JP4682908B2 - PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING DEVICE, PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, CONTROL PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographic printing apparatus that is installed in, for example, a game center and prints a photograph of a user's face or figure, a control method for the photographic printing apparatus, a control program, and a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in amusement facilities such as game centers, a photography printing apparatus for taking a photograph of a user and combining the photograph with a background image and outputting it as a sticker print has been installed and is gaining popularity. .

  FIG. 16 shows a game flow from shooting to photo printing by a conventional photo shooting and printing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 16, first, the user performs shooting in a shooting space (S1). Then, the user performs editing such as graffiti and brightness adjustment, background image synthesis, and the like on the captured image generated by the capturing in S1 (S2). The edited image after editing is output as a sticker print (S3), and the game ends.

  Here, in the editing process of S2, in particular, the brightness and color tone of the captured image displayed on the display screen are corrected by a pointing device such as a touch pen, the background image is synthesized, and a graffiti or stamp is added. The user can play a variety of image editing such as doing. The user tends to play with emphasis on editing rather than shooting.

FIG. 17 shows a flow of an editing game performed in the conventional editing space. As shown in FIG. 17, when shooting in the shooting space is completed, the user then moves to the editing space and selects an editing target image to be edited from the shot images (S11). Then, editing operations such as brightness and color tone correction, background image composition, and graffiti are performed on the selected image to be edited (S12). Here, the edited image edited by the user can be displayed on the display unit before printing so that the image and finish can be confirmed (S13), and the user proceeds to the next step (for example, printing step). If this is desired (YES in S14), the editing process is terminated and the process proceeds to the next step. If the user is not satisfied with the finish (NO in S14), the process returns to the editing process in S12.

  In the series of game processes from shooting to printing, especially in the editing process, the types of processing vary widely, such as correction of brightness and color tone, composition of background images, addition of graffiti and stamps, and user creativity. Is the most playable process. Therefore, it is common for the user to repeat editing until the user likes it. This causes time to pass and causes a decrease in the rotation rate.

  Therefore, in order to increase the user's turnover rate in the photographic printing apparatus and improve the profitability on the store side, how to shorten the editing process becomes a problem.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the editing process is further divided into a plurality of processes, and the work space is also divided, thereby dispersing the residence time in the editing process, thereby avoiding a decrease in the rotation rate. An image photographing / editing apparatus is disclosed.
Japanese Patent No. 3794696 (issued March 1, 2006)

  However, the image photographing / editing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.

  That is, even if the editing process is divided into a plurality of processes, only the flow shown in FIG. 17 is executed in each editing process. That is, the user selects an image to be edited, and the user performs one or a plurality of patterns of image editing on one photographed image, and repeats the work of changing and confirming the edited image until the desired image is obtained. There is no change.

  Therefore, in each editing process, editing is repeated until the user likes it, so that the problem that the rotation rate decreases still remains.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photographic printing apparatus that outputs a photographed image generated by photographing a subject to a print paper by executing a plurality of steps. An object of the present invention is to realize a photographic printing apparatus, a photographic printing apparatus control method, a control program, and a recording medium that reduce the time required for the above steps and improve the rotation rate.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the photography printing apparatus according to the present invention performs the above-described photography in the photography printing apparatus that outputs a photographed image generated by photographing a subject to a printed paper by performing a plurality of steps. A plurality of image editing processing contents to be applied to the image are determined in advance, the photographed image is edited according to a plurality of editing pattern information indicating each processing content, and a plurality of first editing images are obtained for each editing pattern information. First image editing means to be generated, display control means for controlling the display unit to display a plurality of first edited images generated by the first image editing means, and the plurality of first images displayed on the display unit A target image specifying unit that specifies an image selected by the user from among the edited images as a target image to be used in a process after receiving the selection of the image; It is characterized in that.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a control method for a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention is a photographic printing apparatus that outputs a photographic image generated by photographing a subject to printed paper by performing a plurality of steps. In the control method, a plurality of image editing processing contents to be applied to the photographed image are determined in advance, the photographed image is edited according to a plurality of editing pattern information indicating each processing content, and a plurality of processing contents are edited for each editing pattern information. A first editing step for generating the first editing image, a display step for controlling the display unit to display the plurality of first editing images generated in the first editing step, and the above-described display displayed on the display unit An image feature that identifies an image selected by the user from among the plurality of first edited images as a target image to be used in a process after receiving the selection of the image. It is characterized in that it comprises a step.

  According to the above configuration or method, when a photographed image obtained by photographing a subject is generated, the first image editing unit edits the photographed image according to the content of the image editing process indicated in the edit pattern information. To generate a first edited image.

  The editing pattern information indicates the processing contents of image editing applied to the captured image. A plurality of image editing processing contents are determined in advance, and a plurality of editing pattern information indicating the processing contents are prepared.

  Therefore, the first image editing unit generates a plurality of first edited images that are edited in accordance with each editing pattern information for one captured image.

  Subsequently, the display control unit controls the display unit so that the plurality of first edited images generated by the first image editing unit are displayed on the display unit. Here, the display layout of each edited image (such as how many images are displayed on one screen) is not particularly limited.

  Then, when a user's desired image is selected by the user from among the plurality of first edited images displayed on the display unit, the target image specifying unit specifies the image selected by the user as the target image.

  The target image is an image used in a process after accepting the selection of the image. More specifically, for example, a print target image used in a printing process, a process in which a user edits a graffiti, etc. The image to be edited or the image to be transmitted used in the step of transferring the image to a communication terminal device such as a mobile phone is assumed, but these are only examples, and the object image is not particularly limited. . The target image specified by the target image specifying means is read and used as necessary by each part of the photographic printing apparatus 1 that executes the next process as the next process target image used in the next process as described above. Is possible.

  As described above, since the editing process for the captured image is automatically executed, the edited image can be obtained from the captured image without requiring any user operation. Therefore, as compared with the case where the user manually edits the captured image, the time required for the editing process is greatly reduced.

  The edited image is displayed on the display unit, and the user only has to select an image that the user wants to use in the next step. Therefore, unlike the conventional process, it is not necessary to repeat the process of returning to the pre-editing step until the editing result is a favorite, and the user's operation is simplified. It is possible to proceed to the process.

  From the above, it is possible to drastically reduce the time required for the editing process, which was a bottleneck of the entire game in the past, before moving on to the next process. It is possible to improve the rotation rate. Along with this, the profitability on the store side where the photo printing apparatus is installed is improved.

  Furthermore, since a plurality of edited images rich in variations are automatically generated for each photographed image, the user can select a desired next process target image from the plurality of edited images rich in variations. Therefore, even if the editing process is automated, the user can obtain an edited image that suits his / her preference.

  The photographic printing apparatus further includes an image generating unit that generates a small sized captured image having a data size smaller than the captured image corresponding to the generated captured image, and the first image editing unit includes the image It is preferable that the first edited image is generated by editing the small-size captured image generated by the generating unit.

  According to the above configuration, when a photographic image obtained by photographing the subject is generated, the image generation unit generates a small sized captured image having a data size smaller than the original captured image corresponding to the generated original captured image. Generate.

  The first image editing unit performs editing according to the editing pattern information on the small-sized captured image generated separately from the original captured image, and generates a first edited image.

  As a result, the first image editing unit edits a small-sized photographed image for editing having a size smaller than the photographed image, and thus the processing is simpler than editing an original photographed image having a large data size. And speeding up. Further, it is possible to reduce the load on the first image editing means for the editing process.

  In addition, an edited image generated by editing a small-size captured image has a data size smaller than that obtained by editing the original captured image.

  As a result, the load of the edited image display processing applied to the display control means is reduced, and the processing can be speeded up. As a result, the image editing process is executed quickly, and the display speed of the edited image is improved.

  From the above, the processing efficiency of the entire photographic printing apparatus is improved, and the editing time can be further shortened.

  Note that a method for generating a small-size captured image in the image generation means is not particularly limited. For example, the image data size may be reduced by a code compression method, or the data size may be reduced by reducing the size of the image itself.

  The photography and printing apparatus further edits the target image to generate a second edited image according to the processing contents of the image editing determined by a user operation performed via the input unit. Preferably means are provided.

  Further, the control method of the photography printing apparatus further edits the target image identified in the image identification step according to the content of the image editing process determined by the user operation performed via the input unit. Thus, it is preferable to include a second editing step for generating a second edited image.

  According to the above configuration or method, the second image editing unit further edits the target image selected and specified by the user from the first edited images edited by the first image editing unit. Then, a second edited image is generated.

  Here, the first editing executed by the first image editing means in the first editing step is editing executed in accordance with editing pattern information indicating predetermined processing contents of image editing. On the other hand, the second editing executed by the second image editing means in the second editing step is editing executed according to the processing contents of the image editing determined by the user operation performed via the input unit.

