JP4081132B2 - Video printing apparatus and video printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a video printing apparatus and a video printing method capable of printing a video created by selecting an arbitrary image from images prepared in advance and combining it with a subject image.

  Recently, if only a game center or a tourist attraction is a video printing device that prints a composite image created by photographing a face with a built-in camera etc. and compositing this with a background image prepared in advance However, it has been installed and used on many streets. This type of video printing device is easy to shoot and can produce original prints, so it has become popular with a sense of fun. Various types of video printing apparatuses have already been provided, most of which are photo sticker printing apparatuses that print photographs in a sticker form.

However, the conventional video printing apparatus has the following drawbacks.
In the case of a conventional video printing device, the background image is selected first, then portraits are taken, and then these are combined, so the user can see the actual image of the printed product before entering the composition work. It is not easy to grasp in advance, and as a result, there are many cases where the printed matter does not always satisfy the user. In addition, in order to make the matching between the image used for composition and the user's portrait desirable, the user needs to take an appropriate pose at the time of shooting. What kind of pose is appropriate in the first place? Since it is difficult to imagine with images alone, it is not easy to take an appropriate pose. Furthermore, depending on the pose, the lighting condition may be inappropriate, and matching with the user's portrait may not be preferable.

  Furthermore, when the printed material is a sticker, it is preferable in that the user can easily put the created sticker anywhere. However, in the video printing apparatus for creating such a sticker, the created sticker is small. The face or upper body only appears small, so for example, the completed sticker is not very preferable for storing it as a memorial or record, or for always carrying it to show to others.

  In the conventional video printing apparatus, even if the printed matter is created on the spot, the printed matter does not automatically remain in the form of an album or the like. Therefore, the user uses the video printing apparatus. It was difficult to appeal to themselves.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and its purpose is to make it easy to grasp the fashion of the user, to make it easy to create a printed matter that the user can satisfy, and for the user to An object of the present invention is to provide a video printing apparatus and a video printing method that provide an environment that is easy to appeal.

A video printing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is a video printing apparatus that displays and prints an image prepared in advance and an image obtained by combining a portrait of a user, and at least inputs a user instruction. An input means, a composition image data storage means for preliminarily storing composition image data to be synthesized with the user's portrait, a photographing means for photographing the user, and a composition image data storage means. Composition image data selection means for selecting one or a plurality of composition image data from composition image data, person image data created by a portrait of a user photographed by the photographing means, and composition image data An image data synthesizing unit that synthesizes and generates a synthesized image by synthesizing the image data for synthesis selected by the selecting unit, and a synthesized image synthesized by the image data synthesizing unit, Based on composite image data registration means for registering in the data storage means as recorded image data, registered image data storage means for registering the registered image data, and registered image data registered in the registered image data storage means, The user's preference tendency regarding the generation condition of the composite image is determined, and based on the determination result, the registered image data registered in the registered image data storage unit is compiled, and the one or more registered image data are used. A video data group creating means for creating a video data group, a composite image synthesized by the image data synthesizing means, a display means for displaying the video data group, and the registered image data displayed on the display means printing the registration image data selection means for accepting a vote of the user, a synthesized image synthesized by the image data combining means on the printing paper against A printing unit that is characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the video printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the video data group creating means creates a plurality of the video data groups. Features.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the video printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the composite image synthesized by the image data synthesizing unit is registered in the registered image data storage unit. It is characterized by comprising selection means for selecting whether or not.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the video printing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the video data group creating means includes the registered image data storage means. Each time it is newly registered, the arrangement of the video data group displayed on the display means is updated.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video printing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the video printing apparatus is registered in the registered image data storage means in accordance with an input from a user of the video printing apparatus. The image display switching means for displaying the registered image data on the display means is provided .

A video printing method according to claim 6 of the present invention is a video printing method for displaying and printing an image obtained by combining an image prepared in advance and a portrait of a user, and combining the portrait with the user. A plurality of compositing image data storage steps for storing in advance a compositing image data storing step, a photographing step for photographing a user to generate person image data representing a portrait of the user, and the plurality of compositing stored data Selected in the image data selection step for selecting one or a plurality of image data for synthesis from the image data, the person image data representing the portrait of the user obtained by the photographing, and the image data selection step for synthesis. The image data synthesis step for generating the synthesized image data by synthesizing the synthesized image data and the synthesized image data synthesized by the image data synthesis step are registered Based on the registered image data registration step for registering in the data storage means as image data and the registered image data registered in the registered image data storage means, the user's favorite tendency regarding the composite image generation conditions is determined. A video data group creating step for creating a video data group by compiling registered image data registered in the data storage unit based on the determination result; and displaying the composite image data or the video data group on a monitor An image data display step, a registered image data selection step for accepting a user's vote for the registered image data displayed on the monitor, and the composite image displayed on the image based on the composite image data on a print sheet And a printing step for printing.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the video printing method according to the sixth aspect, the video data group creating step creates a plurality of the video data groups.

