JP4570016B2 - Image shooting and editing apparatus, image shooting and editing method, and image shooting and editing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image shooting / editing apparatus, an image shooting / editing method, and an image shooting / editing program of a photo vending machine that is installed in a game center or the like, shoots a user by inserting coins, and prints and sells the shot image. is there.

  Currently, there are a large number of photo vending machines that take pictures and make sticker prints at game centers and the like. As such a photographic vending machine, for example, the type disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. What is disclosed in the above publication will be described with reference to FIG. 16. In this case, an internal space 62 is formed by a wall material 61 that forms the outline of the photographic vending machine 60, and photography and photography are taken in the internal space 62. A shooting booth 64 and an editing booth 65 are formed by arranging a housing 63 equipped with various devices for image editing and the like. In FIG. 16, for easy understanding, illustration of a member that forms the ceiling of the photographic vending machine 60 and a member that covers the upper surface of the housing 63 is omitted.

  On the front surface 66A of the housing 63 facing the photographing booth 64 side, a CCD camera 68 is attached at a position facing the subject 67, and a photographed image monitor 69 is disposed in the immediate vicinity thereof. A computer device 70 that receives image data from the CCD camera 68 and displays an image of a subject on the photographed image monitor 69 or performs processing such as image composition is provided in the housing 63. A coin insertion slot 71 is opened in the front surface 66A of the housing 63, and the coin inserted therein is checked for the amount of money in the consideration processing unit 72. The operation signal is input to the computer device 70, and the operation of the photo vending machine 60 can be started.

  Reference numeral 73 denotes an illuminating device that illuminates the subject 67 at the time of taking a photograph. The illuminating function is fulfilled by an operation signal from the computer device 70 in synchronization with the shutter operation of the CCD camera 68. Reference numeral 74 denotes a speaker attached to the front surface 66A, which guides the photographing procedure and the like to the subject 67 entering the photographing booth 64 by voice.

  The subject 67 for which photography has been completed in the photography booth 64 moves to the editing booth 65 through the passage 75, where editing work for combining handwritten characters, graphics, and the like with the photographed image is performed.

  On the rear surface 66B of the housing 63 facing the editing booth 65 side, a display 76 for receiving an image signal such as a photographed image transmitted from the computer device 70 and displaying the image is provided. A touch pen 77 is arranged in the vicinity of the display 76, and a user (subject 67) can input characters by drawing a character or a figure by bringing the tip of the touch pen 77 into contact with the surface of the display 76. The input image data such as characters and figures, a stamp image, and the like are combined with a photographed image of the subject 67 photographed by the CCD camera 68 and displayed on the display 76.

  Further, a printer 79 that receives the image data transmitted from the computer device 70 and prints the image on the print medium 78 is provided inside the casing 63. The image data transmitted from the computer device 70 to the printer 79 is usually image data synthesized by the display 76, and an image based on this image data is printed on the print medium 78 by the printer 79, and is printed in the state of a printed photograph. It is delivered from a delivery port formed on the rear surface 66B of the body 63.

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a speaker attached to the rear surface 66B, and guides the editing procedure and the like to the subject 67 that has entered the editing booth 65 by voice. Reference numerals 81, 82, and 83 denote a curtain on the entrance side, a curtain on the exit side, and a curtain for partitioning the passage 75 of the photo vending machine 60, respectively.

  The subject 67 opens the entrance-side curtain 81 and enters the photographing booth 64, where a coin is first inserted into the insertion slot 71 so that the photo vending machine 60 can be used. Then, the photographing is completed according to the voice guidance from the speaker 74, the guidance characters displayed on the photographed image monitor 69, and the like.

  When such photography is completed, the subject 67 moves through the passage 75 to the editing booth 65. After this movement, the next subject 67 waiting outside enters the photography booth 64, and photography is started in the same manner as described above. The editing process is completed in accordance with voice guidance from the speaker 80, guidance characters displayed on the display 76, and the like so that the subject 67 proceeds simultaneously with the subsequent photographing of the subject 67. Thereafter, the subject 67 prints out a print photograph based on the edited image data from the printer 79, and uses it as a hand to open the exit-side curtain 82 and exit.

As described above, when the previous subject 67 goes out of the editing booth 65, the later subject 67 moves from the photographing booth 64 to the editing booth 65 to perform editing work. In this way, the subject 67 uses the photo vending machine 60 cyclically.
Utility Model Registration No. 3083255

  Since the shooting play and the edit play as described above are performed in the shooting booth 64 and the editing booth 65 arranged in different places, the shooting play and the edit play may be simultaneously performed by different users 67. This improves the turnover rate of customers.

  However, in such a usage mode, shooting play, editing play, printer output, and the like are limited to, for example, one computer device 70, and each play and operation of the printer 79 are performed at one time. Then, the load on the computer device 70 becomes excessive, and a problem that the user's operability in each play or the like is liable to occur is likely to occur. For example, when an operation for converting the captured image into an electronic file by controlling the CCD camera 68 or the like and an editing input with the touch pen 77 are performed simultaneously, the time lag until the image input with the touch pen 77 is displayed on the display 76 is displayed. May occur and input may not be performed smoothly. Furthermore, for example, when a line is to be input with the touch pen 77, the input image is displayed with a delay relative to the movement of the pen, which is uncomfortable and frustrating. In addition, when each of the above-described plays is executed by one computer device 70, resources such as a memory and a hard disk are reduced, and failures due to them are likely to occur.

  Further, when an abnormality such as a freeze occurs in the computer apparatus for some reason, it may be necessary to take a recovery measure by turning off the power of the image capturing / editing apparatus. In such a case, after the recovery process, when the power is turned on, it is unclear to what stage the play, editing play, print play, etc. have progressed, and the first stage again. It was necessary to redo each play. Therefore, it has been one of the causes of wasting time and lowering the turnover rate of customers.

  Further, in the above-described shooting booth 64, editing booth 65, etc., no consideration has been given to prevent users from overlapping as in the case of matching.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is capable of performing smooth shooting play and editing play and improving the customer's turnover rate. The purpose is to provide a shooting and editing program.

In order to achieve the above object, the image photographing / editing device of the present invention photographs a different user at the same time by providing a photographing region for photographing, an editing region for editing, and a print medium outlet at different locations. An image photographing and editing apparatus capable of providing processing, editing processing, and a print medium,
Photographing means for photographing a subject as a user;
Editing means for displaying a photographed image photographed by the photographing means and receiving an input of an edited image to be combined with the photographed image;
Printing means for printing a composite image of the captured image and the edited image on a print medium;
Storage means for respectively storing the progress of the editing process by the editing means and the printing process by the printing means;
When returned to normal state abnormal state in the image capturing editing apparatus occurs, according to the progress state read out from the memory means, the print processing provided to have editing process on the different users, printing And selecting means for selecting whether or not to start the printing process when there is a print image to be displayed and selecting whether or not to restart the editing process when the editing process is not completed. And

In order to achieve the above object, the image shooting / editing method of the present invention provides a shooting area for shooting, an editing area for editing, and an outlet for a print medium to different users by providing them in different places. An image photographing / editing method in an image photographing / editing apparatus capable of simultaneously providing photographing processing, editing processing and a print medium,
A photographing step by photographing means for photographing a subject as a user;
An editing step by an editing means for displaying a photographed image photographed by the photographing means and receiving an input of an edited image to be combined with the photographed image;
A printing step by printing means for printing a composite image of the photographed image and the edited image on a print medium;
A storage step by a storage unit that stores the progress of the editing process by the editing unit and the printing process by the printing unit;
When returned to normal state abnormal state in the image capturing editing apparatus occurs, according to the progress state read out from the memory means, the print processing provided to have editing process on the different users, printing The computer device executes a selection step of selecting whether or not to start the printing process when there is a print image to be selected, and selecting whether or not to restart the editing process when the editing process is not completed. This is the gist.

In order to achieve the above object, the image shooting / editing program of the present invention provides a shooting area for shooting, an editing area for editing, and an outlet for a printing medium to different users by providing them in different places. An image shooting and editing program in an image shooting and editing apparatus capable of simultaneously providing shooting processing, editing processing, and a print medium,
A photographing step by photographing means for photographing a subject as a user;
An editing step by an editing means for displaying a photographed image photographed by the photographing means and receiving an input of an edited image to be combined with the photographed image;
A printing step by printing means for printing a composite image of the photographed image and the edited image on a print medium;
A storage step by a storage unit that stores the progress of the editing process by the editing unit and the printing process by the printing unit;
When returned to normal state abnormal state in the image capturing editing apparatus occurs, according to the progress state read out from the memory means, the print processing provided to have editing process on the different users, printing Causing the computer apparatus to execute a selection step of selecting whether to start the printing process when there is a print image to be processed and selecting whether to restart the editing process when the editing process is not completed . This is the gist.

