JP4272549B2 - Automatic photo creation device and automatic photo creation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic photo creation apparatus that captures a user with a camera and outputs a composite image generated based on the captured image as a photograph.

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

  Generally, this graffiti is performed inside a housing for shooting (called a booth), but the graffiti takes some time. Therefore, when there is a next prospective user, a certain amount of waiting time is required, and in some cases, the prospective user may feel frustrated.

Therefore, some conventional photo creation apparatuses include a first casing for photographing and a second casing for graffiti (see Patent Document 1). In this apparatus, since the user who has finished photographing performs graffiti in the second casing, the next scheduled user can perform photographing in the first casing without waiting until the graffiti ends.
Japanese Patent No. 3469891

  However, since the above-described conventional photo creating apparatus requires two casings (booths), an installation area that is twice as large as that of a general apparatus is required. In particular, in recent years, there are many cases where two or more users are scheduled, and the housing is enlarged accordingly, so that the installation area of the entire apparatus is preferably as small as possible.

  In addition, in the above-described conventional photo creating apparatus, even when there is no next user, a user who has finished shooting in the first casing must always move to the second casing and doodle, It is more troublesome for the user than in the case of a general device.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to reduce the installation area of the entire apparatus, without requiring a troublesome movement for the user when there is no next user, and when the next user is scheduled to be used. It is an object to provide an automatic photo creation apparatus and an automatic photo creation method with a short waiting time.

A first aspect of the invention is an automatic photo creation apparatus comprising an imaging means for photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing area, and an output means for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the photographing means as a photograph. There,
The user can move from a first area, which is a predetermined area used when photographing the user, to a second area, which is a predetermined area different from the first area, A plurality of input / display means for accepting an operation by the user and displaying the photographed image or the composite image;
Based on the number of input / display means used by the user among the plurality of input / display means, a time for receiving an operation for generating the composite image from the used input / display means is set. Control means for
Graffiti synthesis means for generating the synthesized image by synthesizing a predetermined additional image with the photographed image in accordance with an operation received by the input / display means.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
The second region is a region near the first region.

According to a third invention, in the first or second invention,
Further comprising a customer waiting detection means for detecting the arrival of the next scheduled user who is scheduled to shoot following the user,
The input / display means used by the user is the first area when the detection means detects that the next scheduled user who is scheduled to shoot after the user has arrived. Display to move to the second region to operate, accept the operation even after the display, and display the captured image or the composite image,
The imaging means captures the intended user when an operation by the user is accepted in the input / display means used by the user and the captured image or the composite image is displayed. And

According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions,
The plurality of input / display means receive the captured image via a predetermined first wireless communication line.

A fifth invention is the fourth invention,
The plurality of input / display means includes means for receiving a photographed image obtained by another imaging means provided in an automatic photo creation apparatus different from the automatic photo creation apparatus via a predetermined second wireless communication line. It is characterized by that.

According to a sixth invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The apparatus further comprises storage means for storing the plurality of input / display means from either the first area or the second area by the user.

A seventh invention is the sixth invention, wherein
Further comprising a use detection means for detecting the input and display means Ru Tei is used by the user,
The storage means includes storage detection means for detecting storage of the plurality of input / display means,
The output means starts outputting after the input / display means whose use is detected by the use detection means among the plurality of input / display means is stored in the storage means based on the detection result of the storage detection means. It is characterized by doing.

An eighth aspect of the invention, an automatic photography method comprising an imaging step of capturing a user as a subject in a predetermined imaging area, and a printing step of printing a composite image comprising a photographic image obtained in the IMAGING step as photos Because
A plurality of movable areas that can be moved by the user from a first area, which is a predetermined area used when photographing the user, to a second area, which is a predetermined area different from the first area. An input / display step for accepting an operation by the user and displaying the captured image or the composite image;
Based on the number of input / display means used by the user among the plurality of input / display means, a time for receiving an operation for generating the composite image from the used input / display means is set. A control step to
And a graffiti compositing step of generating the composite image by compositing a predetermined additional image with the photographed image in accordance with an operation accepted in the input / display step.

