WO2004071073A1

WO2004071073A1 - Face image pickup device, face image pickup method, and face image pickup system

Info

Publication number: WO2004071073A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/000871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shigeru Mizuo; Tsuyoshi Katsuta
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-02-05
Filing date: 2004-01-29
Publication date: 2004-08-19

Abstract

When selecting an optimal face pickup image among a plurality of face pickup images obtained by imaging a person by operation by an operator, it is possible to prevent erroneous selection of an image by the operator, i.e., to prevent selection of an image other than the one selected by the person imaged. A face image pickup device includes: a camera section for imaging a person to be imaged and acquiring a plurality of face images; display means for displaying the plurality of face images obtained by the camera section and arranging them in such a manner that the person imaged can view them; identification means assigned to the plurality of face images displayed on the display means; selection means for selecting an arbitrary face image from the plurality of images displayed on the display means; and identification display means for distinguishing the face image selected by the selection means from the other face images. Moreover, there are provided an image pickup device and an image acquisition method eliminating quality lowering of the image obtained by pickup and capable of obtaining a preferable image in which the eye line is directed to the front in a short period of time. An image pickup device includes: image pickup means for imaging a person to be imaged; display means for displaying the image each time picked up by the image pickup means; means for deleting the image displayed on the display means before performing the next imaging; selection means for selecting an arbitrary image from the images displayed on the display means; storage means for storing the image selected by the selection means; and image output means for outputting the image stored in the storage means.

Description

Description Face image capturing device, face image capturing method, face image capturing system

The present invention relates to a face image photographing apparatus, a face image photographing method, and a face image photographing system. The present invention relates to a face image capturing system. Further, the present invention relates to a photographing device for photographing a person and a face, and a method for acquiring a photographed image.

Background art

2. Description of the Related Art A face image capturing apparatus that illuminates a subject and captures at least a face portion of the illuminated subject by an operator has been known. Further, there is known a face image photographing apparatus which operates a subject to photograph at least a face portion. Applications include photographs for identification cards and photographs for driver's licenses.

As a means of taking a face photograph for a certificate to be attached to resumes, passports, driver's licenses, identification cards, etc., using a silver halide film camera or digital camera, automatic developing machine, thermal printer, sublimation type A face image photographing apparatus that provides a predetermined photograph by outputting to an output apparatus such as a printer or an ink jet printer is generally used. In addition, a certificate vending machine for certificates that automatically shoots in the size of the certificate and sells the printed image is installed at the head, etc., and the subject must wait a short time after shooting. The ID photo can be easily obtained.

The conventional certificate face image capture device can easily take a certificate photo by one person. Because the shooting is performed dynamically, the user may not notice even if they blink or move at the moment of shooting, and the resulting photo is inappropriate for use as a certificate photo. It may be. In such a case, the subject had to pay the fee again and take the picture again.

If the photograph you have taken is closed or blurred and it is inappropriate as a certificate photo, you will not immediately notice it and meet the specified criteria at the stage of requesting the creation of an ID card or certificate. Not knowing that is often a source of confusion. In such a case, there is a problem that the photographer has to re-take the photograph, wasting time and paying the fee again.

When a license is created by photographing a person to be photographed by an operator's operation, there is a problem that the face image cannot be confirmed until the license is completed after photographing. For this reason, there is a demand for a face image photographing apparatus that can show a plurality of photographed face image photographs and select and select a favorite face image photograph from the photograph.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a face image capturing apparatus that sequentially displays a plurality of captured images and allows a subject to select an arbitrary favorite image from the displayed images.

One of the factors that enhances the satisfaction of the user, the user, is that the face image is captured with a natural expression on ID cards containing ID photos and facial photos.

When taking photographs used for identification cards, the subject may become stiff in the atmosphere of the shooting location, such as a licensing center, police station, etc. Surprisingly difficult.

Also, if the second shot is taken at a slight time interval after the first shot, it is considered that this is because the subject can get a prize in the atmosphere of the shot, and it is more relaxed than the first shot. There is a tendency to obtain a face photo with a smooth expression.

Therefore, it is presumed that providing a means for confirming the photographed face of the subject in the face image photographing device is effective as a means for increasing the satisfaction of the unit. You.

Some of such face image photographing apparatuses have means for confirming the photographed face image. For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses a technique in which a plurality of face images are continuously captured by one shooting operation, and an appropriate face image is selected from the captured face images. Although the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 does not have a function of displaying a list of captured face images, a plurality of captured face images are displayed in a list on a monitor screen, and necessary information is selected from the list. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for selecting a suitable face image and redisplaying the selected face image on one monitor screen.

Under these circumstances, it is possible to obtain a face image that the photographer also likes as a photograph and satisfies the requirements of various certificates, etc., without re-photographing, from a plurality of taken face images. Development of a face image photographing apparatus, a face image photographing method, and a face image photographing system is desired.

