JP2008276438A - Automatic photograph creation device and automatic photograph creation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic photograph creation device in which a user can easily select a desired image from a large number of background images or foreground images within a limited time. <P>SOLUTION: A main control part 80 of the photograph creation device displays 10 images as one set from 100 additional images previously stored in each photographing after initial processing (S10), selects a frame or the like by prompting the user to select one of them (S20), repeats (S30, S40) display and photographing after chromakey processing until 10 times of the photographing are completed (S50), selects the obtained image as a graffiti image (S60), and transmits it to a graffiti booth (S70). Thus, selected 10 images are displayed as one set from a large number of the additional images sequentially, so that the user can easily select the desired image from the large number of the background images or the foreground images within the limited time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic photo creation apparatus that captures a user with a camera and outputs a composite image generated based on the captured image as a photograph, and more specifically, an additional image selected by the user as a captured image. The present invention relates to an automatic photo creation apparatus that outputs a synthesized image as a photograph.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a photo creation device for a game where a user is photographed with a camera and the photographed image is output as a photograph. Such a play photo creating apparatus has high playability or entertainment, and therefore, various images prepared in advance according to the user's preference are prepared for images to be synthesized with the photographed images (hereinafter referred to as “additional images”). In many cases, a user can select from various background images and foreground images, or can freely draw by a user using a pen-type input unit such as a touch pen or a light pen. Since such an action by the user is performed on the photographed image, it is called “graffiti”.

In recent years, a so-called chroma key composition technique has been used to create a graffiti that synthesizes an additional image appropriately selected according to the user's preference from a large number of pre-stored images so as to be the background of the photographed user. Sometimes done. In this chroma key composition method, a background of a single color (for example, blue or green) is placed behind the user to be photographed, and the background color included in the photographed image obtained by photographing this background and the user is the key color. Mask (create a chroma key mask) an area (background area) in the photographed image containing the color as (chroma). By synthesizing a part of the image appropriately selected by the user with the masked background area, a synthesized image is obtained as if the image selected by the user was photographed as an actual background. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an automatic photo creation apparatus that uses such a chroma key composition method (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-161064

  However, in the above conventional photo creation device, it is preferable that as many background images or foreground images as possible are stored in advance in order to cope with various preferences of users, but it is used when too many images are prepared. It becomes difficult for a person to select a desired image with a limited play time.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo creation apparatus that allows a user to easily select a desired image from a large number of background images or foreground images within a limited time.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided photographing means for photographing an image including a user who is a subject a plurality of times, and output means for outputting a composite image including at least one of a plurality of photographed images obtained by the photographing means as a photograph. An automatic photo creation device comprising:
An additional image selection unit that selects a predetermined number of additional images from a plurality of predetermined additional images as candidate images to be combined with the captured image every time the image is captured by the imaging unit;
Display means for displaying a predetermined number of additional images selected by the additional image selection means;
An input means for receiving an operation of the user for determining one from a predetermined number of additional images displayed by the display means;
Image synthesizing means for generating the synthesized image by synthesizing the additional image determined by the operation input accepted by the input means with the photographed image;
The additional image selection means selects a predetermined number of additional images so as not to include one or more of the additional images selected so far.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The additional image selection means selects a predetermined number of additional images so that all of the additional images selected so far are not included.

According to a third invention, in the second invention,
The additional image selection unit selects a predetermined number of additional images one by one from a plurality of predetermined additional images each time a predetermined number of additional images are taken as a set each time the image capturing unit captures the image. Features.

According to a fourth invention, in any of the second or third invention,
The photographing means shoots a predetermined number of times,
The additional image selecting means selects the number of additional images obtained by dividing the number of additional images determined in advance as candidates for images to be combined with the captured image by the number of times of capturing.

According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The additional image selecting means selects a predetermined number of additional images from a plurality of additional images including an image to be synthesized as a background of the user's image.

According to a sixth invention, in the fifth invention,
A background presenting means that is a subject to be photographed by the photographing means and has a surface to be photographed with a predetermined color;
The image synthesizing unit creates a chroma key mask corresponding to a color of an area occupied by the image of the photographing surface in the photographed image, and the addition as a background to the photographed image based on the created chroma key mask The synthesized image is generated by performing chroma key processing for synthesizing images.

