JP3573126B2 - Photo sticker making method and device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is installed in, for example, a game center, an amusement park, an inn, a sightseeing spot, or the like, allows creation of an edited image of a captured image by graffiti or the like, and sells a photo sticker sheet on which the predetermined image is printed. The production and vending of such photo stickers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a photo sticker vending apparatus which picks up a subject by an image pickup unit, edits the picked-up image by an editing unit, and sells a photo sticker sheet in which the edited image is printed by a printing unit.
[0003]
In such a photo sticker vending apparatus, at least one imaging is performed for each sale, and editing and printing are performed on the captured image obtained by the imaging.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is difficult for a user who uses the above-described photo sticker vending apparatus to take images of a stable finish every time, such as facial expressions, poses, overall brightness, etc. In such cases, or when a better-than-expected captured image is obtained, the degree of the degree of satisfaction for each use has been large.
[0005]
In addition, when re-imaging is repeated without being satisfied with the captured image and the time limit has come, only an unsatisfactory captured image can be obtained and the editing time for graffiti editing may be short.
[0006]
The present invention proposes a method and an apparatus for creating a photo sticker that can use a user's favorite image, such as a captured image taken in the past, and that gives a sufficiently long editing time, and provides a customer satisfaction degree. The purpose is to improve sales and increase sales of automatic sales of photo stickers.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, a subject is illuminated by an illuminating unit, the subject is imaged by an imaging unit, and a captured image is created within a predetermined time limit, or an image stored in an external storage unit is captured by a capturing unit. It is possible to select whether to capture as an image, create the captured image or capture the basic image based on the selection, display the captured image or the basic image on a display unit, and display the image displayed on the display unit. Creating an edited image by permitting editing within a predetermined time limit by an editing unit, and outputting the edited image as a photo sticker by an output unit. when you select the uptake, the create of the captured image when you choose to create a captured image and the sum of the time limit allowed for the creation of edited image below, editing tolerated the Characterized in that it is a photo sticker creation method or apparatus for longer than if the constant of the time limit was selected to create the captured image.
[0008]
The basic image is a picked-up image or its edited image taken by using this photo sticker creating method or its device, a picked-up image or its edited image taken by using another photo sticker creating method or its device, a digital camera And the like, a captured image captured by a device such as a computer, a graphic image drawn using a computer, or an image such as a scanned image obtained by scanning a photograph.
[0009]
The storage means includes a storage medium such as an IC card, a magnetic card, a floppy disk (FD), a compact disk (CD) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a storage device such as a hard disk, and a portable imaging device such as a digital camera and a digital video camera. This includes a device or a storage device or a storage medium built in a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA.
[0010]
The output unit includes a printing unit for printing an image, a communication unit for transmitting image data, or a storage medium reader / writer for writing image data to a storage medium.
With the above configuration, the user can obtain an edited image in which a graffiti or the like has been edited by using a favorite image owned by the user, such as a previously captured image.
[0011]
Furthermore, since it is possible to select whether to create a captured image or capture the basic image, if the basic image is captured without capturing, the graffiti editing within the extended time that added the original imaging time to the editing time And edit time can be increased.
[0012]
As a preferred embodiment, the captured image or the edited image can be written in the storage unit by a writing unit.
The writing means may have the same or different configuration as the output means.
By the arrangement, an image such as a captured image and / or the edited image can reserve as a basic image, the user can perform graffiti edited using the favorite image when you want to use, the image captured by the imaging Dissatisfaction due to variations in workmanship can be eliminated.
[0013]
As a preferred embodiment, writing of the picked-up image or the edited image in the storage unit is allowed, and the storage unit can be issued by the issuing unit.
As a result, a user who does not own the storage unit can acquire an image such as a favorite captured image as data and can reuse it.
[0014]
As a preferred embodiment, the captured image or the edited image can be communicated with a portable external device incorporating the storage unit by a connection unit.
