JP4475095B2 - Photo sticker creation device - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photo sticker creation apparatus , and more particularly, to improve the operability and amusement of editing work, improve the satisfaction of users, and improve the profitability of the apparatus. Relates to the device .

  Conventionally, a user (subject) is photographed, and the obtained subject image is edited with a pre-prepared frame image, stamp image, or handwritten line image graffiti input image, and printed on sticker paper. There is known a photo sticker creating apparatus provided to a user.

  For example, a user (mainly a group of many people) who photographed himself / herself with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera installed in the housing after inserting coins, was recorded There has been a photo sticker creation device that performs editing by writing predetermined or arbitrary characters or figures on a liquid crystal panel using an attached pen or the like, creating a unique image, and dividing and printing on sticker paper. The sticker paper created and provided to the user is exchanged with a friend or acquaintance of the user by the user, pasted into a notebook, like an album, or pasted on a postcard, for example. The

  In other words, such a photo sticker creation device uses a right to use various devices such as a CCD camera, a monitor, a touch pen, a speaker, and a printer (facility use service) and uses a space for performing operations such as photographing and editing. Rights (site use service) are provided to the user, the enjoyment of work such as shooting and editing is enhanced, and the user is made to perform the work as a game (play service), and the photo sticker is a product of the game It is a game device (play service providing device) that receives a price from the user instead of providing (a sticker sheet on which a user image or the like is printed). Therefore, such a photo sticker creating apparatus is usually installed in a store such as a game center or a sightseeing spot.

  In such places (stores), the space (store space) where the device can be installed is limited, and how much profit can be made per unit time in the limited store space (revenue rate) ) Is an important matter for a purchaser of such a photo sticker creation apparatus (for example, a manager of a game center located in a downtown area and renting a room of a relatively high rent building).

  Therefore, this photographic sticker creating apparatus has been improved so that the rate of return per unit area (per unit time) is higher, that is, the user's turnover rate relative to the installation space is improved.

  In addition to improving the turnover rate, it is conceivable to improve profitability by improving the quality of services provided (improving user satisfaction). By improving the quality of service (improving user satisfaction), for example, the popularity of the game can be improved by so-called word-of-mouth, etc., and the number of customers can be increased. It is also possible to make the player want to play the game again (so-called repeaters are increased). For this reason, various forms of services have been provided. For example, various editing functions have been considered so that a user can perform editing work of photographed images more happily.

  In addition, a large number of editing screens can be displayed, such as one screen display on one monitor, one screen each on two monitors (two screens in total), and two screens on one monitor so that many people can edit simultaneously. There are some (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, for example, there are some which include a plurality of monitors that display an editing screen, and a large number of users can simultaneously perform editing work (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3529747 JP 2003-348317 A

  However, in the photo sticker creating apparatus as described above, editing work is normally performed using a touch pen or the like, but touch pens that can be input to each editing screen are assigned, and each touch pen is assigned. Is configured so that other editing screens that are not assigned cannot be operated. Further, each user usually occupies one or more touch pens during editing work so that work efficiency does not decrease (one touch pen is rarely shared with other users). Therefore, each user performs his / her own editing work on different editing screens. Therefore, such a photo sticker creating apparatus has a problem that it can provide only a plurality of users with entertainment similar to that of a single user.

  In other words, in this case, there is no change in the way of enjoying the editing work when playing the game by one person or when playing the game by a plurality of people, so that users (repeaters) who play the game repeatedly get bored easily. As a result, there is a risk that the satisfaction level is lowered at an early stage. As a result, the turnover rate is lowered, and the profitability may be reduced.

  On the other hand, there is a method that allows each touch pen to edit any editing screen, but in that case, the user may accidentally operate the adjacent editing screen unintentionally. (There was a risk of increasing the number of misoperations.) Also, the correspondence of GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as which pen tool corresponds to which touch pen and which shot image is used for editing becomes complicated, and the user cannot easily control it. There was also a risk of losing. Furthermore, since the operation becomes complicated or the number of erroneous operations increases, there is a possibility that the satisfaction of the user is lowered, and the number of customers and profitability are lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and can improve the operability and entertainment of editing work, improve the satisfaction of the user, and improve the profitability of the apparatus. It is to make.

The photo sticker creation apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of touch pens and a touch panel that can be distinguished from each other , and includes a user image obtained by photographing work for a user who performs editing work, display means for displaying a GUI image to be edited for each stylus, an input receiving unit that the user receives an operation input to the GUI image displayed by the display means and input by operating the touch pen, the input in the GUI image receiving means Switches the setting of the input range that is the range for accepting the operation input, accepts a switching instruction by the user, accepts a switching instruction corresponding to different touch pens, and the switching instruction received by each switching instruction receiving means thereby determining the state, based on the determination result by the state determining means, accepting the switch instruction The input range of the stylus corresponding to the instruction receiving means instead that, other than the GUI image corresponding to the touch pen, Ru and an input range switching control means for controlling whether to include a GUI image corresponding to the other of the touch pen It is characterized by.

This display means is composed of an edit input monitor made up of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), etc., and the input accepting means is included in an edit section composed of, for example, a monitor, a speaker, etc. The switching instruction accepting means is composed of, for example, a switch (SW) provided on the touch pen, and the state determining means is an editing process such as a CPU. The input possible range switching control means includes, for example, an input possible range switching control unit included in an editing processing unit such as a CPU .

In the photo sticker creating apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of touch pens and a touch panel that can be distinguished from each other are provided, and for a user who performs an editing operation, the user image obtained by the shooting operation is included. GUI image for editing is displayed on each touch pen, the user operation input to the GUI image input by operating the touch pen is accepted, switches the setting of the input range is the range for accepting an operation input in the GUI image A plurality of switching instruction receiving units that receive switching instructions by the user are provided so as to correspond to different touch pens, the state of the switching instruction received in each switching instruction receiving unit is determined, and based on the determination result, The touch pen is within the input range of the touch pen corresponding to the switching instruction accepting unit that accepted the switching instruction. Other than the GUI image to respond, whether to include a GUI image corresponding to the other of the touch pen is being controlled.

  Accordingly, the photo sticker creating apparatus can easily switch the range that can be input by the user on the editing screen as necessary. In other words, the photo sticker creating device can improve the entertainment of the game and improve the satisfaction of the user.

For example, each touch pen has identification information, and supplies the identification information to the control unit via the touch panel. Thus, the photo sticker creating apparatus can control the input possible range for each touch pen.

  For example, when there are a plurality of users, each user edits a captured image using different editing screens. At this time, since each user uses a touch pen that is different from each other, in the initial state, each user can operate only his own editing screen (corresponding to the touch pen). By operating the touch pen switch, the user can include the captured image displayed on the editing screen used by other users in the input range, or include the captured images of other users included in the input range. Can be excluded.

When the switching instruction is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the input possible range switching control unit corresponds to another touch pen other than the GUI image corresponding to the touch pen in the input possible range of the touch pen corresponding to the switching instruction. Control to include GUI images, and when the switching instruction is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, control is performed so as to exclude GUI images corresponding to other touch pens from the input range of the touch pen corresponding to the switching instruction. Can be.

  For example, when the switch provided on the touch pen is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, it becomes possible to doodle the shot image on the editing screen of another user, and conversely, the switch provided on the touch pen is switched from the ON state to the OFF state. This makes it impossible to doodle the shot image on the editing screen of other users. By doing in this way, the user can switch the input possible range easily.

The display means, when controlling to include GUI image corresponding to the other of the touch pen in the input range of the stylus corresponding to the switching instruction based on the input range switching control means switching instruction, included in the input range Instead of each GUI image, one new GUI image can be displayed.

  For example, in the case where two touch pens are provided and two users occupy one touch pen each, if the other's editing screen is set to be operable, the editing screen switches and two editing screens are displayed. Are combined into one editing screen. By doing in this way, a picked-up image etc. come to be displayed large, and a user can perform an edit work easily. At this time, only the palette for selecting the editing tool is provided for each user. In this way, each user can perform an editing operation using only his / her own palette, and thus can easily select an editing tool without confusion.

  The new GUI image displayed by the display means is for selecting one photographed image that can be edited and input with any of the touch pens corresponding to each GUI image included in the input range, and the editing input function. It is possible to include a plurality of palettes that can be operated with different touch pens.

  For example, in the case where two touch pens are provided and two users occupy one touch pen each, if the other's editing screen is set to be operable, the editing screen switches and two editing screens are displayed. Are combined into one editing screen. By doing in this way, a picked-up image etc. come to be displayed large, and a user can perform an edit work easily. At this time, a palette for selecting an editing tool is also provided for all users. By doing so, the number of elements displayed on the editing screen is further reduced, so that the configuration of the editing screen can be further simplified.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve operability and amusement of editing work, improve user satisfaction, and improve profitability of the apparatus.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration example of an embodiment of a photo sticker creating apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 enhances the amusement of work such as shooting and editing, and instead of allowing the user to perform such work as a game (play service), a game apparatus that receives a price from the user It is a (play service providing device), and is usually installed in a game center or a store such as a tourist spot. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 provides the user with a photo sticker creating game as will be described later. In the photo sticker creation game, the user (mainly a group of multiple people) takes a picture of himself / herself with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera installed in the housing after the coin is inserted and recorded. The user's image is edited by writing predetermined or arbitrary characters or figures on the liquid crystal panel using the attached pen or the like, creating a unique image and printing it separately on the sticker paper. The sticker paper created and provided to the user is exchanged with a friend or acquaintance of the user by the user, pasted into a notebook, like an album, or pasted on a postcard, for example. The

  The casing 10 of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 is composed of a plurality of units and the like. The first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance from the frame 14A, the frame 14B, and the floor portion. 13 to be connected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, of the four side surfaces perpendicular to the ground surface (upper surface of the floor portion 13) of the first unit 11 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the surface facing the second unit 12 is the front surface 11-1. The side surface adjacent to the right side of the front surface 11-1 is referred to as the right side surface 11-2, the side surface facing the front surface 11-1 is referred to as the back surface 11-3, and the side surface adjacent to the left side of the front surface 11-1 ( The side surface facing the right side surface 11-2) is referred to as the left side surface 11-4. The configuration of each surface will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 are coupled at their upper left and right sides so as to maintain a predetermined distance by a frame 14 </ b> A and a frame 14 </ b> B. Moreover, the 1st unit 11 and the 2nd unit 12 are connected so that the predetermined distance may be maintained by the floor part 13 in the lower part. The floor 13 is a member that connects the first unit 11 and the second unit 12, and the floor (photographing when the user performs photographing between the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 as described later). It is a member that becomes a floor of the space, and is a housing in which a predetermined part is stored. The floor 13 stores, for example, a cable that electrically connects the first unit 11 and the second unit. Of course, any other member may be stored. The upper surface of the floor portion 13 (the floor surface of the shooting space) may be a horizontal plane, a plane having an angle (inclined) with respect to the horizontal direction, or a curved surface with irregularities. There may be.

