JP3463137B2 - Photo sticker vending device and photo sticker making method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention, photo example as to illuminate an object and printing the edited image that has been captured
The present invention relates to an automatic vending machine and a photo sticker creating method .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a photo sticker vending machine which sells a picture sticker sheet in which an image pickup means picks up an object in an image pickup space, the picked up image is edited by an editing means, and the edited image is printed by a printing means. Existing.

In such a photo sticker vending machine,
A time limit is set for the user's play such as image capture and editing, and image capture and editing are allowed within the time limit.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned time limits are uniform, and even beginners who are not accustomed to the operation will have enough time for advanced users who are skilled in the operation. For level users, it was short and they were complaining that they could not create a satisfactory photo sticker sheet due to lack of time.

Further, if the time limit is set longer for beginner-level users, the turnover of users will deteriorate and sales will decrease, which is not desirable for facilities.

[0006] The present invention makes it possible to unlimited use time, the play time to be varied in response to congestion of the user, a photo to improve the user's satisfaction and turnover sheet
The purpose is to propose an automatic vending machine and a photo sticker making method .

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an imaging space.
And a lighting means for illuminating one or more subjects
An image pickup means for allowing an image to be taken to create a picked-up image;
By editing the image to be edited created by
Editing means that allows the creation of a collection image and the editing means
A photo sheet having an output means for outputting the edited image
This is a vending machine that allows input by waiting users.
The reminder to do and the user based on the input to the reminder
Control that sets the time allowed for use to a predetermined time limit
It is a photo sticker vending machine equipped with means .

[0008] Also, using this vending machine, lighting means
And illuminate one or more subjects in the imaging space with the imaging means
To allow the imaging process to create a captured image by
Edit the image to be edited created in the column with editing means.
Allows editing processing to create an edited image Te, the editing means
Photo sticker work that outputs the edited image created in
Reminder that is a composition method and allows input by standby users
Means and control means for performing control processing based on the input.
Based on the input to the reminder by the standby user.
The time limit for allowing the user to use it by means of a predetermined time limit
It is a method of creating a photo sticker set to
It

With this, for example, unlimited use is allowed until a reminder is issued by the reminder means, or a play time normally set to 2 minutes is set to 10 minutes when there is no reminder. , It becomes possible to allow use for a sufficiently long time, and when there are no users waiting in line, or when there are few users, it is possible to use slowly, when there are many users, it is prompted and ends in a short time, crowding users You can respond flexibly every time.

In addition to the picked-up image, the image is an image acquired by a data fetching means such as a communication means or a storage medium reading means, that is, a digital image obtained by picking up an image with a personal digital camera or graphic production on a personal computer. , Scanning images obtained by scanning real images such as photographs and paintings with a scanner.

The predetermined image includes the picked-up image, the digital image, the scanning image, and / or an edited image obtained by editing these images by an editing means. The output unit includes a printing unit that prints an image, a communication unit that transmits image data, or a storage medium reader / writer that writes image data to a storage medium. It said prompting means waits user intention (control means provided in the photo sticker vending) a photo sticker vending apparatus reminders to be at even the transfer <br/> Ru example, input that reminds by pressing input button that comprises a coin inlet to inject coins.

[0012] The time allowed for use may include the time to the end from the use start, time to use end from the input, a time to use end since other, permit imaging processing and editing processing during the time, when each of allowing each of the editing processing and imaging process that, when allowing the imaging process
During involves time to allow editing processing, or a time obtained by adding a time to allow output to time to allow these processes. By the structure, until there is an input prompting means can also set a long time to allow the use, it is possible to make variations to use time one utilized in response to the user's degree of congestion.

As a preferred embodiment, a guarantee time for guaranteeing the above-mentioned use for a predetermined time is set in the control means , and the guarantee is performed.
It can be set at the end of the time limit since the time. Thereby, for example, even when the next standby user inputs the reminder means immediately after the start of use at the time of congestion, the use for a predetermined time can be secured.

In a preferred embodiment, the notification means can notify the user of the time limit based on the input to the urging means. The notification means emits a display or a lamp for displaying the remaining length, a termination request, etc., a speaker for playing an announcement by voice and / or playing music with a changed tempo, pitch, song, etc., a buzzer sound, etc. Including being a buzzer.

The notification of the time limit includes notification of the remaining time and notification that the time limit is short. By the arrangement, the user can know that it, or is prompted time limit, or the limit time end is approaching.

