated by the layout unit.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of types of photographic image data and print layout data are transferred from the control device to the printer instead of the print image data in which the photographic images are laid out. Therefore, the load on the control device for the printing process is reduced.

  Preferably, the data transfer means transfers the photographic image data in order for each type. In this case, the memory capacity required on the control device side is reduced.

  Preferably, the control device further includes image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the data of a plurality of types of photographic images one by one in order. The data transfer means receives data of another type of photographic image that has already been subjected to image processing by the image processing means while image processing is being performed on the data of one type of photographic image by the image processing means. Forward. In this case, since the transfer process is executed in parallel with the image process, the printing process time is shortened.

  Preferably, the control device further includes correction processing means and image type discrimination means. The correction processing means performs image quality correction processing on the data of a plurality of types of photographic images one by one in order. The image type discriminating unit determines whether the type of the photographic image data to be subjected to the correction processing by the correction processing unit is different from or the same as the type of the photographic image data that has already been subjected to the correction process. Allows the correction processing by the correction processing means, and prohibits the image processing by the correction processing means when the types are the same. In this case, since the correction process is performed only once for the same type of photographic images, the correction process time is shortened. As a result, the load on the control device for the printing process is reduced, and the printing process time is shortened.

  Preferably, the control device further includes a resizing processing unit and an image size determining unit. The resizing processing means performs predetermined resizing processing on the data of a plurality of types of photographic images one by one in order. The image size determination means determines whether the size of the photographic image to be subjected to the resizing process by the resizing processing means is different from or the same as the size of the photographic image that has been subjected to the resizing process. The resizing process by the means is allowed. If the sizes are the same, the resizing process by the resizing process means is prohibited. In this case, since the resizing process is performed only once for the same size photographic images, the resizing process time is shortened. As a result, the load on the control device for the printing process is reduced, and the printing process time is shortened.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

1. External Configuration With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a photography gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a photography booth 2 for photographing and two editing booths 3 for editing photograph images obtained by photographing. And divided. In the photographing booth 2, the photographing device 4 and the rear panel 5 are installed facing each other, and in the editing booth 3, two image editing devices 8 are installed back to back and are installed adjacent to the photographing device 4. . A chair 6 is installed on the front surface of the back panel 5, and the back panel 5 and the chair 6 are made in a single color (for example, green) for chroma. The photography booth 2 and the editing booth 3 are separated from the outside by a side curtain (not shown).

  A coin insertion slot 31 for inserting coins is provided on the side of the photography booth 2, and a photograph image taken at the photography booth 2 and edited at the editing booth 3 is printed on a sticker sheet on the side of the photography apparatus 4. A print discharge port 51 for discharging is provided.

  When using the photography gaming machine 1, the player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 31, enters the photography booth 2, and performs a photography operation toward the photography device 4. After shooting, the player moves to one of the editing booths 3 designated by the photography gaming machine 1, and this time, the image editing operation toward the image editing device 8, specifically, characters written in frames, stamps, and pens. Enter an edited image such as an image. After editing, the player receives the photo sticker discharged from the print discharge port 51.

  A camera 10 is provided at the center of the front of the photographing device 4, a photographing display 11 is provided below, and an illumination device 9 is provided around them.

  The camera 10 photographs a player as a subject, and a digital camera is generally used. A plurality of cameras 10 may be provided, or the camera 10 may be moved or adjusted in angle.

  The photographing display 11 is a confirmation monitor for the player who is the subject, and is directed toward the player so that the display screen can be easily seen. The shooting display 11 displays a live video (moving image) in real time by horizontally flipping the video shot by the camera 10. Therefore, the player can take a picture while looking at his / her appearance that looks like a mirror. Further, a transparent touch panel 12 (see FIG. 3) is pasted on the display screen, and the photographing display 11 accepts a player's input operation on the touch panel 12. The photographing display 11 is provided with a touch pen 13 for inputting various operations by the player on the touch panel 12. The shooting display 11 displays a photographed image for confirmation, various guidance screens, operation buttons, and the like in addition to the live video.

  The illumination device 9 is provided on the top, bottom, left, and right of the camera 10 and the ceiling, and illuminates the subject from the front. The illuminating device 9 includes an ordinary lamp illumination such as a fluorescent lamp and a flash illumination (flash) such as a strobe. The strobe emits light at the moment when the start of shooting is instructed by the player and the live video captured by the camera 10 is captured as a photographic image (still image), and illuminates the subject strongly. In addition to the above, the illumination device is also provided on the side and rear of the subject to illuminate the subject from all directions.

