JP2013129200A - Relief processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a relief processing apparatus which can carry out smooth relief processing to a printing paper printed with an image in a photograph automatic vending machine or the like.SOLUTION: A photograph automatic vending machine 1 includes a plurality of printing apparatuses 20, at least one printing/relief processing apparatus 21, and a control section 24. The printing/relief processing apparatus 21 is constituted of a printing means 22, a relief processing means 23 and a cutting means 28. The relief processing means 23 is constituted of a relief side conveying means, and a pressure contact body drive means with a pressure contact body 43. The pressure contact body 43 is pressed into contact with a rear surface of the printing paper 38 printed by the printing means 22. A printing paper 38 is conveyed while kept in the pressed contact state, and the pressure contact body 43 is driven to slide a front end of the pressure contact body 43 within a predetermined area on the printing paper 38, whereby relief processing is carried out to the predetermined area of the printing paper 38.

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic vending machine having a relief processing function, and more particularly, to a relief processing apparatus provided therein.

  In recent years, since digital cameras have become popular and image data can be easily carried, photo vending machines that automatically print images recorded on a memory card or the like have become widespread (for example, patents). Reference 1). Some photo vending machines not only print image data, but also print an image with a decoration such as a flower surrounding a face photo.

  As described above, as a method for decorating a photo, as described above, image data that has been pre-decorated is generated, and printing is performed according to this image data. There is. Conventionally, there has been a technique using a metal stamp as a relief processing technique. When relief processing is performed using this mold stamp, the mold stamp is processed into a predetermined shape in advance, and the mold stamp is pressed against a printed material that is printing paper to form a convex portion on the printed material. However, this method has a problem that it is inferior in versatility because the shape of the mold cannot be changed.

  As another relief processing technique, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-10294 (Patent Document 2) proposes a three-dimensional image creation apparatus using a needle driving device. In Patent Document 2, a printed material is captured by a color scanner, and the captured image is analyzed to extract three-dimensional information that represents the three-dimensional characteristics of the printed material. Based on this three-dimensional information, the needle placement device is controlled to relieve the printed material. Process. According to this proposal, any printed matter is scanned (takes an image) to extract three-dimensional information, and relief processing is performed by the needle-punching device, so there is no need to make a mold or the like in advance and it is versatile. Yes.

JP 2001-162898 A JP 2001-10294 A

  Conventionally, there is a photo vending machine that prints an image taken with a digital camera or the like, but there is no photo vending machine integrated with a relief processing apparatus that applies relief processing to a photo as a decoration. Accordingly, the present invention realizes a photo vending machine having a printing function for printing a photo and a relief processing function for performing a relief process, and capable of performing both the printing of a photo and the smooth relief processing by a single unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a relief processing apparatus.

  The relief processing apparatus of the present invention includes image capturing means for acquiring image data and DPOF data as image information, relief processing means for performing relief processing on a printing paper on which an image is printed, and a control unit. The control unit uses the drive controller that controls the driving of the relief processing unit and the image information acquired by the image capturing unit to generate processing information including information for performing relief processing. Machining information generating means for outputting the machining information to the drive controller.

  Further, when the DPOF data acquired by the image capturing unit includes the processing information, the processing information generation unit automatically executes the relief processing using the processing information. It is characterized by.

  Further, the control unit includes a display unit and an input unit, and the processing information generation unit includes information on an image to be printed on the DPOF data acquired by the image capturing unit and an image on which relief processing is performed. If there is no information, the display means displays a list of images, for example, in a thumbnail display, allows the user to use the input means, specifies an image to be printed, and prints including at least information about the size of the printing paper Setting is specified, and at least one piece of processing information generated by the processing information generation unit or processing information arbitrarily specified by the user is selected, and the selected processing information is output to the drive controller. It is characterized by that.

  Further, the control method of the relief processing apparatus of the present invention includes an image capturing process for acquiring image data and DPOF data as image information, a relief processing process for performing relief processing on a printing paper on which an image is printed, a control unit, The control unit generates processing information including information for performing relief processing using the drive controller that controls driving of the relief processing step and the image information acquired by the image capturing step. A machining information generation step of outputting the generated machining information to the drive controller.

