JP2013106257A - Photograph automatic selling apparatus, photograph automatic selling method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a photograph automatic selling apparatus, a photograph automatic selling method, and a computer program capable of providing a photograph to a user in a form corresponding to the user's preference or need.SOLUTION: The photograph automatic selling apparatus 10 comprises: a camera 161 which takes an image of subjects including the user to obtain a taken image; touch panels 162, 171, and 172 which display the taken image; touch panels 171 and 172 which edit the taken image to create an edited image; and a printer 182 which prints the edited image etc. In the photograph automatic selling apparatus 10, an output controller 180 switches between a dual mode of performing both printing and transmission of image data to an external apparatus and a single mode of performing only the transmission.

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo vending apparatus, a photo vending method, and a computer program. More specifically, the present invention relates to a photo vending apparatus, a photo auto that provides a user with a photographed image obtained by photographing a subject including the user with a camera, and an edited image generated based on the photographed image as a photo sticker. The present invention relates to a sales method and a computer program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a photo vending apparatus for amusement that photographs a subject including a user with a camera, prints the photographed image or an edited image generated based on the photographed image, and provides the photograph sticker to the user. It has been.
As such a photo vending apparatus for play, for example, in order to improve the playability and amusement of the user, a line image consisting of handwritten characters or figures input by the user with a touch pen, a frame image prepared in advance, An apparatus having an editing input function for combining a stamp image or the like with a plurality of photographed images may be mentioned.

  In addition to the function of providing an edited image as a photo sticker to the user as such a photo vending apparatus, a function of transmitting the edited image to the user's mobile terminal during the print waiting time of the photo sticker after the editing is completed. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-154452 A

However, with the recent spread of mobile terminals and changes in users' needs, there is a tendency that the number of users who only need to provide image data without requiring photo stickers is increasing.
Accordingly, there is a need for a photographic vending apparatus that can sufficiently meet such user needs and can increase user satisfaction.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a photo vending apparatus, a photo vending method, and a computer program capable of providing a photo to the user in a form according to the user's preference and needs. The purpose is to provide.

  A photo vending apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “photo vending apparatus” in the present specification) includes a photographing means for photographing a subject including a user to obtain a photographed image, and an edited image obtained by editing the photographed image. Editing means for obtaining the image, printing means for printing the captured image or the edited image on a print medium, transmission means for transmitting the captured image or image data of the edited image to an external device, the printing and Control means for switching between a dual mode for performing both transmissions and a single mode for performing only the transmissions is provided.

In the photo vending apparatus of the present invention, the control means switches between the dual mode and the single mode.
Here, when the dual mode is executed, the printing unit prints the edited image on the print medium, and the transmission unit transmits the image data to an external device such as a server or a portable terminal. In this case, the user can acquire the edited image as a photo card, a photo sticker, or the like on which the edited image is printed and image data. Further, when executing the single mode, the transmission means transmits the image data to the external device. In this case, the user can acquire the edited image as image data.
Therefore, according to the photo vending apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to select a photo provision form according to the user's preference and needs, and thus the satisfaction of the user can be enhanced.

The control means may switch between a dual mode and a single mode according to the amount of consideration paid by the user.
In this case, it is possible to change services such as a form of providing photos to the user according to the amount of consideration paid by the user.

The photo vending apparatus according to the present invention may further include a management unit that manages transmission of image data of a captured image or an edited image to an external device.
The management means preferably manages the number of transmissions of image data of a captured image or edited image to an external device.
Conventionally, when a supplier of a photo vending machine supplies the photo vending machine to an amusement park operator, the supplier is charged a usage fee according to the amount of print media used in the photo vending machine. ing.
However, since the image data is intangible, when the edited image is provided to the user only as image data, the criteria for imposing the usage fee on the amusement hall operator are likely to be ambiguous, making it difficult to collect the usage fee. There is a risk.
On the other hand, according to the photo vending apparatus provided with such management means, transmission of the image data of the edited image to the external device (for example, uploading to a server, transmission to a portable terminal) can be managed. Even if the edited image is provided to the user as image data, the supplier of the photo vending apparatus can easily calculate the usage fee imposed on the amusement hall operator.

The transmission unit may include a data upload unit that uploads image data of a captured image or an edited image to the server.
The photo vending apparatus according to the present invention may further include information output means for outputting the identification information of the uploaded captured image or edited image and / or the location information of the image data of the captured image or edited image. Good.
The information output means prints the identification information and / or the location information on the printing means or printing means different from the printing contents in the printed matter obtained at the time of executing the dual mode. May be.

The photo vending method according to the present invention includes a step of photographing a subject including a user, a step of creating an edited image by editing a photographed image obtained in the photographing step, and an edited image or And a step of performing both the printing of the photographed image and the transmission of the edited image or the image data of the photographed image to an external device, or only the transmission.
According to the photo vending method of the present invention, both printing and transmission are performed or only transmission is performed according to the user's selection, so that the same effects as the above-described photo vending apparatus are achieved.

