JP2008058791A - Automatic photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To take satisfactory photographs of an infant by photographing the infant at appropriate photographing timing. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic photographing apparatus includes: a photographing means that photographs an object; a pressure detecting means that detects the pressure of the object; and a control means that controls the photographing means. The pressure detecting means informs the control means of detected pressure information. When the pressure information informed by the pressure detecting means satisfies preset conditions, the control means makes the photographing means carry out photographing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic photographing apparatus suitable for application to an automatic photo studio that automatically photographs an image of a subject (subject image) centered on a child.

  A recent child is said to have six wallets. In recent years, when the number of one child increases and one child marries and a child is born, a total of six parents and grandparents love this one child without paying attention to the money.

  Reflecting this social situation, there are an increasing number of photo studios dedicated to taking pictures of children in various parts of the country. In such a photo studio, a mother can bring a small child and have a photographer take a picture of the child, and the photograph taken can be confirmed on the spot. And if you have taken “good photos” (photos that show the cuteness of the children, photos that show the children ’s liveliness, etc.), you can order the same photos in order to send them to your grandparents. become. For this reason, the photo studio also prepares dress-ups such as princess-like dresses so that you can take pictures with a different image than usual.

  In these photo studios, professional photographers take pictures to take pictures that satisfy users. However, hiring a professional photographer increases the cost of operating a photo studio, which in turn increases the price paid by users.

  Also, it is not easy for professional photographers to take “good photos” of small children (approximately 6 years old or younger). This is because a small child may not be able to understand the meaning of the instruction even if the cameraman instructs the direction of the line of sight and the pose. This is because they usually turn in the direction, and on the contrary, their facial expressions become stiff, and they run around even when they are required to stop.

  Rather, the fact that there are strange photographers other than mothers makes it difficult for small children to relax and to take “good photos”.

  Recently, an automatic photo studio has been proposed in order to reduce the above-mentioned operating cost and to take a picture in a relaxed atmosphere by eliminating other people such as a photographer.

  An automatic photo studio is a photo studio equipped with an automatic photo studio, photo editing equipment and printing equipment, and users take photos of their children without worrying about the eyes of others in the auto photo studio. However, using a photo editing facility, it is possible to perform editing such as attaching a decorative frame to the photographed photo or entering a photographing date. And you can print just the photos you like in various sizes on the spot and take them home.

  Now, in such an automatic photo studio, the system needs to determine the shooting timing.

  Conventionally, automatic photographing has been widely implemented in certificate photographers and photograph sticker vending machines. However, with regard to the certificate camera, it is assumed that a user of a certain age or older will take a photo with his own intention, and it is only necessary to be able to take a front-facing photo while sitting in a chair. For this reason, if you tell the user only the camera position (the direction of the line of sight) and the shooting timing with a note or voice, you can expect the user to act as expected. No special skills are required.

  Photo sticker vending machines, on the other hand, have the same situation as certificate cameras in that they are based on the premise that users of a certain age or older will take photographs at their own will. The purpose of is to take a “good picture”, and for example, in order to perform optimum shooting in a state where the user is dancing, a technique for determining the shooting timing is required.

With regard to such a technique, for example, a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors (foot switches) are installed on the floor of the shooting room, and a user can take a picture of a moving pose by taking a picture when stepping on the sensor. A technique is known (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-100302

  However, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 is premised on users who have a certain level of understanding and willingness to take “good photos”, such as female junior high school girls and high school girls.

  If you are older than a certain age, the pressure-sensitive sensor part is displayed with a special pattern, and if you explain that the pressure-sensitive sensor acts as a shutter, you can understand its use, but for a small child it is just a little It's just part of the raised floor and you won't step on it.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for detecting an optimal shooting timing for enabling a “good photo” to be shot when shooting a small child in an automatic photo studio or the like.

  In order to achieve the above object, in an automatic photographing apparatus for automatically photographing a subject according to the present invention, a photographing means for photographing the subject, a pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the subject, and a control means for controlling the photographing means The pressure detection means notifies the detected pressure information to the control means, and the control means, when the pressure information notified from the pressure detection means satisfies a preset condition, Let's take a picture.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to take a “good photo” by taking an image at an optimum shooting timing when shooting a small child in a shooting studio such as an automatic photo studio.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a layout diagram showing the in-store (in-house) structure of an automatic photo studio according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present example).

  In the automatic photo studio 0101, equipments of a counter 0102, a satellite 0106, and a studio 0107 are arranged.

  The detailed configuration and function of each facility will be described later. The counter 0102 is a facility for the user to issue an IC card to be used in the store and to perform accounting. Studio 0107 is an automatic photography studio equipped with a camera, lighting, background, and the like. The necessary equipment and functions differ slightly depending on the age of the child to be photographed, so there are three types: normal studio, action studio, and baby studio. The satellite 0106 is a facility for a user to spend time before photographing or to edit a photographed image, and includes a table on which a computer is installed and one or more chairs.

  In the automatic photo studio 0101 store, a plurality of studios 0107 and a plurality of satellites 0106 are installed so that a plurality of users can simultaneously shoot and edit images.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, a counter system 0104, a printer system 0105, and a server system 0103 including a computer system and various components connected thereto are installed near the counter 0102. Similarly, a satellite system 0110 is installed in each satellite 0106, and a studio system 0111 is installed in each studio 0107.

  In addition to the above facilities, the store has a costume shelf that stores rental costumes used for shooting, a room for changing clothes, shelves for storing small items such as stuffed animals used for shooting, toilets, shoe boxes, and bored. There are various facilities necessary for the operation of an automatic photo studio, such as a play area for children to play and a backyard for storing equipment.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the entire automatic photo studio system according to the present embodiment. The server system 0103 mainly records various files used in the entire automatic photo studio system, and functions as a so-called file server that provides data in accordance with requests from other systems. The counter system 0104 performs operations necessary for the operation of an automatic photo studio, such as issuance of IC cards, confirmation of printing status, and accounting. On the other hand, the satellite system 0110 and the studio system 0111 are systems mainly for users, and are used for image (photo) editing and image shooting, respectively. A printer system 0105 is a system for controlling image printing by a printer.

  Each system is configured by connecting a computer such as a PC and peripheral devices such as an IC card R / W (reader / writer), a touch panel monitor, and the like, and are connected to each other via a communication line 0114. Therefore, for example, the server system 0103 receives the operating status information of the satellite system 0110, records it in a file for managing the operating status of the automatic photo studio system, and sends it in accordance with a request from the counter system 0104. It can be displayed on a touch panel monitor of the counter system 0104.

  For the printer system 0105, the satellite system 0110, and the studio system 0111, a plurality of systems of the same type may be installed according to the number of users and the number of printed images. In the following description, the server system 0103, the counter system 0104, the printer system 0105, the satellite system 0110, and the studio system 0111 are simply referred to as “system”. In addition, when all of a plurality of systems are systems of the same application, for example, the printer system 0105, they are described as “the same type of system”.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of use of the automatic photo studio by the user in the automatic photo studio (hereinafter abbreviated as “store”) according to the present embodiment.

  When the user enters the store (S0301), the counter 0102 first accepts (S0302) and receives the IC card. As a user, it is assumed that parents and children (especially, a user group consisting of a mother and its children) is the center, and one IC card is given to one user group. The IC card identifies a user or user group (hereinafter, even if it is a user group, it is simply described as “user” unless there is a need to clearly indicate that there are multiple users). A unique code is recorded.

  Next, the user moves to a vacant satellite 0106, sits down, and waits for a studio 0107 to be used for photographing to become available (S0303). At this time, if it is not clear how to use the store for the first time, the satellite system 0110 can be used to explain the usage.

  When a user who has used the target studio 0107 leaves, the lamp installed near the entrance of the studio 0107 indicating that the studio is in use is turned off. The user confirms that the studio 0107 can be used by turning off the light, moves to the studio 0107, and performs shooting using the studio system 0111 (S0304).

