JP4674903B2 - Photography equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photography apparatus.

  A subject (user) was automatically photographed in a shooting booth installed at an amusement facility, etc., and an editing input from a user was received and shot at an editing booth different from the shooting booth. 2. Description of the Related Art It is widely known that there is a photography apparatus that synthesizes a photographed image and a received edited image to create a print image and prints the print image on a print medium such as a sticker.

  Examples of the edited image include a pen image input from a user with an attached touch pen, a stamp image, a frame image, and a background image that are stored in advance and selected by an input from the user.

  Generally, a pen image is a character or a figure drawn on a photographed image by selecting a pen tool as an editing tool and drawing with a touch pen on a tablet display on which the photographed image is displayed. The stamp image is one in which the user selects the stamp tool as an editing tool, selects a favorite stamp image design, and the like, and is placed on the photographed image with the touch pen. In addition, the frame image is one in which the user selects the frame tool as an editing tool, selects a favorite frame image design, etc., and is arranged on the photographed image with a touch pen, and the background image is edited by the user. A background tool is selected, a favorite background image design is selected, and the background image is placed at a location other than the subject on the captured image.

  In recent years, the user group of photography apparatuses has a relatively large number of users of a relatively young generation, and as such users, taking pictures with a more unique pose and inputting edited images are possible. Hope to get a highly original photo.

  However, among the edited images, the pen image and the stamp image can be arranged at the input position designated by the user, and the background image is drawn at a place other than the subject on the captured image. However, there are many frame images that are simply arranged along the periphery of the captured image. As an example, as shown in FIG. 19, there is a frame image 101 drawn on the periphery of the photographed image 100.

  As described above, since there are many frame images arranged along the peripheral edge of the captured image, for example, when the user uses the photography apparatus with more than two people, If you take a photo with the right or left side biased, even if you place a frame image that you like, the frame image that you placed may be covered by the user at the farthest end. It is necessary to perform an operation process such as partial deletion with the eraser function as an editing tool, which takes extra time for editing.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, even when the user has taken a photograph with a bias toward the right or left side of the photographing range, the frame images on the top, bottom, left, and right along the edge of the photographed image are respectively It is described that they can be arranged individually.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the arranged frame image from being covered by the user at the end even when the user has taken a photo with a bias toward the right side or the left side of the shooting range. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform an operation process such as partially erasing the arranged frame image by the eraser function, and it is possible to prevent the editing operation from taking excessive time.
Japanese Patent No. 3444873

  However, even in the case of the conventional photography apparatus described above and the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the frame image to be arranged is limited to the peripheral area of the photographed image. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 19, an area 103 where no frame image is drawn is generated between the user (subject) 102 and the frame image 101. You may want to draw a frame image.

  Further, as in Patent Document 1, each frame image arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions along the edge of the captured image is stored in advance, even when the frame images are individually arranged. Since it is arranged based on a pattern (for example, a fixed shape such as a straight line), the size and shape of the frame image do not change even when the number of users to use and the shooting pose are different. It is difficult to meet the demands of users who want to create unique photographs.

  On the other hand, it is conceivable to place an image at a location other than the subject in the captured image, such as a background image, but the background image is not an image that can be displayed over the subject, but the subject and the non-subject portion. The borders of the image may become more prominent, and the finished photo may become unnatural.

  Therefore, the present invention solves such a problem and provides a photography apparatus that allows a user to input an edited image according to preference.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a photographing unit for photographing a subject in a photographing booth, and a predetermined edit image input to the photographed image photographed by the photographing unit. An image arranging unit that arranges the subject so as to be hidden over the entire image, an image erasing unit that erases at least a part of the edited image arranged by the image arranging unit, and a position for editing input with respect to the captured image A position designation unit is provided, and the image erasing unit is set with an erasing range for erasing the edited image with reference to the position designated by the position designation unit, and the erasing range is a plurality of shapes prepared in advance. Is within a predetermined pattern-shaped region selected from the above.

According to such a configuration, the image placement unit places the edited image so as to overlap the entire photographed image, and erases at least a part of the edited image placed by the image erasing unit. Regardless of the shooting pose to be formed, the edited image can be edited as desired. That is, the user can arrange an edited image having a desired shape in a necessary part of the captured image, and thereby can create a more unique photograph. Further, since the erasing range in the image erasing means is within a predetermined pattern shape area selected from a plurality of types of shapes prepared in advance, the user can erase unnecessary portions of the edited image. The image can be erased in accordance with its shape, and this erasure operation can be performed quickly and beautifully, and a photograph with a good finish can be created.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the photographing apparatus according to claim 1, erase range, it remains in a predetermined pattern shape, in which is set to be capable of expansion and contraction.

  According to such a configuration, the erasure range can be adjusted to a size according to the user's preference by enlarging and reducing the erasure range with a predetermined pattern shape. You can create realistic photos.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the photographic apparatus according to the second aspect, the erasing range in the image erasing means is enlarged and reduced while the position designation means designates the editing input position for the photographed image. To do.

  According to such a configuration, while the editing input position is specified for the captured image by the position specifying unit, the erasing range in the image erasing unit is enlarged and reduced, so that the user can increase the size of the erasing range. Can be adjusted more easily.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the photographic apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the photographic apparatus includes an erasure information storage unit that stores information on a range erased by the image erasing unit, and is arranged so as to overlap the photographed image. When the edited image to be changed is changed to another edited image, based on the information on the erasure range stored in the erasure information storage unit, the information on the erasure range is reflected on the edited image after the change, and the change In the later edited image, the edited image within the erasure range is erased and displayed.

  According to such a configuration, even if the user changes the edited image to be arranged on the captured image to another edited image, the user does not need to input the erasure range each time. Therefore, the user can edit the captured image more easily.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the photographic apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising region changing means for changing a region where the edited image is arranged.

