JP5672331B2 - Photography game device, photography game method, and photography game program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photography game apparatus, and more particularly to a photography game apparatus that photographs a user with a camera and outputs a composite image generated based on the photographed image as a photograph or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a photo creation device for a game where a user is photographed with a camera and the photographed image is output as a photograph. Such a game photo creation device selects an image to be combined with a captured image (hereinafter referred to as an “additional image”) from a variety of background images and foreground images prepared in advance according to the user's preference. In addition, a device has been devised to improve playability or amusement, such as a configuration in which a user can freely draw using a pen-type input device such as a touch pen. Further, there is a configuration in which a plurality of photographed images or composite images (hereinafter referred to as “photo images”) obtained by photographing a user a plurality of times are printed on the same photo sticker.

  For example, in a conventional photo creation device for a game, a plurality of different layout layout patterns in which a plurality of photo areas are arranged at predetermined positions on one photo sticker are stored in advance, and a certain division by a user When a layout is selected, there is a configuration in which one photo sticker in which a plurality of the photo images are sequentially assigned to each photo area in the selected divided layout is printed.

  Furthermore, in the conventional game photo creation device, when two or more users such as friends are photographed within the same game time, the divided layout is divided into a plurality of areas according to the number of users. There is a configuration in which patterns are stored in advance, and the same number of photographic images of the same type are assigned to each user. For example, in a configuration in which a 16-divided pattern for two persons in which the same 8-divided pattern is laid out in the upper half and the lower half of the photo sticker is stored, the same type of photo image is displayed in the upper half and the lower half of the photo sticker. One photo sticker assigned to the same number is printed.

  In addition, the layout is devised so that the layout is preferred by the user rather than the fixed layout as described above, and the photograph image that the user wants to place is selected by the user, and the selected photograph image is emphasized. There is also a configuration in which a print medium arranged in a regular manner is output (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-32213 A

  Here, in the above-described conventional game-use photo creation device, the photographic images to be laid out often have the same shape or similar shapes. This is because the shape of the photographic image is defined by the shape of the photographed image unless special trimming or the like is performed. Usually, this shape is a rectangle, and the ratio of the short side to the long side is often set to about 1 / 1.4 for convenience of division.

  In this regard, the user may desire a photographic image having a shape different from the plurality of photographic images having the same or similar shape as described above, and in particular, a square-shaped photographic image has a high user need.

  However, it is difficult to orderly and beautifully lay out a plurality of square photographic images and a plurality of rectangular photographic images without causing an irregular gap so that they are printed within a predetermined rectangular printing range. .

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a photography game device, a photography game method, and a photography game program that orderly lay out one or more square-shaped photographic images and a plurality of rectangular photographic images. is there.

The present invention performs shooting, displays a plurality of obtained shot images, accepts an edit input, and edits the shot image based on the edit input. A plurality of placement images including a plurality of square images and a placement image having a square shape and a placement image having a rectangular shape based on the captured image And a selection of a divided layout pattern related to the arrangement of a plurality of arrangement images on a rectangular recording sheet is received. According to the selected divided layout pattern, the layout position of the supplementary area in which the supplementary information related to the layout image is printed is determined from the printable areas on the recording paper, and the layout position of the supplementary area is determined. The auxiliary information is printed on the recording sheet, and a plurality of layout images are printed in the printable area other than the auxiliary area according to the selected divided layout pattern. In addition, a display unit is provided separately from the display unit that performs the above two displays, and the user receives an operation input for acquiring an arrangement image by a terminal device outside the apparatus. Furthermore, the user selects a square additional image included in the arrangement image having a square shape and a rectangular additional image included in the arrangement image having a rectangular shape from the plurality of additional images. .
Here, shooting is performed to obtain a square photographic image corresponding to the square additional image and a rectangular photographic image corresponding to the rectangular additional image, and the square additional image selected by the user is used. When shooting, the shooting range corresponding to the square additional image is displayed in real time, and when shooting using the rectangular additional image selected by the user, the shooting range corresponding to the rectangular additional image is displayed in real time. Is displayed.
In addition, the display means can accept an operation input in parallel with at least one of the process related to photographing and the process related to editing related to a user different from the user who uses the display means. And

In addition, as a structure relevant to this invention, the following can be considered.
In the first configuration, a plurality of photographic images having a rectangular shape including a photographing unit for photographing an image including a user who is a subject and a photographed image obtained by the photographing unit or a composite image including the photographed image are photographed. As an automatic photo creation device comprising output means for printing on a print medium,
In the print area having a rectangular shape on the print medium, a surplus area where the plurality of photographic images are not printed does not occur, or the surplus area to be generated is one, and a right-angled polygon with an adjacent side orthogonal to each other. Layout means for arranging one or more photographic images having a square shape and a plurality of photographic images having a rectangular shape among the plurality of photographic images so as to have a shape;
The output means prints and outputs a plurality of photographic images arranged by the layout means on the print medium.

The second configuration is the same as the first configuration,
The layout means makes the length of the longest side of the minimum rectangle surrounding the surplus region substantially the same as the length of the long side or short side of the print region, and includes the center of the print region or the vicinity of the center. The plurality of photographic images are arranged so as to be divided into at least two groups by arranging the surplus area.

The third configuration is the second configuration,
The layout means arranges the plurality of photographic images so that the surplus area has a rectangular shape.

The fourth configuration is the second or third configuration,
The output means prints a symbol indicating a cut line in the surplus area.

The fifth configuration is any one of the first to fourth configurations,
The output means prints a predetermined character in the surplus area.

The sixth configuration is the fifth configuration,
The layout means arranges the surplus area having a rectangular shape, and prints predetermined characters in the surplus area along the long side of the surplus area.

The seventh configuration is any one of the first to sixth configurations,
The length of the long sides of the plurality of photographic images having the rectangular shape is equal to a value obtained by multiplying the length of the short side of the photographic image by the square root of 2 or a value close to the value.
The side length of the photographic image having the square shape is equal to the length of the long side or the short side of at least one photographic image among the plurality of photographic images having the rectangular shape.

The eighth configuration is any one of the first to seventh configurations,
A first input means for accepting an operation input by a user who can estimate the number of photographic images having a square shape or the number of the photographic images when photographing by the photographing means;
A second input means for receiving an operation input by a user who can estimate the number of photographic images to be printed on the print medium or the number, and
The imaging unit obtains a captured image having the square shape by performing imaging in accordance with the number determined or estimated by the operation input received by the first input unit or more than the number of times. And
The layout unit arranges the plurality of photographic images including a photographic image having a number of the square shapes that is an integer multiple of the number determined or estimated by the first input unit.