  When it is desired to continue shooting in another studio 0107 after the shooting is completed, the camera 0107 is moved after confirming that the studio 0107 can be used, and when the target studio is in use, the satellite 0106 is moved. (In the case of YES at S0305). Also, when it is desired to display and confirm the photographed image once, it is returned to the satellite 0106 (NO in S0305). At this time, it is not always necessary to return to the satellite 0106 sitting down after visiting the store, and it is sufficient to go to the satellite 0106 that is free at this time.

  In the satellite 0106, the captured image can be confirmed and selected using the satellite system 0110 (S0306). Even if a favorite image is selected, if it is desired to further shoot, it can be shot again in the studio 0107 (in the case of YES in S0307).

  If there is no need for additional shooting (NO in S0307), the user uses the satellite system 0110 to edit the selected image, and then selects a photo to be finally printed and prints it. (S0308).

  After the printing instruction is completed, the user stops at the counter 0102, returns the IC card, completes the accounting, receives the output photo (S0309), and exits (S0310).

  In the following, first, the detailed configuration and the like of each facility and each system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described, and then each process (reception, shooting, editing, etc.) in the flowchart of FIG. The operation will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a view of a part of the counter 0102 as viewed obliquely from above. FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are block diagrams of the server system 0103, the counter system 0104, and the printer system 0105, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a PC main body 0600 of the counter system 0104 and a PC main body 0700 of the printer system 0105 are stored in the counter table. On the counter table, a touch-type monitor 0603 for employees to perform processes such as reception, a touch-type monitor 0703 for performing processes such as additional printing, and a printer 0710a for printing / outputting photographs are placed. . Although not shown in FIG. 4, the IC cards R / W 0606a and 0606b of the counter system 0104 and the IC card R / W 0706 of the printer system 0105 are also placed on the counter table.

  Inside the counter 0102, a PC main body 0500 of the server system 0103, a monitor 0503, and a keyboard 0504 and an IC card R / W 0506 (not shown in FIG. 4) are installed.

  The PC main body of each system and its peripheral devices, and the PC main bodies of each system need only be able to communicate with each other by a wired or wireless method, and the installation location is not limited to the above-described location. In consideration of the aesthetics of the store, it should be installed at a convenient location for normal operation.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the server system 0103 includes a PC main body 0500, a monitor (server monitor) 0503, a keyboard 0504, and an IC card R / W 0506.

  Employees operate using the keyboard 0504 to create newly adopted IC cards for employees (hereinafter referred to as “operator cards”) using the IC card R / W0506, or to make system settings. Can be initially created or changed, and the operating status of each system can be displayed on the monitor 0503.

  The PC main body 0500 has a CPU 0501, a memory 0502, an image output unit 0505, a communication interface 0507, and a magnetic disk 0508. The magnetic disk 0508 records information necessary for store operation and the like.

  Each information is transmitted / received to / from other systems such as the counter system 0104 via the communication interface 0507 and the communication line 0114.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the counter system 0104. The counter system 0104 includes a PC main body 0600, a touch monitor (touch counter monitor) 0603, and IC cards R / W 0606a and 0606b. The PC main body 0600 includes a CPU 0601, a memory 0602, an image output unit 0605, a communication interface 0607, and a magnetic disk 0608.

  An employee (operator) is allowed to operate the counter system 0104 by inserting the operator card into the IC card R / W0806a, and performs an actual operation by touching the monitor 0603 with a finger. For example, it is possible to input the information of the user who has visited the store, create an IC card inserted into the IC card R / W0806b as a player card, or display the usage status of each system on the monitor 0603.

  User information or the like input by the counter system 0104 is transmitted / received to / from other systems such as the server system 0103 via the communication interface 0607 and the communication line 0114.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the printer system 0105. The printer system 0105 includes a PC main body 0700, a touch monitor (touch printer monitor) 0703, an IC card R / W 0706, and one or more printers 0710a, 0710b, and 0710c (hereinafter referred to as printer 0710a). , 0710b and 0710c are collectively referred to as a printer 0710). The reason why a plurality of printers 0710 are connected is that, in addition to the purpose of shortening the printing waiting time by performing printing in parallel using a plurality of printers 0710, printers generally distributed in the market are A3 size. For example, it is possible to print only up to a certain size. For example, a special printer is required to print the A1 plate. The PC main body 0700 includes a CPU 0701, a memory 0702, an image output unit 0705, a communication interface 0707, a magnetic disk 0708, and a printer control unit 0709.

  An employee (operator) is allowed to operate the printer system 0105 by inserting the operator card into the IC card R / W 0706, and performs an actual operation by touching the monitor 0703 with a finger. For example, it is possible to perform operations such as reprinting (redo printing) when a problem occurs during printing. In this embodiment, operations that can be performed by the printer system 0105 (for example, reprinting) can be performed using the counter system 0104. Therefore, the printer system 0105 is used only when the counter system 0104 is in the middle of accounting processing or when the system environment of the printer system 0105 itself is set / updated.

  The processing status of the printer system 0105 is transmitted / received to / from other systems such as the server system 0103 via the communication interface 0707 and the communication line 0114.

  FIG. 8 is a view of the satellite 0106 as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the satellite system 0110.

  The satellite 0106 is a facility for a user to wait for a free space in the studio 0107 or to edit a captured image. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a circular table is divided into approximately four equal parts by a partition plate 1604, and one or more chairs and a satellite system 0110 are provided in each partitioned place. .

  In this embodiment, the PC main body 1700 of the satellite system 0110 is housed in the support 1603 of the table 1601, and a touch monitor 1703, a touch pen 1704, and an IC card R / W 1706 are attached to the upper surface 1602 of the table 1601. It has been. The PC main body 1700, the touch-type monitor 1703, the touch pen 1704, and the IC card R / W 1706 are connected to be communicable by wire or wirelessly.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the satellite system 0110 includes a PC main body 1700, a touch-type monitor (satellite monitor) 1703, a touch pen 1704, and an IC card R / W 1706. The PC main body 1700 includes a CPU 1701, a memory 1702, an image output unit 1705, a communication interface 1707, and a magnetic disk 1708.

  The user can operate using the touch pen 1704 to display the shooting method in the studio 0107 on the touch-type monitor 1703, and to perform operations such as editing of a captured image and a print instruction. Note that it is also possible to operate with a finger without using the touch pen 1704. In this case, since the touch pen is unnecessary, the cost required for the system construction can be reduced, and the touch pen does not break down or be lost. However, some users are reluctant to touch the monitor screen touched by another person's hand, so this point needs attention.

  The memory 1702 stores line drawing patterns and thicknesses used for image editing, various stamp images prepared in advance for image composition, print layout samples, various guidance messages (speech and sentence information), and the like. . These pieces of information are recorded in the magnetic disk 0508 of the server system 0103 and transferred to the satellite system 0110 as necessary when starting the satellite system 0110 or updating the recorded contents of the magnetic disk 0508. can do.

  The usage status of the satellite system 0110 is transmitted / received to / from other systems such as the server system 0103 via the communication interface 1707 and the communication line 0114.

  Next, the configuration and function of the studio 0107 will be described. As described above, the studio 0107 is classified into three types, that is, a normal studio, an action studio, and a baby studio depending on the application, and the types of installed equipment are slightly different.

  Here, the normal studio is a photography studio for a child of a certain age or older who can change the standing position or pose according to a parent's instruction. The action studio is intended for children who are the same as or slightly older than the normal studio, and is a studio for shooting poses that move, such as jumping off a jumping table. On the other hand, the baby studio is a studio mainly for photographing infants, and is equipped with facilities for photographing while the child is laid down.

As mentioned above, the usage of each studio is slightly different, but they all share the same usage in terms of studios for taking pictures of children. In basic equipment as a photography studio such as a photography camera and lighting equipment. There is no difference.
Hereinafter, the configuration and functions of each studio will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a view of normal studio 0107 as viewed from obliquely above. The studio 0107 is surrounded on three sides by walls 1805a, 1805b, and 1805c so that the studio 0107 is not peeped from the outside. An in-use lamp 2227 is installed on the wall 1805c in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 1806, and the lamp is turned on during photographing, and the lamp is turned off when photographing is completed. Therefore, the user can know from the outside whether the studio is vacant by blinking the in-use lamp 2227.