A seventh invention is a photographing step of photographing an image including a user who is a subject a plurality of times, and an output step of outputting a composite image including at least one of a plurality of photographed images obtained in the photographing step as a photograph. An automatic photo creation method including
An additional image selection step of selecting a predetermined number of additional images from a plurality of additional images predetermined as image candidates to be combined with the captured image each time the image is captured in the imaging step;
A display step of displaying a predetermined number of additional images selected in the additional image selection step;
An input step of accepting the user's operation for determining one of the predetermined number of additional images displayed in the display step;
An image synthesis step of generating the synthesized image by synthesizing the additional image determined by the operation input accepted in the input step with the captured image;
In the additional image selection step, a predetermined number of additional images are selected so that one or more of the additional images selected so far are not included.

  An eighth invention is a program characterized by causing a computer to execute the automatic photo creating method described in the seventh invention.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, every time the image is taken by the image taking means, a predetermined number of additional images are selected from a plurality of additional images predetermined by the additional image selecting means and displayed by the display means. The predetermined number of additional images is selected so as not to include one or more of the additional images selected up to the previous time. This makes it easy for the user to select a desired image from a large number of background images or foreground images within a limited time because there is less overlap (or no more overlap) in the additional images selected for each shooting. An automatic photo creation device can be provided.

  According to the second aspect, the predetermined number of additional images are selected by the additional image selection means so as not to include all of the additional images selected up to the previous time. Therefore, the user can easily select a desired image from a large number of background images or foreground images within a limited time.

  According to the third aspect, since a predetermined number of additional images are selected one by one from a plurality of sets of additional images for each shooting, there is no duplication of additional images selected for each shooting with a simple configuration. be able to.

  According to the fourth aspect, since the number of additional images selected for each shooting by the additional image selection means is multiplied by the number of shooting times, the number of additional images predetermined as candidates is obtained. When the processing is completed, all the predetermined additional images are selected, and all the additional images can be displayed to the user, so that the user can easily select a desired image.

  According to the fifth aspect, since a predetermined number of additional images are selected from a plurality of additional images including an image to be combined as a background, a composite image with high playability or entertainment can be obtained.

  According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to generate an image in which an image to be combined as a background by chroma key processing is easily combined with a captured image.

  According to the seventh aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be achieved in the automatic photo creation method.

  According to the eighth aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be achieved in the automatic photo creation program.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<1. Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an automatic photo creation device (play photo creation device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 (a) is a side view of the automatic photo creation device. FIG. 1B is an external plan view seen from above. FIG. 2 is a view of the first main body 3 of the automatic photo creating apparatus as viewed from the front (from the user U as a subject). Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the automatic photo creation apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings.

  This automatic photo creation device includes a shooting room 2 in which a user U enters, a first main body 3 that takes a picture of the user U and receives selection of a background image and a foreground image, and accepts a graffiti by the user and combines it with a shot image. And a second main body 4 that generates the composite image and outputs it as a photo sticker (or photo card). The number of users U may be one or more. However, for convenience of explanation, FIG. 1A shows a user who is in the photographing room 2 and a user who is using the second main body 4. (Note that the shaded area is a chair).

  The photographing room 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the first main body 3 is arranged along the front surface which is the front surface when viewed from the user U entering the inside. In addition, the opening part for the user U to go in and out respectively and the light-shielding curtain which covers a part or all of the opening part are provided in a part of both right and left side surfaces. Further, a single color (in this case, blue or blue) for chroma key composition processing is provided on the rear surface (further floor surface in the case of a photographing target) as viewed from the user U entering the inside of the photographing room 2. (Green) is attached.

  The first main body 3 includes a camera 10 as a photographing means for photographing the user U, a flash 11 as an illuminating means that is arranged at an appropriate position above the camera 10 and emits flash light, and below the camera 10. A preview monitor 22, which is a display device including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display panel, and a liquid crystal display that provides an operation screen for photographing to the user U and the operation screen. And a liquid crystal touch panel 20 made of a transparent sheet for detecting an operation position.

  The camera 10 is typically a digital camera that generates a digital image signal using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The camera 10 captures an image of the user U in the imaging room 2 and represents the captured image. Is output.

  The preview monitor 22 is configured to display an image represented by the image signal in real time, and is used to confirm a captured image obtained by the camera 10. Further, the preview monitor 22 may display an image obtained by synthesizing an additional image in real time as will be described later.

  The liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as a display unit that provides the above-described operation screen and the like, and also functions as an operation unit that receives various operations by the user U, such as an operation unit for photographing. The liquid crystal touch panel 20 is operated by a touch pen (not shown), but may be operated by a finger of the user U, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel having an electrostatic induction type operation position detection function that does not include the transparent sheet. It may be.