According to a ninth configuration, a plurality of photographic images having a square shape are photographed including a photographing step of photographing an image including a user who is a subject and a photographed image obtained by the photographing step or a composite image including the photographed image. And an output step of printing on a print medium as an automatic photo creation method,
In the print area having a rectangular shape on the print medium, a surplus area where the plurality of photographic images are not printed does not occur, or the surplus area to be generated is one, and a right-angled polygon with an adjacent side orthogonal to each other. A layout step of arranging one or more photographic images having a square shape and a plurality of photographic images having a rectangular shape among the plurality of photographic images so as to have a shape;
In the output step, a plurality of photographic images arranged in the layout step are printed on the print medium and output.

  A tenth configuration is a program that causes a computer to execute the automatic photo creation method described in the ninth configuration.

The eleventh configuration is a print medium including a print area having a rectangular shape on which a photograph image composed of a photographed image or a composite image including the photographed image is printed,
The photographic image is composed of one or more first images having a square shape and a plurality of second images having a rectangular shape;
The print area is arranged so that there is no surplus area where the photographic image is not printed, or there is one surplus area to be generated and a right-angled polygonal shape with adjacent sides orthogonal to each other. The first and second images are printed.

The twelfth configuration is the eleventh configuration,
In the print area, the length of the long side of the smallest rectangle surrounding the surplus area is substantially the same as the length of the long side or short side of the print area, and the center of the surplus area is the center of the print area By arranging the surplus area so as to approximately match, the plurality of photographic images are arranged so as to be divided into at least two groups, and at least one of symbols indicating predetermined characters and cut lines in the surplus area Is printed.

A thirteenth configuration is a print layout method for printing a photographic image composed of a photographic image or a composite image including a photographic image on a printing region having a square shape,
The plurality of photographs so that there is no surplus area in which the photographic image is not printed in the print area, or that the surplus area to be generated is one and has a right-angled polygonal shape with adjacent sides orthogonal to each other. Of the images, one or more photographic images having a square shape and a plurality of photographic images having a rectangular shape are arranged.

  According to the present invention, square and rectangular photographic images can be beautifully laid out in a region other than the incidental region with the selected divided layout pattern.

  According to the first configuration, the print area having a rectangular shape does not generate a surplus area in which a plurality of photographic images are not printed, or there is one surplus area to be generated and the adjacent sides are orthogonal to each other. Since one or more photographic images having a square shape and a plurality of photographic images having a rectangular shape are arranged so as to have a right-angled polygonal shape, of course, when a surplus area does not occur, one occurs. Even in such a case, square and rectangular photographic images can be laid out beautifully without generating useless blanks (gap) other than the surplus area.

  According to the second configuration, since the surplus area is arranged so that the print area is bridged over the center of the print area or through the center, the plurality of photographic images are divided into at least two groups. Is placed. From this, not only can all the photographic images be laid out beautifully, but also the print media can be cut along this surplus area, so photographic images (typically depending on the number of users) It can be easily divided into at least two groups.

  According to the third configuration, since the surplus area has a rectangular shape, it can be laid out more beautifully, and it is only necessary to cut the rectangle straight, so that it is easier to cut the print medium. The photographic images can be further easily divided into at least two groups.

  According to the fourth configuration, since a symbol (for example, a dotted line) indicating a cut line is printed in the surplus area, the user can easily cut the print medium along the cut line.

  According to the fifth configuration, since a predetermined character (for example, URL) is printed in the surplus area, information can be transmitted to the user by the character, and the surplus area can be effectively used. Can do.

  According to the sixth configuration, a surplus area having a rectangular shape is arranged, and a predetermined character is printed in the surplus area along the long side of the surplus area. The print medium can be easily cut along the character arrangement direction, and information can be transmitted to the user by the characters.

  According to the seventh configuration, the length of the long side of the rectangular photographic image is equal to a value obtained by multiplying the length of the short side by the square root of 2 or a neighborhood value of the value, and the square photographic image Since the length of the side is equal to the length of the long or short side of the rectangle, rectangular photo images of different sizes can be beautifully laid out without producing blank spaces (spaces) other than the surplus area, and The layout of the square photographic image can be laid out beautifully without generating a blank (gap) other than the surplus area.

  According to the eighth configuration, in addition to the second input unit that receives the number of photograph images to be printed or the operation input by the user who can estimate the number, the first input unit is used at the time of shooting. The number of captured images having a square shape or an operation input by a user who can estimate the number is received, a square captured image is acquired by the imaging unit, and an integer that is determined or estimated by the first input unit Since photographic images including photographic images having double the number of square shapes are arranged, it is not necessary to particularly specify the number of square photographic images at the time of input by the second input means. Therefore, the user can easily select the layout. In addition, since a square photographic image corresponding to the square photographic image is acquired at the time of photographing, image processing such as trimming for generating a square photographic image from the rectangular photographic image is not necessary.

  According to the ninth configuration, an effect similar to that of the first configuration can be achieved in the automatic photo creation method.

  According to the tenth configuration, the program can achieve the same effect as the first configuration.

  According to the eleventh configuration, the same effect as that of the first configuration can be achieved in the print medium.

  According to the twelfth configuration, since the surplus area is arranged so as to span the center of the print area or through the center, the plurality of photographic images are divided into at least two groups. Is placed. From this, not only can all the photographic images be laid out beautifully, but also the print medium can be cut along this surplus area, so that the photographic images can be easily divided into at least two groups. In addition, since a symbol indicating a predetermined character or cut line is printed in the surplus area, when the cut line is printed, the print medium can be easily cut along the printed line, and the character is printed. In this case, it is possible to transmit information to the user using the characters.

  According to the thirteenth configuration, the print layout method can achieve the same effects as the first configuration.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the photo production apparatus for games which is an automatic photo production apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the imaging unit in the embodiment. It is a front view of the edit unit in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the photo production apparatus for play concerning the said embodiment from the functional surface. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the imaging | photography process in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the edit process in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the magnitude | size of the photo sticker in the said embodiment, and its printing area | region. It is a figure which shows the division | segmentation pattern for laying out the rectangular and square photographic image in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the division | segmentation pattern for laying out the rectangular photograph image and square photograph image of a different magnitude | size in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of the division pattern for laying out the rectangular photograph image and square photograph image of a different size in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows simply the external appearance of the photograph sticker in which the cut line in the said embodiment was printed. It is a figure which shows simply the external appearance of the photograph sticker in which the character which shows URL in the said embodiment was printed. It is a figure which shows the magnitude | size of the photographic sticker in the 1st main modification of the said embodiment, and its printing area | region. In the 1st main modification of the said embodiment, it is a figure which shows the example of the division | segmentation pattern for laying out a rectangular and square photographic image. In the 2nd main modification of the said embodiment, it is a figure which shows the example of the division | segmentation pattern for laying out a rectangular and square photographic image.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<1. Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a view showing an appearance of a game photo creation device (photograph game device) that is an automatic photo creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 (a) is an external side view of the play photo creation apparatus as viewed from the side, and FIG. 1 (b) is an external plan view as viewed from above. This play photo creation device accepts a shooting room 2 where a user enters, a shooting unit 3 that takes a picture of the user and receives selection of a background image and a foreground image, and an editing operation including graffiti (drawing operation) by the user. An editing unit 4 that generates a combined image combined with the photographed image and an output unit 5 that outputs the combined image are provided. FIG. 2 is a front view of the photographing unit 3, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the editing unit 4. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the game photo creation device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The photographing room 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the photographing unit 3 is arranged along the front surface of the photographing room 2 which is a front surface when viewed from the user entering the inside. Note that an opening for a user to enter and exit, and a light-shielding curtain that covers a part or all of the opening are provided on a part of each of the left and right side surfaces of the photographing room 2. In addition, an electric roll curtain device 25 is disposed on the rear surface, which is the rear surface when viewed from the user entering the inside of the photographing room 2.

