JP5326233B2 - Automatic photo creation device and automatic photo creation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve amusement enjoyment of a user while properly maintaining a turnover rate of customers by enabling the user to receive image data into a mobile terminal without increasing an entire play time of an automatic photograph creating apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic photograph creating apparatus comprises: photographing means 12A, 12B for photographing an object including a user U1 to obtain a photographed image; display means 16, 17 for presenting the photographed image to the user U1; editing means 32, 33, 35 for adding an additional image to the photographed image to create an editing image; and a printing means 4 for printing the photographed image or the editing image. The automatic photograph creating apparatus further comprises data transfer means 34, 35 for transferring image data of the photographed image or the editing image to a mobile terminal 30 of a user U2, from an editing step by the editing means 32, 33, 35 to the end of a printing step by the printing means 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an automatic photo creation device and an automatic photo creation that can output a captured image of a subject including a user and an edited image including the image not only by printing on a print medium but also by transferring to a mobile terminal Regarding the method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an automatic photo creation device for a game in which a subject including a user is photographed with a camera and the photographed image is output as a printed photograph has been installed in a game center or other game facilities.
Such an automatic photo creation device is highly playable or entertaining for the user, so that it is possible to set shooting conditions prepared in advance according to the user's preference (for example, whole body, half-body or face-up shooting) Zoom selection, selection of background image and foreground image, etc.) and drawing and characters (hereinafter referred to as “additional image”) to be synthesized with the photographed image are selected and synthesized with the photographed image. Many of them are configured to be able to perform an editing operation to be created (for example, graffiti using a touch pen or other pen-type input member).

The above-mentioned automatic photo creation device for games usually has a structure in which a camera as photographing means, a touch panel type display as input and display means, and a printer as printing means are all mounted in one photographing booth. A photographed image photographed by a camera and an edited image obtained by combining the photographed image with an additional image are printed on a print medium by a printer and output as a printed photograph (see Patent Document 1).
On the other hand, the recent evolution of mobile phones has been remarkable, in addition to e-mail transmission / reception functions, mobile phones having various functions other than original calls such as digital photo shooting functions, image data storage functions, and TV reception functions. Is already common. For this reason, there is a strong demand not only to print a photographed image and an edited image obtained by the automatic photo creation apparatus but also to import them as image data into a mobile phone having an image storage function.

However, in a normal automatic photo creation device, since the output means of the captured image and edited image obtained by the device is only a printer, even if the user carries a mobile phone having a storage function of image data, The above-mentioned photographed image and edited image cannot be taken into the mobile phone, and it has not been possible to fully meet the demands of advanced users.
Therefore, the image data of the photographed image and the edited image is stored in the storage area of the computer device that controls the automatic photo creation device, and the user's mobile phone is connected so as to be communicable with the computer device. There has been proposed an image distribution system that is incorporated into a user's mobile phone (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2002-311496 A JP 2001-309108 A (Claims 1 and 4)

According to the image delivery system described in Patent Document 2, since the mobile phone is communicably connected to the computer device that stores the image data, the image data can be transferred to the mobile phone.
By the way, in this type of automatic photo creation device, the editing process for compositing the additional image with the photographed image is set at a predetermined time, and the printing process is performed by the printer after the editing process is completed. If you let the user perform the image data transfer work to the mobile phone after all the editing and printing processes are completed, it is necessary to set the overall play time longer by the time required for the transfer. Therefore, there is a problem that the turnover rate of the customer decreases.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention allows a user to capture image data owned by a user into a mobile terminal without increasing the overall play time of the automatic photo creation device, thereby increasing the customer's turnover rate. The purpose is to improve the entertainment of the user while maintaining it properly.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following technical means.
That is, the automatic photo creating apparatus according to the present invention includes a photographing means for photographing a subject including a user to obtain a photographed image, a display means for presenting the photographed image to the user, and an additional image to the photographed image. An editing means for creating an edited image by adding, a printing means for printing the captured image or the edited image, and an end of the printing process at the printing means from the start of the editing process at the editing means The data transfer means capable of transferring the image data of the photographed image or the edited image to the mobile terminal owned by the user, and the data transfer means provided respectively in the editing means One or more editing booths for performing editing work, and the editing means performs simultaneous editing by a plurality of users in any one of the one or more editing booths Allow work, wherein the one editing booths, the data transfer unit plurality et al is that the display means in the one of the editing booth, a plurality of divided to correspond to each of a plurality of said data transfer means A split screen is displayed, and the transfer instruction is received independently in each of the split screens .

According to the automatic photo creation device of the present invention, the data transfer unit can transfer the image data of the captured image or the edited image to the mobile terminal owned by the user, so that the captured image or the edited image is printed. In addition to printing out by means, it can also be loaded into a mobile terminal owned by the user, thereby improving the entertainment of the user.
Also, the data transfer means transfers image data between the start of the editing process by the editing means and the end of the printing process by the printing means, so the image data is transferred after all these processes are completed. Compared with the case where it does, the play time of the whole automatic photo production apparatus can be set short.

Further, a Subscriber since allows for the editing of the edited image even while transferring image data to the portable terminal, as compared with the case where editing can not be performed during the transfer, to effectively utilize the working time in the editing step It is possible to improve user satisfaction. This point is particularly useful when the transfer time for the mobile terminal is relatively long.

In addition, since a plurality of users simultaneously and in parallel to doing editing work in editing means can be performed on its own of image data transfer, respectively, a plurality of users as compared with a case where the data transfer to the order, the editing process The working time can be used effectively, and the satisfaction of the user can be improved in this respect.

In a further, in the automatic photography apparatus of the present invention, the editing means preferably includes a table of the mobile terminal.
In this case, it is not necessary for the user to hold the mobile terminal in his / her hand by placing the mobile terminal on the mounting table during the transfer of the image data. There is an advantage that it is easy to work.
Further, in the automatic photo creation apparatus of the present invention, various transmission methods can be adopted regardless of wired or wireless as the image data transmission method by the data transfer means, but the cable connection work is complicated in the wired method. The wireless system (wireless transmission system) is preferable, and among them, it is preferable to employ infrared communication that is frequently used in mobile phones.
The automatic photo creation method of the present invention includes a photographing means for photographing a subject including a user to obtain a photographed image, a display means for presenting the photographed image to a user, and an additional image added to the photographed image. Editing means for creating an edited image, printing means for printing the captured image or the edited image, and from the start of the editing process in the editing means to the end of the printing process in the printing means In addition, a data transfer means capable of transferring the image data of the photographed image or the edited image to the portable terminal owned by the user, and an editing operation by the editing means, each provided with the data transfer means. One or more editing booths for performing, the editing means allows simultaneous editing work by a plurality of users in any one of the one or more editing booths, In one editing booth, there is an automatic photo creation method by an automatic photo creation device provided with a plurality of data transfer means, and a plurality of divided screens divided corresponding to each of the plurality of data transfer means are provided. A transfer instruction step of displaying on the display means in the one editing booth and receiving the transfer instruction independently in each of the divided screens; and a printing step of the printing means from the start of the editing step of the editing means And a data transfer step of transferring the image data of the captured image or the edited image to the portable terminal of the user based on the instruction received in the transfer instruction step. It is characterized by.

In the automatic photo creating apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that the editing means can display a transfer procedure according to a model of a user's portable terminal that transfers image data.
In this case, since transfer procedures that differ depending on the model of the portable terminal are displayed on the editing means, the user does not have to transfer the image data, and the play time in the editing process can be reduced by the transfer operation. Can be prevented in advance.