On the other hand, in recent years, on the streets and the like, people are often referred to as “Purikura”, and they take photographs at their own or in groups and sell the printed images at a person photo vending machine and at the size of a certificate. Certificate vending machines for certificates that sell the printed images are installed. In each case, the subject can easily obtain a personal image or a certificate by waiting a few minutes after shooting. I can do it.

As a means for photographing a face image for a person or a certificate, a photographing device that uses a silver halide film or a digital camera to photograph, develops and prints, or outputs the image to a printer to provide an image is generally used. Have been. Conventional photographing equipment can easily take a picture by himself, but since the photographing is performed automatically, at the moment of photographing, for example, the eyes are not facing the front, blinking, moving, etc. Even if you do not notice it, you may not be able to use it for the certificate or look at the image you don't like until you see the resulting image. In such a case, the subject had to pay the fee again and take the picture again.

In particular, when using a captured face image for a certificate, it is important that the eyes are facing the front, and it is necessary for the image to be in line with one's own will.

Patent Document 1 discloses that a subject is photographed a plurality of times, a plurality of images stored in a storage unit are sequentially displayed, and the subject selects a favorite image from the sequentially displayed images. A technique for preventing reception of an image that does not suit the user's will is disclosed. In this case, since images are sequentially displayed, it is difficult to select a favorite image in comparison, and it takes time to select.

In Patent Document 4, a magic mirror is provided in front of a photographing device, and a photographed image displayed on a monitor is displayed on the magic mirror so that a desired image can be selected. There is disclosed a technique in which a photographer's eyes are directed to a photographing device. In this case, the captured image is displayed on the imaging device side, but the displayed image is not at the position of the subject's line of sight. It is difficult to obtain an image with the line of sight facing the front because it is not stable. In addition, arranging a reflecting surface such as a magic mirror on the optical path of the photographing device scatters light, which may cause deterioration in quality of a photographed image. It is possible to remove the magic mirror from the optical path when taking a picture, but the driving unit becomes complicated and the cost of the photographing device increases. In addition, if the surface of the magic mirror becomes dirty, the quality of the captured image is deteriorated. It can be the cause.

Further, Patent Document 5 discloses that a photographed image is displayed on a monitor at a time after all photographing is completed, a user is allowed to select a desired image from the displayed images, and a selected image is output. An imaging device is disclosed. In this case, the user, who is the user, can concentrate on looking at the camera as he or she shoots, so there is a merit of obtaining a picture that matches his or her eyes. The result of the captured image is immediately fed back to the user. The subject was not able to shoot with a rich expression, because the subject did not express the desired expression during the shooting.

Under these circumstances, the image to be captured is hardly deteriorated, the eyes are directed toward the front, and the image captured with a satisfactory expression of the subject can be obtained in a short time. The development of a method is desired.

[Patent Document 1]

JP-A-7-271951 (Claims)

[Patent Document 2]

JP-A-7-44683 (paragraph number 0010)

[Patent Document 3]

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-11061 (Paragraph Nos. 0006 to 0012) [Patent Document 4]

JP 2000-284356 A

[Patent Document 5]

JP 2003-32536 A

According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a face image determined to be an optimum face image is selected from face images shot by oneself. It is only necessary to meet the conditions required by the certificate, but if they do not, you must take another shot.

The technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 is intended to eliminate a blinked photographed image, and only an operator checks and selects a photographed image, and the subject confirms and selects the image. What to do is not described. Also, Patent Document 3 does not describe that the subject confirms the image.

Therefore, there has been no study of a face image capturing apparatus that performs face photography in a manner that satisfies the user, who confirms the photographed face photographed by the subject and selects a satisfactory face photograph image. Guessed.

On the other hand, if the process of checking the subject from among the face images taken by the operator and selecting a satisfactory face image from among them is added, the operator mistakes the face image selected by the subject. Therefore, communication between the subject and the operator must be ensured so as to ensure selection from a plurality of face images. That is, when selecting an optimum face image from a plurality of face images selected by the subject and transmitting a specific face image to the operator, the operator simply needs to refer to the right or left of the plurality of face images. It is conceivable that a new trap may be generated that may be mistaken for another face image other than the specific face image.

In such an apparatus, it becomes necessary to provide a means for reliably transmitting the face image selected by the subject to the operator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a face image photographing apparatus and a face image photographing method having means for confirming a photograph of one's own face photographed by a subject And a facial image capturing system.