The external device includes a portable imaging device such as a digital camera and a digital video camera, or a portable information terminal such as a notebook computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), and a mobile phone.
According to the above configuration, for example, an image captured by a digital camera can be directly taken in and used for creating a photo sticker.
[0015]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to use a favorite image owned by the user as a basic image without taking an image in the creation of a photo sticker, and to allocate it to the editing time by shortening the time to capture the image. Amusement and user satisfaction can be improved by editing slowly for a long time.
[0016]
In addition, in order for the facility's management, more to the use of this photo seal creation method or the device, it is possible to take a long time editing without having to extend the sale time of photo sticker vending, 1 creation and It is possible to execute automatic selling of photo stickers with improved amusement for users while reducing or shortening the unit selling time required for one sale, thereby improving sales efficiency and sales.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, the appearance and configuration of the photo sticker vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the system configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1 and a partially enlarged view (partially sectional view) shown in FIG.
[0018]
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a photo sticker vending machine 1. The photo sticker vending machine 1 has a box-shaped frame 2 large enough for several ordinary people to enter. It has an imaging space surrounded by an appropriate curtain (not shown) suspended from the upper side of the frame 2, and the housing 3 is installed on the back side of the imaging space.
An inclined surface is formed at the center of the front of the housing 3, and a display 19 having a touch panel 15 is provided at the center of the inclined surface. A touch pen 15 a that touches the touch panel 15 to input coordinates is provided on the left and right sides. 15a is provided.
[0019]
An IC card insertion slot 13a for inserting an IC card 51 is provided on the right side of the display 19, and a money insertion slot 16a for inserting coins (or bills) is provided below the IC card insertion slot 13a.
[0020]
A housing digital camera 18 for capturing an image of a subject in an imaging space is provided at the center on the front upper portion of the housing 3, and vertically long strobe lighting devices 17 and 17 are provided on both sides.
[0021]
A seal discharge port 20a for discharging the photographic seal sheet 22c (FIG. 2) is formed in the lower part on the right side of the housing 3.
As shown in a partially enlarged view (partial cross-sectional view) of the casing 3 near the seal discharge port 20a, a control device 11 composed of a personal computer is provided at the lower right, and a printer 20 is further placed thereon. Provided.
[0022]
A seal paper unit 22 is set in the printer 20. The seal paper unit 22 is an ID tag storing data such as a seal paper 22b wound in a roll and identification data for identifying whether or not the paper is genuine. 22a.
An ID tag reader / writer 21 is provided at the back of the printer 20, and reads the data stored in the ID tag 22a.
[0023]
With the above configuration, a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 16a, the subject is illuminated by the strobe lighting device 17, an image is captured by the housing digital camera 18, the captured image is displayed on the display 19, and the touch pen is touched on the touch panel 15. A graffiti edit is performed at 15a, and the photographic seal sheet 22c on which the edited image and / or the captured image is printed by the printer 20 is discharged from the seal discharge port 20a.
[0024]
When the user wants to use an image owned by the user, the user can insert the IC card 51 into the IC card insertion slot 13a and take in the image stored in the IC card 51 for use.
[0025]
Next, the structure of the photo sticker vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the circuit block diagram shown in FIG.
The photo sticker vending machine 1 includes a control device 11 having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM to execute control operations of each device, a storage device 12 connected to the control device, an IC card reader / writer 13, an IC card issuing device. 14, a touch panel 15, a currency handling device 16, a housing digital camera 18, a display 19, a printer 20, an ID tag reader / writer 21, and a strobe lighting device 17 connected to the housing digital camera 18.
[0026]
The control device 11 executes the control process of each device as described above, and also executes a selection process for allowing the user to select whether to take an image with the housing digital camera 18 or to take in image data.
[0027]
The storage device 12 stores setting information such as a play price of the photo sticker vending machine 1.