  The first main body 3 is mainly configured by a computer and incorporates a main control device that controls each unit, an I / O control device, and a network adapter for communicating with the second main body 4. ing. Furthermore, the first main body 3 is provided with a coin insertion slot 26 on the lower front side and a photo sticker outlet 28 on the side. Furthermore, the first main body 3 includes illumination devices 13L and 13R that are always lit during the operation of the automatic photo creation device, on the left and right sides of the camera 10, respectively.

  The second main body unit 4 includes a sub-control device that is configured around the same computer as the first main body unit 3 and controls each unit, and a network adapter for communicating with the first main body unit 3 and the like. In addition to two built-in each, two liquid crystal touch panels 42a and 42b similar to the liquid crystal touch panel 20, two sets of four touch pens 41a and 41b used for operating these, and a composite image as a photo sticker (or And a network printer 45 for outputting as a photo card.

  As described above, the second main body 4 is provided with two sets of the sub-control device, the network adapter, the liquid crystal touch panel, and the two touch pens, and an area in which one of these sets is provided. It is called graffiti booth A, and the area where the other set is provided is called graffiti booth B. Here, it is assumed that a part of the second main body 4 that can be seen from FIG. 1A is in the graffiti booth A, and the opposite side (the back side in the figure) is in the graffiti booth B.

  The user takes a picture in the first main body 3 and the photographing room 2, and then either of the liquid crystal touch panels 42a and 42b (in the graffiti booth A or the graffiti booth B) and the touch pens 41a and 41b in the second main body 4 By using this, the photographed image is doodled, and the created composite image is printed out from the network printer 45. Next, these functional configurations will be described in detail.

<2. Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the main part of the automatic photo creation apparatus according to the present embodiment as viewed from the functional aspect. Functionally, the automatic photo creation device has a photographing unit 52, a confirmation display unit 54, a main display / operation unit 56, a first communication unit 62, an illumination unit 60, an I / I corresponding to the first main body unit 3. O control unit 58, main control unit 80, second and third communication units 72 and 76 corresponding to second main body unit 4, second and third display / operation units 74 and 78, and second And third control units 81 and 82 and an output unit 66 corresponding to the network printer 45. The first to third communication units 62, 72, and 76, which are network adapters, and the network printer 45 are connected to the LAN. It is possible to communicate with each other via a network 6 such as (Local Area Network).

  In this configuration, the photographing unit 52 corresponds to the camera 10 configured using an image sensor such as a CCD, and captures an image signal in real time and represents the image (this image is referred to as a “through image”). Output. This image signal is input to the main controller 80 and temporarily stored as through image data in its internal memory. The through image data is supplied from the main control unit 80 to the confirmation display unit 54 as a through image signal. The confirmation display unit 54 corresponds to the preview monitor 22 and displays a through image in real time based on the monitor image signal.

  The main display / operation unit 56 corresponds to the liquid crystal touch panel 20 and performs an operation for selecting a background image and a foreground image, which will be described later, an operation of a user U for determining a layout of a photo to be output, a shutter operation, and the like. The signals that are received and indicate these operations are input to the main control unit 80 as operation signals. Here, assuming that a shutter button (not shown) is pressed for shooting by the user U, the camera 10 moves in the shooting direction after a predetermined time of about several seconds based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. A flash is emitted from the flash 11. At that time, an image signal output from the photographing unit 52 as a signal representing a photographed image of the user U is input to the main control unit 80 and photographed in a memory in the main control unit 80 or a hard disk device as an auxiliary storage device. Stored as image data.

  The lighting unit 60 corresponds to the lighting devices 13L and 13R and the flash 11 in the first main body unit 3, and is turned on / off and dimmed by the I / O control unit 58 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. The

  The I / O control unit 58 corresponds to an I / O control device built in the first main body unit 3 and controls the illumination unit 60 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. Further, an input signal such as a detection signal from a coin detection unit (not shown) described later is transferred to the main control unit 80.