A computer program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the above-described photo vending method.
According to the computer program of the present invention, it is possible to cause the computer to perform both printing and transmission, or only transmission according to the user's selection. Play.

  According to the photo vending apparatus, photo vending method, and computer program of the present invention, a photo can be provided to the user in a form according to the user's preference and needs.

1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a photo vending system including a photo vending apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a side view of a photograph vending apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a plan view of the apparatus. It is a front view of an imaging unit. It is a screen block diagram of the touch panel for imaging operations. It is a front view of an editing unit. It is a screen block diagram of the input area of the right side of the touch panel for edit operation. It is a front view of an output unit. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the photograph vending apparatus 10 shown by FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the server 20 shown by FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an imaging | photography process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an edit process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an output process. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a photograph card | curd. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the structure of printed matter. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an image acquisition process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the output process which concerns on a modification.

[Overall structure of photo vending system]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a photo vending system including a photo vending apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The photo vending system 1 is photographed and uploaded from the photo vending apparatus 10 through a network NW connected to a public communication line such as the Internet, and a photo vending apparatus 10 that creates an edited image from the obtained captured image. A server 20 that stores the image data of the edited image, and a portable terminal 30 that can acquire the image data from the server 20 via the network NW.

[Photo vending machine structure]
(Overall structure)
FIG. 2A is a side view of the photographic vending apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the apparatus 10. 3 is a front view of the photographing unit 13, FIG. 4 is a screen configuration diagram of the touch panel 120 for photographing operation, FIG. 5 is a front view of the editing unit 14, and FIG. 6 is an input area on the right side of the touch panel 400 for editing operation. FIG. 7 is a front view of the output unit 15.

As shown in FIG. 2, the photo vending apparatus 10 includes a shooting room 12 in which a user U can enter, and a shooting unit 13 that can accept shooting of the user U and selection of a background image and a foreground image. Yes.
In addition, the photo vending apparatus 10 receives an editing input including a graffiti (drawing operation) by the user U, and generates an editing unit 14 that generates an image (edited image) combined with the captured image, and an output unit that outputs the edited image. 15.

The imaging room 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped frame structure that is long in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2A). A photographing unit 13 is disposed in the front part of the photographing room 12. On both side surfaces of the photographing room 12 in the left-right direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2 (b)), an opening through which the user U enters and exits, and a light-shielding curtain (not shown) that covers part or all of the opening. Is provided.
In addition, an electric roll curtain device 125 is disposed at the rear of the photographing room 12. A space between the photographing unit 13 and the curtain device 125 in the photographing room 12 (a space on the front side of the touch panel 120 for photographing operation) constitutes a photographing space for photographing the user U.

  The editing unit 14 includes a housing connected to the back surface of the curtain device 125. On both sides of the casing in the width direction, touch panels 400 are provided on which two users U can perform editing input together. The space in front of each touch panel 400 of the editing unit 14 constitutes an editing space in which the user U performs editing work. This editing space is provided at a position different from the shooting space across the curtain device 125.

(Structure of the shooting unit)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the photographing unit 13 includes a camera 110 that photographs the user U, and a plurality of strobes 111, 112, 113 L, 113 R, and 114 arranged at the top, bottom, left and right positions of the camera 110. And a touch panel 120 for photographing operation which is disposed below the camera 110 and accepts the operation of the user U and displays a photographed image. Further, the photographing unit 13 is provided with a coin insertion slot 126 (see FIG. 3) below the front surface thereof.

  The camera 110 is composed of, for example, a digital camera that generates a digital image signal using a CCD (charge coupled device). The camera 110 outputs a digital image signal acquired by photographing of the user U. Each of the strobes 111 to 114 emits a flash to the user U when the camera 110 is shuttered.

The touch panel 120 provides an operation screen for accepting various operations by the user U during a shooting operation. The touch panel 120 can also display a digital moving image acquired by the camera 110 in real time.
As shown in FIG. 4, the touch panel 120 is obtained by shooting, a preview area 121 for displaying a real-time moving image during a shooting operation, a first display area 122 for displaying a sample of a pose, and shooting. And a second display area 123 for displaying a captured image.

  The photographing unit 13 includes a photographing control device constituted by a personal computer or the like and a network adapter for communicating with the editing and output units 14 and 15.