  In FIG. 10, the inside of the studio with the wall 1805c as a watermark is drawn, but this does not indicate that the wall 1805c is a transparent wall, but is due to the necessity for drawing. The wall 1805c may be transparent glass or the like, but should normally be an opaque wall material.

  Inside the normal studio 0107, near one end, a camera box 1802 housing a camera for photography 2221 and the like, and an illumination device 2222 for irradiating a user who is a subject (front strobe 1801a, right strobe 1801b, left strobe) 1801c, a surface light source 2222a) that is always turned on, which is not shown in FIG. 18, is installed, and a horizont curtain 1804 and a background mechanism 2223 are installed in the vicinity of the opposite end. A space between the camera box 1802 and the horizont curtain 1804 becomes a shooting space, and a user (usually a child) as a subject enters the shooting space and takes a pose by taking a mother's instruction and taking a picture. In addition, each studio including the normal studio 0107 may be configured to include a ceiling strobe installed on the ceiling as the lighting device 2222 (reference numeral 2222 is not shown in FIG. 10; see FIG. 16).

  An operation console 1803 is placed in front of the shooting space, and a touch panel for a user (usually a mother) to determine a shooting mode (to be described later) and to confirm a pose of the subject. A formula operation monitor 2203 is attached.

  An IC card R / W 2206 is also attached to the console 1803. When the user inserts the player card into the IC card R / W 2206, the studio system 0111 of the normal studio 0107 can be used, and the in-use lamp 2227 is lit.

  The camera box 1802 houses three photographing cameras 2221, 2101a, 2101b for photographing a subject. Shooting in the normal studio 0107 is always performed simultaneously by two upper and lower cameras (2221 and 2101a or 2101a and 2101b). In the case of a child, no matter how much the mother instructs, it does not always move to the best place for shooting and take the best pose. For this reason, it is for raising the possibility that it is well photographed by either one of the cameras by using the two upper and lower cameras while slightly changing the angle.

  In addition, the camera box 1802 accommodates three monitor cameras 2220a, 2220b, and 2220c for capturing a subject image in real time. Each monitor camera is installed in the vicinity of each of the three shooting cameras, and captures almost the same images as the images that should have been shot by the shooting cameras 2221, 2101a, 2101b. In this embodiment, the photographing camera 2221 and the monitoring camera 2220a, the photographing camera 2101a and the monitoring camera 2220b, and the photographing camera 2101b and the monitoring camera 2220c are installed so as to capture substantially the same image. (However, the monitor camera has a slightly wider angle.)

  The images (moving images) projected by the monitor cameras 2220a, 2220b, and 2220c are displayed in three windows on the operation monitor 2203, and the mother confirms whether or not the child is within the field of view. You can confirm and instruct the child to move back and forth and pose.

  In addition, the images projected by the monitoring cameras 2220a, 2220b, and 2220c are also displayed on one of the two confirmation monitors 2205a and 2205b housed in the camera box 1802. The purpose is to show the child, who is the subject, and get interested in it.

  As a background for shooting, a favorite one of a plurality of roll curtains set in the background mechanism 2223 can be selected and used, or the roll curtains are all rolled up and colored in a color that is easy to synthesize chroma keys. It is also possible to use a horizont curtain 1804 that has been made.

  FIG. 11 is a view of the normal studio shooting space seen from directly above. A plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 2243 are installed on the floor portion of the studio, and a soft cover is laid on the sensor to prevent children who are subjects from scolding.

  The pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is installed in a fan shape in which the number increases as the distance from the camera box 1802 increases. This is because the shooting angle of view becomes wider as the distance from the camera box 1802 increases.

  Each pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is connected to the pressure-sensitive sensor input processing unit 2242 (FIG. 16) of the studio main PC 2200 (FIG. 16) of the studio system 0111. The pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 detects the pressure due to the weight of the subject. The studio main PC 2200 is notified together with the position information of 2243. As a result, the studio main PC 2200 can know where the subject is in the shooting space.

  As position information of the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243, for example, a position identification number is assigned to each pressure-sensitive sensor, and this identification number, distance information between the camera box 1802 and the pressure-sensitive sensor, and the front direction of the camera box 1802 are used as a reference. The angle information of the installation location of the pressure sensitive sensor may be paired and recorded on the magnetic disk 2208 (FIG. 16) of the studio main PC 2200.

  Further, when the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 does not have a function of notifying position information, the same effect can be obtained by allocating the signal receiving unit of the studio system 0111 to each pressure-sensitive sensor 243 separately. Is possible.

  FIG. 12 is a view of the action studio 0107 as viewed from obliquely above. The main difference from the normal studio is that only two shooting cameras 2101a and 2101b are stored in the camera box 1802, and the other shooting camera 2221 is installed near the ceiling.

  The action studio 0107 is equipped with a camera in the vicinity of the ceiling in order to photograph the moment the child jumps off the jumping table 1901 or the pose that he looks up at. Accordingly, a monitor camera 2220a and a confirmation monitor 2205a corresponding to the photographing camera 2221 are also installed near the ceiling.

  A pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a is installed on the upper surface of the jump base 1901 and is covered with a soft cover or the like. The pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a detects the pressure when the child as the subject gets on or jumps, and notifies the studio main PC 2200 of the studio system 0111 of the pressure value. The studio main PC 2200 compares the notified pressure value with a threshold value set in advance on the magnetic disk 2208, so that the child is standing on (or riding on) the jump table 1901 or standing on the jump table 1901. After the pressure sensor 2243a detects pressure information with pressure (information indicating that the child is standing on the jumping table 1901). By detecting detection information without pressure (information indicating that the child has jumped on the jumping base 1901), the timing at which the child has jumped can be recognized. Furthermore, the studio main PC 2200 detects the detection information without pressure after the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a detects the pressure information with pressure, and then detects the pressure information with pressure again within a predetermined time. By doing so, it can be determined that the child has jumped on the jumping table 1901 and has landed (landed) on the jumping table 1901. The timing of landing on the table 1901 can be recognized.

  Further, the pressure-sensitive sensor is not limited to the upper surface of the jumping table 1901, but also on the floor surface between the jumping table 1901 and the camera box 1802 facing the jumping table 1901 and close to the jumping table 1901. It is good also as a structure which provided another 2243b as shown by a dashed-two dotted line illustration. In this way, by providing pressure-sensitive sensors on the upper surface of the jump table 1901 and the floor surface near the jump table 1901, the studio main PC 2200 allows the pressure after the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 a detects pressure information with pressure. By detecting the detection information of absence, it is possible to recognize the timing when the child jumps, and within a predetermined time after the jump, the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243b changes from the detection state without pressure to the pressure state with pressure. By changing, it is possible to recognize when the child has landed on the floor.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the baby studio 0107. The main difference from the action studio is that there is no jump stand 1901 and a shooting bed 2001 is installed.

  That is, in the baby studio 0107, photographing is performed mainly on the state where the baby is laid on the photographing bed 2001. For this reason, the console 1803 is also placed near the photographing bed 2001 so that the mother can ensure the safety of the baby.

  The baby studio 0107 has only two shooting cameras. This is because the infant, which is an assumed subject, has little movement, and can be photographed with two cameras, a camera 2221 for photographing a looked-up pose and a camera 2101a for photographing a sideways pose.

  FIG. 14 is an enlarged display view of the vicinity of the photographing camera 2221 installed in each studio. The vicinity of the other photographing cameras 2101a and 2101b has the same structure.

  A plurality of minute LED lamps 2241 are linearly installed on the left and right of the photographing camera 2221 to form a line-of-sight instruction lamp 2240a as a whole. When the shooting camera 2221 performs shooting, the LED lamp 2241 installed at the farthest left and right positions of the shooting camera 2221 emits light before shooting, and is adjacent after a certain time (for example, 0.1 second). The LED lamp 2241 closer to the photographing camera 2221 emits light, and the LED lamp 2241 that emitted light earlier turns off. As a result of this operation being performed one after another, it seems to human eyes that the light from the left and right LED lamps 2241 gradually approaches the photographing camera 2221. Then, photographing is performed after a certain time (for example, after 0.1 second) when the left and right LED lamps 2241 closest to the photographing camera 2221 emit light.

