JP5582423B2 - Print production equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed material producing apparatus for producing a printed material on which a face image is printed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a box-type photography apparatus for taking an identification photograph or the like to be attached to a license, passport, resume, or the like. A photographic device shoots a person and prints and outputs photographs of various sizes according to usage. In the conventional photography apparatus, a person is photographed while sitting in front of a single background wallpaper. Therefore, to change the background color of the photo, it was necessary to change the wallpaper.

  There is also known an apparatus that synthesizes a background image and prints out a person image by processing using chroma key composition (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The user can select a desired image from various background images prepared in advance.

  In chroma key composition, a person part and a background part in a photographed image are separated, and only the person part is cut out. However, in order to perform the person part cut-out process, a high-capacity image processing capability is required for a photography apparatus. It is costly to make all of the photographic devices installed in the city into photographic devices with high image processing capabilities. Therefore, it is required to provide many users with an image print service in which a person image and a desired background image are combined while suppressing the number of installed photography apparatuses having high image processing capabilities.

  In addition, ID photos are often taken with hairstyles and clothes arranged, and it takes time and effort for users to prepare for shooting, so there is a demand for reprinting (reprinting) images once taken. It was strong.

Japanese Patent No. 4217066

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such points, and a person image is cut out from a photographed image, and the person image is combined with a background image in the own apparatus or another apparatus and output so that it can be reprinted. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print production apparatus.

A print production apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a photographing device that photographs a subject and generates a photographed image, a storage unit that stores a plurality of background images, and an instruction receiving unit that receives a background image selection instruction. The person image is cut out from the photographed image, and a background image selected through the instruction receiving unit and the person image are combined to create a combined image, and a print image and a preview image are generated from the combined image. An image processing unit to be generated; a plurality of background images; a display unit that displays the preview image; a printer that prints and outputs the print image on a print; and the person image cut out from the captured image custom background creation unit that creates a custom background image data comprises a data input unit for external output, and with a color or pattern is instructed via the instruction receiving unit The image processing unit creates a composite image by synthesizing the person image and the custom background image, the instruction receiving unit and the display unit include a touch panel, and the touch panel has a background image color. A color chart for receiving instructions is displayed, and the image processing unit extracts the color of the subject's hair, clothes, or skin from the person image, and the extracted color is displayed on the touch panel. it is shall be plotted on the color chart.

  In the printed material production apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the data input / output unit receives externally input human image data cut out from a photographed image, and the image processing unit inputs the data via the data input / output unit. It is preferable that a synthesized image is created by synthesizing a person image that has been selected and a background image that has been selected and instructed via the instruction receiving unit.

  According to the present invention, a person image can be cut out from a photographed image, and the person image can be combined with a background image and output so that it can be reprinted in the own apparatus or another apparatus.

It is a schematic block diagram of the printed material preparation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the arithmetic and control unit concerning the embodiment. It is a functional block diagram implement | achieved by execution of the image processing program by the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a printed matter manufacturing method according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a display screen. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a printed matter manufacturing method according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a display screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a print production apparatus according to the present embodiment. The printed material production device includes a photographing device 2 that photographs a subject P and generates a photographed image, an arithmetic control device 1 that performs image processing on the photographed image, and a printer 5 that prints a printed matter (photograph). And a strobe 6 that irradiates the subject P with light when the photographing device 2 photographs the subject P. This print production apparatus cuts out a person portion from a photographed image, prints a composite image obtained by synthesizing a person image and a background image, and outputs the print image. The wallpaper on the back side of the subject P in the print production apparatus has a color suitable for chroma key composition, for example, blue or yellow-green.

  The photographing apparatus 2 is a digital camera, for example, and includes a lens, a shutter, a CMOS sensor, an A / D converter, and the like. When the imaging device 2 captures the subject P, the CMOS sensor receives the imaging light converged by the lens through the shutter, and photoelectrically converts the optical image formed on the light receiving surface, Output as an image signal. Then, the A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the image signal output from the CMOS sensor, and generates captured image data. The photographing device 2 outputs the photographed image data to the arithmetic and control device 1.

The print production apparatus includes a touch panel (an instruction receiving unit and a display unit) 3 that receives various instructions from the subject P and displays a preview image.

  The touch panel 3 displays an operation button, and when the operation button is pressed, receives an operation instruction corresponding to the operation button. For example, the touch panel 3 receives an instruction on the use of the printed material from the user (photographer P). The use of the printed matter corresponds to the image size (photo size) that the printer 5 prints on the printed matter, and is, for example, a driver's license, passport, resume, and the like. The touch panel 3 can display at least one background image candidate and can accept a background image selection instruction from the user. In addition, the touch panel 3 can accept instructions such as color, brightness, pattern, and gradation for the user to customize the background image. The touch panel 3 can accept a print start instruction for the printer 5 from the user.

