JP2012253779A - Game imaging device and game imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game automatic photograph generating device which is suitable for generating an image transmitted to an external device such as a portable telephone and can generate an image equivalent to the image to be printed and outputted.SOLUTION: A user suitably selects an additional image (a track image of a scribble pen, a stamp image and the like) which is animation-displayed in pallet regions 402L and 402R on a scribble screen 400 displayed on a display device of the game automatic photograph generating device, and combines the additional image with imaged images displayed on the scribble regions 401L and 401R. A composite image displayed here is also animation-displayed. The automatic photograph generating device can generate the composite image including the additional image being the animation which is suitably selected in the pallet regions 402L and 402R being sample display means suitable for generating the image transmitted to the external device such as the portable telephone.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game shooting apparatus for shooting a user with a camera and outputting a composite image generated based on the captured image as a photograph, and more specifically, transmitting the composite image to another external apparatus. It is related with the imaging device for play which can be.

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

  In addition, some of the recent photo creation devices for games can not only print out the created photos but also send image data of the photos to other external devices. For example, a conventional photo creation device transmits an image selected by a user from among captured images to an image distribution server connected via a network, and the transmitted image is an email address designated by the user. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-333573 A

  However, in the above-described conventional game photo creation device, the image to be printed out and the image to be transmitted are basically the same, and when the image is displayed on an external device such as a mobile phone, it is stationary. It becomes a picture. As a result, only a still image that does not include a moving image (animation image) is displayed, so that sufficient playability or entertainment in an external device such as a mobile phone cannot be obtained.

  In addition, in a conventional game photo creation device, an image that is different from an image that is temporarily printed out, for example, an image including a moving image (animation image) as an additional image is transmitted to an external device such as a mobile phone. However, since an image different from the image to be printed is created separately, there is no relation between the image to be printed (including graffiti) and the image transmitted to an external device such as a mobile phone. As a result, it is not possible to obtain sufficient playability or amusement in the game photo production apparatus.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device for games capable of creating an image suitable for creating an image to be transmitted to an external device such as a mobile phone and corresponding to a printed image. Is to provide.

A first aspect of the present invention is a game shooting apparatus including an image pickup unit for shooting a user who is a subject in a predetermined shooting region,
Input means for accepting an operation by the user;
In accordance with the operation received by the input means, graffiti composition means for generating a composite image including a photographed image by compositing a predetermined additional image, at least a part of which is a moving image, with the photographed image;
Transmission means for transmitting the synthesized image generated by the graffiti synthesis means to a predetermined terminal device outside the apparatus in a data format that can be displayed as a moving image,
The graffiti composition means displays at least a part of an additional image included in a composite image to be generated as a moving image.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The apparatus further includes sample display means for displaying a plurality of sample images that are candidates for additional images to be synthesized by the graffiti synthesis means as moving images that can be selected in accordance with a selection operation by the input means.

According to a third invention, in the second invention,
The sample display means displays a plurality of sample images included in one type selected in accordance with a switching operation accepted by the input means from among a plurality of types of sample images.

According to a fourth invention, in the third invention,
The plurality of types of sample images are:
A moving image showing at least one change in thickness, color, shape, or pattern of a line drawn according to an operation of drawing a trajectory accepted by the input means;
Including at least one of a moving image showing at least one change in size, color, shape, or pattern of a predetermined image synthesized at a position corresponding to an operation for designating a position accepted by the input means. It is characterized by.

According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The transmission means directly communicates with the mobile phone as the terminal device by light or radio waves,
The input means accepts an operation for starting communication with the mobile phone by the transmitting means, together with an operation for generating the composite image by the graffiti synthesizing means,
The graffiti compositing means displays information indicating an operation procedure for communication in the mobile phone or information indicating whether communication is possible when an operation for starting the communication is accepted by the input means. Features.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a game shooting method including an imaging step of shooting a user who is a subject in a predetermined shooting area,
An input step for accepting an operation by the user;
In accordance with the operation received in the input step, a graffiti composition step for generating a composite image including the photographed image by compositing a predetermined additional image, at least a part of which is a moving image, with the photographed image;
A transmission step of transmitting the synthesized image generated in the graffiti synthesis step to a predetermined terminal device outside the device in a data format that can be displayed as a moving image;
In the graffiti composition step, at least a part of the additional image included in the composite image to be generated is displayed as a moving image.

  A seventh invention is a program characterized by causing a computer to execute the game shooting method described in the sixth invention.

