JP4935264B2 - Automatic photo creation device and automatic photo creation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic photo creation apparatus that captures a user with a camera and outputs a composite image generated based on the captured image as a photograph. More specifically, the present invention relates to separation of a remote controller or the like separate from the apparatus housing. The present invention relates to an automatic photo creation apparatus including an input device.

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

In recent years, there are some input devices (for example, the above-described light pen) that receive the graffiti operation and the photographing operation that are not connected to the apparatus housing (main body) by wire. Generally, the input device needs to be supplied with power from a device casing, and a wiring cord is often connected to transmit and receive information. However, this wiring cord is troublesome for the user during operation, and it may be preferable to perform the operation away from the operation panel as the apparatus housing becomes larger. Therefore, for example, there is an automatic photo creation apparatus including an input device that communicates with the apparatus housing via a wireless communication line (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-2005-215116

  However, input devices that are not wiredly connected in the conventional photo creation device often include a dry battery as a power source. However, a mechanism for detecting battery exhaustion is not usually added to this input device. It is troublesome because it is necessary to test whether or not the battery has run out.

  In addition, if the mechanism for detecting battery exhaustion is built in the input device, the above test is not necessary. However, it is costly to incorporate the mechanism in the input device, and there is a device to prevent misuse by the user. Since it is necessary, it costs more.

  Further, the input device may be broken due to dropping or the like, and may be lost when it is taken away. However, these circumstances are often not revealed until they are tested during maintenance.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo creation apparatus that can detect abnormalities such as battery exhaustion, failure, and loss of an input device separate from the apparatus main body with a simple configuration.

The first invention is separable from a main body including imaging means for photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing region, and output means for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the imaging means as a photograph. An automatic photo creation device comprising separate input means configured as a separate body and receiving an operation by the user,
Use detecting means for detecting a use state indicating whether or not an operation by the user is accepted by the separation input means;
Based on the usage state detected by the usage detection means, usage information storage means for storing information related to the use of the separation input means, and based on the information stored by the usage information storage means, the separation input means has an abnormality. An abnormality determining means for determining whether or not there is ,
The usage information storage means stores the number of times output by the output means performed without using the separation input means,
The abnormality determining means, when the output number stored in the usage information storage means is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it characterized that you determined that there is an abnormality in the separation input means.
The second invention is separable from a main body including imaging means for photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing region, and output means for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained by the imaging means as a photograph. An automatic photo creation device comprising separate input means configured as a separate body and receiving an operation by the user,
Use detecting means for detecting a use state indicating whether or not an operation by the user is accepted by the separation input means;
Usage information storage means for storing information related to the use of the separation input means based on the usage state detected by the usage detection means;
An abnormality determining means for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the separation input means based on the information stored by the use information storage means;
With
The usage information storage means stores the use frequency of the separation input means per predetermined unit time or the predetermined number of outputs by the output means or information for calculating the use frequency,
The abnormality determining means determines that the separation input means is abnormal when the usage frequency calculated based on the information stored or stored in the usage information storage means is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency. Features.

According to a third invention, in the first or second invention,
The separation input means incorporates a battery as a power source,
The abnormality determination unit is configured to determine whether or not the separation input unit has a possibility of running out of a battery based on the information stored by the usage information storage unit.

4th invention is 1st or 2nd invention,
The separation input unit is at least one of a shutter unit that receives an operation for instructing photographing by the imaging unit, an operation input unit that receives an operation for creating and editing the composite image, or a pointer unit that projects light at a predetermined position. It is characterized by including.

According to a fifth invention, in the first or second invention,
When the abnormality determining means determines that the separation input means is abnormal, the apparatus further comprises warning means for issuing a warning that the separation input means is abnormal at a predetermined time.

A sixth invention is the second invention, wherein:
The abnormality determining means, said separating input means acquires usage in the period to operate normally, characterized in that defining the predetermined frequency with based on the obtained frequency of use.