According to the first aspect of the invention, since an operation such as graffiti is received by the input / display means that can be moved by the user, the installation area of the entire apparatus is smaller than that provided by another booth. Further, when there is no next scheduled user, the user can use the input / display means in the first area, so that the user is not required to make troublesome movements. Furthermore, when there is a next scheduled user, the currently used user can move the input / display means from the first area to the second area and perform operations such as graffiti. The waiting time of the person can be shortened. Furthermore, when a user draws a movable input / display means in his / her hand, for example, he / she can easily and easily draw the graffiti, and the user can freely change the position / posture by moving the graffiti. Therefore, the entertainment or playability of the device can be enhanced.
In addition to the above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the time for accepting an operation is set according to the number of input / display means being used. For example, as the number of input / display means being used increases, When the time for accepting the operation is set to be short, the input / display means that are not used by the user, that is, the smaller the remaining input / display means, the smaller the waiting time of the prospective user coming next time, The turnover rate of customers (that is, the number of customers per unit time) can be increased. On the other hand, if there are many input / display means remaining, the waiting time increases, but the next prospective user can use many input / display means, so that the satisfaction of the prospective user can be increased. it can.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, when there is a next scheduled user, the currently used user can easily move the input / display means from the first area to the second area and perform operations such as graffiti. Since this can be done, the waiting time of the intended user can be shortened.

According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to easily determine the arrival of the next scheduled user based on the detection result of the customer waiting detection means. Since the input / display means can be used within the area of 1, the user is not required to make troublesome movements, and when the next scheduled user arrives, the user currently using the input / display appears to operate the unit with the first move from the region to the second region, after the display also performs operations such as graffiti, it can be performed also use schedule's simultaneously photographed, the use prospective The waiting time can be shortened.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of input / display means are moved by wireless connection, for example, the connection cable does not disturb the user and the restriction by the length is eliminated. be able to.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the plurality of input / display means include means for receiving a photographed image from an automatic photo creation apparatus different from the automatic photo creation apparatus. There is no need to provide display means. Therefore, the number of input / display means can be reduced as a whole. Furthermore, a user who intends to use a plurality of photo creation apparatuses can use the photo creation apparatuses easily because it is not necessary to change the input / display means fixedly connected to each photo creation apparatus every time.

According to the sixth aspect , since the storage means can store a plurality of input / display means from the first area and the second area, the user uses the plurality of input / display means. It can be easily stored after the completion, and the prospective user can easily take it out from the storage means in order to use a plurality of input / display means. For example, when there is no prospective user, the user can easily take out and store a plurality of input / display means from the first area, and when there is a prospective user, the prospective user can be removed from the first area. The input / display means can be easily taken out, and the moved user can easily store the input / display means from the second area.

According to the seventh aspect , since the output means starts outputting after the used input / display means is stored, the storage of the input / display means after use is indirectly forced to the user. Will do. Therefore, the input / display means can be securely stored.

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

  This play photo creating apparatus includes a shooting room 2 in which a user U enters and a main body 4 that generates a composite image including a shot image of the user U and outputs it as a photo sticker (or photo card). . The number of users U may be one or more. However, for convenience of explanation, two or three users are used here.

  The main body 4 is arranged below the camera 10 as a camera 10 as an imaging means for photographing the user U, a flash 11 as an illuminating means arranged at an appropriate position above the camera 10 to emit a flash. A preview monitor 22 which is a display device including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal display which provides an operation screen for photographing to the user U, and an operation position detection which covers the operation screen A plurality of edits including a liquid crystal touch panel 20 made of a transparent sheet for use and a liquid crystal display that displays a photographed image and provides a screen for performing free drawing (doodle) by the user U and an operation screen for editing The terminal 31 and the customer waiting button 40 used by the next prospective user who arrives while using the apparatus by the user U are provided.

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

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

  The liquid crystal touch panel 20 functions as a display unit that provides the above-described operation screen and the like, and also functions as an operation unit that receives various operations by the user U, such as an operation unit for photographing. The liquid crystal touch panel 20 is operated by a touch pen (not shown), but may be operated by a finger of the user U, for example, a liquid crystal touch panel having an electrostatic induction type operation position detection function that does not include the transparent sheet. It may be.

