JP2011154077A - Automatic photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic photographing device for assisting scribbles of a Q&A form by a user. <P>SOLUTION: In the automatic photographing device, ten frame images 441L displayed on a pallet area 402L included in a scribbling screen contains characters in the form of different questions. One of the frame images 441L is suitably selected by a user and combined into a composite image including a photographic image (usually, as a foreground image). Further, answers to those questions are scribbled with a touch pen 21L or the like by the user. Accordingly, the user can easily perform scribbling of the questions in the Q&A form scribbles only by performing the operation of selecting frame images 441L and combining them. Thus, the apparatus assists scribbles of a Q&A form by the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic photo creation apparatus, and more particularly to an automatic photo creation apparatus that takes a user with a camera and outputs a composite image generated based on the taken 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”.

  Such graffiti is generally provided with a time limit, and the user's preference can be selected from a variety of background images and foreground images (for example, frame images and stamp images) prepared in advance within the time limit. Various devices have been devised in the conventional automatic photo creating apparatus so that the corresponding image can be selected.

  In addition, when a user draws freely, a conventional automatic photo creation device that can provide a graffiti idea to the user by displaying on the display a question that is a hint of the word to be graffiti on the photographed image (See Patent Document 1). This device provides direct guidance on how to use editing tools when the user's skill level is low, and displays indirect hints as editing tips when the user's skill level is high. Is called.

JP 2005-124134 A

  Here, in the above-described conventional apparatus, only a question to be a hint is displayed (when the user's skill level is high), so the user reads the question to be the hint and displays the content. In response, the words recalled by the user will be scribbled. Therefore, the above question itself is not included in the content of words that are actually doodled. Accordingly, the words that are actually doodled do not take the form of a question and its answer (hereinafter, this form is referred to as “Q & A form”).

  However, since the graffiti described in the Q & A format can be enjoyed even after being output in the form of a photo sticker or the like, it can be said that the description format itself has high playability. In this regard, the question that is a hint displayed in the conventional apparatus does not assume a graffiti in the Q & A format. Therefore, even if the display of the question in the above-described conventional apparatus may have an effect of reminding the user of a word (idea) to be overwritten, it assists the graffiti in the Q & A format by the user ( It does not have an action).

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo creation apparatus that can assist a user in graffiti in a Q & A format.

A first aspect of the invention is an automatic photo creation apparatus comprising a photographing means for photographing an image including a user who is a subject and an output means for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the photographing means as a photograph. ,
Input means for accepting an operation by the user;
Display means for displaying an additional image including a question sentence on a predetermined display screen; and an image for generating the composite image by combining the additional image with the photographed image in accordance with an operation received by the input means And a synthesizing means.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The input means receives an operation by the user to write an answer to the question text included in the additional image on the photographed image.

According to a third invention, in the second invention,
The display means displays a sample image including the question text included in the additional image and an answer example corresponding to the question text.

According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions,
The display means displays on the display screen a plurality of candidate images that are candidates for the additional image to be synthesized by the image synthesizing means,
The input means receives an operation by the user for determining one or more of the plurality of candidate images displayed on the display screen as the additional image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided: Because
An input step for accepting an operation by the user;
A display step for displaying an additional image including a question sentence on a predetermined display screen; and an image for generating the composite image by combining the additional image with the photographed image in accordance with an operation received in the input step. And a synthesis step.

  According to the first aspect, the additional image including the question text is displayed on the display screen, and the additional image is combined with the captured image in accordance with the operation received by the input unit. Therefore, the user can easily perform a doodle of a question (generally difficult to conceive) among Q & A-style doodles simply by composing an additional image including a question sentence. Can assist graffiti in Q & A format.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user can easily perform the Q & A format graffiti because the operation by the user to write the answer to the question text on the photographed image is accepted by the input means. , Can assist the graffiti in Q & A format by users.

  According to the third invention, the sample image including the answer example corresponding to the question sentence is displayed. For example, by referring to the answer example with respect to the content and the picture of the answer example, the arrangement position thereof, etc. The person can easily answer the question sentence, and can assist the graffiti in the Q & A format by the user.