  In this way, the line of sight of the subject naturally gathers in the shooting camera 2221, so that a photograph of the camera line of sight can be taken.

  As described above, in this embodiment, there are three types of studios, a normal studio, an action studio, and a baby studio, but the major differences are the installation location of equipment and the installation status of photographing auxiliary equipment, and the computer system. The configuration is substantially the same.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and function of the studio system 0111 will be described taking a normal studio as an example.

  FIG. 15 is a simplified block diagram of the studio system 0111. The computer system of the studio system 0111 is configured by one LAN segment including a studio main PC 2200 and two studio sub-PCs 2100a and 2100b.

  The monitor main PC 2200 is connected with three monitor cameras 2220a, 2220b and 2220c, a photographing camera 2221, an operation monitor 2203, and two confirmation monitors 2205a and 2205b.

  The studio sub-PCs 2100a and 2100b are connected to one photographing camera 2101a and 2101b, respectively.

  When the studio main PC 2200 detects the shooting timing, the studio main PC 2200 performs shooting using the shooting camera 2221 and, if necessary, the shooting time etc. via a communication line to either or both of the studio sub PCs 2100a and 2100b. Send a command specifying. Upon receiving a command from the studio main PC 2200, the studio sub PCs 2100a and 2100b perform shooting using the shooting cameras 2101a and 2101b.

  The captured image is temporarily recorded on the magnetic disk or the like of the studio main PC 2200 or each of the studio sub PCs 2100a and 2100b that has captured the image, and is transferred to the server system 0103.

  As described above, the main function of the studio system 0111 is controlled by the studio main PC 2200, and the studio sub-PCs 2100a and 2100b merely function as remote camera control devices. The reason for adopting such a configuration is as follows.

  That is, in this embodiment, the number of images taken at one time is about 50, and it is necessary to record with a high-definition image in order to withstand printing such as A1 size, and the recording size of the photographed image becomes large. Also, since the captured image is often subjected to chroma key composition, an image of the subject part (an image of the subject part referred to in this application is an image obtained by separating and extracting only the subject from the background). And the background image are required to be separated from each other. This process requires high performance from the PC due to the large image size, and if performed by the satellite system 0110, the performance of each satellite system 0110 is disproportionate compared to other processes performed by the satellite system 0110. Must be high. On the other hand, if the server system 0103 is used, the load is concentrated on the server system 0103. Therefore, it is desirable that each of the PCs 2200, 2100a, and 2100b of the studio system 0111 is performed, and in order to distribute the load, the three shooting cameras are controlled by different PCs, and the captured images are processed by each PC. It is a thing.

  Therefore, if problems such as PC performance and cost performance can be solved, it is not necessary to use a system with three PCs as in this embodiment, and one studio main PC 2200 controls all the photographic equipment. May be.

  Next, the configuration of the studio main PC 2200 which is a main component of the studio system 0111 and the components connected thereto (the configuration of the studio system 0111 excluding the shooting cameras 2101a and 2101b and the studio sub-PCs 2100a and 2100b in FIG. 15). ).

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the studio main PC 2200 and each component connected thereto. The above-described components and the like are connected to the studio main PC 2200 of the studio system 0111. The studio main PC 2200 controls the entire studio main PC 2200 by a program stored in the memory 2202, a shooting camera control unit 2232 that gives a shooting instruction to the shooting camera 2221 and inputs a shot image, and a confirmation Confirmation monitor image output units 2235a and 2235b for displaying moving images of the subject on the monitors 2205a and 2205b, an audio output unit 2237 for outputting audio signals of various guidance messages to the speaker 2224, and various guidance messages (audio) Pattern memory 2238 storing various operation times and the like, a background mechanism control unit 2236 for controlling the background mechanism 2223, and in use for controlling the in-use lamp 2227. Lamp control unit 2224, etc. Which comprise.

  Also included is a line-of-sight instruction lamp control unit 2239 that controls three sets of line-of-sight instruction lamps 2240a, 2240b, and 2240c arranged on the left and right of the three photographing cameras 2221, 2101a, and 2101b.

  Image information and the like photographed by the studio system 0111 are transmitted / received to / from other systems such as the server system 0103 via the communication interface 2207 and the communication line 0114.

  This is the end of the description of each system component, and hereinafter, the operation of the studio of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed in the normal studio system 0111. As described above, there are three types of studios, normal, action, and baby. Since the basic system operation is the same, the processing of the normal studio system 0111 will be described first, and then the other studio systems will be described. Differences in processing in 0111 will be described.

  When activated, the CPU 2201 of the studio system 0111 displays a screen prompting insertion of an IC card on the monitor 2203 (S3801), and waits until a player card is inserted into the IC card R / W 2206 (S3802).

  When a player card is inserted into the IC card R / W 2206, an error message is displayed if, for example, the user is referring to the usage history of the day recorded on the IC card and is continuously shooting in the studio immediately after shooting. After the display, a screen prompting insertion of the IC card is displayed again (S3803).

  If the studio can be used, the CPU 2201 turns on the in-use lamp 2227, displays the shooting course selection screen on the monitor 2203, and performs shooting course selection processing (S3804).

  FIG. 18 shows a display example of the shooting course selection screen. On the shooting course selection screen, four buttons labeled “dance shooting”, “game shooting”, “pose shooting”, and “free shooting” are displayed. When the user touches any of these four buttons, the CPU 2201 displays a warm-up screen on the monitor 2203 and the confirmation monitors (2205a and 2205b), and performs a warm-up process (S3805).

  FIG. 19 shows a display example of the warm-up screen. Along with a voice message such as “First of all, preparatory exercises! Get together!”, The situation in the studio is displayed on the warm-up screen to draw the children's interest. After displaying the warm-up screen for a certain time, the CPU 2201 determines the shooting course selected by the user, and performs processing corresponding to each shooting course (S3806).

  Since the operation of the system in each course is basically the same, the case where dance shooting is selected will be described first, and then the differences in other courses will be described.

  When dance shooting is selected, the CPU 2201 displays a dance selection screen on the monitor 2203 (S3807). At this time, an animation screen for attracting the child's interest is displayed on the confirmation monitors (2205a and 2205b).

  FIG. 20 shows a display example of the dance selection screen. On the dance selection screen, there are three buttons labeled “Relaxing Yugi Course (2 to 4 years old)”, “Fun Enjoying Yugi Course (4 to 6 years old)” and “Exact Dance Course (6 years old and up)” Is displayed. When the user touches any of these three buttons, the CPU 2201 displays a shooting screen on the monitor 2203 and performs shooting processing (S3808). The photographing process ends when a predetermined time elapses.

  FIG. 21 shows a display example of the shooting screen. On the shooting screen, both a studio monitor video 4201 that is a sample video showing the instructor dancing a sample dance and a studio video 4202 that shows the child in the studio are displayed.

  The same video as the studio monitor video 4201 is displayed on one of the two confirmation monitors (2205a and 2205b). Specifically, when “Loose Ogigi Course (2 to 4 years old)” is selected, it is displayed on the confirmation monitor (2205b) and nothing is displayed on the confirmation monitor (2205a). On the other hand, when “fun entertaining course (4-6 years old)” or “perfect dance course (6 years old)” is selected, it is displayed on the confirmation monitor (2205a) and displayed on the confirmation monitor (2205b). Is not displayed.

  That is, when sample content with a low target age (sample images of each dance in the case of dance shooting) is selected, the height of the subject should be low, so the two shooting cameras (2101a and 2101a and 2101b) is used to determine that it is appropriate to shoot, and a confirmation monitor (2205b) is used to collect the line of sight of the subject near both cameras.