  The editing terminal 31 functions as an operation unit that receives various operations by the user U, such as an operation unit for performing graffiti, and displays various images such as a photographed image to be graffitied and a composite image generated by the graffiti. Functions as a display means. Here, there are four editing terminals 31 (editing terminals 31a to 31d shown in FIG. 2), and these are connected to the main unit 4 by a general LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the editing terminal 31 is stored in an editing terminal storage unit 30 provided in the main body unit 4 when not used. Since the editing terminal storage unit 30 has a front surface with respect to the user U and a predetermined surface on the outside (right side shown in FIG. 2) of the photographing room 2, the user U (and the next use) are opened. The planner can easily take out or store these editing terminals 31 as appropriate. For example, when there is no prospective user, the user U can easily take out and store the editing terminal 31 from the photographing room 2, and when there is a prospective user, the prospective user uses the editing terminal 31 from the photographing room 2. The editing terminal 31 can be easily stored from the outside by the user U who can be easily taken out and moved to the outside of the photographing room 2. Further, a storage discrimination sensor (not shown) for outputting a detection signal indicating that the editing terminals 31a to 31d are respectively stored is provided on the inner surface of the editing terminal storage unit 30. For example, the storage discrimination sensor may be a switch that is provided on a predetermined surface near the storage position of the editing terminals 31a to 31d and is turned on when the editing terminal is placed at the storage position. It may be a receiver that receives identification information unique to each editing terminal, which is identification information transmitted from an identification information transmitter such as an IC tag built in the terminals 31a to 31d in advance.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the editing terminal. The editing terminal 31 is a portable information processing terminal such as a tablet computer. The editing terminal 31 displays a captured image and provides an operation screen for graffiti to the user U and an operation covering the operation screen. A liquid crystal touch panel 311 made of a transparent sheet for position detection, a touch pen 312 used for operations on the liquid crystal touch panel 311, and a LAN cable 313 for communicating with the main body unit 4 are included. Since the editing terminal 31 communicates with a LAN interface device built in the main body unit 4, a similar LAN interface device (or LAN interface function) is built therein. The user U holds each editing terminal 31 (one person at a time) and uses the touch pen 312 on the image displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 311 to perform graffiti. The detailed operation will be described later. By using such a portable editing terminal, it is not necessary to install a display device for editing in the photographing room, so that the installation area of the entire device can be reduced, and the user U is positioned. Since it is possible to change the posture and the graffiti freely, it is possible to enhance the entertainment or playability.

  The customer waiting button 40 is attached to a predetermined position on the surface outside the imaging room 2 (left side shown in FIG. 2), and is pressed by the next scheduled user who arrives while the apparatus is being used by the user U. The arrival of the next scheduled user can be detected by a detection signal output when the customer waiting button 40 is pressed. Instead of the customer waiting button 40, various sensors for detecting the arrival of the intended user (for example, a human body sensor for detecting the presence of a human body, a pressure sensor built in a mat, or an appropriate sensor) An infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like disposed at the place may be used.

  The main unit 4 is configured mainly by a computer, and controls a main control device and an I / O control device that control each unit, a LAN interface device for communicating with the editing terminal 31, and a photographed image obtained by the camera 10. A built-in printer or the like that outputs a composite image including the image as a photo sticker (or photo card) is incorporated. Further, the main body 4 is provided with a coin insertion slot 26 below the front surface and a photographic sticker outlet 28 on the side surface. Furthermore, the main body 4 includes lighting devices 13L and 13R that are always turned on during the operation of the present photo creating device, on the left and right sides of the camera 10, respectively.

<2. Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the play photo creating apparatus according to the present embodiment as seen from the functional aspect. Functionally, the game photo creation device includes an imaging unit 52, a confirmation display unit 54, a main display / operation unit 62, an output unit 66, an illumination unit 70, an I / O control unit 72, The main control unit 80, a communication unit 92, and an edit display / operation unit 94 are configured.

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

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

  The output unit 66 corresponds to a printer built in the main body unit 4, and is an image represented by the captured image data that has been subjected to image processing in accordance with the graffiti of the user U in the editing terminal 31 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. As a photo sticker (or photo card).

  The communication unit 92 corresponds to a LAN interface device built in the main body unit 4, and communicates with the editing terminal 31 (LAN interface device built in) based on an instruction from the main control unit 80.