  The image editing device 8 is a device for editing a photographic image obtained by the photographing device 4. An editing display 40 is provided at the front center of the image editing device 8.

  The editing display 40 displays one or more photographic images selected from photographic images taken by the camera 10. Further, a transparent touch panel 41 (see FIG. 3) is pasted on the display screen, and the editing display 40 accepts the player's editing operation on the touch panel 41. On both sides of the editing display 40, touch pens 42 for inputting an edited image on the touch panel 41 are provided. The image editing device 8 executes an image editing process on the photographic image according to the editing operation of the player.

  After the editing is completed, the photographic gaming machine 1 prints a composite image of the edited image and the photographic image on a sticker sheet, discharges it from the print discharge port 51, and provides the completed photo sticker to the player.

2. Functional Configuration Referring to FIG. 3, a photographic gaming machine 1 includes a photographic computer device 101a that executes a photographing process, an image editing computer device 101b that performs an image editing process, and operating computer devices 101a and 101b. The control board 102 which receives the instruction | indication from and controls the various apparatuses connected, and the chroma capture board 17 are provided. The photographing computer device 101a and the image editing computer device 101b are connected to each other and exchange image data and the like on a peer-to-peer basis. These function as the control device 100 of the photography gaming machine 1.

  The computer apparatuses 101a and 101b are input with CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103a and 103b, a control program for causing the apparatus to execute a predetermined process, graphic data necessary for the process, audio data, photographed photographic image, and the like. And hard disks 104a and 104b for storing composite images such as a plurality of background images prepared in advance, and memories 105a and 105b serving as temporary work areas for control programs.

  The imaging computer device 101a executes imaging processing at the imaging booth 2. Specifically, the imaging computer device 101 a executes a control program and transmits a control signal to the control board 102 in response to an input operation with the touch pen 13 on the touch panel 12. The photographing computer device 101a is connected to the camera 10, the photographing display 11, and the control board 102, and controls them. The chroma capture board 17 captures video captured by the camera 10 as digital data (still image) at a predetermined time interval (for example, 30 frames / second), and uses the chroma image technique to capture images other than the subject from the captured still image. A region is detected, and a desired background image selected is synthesized with the detected region.

  The image editing computer device 101b executes image editing processing and printing processing in the editing booth 3. Specifically, the image editing computer apparatus 101 b executes a control program and transmits a control signal to the control board 102 in accordance with an input operation with the touch pen 42 on the touch panel 41. The image editing computer device 101b is connected to the printer 55, the editing display 40, and the control board 102 and controls them. Since two image editing devices 8 are provided, two sets of editing display 40, touch panel 41, and touch pen 42 are provided.

  The hard disk 104b in the image editing computer device 101b stores a control program. The hard disk 104b also stores an image for synthesis such as a background image, a stamp image, and the like used for image editing processing described later.

  The printer 55 prints a combined image obtained by combining the edited image with the photographic image on a print medium such as a sticker sheet. The printer 55 of this embodiment prints a composite image on a sticker sheet, but the print medium is not limited to a sticker sheet and may be another print medium.

  The touch panel 12 is laminated on the photographing display 11. The touch panel 12 detects the touch of the touch pen 13 and transmits an instruction signal corresponding to the touch to the photographing computer device 101a. The photographing display 11 displays an image transmitted from the photographing computer device 101a, specifically, a photographic image captured by the camera 10, guidance for photographing, options, and the like.

  The touch panel 41 is stacked on the editing display 40. The touch panel 41 detects the touch of the touch pen 42 and transmits an instruction signal corresponding to the touch to the image editing computer apparatus 101b. The editing display 40 displays the edited image transmitted from the image editing computer device 101b so as to overlap the photographic image.

  In addition to the computer devices 101a and 101b, the control board 102 is connected to the strobe control unit 110, strobe 15, fluorescent lamp 14, service panel 113, printing LED 52, print error LED 53, coin control unit 112, and voice control unit 111. Is done.