  That is, the editing step for editing the captured image is a first editing step that does not require user judgment or operation (can be automated by editing pattern information), and a second editing step in which editing content is determined by the user operation. The photography and printing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to include a first image editing unit that executes the first editing step and a second image editing unit that executes the second editing step.

  As a result, the editing time that can be automated using the editing pattern information determined in advance is executed by the first image editing means, so that the editing time can be shortened. Further, the second image editing means receives the user's operation and executes editing work (such as graffiti or stamp) according to the user's operation, thereby providing the user with playability of the editing work, It is possible to prevent the degree of satisfaction from being lowered.

  Conventionally, since all editing processes are executed according to the user's judgment and manual operation, the editing time becomes longer, and as a result, the time required for the end of the game becomes longer and the rotation rate decreases. I was sorry. On the other hand, if a short time limit is provided for the editing time, the rotation rate is improved, but it is impossible to obtain a satisfactory print image by enjoying editing as the user thinks. That is, there is a problem in that the satisfaction of the user is sacrificed for improving the rotation rate.

  However, according to the photography printing apparatus of the present invention, in the first editing step, the first image editing means shortens the editing time, and in the second editing step (by the second image editing means) Therefore, the editing time can be shortened without sacrificing the playability and amusement inherent in the editing process and without sacrificing user satisfaction.

  The display control means preferably controls the display unit to display a list of the plurality of first edited images.

  According to the above configuration, the display unit displays a plurality of first edited images (candidate images) that are candidates for the target image in a list. Accordingly, the user can confirm the candidate images displayed in a list and can immediately select a target image that the user wants to use in the next step, so that the user can move to the next step more quickly. As a result, the rotation rate is improved.

  Further, the display control unit controls the display unit to display the captured images together with the plurality of first edited images, and the target image specifying unit displays the plurality of first images displayed on the display unit. It is preferable to specify an image selected by the user among the edited image and the captured image as a target image.

  According to the above configuration, original photographed images that have not been edited are listed as candidate images together with the first edited image. Then, an image to be used in the next step is selected by the user from the plurality of first edited images and the captured images displayed on the display unit, and the target image specifying unit accepts the selection, and the target image specifying unit selects the target image. Identify.

  As a result, the user compares the edited image displayed on the list with the photographed image and likes the original photographed image over the edited image, that is, “if you want to cancel the editing process and return to the original”. The operation of “cancel editing” can be performed simply by selecting the captured image.

  Conventionally, the user confirms the editing result and, if he / she does not like the editing result, cancels editing, returns to the step before editing, and performs an operation of selecting a desired image again. However, according to the photography printing apparatus of the present invention, the photographed image can be confirmed by comparing the edited image with the edited image at the same time, and the photographed image that has not been edited is selected as the target image to be used in the next process. It is possible to quickly move to the next process simply by doing. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time for the editing process before moving to the next process and improve the rotation rate.

  Conventionally, since the confirmation of the photographed image is performed in the photographing space and the confirmation of the edited image is performed in the editing space, a separate display unit has to be provided. Since the confirmation of the image and the confirmation of the edited image can be performed simultaneously on one display unit, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, the plurality of edited images are recorded in the image recording unit for recording the captured image and the edited image in association with the captured image before the image editing application, and the display control unit In addition, it is preferable to control the display unit to display a list of a plurality of edited images associated with the captured image.

  According to the above configuration, a plurality of edited images generated for one photographed image are associated with the photographed image and displayed in a list so that the correspondence relationship is clear. Accordingly, the user can quickly confirm what kind of edited image is obtained for which captured image, and can select a desired target image. As a result, it is possible to quickly move to the next step and improve the rotation rate.

  Conventionally, one edited image is generated for one photographed image, whereas the photograph printing apparatus of the present invention generates a plurality of edited images for one photographed image. Are displayed in a list, and the user can select them, so that a plurality of edited images to which different image editing is applied can be obtained from one photographed image obtained by one photographing, and one or a plurality of objects can be obtained therefrom. You can select an image.

  Therefore, the photographic printing apparatus of the present invention can be set so that the number of shootable images ≦ the number of editable images. Accordingly, while providing the user with various variations of the printed image, the number of times of photographing can be reduced and the time taken for the photographing process can be shortened, so that the rotation rate can be further improved.

  The photography printing apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, the photography printing apparatus control program for realizing the photography printing apparatus by a computer by causing the computer to operate as the respective means. And a computer-readable recording medium on which it is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  In the photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of image editing processing contents to be applied to the photographic image are determined in advance, the photographic image is edited according to a plurality of editing pattern information indicating each processing content, First image editing means for generating a plurality of first edited images for each edit pattern information; display control means for controlling the display unit to display the plurality of first edited images generated by the first image editing means; A target image specifying unit that specifies an image selected by the user from the plurality of first edit images displayed on the display unit as a target image to be used in a process after receiving the selection of the image; Yes.

  In the method for controlling a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of image editing processing contents to be applied to the photographic image are determined in advance, and the photographic image is edited according to a plurality of editing pattern information indicating each processing content. An edit step for generating a plurality of first edit images for each edit pattern information, a display step for controlling the display unit to display the plurality of first edit images generated in the edit step, and the display unit An image specifying step of specifying an image selected by the user from among the plurality of first edited images displayed on the screen as a target image to be used in a process after receiving the selection of the image.

  In the method for controlling a photographic printing apparatus according to the present invention, a plurality of image editing processing contents to be applied to the photographic image are determined in advance, and the photographic image is edited according to a plurality of editing pattern information indicating each processing content. A first editing step for generating a plurality of first editing images for each editing pattern information, and a display step for controlling the display unit to display the plurality of first editing images generated in the first editing step; The image specifying step for specifying the first edited image selected by the user among the plurality of first edited images displayed on the display unit and the user operation performed via the input unit are determined. A second editing step of generating a second edited image by editing the first edited image specified in the image specifying step according to the processing contents of the image editing. There.

  Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for each process from photographing to printing and improve the rotation rate.

  An embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings.

[Appearance of photo printing device]
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are perspective views showing the appearance of the photographic printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The photography printing apparatus 1 includes a photographing unit 2 that photographs a user's photograph, an editing unit 3 that allows a user to edit graffiti and the like on a photograph (photographed image), and a photograph that the user has edited. And a printing unit 4 that outputs (edited image) to a print sheet. 2A shows an appearance from the photographing unit 2 side in the photographic printing apparatus 1, and FIG. 2B shows an appearance from the editing unit 3 and the printing unit 4 side.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the photographing unit 2. The photographing unit 2 performs user photography. The imaging unit 2 includes a coin processing unit 21, an illumination unit 22, a camera unit 23, a captured image display unit 24, a camera image display unit 25, and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the photographing unit 2 includes an operation unit 26 (not shown) for operating the photographing unit 2 such that the user selects a photographed image displayed on the photographed image display unit 24. .

  The photographing unit 2 can be provided with a luggage storage area 122 for storing a user's valuables such as valuables. The installation location of the luggage storage area 122 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to effectively use an empty space in the imaging unit 2.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the captured image display unit 24 and the coin processing unit 21 are installed on the right side of the camera unit 23 so as not to obstruct the angle of view of the camera unit 23. When the imaging unit 2 has a symmetrical structure with the camera unit 23 as the center, it does not interfere with the angle of view of the camera unit 23 and is symmetrical with respect to the space in which the captured image display unit 24 and the coin processing unit 21 are installed. Space (left side of the camera unit 23) can also be used widely. Therefore, the same space can be effectively used as the luggage storage area 122. In addition, since the space is a front part of the photographing and enters the user's field of view even during photographing, a crime prevention effect can be expected.

  The photographic printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10 that controls various operations in the photographic printing apparatus 1 by controlling the above-described units. Details of each of the above-described units and the control unit 10 will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the editing unit 3a. The configuration of the editing unit 3b is the same as that of the editing unit 3a, and is not shown here. The editing unit 3b is provided facing the editing unit 3a. Hereinafter, the editing unit 3 will be collectively described.

  The editing unit 3 is for executing an editing process such as graffiti on a captured image after the user finishes the shooting process by the shooting unit 2. The touch panel unit 31, the touch pen 32, and the voice output unit 33 Etc. Each unit of the editing unit 3 is controlled by the control unit 10. Details of the above-described units will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the printing unit 4. In the present embodiment, the printing unit 4 is provided on the side surfaces of the editing unit 3 a and the editing unit 3 b, and thus FIG. 5 shows the side surface of the editing unit 3. The printing unit 4 prints an edited image after the user has finished the editing process by the editing unit 3 on sticker paper, and discharges the printed sticker paper. In the present embodiment, print discharge ports 44a and 44b are provided on the side surface of the editing unit 3, and the sticker sheet of the edited image edited by the editing unit 3a is discharged from the print discharge port 44a. The sticker sheet of the edited image that has been edited in 3b is discharged from the print discharge port 44b.