  The photographing unit 3 includes a camera 10 as an imaging unit for photographing a user, strobes 11, 12, 13 L, 13 R, and 14 that are arranged at the top, bottom, left and right positions of the camera 10 and emit flash light, and below the camera 10. It is provided with a shooting operation touch panel 20 that is arranged and receives operations from a user, displays shot images, and the like.

  The camera 10 is typically a digital camera that generates a digital image signal using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), captures a user, and outputs an image signal representing the captured image. The flashes 11 to 14 emit a flash toward the user in order to obtain sufficient light for photographing. The shooting operation touch panel 20 is configured to provide an operation screen for accepting various operations by the user during shooting, and to display an image based on the image signal in real time.

  The shooting operation touch panel 20 has a real-time preview area for displaying a shot image in real time, a pose sample display area for displaying a pose sample, and a graffiti target image for displaying a graffiti target image obtained by shooting. A screen including a display area is displayed.

  The photographing unit 3 is built around a computer and incorporates a control device for controlling each part, an I / O control device, a network adapter for communicating with the editing unit 4, and the like. The photographing unit 3 includes a coin insertion slot 26 at the lower front side.

  The editing unit 4 is configured around a computer similar to the photographing unit 3, and includes a control device that controls each part and the like, and a network adapter that communicates with the photographing unit 3 and the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the editing unit 4 is divided into two units 4a and 4b so that two sets of users can play. One unit 4a includes an editing operation touch panel 400 including a graffiti area, an area for displaying a menu for graffiti, a tool, and the like, and touch pens 49L and 49R used for operations on the editing operation touch panel 400. Is provided. The other unit 4b has the same configuration. Here, the unit 4a seen in the foreground in FIG. 1A is referred to as “graffiti booth A”, and the unit 4b on the opposite side (the back side in the figure) is referred to as “graffiti booth B”.

  The editing operation touch panel 400 according to the present embodiment has a screen configuration in which two users can simultaneously doodle each unit 4a and 4b. In this description, components used by the user on the left side are given reference signs including “L”, and components used by the user on the right side are assigned reference signs including “R”. ing.

  The output unit 5 typically uses a user's mobile phone terminal by communication that does not require contact at a short distance (hereinafter referred to as “non-contact communication”), such as is performed using an infrared port provided in the mobile phone terminal. An output operation touch panel 30 that is operated by a user when transmitting an image, a non-contact communication port 31 that is disposed below the output operation touch panel 30 and performs infrared communication for image transmission, and the non-contact A speaker 32 is provided for notifying the user by voice of operation methods and sound effects necessary for communication. Further, the output unit 5 includes an outlet 33 for taking out a photo sticker, a photo card, or the like on which a composite image that has been edited by the editing unit 4 is printed.

  The output operation touch panel 30 accepts various operations necessary for transmitting to the mobile phone terminal having the non-contact communication function when the user wants to see the photo sticker on which the composite image is printed on the mobile phone terminal. Is configured to provide an operation screen.

  Such an output unit 5 is composed mainly of the same computer as the photographing unit 3, and includes a control device for controlling each part and the like, a network adapter for communicating with the editing unit 4, etc. A network printer 35 for printing an image as a photo sticker is provided.

  In the configuration as described above, after shooting in the shooting room 2, the user uses the graffiti booth A of the editing unit 4 or the touch panel 400 for the editing operation of the graffiti booth B to generate based on the shot image. Graffiti is performed on the graffiti target image. Then, the user prints a composite image generated by graffiti using a network printer, transmits an image using a non-contact communication to a mobile phone terminal having a non-contact communication function, and receives an image received by the mobile phone terminal. Is displayed on the terminal screen.

<2. Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the play photo creating apparatus according to the present embodiment as seen from the functional aspect. As shown in FIG. 4, this play photo creating apparatus functionally has a photographing processing unit 7 for mainly performing a process of photographing a user (photographing process), and a user's graffiti mainly for a graffiti target image. Edit processing unit 8 for editing the graffiti target image according to the operation, and output the graffiti target image subjected to the editing process as a photo sticker or output it to a mobile phone terminal using non-contact communication And an output processing unit 9 that performs processing (output processing).

  The imaging processing unit 7 includes a first control unit 70, an imaging unit 71, a first display / operation unit 72, an I / O control unit 73, an illumination unit 74, and a first communication unit 75. It is configured. The edit processing unit 8 includes a second control unit 80, second display / operation units 81 and 82, and a second communication unit 83. The output processing unit 9 includes a third control unit 90, a third display / operation unit 91, a print output unit 92, an audio output unit 93, a non-contact communication unit 94, and a third communication unit 95. It is constituted by. The first, second, and third communication units 75, 83, and 95 that are network adapters can communicate with each other via a network 6 that is a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The imaging unit 71 corresponds to the camera 10 configured using an imaging element such as a CCD, and captures an image in real time and outputs an image signal representing the image (captured image). This image signal is input to the first control unit 70 and temporarily stored as photographed image data in its internal memory. The captured image data is supplied as a captured image signal from the first control unit 70 to the first display / operation unit 72, and a captured image based on the captured image signal is displayed in real time.

  The first display / operation unit 72 corresponds to the shooting operation touch panel 20 and selects a shooting mode and selects a background image and a foreground image (particularly a frame image including a square frame) to be combined with the shot image. Accepts operations, shutter operations, etc. Signals indicating these operations are input to the first control unit 70 as operation signals. Here, when a predetermined process for photographing the user (corresponding to the selected photographing menu) is started, guidance for the user is displayed on the first display / operation unit 72, and thereafter Based on an instruction from the first control unit 70, a flash is emitted from the flashes 11 to 14 in the shooting direction of the camera 10 after a predetermined time of about several seconds. At that time, an image signal output from the imaging unit 71 as a signal representing a photographed image of the user is input to the first control unit 70, a memory in the first control unit 70, a hard disk device as an auxiliary storage device, or the like. Stored as captured image data.