  A strobe control unit 110 is connected to the camera 10 and controls the strobe 15 to emit light according to the shutter timing of the camera 10. The audio control unit 111 is connected to the photographing computer device 101a and the image editing computer device 101b via the control board 102. The photographing speaker 16 is provided in the photographing booth 2 and outputs guidance such as an operation method for photographing play, BGM, and the like based on an instruction signal given from the photographing computer device 101a via the control board 102. The editing speaker 46 is provided in the editing booth 3, and outputs guidance such as an operation method for editing play, BGM, and the like based on an instruction signal given from the image editing computer apparatus 101b via the control board 102. .

3. Operation The operation of the photography gaming machine 1 described above is roughly as follows.

  First, the photographing computer device 101a executes photographing processing for photographing a subject with the camera 10 in the photographing booth 2 to obtain a photographic image. Next, the image editing computer apparatus 101b executes an editing process for editing a photographic image in response to a user input operation in the editing booth 3. Finally, the image editing computer apparatus 101b controls the printer 55 to execute a printing process for printing the edited photographic image on a sticker sheet. Hereinafter, details of the photographing process, the editing process, and the printing process will be described in order.

3-1. Shooting Process First, the operation of the photography gaming machine 1 in the shooting booth 2 will be described. The CPU 103a of the photographing computer device 101a implements this photographing process by reading the computer program stored in the hard disk 104a into the memory 105a and executing it.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the CPU 103a displays a title demonstration screen that prompts the use of the photography gaming machine 1 on the photographing display 11 (S1). During the display of the title demonstration screen, the coin control unit 112 accepts insertion of a predetermined number of coins (S2).

  Subsequently, the CPU 103a selects a desired background image in accordance with the user's selection operation (S3), displays the live video shot by the camera 10 on the shooting display 11 (S4), and displays the live video. It is fixed at a predetermined shutter timing and stored as a photographic image in the memory 105a (S5), and the photographic image is displayed on the photographing display 11 for confirmation by the user (S6). The CPU 103a repeats the above steps S4 to S6 until the predetermined number of images is photographed (S7).

  When a predetermined number of shots have been taken and the shooting time limit has elapsed (YES in S8), the CPU 103a displays a shooting end screen on the shooting display 11 (S9), and the image data obtained by shooting is edited. (S10). Finally, the CPU 103a displays a guide for moving to the editing booth 3 on the photographing display 11 (S11), returns to step S1, and displays the title demo screen again.

3-2. Editing Process Next, the operation of the photography game machine 1 in the editing booth 3 will be described. The CPU 103b of the image editing computer device 101b implements editing processing by reading the control program stored in the hard disk 104b into the memory 105b and executing it.

  Referring to FIG. 5, CPU 103b displays a standby screen for prompting to start from shooting play on editing display 40 (S21). When the photographing process shown in FIG. 4 is completed, the photographic image data is transferred from the photographing computer device 101a to the image editing computer device 101b, and the image editing computer device 101b receives this (S22). The CPU 103b displays a photographic image as shown in FIG. 6, and edits the photographic image according to the graffiti input by the user using the touch pen 42 (S23). The CPU 103b displays a plurality of edited photographic images side by side, and prompts the user to select a photographic image to be printed from among them (S24). When the user selects a photographic image, the CPU 103b displays a plurality of predetermined print layouts, and prompts the user to select a desired print layout (S25). When the user selects a print layout, the CPU 103b prints a photographic image on the sticker sheet with the printer 55 using the selected print layout, and provides the photographic sticker to the user from the print discharge port 51 (S26). Details of this printing process will be described below.

3-3. Printing Process In this printing process, the control device 100 transfers the photographic image data and the print layout data to the printer 55 without laying out the photographic image. The printer 55 lays out a photographic image based on the print layout data, and prints the laid-out photographic image on a sticker sheet. In order to realize this, the printer 55 includes a control device including a CPU, and a control program described in detail later is installed (implemented).

  Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 103b specifies layout data LD corresponding to the print layout selected in step S25 (S261). An example of the format of the layout data LD is shown in FIG. The layout data LD is stored in the hard disk 104b of the image editing computer apparatus 101b. As shown in FIG. 8, the layout data LD includes m entries corresponding to m images entered on one photo sticker. The entry number m is recorded before the first entry. Each entry includes the image number of the image, the size of the image in the X direction (X size), the size of the image in the Y direction (Y size), the position of the image in the X direction (X position), and the The position in the Y direction (Y position) and the arrangement direction (image direction) of the image are recorded. The image number takes a value from “01” to “99” in order to specify the image. In the case of “00”, it indicates the same image number as the previous entry. Similarly, in the case of “00”, the X size or the Y size indicates the same image size as the previous entry.