  In addition, the computer control program of the relief processing apparatus of the present invention includes: an image capturing unit that acquires image data and DPOF data as image information; a relief processing unit that performs relief processing on a printing sheet on which an image is printed; Then, processing information including information for performing relief processing using the image information acquired by the image capturing unit is generated, and the generated processing information is output to a drive controller that controls driving of the relief processing unit. Function control as a processing information generation means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the relief processing apparatus which can perform a smooth relief process on the printing paper which printed the image in a photo vending machine etc. can be provided.

1 is a perspective view of a photo vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the photograph vending machine based on the Example of this invention. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram showing a configuration of a printing / relief processing apparatus built in a photo vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the relief processing part of the photograph vending machine based on the Example of this invention. It is a side surface schematic diagram of the press-contacting body used in the relief processing part in the photograph vending machine based on the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display screen in the case of custom-setting the protrusion amount of a relief with the photograph vending machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relief produced with the photograph vending machine based on the Example of this invention. It is a perspective view of the relief processing apparatus used in the photograph vending machine of this invention.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described. The photo vending machine 1 according to the present invention includes a plurality of printing apparatuses 20, at least one printing / relief processing apparatus 21, and a control unit 24. The printing apparatus 20 includes a printing unit 22 and a cutting unit 28. The printing / relief processing device 21 includes a printing unit 22, a relief processing unit 23, and a cutting unit 28.

  The relief processing means 23 includes a relief side conveying means and a pressure contact body driving means having a pressure contact body 43. Then, the press contact body 43 is brought into pressure contact with the back surface of the print paper 38 printed by the printing means 22, and the front end of the press contact body 43 is slid within a predetermined region of the print paper 38 while being in the press contact state. Relief processing is applied to a predetermined area. Note that the press contact body 43 has a tip formed in a spherical shape.

  The pressure contact body drive means of the relief processing means 23 sandwiches the print paper 38 between the Y axis drive unit 41, the Z axis drive unit 42 that drives the pressure contact body 43 in the thickness direction of the print paper 38, and the pressure contact body 43. And a relief side platen roller 44. In the relief processing means 23, the Y-axis drive unit 41 drives the Z-axis drive unit 42 in the Y-axis direction, the Z-axis drive unit 42 drives the press contact body 43 in the Z-axis direction, and the relief-side transport means prints. Relief processing is enabled by conveying the paper 38 in the X-axis direction.

  The photo vending machine 1 has image capturing means 27 for acquiring image data and DPOF data. The control unit 24 includes a calculation means 61, a print information generating means 63 for generating print information, and processing information. Is provided with a processing information generating means 64 for generating the driving means 65, and a drive controller 65 for controlling the driving of the printing means 22 and the relief processing means 23.

  When the image capturing unit 27 acquires the image data and DPOF data, the processing information generation unit 64 is controlled by the calculation unit 61 to detect color difference information, density difference information, distance information to the subject, or face. Executes processing to automatically generate multiple processing information using recognition information, focus adjustment information, or activated area information, or using multiple information To do. Note that the processing information includes information on a region where relief processing is performed on the printing paper, and information on the amount of protrusion in the region.

  Further, the processing information generating means 64 executes processing for allowing the user to select arbitrary processing information from the plurality of processing information. Further, the machining information generating means 64 executes a process of outputting the selected machining information to the drive controller 65.

  Further, the processing information generation means 64 is controlled by the calculation means 61 to generate processing information from area information to be subjected to relief processing arbitrarily set by the user and / or protrusion amount information arbitrarily set by the user. A process and a process of outputting the processing information to the drive controller 65 are executed.

  Further, the control unit 24 includes a storage unit 62, and the processing information generation unit 64 is controlled by the calculation unit 61 to execute a process of storing the generated processing information in the storage unit 62, so that the new printing paper 38 is printed. When relief processing is performed, processing for generating processing information by matching processing information stored in the storage unit 62 with a new printing paper 38 is executed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photo vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The photo vending machine 1 of this embodiment has a printing function for printing a photo and a relief processing function for performing relief processing (three-dimensional processing), and both printing and relief processing can be performed by a single machine. It is installed in buildings such as street corners and office buildings, photographers, and station buildings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this photo vending machine 1 includes a hollow, substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body case 2, and a coin insertion slot 11, a bill insertion slot 12, a monetary amount display unit 13, A touch panel 14 and a media insertion portion 15 are formed, and a change return port 16, a finished product receiving port 17, and a receipt paper discharge port 18 are formed below the front surface of the main body case 2.

