JP2008271260A - Image display method, image display device, image output device and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display method capable of raising a production effect on a display for checking a pose when a user photographs himself/herself in an image output device which provides a photography seal. <P>SOLUTION: When an image photographing the user himself/herself is displayed on the display as "live", the image is displayed so that the image is visualized as one spatially continuous image by an area except the user of the photographed image and an area except screen size of the photographed image of a background image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image output apparatus that photographs a user, prints it out on a predetermined sheet of paper, and provides a photo sticker, and more particularly, for checking a pose when a user photographs itself in such an image output apparatus. The present invention relates to an image display method, an image display device, an image output device, and a computer program that can enhance the effect of display.

  2. Description of the Related Art An image output apparatus, so-called “Purikura” (registered trademark), which takes a photograph with a camera as a subject, accepts editing of the captured image, prints the edited image on a predetermined sheet, and provides it as a photo sticker is widely known. Yes.

  Such an image output apparatus is provided with a display for confirming a pose when a user photographs himself / herself. A captured image output in real time from a camera that takes a photograph of the user as a subject is displayed on the display as a video, and the user can determine a pose while confirming himself / herself displayed on the display. The real-time video displayed on the display is hereinafter referred to as “live”.

  In addition, the image output apparatus not only acquires a still image including a subject obtained by taking a picture with a camera and outputs the still image to a medium such as a predetermined sheet, but also obtains the acquired still image in advance. Amusement is enhanced by synthesizing and outputting the images. Since “live” is a video for confirming the preview of the output result, a decoration image may be synthesized in real time with the captured image output from the camera and displayed as “live” on the display (Patent Document). 1, Patent Document 2).

  In this case, by performing a process (chroma key process) for making a part other than the subject transparent from the photographed image output from the camera and synthesizing it with a decorative background image, the background image is displayed in a region other than the subject. The effect of the production is further enhanced. Therefore, a so-called chroma key sheet is arranged behind the user with respect to the installation position of the camera.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of an image output device (photo print device) that synthesizes a captured image including a subject and a decorative moving image (foreground image) in real time and displays them as “live”. In this case, it is possible to print out the combined result of the still image photographed by the camera and the still image in the decorative moving image, and from the combined moving image while the user confirms “live” You can select your favorite image and print it out.

  In Patent Document 2, an image having a larger image size than a captured image is prepared, and an arbitrary partial region can be used as a background image from the image. A technology of an image output device (photo print device) that can increase the number of foreground / background image options at least is disclosed. In this case, a map screen that can accept selection of an arbitrary partial area from a prepared large image is displayed on the display together with “live”. An image corresponding to the area selected from the map screen is combined with the photographed image as a foreground / background image and reflected in the “live” display.

As disclosed in Patent Document 1 or 2, an image output device (photo print device), which is a so-called photocracker, uses a display to synthesize a captured image capturing a subject in real time with a foreground / background image. The output result image can be displayed as “live”. Thereby, since the user can take a picture while checking the image of the output result in real time, the satisfaction of the user can be improved and the entertainment is also improved.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-192048 JP 2004-64454 A

  In addition to the display of “live” on the display, it is expected that the presentation effect is improved and the convenience of the user is improved by providing various interfaces. For this reason, a touch panel type liquid crystal panel may be used for the display. In addition to the “live” display, a map screen for selecting a foreground / background image, operation screens such as buttons, and the like are also displayed on the display provided in the image output device (photo print device) disclosed in Patent Document 2. And can be operated on the screen by an input interface such as a touch pen.

  When displaying a screen that realizes a plurality of functions on the display, respectively, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 in the related art, a plurality of screens are arranged on the wallpaper image, and one of them is “live”. The display screen is used. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displaying “live” after the synthesis processing by the conventional technique. 15 in FIG. 15 is a wallpaper image, and 91 in FIG. 15 is a “live” display screen. As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 15, when the “live” display screen 91 is displayed together with other screens on the display according to the conventional technique, the “live” display screen 91 and the wallpaper image 90 are displayed depending on the outline of the photographed image. The screen configuration was clear.

  This is realized by a configuration in which the image after the composition processing of the photographed image and the background image is displayed separately on the wallpaper image together with other screens, so that the photographed image and the wallpaper image after composition are spatially separated. Due to discontinuity. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an outline of processing for displaying a captured image output from a camera on a display according to a conventional technique. As shown in the configuration diagram of FIG. 16, when “live” is displayed by the conventional technique, a capture process for capturing a still image at a predetermined rate from a moving image output from the camera, and a captured still image Each of which is subjected to chroma key processing, composition processing for composing a chroma key-processed still image (person image) with a predetermined foreground / background image, and each image after the composition processing is superimposed on a wallpaper image and output to the display And display processing. As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 16, after performing the synthesis processing of the transparent photographed image and the foreground / background image, the display processing is performed by superimposing the output on the display.

  Due to such a configuration, the “live” display screen 91 displayed on the display is displayed in a screen configuration that is fitted in a single frame.

  However, the user performs a shooting action while checking the screen displayed on the display. Conventionally, effects such as enhancing the effect by linking the screen displayed on the display and the sound output from the speaker, or setting the wallpaper image on the display as a moving image have been tried. As described above, it is important not only to configure the display screen in consideration of convenience so as to accept various operations of the user, but also to enhance the production effect so that the user can enjoy shooting. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has a configuration in which a region other than the subject of the captured image and a region outside the screen size of the captured image in the background image can be viewed as a spatially continuous image. An image display method, an image display device, an image output device, and a computer program that can enhance the narrative of an image including a subject displayed on the entire display and can enhance the rendering effect of the display during shooting. The purpose is to provide.

  In addition, the object of the present invention is reduced by superimposing a captured image with a non-subject object transparent on a background image having a larger screen size than the captured image without superimposing it on the display. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display method and an image output device that can display images other than the subject under a load so that they can be viewed spatially continuously, and can enhance the effect of the display at the time of shooting.

  Another object of the present invention is to superimpose and output a foreground image, which is a spatially continuous image when superimposed on a background image, to the captured image, thereby further enhancing the effect of the display at the time of capturing. An object is to provide an image display method and an image output apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a rendering effect by a display at the time of photographing by synchronizing the respective movements when the background image and / or foreground image to be superimposed is a moving image and the background image and foreground image are moving images. An object of the present invention is to provide an image display method capable of further improving the image quality.

  Another object of the present invention is to synthesize an output background image corresponding to an overlapped area of a background image when displaying “live” and a captured image when outputting to a predetermined medium. Provided is an image output device capable of enhancing the effect of display by a display at the time of shooting, and reproducing an image of a “live” display on a display as a result of output to a predetermined medium. It is in.

  An image display method according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image display method for displaying a photographed image obtained from a photographing means for photographing a subject and outputting the photographed image and another image in a superimposed manner. Using a background image having a screen size larger than that of the captured image, and displaying the image so that the region other than the subject of the captured image and the region outside the screen size of the captured image in the background image are spatially continuous. It is characterized by.