  For example, in the case of the print layout (8 divisions) shown in FIG. 9, the layout data LD is as shown in FIG. In this print layout, there are four types of composite images A, B, C, and D, and there are two identical composite images for each type. In addition to the eight composite images, there are a model information image 64, a shooting date and time image 63, and a site information image 65. Since there are a total of 11 images, the number of entries is “11”.

  In the entry for the image A1, the image number is “01” indicating the image A, the X size is WX1 = “720”, the Y size is WY2 = “960”, the X position is X1 = “360”, and the Y position is Y1. = "240", the image direction is "0". In the entry for the image A2, the image number is “00” indicating the same image as the entry for the image A1, the X size and the Y size are “00” indicating the same image size as the entry for the image A1, and the X position is X2. = “360”, Y position is Y2 = “1200”, and image direction is “0”. The same applies to the entries for the other images B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, and D2.

  In the entry for the model information image 64, the image number is “20” indicating the model information image 64, the X size is “1200”, the Y size is “110”, the X position is “360”, and the Y position is “120”. The image direction is “0”. In the entry for the shooting date / time image 63, the image number is “30” indicating the shooting date / time image 63, the X size is “1200”, the Y size is “100”, the X position is “240”, and the Y position is “2160”. The image direction is “1”. In the entry for the site information image 65, the image number is “40” indicating the site information image 65, the X size is “1920”, the Y size is “120”, the X position is “1320”, and the Y position is “2200”. The image direction is “0”.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the image direction has four values “0” to “3”. Specifically, the standard direction is “0”, and the image direction is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the standard direction. “1” for the direction, “2” for the direction reversed from the standard direction, and “3” for the direction rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the standard direction.

  For example, in the case of the print layout (mixed 16 divisions) shown in FIG. 12, the layout data LD is as shown in FIG. In this print layout, there are four types of synthesized images A, B, C, and D. The synthesized images A and B have six identical images, and the synthesized images C and D have two identical images. In addition to the 14 composite images, there are a model information image 64, a shooting date and time image 63, and a site information image 65. Since there are a total of 19 images, the number of entries is “19”. In this example, the images C1, C2, D1, and D2 are rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the standard direction. Therefore, in the four entries for the images C1, C2, D1, and D2, all the image directions are “ 1 ”.

  Referring to FIG. 7 again, after specifying layout data LD, CPU 103b initializes printer transfer data PD to be transferred to printer 55 (S262). An example of the format of the printer transfer data PD is shown in FIG. The printer transfer data PD is transferred from the image editing computer device 101b to the printer 55. As shown in FIG. 14, the printer transfer data PD includes n entries, and the entry number n is recorded before the first entry. In each entry, the X position of the image, the Y position of the image, the X size of the image, the Y size of the image, and the image direction of the image are recorded. After the last entry, correction processing such as color tone is performed on the composite image obtained by combining the photographic image and the edited image, and image data (actual data) that has been resized to a predetermined size is recorded. . The image of this image data is actually printed according to the information recorded in each entry. It should be noted that a fixed image (an image other than a photographic image) having a preset color tone and size such as the shooting date / time image 63, the model information image 64, and the site information image 65 is not subjected to correction processing or resizing processing. Alternatively, it may be processed as real data as it is.

  After initialization of the printer transfer data PD, the CPU 103b reads the number of entries from the layout data LD and substitutes it for the variable m (S263).

  Subsequently, the CPU 103b determines whether m = 0, that is, whether the process is finished (S264). For example, immediately after the number of entries “11” is read from the layout data LD shown in FIG. 10, m = 11. Therefore, the CPU 103b reads the first image number “01” from the layout data LD and substitutes it for the variable f. (S265). Since the variable m is decremented in step S279, which will be described later, the CPU 103b sequentially reads the image number from the top of the layout data LD. Therefore, the variable m changes as “01” → “00” → “02” → “00” → “03” → “00” → “04” → “00” → “20” → “30” → “40” I will do it.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103b determines whether f ≠ 0, that is, whether it is a new type of image (S266). If f ≠ 0, that is, a new type of image (YES in S266), the CPU 103b executes a data transfer process for transferring the printer transfer data PD set so far (S267), and a new type of image. A correction process is executed for S <b> 268. Details of the data transfer process will be described later. Specifically, in the correction process, the image quality such as the brightness and color tone of the composite image Pf with the image number f is changed, and the corrected image Pfc obtained as a result is stored. On the other hand, if f = 0, that is, the same type of image as before (NO in S266), the CPU 103b skips steps S267 and S268. For example, in the case of the images A1, B1, C1, and D1, the model information image 64, the shooting date and time image 63, or the site information image 65 whose image number is not “00”, the type of the previously processed image is different. The data transfer process S267 is executed to transfer the image data to the image data 55, and the correction process S268 is executed to correct the new type of image this time. In the case of C2 and D2, since they are the same as the previously processed image type, these processes S267 and S268 are not executed.