  The editing display / operation unit 94 corresponds to the editing terminal 31 which is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a frame buffer, and the like, and accepts an operation of the user U related to graffiti. Further, after reading out the photographic image data stored in the memory in the main control unit 80 or the auxiliary storage device as necessary, by rewriting a part of the photographic image data read out based on the above operation, A composite image in which a predetermined additional image is drawn on the captured image is generated. Further, the generated composite image is appropriately stored in a memory or an auxiliary storage device in the main control unit 80. These operations are performed by the communication function of the LAN interface device built in the editing terminal 31, the display / operation function of the liquid crystal touch panel 311, the control function of the editing terminal 31 corresponding to the main control device built in the main unit 4, and the like. Specifically, the CPU executes a predetermined program stored in the internal memory of each editing terminal 31.

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

  The I / O control unit 72 corresponds to an I / O control device built in the main body unit 4, and controls the illumination unit 70 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. Further, an input signal such as a detection signal from a coin detection unit (not shown) described later is transferred to the main control unit 80. Further, an input signal indicating that the customer waiting button 40 has been pressed by the prospective user is transferred to the main control unit 80.

  The main control unit 80 is built in the main body unit 4 and corresponds to a main control unit mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device and the like, and is stored in a predetermined memory stored in an internal memory. When the CPU executes the program, an instruction is given to each unit as described above in order to control each unit based on the operation signal or the like input as described above. Further, the composite image generated by the graffiti process of the edit display / operation unit 94 is received via the communication unit 92. When the above image composition is completed, the composite image is output as a photo sticker or the like from the output unit 66 thereafter. The outputted photographic sticker or the like is taken out from an outlet 28 provided on the side surface of the main body 4. It should be noted that a plurality of the composite images are arranged at predetermined positions such as a photo sticker based on a layout appropriately designated by the user U before or after shooting.

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

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

<3. Operation>
As described above, the operation of the main control unit 80 (and the edit display / operation unit 94) in the present embodiment is realized by the internal CPU executing the predetermined program. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main control unit 80 (and edit display / operation unit 94) realized in this way. In the present embodiment, when a predetermined coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 26, the present photo creating apparatus operates as follows.

  First, the main control unit 80 performs initialization processing of the apparatus, that is, initialization of each hardware and initialization processing of data stored in the main control unit 80 as a set value, and further for predetermined shooting. A timer is set so that a time-out occurs after the elapse of time (hereinafter referred to as “shooting time”), and the timer is started (step S10). Note that two or more of the following processes may be performed independently as described later. Therefore, when one or more of the plurality of editing terminals 31 is in an active state to be described later, the state is maintained as it is without being initialized, and when the apparatus is turned on, all editing terminals are maintained. It is assumed that the state 31 is initialized to an inactive state.

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

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

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

  When shooting is finished, graffiti processing is performed by the main control unit 80 and the edit display / operation unit 94 (step S40). Note that before (or after) the graffiti process, a layout process may be performed in which a plurality of photographed images (or a composite image including the captured image) are appropriately arranged on the photo sticker to be output. This layout process is an image in which a photographed image or a composite image is arranged at a predetermined position by accepting an operation for determining how to place a photographed image within a predetermined time limit. A composite image for printing a photo sticker or the like is generated.

  Here, the details of the graffiti process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed subroutine procedure of the graffiti process. First, the main control unit 80 takes the editing terminal and displays it on the main display / operation unit 62 so as to press the switch image displayed on the screen of the editing terminal. At the same time, the editing display / operation unit 94 When the editing terminal is not active, the switch image is displayed (step S41).

  Next, the edit display / operation unit 94 performs an operation for pressing the displayed switch image (specifically, an operation for bringing the tip of the touch pen 312 into contact with the switch image displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 311). The acceptance and main control unit 80 sets an editing terminal that has accepted the operation to an active state, and performs an initial setting process for setting a predetermined process number (step S42). Note that the edit display / operation unit 94 may accept an operation of pressing a predetermined switch actually provided in the editing terminal, instead of receiving an operation of pressing the switch image.

  Here, the active state refers to a state in which an operation related to graffiti can be accepted. In this process, it is assumed that the state is set so that at least one editing terminal that is not set to an active state remains. For example, it is assumed that up to three editing terminals are set in an active state in order from the earliest acceptance time of the operation of pressing the switch image. If it does so, the edit terminal left without being set to an active state so that it may mention later can be used for use of the next prospective user.