  According to the fourth aspect, a plurality of candidate images are displayed on the display screen, and an operation by the user for determining one or more of the plurality of candidate images as an additional image by the input unit is accepted. Therefore, the user can easily perform a graffiti of a question (generally difficult to conceive) out of Q & A format graffiti simply by selecting and synthesizing an additional image including a question sentence from candidate images. Therefore, graffiti in Q & A format by the user can be assisted.

  According to the fifth aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be achieved in the method invention.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the photo production apparatus for games which is an automatic photo production apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the imaging unit in the embodiment. It is a front view of the edit unit in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the photo production apparatus for play concerning the said embodiment from the functional surface. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of photographing processing in the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for editing processing in the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a display by the main display and operation part at the time of the graffiti process in the said embodiment being performed. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a partial display by the main display and the operation part when a frame is selected when the graffiti process in the said embodiment is performed.

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 an appearance of a game photo creation device that is an automatic photo creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 (a) is an external side view of the play photo creation apparatus as viewed from the side, and FIG. 1 (b) is an external plan view as viewed from above. This play photo creation device accepts a shooting room 2 where a user enters, a shooting unit 3 that takes a picture of the user and receives selection of a background image and a foreground image, and an editing operation including graffiti (drawing operation) by the user. An editing unit 4 that generates a combined image combined with the photographed image and an output unit 5 that outputs the combined image are provided. FIG. 2 is a front view of the photographing unit 3, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the editing unit 4. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The photographing room 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the photographing unit 3 is arranged along the front surface of the photographing room 2 which is a front surface when viewed from the user entering the inside. Note that an opening for a user to enter and exit, and a light-shielding curtain that covers a part or all of the opening are provided on a part of each of the left and right side surfaces of the photographing room 2. In addition, an electric roll curtain device 25 is disposed on the rear surface, which is the rear surface when viewed from the user entering the inside of the photographing room 2.

  The photographing unit 3 includes a camera 10 as an imaging unit for photographing a user, strobes 11, 12, 13 L, 13 R, and 14 that are arranged at the top, bottom, left and right positions of the camera 10 and emit flash light. It is provided with a shooting operation touch panel 20 that is arranged and receives operations from a user, displays shot images, and the like.

  The camera 10 is typically a digital camera that generates a digital image signal using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), captures a user, and outputs an image signal representing the captured image. The flashes 11 to 14 emit a flash toward the user in order to obtain sufficient light for photographing. The shooting operation touch panel 20 is configured to provide an operation screen for accepting various operations by the user during shooting, and to display an image based on the image signal in real time.

  The shooting operation touch panel 20 has a real-time preview area for displaying a shot image in real time, a pose sample display area for displaying a pose sample, and a graffiti target image for displaying a graffiti target image obtained by shooting. A screen including a display area is displayed.

  The photographing unit 3 is built around a computer and incorporates a control device for controlling each part, an I / O control device, a network adapter for communicating with the editing unit 4, and the like. The photographing unit 3 includes a coin insertion slot 26 at the lower front side.

  The editing unit 4 is configured around a computer similar to the photographing unit 3, and includes a control device that controls each part and the like, and a network adapter that communicates with the photographing unit 3 and the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the editing unit 4 is divided into two units 4a and 4b so that two sets of users can play. One unit 4a includes an editing operation touch panel 400 including a graffiti area, an area for displaying a menu for graffiti, a tool, and the like, and touch pens 49L and 49R used for operations on the editing operation touch panel 400. Is provided. The other unit 4b has the same configuration. Here, the unit 4a seen in the foreground in FIG. 1A is referred to as “graffiti booth A”, and the unit 4b on the opposite side (the back side in the figure) is referred to as “graffiti booth B”.

  The editing operation touch panel 400 according to the present embodiment has a screen configuration in which two users can simultaneously doodle each unit 4a and 4b. In this description, components used by the user on the left side are given reference signs including “L”, and components used by the user on the right side are assigned reference signs including “R”. ing.