That is, the progress of the editing process by the editing unit and the printing process by the printing unit are stored in the storage unit, respectively, and when the abnormal state occurs in the image capturing / editing apparatus and the normal state is restored, the storage unit depending on the read-out progress status, for providing to which editing processing and the print processing for the different users, whether to start the printing process is selected when the print image to be printed is present, the editing process When not completed, it is configured to select whether or not to restart the editing process .

Therefore, when recovering to the normal state, since the progress state of each play is sequentially stored in the storage means, it is immediately known what progress state each play was in, and the play is resumed as it is. Whether or not can be selected immediately. Therefore, the play can be resumed in a short time when the normal state is restored. In addition, it is possible to respond to the situation of users and maintenance technicians who have lost play time due to abnormal recovery, waste to continue play in the absence of users, and users canceling play It is possible to prevent the printing medium from being wasted when it is not already printed.

  In the image shooting / editing apparatus of the present invention, when the shooting play or the edit play is restored so as to be executed by any one of reprinting, replaying, canceling, etc., or a combination thereof, Since the play can be resumed by any one of reprinting, replaying, canceling, etc. in accordance with the progress state of each play stored in the storage means or a combination thereof, the play can be resumed when the normal state is restored. It can be done reliably in a short time.

  In the image photographing / editing apparatus of the present invention, when the above-mentioned reprint, replay, cancel, etc. or a combination thereof is displayed on the display means, an appropriate resumption item is selected based on these displays can do.

  In the image photographing / editing apparatus of the present invention, when it is configured so that guidance notification that avoids duplication of users in the above-described shooting play or editing play is made, the user may receive this guidance notification and proceed to the next play. Since it can be understood whether it is good or not, it is possible to avoid duplication such as matching in a certain place, the user's play progresses in an orderly manner, and troubles between users can be prevented. For example, by the above guidance notification, the user waiting in front of the shooting booth, the user waiting to move to the next editing booth in the shooting booth, the movement to the next print play in the editing booth. The users who are waiting and the users who are waiting for the print photo to come out from the printing means do not overlap in any place.

In the image photographing / editing apparatus, a computer device for setting the places of the two plays so that the photographing play and the editing play are performed in different places, and operating the photographing play and the edit play is provided for each play. Since each play is performed in a different place and a computer device is arranged for each play, the processing load imposed on each computer device is distributed and reduced. For example, the display of a handwritten input image or the like is not delayed, and the operability for the user is improved. The processing time of the computer device is shortened without causing an operation delay in the computer device. When the previous user is performing an edit play, the next user can perform a shooting play at a different location, which is effective in improving the customer's turnover rate, and waiting for the user's turn. Time is shortened and it helps to eliminate irritation.
Advantages as described above include processing for generating captured image data in shooting play, and image processing and display processing on a display in editing play, both of which are provided for each play. It is ensured by being processed by individual computer devices. In other words, by arranging the computer device for each play, the responsiveness of the operation of the computer device can be speeded up, and the user's editing play and the like can proceed without interruption, and the operability for the user is improved. In addition, the image shooting and editing apparatus can be used comfortably. Further, the above-mentioned advantage is that the shooting play and the edit play are performed in different places, and the user can play comfortably by functioning in combination with the above arrangement of the computer device.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the computer device is shared by both the photographing play operation and the editing play operation, for example, one computer device has a shortage of processing capability, or anything. If a malfunction occurs due to the cause of this, use another computer device to deal with such a malfunction, and even if the operation slows down a little, avoid stopping the function of the image capture editing device Can do.
Furthermore, in the case where a plurality of sets formed by the shooting booth and the editing booth are attached to one housing, the sharing as described above is performed in one set. In addition, a shared function can be exhibited between a certain group and another group, and in any case, it is suitable for a sound operation of the image capturing / editing apparatus.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the computer device provided for each play is in a connected state via a communication device, the computer device for each play stores data such as a photographed image and an edited image. In addition, when there is a shortage of processing capacity in one computer device, other computer devices perform support functions via the communication device, and normal operation of the image capturing / editing device is maintained. it can. In addition, the shooting play and the edit play can be smoothly linked.
In the image photographing and editing apparatus, when the connection state is such that the operation state of one computer apparatus can be grasped by the other computer apparatus, the operation state of one computer apparatus is suitable for the other computer apparatus. The other computer device takes the right countermeasures and takes appropriate countermeasures according to the contents. Therefore, for example, it is possible to surely cope with a shortage of processing capacity of the computer device, and normal operation of the image capturing / editing device can be continued. In addition, the shooting play and the edit play can be smoothly linked.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the grasping of the operation state is configured to be grasped by the other computer device by the situation presentation information indicating the operation state of the one computer device, the operation state of the one computer device However, it is possible to accurately grasp the other computer apparatus based on the situation presentation information. With this status presentation information, for example, one computer device performs processing of image data, voice data processing, etc. that synthesizes photographed image data with handwritten data such as handwritten characters and figures, and the like. When a situation in which the load state is extremely high is displayed, an appropriate countermeasure is taken in the other computer apparatus using this situation display information as a trigger.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the one computer device is a computer device that operates editing play and the other computer device is a computer device that operates photographing play, the editing play having a high processing load is operated. An appropriate support function can be performed by the other computer device that operates the shooting play with respect to the one computer device.
In the above image capturing / editing apparatus, when a plurality of edit plays are performed, an edit play with a relatively long play time can be performed at a plurality of locations. So you can run a smooth photo vending machine. In general, edit play selects a shot image to be edited and thinks about what kind of handwritten characters and figures to synthesize to the shot image, so it is much more than shooting play and printing operation. Although it takes a long time, the editing play can be performed in parallel by allowing a plurality of sets of users to perform the editing play in parallel, and even if a long time is required, the editing play can be performed.
In the image photographing and editing apparatus, when a computer device that operates each editing play is provided for each of the plurality of editing plays, when any one of the computer devices fails, the other computer device has a support function. To fulfill all edit play. Further, since the computer device only operates one editing play, even if the amount of various image data and the like in the editing play increases, the processing capacity of the computer device is rarely short. Further, since a large number of computer devices having the same specifications can be procured as a computer device for editing play, it is effective in reducing the cost of the computer device.
In the image photographing / editing device, when the computer device that operates the photographing play and the computer device that operates the editing play are connected via a concentrator, various data and the like are exchanged between the two computer devices. As an image photographing and editing apparatus, it can be freely performed via a line concentrator, and can support one computer apparatus with the other computer apparatus or connect other related devices with a degree of freedom. Therefore, it is possible to form a compact image capturing / editing apparatus. Furthermore, the use of the line concentrator improves the maintainability, and at the same time facilitates the expansion of equipment related to each play.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the computer device that operates the photographing play and the computer device that operates the editing play are connected to the printing unit via the line concentrator, a composite image created by the editing play As a matter of course, it is also possible to print a photographed image obtained by photographing play as it is as a printed photograph, and the functional diversity of the image photographing and editing apparatus can be further enhanced. Further, the connection of the printing means can be performed with a degree of freedom, and there are less restrictions on the organization as an image capturing / editing device, and at the same time, a compact image capturing / editing device can be organized.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when a plurality of printing means are connected to the concentrator, even if a plurality of editing plays are completed and the printer is operated at a time, a plurality of printing means are used. It is possible to cope with high print processing capability, and the user does not wait for printing. In addition, the printer can be organized in an economical manner by using some of the plurality of printing means as high-end equipment such as a sublimation printer and using others as inexpensive printers.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the plurality of printing means can output different photographic prints, a printed photograph with a different texture can be output by changing the type of the printing means. The user can obtain a variety of photographs.
In the image photographing / editing device, when each of the computer devices or any one of the computer devices is provided with an audio output means for the photographing play and the edit play, either of the computer devices during the sound output. Even if the processing capacity reaches the limit, the other computer apparatus can perform the support function, and the user can continue the editing play or photographing play while receiving voice guidance. In general, in this type of image capturing / editing apparatus, voice guidance takes a relatively high load on a computer device, and therefore a time lag may occur in image display in editing play, etc. Such trouble can be prevented beforehand.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the computer device that operates the photographing play is replaced with a control base, it is economical because a control base having a simple structure can be used at low cost. In this way, the control board can be replaced because the shooting play operation is a relatively simple operation mode.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the editing play is to input another image composed of characters, figures, etc. to the photographed image, an image of characters / graphics, etc. having a very large amount of data. Since the data and the image data of the photographed image obtained by the photographing play are combined, the processing capability of the computer device that operates the editing play is likely to be insufficient. Even in the processing of such a computer device with a large amount of data, a normal editing play can be performed by the support function of another computer device.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the computer device is provided with storage means for sequentially storing the shooting play or the progress of the edit play, and an abnormal state occurs in the image photographing / editing apparatus and the normal state is restored. In addition, when it is configured to be able to select whether or not to return the shooting play or editing play in the progress state read from the storage means, when the normal state is restored, the storage means performs each play. Since the progress states are sequentially stored, it is immediately known what progress each play is in, and it is possible to immediately select whether to resume the play as it is. Therefore, it is possible to reliably resume the play when the normal state is restored.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the photographing play or the edit play is restored so as to be executed by any one of reprinting, replaying, canceling, or a combination thereof, the storage means Since play can be resumed by any one of reprinting, replaying, canceling, etc. according to the progress status of each play stored in the game, or a combination thereof, the play resumes when the normal state is restored. It can be done reliably.
In the image photographing and editing apparatus, when the reprinting, replaying, canceling, or the like or a combination thereof is displayed on the display means, an appropriate resuming item is selected based on these displays. Can do.
In the image photographing / editing device, when means for individually controlling the power source of the computer device that operates the photographing play and the power source of the computer device that operates the editing play is provided, for example, editing When the computer device on the play side is frozen, the computer device is turned off and restarted, etc., while the computer device on the shooting play side is not turned off. Shooting play can be continued without stopping the overall function. On the other hand, even when the photographing play side computer device is frozen, it is possible to take measures such as restarting without turning off the editing play side computer device. As described above, by providing means capable of individually controlling both the power supplies, when any trouble occurs in any of the computer devices, the computer device is provided with control suitable for the countermeasure. For the computer apparatus that is given and has no problem, control suitable for continuing the operation is given as it is.
In the image photographing / editing apparatus, when the computer devices are arranged in an integral housing, the computer device for photographing play and the computer device for editing play can be accommodated in one housing, The unit as an image shooting and editing device becomes compact.
In addition, a print medium used for the image photographing / editing apparatus is prepared, and an image obtained with the above short time and high rotation rate is printed on the print medium.