  Further, in the automatic photo creation device of the present invention, when the editing means has a function of allowing the user to select image data to be transferred from among a plurality of image data, the user can make his own preference. Since only matching captured images and edited images can be selectively imported to the mobile terminal, the transfer time to the mobile terminal can be minimized, and the play time in the editing process can be effectively utilized. .

In the automatic photo creation apparatus of the present invention, when a plurality of editing booths for performing editing operations by the editing means are provided, users of each editing booth who are others use the editing means sequentially. As a result, the waiting time of the user can be shortened and the turnover rate of the customer can be improved. When a plurality of editing booths are prepared as described above, the printing unit includes a single printing device that prints image data on a printing medium and a plurality of image data obtained at the plurality of editing booths. It is preferable to provide a payout opening.
In this case, the print medium (for example, sticker print) on which the image data obtained at each editing booth is individually paid out from the payout opening corresponding to the booth, so the editing work was performed at a certain editing booth. It is possible to prevent a user from receiving a print medium of another person who has performed editing work in another editing booth by mistake.

Further, in the automatic photo creation apparatus of the present invention, in order to improve the customer's turnover rate, one shooting booth for performing shooting work with the shooting means and a plurality of editing for performing editing work with the editing means respectively. A structure with a booth can also be provided. In this case, when the subsequent user is not at the shooting booth, a time setting means for extending the editable time by the editing means by the preceding user is provided. Is preferred.
In this case, under the condition that the subsequent user does not use the photographing means and the automatic photo creation device is relatively free, it is possible to secure a longer or unlimited editing time than usual for the preceding user, As a result, the satisfaction level of the preceding user can be improved.

Further, in the automatic photo creating apparatus of the present invention, when the editing photo booth includes a plurality of editing booths for performing editing operations by the editing means, and one printing means shared by users of the editing booths. When the preceding user is using the printing means, it is preferable to provide time setting means for extending the editable time at the editing booth by the subsequent user until printing for the preceding user is completed.
In this case, it is possible to ensure that the subsequent user has a longer editing time than usual under the condition that the preceding user is using the printing means and the automatic photo creation device is relatively crowded. User satisfaction can be improved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the image data owned by the user can be taken into the mobile terminal without significantly increasing the overall play time, the user can appropriately maintain the turnover rate of the customer. The entertainment can be improved.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic photo creating apparatus and an automatic photo creating method of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view and a side view of an automatic photo creation apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[Entire device and shooting booth structure]
As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic photo creation device 1 of the present embodiment includes a shooting booth 2 in which various devices are provided on the inner front surface, and a total arranged with the shooting booth 2 sandwiched from both sides. Four editing booths 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> D and one printing device (printer) 4 installed on the side surface of the photographing booth 2 are provided.

In the description of the shooting booth 2, the side facing the user U1 inside is referred to as “front side”, the opposite side is referred to as “back side”, and the right side for the user U1 facing the front side is referred to as “right side”. "The left side for the user U1 is called" left side ".
In the description of the editing booth 3, the side facing the user U2 inside is referred to as “front side” and the opposite side is referred to as “back side”.

The photographing booth 2 has a front case 6 disposed on the front side portion thereof, and a rear case 7 disposed away from the front case 6 on the back side. A shooting space 8 for the user U1 is formed between the housings 6 and 7. The left and right sides of the photographing space 8 are used as an entrance 9 for the user U1, and the entrance 9 is partitioned from the outside by a shielding curtain 10.
A roll-type curtain storage unit 11 capable of feeding out a plurality of background curtains (not shown) is provided on the ceiling portion of the rear housing 7. The curtain storage unit 11 is driven and controlled by a shooting control device 21 to be described later so that a user U1 in the shooting booth 2 can select a background curtain of a desired color or pattern during shooting.

Referring also to FIG. 2, the front case 6 of the photographing booth 2 is provided with two cameras 12A and 12B as photographing means for photographing a subject including the user U1 and obtaining a photographed image. These two cameras 12A and 12B are composed of an upper camera 12A for photographing the user U1 from obliquely above and a lower camera 12B for photographing the user U1 from substantially the front.
Each of the cameras 12A and 12B performs a photographing operation when the user U1 performs a shutter input operation on a touch panel type operation screen 17 described later, and performs a predetermined number of photographing operations set in advance.

Strobes 13 and 14 that irradiate the user U1 at the same time as the photographing operations of the cameras 12A and 12B are provided at various locations on the front housing 6 and the rear housing 7. The rear strobe 14 provided in the rear housing 7 is arranged on the ceiling portion and the front surface portion of the rear housing 6 so that the user U1 in the photographing space 8 can be irradiated from behind and obliquely upward. Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, the front strobes 13 arranged in the front case 6 are arranged at the upper part, the central part and the lower part of the case 6, respectively, and are substantially hexagonal strobes. A light emitting surface 15 is provided.
A light (not shown) for illuminating the user U1 from above is provided on the ceiling portion of the photographing space 8.

As shown in FIG. 2A, an upper monitor 16 is provided on the upper portion of the front housing 6 as display means for displaying a subject including the user U1 displayed on the upper camera 12A in real time. . The upper monitor 16 is composed of a CRT, a liquid crystal display device, or the like, and is arranged immediately below the upper camera 12A so that the current state of the user U1 who takes a picture can be easily displayed and the preview can be easily checked.
Further, in the center of the front case 6, a function as a display means for displaying a subject including the user U1 projected on the lower camera 12A in real time, and the user U1 operates each device of the photographing booth 2. An operation screen 17 having a function as an input means is provided.

The operation screen 17 is constituted by a touch panel display such as a liquid crystal tablet, and functions as a selection or command input means by the user U1 for the imaging control device 21 described later.
Specifically, on this operation screen 17, the camera selection with which camera 12A, 12B is selected, the zoom selection with respect to the user U1, the selection of the background curtain, the selection of the lighting intensity by each of the strobes 13, 14 and the shooting. Shooting conditions that can be selected by the user U1, such as selection of correction such as the degree of blurring of the image, and selection of a shooting mode such as a manual mode or an entrusted mode (which will be described later) are presented. These can be selected by touching 17 with a finger.

  FIG. 2B shows an example of a preview display displayed on the operation screen 17 at the time of shooting. In this case, the preview display includes a preview display unit 18 indicating the current state of the user U1, a thumbnail display unit 19 of a captured image that has already been captured, and a reference pose display that displays a still image or a moving image that serves as a reference for the captured pose. Part 20. For this reason, the user U1 can determine his / her own shooting pose to be shot while referring to the already taken image and the pose displayed on the reference pose display unit 20.

Inside the front housing 6 is stored a photographing control device 21 composed of a programmable computer device that constitutes the control means of each part in the photographing booth 2. The photographing control device 21 controls driving of each part in the photographing booth 2 in accordance with an input to the operation screen 17 by the user U1. In order to transfer to the 3D editing control device 35, it is connected to each editing control device 35 so that data communication is possible.
When the predetermined photographing time set in advance ends, the photographing control device 21 displays the end of the photographing on the operation screen 17 and determines which of the editing booths 3A to 3D for performing the next editing step. The user U1 is guided to the booths 3A to 3D.

Further, when the user U2 is in all the editing booths 3A to 3D when the shooting is finished, the shooting control device 21 displays the fact on the operation screen 17 and makes the user U1 stand by. .
In this case, if the photographing control device 21 having a game function using the operation screen 17 is adopted, it is possible to prevent irritation of the user U1 by causing the waiting user U1 to play the game. Further, the shooting control device 21 counts the number of times of use in each of the editing booths 3A to 3D, and guides the user U1 from the vacant booths 3A to 3D with the least number of times of use. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an early failure due to concentration of use in specific editing booths 3A to 3D.