In a preferred embodiment, the standby
The reminder means that allows input by the user is placed outside the imaging space.
Can be prepared for. As a result, when installing in the facility
In addition, make sure that the position of the reminder means corresponds to the position where the users line up.
You can

[0017]

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention, since the allowable to perform time unlimited imaging and editing if there are no waiting users, the user can use to slowly convincing without rushed in time, conventional It is possible to obtain a fulfilling feeling that was not possible, and to obtain a photographic sticker sheet that is elaborate in imaging and editing.

For the facility where the photo sticker vending machine is installed, it is possible to expect a visitor of a user who expects to be able to use it for a long time even when the user is few, and it is possible to improve sales. .

Further, it is possible to increase the sales by setting a short time limit and increasing the turnover rate during congestion.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the appearance and configuration of the photo sticker vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the system configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1 and the partially enlarged view (partially sectional view) shown in FIG.

FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of a photo sticker vending machine 1. The photo sticker vending machine 1 has a frame 2 formed in a box shape having a size that allows a small number of ordinary people to enter with room. And an imaging space surrounded by an appropriate curtain (not shown) suspended from the upper side of the frame 2, and the housing 3 is installed on the back side of the imaging space. An inclined surface is formed at the center of the front surface of the housing 3, and a touch monitor 13 having a touch panel on a display is provided at the center of the inclined surface, and the touch monitor 13 is touched on the left and right sides thereof to input coordinates. The touch pens 14, 14 to be performed are arranged.

A coin insertion slot 15a for inserting coins is provided on the lower right side of the touch monitor 13, and speakers 16, 16 are arranged on the left and right below the coin insertion slot 15a.

A digital camera 11 for picking up an image of a subject in an image pickup space is provided in the center of the upper front part of the housing 3, and vertically long strobe lighting devices 12, 12 are provided on both sides.

On the right side of the housing 3, a standby user is provided with a reminder button 17 for urging the user in play to change or end the game. Next to the reminder button 17, "When changing, this Please press the button. "

Below the urging button 17, a seal discharge port 19a for discharging the photographic seal sheet 6c is formed. Inside the housing 3 in the vicinity of the seal discharge port 19a, as shown in a partially enlarged view (partial cross-sectional view) shown in FIG. Be prepared.

The printer 19 includes a sticker paper unit 6
The sticker paper unit 6 is composed of a sticker paper 6b wound in a roll shape and an ID tag 6a in which data such as identification data for distinguishing whether the sticker paper is genuine or not is stored.
An ID tag reader / writer 1 is provided on the back of the printer 19.
8 is provided and reads the data stored in the ID tag 6a.

With the above structure, the user can enter the money slot 1
A coin is put into 5a, the digital camera 11 receives an image from the strobe illuminating device 12, the image is taken by the digital camera 11, and the touch pen 13 is touched on the touch monitor 13 to edit the image. Can be acquired from the seal discharge port 19a. A standby user waiting for a turn can urge the user in play to change or end by pressing the reminder button 17.

Next, together with the circuit block diagram shown in FIG.
The structure of the photo sticker vending machine 1 will be described. The photo sticker vending machine 1 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and executes a control operation of each device, a digital camera 11, a strobe lighting device 12, a touch monitor 13, and currency connected to the control device 10. Processor 15, speaker 16, reminder button 17, ID tag reader / writer 1
8 and a printer 19 are provided.

The control device 10 executes the control process of each device as described above, and also prompts the waiting user to press the reminder button 1.
When 7 is pressed, for example, if a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed from the start of the imaging process during the imaging process, “remaining time 3
It is 0 second. "And the speaker 16 announces and also displays on the touch monitor 13. Further, the control device 10 prepares a reminder flag as data, and when the reminder button 17 is pressed, the reminder flag is set to "with reminder" and reset to no reminder at the end of the play.

The digital camera 11 executes image pickup by a shutter signal received from the control device 10 and transmits image data such as picked-up moving image data and picked-up still image data to the control device 10. The strobe lighting device 12 executes strobe light emission according to a lighting control signal from the control device 10.

The touch monitor 13 is the controller 1
An RGB signal is received from 0, and a moving image before image pickup, a still image (image pickup image) at the time of image pickup, and an image such as a graffiti edit image which are taken by the digital camera 11 are displayed according to the signal, and a reminder button is displayed. When 17 is pressed, the remaining time is also displayed. Further, the user inputs an instruction to start imaging or edit graffiti with the touch pen 14 (FIG. 1), and transmits the input signal to the control device 10.