  The main control unit 80 is built in the first main body unit 3 and corresponds to a main control unit including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and is stored in an internal memory. When the CPU executes the predetermined program, an instruction is given to each unit as described above in order to control each unit based on the operation signal or the like input as described above. In particular, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, the background image and the foreground image are displayed to the user so that the user can easily select a desired image from a number of background images or foreground images within a limited time. It has the characteristics. The captured image is written in the frame buffer and displayed on the main display / operation unit 56. Furthermore, a part of the image data is rewritten based on an operation signal for the composite image, thereby generating a composite image that is an image obtained by drawing a predetermined background image or foreground image on the composite image. The generated composite image is displayed on the main display / operation unit 56 by being written in the frame buffer. When the photographing and the generation of the composite image are thus completed, the generated composite image is used among the second and third control units 81 and 82 corresponding to the second main body unit 4 via the first communication unit 62. It is sent to those who are not.

  In addition to the above components, a coin detection unit (not shown) for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 26 in the first main body 3 is further provided in the first main body 3. Based on the detection result of the coin detection unit, the control unit 80 controls each unit so as to allow the user U to play with the automatic photo creation apparatus, such as shooting for a predetermined time and selection of a background image and a foreground image. Since the control operation by the coin control unit and the main control unit 80 based on the detection result is the same as that of the conventional automatic photo creating apparatus and is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The predetermined program executed in the main control device is provided by, for example, a CD-ROM that is a recording medium on which the program is recorded. That is, a CD-ROM serving as a recording medium for the predetermined program is mounted on a CD-ROM driving device built in the main control device as an auxiliary storage device, and the predetermined program is read from the CD-ROM to be an auxiliary storage device. Installed on the hard disk device. The predetermined program may be provided via a recording medium other than a CD-ROM or a communication line. When a predetermined operation for starting the automatic photo creating apparatus is performed, the predetermined program installed in the hard disk device is transferred to a memory in the main control device and temporarily stored therein, and the main control device It is executed by the internal CPU. Thereby, the control process of each part by the main controller is realized.

  The second and third control units 81 and 82 are built in the second main body unit 4, and like the main control unit 80, are mainly a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. As described above, the CPU executes a predetermined program stored in the internal memory to control each unit based on the operation signal input as described above. Give instructions to each part. Further, by rewriting a part of the image data based on an operation signal for performing graffiti processing on the composite image sent from the main control unit 80, a composite image that is an image in which a predetermined image is drawn on the composite image is displayed. Generate. The generated composite image is displayed on the corresponding second or third display / operation unit 74 or 78. When the image composition as described above is completed, the composite image is transmitted to the output unit 66. If the output unit 66 is outputting another composite image, a message to that effect is displayed and transmitted after waiting for completion.

  The output unit 66 corresponds to the network printer 45 built in the second main body unit 4, and the above-mentioned photographing that has been image-processed according to the graffiti of the user U received from the second and third control units 81 and 82. The image represented by the image data is output as a photo sticker (or photo card). The outputted photographic sticker or the like is taken out from an outlet (not shown) provided on the side surface of the second main body 4.

<3. Operation>
<3.1 Main control operations>
As described above, the operations of the main control unit 80 and the second and third control units 81 and 82 in the present embodiment are realized by their internal CPUs executing the predetermined program. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure of operations of the main control unit 80 and the second or third control units 81 and 82 realized in this way. In the present embodiment, when a predetermined coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 26, the main control operation (hereinafter referred to as “main control processing”) of the automatic photo creation apparatus operates as follows.

  First, the main control unit 80 performs initialization processing of the apparatus, that is, initialization of each hardware, initialization processing of data stored in the main control unit 80 as a set value, and further, mode selection by the user U is performed. An operation input is received (step S10).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the mode selection operation screen. The operation screen shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the main display / operation unit 56, and displays two modes, an auto mode selectable by the user U and a manual mode. Here, it is assumed that the manual mode is selected. When the manual mode is selected by the user, a timer is set to time out when a predetermined shooting time (hereinafter referred to as “shooting time”) elapses. Proceed to processing.

  When the auto mode is selected from the above two modes, the next frame selection process (step S20) is omitted, and an additional image is automatically selected (for example, randomly) from a number of predetermined additional images. Shooting is performed. However, the present embodiment is characterized in that the user can easily select a desired image from a large number of additional images within a limited time, so that the manual mode is selected as described above.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 80 selects a predetermined 10 additional images from a number of additional images, and displays the selected additional images on the main display / operation unit 56, thereby displaying the displayed 10 additional images. A selection process such as a frame for receiving an operation input by the user U for determining one additional image to be synthesized from the image to the captured image is performed (step S20).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen for determining one image to be synthesized from the ten additional images. The operation screen shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displayed on the main display / operation unit 56, and a total of 10 additional images to be used as backgrounds are displayed in the upper and lower sections. Further, the remaining time of “120 seconds remaining” is displayed in the upper right part of FIG. 6. This remaining time is the time indicated by the timer set in the initial process of step S10.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the displayed additional images are all additional images that should be the background (hereinafter referred to as “background images”), but the additional images that should be the foreground arranged in front of the user's image. (Hereinafter referred to as “foreground image”) or both a background image and a foreground image may be included. Several tens to a hundred of the additional images are stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device of the main control unit 10. Typically, the additional image is a frame that is a foreground image for decorating the periphery of the composite image. An image and an image obtained by appropriately combining the frame image and the background image are included.