  The output unit 5 typically uses a user's mobile phone terminal by communication that does not require contact at a short distance (hereinafter referred to as “non-contact communication”), such as is performed using an infrared port provided in the mobile phone terminal. An output operation touch panel 30 that is operated by a user when transmitting an image, a non-contact communication port 31 that is disposed below the output operation touch panel 30 and performs infrared communication for image transmission, and the non-contact A speaker 32 is provided for notifying the user by voice of operation methods and sound effects necessary for communication. Further, the output unit 5 includes an outlet 33 for taking out a photo sticker, a photo card, or the like on which a composite image that has been edited by the editing unit 4 is printed.

  The output operation touch panel 30 performs various operations necessary for transmitting to a mobile phone terminal having the non-contact communication function when the user wants to see a photo sticker or the like on which a composite image is printed on the mobile phone terminal. It is configured to provide an operation screen for receiving.

  Such an output unit 5 is composed mainly of the same computer as the photographing unit 3, and includes a control device for controlling each part and the like, a network adapter for communicating with the editing unit 4, etc. A network printer 35 for printing an image as a photo sticker or the like is provided.

  In the configuration as described above, after shooting in the shooting room 2, the user uses the graffiti booth A of the editing unit 4 or the touch panel 400 for the editing operation of the graffiti booth B to generate based on the shot image. Graffiti is performed on the graffiti target image. Then, the user prints a composite image generated by graffiti using a network printer, transmits an image using a non-contact communication to a mobile phone terminal having a non-contact communication function, and receives an image received by the mobile phone terminal. Is displayed on the terminal screen.

<2. Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the play photo creating apparatus according to the present embodiment as seen from the functional aspect. As shown in FIG. 4, this play photo creating apparatus functionally has a photographing processing unit 7 for mainly performing a process of photographing a user (photographing process), and a user's graffiti mainly for a graffiti target image. An editing processing unit 8 for performing an editing process on the graffiti target image in response to an operation, and outputting the graffiti target image on which the editing process has been performed as a photo sticker or the like, And an output processing unit 9 that performs a process of outputting (output process).

  The imaging processing unit 7 includes a first control unit 70, an imaging unit 71, a first display / operation unit 72, an I / O control unit 73, an illumination unit 74, and a first communication unit 75. It is configured. The edit processing unit 8 includes a second control unit 80, second display / operation units 81 and 82, and a second communication unit 83. The output processing unit 9 includes a third control unit 90, a third display / operation unit 91, a print output unit 92, an audio output unit 93, a non-contact communication unit 94, and a third communication unit 95. It is constituted by. The first, second, and third communication units 75, 83, and 95 that are network adapters can communicate with each other via a network 6 that is a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The imaging unit 71 corresponds to the camera 10 configured using an imaging element such as a CCD, and captures an image in real time and outputs an image signal representing the image (captured image). This image signal is input to the first control unit 70 and temporarily stored as photographed image data in its internal memory. The captured image data is supplied as a captured image signal from the first control unit 70 to the first display / operation unit 72, and a captured image based on the captured image signal is displayed in real time.

  The first display / operation unit 72 corresponds to the shooting operation touch panel 20 and is used for selecting a background image and a foreground image to be combined with a shot image and determining a layout of a photo to be output. The user's operation and shutter operation are accepted. Signals indicating these operations are input to the first control unit 70 as operation signals. Here, when a predetermined process for photographing the user (corresponding to the selected photographing menu) is started, guidance for the user is displayed on the first display / operation unit 72, and thereafter Based on an instruction from the first control unit 70, a flash is emitted from the flashes 11 to 14 in the shooting direction of the camera 10 after a predetermined time of about several seconds. At that time, an image signal output from the imaging unit 71 as a signal representing a photographed image of the user is input to the first control unit 70, a memory in the first control unit 70, a hard disk device as an auxiliary storage device, or the like. Stored as captured image data.