  The image display method according to the second invention is characterized in that a part or all of a region other than the subject in the photographed image is made transparent, and the transparent photographed image is superimposed and displayed on the background image.

  The image display method according to a third aspect of the invention is further characterized in that a foreground image spatially continuous with the background image is further superimposed on the photographed image.

  The image display method according to a fourth aspect is characterized in that the foreground image is approximately the same size as the screen size of the photographed image.

  The image display method according to a fifth aspect is characterized in that the foreground image and / or the background image is a moving image.

  The image display method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that when the foreground image and the background image are moving images, the images are displayed so that their movements are synchronized.

  The image display method according to a seventh aspect is characterized in that a pose sample of a subject is displayed in an area outside the screen size of the captured image in the background image.

  An image display device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a photographing means for photographing a subject and outputting a photographed image, and an image processing means for superposing and outputting a photographed image obtained from the photographing means and another image. And an image display device comprising a display means for displaying the image output by the image processing means, wherein the image processing means superimposes a captured image on a background image having a screen size larger than the captured image as the other image. Means for outputting a spatially continuous image to the display means in a region other than the subject of the photographed image and a region outside the screen size of the photographed image in the background image.

  An image output apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an image capturing unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs the image being captured, and an image processing unit that outputs a captured image output from the image capturing unit and another image in a superimposed manner. An image output apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an image output by the image processing means; combining means for combining the captured image with another image; and means for outputting the combined image to a predetermined medium. The image processing means includes a means for superimposing a photographed image on a background image having a larger image size than the photographed image as the other image, a region other than the subject of the photographed image, and a screen image size outside the photographed image in the background image. And a means for outputting a spatially continuous image to the display means.

  An image output apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention comprises means for transparentizing part or all of a region other than a subject in a photographed image output from the photographing means, and the image processing means comprises a transparent photographed image. The image is superimposed on the background image.

  In the image output device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the combining means is an output background corresponding to an image in a region in which the captured image of the background image is superimposed and is substantially the same size as the captured image as the other image. An image is used, and a transparent photographed image is superimposed and synthesized.

  A computer program according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is a computer comprising a photographing means for photographing a subject and outputting a photographed image, a display means for displaying an image, and an output means for outputting an image to a predetermined medium. Means for transparentizing a part or all of a region other than a subject in a photographed image output from the photographing means, image processing means for superimposing a transparent photographed image on another image, and a transparent photographed image. In a computer program that functions as a means for combining with other images, combines a transparent photographed image and outputs it by the output means, and displays the image photographed by the photographing means on the display means. In addition, the image processing unit superimposes a captured image on a background image having a screen size larger than that of the captured image as the other image. Step and characterized a region other than the subject of the captured image, that to perform the step of displaying an image spatially continuous with the screen size outside the region of the captured image in the background image on the display means.

  In the present invention, when an image photographed by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, the photographed image is displayed superimposed on a background image having a larger screen size, and the area other than the subject of the photographed image and the background are displayed. The image is displayed so as to be spatially continuous with the region where the captured image of the image is not superimposed.

  In the present invention, when an image photographed by the photographing means is displayed on the display means, a background image having a screen size larger than the photographed image after a part or all of the region other than the subject in the photographed image is made transparent. Is displayed superimposed on. As a result, an area in which the rear image is transmitted and displayed within the screen size range of the captured image and an area outside the screen size of the captured image are visually recognized as one spatially continuous image. In this case, the composite process of the captured image and the background image is not performed.

  In the present invention, the foreground image superimposed on the subject area of the captured image is also visually recognized as an image that is spatially continuous with the background image. Therefore, even if the subject is covered with the foreground image, the entire area other than the subject is spatially spatially. It is visually recognized as a continuous image.

  In the present invention, the foreground image to be superimposed on the captured image is approximately the same size as the captured image, so that the superimposed display process is facilitated.

  In the present invention, the spatially continuous foreground image and / or background image other than the area of the subject of the captured image may be a moving image. When both the foreground image and the background image are moving images, the images move in synchronism and images other than the region of the subject are visually recognized as spatially continuous images at each time point even if time elapses.

  In the present invention, a pose sample of a subject is displayed in an area outside the screen size of the photographed image, so that the pose image can be easily recalled.

  In the present invention, the output background image corresponds to an image of a region in which a captured image is superimposed on the background image when displayed. At the time of output, it is possible to perform a process of synthesizing corresponding images in advance without performing a process of cutting out the background image of the captured image from the background image.

  In the case of the present invention, on the display that displays the photographed image taken by the photographing means, that is, “live”, the subject is displayed in one large background image without being conscious of the fitting frame, and the theme of the background image is set. It can be expressed dynamically. Thereby, a novel impression can be given from the screen displayed on the display. In addition, the user can pose with a large movement while viewing the entire image including the background image other than the captured image in which he / she is photographed, and can express the expressiveness of the captured pose more abundantly. Furthermore, since the narrative is enhanced by the overall image outside the captured image, the user can easily pose and can shoot an image with a high narrative, which can be expected to improve user satisfaction. The ability to take pictures with high storytelling allows the user to enjoy text writing and graffiti based on the theme of the pose even when editing the shot image after shooting. In addition, it is possible to produce with the variation of the background image without separately preparing a wallpaper image for production as in the prior art.

  In the case of the present invention, as long as the area other than the subject of the photographed image and the area of the background image can be displayed so as to be viewed as one spatially continuous image, the background image as in the conventional technique. You may perform a synthetic | combination process. The image corresponding to the background image of the composite image and the wallpaper image of the conventional technology may be displayed so as to be visually recognized as one image that is spatially continuous.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display the “live” display screen on the display without performing the synthesis process. When the process of transparentizing and superimposing a captured image on a background image having a relatively large screen size as in the present invention is realized by combining processing as in the prior art, the size of the captured image is set to the size of the background image. Furthermore, when capturing an image taken from a camera, it must be executed so as to match the size of the background image. In this case, the load of each process is increased, which causes a problem such as frame dropping. On the other hand, in the case of the present invention, since the composition process is not performed when the captured image is displayed on the display means, it is possible to enhance the production effect without considering such a processing load.

  Further, according to the present invention, the subject can be displayed so as to be sandwiched between the foreground image and the background image. In some cases, a part of the foreground image can be transparent and the subject can be transparently displayed. Accordingly, the subject can be effectively displayed so as to appear in one image, and the narrative property of the image expressed on the entire display can be enhanced, and the effect can be further enhanced.

  According to the present invention, the screen size of the foreground image superimposed on the subject is substantially the same size as the captured image. Thereby, the load by superimposition processing is reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to allocate hardware resources to other presentation effects and further enhance the presentation effects as a whole.

  According to the present invention, the foreground image and / or the background image may be a moving image, and when both are moving images, their movements are displayed in synchronization. Therefore, the user can pose a moving pose between the background image and the foreground image that move together as a character displayed on the display. In this way, by using a moving image, it is possible to further enhance the effect at the time of shooting on the display.

  According to the present invention, the pose sample is displayed on the background image outside the screen size of the photographed image. The user can easily pose his / her pose according to the storyline recalled from the entire screen displayed on the display.