[Editing booth structure]
As shown in FIG. 1, out of a total of four editing booths 3A to 3D, two editing booths 3A and 3B are arranged on the front side of the front housing 6, and the other two editing booths 3C and 3D are arranged at the rear. The editing booths 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> D are arranged at the four corners of the automatic photo creation device 1.
Each of the editing booths 3A to 3D includes an editing work unit 24 shown in FIG. 3 and a shielding curtain 25 that covers the unit 24 from the side and the back side. The enclosed space is an editing area in which the user U2 performs editing work.

The operation units 24 of the editing booths 3A and 3B arranged on the back side of the front housing 6 are installed back to back so that the users U2 in the editing booths 3A and 3B do not face each other. A partition plate 26 is erected between the two work units 24.
As shown in FIG. 3, the editing work unit 24 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped lower housing 27, an input work table 28 connected to the lower housing 27 and having a front surface inclined, and a lower housing 27. And a flat plate-like mounting table 29 protruding forward from the upper end portion.
The mounting table 29 is formed in a size that allows the mobile phone 30 owned by the user U2 to be placed thereon, and is provided with a fall prevention unit 31 that is hooked on the phone 30 to prevent the mobile phone 30 from falling. .
The structure of the mounting table 29 is not limited to that described above, and any structure that can stably and temporarily fix a mobile terminal such as the mobile phone 30 can be used. For example, the mounting table 29 may be a holder having a hole shape or a cylindrical shape, or may be of a type in which a portable terminal is fastened and fixed with a belt or a movable metal fitting.

On the front face of the input work table 28 of each editing booth 3A to 3D, there is one editing screen 32 on which the user U2 performs an editing operation for synthesizing an additional image with the photographed image, and two input means for the editing screen 32. Two communication ports 34, 34 including infrared communication ports capable of data communication including transfer of image data between the touch pens 33, 33 and the mobile phone 30 of the user U 2 are provided.
Further, an edit control device 35 comprising a programmable computer device is stored inside the lower casing 27 of each of the edit booths 3A to 3D. The edit control device 35 includes the edit screen 32, the touch pen 33, and the touch screen 33. A communication port 34 is connected.

  The editing screens 32 of the editing booths 3A to 3C are configured by a touch panel display such as a liquid crystal tablet, and together with the touch pen 33, constitute a selection or command input means by the user U2 for the editing control device 35. ing. In the present embodiment, the touch pen 33 as an input means to the edit screen 32 is attached to both the left and right sides of the edit screen 32, and two users U2 simultaneously perform input operations on the edit screen 32. Can be done.

That is, when two users U2 in the editing booths 3A to 3D lightly touch the surface with the pen tip of the touch pen 33 or their fingertips according to the instructions displayed on the editing screen 32, various operation signals are controlled for editing. The data is transmitted to the device 35 and processing corresponding to the operation signal is performed. Further, the touch pen 33 can input drawing of characters, figures, etc. by bringing the tip of the touch pen 33 into contact with the surface of the editing screen 32.
The so-called graffiti image input by handwriting in this way, the background image, the frame (foreground) image, and the stamp image stored in advance in the editing control device 35 are captured images of the user U1 captured by the cameras 12A and 12B. In this way, an edited image is created and displayed on the editing screen 32.

For this reason, the editing control device 35 of each of the editing booths 3A to 3D, together with the editing screen 32 and the touch pen 33, editing means for performing editing work including synthesis of other images with respect to the photographed image according to the input instruction of the user U2. Is configured.
Note that speakers (not shown) are installed in the front case 6 of the photographing booth 2 and the lower case 27 of the editing booth 3, respectively. From this speaker, the user U1 and U2 can smoothly operate the automatic photo creation apparatus 1 by guiding the input procedure to the operation screen 17 and the editing screen 32 by voice or playing light music. , So that you can play and have fun.

The communication port 34 functions as a data transfer unit for transferring image data of a captured image or an edited image to the mobile phone 30 owned by the user U2. In this embodiment, the communication port 34 is located below the edit screen 32. Two communication ports 34 are provided on both the left and right sides.
Among these, the left communication port 34 operates according to an input instruction of the left touch pen 33, and the right communication port 34 operates according to an input instruction of the right touch pen 33. For this reason, each user U2 who is simultaneously editing the editing screen 32 in parallel can transfer image data from each communication port 34 to his / her mobile phone 30 independently. Yes.

Further, the user U2 in the editing booths 3A to 3D can transfer the image data with the mobile phone 30 placed on the mounting table 29. For this reason, since the user U2 does not need to perform the editing work with the touch pen 33 while holding the mobile phone 30, the user U2 can easily perform the editing work even during the transfer of the image data.
As the communication port 34, various transmission methods can be adopted regardless of wired or wireless. However, since the cable connection work is complicated in the wired method, the wireless method (wireless transmission method) is preferable. It is preferable to employ infrared communication frequently used for the mobile phone 33.

[Structure of printing device]
Returning to FIG. 1, the printing device (printer) 4 functions as a printing unit that prints image data including a photographed image and an edited image on a print medium, and is located on the lower left side of the front housing 6 of the photographing booth 2. Is installed. Below the printing apparatus 4, four payout ports 37 for individually paying out print media on which image data obtained at the editing booths 3A to 3D are printed are provided.
Each payout opening 37 is provided in the same number as the editing booths 3A to 3D, and each payout opening 37 has a number or symbol corresponding to the editing booths 3A to 3D.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the printing device 4 is connected to a printing control device 38 that is a programmable computer device. The printing control device 38 is connected to the printing device 4 and a feeder 39 that conveys the printing medium to any one of the discharge ports 37.
The printing control device 38 is connected to the editing control devices 35 of the editing booths 3A to 3D so as to be capable of data communication, and identifies which editing booth 3A to 3D editing control device 35 the transferred image data is from. Then, the feeder 39 is driven so that the print medium is conveyed to the payout opening 37 corresponding to the identified editing booths 3A to 3D.

Accordingly, the print medium of the user U2 who has performed the editing work at a specific editing booth 3A is paid out from the payout port 37 (in this case, “A”) having the same number or symbol as the booth 3A. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user U2 from receiving another person's print medium that has been edited in the other editing booths 3B to 3D by mistake.
〔System configuration〕
As shown in FIG. 4, the photographing control device 21 includes a computer device having a CPU, a memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and an input / output interface (I / O) therein. 12B, an upper monitor 16, an operation screen 17, and strobes 13 and 14 are connected.

Each of the editing control devices 35 includes a computer device having a CPU, a memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and an input / output interface (I / O). The interface includes an editing screen 32, a touch pen 33, and communication. Port 34 is connected.
Further, the print control device 38 is also composed of a computer device having a CPU, a memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) and an input / output interface (I / O) inside, and the printing device 4 and the feeder 39 are connected to the interface. ing.

The photographing control device 21 and the print control device 35 are connected to the editing control devices 35 corresponding to the editing booths 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> D via a communication cable 40 so that data communication is possible. The image data of the captured image temporarily stored in the memory of the imaging control device 21 corresponds to the empty editing booths 3A to 3D selected by the imaging control device 21 when the imaging process in the imaging booth 2 is completed. It is transferred to the edit control device 35. The captured image and the image data of the edited image temporarily stored in the memory of each editing control device 35 are transferred to the printing control device 38 when the editing process in the editing booths 3A to 3D is completed.
In addition, the communication system of each of these control devices 21, 35, and 38 can be constructed with a star connection LAN via a switching hub.