  According to the first invention, the graffiti composition means displays the additional image included in the composite image to be generated as a moving image, and therefore creates an image to be transmitted to a terminal device such as a mobile phone. Therefore, it is possible to easily create a composite image including an additional image that is a moving image.

  According to the second aspect, the sample display means displays a plurality of sample images that are candidates for the additional image to be synthesized by the graffiti synthesis means as moving images that can be selected according to the selection operation by the input means. For example, it is suitable for creating an image to be transmitted to a terminal device such as a mobile phone, and a composite image including an additional image that is a moving image can be easily created.

  According to the third invention, the sample display means displays a plurality of sample images included in one type selected in accordance with the switching operation among a plurality of types of sample images. The user can select an image, and a composite image including an additional image that is a moving image can be easily created.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of types of sample images include a moving image that shows at least one change in the thickness, color, shape, or pattern of a line drawn according to an operation of drawing a locus; Since it includes at least one of a moving image showing at least one change in size, color, shape, or pattern of a predetermined image synthesized at a position corresponding to an operation for specifying a position, for example, a virtual graffiti An image such as an image drawn with a pen or an image pressed with a stamp can be provided as an additional image.

  According to the fifth aspect, the graffiti compositing means displays the information indicating the operation procedure for communication in the mobile phone or the information indicating whether communication is possible or not at the start of communication. Transmission can be started, and the user can easily transmit an image to the mobile phone based on the displayed operation procedure information.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to realize a game shooting method that exhibits the same effect as the first aspect of the invention.

  According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to realize a program that exhibits the same effect as the first aspect.

It is a side view of the automatic photo creation device for play concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the main-body part of the automatic photo creation apparatus for game which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the automatic photo creation apparatus for play concerning the said embodiment from the functional surface. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the main-control part in the automatic photo creation device for games which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the graffiti process in the said 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 figure which shows the example of a screen for demonstrating the case where graffiti is performed with a virtual graffiti pen by selecting the locus image to animate in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for demonstrating the case where the doodle which adds a stamp image as a foreground is performed by selecting the stamp image to animate in the said embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the change aspect of the synthesized image by which the locus | trajectory image and stamp image to animate in the said embodiment were selected and scribbled. It is a figure which shows the example of a graffiti screen including the download screen in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a graffiti screen after the download in the said embodiment is started.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<1. Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a side view of an amusement photo creation apparatus (game imaging apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the main body 4 of the amusement photo creation apparatus ( It is the figure seen from the user U as a to-be-photographed object. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an overall configuration of the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  This play photo creating apparatus includes a shooting room 2 in which a user U enters and a main body 4 that generates a composite image including a shot image of the user U and outputs it as a photo sticker (or photo card). . Here, it is assumed that there are two users U.

  The main body 4 is arranged below the camera 10 as a camera 10 as an imaging means for photographing the user U, a flash 11 as an illuminating means arranged at an appropriate position above the camera 10 to emit a flash. A preview monitor 22 which is a display device comprising a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display panel, a screen for displaying a photographed image and performing free drawing (doodle) by the user U, an operation screen, etc. A liquid crystal touch panel 20 composed of a liquid crystal display to be provided and a transparent sheet for detecting an operation position covering the operation screen, two touch pens 21L and 21R used for operations on the liquid crystal touch panel 20, and an appropriate position below them. A flash 12 as an illuminating means for emitting a flash, and a table 4a which is a part of the main body 4 are mounted. Infrared interface devices 30L and 30R for performing infrared communication with the cellular phone 100. The liquid crystal touch panel 20 may be a liquid crystal touch panel having an electrostatic induction type operation position detection function that does not include the transparent sheet.

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

  The preview monitor 22 is configured to display an image represented by the image signal in real time, and is used to confirm a captured image obtained by the camera 10.

  The liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as an operation unit that accepts various operations by the user U, such as an operation unit for performing graffiti.

  The infrared interface devices 30L and 30R include an infrared light emitting element and an infrared light receiving element for performing infrared communication with the mobile phone 100 placed at a predetermined position on the table 4a. A front surface portion of the main body 4 between a predetermined position where the telephone 100 is to be placed is opened, and protective glass or the like is fitted in the opening. Although the mobile phone 100 is not shown in FIG. 2, one mobile phone 100 used by two users is placed at a predetermined position on the table 4a in front of each of the infrared interface devices 30L and 30R. It is burned. The infrared interface devices 30L and 30R each transmit a predetermined composite image to these mobile phones 100. The detailed operation will be described later.