  Further, since two or more processes may be performed independently as will be described later, when the editing terminal is set to an active state, the editing terminal has a predetermined process number corresponding to the process being executed. Is set. For example, when three editing terminals are set in an active state in this process, a processing number “1” is set for these editing terminals, and then the remaining one of the editing terminals is set in a separate process different from this process. When the editing terminal is set in an active state, a processing number “2” corresponding to the independent process is set in the editing terminal. By this process number, each editing terminal is used without conflict in each process. More specifically, the main control unit 80 is provided with a table that associates an identification number for uniquely identifying each editing terminal, a flag indicating an active state, and the processing number. This table is referred to as appropriate.

  Thereafter, in this initial setting process (step S42), a predetermined time for graffiti processing (hereinafter referred to as “doodle time”) is further set by the main controller 80. The setting of the graffiti time is performed by setting a timer so as to time out when the time elapses and starting the timer.

  Here, it is preferable that the graffiti time is set to become smaller as the number of editing terminals newly activated becomes larger. For example, when only one editing terminal is set to active, the graffiti time is set to 300 seconds, when two are set to active, it is set to 150 seconds, and when three are set to three, it is set to 100 seconds. Then, as the number of editing terminals that are not activated, that is, the number of editing terminals that remain, the waiting time of the prospective user who arrives after the next time becomes smaller, so the turnover rate of customers (that is, the number of users per unit time) increases. Therefore, it is preferable. On the other hand, if there are many editing terminals remaining, the waiting time becomes long. However, since the next scheduled user can use many editing terminals, the satisfaction level of the scheduled user increases. Therefore, it can be said that it is still suitable. Note that the remaining time until the timeout indicating the end of the graffiti time is always displayed in the screen (liquid crystal touch panel 311) of the editing terminal.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 80 detects the state of the input signal indicating whether or not the customer waiting button 40 is pressed (step S43), and the next user uses the apparatus based on the detected state. It is determined whether or not a waiting state, that is, a waiting state for a customer (step S44). As a result of the determination, if the customer is waiting, the process proceeds to step S45. If the customer is not waiting, the processes of steps S45 and S46 described later are omitted and the process proceeds to step S47.

  In step S45, since the customer is actually waiting, the user goes out of the shooting room 2 (specifically, in the right direction shown in FIG. 2) and performs the editing work so that the next user can take a picture. Then, a predetermined flag is set which is displayed on the main display / operation unit 62 by the main control unit 80 and indicates that the editing terminal 31 corresponding to the main display / operation unit 62 is editing outside. Here, the LAN cable 313 provided in the editing terminal 31 can be taken out of the shooting room 2 from the open surface on the right side of the editing terminal storage unit 30 and is a predetermined range (area) close to the shooting room 2. Since the editing terminal 31 is long enough to move to the inner position, the user U can continue editing work in the vicinity of the right outside of the photographing room 2. The LAN cable 313 may be reinforced with a wire material that is difficult to cut, such as a steel wire, in order to prevent the editing terminal 31 from being taken away.

  Subsequently, in step S46, the coin is transferred after a lapse of a predetermined time necessary for the user U to go out in the right direction shown in FIG. 2 and for the next user to enter from the left in FIG. When a predetermined coin is newly inserted into the insertion slot 26, the main control unit 80 newly starts the process shown in FIG. 5 separately from this process for use by the user. The newly started process (hereinafter referred to as “new process”) is performed independently of the process for the current user U (hereinafter referred to as “current process”), and thus does not interfere with each other. However, it is assumed that an editing terminal that has already been set active by the current process cannot be set active by a new process. In other words, in the new process, an editing terminal other than the editing terminal currently in use (in the graffiti process in this case) can be set active according to the current process. For example, when the editing terminals 31a and 31b are already set to be active for use by the user U, in a new process, one of the editing terminals 31c and 31d or Both can be set active. As a result, even if there is a user U (user in the graffiti here) of the photo creation device, the next prospective user can use the photo creation device almost without waiting. The next user will not feel frustrated.

  Next, the main control unit 80 and the edit display / operation unit 94 receive a graffiti from the user U and perform a graffiti creation process for creating a composite image (step S47). Specifically, in this graffiti creation process, it is possible to select a photographed image and various icons for graffiti, such as the thickness and color of a virtual graffiti pen, on the liquid crystal touch panel 311 of the editing terminal 31 that is set to be active. For this purpose, a pen tip icon displayed, a stamp icon displayed to enable selection of a stamp image, and the like are displayed, and an operation by the user U is accepted. That is, the user U selects one of these various icons with the touch pen 312 (that is, touches the pen tip on the displayed icon) or designates a desired position on the display screen ( That is, virtual graffiti is performed by performing an operation such as bringing the pen tip into contact with or separating from a desired position on the display screen.

