WO2005052685A1

WO2005052685A1 - Person imaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2005052685A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/017526
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takeyoshi Iguchi
Original assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-11-26
Filing date: 2004-11-18
Publication date: 2005-06-09
Also published as: JP2005156942A

Abstract

There is provided a person imaging system as follows. A person to be imaged can see a plurality of sample images of various expressions displayed and selects an image of desired expression among the displayed images. By controlling the acoustic means, image display means, illumination means, temperature control means, wind sending control means, and fragrance control means, the person as the object is guided to show the expression which has been selected and the expression is timely imaged, so that the person can obtain a face photo of the desired expression.

Description

Human photography system Technical field

The present invention relates to a person photographing system for photographing a person's face as a main subject. Background art

Well-known photographing systems for taking portraits are ID photographing systems, sightseeing spots, or commemorative photography systems at recreational facilities, and wedding photography systems or photo studios. . Recently, there have been many sticker print creation systems for obtaining sticker prints taken with a friend or creating sticker prints for the purpose of exchanging with a friend. The proof photographing system can provide self-signed photographs in a short period of time to attach to resumes, school and various qualification examination application forms, or passport application forms. It is installed and used in many places as a convenient facility that can be prepared at The prints created by photographing one's own face using these ID photo shooting systems are essential requirements for ID photos used for authentication and verification, such as the size of the photo, the position of the face, Despite meeting the requirement of no blinking, etc., it is often difficult to say that a photograph of one's own face is a favorite one. ₀

Facial images taken with commemorative photography systems at sightseeing spots or recreational facilities are of value, along with the scenes appearing on the prints as background. Even if the face image is located at the center of the subject, it may or may not be what the user likes.

When photographing at a wedding hall or a photo studio, an experienced photographer can correct the dress and posture of the subject under sufficient facilities for taking photographs. Take multiple pictures at the right time. The photograph obtained in this way often has a satisfactory facial image for the subject person, but tends to be a photograph with an expression with a unique tension, and the subject person is Even if the photographer says, "Yes, 'laugh," and makes a facial expression, it is not possible to immediately confirm what kind of facial expression it is, and there is still anxiety before seeing the completed photo. In many cases, even if there is some dissatisfaction with the resulting photo, you can only select from the photos taken. In addition, the time and expense required by the subject to obtain it are significant.

The print with the face image, the border surrounding the image, and in some cases, the favorite character obtained by the seal print creation system allows the person who is the subject to enjoy the momentary expression at the time of shooting. Often, it is just a face image. As described above, many people take or take pictures of their faces, but it is very difficult to obtain photographs having facial images of their favorite expressions.

In order to obtain a good facial image, it is necessary that both the conditions on the shooting side and on the subject side are satisfied.

In other words, the conditions that must be met on the photographing side are, first, the photographing equipment and the photographing system that are the photographing means, and the high functional performance of the materials used, and the photographer's skills at a level sufficient to handle these. Power to be mentioned An even more important condition is the sense and skill of the photographer who derives the appropriate facial expression and pose for the subject, and shoots it at the appropriate opportunity. The conditions that must be met on the subject side are mainly facial expressions and poses.

The improvement of the conditions that must be met on the photographing side described above is due to the continuous improvement of photographic equipment and systems and materials, as well as the technical improvement of photographers through education and practical shooting experience. Many. However, in a system where there is no photographer, it is not possible to rely on the photographer's skills, so the performance of the face photo must rely on the improvement and contrivance of the photographic equipment and system, and the materials used. Great les.

An example of such a device would be to change the light distribution pattern of the lighting means in an ID photo photography system to determine the optimal lighting conditions for obtaining the best facial image from the subject person. There is also a proposal (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-32701 (pages 2-3)).

As a proposal to improve the conditions on the subject side even if there is no photographer, a person who is the subject takes various expressions, poses, and uses a remote-type There are also plans to take pictures of themselves with good facial expressions and poses by manipulating them (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-147641 (page 5)). However, apart from the actors and models whose occupation is to be photographed, it is almost impossible for the general public to create their own facial expressions and poses on their own, assuming a facial photograph to be made. Near impossible.