  FIG. 6 is a top view of the photographic printing apparatus 1. In the photographic printing apparatus 1 configured as described above, the user first enters the photographic space 20 provided with the photographic unit 2 and executes a photographic process, and then the editing unit 3 (the editing unit 3a or the editing unit 3b). To the editing space (editing space 30a or editing space 30b) provided with the image, the editing process is executed, and the photo output from the printing unit 4 is received in the printing space 40. Enjoy a series of game processes. Note that X and Y shown in FIG. 6 indicate groups of users. When the user group X finishes shooting and moves to the editing space 30a, the user group Y performs shooting in the shooting space 20. The user group Y that has finished shooting moves to the editing space 30b instead of the editing space 30a and performs editing. Thereby, even if the user group X has not finished the editing process in the editing space 30a at the time when the shooting process of the user group Y that has entered later is completed, the user group Y can immediately wait without generating a waiting time. It is possible to move to the editing process.

  The photography printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure including two editing units 3 as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 6, and the first editing is performed. The unit 3a and the second editing unit 3b are installed facing each other. Thus, by providing more editing units 3 than the imaging units 2, it is possible to disperse the processing time related to the editing process that is a bottleneck and improve the rotation rate. However, the photography printing apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration. The installation position of the editing unit 3 is not particularly limited, and the number of installations may be one editing unit 3 or three or more editing units 3 may be provided if the installation location can be secured. Good.

[Configuration of Photographic Printing Device-Overview]
Next, the operation of the control unit 10 in the photographic printing apparatus 1 and each unit of the photographic printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a photographic printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic printing apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes a photographing unit 2, an editing unit 3, a printing unit 4, a control unit 10, and a recording unit 50.

  The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the operations of the above-described units included in the photographic printing apparatus 1. The control unit 10 is configured by, for example, a PC (personal computer) based computer. And operation control of various composition is performed by making a computer run a control program. This program may be in the form of reading and using what is recorded on a removable medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be in the form of reading and using what is installed on a hard disk or the like. Further, when the control unit 10 is configured to be connected to a communication network such as the Internet, a mode in which the program is downloaded via the communication network, installed on a hard disk, and the like can be considered.

  The photographic printing apparatus 1 includes a recording unit 50 that includes a nonvolatile storage device such as the hard disk described above. Examples of the contents stored in the recording unit 50 include the control program, an OS (Operating System) program, other various programs, operation setting values in the camera unit 23, and image data of captured images and edited images. Examples of the operation setting values in the camera unit 23 include white balance values set at the time of shipment of the photographic printing apparatus 1 and maintenance, various parameter values related to image processing when adjusting the contrast of the captured image, and the like. It is done.

  Details of the configuration of the control unit 10 and the recording unit 50 for shortening the editing time will be described later.

  The imaging unit 2 executes an imaging process, and includes a coin processing unit 21, an illumination unit 22, a camera unit 23, a captured image display unit 24, a camera image display unit 25, and an operation unit 26. Although not shown here, the photographing unit 2 may include a voice output unit for performing voice guidance so as to prompt the user to perform a certain operation.

  The coin processing unit 21 performs processing for coins that are taken in and out at the coin insertion / return port 121 shown in FIG. The coin insertion / return slot 121 is a slot for the user to insert a predetermined number of predetermined coins as a usage fee for the photographic printing apparatus 1, and for discharging a predetermined amount of coins to be returned to the user. It is a discharge port. As shown in FIG. 3, the coin insertion / return port 121 may be provided at an appropriate position of the photographing unit 2. A coin processing unit 21 is provided inside the photography printing apparatus 1 so as to communicate with the coin insertion / return port 121.

  The coin processing unit 21 determines whether or not a predetermined coin has been inserted. When it is determined that a predetermined coin has been inserted, the control unit 10 is notified, and the inserted coin is sent out to a coin container (not shown) for storing coins. On the other hand, when it is determined that a coin other than the predetermined coin has been inserted, the inserted coin is sent again to the coin insertion / return port 121.

  In addition, when there is no money change machine for exchanging banknotes and coins into predetermined coins, the banknote input port is newly provided, the banknote processing device is provided, or the change processing device is provided. Is desirable.

  When the coin processing unit 21 determines that a predetermined coin has been inserted from the coin insertion / return port 121 as described above, the coin processing unit 21 notifies the control unit 10. And the control part 10 will perform an accounting process, if the notification from the coin process part 21 is received. That is, the control unit 10 counts notifications from the coin processing unit 21 and controls various operations for the user according to the amount of money that the user has inserted.

  The illumination unit 22 functions as a photographic flashlight such as a strobe lamp at the time of photographing and also functions as a normal illumination. In this embodiment, a flash lamp is used as the light source, but a light source that emits continuous light, such as a fluorescent lamp, can also be used. Further, a fluorescent lamp or the like can be provided as an auxiliary light source in the vicinity of the flash lamp. By using a continuous light source or an auxiliary light source, it is possible to infer a shot at the time of shooting from a live view image before shooting.

  The camera unit 23 mainly takes a photograph of a user as a subject, and is configured by a digital camera including, for example, a lens group, a diaphragm, a CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor, and the like. The camera unit 23 is configured to be able to switch, for example, a lens group to be used and an aperture so as to be able to cope with both whole body photography and close-up photography.

  The captured image display unit 24 provides a user interface to the user, and displays various images, various operation buttons, and the like. The operation unit 26 is an input device for inputting an instruction signal for the user to perform a game operation on the photo printing apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 is realized as a touch panel integrated with the captured image display unit 24. That is, a GUI screen such as operation buttons is displayed on the captured image display unit 24. When the display screen of the photographed image display unit 24 is pressed by a user's finger (or a pointing device such as a touch pen), an instruction signal indicating a button or an image corresponding to the position is input into the photograph printing apparatus 1. Is done.

  The photographed image display unit 24 is configured by providing a touch panel on the surface of a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display element or a CRT, for example. By displaying the captured image captured by the camera unit 23 on the captured image display unit 24, the user can check the captured image. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 is configured as a touch panel provided integrally with the captured image display unit 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation unit 26 is provided with, for example, a numeric keypad or a cross key. It may be configured as an input device such as a remote controller or a keyboard.

  The camera image display unit 25 displays a real-time video captured by the camera unit 23, that is, a live view image before shooting. By displaying the live view image on the camera image display unit 25, the user can confirm the image in advance and start shooting.

  The editing unit 3 executes an editing process, and includes a touch panel unit 31 and a touch pen 32. The editing unit 3 may further include an audio output unit 33.

  The touch panel unit 31 provides a user interface to the user, and includes an edited image display unit 31a and an operation reception unit 31b. The edited image display unit 31a displays an image to be edited in the editing process (edited image) and a result of editing the shot image (edited image). The operation accepting unit 31b accepts a user instruction signal input by using a pointing device such as a touch pen and transmits it to the inside of the photographic printing apparatus 1.

  The touch pen 32 is used by a user to perform fine operation input on the touch panel unit 31 in image editing processing or the like, and is disposed near the touch panel unit 31. The user can select a button displayed according to the progress of the process or draw an image such as a graffiti by bringing the touch pen 32 into contact with or approaching the touch panel unit 31.

  For example, when the screen of the touch panel unit 31 is pressed with the touch pen 32, an instruction signal indicating a button or an image corresponding to the position is input to the inside of the photographic printing apparatus 1. Thereby, the user can perform graffiti on the photographed image, press a stamp, or select a print target image to be printed.

  In the present embodiment, two touch pens 32 are provided so that a plurality of users can easily perform image editing. However, in order to simplify the configuration, only one touch pen 32 may be provided. Yes, and more than two can be deployed for more than two users. Similarly, a plurality of touch pens 32 can be provided.

  The audio output unit 33 outputs guidance voices and sound effects for various operations, and is provided at an appropriate place of the photo print apparatus 1.

  The printing unit 4 executes a printing process by printing a photographed image and / or edited image selected as a printing target, and includes an ID tag reader / writer unit 41 and a printer unit 42. A seal paper 142 and an ID tag 141 serving as a photo print output medium are delivered to the printing unit 4 as a seal paper unit 43 as a set.

  When image data to be output is sent from the control unit 10, the printer unit 42 prints on the sticker sheet 142 based on the image data. As the printer unit 42, for example, a sublimation printer is used. When a sublimation printer is used, a sublimation ink film is delivered as a set in addition to the sticker paper 142 and the ID tag 141.