According to a seventh invention, in the second invention,
The abnormality determining means includes
When the usage frequency calculated based on the information stored or stored in the usage information storage means is equal to or lower than a predetermined first frequency, it is determined that there is an abnormality with a low degree or probability in the separation input means,
When the usage frequency calculated based on the information stored or stored in the usage information storage means is equal to or lower than a predetermined second frequency smaller than the first frequency, an abnormality having a high degree or probability is separated. It is determined that the input means is present.

In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect ,
According to the degree or probability of abnormality determined to be in the separation input means by the abnormality determination means, a first warning or degree that the separation input means has an abnormality or low probability at a predetermined time point or It further comprises warning means for issuing a second warning that there is an abnormality with a high probability.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging step for photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing region, an output step for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained in the imaging step as a photograph, and separation from a predetermined main body device A separate input step for accepting an operation by the user by a possible separate body, and an automatic photo creation method comprising:
A use detection step of detecting a use state indicating whether or not an operation by the user is accepted in the separation input step;
A use information storage step for storing information related to the use of the separate body in the separation input step based on the use state detected in the use detection step;
An abnormality determination step for determining whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the separate body in the separation input step based on the information stored in the use information storage step;
With
In the use information storage step, the number of times output by the output step performed without using the separation input step is stored,
In the abnormality determination step, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the separation input step when the number of outputs stored in the use information storage step is a predetermined number or more.
A tenth aspect of the invention separates an imaging step of photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing region, an output step of outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained in the imaging step as a photograph, and a predetermined main device. A separate input step for accepting an operation by the user by a possible separate body, and an automatic photo creation method comprising:
A use detection step of detecting a use state indicating whether or not an operation by the user is accepted in the separation input step;
A use information storage step for storing information related to the use of the separate body in the separation input step based on the use state detected in the use detection step; and the separation input based on the information stored in the use information storage step. An abnormality determination step for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation of the separate body in the step ,
In the use information storage step, information for calculating the use frequency of the separate body or the use frequency in the separation input step per predetermined unit time or per predetermined number of outputs in the output step is stored,
In the abnormality determination step, when the usage frequency calculated based on the information stored or stored in the usage information storage step is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency, the separate body in the separation input step is abnormal. judgment be characterized by Rukoto.

An eleventh invention is a program characterized by causing a computer to execute the automatic photo creating method described in the ninth or tenth invention.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the usage information storage means stores information related to the use of the separation input means such as a remote control terminal, and the abnormality determination means based on the information stored in the usage information storage means. Since it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the separation input means, it is easy to detect abnormalities such as battery exhaustion, failure or loss of the separation input means separately from the main body without providing a special detection device in the separation input means. If the number of outputs that can be detected by the configuration and the input means is not used is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it is determined that the separation input means is abnormal. Abnormalities can be detected immediately when the number of times is exceeded.
According to the second aspect of the invention, the usage information storage means stores information related to the use of the separate input means such as a remote control terminal, and the abnormality determination means based on the information stored in the usage information storage means. Since it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the separation input means, it is easy to detect abnormalities such as battery exhaustion, failure or loss of the separation input means separately from the main body without providing a special detection device in the separation input means. Since it can be detected by the configuration and when the frequency of use of the separation input means per predetermined unit time or per predetermined number of outputs is equal to or lower than the predetermined frequency, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the separation input means. It is possible to accurately determine an abnormality based on the frequency. In particular, the phenomenon of running out of the battery appears in such a way that the separation input means cannot be used due to the gradual decrease in the voltage of the battery, and thereafter cannot be used. This is preferable in making the determination.

According to the third aspect , since it is determined whether or not the separation input unit is likely to run out of battery based on the information stored in the usage information storage unit by the abnormality determination unit, it is far more than a failure. It is possible to repeatedly detect battery exhaustion, which is an abnormality of the separation input means, which occurs repeatedly at a high frequency, with a simple configuration.

According to the fourth aspect , at least one abnormality among the shutter means, the operation input means, or the pointer means that is often used as the separation input means can be simply configured without providing a special detection device for the separation input means. Can be detected.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify the person who performs maintenance of the apparatus at a predetermined time point that the separation input means is abnormal.