[Configuration example of edit screen]
FIG. 5 shows a display example of the editing screen 32 in which two users U2 can independently perform editing work.
In this editing screen 32, left and right independent input display areas 41L and 41R are arranged side by side symmetrically, and the left input display area 41L can be input only with the left touch pen 33, and the right input display area is displayed. The region 41R can be input with only the right touch pen 33. These left and right input display areas 41L and 41R include a main display unit 42 having a handwriting input function by the touch pen 33, and a palette display unit 43 for displaying various items such as pen colors and stamp image types. The palette display unit 43 is arranged below the main display unit 42.

The main display unit 42 displays a captured image to be edited, and an edited image when an additional image such as a background image or a frame image is added to the captured image in real time. A task selection unit 44 is provided on the side of the main display unit 42, a thumbnail display unit 45 is provided between the left and right main display units 42, 42, and an input selection unit is provided on the side of the palette display unit 43. 46 is provided.
Among these, the task selection unit 44 includes tool buttons (may be icon buttons) for causing the user U2 to select a desired task by touching with the touch pen 33. These tool buttons are edited in order from the top. The button includes a forced end button 47, an all delete button 47D for editing, a back button 48, a normal eraser button 49, a background eraser button 50, a thick pen button 51, a middle thick pen button 52, and a thin pen button 53.

In addition, the thumbnail display unit 45 includes, in order from the top, a timer display unit 54 that displays the remaining time of the editing process, an exchange button 55 for exchanging thumbnails between the left and right input display areas 41L and 41R, and a predetermined number (see FIG. In the example, four thumbnails 56 are provided on the left and right.
The input selection unit 46 includes a tool button (may be an icon button) for causing the user U2 to select a desired input mode by touching with the touch pen 33. These tool buttons are sequentially selected from the top. , A stamp selection button 58, a frame (foreground) selection button 59, and a background selection button 60.

When the user U2 touches the pen selection button 57 with the pen tip of the touch pen 33, handwriting input (doodle) with the touch pen 33 can be performed on the main display unit 42, and the tab 61 of the palette display unit 43 can be used for the handwriting input. Different colors are displayed.
On the other hand, when the user U2 touches the stamp selection button 58 with the pen tip of the touch pen 33, various types of stamp images are displayed on the palette display unit 43. The user U2 can select a stamp image on the tab 61 of the palette display unit 43, and the stamp image selected on the tab 61 is combined with the image data on the main display unit. The same applies to the frame selection button 59 and the background selection button 60.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the hierarchical structure of the edited image.
As shown in FIG. 6, the edited image is composed of a plurality of layers. The user U2 can selectively write, change and erase each layer. For example, in the present embodiment, the background eraser button 50 can erase only the background image layer, and the normal eraser button 49 can erase the graffiti by handwriting and the frame image layer.
Note that the captured image in which the user U2 is captured has been subjected to chroma key processing, and portions other than the person portion of the user U2 are transparent.

[Transfer method of image data by editing screen (1)]
FIG. 7 shows an example of a method for transferring image data using the editing screen 32.
As shown in FIG. 7A, in this example, a transfer tool button 62 is permanently installed at the lower edge of the main display section 42 in the editing screen 32, and the user U <b> 2 presses the button 62 with the touch pen 33. When operated, the photographed image or edited image displayed on the main display unit 42 at that time is selected as image data to be transferred to the mobile phone 30.

  Further, after the operation of the tool button 62, a dialog box 63 shown in FIG. 7B is displayed. As shown in the figure, the dialog box 63 corresponds to a reception confirmation message for allowing the user U2 to confirm that the mobile phone 30 is in a receiving state and the model of the mobile phone 30 of the user U2. A transfer procedure and a final determination button (“OK” and “CANCEL” in FIG. 7B) for determining whether or not the user U2 finally performs transfer are displayed.

The editing control device 35 stores in advance an optimal transfer procedure according to the model for performing infrared communication with the mobile phone 30. When the user U2 inputs the model of his / her mobile phone 30 using the editing screen 32, the editing control device 35 performs an optimum transfer procedure corresponding to the model (for example, “if FOMA N902 in FIG. 7B is executed). Press the button and press 22. ") is displayed in the dialog box 63.
For this reason, it is possible to prevent the user U2 from wasting time for transferring the image data during the editing process, and to prevent the play time in the editing process from being wasted.

  If the mobile phone 30 of the user U2 is a non-compliant device that cannot communicate with the automatic photo creation device 1, the editing control device 35 informs that effect (for example, “I'm sorry. "Cannot be done.") Is displayed in the dialog box 63. Further, the edit control device 35 may display in the dialog box 63 a display such as “Please try again if the download is not successful” as a reminder to the user U2.

When the user U2 operates the OK button of the dialog box 63, the editing control device 35 transfers the image data to the mobile phone 30 of the user U2 via the communication port 34. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the editing control device 35 composed of a computer device and the communication ports 34 and 34 of the work unit 24 connected to the interface are connected to the mobile phone 30 of the user U2 for the captured image or the edited image. It functions as data transfer means for transferring image data.
When the OK button is operated, a transfer display box 64 indicating that downloading is in progress appears below the palette display section 43, and at the same time, the dialog box 63 disappears, and the main display section 42 and palette display section are displayed. 43 and the like are all open, and an edit input operation with the touch pen 33 becomes possible.

Thereby, the user U2 can edit the edited image in parallel even during the transfer of the image data. For this reason, even when the download to the mobile phone 30 takes a relatively long time, it is possible to prevent or minimize the decrease in the play time in the editing process due to the download time. In this respect, the user U2 Satisfaction can be improved.
Further, in the present embodiment, two users U2 individually input to the input display areas 41L and 41R of the editing screen 32, so that simultaneous editing can be performed, and each input display area 41L, Since the image data can be independently transferred from the communication ports 34 and 34 provided corresponding to 41R, the work time in the editing process can be reduced as compared with the case where the two users U2 sequentially transfer the data. It can be used effectively, and also in this respect, the satisfaction of the user U2 can be improved.

[Transfer method of image data by editing screen (2)]
FIG. 8 shows another example of the data transfer method using the editing screen 32.
As shown in FIG. 8A, in this example, a download button 66 is provided as a tool button of the task selection unit 44, and when the user U2 operates the button 66 with the touch pen 33, the input display area 41L. Shifts to the download screen 67 shown in FIG.
On the download screen 67, thumbnails 68 of a plurality of transferable image data are displayed, and the user U2 can select image data to be downloaded with the cursor 69.

  The download screen 67 is provided with a first transfer button 70 for transferring image data with graffiti and a second transfer button 71 for transferring image data without graffiti. U2 can select one of these download methods. When the user U2 operates one of the transfer buttons 70 and 71, the editing control device 35 transfers the image data to the mobile phone 30 of the user U2 via the communication port 34.

When the transfer buttons 70 and 71 are operated, a transfer display box 72 indicating that download is in progress appears at the bottom of the edit screen 32, and at the same time, the download screen 66 is displayed on the normal input screen (FIG. 8A). )), The editing input operation with the touch pen 33 becomes possible.
Therefore, also in the example shown in FIG. 8, the user U2 can edit the edited image in parallel during the transfer of the image data. Also in the example shown in FIG. 8, two users U2 can individually input to the input display areas 41L and 41R of the editing screen 32 to perform simultaneous editing work. The image data can be independently transferred from the communication ports 34 and 34 provided corresponding to the areas 41L and 41R.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 8, image data that can be transferred is displayed as a plurality of thumbnails 68 on the download screen 67, and the user U2 can select the image data to be transferred from among them by the cursor 69. The user U2 can selectively capture only the captured image or the edited image that matches his / her preference to the mobile phone 30.
For this reason, the transfer time to the mobile phone 30 can be minimized, and the play time in the editing process can be effectively utilized.