A second object of the present invention is to obtain a face photograph image of a subject by an operation of an operator. The present invention relates to a face image photographing apparatus and a face image photographing method capable of reliably selecting a face image selected by a subject without being mistaken by an operator. And a facial image capturing system.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an image captured in a short time without a deterioration in quality of a captured image, with the eyes facing the front, and with a rich expression satisfying the subject. And a method for acquiring an image. Disclosure of the invention

The above object of the present invention is achieved by each of the following constitutions.

(1) A photographing means for photographing a subject to acquire a plurality of face images, and a display hand for displaying a plurality of face images photographed by the photographing means and arranged so that the subject can be viewed. Steps, identification means assigned to the plurality of face images displayed on the display means, selection means for selecting an arbitrary face image from the plurality of face images displayed by the display means, and the selection means An identification display unit for identifying the selected face image from other face images.

(2) A plurality of face images are formed by photographing a subject by a photographing means, the plurality of face images are stored in a memory, and the plurality of face images are displayed so that the subject can be viewed. Means for displaying the identification information assigned to each of the plurality of face images displayed on the display means, and selecting an arbitrary face image from the plurality of face images displayed on the display means by the selection means. And a face image selected by the selection means is distinguished from another face image by an identification display means, and the face image selected by the selection means is recorded.

(3) It comprises the photographing means, display means, selection means, and identification display means according to (1). A face image photographing device, a control unit for controlling the face image photographing device, a storage unit for storing a plurality of face images of a subject photographed by the face image photographing device, and a selecting unit. And an image output means for recording the face image.

(4) photographing means for photographing a subject, display means for displaying an image photographed by the photographing means for each photographing, and means for erasing the image displayed on the display means before performing the next photographing. Selecting means for selecting an arbitrary image from the images displayed on the display means, storing means for storing the image selected by the selecting means, and outputting the image stored in the storing means A photographing apparatus comprising: an image output unit.

(5) The selecting means is means for making a selection by an operation performed by a subject artificially, and the subject selects an arbitrary image from the images displayed on the display means. The imaging device according to the above (4), wherein:

(6) The subject is photographed by the photographing means, the photographed image is displayed on the display means for each photographing, the image displayed on the display means is erased before the next photographing is performed, and After the completion of all photographing by the user, all the images photographed by the photographing means are displayed on the display means, and an arbitrary image is selected by the selecting means from the images displayed on the display means, and the selected A method for obtaining an image, comprising storing an image by a storage unit and outputting the stored image by an output unit.

(7) The selection means is a means for making a selection by a subject being artificially operated, and the subject selects an arbitrary image from the images displayed on the display means. The method for acquiring an image according to the above (6), wherein:

(8) In the above (6), when there is no image to be selected by the selection means among the images displayed on the display means, the photographing means retakes the image again. How to get an image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a face image capturing system to which a face image capturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a face image capturing system to which the face image capturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIGS. 3 (a), 3 (b) and 3 (c) are front views of a plurality of images displayed on the first display means, the second display means, and the first selection means. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example from the shooting by the shooting system according to the first embodiment of the present invention to image output.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an automatic photographing device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a person to be photographed operates a photographing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention to photograph.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a relationship among components constituting an imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8 (a), 8 (b), and 8 (c) are schematic diagrams each showing an example of a display format in which a photographed image is displayed on a display means for each photographing.

Figures 9 (a), 9 (b), and 9 (c) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the display format when all the captured images are displayed on the display means after all the images have been captured. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example from photographing to image acquisition in the second embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A face image capturing apparatus, a face image capturing method, and a face image capturing system to which the face image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described.

[Configuration of facial image capturing system]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a face image capturing system to which the face image capturing device of the present invention is applied.

The face image photographing system includes a face image photographing device 1, a chair 2, a back panel 3, and an image output device (printer) 20 (see FIG. 2). The face image capturing device 1 is a device that illuminates and captures the subject 5, the chair 2 is a chair on which the subject 5 sits, and the back panel 3 is a panel arranged on the back of the subject 5. It is. The facial image capturing device 1 is operated by an operator (photographer) 6. The face image capturing device 1 includes a camera section (photographing means) 10, a position adjustment mechanism 11, a main lighting section 12, an auxiliary lighting section 13, a first display section 14, an operation section 15, and a second display. It comprises means 16, control means 17, storage means 19, etc.

The camera unit 10 is configured by a digital camera or a digital video camera including a photographic lens, a shutter, an image sensor (eg, a CCD), a control circuit, a storage medium (eg, a memory card), and the like. The position adjustment mechanism 11 adjusts the tilt and height of the camera unit 10 in the vertical direction.

The main illumination section 12 includes a position adjustment mechanism for the main illumination light source 12A, an illumination light direction adjustment mechanism, and an illumination light amount adjustment mechanism. The auxiliary illumination unit 13 includes a position adjustment mechanism for the auxiliary illumination light source 13 A, an illumination light direction adjustment mechanism, and an illumination light amount adjustment mechanism. Primary illumination light source 1 2 A, auxiliary illumination As the bright light source 13 A, a strobolite, a halogen lamp, a fluorescent lamp or the like is used. The second display means 16 on the operator side can display a monitor image of the subject.