According to the sixth aspect are obtained usage frequency in the period of isolation input means to work properly, the predetermined frequency at based on the obtained frequency of use is determined, a unique environment in which the apparatus is installed (For example, customer base, operation time, etc.) can be reflected, and abnormality determination of the separation input means can be performed more accurately.

According to the seventh aspect , based on the first and second criteria, it is determined that an abnormality having a low or high probability or a high abnormality is present in the separation input means, so that the degree or probability of the abnormality can be determined more accurately. can do. In particular, the determination using the first and second criteria is more preferable for abnormal battery exhaustion in which the battery voltage gradually decreases.

According to the eighth aspect , a warning can be issued more accurately according to the degree of abnormality or the probability.

According to the ninth aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be achieved in the automatic photo creation method.
According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the second invention in the automatic photographic creation method.

According to the eleventh aspect, the same effect as that of the first or second aspect can be achieved in the automatic photo creation program.

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

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

  The main body 4 is arranged below the camera 10 as a camera 10 as an imaging means for photographing the user U, a flash 11 as an illuminating means arranged at an appropriate position above the camera 10 to emit a flash. A preview monitor 22 which is a display device including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display panel, a liquid crystal display which provides an operation screen for photographing to the user U, and an operation position detection which covers the operation screen Liquid crystal touch panel 20 composed of a transparent sheet for use, and a plurality of remote controllers that accept operations on various instructions displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 and operation screens for editing in order to perform free drawing (doodle) and various operations by the user U (Remote control) Provided with a terminal 31.

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

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

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

  The remote control terminal 31 functions as an operation unit that accepts various operations by the user U, such as an operation unit for performing an instruction related to photographing or a doodle. The number of the remote control terminals 31 may be any number, but here there are two (remote control terminals 31a and 31b), and these are connected to the main unit 4 by a general infrared interface. This connection may be performed by radio waves or ultrasonic waves, but is not a wired connection but a wireless connection. Further, it is assumed that the infrared rays from the two remote control terminals 31a and 31b are given unique identification information and can be identified. Further, the remote control terminal 31 is stored in a remote control terminal storage unit 30 provided in the main unit 4 when not in use. In the remote control terminal storage unit 30, a light receiving element that receives infrared rays from the remote control terminal 31 is attached to the front surface of the user U.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of the remote control terminal. The remote control terminal 31 is provided with various buttons used for operations on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 that provide the user U with instructions related to shooting, an operation screen for graffiti, and the like. That is, the remote control terminal 31 includes an up cursor button 311a, a down cursor button 311b, a left cursor button 311c, and a right cursor button 311d for moving a selection cursor displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 up, down, left and right. Yes. In addition, the remote control terminal 31 confirms a selection state by a selection cursor displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20, an OK button 312 for giving an OK instruction to various guidance displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20, and the liquid crystal touch panel 20. A CANCEL button 313 for canceling the selection state by the selection cursor displayed on the screen or for giving an instruction to cancel various guidance displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 is provided. Further, the remote control terminal 31 incorporates a transmission infrared interface device (not shown) in order to transmit information by infrared rays to the reception infrared interface device incorporated in the main body 4.

  The configuration of the remote control terminal 31 shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and any shape and configuration may be used as long as the device is used for various instructions and editing separately from the main body unit 4. For example, a pen-type pointing device with a built-in light pen that contains a dry battery that is not wired to the main unit 4 and a switch that detects pen up / down (detachment and contact from the panel surface) at the pen tip Etc. Further, for example, a built-in acceleration sensor for detecting the direction in which the terminal is moved, and a remote control terminal that transmits information on the detected direction to the main body 4 or a sphere (trackball) that is held to rotate freely. ) And a remote control terminal that transmits the rotation information to the main body unit 4. In addition, when information is transmitted to the main unit 4 by radio waves, a commercially available wireless mouse or wireless pen can be used.