Therefore, in order to obtain a good face photo that people like, it is desirable to take pictures at wedding halls and photo studios where the above conditions are often satisfied. However, as mentioned earlier, the person being photographed has a great deal of anxiety about whether or not he / she can produce his favorite expression, and the time and cost involved. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and its purpose is to display a plurality of sample images having various expressions prepared in advance by using image display means. Next, control the sound means, the image display means, the lighting means, the temperature control means, and the scent control means in accordance with the selected expression. In this way, a person as a subject is guided to perform a selected facial expression, and by photographing this facial expression in a timely manner, a person photographing system capable of obtaining a facial photograph of a desired facial expression is provided. is there. Also, by selecting an image which the subject person likes most from the plurality of face images taken in this way, and printing the image and outputting the image to a storage medium, the obtained image is obtained. The purpose of the present invention is to enable the use of a given face image.

The above object is achieved by the following means.

(1) A person photographing system for photographing a person as a subject by photographing means, wherein the image display means displays a plurality of face image examples having different expressions prepared in advance, and the person to be the subject is A person photographing system characterized in that a face image having a desired expression can be selected from the plurality of face image examples by an instruction operation means.

(2) The person photographing system according to (1), wherein the plurality of face image examples include a true face image or an expressionless face image.

(3) The control means of the person photographing system includes sound means for outputting sound, voice, and music, image display means for outputting images, characters, and codes on a display, a touch sensor, push buttons, and instruction operation means including a keyboard. The person photographing system according to (1) or (2), wherein guidance is performed by controlling,, and so that the person as the subject selects a face image having a desired expression. (4) In accordance with the facial image of the facial expression selected by the instruction operating means, the control means outputs at least sound means for outputting sound, voice, music, and images, characters, and codes on a display. Image display means, lighting means for illuminating the subject, temperature control means for changing the peripheral temperature of the subject, blowing control means for blowing wind from the predetermined direction to the subject and variably controlling the wind force, sending fragrance to the subject By controlling one of the hands of the scent control means and the instruction operation means for selecting an image on which the human being as the object is displayed and performing another instruction operation, the person who is the object can be identified as described above. The person photographing system according to (3), wherein the person is guided to make an expression of the selected face image.

(5) The control means includes: a human being as a subject; a sound that changes at a constant interval, a sound, or an image, or a sound that changes at a constant rhythm, or the sound means that changes an expression in accordance with an image. Alternatively, the person photographing system according to (4), wherein the image display means is controlled.

(6) The control means urges the person as the subject to perform facial massage or eye movements, and then expresses the selected face image. The person photographing system according to (5), wherein the sound means or the image display means is controlled.

(7) The photographing means captures a face image at a set timing and a set period, and the control means reads the plurality of captured face images as captured image data in a storage means. (4) The person photographing system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the person is stored in a designated area.

(8) The photographing means is configured to photograph a person from a plurality of angles, and the control means captures and captures a face image photographed from the plurality of angles by the photographing means at a set timing. The plurality of face images are stored as captured image data. The person photographing system according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the person is stored in a designated area of a column.

(9) The photographed image data stored in the designated area of the storage means is displayed on the image display means, and a favorite face image is displayed from the displayed plurality of face images by the instruction operation. The person photographing system according to (7) or (8), characterized in that it is configured to be selectable by means.

(10) An output unit for outputting image information as a print, an output unit for outputting to a storage medium, and an output unit for outputting to a communication path, wherein the control unit converts the face image selected by the instruction operation unit, The person photographing system according to (9), wherein output is performed to any one of the output units in accordance with an output instruction from the instruction operation unit. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an external view of a person photographing system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a person photographing system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a front panel of the person photographing system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control relationship of the person photographing system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the instruction operation and the operation of the system. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the instruction operation and the operation of the system. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the instruction operation and the operation of the system. FIG. 8 is a display example of a face image for selecting an expression.

FIG. 9 is a display example of a selected face image.

FIG. 10 is a display example of a plurality of captured face images. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a box-type person photographing system A which is an application example of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of the person photographing system A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a front panel of the person photographing system A.

The person photographing system A includes a box 1, and photographing means 2, lighting means 3, sound means 4, image display means 5, temperature control means 6 (not shown), ventilation control means 7, It comprises scent control means 8 (not shown), instruction operation means 9, fee payment means 10, communication means 20, chair 90, control means 100, and the like.

Box 1 protects the subject P, which is the subject, from the outside world and protects privacy during shooting, and also controls the lighting conditions at the time of shooting with the internal lighting means 3 while suppressing the influence of external light. There is also a role to do. In addition, when the person photographing system A is installed outdoors, it also plays a role as an outdoor house against wind and rain. The photographing means 2 is composed of one digital camera or a plurality of cameras in which other digital cameras are arranged on the left and right of the camera, and the photographing start signal sent from the control means 100 causes the person P The face is photographed through the half mirror 21. The face image information obtained by the photographing is sent to the control means 100 and stored in a predetermined file in the memory M.