  The ID tag reader / writer unit 41 reads out various pieces of identification information recorded in the ID tag 141 and outputs them to the control unit 10. The ID tag 141 is configured by an IC chip having a memory function. Examples of the identification information include a unique ID, the number of sheets, a sheet type, and ink-specific color information (when an ink film is set).

  Based on the identification information read by the ID tag reader / writer unit 41, the control unit 10 determines whether the attached sticker paper 142 and the ink film are usable in the photography printing apparatus 1, and can be used. Only when it is, the printer unit 42 can be operated. In other words, settings other than the seal paper 142 and the ink film designated in the photo printing apparatus 1 are set so that they cannot be used.

  In addition, by counting down the number of sheets each time sticker paper is used based on the information on the number of sheets recorded in the ID tag 141, the remaining number of sheets can be grasped. Therefore, when the remaining number of sheets is reduced, a configuration that warns the user with a display means or the like can avoid a problem such as running out of sheets during use by the user. .

  When counting down the number of sheets, it is desirable to rewrite the number of sheets information recorded in the ID tag 141. As a result, when the paper is used up, the paper number information recorded in the ID tag 141 is also zero, and the ID tag 141 can be invalidated.

  Further, by reading the paper type information recorded in the ID tag 141 and the color information unique to the ink, and correcting the color component of the image data in consideration of these, the seal paper 142 and the ink film are accurately obtained. Image output can be performed.

  As the ID tag 141, there are a non-contact type ID tag capable of performing wireless data communication and a contact type ID tag provided with a terminal. The ID tag reader / writer unit 41 includes It corresponds to either one or both.

  In the above example, the ID tag 141 is used to confirm whether or not the sticker paper 142 can be used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sticker paper 142 and the ink film are used. It is also possible to use a bar code printed on a packing material for packing. However, when a barcode is used, there are problems that the amount of information that can be included is small and that information cannot be rewritten by counting down the number of sheets, for example.

  In this embodiment, the seal sheet 142 is assumed to be a seal sheet including an adhesive sheet and a release sheet attached to the adhesive surface of the adhesive sheet, but is not limited thereto. The photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present invention can be configured to use a paper sheet that is a normal paper medium instead of the sticker paper 142.

  Moreover, the photography printing apparatus 1 of the present invention may include a curtain unit 27. The curtain unit 27 provides a curtain as a background of the captured image. Curtains with various colors and patterns are prepared, and can be freely selected by the user at the time of shooting, or can be automatically selected by the photo-taking and printing apparatus 1. The plurality of curtains are arranged so as to overlap the back surface of the photographing space 20 (facing the photographing unit 2) (FIGS. 2A and 2B), and at the time of photographing, the selected curtain is behind the subject. It is installed in the foreground so that it can be seen. The installation of the selected curtain may be executed by the background control unit 15 of the control unit 10 controlling the curtain unit 27, or may be configured to be manually performed by the user himself / herself.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the curtain part 27 was set as the structure which provides a some curtain, it is not limited to this. A curtain that can be installed in the curtain unit 27 may be one type. In this case, if a plurality of types of background images for synthesis are prepared and the background image desired by the user is synthesized in the editing process, even if there is only one type of curtain, the user can have various preferences. Can respond.

[Configuration of Photographic Printing Device-Details]
Next, the control unit 10 and the recording unit 50 of the photographic printing apparatus 1 for shortening the editing process and improving the rotation rate will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 10 further includes a first image editing unit 11, a display control unit 12, and a target image specifying unit 13 therein. The recording unit 50 includes a captured image recording unit 51 that records a captured image, an edit pattern information recording unit 52 that records edit pattern information indicating the contents of image editing applied to the captured image, and an edited image recording unit 53 that records the edited image. And a print image recording unit 54 for recording an image selected as a print target image.

  The first image editing unit 11 edits a captured image captured by the camera unit 23. Specifically, the first image editing unit 11 reads (1) a captured image to be edited from the captured image recording unit 51, and (2) reads predetermined editing pattern information from the editing pattern information recording unit 52. (3) The captured image is edited according to the read editing pattern information to generate an edited image. As a result, the captured image is edited based on the editing pattern information recorded in the editing pattern information recording unit 52.

  Details of the operation of the first image editing unit 11 and the editing pattern information will be described later.

  The display control unit 12 controls the captured image display unit 24 to display the captured image and / or the edited image on the captured image display unit 24. The display control unit 12 also performs control when displaying various GUI screens for the user to operate the photography printing apparatus 1.

  The display control unit 12 reads a captured image to be displayed from the captured image recording unit 51 and / or reads an edited image to be displayed from the edited image recording unit 53 and displays the captured image together with a control command such as a display layout. To the unit 24. Thereby, the photographed image and / or the edited image is displayed on the photographed image display unit 24, and the user can check the photographed / edited result.

  More specifically, for example, the first image editing unit 11 generates a plurality (for example, four types) of editing image information for a plurality of (for example, four types) editing pattern information for one captured image A. To do. At this time, the display control unit 12 can control the captured image display unit 24 to display all of the plurality of four edited images recorded in the edited image recording unit 53. A plurality of edited images rich in variations are generated for each captured image, and the user can select a target image therefrom.

  At this time, the layout of the plurality of edited images is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to display a list so that a plurality of (four) edited images are displayed at a time on the screen of the captured image display unit 24. If the display control unit 12 controls the captured image display unit 24 as described above, the user does not need to perform another operation, and the target image candidate to be used in the next process (printing process, another editing process such as graffiti) and the like. Because it is possible to quickly check and select multiple images, the editing time can be shortened.

  Further, the display control unit 12 may control the captured image display unit 24 so that the captured image A as an original image before editing is displayed as a list simultaneously with the plurality of edited images.

  As a result, it is possible to display a list together with the edited images, including the captured images that have not been edited, as candidates for target images to be used in the next step. Therefore, when the user desires to “do not edit” by comparing the edited image with the captured image, the selection can be made immediately. That is, the step of returning to before editing can be omitted, and the processing can be simplified. As a result, the editing time can be shortened. In addition, since the confirmation of the captured image and the confirmation of the edited image can be performed at the same time using one display unit (the captured image display unit 24), the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The target image specifying unit 13 specifies an image selected by the user from among images displayed on the captured image display unit 24 as a target image to be used in the next step. When an image displayed on the captured image display unit 24 is selected by the user via the operation unit 26, a signal indicating that the image has been selected is input to the control unit 10.

  The target image specifying unit 13 specifies the image selected by the user from the photographed image recording unit 51 or the edited image recording unit 53 based on the signal. The target image specified by the target image specifying unit 13 is recorded in the recording unit 50 as a processing target image in the next step. More specifically, if the next process is a printing process, the target image specified by the target image specifying unit 13 is recorded in the print image recording unit 54 as a print target image.

[Edit pattern information]
Next, the edit pattern information recording unit 52 will be described. The editing pattern information recording unit 52 records editing pattern information indicating the contents of image editing to be applied to the photographed image. The first image editing unit 11 adds the editing pattern information read from the editing pattern information recording unit 52 to the editing pattern information. Therefore, image editing is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of edit pattern information recorded in the edit pattern information recording unit 52.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the edit pattern information recording unit 52 has a table structure in which one edit pattern information has three parameters, which form one record.

  The parameter stored in the first column C1 indicates a pattern name as identification information for identifying the edit pattern. For example, in the first line, an edit pattern named “Aura 1” is recorded.

  The parameters stored in the second column C2 indicate the background color (curtain color) of the image to which the edit pattern should be applied and the color of the background image. For example, when an edit pattern with the pattern name “Aura 2” is applied to an image, if the background color of the image to be edited is a color belonging to “pastel”, the edit pattern shown in the second line is reversed. When the color belongs to “Vivid”, the edit pattern shown in the third row is applied to the image to be edited.

  Furthermore, as shown in the 5th to 9th lines, it is also possible to prepare an edit pattern for each specific color of the background color. Thereby, for example, when an image having a red background color or a background image based on red is an image to be edited, it is possible to perform image processing using a color that stands out with respect to red.

  As described above, the first image editing unit 11 is suitable so that only the image processing suitable for the background color and background image of the image to be edited can be performed by referring to the parameter of “background color” of the editing pattern information. It is possible to extract only the edited pattern information and perform editing based on the extracted information.

  The parameter stored in the third column C3 indicates the processing content of image editing applied to the captured image. By reading the processing content associated with the editing pattern information, the first image editing unit 11 performs various image editing operations on the image to be edited, such as “Aura 1 (Aura 1 in which stars are scattered around the subject”. Glitter Aura ")", "Aura 2 (Aura in which figures such as hearts and dots are scattered around the subject)", "Aura 3 (Large contact distance between the background and mask, connecting linear figures) Square aura) ”,“ trimming ”,“ color gradation correction (“color black” to correct two gradations of one color and black) ”,“ background (foreground) image composition ”,“ brightness correction ” "," Tone correction (sepia, monochrome, color enhancement, etc.) "and the like can be automatically executed.