  Further, according to the present invention, when outputting to a predetermined medium, an output background image corresponding to an image of an area in which a captured image of a background image when displaying “live” is superimposed is used. Synthesize. As a result, it is possible to reduce the processing load at the time of display and enhance the effect of shooting, and to reproduce the image on the display screen whose output result is “live” more faithfully.

  In the present invention, the position where the captured image is superimposed on the background image may be changeable. In this case, an image corresponding to the image of the superimposed region in the background image may be acquired at the shooting timing, and the image may be combined and output as the background image.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. In the following description, an image output device that takes a picture of a user and outputs a photo sticker based on the taken image will be described as an example. The image output apparatus is provided with a display for confirming its own pose when the user takes a picture. The image display method according to the present invention relates to the display of an image on the display of the image output apparatus.

  1 and 2 are perspective views showing an appearance of the image output apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image output apparatus is a box-type apparatus having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and is provided with a partition so as to be divided in substantially half in the vertical direction. The image output apparatus is divided into an imaging space R1 and an editing space R2 by this partition. FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view mainly viewed from the photographing space R1 side of the image output apparatus, and FIG. 2 shows an external perspective view of the image output apparatus mainly viewed from the editing space R2 side.

  As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1, the imaging space R1 is a space surrounded by a frame that forms a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The shooting space R1 is a space for accepting the input of a fee from the user and for taking a picture of the user. The photographing space R1 is provided with a receiving unit 1 that accepts a predetermined fee on the outside, and devices such as a camera 21 and a display 22 for photographing a user on an inner wall surface corresponding to a partition with the editing space R2. An imaging unit 2 including is provided.

  The reception unit 1 includes a coin insertion slot 10 that accepts coin insertion, a coin selector 11 that determines the authenticity of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 10, and various types of information such as the total amount of coins inserted or the amount remaining. And a display panel 12 for displaying. The coin selector 11 determines the authenticity of the coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 10 and sends a determination signal. The coin selector 11 discharges a coin to a coin return port (not shown) when the coin is determined to be false or while it is set not to accept a coin. The display panel 12 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, a segment LED, etc., and receives a control signal to prompt the insertion of coins, a charge to be inserted, the total amount to be inserted, the remaining amount, or another user is shooting and accepts the insertion of a coin A message indicating that it has not been displayed.

  The display panel 12 and the coin selector 11 included in the receiving unit 1 are connected to a control mechanism housed in a first housing described later, and a determination signal, a control signal, and the like are transmitted to the control mechanism. Send and receive.

  The user can receive a service by the image output device by inserting coins corresponding to a predetermined fee from the coin insertion slot 10 of the reception unit 1.

  In the imaging space R1, that is, inside the imaging booth, each device constituting the imaging unit 2 is installed. A first housing 20 containing a control mechanism for controlling each device is installed at the lower part of the wall surface that partitions the space with the editing space R2 inside the photographing booth. A camera 21 is installed above the first housing 20 and at a height that is approximately the height of the standing user. A touch panel display 22 that displays “live” based on a video signal output from the camera 21 and receives a user operation is set below the camera 21. Further, a strobe lamp 23 for irradiating the subject with light is provided so as to surround the camera 21 and the display 22. Speakers 24 and 24 for outputting music and guidance voice are installed on the upper portion of the first housing 20.

  The camera 21, the display 22, the strobe lamp 23, and the speakers 24 and 24 constituting the photographing unit 2 are respectively connected to a control mechanism installed in the first housing 20.

  The camera 21 is a digital camera that includes an imaging element such as a lens group, a diaphragm, a shutter, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) in order to photograph a user as a subject. The camera 21 takes a picture by acquiring and storing a still image from the imaging device by operating a shutter by a timer function. While the camera 21 is activated, the camera 21 outputs a digitized video signal output from the image sensor to the control mechanism. The control mechanism outputs a captured image for “live” display based on the video signal.

  The display 22 has an operation screen for guiding operations during shooting and a liquid crystal panel for displaying “live”, and displays an image output from the control mechanism based on a video signal output from the camera 21 in real time. Accept and display. Further, the display 22 is a touch panel type, and a signal including information on a position on the screen at a location touched by the user is output to the control mechanism.

  The strobe lamp 23 is a lighting device in the photographing booth and functions as a flash when taking a picture. In the present embodiment, the strobe lamp 23 is divided into seven as shown in the figure, and the timing of each light emission is taken by the camera 21 via the control base included in the control mechanism (the operation of the shutter). ) Is controlled in synchronization with

  The outer periphery of the photography booth is covered with a light-shielding sheet material (not shown). This sheet material blocks external light, prevents peeping from the outside, and realizes a private space where the user can freely pose in the shooting booth.

  In addition, the sheet material viewed from the inside of the photographing booth has uniform color tone and brightness. When viewed from the camera 21, the rear side of the user has the same color tone and lightness of the sheet material, so that the chroma key process for making the area other than the area in which the user is visible transparent becomes possible, as will be described later.

  The user enters the shooting booth, operates the operation screen according to the guidance displayed on the display 22 and the guidance voice output from the speakers 24, 24, determines the pose by receiving illumination from the strobe lamp 23, and uses the camera 21. A photo shoot can be performed. First, the user can select a foreground image and / or a background image from an operation screen displayed on the touch panel display 22. When the user selects the foreground image and / or the background image, the display 22 displays an image output in real time from the camera 21 via the control mechanism, that is, a captured image output from the camera 21, and the selected foreground. “Live” corresponding to the preview of the print result based on the image and / or the background image is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, when “live” is displayed, the control mechanism acquires a still image as a captured image from the video signal output from the camera 21 at a predetermined rate, and subjects (users) in the acquired captured image ), And chroma key processing is performed to make the area other than the area where the subject is visible transparent. The control mechanism superimposes the captured image after the chroma key process and the selected foreground image and / or background image to display “live”. The user can determine a pose while confirming “live”, and execute a photo shoot.

  When a photograph is taken, the control mechanism acquires a still image stored by the camera 21, stores it in association with the selected foreground image and / or background image, and later accepts an editing operation by the user. .

  Next, each component installed in the editing space R2 shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2 will be described. The editing space R2 is a space behind the wall where the camera 21, display 22, strobe / lamp 23, speakers 24 and 24, and the first housing 20 are installed, and the user can take photographs. This is a space where an image can be edited after shooting. The editing space R2 shown in FIG. 2 is partitioned from other spaces by a curtain-like sheet material (not shown) attached to a bar extending from the upper surface of the photographing space R1. The editing space R <b> 2 is provided with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped second housing 30 having the following components inside and outside.

  One side surface of the second housing 30 is in contact with a wall surface that is a partition with the imaging space R1, and the opposite surface of the other three side surfaces is for editing a photographed image and other images, respectively. A first editing unit 4a and a second editing unit 4b having the interface are provided. On the other side surface, a printing unit 5 is provided for printing out the edited image on a predetermined photo sticker sheet. In addition, a control mechanism that controls each component of the first editing unit 4 a, the second editing unit 4 b, and the printing unit 5 is installed in the second housing 30.