The operation means 15 is an operation panel for selecting an optimal image from a plurality of captured images, operating the image, and confirming the selected image. The operation means 15 (see FIG. 2) is used to input the personal code of the subject. As the operation means 15, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pen, and a touch panel are used.

The first display means 14 disposed on the front side of the face image photographing device 1 displays a plurality of images photographed by the camera unit 10 and is visible by the subject 5.

A liquid crystal monitor, a CRT monitor, or the like is used for the first display means 14 and the second display means 16.

The image output device 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can output digital image information of an image selected and photographed, and examples thereof include a sublimation printer, an ink jet printer, a thermal transfer printer, and an electrophotographic printer. It is selected according to the purpose, purpose and application.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a face image capturing system to which the face image capturing device of the present invention is applied.

A chair 2 is placed in front of the camera unit 10 of the face image photographing device 1, and a subject 5 is seated to photograph. The control means 17 such as a central processing unit (personal computer) having a storage means 19 is connected to the face image photographing apparatus 1. The control unit 17 includes a camera unit 10, a position adjustment mechanism 11, a main illumination unit 12, an auxiliary illumination unit 13, a first display unit 14, a second display unit 16, a selection unit 15, and a memory. Means 19 and the image output device 20 are connected. 2 In the case of FIG. 2, the operator 6 performs a shooting operation, and the subject 5 selects and selects the most suitable face image by the first display means 14 for displaying a plurality of shot face images. The operator is notified of the symbol of the face image, the operator 6 determines the selected image, and inputs the selected image to the storage means 19 by the operation means 15.

The image taken by the camera unit 10 is stored in the storage unit 19 via the operation unit 15 and the control unit 17. A plurality of images that have been successively taken are also stored in the storage unit 19 via the control unit 17. At the point in time when all shooting has been completed, the shot images are displayed side by side on the first display means 14 and the second display means 16. The subject 5 selects one favorite image from the plurality of images displayed on the first display means 14. Unselected image information is deleted from the storage unit 19, and only the selected image is stored in the storage unit 19. When the operator 6 operates the operation means 15, only the selected image is output by the image output device 20. In FIG. 2, one face image capturing device 1 and one image output device 20 are connected, but a plurality of face image capturing devices 1 and one image output device 20 are connected. It is also possible to connect.

[First display means and second display means]

FIG. 3 (a) is a front view of a plurality of images displayed on the first display means 14 and the second display means 16. FIG. Since the first display means 14 and the second display means 16 have substantially the same configuration, the first display means 14 will be described below as a representative.

The first display means 14 displays a plurality of images 7A and 7B continuously photographed side by side, and attaches identification means 8A and 8B corresponding to each image so that the image can be designated. The subject 5 selects a favorite image from the plurality of images displayed on the first display means 14, checks the identification means (for example, 8B) corresponding to this image, and Identification means To operator 6.

If the operator 6 determines that the face image selected by the subject 5 is not a predetermined face image, the operator may retake the image.

The first display means 14 displays one of the frame-shaped identification display means 9A and 9B (for example, 9B) around a selected image (for example, 7B) among a plurality of displayed images. In the following manner.

Alternatively, the first display means 14 is configured to blink a selected image (for example, 7B) among a plurality of displayed images by a light source.

Alternatively, it is also possible to specify the image selected by the eye tracking mechanism. FIG. 3 (b) is a plan view of the operating means 15 on the operator side.

On the console panel of the operation means 15, there are an automatic shooting key 151, a confirmation key 152, a manual shooting key 153, a selection key 154, 155, an identification number 156, 157, which automatically shoots according to a sitting height of the subject 5. Input keys 158 and the like are arranged.

By operating the automatic photographing key 151, a plurality of face images of the subject 5 are continuously photographed by the camera section 10 and displayed on the first display means 14 and the second display means 16 (FIG. 1, FIG. See Figures 3 (a), 3 (b) and 3 (c). The subject 5 selects a plurality of face images 7A and 7B displayed on the first display means 14 (for example, 7B), and identifies the face image (for example, 8B) attached to the face image. ) Is given to operator 6 by voice.

The operator 6 hears the number (for example, No. 2) of the identification means (for example, 8B) from the subject 5 and presses a selection key (for example, 155) corresponding to the number (for example, No. 2) to input. The selected face image (for example, 8B) is displayed on the second display means 16. In the second display means 16, the identification means (for example, 8B) lights up. Or face painting The frame-shaped identification display means (for example, 8B) surrounding the image (for example, 8B) lights or blinks. Alternatively, only the selected face image (for example, 7B) is displayed, and other face images (for example, 7A) are turned off.