  The main unit 4 is configured mainly with a computer, and controls the respective units and performs image processing such as image synthesis, which will be described later, and a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the camera 10. It has a built-in printer that outputs as a sticker (or photo card). Further, the main body 4 is provided with a coin insertion slot 26 below the front surface and a photographic sticker outlet 28 on the side surface. Furthermore, the main body 4 includes lighting devices 13L and 13R that are always turned on during the operation of the present photo creating device, on the left and right sides of the camera 10, respectively.

<2. Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the main part of the play photo creating apparatus according to the present embodiment as seen from the functional aspect. Functionally, the game photo creation device includes an imaging unit 52, a confirmation display unit 54, a main display / operation unit 62, an output unit 66, an illumination unit 70, an I / O control unit 72, The main control unit 80 and the communication unit 92 are included.

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

  The main display / operation unit 62 corresponds to the liquid crystal touch panel 20 and accepts an operation of a user U for determining a layout of a photograph to be output, a shutter operation, and the like. To the main control unit 80. Now, assuming that a shutter button (not shown) is pressed for shooting by the user U, the flashing is performed in the shooting direction of the camera 10 after elapse of a predetermined time of about several seconds based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. A flash is emitted from 11. At that time, an image signal output from the imaging unit 52 as a signal representing a photographed image of the user U is input to the main control unit 80 and photographed in a memory in the main control unit 80 or a hard disk device as an auxiliary storage device. Stored as image data.

  The output unit 66 corresponds to a printer built in the main body unit 4, and is subjected to image processing according to an operation of the user U on the remote control terminal 31 or a graffiti operation on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. The image represented by the photographed image data is output as a photo sticker (or photo card).

  The communication unit 92 corresponds to the infrared interface devices 30L and 30R built in the main body unit 4, and transmits a composite image created by the main control unit 80 to the mobile phone 100 by infrared rays as will be described later. Typically, the communication unit 92 communicates with the mobile phone 100 based on an IrMC (Infra-red Mobile Communication) standard that defines an infrared communication standard with a mobile phone. As long as communication with the mobile phone 100 is possible, the communication unit 92 may be configured to perform communication using a known medium such as electromagnetic waves such as visible light or radio waves, or ultrasonic waves, in addition to infrared communication. . For example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is well known as a standard for communication with the mobile phone 100 using radio waves, and communication may be performed based on this standard. In addition, communication by file transfer or mail via the Internet may be performed.

  The illumination unit 70 corresponds to the illumination devices 13L and 13R and the flash 11 in the main body unit 4, and is turned on / off and dimmed by the I / O control unit 72 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80.

  The I / O control unit 72 corresponds to an I / O control device built in the main body unit 4, and controls the illumination unit 70 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. Further, an input signal such as a detection signal from a coin detection unit (not shown) described later is transferred to the main control unit 80.

  The main control unit 80 is built in the main body unit 4 and corresponds to a main control unit mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like. 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. When the image composition by the graffiti is finished, the composite image is then output from the output unit 66 as a photo sticker or the like. The outputted photographic sticker or the like is taken out from an outlet 28 provided on the side surface of the main body 4. It should be noted that a plurality of the composite images are arranged at predetermined positions such as a photo sticker based on a layout appropriately designated by the user U before or after shooting.

  In addition to the above components, a coin detection unit (not shown) for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 26 in the main body unit 4 is further provided in the main body unit 4, and the main control unit 80 Based on the detection result of the detection unit, each unit is controlled so as to allow the user U to play with the present photo creation device, such as generation of a composite image by photographing or drawing the captured image for a predetermined time. Since the control operation by the coin control unit and the main control unit 80 based on the detection result is the same as that of the conventional game photo creation device and is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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

<3. Overall operation>
As described above, the operation of the main control unit 80 in the present embodiment is realized by executing the predetermined program by the internal CPU. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main control unit 80 realized in this way. In the present embodiment, when a predetermined coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 26, the main control unit 80 (main control device) operates as follows.

  First, the main control unit 80 performs initialization processing of the apparatus, that is, initialization of each hardware and initialization processing of data stored in the main control unit 80 as a set value, and further for predetermined shooting. A timer is set so that a time-out occurs after the elapse of time (hereinafter referred to as “shooting time”), and the timer is started (step S10).

  Next, the main control unit 80 performs a photographing process for photographing the user U (step S20). In this photographing process, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a shutter button (not shown) or a shutter button displayed on the screen of the main display / operation unit 62 has been pressed based on the operation signal, and until the shutter button is pressed. stand by. It should be noted that when the shooting time ends without the shutter button being pressed, the processing when the shutter button is pressed is automatically performed.