  Conversely, when sample content with a higher target age is selected, the height of the subject should be high, so it is appropriate to shoot using the two shooting cameras (2221 and 2101a) at the top of the camera box. Therefore, the confirmation monitor (2205a) is used to collect the line of sight of the subject in the vicinity of both cameras.

  Note that the method for determining the height of the subject is not limited to the method based on the selected content as described above. For example, a plurality of sensors 2226 having different heights are installed in the studio and automatically measured. Is also possible. According to this method, the height of the subject can be known more accurately, but the manufacturing cost of the device is increased. The monitor 2203 may be used to allow the user to input his / her height. According to this method, the height can be accurately known without adding a special device, but there is a demerit that the time and effort involved in the operation of the user is increased. An appropriate method may be selected in consideration of the above merits and demerits.

  Next, an image displayed on the in-studio image 4202 (as described above, the same image is displayed on either one of the two confirmation monitors (2205a and 2205b)) has three monitor cameras (2220a). 2220b, 2220c), and the CPU 2201 determines which video to display as follows.

  The selected sample content is recorded on the magnetic disk 2208 of the studio system 0111. As the recorded data, the CPU 2201 indicates which monitor camera to use together with the video data for display. Also included is camera selection information used to make the selection. For example, information is recorded starting from the start of the video data such that the monitor camera 2220b is used first, the monitor camera 2220a is used after 23 seconds, and the monitor camera 2220b is used again after 28 seconds.

  The camera designation information varies depending on the sample content. For example, 23 seconds after the start of the video data, the instructor calls “Oh, jump, ichi, ni, sang”, and then the video that the instructor jumps is recorded. In this case, the video of the monitor camera 2220a installed at the upper part is set to be used in accordance with the time when this video is reproduced.

  That is, in the studio image 4202 or the like, an image photographed by the monitor camera that should always show the vicinity of the child's face among the three monitor cameras (2220a, 2220b, 2220c) is displayed. ing.

  The selection of the monitoring camera (2220a, 2220b, 2220c) is not limited to the above-described method. For example, a plurality of sensors 2226 having different heights are installed inside the studio, and the child's head is selected. It is also possible to automatically measure the position of the camera and select an optimal monitoring camera (2220a, 2220b, 2220c) to capture this position.

  In the dance photography described above, photography is performed automatically. That is, when the shooting process is started and the same video as the studio monitor video 4201 is displayed on one of the confirmation monitors (2205a and 2205b), the CPU 2201 keeps the selected sample content of the selected sample content until a predetermined time elapses. Shoot continuously until the video ends. In general, photographing is performed for about 3 to 5 minutes.

  More specifically, the CPU 2201 performs photographing after a certain time (for example, after three seconds) when the photographing process starts, and waits until the strobe (1801a, 1801b, 1801c) is charged after the photographing is finished, and is charged. And shoot again. This is repeated until the photographing process is completed.

  Because the subject is a small child, even if a nearby mother specifies a standing position or pose, it is not always possible to follow the instructions, and even if the instructor instructs jumping etc. on the sample content video, You can't act that way. For this reason, the possibility of taking a well-made photograph is increased by increasing the frequency of shooting as much as possible and continuously shooting.

  In addition, it is possible to wait for the child to step on the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 even after shooting becomes possible, determine where the child is standing, and perform shooting only when the child is within the shooting range. In this way, useless failed shooting can be reduced. When the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is stepped on, sound or light may be emitted. By doing this, the child is amused and tries to step on the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243, so that the child can be naturally moved within the shooting angle of view.

  For example, when the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is stepped on, music corresponding to the sample content can flow from the speaker 2224 for a while (for example, 1 second) even if the foot is released. By doing so, the child knows that music is played by continuing to step on the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 while playing, and stays near the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243, that is, within the shooting angle of view. Therefore, the opportunity to shoot increases.

  If different music is assigned to each of the pressure-sensitive sensors 2243 at this time, the child wants to listen to various music, and moves to various positions on the various pressure-sensitive sensors 2243, that is, within the shooting angle of view. As a result, a wide variety of shooting at various angles and distances is possible.

  Furthermore, instead of the music determined for each of the pressure-sensitive sensors 2243, sounds of different tones and gradations (for example, a piano “do” sound for the sensor closest to the camera for shooting, and a violin for the next closest sensor) Allocating a “le” sound or the like) can increase the possibility that the child will move around within the shooting angle of view.

  By doing so, the child is amused and tries to step on the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243, so that the child can be naturally moved within the shooting angle of view, and the timing when the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is stepped on is set as the shooting timing. Can do.

  As described above, the distance information between the camera box 1802 and each pressure-sensitive sensor and the angle information of the installation location of each pressure-sensitive sensor based on the front direction of the camera box 1802 are recorded on the magnetic disk 2208. By using this, it is possible to know where the child who is the subject is at the time of shooting.

  Therefore, the photographing cameras (2221, 2101a, 2101b) can be zoomed so that the child can be fully accommodated within the angle of view, and the light emission amount of the strobes (1801a, 1801b, 1801c) can be changed.

  Further, when shooting is performed with any two cameras (2221 and 2101a or 2101a and 2101b) of the shooting cameras (2221, 2101a, 2101b), the line-of-sight instruction lamp control unit 2239 is one of the cameras to be shot. The line-of-sight indicator lamps (2240a, 2240b, or 2240c) arranged on the left and right sides of the camera are blinked so that the light from the left and right LED lamps 2241 gradually approaches the photographing camera. In this way, the line of sight of the subject naturally gathers in the camera for shooting, so that it is possible to take a picture of the camera line of sight. At this time, the instruction information such as which camera's line-of-sight instruction lamp should be turned on may be recorded on the magnetic disk 2208 in association with the sample content, similarly to the above-described instruction information of the monitor camera.

  At the time of shooting, for example, the position of the stepped pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is determined to determine the distance between the subject and the camera, the zoom process is performed according to the distance, the focus is adjusted, and the light quantity of the strobe 2222 is determined. Can also be optimally controlled for shooting.

  In addition, since the plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 2243 are provided on the floor surface of the normal studio 0107 as described above with reference to FIG. 11, based on the pressure-sensitive information from the plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 2243. The studio main PC 2200 can determine the speed of movement of the subject child. Therefore, when the studio main PC 2200 determines that the speed of movement of the subject (here, the speed of movement refers to the number of movements per unit time) exceeds a preset threshold, For example, photographing may be performed by any two cameras (2221 and 2101a or 2101a and 2101b) of the photographing cameras (2221, 2101a, 2101b). In this way, for example, the time interval until the subject's foot moves away from a certain pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 and steps on the certain pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 or another pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is short (for example, 0.05 (Time interval of ~ 0.5 seconds or less), it is possible to shoot at the timing when the subject is estimated to move quickly, so it is possible to obtain a lively image in which the subject child is moving dynamically It becomes possible.

  In addition, as described above, in shooting when a child as a subject is moving dynamically, shooting by any two of the shooting cameras (2221, 2101a, 2101b) is executed by continuous shooting of still images. You may do it. For example, the photographing camera may be configured to photograph a plurality of still images at a time interval of 0.1 to 0.3 seconds or less during a predetermined time. This is expected to increase the chances of taking “good photos”. When the still image continuous shooting mode is adopted, it is desired to suppress the light emission amount of one flash (1801a, 1801b, 1801c) or to increase the battery capacity of the flash.

  Next, the processing when “game shooting” is selected on the shooting course selection screen will be described focusing on differences from the case of dance shooting. The differences are the following two points.

  1) In “game shooting”, a game selection screen is displayed instead of a dance selection screen. As in the dance selection screen, the user can select a game suitable for the child who is the subject from a plurality of games displayed on the game selection screen according to the age of the child.

  2) When the game is selected, unlike the dance shooting, only the in-studio video 4202 showing the state of the child in the studio is displayed on the shooting screen of the monitor 2203. In addition, on the confirmation monitor (2205a or 2205b), an image obtained by synthesizing an image of a child as a subject to be imaged on the in-studio image 4202 is displayed on the game image, not on the image showing the instructor. As the game image, as shown in FIG. 22, images of balloons of various colors falling one after another, and images of moles appearing irregularly or appearing at multiple locations on the screen are projected. , "Now the balloon!" When a child puts his limbs on a balloon or a video of a mole, the balloon breaks or the mole turns his eyes, so the child is amused and performs various actions. As a result, it is possible to shoot a pose with lively movements of a child that cannot normally be taken.