[Image creation process by shooting system]

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example from photographing to image output by the photographing system of the present invention.

In step S1, the operator 6 operates the operation means 15 so that the camera section 10 of the face image capturing device 1 takes a photograph of the face of the person 5 to be photographed. Shooting is performed several times in succession.

In step S2, the plurality of captured images are stored in the storage unit 19 via the control unit 17 when the operator 6 operates the operation unit 15.

In step S3, the plurality of images taken are displayed in a list on the first display means 14 and the second display means 16 by the operator 6 operating the operation means 15 (FIG. 3 (a), FIG. 3 (b) and 3 (c).

In step S4, an optimum image is visually selected from the plurality of images displayed on the first display means 14 by the subject 5, and the operator 6 is notified of the identification number of the selected face image. If there is no optimal image, take the picture again.

In step S5, the operating means 15 is operated by the operator 6 to specify and input the identifying means (for example, 8B) attached to the optimal image.

In step S6, the selected image (for example, 7B) is identified and displayed on the first display means 14 and the second display means 16.

In step S7, the subject 5 visually confirms the first display means 14 with the identification display means (for example, 9B) for displaying the selected face image (for example, 7B). at the same time, The operator 6 visually confirms the second display means 16 by using the identification display means (for example, 9B) for displaying the selected face image (for example, 7B). If the operator 6 discovers that the image selected by the subject 5 does not match the prescribed face image, the image selection is performed again. Or, start shooting again from step 8.

In step S9, the operator 6 confirms the selected face image using the confirmation key 152 of the operation means 15 and inputs the selected face image together with other data.

In step S 10, the selected face image is stored in storage means 19.

In step S11, the selected face image is output to the image output device 20, and a predetermined license, identification card, and the like containing a face photograph are created.

The face image photographing apparatus 1 and the face image photographing system of the present invention can be used to select a photographed face image for use as a certificate in order to obtain a face photograph that the subject likes and can be used as a certificate. This is achieved by separating the primary selection by the subject 5, the secondary selection by the operator 6, and the confirmation operation.

That is, in the primary selection, the subject 5 arbitrarily selects his or her favorite face image from the face images selected in the primary selection, and in the secondary selection, the operator 6 selects the face image selected in the primary selection. By confirming that the photograph is a face photograph that can be used as a certificate, it is possible to obtain a face photograph that the subject 5 prefers and that can be used as a certificate.

As a result, an unsuitable or unacceptable face photograph is formed, which has conventionally occurred, and a waste of re-shooting and taking time for re-taking is eliminated.

[Other Embodiments of Face Image Shooting Apparatus]

The face image capturing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for capturing an image of a subject 5 by an operation of an operator 6, and the subject 5 confirms and selects the image on a first display unit 14. And Although the selected face image is also confirmed by the operator 6 by the second display means 16, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of images are captured by the operation of the subject 5. An automatic facial image photographing device (certificate photograph photographing device) that forms an image of the image and selects and photographs the image selected by the operating device 4 from the plurality of images displayed on the first display device 14. Is also applicable.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an automatic face image photographing device. Note that, in the reference numerals used in the drawings, parts having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, points different from the above embodiment will be described.

At the time of automatic photographing by the subject 5, the subject 5 adjusts the height of the chair 2 according to the sitting height of the subject 5, sits down, and uses the first display means 14 to position the image frame and the face image. Check the relative position, posture, and clothing. Thereafter, the position of the face image is confirmed by the first display means 14, the photographing lens is focused on, and the shirt is operated to acquire a plurality of face images.

FIG. 3 (c) is a plan view of the operation panel 40 of the operation means 4 operated by the subject 5.

The operation panel 40 is provided with selection keys 41 and 42 and a shooting start key 43. By operating the shooting start key 43, a plurality of face images of the subject 5 are continuously shot and displayed on the first display means 14. The subject 5 selects an arbitrary face image from the plurality of face images 7 A and 7 B displayed on the first display means 14, and selects the selection buttons 4 1 and 4 2 of the operation panel 40 of the operation means 4. Identification means attached to the selected face image (for example, 7B)

The selection button (for example, 4B) corresponding to (for example, 8B) is operated. By this selection operation, the identification means (for example, 8B) is turned on, and the face image selection can be visually confirmed.

After confirming the face image selection, press the input button (not shown) to memorize the selected face image. Means 19 are input to obtain one or more optimal face image photographs.

Hereinafter, an imaging device and an image acquisition method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

The photographing apparatus of the present invention displays an image photographed for each photographing so that a photographed person can immediately confirm the photographed image so that an expression can be created at the time of the next photographing. In order to make it easier for the subject's eyes to turn to the front, the displayed image should be erased before taking the next image and then taken, and all images taken at the end of all images It refers to a photographing device of a display type.