  The illumination unit 74 corresponds to the strobes 11, 12, 13 </ b> L, 13 </ b> R, 14 disposed at the top, bottom, left, and right positions of the camera 10. Turning off and dimming are controlled. The I / O control unit 73 corresponds to an I / O control device built in the photographing unit 3, and controls the illumination unit 74 based on an instruction from the first control unit 70. Further, an input signal such as a detection signal from a coin detection unit (not shown) described later is transferred to the first control unit 70. The first communication unit 75 corresponds to a network adapter built in the photographing unit 3 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  The first control unit 70 is built in the photographing unit 3 and corresponds to a control device mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device and the like, and is stored in a predetermined memory stored in an internal memory. When the CPU executes the program, an instruction is given to each unit as described above in order to control each unit based on the operation signal or the like input as described above. A graffiti target image is generated based on the photographed image. The generated graffiti target image is written in the frame buffer and displayed on the first display / operation unit 72. Further, the first control unit 70 generates a composite image that is an image in which a predetermined background image or foreground image is drawn on the graffiti target image. The generated composite image is displayed on the first display / operation unit 72 by being written in the frame buffer. When the shooting and the generation of the composite image are completed in this way, the generated composite image is appropriately selected according to the input operation of the user, and then the second corresponding to the editing unit 4 via the first communication unit 75. It is sent to the control unit 80.

  In addition to the above-described components, the photographing unit 3 is further provided with a coin detection unit (not shown) for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 26 in the photographing unit 3, and the first control unit 70 includes Based on the detection result of the coin detection unit, each unit is controlled so as to allow the user to play with the present photo creation device, such as shooting, selection of the background image and foreground image, and graffiti for a predetermined time. Since the detection operation by the coin detection unit and the control operation by the first control unit 70 based on the detection result are the same as those of the conventional game photo creation device and are well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The second control unit 80 is a built-in editing unit 4 and corresponds to a control device that is configured around a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and is a predetermined program stored in an internal memory. Is executed by the CPU to perform overall control related to the editing process. In addition, the second control unit 80 generates a composite image that is an image obtained by drawing a predetermined image on the graffiti target image based on an operation signal for performing graffiti processing on the captured image sent from the first control unit 70. Generate. The generated composite image is displayed on the corresponding second display / operation unit 81 or 82 in accordance with a user instruction. When the generation of the composite image as described above is completed, the composite image is sent to the output unit 5. If the print output unit 92 is outputting another composite image, a message to that effect is displayed and sent after waiting for completion.

  The second display / operation units 81 and 82 correspond to the editing operation touch panel 400 for graffiti, and are used to determine an operation for graffiti of a user using a touch pen and a layout of a photo to be output. An operation described later by the user is accepted. The second communication unit 83 corresponds to a network adapter built in the editing unit 4 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  The third control unit 90 is built in the output unit 5 and corresponds to a control device mainly composed of a computer including a CPU, a memory, a frame buffer, a timer, an auxiliary storage device, and the like, and is stored in an internal memory. When the CPU executes a predetermined program, overall control relating to output processing is performed. The third control unit 90 stores the composite image sent from the second control unit 80 in the memory as composite image data. The print output unit 92 corresponds to the network printer 35 incorporated in the output unit, and is a photo sticker (here, a photo sticker) in which a plurality of composite image data stored in a memory is laid out in a manner selected by the user. May be a photo card or the like). The printed photo sticker is taken out from an outlet 33 provided at the lower front of the output unit 5.

  Further, the third control unit 90 can start the photo sticker printing process based on the composite image sent from the editing unit 4 and simultaneously download the composite image data created by the user to the mobile phone terminal. In addition, an operation screen for accepting a user input operation is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91. The third display / operation unit 91 corresponds to the output operation touch panel 30 and functions as an input unit that inputs the received input operation to the third control unit 90 as an operation signal.

  Based on the input operation signal, the third control unit 90 issues an instruction to the non-contact communication unit 94 to transmit image data to the user's mobile phone terminal. The non-contact communication unit 94 corresponds to the non-contact communication port 31. The image data is directly transmitted from the non-contact communication unit 94 to the user's mobile phone terminal as a non-contact communication infrared signal. The third communication unit 95 corresponds to a network adapter built in the output unit 5 and functions as an interface for data transmission / reception via the network 6.

  Here, the third control unit 90 writes a demo image (demonstration image) or a mini game image stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device in the frame buffer while the input operation is not performed. Is displayed on the third display / operation unit 91. The audio output unit 93 corresponds to the speaker 32. The audio output unit 93 explains the input operation method to the user in conjunction with the operation screen displayed on the third display / operation unit 91, and the third display / operation unit 91 displays a demo image or a mini game. Play music, sound effects, etc. when displayed.

  Here, the predetermined program executed in each control device is provided by, for example, a DVD-ROM which is a recording medium on which the program is recorded. That is, a DVD-ROM as a recording medium for the predetermined program is attached to a DVD-ROM driving device built in the control device as an auxiliary storage device, and the predetermined program is read from the DVD-ROM as an auxiliary storage device. Installed on the hard disk drive. The predetermined program may be provided via a recording medium (CD-ROM or the like) other than a DVD-ROM or a communication line. Then, when an operation for starting the play photo creation device is performed, the predetermined program installed in the hard disk device is transferred to a memory in each control device and temporarily stored therein, and each control device It is executed by the internal CPU. Thereby, the control processing of each part by each control device is realized. As described above, the present photo creating apparatus is composed of a plurality of computers, but each control process may be executed by one or more computers.

<3. Processing procedure in a photo creation device for play>
As described above, the play photo creating apparatus includes the photographing unit 3, the editing unit 4, and the output unit 5. The photographing unit 3 performs photographing processing, the editing unit 4 performs editing processing, and the output unit 5 performs output processing. It should be noted that when a certain user is playing with the photographing unit 3, another user can play with the editing unit 4, and yet another user can output a composite image with the output unit 5. ing. In other words, the game photo creation device can perform shooting processing, editing processing, and output processing in parallel. Hereinafter, an outline of the processing procedure of the photographing process and the editing process will be described.

<3.1 Shooting process>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the photographing process in the present embodiment. When the play photo creation device is not used (when no play is performed), a demonstration image is displayed on the shooting operation touch panel 20. When the user inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 26 while displaying the demo image, play is started (step S100).

  When the play is started, the first control unit 70 accepts selection of a shooting mode by the user (step S110). In step S110, for example, image quality (specifically, one of clear image quality with high contrast, soft image quality with softness, or cool image quality with transparency) is selected, brightness is selected, Whether to shoot automatically or manually is selected. When shooting automatically, a shooting theme is selected. In this case, the first control unit 70 displays on the shooting operation touch panel 20 a screen for allowing the user to select one or more shooting themes from a plurality of shooting themes prepared in advance. The selection operation by the person is accepted. The first control unit 70 acquires selection information based on a user's selection operation, and uses a frame image and a background (to be a foreground image) to be used for shooting based on the selected shooting theme. Determine the combination. When shooting manually, the user can freely determine the frame and background.

  Here, the frame determined by the user is not only a rectangular frame used for a general rectangular photographic image, but also a square frame used for a square photographic image described later. A plurality of types are prepared, and the user can appropriately select a desired frame from these.