The illuminating means 3 is composed of a plurality of illuminating lamps and strobes, and the intensity of illumination and the timing operation of lighting are individually controlled by an instruction signal of the control means 100.

The image display means 5 is a display device using a CRT, a liquid crystal, or a plasma, and displays images and characters sent from the control means 100. In the present embodiment, the image The image displayed on the display means 5 is shown to the eyes of the person P in the box 1 through the half mirror 21 and the touch panel 91, and the person is provided with a touch panel 91 on the image display surface of the image display means 5. looks like.

The temperature control means 6 (not shown) and the scent control means 8 (not shown) operate together with the air flow control means 7 to control the face of the person P to send a wind having a predetermined temperature and a scent to the face of the person P. Controlled by 0.

The instruction operation means 9 in the present embodiment includes a touch panel 91 and a push button arranged below the touch panel 91. The person P can perform an instruction or a selection operation by touching the surface of the touch panel 91 while viewing the image and the characters displayed by the image display means 5.

The fee payment means 100 is to send a signal of a fee receipt confirmation to the control means 100 after confirming the amount of coins or bills inserted by the person P, and is frequently used in vending machines. It is known.

The communication means 20 is used for managing the person photographing system A and transferring images. As a management method, various data including the operating status sent from the control means 100 are transmitted to the management center, and the software for the version upgrade sent from the management center is received. The method of transferring to 0 is adopted. The image transfer function is used to transfer a captured image via a network that is a communication path.

The printing means 30 is a means for outputting a face image selected and stored in the memory M as a hard copy, and employs an image output means of an appropriate method such as a silver halide method, a thermal fusion transfer method, and an ink jet method. You.

The storage medium output means 40 can be used to store media such as floppy (R) disks, It outputs image information and is selected according to the medium to be adopted. Alternatively, a plurality of types of output means may be provided so as to be compatible with a plurality of types of media.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control relationship of the person photographing system of the present invention. The control means 100 is a computer system having a CPU, a memory, an operation unit for image processing, etc., and exchanges information with other control means via an input / output I / O port, a serial or parallel interface. It is carried out.

FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are flowcharts showing operations performed by the person photographing system A when the person P who is the photographed person photographs a face photograph, and processing performed in response to the photographing.

The person P first enters a fee into the fee payment means 10 (Sl). Next, guided by the sound by the sound means 4 and the display by the image display means 5 (S2), the photographing purpose is selected by the instruction operation means 9 (S3). The photographing purpose is, for example, a proof photograph, a face photograph, a smile photograph, a fun photograph, or the like.

When the photographing purpose is selected, a display prompting the person P to confirm the selected purpose is output to the image display means 5, and (S6, S7, S8) and "YES" are confirmed. Then, the corresponding program is selected (S10). If “N〇”, an image for selecting a shooting purpose is displayed on the display means 5 again.

By executing the program selected by selecting YES, the image display means 5 displays the selected shooting purpose and a sample face image having a plurality of prepared facial expressions corresponding to the shooting purpose. (S11).

Fig. 8 shows a display example when a smile photo is selected, and the degree of smile is slightly different. In this case, the face displayed as the image a is a true face, the degree of smile increases little by little as b, c, and d, and the face in the image e has the strongest smile. As is clear from this example, it is difficult to accurately grasp the wishes of the person P as the subject with information using only the expression of a smile, and it is also difficult to accurately understand the smile desired by the person P to be photographed. It is also difficult to express accurately and convey it to the photographer. The present invention displays a plurality of face image examples corresponding to a shooting purpose in advance, and through a displayed image, enables communication that is difficult only by wording to be performed more accurately. is there.

Further, in the present invention, by inserting a true face or an expressionless face image into a plurality of face image examples to be displayed, other face images having different expressions can be easily compared with this face image. It is configured to be seen so that the facial expression can be selected more accurately.

The person P selects a face image having a desired expression from the displayed plurality of face image examples using the touch panel 91 of the instruction operation means 9 (S11, S12, S13, S14). When a selection is made, the face image is displayed in a large size on the image display means 5 (S15, S16, S17) (display example, FIG. 9), and whether or not the selection result is intended. Confirmation is made (S18). Although only the selected face image is displayed in FIG. 9, a true face image may also be displayed, and two face images may be displayed side by side.