  According to such a configuration, by changing the area in which the edited image is arranged by the area changing unit, it is possible to reduce the erasing operation of the edited image as much as possible, and the user edits the captured image in a shorter time. be able to.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the photographic apparatus according to the fifth aspect , the area changing means changes the area where the edited image is arranged with reference to the position designated by the position designation means.

  According to such a configuration, the user can change the area in which the edited image is arranged more easily and in a short time.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the photographic device according to the fifth or sixth aspect , the area changing means changes the area where the edited image is arranged when shooting the subject in the shooting booth. is there.

  According to such a configuration, since the area where the edited image is arranged can be changed at the time of shooting in the shooting booth, the user can easily imagine the finished photo, and the shooting pose suitable for it can be made. Can be formed. Thereby, the user can create a unique photograph according to his / her preference.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the photography apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising switching means for switching the display of the edited image arranged over the entire photographed image to a semi-transparent display.

  According to such a configuration, the display of the edited image arranged over the entire captured image can be switched to the semi-transparent display by the switching unit, so that the user can more easily grasp the edited image to be deleted. .

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the photographic apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the position specifying means can set an erasing area having an arbitrary shape, and the erasing set by the position specifying means. It has an in-area image erasing means for erasing the edited image in the area.

  According to such a configuration, the range of the edited image that the user wants to erase can be set by the position specifying means, and the edited images in the set range can be erased all at once, so that the edited image can be erased more easily and quickly. be able to.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the photography apparatus according to the ninth aspect, further comprising means for performing a blurring process on an image in the vicinity of a boundary line between a portion to be erased and a portion not to be erased in the edited image.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent part of the edited image from being cut out and erased, and to make the edited image in the erased range inconspicuous.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a photography apparatus that allows a user to input an edited image according to preference.

  A photography apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Appearance configuration)
First, the external configuration of the photography apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view of a photography apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographic apparatus 1 includes a camera 2 that is an imaging unit that captures a subject and a device 3 that includes devices that perform various processes and controls, and is opposed to the camera 2 in the housing 3. A background unit 4 provided at a distance to the position to be moved, and a shooting booth 6 formed by laying a pair of left and right ceiling frames 5 on top of the housing 3 and the background unit 4, and is movable. And a shooting chair 8 that assists the user 7 as a subject to form a shooting pose.

  On the surface of the housing 3 facing the background unit 4, in addition to the camera 2, a live monitor 35 that displays a moving image currently captured by the camera 2 to the user 7 in real time, A touch panel display 11 (see FIG. 2) for accepting operation inputs and displaying a demonstration screen, shooting operation procedures, and the like to the user 7, and a plurality of strobes 12 (see FIG. 2) for irradiating the user 7 during shooting. A coin insertion slot for inserting coins and a photographing speaker 13 (see FIG. 2) for outputting voice guidance and BGM during photographing operation are provided.

  The tablet 3 displays an image taken at the shooting booth 6 on the surface opposite to the shooting booth 6 of the housing 3 and accepts input of an edited image from the user 7 by the touch pen 19 as a position specifying means. A display 20 and an editing-side speaker 21 that outputs voice guidance and BGM during an editing input operation are provided. One touch pen 19 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the tablet display 20. In addition, 22A in the figure is an editing booth that is a space facing the surface opposite to the shooting booth 6 in the housing 3 and in which the user 7 performs an editing input operation. Moreover, although mentioned later for details, the touch screen 19, the tablet display 20, and the edit side speaker 21 are provided in the surface on the opposite side to the user side in the background unit 4, and the edit booth 22B is formed. Therefore, the photography apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment employs a so-called triple customer service system that includes one photographing booth 6 and two editing booths 22A and 22B, so that different groups of users can be served simultaneously at each booth. is doing. In addition, surrounding curtains are provided around the editing booths 22A and 22B to prevent other users from seeing the contents of images and the like when the user performs operation processing in each booth. However, illustration is omitted to avoid complication of the drawing.

  Further, a print exit 15 is provided on a side surface of the housing 3 and outside the photographing booth 6 (right side in the drawing), and the photographed image and the edited image are combined from the print exit 15. The printed image (taken image if no edited image is input) is printed on a print medium such as a seal sheet 17 (see FIG. 2) by the printer 16 (see FIG. 2) housed in the housing 3. What is done is discharged.

  Further, on the upper part of the background unit 4, a curtain unit 18 is provided that includes a plurality of types of background curtains 14 that are developed in the vertical direction at the time of shooting and serve as the background of the user 7. The background curtain 14 is stored in a state of being wound in the curtain unit 18 when not in use. Further, the background curtain 14 is specified through an operation on the touch panel display 11 from the user 7, and the specified one is suspended along the wall surface of the background unit 4.

  Further, as described above, the touch pen 19, the tablet display 20, and the editing speaker 21 are provided on the opposite side of the background unit 4 from the user side, and the editing booth 22B is provided. .

  The above-described photography apparatus 1 has various functions such as a voice guidance function and a strobe irradiation light changing function to meet the needs of the user 7. A functional configuration for realizing these various functions will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the photography apparatus 1.

(Functional configuration)
As shown in FIG. 2, the photography apparatus 1 includes a photographing computer device 23a that performs photographing-side processing such as photographing by the camera 2 and transfer of an image photographed by the camera 2, and a tablet display from the user 7 during editing processing. 20 is displayed on the tablet display 20, and an image editing computer device that executes processing related to editing for creating and drawing an image to be edited and input based on the input, and processing related to printing of the printer 16. 23b, and a control board 24 that receives instructions from the operating computer devices 23a and 23b and controls various devices connected thereto. The photographing computer device 23a and the image editing computer device 23b are connected to each other and exchange image data and the like on a peer-to-peer basis.