  Note that the surfaces of the first casing 20 and the second casing 30 that are in contact with each other communicate with each other through an opening (not shown) of each, and are installed inside the first casing 20. The control mechanism of the photographing unit 2 and the control mechanism of the first editing unit 4a, the second editing unit 4b, and the printing unit 5 installed in the second housing 30 are connected by a plurality of cables. Has been.

  The first editing unit 4a includes a tablet display 40a that displays an operation screen for editing a photographed image and other images, two touch pens 41a and 42a, and a speaker 43a. The second editing unit 4b also includes a tablet display 40b, two touch pens 41b and 42b, and a speaker 43b. The tablet displays 40a and 40b, the two touch pens 41a, 42a, 41b, and 42b, and the speakers 43a and 43b of the first editing unit 4a and the second editing unit 4b, respectively, face the opposing surfaces of the second housing 30. Is installed. The tablet displays 40 a and 40 b, the touch pens 41 a, 42 a, 41 b and 42 b and the speakers 43 a and 43 b are connected to a control mechanism inside the second housing 30.

  The printing unit 5 displays a printer 50 that is installed inside the second housing 30 and prints an image on a predetermined sheet, a seal discharge port 51 through which the printed sheet is discharged from the printer, and various types of information. Display panel 52. The display panel 52 is connected to a control mechanism installed inside the second housing 30, and the printer 50 is also connected to the control mechanism inside the second housing 30.

  The user can perform operations such as selecting an image to be printed by the first editing unit 4a or the second editing unit 4b and graffiti on the selected image after completing the shooting by the shooting unit 2 in the shooting booth. On the tablet display 40a, 40b of each of the first editing unit 4a or the second editing unit 4b, an image acquired by executing photography is subjected to chroma key processing and displayed together with the selected foreground image and / or background image. Is done. The tablet displays 40a and 40b are configured to accept operations by the touch pens 41a, 42a, 41b, and 42b installed together, and the user selects an image to be printed by the touch pens 41a, 42a, 41b, and 42b, and selects the selected image. Can be inserted.

  When the editing by the user is completed, an image photographed by the control mechanism based on the editing result is combined with the foreground image and / or the background image, and the combined image is installed in the second housing 30. Is printed on a predetermined sheet by the existing printer 50. The printed predetermined paper is discharged to the seal discharge port 51 as a photo sticker. The user can obtain the completed photo sticker from the sticker discharge port 51, thereby realizing a photo sticker photographing providing service.

  3 and 4 are block diagrams schematically showing the configuration of the image output apparatus according to the present embodiment. 3 mainly shows configurations of the control unit 6, the power supply unit 7, the communication unit 8, and the reception unit 1 described below. FIG. 4 shows the imaging unit 2, the first editing unit 4a, the second editing unit 4b, and the like. The structure of the printing part 5 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image output apparatus includes a control unit 6 that controls each component, a power source unit 7 that supplies power from an AC power source, and a communication unit that can communicate with an external network N such as the Internet. 8, a receiving unit 1 including the above-described coin insertion slot 10, coin selector 11, and display panel 12, a photographing unit 2 including a camera 21, a display 22, a strobe lamp 23 and speakers 24, 24, a tablet display 40a, A first editing unit 4a including two touch pens 41a and 42a and a speaker 43a, a tablet display 40b, a second editing unit 4b including two touch pens 41b and 42b and a speaker 43b, a printer 50, a seal discharge port 51, and a display panel. The printing unit 5 includes a printer 52 and a bus 9 that connects the units. Note that the control unit 6, the power supply unit 7, the communication unit 8, and the bus 9 correspond to a control mechanism installed inside the first housing 20 and the second housing 30.

  As described above, the hardware constituting each of the receiving unit 1, the photographing unit 2, the first editing unit 4a, the second editing unit 4b, and the printing unit 5 is photographed so that it can be operated by the user of the image output apparatus. It is installed in the space R1 and the editing space R2, and is connected to the bus 9 in the control mechanism installed in the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. On the other hand, the control unit 6, the power supply unit 7, and the communication unit 8 are included in the control mechanism installed inside the first casing 20 and the second casing 30, and are buses arranged in the control mechanism. 9 is connected.

  The control mechanism includes one to three personal computers (PCs) installed inside the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, the above-described receiving unit 1, the photographing unit 2, and the first editing unit. 4a, the second editing unit 4b, and the control base for controlling each hardware constituting the printing unit 5 from the PC. Note that the functions of each of the plurality of PCs are divided depending on the control target. For example, the functions of the PC that controls the reception unit 1 of the imaging space R1, the PC that controls the imaging unit 2, and the PC that controls the first editing unit 4a and the second editing unit 4b are divided and operate. Configured. However, in order to simplify the description, it will be described below that each component is controlled virtually by the operation of one PC.

  The control unit 6 includes a CPU 60 that controls hardware of each component, a memory 61 such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores information generated by the operation of the CPU 60, and various types An HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 62 for storing data and a capture / chroma keyboard 63 for capturing a still image as a photographed image from the video signal output from the camera 21 of the photographing unit 2 and executing chroma key processing are included. It is.

  The CPU 60 reads and executes a later-described control program 6P stored in the HDD 62, thereby accepting a judgment signal from the coin selector 11 of the accepting unit 1, and sending a control signal to the display panel 12 in accordance with the accepted judgment signal. Send out and realize acceptance of a predetermined charge. Further, the CPU 60 controls to synchronize the photographing by the camera 21 of the photographing unit 2 and the operation of the strobe / lamp 23, obtain an image photographed and stored by the camera 21, and output from the camera 21. The video signal is acquired as a captured image for display via the capture / chroma keyboard 63, and various controls such as control for displaying on the display 22 are executed.

  The HDD 62 stores a control program 6P for the CPU 60 to control the hardware of each component. When the CPU 60 reads the control program 6P from the HDD 62 to the memory 61 and executes it, control of each hardware and various software functions are realized. The control program 6P functions as a means for combining a photographed image and a chroma key processed image with another image and a means for controlling the display of the image on the display 22 by the CPU reading and executing the control program 6P. As shown, the composition processing unit 64 and the display processing unit 65 are included.

  In addition to the control program 6P, the HDD 62 stores a foreground / background image to be combined with the photographed image and a foreground / background image to be displayed on the display 22 of the photographing unit 2 together with the photographed image. Yes. The foreground / background images stored in the HDD 62 will be described later with specific examples.

  The HDD 62 further includes images used for operation screens displayed on the display 22 of the photographing unit 2, images used for editing screens displayed on the tablet displays 40a and 40b of the first and second editing units 4a and 4b, Data such as a text file and voice data such as guidance voices output to the speakers 24, 24, 43a, and 43b are stored. Further, the HDD 62 obtains the composite image obtained by executing the composite processing with the image, the foreground image and / or the background image acquired from the camera 21 by the CPU 60 when the user executes the photography. Edited images are stored.