The money handling device 15 is provided inside the above-mentioned money input port 15a, performs authenticity determination of the inserted coins and denomination determination, and the control device 10 uses the number of inserted coins as number information. Send. In addition, this coin input,
It also signals the start of sales processing.

The speaker 16 announces the countdown at the time of image pickup and the remaining time to the user in accordance with the voice signal received from the control device 10. Reminder button 17
Transmits an input signal pressed by a user (standby user) who intends to use the photo sticker vending machine 1 to the control device 10.

The ID tag reader / writer 18 reads the data stored in the ID tag 6a provided on the sticker paper unit 6 with a read signal and updates the data with an update signal. As a result, it is determined whether the sticker sheet unit 6 is a proper one, and if necessary, update processing such as overwriting the count number, which is the number of prints, is executed.

The printer 19 receives print image data from the control device 10, prints the received print image on the sticker paper 6b of the sticker paper unit 6 (FIG. 2), and discharges the created photo sticker sheet 6c. .

With the above structure, the control device 10 receives the number information from the money handling device 15 and receives the strobe lighting device 1.
The subject is illuminated with 2 and the digital camera 11 captures an image, the captured image is displayed on the touch monitor 13, the touch monitor 13 is used to scribble edit with the touch pen 14, and the edited image and / or the captured image is printed by the printer 1.
The photo seal sheet 6c printed in 9 is attached to the seal discharge port 19
Discharge from a. Reminder button 1 for waiting users waiting for their turn
When 7 is pressed, the control device 10 executes an announcement by the speaker 16 and a display by the touch monitor 13 according to the processing situation at that time, and notifies the user of the remaining time.

Next, the operation of the photo sticker vending machine 1 will be described with reference to the screen image explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 5 together with the process flow chart shown in FIG. When the user inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 15a (FIG. 1), the control device 10 starts playing (step n1).

The control device 10 starts the image pickup process and displays the image taken by the digital camera 11 on the touch monitor 13.
A moving image is displayed on the screen, the user is asked to confirm the moving image display and the pose is determined, a countdown is announced by the speaker 16, and a still image is captured by the digital camera 11 (step n2).

If the reminder button 17 is not pressed during the image pickup process, after the user touches the image pickup end button on the touch monitor 13 or obtains a prescribed number of image pickup images,
The process proceeds to the editing process of step n6 (step n3).

When the reminder button 17 is pressed, the control device 10 sets the reminder flag and determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the image capturing process is 120 seconds or more, which is the specified time, and 120 seconds If not, the imaging process is continued until the elapsed time reaches 120 seconds (step n4).

When the elapsed time reaches 120 seconds, or when it exceeds 120 seconds at the time of pressing the reminder button 17, the remaining time that is set as the remaining time (for example, 30 seconds)
That is, as shown in (A) of FIG.
It's 0 seconds! Is displayed on the touch monitor 13 and is announced by the speaker 16 (step n5), and after 30 seconds, the process proceeds to the editing process of step n6.

The control device 10 starts the editing process and displays the graffiti editing menu screen on the touch monitor 13 together with the picked-up image picked up by the image pick-up process (step n).
6). Here, the graffiti editing refers to an operation on the touch monitor 13, and the touch monitor 13 displays a menu screen for graffiti and a captured image. The user can select an operation button on the menu screen to perform scribble on the captured image with the touch pen 14, and perform an image processing operation on the captured image with an item such as a color pen or a color stamp, or a stamp image for composition. You can perform the operation of arranging on the basic background image and synthesizing.

If the reminder button 17 is not pressed during the editing process and the reminder flag is in the reset state,
After the user touches the graffiti editing end button on the touch monitor 13, the process proceeds to the printing process of step n10 (step n7).

When the reminder button 17 is pressed, or when the reminder flag is set, the control device 10
Determines whether the elapsed time from the start of the editing process is 120 seconds or more. If the elapsed time is not 120 seconds, the editing process is continued until the elapsed time reaches 120 seconds (step n8).

When the elapsed time reaches 120 seconds, or when the reminder button 17 is pressed for more than 120 seconds, when the reminder button 17 is pressed, the remaining time (for example, the set remaining time) is set. 30 seconds) is shown in FIG.
As shown in (B) of No. 3, “Remaining time is 30 seconds!” Is displayed on the touch monitor 13 and the speaker 16 announces (step n9), and after 30 seconds, step n10 is displayed.
Shifts to the printing process of.

The control device 10 prints the edited image created by the editing process and / or the unedited captured image on the sticker paper 6b (FIG. 2) by the printer 19 (FIG. 2) (step n10), and prints. The photographic seal sheet 6c is discharged from the seal discharge port 19a (FIG. 1) (step n1
1), reset the reminder flag and end the process.