  The computer devices 23a and 23b are CPUs (Central Processing Units) 25a and 25b, a program for causing the photography apparatus 1 to execute predetermined processing, graphic data necessary for various processes, audio data, photographed images, and edit inputs. Hard disk drives (HDD) 26a and 26b for storing images and the like, and memories 27a and 27b serving as temporary work areas for programs. In particular, the memory 27b, which will be described in detail later, has a function as erase information storage means for storing information on the range of the edited image that has been erased.

  The imaging computer device 23 a executes processing on the imaging side in the imaging booth 6. Specifically, a program on the photographing side stored in the internal HDD 26a is executed, and a control signal is sent to the control board 24 in accordance with an instruction signal based on an input operation received from the user 7 via the touch panel display 11. Send. The photographing computer device 23a is electrically connected to and controls the camera 2, the touch panel display 11, and the control board 24.

  The image editing computer device 23 b executes processing such as editing input at the editing booth 22 and printing processing of the printer 16 housed in the housing 3. Specifically, the image editing computer device 23 b transmits a control signal to the control board 24 in response to an input by the touch pen 19 performed by the user 7 on the tablet display 20. The image editing computer device 23b is electrically connected to and controls the printer 16, the tablet display 20, and the control board 24. Further, as will be described in detail later, the CPU 25b of the image editing computer device 23b arranges the edited image so as to overlap the entire captured image, the image erasing unit for erasing at least a part of the arranged edited image, and the editing. It has a function as an area changing means for changing the area where the image is arranged, and a switching means for switching the display of the edited image on the captured image, here the frame image, to the semi-transparent display.

  The printer 16 prints a print image obtained by synthesizing the captured image and the image input by the editing process on the captured image on a print medium such as a seal sheet 17. In the first embodiment, the case where the printer 16 prints an image for printing on the sticker sheet 17 will be described. However, the print medium is not limited to the sticker sheet, and may be another print medium.

  The touch panel display 11 provided in the housing 3 detects contact of the user 7 with a finger or the like, and transmits an instruction signal corresponding to the position to the imaging computer device 23a. The touch panel display 11 displays to the user 7 an image transmitted from the imaging computer device 23a, specifically, an image captured by the camera 2, guidance for shooting, options, and the like.

  The tablet display 20 detects the contact of the pen tip of the left and right touch pens 19 corresponding thereto, and transmits an instruction signal corresponding to the position to the image editing computer device 23b. The tablet display 20 displays an image transmitted from the image editing computer device 23b, specifically, an edited image such as a pen image, a stamp image, a frame image, or a background image drawn by the user 7 during the editing process. The image is displayed over the current captured image.

  In addition to the computer devices 23a and 23b, the control board 24 includes a strobe control unit 28, a fluorescent lamp 29 provided in the photographing booth 6 and the editing booth 22, a service panel 30, a printing LED 31, a printing error LED 32, and a coin control unit. 33, connected to the curtain unit 18 and the sound control unit 34, and controls each according to a predetermined setting.

  The strobe control unit 28 is connected to the camera 2 and the strobe 12 and controls the strobe 12 to emit light according to the shutter timing of the camera 2.

  The coin control unit 33 detects the correctness of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot, and transmits a detection signal indicating that the coin has been inserted into the control board 24. At this time, the control board 24 transmits a control signal to the coin control unit 33 in accordance with a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the imaging computer device 23a or the image editing computer device 23b. When a predetermined number of coins are inserted, the coin control unit 33 blocks the coin insertion slot so that no new coins are inserted according to the control signal.

  The service panel 30 includes a coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, a print counter that counts the number of printed prints, a volume adjustment knob that adjusts the volume of sound output from the photographing speaker 13 and the editing speaker 21. , A panel having a test button for performing a test mode, which will be described later, a service button for enabling the apparatus to be used without inserting coins, and a manager of a store or the like in which the photography apparatus 1 is installed Is used when performing various settings and maintenance operations. When the operation of the test button is performed, the service panel 30 transmits a control signal according to the operation to the control board 24, or transmits a predetermined instruction signal to the computer devices 23a and 23b.

  The control board 24 transmits a control signal to the service panel 30 in accordance with a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the imaging computer device 23a or the image editing computer device 23b. The service panel 30 operates a coin counter or a print counter according to this control signal (for example, the counter is incremented by 1).

  The sound control unit 34 is connected to the photographing computer device 23 a and the image editing computer device 23 b via the control board 24. The photographing speaker 13 is provided in the photographing booth 6, and based on an instruction signal given from the photographing computer device 23a via the control board 24 and the voice control unit 34, guidance on an operation method for photographing, BGM, and the like. Is output. The editing speaker 21 is provided in the editing booth 22 and guides an operation method for editing and BGM based on an instruction signal provided from the image editing computer device 23b via the control board 24 and the voice control unit 34. Etc. are output.

  In the configuration as described above, the user 7 selects a favorite background curtain 14 via the touch panel display 11 in the shooting booth 6 and hangs the selected background curtain 14 along the wall surface of the shooting booth 6. Then, a photographing pose is formed using the photographing chair 8 to take a photograph.

  As described above, the user 7 who has photographed moves to the editing booth 22 where the photographed image is displayed, and uses the touch pen 19 to perform editing input on the tablet display 20 where the photographed image is displayed. When the editing input is completed, the print image generated by the chroma key composition is moved to the print outlet 15 where the printed image is printed on the sticker sheet 17, and the sticker sheet 17 to be output is obtained and photographed. The use of the photographing apparatus 1 is terminated.

  In the above-described series of processing, first, processing on the photographing side in the photographing booth 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing on the photographing side. The processing on the photographing side is realized by the CPU 25a in the photographing computer device 23a reading out and executing the operation program stored in the HDD 26a into the memory 27a.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the processing on the photographing side is as follows. First, when the photographic device 1 is turned on, the operation program stored in the HDDs 26a and 26b of the photographing computer device 23a and the image editing computer device 23b is used. Starts. The CPUs 25a and 25b check whether various devices are normally connected, and perform initialization for devices that need to be initialized (S11).