(Edit unit structure)
The editing unit 14 is divided into two units 14a and 14b, as shown in FIG. Thereby, for example, two sets of users U who are two sets can play simultaneously in parallel.
As shown in FIGS. 2B and 5, the two units 14 a and 14 b have inclined working surfaces with a predetermined height facing each other. On this work surface, a touch panel 400 for editing operation including a graffiti area and an area for displaying a menu or tool for the graffiti, and touch pens 149L and 149R used for touch operation on the touch panel 400 are provided. The touch panel 400 for editing operation has a symmetrical screen configuration so that two users U can doodle simultaneously (400L and 400R in FIG. 5).
In each of the input areas 400L and 400R, a graffiti unit 401, a palette unit 403 capable of menu switching by a tab 402, a mode selection unit 404, and a command selection unit 405 are arranged (see FIG. 6).
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the configuration and functions of the above-described units will be described using the input area 400 </ b> R on the right side of the touch panel 400 for editing operations as an example.
The graffiti portion 401 occupies a portion from the center portion to the upper edge portion in the input area 400R, and a photographed image acquired from the photographing unit 13 is displayed.
A large number of pasted images that can be combined with captured images such as a plurality of types of stamp images and frame images are displayed inside the palette unit 403. From these pasted images, the user U touches the desired pasted image with the pen tip, and then touches the pen tip at a predetermined position of the shot image, thereby synthesizing the pasted image with the shot image. can do.
The tab 402 of the pallet unit 403 includes a plurality of items according to the preference of the user U, such as “neon”, “heart”, and “star / shiny”. Accordingly, when the user U touches a desired item with the pen tip, the type of the pasted image arranged in the palette unit 403 is switched to the pasted image collected in advance according to the purpose of the item. It has become.
A plurality of types of mode selection buttons are arranged in the mode selection unit 404. In this embodiment, mode selection buttons of “pen”, “stamp”, “moji”, “recommend”, and “color” are prepared. ing.
Among these, for example, the “stamp” selection button is a button for causing the palette unit 403 to display the type of stamp to be pasted with the touch pen 149R. When such a “stamp” selection button is touched with the pen tip of the touch pen 149R and then “Makitsuki Stamp” is selected, as shown in FIG. Can be combined with the captured image.
The command selection unit 405 includes, in order from the top, “end”, “reset”, multiple sizes of “eraser”, “enclosed eraser” (buttons with round arrows), “forward” and “return” buttons. Is provided.
Among these, “End” is a button for forcibly terminating editing input by the touch pen 149R, and “Reset” is a button for canceling all editing input performed on the photographed image.
“Eraser” is a button for converting a pen input by the touch pen 149R into an eraser input for erasing a line, and “enclosed eraser” is a button for erasing a line or a composite image surrounded by a pen tip. “Return” is a button for canceling one editing input of the touch pen 149R, and “forward” is a button for canceling the cancellation by the “return” processing.

  The editing unit 14 includes an editing control device constituted by a personal computer or the like and a network adapter for communicating with the photographing and output units 13 and 15.

(Output unit structure)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the output unit 15 includes a touch panel 130 for output operation, and a non-contact communication port 131 disposed below the touch panel 130.
Below the communication port 131 is provided a speaker 132 that informs the user U of operation methods and sound effects necessary for non-contact communication.
Under the speaker 132, an outlet 133 for taking out a photo card, a photo sticker, a printed matter, and the like is provided.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the output unit 15 prints the edited image as a photo card, a photo sticker, or the like, or the identification information of the edited image and the image data of the edited image. A network printer 135 is incorporated as printing means for printing location information and the like.

The output operation touch panel 130 provides an operation screen for receiving various operations necessary for transmission to the mobile terminal having the communication function.
In the case of an apparatus not provided with the output operation touch panel 130, various similar operations may be performed on the touch panel 400 of the editing unit 14.

The communication port 131 is a port that is capable of non-contact communication at a short distance with an infrared port of a portable terminal such as a cellular phone.
The communication port can transmit the identification information of the edited image, the information on the location of the image data of the edited image, and the like to the user U's mobile terminal.
The communication port 131 may be a non-contact communication type communication port such as Felica (registered trademark) using radio waves.

  The output unit 15 incorporates an output control device constituted by a personal computer or the like and a network adapter for communicating with the photographing and editing units 13 and 14.

[Functional configuration of photo vending equipment]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the photo vending apparatus 10 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the photo vending apparatus 10 includes an imaging processing unit 16 for performing processing (imaging processing) for imaging the user U, and image processing in accordance with an operation of the user U with respect to an image to be edited. The editing processing unit 17 for performing the editing, and printing the edited image after the editing as a photo sticker or the like, sending the identification information of the editing image, the location information of the image data of the editing image, etc. And an output processing unit 18 for performing output processing such as non-contact communication and display display.

The photographing processing unit 16 includes a photographing control device 160, a camera 161, a touch panel 162 for photographing operation, a strobe 163, and a network adapter 164.
The editing processing unit 17 includes an editing control device 170, touch panels 171 and 172 for editing operations, and a network adapter 173.
The output processing unit 18 includes an output control device 180, an output operation touch panel 181, a printer 182, a speaker 183, a non-contact communication device 184, a network adapter 185, and an upload management device 187. .

  The network adapters 164, 173, and 185 can communicate with each other via a local area network (LAN) 19.

  The imaging control device 160 includes a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, an auxiliary storage device, an I / O control device, a charge management device, a timer, and the like.