  Specifically, the first control unit 70 receives a total of six types of frame image selection operations by two users three times each. This selection operation can be freely performed by the user. However, for convenience of explanation, at least one rectangular frame and one or more square frames are always included when the selection operation is accepted. Assume that it is selected.

  As described above, after a frame or the like to be used is selected based on the selection operation by the user, the process proceeds to step S120, and photographing is performed. By this shooting, the shot image data is stored in the memory of the first control unit 70.

  When the square frame is selected, the generated captured image data also indicates a square photo. In other words, when a rectangular frame is selected, shooting is performed so that a rectangular photographic image is acquired, and when a square frame is selected, shooting is performed so that a square photographic image is acquired. Is called. Therefore, when the square frame is selected, the shooting range is limited as compared with the case where the rectangular frame is selected. However, since this shooting range is displayed on the touch panel 20 for shooting operation, the user can know at the time of shooting. Therefore, as in the case of obtaining a rectangular photographic image, position adjustment by the user is naturally performed, and there is no problem with respect to the point that the photographing range is limited. On the other hand, after acquiring all the photographic images as rectangular images, the configuration may be such that the desired image is trimmed to become a square image, but in this configuration, the processing operation of the apparatus becomes complicated, In addition, there is a problem such as requiring a cumbersome operation such as allowing the user to select a trimming range. Therefore, the above-described configuration for obtaining a square photographic image at the time of photographing is preferable.

  In step S <b> 130, the graffiti target image generated based on the photographed image is displayed on the photographing operation touch panel 20. Specifically, each time the process of step S130 is performed, graffiti target images are sequentially displayed additionally in the graffiti target image display area of the photographing operation touch panel 20 shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S140, and the first controller 70 determines whether or not a predetermined number of images have been taken. As a result of the determination, if the number of images has been shot, the process proceeds to step S150. If the number of images has not been shot, the process returns to step S120. In practice, a time limit for photographing (for example, 3 minutes) is provided.

  In step S150, an image to be actually graffitied is selected (by the user) from a plurality of graffiti subject images. Specifically, the first control unit 70 displays a list of graffiti target images on the shooting operation touch panel 20 in order to allow the user to select an image to be used for graffiti and printing, and performs a selection operation by the user. Accept. Therefore, even when a square frame is selected at the time of shooting and a square shot image is acquired, the square shot image may not be selected by this selection operation. However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that one or more rectangular captured images and one or more square captured images are always selected at the end of the selection operation as described above. . Then, the first control unit 70 sends the image selected by the user to the second control unit 80 as an actual graffiti target image. After step S150 ends, the process proceeds to step S160. In step S160, a guidance screen is displayed. Specifically, the first control unit 70 displays a screen for guiding the user to any one of the editing units 4 (4 a or 4 b) on the photographing operation touch panel 20. Thereby, the photographing process is completed.

<3.2 Editing process>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of editing processing in the present embodiment. After completion of the above-described shooting process, the second control unit 80 acquires the graffiti target image (the image selected by the user in step S150 in FIG. 5) sent from the first control unit 70 via the network 6. (Step S200). Thereafter, the timer is set to a predetermined time (time for allowing the user to doodle) and the countdown is started (step S210).

  After the timer countdown starts, the editing unit 4 accepts a graffiti operation (drawing operation) by the user (step S220). There are various modes for the various functions for the graffiti, but the description is omitted here because they are known modes.

  Thereafter, when the remaining time for allowing the user to doodle is 60 seconds, the second control unit 80 determines whether or not to extend the doodle time (step S230). Whether or not to extend the graffiti time is determined by whether or not the user who will play next in the unit 4a or 4b is in the shooting room 2 (whether or not the shooting process is performed in the shooting unit 3). Is done. As a result, if it is determined to extend the graffiti time, the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, if it is determined that the graffiti time is not extended, the process proceeds to step S250. In step S240, the timer is set to a predetermined time (time for allowing the user to further doodle), and the countdown is started again. After step S240 ends, the process proceeds to step S250.

  In step S250, as in step S220, the editing unit 4 accepts a graffiti operation by the user. When the graffiti time becomes 0 (ends), a division pattern for appropriately laying out the output photographic image is selected (step S260).

  Specifically, the second control unit 80 displays on the editing operation touch panel 400 a screen for allowing the user to select one of the plurality of division patterns prepared in advance, and the user can select the division pattern. The selection operation by is accepted. And the 2nd control part 80 acquires selection information based on a user's selection operation. The present embodiment is characterized in that a square photographic image is included in a plurality of photographic images arranged by this division pattern, and that predetermined information is described in an extra area where no photographic image is arranged. have. This division pattern will be described later. The selectable division patterns are divided into, for example, for two people, for three people, and for a large number of people, and several types of patterns having different division numbers are defined for each. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S270.

  In step S270, a guidance screen is displayed. Specifically, the second control unit 80 displays a screen for guiding the user to the output unit 5 on the editing operation touch panel 400. Thereby, the editing process ends. Thereafter, the output processing described above is performed in the output unit 5. Next, division patterns for layout will be described with reference to FIGS.

<4. Structure of division pattern>
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the size of the photographic sticker and its print area. As shown in FIG. 7, the photographic sticker 600 has a size of horizontal Sa × vertical Sb. Typically, the photographic sticker is a postcard size, Sa = 147 [mm], Sb = 100 [mm]. Further, the print area 601 set in the photo sticker 600 has a smaller size of horizontal Ra × vertical Rb here.

  This print area 601 is a rectangular area that is set to an appropriate size in order to lay out rectangular and square photographic images photographed and graffitied by the user in the printable area. Accordingly, the print area 601 indicates at least a rectangular area where an image can be printed. The print area in this specification refers to a minimum rectangular area that includes all photographic images (and a surplus area described later). . Therefore, the print area 601 does not have to be the same as the printable area by the network printer 35 provided in the output unit 5, but may be the same as a matter of course.

  In addition, the size of the print area 601 may be equal to the size of the photo sticker 600, but a normal printer is often not configured to print in the frame area around the photo sticker 600 (or can be printed). In general, the print area 601 is set to an appropriate range within the printable area excluding the frame area, which is a surrounding unprintable area. In the print area 601 set in this way, many photographic images are laid out as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a division pattern for laying out rectangular and square photographic images. In the division pattern shown in FIG. 8, a rectangular surplus area 603, which will be described later, indicated by diagonal lines is laid out, and on the right side there are ten rectangular photographic images 611 and five square photographic images 612. The same number of rectangular photographic images 611 and square photographic images 612 are similarly laid out on the left side thereof (so as to be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line of the surplus area). As a result, a 30-division layout is realized in which the total number of photographic images is 30.