[Operation of automatic photo creation device]
Next, the operation (automatic photo creation method) of the automatic photo creation device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, when the user U1 inserts a coin into a coin insertion unit (not shown) of the imaging booth 2, the imaging control device 21 determines whether or not a coin corresponding to a specified value has been inserted ( If S1) in FIG. 9 is the specified value, which of the next editing booths 3A to 3D to be used by the user U1 is displayed on the operation screen 32 (S2 in FIG. 9).

Thereafter, the shooting control device 21 sets a shooting timer, displays the play time in the shooting booth 2 on the operation screen 17 (S3 in FIG. 9), and displays a shooting mode selection screen on the operation screen 17 (FIG. 9). S4).
On this shooting mode selection screen, the user U1 can select either the manual mode or the automatic mode (S5 in FIG. 9). When the manual mode is selected, the user U1 can select two cameras 12A and 12B to be used, select a background, select a whitening, and then perform two camera shootings, and the shooting time continues. As long as this photographing operation can be repeated (S6 to S10 in FIG. 9).

On the other hand, when the automatic mode is selected, the user U1 selects various shooting courses set in the shooting control device 21, selection of whitening, permutation of background data and selection of pose guidance. After that, four camera shots can be performed, and this shooting operation can be repeated as long as the shooting time continues (S11 to S15 in FIG. 9).
Thereafter, when a predetermined shooting time has elapsed, the shooting control device 21 displays the end of shooting on the operation screen 17 (S16 in FIG. 9), and determines which editing booth 3A to 3D is used for the next editing process. Displayed on the operation screen 17, the user U1 is guided to the booths 3A to 3D (S17 in FIG. 9).

Further, the photographing control device 21 transfers the image data of the photographed image obtained by photographing at the photographing booth 2 to the editing control device 35 corresponding to the guided editing booth 3A to 3D (S18 in FIG. 9).
When the user U2 is in the editing booths 3A to 3D and the user U2 is full, the shooting control device 21 displays the fact on the operation screen 17 to indicate that the user U2 is full. Wait for U1.

[Editing process flow]
Of the editing control devices 35 installed in the editing booths 3A to 3B, the editing control device 35 that has received image data from the imaging control device 21 performs control processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the edit control device 35 first confirms whether or not the data transfer from the imaging control device 21 is completed (S1 in FIG. 10), and then the user U2 edits the edit screen 32. Is confirmed (S2 in FIG. 10), a time for selecting an image of the photographed image to be edited is set (S3 in FIG. 10), and the user U2 performs the image selection (FIG. 10). 10 S4).

After that, the editing control device 35 sets the possible editing work time as a timer (S5 in FIG. 10), and then displays input display areas 41L and 41R for performing the editing work with the touch pen 33 on the editing screen 32 (FIG. 10). S6). This starts the editing process. Next, the editing control device 35 determines whether or not there is an input with the touch pen 33 for the left and right input display areas 41L and 41R (S7 in FIG. 10).
As shown in FIG. 11, the editing control device 35 independently performs control processing for the left and right touch pens 33 and 33 so that two users U2 can simultaneously perform editing work including image transfer. .

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when there is an input with the right touch pen 33 (S <b> 1 in FIG. 11), the editing control device 35 continues while the user U <b> 2 is editing the editing screen 32. The editing process for the right input display area 41R is accepted (S2 and S3 in FIG. 11). In addition, when the user U2 selects infrared communication with the mobile phone 30, the editing control device 35 causes the user U2 to select the transfer image, waits for a transfer instruction, and then passes through the communication port 34 on the right side. Then, the image data in the right input display area 41R is transferred to the mobile phone 30 (S4 to S7 in FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, when there is an input with the left touch pen 33 (S1 in FIG. 11), the editing control device 35 applies to the left input display area 41L while the user U2 is editing the editing screen 32. The editing process is accepted (S8 and S9 in FIG. 11). When the user U2 selects infrared communication, the editing control device 35 causes the user U2 to select the transfer image, waits for a transfer instruction, and then inputs the left side via the communication port 34 on the left side. The image data in the display area 41L is transferred to the mobile phone 30 (S10 to S13 in FIG. 11).

Returning to FIG. 10, the editing control apparatus 35 determines whether or not the remaining time of the editing process is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time (30 seconds in the example) (S8 in FIG. 10), and in that case, the subsequent user U1. Is determined to come to the editing booths 3A to 3D after shooting (S9 in FIG. 10), and when the subsequent user U1 has started shooting and there is no remaining time (S10 and S12 in FIG. 10). Terminates the editing process (S14 in FIG. 10).
On the other hand, when the subsequent user U1 does not come to the editing booths 3A to 3D (NO in S9 in FIG. 10) or when shooting of the user U1 has not started (NO in S10 in FIG. 10), The set time for the editing process is extended by a predetermined time (1 minute in the example) (S11 in FIG. 10).

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the subsequent user U2 is not shooting in the editing booths 3A to 3D, the preceding user U2 is given an editing time that is longer or unlimited than usual. The satisfaction level of the user U2 can be increased.
The editing control device 35 always determines whether or not the remaining time of the editing process has been exhausted (S13 in FIG. 10), and in this case, displays that the editing process has ended on the editing screen 32 (in FIG. 10). S14). Thereafter, the edit control device 35 selects a divided layout for printing the image data on the print medium (S15 in FIG. 10), and displays an instruction to move to the payout port 37 of the printing device 4 on the edit screen 32 (FIG. 10). 10 (S16), the image data is transferred to the print controller 38. (S17 in FIG. 10).

[Printing process flow]
As shown in FIG. 12, even after the above editing process is completed, the editing control device 35 accepts infrared communication transfer work until the printing of the image data is completed (S1 and S5 in FIG. 12). FIG. 13 shows a processing flow of infrared communication after entering the printing process.
As shown in FIG. 13, even when the user U2 who has finished the editing work selects the infrared communication, the editing control device 35 causes the user U2 to select the image data to be transferred, and issues a transfer instruction. After waiting, the image data in the left or right input display areas 41L and 41R is transferred to the mobile phone 30 via the left or right communication port 34 (S1 to S4 in FIG. 13).

On the other hand, when the transfer of the image data from the edit control device 35 is completed (S2 in FIG. 12), the print control device 38 selects the print medium discharge port 37 corresponding to the transfer source editing booths 3A to 3D ( In step S3 in FIG. 12, printing of image data is started (step S4 in FIG. 12). Then, the play by the users U1 and U2 is completed by the end of the printing.
According to the automatic photo creating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the user U2 owns the data transfer means (the communication port 34 and the edit control apparatus 35 that drives the same) provided in each of the editing booths 3A to 3D. Since the image data of the photographed image or the edited image can be transferred to the mobile phone 30 to be used, not only the photographed image or the edited image is printed out by the printing apparatus 4 but also the mobile phone 30 owned by the user U2. This can improve the entertainment of the user U2.

Further, the data transfer means can transfer image data between the start of the editing process and the end of the printing process, so that compared to the case where the image data is transferred after all the processes are completed. The overall play time of the automatic photo creating apparatus 1 can be set short.
Furthermore, according to the automatic photo creation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the different users U2 are provided with a plurality of editing booths 3A to 3D for performing editing operations, each user U2 who is another person can edit each. By using each of the booths 3A to 3D, the waiting time of the user U2 can be shortened and the turnover rate of the customer can be improved.