  A coin insertion slot 11, a bill insertion slot 12, and a change return slot 16 are parts used when the photo vending machine 1 is used for a fee. A coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 11, and a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 12. insert. Then, the deposited amount is displayed on the amount display unit 13.

  The touch panel 14 is a display unit and an input unit, and includes a display unit of a liquid crystal display and an operation unit that operates on the screen with a finger or the like. The touch panel 14 displays, for example, a thumbnail display of a photograph taken with a digital camera or the like, a selection icon, and the like, and the user can perform an operation by selecting the thumbnail display or icon of the touch panel 14.

  The media insertion unit 15 is provided with an insertion port for a plurality of types of recording media such as an SD card, a smart media card, and a memory stick. A reading device for reading each medium is built in the insertion slot. Data read by the media insertion unit 15 includes image data and DPOF (Digital Print Order format) data.

  The DPOF data is a format that allows the user of the digital camera to specify information such as which image to print among images stored in the memory card. With this DPOF data, the number of prints, paper size, title, and other information can be associated with each image.

  The finished product receiving port 17 is a part for taking out printed photographs and reliefs. The receipt paper discharge port 18 is a part for discharging a receipt on which the amount of money, the number of printed photographs, the number of relief processing, and the like are described.

  Next, the functional configuration of the photo vending machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the photo vending machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the photo vending machine 1 includes a plurality of printing devices 20 for printing a photo, a printing / relief processing device 21 for performing printing and relief processing, a control unit 24, an input means 25, Display means 26 and image capture means 27 are provided. In FIG. 2, the number of printing apparatuses 20 is two and the number of printing / relief processing apparatuses 21 is one, but the number is not limited to this.

  The printing apparatus 20 includes a printing unit 22 that performs photo printing on a printing paper and a cutting unit 28 that cuts the printed printing paper. The printing / relief processing device 21 includes a printing unit 22, a relief processing unit 23 for performing relief processing, that is, three-dimensional processing, on the printing paper printed by the printing unit 22, and a cutting unit 28 for cutting the relief. Yes.

  The control unit 24 includes a calculation unit 61 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 62 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an HD (Hard Disk), and a print information generation unit. 63, a processing information generating means 64, and a drive controller 65.

  The arithmetic means 61 reads the program and data stored in the storage means 62, controls the various means to execute predetermined processing according to the read program, and controls the storage means 62 to store information generated by the processing of the various means In addition, control for causing other means to execute predetermined processing is executed in accordance with information generated by processing of various means.

  The storage means 62 (ROM) stores in advance various programs necessary for the operation of the printing means 22 and the relief processing means 23, and executes processing for outputting these programs under the control of the calculation means 61. . The storage means 62 (RAM) temporarily stores processing information generated during processing of the program, and executes processing for outputting the stored processing information to the calculation means 61.

  The print information generating unit 63 executes processing for performing thumbnail display corresponding to the image data and DPOF data acquired by the image capturing unit 27 on the display unit 26 and processing for generating print information for driving the printing unit 22. To do.

  The processing information generating unit 64 executes a plurality of processes by analyzing the image data and DPOF data acquired by the image capturing unit 27. Specifically, the processing information generating unit 64 determines an image to be subjected to relief processing from the DPOF data acquired by the image capturing unit 27 or by the user's selection, and causes the display unit 26 to display this image. Execute the process. Further, the processing information generating unit 64 sets a plurality of pieces of processing information from the processing for setting the relief processing region in the image data acquired by the image capturing unit 27 and the projection amount in the region, and the information on the set region and the projection amount. Processing to generate and processing to display an image corresponding to the processing information on the display means 26 are executed.

  Further, the processing information generating means 64 executes processing for generating processing information using the set information when the user arbitrarily sets the area to be processed for relief and the protrusion amount, that is, when custom setting is made. . Further, the machining information generating unit 64 executes a process of storing the generated machining information in the storage unit 62 and a process of outputting to the drive controller 65. The processing information is information for controlling the drive controller 65 including information such as a relief processing region, a protrusion amount in the region, a position of the processing region on the printing paper, and the like.