The image to be displayed is an image that can be used practically by removing, for example, blurred images, poorly illuminated images, images with poor color balance, etc., that were generated by the mechanical trouble of the imaging device from the captured images. May be displayed, or all captured images may be displayed. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which a subject operates a photographing device to photograph.

The photographing device 100 has photographing means 101, lighting means 102, display means 103 for displaying a photographed image, and image output means 104. Reference numeral 200 denotes a subject, 300 denotes a chair on which the subject 200 sits, and 105 selects a desired image from the images displayed on the display means 103. Means 106 for operating the imaging device 1. The selecting means 105 and the operating means 106 may be integrated.

Normally, the photographing apparatus 100 is provided in a narrow place (1 to 5 persons) where the surroundings are shielded so that external light does not directly hit the photographing means 101 and the face of the person 200 to be photographed. (Shown). Upon receiving a photographing instruction from the person to be photographed 200, the photographing device 100 intermittently repeats photographing a plurality of times.

For photography, the subject 200 should be sitting on a chair 300 in front of the photographing device 100, pointing his / her eyes at the photographing device 101, and operating the operating device 106 at hand. Done in When the first photographing is performed by the photographing means 101, the photographed image is displayed on the display means 103. When the second image is taken subsequently, the image on the display means 103 is erased and the second image is taken, and the image taken on the display means 103 is displayed after the second image .

In this way, the photographing device 100 displays the image photographed on the display means 103 every time photographing is performed by the photographing means 101, and displays the image displayed on the display means 103 when the next photographing is performed. Is erased and the next shot is taken.

Then, after the photographing is completed, the photographed person 200 operates the operating means 106 to display all the photographed images on the display means 103.

The subject 200 selected the desired image from the plurality of images displayed on the display means 103 by operating the selection means 105, and was printed from the image output means 104. You can get images. One or more images can be selected.

A digital video camera, a digital still camera, or the like is used as the photographing unit 101, a strobe, a halogen lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or the like is used as the lighting unit 102, and an LCD monitor is used as the display unit 103. And CRT monitors are used. As the selection means 105, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pen, or the like is used.

Note that the number of times of photographing may be set in advance, or may be freely determined by the subject. The image output means 104 is not particularly limited as long as it can output digital image information of a captured image, and examples thereof include an ink jet printer, a thermal transfer printer, and a sublimation printer. From the image output means 104, it is also possible to change the size of the image according to the request of the person 200 to be output.

The photographing apparatus 100 of the present invention displays the photographed image of the subject on the display means 103 for each photographing, and erases the image displayed on the display means 103 before performing the next photographing. . Then, when all the shots are completed, all the shot images are displayed, and a method is adopted in which the subject selects a favorite image from the displayed plurality of images.

In this way, by displaying an image on the display means 103 every time a photograph is taken, the image photographed by the photographed person 200 can be immediately fed back. I can make a satisfactory expression in preparation for.

In addition, when the next photographing is performed, the display is erased and the photographing is performed so that the photographed person performs the photographing with the eye pointed at the displayed image. Therefore, the subject does not remove his / her eyes from the photographing means at the time of photographing, and the photographing is performed with the eyes facing forward at the next photographing, so that the risk of an image that does not suit his or her own intention is reduced, Opportunities to retake images are also greatly reduced.

In the method of the present invention, the image is displayed on the display means 103 for each photographing, and the display is deleted when the next photographing is performed, so that the subject 200 can immediately confirm the photographed image. And focus on the next shoot. For this reason, the subject is photographed with a satisfactory expression, and since the subject's line of sight during the photographing is always directed to the photographing means, it is possible to eliminate shooting in which the line of sight is off. it can.

In addition, when a series of shootings is completed, all the shot images are displayed so that multiple images can be selected while comparing them at the same time. This makes it possible to take pictures in time, eliminates the need for re-shooting, and eliminates the unnecessary time and cost burden for re-imaging the subject. In addition, since the selection is made in a short time and retaking is not performed, the operation rate of the imaging device 100 can be increased.

Images taken according to the present invention and output from the image output means 104 are commemorative photos, cash cards, employee IDs, employee IDs, membership IDs, student IDs, identification cards, passports, alien registration IDs. Of course, it is also used for a driver's license and the like. In particular, the image obtained by the present invention is most suitable for a certificate because the line of sight is facing the front.

In this figure, the display means 103 and the image output means 104 are incorporated in the photographing device 100, but they may be separately provided.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the relationship among the members constituting the photographing apparatus 100 as an embodiment according to the present invention.

