JP2011164144A - Automatic photograph producing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic photograph producing device capable of changing a pattern reflected in the iris of the eye to desired surface shape while using a flash light source. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic photograph producing device is provided with a screen 15 in front of a photographing unit that faces a user, and strong flash light emitted from a stroboscope 11 passes through three apertures of a design board 13 and the translucent screen 15 which diffuses and transmits the light is irradiated with the strong flash light. Therefore, a bright light emitting area having the same surface shape as the plane shape of the three apertures formed on the design board 13 is formed on the screen 15. Since the surface shape of the light emitting area is reflected in the iris of the eye of a user, user's eye is charmingly photographed even when using a stroboscope being an almost point light source. <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 game photo creation device that takes a picture of a user with a camera and outputs the shot image as a photograph. Such a game photo creation device selects an image to be combined with a captured image (hereinafter referred to as an “additional image”) from a variety of background images and foreground images prepared in advance according to the user's preference. In addition, a device has been devised to enhance game or entertainment such that the user can freely draw using a pen-type input device such as a touch pen. In addition, the conventional game photo creation device appropriately sets the amount of light, the illumination angle, etc., such as a flash that emits a bright flash at the time of shooting to illuminate the user or a fluorescent lamp that always lights to illuminate the user. The device has been devised to take beautiful pictures of users.

  Here, in general photography, it may be necessary to devise a technique for beautifully photographing a user's eyes (black eyes) when photographing a person. In this regard, the above conventional gaming photo creation device is usually only devised for beautifully photographing a user's whole body or face, but the user's eyes like a typical photo shoot. There are some that shoot with various figures reflected in (black eyes).

  For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-77781, a screen is arranged in front of a user, and an image of a predetermined shape is projected from the image output device onto the screen, so that the image is reflected on the user's eyes. An apparatus for photographing is disclosed (hereinafter, this apparatus example is referred to as a first conventional example).

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-64726 discloses that a plurality of light emitters are appropriately arranged so as to form a figure with a predetermined shape in front of the user so that the figure is reflected in the eyes of the user. (Hereinafter, this device example is referred to as a second conventional example).

JP 2002-77781 A JP 2002-56457 A

  Here, in the first conventional example, since the image projected from the image output device to the screen is reflected in the eyes, the figure reflected in the black eyes often lacks brightness, and as a result, the eyes cannot be photographed beautifully. Sometimes. In the second conventional example, since a light bulb or a fluorescent lamp is used as the light emitter, the brightness may be insufficient in this case.

  In this regard, in the second conventional example, if a flash light source is used as the light emitter, the figure appearing in the black eye is formed by strong flash light, so that the brightness is not insufficient. However, since the flash light source is almost a point light source, it is difficult to form a desired figure, and it is difficult to photograph beautiful eyes.

  In addition, since the flash light source is only turned on instantaneously only at the time of shooting, an illuminating device that continuously illuminates during a normal shooting process including before and after the shooting time is provided on the housing (to the user). When it is provided on the front surface (which is the opposite surface), the flash light source provided on the front surface of the housing together with the above lighting device, the camera, the liquid crystal touch panel that is the input display device, etc. are arranged at appropriate positions while maintaining a suitable lighting environment. Difficult to do.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo creation apparatus capable of making a figure appearing in the black eye into a desired surface shape while using a flash light source.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo creation device capable of arranging a flash light source for projecting a desired figure to the black and a normal illumination device on the front surface of the housing while maintaining a suitable illumination environment. That is.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a photographing means for photographing an image including a user who is a subject, a flash means for emitting a flash when photographing by the photographing means, and a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the photographing means are output as a photograph. An automatic photo creation device comprising output means for performing
The flash light from the flash unit is placed on one surface of the surface so that a light emitting area having a predetermined surface shape is provided to face the user and has a predetermined surface shape. A diffusion transmission means is provided that diffuses and transmits the light from the portion toward the user and does not transmit the flash light from the flash means from a portion other than a part of the surface toward the user.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The diffuse transmission means includes
A screen made of a translucent material having the surface;
And a light emitting region forming means for forming the light emitting region on the surface of the screen by the flash.