  The capture / chroma keyboard 63 acquires, for example, 30 still images per second from the received video signal and outputs them, and recognizes pixels of a predetermined color tone and brightness from each captured still image, and has a certain range. Hardware having a chroma key function for transparentizing and outputting an alpha value (transparency) for pixels having the same color and lightness. The capture / chroma keyboard 63 is connected to receive a video signal output from the camera 21. The still image after the chroma key process is written in a memory (not shown) built in the capture / chroma keyboard 63. The CPU 60 reads a still image from the memory as a photographed image and executes a display process for displaying it on the display 22.

  In addition, the capture / chroma keyboard 63 can set the number of still images acquired every second by the driver software, and a predetermined color tone and lightness to be made transparent, for example, RGB values. The CPU 60 instructs to make the color tone and lightness of the area in which the sheet material located behind the user in the image photographed by the camera 21 is shown transparent. Thus, the captured image obtained from the capture / chroma keyboard 63 is an image in which an α value is set in an area where the sheet material is reflected, and a person image other than the user who is the subject is a transparent human image. The driver software notifies the CPU 60 each time a still image is captured from the video signal and further chroma key processing is executed. Therefore, the CPU 60 performs post-chroma key processing from the memory built in the capture chroma keyboard 63 at that timing. Can be obtained.

  In this embodiment, the capture / chroma key processing for displaying “live” based on the video signal output from the camera 21 is realized by the capture / chroma keyboard 63, but the configuration realized by software is also possible. Good. The CPU 60 executes a chroma key process for an image acquired from the camera 21 by taking a picture by software.

  The power supply unit 7 realizes the supply of power from the AC power supply to each component unit as well as the PC. The image output apparatus is provided with a power switch (not shown) for turning on the power, and is connected to the power supply unit 7. The power supply unit 7 detects the on / off of the power switch, and switches the operation / operation of the image output apparatus. The power supply unit 7 includes a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) unit 70. Even when the power from the AC power supply is suddenly cut off by the UPS unit 70, damage to each component can be reduced. When the power switch is turned off, the UPS unit 70 outputs a power failure signal to the CPU 60, and the CPU 60 performs predetermined termination processing when the power failure signal is detected, and turns off the power of the entire image output apparatus.

  The communication unit 8 includes a PHS unit 80 and is connected to the control unit 6 (CPU 60) via the internal bus 9. The PHS unit 80 is connected to an external network N such as the Internet to realize data transmission / reception. The CPU 60 can transmit and receive data by communicating with other devices on the external network N via the PHS unit 80 of the communication unit 8. In the image output apparatus according to the present embodiment, the CPU 60 connects to the external network N an image after shooting and editing, together with identification information such as the user name, mail address, or the URL of the transmission destination. It has a function to transmit to. With this function, it is possible to realize a service that allows a user to browse an image that the user has taken and edited from the server device using a mobile phone or a home PC, and a service that can be downloaded to the mobile phone or the PC.

  Here, the foreground / background image stored in the HDD 62 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the foreground / background image stored in the HDD 62 provided in the image output apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5A is a foreground image to be displayed on the display 22, and the color of the area indicated by 28a is set to be transparent. FIG. 5B is a background image to be displayed on the display 22. A region surrounded by a broken line indicates a region where a captured image is superimposed. As shown in FIG. 5B, the screen size of the background image is larger than the screen size of the superimposed captured image. When the foreground image shown in FIG. 5A is superimposed and displayed on the background image shown in FIG. 5B, the “pillow placed on the bed” represented in the background image in FIG. The area is displayed through the area set in the transparent color indicated by 28a in the foreground image of FIG. 5A, and looks like a single “bed with a canopy” image.

  FIG. 5C shows a foreground image to be combined with a photographed image when printed out by the printer 50, and the color of the area indicated by 28b is set to be transparent. FIG. 5D is a background image to be combined with an image taken at the time of printing. As described above, in the present embodiment, the foreground / background image to be displayed on the display 22 and the foreground / background image to be combined with the image taken at the time of printing are prepared separately. As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the foreground / background image used for printing out has almost the same screen size as the photographed image. When the foreground image shown in FIG. 5C is superimposed on the background image shown in FIG. 5D, the background image shown in FIG. 5D is displayed in the same manner as in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The area of “the pillow placed on the bed” expressed in the above is displayed through the area set to the transparent color indicated by 28b in the foreground image of FIG. 5C.

  The HDD 62 is associated with a foreground / background image to be displayed on the display 22 as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 5 and a foreground / background image to be combined with an image taken at the time of printing. I remember it. Note that the configuration may be stored in association with the theme. The selection of the theme from the user is accepted, the foreground / background image to be displayed and the foreground / background image to be combined corresponding to the selected theme are read out from the HDD 62, and display processing and combining processing are performed. Like that. Note that the “frame” image may be stored separately in order to display a frame corresponding to the image size of the captured image on the “live” display screen.

  Also, the foreground / background image to be displayed on the display 22 and the foreground / background image to be combined with the image taken at the time of printing are stored in the HDD 62 shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. These are not always still images. Both the foreground image and the background image may be a moving image having a plurality of frames. An image in which a foreground image that is a moving image is superimposed on a background image that is a still image may be viewed as one image, or a background image that is a moving image is superimposed on a foreground image that is a still image. Good. When both are moving images, it is desirable to configure the frame group so that the movements are synchronized. When the foreground / background image to be combined with the photographed image is a moving image, control is performed so that it can be combined with the foreground / background image corresponding to the frame displayed on the display 22 when the photograph is taken. May be.

  Note that, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 5 in the present embodiment, the foreground / background image designed for each theme is the foreground / background image to be displayed on the display 22, and the photograph is taken when printed out. The reason why the prepared image and the foreground / background image to be combined are prepared separately is as follows. The background image displayed on the display 22 and the background image to be combined when printed out by the printer 50 have different resolutions, so it is desirable to prepare each image with an appropriate resolution. When a corresponding area is cut out from the background image displayed on the display 22 and used for display on the tablet displays 40a and 40b for editing and printing on the printer 50, the respective resolutions are different, so enlargement and reduction are necessary. This is because the image quality deteriorates.

  Further, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 5, the foreground image displayed on the display 22 is substantially the same size as the screen size of the captured image. Even when the images included in the foreground image are spatially continuous outside the screen size of the captured image, the foreground image corresponds to an image cut out to the screen size of the captured image. This is because when the CPU 60 functions as the display processing unit 65 and superimposes images in the order of the background image, the captured image, and the foreground image, the process becomes complicated if the superimposition position differs depending on the design of the foreground image. By setting the foreground image to approximately the same size as the screen size of the captured image, an effect of reducing the load when functioning as the display processing unit 65 is achieved.

  A description will be given of a series of processes executed by the CPU 60 when the user receives a photo print providing service in the image output apparatus configured as described above. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in which the CPU 60 of the control unit 6 according to the present embodiment executes photography, editing, and printing.