A chair 300 is placed in front of the photographing means 101 so that the photographed person 200 can sit and photograph. Intermittent photography is performed by the photographing means 101, and the subject 200 is photographed by operating the photographing device 100 while sitting. Control means 107 such as a central processing unit having storage means 108 is connected to the photographing means 101. The control means 107 is connected to the lighting means 102, the display means 103, the selection means 105, the operation means 106, the image output means 104, and the image erasing means 109. ing.

In the case of this figure, the selection means 105 and the operation means 106 are operated by the subject 200.

When the person to be photographed 200 operates the operation means 106, photographing by the photographing means 101 is performed. The lighting means 102 operates in conjunction with the photographing of the photographing means 101. The captured image is temporarily stored in the storage unit 108 via the control unit 107. It is.

The image taken by the photographing means 101 is displayed on the display means 103 for each photographing, and the image displayed on the display means 103 is deleted when the next photographing is performed. Finally, at the point in time when all the photographing is completed, the photographed person 200 operates the operating means 106 to display all the photographed images on the display means 103. The subject 200 can operate the selection means 105 to select a desired image from the plurality of images displayed on the display means 103.

The selected image is stored in the storage means 108 via the control means 107 by the operation of the operation means 106 by the subject 200, and the image information not selected is stored in the storage means 108. And only the selected image information is stored in the storage means 108. The selected image can be output from the image output means 104 when the subject 200 operates the operation means 106.

It should be noted that the deletion of the image displayed on the display means 103 is performed based on a signal from the image deletion means 109.

In this figure, one display means 103 and one image output means 104 are integrated in the photographing apparatus via the control means. These display means 103 and image output means 104 are one. Instead, a plurality of units may be connected to the control means 107 and may be installed outside the imaging device.

FIGS. 8 (a), 8 (b), and 8 (c) are schematic diagrams each showing an example of a display format in which a photographed image is displayed on the display means 103 for each photographing. Fig. 8 (a) shows the image displayed on the display means 103 when the first image was taken, and Fig. 8 (b) shows the image when the second image was taken. (c) The figure is a schematic diagram showing the state when the third shooting was performed. FIGS. 9 (a), 9 (b), and 9 (c) are schematic diagrams showing an example of a display format when all of the captured images are displayed on the display means 103 after all the images have been captured. It is a figure. FIG. 9 (a) is a schematic diagram showing a case where a large image is used to make it easier to select an image, each image is assigned a code, and the image can be designated and displayed. Figure 9 (b) is a schematic diagram when the image is displayed so that the image can be specified by row and column. Fig. 9 (c) is a schematic diagram when each image is assigned a code and displayed so that the image can be specified. The display format in Fig. 8 (a) Fig. 1-Fig. 8 (c) and Fig. 9 (a)-Fig. 9 (c) are the setting of the number of shots, the size of the display means 103 used, and the purpose of shooting. It is possible to appropriately select and use from among others. In this figure, the case of one person used for the certificate is taken as an example, but of course, a group photo of four or five people is also possible.

When the subject 200 selects a desired image from the plurality of images displayed on the display unit 103, the user 200 operates the selection unit 105 and specifies an image by inputting a code attached to each image. be able to. For example, "B" in the case of Fig. 9 (a), "B-2" and "C-2J" in the case of Fig. 9 (b), and "5" in the case of Fig. 9 (c). , "6" can be selected by inputting from the means 105.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example from photographing to image acquisition.

The subject 200 sits on the chair 300, looks at the photographing means 101, and starts photographing.

In step A1, the subject 200 operates the operating means 106, so that the image of the subject 200 is shot by the shooting means 101. The number of times of photographing can be set by the subject 200 or can be set in advance by the photographing device 100. The shooting is performed by intermittent shooting in which the subject 200 can take a desired expression and pose. In step A2, the photographed person operates the operating means 106 for the photographed image. Thus, the data is stored in the storage means 108 via the control means 107. In the second and subsequent shootings, a plurality of images are stored in the storage unit 108 in addition to the previous image.

In step A3, the photographing ends when the subject 200 selects a satisfactory image.

In step A4, when the subject 200 operates the operating means 106, all of the captured images stored in the storage means 108 are displayed on the display means 103.

In step A5, the subject 200 selects an image that suits the user from the displayed images. If there is no desired image, the displayed image is deleted in step A8 for re-shooting.

In step A6, in order to designate the selected image, the subject 200 operates the selection means 105 and inputs the position of the image displayed on the display means 103, thereby storing the image. 8 is taken into account.

In step A7, the image selected by the subject 200 stored in the storage means 108 is changed to the image output means 100 by the subject 200 operating the operation means 106. Output from 4, the subject can get his own image. When outputting an image, it is also possible to set it to a desired size and output it.