The camera 161 (corresponding to the camera 110 in FIG. 2) captures video data in real time and outputs it to the imaging control device 160. At this time, the imaging control device 160 takes video data (still image data) at the time of the shutter operation as a captured image and temporarily stores it in an internal memory.
Also, the imaging control device 160 constantly supplies video data obtained from the camera 161 to the touch panel 162 for shooting operation. Thereby, the present condition of the user U is displayed in real time.

  The touch panel 162 (corresponding to the touch panel 120 in FIG. 2) accepts inputs such as an operation for selecting a background image or a foreground image to be combined with a photographed image, an operation for selecting a photo layout, and a shutter operation. Is sent to the imaging control device 160. Based on the operation signal from the touch panel 162, the imaging control device 160 executes a predetermined process corresponding to the operation signal.

When there is a shutter operation input on the touch panel 162, the imaging control device 160 causes the camera 161 to perform a shutter operation after the elapse of a predetermined time of about several seconds, and operates the strobe 163 (corresponding to the strobes 111 to 114 in FIG. 3). Make it flash.
The strobe 163 is controlled to be turned on, off, and dimmed by an I / O control device inside the photographing control device 160.
The imaging control device 160 performs overall control related to imaging processing by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory.

The charge management device inside the photographing control device 160 determines the number of coins inserted from a coin detection unit (not shown) that detects coins inserted according to the amount of consideration for the course selected by the user U. A corresponding detection signal is received. Based on the detection signal, the imaging control device 160 determines whether or not an amount of coins corresponding to the course selected by the user has been inserted, and causes the imaging processing unit 16 to start imaging processing.
When the photographing process is started, the charge management device inside the photographing control device 160 transmits an output signal corresponding to the selected course to the output control device 180 of the output processing unit 18 via the network adapter 164. .

In addition, the imaging control device 160 writes all of the plurality of captured images in the frame buffer as images to be edited and causes the touch panel 162 to display them.
Furthermore, when there is a selection input of a predetermined background image or foreground image, the imaging control device 160 generates a composite image (secondary image) by combining them with the captured image, and the secondary image also includes a frame. Write to buffer and display on touch panel.
The imaging control device 160 transmits the captured image (including the secondary image, the same applies hereinafter) written in the frame buffer to the editing control device 170 of the editing processing unit 17 via the network adapter 164.

The editing control device 170 includes a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, an auxiliary storage device, a timer, and the like.
The editing control device 170 controls the entire editing process by causing the CPU to execute a program stored in the memory.

For example, the edit control device 170 generates an edit image for the image to be edited based on an input signal of an edit process for the shot image received from the shooting control device 160.
The generated edited image is displayed on the touch panels 171 and 172 (touch panel 400 in FIG. 4) according to an instruction from the user U. When the generation of the edited image as described above is completed, the generated edited image is transmitted to the output unit 15. When the printer 182 is outputting another edited image or the like, the fact is displayed on the touch panels 171 and 172 and transmitted after waiting for the completion.

The output control device 180 includes a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, an auxiliary storage device, a timer, and the like.
The output control device 180 performs overall control related to output processing by the CPU executing a program stored in the memory.
The output control device 180 stores the image data of the edited image received from the edit control device 170 in the memory.
Further, the output control device 180, based on the output signal received from the imaging control device 160, a dual mode that performs both printing of the edited image and uploading of the image data of the edited image to the server 20 as an external device, and upload. The output processing in the output processing unit 18 is controlled so as to switch to the single mode in which only the operation is performed.

When receiving an output signal corresponding to the single mode, the output control device 180 uploads image data to the server 20 via the network adapter 185. Here, the output control device 180 functions as a data upload unit. Furthermore, the output control apparatus 180 acquires identification information of the edited image, information on the location of the image data of the edited image, and the like from the server 20 and transmits them to the printer 182 (corresponding to the network printer 135 in FIG. 2). Here, the output control device 180 functions as information output means.
In this case, the printer 182 prints the identification information, the location information, and the like on a predetermined sheet.

On the other hand, when receiving an output signal corresponding to the dual mode, the output control device 180 transmits the image data of the edited image stored in the memory to the printer 182 and uploads it to the server 20 via the network adapter 185. To do. Similarly to the above, the output control device 180 acquires the identification information, the location information, and the like from the server 20 and transmits them to the printer 182.
In this case, the printer 182 prints the edited image, the identification information, the location information, and the like on a photo paper such as a photo card paper or a photo sticker paper.

Further, the output control device 180 writes a demo image (demonstration image) stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device in the frame buffer until the user U who has finished editing starts the output operation, thereby touching the touch panel 181. To display.
The speaker 183 (corresponding to the speaker 132 in FIG. 8) explains the operation method to the user U in conjunction with the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 181. The speaker 183 plays music according to the demo image. The description of the input operation method, music, and the like are stored in advance in a hard disk or the like as an auxiliary storage device.

  Printed photo cards, photo stickers, and the like are discharged to an outlet 133 provided at the lower front of the output unit 15.