  The user U takes the remote control terminal 31 (one person at a time) and performs various operations by appropriately using the various buttons on the operation screen and the image displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20. With such a portable remote control terminal, the user U can perform various operations by freely changing the position and posture, so that the entertainment or playability of the automatic photo creation apparatus can be enhanced. Such an operation by the remote control terminal 31 will be further described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for accepting an operation by the remote control terminal. More specifically, FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for accepting selection of a shooting course, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen for accepting frame selection and a shooting instruction. It is.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4A, the operation screen 200 includes a first display area 201 for selecting a manual course for selecting a shooting timing by itself, and an auto for automatically selecting the shooting timing. A second display area 202 for selecting a course and a cursor 205 indicating which of these are to be selected are displayed. Here, when the left cursor button 311c of the remote control terminal 31 is pressed, the cursor 205 in the operation screen 200 moves to the first display area 201, and when the right cursor button 311d is pressed, The cursor 205 moves to the second display area 202. The user can confirm the selected shooting course by pressing the OK button 312 after selecting the shooting course.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the operation screen 210 displays a sample display area 211 in which various frames (additional images) prepared in advance are displayed, and a sample display for an image to be taken from now on. A composite image display area 212 in which an image obtained by combining one displayed in the area 211 is displayed, and an explanation display area 213 in which an explanation of an operation method is displayed. Here, when each cursor button of the remote control terminal 31 is pressed, the display content of the sample image display area 212 is changed one by one (in the vertical and horizontal directions) in order and the frame combined with the composite image display area 212 Is changed. The user can confirm the selected shooting course by pressing the OK button 312 after selecting the shooting course.

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

<2. Functional configuration>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the play photo creating apparatus according to the present embodiment as seen from the functional aspect. Functionally, the game photo creation device includes an imaging unit 52, a confirmation display unit 54, a main display / operation unit 62, an output unit 66, an illumination unit 70, an I / O control unit 72, The main control unit 80, the receiving unit 92, and the editing operation unit 94 are configured.

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

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

  The output unit 66 corresponds to a printer built in the main body unit 4, and is subjected to image processing according to an operation of the user U on the remote control terminal 31 or a graffiti operation on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. The image represented by the photographed image data is output as a photo sticker (or photo card).

  The receiving unit 92 corresponds to an infrared interface device built in the main body unit 4, receives various operation information transmitted by infrared rays from the remote control terminal 31 (infrared interface device built in), and gives it to the main control unit 80.

  The editing operation unit 94 corresponds to the remote control terminal 31, accepts an operation of the user U related to photographing, and gives information indicating the accepted operation content to the receiving unit 92 by infrared rays.

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

  The I / O control unit 72 corresponds to an I / O control device built in the main body unit 4, and controls the illumination unit 70 based on an instruction from the main control unit 80. Further, an input signal such as a detection signal from a coin detection unit (not shown) described later is transferred to the main control unit 80.

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

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

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

<3. Operation>
<3.1 Overall operation>
As described above, the operation of the main control unit 80 in the present embodiment is realized by the internal CPU executing the predetermined program. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the main control unit 80 realized in this way. In the present embodiment, when a predetermined coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 26, the present photo creating apparatus operates as follows.

  First, the main control unit 80 performs initialization processing of the apparatus, that is, initialization of each hardware and initialization processing of data stored in the main control unit 80 as a set value, and further for predetermined shooting. A timer is set so that a time-out occurs after the elapse of time (hereinafter referred to as “shooting time”), and the timer is started (step S10).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 80 performs a report process indicating that the remote control terminal 31 is in an abnormal state such as a battery exhaustion as necessary (step S20). The contents of this report processing will be described later. However, if it is not time to perform the report processing, the process proceeds to the next step S30. This report process may be executed before step S10 or after step S70 described later, or may be executed only when the apparatus is turned on or off.

  Next, the main control unit 80 performs a photographing process for photographing the user U (step S30). In this photographing process, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the OK button 312 (or the shutter button displayed on the screen of the main display / operation unit 62) of the remote control terminal 31 shown in FIG. Is determined based on the operation signal and waits until an OK button 312 (hereinafter collectively referred to as a shutter button) is pressed. It should be noted that when the shooting time ends without the shutter button being pressed, the processing when the shutter button is pressed is automatically performed.