If the confirmation result is "NO", the process returns to the routine for selecting an expression image, and if "YES", the control means 100 selects a program corresponding to the selected expression (S 1 9). According to the selected program, the control means 100 controls the sound means 4, the image display means 5, the lighting means 3, the temperature control means 6, the ventilation control means 7, and the scent control means 8 (S200) ).

For example, when a smiling photo is selected and a c-image with a smile as shown in FIG. 9 is selected from the example of a face image displayed as shown in FIG. 8, the control means sets the corresponding program. By selecting a program and executing it, the sound and image that cause the person to be the subject to take the action described below along with the music with a comfortable rhythm are provided by the sound means 4 and the image display means 5. Output to

"First, align the three fingers of your index, middle, and ring fingers, gently turn the right eye clockwise around your eyes, and the left eye gently four to five times counterclockwise to do a pine surge."

"Next, rub 頰 two or three times diagonally back with both palms. J

"Finally, with the middle and ring fingers, pull the outer ends of the eyebrows diagonally outward and back, and let them rest for a few seconds."

These actions are effective in creating a lively expression by improving blood flow around the stagnant eyes.

Furthermore, the following actions to activate the eyes, which are the most important elements of facial expressions, are encouraged. "First, close your boldness, hold for two to three seconds, and then open your eyes wide." "Next, turn your eyes wide. Do this two or three times, including turning it back."

"Finally, raise your boldness, open your eyes sufficiently and hold for 2 to 3 seconds." After performing the first preliminary operation before shooting as described above, the person who will be the subject is displayed. The user is guided to look at a predetermined position of the image displayed on the means 5, and the line of sight is determined. In addition, a second preparatory action is performed in which the lips are sounded at the set cycle while the eyes are fixed, the lips are raised in the horizontal direction little by little in synchronization with the sounds, the lips are stopped at the raising limit, and then restored. I do.

After the pre-movement pre-movement described above is performed on the subject P, the music set to lighten the mind is played. Next, with music as the background, a message saying, "Let's laugh, and when the shooting start sound comes out, look up the point on the displayed image and pull up the lips little by little to the next synchronized sound." Start shooting with To do. The illuminating means 3 is controlled such that a condition suitable for this case is selected from several preset conditions, and brightness and light distribution are realized. In this case, the ventilation control means 7 and the scent control means 8 do not have to be particularly operated in this case. The face of the person P, which is a subject changing little by little, is photographed a plurality of times by the photographing means 2 having a digital camera in accordance with the set timing, for example, the synchronization sound, and a plurality of face images are obtained. Stored in a predetermined area of the memory M of the control means 100 (S2 2) o

The timing of shooting can be set by giving a sequential number to the synchronization sound and shooting in synchronization with the synchronization sound of a specific number, or shooting several times during the synchronization sound. Such a setting can also be made. These settings are made by setting predetermined numerical values in advance in a table in the program stored in the control means 100, and the setting can be changed by the image display means 5 and the instruction operation means 9. it can.

Photographing is performed by photographing means having a plurality of digital cameras simultaneously from a plurality of angles and a plurality of face images are sequentially stored in a predetermined area of the memory M of the control means 100. You may comprise so that it may be.

The plurality of captured face images are displayed on the image display means 5 in a predetermined format, and are displayed to the subject.

Then, the user is prompted to select a favorite face image from a plurality of face images displayed by the sound from the sound means 4 (S23) (display image example, FIG. 10).

When the subject selects a favorite face image (S24), the corresponding face image is output as a print (S.25), and the image information is recorded on the storage medium (26). In addition, by operating the instruction operation means 9, the selected face image can be sent out to a communication path such as a public line or a LAN via the communication means 20. As described above, with the person photographing system according to the present invention, a person to be a subject is adapted to a photographing purpose and a facial image print or a facial image data having a facial expression that he / she likes. Can be obtained.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a case where a desired face image is selected as a smile photo has been described as an example. However, when another identification photo, a true face photo, a fun photo, or the like is selected, An example of a face image having an expression different from that when the smiling photo is selected is displayed on the image display means 5, and the person P as a subject selects a desired expression from the examples of the face image. Then, in the same procedure as in the case of selecting the smiling photo, the control means 100 selects and executes a program prepared in advance so as to express the facial image selected by the person P. The sound means 4, the image display means 5, the lighting means 3, the temperature control means 6, the air flow control means 7, and the scent control means 8 for changing the color change perform predetermined operations.