  Further, in the image photographing / editing method of the present invention, when the normal state is restored, the progress state of each play is sequentially stored in the computer device, so it is immediately known what progress state each play is. Then, it is possible to immediately select whether to resume the play as it is. Therefore, the play can be resumed in a short time when the normal state is restored.

  In the image shooting / editing program of the present invention, when the computer apparatus is restored to the normal state, the progress state of each play is sequentially stored in the computer device, so that it is immediately determined what progress state each play is. Then, it is possible to immediately select whether to resume the play as it is. Therefore, the play can be resumed in a short time when the normal state is restored.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  1, 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an embodiment of an image photographing / editing apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the image photographing / editing apparatus includes a camera 1 that is photographing means and a computer that receives photographed image data of a subject 2 photographed by the camera 1 from the camera 1. A device 3A is arranged. Also, an editing image monitor (display) 4 and a touch pen 5 as editing means and a computer device 3B for editing are arranged. The computer device 3B is connected to the computer device 3A, transmits the photographed image data to the display 4 and displays it as an image, and the subject 2 writes handwritten characters and figures on the display 4 to perform an edit play. . In an edit play, when a handwritten character, a figure, or the like is combined with a captured image, the data of the combined image is stored in the storage unit of the computer device 3B.

  The composite image data stored in the computer device 3B is transmitted to the printer 6 as printing means, and is printed on the print medium 7 as a printed photograph.

  This image photographing / editing apparatus has an integral housing 9, and on both sides of the housing 9, there are a photographing booth 11 which is a photographing region where a camera 1 and a light 10 are arranged, and a photographed image. There is provided an editing booth 12 which is an editing area in which a display 4, a touch pen 5 and the like for writing characters, figures and the like are arranged. A shooting play is performed in the shooting booth 11, and an editing play is performed in the editing booth 12. As described above, the shooting play and the edit play are performed in different places with the housing 9 interposed therebetween.

  The photographing means 1 and the editing means 4 and 5 as shown in FIG. 1 form one set 8, and such a set 8 is arranged with a housing 9 in between. Such a set 8 formed by the photographing means 1 and the editing means 4 and 5 is equivalent to a pair formed by a photographing booth 11 and an editing booth 12 which will be described later. Reference numeral 8 is used.

  The computer devices 3A and 3B for operating the photographing play and the editing play, the printer 6 as a printing means, and the like are accommodated in the housing 9, and the camera 1 as the photographing means, the light 10 for illuminating the subject 2, and the like 2 It is arranged toward the. The computer devices 3A and 3B are provided for each play. The computer device 3A is used for shooting play and the computer device 3B is used for editing play.

  A predetermined number of aggregates 13 (see FIG. 2) are installed on the upper portion of the housing 9 in a direction crossing the housing 9, and a wall plate 14 is fixed to an end portion thereof. A photographing booth 11 and an editing booth 12 are formed between the wall plate 14 and the housing 9. Entrance / exit curtains 15 </ b> A are provided on both sides of the imaging booth 11, and entrance / exit curtains 15 </ b> B are also provided on both sides of the editing booth 12.

  Speakers 19 and 20 (see FIG. 2) are respectively attached to the upper part of the shooting booth 11 and the editing booth 12 in order to guide the shooting play procedure and the editing play method. At the output of the device 3A, the speaker 20 emits a sound at the output of the computer device 3B.

  In order to confirm the subject's own pose, the photographic image monitor 21 is arranged on the photographic booth 11 side, and an operation unit 22 that receives an operation such as a shutter operated at a favorite pose is in the vicinity of the photographic image monitor 21. Is provided. In addition, a coin insertion slot 24 is provided in an opened state on the photographing booth 11 side of the housing 9, and a consideration processing unit 23 for detecting the inserted coin is disposed. When the consideration processing unit 23 confirms that the amount of coins inserted here is appropriate, this confirmation signal is transmitted to the computer device 3A, and the operation of the photo vending machine can be started.

  In addition, the display 4 operated during editing play functions as an edited image monitor, and a touch pen 5 is disposed in the vicinity thereof. The subject 2 can touch the touch pen 5 on the surface of the display 4 and input characters, figures, etc. on the photographed image of the subject 2 photographed by the camera 1 and input by handwriting. Image data such as characters / figures, stamp images, and the like are combined with the captured image data of the subject 2 by the computer apparatus 3B, and the combined image is displayed on the display 4. This combined image data is finally displayed on the computer apparatus 3B. Stored. The composite image data is transmitted to the printer 6 and is printed on the print medium 7 by the printer 6.

  The printer 6 is configured so that the print medium 7 output from the printer 6 is not sent into the photographing booth 11 or the editing booth 12 but is sent to the side of the housing 9 to wait for printing. It does not affect shooting play and editing play.

  As described above, the computer devices 3A, 3B are provided for each shooting play and editing play, the computer device 3A is used for shooting play, and the computer device 3B is used for editing play. . Therefore, the processing load imposed on each computer apparatus is distributed and reduced, and the processing time of the computer apparatus is shortened without causing an operation delay in the computer apparatus. When the previous user 2 is performing an edit play, the next user 2 can perform a shooting play at a different location, which is effective in improving the customer's turnover rate.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall relationship between the computer device 3A on the photographing play side and various devices connected thereto, and the computer device 3B on the editing play side and various devices connected thereto. . On the photographing side, the computer apparatus 3A has a CPU that controls the overall operation and processing in accordance with a program stored in the hard disk, a memory that expands the program and stores operation data of the CPU, and the like. Various devices including the camera 1, the light 10, the captured image monitor 21, the operation unit 22, the consideration processing unit 23, the speaker 19, and the like are connected to the computer apparatus 3 </ b> A via the bus 25.

  On the other hand, on the editing side, the computer device 3B includes a CPU that controls the overall operation and processing in accordance with a program stored in the hard disk, a memory that expands the program and stores CPU operation data, and the like. Various devices including an edited image monitor 4, a touch pen 5, a printer 6, a speaker 20, and the like are connected to the computer apparatus 3B via a bus 26.

  The computer devices 3A and 3B are provided with communication devices 27 and 28, respectively. By connecting the communication devices 27 and 28 with a network cable 29, the computer devices 3A and 3B can communicate with each other.

  The computer devices 3A and 3B are shared by both the shooting play operation and the edit play operation. For example, when the processing capability of any of the computer devices 3A and 3B is insufficient, The computer devices 3B and 3A having sufficient processing capability are allowed to perform the support function.

  As a specific example of the above sharing, in the computer device 3B on the editing play side, image data such as characters and figures input by handwriting is combined with the photographed image data. When the data amount of the handwritten image data of the person 2 is remarkably large, there is a possibility that the processing capability of the computer apparatus 3B will be insufficient. Furthermore, when the edited image data is transmitted from the computer apparatus 3B to the printer 6, the load on the computer apparatus 3B is further increased. In preparation for such a case, when the shooting play side computer apparatus 3A has an editing program in advance and the editing play side computer apparatus 3B has a shortage of processing capability, the shooting play side computer apparatus 3A. The function to support the computer device 3B is performed.