According to a third invention, in the second invention,
A normal illumination means for irradiating illumination light during a period including at least before and after the photographing,
The screen is formed with all of the light emitting area on the surface,
The normal illumination means is provided at a position away from the screen by a predetermined distance in a direction opposite to the direction toward the user, and irradiates the illumination light to the screen during the period. To do.

According to a fourth invention, in the third invention,
The light emitting region forming means has a surface substantially parallel to the surface of the screen, and a light transmitting region having a shape corresponding to the surface shape of the light emitting region is formed on the surface, and other than the light transmitting region. It is a planar member that does not transmit light in the area of
The flash means emits flash light that passes through the light transmission region of the planar member in a direction toward the screen;
The normal illumination means is provided on the surface of the planar member facing the screen.

A fifth invention is the fourth invention,
The normal illumination means includes a fluorescent tube,
A part or all of the fluorescent tube is bridged on the light transmission region.

A sixth invention is the second invention, wherein:
The light emitting region forming means has a surface substantially parallel to the surface of the screen, a light transmitting region having a shape corresponding to the surface shape of the light emitting region is formed on the surface, and the light transmitting It is a planar member that does not transmit light in areas other than the area,
The flash means emits flash light that passes through the light transmission region of the planar member in a direction toward the screen.

According to a seventh invention, in the second invention,
The light emitting area forming means is a light box including a housing having an opening having a shape corresponding to the surface shape of the light emitting area, and the flash means inside the housing.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, the flash from the flash unit is provided so that a light emitting area having a predetermined size is provided to face the user and has a predetermined surface shape. Since a diffusion transmission means is provided that diffuses and transmits from a part of the surface in the direction of the user and does not transmit from a part other than the part of the surface in the direction of the user, the shape of the light emitting region formed in the diffusion transmission means is It will be reflected in the user's black eyes. For this reason, it is possible to photograph a user's eyes beautifully by using a flash light source and making a figure appearing in the black eye into a desired surface shape. In addition, for example, a flash means provided on the opposite side of the surface facing the user is hidden from the user's eyes, and a (typically wide) surface including a light emitting region and a non-light emitting region is used. By being provided facing the person, the beauty of the apparatus can be maintained.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, since the screen made of a translucent material is used, the diffusing and transmitting means can be easily provided.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the normal illumination means for irradiating the screen with illumination light is provided during the period including before and after photographing. The environment can be suitably placed on the front surface of the user, for example, while keeping the user bright and without feeling dazzling.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the light emitting region forming means is a planar member that does not transmit light in a region other than the light transmitting region, the light emitting region forming means can be easily configured, and the normal illumination means is provided. Since it is provided on the planar member, it can be easily attached and wired (typically in a region other than the light transmission region).

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, part or all of the fluorescent tube serving as the normal illumination means is spanned over the light transmission region, so that the flash light transmitted through the light transmission region is (at least largely) blocked by the fluorescent tube. There is no. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the screen so as to illuminate more uniformly by being provided so as to be bridged over the light transmission region.

  According to the sixth aspect, since the light emitting region forming means is a planar member that does not transmit light in a region other than the light transmitting region, the light emitting region forming means can be easily configured, and the flash means can be It can also be one.

  According to the seventh aspect, since the light emitting area forming means is a light box including flash means inside the casing, the light emitting area forming means can be made smaller and easily installed.

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 perspective view which shows simply the optical path of the flash from the strobe in the embodiment. It is an external view which shows simply the eyes of the user who projected the light emission area | region formed on the screen in the said embodiment. It is a front view of the edit unit 4 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.

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. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the overall configuration of the game photo creation device in the present embodiment will be described first from the configuration of the shooting room 2 including the shooting unit 3.

<1.1 Configuration of shooting unit>
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 serving as an imaging unit that photographs a user, a photographing operation touch panel 20 that is disposed below the camera 10 and receives operations from the user, displays captured images, and the like, and a flash light source. The strobe 11, the reflecting plate 12 that reflects the flash light from the strobe 11, the light-shielding design board 13 having three openings as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. And a plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 arranged at predetermined positions around the camera 10 between the screen 15 and the design board 13.