  According to the video printing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to always prepare image data for composition suitable for the fashion, so that the user is not bored and the utilization rate can be increased. In addition, the model person / background image data and the shooting pose instruction means linked to the model person / background image data are provided so that the user can easily grasp the composite image in advance by using the model person / background image data. As a result, it is possible for a user unfamiliar with photography to take a very natural posing even when using the video printing apparatus of the present invention, and as a result, it is possible to create a printed matter that satisfies the user. Become.

  Since the registered image data registered in the video printing apparatus is always displayed on the video monitor, the video monitor is also used as an electronic album overlooking the already registered composite image. Therefore, registering the composite image created by the user in this video printing device is not only preferable for self-promotion and commemoration using the video monitor, but also for the latest trends and new registrations for other users. Since the synthesized image can be understood, it is sufficient that the users of the apparatus can have a sense of solidarity. Furthermore, since the user can perform popularity voting through the video monitor, the user can have game characteristics, that is, the video printing apparatus can be made more entertaining.

  Also, with this video printing device, the printed material is a thick card instead of a sticker and can be printed on the entire surface of the card, making it suitable for storage, excellent portability, and moderate size, so what is printed This is preferable because it can be clearly seen whether the image is displayed or what kind of image it is.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment shown here is merely an example, and is not necessarily limited to this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
An embodiment of a video printing apparatus A according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 is a front view of a video printing apparatus A according to this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a left side view of the video printing apparatus A, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing by the YY line.

This video printing apparatus A has a photographing apparatus part P and a photographing room Q.
Although the rear panel 12 is provided in the photographing room Q, the inner side of the rear panel 12 is colored in a specific color such as blue, and the user M stands in front of the rear panel 12 during photographing. It is like that. Further, the material and shape of the back panel 12 shown here are not particularly defined, and a form in which an extra background other than the back panel 12 does not enter the background of the user at the time of shooting even if the shape is not shown. It only has to be.

  The photographing apparatus part P includes a charge insertion port 13 for inputting a charge at the start of use, a charge box 11 for storing the input charge, a video camera 3 as a photographing means for photographing a user's portrait, The first video monitor 1, which is the first display means for displaying on the screen window 4 through the half mirror 5, in order to confirm the illuminating lamp 8 to be used and the composite image 45 created as described below before printing, the composite A printer 6 that is a printing unit that prints the image 45 on the printing paper R, and a printed matter outlet 10 for taking out the finished printed matter are provided.

  In addition, a computer 7 for operating and controlling each part of the video printing apparatus A is provided. This computer 7 is operated by an operation switch 9 which is an input means for inputting a user M instruction.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the operation switch 9 includes a selection switch 9a, a determination switch 9b, and a cancel switch 9c. However, this is merely an example, and is not limited to this shape. In the present embodiment, the user M operates and controls the video printing apparatus A by operating the computer 7 by operating the operation switch 9 in accordance with the display on the first video monitor 1 as will be described later. For example, the operation switch 9 is operated and used as a composition image data selection means for selecting composition image data 40 described later.

  Further, the photographing apparatus part P is provided with a second video monitor 2, which is used as a second display means for displaying a composite image 45 registered in the computer 7, as will be described later. ing.

  A method of creating a composite image by the video printing apparatus A configured as described above will be briefly described. First, the user M enters the shooting room Q and enters a predetermined fee into the fee entry port 13 so that the video printing apparatus A can be operated. Then, the operation switch 9 is operated to select the composition image data 40 to be used, and then the video camera 3 captures the portrait of the user M himself. In the present embodiment, model person image data, model person / background image data, and shooting pose instruction means are prepared as auxiliary means for the user to take a pose when shooting the user M. These data and means can be used when necessary, and if not necessary, the composite image 45 can be created without using them. Whether to use or not is determined by operating the operation switch 9. The photographed portrait is processed into person image data 43 by the computer 7, and the person image data 43 and the composition image data 40 previously selected by the user are synthesized by the computer 7 to create a composite image 45. The creation of the composite image 45 will be described in detail later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, individual data, devices, and the like necessary for creating the composite image 45 will be described in more detail.

  First, the composition image data 40 will be described. The composition image data 40 is registered in the composition image data registration device 24 a constituting the computer 7. As shown in FIG. 6, the composition image data 40 includes graphic image data 41, foreground image data 42, and background image data 44. Further, the composition image data 40 is combined with the person image data 43 to become a single composite image 45. For example, a portion where the person image data 43 is inserted is blank. It has been processed in advance.

  The graphic image data 41 is an image that is created by writing, for example, a user's name or message by the computer 7. The font, type, design, etc. of characters used for this input are stored in the computer 7 in advance, and the user can select a favorite one from these.

  The foreground image data 42 is an image used for synthesis so as to cover the person image data 43 as shown in FIG.

  The background image data 44 is an image serving as the background of the person image data 43 as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the foreground image data 42 and the background image data 44 are grouped and registered for each similar design so that the user can easily select them. That is, 32 types of designs are prepared for each of the foreground image data 42 and the background image data 44, and these 32 types of designs are divided into four groups such as a landscape design group and a pop-style design group. Classified and registered. There are 8 types of designs for each group.