  When the coin control unit 33 is operating so as to lock the coin insertion slot during the initialization process, the CPU 25a sends a control signal for releasing the lock and releases the lock. Then, coins can be inserted (S12).

  Next, the CPU 25a displays a title demonstration screen that prompts the user to use the photography apparatus 1 on the touch panel display 11 in the photography booth 6 (S13), and in the meantime, the coin control unit 33 monitors the insertion of coins as compensation (S14). .

  If no coin is inserted (NO in S14) and the “test button” is pressed (YES in S15), the CPU 25a executes the test mode program (S16), and when the test mode setting is completed, To S13. In S16, there are various items such as a shooting-related test menu, a graffiti (editing) -related test menu, a system test menu, a background curtain test menu, and the like, and settings and processing corresponding to the selected test menu are performed (detailed). (Description is omitted).

  If the “test button” is not pressed in S15 (NO in S15), the process returns to S14.

  If it is determined in S14 that a predetermined number of coins have been inserted by the user (YES in S14), the coin insertion slot is locked so that no more coins will be inserted (S17).

  If coin lock is performed in S17, next, a selection of a shooting course is accepted from the user via the touch panel display 11 (S18). For example, about three types of shooting courses are set in advance, and the number of shooting times, the image quality, the background curtain to be used, the brightness, and the like are set differently for each course.

  When the selection of the shooting course is accepted in S18, the CPU 25a starts shooting based on the setting of the selected shooting course (S19), and continues shooting until the predetermined number of times is shot (S20). When shooting is completed (YES in S20), the shot image is transferred to the image editing computer device 23b (S21), the process is returned to S12, the coin lock is released, the title demo screen is displayed in S13, and a new one is displayed. Wait for the use of new users. At this time, the user 7 who has finished shooting has completed the shooting side processing, that is, shooting play, so that he exits the shooting booth 6 and performs predetermined editing to perform the next editing side processing, that is, editing play. Move to booth 22 and start editing play. Although the number of times of shooting is limited here, the shooting time may be limited. Also, if there is still a time limit after shooting a predetermined number of times, or if the previous user is still playing edits at the editing booth 22, the shooting play can be continued until they are finished. Alternatively, it may be guided to wait in the photographing booth 6.

  Next, editing processing performed at the editing booth 22 will be described with reference to FIGS. The editing process is a process executed when the program stored in the HDD 26b is automatically expanded in the memory 27b and executed by the CPU 25b when the image editing computer device 23b is turned on. By executing the editing process, the user is provided with the input of the edited image for the captured image captured by the camera 2.

  In the editing booth 22A, a first editing process that provides input of an edited image to a first user is executed, and in the editing booth 22B, a second editing process that provides input of an edited image to a second user is executed. Is done. That is, the first editing process and the second editing process are independently and concurrently executed by the CPU 25b. In the present embodiment, since the first editing process and the second editing process provide similar functions, hereinafter, the first editing process and the second editing process are collectively referred to when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first editing process and the second editing process. This is called editing processing.

  The reception of the input of the edited image in the editing process ends when a predetermined time (editing time) determined in advance or when the “end button” is pressed.

  In order to control the editing time, an “editing flag” and a “priority flag” are prepared corresponding to each of the first editing process and the second editing process, and are appropriately expanded in the memory 27b and read / written by the CPU 25b. The

  The “editing flag” is a state flag indicating whether the input of the edited image in the editing process is accepted (ON) or not received (OFF), and the “priority flag” is an image in the editing process. This is a status flag indicating a state where input is preferentially executed (ON) or a state where input is preferentially executed (OFF).

  First, details of the editing process will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. When the image editing computer device 23b is powered on, in step S30, the CPU 25b executes an initialization process and performs various settings necessary for the editing process. In this initialization process, both the “editing flag” and the “priority flag” are turned off.

  In step S31, the CPU 25b displays a standby screen on the tablet display 20. On the standby screen, a guide to start shooting at the shooting booth 6 is displayed to the user, such as “Start shooting!”. Then, while displaying the standby screen, the CPU 25b monitors whether a photographed image is transmitted from the photographing computer device 23a.

  In step S32, when transmission of the photographed image from the photographing computer device 23a is started, the CPU 25b receives a predetermined photographed image necessary for subsequent image input reception processing, and is necessary for the received photographed image. Perform image processing.

  In step S33, the CPU 25b turns on the “editing flag”, and the editing process is in the editing state.

  And CPU25b displays an edit screen on the tablet display 20 in step S34, and starts reception of the image input from the user by the touch pen 19 in step S35. Details of the edit screen will be described later. At this point in time, the editing time has not started, and the “end button” is not displayed on the editing screen.

  The start of the editing time measurement and the display of the “end button” are the “editing flag” and “priority flag” of the editing process in the priority monitoring process of step S36, and other editing processes simultaneously processed in parallel. The processing is executed with reference to the “editing flag” and the “priority flag” associated with. The priority monitoring process in step S36 will be described later. Note that the “end button” may be displayed after the end of printing if the printing status is being checked and printing is in progress.

  In step S <b> 37, the CPU 25 b determines whether the “end button” is touched with the touch pen 19. When the “end button” is touched with the touch pen 19, the process proceeds to step S39, and when not touched, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, the CPU 25b determines whether the editing time has elapsed. If the editing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S39. If the editing time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S36 and the same processing is repeated.

  When the “end button” is touched (YES in S37) or the editing time has elapsed (YES in S38), the CPU 25b turns off the “editing flag” in step S39 and turns off the “priority flag” in step S40. And the acceptance of the image input from the user is terminated.