  Further, a competitive game as shown in FIG. 23 may be displayed. In this game, when the child steps on the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243, the CPU 2201 moves and displays the turtle toward the right end goal by the amount of movement corresponding to the number of steps. On the other hand, for the rabbit, the CPU 2201 automatically moves and displays toward the goal. The child feels as if the turtle, which is his own character, and the rabbit, which is his competitor, are walking on the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 in order to move the turtle quickly. This makes it possible to take pictures with a sense of dynamism, such as a child running hard.

  By doing so, the child continues to step on the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 in order to win the rabbit, and stays near the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243, that is, within the shooting angle of view. Therefore, the opportunity to shoot increases.

  Further, when the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is stepped on, the child's interest can be further attracted by allowing sound running on the soil to flow.

  Note that the game video itself such as a balloon or a turtle is only displayed on the confirmation monitor (2205a or 2205b), and is not displayed on the monitor 2203 or the photograph of the result.

  Next, the processing when “pose shooting” is selected on the shooting course selection screen will be described focusing on differences from the case of dance shooting. Differences are the following three points.

  1) In “pose photography”, a pose selection screen is displayed instead of a dance selection screen. As in the dance selection screen, the user can select a pose sample content suitable for the child as the subject from a plurality of poses according to the age of the child displayed on the pose selection screen.

  2) When pose shooting is selected, similar to dance shooting, the monitor 2203 shooting screen includes a studio monitor video 4201 that is a sample video showing the instructor taking a sample pose, and a child in the studio. Both of the in-studio images 4202 reflecting the above are displayed. The confirmation monitor (2205a or 2205b) also has a studio monitor image, which is a sample image showing how the instructor takes a pose of the sample, and the inside of the studio that shows the children in the studio, like the monitor 2203 shooting screen. Both images are displayed. As a sample video, the instructor's standing, sitting, and lying down are displayed, and voice messages etc. are used to encourage the child to take the same pose.

  Note that, as with the above-described dance shooting, shooting is automatically performed in the pose selection. That is, when the shooting process starts, the CPU 2201 continuously shoots until a predetermined time elapses, that is, until the video of the selected sample content ends.

  Then, when the shooting timing is reached, it can be determined whether or not the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 is properly stepped on, and shooting can be performed only when the step is properly stepped on. That is, the number of pressure-sensitive sensors 2243 to be stepped on in response to the pose requested by the sample content is recorded in advance on the magnetic disk 2208, and the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 being stepped on when the shooting timing is reached. It is determined whether or not the number etc. matches the recorded number etc., and if it matches, the image is taken.

  To give a specific example, the message “Everyone, sit down” will flow 52 seconds after the start of the sample content, an image of the instructor will sit down, and 62 seconds after the start, “This time around. Let ’s say “I ’ll try it”, and the instructor will lie down. In this case, taking into consideration that it takes some time to sit down, three or more adjacent pressure-sensitive sensors 2243 (for example, FIG. 11) from 54 seconds to 64 seconds after the start of the sample content. 2243 (a), 2243 (b), and 2243 (c)) are stepped on (the presence of pressure is detected), and the magnetic disk 2208 corresponds to this sample content. Add and record. Furthermore, during the period from 64 seconds to 74 seconds after the start of the sample content, four or more adjacent pressure-sensitive sensors 2243 (for example, 2243 (a), 2243 (b), 2243 (c) in FIG. 11). , 2243 (d)) is stepped on (when the presence of pressure is detected), a condition that shooting should be performed is recorded on the magnetic disk 2208 in association with this sample content.

  As a recording method of the above conditions, for example, an ID for uniquely identifying sample content, a range of elapsed time from the start, a range of the number of pressure-sensitive sensors 2243 to be stepped on, and the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 A method of recording a pair of relative relationships (for example, assigning unique identifiers to all the pressure-sensitive sensors 2243 and indicating an example of the relative relationship by combining the identifiers) is considered.

  In such a case, the time zone in which no condition is set for the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243 may be taken unconditionally, or shooting may be suppressed. When shooting unconditionally, the number of shots increases and the possibility of finding a “good photo” from among them increases, but on the other hand, the number of failed shots also increases, and the effort to select with satellites increases. On the other hand, when the shooting is suppressed, the number of shots as a whole is reduced, so that it is easy to select photos in the satellite, but on the other hand, the possibility of accidentally taking “good photos” is reduced. It is also possible to easily select which method to select as a system parameter, and decide which one while watching the user's reaction.

  In addition, when the child who is the subject is not responding as instructed by the sample content, that is, when the above photographing condition is not satisfied, it is also effective to prompt the user to sit down or lie down again by voice. In order to do this, a necessary voice message may be recorded on the magnetic disk 2208 in a pair with the above-described shooting conditions separately from the sample content.

  Further, when the child is operating as instructed, a voice message that praises the child, such as “You did it properly”, may be output.

  3) In pose photography, the height to be photographed differs greatly from a pose where a child's pose lies down to a stretched pose. Therefore, in the pose shooting, an image is displayed on the confirmation monitor (2205a) when shooting a high position, and an image is displayed on the confirmation monitor (2205b) when shooting a lying pose. By displaying an image in the vicinity of the camera that captures the child, the child's line of sight is urged to naturally look at the camera.

  Next, the processing when “free shooting” is selected on the shooting course selection screen will be described focusing on differences from the case of dance shooting. Differences are the following three points.

  1) In “free shooting”, a shooting process starts without displaying a selection screen such as a dance selection screen.

  2) In the shooting process, three images shot by the three monitor cameras (2220a, 2220b, 2220c) are simultaneously displayed on the shooting screen of the monitor 2203, and “shutter”, Two buttons labeled “3 continuous shooting” are respectively displayed. When the user presses the “shutter” button, the video of the selected monitor camera (2220a, 2220b, 2220c) is displayed on both of the two confirmation monitors (2205a and 2205b), and the narration starts counting down until shooting. . The mother who is the user guides the child to make a good pose while watching the display on the monitor 2203 or the like.

  3) In free shooting, as described above, shooting is not automatically performed, and single shooting or triple shooting is performed. The photographing process ends when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start.

  Above, description of the process performed in the normal studio system 0111 is complete | finished. Hereinafter, processing performed in the action studio system and the baby studio system will be described focusing on differences from the processing in the normal studio system.

  First, the action studio system has the following three differences.

  1) A screen similar to that shown in FIG. 18 is displayed as the shooting course selection screen, but the display content is different. That is, in the action studio system, there are four buttons to be displayed: “jump shooting”, “laying down shooting”, “mix shooting”, and “free shooting”.

  2) When “jump shooting”, “laying down shooting”, and “mixed shooting” are selected as the shooting course, a screen for selecting sample contents to be used for each shooting as in the normal studio system (screen similar to FIG. 20) ) Is displayed, but the displayed content is different. That is, for example, when “jump shooting” is selected, buttons such as “jumping jump (4-6 years old)”, “most jump (6 years old)”, and the like are displayed.

  3) The monitor camera 2220a, the photographing camera 2221, and the confirmation monitor 2205a are installed not near the camera box 1802 but near the ceiling. Then, at the timing of instructing a pose lying on the sample content or a pose of sitting on the jumping table 1901 and looking up, the image captured by the monitor camera 2220a is displayed on the confirmation monitor 2205a and the shooting camera 2221 is used. To shoot.

  On the other hand, at the timing of instructing to jump or stand and pose facing forward, the image captured by the monitor camera 2220b at the higher position of the two monitor cameras is displayed on the confirmation monitor 2205b. The image is displayed and imaged mainly using the imaging camera 2101a. Further, at the timing of instructing a pose facing forward while lying down, an image taken by the monitor camera 2220c at the lower position of the two monitor cameras is displayed on the confirmation monitor 2205b for shooting. Shooting is performed using the camera 2101b.