  Here, when a plurality of editing terminals 31 are set to be active, the user U can perform this graffiti independently at each editing terminal that is set to be active. The composite image generated by one of the graffiti is immediately transmitted to the main control device in the main body 4 (or at a predetermined short time interval), and from the main control device to other than the editing terminal. It is assumed that it is transmitted to each editing terminal set with the same processing number (set to active). As a result, graffiti results are reflected on these editing terminals. Therefore, even when a certain user is graffiti using a graffiti pen, other users who have taken pictures at the same time can use the graffiti pen individually or use a stamp image. And graffiti. As a result, the graffiti work by a plurality of users can be appropriately shared (divided), so the graffiti can be performed easily and in a short time. Even when there are a plurality of users U, the number of editing terminals 31 that are set to be active and the processing number is set may be one.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the graffiti has ended, i.e., whether the graffiti time has elapsed, or has been set active before the graffiti time has elapsed and all the editing terminals 31 having the same processing number set. It is determined whether or not the graffiti has been canceled (or instructed to start printing) by the operation (step S48). As a result of this determination, when the graffiti is finished, the main control unit 80 returns to the process shown in FIG. 5 and proceeds to the printing process in step S50. If the graffiti process does not end, the process proceeds to the next step S49.

  In step S49, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the user U is editing outside, that is, whether or not the customer U is waiting in step S44 and the predetermined flag described above is set in step S45. If the result of this determination is that editing is being performed outside, the process returns to step S47, and the above process is repeated until the graffiti is completed (S49 → S47 → S48 → S49). Then, the process returns to the process shown in FIG. If the result of the determination is that editing is not being performed outside, the process returns to step S43 to detect and determine the customer waiting state (S43, S44) until the graffiti ends (the processes from S43 to S49). ) Is repeated, and thereafter, when the graffiti ends, the process proceeds to the printing process in step S50.

  In the printing process in step S50 shown in FIG. 5, after the editing terminal 31 that is set to be active and has the same processing number is stored again in the editing terminal storage unit 30, it is generated by the graffiti process in step S50. A composite image (more specifically, a composite image laid out at an appropriate position and size by the above-described predetermined layout processing) is output.

  Here, the details of the printing process will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed subroutine procedure of the printing process. First, the main control unit 80 edits (corresponding to the editing terminal 31 set to active and set with the same processing number) so as to return the editing terminal to a predetermined position (in this case, inside the editing terminal storage unit 30). The information is displayed on the display / operation unit 94 (step S51).

  Next, the main control unit 80 informs the editing terminal storage unit 30 that each editing terminal 31 that is set to be active and has the same processing number is stored (that is, returned) inside the editing terminal storage unit 30. Detection is performed by receiving a detection signal from the above-described storage discrimination sensor (step S52).

  Subsequently, based on the received detection signal, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not all the editing terminals 31 that are set to active and have the same processing number are returned. If all are returned as a result of this determination, the process proceeds to step S54. If not all have been returned, the process returns to step S51, and the above process is repeated until all are returned (S53 → S51 → S52 → S53). The process proceeds to the print output process. As a result, it is possible to indirectly force the user U who wants a photo sticker to return the editing terminal 31 after use, so that all the editing terminals 31 that are set to active and have the same processing number are set. Can be surely returned. If all editing terminals 31 set to active have not yet been returned after a predetermined return waiting time has elapsed, a buzzer or the like built in the editing terminal 31 or the main body 4 is used. A process for prompting the return may be performed by a warning sound or a message display generated by the operation.

  In the print output process of step S54, the main control unit 80 instructs the output unit (printer) 66 to output a composite image that has been doodled (laid out). Thereby, the printer as the output unit 66 outputs the composite image as a photographic sticker. Thereby, the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 5, and the printing process in step S50 is completed. The outputted photo sticker is taken out by a user U from an outlet 28 provided on the side surface of the main body 4. When this printing process is completed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 is ended, and the process shown in FIG. 5 is in a waiting state until a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted into the coin insertion slot 26. In this execution waiting state, when a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted, processing similar to the above (steps S10 to S50) is executed. In addition to this process (that is, the current process), when a new process started in step S46 is being executed, this new process is executed independently of the current process. In order to accept a new user U while executing the new process, the process enters a waiting state.