  That is, after starting accepting image input, the CPU 25b monitors the status of other editing processes (details will be described later), receives an end instruction from the “end button”, or if an elapsed time has elapsed. Control to end acceptance of image input.

  When the acceptance of the image input is completed, in step S41, the CPU 25b displays a plurality of print layouts on the tablet display 20 instead of the editing screen, and accepts the selection of the print layout from the user.

  Then, in accordance with the print layout received in step S41, the CPU 25b creates a print image in step S42, transmits the created print image to the printer 16, and instructs to start printing.

  When printing by the printer is started normally, the CPU 25b displays a guide to the user to wait at the print outlet 15 such as “Seal is coming from the side!” In order to wait for reception of an image input, the process returns to step S31, and thereafter the same process is repeated for each user.

  Next, the priority monitoring process executed by the CPU 25b in step S36 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S50, the CPU 25b determines whether the “priority flag” associated with the editing process is ON. When the “priority flag” is ON, the process proceeds to step S53, and when it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S51.

  If the “priority flag” is OFF, the CPU 25b determines in step S51 whether the “priority flag” associated with another editing process is ON. When the “priority flag” associated with another editing process is ON, the priority monitoring process is exited and the process proceeds to step S37 in FIG. 4, and when it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S52 in FIG.

  In step S52, the CPU 25b turns on the “priority flag” of the editing process, exits the priority monitoring process, and proceeds to step S37 in FIG.

  Accordingly, in steps S50 to S52, the CPU 25b selects one of the “priority flags” associated with each of the first editing process and the second editing process that are independently executed in parallel. Control to turn on only the "priority flag".

  If the “priority flag” of the editing process is turned on in step S52, it is determined that the “priority flag” is turned on in step S50 of the priority monitoring process that is executed again after exiting the priority monitoring process. Then, in step S53, the CPU 25b displays an “end button” in an empty space on the editing screen of the tablet display 20, and can subsequently accept an end instruction from the user.

  That is, in such a process, only the “priority flag” of the editing process that has started accepting image input in the first editing process and the second editing process that are independently executed in parallel is turned ON. In this editing process, it is possible to accept an end instruction by the “end button”, and in the other editing process, the “priority flag” is not turned ON, and therefore the acceptance of the end instruction by the “end button” is limited (end instruction Restriction means to limit acceptance).

  As a result, it is possible to prevent a user who has started image input later from forcibly ending the image input earlier than the user who has started image input first. Can be guided to. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the cause of troubles such as confusion due to the movement of the user and mistakes in the seal sheet.

  Returning to the priority monitoring process of FIG. 5, after displaying the “end button” in step S <b> 53, the CPU 25 b determines in step 54 whether the “editing flag” of other editing processes is ON. If the “editing flag” of the other editing process is OFF (NO in S54), the priority monitoring process is exited, and the process proceeds to step S37 in FIG. 4 and the “editing flag” of the other editing process is ON. In the case (YES in S54), the process proceeds to step S55 in FIG.

  In step S55, the CPU 25b starts measuring the editing time of the editing process. If the counting of the editing time has already started, the counting of the started editing time is continued. Then, the priority monitoring process is exited and the process proceeds to step S37 in FIG.

  Therefore, in steps S50, S54, and S55, the CPU 25b determines that the “priority flag” of the editing process is ON and the “editing flag” of other editing processes that are independently executed in parallel is ON. In some cases, control is performed to start counting the editing time of the editing process.

  That is, even when the editing process is not in a preferentially executed state (when the “priority flag” is OFF) or in a preferentially executed state (when the “priority flag” is ON), When image input is not accepted in other editing processes, the counting of the editing time in the editing process is not started, and image input can be accepted without time restriction. As a result, when image input is not accepted in other editing processes, it becomes possible to input images without worrying about time restrictions. When acceptance of image input is started in other editing processes, time restrictions are imposed. Will be started, and it will be possible to prevent a decline in customer turnover.

  Further, since the control related to these time restrictions is performed with priority given to a plurality of editing processes, the user who started image input later ends the image input earlier than the user who started image input first. This can be prevented, and it is possible to guide the user to the print outlet sequentially from the user who has started playing. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the cause of troubles such as confusion due to the movement of the user and mistakes in the seal sheet.

  In this embodiment, since the two editing processes of the first editing process and the second editing process are performed independently and in parallel, when “the editing process” is the first editing process, The “other editing process” is the second editing process or vice versa.

  In an example in which three editing processes are executed independently and in parallel, when “the editing process” is the first editing process, the “other editing processes” are the second editing process and the third editing process. Become. In this case, the “priority flag” is not set to two values of “ON” and “OFF”, but is set to contents such that “1”, “2”, “3”, etc. can identify the priority order, and the order is compared. By doing so, it is possible to realize the same processing as in the case of the two editing processing. At this time, “0” represents an “OFF” state.

  For example, the priority flags are assigned in the order of “1”, “2”, “3” in the order in which the image input is started, and when the editing process with the priority flag “1” is completed, the “priority flag” of the other editing process is set. In order, it is set to “1” “2”.

  Since the editing process with the “priority flag” of “1” corresponds to the above-described process when the “priority flag” is “ON”, only one of the editing processes is ended. It is possible to control so as to be able to accept instructions.

  In addition, the “editing flag” associated with each editing process is “ON” or “OFF” as described above, and in the editing process with the “priority flag” set to “1”, “editing” of other editing processes is performed. The “medium flag” is monitored, and if any “editing flag” among the other “editing flags” is set to “ON”, it can be controlled to start counting the editing time of the editing process.

  Moreover, although the case where the priority monitoring process is performed in S36 shown in FIG. 4 has been described above, this process may be appropriately performed as long as it is between S30 and S35. Further, the priority monitoring process need not be included in the editing process shown in FIG. 4 and is performed independently of the editing process shown in FIG. 4, and the result of the priority monitoring process at that time is reflected in the editing process. You may do it.