  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 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 includes a control device configured mainly with a computer to control each unit, 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 strobe 11 emits a flash at the time of shooting. This flash light is reflected by the reflecting plate 12, passes through the opening of the design board 13, and is irradiated toward the user. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the optical path of this flash.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the flash emitted from the strobe 11 passes through the optical path L1 and is applied to the reflecting plate 12. This flash light is reflected by the reflecting plate 12 and irradiates the design board 13 through the optical path L2. Of this flash, the flash that has passed through the three openings of the design board 13 is irradiated onto the screen 15 through the optical path L3. Since the design board 13 is made of a light-shielding material (for example, aluminum material), the screen 15 is not irradiated with flash light from other than the opening. The distance between the screen 15 and the design board 13 is about 20 to 30 [cm]. Further, since the opening of the design board 13 functions as a light transmission region, the design board 13 does not transmit light through a region other than the region corresponding to the opening, for example, a material such as a glass plate that transmits light well. The light transmission region may be formed only at the position of the opening.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the screen 15 is provided with an opening for exposing the camera 10, the touch panel 20, and the coin slot 26. The screen 15 diffuses light such as cloth, plastic, and ground glass. It is a diffuse transmission means made of a translucent material that transmits (specifically, diffuses and emits light inside or on the surface of incident light). The translucency is not limited to the case where it can be seen through as much as possible, and means an intermediate state between opaqueness that does not transmit light and complete transparency. The flash light applied to the screen 15 which is the translucent diffuse transmission means is diffused and transmitted through the screen 15 and is irradiated toward the user's (eyes). As a result, on the screen 15, there is a region (hereinafter simply referred to as “light emitting region”) that emits light with very high luminance having the same surface shape as the planar shape of the three openings formed in the design board 13. Since the surface shape of this bright light emitting area is formed in the user's black eye, the user's eyes can be photographed beautifully as shown in FIG. In this sense, the design board 13 is a part of the diffusing and transmitting means for forming the light emitting region by transmitting a part of the flash from the strobe 11 and diffusing (transmitting) it on the screen 15, and the surface of the light emitting region. It can be said that the light emitting region forming means defines the shape. If the screen 15 is a substantially transparent material that hardly diffuses light, the shape of the strobe 11 that is substantially a point light source is visible to the user as it is, and the light emitting area is formed to be visible to the user. It is not preferable because there is nothing.

  FIG. 4 is an external view schematically showing the eyes of the user who reflects the light emitting area. The iris region ir of the user's eyes shown in FIG. 4 has a property of reflecting and projecting a high-luminance region existing in front of the user. Therefore, at the time of shooting, the above-mentioned light emitting area on the screen 15 is reflected in the iris area ir, and the user's eyes can be beautifully shot.

  Note that the high-brightness region is difficult to be reflected in the white-eye region wh shown in FIG. 4, and the light-emitting region formed so as to be beautifully displayed in advance in order to photograph the user's eyes beautifully is the iris region ir ( Alternatively, it is preferable to be configured to appear in a black eye portion including the pupil region pp). In addition, the light emitting area has a surface shape that allows a user's eyes to be photographed beautifully, specifically, a surface shape that is suitable for photographing such that the eyes can be vividly or impressively photographed. I just need it.

  Next, the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 function as normal illumination means that emits light during a photographing process including before and after the photographing time, unlike the strobe 11 that emits a flash only at the photographing time as described above. Each of the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 includes an incandescent bulb-like (spherical) fluorescent lamp and a driving inverter.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of fluorescent lamp illuminating devices 14 are positioned slightly apart from the screen 15 in the vertical direction so that the screen 15 can be illuminated uniformly (horizontally), and horizontally. They are provided at positions that are spaced from each other at appropriate intervals.

  Specifically, the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are arranged on the design board 13 with appropriate intervals. By doing so, the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are not provided in the openings of the design board 13, so that the flash from the strobe 11 is not blocked and can be easily attached and wired.