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

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

  When shooting is completed, graffiti processing is performed by the main control unit 80 and the editing operation unit 94 (step S50). Note that before (or after) the graffiti process, a layout process may be performed in which a plurality of photographed images (or a composite image including the captured image) are appropriately arranged on the photo sticker to be output. This layout process is an image in which a photographed image or a composite image is arranged at a predetermined position by accepting an operation for determining how to place a photographed image within a predetermined time limit. A composite image for printing a photo sticker or the like is generated.

  In this graffiti process, a predetermined time for graffiti processing (hereinafter referred to as “graffiti time”) is set by the main control unit 80, and the user U uses the liquid crystal touch panel 20 to perform the graffiti within this graffiti time. I do. Specifically, it is possible to select a pen tip icon or a stamp image that is displayed on the LCD touch panel 20 so as to select a photographed image and various icons for graffiti, for example, the thickness and color of a virtual graffiti pen. For example, a stamp icon or the like is displayed, and an operation by the user U is accepted. That is, the user U selects one of these various icons on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 (that is, moves the cursor over the displayed icon to confirm), or specifies a desired position on the display screen. Perform virtual graffiti by performing operations.

  Subsequently, in the printing process in step S60, the composite image generated by the graffiti process in step S50 (more specifically, the photographed image is laid out in an appropriate position and size by the above-described predetermined layout process, and various graffiti are performed. Broken composite image) is output. That is, the main control unit 80 instructs the output unit (printer) 66 to output a composite image that has been doodled (laid out). Thereby, the printer as the output unit 66 outputs the composite image as a photographic sticker.

  Next, in the history creation process in step S70, it is detected whether or not the remote control terminal 31 has been used in the photographing process in step S30 (or the graffiti process in step S50) (from the processing contents in steps S30 and S50). A usage history is created and stored based on the detection result. For example, paying attention to the final output, the number of times of printing output and the number of times of integration when the remote control terminal 31 is used (at least once) in one output are used as a predetermined storage device (here, Stored in a non-volatile storage device (hard disk device). With reference to this use history, for example, when the number of times of print output and the number of times of use of the remote control terminal 31 are equal, since the use frequency of the remote control terminal 31 is 100%, it can be determined that there is probably no abnormality in the remote control terminal 31. If the number of times the remote control terminal 31 is used is zero with respect to several tens of print output times, it can be determined that the remote control terminal 31 is probably abnormal because the frequency of use of the remote control terminal 31 is 0%. .

  The number of times of output and the number of times of use are used as information for calculating the frequency of use of the remote control terminal 31, as will be described later. The information for calculating the frequency of use includes the time of use of the remote control terminal 31. Etc. are considered. This is because the frequency of use of the remote control terminal 31 per predetermined unit time can be calculated by referring to the history of use time. Further, the usage frequency may be calculated before saving as the usage history, and the calculated usage frequency may be saved as the usage history.

  When the history creation process in step S70 is finished, the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 is finished, and the process shown in FIG. 6 is continued until a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted into the coin slot 26. Waiting for execution. When a coin corresponding to a predetermined amount is newly inserted in this execution waiting state, the same processing (steps S10 to S70) as described above is executed.

<3.2 Operations in report processing>
Next, detailed processing contents of the above-described report processing (step S20) will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed subroutine process procedure of the report process. In step S <b> 21 shown in FIG. 7, the main control unit 80 determines whether it is time to perform report processing. The content of this timing is determined in advance. For example, when it is the first process after the power of the main unit is turned on, when a maintenance person gives an instruction to request report creation, a predetermined number of times ( For example, the time may be any time such as when the process is repeated only 100 times or when a predetermined time is reached. Generally, this timing is preferable when there is no user (user) of the apparatus. As a result of this determination, if the report timing is reached (Yes in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If the report timing is not reached (No in step S21), the report process ends and the process shown in FIG. Return to the process shown.

  Subsequently, in step S22, the main control unit 80 determines that the remote control terminal 31 has (1) the accumulated number of print outputs, which is the history created in the history creation process (step S70 shown in FIG. 6), and one output. The cumulative number of times of use is read from the storage device (hard disk device) and the usage frequency is calculated from the history information. If the use frequency has already been calculated and stored in step S22, the stored use frequency is read out.