  The above is the description of the editing process and the priority monitoring process. Next, how the process provided to the user changes by such editing process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

  The horizontal axis in FIG. 6 represents the passage of time, and the vertical axis represents the flow of processing for each user. FIG. 7 shows the “editing flag”, “priority flag”, “editing time count”, “end time button” for each of the first editing process and the second editing process at the point of the horizontal axis in FIG. "Display" status. Further, the state of “time of editing time” and “display of the end button” when the editing process is not performed is represented by “x” in the drawing.

  First, since the user has not made any edit play at the time point a, any of the above-described flags is “OFF”.

  Then, shooting by the user A is started and the first editing process is started, and when shooting by the user B is started (at the time point B), in the first editing process, “editing flag” and “ The “priority flag” is ON, the “time of editing time” is stopped, and the “end button” is displayed. On the other hand, since the second editing process is not started at this point, the “editing flag” and the “priority flag” are OFF.

  Next, when the second editing process is started (at time C), in the first editing process, the “editing flag” and the “priority flag” remain ON, "Is set to the start state, and the" End button "remains displayed. On the other hand, in the second editing process, the “editing flag” is ON, the “priority flag” is OFF, the “time of editing time” is stopped, and the “end button” is not displayed.

  Then, when the first editing process for the user A is completed, and then shooting by the user C is started (second time point), in the second editing process, an “editing flag” and a “priority flag” Is in an ON state, “time of editing time” remains stopped, and an “end button” is displayed.

  Next, when the user C finishes shooting and starts the first editing process, and when the user D starts shooting (at the time of “e”), the “editing flag” is turned ON in the first editing process. The “priority flag” is OFF, the “time of editing time” is stopped, and the “end button” is not displayed. On the other hand, in the second editing process, the “editing flag” and the “priority flag” remain ON, the “time of editing time” is set to the start state, and the “end button” remains displayed.

  Next, when the second editing process for the user B is completed (at the time), in the first editing process, the “editing flag” and the “priority flag” are turned on, and the “editing time counting” is stopped. In this state, the “End button” is displayed. On the other hand, since the second editing process has not been started, both flags are OFF.

  Then, when the second editing process is started for the user D, in the first editing process, the “editing flag” and the “priority flag” remain ON, and the “editing time counting” is in the start state. The “end button” is still displayed. On the other hand, in the second editing process, the “editing flag” is ON, the “priority flag” is OFF, “time counting of editing time” is stopped, and the “end button” is not displayed.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 6, a user who has started input of an edited image later does not forcibly end image input before a user who has started image input first. It is possible to guide to the print take-out port in order from the user who has started play. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the cause of troubles such as confusion due to the movement of the user and mistakes in the seal sheet.

  Next, the image input in S35 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is an example of the edit screen displayed in S34.

  The editing screen shown in FIG. 8 is roughly divided into left and right areas L and R, and the user is divided into left and right areas so that an image can be input to each. The region L accepts an operation input with the left touch pen 19, and the region R accepts an operation input with the right touch pen 19.

  In this editing screen, a timer 200 for displaying the remaining time during which editing processing (editing play) is possible, an image selection area 201 for displaying a plurality of captured images and selecting an image to be edited, The photographed image selected from the image selection area 201 is enlarged and displayed, an editing area 202 for drawing an edited image, an editing tool 203 for displaying and selecting a plurality of tools, and a template 204 corresponding to each editing tool 203. A template display area 205 to be displayed, an editing auxiliary button 207 including an eraser button, a button for changing a pattern size (pen thickness), and the like are displayed.

  In this editing process, the user selects a favorite editing tool from the editing tool button 203 on the editing screen shown in FIG. 8 with the touch pen 19, and selects the selected editing tool for the captured image displayed in the editing area 202. Thus, a pen image, a stamp image, a frame image, and a background image are input.

  The pen image, stamp image, and background image are input in the same manner as in the prior art, so the description thereof will be omitted in the present embodiment. In the following, image placement means, image erasing means, area changing means, and switching provided in the CPU 25b The input of a frame image performed using a function as a means will be described. In the following, in order to avoid complication of the description, the editing process performed in the region R will be described, and the description and illustration of the region L will be omitted because they are the same as the editing process performed in the region R.

  First, for example, when a user who performs editing processing in the region R selects “frame” from the editing tool 203, the template display area 205 is switched to the display shown in FIG. 9 (except for the template display area 205). In this template display area 205, a frame selection button 208 with “normal frame” and “painted frame” displayed on the right side is displayed in addition to the normal frame image template 204. FIG. 9 shows a case where the “normal frame” button is selected. The image displayed on the template 204 is a so-called sample image showing how the frame image is arranged in the editing area.

  Since the frame tool template 204 displayed in FIG. 9 is in a state in which “normal frame” is selected, it is drawn on the periphery of the photographed image as shown in FIG. What is drawn is drawn. Since this “normal frame” is input in the same manner as in the prior art, a detailed description is omitted. For example, in “normal frame”, a user's favorite symbol, for example, a heart symbol, is selected from the template 204. An example of a state in which this frame image is arranged (drawn) in the editing area 202 is shown in FIG.

  Since the image shown in FIG. 10 is created by the “normal frame” function similar to the conventional one, a space 209 in which no frame image is drawn is generated between the frame image and the user (subject). Further, in the photographed image, a frame image has been arranged on the face of the user that is protruding from the left side. In such a case, the portion overlapping with the user is erased by an eraser tool which is a function as an image erasing means provided in the CPU 25b. For example, the eraser button indicated by 207A in FIG. 8 is selected.

  Next, when the user selects the “filled frame” of the frame selection button 208 in FIG. 9, the frame tool template 204 shown in FIG. 9 is switched to the display shown in FIG. Here, for example, in the “filled frame”, an example of a state in which a symbol is selected from the template 204 and the frame image is arranged (drawn) by the function as the image arranging means provided in the CPU 25 b throughout the editing area 202. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 12, the illustration is omitted except for the editing area 202.