  Of course, the shape of the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 may not be a rectangular parallelepiped. Of course, the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 may be configured as one unit (one housing).

  FIG. 2 is an external view showing an installation example of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 2, in addition to the case of FIG. 1, a ceiling portion 21 is provided above the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 so as to cover the frame 14A and the frame 14B. The 1st unit 11 and the 2nd unit 12 are connected by ceiling part 21 with 14B. Thereby, the closing property of the imaging space which is the space (the space on the floor portion 13) between the first unit 11 and the second unit 12 can be improved as compared with the case of FIG. Space can be provided to users. It should be noted that curtains 24-1 and 24-2 are further suspended from the left and right sides of the ceiling portion 21 (side surfaces serving as entrances and exits of the shooting space). In this way, by improving the closeness of the shooting space, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can not only form a shooting space with a stable environment but also view the state of shooting from a person located outside the shooting space. Can be suppressed.

  A U-shaped curtain frame 22 is provided on the upper portion of the first unit 11 on the back surface 11-3 side. An editing space is provided in the vicinity of the front surface of the rear surface 11-3, as will be described later, but the curtains 23-1 to 23 are arranged so as to divide the editing space and the surrounding space (so as to surround the editing space). -4 is provided. As a result, it is possible to suppress browsing of editing work contents by a person located outside the editing space.

  The curtain frame 22 may be provided so as to be movable or detachable with respect to the first unit 11 and the second unit 12, respectively. For example, the editing frame may be deleted (omitted) by sliding or removing the curtain frame 22 for each of the curtains 23-1 to 23-4. Of course, part or all of the curtain frame 22 and the curtains 23-1 to 23-4 may be stored in the first unit 11.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the front surface 11-1 of the first unit 11 in FIG. 1.

  On the front surface 11-1, for example, an illumination unit 31A, an illumination unit 31B, an illumination unit 31C, an imaging unit 32, a CCD camera 33, a captured image display monitor 34, an imaging monitor 35, an audio output unit 36A, and an audio output unit 36B. , And a coin insertion / exhaust port 37, etc., are provided for the configuration relating to the photographing process.

  The illuminating unit 31A, the illuminating unit 31B, and the illuminating unit 31C are configured by an illuminating device that can emit strobe light, and the CCD camera 33 shoots a user (captures a still image from an image captured by the CCD camera 33). Strobe light is emitted at the corresponding timing to irradiate the user who is shooting. In the following description, the illumination unit 31A, the illumination unit 31B, and the illumination unit 31C are referred to as the illumination unit 31 when there is no need to describe them separately. Further, each of the illumination units 31 may be provided so as to have a predetermined angle with respect to the front surface 11-1 (in a tilted state so that the user can effectively irradiate light). Good. Further, the number of the illumination units 31 is not limited to three, that is, the illumination unit 31A, the illumination unit 31B, and the illumination unit 31C, and may be two or less or four or more. Moreover, the light emission timing of each illumination part may not be mutually simultaneous.

  The photographing unit 32 is provided with a CCD camera 33 and a captured image display monitor 34. The CCD camera 33 is configured by an image pickup device using a CCD for imaging a user and obtaining an image. Instead of the CCD camera 33, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera may be used. Further, any image can be used as long as the user can be imaged and digital image data can be obtained. The captured image display monitor 34 near the CCD camera 33 on the lower side in the figure is composed of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and a live view of the user captured by the CCD camera 33 Displays an image (captured moving image). Specifically, the captured image display monitor 34 appropriately synthesizes and displays the composition moving image set by the user with the live view image of the user. The user can check his / her own image immediately before shooting without significantly shifting his / her line of sight from the image displayed on the captured image display monitor 34 provided in the vicinity of the CCD camera 33. . In addition, since a synthesized image of moving images is synthesized and displayed as will be described later, entertainment is increased, and the user can perform a shooting operation while enhancing the atmosphere.

  The photographing monitor 35 is configured by a CRT display or LCD, and displays a screen for setting photographing work, a confirmation screen for setting contents, and the like. As will be described later, a colorless and transparent pressure-sensitive touch panel is superimposed on the display surface of the photographing monitor 35, and the user taps (contacts) the screen with a finger or the like to thereby shoot the photographing monitor. A GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen displayed on the screen 35 can be operated. In place of the pressure-sensitive touch panel described above, an electromagnetic induction touch pen and touch panel may be used, and an input device such as a switch is provided in the vicinity of the photographing monitor 35 separately from the photographing monitor 35. You may make it provide. Of course, other input devices may be used.

  The audio output unit 36A and the audio output unit 36B are configured by speakers, and output audio of two left and right channels (channels different from each other) (for example, shooting work guidance audio and BGM (Back Ground Music)). In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the audio output unit 36A and the audio output unit 36B, they are collectively referred to as the audio output unit 36. The coin insertion / exhaust port 37 is used for the user to start a photo sticker creation game (a series of operations until a photo sticker is provided from the photo sticker creation device 1 such as shooting and editing as described later). And an opening for inserting coins having a predetermined charge. The coin insertion / exhaust port 37 is, for example, an opening that serves as an outlet through which coins inserted are discharged when an incorrect amount of coins is inserted or when a user requests a refund of charges during the insertion. Also have. Of course, the coin insertion / exhaust port 37 may be provided on a surface other than the front surface 11-1, but by providing the coin insertion / exhaust port 37 on the front surface 11-1, the user has inserted coins. Immediately after that, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can start processing relating to the game (processing relating to photographing work). Of course, instead of the coin insertion and discharge port 37, a bill insertion (discharge) port through which a bill can be inserted may be provided so that the user can pay the bill with the bill. Of course, the bill insertion (discharge) port and the coin insertion / discharge port 37 described above may be used in combination. Further, it is of course possible to provide a mechanism that allows the user to pay the price (by a method other than cash) using a prepaid card, a credit card, or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the back surface 11-3 of the first unit 11 of FIG.

  In FIG. 4, an editing unit 41 in which items used when a user performs editing work is installed on the back surface 11-3. The editing unit 41 includes an editing input monitor 42, two touch pens 43-1 and 43-2, and two sound output units 44-1 and 44-2.

  The edit input monitor 42 is composed of a CRT display or LCD, and displays a GUI image (edit screen) for editing a shot image obtained by shooting in the shooting space, as will be described later. A colorless and transparent touch panel (electromagnetic induction type) is superimposed on the screen of the edit input monitor 42. Further, in the vicinity of the left and right of the editing input monitor 42, a touch pen 43-1 and a touch pen 43-2 corresponding to the touch panel are detachably fixed to the editing unit 41 by a predetermined attachment one by one on the left and right. Although details will be described later, the editing input monitor 42 displays an image in which two editing screens are arranged so that two users can simultaneously perform editing operations. Each editing screen corresponds to a different one of the touch pen 43-1 and the touch pen 43-2. Basically, the editing operation cannot be performed with the other non-corresponding touch pen. Has been made.

  In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the left and right touch pens 43-1 and 43-2, they are collectively referred to as touch pens 43.

  The touch pen 43 is also electrically connected to the editing unit 41 by wire (or wireless). The touch pen 43 operates in cooperation with a colorless and transparent touch panel (electromagnetic induction type) superimposed on the screen of the edit input monitor 42. When the user operates these touch pens 43 and taps the touch panel superimposed on the editing input monitor 42 (the touch pen 43 and the touch panel are brought into contact (or close proximity)), the user can input from the user. Operates as a receiving input means. Note that different signals are input from the touch pen 43-1 or the touch pen 43-2 via, for example, a touch panel, as described later. Thereby, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can identify which touch pen 43 is tapped on the touch panel. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can acquire not only the position information of the position where the touch pen 43 is tapped but also the identification information of each touch pen 43.

  Also, an audio output unit 44-1 and an audio output unit 44-2 are provided in the vicinity of the lower side of the edit input monitor 42 so as to be arranged side by side. The audio output unit 44-1 and the audio output unit 44-2 are each configured by a speaker, and output audio of two left and right channels (channels different from each other) (for example, editing work guidance audio and BGM). In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the audio output unit 44-1 and the audio output unit 44-2, they are collectively referred to as the audio output unit 44.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the touch pen 43 in FIG. 4.

  In FIG. 5, the touch pen 43 forms a pen-like configuration with a main body 51 and a tip 52. The main body 51 and the tip 52 are housings that store an electrical configuration that constitutes the main function of the touch pen 43, and, as will be described later, wireless radio waves including identification information that identifies each touch pen from the tip 52. Output a signal. A user usually holds the main body 51 like a pen and taps the tip 52 on the touch panel. When the tip 52 is tapped on the touch panel superimposed on the editing input monitor 42 (including proximity), the touch panel receives a signal output from the tip 52, and identifies the touch pen 43 identification information, Get location information.