  Note that the editing pattern information referred to by the first image editing unit 11 is not limited to the above. Therefore, the first image editing unit 11 can perform various image editing other than the editing pattern described above.

  Further, the edit pattern information is not limited to the parameters shown in FIG. 7, and various information related to the edit contents may be associated with the edit pattern information.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the edit pattern information recorded in the edit pattern information recording unit 52 is shown as a table having one record for each type of edit. However, the data structure of the edit pattern information is not limited to this. . Any data structure may be used as long as the above-described various parameters are recorded in association with each editing type.

  According to the above configuration, when a photographed image is generated by photographing with the camera unit 23, the first image editing unit 11 reads the photographed image from the photographed image recording unit 51 and obtains an editing target image to be edited. (S21 in FIG. 8). Then, the editing pattern information is extracted from the editing pattern information recording unit 52, editing is executed according to the extracted editing pattern information, and one or a plurality of editing images (first editing images) are generated from the photographed image (S22). ). The edited image is recorded in the edited image recording unit 53. If an unedited captured image remains in the captured image recording unit 51 (YES in S23), the processes of S21 and S22 may be repeated.

  Subsequently, the display control unit 12 controls the captured image display unit 24 so that the edited image generated by the first image editing unit 11 is displayed on the captured image display unit 24 (S24).

  When the user selects an image that the user likes among the edited images displayed on the captured image display unit 24 (YES in S25), the target image specifying unit 13 displays the edited image selected by the user as an edited image recording unit. Search from 53 and specify (S26).

  The edited image specified by the target image specifying unit 13 as described above is recorded in a predetermined area of the recording unit 50 as the next process target image used in the next process, and the member of the control unit 10 that executes the next process (For example, the first image editing unit 11 or a print control unit (not shown)) reads out the information as necessary.

  Thereby, the editing process after shooting is automatically performed, and the editing result is displayed on the shot image display unit 24. The user only has to select a favorite image to be used in the next step from the displayed edited images without manually adjusting the brightness and color tone.

  Therefore, it is possible to greatly shorten the editing time, shorten the overall time required for the game, and improve the rotation rate. Further, unlike the conventional process, it is not necessary to repeat the process of returning to the pre-editing step until the editing result is liked, and as a result, the editing time can be greatly shortened and the rotation rate can be improved.

  Further, since a plurality of edited images to which different image editing is applied can be obtained from one photographed image obtained by one photographing, the user can obtain from a plurality of edited images corresponding to one photographed image, Multiple next process target images can be selected. Therefore, it becomes possible for the user to select the next process target image more happily and conveniently.

  In the above description, the function of automatically editing the photographed printing apparatus 1 such as color tone / brightness correction and composition on the photographed image has been described. You may have the function to perform manual edits, such as a stamp.

  That is, the editing process performed on the photographed image includes (1) a first editing process automatically performed by the first image editing unit 11 and (2) a graffiti operation performed by the user in the editing space. You may divide | segment into the 2nd edit process which receives and edits based on it.

  The first editing is an editing in which the creativity of the user is not exhibited, that is, no user judgment or manual operation is required, and what part of the image is processed in accordance with the predetermined image editing processing content. Editing is automatically determined whether to change. The first image editing unit 11 executes. The content of the image editing process in the first editing may be described as editing pattern information and recorded in the editing pattern information recording unit 52 in advance. Specifically, the content of the image editing process depends on the original image data (for example, masking, for example, editing without adding a new image, such as brightness or tone correction, or adding an aura). Edits that automatically determine the location to be added, the location to be added, and shapes that are to be added in advance, such as foreground / background composition is assumed.

  The second editing is editing that exhibits the creativity of the user, that is, editing that is executed according to the processing content of the image editing determined by the user's manual operation. The second image editing unit 16 executes. Specifically, editing such as addition of graffiti with a touch pen or addition of a stamp image at an arbitrary position is assumed. The second editing is not limited to the above-described example, and the editing is executed when the user manually operates some input means (input unit) connected to the photography printing apparatus 1, and the original image is changed. Any editing process may be used as long as the edited result (edited image) can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, in the photographic printing apparatus 1, the first image editing unit 11 executes the first editing, and the second editing is performed by the second image editing unit 16 (second image editing unit) (FIG. 1) is executed, but is not limited to this. For example, when the first image editing unit 11 is configured to perform the first editing and the second editing and a signal from the touch panel unit 31 of the editing unit 3 is received, the second editing is performed. It is also possible to provide one image editing unit 11.

  As described above, when the editing process is divided into a plurality of parts, for example, when the editing process is divided into the first editing process and the second editing process, the edited image recording unit 53 records the first edited image. What is necessary is just to comprise by the 1st area | region, the 2nd area | region which records the 2nd edit object image used as the object of 2nd edit, and the 3rd area | region which records a 2nd edited image. Then, the first edited image edited by the first image editing unit 11 is recorded in the first area, and the display control unit 12 reads and controls to display on the captured image display unit 24. Among the displayed images, for the image selected by the user as the target image to be used in the next step (that is, the second editing step), the target image specifying unit 13 selects the second editing target from the first region. An image to be an image is specified and recorded in the second area. The second image editing unit 16 (or the first image editing unit 11) that executes the second editing applies the second editing process to the identified second editing target image with reference to the second region. Then, a second edited image is generated and stored in the third area.

  According to the above configuration, the first image editing unit 11 executes the first editing based on the editing pattern information, and the first edited image subjected to the first editing is displayed on the captured image display unit 24. Then, the user can select an image to be used in the next process, that is, the second editing process, from the images displayed on the captured image display unit 24.

  The image selected by the user is recorded as the second editing target image. When the user moves to the editing space 30 and executes the second editing step in the editing unit 3, the second image editing unit 16 (or the first image editing unit 11) reads out the second editing target image. The second editing is performed on the second editing target image.

  Thus, in the image editing process, only the first editing (which can be automated by the editing pattern information) that does not require the user's judgment or operation is automatically executed by the first image editing unit 11 of the photographic printing apparatus 1. The entire editing time can be shortened.

  Conventionally, since all editing processes are executed according to the user's judgment and manual operation, the editing time becomes longer, and as a result, the time required for the end of the game becomes longer and the rotation rate decreases. I was sorry. On the other hand, if a short time limit is provided for the editing time, a print image desired by the user cannot be obtained. That is, there is a problem in that the satisfaction of the user is sacrificed for improving the rotation rate.

  However, according to the above-mentioned photography printing apparatus 1, the editing time is shortened in the first editing process, and there is room for the user's work in the second editing, so that the playability inherent in the editing process is inherent. -Editing time can be shortened without sacrificing user satisfaction while maintaining entertainment.

  In the above description, the display control unit 12 is configured to control the captured image display unit 24 to display one or more edited images that have been edited. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The display control unit 12 may control the captured image display unit 24 to display a list of edited images corresponding to the captured image for each captured image.

  Specifically, in the photographed image recording unit 51 that records a photographed image before editing and the edited image recording unit 53 that records one or more edited images after editing, the edited image is the image. The display control unit 12 determines the layout of the captured image and the edited image so as to clarify the correspondence, and controls the captured image display unit 24.

  Moreover, the photography printing apparatus 1 may further include a sample image recording unit 55 that records a sample image in the recording unit 50. The sample image is an image reflecting a printing result obtained by being photographed and edited by the photography / printing apparatus 1, that is, an expected completion drawing. The user can imagine the finished product by referring to this sample image. For this reason, for example, the user can imitate a sample image at the time of photographing or editing, and obtain a finished product (its own photo sticker) close to the favorite sample image.

  The display of the sample image is realized by the display control unit 12 reading a predetermined sample image from the sample image recording unit 55 and controlling the captured image display unit 24.

  FIG. 9 shows a display example of the photographed image display unit 24 when a plurality of corresponding edited images are displayed as a list for each photographed image.

  The image group 91 in the first row displays captured images captured by the camera unit 23. In the second and subsequent lines, an edited image corresponding to the captured image in the first line is displayed.

  For example, it is assumed that the first image editing unit 11 generates four types of edited images (edited images 90 a to 90 d) based on the four editing pattern information for the captured image 90. The edited images 90a to 90d are recorded in association with the captured image 90, respectively.

  The display control unit 12 reads the captured image 90 and the edited images 90a to 90d from the captured image recording unit 51 and the edited image recording unit 53, and determines the layout so that these images are arranged in a line (image group 92).

  Accordingly, a plurality of edited images generated for one captured image can be quickly confirmed and selected together with the captured images in a list. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the processing time related to the first editing step. In addition, when a plurality of images to be processed in the next process are selected, even the same photographed image can be selected for use in the next process by applying different image editing.