  In this way, the monitor camera that specifically captures the image of the subject, the confirmation monitor, and the camera used for shooting are different from the normal studio system, but the basic idea is that it has multiple shooting equipment and is better for the subject. It is the same in that the most suitable equipment is automatically selected and used for photographing facial expressions and poses.

  A state where the subject is on the jumping base 1901 or jumped from the jumping base 1901 is detected by a notification signal from the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a on the upper surface of the jumping base 1901.

  Here, a supplementary explanation of “jump shooting” will be given. In “jump shooting”, when the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a is provided only on the upper surface of the jump base 1901, and in addition to the upper surface of the jump base 1901, the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243b is provided on the floor surface in front of the jump base 1901. The operation differs depending on the case.

  First, the case where the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a is provided only on the upper surface of the jump base 1901 will be described. In this case, the following two types of shooting are performed depending on the setting on the store (automatic photo studio) side or the user's selection.

  1) When the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a of the jump base 1901 detects pressure information without pressure after detecting pressure information with pressure, the studio main PC 2200 jumps after the child who is the subject stands on the jump base 1901. Determination is made and, at the timing of jumping (jumping up), for example, the photographing camera 2101a performs single shooting (single still image shooting). Since the shooting camera 2101a is a camera at a higher position among the two shooting cameras arranged in the camera box 1802, a subject (child) immediately after jumping on the jumping table 1901 can be selected within the shooting angle of view. Can fit into the area. Note that the single shooting immediately after the jump may be performed by the photographing camera 2221 or may be simultaneously performed by the two cameras 2101a and 2221.

  2) When the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a of the jump base 1901 detects pressure information without pressure after detecting pressure information with pressure, the studio main PC 2200 jumps after the child who is the subject stands on the jump base 1901. After determining and jumping (jumping up), at least one of the shooting cameras 2221 and 2101a starts continuous shooting (continuous shooting of still images), and after starting the continuous shooting of the still images, the pressure-sensitive type When the sensor 2243a detects pressure information with pressure, it is determined that the subject has landed (landed) on the jump table 1901 after jumping, and continuous shooting is performed on the shooting camera that has started the continuous shooting of still images. Stop. By doing so, it is possible to increase the chances of obtaining “good photos” by continuous shooting. Note that the time from jumping to landing on the jumping platform is assumed to be a short time of slightly over 0.2 seconds to over 0.3 seconds in the case of a child. Even if high-speed continuous shooting is performed, there are about two or three still images, but it is possible to obtain a still image with a lively pose while jumping.

  A case will be described in which a pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a is provided on the upper surface of the jump table 1901 and a pressure-sensitive sensor 2243b is also provided on the floor surface on which the subject jumped from the jump table 1901 lands. In this case, the following three types of shooting are performed depending on the setting on the store (automatic photo studio) side or the user's selection.

  1) When the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a of the jump base 1901 detects pressure information without pressure after detecting pressure information with pressure, the studio main PC 2200 jumps after the child who is the subject stands on the jump base 1901. After determining and jumping (jumping up), at least one of the shooting cameras 2221 and 2101a starts continuous shooting (continuous shooting of still images), and after the continuous shooting of the still images is started, the floor surface When the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243b detects pressure information with pressure, it is determined that the subject has landed on the floor after jumping from the jump base 1901, and the continuous shooting of the still image is started. Stop. The time from jumping from the jumping table 1901 to landing on the floor is assumed to be a short time of about 0.25 to 0.3 seconds in the case of a child. Even if high-speed continuous shooting at intervals of seconds is performed, the number of still images obtained is about two or three, but it is possible to obtain a still image with a lively pose while jumping.

  2) When the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a of the jump base 1901 detects pressure information without pressure after detecting pressure information with pressure, the studio main PC 2200 jumps after the child who is the subject stands on the jump base 1901. At the timing of the determination and jumping (jumping up), the shooting camera 2101a performs single shooting (single still image shooting), and after the shooting camera 2101a performs single shooting, the feeling of the floor surface is determined. When the pressure sensor 2243b detects pressure information with pressure, it is determined that the subject has landed on the floor after jumping from the jumping table 1901, and the photographing camera 2101b is caused to perform a single shot. In this way, the subject immediately after jumping from the jumping table 1901 is taken within the shooting angle of view by the shooting camera 2101a which is a high-positioned camera among the two shooting cameras arranged in the camera box 1802. The photographing field angle of the subject immediately after landing on the floor surface can be reduced by the photographing camera 2101b, which is the lower one of the two photographing cameras arranged in the camera box 1802. Therefore, the state of the subject immediately after the jump and immediately after the jump can be reliably photographed.

  3) When the pressure-sensitive sensor 2243a of the jump base 1901 detects pressure information without pressure after detecting pressure information with pressure, the studio main PC 2200 jumps after the child who is the subject stands on the jump base 1901. At the timing of the determination and jump (jump up), the shooting camera 2101a performs single shooting (single still image shooting), and the shooting camera 2221 near the ceiling continuously shots (continuous shooting of still images). When the pressure sensor 2243b on the floor detects pressure information with pressure after the photographing camera 2221 starts continuous shooting, it is determined that the subject has landed on the floor after jumping from the jumping table 1901. Then, the shooting camera 2221 terminates continuous shooting and the shooting camera 2101b performs single shooting. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to perform imaging | photography which combined the advantage of said 1) and 2).

  Finally, the baby studio system is different from the normal studio system in the following five points.

  1) A screen similar to that shown in FIG. 18 is displayed as the shooting course selection screen, but the display content is different. That is, in the baby studio system, there are four buttons to be displayed: “one shot shooting”, “yes yes shooting”, “sitting shooting”, and “free shooting”.

  2) Regardless of whether “One-shot shooting”, “Yes-yes shooting”, or “Sitting shooting” is selected as the shooting course, the screen for selecting the sample contents used for each shooting like the normal studio system is not displayed. Then, the photographing process is started using the sample content suitable for the photographing course prepared in advance by the system. Baby studios, as the name suggests, are intended for taking pictures of infants, and because the actions that infants can do are limited, it is thought that even if multiple sample contents are prepared, only similar pictures can be taken after all. . Accordingly, it is of course possible to prepare a plurality of contents as in the normal studio system so that the user can select them.

  3) The monitor camera 2220a, the photographing camera 2221, and the confirmation monitor 2205a are not installed in the camera box 1802 but near the ceiling. Also, there is one monitor camera 2220b, a shooting camera 2101a, and a confirmation monitor 2205b installed in the camera box 1802.

  In “one-shot shooting”, an image captured by the monitor camera 2220a is displayed on the confirmation monitor 2205a, and shooting is performed using the shooting camera 2221. On the other hand, in “Yes Yes Shooting” and “Sitting Shooting”, an image taken by the monitor camera 2220b is displayed on the confirmation monitor 2205b, and shooting is performed using the shooting camera 2101a.

  In this way, the monitor camera that captures the image of the subject, the confirmation monitor, and the camera used for shooting differ from the normal studio system, but the basic idea is that it is equipped with multiple shooting equipment and provides a better expression and pose for the subject. It is the same in that the most suitable equipment is automatically selected and used for shooting.

  4) When “Free Shooting” is selected, two images captured by the two monitor cameras (2220a, 2220b) are simultaneously displayed on the shooting screen of the monitor 2203. Two buttons labeled “shutter” and “triple shooting” are displayed. The difference from the free shooting in the normal studio and the action studio is that the number of images displayed at the same time is two instead of three, and there is no particular difference in other respects.

  5) The video displayed on one of the two confirmation monitors (2205a or 2205b) during the shooting process is not a video showing the instructor, but an animation using animals or toys as the subject. In other words, a video that attracts the interest of a smaller infant is displayed. In “Yes / Yes shooting”, the mother performs the shooting with the action of yes / yes, but it is also conceivable that the infant is attracted to the video on the confirmation monitor (2205a or 2205b) and becomes stationary. In order to deal with such a case, a “stop display” button is displayed on the monitor 2203 during the photographing process. When this button is touched, the display of the confirmation monitor (2205a or 2205b) is stopped, and the button If the notation is changed to “resume display”, and the “resume display” button is touched, the display on the confirmation monitor (2205a or 2205b) is resumed and the notation of the button is returned to “stop display”. good.