  In the case where a plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are not disposed on the design board 13, the design board 13 may be a planar member having a light transmission region approximately corresponding to an opening, such as a light-shielding curtain. .

  Moreover, it can replace with the some fluorescent lamp illuminating device 14, and can also use the illuminating device which can illuminate the screen 15 uniformly, such as an incandescent lamp and an LED illuminating device.

  Furthermore, it is also preferable to use a tubular fluorescent lamp (fluorescent tube) instead of the incandescent bulb-shaped (spherical) fluorescent lamp for the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14. Since the glass portion of such a fluorescent tube transmits light, it does not (at least greatly) block the flash from the strobe 11. Therefore, since it can be provided so that it may span over the opening part of the design board 13, it becomes possible to arrange | position so that the screen 15 may be illuminated more uniformly.

  As described above, since the screen 15 can be uniformly illuminated by the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14, during the photographing processing period including before and after the photographing time point due to the diffused light emitted from a wide range of almost the entire surface of the screen 15, The lighting environment inside the photographing room 2 can be suitably maintained, and specifically, for example, can be kept bright without the user feeling dazzling. Further, since the strobe 11 and the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are hidden from the eyes of the user by the screen 15, the aesthetic appearance is not impaired. Further, the screen 15 itself forms a wide surface facing the user, so that the aesthetic appearance of the device viewed from the user can be maintained (for example, simple). Next, the configuration of the editing unit 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<1.2 Composition of editing unit>
FIG. 5 is a front view of the editing unit 4. 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.

<1.3 Configuration of output unit>
The output unit 5 is a communication that does not require contact at a short distance as typically performed using an infrared port (generally for performing infrared communication based on the IrDA standard) provided in a mobile phone terminal ( (Hereinafter referred to as “non-contact communication”), the output operation touch panel 30 operated by the user when the image is transmitted to the user's mobile phone terminal, and the output operation touch panel 30 disposed below the output operation touch panel 30. A non-contact communication port 31 for performing infrared communication, and a speaker 32 for notifying the user by voice of operation methods and sound effects necessary for the non-contact 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. This operation is mainly performed using the time until the photo sticker of the composite image is printed. Therefore, the user should use the time effectively until the photo sticker etc. is printed. Can do. The detailed display example is omitted.

  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. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the play photo creating apparatus according to the present embodiment as seen from the functional aspect. As shown in FIG. 6, this game photo creation device functionally has a shooting processing unit 7 for mainly performing a process of shooting a user (shooting 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 according to an operation, and outputting the graffiti target image on which the editing process has been performed as a photo sticker or the like, or using a non-contact communication to a mobile phone terminal 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 strobe 11 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 fluorescent lamp illumination device 14 and the strobe 11 disposed around the camera 10, and is turned on / off and dimmed by the I / O control unit 73 based on an instruction from the first control unit 70. Be 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 four composite image data stored in the memory as a photo sticker (or photo card) (which is 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.

  In addition, the third control unit 90 starts printing processing such as a photo sticker based on the composite image sent from the editing unit 4, and at the same time receives the composite image data created by the user from the server by the mobile phone terminal. An operation screen to be described later for accepting a user's input operation is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91 so that the composite image can be downloaded. The third display / operation unit 91 corresponds to the output operation touch panel 30 and functions as an input unit. The output operation touch panel 30 includes a monitor that functions as a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and a touch panel for one person that is stacked on the upper surface and can recognize input coordinates. The monitor can display an operation screen divided into a plurality of screens, and the touch panel accepts an input operation using a user's touch pen for each of the plurality of divided screens, and the received input operation is used as an operation signal as a third signal. To the control unit 90.

  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 the demo image (demonstration image) stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device in the frame buffer from the end of the graffiti until the operation is started. Displayed on the 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 demo image is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91. When playing, play music etc. according to the demo image. The description of the input operation method, music, and the like are stored in advance in a hard disk device or the like as an auxiliary storage device.