  The drive controller 65 performs processing for controlling the printing unit 22 in accordance with the printing information generated by the printing information generating unit 63, relief processing in accordance with the processing information stored in the storage unit 62 or the processing information output from the processing information generation unit 64. A process for controlling the means 23 and a process for controlling the cutting means 28 are executed. Further, the drive controller 65 is controlled by the calculation means 61 to drive the printing device 20 for an image for which only printing is performed, and to drive the printing / relief processing device 21 for an image for which relief processing is performed. The distribution control for distributing the devices to be driven is also executed.

  The input unit 25 is the touch panel 14 described above, and an input signal generated when the input unit 25 is operated is output to the calculation unit 61, and the calculation unit 61 executes processing corresponding to the input signal. .

  The display means 26 is the touch panel 14, a process for displaying the images acquired by the image capturing means 27 as thumbnails, and a process for displaying the region corresponding to the processing information and the protrusion amount in 3D using CG (Computer Graphics). In addition, when the user selects predetermined information, a process of displaying an icon is executed. The displayed icons include “decide”, “cancel”, “relief processing”, and “print” icons.

  The image capturing means 27 is the above-described media insertion unit 15 and is a process for acquiring image data and DPOF data by reading various storage media. The storage means 62, print information A process of outputting to the generating means 63, the processing information generating means 64, and the display means 26 is executed.

  Next, a method for generating processing information by the processing information generating means 64 will be specifically described. When the image data of the planar image is acquired by the image capturing means 27, the processing information generating means 64 analyzes the color difference and the density difference of the image in the image data and extracts a portion where the difference is large. Set as an area for relief processing. Further, the machining information generating means 64 sets the protrusion amount in this area from information registered in advance in the storage means 62 and past machining information. Then, machining information is generated from the set region and the protrusion amount.

  Further, when the information acquired by the image capturing unit 27 includes distance information to the subject photographed by the 3D camera, the processing information generating unit 64 classifies the distance to the subject at regular intervals. Then, an area where the distance to the subject is short is set as an area for relief processing, and further, a protrusion amount in the area is set using distance information, and processing information is generated from the set area and protrusion amount. That is, the processing information generation means 64 uses the distance to the actual subject to set the relief processing area and the difference in protrusion amount in the relief processing area, and generates processing information.

  Further, when the information acquired by the image capturing means 27 includes face recognition information and focus adjustment information at the time of shooting with a camera or the like, the processing information generating means 64 may include the face recognition information and focus adjustment information. Process information is generated using.

  That is, when using the face recognition information, the processing information generation means 64 sets the area surrounding the face outline from the face recognition information as the first area for relief processing, and sets the nose and the like located in the first area. It sets as two areas, sets the protrusion amount in the set 1st field and the 2nd field, and generates processing information from these information. Although it is not always necessary to set a plurality of areas, if a plurality of areas can be set, the completed relief can be made more three-dimensional.

  Further, when using the focus adjustment information, the processing information generating means 64 analyzes the distance to the subject and the focused position from the focus adjustment information, and selects a region within a predetermined range from the focused position. The region is set as a relief processing region, and the protrusion amount is set from the distance to the subject, and processing information is generated from these pieces of information.

  Further, when the image capturing means 27 acquires image data having area information by the block matching method, the processing information generating means 64 reliefs the area that has moved from the image data or the area that has been static. The region to be processed is set, and the protrusion amount in the region is set from information registered in advance in the storage means 62 or past processing information, and processing information is generated from these information. In this block matching method, two images are taken in succession, an area of a predetermined size in an image (first frame) taken earlier is set as a basic block, and an image taken later (second frame) Is a method of extracting all the frames that have moved in both frames with the point where the value of the difference evaluation function between the basic block of the first frame and the basic block of the second frame is minimized as a corresponding point, This is a technique used for motion prediction in still images.

  Further, the processing information generating unit 64 stores the processing information used for the relief processing in the storage unit 62, and uses the processing information by matching with other image data to generate processing information. In other words, the processing information that has been used once is used when relief processing is performed on another printing paper 38 to generate processing information that suits the user's preference.

  Then, the machining information generating unit 64 generates a plurality of pieces of processing information using any one of these methods or using a plurality of methods from among these methods.

  Next, the printing / relief processing device 21 provided in the photo vending machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of the printing / relief processing device 21 built in the photo vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the relief processing means 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the printing / relief processing device 21 includes a printing unit 29 serving as a printing unit 22, a relief processing unit 30 serving as a relief processing unit 23, and a cutting device 47 serving as a cutting unit 28. Is provided.