It is a layout view showing the in-store structure of an automatic photo studio according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an automatic photo studio according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the photo studio use by the user in the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the counter of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally upward. It is a block diagram of the server system of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the counter system of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of a printer system for an automatic photo studio according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the satellite of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally upward. It is a block diagram of the satellite system of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the normal studio of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally upward. It is principal part explanatory drawing which looked at the photography space of the normal studio of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from right above. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the action studio of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally upward. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the baby studio of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which expanded and displayed the vicinity of the camera for imaging | photography used in the studio of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the block block diagram simplified in the studio system of the normal studio in the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the studio main PC of a normal studio, and the component connected to it in the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the studio process of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of the automatic photo studio which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

0101 Automatic photo studio 0102 Counter 0103 Server system 0104 Counter system 0105 Printer system 0106 Satellite 0107 Studio 0110 Satellite system 0111 Studio system 0114 Communication line 0500 PC body of server system 0501 CPU of server system
0502 Memory (server system) 0503 (Server system) Monitor 0504 (Server system) Keyboard 0505 (Server system) Image output unit 0506 (Server system) IC card R / W
0507 Communication interface (server system) 0508 (server system) magnetic disk 0600 (counter system) PC main body 0601 (counter system) CPU
0602 Memory (for counter system) 0603 Monitor (for counter system) 0605 Image output unit (for counter system) 0606a IC card R / W (for counter system)
0606b (Counter system) IC card R / W
0607 Communication interface (counter system) 0608 Magnetic disk (counter system) 0700 PC body (printer system) 0701 CPU (printer system)
0702 Memory (printer system) 0703 (Printer system) Monitor 0705 (Printer system) Image output unit 0706 (Printer system) IC card R / W
0707 Communication interface of the printer system 0708 Magnetic disk of the printer system 0709 Printer control unit of the printer system 0710a Printer of the printer system 0710b Printer of the printer system 0710c Printer of the printer system 1601 Satellite table 1602 Satellite table upper surface 1603 Satellite table support 1700 (satellite system) PC main body 1701 (satellite system) CPU
1702 (Satellite System) Memory 1703 (Satellite System) Monitor 1704 (Satellite System) Touch Pen 1705 (Satellite System) Image Output Unit 1706 (Satellite System) IC Card R / W
1707 Communication interface (for satellite system) 1708 Magnetic disk for 1801a (for satellite system) 1801a Front strobe 1801b Right strobe 1801c Left strobe 1802 Camera box 1803 Console 1804 Horizont curtain 1805a Studio rear outer wall 1805b Studio side inner wall 1805c Studio inner wall 1805 Entrance 1901 Jump stand 2001 Shooting bed 2100a Studio sub PC1
2101a Shooting camera (controlled by studio sub PC1) 2100b Studio sub PC2
2101b Shooting camera (controlled by studio sub PC 2) 2200 Studio main PC
2201 (Studio main PC) CPU
2202 Memory (in the studio main PC) 2203 Operation monitor in the studio system 2205a Confirmation monitor 1 in the studio system
2205b (Monitor system) confirmation monitor 2
2206 (Studio system) IC card R / W
2207 Communication interface (for studio main PC) 2208 Magnetic disk 2220a (for studio main PC) Monitor camera 1 (for studio system)
2220b Monitor camera 2 (in studio system)
2220c (studio system) monitor camera 3
2221 (Studio System) Shooting Camera 2222 (Studio System) Lighting Device 2223 (Studio System) Background Mechanism 2224 (Studio System) Speaker 2225 (Studio Main PC) Timer 2226 (Studio System) Sensor 2227 (Studio) System in use lamp 2231 (Studio main PC) Monitor camera control unit 2232 (Studio main PC) Shooting camera control unit 2233 (Studio main PC) Lighting control unit 2234 (Studio main PC) Operation monitor control unit 2235a (Monitor main PC) Confirmation monitor image output unit 1
2235b (Monitor main PC) confirmation monitor image output unit 2
2236 Background mechanism control unit 2237 (studio main PC) Audio output unit 2238 (studio main PC) pattern memory 2239 Gaze instruction lamp control unit 2240a (studio main PC) Gaze indication (studio system) Lamp 2240b Line-of-sight indicator lamp 2 (in studio system)
2240c Line-of-sight indication lamp 3 (in studio system)
2241 LED lamp 2242 Pressure-sensitive sensor input processing unit (for studio main PC) 2243 Pressure-sensitive sensor 2244 (for studio system) In-use lamp control unit

Claims (8)

An automatic photographing device for automatically photographing a subject,
A photographing means for photographing a subject, a pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the subject, and a control means for controlling the photographing means,
The pressure detection means notifies the detected pressure information to the control means, and the control means performs photographing on the photographing means when the pressure information notified from the pressure detection means satisfies a preset condition. An automatic photographing device characterized by The automatic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
The pressure detecting means is provided on the upper surface of the jump base,
The control means causes the photographing means to photograph one still image when the pressure detecting means detects pressureless detection information after the pressure detecting means detects pressure information with pressure. . The automatic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
The pressure detecting means is provided on the upper surface of the jump base,
When the pressure detection unit detects pressureless detection information after the pressure detection unit detects pressure information with pressure, the control unit causes the photographing unit to start continuous shooting of still images and to start continuous shooting of still images. When the pressure detecting means detects pressure information with pressure afterwards, the photographing means ends the continuous shooting of still images. The automatic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
The pressure detection means is composed of first pressure detection means provided on an upper portion of a jumping table, and second pressure detection means provided on a floor near the jumping table,
When the control means detects the detection information without pressure after the first pressure detection means detects the pressure information with pressure, the control means starts the continuous shooting of still images and the continuous shooting of still images. When the second pressure detecting means detects pressure information with pressure after starting the image, the photographing means ends the continuous shooting of still images. The automatic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
The pressure detection means is composed of first pressure detection means provided on an upper portion of a jumping table, and second pressure detection means provided on a floor near the jumping table,
The photographing means includes a first photographing means and a second photographing means arranged in a camera box facing the jump base, and the second photographing means is positioned higher than the first photographing means. Placed in
When the control means detects the detection information without pressure after the first pressure detection means detects pressure information with pressure, the control means causes the second photographing means to shoot one still image, If the second pressure detecting means detects pressure information with pressure after the second photographing means has photographed a still image, the first photographing means can photograph one still image. An automatic photographing device characterized by. The automatic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
The pressure detection means is composed of first pressure detection means provided on an upper portion of a jumping table, and second pressure detection means provided on a floor near the jumping table,
The photographing means includes a first photographing means and a second photographing means arranged in a camera box facing the jump base, and a third photographing means arranged near the ceiling, and the second photographing means. The photographing means is arranged at a position higher than the first photographing means,
When the control means detects detection information without pressure after the first pressure detection means detects pressure information with pressure, the control means causes the second photographing means to shoot one still image, When the second photographing unit detects pressure information with pressure after the third photographing unit starts the continuous shooting of the still image and the third photographing unit starts the continuous shooting of the still image, An automatic photographing apparatus, characterized in that the third photographing unit terminates continuous shooting of still images, and causes the first photographing unit to photograph one still image. The automatic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
A plurality of the pressure detection means are provided, and the control means detects the pressure when the predetermined number or the predetermined number or more of the pressure detection means simultaneously detect pressure based on detection information from the plurality of pressure detection means. An automatic photographing device characterized in that photographing is performed. The automatic photographing apparatus according to claim 1,
A plurality of the pressure detection means are provided, and the control means takes a picture on the photographing means when the speed of movement of the subject exceeds a preset threshold based on detection information from the plurality of pressure detection means. An automatic photographing device characterized by being made to perform.