  In addition, the printing medium (for example, sticker print) on which the image data obtained in the plurality of editing booths 3A to 3D is printed is individually paid out to one printing apparatus 4 that prints the image data on the printing medium. Since a plurality of payout ports 37 are provided, it is assumed that the user U2 who has performed editing work at a certain editing booth 3A erroneously receives the print medium of another person who has performed editing work at the other editing booths 3B to 3D. Can be prevented.

[Time extension function by editing control device (1)]
Like the automatic photo creation apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, in order to improve the customer's turnover rate, there is one shooting booth 2 for performing shooting operations with the cameras 12A and 12B, and a plurality of editing operations. In the case of the automatic photo creation device 1 having a structure including the editing booths 3A to 3D, editing can be performed on the editing screen 32 by the preceding user U2 on the condition that the subsequent user U1 does not come to the shooting booth 2. It is preferable to add a time setting function for extending the time to the edit control device 35.

FIG. 14 shows a processing method of the editing control apparatus 35 having the time setting function.
As shown in FIG. 14 (a), for example, there are five or more visitors in the automatic photo creation device 1, and the first user C1 of them enters the editing booth 3A after shooting and the second user C2 takes a shot. Assume that the user enters the editing booth 3B later, the third user C3 enters the editing booth 3C after shooting, and the fourth user C4 enters the editing booth 3D after shooting.
In this case, in the example shown in FIG. 14A, when the shooting of the fifth user C5 is completed, the first user C1 leaves the editing booth 3A and the editing booth 3A is already empty. The control device 21 displays a guidance on the operation screen 17 so that the fifth user moves to the editing booth 3A.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, it is assumed that the fourth user C4 has been intensively visited, but the fifth user C5 has been delayed.
In this case, the editing operation of the preceding users C1 to C4 may be left at a normal time setting regardless of whether or not the fifth user C5 is shooting, but the automatic photo creation device 1 is not available. If the editing time of the preceding users C1 to C4 is added as a service during the period, the following users C5 are not bothered and the satisfaction of the preceding users C1 to C4 is improved.

Therefore, the editing control device 35 of each of the editing booths 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> D, when the fifth subsequent user C <b> 5 has not come to the photography booth 2, the preceding user C <b> 1 until the timing when the movement to the printing device 4 does not batting. Extend the editing time at the C4 editing booths 3A-3D.
That is, the editing time in the editing booth 3A is limited only when the shooting of the fifth user C5 starts. For example, if the shooting time of the subsequent user C5 has not yet started when the editing time of the preceding users C1 to C4 is less than 30 seconds, the editing time is extended by one minute. In this case, if the subsequent user C5 starts photographing, the editing time of the preceding user C1 is limited to a maximum of 90 seconds.

That is, even if use of the photography booth 2 by the subsequent user C5 starts, if any of the editing booths 3A to 3D is free, the preceding users C1 to C4 who are editing can extend the editing time. Or, there is no limit on editing time.
When all the editing booths 3A to 3D are in use, when the subsequent user C5 starts using the shooting booth, the preceding user C1 who has started using the editing booth 3A first or the user with the longest editing time ( For example, the editing time of C1) is limited. Even in this case, the preceding users C2 to C4 of the other editing booths 3B to 3D can extend the editing time, or the editing time is not limited.

If the shooting time is 120 seconds, even if the moving time of 30 seconds is provided, the first editing booth 3A is vacant when the shooting time of the subsequent user C5 is completed.
Therefore, according to the automatic photo creation device 1 having such a time setting function, the preceding users C1 to C4 can continue the editing work in the editing booths 3A to 3D until the subsequent user C5 starts photographing. it can. For this reason, except when the queue is formed, the editing work can be performed longer than usual, and the satisfaction and entertainment of the users C1 to C4 are improved.

Whether or not the subsequent user C5 has come to the shooting booth 2 can be detected based on the usage status of the shooting booth 2 of the subsequent user C5. The starting point of the use situation that the subsequent user C5 recognizes as having come to the shooting booth 2 may be, for example, when the subsequent user C5 inserts a coin, or after a coin corresponding to a specified value is inserted. , Or from the beginning of shooting.
That is, if the start time of the recognition is a time when the remaining shooting booth 2 can be used for a longer time than the extended remaining editing time or the remaining remaining editing time, the shooting booth of the subsequent user C5 can be secured. You may start from any use situation of 2.
In addition, when the business hours end, it may be possible to set a time limit on all users C1 to C4 by an operator's operation using a maintenance button or the like operated by the operator. This restriction is imposed in order from the user C1 who has started using the editing booth 3A first or the user with the longest editing time (for example, C1) in order, so that the processing of the printing apparatus does not overlap. It is preferable to do this.

[Time extension function (2)]
Further, as in the present embodiment, when a plurality of editing booths 3A to 3D for performing editing operations and a printing device 4 shared by the users U2 of the editing booths 3A to 3D are provided. When the preceding user U2 is using the printing device 4, the time setting function is used to extend the editable time on the editing screen 32 by the subsequent user U2 until printing for the preceding user U2 is completed. It is preferable to add to the edit control device 35.

FIG. 15 shows a processing method of the editing control apparatus 35 having the time setting function.
As shown in FIG. 15A, for example, when the visitors to the automatic photo creation device 1 are relatively sparse and there is a lot of time available for the start of play for each user C1 to C3, printing by the printing device 4 is performed. The processing is not crowded and the users C1 to C3 do not wait for printing.
However, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), when there are visitors at once to the automatic photo creation device 1 and the start of play of each user C1 to C4 is crowded, the editing time in each editing booth 3A to 3D Is kept for a predetermined period of time, the printing process in the printing apparatus 4 overlaps and the printing process becomes a critical path.

Therefore, the editing control device 35 of the editing booth 3B used by the subsequent user C2 extends the editable time on the editing screen 32 by the subsequent user C2 until the preceding user C1 finishes printing. Further, the editing control devices 35 of the subsequent editing booths 3C and 3D of the users C3 and C4 also extend the editable time so that the printing processes do not overlap.
For this reason, under the condition that the preceding user C1 is using the printing device 4 and the automatic photo creating device 1 is relatively crowded, the subsequent users C2 to C4 have a longer editing time than usual. The satisfaction of subsequent users C2 to C4 can be improved.

[Other variations]
The above-described embodiments are all illustrative and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the scope equivalent to the configurations described therein are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
In the above embodiment, the case where the automatic photo creating apparatus 1 has a total of four editing booths 3A to 3D has been described, but the number of editing booths installed is not limited in the present invention. FIG. 16 is an example of the structure of the automatic photo creation apparatus 1 in which three editing booths 3A to 3C are installed. In this apparatus 1, three editing booths 3A to 3D are concentrated on the back side of the front housing 6. Are arranged. Note that three payout ports 37 of the printing apparatus 4 are also provided corresponding to the number of editing booths 3A to 3D.

In the above embodiment, the stamp image stored in advance in the editing control device 35 comprising a computer device is used for editing. In addition, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magneto-optical disk, etc. Image data stored in various external storage media can be read and used as a stamp image.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printing conditions of the printer 4 are set on the editing screens 32 of the editing booths 3A to 3D, but the printing conditions are set on the operation screen provided close to the printer 4. It may be configured.