  Next, the CPU 103b reads the X size from the layout data LD and assigns it to the variable WX (S269), and reads the Y size from the layout data LD and assigns it to the variable WY (S270). For example, in the case of the image A1, WX = 720 and WY = 960, and in the case of the image A2, WX = 0 and WY = 0.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103b determines whether WX ≠ 0 or not and whether it is a change to a new size (S271). When WX ≠ 0, that is, when changing to a new size (YES in S271), the CPU 103b executes a data transfer process to transfer the printer transfer data PD set so far (S272), and this process A new size change (resizing) process is executed for the image (the corrected image Pfc that has been corrected in step S268) (S273). Specifically, in the resizing process, the already stored correction image Pfc is read out, changed to the X size WX and the Y size WY (reduction, enlargement, trimming, etc.), and the resized image Pfcw obtained as a result is corrected image Stored separately from Pfc. The CPU 103b further sets the X size WX and the Y size WY in the printer transfer data PD (S274). On the other hand, if WX = 0, that is, the same size as before (NO in S271), the CPU 103b skips steps S272 to S274. For example, in the case of the image A1, a resized image having a size of 720 × 960 is generated based on the corrected image, and WX = 720 and WY = 960 are set in the printer transfer data PD as shown in FIG. In the case of the image A2, since WX = 0, the size changing process S273 and the like are not repeatedly executed.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103b reads the X position from the layout data LD and assigns it to the variable X (S275), and reads the Y position from the layout data LD and assigns it to the variable Y (S276). For example, in the case of the image A1, X = 360 and Y = 240, and in the case of the image A2, X = 360 and Y = 1200.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103b sets the X position, the Y position, and the image direction in the printer transfer data PD (S277). For example, as shown in FIG. 15, in the printer transfer data PD, X = 360 and Y = 240 are set for the image A1, and X = 360 and Y = 1200 are set for the image A2. In both images A1 and A2, the image direction is set to “0”. Further, X = 240 and Y = 2160 are set in the printer transfer data PD for the shooting date / time image 63, and the image direction is set to “1”.

  Finally, the CPU 103b adds only one entry number of the printer transfer data PD (S278) and subtracts one variable m (S279), and then returns to step S264. For example, immediately after the X position, Y position, and image direction of the image A1 are set, the number of entries of the printer transfer data PD is “1”, and m = 10. Next, immediately after the X position, the Y position, and the image direction of the image A2 are set, the number of entries of the printer transfer data PD is “2”, and m = 9.

  When the variable m is decremented by one and becomes “0” (YES in S264), the CPU 103b executes data transfer processing (S280) and instructs the printer 55 to start printing (S281).

  Next, details of the data transfer process will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 103b determines whether or not the printer transfer data PD is set (S291). If it is set (YES in S291), the CPU 103b sets the actual data in the printer transfer data PD (S292). Subsequently, the CPU 103b transfers the set printer transfer data PD to the printer 55 (S293), and finally initializes the printer transfer data PD (S294).

  For example, in the case where the 8-division layout data LD shown in FIG. 10 is selected, when the image A1 becomes a processing target, since f = 01, it is determined as a new type of image in step S266, and the step In step S267, the data transfer process is executed. At this time, since no printer transfer data PD is set yet, steps S292 to S294 are skipped, and the correction process for the image A1 is immediately executed in step S268. Subsequently, since WX = 720, it is determined in step S271 that the size has been changed to a new size, and data transfer processing is executed in step S272. At this time, no printer transfer data PD is set yet. Therefore, the image A1 size changing process is immediately executed in step S273. Thereafter, the X size, Y size, X position, Y position, and image direction of the image A1 are set in the printer transfer data PD.