  The CPU 60 receives a true / false determination signal output from the coin selector 11 of the receiving unit 1 and determines whether or not a coin satisfying a predetermined fee has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 10 (step S101). If the CPU 60 determines that no coin satisfying the predetermined fee has been inserted (S101: NO), the CPU 60 returns to the process of step S101 and waits until it is determined that a coin satisfying the predetermined fee has been inserted. During this time, the CPU 60 outputs a control signal to the display panel 12 so as to display the total amount of coins already inserted on the display panel 12.

  When the CPU 60 determines in step S101 that a coin satisfying the predetermined fee has been inserted (S101: YES), the CPU 60 displays guidance information on the display panel 12, outputs guidance voice from the speaker (step S102), and prompts the user for a shooting booth. Encourage them to enter. Thereby, the provision of the photo print service is started.

  The CPU 60 displays an operation screen for accepting selection of the foreground image and / or the background image on the display 22 of the photographing unit 2 (step S103). At this time, the foreground image and / or the background image are associated with each theme, and the user can select a theme. The CPU 60 determines whether a foreground image and / or a background image is selected via the operation screen displayed in step S103 (step S104).

  If the CPU 60 determines that the foreground image and / or background image is not selected (S104: NO), the CPU 60 returns the process to step S104 and waits until it determines that the foreground image and / or background image is selected. When the CPU 60 determines that the foreground image and / or the background image has been selected (S104: YES), the CPU 60 starts counting for operating the shutter (step S105). At this time, the CPU 60 counts the number of seconds. The remaining time (seconds) may be displayed on the display 22, and a voice that reads out the remaining time may be output from the speakers 24 and 24.

  The CPU 60 starts counting in step S105, and displays the captured image based on the video signal output from the camera 21 on the display 22 as “live” together with the foreground image and / or background image for display (step S106). ). Details of the display processing at this time will be described later.

  Next, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the count started in step S105 has been counted up a predetermined number of times, that is, after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S107). If the CPU 60 determines that it has not been counted up (S107: NO), it returns the process to step S107 and waits until it is determined that it has been counted up.

  If the CPU 60 determines that the count has been incremented (S107: YES), it operates the shutter of the camera 21 to take a picture (step S108). The CPU 60 acquires an image photographed by operating the shutter from the camera 21, and stores it in the memory 61 in association with the selected foreground image and / or background image (step S109). At this time, the CPU 60 displays the photographed image at the time when the photograph was photographed together with the selected foreground image and / or background image (step S110).

  The CPU 60 determines whether or not a predetermined number of photography has been completed (whether the shutter has been operated) (step S111). In the present embodiment, the image output device can provide, for example, six times of photography by providing one photo print service, and can select from six images obtained from six times of photography when editing later. Make it possible.

  If the CPU 60 determines that the predetermined number of times of photography have not been completed (S111: NO), the process returns to step S104 to accept selection of the foreground image and / or background image, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  When the CPU 60 determines that the predetermined number of times of photographing has been completed (S111: YES), the CPU 60 displays the guidance information on the display 22 and outputs the guidance voice through the speakers 24 and 24 (step S112). This prompts the user to move to the editing space R2.

  Next, the CPU 60 displays an operation screen on the tablet displays 40a and 40b of the first editing unit 4a or the second editing unit 4b, and outputs an editing operation guidance voice from the speakers 43a and 43b (step S113). At this time, the operation screen is subjected to chroma key processing for an image that has been photographed a plurality of times and acquired from the camera 21, is displayed together with the associated foreground image and / or background image, and any image is printed and edited. The selection of whether to do is accepted. The CPU 60 determines whether or not an image to be edited has been selected (step S114). If it is determined that an image to be edited has not been selected (S114: NO), the process returns to step S114 to edit the image to be edited. Wait until it is determined that the selected image has been selected.

  If the CPU 60 determines that the image to be edited has been selected (S114: YES), the selected image to be edited, that is, the photographed image, the foreground image and / or the background image are displayed on the tablet displays 40a and 40b. It is displayed on the operation screen (step S115), and an editing process is accepted (step S116).

  Next, the CPU 60 determines whether or not the editing has been completed depending on whether or not an operation for instructing the editing is completed (step S117). If it is determined that the editing has not been completed (S117: NO), the processing is performed. Is returned to step S117 and waits until it is determined that the editing is completed.

  If the CPU 60 determines that the editing has been completed (S117: YES), the CPU 60 applies the photographed image, background image and / or foreground image reflecting the editing process, and the characters and other images resulting from the editing. A compositing process is executed to generate a composite image (step S118). The CPU 60 displays the generated composite image on the operation screen and receives a print layout selection (step S119), and generates a print image based on the selected print layout (step S120). The CPU 60 outputs the generated print image to the printer 50 of the printing unit 5 to instruct print output (step S121), determines whether the printing is completed (step S122), and if the printing is not completed. If it is determined (S122: NO), the process returns to step S122 and waits until it is determined that printing is completed.

  When the CPU 60 determines that printing in the printer 50 is completed (S122: YES), the CPU 60 displays a guidance display indicating that printing is completed on the display panel 52, the first editing unit 4a, or the second editing unit 4b of the printing unit 5. Are displayed on the tablet displays 40a and 40b, guidance voices are output from the speakers 43a and 43b (step S123), and the process is terminated.

  At this time, since the printed photo sticker is discharged to the sticker discharge port 51, the user can obtain the photo sticker in which the user is photographed. Thus, the provision of a photo print service is realized.

  Next, details of the processing (step S106) for displaying “live” on the display 22 of the photographing unit 2 in the processing procedure of the CPU shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for displaying “live” on the display 22 by the CPU 60 of the control unit 6 according to the present embodiment.

  When the CPU 60 starts counting by the process of step S105 shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7, the video signal output from the camera 21 is input to the capture chroma keyboard 63 of the control unit 6, and the capture chroma keyboard 63 A captured image captured by the processing at 63 and subjected to chroma key processing is acquired (step S21). The CPU 60 functions as the display processing unit 65 to superimpose the acquired captured image on the selected background image (step S22). At this time, if the foreground image is also selected, the foreground image is further superimposed on the acquired captured image.

  The CPU 60 functions as the display processing unit 65 to output the superimposed image to the display 22 (step S23), returns to step S21, obtains the captured image obtained by the processing in the capture / chroma keyboard 63, and foreground. The superimposition with the image and / or the background image and the output process to the display 22 are repeatedly executed. The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is “live” until it is determined that the CPU 60 has counted up in step S107 of the processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 and the CPU 60 itself is notified of the counting up. ”Is repeatedly executed while“ ”is displayed on the display 22.