  In addition, the candidate images to be used in the next step are listed together with the edited images, including those that have not been edited. The choice can be made immediately when the user wishes to not. That is, the step of returning to before editing can be omitted, and the processing can be simplified. As a result, the editing time can be shortened. In addition, since the confirmation of the captured image and the confirmation of the edited image can be performed at the same time using one display unit (the captured image display unit 24), the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the display control unit 12 preferably changes the size of the image to be displayed according to the number of images displayed as a list on the screen of the captured image display unit 24. As a result, if the image size to be displayed is reduced, a large number of candidate images that are candidates for the image to be used in the next process can be displayed at a time, and the user can select an image to be used in the next process in a short time. Can do. On the other hand, if the number of images that can be displayed at one time is reduced and the size of the image to be displayed is increased by that amount, a detailed image of each image can be confirmed.

  In addition, if the display control unit 12 cannot display all candidate images at once, the display control unit 12 may determine the layout so as to scroll the page. For example, when a list of up to 40 images can be displayed on the captured image display unit 24, display data for two pages may be created as a layout for displaying 20 images on one screen. Further, when the user selects an image displayed in a list, the captured image display unit 24 may be controlled so that the image is displayed in an enlarged manner.

  Further, the display control unit 12 may identify images recommended for use in the next process from candidate images, and may control the captured image display unit 24 so that these recommended images are displayed with priority. . As a result, it is possible to provide the user with a recommended image that recommends a combination of the image and the image processing in an easy-to-understand manner.

  The method for specifying the recommended image is not particularly limited. For example, based on the color information (hue, lightness, brightness, etc.) of the additional image such as a frame or an aura, a combination (for example, a combination of a background color, a frame, and an aura) It is conceivable that information of priority order is associated and recorded for each combination. In this case, a candidate image that has been subjected to image editing using the combination with the highest priority may be specified as a recommended image.

  Alternatively, the frequency selected by the user as the next process target image is recorded for each edit pattern information, and is generated according to the edit pattern information for generating the next process target image most frequently selected by the user. Candidate images can also be specified as recommended images.

  In addition to highlighting one recommended image, the candidate images may be displayed in a ranking format by rearranging them in the recommended order based on the priority order and frequency information.

  If the captured image display unit 24 is configured with a large monitor (for example, a 17-inch monitor), a larger number of finer images can be displayed in a list, and the user can quickly confirm candidate images. Become.

[Modification]
The photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and preferably includes a reduced image generation unit 14 (FIG. 1) that generates an image having a data size smaller than that of the captured image.

  When a photographed image is generated by photographing by the camera unit 23, the reduced image generating unit 14 is based on the generated original photographed image and has an image (small size) having a data size smaller than the original photographed image. Photographed image).

  The small-sized captured image generated separately from the original captured image is recorded in the captured image recording unit 51 in association with the original captured image.

  Then, the first image editing unit 11 reads out and edits the small-size captured image generated by the reduced image generating unit 14 from the captured image recording unit 51, and generates an edited image.

  According to the above configuration, the reduced image generation unit 14 separately generates an editing image having a size smaller than the captured image for each captured image. The first image editing unit 11 performs an editing process on a small-sized captured image with a small size, not a captured image with a large size. The edited image generated by the first image editing unit 11 is an edited image having a smaller size than that generated when the original photographed image having a larger size is edited.

  Thereby, the load of the image editing process concerning the first image editing unit 11 is reduced. Furthermore, the load of the edited image display process on the display control unit 12 is also reduced. As a result, the image editing process is executed quickly, and the display speed of the edited image is improved.

  From the above, the processing efficiency of the entire control unit 10 is improved, and the editing time can be further shortened.

  Note that a method for generating an image with a small data size in the reduced image generation unit 14 is not particularly limited. For example, the data size of the image may be reduced by a code compression method, or the data size may be reduced by reducing the size of the image itself.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the second editing target image used in the next process (here, the second editing process) is selected from the first editing image whose image size has been reduced. Does not directly use the first edited image with the reduced image size when executing the second editing. That is, the image size of the second edited image generated by the second image editing unit 16 is not as small as the first edited image generated by the first image editing unit 11.

  Specifically, information indicating which editing pattern information is applied is recorded in association with the first edited image generated from the small-size captured image by the first image editing unit 11. The first image editing unit 11 selects the corresponding original-size captured image, the corresponding editing pattern information, and only the small-sized first edited image as the target image selected by the user and specified by the target image specifying unit 13. And the first edited image is generated while maintaining the original image size. Then, the first edited image of the original size is delivered to the second image editing unit 16 as the next process target image selected by the user. The second image editing unit 16 performs the second editing on the first edited image of the original size whose image size is not reduced, and generates a second edited image. The second edited image generated in this way is read out as necessary by a printing unit (not shown) as a print target image.

  As a result, it is possible to ensure the resolution required for the print target image when it is output on the sticker sheet. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that a rough image is printed because the image data is reduced by the reduced image generation unit 14 when output as a sticker sheet.

[Flow of processing of the photo printing device]
Next, the flow of the game process executed by the photography printing apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described. A photo printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of taking a photograph of a user as a subject, a function of automatically editing a taken photo, such as color tone / brightness correction, and composition, and printing the edited image. It has at least the function to do.

  In the following, it is assumed that the photographic printing apparatus 1 has a function that allows the user to edit graffiti, stamps, etc. in addition to automatic editing. Here, regarding the editing performed on the photographed image, the first editing (process) automatically performed by the first image editing unit 11 of the photography printing apparatus 1 is “pre-editing (process)”, and the user operates in the editing space. The second editing performed manually is referred to as “main editing (process)” to be distinguished. When there is no need to distinguish between the two, they will be collectively referred to as “editing (process)”.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game process executed by the photographic printing apparatus 1. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D are diagrams illustrating display examples of the screen of the captured image display unit 24 of the photographic printing apparatus 1. FIG. 13E is a diagram illustrating a display example of the screen of the edited image display unit 31a of the photography printing apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, the display control unit 12 of the photographic printing apparatus 1 displays a demonstration screen on the photographic image display unit 24 installed in the photographic unit 2 of the photographic space 20 (S101) (FIG. 13). (A)). In this state, when the coin processing unit 21 detects that a predetermined coin has been inserted (YES in S102), the display control unit 12 causes the photographed image display unit 24 to select a BGM that is played during the game. Is displayed (FIG. 13B), and an input of BGM selection from the user is accepted (S103). Next, the display control unit 12 displays a screen for allowing the user to select a shooting course on the shot image display unit 24 (FIG. 13C), and accepts an input of shooting course selection from the user (S104). . In this embodiment, as an example,
A: Normal shooting course (photographed by user selecting desired curtain (background color))
B: Auto shooting course (automatically selecting curtains and shooting)
C: Pause shooting course (The user selects a model sample image (completed drawing) and shoots based on it)
3 courses are prepared, and the user can select a favorite course.

  When the user selects a normal shooting course (A in S104), the shooting unit 2 executes normal shooting processing (S105). When the user selects an automatic shooting course (B in S104), the shooting unit 2 executes an automatic shooting process (S106). When the user selects a pause shooting course (C in S104), the shooting unit 2 executes a pause shooting process (S107).

  Here, when the normal shooting course or the automatic shooting course is selected and the shooting process of the selected course is executed, the first image editing unit 11 pre-edits the shot image obtained in the shooting process. The process is executed (S108), and an edited image is generated. At this time, the display control unit 12 displays the captured image and / or the generated edited image as shown in FIG. 9 and allows the user to select a target image for the next process (here, the main editing process).

  On the other hand, when the shooting process in the pose shooting course is executed, an image shot and edited based on the model sample image is generated as a next process target image.

  As described above, when the main editing target image is specified, the display control unit 12 displays a screen for performing movement guidance on the captured image display unit 24 (S109) (FIG. 13D). At this stage, the user moves from the shooting space 20 to the editing space 30a (or editing space 30b).

  In the editing space 30, the editing unit 3 receives the user's operation and executes this editing process (S110). After the editing, when the user selects the next process (here, the printing process) target image and the print layout (number of divisions), the control unit 10 causes the printing unit 4 to select the selected print target image. Print data for output is generated (S111). Based on the generated print data, the printing unit 4 executes a printing process (S112). When the user selects the number of divisions, for example, the display control unit 12 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 13E on the edited image display unit 31a (editing unit 3). At this time, the display control unit 12 can control to highlight the layout or display the logo 131 so that the recommended layout can be understood. Further, assuming that the stickers divided by the user group are distributed by a plurality of people, a recommended layout may be highlighted for each number of people to be distributed. For example, if the character information 132 such as “for three people” is displayed, the user can immediately select an optimum layout according to how many people distribute the information.