Although the print area 601 is not shown in FIG. 8, since the print area 601 is the smallest rectangular area that includes each photo image and the surplus area 603 as described above, the horizontal length Ra thereof is not shown. And the vertical length Rb is Pa when the length of the short side of the rectangular photographic image is Pa, the length of the long side is Pb, and the horizontal length (short side) of the surplus region is Ma. The relationship of the following formula (1) is satisfied.
Ra = 4 × Pb + 2 × Pa + Ma
Rb = 5 × Pa (1)

  The short side of the rectangular photographic image 611 has a length Pa equal to one side of the square photographic image 612, and the length Pb of the long side of the rectangular photographic image 611 is about 1.4 times the length Pa. That is, the length Pb is a value obtained by multiplying the length Pa by a square root of 2 or a value near the square root. With this setting, rectangular photographic images of different sizes can be laid out beautifully without generating blank spaces (gap) other than the surplus area, and the layout of square photo images can be laid out with margins (gap) other than the surplus area. ), And an effect that the rectangular photographic image can be easily generated. These points will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a division pattern for laying out rectangular photographic images and square photographic images having different sizes. Note that according to the division pattern shown in FIG. 9, a 26-division layout in which the total number of photographic images is 26 is realized.

  In FIG. 8, the example in which the rectangular photographic images 612 are all the same size is shown. In FIG. 9, in addition to the same rectangular photographic image 612 as shown in FIG. A rectangular photographic image 613 whose long side is twice the length of Pa and a rectangular photographic image 613 whose long side is twice the length of Pb 614 and a rectangular photographic image 615 whose short side is 1/2 of Pb and whose long side is Pa are shown.

  In this way, when the rectangle set so that the length of the long side is about 1.4 times the length of the short side is divided into two at the half position of the length of the long side, it is divided. The two rectangles are similar to the rectangle before the division. Therefore, if the lengths of the sides of the rectangular photo image are set so as to have such a vertical / horizontal ratio, the rectangular photo images of different sizes can be laid out without any gaps, so that there is no unnecessary blank space other than the surplus area. (Gap) does not occur and can be laid out beautifully.

  Since all the rectangular photographic images have similar shapes as described above, all the rectangular images can be obtained by simply enlarging or reducing (scaling) the composite image generated by being photographed and graffitied. A photographic image can be generated. Therefore, an image processing operation such as generating a rectangular photographic image having a different shape by appropriately cutting (trimming) a predetermined portion of the composite image becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the operation of the apparatus can be simplified by performing the layout as described above.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the short side of the rectangular photo image 611 has a length Pa equal to one side of the square photo image 612. It can be laid out beautifully without waste.

  Furthermore, even when the square photographic images 612 are not arranged in a line in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 9, the length of the long side of the rectangular photographic image is about 1.4 of the length of the short side. When the length is doubled and the length of the short side or the long side of the rectangular photo image is equal to the length of one side of the square photo image 612, all the photo images can be laid out beautifully without waste.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a division pattern for laying out rectangular photographic images and square photographic images having different sizes. As shown in FIG. 9, the square photographic images 612 are arranged differently from the arrangement arranged in a line in the vertical direction (as shown in FIG. 8). However, it is possible to lay out the rectangular photo images 612 and 613 having different sizes and the square photo image 612 with no gap while arranging the same surplus area 603 as in FIG. Can be laid out beautifully.

  The division pattern shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example, and the length of the long side of the rectangular photographic image is about 1.4 times the length of the short side, and the length of the short side or the long side of the rectangular photographic image If the lengths of one side of the square photo image 612 are made equal, the rectangular photo images 612 and 613 having different sizes and the square photo image 612 are laid out without any gap while appropriately arranging a single surplus area. Therefore, it is possible to lay out beautifully without generating useless blank space (gap).

  Next, the surplus area 603 shown in FIG. 8 (and FIGS. 9 and 10) will be described. The surplus area 603 is an area in which an image in the print area 601 is not printed. Here, the surplus area 603 is extended vertically through the center of the print area 601 so as to divide a plurality of photographic images into two groups on the left and right in the figure. It is provided to be passed.

  The lateral length (short side) Ma of this surplus area is determined by the above equation (1), but this surplus area is different from an unnecessary blank area and separates a plurality of photographic images into two groups on the left and right. Is set to have a certain length Ma. In other words, one photo sticker output from the output unit 5 in the automatic photo creation apparatus used by two people is divided here by two users (although usually two or more people). Often used. At this time, the photo sticker is often divided into two parts with scissors or the like, but it is difficult to accurately cut the photo image with scissors, and a part of the photo image may be cut by mistake. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the surplus area 603 in which the photographic image is not printed is provided at the position where the photographic image is divided into two groups. In addition, the surplus region is provided so that the length Ma is large enough to be easily cut. By doing so, it is possible to cut the photographic image with scissors or the like along the surplus area, and thus it is possible to prevent a part of the photographic image from being cut accidentally.

  Further, since it is sufficient that no photographic image is printed in the surplus area 603, a cut line such as a dotted line may be printed as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram simply showing the appearance of a photographic sticker on which the cut line is printed. As shown in FIG. 11, since a cut line 604 indicated by a dotted line is printed along the long side (here, the center line in the longitudinal direction) of the surplus area 603, the user follows the cut line 604. The photo sticker 600 can be easily cut with scissors or the like. Note that the cut line 604 may not be a dotted line as long as it is a symbol for facilitating carving.

  Further, in place of or along with the cut line, information related to the automatic photo creation device (for example, URL of a website configured to be able to acquire a created composite image), characters indicating advertisements, etc. May be printed in the surplus area 603. FIG. 12 is a diagram simply showing the appearance of a photographic sticker on which characters indicating this URL are printed. As shown in FIG. 12, in the surplus area 603, characters 605 are printed along the long sides (here, the center line in the longitudinal direction). Even when the character 605 is printed in this way, the user can use scissors or the like on this character or along the arrangement direction of the character as long as the surplus area 603 where no photographic image is printed is provided. The photo sticker 600 can be easily cut, and information transmission to the user by the characters 605 can be achieved.

  In addition, from the viewpoint of effectively using the surplus area for information transmission, a configuration may be adopted in which characters are printed along the short side direction (or other direction) of the surplus area, and the shape of the surplus area is rectangular. Even if it is not, what is necessary is just the structure by which a character is printed in the surplus area | region.

<5. Effect>
As described above, in this embodiment, the surplus area 603 on which no photographic image is printed is provided so as to pass through the center of the print area, and the rectangular photographic image 711 and the square photographic image 712 are left and right by the surplus area 603. Arranged so as to be divided into two groups. By arranging in this way, it is possible to beautifully lay out all the photographic images without generating useless white space (gap) other than the surplus area.

  In addition, since the photo sticker can be cut along the surplus area 603, the photo images can be easily divided into two groups. Furthermore, since the surplus area 603 is a rectangle, the user can cut the rectangle in a straight line, which makes it easy to cut the rectangle. In particular, when the cut line 604 or the character 605 is printed in the surplus area 603, it is possible to further facilitate the separation.