  Next, when the image A2 becomes a processing target, since f = 00, it is determined in step S266 that the image is the same type as before, and neither the data transfer process (S267) nor the correction process (S268) is executed. Subsequently, since WX = 00, it is determined in step S271 that the size has been changed to the same size as before, and neither the data transfer process (S272), the size change process (S273) nor the size setting process (S274) is executed. Thereafter, the X position, Y position, and image direction of the image A2 are set in the printer transfer data PD.

  Next, when the image B1 becomes a processing target, since f = 02, it is determined as a new type of image in step S266, and data transfer processing is executed in step S267. At this time, since the printer transfer data PD relating to the image A (= A1 = A2) has already been set, the actual data of the image A is added to the printer transfer data PD in step S292, and then the printer transfer is performed in step S293. Data PD is transferred. The process for image B1 is the same as the process for A1, and the process for image B2 is the same as the process for A2.

  Finally, when the site information image 65 becomes a processing target, since f = 40, it is determined as a new type of image in step S266, and a data transfer process is executed in step S267. At this time, since the printer transfer data PD related to the shooting date / time image 63 has already been set, the actual data of the shooting date / time image 63 is added to the printer transfer data PD in step S292, and then the printer transfer data PD in step S293. Is transferred.

  In step S279, the variable m is decremented to “0”, so that the data transfer process is executed in step S280. At this time, since the printer transfer data PD relating to the site information image 65 has already been set, after the actual data of the site information image 65 is added to the printer transfer data PD in step S292, the printer transfer data PD in step S293. Is transferred.

  As described above, when there are two or more images of the same type in one print layout, the correction process is performed only once and is not repeatedly performed wastefully. Also, the same type of image data is transferred only once and is not repeatedly transferred wastefully. In addition, when there are two or more images of the same type and the same size, the size changing process is executed only once and is not repeatedly performed wastefully.

  In the example of the printer transfer data PD shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when there are two or more images of the same type and the same size in one print layout, the same X size and Y size are repeatedly set. An example of the format of the printer transfer data PD in which such a useless setting is reduced is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the common X size and Y size are recorded together before the first entry and after the number of entries n.

  When such a format is adopted, for example, when the mixed 16-division layout data LD shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is selected, the printer transfer data PD shown in FIG. 18 is set.

  For example, when the image A1 becomes a processing target, since f = 01, it is determined as a new type of image in step S266, and the correction processing of the image A1 is executed in step S268. Subsequently, since WX = 720, it is determined in step S271 that the image has been changed to a new size, and in step S273, the image A1 is resized. Thereafter, the X size, Y size, X position, Y position, and image direction of the image A1 are set in the printer transfer data PD.

  Next, when the image A2 becomes a processing target, since f = 00, it is determined in step S266 that the image is the same type as before, and neither the data transfer process (S267) nor the correction process (S268) is executed. Subsequently, since WX = 00, it is determined in step S271 that the size has been changed to the same size as before, and neither the data transfer process (S272), the size change process (S273) nor the size setting process (S274) is executed. Thereafter, the X position, Y position, and image direction of the image A2 are set in the printer transfer data PD.

  Next, when the image A3 is processed, since f = 00, it is determined in step S266 that the image is the same type as before, and neither the data transfer process (S267) nor the correction process (S268) is executed. Subsequently, since WX = 360, it is determined in step S271 that the size has been changed to a new size, and data transfer processing is executed in step S272. At this time, since the printer transfer data PD regarding the image A (= A1 = A2) has already been set, the actual data of the image A (720 × 960) is added to the printer transfer data PD in step S292, and then the step In step S293, the printer transfer data PD is transferred. Subsequently, after the size changing process of the image A3 is executed in step S273, the X size, Y size, X position, Y position, and image direction of the image A3 are set in the printer transfer data PD. Henceforth, the process with respect to images A4-A6 is the same as the process with respect to A2.

  Here, correction processing for the same type of image and resize processing to the same size are not repeatedly executed, but it is also possible to execute repeatedly.

  On the other hand, the printer 55 executes print processing according to the firmware shown in FIG. Specifically, the printer transfer data PD transferred from the control device 100 in steps S267, S272, and S280 is received (S301). The printer 55 first rotates the image as necessary according to the image direction of the printer transfer data PD (S302), and then lays out the image according to the X size, Y size, X position, and Y position of the printer transfer data PD. (S303). The printer 55 repeats steps S301 to S303 until it receives a print start instruction from the control device 100 in step S281, thereby generating data of the print image 67 (S304). When an instruction to start printing is received (YES in S304), the printer 55 prints the print image 67 on the seal sheet based on the data of the print image 67 (S305).