<4. Effects>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the graffiti is received by the portable editing terminal 31, the installation area of the entire apparatus is reduced. Further, when there is no next scheduled user, the editing terminal 31 can be used in the photographing room 2, so that the user U is not required to make troublesome movements. Furthermore, when there is a next prospective user, the user U who is currently using can hold the editing terminal 31 out of the shooting room 2 and perform graffiti. Can be shortened. Furthermore, since the user U grabs the editing terminal in his / her hand, he / she can easily scribble for easy viewing, and he / she can freely grab the position / posture to improve the entertainment or playability of the device. be able to.

<5. Main modification>
In the above embodiment, the editing terminals 31a to 31d are connected to the main unit 4 by the LAN cable 313, respectively, but may be connected by a wireless (typically radio wave) communication line. Such wireless connection is preferable because the LAN cable 313 does not get in the way when the editing terminals 31a to 31d are moved, and there is no restriction due to the length thereof. Here, for example, when a plurality of photo creation devices are installed in a predetermined area such as a game center, an editing terminal (hereinafter referred to as a “wireless editing terminal”) using the radio is one of these photo creation devices. A configuration in which only a predetermined one is fixedly connected can be considered. At this time, when the distance between the photo creating apparatus to be connected and the wireless editing terminal is more than a predetermined distance, a buzzer or the like built in the wireless editing terminal may be activated. Then, it is possible to prevent the wireless editing terminal from being taken away due to the user's intention or negligence.

  In addition to the above configuration, a configuration in which the wireless editing terminal is appropriately connected to an arbitrary one (selected by the user) of the plurality of photo creating apparatuses is also conceivable. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example in which a plurality of photo creation apparatuses and a certain wireless editing terminal are connected by a wireless LAN, which is a main modification of the above embodiment. Here, three photo creation devices from the first photo creation device 201 to the third photo creation device 203 are arranged, and one wireless editing terminal 301 is connected to these photo creation devices and a predetermined radio wave. It is connected by a wireless LAN that transmits and receives signals. A plurality of wireless editing terminals are provided in addition to the wireless editing terminal 301. In addition, a unique identification code (for example, an IP address) is attached to the wireless editing terminal and the photo creation device, and the photo creation device and the wireless editing terminal function to communicate with an arbitrary device based on the identification code. have. Further, the wireless LAN is well known and will not be described in detail. However, as long as a plurality of photo creation apparatuses and each wireless editing terminal are wirelessly connected, the wireless LAN is not necessarily required.

  Further, the example shown in FIG. 8 will be specifically described. The three photo creation devices from the first photo creation device 201 to the third photo creation device 203 shown in FIG. 8 do not have the wireless editing terminal that is fixedly connected, so the editing terminal storage unit 30 is not required. Also, the processing of steps S51 to S53 related to this is not necessary. Therefore, the configuration and operation of the photo creation device can be made relatively simple. Further, since it is not necessary to prepare a sufficient number of editing terminals for each photo creation device, the number of editing terminals as a whole can be reduced. Further, a user who intends to use a plurality of photo creation apparatuses does not need to change and use an editing terminal fixedly connected to each photo creation apparatus every time, so that the use is facilitated. In this main modification, for example, a user receives a wireless editing terminal at a predetermined rental counter, etc., shoots with an arbitrary photo creation device, and then performs graffiti on the received wireless editing terminal, thereby performing a graffiti processed composite image A photo sticker including is received from the photo creating apparatus. Note that a printing output device having a function of the output unit (printer) 66 may be newly provided, and the user U may receive a photo sticker from this device, or depending on the number of photo stickers received, etc. In such a case, the fee may be paid at that time.

<6. Other modifications>
In the above embodiment, the editing terminal 31 is a portable information processing terminal such as a tablet computer, but the user U can use it in a predetermined area such as the photographing room 2 and Any terminal can be used as long as it can be used near the outside of the area, such as outside the photographing room 2. For example, the editing terminal 31 may be configured by a liquid crystal display, a touch pen, and a cable for transmitting a display signal and an operation input signal, instead of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, and the like. . In this case, the edit display / operation unit 94 has only a display function and an operation input function, and other functions are realized by the main control unit 80.