The upload management device 187 manages the number of uploads. This upload count is a value (play count) obtained by counting the number of uploads of edit images included in one play as one set.
The upload management device 187 is composed of an IC card reader / writer or the like. The upload management device 187 records the upload count (play count) on the IC card. The IC card can be used until, for example, the number of uploads (the number of plays) reaches a predetermined number. In this case, when the IC card is not inserted into the upload management device 187, the upload management device 187 transmits a stop signal to each control device 160, 170, 180, thereby allowing each control device 160, 170, 180 to pass through. Thus, the photo vending apparatus 10 can be disabled.
Such an IC card is used when a supplier of the photo vending apparatus 10 charges a usage fee to an amusement hall operator. For example, when the number of uploads (the number of plays) reaches a predetermined number, the supplier of the photo vending apparatus 10 uses the amusement hall operator by purchasing a new IC card or charging the IC card. You can charge a fee.
Therefore, according to the photo vending apparatus 10, even when the edited image is provided to the user U as image data, the usage fee imposed on the amusement hall operator can be easily calculated.
In the IC card, the number of usable uploads (plays) is recorded in advance, and the remaining number of usable uploads (plays) is subtracted according to the actual number of uploads (plays). It may be configured.

The predetermined program executed by each of the control devices is provided by, for example, a DVD-ROM that is a recording medium on which the program is recorded.
That is, a DVD-ROM as a program recording medium is mounted on a DVD-ROM drive device built in a control device as an auxiliary storage device, and a program is read from the DVD-ROM to provide a hard disk device as an auxiliary storage device. To be installed. The program may be provided via a recording medium (CD-ROM or the like) other than the DVD-ROM or a communication line.

  Further, the photographing control device 160, the editing control device 170, and the output control device 180 may be incorporated in any of the units 13, 14, and 15. For example, all the control devices may be built in the editing unit 14. Further, the photographing unit 13, the editing unit 14, and the output unit 15 are physically divided into three, but may be configured as one or two units. Further, the imaging control device 160, the editing control device 170, and the output control device 180 may be configured by four or more units.

[Server function configuration]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 20 shown in FIG.
The server 20 receives the image data from the photo vending apparatus 10 via the network NW, and transmits the image data to the mobile terminal 30 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 30. The server 20 includes an upload processing server 201, a web server 202, and a database server 203. In the present embodiment, the server 20 is configured by one computer.
Note that the upload processing server 201, the web server 202, and the database server 203 may be composed of a plurality of computers. In this case, these devices are connected to each other via a predetermined LAN that conforms to, for example, IEEE 802.3. In addition, some or all of these devices may be dedicated hardware, or may be a computer in which software for realizing these functions is installed.

  The upload processing server 201 associates the image data received from the photo vending apparatus 10 with the identification number and gives it to the database server 203. The database server 203 stores the image data received from the upload processing server 201 in association with the identification number.

Further, the web server 202 reads the corresponding image data from the database server 203 and transmits it to the portable terminal 30 when a request for downloading the image data with the identification number is made from the portable terminal 30.
The web server 202 may be configured to read the image data stored in the database server 203, generate reduced image data obtained by reducing the image data, and transmit the reduced image data to the mobile terminal 30.

  The server 20 is configured to reject access from the portable terminal 30 when a predetermined period (for example, 7 days) has elapsed since the upload of the edited image.

[Processing procedures for automatic photo sales]
Next, a processing procedure of a photo vending method using the photo vending apparatus 10 will be described.
Here, the case where the photo vending system 1 including the photo vending apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is used will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example.

(1) Shooting Process FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the shooting process.
When the photographing process can be executed, a demo image, a button image for selecting a course, an explanation image about the course, and the like are displayed on the touch panel 120 for the photographing operation of the photo vending apparatus 10.
First, the user U selects a course (step S1-1). Courses that can be selected include, for example, a 300-yen game fee that allows uploading of edited images only (single mode) and a 7-day access to the upload destination, and a 400-yen game fee. In this case, it is possible to perform both printing of an edited image photographic sheet and the like and upload of the edited image (dual mode), and a course having access rights to the upload destination for 7 days.

  Next, when the user U inserts a coin corresponding to the selected course into the coin insertion slot 126, the imaging control device 160 starts play (step S1-2).

Thereafter, the charge management device of the imaging control device 160 determines whether or not an amount of coins corresponding to the selected course has been inserted (step S1-3).
In step S1-3, if the result of the determination is affirmative, the imaging control device 160 advances the process to step S1-4, and if the result of the determination is negative, returns the process to step S1-2.

In step S1-4, the imaging control device 160 accepts selection of an imaging mode by the user U.
In step S1-4, for example, one of image quality (specifically, “clear image quality with high contrast”, “soft and soft image quality”, and “cool image quality with transparency”). ), Selection of brightness, selection of automatic shooting or manual shooting, and selection of a shooting theme for automatic shooting.
In this case, the shooting control device 160 displays a screen on the touch panel 120 that allows the user U to select one or more shooting themes from a plurality of shooting themes prepared in advance, and performs a selection operation by the user U. It may be accepted. The shooting control device 160 acquires information based on the selection operation of the user U, and determines a combination of a frame and a background to be combined with the shot image based on the selected shooting theme. When shooting manually, the user U freely determines the frame and background.