  A cable 53 for connecting the touch pen 43 and the editing unit 41 (first unit 11) is provided on the side opposite to the side where the front end portion 52 of the main body 51 is provided (the side that is not close to the touch panel during input). The cable 53 may be an electrical cable that electrically connects the touch pen 43 and the editing unit 41 (first unit 11) and supplies power from the first unit 11 to the touch pen 43, for example. Of course, a battery may be built in the touch pen 43 and the cable 53 may be omitted.

  A switch (SW) 54 is a switch for switching between an ON state and an OFF state. For example, in the OFF state, the switch (SW) 54 shifts to the ON state when pressed in the direction of the arrow 55 as shown in FIG. 5, and shifts to the OFF state when pressed similarly in the ON state. The switch (SW) 54 may be an electronic switch or a mechanical switch. For example, the height of the switch (SW) 54 is low when the switch is ON and high when it is OFF. May be.

  Although details will be described later, the state of the switch (SW) 54 is output as a radio wave signal together with the identification information of the touch pen 43 from the distal end portion 52. The user grips the main body 51 of the touch pen 43 and taps the tip 52 on the touch panel or switches the switch (SW) 54. Thus, the user can supply other information to the main body (first unit 11) along with the position information and identification information via the touch pen 43 (touch panel), and easily input various information. be able to.

  For example, as will be described later, the switch (SW) 54 is used for switching control of the input possible range. That is, the input range of the touch pen 43 is set to be different between the ON state and the OFF state of the switch (SW) 54, and the user can change the state of the switch (SW) 54. By switching, the range that can be input with the touch pen 43 on the editing screen can be easily changed. For example, only when the switch (SW) 54 is in the ON state, the photographed image displayed on the editing screen of another user is included in the inputable range.

  By doing so, the user presses the switch (SW) 54 only when necessary to change the state to the ON state, and the captured image displayed on the editing screen of another user can be input. Can be included. In other words, since the user can easily switch the input possible range as necessary, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation and to prevent the input possible range from being unnecessarily restricted. Therefore, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can provide an editing function that is not available when there are a plurality of users without impairing the operability of editing work, and can improve entertainment.

  The switch (SW) 54 may be anything as long as it is provided on the touch pen 43, and any mechanism may be used such as a rotary switch or a slide switch. Of course, the state to be switched may be a multi-value of three or more values.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the right side surface 11-2 of the first unit 11.

  In FIG. 6, a post-service customer unit 60 is provided on the right side surface 11-2. The post-service customer unit 60 is provided with a post-service monitor 61, an audio output unit 62-1, and an audio output unit 62-2. The post-service monitor 61 displays a GUI image related to an input such as a personal setting for a game or an additional service, and accepts an input for the GUI image. The audio output unit 62-1 and the audio output unit 62-2 are constituted by speakers, and output audio of two left and right channels (channels different from each other) (for example, post-service audio and BGM). In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the audio output unit 62-1 and the audio output unit 62-2, they are collectively referred to as the audio output unit 62.

  By providing such a post-service unit 60, a user who completes the editing work and waits until the printing process is finished and the sticker sheet is discharged can be processed by the post-service unit 60 (game). And additional services), you can spend time without getting bored. This improves user satisfaction. In addition, since it can be expected that the improvement of the satisfaction level of the user will lead to an increase in the number of customers, the store side can expect an improvement in profitability.

  A maintenance door 63 is provided below the customer service unit 60 on the right side surface 11-2. The maintenance door 63 opens and closes so as to rotate about the hinges 64-1 and 64-2. The maintenance door portion 63 is also provided with a knob 65 to facilitate opening and closing of the maintenance door portion 63. Further, by providing the door knob 65 with a key mechanism, unnecessary opening and closing of the maintenance door 63 by the user or the like can be suppressed.

  The maintenance door portion 63 is further provided with a sticker paper discharge port 66. The seal paper discharge port 66 is also provided with a stopper 67 that prevents the sticker paper discharged after printing by the internal printer from jumping out from the seal paper discharge port 66.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the second unit 12 when viewed from the surface side with respect to the first unit 11.

  In FIG. 7, the second unit 12 has a structure in which a front surface 12-1 side that is a surface with respect to the first unit 11 is cut out. That is, almost the entire front surface 12-1 is open, and a part of the inside of the second unit 12 can be used as a photographing space.

  A background curtain unit 81 is provided above the second unit 12. The background curtain unit 81 is a unit that controls the loading and unloading of a plurality of background curtains 82 (curtains used as backgrounds when photographing a user), and is stored in a state in which the plurality of background curtains 82 are wound. . Curtains of different colors or patterns are lowered and output from the curtain output holes 83A to 83E based on a user instruction or the like. Thus, the user can easily obtain captured images of backgrounds of various colors or patterns. The background curtain unit 81 may have any number of the background curtains 82 that control the output (the number of curtain output holes may be any number).

  The photo sticker creating apparatus 1 having the housing 10 as described above allows the user to use each of the above-described units, and allows the user to perform a photographing operation such as himself, an editing input operation of a captured image captured by the photographing operation, The setting input work related to the printing of the photographed image edited based on the editing input work, and other work are performed as a game, and the sticker paper etc. on which the photographed photographed image is printed are output and used as a game result. To provide

  At that time, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 allows the user to use each space formed by partitioning with a curtain or a housing as shown in FIG. Let it be done. As will be described later, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 has a shooting space, an editing space, and a post-service space, and guides the user to each space as needed to perform a plurality of sets. Users can be served at the same time (multiple games can be executed simultaneously).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining how the user moves in the space of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 during the game.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 has a photographing space 91, an editing space 92, and a post-service area 93.

  In FIG. 2, the imaging space 91 is a space surrounded by the first unit 11, the second unit 12, the floor 13, and the ceiling 21 of the housing 10 (including part of the second unit 12). This shooting space 91 is a space for a user in the game to perform shooting work for shooting himself / herself using the CCD camera 33 in this shooting space. The user enters the shooting space 91 according to the guidance of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 and starts the game, for example, by paying a fee. Then, the user who started the game uses the CCD camera 33 to perform a photographing operation for photographing himself / herself in this photographing space. Note that the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can provide a suitable photographing environment for the user by forming the photographing space 91 and performing photographing work in the photographing space 91. Can be improved. The shooting space 91 is at least large enough to allow several users to perform shooting work while taking arbitrary poses.

  The editing space 92 is a space near the back surface 11-3 formed by being surrounded by the back surface 11-3 of the first unit 11 and the curtains 23-1 to 23-4 to some extent. The editing space 92 is a space for a user in the game to perform editing input work using the editing unit 41 installed on the back surface 11-3. In the case of editing work, since the user does not need to move from the front of the editing unit 41, the editing space 92 is formed narrower than the shooting space 91. Thereby, it can suppress that the installation space of the photograph sticker production apparatus 1 increases unnecessarily.

  The subsequent customer service space 93 is a space near the right side surface 11-2 of the first unit 11. In FIG. 2, the post-service space 93 is not partitioned from the outside by using a curtain or the like, but the post-service space 93 is partitioned from the outside by a curtain or the like as in the editing space 92. Of course it is good. This post-service area 93 is a space for a user who has completed the editing work in the game to move according to the guidance and perform work for the post-service that is performed until printing is completed. For example, setting input work such as game or e-mail transfer of photographed images is performed.

  Next, with reference to this FIG. 8, a mode that a user is guided (a customer service method of the photograph sticker production apparatus 1) is demonstrated.

  As described above, one game is roughly divided into a photographing operation for photographing a user, an editing operation for editing a user image obtained by the photographing operation, and a user image edited by the editing operation. It consists of three steps of printing work to print on paper (including subsequent customer service during the waiting time).

  First, the two users (A0 and B0) in the first set enter the shooting space 91 according to the guidance, etc., when the turn comes, start the game, and the shooting unit 32 (CCD camera 33). Take a picture of yourself by using (A1 and B1). When the photographing work is completed, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 displays an image of moving guidance to the editing space 92 for the users (A1 and B1) of the photographing space 91 and outputs a voice message prompting the movement. Or In accordance with the guidance, the user leaves the shooting space 91 and moves to the editing space 92. The users (A2 and B2) who enter the editing space 92 use the editing unit 41 to edit the captured image. When the editing work is completed, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 guides the user (A2 and B2) of the editing space 92 to move to the vicinity of the sticker paper discharge port 66 (near the post-service unit 60) (image display and (Guidance of movement by voice output). In accordance with the guidance, the user leaves the editing space 92 and moves to the post-service space 93 (A3 and B3). The users (A3 and B3) who have moved to the post-service area 93 wait for the printed sticker sheet to be discharged while operating the post-service unit 60 to perform image transfer processing setting work and the like. When the sticker paper is discharged, the user receives the sticker paper and the game ends.

  When the first set of users leave the shooting space 91 and move to the editing space 92, the shooting space 91 becomes empty. At that time, the next users (A0 and B0) waiting for the turn The player can enter the shooting space 91 and start the game (A1 and B1). The second set of users (A1 and B1) who entered the shooting space 91 pays the price in the same manner as the first set of users and starts the game, and uses the shooting unit 32 (CCD camera 33). Take a picture of yourself. When the photographing work is completed, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 determines whether or not the editing space 92 is in use at this time, and if the editing space 92 is not used (by the first set of users). When the editing work has already been completed), an image of moving guidance to the editing space 92 is displayed to the users (A1 and B1) of the shooting space 91, or a message for prompting the movement is output as voice. In accordance with the guidance, the user leaves the shooting space 91 and moves to the editing space 92. Similarly to the first set of users, the second set of users (A2 and B2) who entered the editing space 92 edits the captured image using the editing unit 41.