  After that, if the third control unit 90 determines that the user does not perform the synthetic image transmission operation using non-contact communication, the third control unit 90 displays the voice and the effect by the display / operation unit 91 and the voice output unit 93. It continues to provide the user with a mini game, which will be described later, until printing of the composite image is completed by sound or the like. When it is determined that the composite image transmission operation is to be performed, guidance for the composite image transmission operation using non-contact communication is performed by display of the third display / operation unit 91, voice by the audio output unit 93, or the like.

<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. 7 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.

  At this time, the flash of the strobe 11 is irradiated onto the screen 15 through the opening of the design board 13 as described above, so that the user's eyes are photographed beautifully as shown in FIG.

  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 sequentially displayed 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. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of editing processing in the present embodiment. After the photographing process described above is finished, the second control unit 80 sends the graffiti target image (the image selected by the user in the process in step S150 shown in FIG. 7) sent from the first control unit 70 via the network 6. ) Is acquired (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).

  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. Here, it is also possible to perform graffiti such as correcting the shape, color, etc. of the light emitting area seen by the user with the touch pens 49L, 49R. After step S260 ends, 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.

<4. Effect>
As described above, in this embodiment, the strong flash emitted from the strobe 11 passes through the three openings of the design board 13 and irradiates the screen 15, so that the design board 13 is formed on the screen 15. A bright light-emitting region having the same surface shape as the planar shape of the three openings is formed. Since the shape of the light emitting area is reflected in the user's black eye, the user's eyes can be photographed beautifully as shown in FIG.

  In addition, since the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 can illuminate almost the entire surface of the screen 15 uniformly, the illumination environment inside the photographing room 2 is preferably kept bright without being dazzled by the user during the photographing process. be able to.

  Furthermore, since the strobe 11 and the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are hidden from the user's eyes by the screen 15, the aesthetic appearance of the front surface of the photographing unit 3 can be maintained. Further, since the screen 15 itself forms a wide surface facing the user, it is possible to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the device as viewed from the user. If the screen 15 is translucent to such an extent that the opening of the design board 13 cannot be discriminated, the user cannot know the shape of the eye catch to be formed. it can.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the shape of the screen 15 and the light emitting region forming means for defining the shape of the light emitting region to be reflected in the user's black eye (here, the shape of the opening of the design board 13) are determined independently. Therefore, the design of the shooting space and the shape of the light emitting area to be reflected in the black eye can be appropriately and flexibly examined and determined.

<5. Modification>
In the embodiment described above, the strobe 11, the reflecting plate 12, the design board 13, and the screen 15 form a light emitting area for photographing the eyes of the user beautifully. However, by using the strobe 11 that emits a strong flash. A configuration other than the configuration of the above-described embodiment may be used as long as a bright light emitting region is formed on a part of the surface of the diffuse transmission means such as the screen 15.

  For example, the strobe 11 may be provided at this position by omitting the reflecting plate 12, or a light box having a strobe having an opening having the same size and shape as the opening of the design board 13. Alternatively, the three light boxes may be provided at the front surface of the photographing unit 3 corresponding to the positions of the three openings of the design board 13. In this configuration, the light box (the opening thereof) serves as a light emitting region forming means for defining the surface shape of the light emitting region. The light box here refers to a (flash) illumination device including a housing having the opening, and does not have to be box-shaped. In this configuration, the reflector 12 and the design board 13 can be omitted, but three strobes are required, and a plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are installed at appropriate positions (corresponding to the design board 13). Support member is required. Here, when the strobe is conspicuous as a point light source because the flash is not sufficiently diffused by the screen 15, the flash is diffused and transmitted to be a surface light source at the position of the opening of the design board 13 or the opening of the light box. A diffuse transmission material may be provided as appropriate.

  Even when the light box is used as described above, the surface shape on the screen 15 is the same as the planar shape of the light box (the opening thereof), as in the case where the design board 13 is used. A bright light-emitting region is formed, and other regions do not emit light (non-light-emitting regions are formed). Since the shape of the light emitting area is reflected in the user's black eye, the user's eyes can be photographed beautifully as shown in FIG. Since the light box is not as large as the design board 13, the light emitting area forming means can be made smaller and installed more easily.