  By preparing in this way, it is possible for the user M to observe each of the designs better by displaying 8 types than displaying the 32 types of designs on the first video monitor 1 at a time. If a group to be used first is selected, it is preferable to select from eight types of designs, which shortens the time required for selection and simplifies the selection work, which is preferable.

  Next, model person image data and model person / background image data will be described.

  This is prepared so that the user M can easily grasp the image of the actually completed composite image 45 when selecting the foreground image data 42 and the background image data 44 when preparing the composite background image data 44. It is. These data are also registered in the composition image data registration device 24a constituting the computer 7.

  This model person image data is data in which only a person image in a pose suitable for the design of the specific composition image data 40 is captured, and includes various images such as a face-only image, an upper body image, and a whole body image. Various image data of various images are prepared. Furthermore, it is more preferable to prepare data such as when there is one person and when there are two or more persons. Further, the model person / background image data is data in which specific image data for synthesis 40 is copied together with the model person image data.

  This model person image data is used as follows. User M first selects and prepares foreground image data 42 and background image data 44, then selects model person image data suitable for the selected data, and synthesizes them to create model person / background image data. To do. Although not described in detail here, the model person / background image data creating means for creating the model person / background image data is provided in the computer 7.

  Alternatively, as described above, the model person / background image data including the model person image data corresponding to the foreground image data 42 and the background image data 44 prepared in advance in the computer 7 is first stored in the composite image data registration device 24a. When the user M selects the foreground image data 42 and the background image data 44, the user M operates the operation switch 9 to display the model person / background image data on the first video monitor 1. The foreground image data 42 and the background image data 44 are selected by referring to the facial expression or pose of the model portrait in the model person / background image data.

  By performing this work, the user M can confirm whether or not the composite image 45 as the image can be obtained, so that it is possible to create the composite image 45 with a high degree of satisfaction of the user M. If model person / background image data is used, the foreground image data 42 and the background image data 44 can be selected at once and the model person image data can be selected at a time. is there.

  If various poses and the number of models of the model person image data and the model person / background image data are prepared, the user M can be used as a reference when posing for a portrait. Is preferable because it makes it easy to take a pose suitable for the image data for composition 40 selected by the user, and it is possible to create a composite image 45 with high satisfaction of the user M.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the user M poses in front of the video camera 3 for the user M who is not used to portrait photography, the user's pose is guided by voice as a shooting pose guidance means. Voice guidance means is provided. This voice guidance means is the model person image data previously selected by the user M, the model person image data selected by the computer 7 according to the model person / background image data selected by the user M, or the user M When the user M actually starts shooting his / her own, the voice guidance means instructs the user M to take the same pose as the model. Is configured to do.

  Briefly, the pose by the voice guidance means will be explained. First, when the user M selects the image data for synthesis 40 and selects a shooting mode to be described later, whether or not the user uses the voice guidance means at this stage. Make a selection. In the case of using, the model person registered in advance in the image data registration means 24a for synthesis according to the synthesized image data selected by the user M and the shooting mode described later by the program of the computer 7 not described in detail here. One of the image data 43 and the composition image data 40 is displayed as an exemplary image. Then, the computer 7 guides and guides the user by voice so that, for example, the face, body orientation, arm position, and the like are suitable for the composite image 45 that is the above-described exemplary image. When posing is determined in this way, the process proceeds to the next stage.

  When the above-described model person image data, model person / background image data, and guidance by voice guidance means are not necessary, the operation switch 9 is operated to omit these data and means and take a portrait. It is comprised so that it can perform.

  Next, the portrait photographing and person image data 43 of the user M will be described.

  The portrait photographed by the user M with the video camera 3 becomes human image data 43 by the computer 7. At this time, the human image data 43 is preliminarily provided with an extra background area before being synthesized by a chroma key method or the like. Removed.

  Further, when the user himself is photographed, the computer 7 is configured to determine the photographing field angle of the video camera 3 in accordance with the design of the composition image data 40 and the number of users M. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, three camera angles are prepared: a zoom-up 51 that captures only the face, a standard 52 that captures the upper body, and a long 53 that captures the entire body.

  Furthermore, when user M takes a portrait with video camera 3, depending on the angle of view, the portrait may appear bright and dark, making it difficult to create a clear printed matter, or adding a shadow to the portrait. In this embodiment, an illuminating lamp 8 that is controlled by the computer 7 is prepared. That is, as the illumination means, the computer 7 determines illumination suitable for the selected composition image data 40, model person image data, model person / background image data, and the like, and sets the illumination lamp 8 so as to match the illumination. It has a configuration that lights up.

  The illumination lamp 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. If it is necessary to photograph in a flat state according to the design of the composition image data 40, for example, as shown in FIG. , Turn on the right side illumination lamp as shown in FIG. 8B, and shoot from the left side as shown in Fig. 8 (b). If the above illumination is necessary, the computer 7 controls to turn on the left illumination lamp as shown in FIG. In the figure, white circles are lighting lamps that are on, and black circles are lighting lamps that are off. In general, portraits taken with flat lighting are suitable for color printing, and portraits with some shading are suitable for monochrome or sepia prints, but in any case for composition. Any one of the above lighting methods is selected depending on the design of the image data 40.