When the IC card 51 is inserted, the IC card reader / writer 13 reads out data such as image data stored in the IC card 51, transmits the read data to the control device 11 as a read signal, and writes data from the control device 11. A writing process for receiving the signal and writing the image data is executed.
[0028]
The IC card issuing device 14 is a device that issues a new (nothing stored) IC card 51 stored in the housing 3, and issues the IC card 51 based on an issue signal of the control device 11. At the time of issuing, the IC card reader / writer 13 issues the IC card 51 in which the image data is written.
[0029]
The touch panel 15 receives an instruction to start imaging, edit graffiti, and the like with a touch pen 15 a (FIG. 1) from a user, and transmits an input signal to the control device 11.
The money processing device 16 is provided inside the above-described money insertion slot 16a, performs authenticity judgment and denomination judgment of the inserted coin (or bill), and transmits the inserted amount to the control device 11 as a processing signal. I do. This coin insertion also serves as a start signal of the sales processing.
[0030]
The strobe lighting device 17 performs strobe light emission according to a synchro signal from the housing digital camera 18.
The housing digital camera 18 performs imaging using a shutter signal received from the control device 11 and transmits captured image data such as captured moving image data and captured still image data to the control device 11. In addition, a synchronization signal is transmitted to the strobe lighting device 17 in synchronization with the imaging based on the shutter signal, and the strobe lighting device 17 is caused to emit light to obtain illumination light necessary for imaging.
[0031]
The display 19 receives an RGB signal from the control device 11 and, according to the signal, a moving image before imaging, a still image at the time of imaging (imaging image), a graffiti editing image, and the like, which are captured by the housing digital camera 18. And a screen such as a screen for selecting image data to be captured.
[0032]
The printer 20 receives print image data from the control device 11, prints the received print image on a sticker sheet 22b of a sticker sheet unit 22 (FIG. 2), and discharges the created photo sticker sheet 22c.
[0033]
The ID tag reader / writer 21 reads data stored in an ID tag 22a provided in the seal paper unit 22 by a read signal, and updates the data by an update signal. In this way, it is determined whether or not the seal paper unit 22 is a regular one, and an update process such as overwriting the count, which is the number of times of printing, is performed as necessary.
[0034]
With the above structure, the control device 11 executes writing and reading of image data with respect to the IC card 51 and the user digital camera 42, and permits image editing with the touch panel 15.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the photo sticker vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the processing flowchart shown in FIG.
When coins (or bills) are inserted into the coin insertion slot 16a (FIG. 1) by the user (step n1), the control device 11 displays a screen for selecting whether or not to take in an image on the display 19, and displays the screen. (Step n2).
[0036]
When the user selects the image capture, the IC card 51 is inserted into the IC card insertion slot 13a (step n3), and the control device 11 reads out the image data from the IC card 51 and shown in FIG. (Step n4).
[0037]
If there are a plurality of image data (step n5), the user moves the cursor 19a (FIG. 5) up and down with the cursor movement button 19b, selects the photo image 19c to be graffiti-edited, and touches the OK button 19d. (Step n6). Thereby, control device 11 proceeds to step n12.
[0038]
If image capture is not selected in step n2, the control device 11 displays a preview image on the display 19, and executes an imaging process of imaging the subject with the housing digital camera 18 together with the countdown (step n7). ).
[0039]
When the imaging process is completed, the control device 11 displays a screen for selecting whether to save the captured image on the display 19 and allows the user to select the screen (step n8).
[0040]
If the user selects to save, the control device 11 checks whether or not there is free space in the IC card 51 inserted into the IC card slot 13a (step n9). Writes and saves the captured image on the IC card 51 by the IC card reader / writer 13 (step n10).
[0041]
If there is no free space, the IC card issuing device 14 issues a new IC card 51 in which the captured image is written and stored by the IC card reader / writer 13 (step n11). Even when the IC card 51 is not inserted into the IC card insertion slot 13a, this step n11 is executed assuming that there is no free space.