Then, it progresses to step S1-5 and the user U is image | photographed. With this shooting, image data of a shot image that is a still image including the user U (including a combined image in which a background and a frame are combined with the image of the user U) is stored in the memory of the shooting control device 160.
In step S1-6, the captured image is displayed on touch panel 120. Here, every time shooting is performed in step S 1-5, shot images that are images to be edited are sequentially added and displayed in the second display area 123 of the touch panel 120.

Thereafter, the imaging control device 160 determines whether or not a predetermined time limit (for example, 3 minutes) has ended (step S1-7).
In step S1-7, if the result of determination is that the predetermined time limit has expired, the imaging control device 160 proceeds to step S1-8. If the predetermined time limit has not expired, the imaging control device 160 proceeds to step S1-7. Return to S1-5.

  In step S <b> 1-8, the shooting control device 160 transmits image data of a plurality of shot images that have been shot to the editing processing unit 17 through the LAN 19.

In step S1-8, the user U may perform an operation of selecting an image to be edited. In this case, from the photographed images displayed on the touch panel 120, by touching a plurality of photographed images that are desired to be captured, or conversely, by touching and deleting the photographed images that failed to be photographed, The image to be edited may be selected.
In addition, the imaging control device 160 transmits image data of an image to be edited by the input by the user U to the editing processing unit 17 through the LAN 19.

After step S1-8 ends, the imaging control device 160 advances the processing to step S1-9 and displays a guidance screen. Specifically, the photographing control device 160 displays a screen for guiding the user U to one of the two units 14 a and 14 b of the editing unit 14 on the touch panel 120 for photographing operation.
Thereby, the photographing process is completed.

(2) Editing Processing FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the editing processing procedure.
In the editing process, the editing control device 170 first acquires an image to be edited transmitted by the imaging control device 160 via the LAN 19 (step S2-1).
Thereafter, a timer in the editing control device 170 is set to a predetermined time (time for allowing the user U to input editing), and countdown is started (step S2-2).

After the timer countdown starts, the editing control apparatus 170 accepts input of editing operations such as graffiti (drawing) on the touch panel 400 by the user U (step S2-3).
Further, when the remaining edit processing time reaches 60 seconds, the edit control device 170 determines whether or not to extend the edit time (step S2-4). This determination is made based on whether or not a subsequent user U who should play in the editing unit 14 is performing shooting processing with the shooting unit 13.

If the result of the determination is affirmative, the editing control apparatus 170 proceeds to step S2-5, and if negative, proceeds to step S2-6.
In step S2-5, the editing control apparatus 170 sets the timer to a predetermined resetting time (time for allowing the user U to perform additional editing input). In this case, the countdown by the timer is started again, and the process proceeds to step S2-6.

In step S <b> 2-6, the editing control apparatus 170 accepts input of editing operations such as graffiti (drawing) on the touch panel 400 by the user U until the timer reset time becomes zero.
Thereafter, when the resetting time of the timer reaches 0, the editing control device 170 transmits it to the output processing unit 18 through the LAN 19.

Thereafter, the editing control apparatus 170 advances the processing to step S2-7 and displays a guidance screen. For example, the editing control apparatus 170 displays a screen for guiding the user U to the output unit 15 on the touch panel 400 for editing operation as necessary.
Thereby, the editing process ends.

(3) Output Process FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the output process.
In the output process, first, the output control device 180 acquires the edited image transmitted by the edit control device 170 via the LAN 19 (S3-1).

Next, in step S3-2, the output control apparatus 180 uploads the image data of the edited image acquired from the edit control apparatus 170 to the server 20 as an external apparatus. Here, in the server 20, identification information is given to the uploaded edited image, and information on the location of the image data is created according to the identification information.
Next, the output control apparatus 180 acquires the identification information of the edited image uploaded to the server 20 and the information on the location of the image data from the server 20 (step S3-3).

Thereafter, the output control device 180 determines whether or not to cause the printer 182 to print the edited image based on the course selected in step S1-2 of the photographing process (S3-4). The determination is made based on whether or not the course selected in step S1-2 includes printing of an edited image.
If the result of the determination is affirmative, the output control apparatus 180 proceeds with the process to step S3-5, and if negative, the process proceeds to step S3-6.

In step S3-5, the output control device 180 causes the printer 182 to print the edited image, identification information of the edited image, etc. on the photo card paper.
As shown in FIG. 13, the resulting photo card 500 includes a plurality of edited images 501, URL information 502 of the site when the edited images are downloaded, its QR code (registered trademark) 503, identification information 504, Information 505 on the period during which the site can be accessed is described.
As a result, the output process ends.