  The illumination unit 74 corresponds to the strobes 11, 12, 13 </ b> L, 13 </ b> R, 14 disposed at the top, bottom, left, and right positions of the camera 10, and is turned on / off by the I / O control unit 73 based on an instruction from the first control unit 70. Turning off and dimming are controlled. The I / O control unit 73 corresponds to an I / O control device built in the photographing unit 3, and controls the illumination unit 74 based on an instruction from the first control unit 70. Further, an input signal such as a detection signal from a coin detection unit (not shown) described later is transferred to the first control unit 70. The first communication unit 75 corresponds to a network adapter built in the photographing unit 3 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  The first control unit 70 is built in the photographing unit 3 and corresponds to a control device mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device and the like, and is stored in a predetermined memory stored in an internal memory. When the CPU executes the 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. A graffiti target image is generated based on the photographed image. The generated graffiti target image is written in the frame buffer and displayed on the first display / operation unit 72. Further, the first control unit 70 generates a composite image that is an image in which a predetermined background image or foreground image is drawn on the graffiti target image. The generated composite image is displayed on the first display / operation unit 72 by being written in the frame buffer. When the shooting and the generation of the composite image are completed in this way, the generated composite image is appropriately selected according to the input operation of the user, and then the second corresponding to the editing unit 4 via the first communication unit 75. It is sent to the control unit 80.

  In addition to the above-described components, the photographing unit 3 is further provided with a coin detection unit (not shown) for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 26 in the photographing unit 3, and the first control unit 70 includes Based on the detection result of the coin detection unit, each unit is controlled so as to allow the user to play with the present photo creation device, such as shooting, selection of the background image and foreground image, and graffiti for a predetermined time. Since the detection operation by the coin detection unit and the control operation by the first control unit 70 based on the detection result are the same as those of the conventional game photo creation device and are well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The second control unit 80 is a built-in editing unit 4 and corresponds to a control device that is configured around a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and is a predetermined program stored in an internal memory. Is executed by the CPU to perform overall control related to the editing process. In addition, the second control unit 80 generates a composite image that is an image obtained by drawing a predetermined image on the graffiti target image based on an operation signal for performing graffiti processing on the captured image sent from the first control unit 70. Generate. The generated composite image is displayed on the corresponding second display / operation unit 81 or 82 in accordance with a user instruction. When the generation of the composite image as described above is completed, the composite image is sent to the output unit 5. If the print output unit 92 is outputting another composite image, a message to that effect is displayed and sent after waiting for completion.

  The second display / operation units 81 and 82 correspond to the editing operation touch panel 400 for graffiti, and accept a user's operation using a touch pen. The second communication unit 83 corresponds to a network adapter built in the editing unit 4 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  The third control unit 90 is built in the output unit 5 and corresponds to a control device mainly composed of a computer 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 a predetermined program, overall control relating to output processing is performed. The third control unit 90 stores the composite image sent from the second control unit 80 in the memory as composite image data. The print output unit 92 corresponds to the network printer 35 built in the output unit, and prints a plurality of composite image data stored in the memory as a photo sticker (or photo card) (appropriately laid out). The printed photo sticker or the like is taken out from an outlet 33 provided at the lower front of the output unit 5.

  Further, the third control unit 90 can start printing processing such as a photo sticker based on the composite image sent from the editing unit 4 and simultaneously download the composite image data created by the user to the mobile phone terminal. As described above, an operation screen for accepting a user's input operation is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91. The third display / operation unit 91 corresponds to the output operation touch panel 30 and functions as an input unit that inputs the received input operation to the third control unit 90 as an operation signal.

  Based on the input operation signal, the third control unit 90 issues an instruction to the non-contact communication unit 94 to transmit image data to the user's mobile phone terminal. The non-contact communication unit 94 corresponds to the non-contact communication port 31. The image data is directly transmitted from the non-contact communication unit 94 to the user's mobile phone terminal as a non-contact communication infrared signal. The third communication unit 95 corresponds to a network adapter built in the output unit 5 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  Here, the third control unit 90 writes a demo image (demonstration image) or a mini game image stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device in the frame buffer while the input operation is not performed. Is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91. The audio output unit 93 corresponds to the speaker 32. The audio output unit 93 explains the input operation method to the user in conjunction with the operation screen displayed on the third display / operation unit 91, and the third display / operation unit 91 displays a demo image or a mini game. Play music, sound effects, etc. when displayed.