  As described above, in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, two sets of users can perform a shooting operation and an editing operation at the same time using the shooting space 91 and the editing space 92 (two sets of two sets of users). The game can be run in parallel). That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can serve different sets of users in the editing space and the shooting space. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can serve a maximum of two users at the same time. This is hereinafter referred to as “double customer service”. Note that the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can accurately receive three sets of users simultaneously including the users of the post-service space 93, but the customer service processing of the post-service space 93 is short as will be described later. Since this is a customer service during the printing waiting time (so-called “bonus processing”), the description will be continued here assuming that it is not included in the number of simultaneous customer services.

  Returning to the explanation of FIG. 8, when the second set of users finishes the editing work in the editing space 92, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 investigates the usage situation of the post-service area 93 and the post-service area 93 is not used. In this case, the second set of users (A2 and B2) of the editing space 92 is provided with guidance for movement to the customer service space 93 (movement guidance based on image display and voice output). The second set user leaves the editing space 92 according to the guidance and moves to the post-service space 93 (A3 and B3). The users (A3 and B3) who have moved to the post-service area 93 wait for the printed sticker sheet to be discharged while operating the post-service area 93 and performing image transfer processing setting work and the like. When the sticker paper is discharged, the user receives the sticker paper and the game ends.

  That is, the timing chart of the game processing by the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is as shown in FIG. One game consists of 3 minutes of shooting (including shooting settings), 3 minutes of editing (including print settings), and 1 minute of printing (after-sales service) (total of 7 minutes). .

  As shown in FIG. 9, in this photo sticker creating apparatus 1, the first set of users 101 who started the game from the reference time plays the game as shown in the timing chart 111, and the first set of users 101 The second set of users 102 waiting for the turn after the game played the game as shown in the timing chart 112, and the third set of users waiting for the turn after the second set of users 102. 103 plays a game as shown in the timing chart 113. In other words, although each game is played for 7 minutes, a new game can be started each time the shooting space 91 becomes usable, so the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 starts the game for the first set of users. From then on, processing until the third set of users' games is completed can be performed in 13 minutes (acquisition of 3 sets of users can be completed in 13 minutes).

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 of FIG. The same parts as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 10, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 includes a control unit 161, a control information storage unit 162, an image data holding unit 163, a play information storage unit 164, a user information storage unit 165, which are connected to each other via a bus 151. A coin unit 171, a photographing unit 172, an editing unit 173, a printing unit 174, a subsequent customer service unit 175, a communication unit 176, and a drive 177 are configured.

  The control unit 161 is a processing unit that controls the entire apparatus of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1, and includes a game management unit 181, a coin processing unit 182, a photographing processing unit 183, an editing processing unit 184, a print processing unit 185, a post-service processing unit. 186 and a timer 187.

  The game management unit 181 executes processing related to management control such as the progress of a game (photo sticker creation game) that creates a photo sticker and provides it to the user. The coin processing unit 182 performs control processing related to coin insertion by the user. The imaging processing unit 183 mainly controls each unit provided on the front surface 11-1 of the first unit 11 and executes processing related to the user's imaging operation during game processing. The editing processing unit 184 mainly controls the editing unit 173 and executes processing related to the editing operation of the user during the game processing. The print processing unit 185 controls processing related to printing work during the photo sticker creation game by controlling the printing unit 174 and the like. The subsequent customer service processing unit 186 executes processing related to the sub game and the additional service performed while the user is waiting until the printing is completed. The time measuring unit 187 performs processing related to time control such as generating and supplying all time information based on the request of each unit.

  The control information storage unit 162 is configured by, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, or the like, and stores a program (for example, a program for executing a photo sticker creation game) for controlling the entire photo sticker creation device 1, data, and the like. The image data holding unit 163 includes, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and holds image data obtained by photographing with the CCD camera 33. The play information storage unit 164 includes, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, or a RAM, and various information generated during execution (during play) of the photo sticker creation game (for example, image brightness set by the user) The setting information regarding sheath size etc.) is stored and managed as play information for each play. That is, the play information storage unit 164 stores information indicating what kind of play is being performed (play information) and setting information necessary for each play (setting information managed for each piece of play information). . The user information storage unit 165 includes, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory, or a RAM, and securely stores, for example, personal information such as an e-mail address input by the user in the subsequent customer service process.

  Of course, some or all of these storage units may be configured by a single storage medium, or each of the storage units described above may be configured by a plurality of storage media.

  The coin unit 171 is controlled by the coin processing unit 182 and executes processing such as coin insertion and coin discharge at the coin insertion / exit port 37. The photographing unit 172 includes a photographing unit 32 and is controlled by the photographing processing unit 183 to perform photographing processing by the CCD camera 33, display image data obtained by photographing, and obtain the obtained image data. Or supplied to the image data holding unit 163 via the bus 151. The editing unit 173 includes an editing unit 41 and is controlled by the editing processing unit 184 to perform processing related to editing input for image data obtained by photographing.

  The printing unit 174 has a printer, and is controlled by the print processing unit 185 and the like, and performs a process of printing printing data including the supplied photographed image supplied on a predetermined sticker sheet. The post customer service unit 175 includes the post customer service unit 60 and is controlled by the post customer service processing unit 186 to provide a game, an additional service, and the like to a user who is waiting while the sticker sheet is printed. The communication unit 176 is connected to an external network 191 (for example, the Internet or the like), and performs communication processing with an external device as necessary, for example, when a captured image is distributed. The drive 177 includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (including a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a DVD (digital versatile disk)), and a magneto-optical disk (MD (mini-disk) (registered). In addition, a removable medium 192 such as a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted, and a computer program and data read from the medium are stored in the control information storage unit 162 or installed as necessary. .

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the editing processing unit 184 of FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the edit processing unit 184 includes an edit control unit 201, an edit information management unit 202, a SW state determination unit 203, an inputable range switching control unit 204, and a GUI control unit 205.

  The editing control unit 201 controls each unit constituting the editing processing unit 184, and progresses the processing for the editing operation of the photographed image performed by the user in the editing space 92 in a series of processing of the game for creating the photo sticker. Control. The editing information management unit 202 has a memory therein and manages updating of editing information indicating the content of editing work input by the user. That is, the edit information management unit 202 edits information stored in an internal memory as necessary according to user input (for example, how a graffiti pen is used for graffiti, what stamp is used, and how Information such as whether it was placed in the

  The SW state determination unit 203 is controlled by the editing control unit 201 to determine the state of the switch (SW) 54 provided on the touch pen 43. When the editing control unit 201 acquires information on the state of the switch (SW) 54 supplied from the touch pen 43 when the switch (SW) 54 is switched, for example, the editing control unit 201 supplies the information to the SW state determination unit 203. The SW state determination unit 203 determines the state of the switch (SW) 54 based on the supplied information, and supplies the determination result to the input possible range switching control unit 204.

  Based on the determination result supplied from the SW state determination unit 203, the inputable range switching control unit 204 sets the input range of the touch pen 43 and supplies the setting information to the GUI control unit 205.

  The GUI control unit 205 creates a GUI image such as an editing screen and controls processing for input information corresponding to the GUI image. For example, the GUI control unit 205 creates an edit screen and displays it on the edit input monitor 42, identifies which button on the edit screen is operated based on the input coordinate information, and responds to the operation. The editing control unit 201 is instructed to execute the processing. As described above, when the setting information related to the input possible range (or the input prohibited range) is supplied from the input possible range switching control unit 204, the GUI control unit 205 controls the input determination for the touch pen 43 according to the setting information. Then, it is determined whether or not the tapped position is within the input possible range (input prohibited range). Only when the tapped position is within the input possible range, the input is accepted and the execution of the process for the input is instructed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the editing unit 173 in FIG. The editing unit 173 includes an interface processing unit 211, an audio output control unit 212, an audio output unit 44, a display control unit 213, a VRAM 214, an editing input monitor 42, touch pens 43-1 and 43-2, a touch panel 215, and touch panel control. Part 216.

  The interface processing unit 211 is connected to the bus 171 and executes interface processing of each unit in the first editing unit 41-1.

  The audio output control unit 212 generates an analog audio signal based on the audio data supplied from the editing processing unit 184 via the interface processing unit 211, supplies the analog audio signal to the audio output unit 44, and receives the audio from the audio output unit 44. Is output.

  The display control unit 213 appropriately receives the GUI image data supplied from the editing processing unit 184 via the interface processing unit 211, the captured image data (editing target image) supplied from the image data holding unit 163, or the like as appropriate. And the synthesized image is displayed on the edit input monitor 42. A touch panel 215 is superimposed on the screen of the edit input monitor 42. An instruction from the user input by the touch panel 215 and the touch pen 43 (touch pens 43-1 and 43-2) is supplied to the touch panel control unit 216. The touch panel control unit 216 detects the position designated by the user by tapping the touch pen 43 on the touch panel 215, and displays the position information, the identification information of the touch pen 43, the status information of the switch (SW) 54, and the like. The information is supplied to the editing processing unit 184 via the interface processing unit 211 as necessary, and the instruction information input by the user is reflected in the image displayed on the editing input monitor 42.

  In addition, when the information controlled by the position information input by the user is only simple image processing such as movement of a cursor, the touch panel control unit 216 displays the position information input by the user. It can also be directly supplied to the display control unit 213. In that case, the display control unit 213 processes the image data held in the VRAM 214 based on the supplied position information, and displays an image that easily reflects the user's input on the editing input monitor 42. Let

  The photographed image data (edited image data) edited based on the user input in this way is supplied from the VRAM 214 to the image data holding unit 163 and temporarily held. The edited image data held in the image data holding unit 163 is subsequently used for printing processing, post-service processing, etc., as will be described later.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the touch pen 43-1 includes an ID information holding unit 221-1, a signal output unit 222-1, and a SW state management unit 223-1 therein. The ID information holding unit 221-1 holds ID information (identification information) for identifying the touch pen 43-1, and supplies the information to the signal output unit 222-1. The ID information may be any information as long as it can identify the touch pen 43-1 in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1. For example, the ID information may be a signal having a predetermined frequency.