  Here, the main control unit 80 sequentially displays the ten additional images displayed as described above from the tens to hundreds of additional images stored in the auxiliary storage device or the like (here, assumed to be 100). select. That is, all of the stored additional images are divided into a plurality of groups, with 10 images as one set, and the 10 additional images are selected by sequentially selecting these sets one by one. The reason for selecting 10 images in order is to make it easier for the user to select a desired image. If all of the stored additional images are displayed on one operation screen, one image becomes small and it becomes difficult to determine the contents, so that it is very difficult for the user to select. Further, for example, if a configuration is adopted in which a tab that can be selected for each group is displayed and the user selects one tab and then only the additional images of the group corresponding to the tab are displayed, the tab is displayed. The added image is easier to see. However, in this configuration, an operation for selecting tabs one by one and confirming an additional image may be required, which causes the user to perform complicated operations. In this regard, as in this embodiment, if only these additional images are displayed as a set of 10 images, the user can easily determine the contents and quickly select a desired image without hesitation. It becomes possible, and the limited play time can be utilized effectively.

  Further, since the images are displayed one by one in order, if 100 shots are taken, all 100 additional images can be selected. That is, by selecting the number of additional images (that is, 10 images) obtained by dividing the total number of stored additional images (here, 100 images) by the number of times of imaging (here, 10 times) for every image capturing, all images are captured. At the time of completion, all the additional images are selected. Thus, a user can select a desired image from all the additional images prepared in one play.

  Further, the main display / operation unit 56 accepts selection by the user from the additional image displayed as described above. Specifically, an additional image is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 20 as shown in FIG. 6, and the user U selects one of these additional images on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 (that is, the screen The operation is performed by moving the cursor or pressing the panel with a finger. In the figure, the additional image at the center of the upper stage surrounded by a thick frame is selected. As a result, the user can obtain a composite image in which the additional image selected by the user is a (virtual) background image, so that the playability of the apparatus can be improved.

  Next, the main control unit 80 performs chroma key processing on the background image, which is an additional image selected by the user's operation input to the main display / operation unit 56 (step S30). That is, the main control unit 80 first creates a chroma key mask corresponding to an image on the back surface of the photographing room 2 to which a chroma key color is given in the photographed image. This chroma key mask is a well-known composite mask (alpha channel), and the area occupied by the back image included in the area having the key color (in this case, blue or green) in the target captured image is transparent. Data for making other areas non-transparent. In general, the composite mask is set to a value α indicating transparency from 0 (completely transparent) to 255 (completely nontransparent) for each pixel of the target image. Note that only 0 and 255 are used as α here.

  By using such a chroma key mask, the region of the additional image to be the background (selected by the user as appropriate) corresponding to the non-transparent region (α = 255) of the photographed image is hidden (masked). The area of the additional image to be the background corresponding to the transparent area (α = 0) is synthesized so that it can be seen. Therefore, a composite image having high playability or entertainment as if a part of a non-transparent region of a target photographed image is cut out and the cut-out part is pasted on the additional image to be the background. can get. Hereinafter, such a synthesis process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a synthesis process to which such a chroma key mask is applied. More specifically, FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a captured image to which a chroma key mask is applied, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an additional image to be used as a background selected by the user. FIG. 7C is a diagram exemplifying an image synthesized with the captured image with the additional image as a background.

  In the photographed image in FIG. 7A, an alpha channel corresponding to a chroma key mask is set, and the non-transparent area (α = 255) matches the range of the user's image, and the transparent area (α = 0) corresponds to the range of the rear portion of the imaging room 2 other than that (the hatched portion in the figure).