  The user M synthesizes the composite image 45 with the video printing apparatus A based on the individual data, devices, etc. described above. In the video printing apparatus A according to the present embodiment, the composite image 45 is For example, in order to achieve the purpose of the user M for self-promotion, commemoration, and the like, the registered image data is registered in the video printing apparatus A as the first video data group by the computer 7. Compiled and displayed on either one or both of the first video monitor 1 and the second video monitor 2. At the same time, a new user M different from the user M who has registered the composite image 45 can select and register his / her favorite registered image data from the already registered image data, and Based on the voting results, a ranking of popular registered image data is created, and this is compiled as a second video data group by the computer 7, and this is either the first video monitor 1 or the second video monitor 2 or It also has a function of displaying on both sides. By creating the ranking in this way, the user's willingness to participate is stimulated, and the installer of the video printing apparatus A becomes a clue to grasp the user's fashion.

  A method for compiling the first video data group and the second video data group will be described later. However, by operating the operation switch 9, the user M who does not want to register can omit this registration. It has become.

  The registered image data is stored in a registered image data storage device 24b constituting the computer 7, and this registered image data is always visible to passersby around the video printing apparatus A by the second video monitor 2 of the video printing apparatus A. It is like that. Although various forms of display methods are conceivable, in the present embodiment, a predetermined number, for example, the latest 100 registered image data, for example, are displayed in order as the first video data group from the newly registered order. It is like that. Further, the registered image data which has been popular as a result of the vote of the user M is compiled and displayed as a second video data group by the computer 7.

  At the same time, the first video monitor 1 displays the first video data group and the second video data group in the same manner as the second video monitor 2, and the user M operates the operation switch to operate the first video data group. The data group and the second video data group can be freely browsed, and the registered image data selected from them can be selected and voted.

  It is also conceivable that the second video monitor 2 is omitted and only the first video monitor 1 is used.

  As described above, in the video printing apparatus A, the user M registers the created composite image 45 in the video printing apparatus A or votes for a favorite one among registered image data registered in the past. It is configured to be able to.

  Therefore, next, the composite image 45 is created as described above, or the composite image 45 is registered in the video printing apparatus A as registered image data, and the registered image data is stored in the first video data group and the second video data group. The computer 7 that controls the video printing apparatus A, such as compiling as follows, will be briefly described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  In this computer 7, composition image data registration device 24a, which is composition image data registration means, which pre-registers composition image data 40, model person image data, model person / background image data, and the like, and video A hard disk 24 including a registered image data storage device 24b, which is a registered image data storage means for storing the composite image 45 created by the printing apparatus A as registered image data, and a human image data 43 of the portrait of the user M photographed. Registration in the registered image data registration device 24b and the first CPU 20 that controls the selection of the image data for synthesis 40, the synthesis of the person image data 43 and the image data for synthesis 40, the printing of the synthesized image 45 on the printing paper R, and the like. The second CPU 21 for controlling the display of the synthesized image 45 on the second video monitor 2, the first CPU 20, A ROM 22 that stores a control program of the CPU 21, a work area of the first CPU 20 and the second CPU 21, a RAM 23 that is used as an image memory at the time of image processing, and a removable image data 40 that is supplied to the hard disk 24. The first CPU 20 and the second CPU 21 process the auxiliary storage device 25, the monitor controller 27 that controls the display of various image data displayed on the first video monitor 1 and the second video monitor 2, and the video signal output from the video camera 3. The camera interface 26 that performs data conversion as much as possible, the operation information by the operation switch 9, and the charge information supplied from the charge box 11 are output to the first CPU 20 and the lighting control signal of the illumination lamp 8 is transferred from the first CPU 20 Peripheral device interface times 28, a printer controller 29 that controls the printer 6 that prints the composite image 45 processed by the first CPU 20, and a sound generation means 31 that generates sound, background music, and the like as needed while the video printing apparatus A is operating. And. The sound generating means 31 is also used as a shooting pose instruction means described later.

  The ROM 22, RAM 23, hard disk 24, auxiliary storage device 25, camera interface 26, monitor controller 27, peripheral device interface circuit 28, printer controller 29, and sound generation means 31 described above are connected via a bus 30 as shown. The first CPU 20 and the second CPU 21 are connected.

  The control program for the first CPU 20 stored in the ROM 22 and the image memory in the RAM 23 form an image composition means.

  The operation control of the video printing apparatus A according to the present embodiment by the first CPU 20 of the computer 7 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The user of the video printing apparatus A first enters the photographing room Q and starts a photographing operation by putting a predetermined charge into the charge insertion port 13 provided in front of the photographing apparatus part P, and proceeds to step S1.