  In addition, since the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 arranged in the same manner as in FIG. 2 can illuminate almost the entire surface of the screen 15, the illumination environment inside the imaging room 2 can be suitably maintained during the imaging process. Can do. Furthermore, since the light box and the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are hidden from the user's eyes by the screen 15, the aesthetic appearance of the front surface of the photographing unit 3 can be maintained.

  Further, instead of the screen 15 provided on almost the entire front surface of the photographing unit 3, a configuration in which a screen is provided on the front surface of each of the three light boxes is also conceivable. In this configuration, a light emitting area and a non-light emitting area are formed on each screen. Note that the number of screens and the number of light boxes need not be the same. For example, the screen 15 may be divided into a plurality of parts.

  Furthermore, a configuration in which a template board corresponding to a design board is provided in the light box is also conceivable. In the template board, one or a plurality of openings are formed so as to form a figure having an arbitrary shape such as a heart shape. Then, a heart-shaped figure formed by the template can be projected on the screen 15 or an alternative screen.

  In the above embodiment, the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are configured to illuminate almost the entire surface of the screen 15. However, if the illumination environment inside the photographing room 2 can be suitably maintained, only a part of the screen 15 is illuminated. There may be.

  Further, the screen 15 itself does not need to be installed on the entire front surface of the photographing unit 3, and it is possible to photograph the eyes of the user beautifully by projecting the shape of the light emitting area as shown in FIG. If possible, it may be installed only on a part of the front surface of the photographing unit 3.

  In this case, a configuration in which the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 perform illumination without illuminating the screen 15 or a configuration in which the plurality of fluorescent lamp illumination devices 14 are omitted may be considered. Even in such a configuration, if the light emitting area is formed on the screen 15 or the like by strong flash light from the strobe 11 or the like, the user's eyes can be photographed beautifully.

3 ... Shooting unit 4 ... Editing unit 5 ... Output unit 6 ... Network (LAN)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera 11 ... Strobe 12 ... Reflector 13 ... Design board 14 ... Fluorescent lamp lighting device 15 ... Screen 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 (7)

A photographing means for photographing an image including a user who is a subject, a flash means for emitting a flash when photographing by the photographing means, and an output means for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the photographing means as a photograph. An automatic photo creation device,
The flash light from the flash unit is placed on one surface of the surface so that a light emitting area having a predetermined surface shape is provided to face the user and has a predetermined surface shape. An automatic diffusing and transmitting means that diffuses and transmits the light from the portion toward the user and prevents the flash from the flash means from transmitting from the portion other than a part of the surface toward the user. Photo creation device. The diffuse transmission means includes
A screen made of a translucent material having the surface;
The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a light emitting area forming unit that forms the light emitting area on the surface of the screen by the flash. A normal illumination means for irradiating illumination light during a period including at least before and after the photographing,
The screen is formed with all of the light emitting area on the surface,
The normal illumination means is provided at a position away from the screen by a predetermined distance in a direction opposite to the direction toward the user, and irradiates the illumination light to the screen during the period. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 2. The light emitting region forming means has a surface substantially parallel to the surface of the screen, and a light transmitting region having a shape corresponding to the surface shape of the light emitting region is formed on the surface, and other than the light transmitting region. It is a planar member that does not transmit light in the area of
The flash means emits flash light that passes through the light transmission region of the planar member in a direction toward the screen;
4. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the normal illumination unit is provided on the surface of the planar member facing the screen. The normal illumination means includes a fluorescent tube,
5. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a part or all of the fluorescent tube is bridged over the light transmission region. The light emitting region forming means has a surface substantially parallel to the surface of the screen, a light transmitting region having a shape corresponding to the surface shape of the light emitting region is formed on the surface, and the light transmitting It is a planar member that does not transmit light in areas other than the area,
3. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the flash unit emits flash light that passes through the light transmission region of the planar member in a direction toward the screen.   The light emitting region forming unit includes a housing having an opening having a shape corresponding to the surface shape of the light emitting region, and is a light box including the flash unit inside the housing. 2. The automatic photo production apparatus according to 2.

Images