  The signal output unit 222-1 wirelessly transmits the ID information supplied from the ID information holding unit 221-1 and the information about the SW state supplied from the SW state management unit 223-1 (or information equivalent to the information). A signal (radio wave) is output from the tip 52. This signal (radio wave) is received by the touch panel 215. The SW state management unit 223-2 manages the state of the switch (SW) 54 and supplies information indicating a state such as an ON state or an OFF state to the signal output unit 222-2. This information may be in any form as long as it indicates the state of the switch (SW) 54.

  That is, the touch panel control unit 216 outputs a signal output from the signal output unit 222-1 of the touch pen 43-1 when the touch pen 43-1 is tapped (in a state where a signal output from the touch pen 43-1 can be received). Is received via the touch panel 215, not only the position information where the touch pen 43-1 is tapped, but also the ID information supplied from the ID information holding unit 222-1 included in the signal, and SW state management Information regarding the state of the switch (SW) 54 supplied from the unit 223-1 can be acquired.

  Note that the touch pen 43-2 has the same configuration as the touch pen 43-1, and each unit operates in the same manner. That is, the touch pen 43-2 includes an ID information holding unit 221-2 corresponding to the ID information holding unit 221-1, a signal output unit 222-2 corresponding to the signal output unit 222-1, and an SW state management unit 223-. 1 has a SW state management unit 223-2. However, naturally, the value of the identification information held by the ID information holding unit 221-2 is different from the value of the identification information held by the ID information holding unit 221-1.

  In the following, in order to describe the flow of processing related to switching of the input range of the touch pen 43, the flow of main processing executed by the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 will be described.

  When the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is turned on, the game management unit 181 of the control unit 161 first executes a game management process to start a business and accepts a game for creating a photo sticker.

  The game management process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The game management unit 181 that has started the game management process controls each unit in step S1 and demonstrates it to, for example, the photographing monitor 35 (including the post-service customer monitor 61 of the post-service unit 60 if not the post-service customer service). Display the screen (demo screen). The shooting monitor 35 controlled by the game management unit 181 (including the post-service monitor 61 when the post-service is not in progress) displays a demonstration screen. In step S2, the game management unit 181 determines whether a new play can be started.

  When it is determined that the previous user has finished the shooting operation, the shooting space 91 is unused, and a new play can be started, the game management unit 181 advances the process to step S3 to perform shooting. A game start guidance screen for guiding the game start method is displayed on the monitor 35. When the customer service is not in progress, the game management unit 181 displays an entrance guidance screen for guiding the user who starts the game to the photographing space 91 on the monitor 61 for subsequent service.

  When the game start guidance screen or the like is displayed, the game management unit 181 advances the process to step S4. In step S4, the coin processing unit 182 controls the coin unit 171 to determine whether or not a game price has been inserted. If it is determined that the game has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the game management unit 181 starts a photo sticker creation game process that causes the user to play a game for creating a photo sticker, and advances the process to step S6. The photo sticker creation game process will be described later.

  In step S6, the game management unit 181 determines whether or not to end the business (ends the acceptance of the start of the photo sticker creation apparatus). For example, if it is determined to end the business in accordance with an instruction from the administrator, the process proceeds to step S7. The process is advanced, the end process is performed, the process of each unit is stopped, the power is turned off, and the game management process is ended. If it is determined in step S6 that the business is not terminated, the game management unit 181 returns the process to step S1 and repeats the subsequent processes.

  In step S2, for example, when the previous user is shooting and the shooting space 91 is in use, a new play cannot be started, such as when a new play cannot be started. When it determines, the game management part 181 advances a process to step S8, for example, displays the entrance prohibition screen which prohibits a user from entering the imaging | photography space 91 on the monitor 61 for customer service. Note that this processing may be omitted when the customer service is in progress (when the customer service monitor 61 is in use). When the process of step S8 ends, the game management unit 181 omits the processes of step S3 to step S5, and advances the process to step S6.

  Furthermore, when it is determined in step S4 that no money has been inserted, the coin processing unit 182 omits the process of step S5 and advances the process to step S6.

  As described above, when the game management unit 181 executes such a game management process and manages the progress of the game, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can normally accept the photo sticker creating game. .

  Next, the main flow of the photo sticker creating game process controlled and executed as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, this photo sticker creation game process is executed for each set of users. That is, since the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 is capable of “double customer service”, a maximum of two photo sticker creating game processes can be executed in parallel. The execution of this one photo sticker creation game process is called play. As described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the shooting, editing, and subsequent customer service performed in each space while the user moves in the shooting space 91, the edit space 92, and the subsequent customer service space 93 during play. This photo sticker creation game process is executed in accordance with work, etc., and processes such as photographing, image editing, printing, and subsequent customer service are performed.

  When the photo sticker creation game process is started, in step S21, the photographing processing unit 183 controls each part of the photographing unit 172 such as the photographing monitor 35 and performs photographing preparation processing such as settings related to photographing. For example, the photographing processing unit 183 displays a GUI image for selecting a photographing mode on the photographing monitor 35 and causes the user to select a photographing mode. The shooting mode is a pattern in which various parameters such as the brightness of the lighting at the time of shooting, the background, or image processing for the shot image are patterned in advance, and the user can select this shooting mode from a plurality of modes. Thus, it is possible to easily perform setting related to shooting.

  When the shooting preparation process such as the selection of the shooting mode is completed, the shooting processing unit 183 advances the process to step S22, controls each unit of the shooting unit 172 such as the CCD camera 33, performs the shooting process, and subjects (users). Take a photo of The user performs a shooting operation by taking a pose or giving a shooting timing instruction for the shooting process, and causes the shooting unit 172 to generate a plurality of shot images.

  When the shooting operation is completed, the game management unit 181 controls the shooting monitor 35 and the like of the shooting unit 172, and the movement guide that prompts the user who has completed the shooting operation to move to the editing space 92 with an image, sound, or the like. Process. At this time, it is determined whether or not the previous set of users in the editing space 92 is editing, and if it is determined that editing is in progress, the game management unit 181 determines each unit of the shooting unit 172 such as the shooting monitor 35. Is controlled to allow the user to play a mini game or the like, and to wait so as not to bore the user.

  When the movement guide process performed by the game management unit 181 is completed when the editing space 92 is unused and the movement to the editing space 92 is possible, the editing processing unit 184 moves to the editing space 92 in step S24. Edit the user. Details of the editing process will be described later.

  When the editing process is completed, in step S25, the print processing unit 185 performs a print setting process such as allowing the user to selectively set the number of sticker sheets to be divided (print image layout). When the print setting process is completed, the game management unit 181 performs a movement guidance process for moving the user of the editing space 92 to the post-service area 93 in step S26. When the movement guide process is completed, the print processing unit 185 controls the print unit 174 in step S27 to execute the print process based on the print setting set in the print setting process, and the edited photographed image is a photo sticker. Print on paper and provide it to the user.

  Until the print processing is completed, the post-service processing unit 186 performs post-service processing for the user who waits for the end of the print processing in the post-service space 93 in step S28, and transmits the edited image by e-mail transfer or the like. Run mini-games.

  When the printing process is completed, the print processing unit 185 controls the printing unit 174 in step S29 to discharge the sticker paper, and the photo sticker creation game process is ended.

  Each part of the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 executes the above photo sticker creating game process for each set of users.

  Next, the flow of the editing process executed in step S24 of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 as necessary.

  When the editing process is started, the GUI control unit 205 of the editing processing unit 184 generates an editing screen that is a GUI image for inputting editing information in step S41, and controls the editing input monitor 42 to display the editing screen. . FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen.

  On the editing screen 230 shown in FIG. 16, two editing screens are displayed. In other words, the editing screen 230 displays a remaining time display portion 231 indicating the remaining time of the game and a message explaining editing work such as “Select an edited image and doodle using a pen, stamp, frame, etc.”. In addition, an edit screen 232 and an edit screen 233 are provided. The editing screen 232 includes an editing target image display unit 241 that displays a captured image selected as an image to be edited by the user, a thumbnail image display unit 242 that displays thumbnail images of the captured images that are candidates for the editing target image, and A palette 243 that displays a set of buttons for operating various editing tools such as a pen, a stamp, and a frame is displayed. The editing screen 233 displays an editing target image display unit 251 corresponding to the editing target image display unit 241 and a thumbnail. A thumbnail image display unit 252 corresponding to the image display unit 242 and a palette 253 corresponding to the palette 243 are displayed. Accordingly, the editing screen 230 displays two editing screens having the same configuration, so that two users can simultaneously perform editing work independently of each other.

  The user operates the touch pen 43 in accordance with the edit screen 230 displayed on the edit input monitor 42 and taps (touches) the touch panel 225 superimposed on the surface of the edit input monitor 42 (on the edit screen 230). Edit input operation such as graffiti on the photographed image obtained by the photographing work in the photographing space 91 is performed. That is, for example, the user A operates the touch pen 43-1 to select an image to be edited from the thumbnail image group displayed on the thumbnail image display unit 242 of the editing screen 232, and the shooting corresponding to the thumbnail image. The image is displayed on the edit target image display unit 241. Then, the user A operates the touch pen 43-1 to select a pen, stamp, frame, or the like from the palette 243 on the editing screen 232, and further, its color, size (thickness), or type. Select etc. When the selection is completed, the user A operates the touch pen 43-1 to perform graffiti processing on the captured image displayed on the editing target image display unit 241. The captured image displayed in the editing target image display unit 241 is edited by the editing tool selected in the palette 243, and the result is displayed in the editing target image display unit 241. User B, who is the same set as user A, operates the touch pen 43-2, performs the same operation as user A on the editing screen 233, and edits the captured image.