  The printing unit 29 includes a paper supply core 31, a ribbon supply core 32, and a ribbon take-up core 33. A printing paper 38 is wound around the paper supply core 31, and an ink ribbon 39 is wound around the ribbon supply core 32. ing. The printing unit 29 includes a thermal head 34 as a print head and a printing side platen roller 35 positioned at a position facing the thermal head 34 between the ribbon supply core 32 and the ribbon take-up core 33. Further, the printing unit 29 includes a printing-side paper feed roller 36 and a printing-side pinch roller 37 serving as printing-side conveying means in front of the thermal head 34 and the printing-side platen roller 35. The printing side platen roller 35 is driven by the rotation of the printing side paper feed roller 36.

  Then, the printing unit 29 sequentially conveys the printing paper 38 by the printing-side conveying means, and sandwiches the printing paper 38 and the ink ribbon 39 between the thermal head 34 and the printing-side platen roller 35. Is thermally transferred to the printing paper 38. Further, the printing paper 38 on which the image has been thermally transferred is conveyed to the relief processing unit 30 side by the printing-side conveying means. Although the printing method is thermal transfer, it is not limited to this, and a laser printer, an ink jet, or the like may be used.

  The ink ribbon 39 fed from the ribbon supply core 32 is sandwiched between the thermal head 34 and the printing side platen roller 35 together with the printing paper 38, and after the image is transferred to the printing paper 38 by thermal transfer, the ribbon winding is performed. It is wound around the core 33.

  The relief processing unit 30 is disposed in front of the printing unit 29, that is, on the conveyance destination side of the printing paper 38. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the relief processing unit 30 conveys the printing paper 38 in the X-axis direction and pressure-contact body driving means for driving the pressure contact body 43 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction to perform relief processing. And relief side conveying means. The pressure contact body driving means includes a Y-axis drive unit 41 and a Z-axis drive unit 42, a pressure contact body 43 held by the Z-axis drive unit 42, and a relief side platen roller 44 disposed at a position facing the pressure contact body 43. And. The X-axis direction refers to the conveyance direction that is the longitudinal direction of the printing paper 38, the Y-axis direction refers to the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the printing paper 38, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to printing orthogonal to the XY plane. The thickness direction of the paper 38 is indicated.

  The relief-side conveying means is constituted by a relief-side paper feed roller 45 and a relief-side pinch roller 46 positioned in front of the pressure contact body 43 and the relief-side platen roller 44. The relief-side paper feed roller 45 is rotated by a motor (not shown) or the like while the printing paper 38 is sandwiched between the relief-side pinch roller 46 and conveys the printing paper 38. Further, the relief-side paper feed roller 45 and the relief-side pinch roller 46 are wound with elastic members or the like at positions close to both ends in the short direction of the printing paper 38, and the portions around which the elastic members are wound are respectively wound. It protrudes from the rollers 45 and 46 and is thick. The printing paper 38 can be conveyed without touching the three-dimensional portion of the printing paper 38 that has been subjected to relief processing by sandwiching and conveying the vicinity of both ends of the printing paper 38 with an elastic member. The relief side platen roller 44 follows the rotation of the relief side paper feed roller 45.

  The Y-axis drive unit 41 includes a Y-axis direction regulating member 51 and a Y-axis direction sliding member 52. The Y-axis direction regulating member 51 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a Y-axis rail is formed on a predetermined surface, and a Y-axis direction sliding member 52 is slidably mounted on the Y-axis rail. The Z-axis drive unit 42 includes a press contact body holding member 55, and the press contact body 43 is attached to the press contact body holding member 55. This press-contact body holding member 55 is mounted on the Y-axis direction sliding member 52 and operates in the Y-axis direction together with the Y-axis direction slide member 52 and also operates the press-contact body 43 in the Z-axis direction.

  The pressure contact body 43 has a pen shape and is attached to the pressure contact body holding member 55 so that the longitudinal direction is the Z-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressure contact body 43 is formed in a spherical shape at the tip, and the tip is urged toward the tip, that is, toward the relief side platen roller 44 by an elastic body (not shown). Yes. Therefore, at the time of relief processing, when a load of a predetermined value or more is applied to the tip of the press contact body 43, the tip can be prevented from entering the pen and the printing paper 38 being damaged.

