JPH1169271A - Photograph seal printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To timely update a desired picture from among photographed pictures as background decorative picture data by providing a connection part to external data input, rewriting and storing picture data which are transferred from outside as background decorative picture data. SOLUTION: An external digital camera 71 photographing and recording pictures is connected in advance to the connecting part 27 for transferring desired picture data to a storing means 23 of a background decoration picture data supplying means for storing. A subject standing in front of a picture seal printer 10 selects background picture data and decorative picture data and then selects a prepared message or prepares an original message to input. At the time of defining a message position, the subject is displayed on a screen 31. At the time of depressing the decision key of an operation part 41 after confirming a pose, etc., a composite picture with subject picture data, decorative picture data and message data superposed is printed on the background picture data ejected from a seal take-out port 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a photo sticker printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, photo sticker printing apparatuses have been popular. This photo sticker printing apparatus includes a subject image data supply unit, a background decoration image data supply unit, a message data supply unit, a composition editing unit, a display unit, and a printing unit in a main body case, and is provided in front of the device. The image data of the standing subject, the background decoration image data selected from the background decoration image data supply means and the message data selected from the message data supply means are synthesized and edited, and divided into an appropriate number such as 9 divisions or 12 divisions. It is a device that prints or sells on non-divided sticker paper. This printed photographic sticker can be peeled off from the seal base material and attached to a desired object.

However, in the conventional photo sticker printing apparatus, the background decoration image data is stored in advance in the background decoration image data supply means by a manufacturer or a sales maker of the photo sticker printing apparatus. Even if the purchaser of the printing apparatus or the like attempts to update the background decoration image data according to the installation location or the trend, there is a problem that it cannot be easily performed. In particular, when the number of installed photo sticker printing apparatuses increases and uniform photo stickers become inundated, there is a risk that the photo stickers may become boring unless they are unique and attractive.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and enables the purchaser of the apparatus to easily and freely select a desired image from among his or her own images. An object of the present invention is to provide a photographic printing apparatus capable of updating an image as background decoration image data in a timely manner and obtaining a unique and attractive photographic sticker.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a subject image data supply means for photographing a subject in front of a main body case and supplying subject image data to the main body case; Background decoration image data supply means for supplying background decoration image data, message data supply means for supplying message data, synthesis editing means for synthesizing and editing the subject image data, background decoration image data and message data, and the data A display unit for displaying on the screen, a printing unit for printing the combined image data on a sticker, and an operation unit for the various units, wherein the background decoration image data supply is performed. Means for connecting to external data input means, and image data transferred from the external data input means; Characterized in that it comprises a background decoration image data storing means for rewritably storing a background decoration image data. A digital camera or a scanner is particularly suitable as the external data input means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the external input means is provided on a main body case instead of being detachable via a connection portion. Means is provided, and the image data of the external storage means transferred from the external storage means reading device is rewritably stored in the background decoration image data storage means as background decoration image data.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the photo sticker printing apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a lower door of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG. 1 is opened, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of an image superposition order, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a photo sticker printing apparatus, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a connection state with external input means.

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3, a photographic printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, has a subject image data supplying means, a background decoration image data supplying means, The main body case 11 includes a message data supply unit, an operation unit, a combination editing unit, a display unit, and a printing unit. In addition, a frame data supply unit for a photo sticker may be provided.

The main body case 11 accommodates and holds various means such as subject image data supply means, and in this example, is composed of a vertically long, substantially rectangular box. The photographing lens portion 21 of the subject image data supply means and the screen 31 of the display means are located on the upper front face of the main body case 11, and the operation section 41 of the operation means is located on the front face at the center of the main body case 11. doing. Further, in this example, the lower part of the main body case 11 is a door 12 which can be opened and closed, and the door 12 has a coin insertion slot 13 for a coin device 61 in the main body case 11.
And a seal outlet 14 for a photo sticker printed by the printing means 51 in the main body case 11.

The subject image data supply means is for supplying an image of the subject standing in front of the photo sticker printing apparatus 10 to the synthesizing / editing means and the display means.
In this example, a digital camera is housed in the main body case 11 as subject image data supply means, and the photographing lens portion 21 of the digital camera faces outward from the upper front surface of the device 10 as described above.

The background decoration image data supply means is for supplying background decoration image data composed of landscapes, mascots, etc. to the synthesizing and editing means and the display means. It has a connection 27 with an external digital camera 71 as data input means. This background decoration image data storage means 23
Is used, but in this example, a master cassette 2 composed of a rewritable flash ROM is used.
5 is detachably provided on the control board 24. The connection section 27 is composed of a plug or the like adapted to the connector 74 of the transfer connection cable 73 of the external digital camera 71. Further, as the external digital camera 71, an appropriate one that has been widely used in recent years is used, and is connected to the background decoration image data supply unit at the time of data transfer. The image data transferred from the external digital camera 71 is stored in the master cassette 25 (flash ROM) of the background decoration image data storage means 23, and the background decoration image data is updated.

The message data supply means is for supplying message data to the synthesizing / editing means and the display means, and stores a large number of messages in advance so that it can be selected as appropriate.