  The determination as to whether or not to perform the above-described support function is appropriately triggered by the situation presentation information indicating the operation state of the computer device 3B on the editing play side. For example, a file having the status presentation information as a file name is provided in the computer device 3B. For example, “Run” is displayed when “Editing is in progress”, “Trans”, “Transmission of editing data” is performed. If the transmission is complete, the file name changes as the processing progresses, such as “Finish”, “Wait for processing capacity limit”, and “Wait”. It is read by the computer device 3A, and it is determined whether or not the computer device 3A is to perform a support function. When the support function is performed, the file name is “Wait”, and the lack of processing capability of the computer device 3B is compensated by the computer device 3A on the photographing play side by such situation presentation information. In addition, although the said description is demonstrated by the file name, a file name may be fixed and a condition may be shown by the text information on which the file is written.

  In the editing play, as described above, the user 2 thinks variously, or the amount of image data input by handwriting increases remarkably, so that the operation of the computer device 3B is delayed, which takes a long time. Sometimes. Therefore, the subsequent user 2 who has finished the shooting play may not immediately enter the editing booth 12, and therefore it is necessary to inform the user 2 of the situation on the editing booth 12 side in the shooting booth 11. The display of the situation on the editing booth 12 side is notified to the user 2 as an easy-to-see part of the photographing booth 11, for example, character information by the photographed image monitor 21 or voice information from the speaker 19.

  The notification to the user 2 as described above is performed based on the situation presentation information on the editing booth 12 side. Text information and voice expressions for User 2 are prepared in advance, for example, “Please wait for a while while the editing booth is in use” or “Please enter the editing booth. Please enter.” Or, it is notified by voice. By such notification, the privacy of the user 2 during the editing play is protected and good manners are achieved.

  The above-mentioned support function is directed from one computer apparatus to the other computer apparatus, but this can also be a bidirectional support function. For example, the computer device 3B on the editing play side has the function of operating the photographic image monitor 21, while the computer device 3A on the shooting play side has the function of operating the editing play. Sometimes you can help each other.

  Further, in the notification to the user 2 as described above, when it is notified that the editing play is in progress, the computer device 3B on the editing play side mistakenly captures the captured image data from the computer device 3A that operates the shooting play. It is also possible to avoid an unpleasant thing between the users, such as moving the user 2 of the shooting play to the editing booth 12.

  Since the processing load on the computer device 3A for shooting play is relatively small, a control board can be employed instead of the computer device 3A. In this case, it is necessary to prevent a shortage of processing capability from occurring in the editing play computer apparatus 3B.

  Next, an operation in which the subject 2 uses the image photographing / editing apparatus of the present invention in a photo vending machine will be described.

  When the subject 2 enters the photographing booth 11 and inserts a predetermined amount of coins into the coin insertion slot 24 and starts operation, an operation procedure is displayed on the photographed image monitor 21 by output from the computer device 3A. At the same time, a guidance voice is also emitted from the speaker 19. The subject 2 confirms the pose of the captured image monitor 21 in accordance with these guidance, and operates the operation unit 22 under the illumination of the light 10 to release the shutter. When the prescribed number of times of photographing is completed in such a photographing play, at that time, these photographed image data are transmitted from the computer device 3A to the computer device 3B attached to the editing play and stored in the storage unit.

  When the shooting play is completed as described above, the subject 2 confirms whether or not the entry booth 12 may enter the editing booth 12 by character display or voice guidance based on the situation display information, and then goes to the next editing booth 12. Moving. Here, the subject 2 sequentially reads the captured images in the shooting play from the computer device 3B on the display 4, and combines the background image with the subject image by bringing the touch pen 5 into contact with the surface of the display 4 to the subject image that suits the taste. The image data such as characters and figures input by handwriting, the stamp image, etc. are combined with the photographed image of the subject 2 and displayed on the display 4, and are printed on the print medium 7. 6 is printed.

  In the above description, the procedure for transmitting the image data to the computer apparatus 3B before the situation presentation information is presented to the subject 2 is described, but a more preferable procedure is as follows. That is, after completion of shooting in the shooting play, the shot image data is stored in the hard disk of the computer device 3A. Next, the computer apparatus 3A is made to confirm the situation presentation information of the computer apparatus 3B on the editing play side. If the result is information indicating that the editing play is being performed, the subject 2 that has just completed the shooting play is displayed. Is displayed so that the subject 2 is not allowed to go to the editing booth 12. On the other hand, if the result of the confirmation operation by the computer device 3A is not during editing play, the photographed image stored in the hard disk starts to be transmitted to the computer device 3B, and when the transmission is normally completed, the subject 2 Indicate “Please enter the editing booth” or voice guidance.

  In this editing play, as in the shooting play, guidance display on the display 4 and guidance voice from the speaker 20 are emitted.

  When the subject 2 moves from the shooting booth 11 to the editing booth 12 as described above, the next user 2 enters the shooting booth 11, starts shooting play, and both the shooting booth 11 and the editing booth 12 are used. A photo vending machine is used in a state of good rotation rate without so-called idle time.

  FIG. 4 shows an image capturing / editing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the image photographing / editing apparatus, the photographing play and the editing play performed under the adjacent positional relationship form a set 8, and the pair 8 is arranged in a state of being opposed to each other. In this way, a space is formed between both sets 8 by facing the above set 8, and the computer devices 3A and 3B are arranged in this space. The space is formed as an internal space of the integral casing 9, and the opposing arrangement is formed with the casing 9 sandwiched therebetween. For this reason, the casing 9 is horizontally long as shown in FIG. It is shaped. Reference numeral 15 denotes an entrance curtain of the photographing booth 11, reference numeral 16 denotes an exit curtain of the editing booth 12, and reference numeral 17 denotes a partition curtain between the booths 11 and 12. Reference numeral 18 denotes an arrow line indicating the flow of the user 2.

  Since there are two shooting plays and editing plays attached to the housing 9, four computer apparatuses 3A and 3B are arranged for convenience. That is, the computer devices 3A and 3B for operating the shooting play and the edit play are provided for each play and arranged in the housing 9 as shown in FIG. A computer device 3A for shooting play and a computer device 3B for editing play are respectively arranged, and both computer devices 3A and 3B are connected, and an edited image completed by the editing play is output from the printer 6 as a photographic print. Here, two printers 6 are arranged in the housing 9. That is, a printer 6 is provided for each group 8 of adjacent shooting play and editing play.

  Since some or all of the various devices such as the computer devices 3A and 3B and the printer 6 are shared in the plurality of sets, the various devices may have insufficient capacity or have some trouble. A good response can be made when the device is in use. That is, for example, when a shortage occurs in the processing capability of one of the computer devices 3A and 3B in one set 8, the computer devices 3B and 3A having sufficient processing capability can perform a support function, Between the groups 8, for example, as indicated by a chain line in FIG. 4B, when the printer 6 of a certain group 8 is in use, the printer 6 on the other group 8 side can be used. is there. Other than that, it is the same as that of the said embodiment, and the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part.

  Thus, even when two sets 8 of shooting play and editing play are arranged, the shooting play and editing play are performed in different places, and the computer apparatus 3A, arranged for each play, With 3B, the image capturing / editing apparatus can be operated in a state where the processing load is distributed. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment.

  FIG. 5 shows an image capturing / editing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This image photographing and editing apparatus is a case where a plurality of editing plays can be performed in the editing booth 12. As shown in FIG. 5, two sets of displays 4 and touch pens 5 which are editing means are arranged in the editing booth 12 of each set 8, and they are connected to one computer device 3B, and two people line up. Each editing play can be done. Although not shown, the display 4 or the touch pen 5 that is the editing means may be set to one set only in one set 8, and two sets of editing means may be arranged in the other set 8.

  In this embodiment, different editing software can be employed. That is, in a format in which a plurality of editing software is stored in each of the two editing means 4 and 5, and the user 2 selects a favorite one from among different editing software (read out to the editing means 4 and 5). Or, there may be a format in which the game center (trader) sets specific editing software according to the daily formula, the customer's age group, and sex among different editing software. Alternatively, it is possible to implement a format in which different editing software is exclusively stored in each of the editing means 4 and 5 and the user 2 goes to the editing means 4 and 5 that the user 2 likes to perform editing play. Other than that, it is the same as that of each said embodiment, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

  As described above, since the edit play can be performed at a plurality of locations, the user 2 does not have to wait before the edit play, and the operation of the photo vending machine can be smoothly performed. Then, when a failure or the like occurs in any of the editing means 4 and 5 and the computer apparatus 3B thereof, the other editing means 4 and 5 and the computer apparatus 3B thereof can take the place. Furthermore, as described above, different editing software can be utilized in various forms. As mentioned above, edit play takes a long time, so by performing multiple edit plays, each individual can enjoy edit play when playing in a group of multiple people. Play fairly. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to said each embodiment.