On the other hand, in step S3-6, the output control device 180 causes the printer 182 to print the identification information of the edited image.
As shown in FIG. 14, the obtained printed matter 600 includes URL information 601 of the site when the edited image is downloaded, its QR code (registered trademark) 602, identification information 603, and information on the period during which the site can be accessed. 604 is described. The printed content on the printed material 600 is different from the printed content on the photo card 500 shown in FIG. 13, and the edited image 501 is not printed on the printed material 600.
As a result, the output process ends.

(4) Image Acquisition Processing FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of image acquisition processing.
The image acquisition process is started by the user U starting an image browsing application for download on the portable terminal 30 (S5-1). This image browsing application includes information on the location of image data.

Thereafter, when the user U inputs an identification number to the mobile terminal 30 (S5-2), the mobile terminal 30 accesses the server 20 based on the information on the location of the image data included in the image browsing application. Then, download of the corresponding image data is requested (S5-3).
At this time, the server 20 receives this request (S4-1) and determines whether or not the identification number is correct (S4-2).
If the identification number is not correct, the server 20 transmits a message to that effect to the portable terminal 30 and prompts the user to input the identification number again (S5-2). On the other hand, if the identification number is correct, the server 20 accepts the request, creates a thumbnail image of the corresponding image, and transmits the data to the mobile terminal 30 (S4-3).
Thereby, the data transmitted from the server 20 is displayed on the display of the portable terminal 30 as a thumbnail image (S5-4).

Next, when an image desired to be downloaded is selected from the thumbnail images (S5-5), a request is transmitted from the portable terminal 30 to the server 20, and is accepted by the server 20 (S4-4).
Thereby, the server 20 reads the corresponding image data from the database server 203, and transmits it to the portable terminal 30 (S4-5).
As a result, an image is downloaded and displayed on the portable terminal 30 (S5-6).

  Note that the image uploaded to the server 20 is displayed on the browser software installed on the mobile terminal 30 by the user U in the URL of the location of the image data (the information 502 of the photo card 500 shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14). It is also possible to directly access and obtain information by inputting the information 601) of the printed material 600.

[Modification]
In the present invention, the output control device 180 of the photo vending apparatus 10 uses the non-contact communication device 184 (corresponding to the communication port 131 of FIG. 7) as the identification information of the edited image and / or the location information of the image data of the edited image. ) May be output.
In such a modification, the output control apparatus 180 first displays an operation screen for accepting an input operation of the user U on the touch panel 181 (corresponding to the touch panel 130 in FIG. 7). Thereafter, the output control device 180 transmits the identification information of the edited image and / or the information on the location of the image data of the edited image to the mobile terminal of the user U based on the operation signal input to the touch panel 181. Next, an instruction is issued to the non-contact communication device 184 (corresponding to the communication port 131 in FIG. 7). These pieces of information are directly transmitted from the non-contact communication device 184 to the user U's portable terminal 30 as an infrared signal.
Further, the output control device 180 may transmit the information to the mobile terminal 30 of the user U by mail via the network adapter 185.

In the present invention, the editing control device 170 of the photo vending apparatus 10 can add identification information to the image data. Thereby, the edit control apparatus 170 can also create information on the location of the image data of the edited image based on the identification information. Here, the output control device 180 may transmit identification information or the like to the server 20, and the server 20 may transmit the identification information or the like to the mobile terminal 30 of the user U by mail.
In this case, the identification information is based on, for example, a unique identification number assigned at the time of manufacturing the photo vending apparatus 10, a unique number assigned each time upload or transmission is performed (every play is performed), etc. It is created by the edit control device 170. Then, the editing control device 170 transmits the identification information together with the edited image to the output processing unit 18 through the LAN 19.
In such a modification, in the output process, the output control device 180 first obtains the edited image and the identification information transmitted by the edit control device 170 via the LAN 19 as shown in FIG. 16 (S6-1). .
Subsequent steps S6-2 to S6-5 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, except that the step of acquiring the identification information of the image from the server 20 (step S3-3 in FIG. 12) is not performed. The process proceeds in the same manner as the flowchart shown in FIG. Specifically, steps S6-2 to S6-5 are the same as steps S3-2 and S3-4 to S3-6.
In this modification, the editing control device 170 creates identification information and the like, but the photographing control device 160 or the output control device 180 of the photo vending apparatus 10 can also create identification information and the like.

  The output control device 180 can also directly transmit the image data to the portable terminal 30 as an external device via the non-contact communication device 184 (corresponding to the communication port 131 in FIG. 7). In this case, the user U can acquire an image without the identification information of the image data. Therefore, the above-described photo card 500 or the like need not be provided to the user U, and the user U does not have to perform a troublesome operation for acquiring an image.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the output control device 180 may upload the captured image to the server 20 or transmit it to the mobile terminal 30. Here, the output control device 180 acquires a captured image to be uploaded or transmitted and transmits it to the server 20 or the mobile terminal 30.
In this case, the editing control apparatus 170 may transmit the captured image received from the imaging control apparatus 160 to the output control apparatus 180 of the output processing unit 18 via the network adapter 164, and the imaging control apparatus 160 may transmit the captured image. May be transmitted to the output control device 180 of the output processing unit 18 via the network adapter 164.