The operation means is for performing a photographing operation of the subject by the subject image data supply means and for selecting and selecting the background decoration image data and the message data. The operation means includes an operation lever 42, an operation button 43, an operation panel 44, and the like. 11 on the operation unit 41 on the outer surface.

The synthesizing and editing means performs chroma key processing on the background decoration image data (such as a mascot) supplied from the background decoration image data supply means, and outputs the background decoration image data and the subject supplied from the subject image data supply means. The image data and the message data supplied from the message data supply unit are combined and edited to form one composite photograph, and a known combination editing device including a computer and image processing software is used. The image data synthesized and edited by the synthesis editing means is displayed on the screen 31 of the display means.

The display means is called a monitor or a display, and is a screen 3 for displaying the subject image data, the background decoration image data, the message data and the like.
1 to enable the composition and editing of the image data while checking on the screen 31.

The printing means 51 is for printing the image data after the synthesis and editing on a sticker sheet, and a known printer (printing machine) is used. The printed photo sticker is taken out of the sticker take-out port 14.

The coin device 61 starts operation of the photo sticker printing device 10 when a predetermined coin is inserted. Further, in this example, a lighting unit 63 for photographing a subject is provided on the top of the main body case 11.
Is provided.

Next, an operation example of the photo sticker printing apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 5 shows an example of the image superposition order at that time. First, the installer, manager, or the like of the photo sticker printing apparatus 10 photographs a desired number of images, such as landscapes and mascots, with the external digital camera 71 in advance, and outputs the desired image to the external digital camera 71.
Remember in Next, the external digital camera 71 is connected to the connection unit 27 of the background decoration image data supply unit, and desired image data in the external digital camera 71 is transferred to the background decoration image data storage unit 23 and stored. It is preferable that the work at that time be performed by the operation section 41 of the operation means while checking on the screen 31 of the display means. Thereafter, the external digital camera 71 is disconnected from the connection unit 27.

In the photo sticker printing apparatus 10 in which the background decoration image data is stored, a photograph sticker purchaser (subject) standing in front of the apparatus 10 inserts a predetermined coin through the coin insertion slot 13. Start operation by. Then, according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 showing an example of the operation, whether or not to use a frame is first displayed on the screen 31 of the display means, and if it is to be used, the frame is displayed on the screen 31 of the display means. A desired frame is selected by a purchaser of a photo sticker. If no frame is used, the screen 31 of the display means is replaced with a background decoration image data selection screen, and the background image data (84 in FIG. 5) composed of a desired landscape and the like and the decoration image data composed of a mascot and the like are displayed. 82 is selected. At this time, the background image data 84 and the decoration image data 82 are photographed by the external digital camera 71 as described above,
It has been transferred within 0. The selection of the background decoration image data 84, 82 is appropriately divided into several stages. For example, first, background image data 84 such as landscape is selected, and then decorative image data 82 such as mascot is selected.

Next, the screen 31 of the display means changes to a message menu. Here, desired message data (81 in FIG. 5) is selected by operating the operation lever 42 from data prepared in the message data supply means. When creating an original message, the user inputs the original message by operating the operation panel 44 or the operation lever 42 of the operation unit 41. When the message position is determined, the screen switches to the shooting mode screen,
The previously selected background image data 84 and decorative image data 82
And the message data 81, and the image data (8 in FIG. 5) of the subject in front of the photo sticker printing apparatus 10.
3) is displayed on the screen 31. Then, the pose of the subject is checked, and if there is no dissatisfaction, the seal purchase applicant presses the enter button of the operation unit 41. Then, the subject image is fixed by the subject image data supply means (digital camera), and a single image in which the subject image data 83, the decoration image data 82, and the message data 81 are sequentially overlapped on the background image data 84 is synthesized and edited. The composite image is printed on a sticker sheet by the printing means 51 and comes out of the sticker outlet 14.

When the subject image data 83, the decoration image data 82, and the message data 81 are sequentially superimposed on the background image data 84 and synthesized as described above, the following excellent visual effects can be obtained. That is, the background image data 8
Since the subject image data 83 is located before (upper), the subject image data 83 is not disturbed by the background image data 84, and the background image data 84 is more likely to be a real background. Further, since the decoration image data 82 is located before (upper) the subject image data 83, the decoration image data 82 is not disturbed by the subject image data 83, and the decoration effect is further enhanced. In addition, the message data 8
Since 1 is located, the message is clearly displayed without being hindered by the decoration image data 82, the subject image data 83, and the background image data 84.

When updating the background decoration image data in the photo sticker apparatus 10, the image data newly photographed by the external digital camera 71 is transferred to the background decoration image data storage means in the same manner as described above. What is necessary is just to memorize and update background decoration image data.