  Here, the predetermined program executed in each control device is provided by, for example, a DVD-ROM which is a recording medium on which the program is recorded. That is, a DVD-ROM as a recording medium for the predetermined program is attached to a DVD-ROM driving device built in the control device as an auxiliary storage device, and the predetermined program is read from the DVD-ROM as an auxiliary storage device. Installed on the hard disk drive. The predetermined program may be provided via a recording medium (CD-ROM or the like) other than a DVD-ROM or a communication line. Then, when an operation for starting the present photo creating device is performed, the predetermined program installed in the hard disk device is transferred to the memory in the control device and temporarily stored therein, It is executed by the CPU. Thereby, the control process of each part by the control device is realized.

<3. Processing procedure in a photo creation device for play>
As described above, the play photo creating apparatus includes the photographing unit 3, the editing unit 4, and the output unit 5. The photographing unit 3 performs photographing processing, the editing unit 4 performs editing processing, and the output unit 5 performs output processing. It should be noted that when a certain user is playing with the photographing unit 3, another user can play with the editing unit 4, and yet another user can output a composite image with the output unit 5. ing. In other words, the game photo creation device can perform shooting processing, editing processing, and output processing in parallel. In the following, an outline of processing procedures of the photographing process, the editing process, and the output process will be described.

<3.1 Shooting process>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the photographing process in the present embodiment. When the play photo creation device is not used (when no play is performed), a demonstration image is displayed on the shooting operation touch panel 20. When the user inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 26 while displaying the demo image, play is started (step S100).

  When the play is started, the first control unit 70 accepts selection of a shooting mode by the user (step S110). In step S110, for example, image quality (specifically, one of clear image quality with high contrast, soft image quality with softness, or cool image quality with transparency) is selected, brightness is selected, Whether to shoot automatically or manually is selected. When shooting automatically, a shooting theme is selected. In this case, the first control unit 70 displays on the shooting operation touch panel 20 a screen for allowing the user to select one or more shooting themes from a plurality of shooting themes prepared in advance. The selection operation by the person is accepted. Then, the first control unit 70 acquires selection information based on a user's selection operation, and determines a combination of a frame and a background to be used for shooting based on the selected shooting theme. When shooting manually, the user can freely determine the frame and background. Then, it progresses to step S120 and imaging | photography is performed. By this shooting, the shot image data is stored in the memory of the first control unit 70.

  In step S <b> 130, the graffiti target image generated based on the photographed image is displayed on the photographing operation touch panel 20. Specifically, each time the process of step S130 is performed, graffiti target images are additionally displayed sequentially in the graffiti target image display area 203 of the photographing operation touch panel 20 shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S140, and the first control unit 70 determines whether or not a predetermined number of images have been taken. As a result of the determination, if the number of images has been shot, the process proceeds to step S150. If the number of images has not been shot, the process returns to step S120. In practice, a time limit for photographing (for example, 3 minutes) is provided.

  In step S150, an image to be actually graffitied is selected (by the user) from a plurality of graffiti subject images. Specifically, the first control unit 70 displays a list of graffiti target images on the shooting operation touch panel 20 in order to allow the user to select an image to be used for graffiti and printing, and performs a selection operation by the user. Accept. Then, the first control unit 70 sends the image selected by the user to the second control unit 80 as an actual graffiti target image. After step S150 ends, the process proceeds to step S160. In step S160, a guidance screen is displayed. Specifically, the first control unit 70 displays a screen for guiding the user to any one of the editing units 4 (4 a or 4 b) on the photographing operation touch panel 20. Thereby, the photographing process is completed.

<3.2 Editing process>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of editing processing in the present embodiment. After completion of the above-described shooting process, the second control unit 80 acquires the graffiti target image (the image selected by the user in step S150 in FIG. 5) sent from the first control unit 70 via the network 6. (Step S200). Thereafter, the timer is set to a predetermined time (time for allowing the user to doodle) and the countdown is started (step S210).

  After the timer countdown starts, the editing unit 4 accepts a graffiti operation (drawing operation) by the user (step S220). The present embodiment is characterized by a display screen (hereinafter referred to as “graffiti screen”) for accepting a graffiti operation including the graffiti target image, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, when the remaining time for allowing the user to doodle is 60 seconds, the second control unit 80 determines whether or not to extend the doodle time (step S230). Whether or not to extend the graffiti time is determined by whether or not the user who will play next in the unit 4a or 4b is in the shooting room 2 (whether or not the shooting process is performed in the shooting unit 3). Is done. As a result, if it is determined to extend the graffiti time, the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, if it is determined that the graffiti time is not extended, the process proceeds to step S250. In step S240, the timer is set to a predetermined time (time for allowing the user to further doodle), and the countdown is started again. After step S240 ends, the process proceeds to step S250.