  The pressure contact body 43 is pressed into a predetermined area on the back surface of the printing paper 38, that is, the surface on which printing is not performed, and the Y-axis drive unit 41 and the printing paper 38 are operated in the pressed state. The printing paper 38 is subjected to a relief process by sliding while pressing in a predetermined area of the printing paper 38. That is, the relief processing is performed so that the tip of the press contact body 43 is rubbed against the back surface of the printing paper 38.

  Specifically, when the press contact body 43 presses a predetermined portion of the printing paper 38 toward the relief-side platen roller 44, the predetermined portion of the pressed printing paper 38 protrudes from the plane and protrudes from the printing paper 38. Is formed. In this state, when the pressure contact body holding member 55 is operated in the Y-axis direction, the convex portion is extended in the Y-axis direction. Further, when the printing paper 38 is conveyed forward by the relief side conveying means, the convex portion is extended in the X-axis direction. Then, by repeating these operations, relief processing is performed in a predetermined region. Further, the amount of protrusion can be changed by changing the amount of pressure contact of the pressure contact body 43 with respect to the printing paper 38, that is, by changing the operation amount in the Z-axis direction. The relief-processed printing paper 38 is cut by a cutting device 47 disposed in front of the relief-side conveying means, and is sent to the finished product receiving port 17 shown in FIG. 1 as a completed relief.

  Note that the printing unit 29 of the printing apparatus 20 included in the photo vending machine 1 has the same configuration as the printing unit 29 of the printing / relief processing apparatus 21, and the cutting means 28 of the printing apparatus 20 includes the printing / relief processing apparatus 21. The cutting device 47 has the same configuration.

  Next, a method for using the photo vending machine 1 having the relief processing function in this embodiment will be described. The user inserts an arbitrary media medium into the media insertion unit 15 shown in FIG. When the media medium is inserted, the image list stored in the medium is displayed on the touch panel 14. The user selects an image to be printed and an image to be relief processed from the image list displayed on the touch panel 14.

  The user can also specify in advance an image to be printed with a digital camera or the like and an image to be subjected to relief processing. If this is specified in advance, this information is stored in the DPOF data, and the media medium is stored. When inserted into the media insertion unit 15, the print information generating means 63 and the processing information generating means 64 shown in FIG. 2 read this information and automatically perform printing and relief processing.

  If the information on the image to be printed on the media or the information on the image to be subjected to relief processing is not stored, the user sets the size of the printing paper to be printed (L plate, etc.), the number of sheets, the presence / absence of edges, etc. To do. Further, when performing relief processing, the relief processing is selected by operating the touch panel 14, and the processing area and the protrusion amount are selected from the processing information created by the processing information generating means, or the processing area and Select the amount of protrusion.

  When the user sets the processing area and the protrusion amount, the touch panel 14 displays the relief processing area and the protrusion amount in the area, that is, the CG of the completed relief as a 3D image.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen display when the user custom-sets the protrusion amount. When the user custom-sets the amount of protrusion in the processing area, the curved upper surface of the cylinder, the side surface of the cylinder, etc. are displayed on the touch panel 14 as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). The user designates the center axis of the cylinder at a predetermined position within the designated processing region. Thus, by designating the center axis of the cylinder as a predetermined position, the projection amount is small at a position far from the center axis, and the projection amount can be set large near the center axis.

  Further, when different processing areas are set in one processing area, when the user selects a predetermined area, the curved upper surface or cylinder of the cylinder as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). Are displayed on the touch panel 14. Then, the user can set the amount of protrusion in the plurality of regions by setting the central axis of the cylinder at a predetermined position in each region. By setting different processing areas in one area in this way, the amount of protrusion can be changed between the outer area and the inner area. For example, the dog's face is designated as the outer processing area, and the dog's nose Is designated as the inner processing area, the relief processing can be performed with the dog's face raised and the nose raised.