FIGS. 6 to 10 of the present invention show a case where there is no operator of the photographing apparatus 100. Of course, there is an operator, and photographing means 101, display means 103, and image output means are present. The operation of 104 may be performed. However, even in this case, the user 200 selects a favorite image from the displayed images.

According to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, when an image is taken by a photographing apparatus, an image is displayed on the display means 103 for each photographing, and the eyes of the subject are directed to the displayed image. As a result, the photographing means 101 has solved the problem that the photographing is performed in a state where the eyes are out of sight. That is, the displayed image can be erased for each photographing so that the eyes of the subject 200 at the time of photographing can be turned to the front, and the photographed image can be immediately fed to the subject 200. Because the subject is displayed back, the subject can create a convincing expression between the next shots before taking the picture.

As a result, the user does not have to pay a fee for an image that does not suit his or her need and re-take the image, thereby eliminating the unnecessary time and cost of re-imaging the subject.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) From a plurality of face images taken continuously, the subject likes the photo and selects an appropriate one for the various certificates, ensuring that there is no need to retake it. A face image photographing apparatus, a face image photographing method, and a face image photographing system capable of acquiring a face image at the same time. An optimal image is obtained. In addition, there is no need to waste time retaking images.

(2) It is possible to provide a photographing apparatus and a method for acquiring an image in which a desired image with a straight line of sight can be obtained in a short time without deterioration in quality of an image obtained by photographing. This eliminates the need for time and eliminates the costs associated with re-shooting, reducing the burden on the subject. In addition, the photographer can check the photographed image, and after creating an expression in between the photographing, perform the next photographing, so that a convincing and expressive face photograph can be obtained. became.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A photographing means for photographing a subject to acquire a plurality of face images;

Display means for displaying a plurality of face images photographed by the photographing means and arranged so that the subject can be viewed;

Identification means given to the plurality of face images displayed on the display means,

Selecting means for selecting an arbitrary face image from the plurality of face images displayed by the display means;

An identification display unit for identifying the face image selected by the selection unit from another face image;

2. The face image photographing device according to claim 1, wherein the identification display means displays only the face image selected by the selection means by the display means.

3. The identification display device according to claim 1, wherein the identification display device adds a frame around the face image selected by the selection device displayed on the display device. The facial image capturing apparatus according to the above.

4. The identification display device according to claim 1, wherein the identification display device blinks a face image selected by the selection device among a plurality of face images displayed on the display device. Face image capturing device.

5. The face image photographing apparatus is for photographing a subject by an operation of an operator, and the identification display means is for allowing the operator to confirm the face image selected by the selecting means. The face image photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

6. The face image photographing device forms a plurality of face images by photographing by operation of a subject, and a face image selected by the selecting means from among the plurality of face images displayed on the display means. The face image photographing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the face image photographing apparatus is an automatic face image photographing apparatus that selects and photographs an image.

7. The subject is photographed by the photographing means to form a plurality of face images,

Storing the plurality of face images in a memory,

Displaying the plurality of face images on display means arranged so that the subject can be viewed; confirming identification means given to each of the plurality of face images displayed on the display means; displaying the plurality of face images on the display means An arbitrary face image is selected by the selecting means from the plurality of

A face image photographing method, characterized in that a face image selected by said selecting means is distinguished from another face image by an identification display means, and the face image selected by said selecting means is recorded.

8. A face image photographing device comprising the photographing means, the display means, the selecting means, and the identification displaying means according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

Control means for controlling the face image capturing device;

A storage means for storing a plurality of face images of the subject photographed by the face image photographing device;

Image output means for recording the face image selected by the selection means,

A facial image photographing system comprising:

9. Photographing means for photographing the subject, display means for displaying an image photographed by the photographing means for each photographing, and means for deleting the image displayed on the display means before performing the next photographing. Selecting means for selecting an arbitrary image from the images displayed on the display means, A photographing apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores the image selected by the selection unit; and an image output unit that outputs the image stored in the storage unit.

10. The selecting means is a means for performing selection by a photographed person being artificially operated, and the photographed person selects an arbitrary image from the images displayed on the display means. 10. The photographing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein:

1 1. The subject is photographed by the photographing means, the photographed image is displayed on the display means for each photographing, and the image displayed on the display means is erased before the next photographing is performed. After all photographing is completed, all images photographed by the photographing means are displayed on the display means, and an arbitrary image is selected from the images displayed on the display means by the selecting means, and the selected image is displayed. Storing the image by a storage means and outputting the stored image by an output means to obtain an image.

1 2. The selecting means is a means for making a selection by a subject being operated artificially, and the subject selects an arbitrary image from the images displayed on the display means. 12. The method for acquiring an image according to claim 11, wherein:

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein when there is no image to be selected by the selection means among the images displayed on the display means, shooting is performed again by the shooting means. Acquisition method.