  In the above embodiment, the control device 100 sets the image direction in the printer transfer data PD, and the printer 55 rotates the image according to the image direction of the printer transfer data PD transferred from the control device 100. The apparatus 100 may rotate the image in advance and transfer the printer transfer data PD not including the image direction to the printer 55, and the printer 55 may lay out and print the image as it is without rotating. For example, when the image direction is “1” as shown in FIG. 20 (for example, the images C1, C2, D1, and D2 in the print layout shown in FIG. 12 correspond to this), the control device 100 rotates the image counterclockwise. And the origin coordinates indicating the X position and Y position are changed from the upper left vertex of the original image to the upper right vertex, the X size is set to the Y size of the original image, and the Y size is set to the X of the original image. Set to size.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, it is described that image processing such as correction processing (S268) and size change processing (S273) is executed after data transfer processing (S267, S272). The printer transfer data PD is already set for the image immediately before the image to be transferred, and the CPU 103b that starts the transfer of the printer transfer data PD leaves the process, and another hardware such as DMA (Direct Memory Access) is installed. Since the data transfer process is continued, the data transfer process and the image process can be executed simultaneously in parallel.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, after the image processing for the image A, the CPU 103b transfers the printer transfer data PD for the image A (S267, S272) and simultaneously executes the image processing for the next image B. (S268, S273). Subsequently, the CPU 103b transfers the printer transfer data PD for the image B (S267, S272), and simultaneously executes image processing for the next image C (S268, S273). Subsequently, the CPU 103b transfers the printer transfer data PD for the image C (S267, S272) and at the same time executes image processing for the next image D (S268, S273). Subsequently, the CPU 103b transfers the printer transfer data PD for the image D (S280). Then, the printer 55 prints the images A to D laid out based on the transferred printer transfer data PD (S305).

  If the data transfer process and the image process are executed in parallel, the image processing time T1 and the printing time T3 cannot be shortened as compared with the conventional printing method shown in FIG. 23, but the transfer time T2 ′ is shortened. can do. As a result, the print processing time T ′ obtained by adding the image processing time T1, the transfer time T2 ′ and the printing time T3 can be shortened. In addition, since the printer transfer data PD is transferred to the printer 55 sequentially from the image for which image processing has been completed, data of a large print image 67 corresponding to the area of one photo sticker as in the past is transferred in a lump. As compared with the above, the capacity of the memory 105b in the image editing computer apparatus 101b can be reduced.

  In FIG. 20, for example, the transfer processing of the printer transfer data PD for the image A and the image processing of the image B are shown to be started at the same time. This start time may actually deviate.

  Here, the image transfer process is performed after the image D is processed last, but any image may be processed last. Since the time required for the data transfer processing of the image that has undergone the last image processing is the transfer time T2 ′, it is preferable to perform image processing on the image with the shortest time last.

  In the above embodiment, the CPU 103b of the image editing computer apparatus 101b of the control device 100 executes the printing process. However, the CPU 103a of the photographing computer apparatus 103a may execute the printing process, and in particular, the printing process is executed. The computer apparatus to be made is not limited. In this case, images and data necessary for the printing process may be transferred or read out to a computer device that executes the printing process. Furthermore, the computer device may be configured with three or more units for photographing, image editing, printing, and the like.

  In the above embodiment, the data transfer process shown in FIG. 16 is performed in series in the print process shown in FIG. 7. However, the data transfer process is started as a separate task and executed in parallel. The processing may be performed automatically. In this case, the data transfer process of this other task waits for a data transfer process start instruction from the print process, and the print process issues the start instruction in steps S267, S272, and S280 in FIG. The process only needs to execute steps S291 to S294 in response to the start instruction. Also, in this case, synchronize the actual data and the printer transfer data PD by double buffering so that they do not collide with each other in the printing process or data transfer process, or check whether they are being read before writing. It is preferable to leave.