  In step S250, as in step S220, the editing unit 4 accepts a graffiti operation by the user. When the graffiti time reaches 0 (ends), the division pattern of the output photo is selected (step S260). Specifically, the second control unit 80 displays on the editing operation touch panel 400 a screen for allowing the user to select one of the plurality of division patterns prepared in advance, and the user can select the division pattern. The selection operation by is accepted. And the 2nd control part 80 acquires selection information based on a user's selection operation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S270.

  In step S270, a guidance screen is displayed. Specifically, the second control unit 80 displays a screen for guiding the user to the output unit 5 on the editing operation touch panel 400. Thereby, the editing process ends. Next, FIG. 7 shows an example of a graffiti screen and will be described in detail.

<3.3 Graffiti screen example>
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a display example by the main display / operation unit 62 when this graffiti process is performed. In the graffiti screen 400 shown in the figure, there are a plurality of image examples (samples) such as pens and stamps constituting the graffiti image 401L and 401R in which a photographed image and a composite image obtained by synthesizing the graffiti image are displayed. Palette areas 402L and 402R to be displayed, first to fourth thumbnail image display areas 431L, 431R to 434L and 434R for selecting a photographed image to be graffitied, and a timer indicating the remaining time for graffiti A display area 450 is included.

  In the vicinity of the palette areas 402L and 402R, pen buttons 421L and 421R for enabling selection of a virtual graffiti pen type (typically an animation form) according to the type of graffiti, and a user Stamp buttons 422L and 422R for enabling selection of the type of stamp image, which is a small image serving as a foreground, and a frame image for embedding the vicinity of the photographed image and inserting characteristic text or the like Frame buttons 423L and 423R for enabling the selection of the type of the image and background buttons 424L and 424R for enabling the selection of the type of the background image as the background of the user are displayed. The user U performs an operation of selecting one of these buttons with one of the two touch pens 21L and 21R (that is, bringing the pen tip into contact with the displayed button image), whereby the palette area 402L, Sample images for a plurality of corresponding types of graffiti are displayed in 402R. In this way, the palette areas 402L and 402R can select a plurality of sample images that are candidates for additional images to be combined (such as graffiti pen locus images, stamp images, and frame images) according to the user's selection operation. It functions as sample display means for displaying as a moving image.

  As long as the display method functions as a sample display unit, a method of displaying a sample image by scrolling in a predetermined direction in addition to a method of displaying a sample image in the palette areas 402L and 402R as described above is well known. The display method can be used.

  Among the sample images in the palette areas 402L and 402R, there is an image including characters as a kind of frame image. In the present embodiment, the contents of the characters include a question format, which is characterized in that respect. The contents of the question format characters will be described in detail later.

  In addition, a plurality of selectable tab areas 420L and 420R are provided near the upper sides of the palette areas 402L and 402R, and a plurality of samples associated with the selected tab area are selected by selecting one of them. An image is displayed. For example, when the frame buttons 423L and 423R are selected, the user U selects one of the tab areas, so that a total of 60 frame images respectively associated with the six tab areas are displayed. You can choose.

  Further, close to the graffiti areas 401L and 401R are an end button 411L and 411R for ending the graffiti, and an all erase button 412L and 412R for erasing all the graffiti according to the type of operation for the graffiti. , One back button 413L, 413R for canceling (returning) one graffiti operation, eraser buttons 414L, 414R for partially erasing the graffiti image excluding the background image, and partial background image Background eraser buttons 415L and 415R for erasing, download buttons 416L and 416R for starting a download operation described later, and thick pen buttons 417L and 417R for selecting the thickness of a virtual graffiti pen, Pen buttons 418L and 418R and thin pen buttons 419L and 419R are displayed. It has been.