  Thereafter, the control unit 10 executes a post-service process (S113). When the subsequent customer service process ends, the display control unit 12 displays a movement guide for guiding the user to the print space 40 (S114). Subsequently, the printing unit 4 discharges the sticker sheet on which the printed image is printed from the print discharge port 44a (or the print discharge port 44b) (S115), and ends the series of processes of the game.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of automatic shooting processing and pre-editing processing in the photo shooting / printing apparatus 1. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14E are diagrams showing display examples of the screen of the photographed image display unit 24 of the photograph printing apparatus 1.

  When the automatic shooting course is selected by the user, the display control unit 12 controls the captured image display unit 24 to display a screen as shown in FIG. Wait for setting input (S201). Here, when a specific image / brightness is selected by the user (YES in S201), the control unit 10 adjusts the image / brightness of the imaging unit 2 so that the image is captured with the image / brightness selected by the user. (S202). If no input from the user is detected within the time limit (NO in S201), a default value is acquired (S203), and the image and brightness of the photographing unit 2 are adjusted based on the acquired default value ( S202).

  Next, the display control unit 12 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 14B and prompts the user to select a background color (curtain color) pattern (S204). In this embodiment, the background color is classified into two patterns (pastel and vivid), and the user is allowed to select one of them.

  Subsequently, the background control unit 15 selects one of the background color curtains classified into the background color pattern selected in S204 (S205), and controls the curtain unit 27 to install the selected curtain. To do.

  Here, when the sample image recording unit 55 is included in the recording unit 50 of the photographic printing apparatus 1, the display control unit 12 reads a sample image having the same background color as the curtain selected in S205. (S206) You may make it display the read sample image on the picked-up image display part 24 (S207) (for example, FIG.14 (c)). Thus, the user can use the displayed sample image as a sample to imitate the pose, or to take an appropriate pose while grasping the image of the finished product, so that the user can smoothly shoot.

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 activates the camera unit 23 and displays the live view image captured by the camera unit 23 on the camera image display unit 25 (S208). It is also possible to provide the user with the sample image superimposed and transparently displayed on the live view image. In this way, the user can reproduce the pose of the sample image more accurately and start shooting.

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 displays a countdown indicator on the captured image display unit 24, performs shooting, and acquires a captured image (S209). Here, the acquired captured image may be displayed on the captured image display unit 24 to allow the user to confirm (S210) (FIG. 14D).

  Next, the first image editing unit 11 performs pre-editing on the captured image acquired in S209 (S211). Here, the first image editing unit 11 receives four pieces of editing pattern information “Aura 1 (Glitter Aura)”, “Border 1”, “Color tone correction 1 (monochrome)” shown in FIG. ”And“ color gradation correction (colored black) ”are read out and the respective edit pattern information is applied to the captured image.

  The first image editing unit 11 records the four edited images generated according to the four editing pattern information as the main editing target images in the edited image recording unit 53 (S212).

  Subsequently, the control unit 10 determines whether a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) of shooting has been completed or whether a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed (S213), and if neither is satisfied (S213). In step S206, the process returns to step S206 to repeat the photographing process. On the other hand, if any one of the conditions is satisfied (YES in S213), the display control unit 12 reads the pre-edited edited image performed in S211 from the edited image recording unit 53, and displays it in the captured image display unit 24. A list is displayed (S214) (FIG. 9).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of normal photographing processing and pre-editing processing in the photographing printing apparatus 1. The normal shooting process of FIG. 12 differs from the automatic shooting process of FIG. 11 in that the user can select a background color (curtain color) and the remaining time limit when the predetermined number of shootings is reached. In the case of a predetermined number or more, it is possible to provide the user with an opportunity to perform bonus shooting. Hereinafter, differences from the automatic shooting process of FIG. 11 will be described.

  The control unit 10 adjusts the image / brightness of the photographing unit 2 in steps S301 to S303, and then proceeds to step S304. In S304, when the user selects a background color pattern from the screen of FIG. 14B, the display control unit 12 displays the screen of FIG. A background color is selected (S305). The following shooting process and pre-editing process are the same as the automatic shooting course process shown in FIG.

  When the pre-edited image is stored in S312, the control unit 10 determines the number of times of shooting (S313). If the number of times of shooting reaches a predetermined number (for example, 3 times) (YES in S313), then The remaining number of shootable images is determined (S314). If the number of times of photographing is less than three (NO in S313), the process returns to the step of S306 and the photographing process is repeated. If it is determined in S314 that the remaining number of shootable images is 3 or more (YES in S314), the process proceeds to the second set of shooting processes. Specifically, the image and brightness are adjusted again (S301 to S303), and the process returns to step S305. As described above, when the shooting process is the second set, it may be determined whether or not the second set is performed, the step of S304 may be skipped, and the process may directly proceed to the step of S305. On the other hand, when the remaining number of shootable images is less than 3 (0) in S314 (NO in S314), the control unit 10 determines whether or not the remaining shootable time remains for a predetermined time (S315). .

  If the control unit 10 determines in S315 that there is sufficient remaining shooting time (YES), the display control unit 12 displays a bonus shooting guide screen (S317), and proceeds to bonus shooting processing. (S318 to S325).

  Here, a series of bonus shooting processes are the same as the steps S205 to S212 shown in FIG.

  When the pre-editing is completed, the control unit 10 checks the remaining bonus shootable number and the remaining shootable time. If both the number and time satisfy the conditions (YES in S326), the control unit 10 returns to the step of S317 and performs the bonus shooting process. repeat. On the other hand, if even one of the number / time conditions is not satisfied (NO in S326), the display control unit 12 displays a list of photographed images and / or edited images including bonus photographed images and edited images ( In step S316, the user is allowed to select the main editing target image, and the process ends. If it is determined in S315 that the shootable time is less than the predetermined time (NO), the process proceeds to S316, and the process ends.

  Thereby, the user can select a favorite image from the photographed image and / or the pre-edited image as a main editing target image to be used in the next step (here, the main editing step). Here, since the selected edited image is an edited image that has already been automatically pre-edited or a photographed image that the user has determined that pre-editing is unnecessary, brightness and color tone are selected in this editing process. It is not necessary to spend time for correction or processing of an additional image such as an aura, and the time required for the editing process can be shortened. As a result, the rotation rate can be improved.

  Furthermore, the user can also select a target image to which a plurality of different image edits are applied with respect to a favorite captured image. In the above description, the first image editing unit 11 is configured to generate a plurality of first edited images (as many as the number of edited pattern information) to which only one edited pattern information is applied per captured image. It is not limited to this. For example, one or a plurality of first editing images to which a plurality of editing pattern information is applied may be generated for one photographed image.

  In the above-described example, the first image editing unit 11 is configured to execute the pre-editing process every time one photographed image is generated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after all the photographing processes are completed, A configuration may be adopted in which pre-editing is collectively performed on all unedited captured images.

  In the present embodiment, the photography course of the photography printing apparatus 1 is the above-described three courses, but is not limited to this. In addition, although the above-described pre-editing process executed by the photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present invention has been described as being applied to the captured image after the normal shooting process (S105) and the automatic shooting process (S106), the pose shooting process ( (S107) It is also possible to apply pre-editing to the subsequent captured image.

  Further, in the above description, the game of the photographic printing apparatus 1 is set so that the number of shootable images ≧ the number of editable images, but it is also possible to set the number of shootable images ≦ the number of editable images. Thus, while providing the user with various variations of print images, the number of times of shooting can be reduced and the shooting process can be shortened, so that the rotation rate can be further improved. In addition, a shooting course that can be changed in the shooting process during the setting of the image / brightness may be provided.

  FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the time taken for each process of the game in the conventional image photographing / editing apparatus and the time taken for each process of the game in the photo printing apparatus 1 of the present invention.

  The upper part A is a timing chart in the case where three groups of user groups continue to use the conventional image capturing / editing apparatus. A conventional image photographing / editing apparatus is composed of four spaces (a photographing space, a pre-editing space, a main editing space, and a printing space). In each space, a photographing step, a pre-editing step by a user, and a book by a user. An editing process and a printing process are executed.

  In the conventional image capturing / editing apparatus, although the editing process is divided into a pre-editing process and a main editing process and executed in two separate spaces, the editing operation is performed by the user himself. By repetitively editing until you like it, the editing process is still a bottleneck, and the problem of a lower rotation rate still remains.

  On the other hand, the lower part B is a timing chart when three sets of user groups continue to use the photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present invention. In the photographic printing apparatus 1 of the present invention, the pre-editing performed by the user in the pre-editing space in the conventional image photographic editing apparatus is performed by the photographic printing apparatus 1 immediately after shooting, thereby greatly increasing the pre-editing time. It is possible to shorten it. Thereby, the rotation rate of the whole game can be improved.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, when two editing spaces of the present invention are provided, such as the editing space 30a and the editing space 30b, each editing space can be used alternately. Even if the time required for this editing process is up to twice as long as before, the rotation rate does not drop. Therefore, the user can be given sufficient time for the main editing without sacrificing the rotation rate, and the user's satisfaction can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the photographic printing apparatus 1 has been described that automatically edits a captured image in advance according to a plurality of editing pattern information, thereby reducing the editing time and improving the rotation rate.