  In step S <b> 1, a total amount of the input fee and a message prompting shooting are displayed on the first video monitor 1. When the display is performed, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not a prescribed fee has been input. If the input is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the image data for synthesis 40 is divided into several groups according to the design type so that the user can easily select the image data for synthesis 40 as described above. A message prompting the user to select a user's favorite group from the group of the synthesized image data 40 displayed is displayed on the first video monitor 1, and the user operates the operation switch 9 to select a favorite composition. A group of image data 40 is selected. When the selection is completed, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the composition image data 40 belonging to the group selected in step S3 is displayed on the first video monitor 1, and the user selects the desired composition image data 40 by operating the operation switch 9. When the selection is completed, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the user operates the operation switch 9 to determine whether or not the composition image data 40 selected by the user is acceptable. If so, the process proceeds to step S6. If a change is desired, the process returns to step S4 again. When the composition image data 40 is determined in step S5, as will be described later, the shooting angle of view of the video camera 3 in accordance with the design of the selected composition image data 40 is as shown in FIG. Any one of zoom-up 51, standard 52, and long (wide angle) 53 is automatically determined.

  In step S6, the name, message, and the like to be synthesized with the portrait of the person are created and input by operating the operation switch 9 while viewing the first video monitor 1, and the graphic image included in the image data 40 for synthesis is displayed. Data 41 is created. When the creation is completed, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, a screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the screen window 4 via the first video monitor 1, and the user operates the operation switch 9 to select a shooting mode. As will be described later, the zoom lens of the video camera 3 is finely adjusted according to the selected shooting mode. A program for controlling the video camera 3 is prepared in the CPU 20 in advance. When the shooting mode is determined, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S <b> 8, the user determines a shooting pose in preparation for shooting for creating the person image data 43. Here, in the present embodiment, an inquiry as to whether or not to perform shooting instruction using the above-described shooting pose instruction means is displayed on the first video monitor 1, and the user determines whether it is necessary or unnecessary by the operation switch 9. When it is determined that the shooting instruction is to be performed, a pose suitable for the image data for synthesis 40 selected by the user according to the shooting mode is displayed on the first video monitor 1, and at the same time, guidance is provided by voice guidance means. Provide guidance. When preparation for photographing is completed, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, as described above, an illumination lamp suitable for photographing is automatically turned on, and the portrait photographing of the user M in the photographing room Q is photographed a predetermined number of times, for example, four times by the self-timer method. The portrait of the user M photographed at the same time is processed into person image data 43. When the predetermined number of shootings is completed, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S <b> 10, the person image data 43 of the user photographed a predetermined number of times is displayed on the first video monitor 1. Then, the user operates the operation switch 9 to select a desired one from among them. When the selection is completed, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, the person image data 43 selected in step S10, the compositing image data 40 selected in step S5, and the graphic image data 41 created in step S6 are combined to generate a composite image 45. create.

  In step S12, a message asking whether to register the composite image 45 created in step S11 as registered image data in the video printing apparatus A is displayed on the first video monitor 1. Then, the user determines whether or not to register by operating the operation switch 9. When not registering, it progresses to step S13, and when registering, it progresses to step S17.

  In step S13, the recently registered composite image 45 and the top-ranked composite image 45 by popularity voting are displayed on the first video monitor as the first video data group and the second video data group on the screen illustrated in FIG. 1 is displayed. The latest data is always displayed on the screen. When the screen is displayed, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, for example, from the screen as shown in FIG. 12, the registered image data that the user M likes is selected by operating the operation switch 9. In the present embodiment, only one can be selected, but the selectable number is not limited to this. When the selection is completed, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, in response to the popularity vote result in step S14, the data of the second video data group in the registered image data storage device 24b is updated. When the data update is completed, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the popularity vote result is transferred to the second CPU 21. When the transfer ends, the process proceeds to step S20.

  Further, although it has been described that if the registration of the composite image is selected in the previous step S12, the process proceeds to step S17. In this step S17, the composite image 45 created by the user is registered in the registered image data storage device 24b. When registration is completed, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, data update of the first video data group of the registered image data storage device 24b is performed based on the newly registered composite image 45. When the data update is completed, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, a message indicating that the data registration has been completed is displayed on the first video monitor 1. If a display is made, it will progress to step S20.

  In step S <b> 20, the composite image 45 created by the user is printed, and the printed material is discharged from the printed material outlet 10.

  As described above, the creation of the printed matter in the video printing apparatus A in the present embodiment is completed.