  When the shutter button is pressed, the main control unit 80 informs the user of the start of shooting on the screen of the main display / operation unit 62 and takes a picture on the imaging unit (camera) 52 after a predetermined time of about several seconds elapses. Send a signal (shutter signal). Thereby, in synchronization with the shutter operation of the imaging unit 52, the illumination unit (flash) 70 emits flash light, and the main control unit 80 starts the capture process. That is, the main control unit 80 receives the image signal output from the imaging unit 52 as a signal representing the captured image of the user U illuminated by the flash from the illumination unit (flash) 70, and stores it in the memory or the auxiliary storage device. Store as a captured image file. Note that the capture process is executed each time the shutter button is pressed during a predetermined shooting time, and the shot image is temporarily saved as an image file.

  Next, the main control unit 80 determines whether the shooting has been completed by performing a predetermined number of times of shooting, the shooting indicating that the timer indicating the shooting time has timed out, or before the shooting time has elapsed. Even so, it is determined whether or not the photographing is finished by performing an operation for instructing the main display / operation unit 62 to finish the photographing process (step S30). When the shooting is finished, the process proceeds to the next step S40. If shooting is not completed, the process returns to step S20, and the above process is repeated until shooting is completed (S30 → S20 → S30).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 80 accepts an operation by the user U for graffiti, and graffiti processing including image processing corresponding to the operation is performed (step S40). This graffiti process is provided with a predetermined time limit, and the virtual graffiti of the user U for the photographed image is accepted within this time limit. Specifically, a stamp image or a predetermined (virtual) graffiti pen trajectory image arranged at a predetermined position based on an operation of the user U with respect to a captured image displayed on the main display / operation unit 62, By further synthesizing an additional image such as a frame image or a background image, a synthesized image as if it was doodled is generated. Although specific processing contents and operation screen examples of these graffiti processing will be described in detail later, there are features in that the additional image is animated and that such an animated image can be downloaded to the mobile phone 100.

  Next, in the printing process in step S50 shown in FIG. 4, when the main control unit 80 receives the operation signal indicating the print instruction, based on this, the composite image displayed on the main display / operation unit 62 at that time point Is output to the output unit (printer) 66. As a result, the printer as the output unit 66 outputs the composite image as a photo sticker. Note that the composite image to be printed out is naturally a still image, and is a still image at a predetermined time (for example, the start time of animation) or a time determined by the user in the composite image (moving image) to be animated. It is. As a result, the printing process ends. The outputted photo sticker is taken out by a user U from an outlet 28 provided on the side surface of the main body 4. When this printing process is finished, all the processes are finished, and a standby state is entered until a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted into the coin insertion slot 26. In this standby state, when a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted, the same processing (steps S10 to S50) as described above is executed.

<4. Graffiti processing operations>
Next, detailed processing contents (subroutine) of the graffiti processing in step S40 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the graffiti process.

  First, the main control unit 80 displays a display screen (hereinafter referred to as a “doodle screen”) for receiving a graffiti operation including the captured image generated in step S20 on the main display / operation unit 62 and performs a graffiti process. Therefore, a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “doodle time”) is set (step S41). The setting of the graffiti time is performed by setting a timer so as to time out when the time elapses and starting the timer. The remaining time until timeout indicating the graffiti time is always displayed in the graffiti screen. Here, an example of a graffiti screen is shown in FIG. 6 and will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 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 frame buttons 423L and 423R for enabling selection of the type of frame image for decorating the vicinity of the captured image. And background buttons 424L and 424R for enabling selection of the type of the background image as the background of the user. 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 are a plurality of sample images that are candidates for additional images to be synthesized (such as a graffiti pen locus image and a stamp image) as moving images that can be selected according to a user's selection operation. It functions as sample display means for displaying.

  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.

  The sample images in the palette regions 402L and 402R have a significant feature in that they periodically change (that is, animate) even though they are images added to a composite image printed as a still image. Details will be described 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, the user U can select a total of 36 stamp images each corresponding to 6 tab areas by selecting any one of the tab areas.

  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 image added by graffiti periodically changes, that is, animates in the same manner as the sample image in the selected palette regions 402L and 402R. Details will be described later.

  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 assumed that each region and each button included in the right half of the graffiti screen 400 can be operated only with the touch pen 21R.