However, as described above, the user who is waiting for the output of the printed photo, that is, the automatic photo creation apparatus except the printout of the printer 4, is more likely to set the printing conditions on the editing screens 32 of the editing booths 3A to 3D. It is possible to forcibly urge the user who has completed all the operations of 1 to move the editing booths 3A to 3D to the outside. As a result, it is preferable in that the use efficiency can be prevented from being lowered when the user occupies the editing booths 3A to 3D more than necessary.
In the above embodiment, the transfer destination of the image data is the mobile phone 30 of the user U2. However, other mobile terminals such as a PHS, a notebook personal computer, a PDA, a digital camera having a communication function may be used. .
The image data is not limited to a photographed or edited image, but can be transferred if it has a data format as an image. Therefore, only the decorative image for editing (may be a decorative image such as graffiti edited by the user) can be the transfer target. This may be, for example, a stamp, a frame image, and a decorative image doodled by the user, which can be used with a decorative mail function of FOMA (for example, deco-mail: “Deco-mail” is a registered trademark). .

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus (printer) 4 includes various types of printing such as a sublimation printer, an ink jet printer, a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, a melt printer, a thermal printer, a photographic paper printer, and an instant film printer. An apparatus can be employed, and the model is not particularly limited.
Further, the print medium is not limited to a general seal print, but includes a printout output as a hard card, and the material and structure of the print medium are not particularly limited.

Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where a coin was used as play consideration, various aspects, such as a banknote, a prepaid card, a medal, a credit card, a cash card, are included. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a digital camera or a video camera can be used as the camera. However, the camera is not particularly limited as long as the captured image can be converted into a digital signal.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a system configuration using a plurality of computer devices (the imaging control device 21, the editing control device 37, and the printing control device 38) is illustrated. However, one computer device performs all of the imaging, editing, and printing. A system configuration for controlling the process may be employed.

As a means for ending the shooting process, the shooting may be ended by shooting a predetermined number of times, or may be ended by a user operation, or a predetermined time limit has elapsed. You may end when you do.
On the other hand, as a means for ending the editing process, the editing process may be terminated when a predetermined time limit has elapsed, may be terminated by a user operation, or the shooting booth 2 is followed. The time limit may be determined according to the usage status of the user and terminated.

[ Reference example ]
[Structure of the entire device]
17 to 19 show an automatic photo creating apparatus 1 according to a reference example , and FIG. 17 shows the entire structure thereof.
As shown in FIG. 17, the automatic photo creation apparatus 1 of the present reference example includes a shooting booth 2 and a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) editing booths 3A and 3B provided outside the shooting booth 2. Is the same as the creation device 1 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 4), but is further provided with an outlet booth 81 outside the editing booths 3A and 3B. It differs from the production apparatus 1 of FIGS.

[Exit booth structure]
The exit booth 81 is a booth for providing content including transfer of image data to the user U2 who has completed the editing process in the editing booths 3A and 3B.
As shown in FIG. 18, the exit booth 81 of the present reference example includes a work unit 82 for providing contents and the printing apparatus (printer) 4 provided in the work unit 82. The work unit 82 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped lower housing 83, an input work table 84 that is connected to the lower housing 83 and has an inclined front surface, and a flat plate that projects forward from the upper end portion of the lower housing 83. The mounting table 85 is provided.

The mounting table 85 is formed in a size that allows the mobile phone 30 owned by the user U3 who has arrived at the exit booth 81 to be placed thereon, and has a drop prevention unit 86 that is caught by the phone 30 and prevents the mobile phone 30 from falling. Provided at the tip.
On the front surface of the input workbench 84, there is a space between one input screen 87 for the user U3 who has completed the editing process and entered the exit booth 81 to perform operations such as image transfer and the mobile phone 30 of the user U3. A communication port 88 including an infrared communication port capable of data communication including transfer of image data is provided.

Further, the print control device 38 made of a programmable computer device is stored in the lower housing 83 of the work unit 82, and the input screen 87 and the communication port 88 are connected to the print control device 38. (See FIG. 19).
The input screen 87 of the exit booth 81 is constituted by a touch panel display such as a liquid crystal tablet, and constitutes a selection or command input means by the user U3 for the print control device 38.

In this reference example , the input operation on the input screen 87 is performed by the user U2 directly touching with the fingertip, but this input operation may be an input operation using the touch pen 33 (see FIG. 3).
The communication port 88 functions as a data transfer unit for transferring image data of a captured image or an edited image to the mobile phone 30 owned by the user U3.

As shown in FIG. 18, the printing device (printer) 4 functions as a printing unit that prints image data including a photographed image and an edited image on a printing medium, and is installed inside the lower casing 83 of the exit booth 81. Has been.
Below the printing apparatus 4, two payout ports 37 for individually paying out print media on which the image data obtained at the editing booths 3A and 3B are printed are provided. Each payout port 37 is provided in the same number as the editing booths 3A and 3B, and each payout port 37 has a number or symbol corresponding to the editing booths 3A and 3B.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the printing apparatus 4 is connected to a printing control apparatus 38 that is a programmable computer apparatus. The printing control device 38 is connected to the printing device 4 and a feeder 39 that conveys the printing medium to any one of the discharge ports 37.
The printing control device 38 is connected to the editing control devices 35 of the editing booths 3A and 3B so as to be able to perform data communication, and identifies which editing booth 3A and 3B the editing control device 35 of the transferred image data is from. Then, the feeder 39 is driven so as to convey the print medium to the payout port 37 corresponding to the identified editing booth 3A, 3B.

〔System configuration〕
FIG. 19 shows the system configuration of the automatic photo creation apparatus 1 of this reference example .
As described above, in this reference example , the communication port 88 provided in the exit booth 81 and the print control device 38 connected thereto function as data transfer means, and therefore the edit control device 35 does not have a function as data transmission means. .

[Example of content provision at the exit booth]
In this reference example , the following contents can be provided to the user U3 using the input screen of the exit booth 81.
(1) Image registration to the Internet The user U3 can access and download images registered in the server from the mobile phone 30 via the Internet. The image in this case is composed of a still image obtained by combining the image of the user U3, which is the subject, and the edited image, or a combination of several patterns of the image of the user U3, the subject, and several edited images. An animation image (GIF animation format) expressing animation by switching is included.

(2) Image Transfer to Mobile Terminal User U3 can transfer a standby image or a decomail image to mobile phone 30 by infrared communication or the like. The standby image at this time is also a still image obtained by synthesizing the image of the user U3 as the subject and the edited image, or by synthesizing several pattern images of the user U3 as the subject and several edited images, and switching the images. An animation image (GIF animation format) expressing animation is included.
In the case of a Deco-mail image, a still image or animation format can be selected with a GIF image of several kilobytes.

(3) Minigame The user U3 can play minigames such as puzzles and fortune-telling using the input screen 87 of the exit booth 81.

[Time control at the exit booth]
In this reference example , in the exit booth 81, contents including image transfer are provided to the user U3 during the printing process by the printing apparatus 4 basically. However, the provision of content including such image transfer may be performed after the printing process is completed.
On the other hand, since the original purpose of the user U3 who plays with the automatic photo creation device 1 is to obtain a sticker print (printing medium), even if the content is extended at the exit booth 81, this is left unattended. In this case, a method for ending the content is necessary.

Therefore, in this reference example , when a new user U3 plays continuously, the print control device 38 that controls the exit booth 81 allocates the same time as that of the shooting screen (for example, two and a half minutes). .
When the new user U3 does not enter, the editing booth 3 can remove the time limit until the new user U2 enters. At this time, the exit booth 81 can also remove the time restriction.