  The user U can perform a desired operation by performing an operation of selecting one of these buttons with one of the two touch pens 21L and 21R. Furthermore, in the state where one of the sample images for graffiti in the palette areas 402L and 402R, for example, one stamp image or the kind of graffiti pen is selected by the user U, the two touch pens 21L and 21R In any case, a desired position in the graffiti areas 401L and 401R is selected, or a desired trajectory is drawn, whereby a stamp image is displayed at the selected position in the graffiti areas 401L and 401R, and the desired trajectory is displayed. A line along is drawn. As described above, graffiti is performed by the user.

  Note that the above graffiti is applied to each area (for example, the graffiti area 401L and the palette area 402L) and each button (for example, the end button 411L and the pen button 421L) included in the left half of the graffiti screen 400. It is possible to operate only with the touch pen 21R for each region and each button included in the right half of the graffiti screen 400.

  The two touch pens 21L and 21R can be operated independently. That is, the graffiti operation performed by one of the two users U holding the touch pen 21L and the graffiti operation performed by the other user holding the touch pen 21R are performed independently of each other. Therefore, when one user is graffiti using a graffiti pen, the other user is graffiti using a graffiti pen in a different position or using a stamp image. It is possible to do. Next, a screen example (hereinafter referred to as “frame selection screen example”) of the palette area 402L when the frame button 423L is selected (for example, by touching the touch pen 21L) will be described.

<3.4 Frame selection screen example>
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a partial display example by the main display / operation unit 62 when a frame is selected when the graffiti process is performed. The frame selection screen example shown in FIG. 8 is a screen example displayed in the palette area 402L included in the graffiti screen 400 shown in FIG. 7, and includes 10 frame images 441L and a certain selected by the user. A whole example image 442L including one frame image 441L, a color designation area 443L for designating the color of the frame image 441L, a pen use button 444L for changing to a mode in which a graffiti pen is used, and a graffiti pen to be used And a pen designation area 445L for designating the thickness. Such a screen example is the same in the palette area 402R.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the ten frame images 441L are composed of sentences indicating different questions and simple pictures (or pictograms), and can be selected (for example, when the user touches the touch pen 21L). Yes. In this way, the user can arbitrarily select the question that he / she wants to doodle in the Q & A format out of multiple questions, so assisting the creation of a question that is difficult for the user to conceive when freely scribbling in the Q & A format. it can.

  Note that the frame image 441L itself shown in FIG. 8 is another image having the same content as the image that can be combined with the captured image by selecting it, but can be selected and combined. An image corresponding to the frame image 441L is also simply referred to as a frame image 441L for convenience of explanation.

  When one of the frame images 441L is selected by the user, an entire example image 442L including the selected frame image 441L and including an example of the answer is displayed. The entire example image 442L includes a photographed image or a graffiti image that is stored in advance as a sample image (for example, a person who becomes a model), and is actually photographed or created by the user in the game. Of course, it is different from the image. Ten pieces of the entire example image 442L that uniquely correspond to the ten frame images 441L are stored.

  In FIG. 8, an overall example image 442L in the case where a frame image composed of a question sentence “Q. What is your plan after this?” And pictograms out of 10 frame images 441L each containing a different question is selected. It is shown. The whole example image 442L further includes a frame image including the above question sentence, and a sentence “all night karaoke!” And a picture such as a microphone and a musical note as an example of the answer. As described above, the entire example image 442L illustrates the graffiti in the Q & A format including the selected frame image 441L.

  The selected frame image 441L is combined as an additional image with the combined image (currently included in the graffiti including the photographed image) displayed in the graffiti area 401L. Specifically, the selected frame image 441L is set according to the position of the touch pen 21L operated by the user (typically including a captured image) at a predetermined position (usually a foreground image). As overwritten).

  At this time, the user can paste the frame image 441L at a well-balanced position by referring to the entire example image 442L displayed in the palette area 402L. Further, by referring to an example of an answer sentence for the question included in the entire example image 442L, the user can input the answer sentence or picture to the question sentence indicated by the selected frame image 441L with the touch pen 21L. Can be drawn more easily. In this respect, it can be said that the entire example image 442L has an effect of assisting graffiti in the Q & A format.