  Returning to FIG. 15, when such an editing screen 230 is displayed on the editing input monitor 42, the GUI control unit 205 specifies the input possible range of each touch pen 43 in step S <b> 42.

  In the initial state, when the state of the switch (SW) 54 of the touch pen 43 is OFF, the range in which the touch pen 43-1 can be input and the range in which the touch pen 43-2 can be input are respectively shown in the initial state. The range is as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 17, in the editing screen 230, the range indicated by the diagonal line on the left side in the drawing indicates the range in which the touch pen 43-1 can be input when the switch (SW) 54 is in the OFF state. The range indicated by the diagonal lines on the right side indicates the range in which the touch pen 43-2 can input when the switch (SW) 54 is in the OFF state. That is, in the touch pen 43-1, the edit target image display unit 241, the thumbnail image display unit 242, and the palette 243 in the editing screen 232 are within an inputable range. In the touch pen 43-2, the edit target image display unit 251, the thumbnail image display unit 252, and the palette 253 in the editing screen 233 are input possible ranges.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the ID information holding unit 221-1 of the touch pen 43-1 outputs ID information “AAA” for identifying the touch pen 43-1, and the ID information holding unit 221-2 of the touch pen 43-2. Outputs ID information “BBB” for identifying the touch pen 43-2. The GUI control unit 205 acquires the ID information, identifies whether the tapped touch pen 43 is the touch pen 43-1 or the touch pen 43-2 based on the ID information, and according to the identification result. To identify the input range.

  As described above, when the switch (SW) 54 is in the OFF state, each user who occupies the touch pen 43 one by one is in the edit screen (the edit screen on which he / she works) corresponding to his / her touch pen 43. It can only be entered. By doing in this way, the photograph sticker production apparatus 1 can suppress misoperations, such as each user mistakenly inputting into the edit screen on which another user works. In addition, since it is designed so that only input operations can be performed on its own editing screen, the configuration of each editing screen can be simplified (for example, indicating which palette is the GUI for which image to be edited) The user can easily perform editing input (decrease in operability can be suppressed).

  Returning to FIG. 15, when such an inputable range is specified, the edit control unit 201 starts an inputable range control process for each pen in step S <b> 43. The input range control process will be described later. When the input range control process is started, the edit control unit 201 starts accepting coordinate information input (that is, accepting input using the touch pen 43) input by tapping the touch pen 43 in step S44.

  In step S45, the editing control unit 201 controls the editing unit 173 to determine whether coordinate information (and identification information of the touch pen 43) has been received, and determines that coordinate information (and identification information of the touch pen 43) has been received. If so, the process proceeds to step S46, and based on the coordinate information (and identification information of the touch pen 43), it is determined whether or not the designated coordinates are within the input possible range of the touch pen 43, and the input possible range. If it is determined that it is within, the process proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the GUI control unit 205 specifies an input instruction based on the edit screen 230 displayed on the edit input monitor 42.

  In step S48, the edit control unit 201 executes processing according to the input instruction. In step S49, the editing information management unit 202 determines whether or not the captured image has been edited by the processing. And the process proceeds to step S51. If it is determined in step S49 that the captured image has not been edited, the editing information management unit 202 skips the process in step S50 and proceeds to step S51.

  In step S51, the GUI control unit 205 reflects the processing result executed in step S48 on the editing screen 230, and proceeds to step S52. If it is determined in step S45 that coordinate information has not been received, the editing control unit 201 omits steps S46 to S51 and proceeds to step S52. Furthermore, when it is determined in step S46 that the designated coordinates are outside the input possible range of the touch pen 43, the edit control unit 201 omits the processes in steps S47 to S51 and proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, the editing control unit 201 determines whether or not to end the editing work. If it is determined that the editing work is still being continued and the editing work is not to be ended, the process returns to step S45, and thereafter. Repeat the process.

  In step S52, when it is determined that the editing operation is to be ended by, for example, the user operating an editing end button (GUI button) (not shown) provided on the editing screen 230, the editing control unit 201 determines that the editing operation is to be ended. Then, the process proceeds to step S53, and after finishing processing such as holding the captured image reflecting the editing result in the image data holding unit 163, the editing processing is finished, and the processing returns to step S24 in FIG. The processing after S25 is executed.

  As described above, when the editing process is performed on the user of the editing space 92, the user can perform an input operation only within a specific range of the editing screen (an inputable range corresponding to each touch pen 43). it can. As a result, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can easily suppress erroneous input due to an erroneous operation by the user. That is, the operability of editing work is improved, and the user can easily perform correct editing input.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18, the flow of the input range control process for each pen that is started in step S43 of FIG. 15 will be described.

  When the input range control process is started, the edit control unit 201 accepts input of SW information that is information related to the state of the switch (SW) 54 of the touch pen 43 in step S71, and the SW information is input in step S72. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the input has been made, the SW state determination unit 203 determines the state of the switch (SW) 54 in step S73, and determines whether or not the state of the switch (SW) 54 is the ON state in step S74. . If it is determined that the switch is in the ON state (switched from the OFF state to the ON state), the SW state determination unit 203 advances the process to step S75. In step S75, the input possible range switching control unit 204 adds the captured image (edit target image) displayed on the edit screen (edit target image display unit) of another user (user) to the input possible range. .

  For example, when the switch (SW) 54-1 of the touch pen 43-1 is operated to shift to the ON state in the state as shown in FIG. 17, the edit target image display on the edit screen 233 is displayed as shown in FIG. The part 251 is added to the input possible range of the touch pen 43-1. That is, the touch pen 43-1 in which the switch (SW) 54-1 is ON is displayed not only on the captured image (edit target image) displayed on the edit target image display unit 241 but also on the edit target image display unit 251. It is also possible to edit and input a captured image (image to be edited). On the other hand, the touch pen 43-2 in which the switch (SW) 54-2 is in the OFF state can edit and input only the captured image (edit target image) displayed on the edit target image display unit 251. Editing input cannot be performed on the captured image (editing target image) displayed on the editing target image display unit 241. In other words, the shot image (edit target image) displayed on the edit target image display unit 241 can only be edited by the touch pen 43-1, and the shot image (edit edit) displayed on the edit target image display unit 251. The target image) can be edited by both the touch pen 43-1 and the touch pen 43-2.

  Even in this state, the thumbnail image display unit 242 and the palette 243 can be operated only by the touch pen 43-1, and the thumbnail image display unit 252 and the palette 253 can be operated only by the touch pen 43-2. That is, since the range other than the photographed image (image to be edited) is constant regardless of the state of the switch (SW) 54, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 complicates operations such as image selection and editing tool selection. Can be suppressed. As a result, even when the switch (SW) 54 is in the ON state, the user can correctly control the switching of the image to be edited and the editing function in the same manner as in the OFF state, and the editing work is easily performed. be able to.

  When the process of step S75 ends, the input possible range switching control unit 204 advances the process to step S76. In step S76, the editing control unit 201 determines whether or not the editing process of FIG. 15 has ended. If it is determined that the editing process has not ended, the editing control unit 201 returns the process to step S71 and repeats the subsequent processes. .

  In step S76, when it is determined that the editing process has been completed, for example, when the user operates an editing end button (GUI button) (not shown), the editing control unit 201 performs input according to the end of the editing process. The possible range control process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S74 that the state of the switch (SW) 54 is OFF (switched from the ON state to the OFF state), the SW state determination unit 203 advances the process to step S77. In step S77, the input possible range switching control unit 204 excludes the captured image (edit target image) displayed on the edit screen (edit target image display unit) of another user (user) from the input possible range. .

  For example, when the switch (SW) 54-1 of the touch pen 43-1 is in the ON state as shown in FIG. 19, the user operates the switch (SW) 54-1 and switches to the OFF state. The edit target image display unit 251 is excluded from the input possible range of the touch pen 43-1. And the input possible range of the touch pen 43-1 is only within the edit screen 232 as shown in FIG.

  When the process of step S77 ends, the input possible range switching control unit 204 returns the process to step S76, and repeats the subsequent processes.

  If it is determined in step S72 that the SW information has not been input, the editing control unit 201 determines whether the editing process has ended, the process proceeds to step S76.

  As described above, the input range control process is executed, and the input range of each touch pen 43 is switched according to the state of the switch (SW) 54. Thus, the user can easily change the input range by simply operating the switch (SW) 54 of the touch pen 43, and is displayed on the editing screen of another user as necessary. The captured image can be edited. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can provide the user with a function of switching the editable range without impairing operability. As a result, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 uses various editing methods such as a plurality of users cooperating with each other to edit and input the same captured image at the same time or disturb the editing input operation. It can be provided to the user, and the entertainment of the game can be improved. Accordingly, since the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can be expected to improve the satisfaction of the user and increase the number of customers, the store side can expect an improvement in profitability.

  In the above description, only the switching of the input possible range of the touch pen 43-1 has been described. Of course, the state of the switch (SW) 54-2 of the touch pen 43-2 can be switched in the same manner. That is, according to the state of the switch (SW), the input possible range of each pen is switched as shown in the table 261 of FIG. 20A. In Table 261, “first pen” indicates the touch pen 43-1 and “second pen” indicates the touch pen 43-2. In Table 261, the “first editing screen” indicates the editing screen 232 (the editing target image display unit 241), and the “second editing screen” indicates the editing screen 233 (the editing target image display unit 251). Yes.