  The editing and updating of the first video data group and the second video data group are performed in parallel in the second CPU 21 simultaneously with the processing of the video printing apparatus A by the first CPU 20. The first video data group and the second video data group processed and created by the second CPU 21 are always displayed on the second video monitor 2 as described above. Then, next, the control regarding the display etc. on the 2nd video monitor 2 of the 1st video data group by the 2nd CPU21 and a 2nd video data group is demonstrated, referring the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S21, the latest use situation, that is, what kind of image data for synthesis 40 is popular, and what kind of shooting mode is popular from the data obtained in steps S14 and S17 in the flowchart of FIG. The tendency of the user M's preference is determined, the tendency is converted into data and collected as play information, and this information is updated each time data is updated. Note that it is possible to substitute step S21 with a ranking display described later and omit step S21. When this display ends, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the latest first video data group is displayed on the second video monitor 2 based on the data relating to the play information updated in step S21. When the display is performed, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, it is checked whether there is new registered image data in the registered image data storage device 24b. If there is new registered image data (D1-1), it is displayed on the second video monitor 2 for a short time. In the present embodiment, the new registered image data is displayed for a short time, but it may be omitted. When the display ends, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, it is checked whether or not to display the first video data group registered in the registered image data storage device 24b from the beginning. If it is determined to be displayed, the process proceeds to step S25, and if not, the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S25, a predetermined number of first video data groups (D1-2) registered in the registered image data storage device 24b are collected at a time from the beginning, or in turn, in a short time, in a second video monitor. 2 is displayed. When the display ends, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S26, an arbitrary number of first video data groups registered in the registered image data storage device 24b, excluding a group of first video data groups that have already been displayed, are stored in an arbitrary number. The registered image data (D1-2) are collectively displayed on the second video monitor 2 in order for a short time. When the display ends, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S27, a predetermined number of registered image data (D2-1) from the top of the ranking in the second video data group created in step S15 of FIG. 2 Display on the video monitor 2. When the display ends, the process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S28, a predetermined number of first video data groups that have been registered and are not yet displayed at this stage are displayed on the second video monitor 2 in a short time, or a predetermined number. . When the display ends, the process proceeds to step S29.

  In step S29, as in step S27, the image data (D2-2) with the highest ranking in the second video data group is displayed on the second video monitor 2. Here, it is possible to make the image data (D2-2) exactly the same as (D2-1), but (D2-1) is set to “This week's ranking” and (D2-2) is set to “Last week's”. It may be possible to attract the interest of the surroundings by changing the contents, such as “Ranking”. When this display ends, the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S30, as in the previous step S28, a predetermined number of first video data groups that have not yet been displayed are displayed on the second video monitor 2 in a short time, or a predetermined number at a time. When the display ends, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, it is checked whether or not all the registered image data registered in the registered image data storage device 24b has been displayed to the end. If it is determined that there is still registered image data that is not displayed yet, the process returns to step S30 to continue the remaining display. If it is determined that all are displayed, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the control program of the first CPU 20 is set so that the registered image data registered in the registered image data storage device 24b is displayed again from the beginning, and the process returns to step S21.

  As described above, the second CPU 21 always displays the registered image data registered in the registered image data storage device 24b on the second video monitor 2 in some form. Although the method for displaying the higher ranking image data described here is not described in detail, various methods other than those shown here are conceivable.

  Next, the control of the video camera 3 automatically performed by the control program of the first CPU 20 in step S4 and step S5 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the setting of the shooting angle of view of the zoom lens of the video camera 3 in step S4 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. First, in step S41, the design style of the selected composition image data 40 is examined. In the present embodiment, there are three design styles for the compositing image data 40: one in which the shooting angle of view is desirably zoomed up, one that is desirably standard, and one that is desirably long. It is classified. When the shooting angle of view is determined, the process proceeds to the next step. In the present embodiment, the process proceeds to step S42 if zoom up is selected, to step S43 if standard, or to step S44 if long.

  In steps S42 to S44, the zoom lens is set to a standard value at each shooting angle of view according to the design of the selected composition image data 40. When the setting is completed, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the shooting mode selected by the user M is checked. In the present embodiment, three shooting modes are prepared: one person shooting, two person shooting, and three person shooting. When the shooting mode is determined, the process proceeds to the next step. In the present embodiment, the process proceeds to step S46 if single-person shooting is selected, to step S47 if two-person shooting is selected, and to step S48 if three-person shooting is selected.

  In steps S46 to S48, the zoom lens of the video camera 3 is finely adjusted so as to be more suitable for each shooting angle of view.

  This fine adjustment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. First, in step S46, the shooting angle of view of the zoom lens of the video camera 3 is finely adjusted for single-person shooting, and then the process proceeds to step S51.

  In step S51, the design of the composition image data 40 is checked again. As a result, if the design is a zoom-up type, the process proceeds to step S52. If the design is a long type, the process proceeds to step S53.

  In step S52, fine adjustment is performed in the zooming direction so that the shooting angle of view of the zoom lens of the video camera 3 becomes a setting value suitable for single-person shooting.

  In step S53, the shooting angle of view of the zoom lens of the video camera 3 is finely adjusted to the long side so as to be a setting value suitable for single-person shooting.

  When the fine adjustment in step S52 or step S53 is completed, the preparation of the zoom lens of the video camera 3 is completed, and the operation is continued.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, if the shooting angle of view determined in steps S41 to S45 is sufficient, the shooting angle of view of the shooting lens is left as it is, and the operation continues.

  Further, regarding the setting of the shooting angle of view of the zoom lens when the process proceeds to step S47 and step S48, the same control as the determination of the shooting angle of view in step S46 may be performed only with different setting values.