  An additional image serving as the background shown in FIG. 7B is synthesized with the captured image to which the chroma key mask shown in FIG. 7A is applied (that is, the alpha channel is set). Then, in the additional image, a region corresponding to the range of the user's image corresponding to the non-transparent region (α = 255) of the photographed image is hidden (masked), and the transparent region (α = 0) of the photographed image. Since the additional image area corresponding to) is synthesized so as to be visible, a synthesized image having a front-rear relationship as shown in FIG. 7C is obtained.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 80 displays the composite image obtained in step S30 and performs a photographing process for photographing the user U (step S40). Here, the composition of the additional image in step S30 and the display of the image obtained by the composition in step S40 may be displayed on the preview monitor 22 or the liquid crystal touch panel 20 in real time. That is, for example, by performing the combining process in step S30 in step S40, the acquired image corresponding to the captured image from the imaging unit (camera) 52 that is continuously obtained even before acquisition of the captured image by pressing the shutter button or the like is obtained. On the other hand, the synthesized image is synthesized and displayed in real time. By doing so, the user can see the combined result before shooting, and thus can obtain a combined image shot in a desired positional relationship with the additional image. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a composite image display screen obtained in step S40. In addition, in this step S40, selection of the additional image in step S20 may be performed simultaneously.

  After displaying the composite image in this way, the main control unit 80 performs a photographing process for photographing the user U. In this photographing process, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a shutter button (not shown) or a shutter button displayed on the screen of the main display / operation unit 56 is pressed based on the operation signal, and until the shutter button is pressed. stand by. It should be noted that when the shooting time ends without the shutter button being pressed, the processing when the shutter button is pressed is automatically performed. When the shutter button is pressed, the main control unit 80 notifies the user of the start of shooting on the screen of the main display / operation unit 56, and the shooting unit (camera) 52 takes a picture after a predetermined time of about several seconds. Send a signal (shutter signal). Accordingly, the illumination unit (flash) 70 emits flash in synchronization with the shutter operation of the photographing unit 52, and the main control unit 80 starts the capture process. That is, the main control unit 80 receives the image signal output from the imaging unit 52 as a signal representing the captured image of the user U illuminated by the flash from the illumination unit (flash) 70, and stores it in the memory or the auxiliary storage device. Store as a captured image file. Note that the capture process is executed each time the shutter button is pressed during a predetermined shooting time, and the shot image is temporarily saved as an image file.

  Next, the main control unit 80 finishes shooting by performing a predetermined number of times (here, 10 times) of shooting, or shooting ends when a timer indicating the shooting time expires. Even before the lapse of the photographing time, it is determined whether or not the photographing is finished by performing an operation to instruct the main display / operation unit 56 to finish the photographing process (step S50). If the shooting is finished, the process proceeds to the next step S60. If shooting is not completed, the process returns to step S20, and the above process is repeated until shooting is completed (S50 → S20 → S30 → S40 → S50).

  When shooting is completed, the main control unit 80 displays a plurality of combined images in which desired additional images are combined with each of the captured images acquired by a plurality of shootings on the main display / operation unit 56, thereby displaying the images. An image selection process for accepting an operation input by the user U for determining one (or about 2 to 4) composite image for performing graffiti described later from the plurality of composite images that have been performed is performed (step S60). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for selecting a composite image to be doodled from 10 composite images including captured images acquired by 10 capturing operations displayed in the image selection process.

  Note that after this processing (or before), layout processing may be performed in which a plurality of photographed images (or a composite image including this) are appropriately arranged on a photo sticker to be output. This layout process is an image in which a photographed image or a composite image is arranged at a predetermined position by accepting an operation for determining how to place a photographed image within a predetermined time limit. A composite image for printing a photo sticker or the like is generated.

  Next, the main control unit 80 transfers the composite image selected by the user in step S60 from the first communication unit 62 to one of the second or third communication units 72 and 76 connected via the network 6. An image transmission process to be transmitted is performed (step S70). Specifically, the main control unit 80 sends the current (graffiti) to the second and third control units 81 and 82 from the first communication unit 62 via the second and third communication units 72 and 76, respectively. Whether the process is being performed or not, and the composite image is transmitted to either the second or third control unit 81 or 82 that is not performing the process.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 80 performs a main display / display of prompting the user to move to the graffiti booth A or the graffiti booth B including the second or third control unit 81 or 82 that has transmitted the composite image in step S70. By displaying on the operation unit 56, a guidance process to the user is performed (step S80).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed in this guidance process. Here, since the graffiti booth A is in use, the composite image is transmitted to the third control unit 82 included in the graffiti booth B in step S70, and as shown in FIG. “Please move to booth B” message is displayed, and the position of graffiti booth B viewed from the user is indicated by an arrow.