  FIG. 6 shows an image capturing / editing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this image photographing / editing apparatus, as in the case of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the photographing play and the editing play form a pair 8, and the pair 8 is opposed to each other, and the computer devices 3A and 3B are convenient for each play. Four are provided. The computer apparatuses 3A and 3B are connected to each other via a line concentrator (hub) 35 so that they can communicate with each other. Further, a concentrator 35 is interposed in order to share one printer 6 with two editing computer devices 3B. In addition, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6A, the printing means 6 may be added, and the added printing means 6 can print a print photograph different from the other printing means 6. Means 6 may be used. Other than that, it is the same as that of each said embodiment, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

  As described above, by interposing the line concentrator 35, it is possible to operate the computer apparatuses 3A and 3B in a mode in which the support function is exhibited as described above. This is effective for reducing the cost of the image photographing and editing apparatus. Further, the line concentrator 35 itself contributes to the simplification of the structure and the cost reduction as one of the above-mentioned common devices. Furthermore, by connecting a plurality of printers 6 to the line concentrator 35, a vacant printer can be used, and the customer's rotation rate can be improved. In addition, since the concentrator is provided with a large number of, for example, 8 to 16 connection ports (ports), it becomes easy to expand equipment related to each play. At the same time, maintainability of the entire image photographing / editing apparatus is improved. Furthermore, if an optical bus using an optical fiber or an optical LAN is used for the line concentrator, it can sufficiently cope with a future increase in the amount of data. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to said each embodiment.

  FIG. 7 shows an image capturing / editing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this image photographing and editing apparatus, two sets of editing means 4 and 5 are arranged in the one set 8, and a computer device 3 B is connected to each of the editing means 4 and 5. Other than that, it is the same as that of each said embodiment, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

  Thus, by adding the editing means 4 and 5, it is possible to smoothly perform an edit play that tends to take a long time, and the use efficiency of the photo vending machine is improved. Furthermore, in edit play, image processing such as image input, image composition, and image display, which has a heavy load on the computer device, is performed. Therefore, by providing a computer device for each edit play, processing can be distributed and input. It is possible to provide the user with a quick play in which the captured image is combined with the captured image in real time and displayed on the display. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to said each embodiment.

  FIG. 8 shows an image capturing / editing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. This image photographing / editing apparatus is obtained by improving the control of the power supplies of the computer apparatuses 3A and 3B. That is, open / close switches 32 and 33 are provided in the power supply circuit 30 of the computer device 3A for photographing play and the power supply circuit 31 of the computer device 3B for editing play. Reference numeral 34 denotes a main open / close switch that simultaneously opens and closes the power supplies of both the computer devices 3A and 3B when the business of the photo vending machine ends. The switch circuit is housed in a switch box 36, and the operation buttons 32A, 33A, 34A open / close the open / close switches 32, 33 and the main open / close switch 34. Other than that, it is the same as that of each said embodiment, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, when the computer device 3B on the editing play side is in a frozen state, the computer device 3B is turned off to take measures such as restarting, and on the other hand, the computer device 3A on the photographing play side. Therefore, it is possible to continue the shooting play without stopping the function of the image shooting / editing apparatus without stopping the function of the entire image shooting / editing apparatus. On the contrary, when the computer device on the photographing play side is frozen, it is possible to take measures such as restart without turning off the computer device on the editing play side. As described above, since the power supply control of each of the computer devices 3A and 3B is individually performed, it is possible to avoid stopping both the shooting play and the edit play, and all the users who are playing do not feel unpleasant. In short, the decline in customer turnover can be minimized. In other words, for a user who is playing on the side of a normal computer device, since the power supply of the computer device is not shut off, play is not interrupted and no time loss occurs. In addition, coins that have already been thrown in are not wasted. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to said each embodiment.

  Next, FIGS. 9 to 13 show an image capturing / editing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  In particular, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13 in association with the previous embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 9, the computer device 3A on the photographing play side and various devices connected thereto are collectively referred to as “photographing device”, and on the other hand, the computer device 3B on the editing play side and the computer device 3B are connected thereto. The various devices are collectively referred to as “editing apparatus”. The photographing device and the editing device are connected in the same manner as the network cable 29, and both the photographing and editing devices are communicable.

  Although not shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 1, the printing means 6 is connected to the editing device, and the outlet for the print medium 7 is provided on a surface other than the photographing booth 11 and the editing booth 12. It has been. A print play is one in which a print photograph is output by the printing means 6 or waiting for output.

  In the photographing apparatus, an image photographed by the camera 1 serving as photographing means is recorded as a photographed image on the hard disk of the computer device 3A in the photographing apparatus. In the shooting play, a plurality of shootings are performed in one play (two shootings in the case of FIG. 9), so that the shooting images 1 and 2 are sequentially recorded in the computer device 3A.

  “Photographed image information” is set as information representing the states of the photographed image 1 and the photographed image 2. The photographed image information is information commonly used for the photographed image 1 and the photographed image 2, and indicates the progress of the photographing play. That is, it can take values of “before shooting”, “after shooting”, “waiting for transfer”, and “during transfer”, and is set to a value of “before shooting” when the image shooting / editing apparatus is introduced. The progress states of “before shooting”, “after shooting”, “waiting for transfer”, and “during transfer” are stored in the hard disk of the computer device 3A as the storage means.

  The photographed image 1 and the photographed image 2 are sequentially transferred to the computer device 3B in the editing apparatus as the edited image 1 and the edited image 2 as shown in FIG. Recorded on the hard disk. Here, “transfer” may be either when the same image is copied to the transfer destination, or when the same image is copied to the transfer destination and the transfer source image is deleted (so-called movement). In the latter case, the deletion timing may be immediately after the transfer or may be deleted by being overwritten by the next user image.

  The edited image 1 is the same image to which the photographed image 1 of the photographing apparatus has been transferred. However, for convenience of explanation, the edited image 1 is represented as the photographed image 1 on the photographing apparatus side and the edited image 1 on the editing apparatus side. In the editing apparatus, the user 2 performs edit input such as drawing of characters, figures, paintings, etc. with the touch pen 5 on the edit image 1 and the edit image 2 displayed on the edit image monitor 4. An image 1 and an edit input image 2 are generated. The edit input image 1 is combined with the edit image 1 to generate a composite image 1. Similarly, a composite image 2 is generated.

  “Edited image information” is set as information that commonly represents the states of the edited image 1, the edited input image 1, the synthesized image 1 and the edited image 2, the edited input image 2, and the synthesized image 2. The edited image information is information commonly used for the edited image 1, the edited input image 1, the synthesized image 1 and the edited image 2, the edited input image 2, and the synthesized image 2, and indicates the progress of the editing play. Yes. That is, it can take values of “before editing” and “after editing”, and is set to a value of “after editing” when the image photographing editing apparatus is introduced. The progress states of “before editing” and “after editing” are stored in the hard disk of the computer device 3B as storage means. The edit input image 1 and the edit input image 2 may be temporarily generated on a memory or recorded in a hard disk.

  Next, the user 2 selects a layout as to how to arrange and print each composite image on one print medium 7, and the composite image 1 and the composite image 2 are selected according to the selected layout. A combined print image is generated. This print image is transferred to the printer 6 and printed.

  “Print image information” is set as information representing the state of these print images. The print image information indicates the progress state of the print play. That is, it can take the values “before printing” and “printed”, and is set to the value “printed” when the image photographing / editing apparatus is introduced. The progress states of “before printing” and “printed” are stored in the hard disk of the computer device 3B as the storage means.

  The photographed image information, edited image information, and print image information are represented by numerical values or character strings written in files in the hard disks of the computer devices 3A or 3B that are storage means, and are stored on the computer devices 3A and 3B. Can be read and written by programs that run on Even if the above program is stopped or the image photographing / editing apparatus is not turned on, the record in each hard disk is not erased. Even if the computer device 3A or 3B is in an abnormal state such as freeze due to some cause, and the function of the device stops, each play of the play when the abnormal state occurs The progress is memorized.

  As described above, since each image or each of the plurality of images has each piece of image information indicating the progress of shooting play, edit play, print play, etc., the apparatus stops operating in an abnormal state and is in a normal state. Even when the apparatus is turned off and then turned on again in order to recover to the original play, the last use state is recorded in the storage means. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user 2 with a subsequent play state, and the user 2 is not wasted time. In the present invention, the occurrence of an abnormal state in the device means that a power failure during normal operation or the power supply of the device has been shut down for some reason (for example, if the outlet is disconnected) The case where the device is stopped, such as when the breaker is dropped, is also included, and the recovery to the normal state in such a case includes the case where the device is restarted due to power-on again.