<6. Modification>
<6.1 First Major Modification>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the size of the photo sticker and its print area in this modification. As shown in FIG. 13, the photo sticker 700 in this modification is the same size as that shown in FIG. 7, but the print area 701 set in this photo sticker 700 is the same as that shown in FIG. Have different horizontal Rn × vertical Rm sizes.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a division pattern for laying out rectangular and square photographic images in this modification. In FIG. 14, a rectangular surplus area 703 indicated by diagonal lines is laid out, and 20 rectangular photographic images 611 and 10 square photographic images 612 are laid out above it.

Although the print area 701 is not shown in FIG. 14, as described above, the print area 701 is the smallest rectangular area that includes each photo image and the surplus area 703, as with the print area 701. The horizontal length Rn and the vertical length Rm are the length of the short side of the rectangular photographic image as Pn, the length of the long side as Pm, and the length (short side) of the surplus area in the vertical direction. When M is Mm, the relationship of the following formula (2) is satisfied.
Rn = 4 × Pb + 2 × Pa
Rm = 5 × Pa + Mm (2)

  As described above, even if the surplus area 703 is arranged not in the center of the print area 701 but in the lower part of the drawing, the rectangular photographic image 611 and the square photographic image 612 have a blank space (gap) other than the surplus area. It can be laid out beautifully without occurring.

  Further, if information (for example, URL) related to the automatic photo creation apparatus or characters indicating advertisements are printed in the surplus area 703, information transmission to the user is achieved by the printed characters as in the above embodiment. And the surplus area can be effectively utilized.

  When no characters are printed in the surplus area 703, the surplus area 703 in contact with the end of the print area 701 is in a similar state as a margin area which is a frame area such as an unprintable area. Therefore, it can be said that the surplus area is outside the range of the print area 701. However, such a surplus area 703 (or a surplus area that eventually becomes the same as the blank area) exists not only in the print area but also in the print area 701 even if it does not exist. In addition, the rectangular photographic image 611 and the square photographic image 612 can be beautifully laid out without generating a useless margin (gap). Therefore, it can be said that the present invention is applicable even when the surplus area is not arranged in the print area.

<6.2 Second Major Modification>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of a division pattern for laying out rectangular and square photographic images in the present modification. In the division pattern shown in FIG. 15, the surplus area 813 indicated by diagonal lines passes through the center of the print area (not shown but the same as FIG. 7), like the surplus area 603 shown in FIG. 8. It is laid out so as to be bridged up and down. However, the shape of the surplus area 813 is not a rectangle but a right-angled polygon in which adjacent sides are orthogonal. In this way, unlike the division pattern shown in FIG. 8, the shape of the surplus area 813 does not become a rectangle. As can be seen from a comparison with reference to FIG. 8, the 10 square photographs laid out in FIG. This is because, in the image 612, the two square photographic images 612 positioned at the upper right and the lower left are omitted, and two rectangular photographic images 821a and 821b are arranged instead. Other configurations are the same as those of the print area shown in FIG. 7 and the division pattern shown in FIG.

  In addition, what is necessary for the surplus area 813 that is a right-angled polygon to be bridged in the vertical direction of the print area is that the minimum rectangle surrounding the surplus area is assumed, and the length of the long side of the rectangle is the print area. Is to satisfy the condition that it is approximately equal to the length of the side extending in the vertical direction (here, the short side). Also, what is necessary for the surplus area 813 to be bridged in the left-right direction of the print area is that the length of the long side of the rectangle is the length of the side (here, the long side) extending in the left-right direction of the print area. It is to satisfy the condition of substantially equal.

  As shown in FIG. 15, even when the shape of the surplus area 813 is a right-angled polygon that is not rectangular, as long as the surplus area is provided so as to be bridged up and down through the center of the print area, The photographic images can be cut with scissors or the like along the surplus area 813 so as to divide the plurality of photographic images into left and right two groups. Therefore, the surplus area 813 in the present modified example, which is a right-angled polygon arranged in this way, also has an effect of preventing a user from accidentally cutting a part of a photographic image. ing.

  However, since the length (the shortest side) in the horizontal direction of the surplus area 813 shown in FIG. 15 is considerably smaller than the surplus area 603 shown in FIG. 8, the surplus area 813 is difficult to cut out. It can be said that it is. However, if there is a minimum (short side) length (for example, about 1 mm) necessary for dividing a plurality of photographic images into two left and right groups, it can be said that the above operation is achieved. The surplus area may be a right-angled polygon having any shape as long as a plurality of photographic images can be divided into two groups (left and right) (or more). However, it is more preferable that the surplus area is rectangular because it is easy to cut straight.

  When the photographic image has a square shape and a rectangular shape, and the photographic image is laid out at an appropriate position so that one surplus region is formed, the shape of the one surplus region is one rectangle. It becomes a right-angled polygon that combines two or more. Therefore, when two or more surplus areas are formed, typically only one surplus area (typically the center of the print area) is formed compared to the case where the surplus area is formed around the print area. When formed, the photographic image is laid out beautifully. If this right-angled polygon is a rectangle, the layout is more beautiful.

<6.3 Other Modifications>
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (and FIGS. 9 and 10), the surplus area 603 passes through the center of the print area 601 so as to divide a plurality of photographic images into two groups on the left and right sides of the figure. Although it is provided so as to be bridged in the vertical direction, it is provided so as to be bridged in the horizontal direction through the center of the printing area 601 so as to divide a plurality of photographic images into two upper and lower groups in the figure. Also good.

  The surplus area is divided into a vertical direction and a horizontal direction through the center of the print area 601 so as to divide a plurality of photographic images into a total of four groups of two groups on the left and right and two groups on the top and bottom in the figure. It may be a (cross-shaped) right-angled polygon combined with rectangles provided so as to be bridged to each other. Even with such a shape, it is possible to cut a photographic image with scissors or the like along the surplus area, so that it is possible to prevent a part of the photographic image from being cut accidentally. doing. Furthermore, the surplus area may have a shape formed by combining rectangles spanning through the center of the print area so as to divide the photographic image by the number of groups of 3 or 5 or more.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a square frame is selected at the time of shooting, the generated shot image data also indicates a square photo. Therefore, as long as they are selected as graffiti target images, the square frame is selected. A photographic image of an integral multiple of the number of times is laid out as a square photographic image 612 and printed on the photographic sticker. In addition to the above-described configuration in which the number of square captured images (or the number of captured images) is estimated in the form of frame selection or the like, it may be configured to accept an operation input that specifies the number of square captured images at the time of shooting. Good. In this way, if the number of square photographed images is designated or estimated at the time of photographing, it is not necessary to designate the number of square photograph images at the time of layout selection, so that the user can easily select the layout. In addition, since a square photographic image corresponding to the square photographic image is acquired, image processing such as trimming for generating a square photographic image from the rectangular photographic image is not necessary.