  When the guidance process in step S70 is finished, the series of main control processes shown in FIG. 4 is finished, and the coin shown in FIG. 4 is inserted until a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted into the coin slot 26. The control process is waiting to be executed. In this execution waiting state, the processing shown in FIG. 4 is in an execution waiting state until a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted into the coin insertion slot 26. When a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted in this execution waiting state, the same processing (steps S10 to S80) as described above is executed.

<3.2 Control action for graffiti>
Next, in addition to the main control process as described above, when the main control unit 80 transmits a composite image (in step S70) to the second or third control unit 81 or 82, the automatic photo creation apparatus The control operation for graffiti (hereinafter referred to as “sub-control processing”) operates as follows.

  First, one of the second or third control units 81 and 82 that has received the composite image from the main control unit 80, here, the third control unit 82 receives the composite image and until reception ends. Is displayed on the third display / operation unit 78 such as “Currently receiving. Please wait for a while for graffiti.” (Step S92).

  When the reception is completed, a graffiti process is performed by the third control unit 82 and the third display / operation unit 78 (step S94). In this graffiti processing, a predetermined time for graffiti processing (hereinafter referred to as “doodle time”) is set by the third control unit 82, and the user uses the liquid crystal touch panel 42b within the graffiti time. Do graffiti. Specifically, it is possible to select a nib icon or a stamp image displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 42b so that a photographed image and various icons for graffiti can be selected, for example, the thickness and color of a virtual graffiti pen. For example, a stamp icon or the like to be displayed is displayed, and an operation by the user is accepted. That is, the user selects one of these various icons on the liquid crystal touch panel 42b (that is, moves the cursor over the icon displayed by using the touch pen 41b to confirm), on the display screen Virtual graffiti is performed by performing an operation for designating a desired position.

  Subsequently, in the printing process in step S96, the composite image generated by the graffiti process in step S94 (more specifically, the photographed image is laid out at an appropriate position and size by the layout process described above, and various graffiti is performed. Further, a composite image in which additional images such as a frame image and a background image are subjected to chroma key composition is output, that is, the third control unit 82 outputs a composite image (chroma key composition) with graffiti etc. to an output unit (network printer). ) 66 and instructing the output thereof, the network printer as the output unit 66 outputs the composite image as a photo sticker.

  Finally, the third control unit 82 displays a notification (for example, a message such as “I am printing now. Please wait in front of the printer”) for guiding the user to the network printer 45 that performs printing in step S96. Is displayed on the display / operation unit 78 to perform guidance processing to the user (step S98).

  When the guidance process in step S98 is finished, the series of sub-control processes shown in FIG. 4 is finished, and the sub-control shown in FIG. 4 is performed until the composite image is transmitted by main controller 80 (in step S70). The process is waiting for execution. When a composite image is transmitted by the main control unit 80 in this execution waiting state, the same processing (steps S92 to S98) as described above is executed.

  In addition, although the said sub control process demonstrated as what is performed by the 3rd control part 82, it can be similarly performed also in the 2nd control part 81, and these are simultaneously (in parallel). It is feasible.

<4. Effects>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, for each shooting, 10 additional images are displayed by sequentially selecting 10 images as a set from 100 additional images stored in advance. Therefore, there is no duplication in the additional image displayed for each shooting. Therefore, it is possible to provide an automatic photo creation apparatus that allows a user to easily select a desired image from a large number of background images or foreground images within a limited time.

<5. Modification>
In the above embodiment, 10 images are selected from 100 additional images stored in advance as a set, and one set is combined and selected 10 times in sequence. Need not be selected. However, if too many images are displayed at a time, it is difficult to select quickly, so about 10 images are preferable, and the number of times of shooting is preferably about several to 10 times in relation to play time.

  Moreover, the said group does not necessarily need to be decided beforehand and the structure which selects 10 sheets at random every time may be sufficient. In this case, if it is configured not to newly select an additional image that has already been selected, such as by storing the already selected additional image, it is typically stored in advance by selecting a total of 10 times for each shooting. In addition, all 100 additional images can be selected without duplication, and all the additional images stored in advance can be displayed to the user.

  Furthermore, the configuration may be such that a newly selected additional image is newly selected, but the additional image is not included so that at least one or more of the additional images that have been selected at the previous time are not included. Must be selected. This is to reduce the overlap such that the additional images selected up to the previous time are selected again, and to make it easier for the user to select a desired image from a large number of background images or foreground images within a limited time.