  In this embodiment, the zoom lens is automatically adjusted as described above, but besides this, although not described in detail here, automatic control by the computer 7 is not performed, and the user M operates the operation switch. It is also conceivable to provide means such as controlling the zoom lens by operating 9.

  As described above, the composite image 45 is created and printed by the video printing apparatus A according to the present invention. By the way, it is possible to print the composite image 45 on a sticker paper like a conventional video print device. However, in the video print device according to the present embodiment, the composite image 45 is not a sticker paper. Printing is performed on a printing paper R that is a thick tack paper T.

  In the case of sticker printing as before, there is an advantage that the finished sticker can be easily put anywhere, but on the other hand, because it is a sticker, it will peel off immediately even if it is put somewhere, normal It is difficult to store because the printed surface is easily damaged by friction if it is a sticker, or the seal is small, so even if you create a composite image, you can not enjoy its contents and you can not enjoy it. Have.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to eliminate these drawbacks, the composite image is printed on a printing paper usually called a tack paper.

  The tack paper T, which is the printing paper R used in the video printing apparatus A according to this embodiment, will be described with reference to the drawings.

  This tack paper T is composed of at least a photographic paper layer 62, a thick intermediate support layer 63, a back support layer 64, and an image recording sheet 67 having a region 72 that has been subjected to a half-cut process. And a release paper 66 to which an agent 65 is attached. Further, an image recording layer 61 for recording the composite image 45 is provided on the surface of the photographic paper layer 62. As the image recording layer 61, an ink jet image recording layer for receiving ink jet recording ink, a molten ink image for receiving molten ink. It is conceivable to use a recording layer, a dye-type image recording layer that accepts a dye, or a thermosensitive image-recording layer that performs recording by thermosensitive emission. To explain.

  FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a tack paper T using an ink jet image recording layer. The photographic paper layer 62 is made of photographic paper having a thickness of 80 μm. The surface is coated with ceramic fine particles to a thickness of 20 μm, and this is used as the image recording layer 61.

  Below the photographic paper layer 62, a thick intermediate support layer 63 using a 280 μm thick YUPO paper having a porous structure is provided. In addition to YUPO paper, it is also possible to use pulp paper or cardboard. In addition, if the trademark or design of the video printing apparatus A is printed on the back surface of the thick intermediate support layer 63, the uniqueness of the printed matter can be increased.

  The lower part of the thick intermediate support layer 63 is a back support layer 64 made of transparent polyethylene having a thickness of 50 μm.

  The image recording layer 61, the photographic paper layer 62, the thick intermediate support layer 63, and the back surface support layer 64 are interleaved in this order to form an image recording sheet 67. A release paper 66 having a release adhesive 65 on its surface is attached to the back surface of the image recording sheet 67. The release paper 66 is made of polyethylene having a thickness of 50 μm.

  Then, at the stage where the release paper 66 is adhered to the image recording sheet 67, the image recording sheet 67 is half-cut and used as the printing paper R.

  An example of the printing paper R created in this way is shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 71 denotes the outer shape of the inkjet tack paper. In this example, the area is about 0.01, and one corner is cut to determine the printing direction. In the figure, reference numeral 72 denotes a half-cut area. After printing on the printing paper R, the paper is separated from the half-cut area to form a card. In the figure, reference numeral 73 denotes a printable area. Thus, by making the printable area larger than the half-cut area, the finally obtained card is printed on the entire surface.

  In addition, as the image recording layer 61, for example, a dyeing resin using a polyester resin or the like is used, and the tackiness paper accepts a dye so that the tackiness paper can be used as a sublimation type thermal transfer tackiness paper, It is also possible to use a melt-type thermal transfer tack paper in which the surface of the photographic paper layer 62 is coated with a material having an affinity for ink and having fine pores in the micron unit.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, instead of providing the image recording layer 61, it is also possible to use a thermoautochrome paper such as TA paper (trade name: manufactured by Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.) for the photographic paper layer 62. is there.

  This thermoautochrome paper has a three-layer structure of a yellow coloring layer 81, a magenta coloring layer 82, and a cyan coloring layer 83 on the surface of the photographic paper layer 62 as parts that function in the same manner as the previous image recording layer 61. A heat resistant protective layer 84 is provided on the outermost surface. Each of the yellow coloring layer 81, the magenta coloring layer 82, and the cyan coloring layer 83 includes a thermoresponsive microcapsule that is a coloring material of each color.

  By adopting TA paper as the photographic paper layer 62 in this manner, a direct thermal recording tack paper can be created.

  The numerical values used in the above description are all used in the present embodiment, but are not necessarily limited to these numerical values.

  By using the printing paper R prepared in this way for the video printing apparatus A according to the present invention, the entire surface is printed on a thick card. Since it can be created, it is very suitable. Furthermore, since it is possible to print the entire surface without having a blank space on the card, it is possible to make the card more luxurious.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is useful in that a video printing apparatus capable of creating a video print that can be satisfied by a user can be provided.