  Next, in step S23, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the use frequency calculated (or read) in step S22 is higher than a predetermined first reference. This first criterion is the frequency when it is considered that there is an abnormality with a low degree or probability. Here, the first standard is the highest use frequency (for example, 25%) that is normally considered when there is a possibility that some abnormality exists in the remote control terminal 31, and the use frequency is equal to or less than the frequency of the first standard. In such a case, there is a possibility that the remote control terminal 31 is not operating normally. As a result of this determination, if the use frequency is higher than the first reference (Yes in step S23), the report processing shown in FIG. 7 ends, and the processing returns to the processing shown in FIG. As a result of the determination, if the use frequency is equal to or lower than the first reference (No in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24.

  Subsequently, in step S24, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the use frequency calculated (or read) in step S22 is higher than a predetermined second reference lower than the first reference. . This second criterion is the frequency when it is considered that there is an abnormality with a high degree or probability. Here, the second standard is the highest frequency of use (for example, 5%) that is normally considered when there is almost certainly an abnormality in the remote control terminal 31, and the usage frequency is equal to or less than the frequency of the second standard. It can be said that the remote control terminal 31 is not operating normally. As a result of this determination, if the use frequency is higher than the second reference (Yes in step S24), the process proceeds to step S25, and if the use frequency is equal to or lower than the second reference (No in step S24). The process proceeds to step S26.

  Next, in step S25, the main control unit 80 displays a warning for a maintenance person or the like that the frequency of use is not certainly a failure as described above, but the possibility of the failure is low to some extent. For example, the main control unit 80 displays a warning text such as “The frequency of use is decreasing. Please check.” On the liquid crystal touch panel 20. This warning may be performed by any method such as voice, alarm sound, lighting of a predetermined lamp, or the like. Thereafter, the report process ends and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

  In step S26, as described above, the main control unit 80 displays a warning for a maintenance person or the like that the frequency of use is low enough to be said to be almost certainly a failure. For example, the main control unit 80 displays a warning message such as “Battery is dead or defective. Please check” on the liquid crystal touch panel 20. Note that this warning may be performed by any method such as voice, warning sound, lighting of a predetermined lamp, or the like. Thereafter, the report process ends and the process returns to the process shown in FIG.

<4. Effects>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the usage state of the remote control terminal 31 is detected and the usage history is stored (step S70). Based on the usage history (here, the usage frequency is calculated and based on the usage frequency). It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the remote control terminal 31 (steps S22 to S24). By such processing, it is possible to detect an abnormality such as a battery exhaustion, failure, or loss of the remote control terminal 31 separate from the apparatus main body with a simple configuration without providing a special detection device in the remote control terminal 31.

  Moreover, the said structure has a special effect in detecting the battery end of the remote control terminal 31. FIG. That is, since the battery exhaustion is an abnormality of the remote control terminal 31 that repeatedly occurs at a frequency much higher than that of the failure, it is preferable to detect it repeatedly with a simple configuration. Further, the battery exhaustion phenomenon appears in such a manner that the remote control terminal 31 becomes gradually unusable and then unusable due to a gradual decrease in the battery voltage. In addition, it is preferable to perform abnormality determination using the first and second criteria, and it is more preferable to perform display in accordance therewith.

<5. Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the processing in which the usage frequency is classified into two stages is performed in step S23 and step S24, and a warning corresponding to each is performed by the processing in step S25 or step S26. However, this configuration is an example. Thus, the distinction may be made in one step or in three or more steps.

  In the above embodiment, in the history creation process in step S70, the usage frequency or information for calculating this is created and saved as a history, but the stored information is information related to the use of the remote control terminal 31. For example, all or part of the use time of the remote control terminal 31 (typically the time when it was last used), the number of times the composite photograph was output without using the remote control terminal 31, and the like. It may be stored. In this configuration, in the report creation process (S20), more specifically, instead of the processes in steps S23 and S24, the stored use time or output count is a predetermined time before or more than a predetermined number of times. If it is, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the remote control terminal 31, and a warning is displayed. Note that the time or the number of times is, for example, a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times that is less than the longest time or the maximum number of times that the remote controller terminal 31 is normally used, which is normally considered to remain unused. In such a configuration, since the use frequency is not calculated as in the above embodiment, in this configuration, the use frequency is calculated in accordance with the unit time or the predetermined number of outputs as the basis. An abnormality can be detected immediately when the time has elapsed or when the number of times has been exceeded.