[0042]
The control device 11 displays a graffiti editing screen on the display 19 using the captured image obtained in steps n3 to n6 or the captured image obtained in step n7 as a basic image, and performs graffiti editing on the user with the touch pen 15a. (Step n12). At this time, when performing graffiti editing on the captured image, the control device 11 extends the time limit by an amount that the imaging process is not performed.
[0043]
When the graffiti editing is completed, the control device 11 executes a printing process for printing the edited image by the printer 20 (step n13), discharges the printed photo seal sheet from the seal discharge port 20a, and ends the process (step n14). .
[0044]
With the above operation, the user can also take a picture and save it when a favorite captured image is obtained, and select whether to use the favorite image as a captured image or to perform imaging next time. You can edit graffiti.
[0045]
In addition to normal graffiti contents (pen and stamp), special contents such as pens, stamps, and backgrounds that are not displayed in normal graffiti editing can be captured and displayed, and can be used.
[0046]
In the case where the captured image is used, the time during which the graffiti editing is allowed can be extended by an amount not requiring the imaging process. For example, as shown in the time distribution explanatory diagram of FIG. 90 seconds can be given to the graffiti editing process, and 150 seconds can be given as a whole when the captured image is used.
[0047]
Unit This allows the user when utilizing the captured image editing usually about 1.7 times the time graffiti can be performed, made little less than 30% shortening in the time required for one sale 170 seconds 230 seconds It is possible to increase sales per hour.
[0048]
As another embodiment, instead of the IC card slot 13a of the photo sticker vending machine 1, a user digital camera 41 and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 24 connecting the user digital camera 41 are connected as shown by a virtual line in FIG. The configuration may be such that the user digital camera 41 is connected.
[0049]
The circuit structure in this case is, as indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 3, a process of writing image data to a storage device 42 provided inside the user digital camera 41 by a write signal received from the control device 11. In this case, a structure may be adopted in which a read process for transmitting image data stored in the storage device 42 to the control device 11 by a read signal is performed.
[0050]
The operation at this time is as follows. In the processing flow diagram shown in FIG. 4, step n3 is changed to "connect user digital camera 41", and steps n9 to n11 are changed to "save to user digital camera 41". Just fine.
[0051]
As a result, the user can use an image captured by the user's digital camera 41 owned by the user, and an image completely different from that captured by the photo sticker vending machine 1 is used as a basic image. Thus, it is possible to obtain an edited image utilizing the rich and sophisticated graffiti editing function of the photo sticker vending machine 1.
[0052]
In each of the above embodiments, the photo sticker vending machine 1 may not be provided with the housing digital camera 18 and may be configured not to perform any imaging. In this case, since the imaging space is not required, the installation area can be reduced.
[0053]
Further, the photo sticker vending machine 1 may be provided with both the IC card slot 13a and the USB terminal 24 so that the user can select a mode for bringing in the captured image.
[0054]
Further, when the IC card 51 is issued, after issuing without writing anything, the user may insert the IC card 51 into the IC card slot 13a to write a captured image. good.
[0055]
The data to be written to the IC card 51 or the user digital camera 41 is not limited to a captured image, and may be configured to write data such as image data of an edited image. According to this, in addition to the favorite captured image, an edited image with the favorite edited can also be saved, and the edited image can be taken in again for further editing.
[0056]
In step n11 described with reference to FIG. 4, the IC card 51 may not always be issued, but the user may be able to select whether or not to receive the IC card 51. You may comprise so that additional input may be required.
[0057]
In correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above embodiment,
The photo sticker producing device of the present invention corresponds to the photo sticker vending machine 1 of the embodiment,
Similarly,
The selection means corresponds to the control device 11 and the touch panel 15,
The issuing means corresponds to the IC card issuing device 14,
The editing means corresponds to the touch panel 15,
The lighting means corresponds to the strobe lighting device 17,
The imaging means corresponds to the housing digital camera 18,
The display means corresponds to the display 19,
The output means corresponds to the printer 20,
The identification means corresponds to the ID tag reader / writer 21,
The identifier corresponds to the ID tag 22a,
The connection means corresponds to the USB terminal 24,
The external device corresponds to the user digital camera 41,
The storage means corresponds to the storage device 42 and the IC card 51,
The present invention is not limited to only the configuration of the above-described embodiment, but can obtain many embodiments.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a photo sticker vending machine.
FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view (partially sectional view) showing the inside of a photo sticker vending machine.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the photo sticker vending machine.
FIG. 4 is a processing flowchart showing the operation of the photo sticker vending machine.
FIG. 5 is a screen image diagram of a captured image selection screen.
FIG. 6 is a time distribution explanatory diagram showing a time distribution of each processing of the photo sticker vending machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photo sticker vending machine 11 ... Control device 14 ... IC card issuing device 15 ... Touch panel 17 ... Strobe lighting device 18 ... Case digital camera 19 ... Display 20 ... Printer 21 ... ID tag reader / writer 22 ... Seal paper unit 22a ... ID tag 22b ... Seal paper 22c ... Photo sticker sheet 24 ... USB terminal 41 ... User digital camera 42 ... Storage device 51 ... IC card

Claims (7)

Whether the subject is illuminated by the illuminating unit and the subject is imaged by the imaging unit and a captured image is created within a predetermined time limit, or an image stored in an external storage unit is captured as a basic image by a capturing unit Selecting and accepting;
Creating the captured image or capturing the basic image based on the selection;
Displaying the captured image or the basic image on display means;
Creating an edited image by permitting the image displayed on the display means to be edited by the editing means within a predetermined time limit;
Outputting the edited image as a photo sticker by an output unit.
When the capturing of the basic image is selected, the edited image is created within the total time limit allowed for the creation of the captured image and the creation of the edited image when the creation of the captured image is selected. Making the predetermined time limit for editing permitted in the step of performing the process longer than when the creation of the captured image is selected
How to make a photo sticker. The storage unit is issued by the issuing unit by permitting writing of the captured image or the edited image edited by the editing unit,
The capturing means allows the captured image or the edited image stored in the storage means to be captured as a basic image.
The method of making a photo sticker according to claim 1. The captured image or the edited image edited by the editing unit is communicated to a portable external device incorporating the storage unit by a connection unit, and the captured image or the edited image is written to the storage unit. Allow,
The capturing means allows the captured image or the edited image stored in the storage means to be captured as a basic image.
The method of making a photo sticker according to claim 1. Imaging means for illuminating the subject with the illumination means and imaging the subject to create a captured image within a predetermined time limit;
Capturing means for capturing an image stored in an external storage means as a basic image;
Display means for displaying the captured image or the basic image,
Editing means for creating an edited image by permitting editing of the image displayed on the display means within a predetermined time limit,
Output means for outputting the edited image as a photo sticker, a photo sticker vending device,
Along with a selection unit that allows to select whether to create the captured image or capture the basic image,
When the capturing of the basic image is selected, the editing unit edits the captured image by the editing unit with a time equal to or less than a total time limit allowed for the generation of the captured image and the generation of the edited image when the generation of the captured image is selected. Control means for allowing the predetermined time limit to be allowed longer than when the creation of the captured image is selected.
Photo sticker making device. An issuance unit is provided for permitting writing of the captured image or the edited image in the storage unit and enabling the storage unit to be issued.
The photograph sticker producing device according to claim 4. A connection unit configured to communicably connect the captured image or the edited image to a portable external device incorporating the storage unit, and to allow the storage unit to write the captured image or the edited image.
The photograph sticker producing device according to claim 4. The issuing unit or the connection unit allows the edited image edited by the editing unit to be written to the storage unit,
The capturing unit allows the edited image stored in the storage unit to be captured as a basic image.
The photograph sticker producing device according to claim 5.

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