The photo sticker printing apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a means for copying background decoration image data. For example, the control board 24 is provided with a sub-cassette connector in addition to the master cassette connector,
A master cassette 25 made of flash ROM is set in the master cassette connector, while a sub cassette 26 made of flash ROM is set in the sub cassette connector. Then, the background decoration image data transferred and stored from the external digital camera 71 to the master cassette 25 is copied to the sub-cassette 2 by the duplicating means.
Duplicate to 6. The duplicated sub-cassette 26 is detached from the sub-cassette connector and is used as a background decoration image data storage unit of another photo sticker printing apparatus. In that case, for example, when the same purchase installer owns a plurality of photo sticker printing apparatuses, it is extremely efficient,
Moreover, characteristic and attractive background decoration image data can be more easily created for a plurality of photo sticker printing apparatuses.

Next, another embodiment will be described. The photo sticker printing apparatus 10A shown in FIG. 6 is such that a scanner 75 can be connected in addition to the external digital camera as external data input means, as shown in FIG. 7 showing a block diagram of the apparatus. Has a connection portion 28 for 6 is an interface board for a scanner, 77 is a connection cable, 78
Is a connector. In this example, an external digital camera or a scanner 75 is appropriately selected as the external data input means.
In the case of the scanner 75, it is connected to the connection unit 28. In the case of an external digital camera, in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and in the case of a scanner 75, an image 76 such as a photograph is stored in a background decoration image data storage means 23 and stored. Subsequent operations are performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, both the connection section 27 for the external digital camera and the connection section 28 for the scanner are provided, but only the connection section 28 for the scanner may be provided.

Further, the external data input means is particularly preferably a digital camera and a scanner, but is not limited thereto, and may be any device capable of inputting an image or the like. External storage means reading device for reading data stored in external storage means such as FD (floppy disk), CD (compact disk), MO (magneto-optical disk), memory card such as compact flash memory or smart media FD drive device, CD device, MO device,
A PC card slot, an HD (hard disk) drive device, or the like may be used. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a connection state of an example in which such various external input means can be connected.

Instead of making the external data input means detachable via the connection portion as in the above embodiment, the external data input means is connected to the main body case 11 as a part of the background decoration image data supply means. It may be provided. That is, an external input means is connected to the background decoration image data storage means 23 of the background decoration image data supply means and provided on the main body case 11. What is suitable as the external data input means in this case is, in particular, the external storage means reading device,
That is, FD drive device, CD device, MO device, PC
A card slot, an HD (hard disk) drive device, or the like. Then you can create FD or M
O image data or the like stored in an O or the like, or image data or the like captured by a silver halide camera and stored in a CD or image data or the like captured by a digital camera and stored in a memory card can be easily stored in a background decoration image data storage means. 23. Of course, both of these external input means and the external data input means connection section may be provided.

[0027]

As shown and described above, according to the photo sticker printing apparatus of the present invention, a person who purchases the apparatus can easily create and update the background decoration image data. Unlike a uniform photo sticker by a device, a unique and attractive photo sticker can be provided. In addition, since the background decoration image data can be updated in a timely manner according to a trend or the like, a fresh photo sticker can always be provided. Furthermore, since background decoration image data can be photographed and updated using an external input device such as an inexpensive digital camera or scanner that has been rapidly spreading in recent years, there is an effect that the background decoration image data can be economically produced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a photo sticker printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lower door of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG. 1 is opened.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image superposition order at the time of composition.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a photo sticker printing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the photo sticker printing apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a connection state with external input means in still another example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10: Photo sticker printing device 11: Main body case 21: Photographing lens part of subject image data supply means 23: Storage means of background decoration image data supply means 27: Connection part with external digital camera 28: Connection part with scanner 31: Screen of display means 41: Operation part of operation means 51: Printing means 81: Message data 82: Decoration image data 83: Subject image data 84: Background image data

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 H

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A subject image data supply means for photographing a subject in front of the case and supplying subject image data to the main body case, and a background decoration image data supply means for supplying background decoration image data such as a mascot and a landscape. Message data supplying means for supplying message data, composition editing means for composing and editing the subject image data, background decoration image data and message data, display means for displaying the data on a screen, A printing device for printing image data on sticker paper, and a photo sticker printing device including an operation device for the various devices, wherein the background decoration image data supply device has a connection portion to an external data input device, Image data transferred from the external data input means can be rewritten as background decoration image data A photograph sticker printing apparatus comprising: a background decoration image data storage means for storing. 2. A subject image data supply means for photographing a subject in front of the case and supplying subject image data to the main body case, and a background decoration image data supply means for supplying background decoration image data such as a mascot or a landscape. Message data supplying means for supplying message data, composition editing means for composing and editing the subject image data, background decoration image data and message data, display means for displaying the data on a screen, A photo sticker printing apparatus comprising: printing means for printing image data on sticker paper; and operating means for the various means, wherein the background decoration image data supply means includes an external data input means, A background device that rewritably stores image data transferred from input means as background decoration image data. A photo sticker printing apparatus comprising: a decoration image data storage unit. 3. A photo sticker print according to claim 1, wherein subject image data, decorative image data such as a mascot, and message data are superimposed in this order on background image data such as scenery and synthesized and edited. apparatus. 4. The photo sticker printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external data input means is a digital camera. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein
A photo sticker printing apparatus, wherein the external data input means is a scanner.