  While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit thereof.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the photography game machine by embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an image editing device and a photographing device in the photography gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the photography game machine shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the computer apparatus for imaging | photography in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the image editing computer apparatus in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen at the time of the image editing in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing print processing by the control device in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the format of the layout data used for the printing process shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print layout used for the printing process illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing layout data of the print layout shown in FIG. 9. It is a figure for demonstrating the image direction in FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a printing layout. It is a figure which shows the layout data of the printing layout shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the format of the printer transfer data used for the printing process shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing printer transfer data generated based on the layout data shown in FIG. 10 when the format shown in FIG. 14 is adopted. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the data transfer process in FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a format of printer transfer data. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing printer transfer data generated based on the layout data shown in FIG. 13 when the format shown in FIG. 17 is adopted. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing printing processing by the printer in FIG. 3. It is a figure for demonstrating the size change process of a control apparatus when not setting the image direction in FIG. FIG. 20 is a timing chart of the printing process shown in FIGS. 7 and 19. It is a figure which shows the photograph sticker produced with the conventional photography game machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the creation method of the photo sticker by the conventional photography game machine. It is a figure which shows the structure of the printing processing time of the conventional photography game machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photographing game machine 55 Printer 100 Control apparatus 101a Image-taking computer apparatus 101b Image-editing computer apparatus 105a, 105b Memory

Claims (8)

A photography gaming machine comprising a camera, a printer, and a control device for controlling the camera and the printer,
The controller is
Camera control means for controlling the camera to shoot a subject and generate data of a plurality of types of photographic images;
Data transfer means for transferring the data of the plurality of types of photographic images to the printer together with data of a predetermined print layout,
The printer is
Data receiving means for receiving a plurality of types of photographic image data and print layout data transferred from the control device;
Layout means for laying out the plurality of types of photographic images based on the data of the plurality of types of photographic images and the data of the print layout received by the data receiving unit, and generating print image data;
A photographic game machine comprising: a printing unit that prints the print image based on the print image data generated by the layout unit. A photography game machine according to claim 1,
The photographic gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the data transfer means transfers the photographic image data in order according to the type. A photography game machine according to claim 1,
The control device further includes:
Image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the data of the plurality of types of photographic images one by one in order,
The data transfer means is another type of photographic image that has already been subjected to image processing by the image processing means while image processing is being performed on data of a certain type of photographic image by the image processing means. A photography game machine characterized by transferring the data. A photography game machine according to claim 1,
The control device further includes:
Correction processing means for performing image quality correction processing one by one on the plurality of types of photographic image data,
It is determined whether the data type of the photographic image to be subjected to the correction process by the correction processing unit is different from or the same as the data type of the photographic image that has already been subjected to the correction process. If the type is different, the correction processing unit And a picture type determining means for prohibiting image processing by the correction processing means when the type is the same. A photography game machine according to claim 1,
The control device further includes:
Resizing processing means for performing predetermined resizing processing on the plurality of types of photographic image data one by one in order;
It is determined whether the size of the photographic image to be resized by the resize processing unit is different from or the same as the size of the photographic image that has already been resized, and if the size is different, the resize processing by the resize processing unit is performed. A photographic game machine comprising: an image size determining means that permits and prohibits the resizing processing by the resizing processing means when the sizes are the same. A method for controlling a photography gaming machine comprising a camera, a printer, and a control device for controlling the camera and the printer,
Controlling the camera to shoot a subject and generate data of multiple types of photographic images;
Transferring the data of the plurality of types of photographic images together with data of a predetermined print layout from the control device to the printer;
Receiving a plurality of types of photographic image data and print layout data transferred from the control device by the printer;
Laying out the plurality of types of photographic images with the printer based on the received plurality of types of photographic image data and print layout data, and generating print image data;
And a step of printing the print image based on the generated print image data. A control program implemented in a control device for controlling a camera and a printer of a photography gaming machine,
Controlling the camera to shoot a subject and generate data of multiple types of photographic images;
A control program for causing a computer to execute the step of transferring data of the plurality of types of photographic images together with data of a predetermined print layout from the control device to the printer. A control program implemented in a printer of a photography game machine,
Receiving a plurality of types of photographic image data and print layout data generated by photographing a subject with a camera of the photographic gaming machine and transferred from a control device that controls the camera and the printer;
Laying out the plurality of types of photographic images with the printer based on the received plurality of types of photographic image data and print layout data, and generating print image data;
A control program for causing a computer to execute a step of printing the print image based on the generated print image data.

Images