  The touch panel 3 can accept an instruction to output data of a person image cut out from the captured image. In addition, the touch panel 3 can receive an input instruction for data of a person image.

  In addition, the print production apparatus is provided with a data input / output unit 7 for inputting / outputting human image data cut out from a photographed image. The data input / output unit 7 inputs / outputs data to / from a storage medium owned by the user by wired communication or wireless communication. For example, when the data input / output unit 7 is a USB port, the user can store data in a USB memory owned by the user, or input data in the USB memory to the print production apparatus. When the data input / output unit 7 performs wireless communication using infrared rays or Bluetooth, the data input / output unit 7 communicates with a portable information device owned by the user to transmit and receive data.

  Further, the print production apparatus is provided with a billing unit (not shown) for accepting money paid by the photographed person P as the price of the print, or paying out change.

  The arithmetic and control unit 1 is connected to the photographing device 2, the touch panel 3, the printer 5, the strobe 6, the data input / output unit 7, and the accounting unit, and controls each unit and transfers data.

  FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration of the arithmetic control device 1. The arithmetic control device 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11, a main memory 12, a disk device 13, and an input / output unit 14. Each part of the arithmetic and control unit 1 is connected via a bus 15.

  The disk device 13 stores an image processing program 16 executed by the CPU 11 and a background image database 17 to be combined with a person image. The database 17 stores a plurality of background image data having different colors and patterns.

  The disk device 13 is, for example, a hard disk drive. The image processing program 16 may be stored not in the disk device 13 but in a ROM or a magnetic tape (both not shown).

  The CPU 11 loads the image processing program 16 in the disk device 13 into the main memory 12 and executes the image processing program 16.

  As the image processing program 16 is executed, an area for storing captured image data, person image data, background image data, and composite image data is secured on the main memory 12.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram realized by the CPU 11 executing the image processing program 16. By executing the image processing program 16, a selection unit 21, an image processing unit 22, and a custom background creation unit 23 are realized.

  The selection unit 21 selects and extracts background image data from the disk device 13 and outputs the background image data to the touch panel 3 as background image candidate data. When the selection unit 21 receives a background image selection instruction from the user via the touch panel 3, the selection unit 21 passes the background image data selected by the user to the image processing unit 22.

  The image processing unit 22 synthesizes the person image in the photographed image generated by the photographing device 2 and the background image received from the selection unit 21 using a process based on chroma key composition, and creates composite image data. Specifically, the image processing unit 22 determines the color difference between the person in the captured image and the background color, and cuts out the person image from the captured image. The color difference determined here is a hue difference, a saturation difference, or a combination of a hue difference and a saturation difference. Then, the image processing unit 22 performs image composition by superimposing the background image received from the selection unit 21 and the cut-out human image.

  Further, when receiving a custom background image from a custom background creation unit 23 described later, the image processing unit 22 synthesizes the person image and the custom background image to create composite image data.

  The image processing unit 22 reduces the captured image data generated by the imaging device 2 or the created composite image data to a size corresponding to the preview display on the touch panel 3 to generate preview image data. In addition, the image processing unit 22 reduces the generated composite image data to a size corresponding to the size of a photograph to be printed by the printer 5 and generates print image data. For example, the image can be reduced by evenly thinning out vertical and horizontal pixels. The photo size printed by the printer 5 corresponds to the use instructed via the touch panel 3.

  The custom background creation unit 23 creates a custom background image that suits the user's preference based on the color, pattern, or the like designated by the user via the touch panel 3. The custom background creation unit 23 passes the created custom background image to the image processing unit 22.

  When a print start instruction for the printer 5 is received from the user via the touch panel 3, image data for printing is output from the arithmetic control device 1 to the printer 5. When an instruction to output human image data is received from the user via the touch panel 3, the human image data clipped from the captured image by the image processing unit 22 is externally input from the arithmetic control device 1 via the data input / output unit 7. Is output.

  When receiving an instruction to input person image data from the user via the touch panel 3, the image processing unit 22 receives the person image input from the outside via the data input / output unit 7 and the background image selected by the user. Alternatively, composite image data is created by combining with a custom background image.