  In the present invention, when an edited image is output as a photo sticker in the output process, the division pattern can be selected after the editing operation is received in the editing process. Such a division pattern divides a photo sticker sheet into a predetermined number of areas, and indicates where the edited image is arranged in the divided areas.

Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the course is set according to the amount of consideration, for example, multiple types of courses with the same consideration and different play contents may be set. As such a course, for example, the game fee is 400 yen, the edited image is only uploaded, and the uploaded site can be accessed for one month longer than the above embodiment (upload mode). A course (print mode) in which the game fee is 400 yen and only two edited images are printed.
In this case, the server 20 manages an elapsed period from when the edited image is uploaded [“upload date” (or “upload date”)]. Then, the server 20 checks whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the upload date (or upload date / time).
If the predetermined period has not elapsed, the server 20 permits access from the portable terminal 30 to all uploaded edited images and download to the portable terminal 30 (all images can be viewed from the portable terminal 30). ).
When the predetermined period has elapsed, the server 20 prohibits access from the portable terminal 30 to a predetermined image or all the edited images among all uploaded edited images. The server 20 accesses and downloads the edited image from the mobile terminal 30 when the user U pays a fee such as a paid service that allows the user to access and download the edited image for a predetermined period. It may be configured to cancel the prohibition.
According to the photo vending apparatus 10 according to such a modification, the user U can be allowed to access all the edited images for a certain period of time. The user can be urged to purchase a paid service.

  In the embodiment, the photo vending apparatus 10 has one network printer 182 as printing means, but may have a plurality of network printers. Both the photo card 500 (see FIG. 13) and the printed material 600 (see FIG. 14) may be printed by the network printer 182 or may be printed by different network printers.

  In the present invention, instead of the above-described upload management device 187, uploading is performed using an IC card or an external or internal storage device with security set so that the storage information cannot be changed by the operator. Can also be managed. In this case, for example, information for increasing the number of uploads that can be performed according to the payment of the usage fee by the operator is downloaded from an external device such as the server 20 via the network NW and stored in the IC card or the storage device. It can be memorized. Based on such information, upload is managed. Here, the number of times uploading is possible is determined according to the amount of the usage fee.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the photo vending system 1 may have a plurality of photo vending apparatuses 10. In this case, the server 20 stores the image data of the edited image uploaded from the plurality of photo vending apparatuses 10. In such a modification, when the number of uploads is managed by the server 20, the number of uploads in all the photo vending apparatuses 10 can be centrally managed. As a result, for example, all the photo vending apparatuses 10 whose number of uploadable times approaches “0” are detected, and a message requesting payment of a usage fee is sent to the operator who owns the detected photo vending apparatus 10. You can also be notified.

  Further, the server 20 itself can be provided with a function related to uploading a captured image or an edited image to the server 20 of the photo vending apparatus 10. In this case, the server 20 can directly manage the upload of all the photo vending apparatuses 10.

10 Photo Vending Device 20 Server 30 Mobile Terminal 110 Camera 120 Touch Panel 135 Network Printer 160 Shooting Control Device 161 Camera 162 Touch Panel 170 Editing Control Device 171 Touch Panel 172 Touch Panel 180 Output Control Device 181 Touch Panel 182 Printer 186 Billing Device 187 Upload Management Device NW Network

Claims (9)

Photographing means for photographing a subject including a user to obtain a photographed image;
Editing means for editing the captured image to obtain an edited image;
Printing means for printing the captured image or the edited image on a print medium;
Transmission means for transmitting image data of the captured image or the edited image to an external device;
Control means for switching between a dual mode for performing both the printing and the transmission and a single mode for performing the transmission only;
A photo vending apparatus characterized by comprising:   2. The photo vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches between the dual mode and the single mode according to a price paid by a user.   The photo vending apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising management means for managing transmission of image data of a photographed image or an edited image to an external device.   The photo vending apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the management unit manages the number of transmissions of image data of a captured image or an edited image to an external device.   The photo vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit includes a data upload unit that uploads image data of the captured image or the edited image to a server.   6. The photo vending apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising information output means for outputting identification information of an uploaded captured image or edited image and / or information on a location of image data of the captured image or edited image. .   When the single mode is executed, the information output unit is configured to print the identification information and / or the location information with a print content different from the print content of the printed matter obtained when the dual mode is executed. The photo vending apparatus according to claim 6, wherein printing is performed by different printing means. A process of photographing a subject including a user;
Editing the captured image obtained in the imaging step to create an edited image;
The user performs both the printing of the edited image or the captured image and the transmission of the edited image or the image data of the captured image to an external device, or only the transmission.
A vending method for photographs.   A computer program for causing a computer to execute the photo vending method according to claim 8.

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