  In the above embodiment, the composite image generated by the graffiti of one of the users U in a certain editing terminal is immediately set to another active other than the editing terminal (or at a predetermined short time interval). However, each of these editing terminals is provided with, for example, a different photographed image, and a composite image generated by graffiti in a certain editing terminal is transmitted to other editing terminals. The structure which is not carried out may be sufficient. Moreover, according to the selection operation of the user U, this structure and the structure in the said embodiment may be switched suitably.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal touch panel 20 corresponding to the main display / operation unit 62 accepts an operation of the user U for determining the layout, a shutter operation, and the like, and various displays are performed, but the liquid crystal touch panel 20 is omitted. However, the configuration may be realized by the editing terminal 31 corresponding to the editing display / operation unit 94.

It is a side view of the photo creation apparatus for play concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the main-body part of the photo creation apparatus for games which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of the edit terminal in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the photo production apparatus for play concerning the said embodiment from the functional surface. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the main-control part in the photo production apparatus for game which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the graffiti process in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the printing process in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example which is a main modification of the said embodiment, and the some photo production apparatus and a certain wireless editing terminal are connected by wireless LAN.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Shooting room 4 ... Main-body part 10 ... Camera 11 ... Flash 20 ... Liquid crystal touch panel 30 ... Editing terminal storage part 31 ... Editing terminal 40 ... Customer waiting button 52 ... Imaging part (camera)
54 ... Confirmation display (preview monitor)
62 ... Main display / operation unit (LCD touch panel)
66 ... Output unit (printer)
70: Illumination unit 72: I / O control unit (I / O control device)
80: Main control unit (main control device)
92 Communication unit (LAN interface device)
94 ... Editing display / operation unit (editing terminal)
U: User

Claims (8)

An automatic photography apparatus comprising imaging means for photographing a user as a subject in a predetermined imaging area, and output means for outputting the synthesized image including the photographed image obtained by the shooting image means as a photograph,
The user can move from a first area, which is a predetermined area used when photographing the user, to a second area, which is a predetermined area different from the first area, A plurality of input / display means for accepting an operation by the user and displaying the photographed image or the composite image;
Based on the number of input / display means used by the user among the plurality of input / display means, a time for receiving an operation for generating the composite image from the used input / display means is set. Control means to
An automatic photo creation apparatus comprising graffiti compositing means for generating the composite image by compositing a predetermined additional image with the photographed image in accordance with an operation received by the input / display means.   The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second area is an area in the vicinity of the first area. Further comprising a customer waiting detection means for detecting the arrival of the next scheduled user who is scheduled to shoot following the user,
The input / display means used by the user is the first area when the detection means detects that the next scheduled user who is scheduled to shoot after the user has arrived. Display to move to the second region to operate, accept the operation even after the display, and display the captured image or the composite image,
The imaging means captures the intended user when an operation by the user is accepted in the input / display means used by the user and the captured image or the composite image is displayed. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of input / display units receive the photographed image via a predetermined first wireless communication line. 5.   The plurality of input / display means includes means for receiving a photographed image obtained by another imaging means provided in an automatic photo creation apparatus different from the automatic photo creation apparatus via a predetermined second wireless communication line. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: Characterized by further comprising a housing means which can also accommodating the plurality of input and display means from the first or second one of the regions by the user, any of the preceding claims 5 The automatic photo creation device described in Crab. Further comprising a use detection means for detecting the input and display means Ru Tei is used by the user,
The storage means includes storage detection means for detecting storage of the plurality of input / display means,
The output means starts outputting after the input / display means whose use is detected by the use detection means among the plurality of input / display means is stored in the storage means based on the detection result of the storage detection means. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein: An automatic photography method comprising an imaging step, and a printing step of printing a composite image comprising a photographic image obtained in the IMAGING step as photo shooting user as a subject in a predetermined imaging area,
A plurality of movable areas that can be moved by the user from a first area, which is a predetermined area used when photographing the user, to a second area, which is a predetermined area different from the first area. An input / display step for accepting an operation by the user and displaying the captured image or the composite image;
Based on the number of input / display means used by the user among the plurality of input / display means, a time for receiving an operation for generating the composite image from the used input / display means is set. A control step to
An automatic photo creation method, comprising: a graffiti compositing step for generating the composite image by compositing a predetermined additional image with the photographed image in accordance with an operation received in the input / display step.

Images