  The printer 5 shown in FIG. 1 performs color conversion and sharpness processing on the print image data received from the arithmetic and control unit 1. Then, the printer 5 prints the photographed image of the person P to be printed on paper. The printing method of the printer 5 is not particularly limited, and an ink jet method, a sublimation type thermal transfer method, a melt type thermal transfer method, or the like can be used.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, a method for photographing the subject P, printing out a composite image of the person image and the background image, and outputting the human image data cut out from the photographed image to the outside is described. To do.

  (Step S <b> 101) The touch panel 3 receives an instruction for the purpose of a photograph to be printed.

  (Step S102) The person P to be photographed performs a deposit process.

  (Step S103) The imaging device 2 captures the subject P and generates captured image data. When the photographing device 2 performs photographing, the strobe 6 irradiates the person P with light.

  (Step S104) The image processing unit 22 resizes the captured image data generated in step S103 to generate preview image data. Then, the touch panel 3 displays a preview image. The photographed person P presses a determination button on the touch panel 3 when accepting the image displayed on the touch panel 3. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S105.

  On the other hand, the subject P pushes a re-photographing button on the touch panel 3 when re-photographing is desired. Thereby, the process returns to step S103.

  Note that a plurality of images may be taken in step S103, a plurality of preview images may be displayed on the touch panel 3, and an image most liked by the subject P may be selected.

  (Step S <b> 105) The selection unit 21 extracts background image data from the database 17. In addition, the image processing unit 22 uses a process based on chroma key composition to cut out a person image from the photographed image and synthesize it with the background image to create composite image data. Further, the image processing unit 22 creates preview image data from the composite image data. Here, the background image used for the composite image is any one of the background images extracted by the selection unit 21.

  (Step S106) The touch panel 3 displays the composite image created in step S105. The touch panel 3 displays background image data as background image candidates. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the composite image 31 and the background image candidate 32 are displayed on the touch panel 3.

  (Step S <b> 107) When the subject P accepts the composite image displayed on the touch panel 3, he presses a determination button on the touch panel 3. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S111. If the background image is to be changed, the process proceeds to step S108.

  (Step S108) When a background image is selected from the background image candidates displayed on the touch panel 3, the process proceeds to step S109. If the background image candidate displayed on the touch panel 3 does not include a background image that suits the subject P and the background image is custom-created, the process proceeds to step S110.

  (Step S109) The subject P selects one background image from the background image candidates. The image processing unit 22 synthesizes the person image cut out from the photographed image and the selected background image to create composite image data. Then, the newly created composite image is displayed on the touch panel 3.

  (Step S110) The subject P selects a color, a pattern, etc., and creates a custom background image. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a color chart (hue ring) 33 is displayed on the touch panel 3, and the subject P can select any color. In addition, the subject P can select a pattern, gradation, and the like.

  The custom background creation unit 23 creates a custom background image from the color or pattern selected by the subject P. The image processing unit 22 synthesizes the person image cut out from the photographed image and the custom background image to create composite image data. Then, the newly created composite image is displayed on the touch panel 3.

  (Step S111) The image processing unit 22 creates print image data from the composite image data. Then, the printer 5 receives the print image data from the arithmetic and control unit 1, prints the composite image on paper, and outputs it.

  (Step S <b> 112) The subject P instructs the output of person image data via the touch panel 3. In step S <b> 105, the human image data clipped from the photographed image by the image processing unit 22 is output to the outside via the data input / output unit 7. Thereby, the person to be photographed P can store his / her own person image data in a portable information device or a portable storage medium and take it home. At this time, the printed material preparation apparatus may request the photographed person P for a fee corresponding to the person image data, and output the data after payment.

  Next, a method of taking in the person image data brought by the user and printing out a composite image of the person image and the background image will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  (Step S <b> 201) The touch panel 3 accepts an instruction for use of a photograph to be printed and an input instruction for human image data.

  (Step S202) The user performs a deposit process.

  (Step S203) Person image data is input from the user via the data input / output unit 7. The human image data input here is, for example, output from the data input / output unit 7 in step S112 of FIG. 4, and is stored in a portable storage medium or the like and brought back by the user.

  (Step S204) The input person image is displayed on the touch panel 3. The user confirms the displayed person image and presses a determination button on the touch panel 3 when accepting the image. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S205. If not accepted, the process returns to step S203, and the user inputs person image data using another portable information device or a portable storage medium.

  If a plurality of person image data is input in step S203, a plurality of person images may be displayed on the touch panel 3 and the user may select any one person image.

  (Step S205) The selection unit 21 extracts background image data from the database 17. In addition, the image processing unit 22 synthesizes the person image input in step S203 and the background image to create composite image data. Further, the image processing unit 22 creates preview image data from the composite image data. Here, the background image used for the composite image is any one of the background images extracted by the selection unit 21.