  That is, in this case, as shown in the table 262 of FIG. 20B, four types of input possible ranges are set depending on the combination of the states of the switches (SW) of the touch pens 43. That is, in the first pattern (No. 1), the image of the “first editing screen” (edit target image display unit 241) can only be edited by the “first pen” (touch pen 43-1). The image on the “second editing screen” (editing target image display unit 251) can only be edited by the “second pen” (touch pen 43-2). In the second pattern (No. 2), the image on the “first editing screen” (editing target image display unit 241) can only be edited by the “first pen” (touch pen 43-1). The image on the “2 editing screen” (editing target image display unit 251) can be edited and input using either the “first pen” (touch pen 43-1) or the “second pen” (touch pen 43-2). In the third pattern (No. 3), the images on the “first edit screen” (edit target image display unit 241) are “first pen” (touch pen 43-1) and “second pen” (touch pen 43-2). ), And the image on the “second edit screen” (edit target image display unit 251) can only be edited using the “second pen” (touch pen 43-2). In the fourth pattern (No. 4), both the “first editing screen” (editing target image display unit 241) and the “second editing screen” (editing target image display unit 251) display “first pen”. "(Touch pen 43-1) and" second pen "(touch pen 43-2) can be used for editing input.

  When the input possible range is switched in the process of step S75 in FIG. 18, for example, a confirmation message for switching the input possible range such as “Can edit other party's image” is displayed on the editing screen corresponding to the user. You may make it do. Similarly, when the input range is switched in the process of step S77 in FIG. 18, a confirmation message for switching the input range such as “Only my image can be edited” is displayed on the editing screen corresponding to the user. May be displayed. In this way, the user can easily confirm that the input possible range has been switched. That is, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation such that the user erroneously operates the switch (SW) 54 and the input possible range is switched without the intention of the user.

  In addition, such a confirmation message for switching the input range may be displayed on the other party's edit screen (edited image edit screen added to the input range). In this case, the confirmation message may be different from the above-mentioned words such as “You can edit with two people” or “Edit with one person”.

  The wording of the confirmation message described above is an example, and any wording may be used as long as it indicates that the input range is switched. Furthermore, it is desirable to include a word that specifically describes the current input range. The confirmation message described above may be output by voice, or image display and voice output may be used in combination.

  Also, before the process of step S75 in FIG. 18, on the editing screen on the side added to the input possible range, for example, “You are requesting that the other party can doodle with two people. Do you want to permit?” A confirmation screen including a message may be displayed, and the process of step S75 may be executed (switchable input range) only when the user permits in accordance with this confirmation screen. That is, in this case, unless the partner permits, the captured image displayed on the partner editing screen cannot be included in the inputable range. In this way, it is possible to prevent the other party from editing the captured image on his / her editing screen without permission.

  As described above, the photo sticker creation apparatus 1 allows the user to control the input range more correctly by confirming switching of the input range and requesting permission from the user related to the range. It is possible to improve the satisfaction of users.

  Although the case where two touch pens 43 and two editing screens are provided has been described above, the number of touch pens 43 and editing screens may be any number, and may be three or more.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a case where the number of touch pens 43 and editing screens is three.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, three touch pens 43-1 to 43-3 are provided, and the edit screen 230 is divided into three edit screens 271 to 273 (three edit target image display units 281). (The edit target image display unit 283 is provided), the state indicated by the switch (SW) 54 provided in each touch pen 43 is as shown in a table 291 of FIG. 20B. Here, it is assumed that each switch (SW) 54 can indicate four types of states. That is, each switch (SW) 54 is a switch that selects one value from four values.

  Therefore, in this case, there are 64 combinations of input possible ranges of the three touch pens 43-1 to 43-3 as shown in the table 301 of FIG. Of course, for example, the number of states that can be selected by each switch (SW) 54 may be reduced by changing to a switch for switching between two values. In that case, combinations of the input possible ranges of the three touch pens 43-1 to 43-3 are part of the 64 combinations shown in the table 301 of FIG.

  The flow of the input range control process in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the input range control process is started, the edit control unit 201 accepts input of SW information that is information related to the state of the switch (SW) 54 of the touch pen 43 in step S91, and the SW information is input in step S92. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the input has been made, the SW state determination unit 203 determines the state of the switch (SW) 54 in step S93. Based on the determination result, the input possible range switching control unit 204 sets an input possible range according to the state of the switch (SW) 54 in step S94. When the process of step S94 ends, the input possible range switching control unit 204 advances the process to step S95.

  If it is determined in step S92 that the SW information has not been input, the SW state determination unit 203 omits steps S93 and S94 and proceeds to step S95.

  In step S95, the editing control unit 201 determines whether or not the editing process in FIG. 15 has ended. If it is determined that the editing process has not ended, the editing control unit 201 returns the process to step S91 and repeats the subsequent processes. .

  In step S95, when it is determined that the editing process has ended by the user operating an editing end button (GUI button) (not shown) or the like, the editing control unit 201 inputs in accordance with the end of the editing process. The possible range control process is terminated.

  As described above, the input possible range control process is executed, and even when the number of touch pens 43 and editing screens is three or more, the input possible range of each touch pen 43 is switched according to the state of the switch (SW) 54. As a result, even when the number of touch pens 43 and editing screens is three or more, the user can easily change the input range by simply operating the switch (SW) 54 of the touch pen 43, and the necessary range. In response to this, the captured image displayed on the editing screen of another user can be edited. In other words, even when the number of touch pens 43 and editing screens is three or more, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can provide the user with a function of switching the editable range without impairing operability. Thereby, even when the number of touch pens 43 and editing screens is three or more, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can edit and input the same photographed image at the same time by a plurality of users cooperating with each other. Various editing methods such as interfering with the input work can be provided to the user, and the entertainment of the game can be improved. Accordingly, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can be expected to improve the user satisfaction and increase the number of customers even when the number of touch pens 43 and editing screens is three or more. Improvement can be expected.

  In the above description, a plurality of editing screens corresponding to each touch pen 43 have been described as being displayed on one editing input monitor 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and editing in which the input possible range is controlled as described above. The screens may be displayed on different editing input monitors 42.

  For example, in FIG. 24, two editing units (editing unit 41-1 and editing unit 41-2) are provided on the back surface 11-3 of the first unit 11. The editing unit 41-1 and the editing unit 41-2 are units similar to the editing unit 41 described above. That is, the editing unit 41-1 includes the editing input monitor 42-1, the touch pen 43-1-1 and the touch pen 43-1-2, and the audio output unit 44-1-1 and the audio output unit 44-1-2. The editing unit 41-2 includes an editing input monitor 42-2, a touch pen 43-2-1 and a touch pen 43-2-2, and an audio output unit 44-2-1 and an audio output unit 44. 2-2 is provided.

  When a plurality of editing input monitors 42 are provided as described above, the input possible range can be switched between the editing screens displayed on each editing input monitor 42 in the same manner as described above. it can. For example, the touch pen 43-1-1 and the touch pen 43-1-2 corresponding to the edit input monitor 42-1 are displayed on the edit input monitor 42-2 by switching the state of each switch (SW) 54. It may be possible to set the edit screen in the inputable range. Of course, the touch pen 43-2-1 and the touch pen 43-2-2 corresponding to the edit input monitor 42-2 are displayed on the edit input monitor 42-1 by switching the state of each switch (SW) 54. It may be possible to set the edit screen in the inputable range.

  In the above description, the case where the number of touch pens 43 is the same as the number of editing screens has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of touch pens 43 may be larger than the number of editing screens (1 in the initial state). A plurality of touch pens 43 may be assigned to one editing screen).

  Further, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when all the switches (SW) 54 of the touch pens 43 are in the ON state, a plurality of existing editing screens are integrated to create a new editing screen. May be displayed.

  For example, the case where there are two touch pens 43 and editing screens described with reference to the drawings up to FIG. 20 will be described. In this case, as described above, as shown in the table 262 of FIG. 20B, there are four types of combinations of the states of the switches (SW) 54 in total. For example, in the state of No. 4, that is, both the switch (SW) 54-1 of the touch pen 43-1 and the switch (SW) 54-2 of the touch pen 43-2 are in the ON state (taken images of the other party's editing screens). The GUI control unit 205 switches the editing screen 230 to a new layout as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the editing screen 230 has an editing screen 311 for two users to simultaneously edit one captured image (image to be edited). The edit screen 311 is provided with one large edit target image display unit 321, a set of thumbnail image display units 322, and two palettes 323 and 324 for users different from each other.

  In the editing screen 311, the input possible ranges of the touch pen 43-1 and the touch pen 43-2 are as shown in FIG. That is, in the touch pen 43-1, the edit target image display unit 321, the thumbnail image display unit 322, and the palette 323 are set in the inputable range, and the touch pen 43-2 includes the edit target image display unit 321, the thumbnail image display. The part 322 and the pallet 324 are set in the input possible range.

  That is, the captured image displayed on the editing target image display unit 321 can be edited and input with either the touch pen 43-1 or the touch pen 43-2, and the thumbnail image displayed on the thumbnail image display unit 322 is the touch pen 43-. 1 and the touch pen 43-2 can be selected. However, the palette corresponding to the touch pen 43-1 is limited to the palette 323 only, and the palette corresponding to the touch pen 43-2 is limited to the palette 324 only. Therefore, the user can easily specify the palette corresponding to the touch pen 43 operated by the user. That is, by controlling in this way, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can suppress complication of the edit input operation.

  In addition, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 displays each component such as the edit target image display unit larger than the layout shown in FIG. 16 by switching the layout of the editing screen to such a layout as necessary. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability in the editing work of the user. As a result, the satisfaction level of the user is improved and the number of customers can be expected to increase, so the store side can expect an improvement in profitability.

  The flow of the input range control process in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the input range control process is started, the edit control unit 201 accepts input of SW information that is information related to the state of the switch (SW) 54 of the touch pen 43 in step S111, and the SW information is input in step S112. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the input has been made, the SW state determination unit 203 determines the state of the switch (SW) 54 in step S113. In step S114, the edit control unit 201 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the editing control unit 201 advances the process to step S115. In step S115, the GUI control unit 205 changes the configuration (layout) of the editing screen, and in step S116, sets the input possible range of each touch pen 43 based on the configuration (layout). In step S117, A new editing screen is displayed on the editing input monitor 42. When the process of step S117 ends, the GUI control unit 205 advances the process to step S118.