The temperature control means 6, air blowing control means 6, and scent control means 8, which did not operate when the smiling photo was selected, are the persons whose subjects are cold air containing the scent of mint when the face photo is selected. The operation is controlled as a means of sending to the forehead P and tightening the facial expression. '' Industrial availability

According to the present invention, a person to be a subject can select an expression suitable for a photographing purpose by checking the image before the photographing. Therefore, information related to expressions that are difficult to explain in words can be easily input to the system.

In addition, the person to be the subject can clarify the facial features by comparing the face image with a normal facial expression or a facial expression with no expression to the facial image with the desired facial expression. Can be recognized.

In addition, even when the photographer does not exist, the subject can easily give an operation instruction to the system, such as selecting an expression suitable for the purpose of photographing, without error. Also, the subject person is automatically guided to the desired expression by executing a program corresponding to the selected expression prepared in advance. In addition, the person who is the subject can change the expression with a sense of stability by setting a reference for the speed at which the expression is changed. In addition, it is possible to make an association between the change in facial expression and the photographing timing by the photographing means.

Also, the person who is the subject can easily create the desired expression. Further, a face image having a desired expression can be stored in the storage means at slightly different timings in time, that is, by a plurality of shutter changes. As a result, it is possible to record a plurality of face images having slight changes in facial expressions.

Also, a face with a desired expression can be photographed from various angles at almost the same time, and these face images can be stored in the storage means. As a result, a face image of the dominant face of the person who is the subject can be recorded. Also, a stereoscopic image can be synthesized from the recorded information.

In addition, by arranging a plurality of face images with good expressions, the subject can recognize subtle differences in facial expressions, so that the face image most liked can be easily selected.

Further, by outputting the most favorite face image as a print or by recording it on a storage medium, it is possible to utilize the face image such as saving the face image or sending an image by mail.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A photographing means for photographing a person as a subject,

Image display means for displaying a plurality of face image examples having different expressions prepared in advance; and instruction operation means for allowing a person to be a subject to select a face image having a desired expression from the plurality of face image examples. Person photographing system having

2. The person photographing system according to claim 1, wherein an expressionless face image is included in the plurality of face image examples.

3. The person photographing system has control means,

The control means includes: sound means for outputting sound, voice, and music;

'Image display means for outputting images, characters and codes on the display,

The person according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls an instruction operation unit including a touch sensor, a push button, a keyboard, and the like, and guides the person as the subject to select a face image having a desired expression. Shooting system.

4. Corresponding to the facial image of the expression selected by the instruction operation means, the control means comprises:

Sound means to output sound, voice, music,

Image display means for outputting images, characters, and codes on a display,

Lighting means for illuminating the subject,

Temperature control means for changing the ambient temperature of the subject, By controlling either of the blower control means for sending wind to the subject from a predetermined direction and variably controlling the wind force, and the scent control means for sending scent to the subject, the person being the subject can be 4. The person photographing system according to claim 3, wherein control is performed such that the facial expression of the selected face image is guided.

5. The control means controls the sound to change the facial expression in accordance with the sound or image that changes at a fixed interval, or the sound that changes at a constant rhythm, or the image as the subject. 5. A person photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said means controls the image display means.

6. The control means urges the person being the subject to perform facial massage or eye movement, and then performs an expression of the selected face image, 5. The person photographing system according to claim 4, wherein said sound means or said image display means is controlled.

7. The photographing means captures a face image at a set timing and a set cycle,

5. The person photographing system according to claim 4, wherein the control means stores the plurality of captured face images as photographed image data in a designated area of a storage means.

8. The photographing means is configured to photograph a person from a plurality of angles,

The control means captures a face image photographed from a plurality of angles by the photographing means at a set timing, 5. The person photographing system according to claim 4, wherein the captured plurality of face images are stored as photographed image data in a designated area of a storage unit.

9. Displaying the captured image data stored in the designated area of the storage means on the image display means,

8. The person photographing system according to claim 7, wherein a favorite face image is selected from the plurality of displayed face images by the instruction operation means.

10. Output means for outputting image information as a print, output means for outputting to a storage medium, and output means for outputting to a communication path are provided.

10. The person photographing system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit outputs the face image selected by the instruction operation unit to any one of the output units in accordance with an output instruction by the instruction operation unit.