  When the user finishes all settings, the printing and relief processing prices are displayed on the touch panel 14. When the user deposits from the coin insertion slot 11 and / or the banknote insertion slot 12, the amount displayed in the amount display unit 13 is displayed. If an amount greater than the amount displayed on the touch panel 14 is deposited, printing and relief processing are possible. It becomes a state. When the user can use the information set for printing and / or relief processing, the user performs printing and / or relief processing by operating the touch panel 14, and when the printing and / or relief processing is completed, the finished product receiving port is completed. The photos or reliefs appear in order of completion in 17.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processed relief 85. As shown in FIG. 7A, the relief 85 created by the photo vending machine 1 has the cherry peach portion of the printing paper 38 on which a picture of the cherry peach is drawn relief processed. And as shown in FIG.7 (b), the difference in the protrusion amount is formed in the part of a branch, and the real part, and the real part is formed in the spherical shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), there is a difference in the amount of protrusion between the two fruits, and the actual protrusion amount located at the front is large and the actual protrusion amount located at the back is reduced. Yes. In this way, the relief 85 processed by the photo vending machine 1 can express the perspective in the image by the amount of protrusion, emphasize the main part, and the relief processing means is a smooth relief 85. .

  According to the present embodiment, by providing the printing means 22 and the relief processing means 23, it is possible to provide the photo vending machine 1 that can perform both printing and relief processing simultaneously with one apparatus.

  Further, the relief processing means 23 is composed of a relief side conveying means and a pressure contact body drive means having a pressure contact body 43, and the pressure contact body 43 is pressed against the back surface of the printing paper 38, and the pressure contact body 43 is pressed. Thus, by performing relief processing by sliding the tip of the pressure contact body 43 within a predetermined area on the printing paper 38, a relief with a smooth protruding portion can be created.

  In addition, since the tip of the press contact body 43 has a spherical shape, the front end of the press contact body 43 can be smoothly slid on the print paper 38, so that the print paper 38 can be prevented from being damaged when rubbed. At the same time, a relief 85 with a smooth relief can be created.

  The press contact body drive means is formed by the Y-axis drive unit 41 and the Z-axis drive unit 42, and the drive in the X-axis direction is configured to drive the print paper 38, thereby cutting the print paper 38 printed by the print means 22. Since the relief processing can be performed as it is, printing and relief processing can be performed at the same time, and the position where the relief processing is performed on the printing paper 38 can be easily recognized, so that drive control during the relief processing is facilitated.

  Further, by incorporating the printing / relief processing device 21 in the photo vending machine 1, it is possible to provide the photo vending machine 1 capable of simultaneously performing printing and relief processing in a small space.

  Further, by incorporating the cutting device 47 into the relief processing means 23, different operations such as printing, relief processing, and cutting can be performed so that the speed of the relief processing can be increased, and the printing / relief processing device 21 Since a series of operations can be completed only with this, the versatility of the printing / relief processing device 21 can be improved.

  In addition, by incorporating at least one printing / relief processing device 21 and a plurality of printing devices 20 in the photo vending machine 1, a relief processing function can be achieved without impairing the function of the photo vending machine 1 for printing a photo. Can be provided.

  The processing information generation means 64 automatically generates processing information of multiple patterns, and by increasing the options for the user, the probability of processing information that suits the user's preference can be increased, and also for the user Relief processing can be easily performed without troublesome settings.

  Also, in relief processing, the user can arbitrarily set the relief processing area and the amount of protrusion, that is, allow custom setting, so the user's participation in the work of relief processing will increase, so enjoy it. Relief processing can be performed.

  Further, the control unit 24 includes a storage unit 62, stores the processing information used in the storage unit 62, and generates processing information that suits the user's preference by using it in other relief processing. be able to.

  The photo vending machine 1 described above includes a plurality of printing devices 20 that perform only photo printing and a single printing / relief processing device 21 that performs both relief processing and photo printing. However, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of printing / relief processing devices 21 are built in, and the number of printing devices 20 and printing / relief processing devices 21 can be freely configured according to the environment in which the photo vending machine 1 is installed. Can be changed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing / relief processing device 21 including the printing means 22 and the relief processing means 23 is used to perform the relief processing. However, the printing / relief processing device 21 is not necessarily provided. For example, the photo vending machine 1 may be configured to include, for example, three printing apparatuses 20 that perform only photo printing and one relief processing apparatus that performs only relief processing. is there.

  In this way, in the photo vending machine 1 incorporating the printing device 20 and the relief processing device, the configuration of the relief processing means 23 shown in FIG. 4 can be used as it is as the relief processing device. A relief processing apparatus 5 as shown can also be used. The relief processing apparatus 5 shown in FIG. 8 is configured to drive the press contact body 43 in three directions of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, and an X axis drive unit 40 as a press contact body drive means, and a Y axis A drive unit 41 and a Z-axis drive unit 42 are provided.