  Further, the information related to the use of the remote control terminal 31 may be, for example, usage distribution by time or various usage patterns. If this information does not coincide with the usage distribution or various usage patterns when normal or to some extent, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the remote control terminal 31, and a warning is displayed. However, since these pieces of information are collections or distributions of usage frequencies, they can be said to be usage frequency information in a broad sense.

  In the above embodiment, the use frequency is compared with the first reference or the second reference set in advance in step S23 and step S24, but these reference values are not set in advance at the time of factory shipment. Instead, it may be acquired, for example, in the history creation process in step S70 during a predetermined period in which the remote control terminal 31 is always operating normally after the apparatus is started (for example, during a predetermined period immediately after the inspection). The length of the predetermined period is determined based on a predetermined unit time or a predetermined number of outputs. Further, this reference value may be a set or distribution of usage frequencies instead of a single value. Thus, by acquiring the reference value during a predetermined period, it is possible to reflect the specific environment (for example, customer base, operation time, etc.) in which this apparatus is installed. 31 abnormality determination can be performed more accurately.

  In the above embodiment, the history creation process in step S70 detects whether or not the remote control terminal 31 has been used in the shooting process in step S30 (or the graffiti process in step S50). Any method may be used as long as the detection is performed by known software or hardware. For example, the operation result of the reception unit 92 may be directly detected.

  The detection may be performed on each of the two remote control terminals 31a and 31b. Since these two remote control terminals 31a and 31b are given unique identification codes, they can be easily distinguished. The report processing in step S20 may be performed for each of these two remote control terminals 31a and 31b. For example, when it is determined that there is an abnormality only in the remote control terminal 31a, the main control unit 80 displays a warning message such as “Remote control terminal 31a is out of battery or malfunction. Please check” on the liquid crystal touch panel 20. It may be displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, only the remote control terminal 31 is a target of abnormality detection / determination. Instead of or together with this, a shutter device (a device separate from the main body and accepting an operation for instructing photographing) This apparatus may further accept operations related to photographing such as zoom operation and photographing condition selection operation), and a laser pointer that projects light at a predetermined position may be similarly subjected to abnormality detection / determination. The laser pointer determines, for example, the position at which light is projected from a captured image acquired by the camera, and a command or image is selected based on the determined position, or graffiti editing is accepted. Further, a remote control terminal that emits ultrasonic waves toward a predetermined position may be used instead of the laser pointer that projects light. In this configuration, an ultrasonic receiver is provided at each of a plurality of predetermined positions of the main body unit 4, and the direction in which the remote control terminal is directed is detected by receiving ultrasonic waves emitted from the remote control terminal. In addition, any device that is separate from the main body, such as a device that is typically driven by a dry battery, may be the target of abnormality detection / determination. Since these devices can be easily distinguished from each other, even when a plurality of types of devices are provided, a warning message specifying an abnormal device can be displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 20 as described above.

1 is a side view of a photo creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the main-body part of the photo production apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of the remote control terminal in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen for receiving operation by the remote control terminal in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the photo production apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment from the functional surface. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the main control part in the photo production apparatus which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the report process in the said embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

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

Claims (11)