  Of course, a rectangular captured image is acquired at the time of shooting, and image processing such as trimming is performed automatically or in response to user operation input on the rectangular captured image or composite image. Any configuration may be used as long as square photographic images are arranged as described above. With such a configuration, it is possible to lay out all the photographic images beautifully without generating unnecessary blanks (gap) other than the surplus area.

3 ... Shooting unit 4 ... Editing unit 5 ... Output unit 6 ... Network (LAN)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera 20 ... Touch panel for imaging | photography operation 30 ... Touch panel for output operation 31 ... Non-contact communication port (infrared port)
32 ... Speaker 35 ... Network printer 70 ... First control unit 72 ... First display / operation unit (touch panel for photographing operation)
75. First communication unit (network adapter)
80 ... second control unit 81, 82 ... second display / operation unit (touch panel for editing operation)
90 ... third control unit 91 ... third display / operation unit (touch panel for output operation)
92 ... Print output section (network printer)
93 ... Audio output unit (speaker)
94 ... Non-contact communication part (non-contact communication port)
80 ... second control unit 81, 82 ... second display / operation unit (touch panel for editing operation)
83 ... 2nd communication part (network adapter)
600, 700: Photo stickers 601, 701: Print areas 603, 613, 703, 813 ... Excess areas 604 ... Cut lines 611, 613, 614, 615, 711, 811, 821 ... Rectangular photo images 612, 712, 812 ... Square Photo image

Claims (6)

Photographing means for photographing,
First display means for displaying a plurality of photographed images obtained by the photographing means;
A second display means for receiving an edit input;
Editing means for editing the captured image based on the editing input;
A plurality of placement images including a plurality of square images and a placement image having a square shape and a placement image having a rectangular shape based on the captured image. A layout image generating means for generating;
Layout selection means for receiving selection of a divided layout pattern related to the arrangement of the plurality of arrangement images on a rectangular recording sheet;
Determining means for deciding an arrangement position of an auxiliary area on which the auxiliary information related to the arrangement image is printed out of the printable area on the recording paper according to the selected divided layout pattern;
The supplementary information is printed on the recording sheet based on the determined placement position of the supplementary area, and the plurality of printable areas other than the supplementary area are selected according to the selected divided layout pattern. A printing means for printing the arrangement image;
A third display means provided separately from the first and second display means, wherein the user receives an operation input for acquiring the placement image by a terminal device external to the apparatus ;
A square additional image included in the arrangement image having the square shape and a rectangular additional image included in the arrangement image having the rectangular shape are selected from the predetermined plurality of additional images. And additional image selection means for selecting
The photographing means performs photographing for obtaining a square photographed image corresponding to the square additional image and a rectangular photographed image corresponding to the rectangular additional image,
The first display means displays a shooting range corresponding to the additional image for square in real time and selects the user when shooting using the additional image for square selected by the user. When shooting using the rectangular additional image, the shooting range corresponding to the rectangular additional image is displayed in real time,
The third display means is at least one of a process related to shooting by the shooting means and a process related to editing by the editing means regarding a user different from the user who uses the third display means. In parallel with the processing, a photography game apparatus that enables reception of the operation input.   2. The photographic game device according to claim 1, further comprising a number determining means for allowing the user to determine the number of the square captured images acquired by the photographing means.   The layout selection means is configured such that the length of the long side of the supplementary region is substantially the same as the length of the long side or short side of the print region, and includes the center of the print region or the vicinity of the center. The photograph game device according to claim 1, wherein selection of a divided layout pattern in which is arranged is received.   2. The photography game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second display means performs display related to the selection received by the layout selection means. A shooting step for shooting,
A first display step for displaying a plurality of photographed images obtained by the photographing step;
A second display step for accepting edit inputs;
An editing step of editing the captured image based on the editing input;
A plurality of placement images including a plurality of square images and a placement image having a square shape and a placement image having a rectangular shape based on the captured image. A layout image generation step to be generated;
A layout selection step for receiving selection of a divided layout pattern related to the arrangement of the plurality of arrangement images on a rectangular recording sheet;
A determining step of determining an arrangement position of an auxiliary area in which auxiliary information related to the arrangement image is printed out of the printable area on the recording paper according to the selected divided layout pattern;
The supplementary information is printed on the recording sheet based on the determined placement position of the supplementary area, and the plurality of printable areas other than the supplementary area are selected according to the selected divided layout pattern. A printing step for printing the arrangement image;
A third display step that is provided separately from the first and second display steps, and that allows a user to receive an operation input for acquiring the placement image by a terminal device external to the device ;
A square additional image included in the arrangement image having the square shape and a rectangular additional image included in the arrangement image having the rectangular shape are selected from the predetermined plurality of additional images. And an additional image selection step to be selected by
The photographing step performs photographing for obtaining a square photographed image corresponding to the square additional image and a rectangular photographed image corresponding to the rectangular additional image,
In the first display step, when shooting is performed using the square additional image selected by the user, a shooting range corresponding to the square additional image is displayed in real time and selected by the user. When shooting using the rectangular additional image, the shooting range corresponding to the rectangular additional image is displayed in real time,
In the third display step, processing related to shooting by the shooting step and processing related to editing by the editing step relating to a user different from the user who performs the operation input accepted in the third display step. In parallel with at least one process of the above, a photography game method that enables reception of the operation input. A shooting step for shooting,
A first display step for displaying a plurality of photographed images obtained by the photographing step;
A second display step for accepting edit inputs;
An editing step of editing the captured image based on the editing input;
A plurality of placement images including a plurality of square images and a placement image having a square shape and a placement image having a rectangular shape based on the captured image. A layout image generation step to be generated;
A layout selection step for receiving selection of a divided layout pattern related to the arrangement of the plurality of arrangement images on a rectangular recording sheet;
A determining step of determining an arrangement position of an auxiliary area in which auxiliary information related to the arrangement image is printed out of the printable area on the recording paper according to the selected divided layout pattern;
The supplementary information is printed on the recording sheet based on the determined placement position of the supplementary area, and the plurality of printable areas other than the supplementary area are selected according to the selected divided layout pattern. A printing step for printing the arrangement image;
A third display step that is provided separately from the first and second display steps, and that allows a user to receive an operation input for acquiring the placement image by a terminal device external to the device ;
A square additional image included in the arrangement image having the square shape and a rectangular additional image included in the arrangement image having the rectangular shape are selected from the predetermined plurality of additional images. A program for causing the computer to execute an additional image selection step to be selected by the computer,
The photographing step performs photographing for obtaining a square photographed image corresponding to the square additional image and a rectangular photographed image corresponding to the rectangular additional image,
In the first display step, when shooting is performed using the square additional image selected by the user, a shooting range corresponding to the square additional image is displayed in real time and selected by the user. When shooting using the rectangular additional image, the shooting range corresponding to the rectangular additional image is displayed in real time,
In the third display step, processing related to shooting by the shooting step and processing related to editing by the editing step relating to a user different from the user who performs the operation input accepted in the third display step. In parallel with at least one of the above processes, a photography game program that allows reception of the operation input.

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