  The photography printing apparatus 1 of the present invention further has a function of presenting the sample image to the user at a predetermined timing, thereby improving the satisfaction of the user without causing a decrease in the rotation rate. It can also be configured as a photographing and printing apparatus.

  By presenting the sample image to the user in advance in each of the steps described above, the user can use the sample image as a sample to imitate the pose or take an appropriate pose while grasping the image of the finished product. It is possible to start shooting. Also, by applying the editing applied to the sample image selected by the user to the user's captured image in advance in the same manner, it is possible to achieve a finish close to that expected by the user.

  In this way, by presenting the sample image to the user in advance, there is no gap between the finish that the user expects and the actual finish, and since the user does not like it, the number of times to return to the previous step is reduced, and as a result This leads to improved turnover and user satisfaction.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the image editing process applied to the captured image, the pre-editing process such as the brightness correction and the color tone correction based on the editing pattern information and the main editing process such as the addition of the graffiti and the stamp performed by the user have been described. However, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition to the above-described image editing process, the photographic printing apparatus 1 can perform general image editing processes. Further, the photography printing apparatus 1 can be changed to an appropriate hardware configuration and software configuration for an arbitrary mode.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Finally, each block of the photographic printing apparatus 1, in particular, the first image editing unit 11, the display control unit 12, and the target image specifying unit 13 may be configured by hardware logic, or the CPU as described below. It may be realized by software using

  That is, the photographic printing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (read only memory) that stores the program, and a RAM (random access memory) that expands the program. ), A storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the program and various data. An object of the present invention is a recording medium on which a program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of a control program of the photographic printing apparatus 1 which is software that realizes the above-described functions is recorded in a computer-readable manner Can also be achieved by reading the program code recorded on the recording medium and executing it by the computer (or CPU or MPU).

  Examples of the recording medium include a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. Card system such as IC card, IC card (including memory card) / optical card, or semiconductor memory system such as mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Further, the photographic printing apparatus 1 may be configured to be connectable to a communication network, and the program code may be supplied via the communication network. The communication network is not particularly limited. For example, the Internet, intranet, extranet, LAN, ISDN, VAN, CATV communication network, virtual private network, telephone line network, mobile communication network, satellite communication. A net or the like is available. Further, the transmission medium constituting the communication network is not particularly limited. For example, even in the case of wired such as IEEE 1394, USB, power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL line, etc., infrared rays such as IrDA and remote control, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark), 802.11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, and the like can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention can be applied to a general photographic printing apparatus that shoots a photograph and performs an editing process on the photographed image and prints it out.

1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a photographic printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) And (b) is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the photography printing device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view of the imaging | photography part of the photography printing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view of the editing part of the photography printing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view of the printing part of the photography printing apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a top view of the photography printing apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the edit pattern information recorded on the edit pattern information recording part of a photography printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process in the photography printing apparatus of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a captured image display unit when a plurality of edited images corresponding to each captured image are displayed as a list in the photographed print apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the game performed with a photography printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an auto shooting process and a pre-editing process in a photography printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the normal imaging | photography process and the pre-editing process in a photography photography printing apparatus. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen of the picked-up image display part of a photography photography printing apparatus. (E) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen of the edit image display part of photography photography printing apparatus. (A)-(e) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen of the picked-up image display part of a photography photography printing apparatus. It is a timing chart which shows the time concerning each process of the game in the conventional image photography editing apparatus, and the time concerning each process of the game in the photography photography printing apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game in the conventional image photographing editing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the edit process in the conventional image photographing editing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photographic printing apparatus 2 Imaging | photography part 3 Editing part 4 Printing part 10 Control part 11 1st image editing part (1st image editing means)
12 Display control unit (display control means)
13 Target image specifying unit (Target image specifying means)
14 Reduced image generation unit (image generation means)
15 Background control unit 16 Second image editing unit (second image editing means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Shooting space 21 Coin processing part 22 Illumination part 23 Camera part 24 Photographed image display part 25 Camera image display part 26 Operation part (input part)
27 Curtain section 30 Editing space 31 Touch panel section (input section)
31a Edit image display unit 31b Operation accepting unit 32 Touch pen (input unit)
33 Audio output unit 40 Print space 41 ID tag reader / writer unit 42 Printer unit 43 Sticker paper unit 44a Print discharge port 44b Print discharge port 50 Recording unit 51 Captured image recording unit 52 Edit pattern information recording unit 53 Edit image recording unit 54 Print image Recording unit 55 Sample image recording unit 121 Coin insertion / return port 141 ID tag 142 Sticker paper

Claims (12)

In a photography printing apparatus that outputs a photographed image generated by photographing a subject to printed paper by executing a plurality of steps,
An edit pattern information recording unit for storing edit pattern information in which processing content of image editing applied to the photographed image is associated with a predetermined background color;
First image editing means for editing the captured image according to the edit pattern information and generating a plurality of first edit images for each edit pattern information;
Display control means for controlling the display unit to display a plurality of first edited images generated by the first image editing means;
A target image specifying unit that specifies an image selected by the user among the plurality of first edited images displayed on the display unit as a target image to be used in a process after receiving the selection of the image;
The first image editing means includes the first editing according to the editing pattern information selected based on the background color of the captured image obtained by capturing the subject and the background color associated with the editing pattern information. Generate an image ,
The display control means includes a plurality of generated first edited images.
A recommended image is identified based on at least one of the color tone of the additional image added according to the processing content of the image editing and the frequency selected by the user, and the recommended image is emphasized A photographic printing apparatus, wherein the display unit is controlled to be displayed .   The first image editing means generates the first edited image according to edit pattern information associated with a background color corresponding to a background color of a captured image obtained by photographing the subject. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 1.   The edit pattern information recording unit further includes
  For each editing pattern information, a priority order that is given in advance according to the amount of color of the additional image added according to the processing content of the image editing with respect to the background color is stored,
  3. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit so that the first edited image having a higher priority of the used editing pattern information is displayed with higher priority. Photography printing device.   The edit pattern information recording unit further includes:
  The frequency with which the first edited image is selected by the user is stored for each edit pattern information that is the basis of the first edited image,
  4. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit so that the first edited image having a higher frequency of used editing pattern information is displayed with higher priority. The photo printing apparatus according to claim 1.   Image generation means for generating a small-sized captured image having a data size smaller than the captured image corresponding to the generated captured image;
  5. The photograph according to claim 1, wherein the first image editing unit edits the small-size captured image generated by the image generation unit to generate a first edited image. 6. Photography printing device.   The image processing apparatus includes second image editing means for editing the target image according to image editing processing content determined by a user operation performed via an input unit and generating a second edited image. The photography printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The display control means controls the display unit to display a list of the captured images together with the plurality of first edited images,
  The target image specifying means specifies, as a target image, an image selected by a user from the plurality of first edited images and the photographed images displayed on the display unit. The photography printing apparatus according to any one of the above.   In the image recording unit that records the captured image and the edited image, the plurality of edited images are recorded in association with the captured image before the image editing application,
  8. The photographic printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit controls the display unit to display a list of a plurality of edited images associated with the captured image for each captured image.   In a control method of a photography printing apparatus that outputs a photographed image generated by photographing a subject to printed paper by executing a plurality of steps,
  Edit the captured image according to edit pattern information stored in a plurality of edit pattern information recording units provided in the photograph printing apparatus and associating image editing processing contents applied to the captured image with a predetermined background color. Then, a first editing step for generating a plurality of first edited images for each editing pattern information,
  A display step for controlling the display unit to display a plurality of first edited images generated in the first editing step;
  An image specifying step of specifying an image selected by the user among the plurality of first edited images displayed on the display unit as a target image to be used in a process after receiving the selection of the image,
  In the first editing step, the first editing image is selected according to the editing pattern information selected based on the background color of the photographed image obtained by photographing the subject and the background color associated with the editing pattern information. Is generated,
  In the display step, among the generated first edited images,
  A recommended image is identified based on at least one of the color tone of the additional image added according to the processing content of the image editing and the frequency selected by the user, and the recommended image is emphasized A control method for a photographic printing apparatus, wherein the display unit is controlled to be displayed.   A second editing step of generating a second edited image by editing the target image specified in the image specifying step according to the content of the image editing process determined by the user operation performed via the input unit; The method for controlling a photographic printing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:   A control program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the photographic printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the control program of Claim 11.

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