  It is assumed that the two touch pens 21L and 21R can be operated independently. In other words, 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, referring again to FIG. 5, the main control unit 80 performs an operation (specifically, a pen tip) for selecting various buttons displayed on the graffiti screen as shown in FIG. 6 of the main display / operation unit 62. And an operation of drawing with a virtual graffiti pen (specifically, an operation of bringing the pen tip into contact or releasing, or an operation of drawing a locus while keeping the pen tip in contact) (step S42).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the accepted operation is an operation for graffiti (step S43). Note that the graffiti operation here refers to various operations other than the operation of pressing the end buttons 411L and 411R and the operation of pressing the download buttons 416L and 416R. If the result of this determination is that the operation is not for graffiti (No in step S43), the process proceeds to step S45, and if the operation is for graffiti (Yes in step S43), the accepted operation is A corresponding graffiti image is drawn (step S44), and then the process proceeds to step S45. Here, the operation of pressing a button for selecting various graffiti shown on the graffiti screen 400 of FIG. 6 is illustrated as an operation for graffiti, but the kind of graffiti is not limited and is a well-known graffiti Any operation may be used. The graffiti operation preferably includes at least one of an operation of drawing with a graffiti pen that is often used and an operation of adding a stamp image.

  Here, in step S44, a sample image that periodically changes (animates) in the palette area 402L is selected by the touch pen 21L, and the selected animation image is drawn in the graffiti area 401L as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows an example of the image and will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for explaining a case where a doodle is performed with a virtual graffiti pen by selecting a trajectory image of the graffiti pen to be animated. In more detail, FIG. Is an example of the screen of the graffiti area 401L, FIG. 7B is an example of the screen of the palette area 402L, and FIG. 7C is another example of the screen of the palette area 402L.

  In the graffiti area 401L shown in FIG. 7A, an image of two users photographed by the camera 10 and a trajectory image drawn with a graffiti pen added as a foreground image are displayed. Yes. Here, the change mode (that is, the type of animation) of the trajectory image drawn with the graffiti pen is the same as the change mode of the sample image displayed and selected by the palette area 402L.

  FIGS. 7B and 7C show examples of changes in the trajectory to be drawn with such a graffiti pen, and the trajectory image drawn with the graffiti pen is displayed every predetermined time. It changes periodically from the mode shown in FIG. 7 (b) to the mode shown in FIG. 7 (c), and thereafter from the mode shown in FIG. 7 (c) to the mode shown in FIG. 7 (b). That is, at the left end of the figure, the shape or pattern of the locus image drawn with the graffiti pen changes from a straight line to a dotted line and vice versa. In the center of the figure, the image of the locus drawn with the graffiti pen changes from a dark color (for example, dark blue) to a light color (for example, yellow) and vice versa. Further, at the right end of the figure, the image of the locus drawn with the graffiti pen changes from a thick line to a thin line and vice versa.

  In addition to the manner in which the line thickness, color, shape, or pattern of the trajectory image drawn with a graffiti pen changes in this way, the type of animation (such as wavy lines) and the speed of change are roughly the types of animation. As long as it is a well-known change mode, the image may be changed in any change mode.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for explaining a case where a graffiti to which a stamp image is added as a foreground is performed by selecting a stamp image to be animated. More specifically, FIG. Is an example of the screen of the graffiti area 401L, FIG. 8B is an example of the screen of the palette area 402L, and FIG. 8C is another example of the screen of the palette area 402L.

  In the graffiti area 401L shown in FIG. 8A, an image of two users photographed by the camera 10 and a star-shaped stamp image as a foreground image are displayed. Here, the stamp image has the same change mode (that is, the type of animation) as that of the sample image displayed and selected by the palette area 402L, in the same manner as the image of the locus drawn with the graffiti pen described above. It is an aspect.

  FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C show examples of such changes in the stamp image. From the mode shown in FIG. 8B to the time shown in FIG. Change periodically to the preferred mode and vice versa. That is, the size, color, shape, or pattern of the stamp image changes. For example, the hexagonal column figure in the lower center of the figure is drawn as a three-dimensional figure seen from a predetermined viewpoint, and this viewpoint changes with time. As described above, the stamp image may be changed in any change mode as long as it is a change mode known as an animation type.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a change mode of a composite image in which a graffiti pen trajectory image and a stamp image to be animated are selected and doodled. More specifically, FIG. 9A shows the screen of the graffiti area 401L. FIG. 9B is another example, and is another example of the screen of the graffiti area 401L.

  In the graffiti area 401L shown in FIG. 9A, an image of two users photographed by the camera 10 and a trajectory image of the graffiti pen shown in FIG. The stamp image shown in a) is combined and displayed. Here, since the trajectory image and the stamp image change periodically (that is, animate) as described above, the mode shown in FIG. 9A is changed to FIG. 9B every predetermined time. Changes periodically to the embodiment shown and vice versa. Since this change mode is stored in the composite image, the composite image sent to the mobile phone 100 via the communication unit 92 as described later is displayed on the mobile phone 100 in FIGS. 9A and 9B. ) Will be displayed in the same manner of change as shown in FIG.