  If it is determined in step S112 that SW information has not been received, the editing control unit 201 omits steps S113 to S117 and proceeds to step S118. Furthermore, when it is determined in step S114 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the editing control unit 201 omits the processes in steps S115 to S117 and advances the process to step S118.

  In step S118, the editing control unit 201 determines whether or not the editing process in FIG. 15 has ended. If it is determined that the editing process has not ended, the editing control unit 201 returns the process to step S111 and repeats the subsequent processes. .

  In step S118, when it is determined that the editing process has been completed, for example, when the user operates an editing end button (GUI button) (not shown), the editing control unit 201 inputs in accordance with the end of the editing process. The possible range control process is terminated.

  The conditions described above may be any conditions and may not be related to the state of the switch (SW) 54. Further, the setting timing of the condition may be any timing as long as it is set up to step S114 described above, and may be a predetermined constant. Furthermore, the new layout described with reference to FIG. 25 may be other than the layout shown in FIG. 25, or any layout. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, the palette 354 is omitted, and the palette 353 is shared by both the touch pen 43-1 and the touch pen 43-2 (both the touch pen 43-1 and the touch pen 43-2 use the palette 343). You may do it. However, in that case, as shown in FIG. 28, the user can easily identify the anchor indicating the position specified by the touch pen 43-1 and the anchor indicating the position specified by the touch pen 43-2. It is desirable to devise methods such as making the colors and shapes of the anchors different from each other. For example, in the case of FIG. 28, the anchor corresponding to the touch pen 43-1 is indicated by a diagonal line with the left side up (located in “Pen B”, “Color D”, and “Type A”), and the touch pen 43 The anchor corresponding to -2 is shown with a diagonal line with the right side up (located in "stamp A" and "color G"). Further, as shown in the thumbnail image display unit 352 in FIG. 28, anchors corresponding to both the touch pen 43-1 and the touch pen 43-2 (anchor that can be operated by either the touch pen 43-1 or the touch pen 43-2). Is indicated by a shaded line.

  By doing so, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can further display the editing target image display unit 351 and the like on the editing screen 230 without lowering the operability. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the operability in the editing operation of the user. As a result, the satisfaction level of the user is improved and the number of customers can be expected to increase, so the store side can expect an improvement in profitability.

  It should be noted that the switching of the editing screen 230 as described above not only improves operability when two (multiple) users play, but in addition to that, the user can play alone. Even in this case, operability can be improved. In other words, for example, when the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 displays two editing screens (the editing screen 232 and the editing screen 233) as shown in FIG. 16 in the initial state, when the user plays alone, the editing is performed. Of the editing screen 230 of the monitor 42, half (for example, the editing screen 233) is wasted (not used). Therefore, in such a case, the user operates the switch (SW) 54 to switch the editing screen 230 to one editing screen as shown in FIG. Since the display becomes large, the operability is improved.

  In other words, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can improve the satisfaction level of the user even when there is only one user, and therefore the store side can expect an improvement in profitability.

  As described above, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied can easily switch the range in which the user can input on the editing screen as necessary. Thereby, the user can perform editing work more happily, such as a plurality of users of the same set cooperating with each other or disturbing each other. That is, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 can improve the entertainment of the game and improve the user's satisfaction. In addition, since the user can switch the input range as described above using the switch (SW) 54 provided on the touch pen 43, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 provides a function of switching the input range. It can suppress that the operability of a user falls by this.

  Further, the switch (SW) 54 is provided not on the first unit 11 (not as a GUI button on the editing screen) but on the touch pen 43, so that the switch (SW) 54 is provided on the first unit 11 or the editing screen. Not only is there no need to prepare a space, but the user can switch the correspondence range between the switch (SW) 54 and the touch pen 43 (that is, which switch (SW) 54 is operated to switch the input possible range of which touch pen 43). Can be easily grasped. Of course, the switch (SW) 54 may be provided in the first unit 11 or the editing unit 41, or may be formed as a GUI button on the editing screen 230. However, it is easier for the user not only to reduce the amount of movement of the touch pen 43 but also to know the position of the switch (SW) 54 than in those cases, as described above. Since the correspondence can be easily grasped, the switching operation is facilitated.

  As described above, the fact that the entertainment can be improved without impairing the operability means that the user can efficiently edit and enjoy the game. In particular, in the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 as described above, since a time limit is usually provided for playing the game, the user needs to complete editing work within a limited time. The effect becomes more prominent. Therefore, as a result of the above, the photo sticker creating apparatus of the present invention can remarkably improve the satisfaction and can be expected to increase the number of customers, so the store side can expect improved profitability. it can.

  It should be noted that the number of shooting spaces and editing spaces may be any number, and the maximum number of simultaneous customers can be tripled or more. Of course, each space may be shared by one space. Of course, a single editing unit may be provided with a plurality of monitors and three or more touch pens. Further, the functions of each editing unit (or the contents of the palette of each editing screen) may be different from each other.

  Moreover, the display example of each image mentioned above is one example, and, of course, a configuration other than the above may be used. Furthermore, for example, the photo sticker creating apparatus 1 such as a pre-input unit may have a configuration other than that described above. Further, the number of units constituting the housing 10 may be any number.

  In the print setting process, the number of sticker divisions (print layout of the edited photographed image) can be selected. However, this selection may be performed using the switch (SW) 54. .

  When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer is installed from a recording medium such as a network or a removable medium.

  In the above, the print medium is not limited to the sticker paper, and for example, print on a predetermined size paper, a poster paper, a card such as a telephone card, or a cloth such as a T-shirt. Also good.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Therefore, for example, in the flowchart of FIG. 13, it may be determined whether or not play is possible (step S2 processing) after a price is charged (step S4 processing). However, in that case, the display control of the guidance screen and the like (the processing in steps S3 and S8) is omitted.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the photograph sticker production apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the example of installation of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the front of the 1st unit of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the back surface of the 1st unit of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the detailed structural example of the touch pen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the right side surface of the 1st unit of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a 2nd unit. It is a figure explaining a user's movement pattern. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the timing chart of a photograph sticker creation game. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the edit process part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the edit part of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of a game management process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of photograph sticker creation game processing. It is a flowchart explaining the example of an edit process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an edit screen. It is a figure explaining the input possible range in the edit screen of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the example of an input possible range control process. It is a figure explaining the example of switching of the input possible range. It is a figure explaining the example of the combination of the input possible range. It is a figure explaining the example of switching of the input possible range in the case of three touch pens. It is a figure explaining the example of the combination of the input possible range in the case of three touch pens. It is a flowchart explaining the other example of an input possible range control process. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the back surface of the 1st unit of the photograph sticker production apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of an edit screen. It is a figure explaining the example of the input possible range in the edit screen of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the further another example of an input possible range control process. It is a figure which shows the further another structural example of an edit screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photo sticker production apparatus 10 Housing | casing 11 1st unit 12 2nd unit 41 Editing unit 42 Editing input monitor 43-1 Touch pen 43-2 Touch pen 54 Switch (SW)
61 Subsequent customer monitor 91 Shooting space 92 Editing space 93 Subsequent customer service space 173 Editing unit 181 Game management unit 184 Editing processing unit 201 Editing control unit 202 Editing information management unit 203 SW state determination unit 204 Inputable range switching unit 205 GUI control unit 215 Touch Panel 216 Touch Panel Control Unit 221-1 ID Information Holding Unit 221-2 ID Information Holding Unit 222-1 Signal Output Unit 222-2 Signal Output Unit 223-1 SW State Management Unit 223-2 SW State Management Unit

Claims (4)

As a photo sticker creation game, the user is allowed to perform a shooting operation with the user as a subject, and an editing input operation to input editing information to the user's image obtained by the shooting operation. In the photo sticker creating game, the user is photographed, the obtained user image is edited based on the editing input inputted by the user, and the edited user image obtained is obtained. Is a photo sticker creation device that prints on a predetermined sticker sheet, discharges the sticker sheet on which the edited image of the user is printed, and provides it to the user as a photo sticker,
A plurality of touch pens and a touch panel that can be distinguished from each other,
To the user who performs the editing, display means for the include an image of the user obtained by the imaging operation, and displays the GUI image for editing an image of the user for each of the touch pen,
An input receiving means for receiving an operation input for the GUI image displayed by the display means input by the user operating the touch pen;
A plurality of switching instruction accepting means corresponding to different touch pens, which accepts a switching instruction by a user, which switches the setting of an input possible range that is a range in which the input accepting means in the GUI image accepts the operation input;
State determining means for determining the state of the switching instruction received by each switching instruction receiving means;
A GUI image corresponding to another touch pen other than the GUI image corresponding to the touch pen in the input range of the touch pen corresponding to the switching instruction reception unit that has received the switching instruction based on the determination result by the state determination unit. photo sticker creation device characterized by Ru and an input range switching control means for controlling whether to include. When the switching instruction is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the input-capable range switching control unit includes other touch pens other than the GUI image corresponding to the touch pen within the input range of the touch pen corresponding to the switching instruction. When the switching instruction is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, the GUI image corresponding to the other touch pen is selected from the input possible range of the touch pen corresponding to the switching instruction. photo sticker creation device according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls to exclude. The display means controls the input possible range switching control means to include a GUI image corresponding to the other touch pen in the input possible range of the touch pen corresponding to the switching instruction based on the switching instruction. instead of the GUI image that is included in the range, photo sticker creation device according to claim 1, characterized in that to display one of a new GUI images. The new GUI image displayed by the display means has one photographed image that can be edited and input with any of the touch pens corresponding to each GUI image included in the input range, and the editing input function. The photographic sticker creation apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the photographic sticker creation apparatus includes a plurality of palettes that are GUI images for selection and that can be operated by different touch pens.

Images