That is, the print control device 38 that controls the exit booth 81 has a timer function that limits or extends the content usage time. In this case, the use time of the exit booth 81 is extended (or the timer countdown stops) until the editing work of either of the upstream editing booths 3A and 3B is completed.
When the editing operation is completed (forcibly terminated by the end button or terminated by the timer), the timer at the exit booth 81 is started (after the selection of division, a movement instruction is issued and the next user comes to the exit. 30 seconds to 1 minute).

[Timer control flow by printing control device]
That is, a more specific flow of timer control (time setting) performed by the print control device 38 is as follows.
1. START
2. Set initial value For example, 1200 seconds. Countdown 4. The graffiti club is over? YES-> Go to 10 Is the count less than 30? YES-> Go to 11 6. Unlimited display on the timer. Or display special time and display 7.11

10. 10. Set the timer to 30 seconds Display timer 12. Is the timer 0? YES-> 20 to 13.3 to 20. 21. Exit the exit screen END

According to the timer control flow, when the editing operation is completed, the timer of the exit booth 81 starts counting down from 30 seconds.
When there are no people in the editing booths 3A and 3B, or when there is no limit, the use of content at the exit booth 81 becomes unlimited (special time), the editing operation is completed, or the predetermined initial setting time is 30 seconds The countdown starts from 30 seconds.

[Time use due to variations in editing end time]
On the other hand, in the automatic photo creation apparatus 1 of this reference example , for example, when the editing work is almost completed at the two editing booths 3A and 3B, the user U2 of one editing booth 3A moves to the exit booth 81 after 30 seconds. However, the user U2 of the other editing booth 3B waits until the play time at the exit booth 81 ends.
In order to prevent such dissatisfaction of the user U2, the following measures can be taken.

That is, it is possible to notify the subsequent user U3 that the exit booth 81 is closed and to return to the editing work.
In addition, the subsequent user U3 is informed that the exit booth 81 is closed, and the content selection processing and mini-games performed on the input screen 87 of the exit booth 81 are displayed on the input screens (edit screen 32) of the editing booths 3A and 3B. ).
Further, the subsequent booth 81 is informed that the exit booth 81 is closed, and the standby and decoy transfers to be performed are performed in the editing booths 3A and 3B using the input screens (editing screen 32) of the editing booths 3A and 3B. You may decide to make it.

(A) is a top view of the automatic photo production apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (b) is a side view of the apparatus. (A) is a front view of the front case seen from the user in the photographing booth, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a preview display displayed on the operation screen. (A) is a front view of the work unit of a photography booth, (b) is a side view of the work unit. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the computer apparatus which controls an automatic photo production apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the edit screen which two users can edit independently. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the hierarchical structure of an edit image. It is a figure which shows an example of the transfer method of the image data by an edit screen, (a) shows the state before operating the tool button for transfer, (b) shows the state after operating this button. It is a figure which shows the other example of the transfer method of the image data by an edit screen, (a) shows the state before operating a download button, (b) shows the state after operating this button. It is a flowchart of an imaging | photography process. It is a flowchart of an edit process. It is a flowchart with respect to the left and right touch pen input in the editing process. It is a flowchart of a printing process. It is a processing flow of infrared communication after entering a printing process. It is a pipeline which shows an example of the time setting function which extends editable time, (a) shows the state before extension, (b) shows the state after extension. It is a pipeline which shows the other example of the time setting function which extends editable time, (a) shows the sparse state which does not need extension, (b) shows the congestion state which needs extension. (A) is a top view of the automatic photo production apparatus which concerns on other embodiment, (b) is a side view of the apparatus. (A) is a top view of the automatic photo production apparatus which concerns on a reference example , (b) is a side view of the apparatus. (A) is a front view of the work unit of an exit booth, (b) is a side view of the work unit. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the computer apparatus which controls the automatic photo production apparatus which concerns on a reference example .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic photo production apparatus 2 Shooting booth 3A Editing booth 3B Editing booth 3C Editing booth 3D Editing booth 4 Printing device (printing means)
12A Upper camera (photographing means)
12B Lower camera (photographing means)
16 Upper monitor (display means)
17 Operation screen (display means)
29 Mounting table 30 Mobile phone (mobile terminal)
32 Editing screen (editing means)
33 Touch pen (editing means)
34 Communication port (data transfer means)
35 Editing control device (editing means, data transfer means, time setting means)
37 Dispensing port 38 Print control device (data transfer means, time setting means)
81 Exit booth 87 Input screen 88 Communication port (data transfer means)
U1 User in the shooting booth U2 User in the editing booth U3 User in the exit booth

Claims (9)

Photographing means for photographing a subject including a user to obtain a photographed image;
Display means for presenting the photographed image to a user;
Editing means for creating an edited image by adding an additional image to the captured image;
Printing means for printing the captured image or the edited image;
Data that can transfer the captured image or the image data of the edited image to the portable terminal owned by the user between the start of the editing process by the editing unit and the end of the printing process by the printing unit Transfer means;
One or more editing booths for performing editing work in the editing means, each provided with the data transfer means;
With
The editing means allows simultaneous editing work by a plurality of users in any one editing booth among the one or more editing booths,
The A single editing booths, the data transfer unit plurality et been found
The display means in the one editing booth displays a plurality of divided screens divided corresponding to each of the plurality of data transfer means, and accepts the transfer instruction independently in each of the divided screens. Automatic photo creation device featuring . Before SL editing means, automatic photography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting table of the mobile terminal. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a transmission method of the image data by the data transfer means is a wireless transmission method. It said editing means, the automatic photography apparatus according to any one of the image data according to claim 1 to 3 transfer can display the transfer procedure according to the model of the portable terminal of the user performing the. The automatic photo creation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the editing unit has a function of causing the user to select image data to be transferred from among a plurality of the image data. It has a plurality of editing booths for performing editing work by the editing means,
The printing unit includes a printing device that prints the image data on a print medium, and a plurality of payout ports that individually pay out the print medium on which the image data obtained at the plurality of editing booths is printed. The automatic photograph production apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5 . One shooting booth for performing shooting work with the shooting means;
A plurality of editing booths for respectively performing editing work in the editing means;
When a subsequent user does not come to the shooting booth, prior user according according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and a time setting means to extend the editable time in the editing booths Automatic photo creation device. A plurality of editing booths for respectively performing editing work in the editing means;
One printing means shared by users of each editing booth;
When the preceding user is using the printing means, the time setting means for extending the editable time at the editing booth by the subsequent user until printing for the preceding user is completed. Item 8. The automatic photo creating apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 7 . Shooting means for photographing a subject including a user to obtain a photographed image, display means for presenting the photographed image to the user, and editing for adding an additional image to the photographed image to create an edited image Means, a printing means for printing the photographed image or the edited image, and a portable device owned by the user between the start of the editing process in the editing means and the end of the printing process in the printing means. A data transfer means capable of transferring image data of the photographed image or the edited image to a terminal; and one or more editing booths each provided with the data transfer means for performing an editing operation in the editing means; , wherein the editing means, the permit editing simultaneously by multiple users at any one editing booths among one or more editing booths, the one of the editing booth, before An automatic photograph creation of automated photography device data transfer means are plurality et al,
A transfer instruction step of displaying a plurality of divided screens corresponding to each of the plurality of data transfer means on the display means in the one editing booth and receiving the transfer instruction independently on each of the divided screens When,
Between the start of the editing process in the editing means and the end of the printing process in the printing means, the portable terminal of the user can accept the captured image or the image data of the edited image in the transfer instruction process. automatic photography method characterized by data transfer process and <br/> is included to transfer based on the instruction was.

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