  Furthermore, when the figure with the color exemplified in the color designation area 443L is selected by the touch pen 21L, the color of the character included in the selected frame image 441L is changed to the color of the figure. In addition, although the example in which the color of the character is changed has been described here, in addition to the color, the font type, the pattern, the character decoration such as the gradation may be changed, and the configuration can be changed by appropriately combining them. It may be.

  Furthermore, when the pen use button 444L is selected by the touch pen 21L, if any of the frame images 441L is currently selected, the selection is canceled and the mode is changed to the mode in which the graffiti pen is used. When the figure indicating the thickness of the pen shown in the pen designation area 445L (three figures indicating three kinds of thicknesses in FIG. 8) is selected by the touch pen 21L, the thickness of the graffiti pen (virtual The width of the line image generated by the graffiti pen is changed.

  Note that the thickness of the graffiti pen can be changed in this way by selecting the pen button 421L, selecting the thick pen button 417L, the middle pen button 418L, or the thin pen button 419L. However, when the question displayed by the frame image 441L is appropriately changed and the answer to the question is written (doodle) with a graffiti pen, the above configuration is suitable.

<4. Effect>
As described above, in this embodiment, the frame image 441L displayed in the palette area 402L included in the graffiti screen 400 includes the question-type characters, and this frame image 441L is appropriately selected by the user (normally Are combined as a foreground image into a composite image including the photographed image, and the answer to the above question is doodled by the user. Therefore, the user can easily perform a question doodle (in general, difficult to conceive) among the Q & A format doodles by simply selecting and synthesizing the frame image 441L. Can assist with graffiti in Q & A format.

<5. Modification>
In the above embodiment, the frame image 441L displayed in the pallet area 402L included in the graffiti screen 400 includes a question format character. However, a predetermined question is selected and combined with a composite image including a photographed image. If possible, the question may be an additional image such as a stamp image different from the frame image 441L. Note that this additional image may consist only of characters of the question text.

  In the above embodiment, the frame image 441L is selected with the touch pen 21L and pasted to a designated position on the composite image including the photographed image. However, a known input device (for example, a trackball) different from the touch pen 21L is used. By doing so, any configuration may be used as long as the question to be combined with the captured image is selected. The position where the selected question is pasted may be determined in advance.

3 ... Shooting unit 4 ... Editing unit 5 ... Output unit 6 ... Network (LAN)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera 20 ... Touch panel for photography operation 30 ... Touch panel for output operation 35 ... Network printer 31 ... Non-contact communication port (infrared port)
32 ... Speaker 70 ... First control unit 72 ... First display / operation unit (touch panel for photographing operation)
75. First communication unit (network adapter)
80 ... second control unit 81, 82 ... second display / operation unit (touch panel for editing operation)
90 ... third control unit 91 ... third display / operation unit (touch panel for output operation)
92 ... Print output section (network printer)
93 ... Audio output unit (speaker)
94 ... Non-contact communication part (non-contact communication port)
80 ... second control unit 81, 82 ... second display / operation unit (touch panel for editing operation)
83 ... 2nd communication part (network adapter)

Claims (5)

An automatic photo creation device comprising a photographing means for photographing an image including a user who is a subject, and an output means for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the photographing means as a photograph,
Input means for accepting an operation by the user;
Display means for displaying an additional image including a question sentence on a predetermined display screen; and an image for generating the composite image by combining the additional image with the photographed image in accordance with an operation received by the input means An automatic photo creating apparatus comprising a composing unit.   2. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit receives an operation by the user to write an answer to the question text included in the additional image on the captured image.   3. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays a sample image including the question sentence included in the additional image and an answer example corresponding to the question sentence. The display means displays on the display screen a plurality of candidate images that are candidates for the additional image to be synthesized by the image synthesizing means,
The said input means receives the operation by the said user for determining one or more of the said some candidate images displayed on the said display screen as said additional image, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Item 4. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to any one of Items 3 to 3. A method for controlling an automatic photo creation apparatus, comprising: a photographing step for photographing an image including a user who is a subject; and an output step for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the photographing step as a photograph.
An input step for accepting an operation by the user;
A display step for displaying an additional image including a question sentence on a predetermined display screen; and an image for generating the composite image by combining the additional image with the photographed image in accordance with an operation received in the input step. A method for controlling the automatic photo creating apparatus.

Images