  Note that an image file including such a moving image can be easily created by using a known image file format such as animation GIF (Graphics Interchange Format). The moving image can be realized by using a known data format that can be displayed as a moving image, such as various contents such as Macromedia's flash.

  When the process of step S44 shown in FIG. 5 is completed as described above, the main control unit 80 then continues the operation in which the accepted operation presses the download buttons 416L and 416R (hereinafter, this operation is referred to as “download operation”). It is determined whether or not (step S45). If the result of this determination is that the operation is not a download operation (No in step S45), the process proceeds to step S47. If the operation is a download operation (Yes in step S45), the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, the main control unit 80 displays on the main display / operation unit 62 a display screen (hereinafter referred to as “download screen”) for accepting an operation for selecting which composite image to transmit to the mobile phone 100. The selection operation is accepted.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graffiti screen including this download screen. As shown in FIG. 10, the right half (and timer display area 450) of the graffiti screen 400 is the same as the graffiti screen 400 shown in FIG. 6, but the download screen is included in the left half thereof. Is different. That is, the download screen shown in FIG. 10 includes a transmission candidate image display area 470 that displays a plurality of composite images that are candidates for transmission, a guidance display area 481 that displays guidance for operations and the like to the user U, A download button 482 with graffiti that accepts an instruction to transmit a composite image including an additional image corresponding to graffiti to the mobile phone 100, and a composite image that does not include the additional image corresponding to graffiti (that is, the captured image as it is) And a graffiti-free download button 483 that accepts an instruction to be transmitted to. The synthesized image displayed in the transmission candidate image display area 470 may be displayed as an animation.

  The user U wants to transmit among a plurality of composite images (here, eight) displayed in the transmission candidate image display area 470 according to the guidance text in the guidance display area 481 displayed on the download screen shown in FIG. One or more composite images are selected, and either the download button with doodles 482 or the download button without doodles 483 is pressed with the touch pen 21L. At this time, the main control unit 80, in the guidance display area 481 or other display area (not shown), can download the type of mobile phone (model name, etc.) and download procedure (for example, mobile phone). Or the like that the image must be set in a receivable state. In addition, a simple warning that there is something that cannot be downloaded depending on the model of the mobile phone may be displayed. Furthermore, the user may input the model name of the mobile phone to be downloaded, and display a pre-stored detailed download procedure (that is, the operation procedure of the mobile phone) corresponding to the input model name.

  Here, when the download button 482 with graffiti is pressed, the main control unit 80 transmits to the mobile phone 100 a composite image that is a composite image selected by the user and includes an additional image corresponding to the graffiti. It starts via the communication unit 92. If the download button 483 without graffiti is pressed, the main control unit 80 displays the mobile phone 100 of a captured image that is a composite image (or captured image) selected by the user and does not include an additional image corresponding to the graffiti. Is started via the communication unit 92. If the data transmission to the mobile phone 100 is not successful for some reason, a guidance sentence for the user such as “Please retry” may be displayed in the guidance display area 481.

  At this time, the transmission of the composite image (or the photographed image) varies depending on the size and number of images, but it takes several seconds to several minutes. Therefore, the automatic photo creation device for gaming accepts graffiti even during the download.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a graffiti screen after downloading has started. As shown in FIG. 11, “Download this image” is displayed below the graffiti area 401L on the graffiti screen 400, and graffiti on the composite image (or captured image) displayed in the graffiti area 401L is prohibited. Is done. The graffiti on the image displayed in the graffiti area 401R can be freely performed. Note that graffiti on the image displayed in the graffiti area 401L may be freely performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a download indicator 490 is displayed below the palette area 402R on the graffiti screen 400, and the extent of the download is indicated by the number of hatched cells. .

  As described above, when the download start process of step S46 shown in FIG. 5 is completed, the main control unit 80 subsequently presses both the end buttons 411L and 411R for the accepted operation to end the graffiti (hereinafter referred to as “the graffiti”). It is determined whether or not this operation is referred to as “end operation” (step S47). If the result of this determination is that the operation is not an end operation (No in step S47), the process returns to step S42 and is repeated until the graffiti ends (S47 → S42 →... → S47). The end operation may be performed when one of the end buttons 411L and 411R is pressed. In addition, when the graffiti time has elapsed, the same processing as that in which the end operation has been performed is performed.