1 is a front view of a video printing apparatus according to the present invention. 1 is a left side view of a video printing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing by the XX line in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing by the YY line in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an operation switch. It is a figure which shows an example of the image data for a synthesis | combination, and a synthesized image. It is a figure which shows an example of the imaging | photography angle of view setting of a video camera. It is a figure which shows the lighting example of an illumination lamp. It is a block diagram of a computer. It is a flowchart explaining control of the video printing apparatus by 1st CPU. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of imaging | photography mode. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of a 1st video data group or a 2nd video data group. It is a flowchart explaining control of the video printing apparatus by 2nd CPU. It is a flowchart explaining how to set the shooting angle of view of the zoom lens. It is a flowchart explaining how to set the zoom lens shooting angle of view for single shooting. It is a partial expanded sectional view of tack paper using an ink jet image recording layer. It is a top view which shows an example of the printing paper which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows an example of the printing paper using a thermoautochrome paper.

Explanation of symbols

A video printing device P photographing device part Q photographing room M user 1 first video monitor 2 second video monitor 3 video camera 4 screen window 5 half mirror 6 printer 7 computer 8 illumination light 9 operation switch 9a selection switch 9b decision switch 9c Cancel switch 10 Print outlet 11 Charge box 12 Rear panel 13 Charge inlet 20 First CPU
21 Second CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 hard disk 24a composition image data registration device 24b registration image data storage device 25 auxiliary storage device 26 camera interface 27 monitor controller 28 peripheral device interface 29 printer controller 30 bus 31 sound generation means 40 composition image data 41 graphic image data 42 foreground Image data 43 Human image data 44 Background image data 45 Composite image 51 Image by zoom-up shooting 52 Image by standard shooting 53 Image by long shooting R Printing paper T Tack paper 61 Image recording layer 62 Printing paper layer 63 Thick intermediate support layer 64 Back side Support layer 65 Release adhesive 66 Release paper 67 Image recording sheet 71 Outline of inkjet tack paper 72 Half-cut area 73 Printable area 81 Yellow color layer 82 Magenta color layer 83 Down color-forming layer 84 heat-resistant protective layer

Claims (7)

A video printing apparatus for displaying and printing an image prepared in advance and an image obtained by combining a portrait of a user,
at least,
An input means for inputting user instructions;
Image data storage means for compositing for preliminarily storing image data for composition to be combined with the portrait of the user;
Photographing means for photographing a user;
Image data selection means for composition for selecting one or more image data for composition from the image data for composition stored in the image data storage means for composition;
Image data synthesizing means for synthesizing and generating a synthesized image by synthesizing the person image data created by the portrait of the user photographed by the photographing means and the composition image data selected by the composition image data selecting means When,
A combined image data registering unit that registers the combined image combined by the image data combining unit in the data storage unit as registered image data;
Registered image data storage means for registering the registered image data;
Based on the registered image data registered in the registered image data storage means, a user's preference tendency regarding the generation condition of the composite image is determined, and registered in the registered image data storage means based on the determination result Video data group creating means for compiling the registered image data and creating a video data group composed of one or more of the registered image data;
Display means for displaying the composite image synthesized by the image data synthesis means or the video data group;
Registered image data selection means for accepting a user vote for the registered image data displayed on the display means;
Printing means for printing the synthesized image synthesized by the image data synthesizing means on printing paper,
A video printing apparatus characterized by that. The video printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The video data group creation means creates a plurality of the video data groups.
A video printing apparatus characterized by that. In the video printing device according to claim 1 or 2,
Selecting means for selecting whether or not to register the synthesized image synthesized by the image data synthesizing means in the registered image data storage means;
A video printing apparatus characterized by that. The video printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The video data group creation means updates the arrangement of the video data group displayed on the display means every time the registered image data is newly registered in the registered image data storage means.
A video printing apparatus characterized by that. The video printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In accordance with the input of the user of the video printing apparatus, the video image switching device includes video display switching means for displaying the registered image data registered in the registered image data storage means on the display means.
A video printing apparatus characterized by that. A video printing method for displaying and printing an image obtained by combining an image prepared in advance and a portrait of a user,
A composite image data storage step for storing in advance a plurality of composite image data to be combined with the user's portrait;
A shooting step of shooting a user and generating person image data representing the portrait of the user;
A composition image data selection step for selecting one or a plurality of composition image data from the plurality of composition image data stored;
An image data synthesis step of generating synthesized image data by synthesizing the person image data representing the portrait of the user obtained by the photographing and the synthesis image data selected in the synthesis image data selection step;
A registered image data registration step of registering the combined image data combined in the image data combining step in the data storage means as registered image data;
Based on the registered image data registered in the registered image data storage unit, a user's preference tendency regarding the generation condition of the composite image is determined, and based on the determination result, registered in the data storage unit A video data group creation step for creating a video data group by compiling registered image data;
An image data display step for displaying the composite image data or the video data group on a monitor;
A registered image data selection step for accepting a user vote for the registered image data displayed on the monitor;
Printing based on the composite image data, printing the composite image displayed on the image on a printing paper,
A video printing method characterized by the above. The video printing method according to claim 6, wherein
The video data group creation step creates a plurality of the video data groups.
A video printing method characterized by the above.

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