An imaging unit that captures a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging area, and a main body that includes an output unit that outputs a composite image including a captured image obtained by the imaging unit as a photograph, and is configured as a separable separate body An automatic photo creation device comprising separation input means for accepting an operation by a user,
Use detecting means for detecting a use state indicating whether or not an operation by the user is accepted by the separation input means;
Based on the usage state detected by the usage detection means, usage information storage means for storing information related to the use of the separation input means, and based on the information stored by the usage information storage means, the separation input means has an abnormality. An abnormality determining means for determining whether or not there is ,
The usage information storage means stores the number of times output by the output means performed without using the separation input means,
The abnormality determining means, the case using information output number stored in the storage means is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it characterized that you determined that there is an abnormality in the separation input means, automatic photography apparatus.   An imaging unit that captures a user who is a subject in a predetermined imaging area, and a main body that includes an output unit that outputs a composite image including a captured image obtained by the imaging unit as a photograph, and is configured as a separable separate body An automatic photo creation device comprising separation input means for accepting an operation by a user,
    Use detecting means for detecting a use state indicating whether or not an operation by the user is accepted by the separation input means;
    Usage information storage means for storing information related to the use of the separation input means based on the usage state detected by the usage detection means;
    An abnormality determining means for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the separation input means based on the information stored by the use information storage means;
With
  The usage information storage means stores the use frequency of the separation input means per predetermined unit time or the predetermined number of outputs by the output means or information for calculating the use frequency,
  The abnormality determining means determines that the separation input means is abnormal when the usage frequency calculated based on the information stored or stored in the usage information storage means is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency. An automatic photo creation device. The separation input means incorporates a battery as a power source,
The abnormality determining means, based on the usage information memory means information stored by, and judging whether there is a possibility of dead battery to said separating input means, according to claim 1 or claim 2 Automatic photo production device described in 1. The separation input unit is at least one of a shutter unit that receives an operation for instructing photographing by the imaging unit, an operation input unit that receives an operation for creating and editing the composite image, or a pointer unit that projects light at a predetermined position. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the automatic photo creating apparatus includes: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a warning unit that issues a warning that the separation input unit is abnormal at a predetermined time when the abnormality determination unit determines that the separation input unit is abnormal. Or the automatic photo production apparatus of Claim 2 . The abnormality determining means, said separating input means acquires usage in the period to operate normally, characterized in that defining the predetermined frequency with based on the obtained frequency of use, automatic according to claim 2 Photo creation device. The abnormality determining means includes
When the usage frequency calculated based on the information stored or stored in the usage information storage means is equal to or lower than a predetermined first frequency, it is determined that there is an abnormality with a low degree or probability in the separation input means,
When the usage frequency calculated based on the information stored or stored in the usage information storage means is equal to or lower than a predetermined second frequency smaller than the first frequency, an abnormality having a high degree or probability is separated. 3. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein it is determined that the input means is present. According to the degree or probability of abnormality determined to be in the separation input means by the abnormality determination means, a first warning or degree that the separation input means has an abnormality or low probability at a predetermined time point or 8. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising warning means for issuing a second warning that there is an abnormality with a high probability.   An imaging step for photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing region, an output step for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained in the imaging step as a photograph, and a separate body separable from a predetermined main body device An automatic photo creation method comprising a separation input step for accepting an operation by a user,
    A use detection step of detecting a use state indicating whether or not an operation by the user is accepted in the separation input step;
    A use information storage step for storing information related to the use of the separate body in the separation input step based on the use state detected in the use detection step;
    An abnormality determination step for determining whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the separate body in the separation input step based on the information stored in the use information storage step;
With
  In the use information storage step, the number of times output by the output step performed without using the separation input step is stored,
  In the abnormality determination step, when the number of outputs stored in the use information storage step is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the separation input step. An imaging step for photographing a user who is a subject in a predetermined photographing region, an output step for outputting a composite image including a photographed image obtained in the imaging step as a photograph, and a separate body separable from a predetermined main body device An automatic photo creation method comprising a separation input step for accepting an operation by a user,
A use detection step of detecting a use state indicating whether or not an operation by the user is accepted in the separation input step;
A use information storage step for storing information related to the use of the separate body in the separation input step based on the use state detected in the use detection step; and the separation input based on the information stored in the use information storage step. An abnormality determination step for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the operation of the separate body in the step ,
In the use information storage step, information for calculating the use frequency of the separate body or the use frequency in the separation input step per predetermined unit time or per predetermined number of outputs in the output step is stored,
In the abnormality determination step, when the usage frequency calculated based on the information stored or stored in the usage information storage step is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency, the separate body in the separation input step is abnormal. judgment be characterized by Rukoto, automatic photo creation method. A program for causing a computer to execute the automatic photo creating method according to claim 9 or 10.

Images