  If the operation is an end operation (Yes in step S47), the main control unit 80 further determines whether or not the download started in step S46 has ended (step S48). If the result of this determination is not complete (No in step S48), the process returns to step S42 and is repeated until the download is completed (S48 → S42 →... → S48). If the processing has been completed (Yes in step S48), the main control unit 80 returns to the processing shown in FIG. 4 and proceeds to the printing processing in step S50 described above. Here, in order to allow the user to determine a composite image that is a still image to be printed before the printing process, an operation by the user that determines an image to be printed or a point in time of the composite image (moving image) to be animated Input may be accepted.

  If the download has not started from the beginning, the process is the same as when the download has been completed. In addition, the determination process in step S48 may be omitted, and the graffiti may end even if the download has not ended. In this case, the download process is continuously performed during the above-described print process (step S50).

<4. Effects>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user appropriately selects an additional image (such as a trajectory image or a stamp image) that is displayed in animation in the palette areas 402L and 402R, and the captured image displayed in the graffiti areas 401L and 401R. To synthesize. This composite image is also animated. As described above, the game automatic photo creation device is a moving image appropriately selected in the palette areas 402L and 402R which are sample display means suitable for creating an image to be transmitted to an external device such as a mobile phone. A composite image including a certain additional image can be created.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Photography room 4 ... Main-body part 10 ... Camera 11, 12 ... Flash 20 ... Liquid crystal touch panel 21L, 21R ... Touch pen 30L, 30R ... Infrared interface device 52 ... Imaging part (camera)
54 ... Confirmation display (preview monitor)
62 ... Main display / operation unit (LCD touch panel)
66 ... Output unit (printer)
70: Illumination unit 72: I / O control unit (I / O control device)
80: Main control unit (main control device)
92 ... Communication unit (infrared interface device)
400 ... graffiti screen 401L, 401R ... graffiti area 402L, 402R ... palette area 416L, 416R ... download button 420L, 420R ... tab area 481 ... guidance display area U ... user

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging means for photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing area ;
Display means including a drawing area for displaying a photographed image acquired by the photographing means;
Input means for receiving an operation input to the drawing area ;
An urging pressure image corresponding prior Kimisao operation input, display control means for dynamically displayed on the drawing area,
And transmission means for transmitting the information of said captured image is displayed in the drawing area and synthesized moving image obtained by combining the additional image device external to the equipment,
When the operation input is received a plurality of times by the input unit, the display control unit displays each of the additional images corresponding to each operation input in the drawing area in the first mode, and each of the additional images. The display mode is changed in synchronization with a second mode different from the first mode.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
At least one of the additional images is composed of an image showing a plurality of lines drawn according to an operation of drawing a trajectory accepted at different times by the input means, and the thickness, color, shape, or pattern of the line is concerned. At least one or more indicates a change from the first mode to the second mode.

According to a third invention, in the first invention,
At least two or more of the additional images are combined at positions corresponding to operations for designating positions received at different times by the input means, and at least one of the size, color, shape, or pattern of the plurality of additional images. One or more are characterized by showing a change from the first mode to the second mode.

According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions,
When the display control means partially erases the additional image displayed in the drawing area in one of the first and second modes, in response to the operation input received by the input means, Partial erasure is also reflected in the additional image displayed in the other of the first and second modes.

According to a fifth invention, in the first invention,
The display means dynamically displays a plurality of sample images that are candidates for the additional image displayed dynamically by the display control means so that they can be selected in accordance with a selection operation by the input means. Further including
The sample display means dynamically displays a plurality of sample images included in one type selected in accordance with a switching operation accepted by the input means among a plurality of types of sample images.

6th invention, the imaging step which image | photographs the user who is a to-be-photographed object in a predetermined imaging region ,
A display step including a drawing area for displaying the captured image acquired by the imaging step;
An input step for receiving an operation input for the drawing area ;
An urging pressure image corresponding prior Kimisao operation input, a display control step of dynamically displayed on the drawing area,
And a transmitting step of transmitting information of said captured image is displayed in the drawing area and synthesized moving image obtained by combining the additional image device external to the equipment,
In the display control step, when the operation input is received a plurality of times in the input step, each of the additional images corresponding to each operation input is displayed in the drawing area in the first mode, and each of the additional images is displayed. The display mode is changed in synchronization with a second mode different from the first mode .