  The benefits provided to the user 2 described above are performed when the shooting play and the edit play are performed at different locations, and the computer devices 3A and 3B are provided for each play. This can be achieved by performing the process smoothly. On the other hand, even when a computer device is not attached for each play, the above-mentioned benefits can be provided to the user 2 by making it possible to accurately exhibit the function of the storage means. Other than that, it is the same as that of each said embodiment, and there exists an effect similar to said each embodiment also about another effect.

  The progress state of the photographed image information, the edited image information, and the print image information progresses with the performance of the photographing play and the editing play. The transition of the progress state of each image information will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the shooting play operation and the progress of the shot image information will be described with reference to FIG. When the photographing apparatus is turned on and activated, the photographed image information is set to “before photographing” as described above (S101). This “before photographing” state is that there is no photographed image data of the user 2 in the photographing apparatus, or after photographing play, the photographed image data is transferred to the editing device and stored in the hard disk of the computer device 3B. In this state, the shooting play is finished.

  During shooting play, that is, when the photographed image information is in a state other than “before shooting”, if an abnormality occurs in the shooting apparatus and it takes a long time to return, the user 2 is returned to the user 2 for the use of the apparatus, May cancel. In such a case, since the user 2 has already disappeared when the apparatus returns to normal, it is set to “Before Shooting” in step S101 immediately after the start-up, so that the process cannot proceed to the next play. However, a test mode, which will be described later, is provided so that play can be continued from the captured image stored in the computer device 3A of the photographing apparatus and transferred to the editing apparatus after the abnormality has been recovered, in case the abnormality recovery of the apparatus is short. Thus, the captured image information is set to “waiting for transfer”.

  In step S102, it waits for the editing apparatus to be normally activated based on the above-described situation presentation information. This is because, for example, it takes 5 minutes to 10 minutes to start the editing apparatus. Therefore, when shooting is performed while the editing apparatus is not operating, the user 2 spends a long time waiting for editing after shooting. It is to become.

  Next, the title, the usage procedure of the apparatus, etc. are displayed on the shooting demonstration screen (S103). If voice guidance is added simultaneously with this display, it is more effective. During display of the above-described shooting demonstration screen, first, input of consideration for using the apparatus is accepted (S105). Or, by pressing a test button (not shown) in the device, the maintenance engineer adjusts and maintains various devices, displays the operating status of the device, and changes the shooting play conditions (value, play time, etc.) Shifts to a test mode (S130). When the operation in the test mode is completed, the display returns to the shooting demonstration screen display in step S103.

  On the other hand, when the prescribed consideration (for example, 400 yen) is detected by the consideration processing unit 23 shown in FIG. 2, the photographing play can be performed by the operation of the computer device 3A (S106). In the shooting play, shooting is started after a shooting method, selection of a lighting device for shooting, and the like are performed. A plurality of shootings are possible in one shooting play, and after a plurality of shootings, a shot image to be used in the next editing play may be selected from the shot images.

  When the shooting play ends, the captured image information becomes “after shooting”. This “after photographing” state represents a state in which a photographed image of the user 2 who has finished photographing play exists in the photographing apparatus. Here, it is confirmed whether the editing apparatus is operating normally (S108). If the editing device is not operating normally, the user 2 is presented to wait in the photographing booth by displaying “Editing device is abnormal. Please wait for a while” (S109). Such display for the user 2 functions as a guidance notification for avoiding duplication of the user 2 in shooting play, edit play, print play, and the like. By doing so, it is possible to prevent troubles between users without having to make a match with the previous user.

  The screen “Editing device is abnormal. Please wait for a while” in step S109 continues to be displayed until the test button is pressed. (S110). During this display, the maintenance engineer takes measures such as recovering the abnormality of the editing apparatus. When the abnormality recovery process is completed, the test button is pressed by the maintenance engineer, and if the editing apparatus is operating normally, the process proceeds to the next step. On the other hand, if the editing apparatus is not yet operating normally, the above display is performed again in step S109, and the abnormality recovery procedure by the maintenance engineer is continued.

  Depending on the progress of the above-described abnormality recovery, it is possible to select whether to cancel the current shooting play or continue in step S112. This is because it takes time to recover the abnormality of the editing apparatus, and the user 2 may not be able to wait and cancel the subsequent play. In order to cancel the shooting play in this way, the shooting image information is set to “before shooting”, and the shooting demonstration screen display (S103) returns.

  It is possible to select whether the above-described abnormal recovery is completed successfully and whether the user 2 continues the play from the middle of the play when the abnormality occurs or whether to stop the play. This is because the above-mentioned mid-play state is stored in the computer device 3A or 3B, so that the above selection is possible. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the situation of the user 2 and the maintenance engineer who have lost play time due to abnormality recovery, which is effective.

  If the editing apparatus is operating normally in the operation confirmation in step S108, or if execution of a subsequent play is selected in S112 (NO in S112), the captured image information is set to “waiting for transfer” (S113). ), “Please move to the editing device” is displayed to the user (S114). The “waiting for transfer” state is a state indicating that the photographed image of the user 2 exists in the photographing apparatus, the photographing play is completed, and waiting for the photographed image to be transferred to the editing apparatus. Here, the user 2 can exit the shooting booth, and another user can enter the shooting booth, so that preparations before shooting play can be made quickly, such as making appearances and reading operation instructions. The above display “Please move to the editing device” is a guidance notification as part of avoiding duplication of the user 2 in the shooting play.

  When another user is using the editing device, transferring the captured image data from the image capturing device may cause an influence such as an overload on the computer device 3B of the editing device and a jerky editing operation. Proceeding to step 2 may cause troubles between users. For this reason, the captured image data is not transferred until the editing screen is displayed (standby) indicating that the editing apparatus is free (S115). If the photographing apparatus is not in the demonstration screen, the display waits for transfer of the photographed image, and in order not to proceed with the photographing play of the next user, a message such as “Please wait for a while” is displayed to the next user (S116). .

  If the shooting play is intentionally advanced here, a shooting play of a plurality of different users is performed, and the shot image data is excessively stored in the computer device 3A of the shooting apparatus. In such a state, when an abnormality that cannot be recovered in a short time occurs in the photographing apparatus or editing apparatus, the consideration for using the apparatus is returned to all the users 2 who have performed photographing play, and at the same time Waste. In order to prevent these, in step S115, the apparatus is put on standby so as not to perform shooting play so that a plurality of shot images do not accumulate in the apparatus. The guidance notification for this standby is “Please wait for a while” in step S116.

  If the editing device is on the demonstration screen, the captured image information is set to “Transferring” (S117), and the transfer of the captured image to the editing device is started (S118). Wait until the transfer of the captured image is completed (S119). When the transfer is completed, the captured image information is set to “before shooting” and the display returns to the shooting demonstration screen display (S103). As a result, the next user who is waiting for use inside or outside the shooting booth 11 can perform shooting play.

  As a control method for transferring the photographed image data to the computer device 3B of the editing apparatus, a method of registering a photographed image waiting for transfer in a queue, a queue, or the like is used to wait for a plurality of photographed image transfers. Can be transferred sequentially. Alternatively, after abnormal recovery of the apparatus, transfer may be performed sequentially in the test mode or the like, and a captured image may be displayed, selected, and canceled in the test mode. In addition, the use of the apparatus can be controlled by allowing the number of standby units to be set in the test mode or the like. This method is not contrary to the gist of the present invention as an effect of improving the customer turnover rate.

  Next, the edit play operation and the progress of the edited image information and print image information will be described with reference to FIG. When the editing apparatus is turned on and started, the suspended edited image or print image is restored based on the edited image information and the print image information. First, it is confirmed whether the print image information is “before printing” (S301). The “before printing” state is a state indicating that the print image of the user 2 exists and printing is not completed.

  If there is a print image to be printed (YES in S301), a message such as “Do you want to print?” Is displayed, and it is possible to select whether or not to print (S302). If the user 2 cancels play and prints when the user 2 is not already in use, the print medium 7 is wasted, so that selection can be made in this way. When not printing (NO in S302), the print image information is set to “printed” in order to invalidate the print image (S303), and the process proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, when printing (YES in S302), the print image is transferred to the printer 6 and printing is started (S304). After starting printing, the printer monitoring process (S305) waits for the end of printing while monitoring the printer. When printing is completed, the print image information is set to “printed” in the printer monitoring process. The monitoring is continued until the value of “printed” is reached, thereby waiting for the end of printing (S306).

  Here, the printer monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG. In the editing apparatus, the editing play in the editing booth 12 and the waiting for printing of the printer 6 outside the editing booth 12 can be performed simultaneously, thereby improving the customer turnover rate. Therefore, after printing on the printer 6 is started, it is necessary to monitor the printer 6 during the next user 2 editing play. This printer monitoring process is preferably performed at various places during the edit play, and particularly preferably at a timing when the user 2 is not operating during the edit play.