  (Step S206) The touch panel 3 displays the composite image created in step S205. Further, the touch panel 3 displays the background image data extracted in step S205 as a background image candidate. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the composite image 31 and the background image candidate 32 are displayed on the touch panel 3.

  (Step S207) When the user accepts the composite image displayed on the touch panel 3, the user presses a determination button on the touch panel 3. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S211. If the background image is to be changed, the process proceeds to step S208.

  (Step S208) When a background image is selected from the background image candidates displayed on the touch panel 3, the process proceeds to Step S209. If there is no background image that suits the user's preference among the background image candidates displayed on the touch panel 3, and the background image is custom-created, the process proceeds to step S210.

  (Step S209) The user selects one background image from the background image candidates. The image processing unit 22 synthesizes the person image input from the user and the selected background image to create composite image data. Then, the newly created composite image is displayed on the touch panel 3.

  (Step S210) The user selects a color, a pattern, etc., and creates a custom background image. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a color chart (hue ring) 33 is displayed on the touch panel 3, and the user can select an arbitrary color. Further, the user can select a pattern, gradation, and the like.

  The custom background creation unit 23 creates a custom background image from the color or pattern selected by the user. The image processing unit 22 synthesizes the person image input from the user and the custom background image to create composite image data. Then, the newly created composite image is displayed on the touch panel 3.

  (Step S211) The image processing unit 22 creates print image data from the composite image data. Then, the printer 5 receives the print image data from the arithmetic and control unit 1, prints the composite image on paper, and outputs it.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the person image is cut out from the photographed image, and the data of the person image is output to the outside. Therefore, the user takes back the person image data, and later, the person image data is stored in the apparatus. It can be input, combined with the desired background image, and reprinted.

  Further, there is provided a print production apparatus that does not cut out a person image from a photographed image, and synthesizes a person image input by a user and a background image and prints the synthesized image as shown in the flowchart of FIG. It may be provided. Since such an apparatus has a lower required image processing capability than an apparatus that cuts out a human image from a captured image, the cost can be suppressed. Therefore, a print production apparatus that cuts out a human image from a captured image, and a low-cost image that does not cut out a human image from a captured image and only combines a human image input from a user with a background image. By preparing and installing the printed material production apparatus, it is possible to provide an image print service in which a person image and a desired background image are combined with many users at a reduced cost.

  Further, even if there is no background image that suits the user's preference among the background image candidates, a background image that suits the user's preference can be created by creating a custom background.

  In the above embodiment, when creating a custom background, as shown in FIG. 8, the color of clothes, the color of hair, the color of skin, etc. may be plotted on the color chart 33. It is difficult for the user to accurately determine where the clothes color, hair color, and skin color are located on the color chart. The user considers the position of the user's clothes color, hair color, and skin color plotted on the print production apparatus, and creates a background image that suits his / her preference while clarifying the person image. Can do.

  The user may touch his / her clothes or hair in the preview image on the touch panel 3 and plot the color of the touched part on the color chart. In this case, the color of the part touched by the user is extracted by the image processing unit 22.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Arithmetic control apparatus 2 Imaging device 3 Touch panel 5 Printer 6 Strobe 7 Data input / output part 11 CPU
12 main memory 13 disk device 14 input / output unit 15 bus 16 image processing program 17 database 21 selection unit 22 image processing unit 23 custom background creation unit

Claims (2)

A photographing device for photographing a subject and generating a photographed image;
A storage unit storing a plurality of background images;
An instruction receiving unit for receiving an instruction to select a background image;
A person image is cut out from the photographed image, a background image selected through the instruction receiving unit and the person image are combined to create a combined image, and a print image and a preview image are generated from the combined image An image processing unit to
A plurality of background images and a display unit for displaying the preview image;
A printer that prints and outputs the print image on a print;
A data input / output unit for externally outputting the data of the person image clipped from the captured image;
Equipped with a,
A custom background creating unit that creates a custom background image using a color or pattern instructed via the instruction accepting unit;
The image processing unit creates a composite image by combining the person image and the custom background image,
The instruction receiving unit and the display unit are touch panels,
The touch panel displays a color chart that receives an instruction of the color of the background image,
The image processing unit extracts hair, clothes, or skin color of the subject from the person image,
The extracted color, printed matter manufacturing apparatus you characterized in that it is plotted on a color chart that is displayed on the touch panel.   The data input / output unit is externally input with human image data cut out from the captured image, and the image processing unit is configured to input the human image input via the data input / output unit and the instruction receiving unit. The printed material production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a synthesized image is created by synthesizing the selected background image.