  A part of the processing procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 can be executed by the CPU 60 in parallel. The processing related to the imaging unit 2, that is, the processing from step S101 to step S112 cannot be executed in parallel because only one piece of hardware is prepared for one image output apparatus, but step S101 to step S112. The processes up to step S113 and subsequent processes are executed, and the processes from step S101 can be started again. As a result, the next user can take a picture while the previous user is performing the editing process. Of the processes from step S113 to step S123, processes other than the printing process by the printer 50 can be performed in parallel by the hardware constituting each of the first editing unit 4a and the second editing unit 4b. As a result, the user does not have to wait for a long time for the editing operation of the previous user after shooting.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an outline of processing when “live” is displayed on the display 22 in the present embodiment. This corresponds to FIG. 16 schematically showing an outline of processing when “live” is displayed on the display 22 by the conventional technique.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the case of the present invention, a capture process for capturing at a predetermined rate (30 frames per second) is performed by a capture chroma keyboard 63 based on a video signal photographed and output by a camera, A captured image 25 which is a still image is obtained. Similarly, the captured image 25 is subjected to chroma key processing in which an area other than a person (user) is made transparent by the capture chroma keyboard 63. The captured image (person image) 26 subjected to the chroma key process is superimposed on the background image 27 by the function of the display processing unit 64 of the CPU 60, and in some cases, the foreground image 28 is superimposed on the captured image 26 and output to the display 22. Display processing is performed. Thereby, a “live” display is realized.

  As can be seen from comparison with the outline of the processing of the prior art shown in FIG. 16, in the case of the present invention, the combined processing of the photographed image 26 and the foreground / background images 27 and 28 is not performed, and the image is simply superimposed on the display 22. This is realized by a simple configuration that outputs the output. As a result, the background image 27 can be displayed as one large image, and a “live” display can be realized so that a region other than a person can be visually recognized as one spatially continuous image, giving a novel impression. Can do. Furthermore, even when it is desired to superimpose other images in addition to the foreground / background images 27 and 28, the CPU 60 can easily realize the configuration by superimposing a plurality of images by the function of the display processing unit 65 and outputting them to the display 22. Is possible.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the background image 27, the captured image 26, and the foreground image 28 that are superimposed when the CPU 60 in this embodiment functions as the display processing unit 65. Note that the foreground / background images 27 and 28 in the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 10 correspond to the foreground / background images 27 and 28 for display shown in the explanatory diagram in FIG.

  When the CPU 60 functions as the display processing unit 65, the background image 27, the captured image 26, and the foreground image 28 are each handled as an object on each layer, and the order of layering is set by setting the layer order. Be controlled. It is possible to display an image on a layer set on the back side by being shielded by an image on a layer set on the front side. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the CPU 60 sets the layer on which the background image 27 is arranged as the backmost layer, sets the layer on which the captured image 26 is arranged as the front layer than the layer of the background image 27, and further displays the foreground image. The layer on which 28 is arranged is set as the foremost layer and is output to the display 22.

  As a result, in the captured image 26 and the foreground image 28 arranged on the front layer, the image arranged in the back layer is transmitted and displayed in the area set to the transparent color. .

  Note that the CPU 60 functions as the display processing unit 65 so that the positions where the captured image 26 and the foreground image 28 are arranged can be easily changed corresponding to the background image 27. In the explanatory diagram of FIG. 10, since the background image 27 and the foreground image 28 are configured to be spatially continuous, there is a problem when the position of the foreground image 28 is shifted. If there is no problem in that the foreground image 28 appears spatially continuous regardless of where it is placed, the display positions of the captured image 26 and the foreground image 28 may be changed. However, in this case, an image for print output is not an image stored in the HDD 62 in advance, and it is necessary to devise such as using an image corresponding to an area where the captured image 26 is arranged from the background image 27 during the shutter operation. Become.

  When the foreground image 28 and the background image 27 are moving images, the CPU 60 functions as the display processing unit 65 to output the respective moving images in synchronization. When the foreground image 28 and the background image 27 are moving images, each frame is configured so that the respective movements are synchronized, so that the display timing is output. Thereby, the effect of the “live” display screen can be further enhanced.

  In addition, the structure which provides a layer in front of the layer which arrange | positions a foreground image, and arrange | positions the object which receives operation by a touchscreen in the foreground layer may be sufficient. In addition, each of the layers on which the foreground / background image is arranged may be configured by a plurality of layers, and a layer on which an object having a higher display priority is arranged may be set in front.

  Next, an example of a “live” screen actually displayed on the display 22 by the processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 will be described. 11, 12, and 13 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of “live” display screens displayed on the display 22 of the photographing unit 2 in the present embodiment. Note that the foreground / background image displayed in the screen examples shown in the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 corresponds to the case where the foreground / background image shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 5 is selected.

  FIG. 11 shows an example when a frame corresponding to the image size of the captured image is displayed. When the user moves out of the frame corresponding to the image size, the user disappears from the “live” display screen. FIG. 12 shows an example in which no frame corresponding to the image size is displayed with respect to FIG. Also in this case, when the user moves out of the range corresponding to the image size, the user disappears from the “live” screen. FIG. 13 shows an example in which a pose sample 29a and a previously captured image 29b are further displayed with respect to FIG.

  In the examples shown in the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, the area of the background image is substantially equal to the screen size of the display 22 so that it occupies an area of one-third or less of the area of the background image. The captured image subjected to chroma key processing is superimposed. Since the captured image has been subjected to chroma key processing, the background image is transparently displayed outside the range where the user is shown. Therefore, even if the foreground image is displayed outside the range where the user is shown, a spatially continuous image is displayed like one image. Since the chroma key process is performed and superimposed on the captured image output in real time, the region that is made transparent by the user moving changes, and the region that is transparently displayed in the background image also changes. As the user moves, a part of the background image that is not displayed hidden behind the user is also displayed.

  As shown in the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, when a captured image that has been subjected to chroma key processing is displayed superimposed on a background image that is larger than the captured image, the user included in the captured image Expressed like a character appearing inside. In the specific examples shown in the explanatory diagrams of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, a bed with a canopy reminiscent of a “princess” is used as a background image, and a bed cover is used as a foreground image. As a result, the user who is the subject appears as “a person in the bed like a princess” on the “live” display screen. Since the user can determine a pose based on the appearance of himself / herself on the “live” display screen, in this specific example, two users who are women are in a “sleep” pose. As a result, a “live” display screen shows a story like “two girls sleeping in a bed like a princess”.

  In the present invention, the background image and the foreground image are not merely used as a decoration image of the user, as compared with the case where the captured image after the synthesis process is displayed on the “live” display screen according to the conventional technique (see FIG. 15). This is an element that further enhances the story of the user's pose. The user can experience the fun of posing while matching the image recalled from the foreground / background image while watching the “live” screen, and adding graffiti and messages that match the captured result. Amusement can be improved.

  Note that if there are stepping boards, bars, etc. in the shooting booth of the image output apparatus of this embodiment so that the user can execute shooting in various poses, pose using these. Thus, for example, a pose that makes it appear that the user is sitting on a rainbow drawn in the background image becomes possible. As described above, in the case of the present invention, it is possible to enjoy the joy of shooting in various poses in the virtual space on the background image displayed on the so-called “live” display screen, printing it on a photo sticker, and sharing it with friends. As a result, the amusement as an image output device is enhanced, and an excellent effect can be obtained.

  As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 12, when the frame corresponding to the image size is not displayed, the user can be further given the surprise and fun of disappearing from the “live” display screen. Further, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 13, when the pose sample 29a corresponding to the background image is displayed at a position outside the range of the captured image of the background image, the user images the pose with reference to the sample. Can do.