  In the printer monitoring process, first, it is checked whether an abnormality has occurred in the printer 6 (S201). Abnormal contents include out of paper, out of ink, paper jam, and mechanical trouble. If no abnormality has occurred in the printer 6 (NO in S201), the process proceeds to the next step. If an error has occurred in the printer, a message such as “Printer is abnormal. Please call an attendant” is displayed on the edited image monitor 4 shown in FIG. 1 or the like (S202) until the test button is pressed. Wait. During the standby, the maintenance engineer recovers from the printer abnormality. For example, if a piece of paper is out, replenishment of paper can be used. After recovery, pressing the test button (YES in S203) checks again whether the printer is normal and if normal (NO in S201), the process proceeds to the next step.

  Next, if printing is in progress, the end of printing is monitored. Here, a case where control is performed based on print image information is illustrated. As described above, since the printer monitoring process is a process that is appropriately performed during the edit play, it may not be during printing. Therefore, when the print image information is “printed”, that is, when printing is not performed (YES in S204), the printer monitoring process is not performed. If NO in step S204, that is, if printing is in progress, an inquiry is made to the printer as to whether printing is being performed, and printing is not being performed (the printer performs printing despite printing being performed according to the print image information). If not, it is determined that printing has ended, and the print image information is set to “printed”. Here, “before printing” of the print image information represents a state where there is a print image to be printed, and “printed” represents a state where there is no print image to be printed.

  Returning to the description of the operation flow of the editing apparatus shown in FIG.

  Next to the confirmation of the print image information after the activation and the print return processing (S301 to S306), the return processing for replaying the edited image interrupted during the edit play is performed. In step S307, it is checked whether or not the edited image information is “before editing”. “Before editing” in the edited image information represents a state in which editing play is not completed (print image is not generated) after the captured image is transferred from the imaging apparatus. If there is an edited image for which edit play has not been completed (YES in S307), it is possible to select whether to perform edit play (S308). As described in the above-described print return process, it is useless to continue the play without the user 2 because it is useless.

  When editing, it shifts to a play before editing (S318), and the user 2 can continue the play. If not edited, the edited image information is set to “after editing” in order to invalidate the edited image so that there is no edited image to be edited. The edited image information “after editing” represents a state in which the edited image does not exist or the edit play has been completed (a print image has been generated).

  As described above, steps S301 to S309 are an example of processing for selectively playing from the continuation of the state in which the apparatus is stopped when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus and the apparatus returns.

  As another example of the method for recovering the abnormality of the apparatus, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, and only selectable items are displayed or highlighted from the states of the edited image information and the print image information. It is desirable not to be able to make a selection even when a non-selectable item is displayed. This selection operation is performed by a maintenance engineer touching an item to be selected with the touch pen 5 provided in the editing apparatus. When “Reprint & Replay” is selected, the print image is printed and the edit play is continued. When “Reprint” is selected, the print image is printed. If “replay” is selected, the edit play is continued. When “Cancel” is selected, the editing apparatus proceeds without returning even if it can be reprinted or replayed.

  Therefore, since the play can be resumed by any one or a combination of reprinting, replaying, canceling, etc. in accordance with the progress state of each play stored in the storage means, when the normal state is restored Play can be restarted reliably in a short time.

  Returning to FIG. 11 again, after the return processing from steps S301 to S309, first, it is confirmed whether or not a photographed image has been transferred from the computer apparatus 3A of the photographing apparatus. That is, it is confirmed whether or not the captured image information in the imaging apparatus is “transferring” (S310). If it has not been transferred, an edit demonstration screen is displayed (S311), and it is checked whether the test button has been pressed (S312). If it has been pressed, the test mode is shifted to the test mode (S313). After returning from the test mode, the display will return to the edit demo screen. The test mode provided in the editing apparatus may be the same as or different from the test mode of the photographing apparatus.

  If the test button has not been pressed, the printer 6 is monitored to check whether the previous user's printing has been completed (S314). While the editing demonstration screen is displayed, the editing apparatus is in a standby state, during which the transfer of the captured image from the imaging apparatus is permitted. If YES in step S310, that is, if the captured image information is “transferring”, a display such as “Receiving an edited image!” Is displayed (S315), and the completion of the transfer of the captured image is awaited. Specifically, the process waits until the captured image information is not “transferring” (S316). When the transfer of the photographed image is completed and the edited image is normally received, the edited image information is set to “before editing”.

  Next, the user 2 performs a pre-edit play (S318). The pre-edit play is performed before the edit play in which characters, figures, paintings, and the like are drawn with the touch pen 5, for example, selection of an edit image used for the edit play, color conversion, rotation, and reduction of the edit image itself. And image processing such as trimming.

  After the pre-editing play, the printer 6 is monitored (S319), and if the print image is not “printed” (NO in S320), that is, if the previous user 2 has not finished printing, Is displayed (S321), and the edit play (S322) is put on standby. If printing of the previous user is completed (YES in S320), the next user performs an edit play (S322). The above “Please wait for a while” guidance notification is performed in order to avoid duplication of users who perform print play.

  Editing play such as letters and drawings can be terminated immediately because the operation can be terminated by interruption. In such a case, it may be possible to collide with a previous user. The edit play is divided into a pre-edit play (S318) and an edit play (S322), and the pre-edit play improves the customer turnover rate at the same time as the pre-edit play. By causing the user to wait, troubles between the user waiting for printing outside the editing booth 12 and the user waiting for editing in the editing booth 12 can be prevented, and the print image can be viewed. Can protect the privacy. In addition, during editing play of characters and drawings, the display necessary for editing edited images, characters and drawings, etc. is displayed, and a display such as a printing error of the previous user is displayed. It is not desirable to do so because it interrupts the play of the user who is performing the edit play. Furthermore, if a printing error occurs during an edit play and the editing apparatus is turned off, the edit play must be restarted from the beginning, which is a waste of time. These are also the reasons why the user waits before the edit play.

  When the edit play ends (a print image is generated), the edited image information is set to “after editing” (S323), the print image information is set to “before printing” (S324), and the print image data is transferred to the printer. It starts (S325) and waits until this transfer is completed (S326). The user 2 waits for printing in the editing booth 12 or in front of the printer take-out port, but when the transfer of the print image is not completed and the captured image information of the image capturing apparatus is “waiting for transfer” (S328). Is YES), since there is a user waiting for editing play in the photographing device, a message such as “Please leave the editing booth” is displayed to the user of the editing booth 12 (S329), Customer turnover can be improved.

  When the transfer of the print image to the printer 6 is completed, the printing is started (S327), and the process returns to the monitoring for waiting for the transfer of the photographic image from the photographic device (S310), so that the next user can use it. If there is no next user, display the edit demo screen and return to the standby state.

  The above is the description of the image capturing / editing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. However, the image capturing / editing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention can be provided by the above-described situation presentation information that can grasp the operation state and the storage means that sequentially stores the progress state. Two play modes will be described.

  In the operation of the image capturing apparatus of FIG. 10, after prompting the display “Please move to the editing apparatus” in S114, the captured image is transferred if the editing apparatus is in the demonstration screen, and after the transfer, the captured demonstration screen is displayed. Returning, the next coin insertion is accepted and shooting play becomes possible. Therefore, if the user does not move even if the display of S114 is prompted, the same user will continue to play shooting and the customer turnover rate will deteriorate.

  In general, coins are accepted on the shooting demonstration screen, and insertion is prohibited when shifting to shooting play. Immediately before returning to the shooting demonstration screen again, it is possible to enter by canceling the prohibition.

  Therefore, until the user who has finished the shooting play starts the edit play, the prohibition of coin insertion is not canceled, the above-mentioned problems can be solved, and the customer turnover rate can be improved. Specifically, the prohibition of coin insertion is canceled when the editing device is operating normally and the edited image information is “before editing” or when the first operation is performed with the touch pen 5 in the pre-editing play. It is conceivable to do so.

  In the second play mode, the editing play on the editing apparatus can be played for a long time until a coin is inserted into the photographing apparatus, that is, until the next user appears.

  In edit play, play time is often provided in advance. When there is no user in the photographing apparatus, the play time is set to a longer time than usual, and when there is a user, the normal time is set to start the edit play.

  If there is no user of the shooting device at the start of the edit play and appears during the edit play, the remaining play time is shortened at that point, and the user is more satisfied without lowering the customer turnover rate. Play can be provided. For example, when the normal play time is 2 minutes and the play time longer than normal is 5 minutes, when the shooting play starts when the remaining play time is within 2 minutes, the remaining play time is left as it is, and when the remaining play time is 2 minutes or more When shooting play starts, the remaining play time is reduced to 2 minutes.

  The normal play time and the play time longer than normal can be changed in the test mode described above. For example, it can be changed to 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, unlimited.

  The effects of the seventh embodiment of the present invention are listed as follows.