  In this relief processing apparatus 5, the press contact body 43 is held by the Z-axis drive unit 42, and the front end of the press contact body 43 is placed on the print paper 38 with the print paper 38 such as a photograph placed on the plate-like platen 91. In this state, the pressure contact body 43 is driven in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in a state where the printing paper 38 is pressed against the platen 91 to perform relief processing in a predetermined area of the printing paper 38.

  Thus, according to the photo vending machine 1 in which the printing device 20 and the relief processing device (5) are built as separate devices, a predetermined one in the conventional photo vending machine in which a plurality of printing devices 20 are built in. The photo vending machine 1 having a relief processing function can be provided by removing one printing device 20 and incorporating a relief processing device in a vacant space, which facilitates design changes and manufacturing.

  In addition, by using a photo vending machine 1 with at least one relief processing device (5) and a plurality of printing devices 20, a relief processing function can be provided without impairing the function of the photo vending machine 1 for printing a photo. Can be added.

  In addition, as the printing paper 38 used in the photo vending machine 1 of the present embodiment, photographic paper or the like can be used, but it is preferable to use a paper having extensibility. This is because by making the paper having extensibility the printing paper 38, the relief processing becomes easy, and the strength of the processed relief becomes higher than the relief made of photographic paper or the like.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above Example, A change and improvement are freely possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

1 Photo vending machine 2 Body case
5 Relief processing equipment
11 Coin slot 12 Bill slot
13 Amount display 14 Touch panel
15 Media insert 16 Change change outlet
17 Finished product receiving port 18 Receipt output port
20 Printing equipment 21 Printing / relief processing equipment
22 Printing means 23 Relief processing means
24 Control unit 25 Input means
26 Display means 27 Image capture means
28 Cutting means 29 Printing section
30 Relief processing section 31 Paper supply core
32 Ribbon supply core 33 Ribbon take-up core
34 Thermal head 35 Printing side platen roller
36 Printing side paper feed roller 37 Printing side pinch roller
38 Printing paper 39 Ink ribbon
40 X-axis drive unit 41 Y-axis drive unit
42 Z-axis drive unit 43 Pressure contact body
44 Relief side platen roller 45 Relief side paper feed roller
46 Relief side pinch roller 47 Cutting device
51 Y-axis direction regulating member 52 Y-axis direction sliding member
55 Press-contact body holding member 61 Calculation means
62 Storage means 63 Print information generation means
64 Machining information generation means 65 Drive controller
85 Relief 91 Platen

Claims (5)

Image capturing means for acquiring image data and DPOF data as image information, relief processing means for performing relief processing on a printing paper on which an image is printed, and a control unit,
The control unit uses the drive controller that controls the driving of the relief processing unit and the image information acquired by the image capturing unit to generate processing information including information for performing relief processing. A relief processing apparatus comprising: processing information generation means for outputting the processing information to the drive controller.   The processing information generation unit automatically executes the relief processing using the processing information when the DPOF data acquired by the image capturing unit includes the processing information. The relief processing apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit includes a display unit and an input unit,
When the DPOF data acquired by the image capturing unit does not include information on an image to be printed or information on an image to be subjected to relief processing, the processing information generation unit displays a list of images, for example, in a thumbnail display by the display unit. And at least one piece of processing information generated by the processing information generation unit by causing the user to use the input unit to specify an image to be printed, to specify print settings including at least information about the size of the printing paper. 2. The relief processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: selecting one of processing information arbitrarily designated by a user, and outputting the selected processing information to the drive controller. An image capturing process for acquiring image data and DPOF data as image information, a relief processing process for performing relief processing on a printing paper on which an image is printed, and a control unit,
The control unit uses the drive controller that controls driving of the relief processing step and the image information acquired by the image capturing step to generate processing information including information for performing relief processing, and is generated And a machining information generation step of outputting the machining information to the drive controller. Relief processing machine computer
Image capturing means for acquiring image data and DPOF data as image information;
Relief processing means for performing relief processing on printing paper on which an image is printed,
Drive for controlling the drive of the relief processing means by generating processing information including information for performing relief processing using the image information acquired by the image capturing means in the control unit A program for functioning as machining information generation means for outputting to a controller.

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