  Finally, an editing process in which a user can add a pattern such as a character or a stamp to a captured image will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen displayed on the tablet displays 40a and 40b of the first editing unit 4a and the second editing unit 4b of the image output apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 14, an image showing the user is displayed on the editing screen. As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 14, the editing screen is divided into two left and right, and two touch pens 41a and 42a (41b and 42b) corresponding to one tablet display 40a (40b) are used. It is possible for human users to simultaneously perform image editing operations.

  As shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 14, an operation screen for performing various operations for editing is displayed on the editing screen. Note that such an operation screen is arranged and displayed in the front layer. The operation screen is configured such that an interface such as a pen, a stamp, a fixed character, a face character, a frame (frame image), and an eraser can be selected. The user can select an interface from the operation screen by one of the two touch pens 41a, 42a, 41b, and 42b attached to the tablet displays 40a and 40b, respectively, and can execute graffiti by the selected interface. It is.

  Further, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 14, by adding a message such as “Good night” to the pose determined based on the image displayed on the “live” screen, You can enjoy the pleasure of adding characters, stamps, patterns, etc. that will further enhance the image associated with the.

  Also during display on the tablet displays 40a and 40b while accepting the editing process, the CPU 60 executes a display process in which the layers are superimposed and output as shown in FIG. When displaying on the tablet displays 40a and 40b, between the layer where the background image is arranged and the layer where the photographed image is arranged, and between the layer where the photographed image is arranged and the foreground A layer in which objects such as other stamps, brushes, pens, and text are arranged is inserted between the layers in which the images are arranged, and these can be edited. The compositing process is not performed until the CPU 60 detects that the editing process has been completed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, on the “live” display screen of the display 22, a captured image on which a chroma key process is performed on a background image having a screen size larger than the captured image is superimposed on a region other than the region where the user is captured. By displaying these images, it is possible to give a novel impression to the user and dynamically express the theme of the background image without being aware of the inset frame of the captured image. Thereby, the user can pose with a large movement while looking at the entire background image, and can enjoy the expression power more abundantly. Furthermore, since a highly narrative image can be taken, it is possible to enjoy the graffiti by putting in texts recalling the narrative and pose theme, etc., even after shooting.

  In the present embodiment, a chroma key process for making a region other than a person transparent is performed on a photographed image, and then the photographed image after the process is superimposed on a single background image and output. However, if the area other than the person in the photographed image and the area of the background image can be displayed so as to be recognized by the user as one spatially continuous image, the composition process with the background image is performed as in the conventional technique. The display process may be executed after that. That is, the image corresponding to the background image of the composite image and the wallpaper image of the conventional technique may be displayed so as to be recognizable as one spatially continuous image. This is because if the background image is a still image, the possibility of problems such as image shift is low. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the image output device in this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the image output device in this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the image output device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the image output device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the content of the foreground / background image memorize | stored in HDD with which the image output device in this Embodiment is provided. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in which CPU of the control part in this Embodiment performs photography, edit, and printing. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in which CPU of the control part in this Embodiment performs photography, edit, and printing. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in which CPU of the control part in this Embodiment displays "Live" on a display. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the outline | summary of the process at the time of carrying out "live" display on a display in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the background image, the picked-up image, and foreground image which are superimposed when CPU in this Embodiment functions as a display process part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the "live" display displayed on the display of the imaging | photography part in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the "live" display displayed on the display of the imaging | photography part in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of the "live" display displayed on the display of the imaging | photography part in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an edit screen displayed on the tablet display of the 1st edit part of the image output device in this Embodiment, and a 2nd edit part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen which displayed the "live" after a synthetic | combination process by the prior art. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the outline | summary of the process which displays the picked-up image output from a camera on a display by the prior art.

Explanation of symbols

2 Imaging unit 21 Camera 22 Display 5 Printing unit 50 Printer 6 Control unit 60 CPU
62 HDD
63 Capture / chroma keyboard 64 Composition processing unit 65 Display processing unit

Claims (12)

In an image display method for superimposing and displaying a photographed image obtained from a photographing means for photographing a subject and outputting a photographed image and another image,
Using a background image having a larger screen size than the captured image as the other image,
An image display method, wherein an image is displayed so as to be spatially continuous in an area other than a subject of a captured image and an area outside the screen size of the captured image in the background image. Make part or all of the region other than the subject in the captured image transparent,
The image display method according to claim 1, wherein the photographed image that has been made transparent is displayed superimposed on the background image. The image display method according to claim 1, wherein a foreground image spatially continuous with the background image is further superimposed on the captured image. The image display method according to claim 3, wherein the foreground image is substantially the same size as a screen size of a captured image. The image display method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the foreground image and / or the background image is a moving image. The image display method according to claim 5, wherein when the foreground image and the background image are moving images, the foreground image and the background image are displayed so that the movements are synchronized. The image display method according to claim 1, wherein a pose sample of a subject is displayed in an area outside the screen size of the captured image in the background image. An image capturing unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image being captured, an image processing unit that outputs a captured image obtained from the image capturing unit and another image, and an image output by the image processing unit In an image display device comprising display means for displaying
The image processing means includes
Means for superimposing a captured image on a background image having a larger screen size than the captured image as the other image;
An image display device comprising: means for outputting, to the display means, a spatially continuous image in a region other than the subject of the photographed image and a region outside the screen size of the photographed image in the background image. An image capturing unit that captures an image of a subject and outputs an image being captured, an image processing unit that outputs a captured image output from the image capturing unit and another image, and an image output by the image processing unit In an image output apparatus comprising: display means for displaying the image; combining means for combining the captured image with another image; and means for outputting the combined image to a predetermined medium.
The image processing means includes
Means for superimposing a captured image on a background image having a larger image size than the captured image as the other image;
An image output apparatus comprising: means for outputting, to the display means, an image that is spatially continuous between a region other than the subject of the photographed image and a region outside the screen size of the photographed image in the background image. Means for transparentizing part or all of the region other than the subject in the photographed image output from the photographing means;
The image output apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing unit is configured to superimpose a transparent photographed image on the background image. The synthesizing means uses the output background image corresponding to an image in an area on which the captured image of the background image is superimposed as the other image, and is made transparent. The image output device according to claim 9, wherein the image output device is combined and superimposed. A photographed image output from the photographing means is a computer comprising photographing means for photographing a subject and outputting the photographed image, display means for displaying the image, and output means for outputting the image to a predetermined medium. Functions as a means for transparentizing part or all of the area other than the subject in the image processing means, an image processing means for superimposing the transparent photographed image on the other image, and a means for synthesizing the transparent photographed image with another image. In the computer program for synthesizing the transparent photographed image and outputting it by the output means, and displaying the image photographed by the photographing means on the display means,
On the computer,
Superimposing a captured image on a background image having a screen size larger than the captured image as the other image by the image processing unit; and
A computer program for executing a step of displaying on the display means a spatially continuous image in a region other than the subject of the photographed image and a region outside the screen size of the photographed image in the background image.

Images