  Thus, by having image information indicating the progress of play such as shooting play, edit play, and print play in the image, the computer devices 3A and 3B for operating each play can easily change each other's state. Can be grasped, and each play can proceed smoothly.

  In addition, when some trouble occurs in the image capturing / editing device, when the countermeasure is taken and the power is turned on and restored, the progress of the play at the time of the trouble is recorded. You can continue. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration in which play can be continued or stopped selectively, it is possible to cope with the situation and there is no waste for the maintenance engineer or the user. That is, when recovering from the abnormal state to the normal state, since the progress state of each play is sequentially stored in the storage means, it is immediately determined what progress state each play was in, and the play is continued as it is. It is possible to immediately select whether to restore. Therefore, the play can be resumed in a short time when the normal state is restored.

  In addition, by having means for waiting or guiding the user 2, not only can smooth play be performed and the customer turnover rate be improved, but also the privacy of the user can be protected and troubles between users can be prevented. Can do. That is, since the user 2 can properly understand whether or not the next play can be received upon receiving this guidance notification, it is possible to avoid duplication like a match at a certain place, and the progress of the play of the user 2 can be avoided. It progresses in an orderly manner and can prevent troubles between users.

  Next, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show an image photographing / editing apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  This form is a developed form of the seventh embodiment, and the editing apparatus shown in FIG. 10 includes an editing play apparatus including a computer apparatus storing edited image information, and print image information stored therein. It is the form divided into the printing apparatus which performs the printing play provided with a computer apparatus. Also in this embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the editing device and the printing device are connected in the same way as the network cable 29, and both the editing and printing devices are in a communicable state. .

  In this case, since it is necessary to transfer the print image from the editing apparatus to the printing apparatus, progress states of “waiting for transfer” and “during transfer” regarding the transfer are added to the edited image information.

  The operation flow of the photographing apparatus in this case is the same as that in FIG. The operation flow of the editing apparatus is as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an operation flow of the photographing apparatus of FIG. 10 in which “edit” is replaced with “print” and “photograph” is replaced with “edit”. For this reason, since it can be easily understood from the explanation of the operation of the photographing apparatus in the seventh embodiment, detailed explanation is omitted.

  FIG. 15 is an operation flow of the printing apparatus. This can also be considered by replacing the “edit” with “print” in the operation flow of the editing apparatus in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the manufacturing cost due to the separation of the devices is high, but as is clear from comparison between FIG. 11 and FIG. Since unnecessary waiting time can be omitted, the overall play time of the image capturing / editing apparatus can be shortened, and the customer turnover rate can be further improved.

  In addition, since the operations of the photographing device and the editing device are equivalent, it is possible to have a sense of unity in the waiting and guidance of the user in the photographing device, the editing device, and the printing device. It is easy to grasp, can move between devices smoothly, can avoid duplication between users, and can effectively prevent troubles.

  Furthermore, since the process is simplified in the printing apparatus, the return process can be performed more smoothly. Other than that, there exists an effect similar to said each embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the image shooting / editing apparatus of this invention, (A) is a block diagram, (B) is a top view. It is [2]-[2] sectional drawing of FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image photographing / editing apparatus of the present invention. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the said image photographing editing apparatus, (A) is a block diagram, (B) is a top view. It is a figure which shows 3rd Embodiment of the said image photographing editing apparatus, (A) is a block diagram, (B) is a top view. It is a figure which shows 4th Embodiment of the said image photographing editing apparatus, (A) is a block diagram, (B) is a top view. It is a figure which shows 5th Embodiment of the said image photographing editing apparatus, (A) is a block diagram, (B) is a top view. It is a figure which shows 6th Embodiment of the said image photographing editing apparatus, (A) is a circuit diagram, (B) is a top view of a switch box. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement content of the imaging device and editing device which show 7th Embodiment of the said image shooting / editing apparatus. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement flow of an imaging device. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement flow of an editing apparatus. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement flow of printer monitoring. It is a figure which shows a play return method selection menu screen. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the editing apparatus in 8th Embodiment of the said image photographing editing apparatus. It is a flowchart figure which shows the operation | movement flow of the printing apparatus in 8th Embodiment of the said image | photographing / editing apparatus. It is a top view which shows a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera 2 Subject, user, user 3A Computer apparatus 3B Computer apparatus 4 Edit image monitor, display 5 Touch pen 6 Printing means, Printer 7 Print medium 8 Set 9 Case 10 Light 11 Shooting booth 12 Editing booth 13 Aggregate 14 Wall Plate 15A Curtain 15B Curtain 15 Entrance Curtain 16 Exit Curtain 17 Partition Curtain 18 Arrow 19 Speaker 20 Speaker 21 Captured Image Monitor 22 Operation Unit 23 Consideration Processing Unit 24 Coin Insert 25 Bus 26 Bus 27 Communication Device 28 Communication Device 29 Network cable 30 Power supply circuit 31 Power supply circuit 32 Open / close switch 33 Open / close switch 34 Main open / close switch 32A Operation button 33A Operation button 34A Operation button 35 Concentrator, hub, HUB
36 switch box 60 photo vending machine 61 wall material 62 internal space 63 housing 64 photographing booth 65 editing booth 66A front surface 66B rear surface 67 subject, user, user 68 CCD camera 69 photographed image monitor 70 computer device 71 input port 72 consideration processing unit 73 Illuminating device 74 Speaker 75 Aisle 76 Display 77 Touch pen 78 Print medium 79 Printer 80 Speaker 81 Curtain 82 Curtain 83 Curtain

Claims (6)

An image photographing / editing apparatus capable of simultaneously providing photographing processing, editing processing, and a printing medium to different users by providing a photographing region for photographing, an editing region for editing, and a print medium outlet at different locations. Because
Photographing means for photographing a subject as a user;
Editing means for displaying a photographed image photographed by the photographing means and receiving an input of an edited image to be combined with the photographed image;
Printing means for printing a composite image of the captured image and the edited image on a print medium;
Storage means for respectively storing the progress of the editing process by the editing means and the printing process by the printing means;
When returned to normal state abnormal state in the image capturing editing apparatus occurs, according to the progress state read out from the memory means, the print processing provided to have editing process on the different users, printing Selecting means for selecting whether or not to start the printing process when there is a print image to be printed, and selecting whether or not to restart the editing process when the editing process is not completed. An image photographing and editing apparatus.   A second selecting means for allowing a user who has finished photographing by the photographing means to select whether or not to continue processing when an abnormal state occurs in the image photographing / editing apparatus and recovers to a normal state; The image photographing / editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An image photographing / editing apparatus capable of simultaneously providing photographing processing, editing processing, and a printing medium to different users by providing a photographing region for photographing, an editing region for editing, and a print medium outlet at different locations. Image shooting and editing method in
A photographing step by photographing means for photographing a subject as a user;
An editing step by an editing means for displaying a photographed image photographed by the photographing means and receiving an input of an edited image to be combined with the photographed image;
A printing step by printing means for printing a composite image of the photographed image and the edited image on a print medium;
A storage step by a storage unit that stores the progress of the editing process by the editing unit and the printing process by the printing unit;
When returned to normal state abnormal state in the image capturing editing apparatus occurs, according to the progress state read out from the memory means, the print processing provided to have editing process on the different users, printing The computer device executes a selection step of selecting whether or not to start the printing process when there is a print image to be selected, and selecting whether or not to restart the editing process when the editing process is not completed. An image shooting and editing method characterized by that.   A second selection step for allowing the user who has finished photographing by the photographing means to select whether or not to continue the process when an abnormal state occurs in the image photographing / editing apparatus and recovers to a normal state; The image shooting / editing method according to claim 3, further executed. An image photographing / editing apparatus capable of simultaneously providing photographing processing, editing processing, and a printing medium to different users by providing a photographing region for photographing, an editing region for editing, and a print medium outlet at different locations. An image shooting and editing program in
A photographing step by photographing means for photographing a subject as a user;
An editing step by an editing means for displaying a photographed image photographed by the photographing means and receiving an input of an edited image to be combined with the photographed image;
A printing step by printing means for printing a composite image of the photographed image and the edited image on a print medium;
A storage step by a storage unit that stores the progress of the editing process by the editing unit and the printing process by the printing unit;
When returned to normal state abnormal state in the image capturing editing apparatus occurs, according to the progress state read out from the memory means, the print processing provided to have editing process on the different users, printing Causing the computer apparatus to execute a selection step of selecting whether to start the printing process when there is a print image to be processed and selecting whether to restart the editing process when the editing process is not completed . An image shooting and editing program characterized by that.   A second selection step for allowing the user who has finished photographing by the photographing means to select whether or not to continue the process when an abnormal state occurs in the image photographing / editing apparatus and recovers to a normal state; The image shooting / editing program according to claim 5, further executed.

Images