  Next, using the eraser tool, the user performs an operation of erasing unnecessary portions in the arranged frame image as desired, as shown in FIG. Dashed lines A and B in the figure indicate the range erased by the user with the eraser tool, and are not displayed in the actual editing area 202. As an eraser tool, the trace traced with the touch pen 19 may be erased, or the area surrounded by the touch pen 19 may be erased. Further, as an eraser tool, it is more preferable to be able to switch between erasing all edited images, erasing only a pen image, erasing only a stamp image, and erasing only a frame image. is there.

  In FIG. 13, when the erase range is determined by the broken line portions A and B by the user, the symbols overlapping the broken line portions, for example, the symbols 210 and 211 are partially (parts included in the erase range) by the broken line portions A and B. However, it may not be preferable to cut out a design such as a heart. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 14, a part of the symbols included in the erase range may not be erased. Further, as another correspondence when a part of the design (part included in the erasure range) is cut off by the broken lines A and B, although not shown, the part included in the erasure range is suddenly erased. Instead, the boundary may be displayed so that the image is gradually erased as it enters the inside of the broken lines A and B, that is, the image is erased so as to fade out, and the boundary is blurred. Further, such a display in which the boundary portion is blurred may be applied not only to the frame image but also to other edited images. In addition, as an eraser which displays such a boundary part so that it may become blurred, it has shown by 207B in FIG.

  Further, as described above, when the broken lines A and B are input as a range to be erased by the user, this erase information is temporarily stored in the memory 27b as the erase information storage means, and then the heart When the frame image is changed to a frame image with a pattern other than (see FIG. 11), the deletion information is reflected in the changed frame image, and the image in the deletion range is deleted in the frame image after the change. You may make it display.

  Here, the case where the inside of the area surrounded by the touch pen 19 is erased will be described in detail. First, when the user selects “filled frame” and selects a design from the template 204, as shown in FIG. In addition, the frame image is arranged (drawn) over the entire editing area 202. At this time, as one of the editing assistance buttons 207 on the editing screen shown in FIG. 8, a button (not shown) such as “enclose with a pen” is displayed.

  Next, the user selects the “enclose with pen” button, and designates the erase area 212 to be erased in the frame image with the touch pen 19 as shown in FIG. Note that the outline of the erasure area 212 may or may not be displayed on the editing area 202.

  When the CPU 25b determines that the erasure area 212 has been specified by the touch pen 19, the frame displayed inside the erasure area 212 as shown in FIG. Erase the image. In the present embodiment, the inner side of the part surrounded by the touch pen 19 is set as the erasing area 212, but the outer side of the surrounded part may be set as the erasing area 212.

  Note that reference numeral 213 in FIG. 16 denotes an inner part of the image that extends outside and inside the boundary line of the erased area 212. As described above, this part is partly cut off particularly in the case of a design such as a heart. It is not preferable to be erased. For this reason, the CPU 25b does not completely erase even the part included in the erased area 212 by means of blurring the image, but near the boundary between the outer part and the inner part of the erased area 212. Blur processing is applied to blur the image. For example, in this case, the vicinity of the boundary between the image of the inner part of the erased region 212 and the image of the outer part is displayed so as to be blurred (in the drawing, the inner part of the erased region 212 is indicated by a thin broken line for convenience of illustration. The frame image in the erased area 212 is blurred so that it is less noticeable than the normal image while preventing a part of the heart symbol from being cut out and erased. By doing so, it is possible to give a soft and warm impression to the user and provide an edit play with higher satisfaction. In addition, as described above in the vicinity of the boundary line, the portion where the data processing is performed so as to be blurred may be an inner portion or an outer portion of the erasing area 212. In this case, the range to be displayed in a blurred manner may be an image within a predetermined range from the position where the pen tip is sensed.

  When the user erases a frame image with the eraser tool by setting the erase area 212 of the image that the user wants to erase with the touch pen 19 so that the images in the set erase area 212 can be erased collectively. As compared with the above, the frame image erasing operation can be performed more easily and quickly, and an editing play with higher satisfaction can be provided to the user.

  By doing so, the user can easily delete unnecessary portions of the arranged frame image so that the frame image does not cover the user's face, and the frame image is also drawn in the space 209 shown in FIG. can do. As described above, the user can delete unnecessary portions of the frame image arranged over the entire editing area 202 according to his / her preference, so that a more unique photograph can be created.

  When the editing process is completed as described above, the processes in and after S36 in FIG. 4 are performed, and the use of the photography apparatus 1 is terminated.

  In the above description, the case where the frame image is erased with a simple eraser tool has been described. However, when the “demold eraser” button in FIG. 8 is selected, as shown in FIG. A shape, for example, a heart shape, a star shape, a triangular shape, or the like within a range that can be erased by an eraser is displayed on the editing auxiliary button 207, a predetermined shape is selected, and the editing area 202 is touched by the touch pen 19. Then, erasing may be performed by a so-called die-cut eraser that is displayed in a selected symbol shape around the contact position. The broken line part of FIG. 17 has shown the range erase | eliminated with a die-cut eraser. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which a part of the frame image is erased by such a die-cutting rubber, and a broken line portion A shows a state in which the frame image is erased by a star-shaped die-cutting rubber. The broken line portion B shows a state in which the frame image is erased by the heart-shaped die-cut eraser. In FIG. 17, since the type of the “die erasing rubber” button is displayed small, for example, the display of the template display area 205 is switched so that the shape of the die erasing rubber is displayed larger, or a description is displayed. You may do it.