The seventh invention provides a computer,
An imaging step of imaging a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging area;
A display step including a drawing area for displaying the captured image acquired by the imaging step;
An input step for receiving an operation input for the drawing area;
A display control step of dynamically displaying an additional image corresponding to the operation input in the drawing area;
A transmission step of transmitting information of a synthesized moving image obtained by synthesizing the captured image and the additional image displayed in the drawing area to a device outside the device;
A program for executing
In the display control step, when the operation input is received a plurality of times in the input step, each of the additional images corresponding to each operation input is displayed in the drawing area in the first mode, and each of the additional images is displayed. A program for changing a display mode in synchronization with a second mode different from the first mode .

According to the first aspect, the display control means, Runode generates display the moving image a plurality of additional images is changed from the first embodiment in synchronization to the second aspect, for example, cellular phones, etc. It is suitable for creating an image to be transmitted to the terminal device, and a composite image including an additional image that is a moving image can be easily created.

According to the fifth invention, the sample display means displays a plurality of sample images that are candidates for the additional image to be synthesized by the graffiti synthesis means as moving images that can be selected according to the selection operation by the input means. For example, it is suitable for creating an image to be transmitted to a terminal device such as a mobile phone, and a composite image including an additional image that is a moving image can be easily created. Furthermore, since a plurality of sample images included in one type selected according to the switching operation are displayed by the sample display means among the plurality of types of sample images, the user can select many sample images for each type. Therefore, a composite image including an additional image that is a moving image can be easily created.

According to the second aspect of the invention, at least one of the multiple types of additional images includes an image showing a plurality of lines drawn in accordance with an operation of drawing a trajectory received at different time points, and the thickness of the line, Since at least one of the color, shape, or pattern is a moving image showing a change from the first mode to the second mode, an image drawn with a virtual graffiti pen, for example, is provided as a moving image. be able to.

According to the third aspect , at least one of the plurality of additional images is composed of a plurality of predetermined images synthesized at positions corresponding to operations for designating positions that are received at different times, respectively. provided, color, shape, or because at least one pattern is a moving image showing a change from the first mode to the second mode, for example, like an image, such as pressed by the stamp as a moving image, can do.

According to the fourth aspect, when the additional image displayed in one of the first and second modes is partially erased, the addition displayed in the other of the first and second modes. Since partial erasure is also reflected in the image, operability for erasure can be improved.

Claims (7)

An imaging device for games comprising imaging means for imaging a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging area,
Input means for accepting an operation by the user;
In accordance with the operation received by the input means, graffiti composition means for generating a composite image including a photographed image by compositing a predetermined additional image, at least a part of which is a moving image, with the photographed image;
Transmission means for transmitting the synthesized image generated by the graffiti synthesis means to a predetermined terminal device outside the apparatus in a data format that can be displayed as a moving image,
The game photographing apparatus, wherein the graffiti composition means displays at least a part of an additional image included in a composite image to be generated as a moving image.   The apparatus further comprises sample display means for displaying a plurality of sample images that are candidates for additional images to be synthesized by the graffiti synthesis means as moving images that can be selected according to a selection operation by the input means. Item 1. The shooting device for game according to Item 1.   The sample display unit displays a plurality of sample images included in one type selected according to a switching operation accepted by the input unit among a plurality of types of sample images. Shooting device for games. The plurality of types of sample images are:
A moving image showing at least one change in thickness, color, shape, or pattern of a line drawn according to an operation of drawing a trajectory accepted by the input means;
Including at least one of a moving image showing at least one change in size, color, shape, or pattern of a predetermined image synthesized at a position corresponding to an operation for designating a position accepted by the input means. The game photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The transmission means directly communicates with the mobile phone as the terminal device by light or radio waves,
The input means accepts an operation for starting communication with the mobile phone by the transmitting means, together with an operation for generating the composite image by the graffiti synthesizing means,
The graffiti composition means displays information indicating an operation procedure for communication in the mobile phone or information indicating whether communication is possible when an operation for starting the communication is accepted by the input means. The game photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the game photographing apparatus is characterized. A game shooting method including an imaging step of shooting a user who is a subject in a predetermined shooting area,
An input step for accepting an operation by the user;
In accordance with the operation received in the input step, a graffiti composition step for generating a composite image including the photographed image by compositing a predetermined additional image, at least a part of which is a moving image, with the photographed image;
A transmission step of transmitting the synthesized image generated in the graffiti synthesis step to a predetermined terminal device outside the device in a data format that can be displayed as a moving image;
In the graffiti composition step, at least a part of the additional image included in the composite image to be generated is displayed as a moving image.   A program for causing a computer to execute the game shooting method according to claim 6.

Images