  In the above embodiment, the photographing room 2 for photographing and the two graffiti booths A and B for graffiti are provided separately, but they may be arranged integrally. However, if these are provided separately, the above-described configuration that shortens the shooting time including the selection period of the additional image can be quickly used for the next user who wants to take a picture in the shooting room 2. Utilization efficiency can be further increased.

1 is a side view of a photo creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the main-body part of the photo production apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the photo production apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment from the functional surface. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the main control part and the 2nd or 3rd control part in the photo production apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen of the mode selection in the said embodiment. In the said embodiment, it is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen which determines one sheet which should be synthesize | combined from ten additional images. It is a figure for demonstrating the synthetic | combination process to which the chroma key mask in the said embodiment is applied. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the synthesized image obtained in the imaging | photography process of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen for selecting the synthesized image which should perform graffiti in the image selection process of the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen displayed in the guidance process of the said embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Shooting room 3 ... 1st main-body part 4 ... 2nd main-body part 6 ... Network 10 ... Camera 11 ... Flash 20, 42 ... Liquid crystal touch panel 41 ... Touch pen 45 ... Network printer 52 ... Imaging | photography part (camera)
54 ... Confirmation display (preview monitor)
56 ... Main display / operation unit (LCD touch panel)
58 ... I / O controller (I / O controller)
60 ... Illumination part 62, 72, 76 ... 1st thru | or 3rd communication part (network adapter)
66 ... Output unit (network printer)
74, 78 ... 2nd and 3rd display and operation part (liquid crystal touch panel)
80: Main control unit (main control device)
81, 82 ... second and third control units (sub-control devices)
U: User

Claims (8)

An automatic photo creation apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image including a user as a subject a plurality of times; and an output unit that outputs a composite image including at least one of a plurality of captured images obtained by the imaging unit as a photograph. Because
An additional image selection unit that selects a predetermined number of additional images from a plurality of predetermined additional images as candidate images to be combined with the captured image every time the image is captured by the imaging unit;
Display means for displaying a predetermined number of additional images selected by the additional image selection means;
An input means for receiving an operation of the user for determining one from a predetermined number of additional images displayed by the display means;
Image synthesizing means for generating the synthesized image by synthesizing the additional image determined by the operation input accepted by the input means with the photographed image;
The automatic image creation device, wherein the additional image selection means selects a predetermined number of additional images so as not to include one or more of the additional images selected so far.   2. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the additional image selection unit selects a predetermined number of additional images so that all of the additional images selected so far are not included.   The additional image selection unit selects a predetermined number of additional images one by one from a plurality of predetermined additional images each time a predetermined number of additional images are taken as a set each time the image capturing unit captures the image. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The photographing means shoots a predetermined number of times,
3. The additional image selection unit selects a number of additional images obtained by dividing a predetermined number of additional images as candidates for an image to be combined with the photographed image by the number of times of photographing. Or the automatic photo production apparatus in any one of Claim 3.   The said additional image selection means selects a predetermined number of additional images from the some additional image containing the image which should be synthesize | combined as a background of the said user's image, The Claim 1 to Claim 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The automatic photo creation apparatus of any one of Claims. A background presenting means that is a subject to be photographed by the photographing means and has a surface to be photographed with a predetermined color;
The image synthesizing unit creates a chroma key mask corresponding to a color of an area occupied by the image of the photographing surface in the photographed image, and the addition as a background to the photographed image based on the created chroma key mask 6. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the composite image is generated by performing chroma key processing for compositing images. An automatic photo creation method including a photographing step of photographing an image including a user as a subject a plurality of times, and an output step of outputting a composite image including at least one of a plurality of photographed images obtained in the photographing step as a photograph. Because
An additional image selection step of selecting a predetermined number of additional images from a plurality of additional images predetermined as image candidates to be combined with the captured image each time the image is captured in the imaging step;
A display step of displaying a predetermined number of additional images selected in the additional image selection step;
An input step of accepting the user's operation for determining one of the predetermined number of additional images displayed in the display step;
An image synthesis step of generating the synthesized image by synthesizing the additional image determined by the operation input accepted in the input step with the captured image;
In the additional image selection step, a predetermined number of additional images are selected so that one or more of the additional images selected so far are not included.   A program for causing a computer to execute the automatic photo creating method according to claim 7.

Images