  Although not shown in the drawings, when such a die-cutting rubber is used, a die-erasing rubber is used while the pen tip of the touch pen 19 is in contact with the tablet display 20 by the function of the area changing means of the CPU 25b. The display may be such that the range of the symbol shape that can be erased gradually expands and contracts, and when the pen tip is released, the size of the erase range is determined.

  In the above example, a case where a frame image of a heart symbol is selected will be described. In this case, a photographed image can be confirmed from the gap between the symbol of one heart and the symbol of the next heart. However, among the designs of the frame images to be selected, there are frame images in which the gap is very small or there are no gaps. In such a case, the user may not be able to confirm the captured image sufficiently, and it may be difficult to determine the erasure range. In preparation for such a case, a button such as “display frame image through watermark” is provided in an empty space on the editing screen, and a frame image to be arranged is made translucent by a function as a switching unit of the CPU 25b. Alternatively, it may be displayed in a watermark. In addition to the case where the above-mentioned buttons such as “display through frame image through watermark” are provided on the editing screen, for example, the touch pen 19 is pushed to the grip portion. Instead of the so-called side switch with a side switch, the display may be switched by pressing the side switch. Furthermore, in this case, the image displayed by “display with watermark” may be printed as it is, that is, in a state where it is displayed with watermark. Further, the button “display with watermark” may be enabled not only in the frame image but also in the pen image and the stamp image. Furthermore, when displaying with watermark, the transparency of the edited image displayed with watermark may be adjusted by the user to an arbitrary transparency.

  Further, in the above, when the die-cutting rubber is selected and the pen tip of the touch pen 19 is brought into contact with the tablet display 20, the range of the pattern shape that can be erased by the die-cutting rubber is gradually expanded and reduced. In connection with this, when the frame image is displayed over the entire editing area 202, the area of the CPU 25b is obtained by bringing the pen tip of the touch pen 19 into contact with the tablet display 20. The display area of the frame image in the editing area 202 may be changed by the function as the changing means. For example, the display area may be gradually enlarged and reduced. As an enlargement / reduction pattern, the display area gradually decreases from the center of the editing area 202 toward the outside, and conversely, the display area gradually decreases from the outside of the editing area 202 toward the center. There is.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the “filled frame” is selected and a predetermined frame image is selected, the frame image is displayed over the entire editing area 202 has been described. Sometimes a mask other than the background is formed, that is, a mask of the subject portion is formed, and when a “filled frame” is selected during the editing process and a predetermined frame image is selected, a frame is formed on a portion other than the formed mask. An image may be displayed.

  In the above description, the processing related to the frame image is described as being performed during the editing process.

  In the above description, the case where the blurring process is performed in the vicinity of the boundary between the part to be erased and the part not to be erased in the frame image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A part of the design of the image may be prevented from being cut out and erased.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the user can delete unnecessary portions of the frame image arranged over the entire editing area 202 according to his / her preference, so that a more unique photograph can be created. .

It is a side view of the photography device of an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a photography apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the imaging | photography side. It is a flowchart which shows an edit process. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring process. It is a figure which shows the utilization condition of a photography apparatus. It is a figure which shows the condition of the 1st and 2nd edit process in the utilization condition shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an edit screen. It is a figure which shows the template display area at the time of normal frame selection. It is a figure which shows the example of the frame image arrange | positioned at the time of normal frame selection. It is a figure which shows the template display area at the time of filling frame selection. It is a figure which shows the example of the frame image arrange | positioned at the time of a filling frame selection. It is a figure which shows the example of the state from which the unnecessary part of the frame image was erase | eliminated from the state shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the state from which the unnecessary part of the frame image was erase | eliminated from the state shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the case where a frame image is erased by setting an erasure area with a touch pen. It is a figure explaining the state where the image of the boundary line vicinity of the part erase | eliminated in the frame image and the part which is not erased is blurry-displayed. It is a figure explaining a die-cut eraser. It is a figure which shows the example of the state from which the unnecessary part of the frame image was erase | eliminated from the state shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the state into which the conventional frame image was input.

Explanation of symbols

2 Camera 6 Shooting booth

Claims (10)

Image capturing means for capturing an image of a subject in the image capturing booth, and image arrangement means for arranging a predetermined edit image input to the captured image captured by the image capturing means so as to hide the object over the entire captured image And an image erasing unit that erases at least a part of the edited image arranged by the image arranging unit, and a position designation unit that designates an editing input position with respect to the photographed image, and the image erasing unit includes the position An erase range for erasing the edited image is set on the basis of the position designated by the designating means, and the erase range is set within a predetermined pattern shape area selected from a plurality of types of shapes prepared in advance. A photography apparatus characterized by comprising: Erasing range, a predetermined still symbol shape, expand and photography apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that is configured to be able to shrink. 3. The photographic apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the erasing range in the image erasing means is enlarged and reduced while the position for editing input is designated for the photographed image by the position designation means. An erasure information storage means for storing information on a range erased by the image erasure means, and when the edited image arranged to be superimposed on the photographed image is changed to another edited image, the erasure stored in the erasure information storage means The erasure range information is reflected on the edited image after the change based on the range information, and the edited image in the erasure range is erased and displayed in the edited image. Item 4. The photographing apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 3 . Photography apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that it comprises an area changing means for changing the area where the edited image is arranged. 6. The photography apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the area changing unit changes the area in which the edited image is arranged with reference to the position specified by the position specifying unit. The photographic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the area changing means changes the area in which the edited image is arranged when shooting the subject in the shooting booth. Photography apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that it comprises a switching means for switching the display of the edited image to be arranged over the entire photographic image translucent display. The position designation means is capable of setting an erasure area having an arbitrary shape, and has an in-area image erasure means for erasing an edited image in the erasure area set by the position designation means. The photography apparatus in any one of 8 . 10. The photography apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising means for performing blurring processing on an image in the vicinity of a boundary line between a portion to be erased and a portion not to be erased in the edited image.

Images