By the above-mentioned operation, the user can perform the imaging process and the editing process without limitation until the next user presses the reminder button 17, and the imaging is redone until the user is satisfied, and the graffiti is edited until the user is satisfied. It becomes possible to do it.

The reminder button 17 of the above-mentioned embodiment is used.
May be provided in plural on the left side surface of the housing, or may be separately provided outside the imaging space instead of the housing 3. Thereby, when installing in a facility, the position of the reminder button 17 can be made to correspond to the position where the users are lined up.

Further, a coin insertion slot 15a is arranged on the side surface of the housing 3 in place of the reminder button 17 so that the user can insert coins from the side surface of the housing 2 which is not imaged or edited. Is also good. In this case, when the waiting user inserts coins, the money handling apparatus 15 transmits the number of inserted coins to the control device 10 as number information, and the control device 10 presses the reminder button 17 based on the number information. Set to execute the processing when

As a result, the user is not prompted by the waiting user, but the play is changed because the next user comes (due to the insertion of coins), which is a very natural change of use. It is possible to eliminate the discomfort of the user and the waiting user due to the prompting or the prompting.

Further, for example, the reminder button 17 is formed by a button that lights up, and lights up when the specified time (for example, 120 seconds) has been reached so that the user can press the button. good. As a result, the cases described in step n4 and step n8 described above are not necessary, and the remaining time can be announced if the reminder button 17 is pressed when it is lit. In this case, the reminder button 17 may be locked so that it cannot be pressed before reaching the specified time, and can be unlocked and pressed after reaching the specified time.

Further, the time limit may be shortened according to the number of times the reminder button 17 is pressed .

In the image pickup process and / or the edit process, for example, the remaining time is counted down from 150 seconds from the start of the processing, and if the reminder button 17 is not pressed at the time of 30 seconds, the countdown is interrupted and " Unlimited mode starts! You can continue until the next person comes! "

Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, it may be displayed that the play time is infinite until the next user presses the reminder button 17. After this reminder button 1
If 7 is pressed, the remaining time can be announced as described above, and the user can clearly know that he or she can play longer than the original time limit, providing the user with the feeling can do.

If the elapsed time is 120 seconds or less (for example, 100 seconds) when the reminder button 17 is pressed, the remaining time is set to be announced as the remaining time (that is, 20 seconds). Is also good.

In the correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment, the photo sticker vending machine of the present invention corresponds to the photo sticker vending machine 1 of the embodiment, and hereinafter, similarly, the image pickup means is digital. The camera 11 corresponds, the lighting unit corresponds to the strobe lighting device 12, the editing unit corresponds to the touch monitor 13, and the notification unit corresponds to the touch monitor 1.
Corresponding to 3 and the speaker 16, prompting means corresponds to the reminder button 17, output means corresponds to the printer 19, the braking <br/> limit time corresponds to the remaining time, the warranty time, defined Although it corresponds to time, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many embodiments can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a photo sticker vending machine.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view (partially sectional view) showing the inside of the casing of the photo sticker vending machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the photo sticker vending machine.

FIG. 4 is a processing flow chart showing the operation of the photo sticker vending machine.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a screen image diagram displayed on the touch monitor.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Photo sticker vending machine 11 ... Digital camera 12 ... Strobe lighting device 13 ... Touch monitor 16 ... speaker 17 ... Reminder button 19 ... Printer

Front page continuation (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07F 17/00-17/42 G03B 17/53 G03B 15/00

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A lighting for illuminating one or more objects in an imaging space.
Brightening means and imaging means for imaging the subject and allowing creation of a captured image
And editing on the image to be edited created by the imaging means
And editing means for allowing the creation of edited image by, and output means for outputting the edited image created by said editing means
A photo sticker vending machine including: a reminder means for allowing a standby user to input, and a user for allowing use based on the input to the reminder means.
A photo sticker vending machine equipped with control means for setting the time to a predetermined time limit . To claim 2, wherein said control means, said use to set the predetermined time coercive <br/> evidencing guarantee time, according to claim 1, wherein setting the function of setting the at the end of the time limit after the warranty period Photo sticker vending machine. Wherein the restriction photo sticker vending apparatus time claims 1 or 2, wherein comprising a notifying means for notifying the user. 4. The method for allowing input by the standby user
Any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a reminder means is provided outside the imaging space.
The automatic vending machine for photo stickers described in item 1. 5. An image pickup process for illuminating one or more subjects in an image pickup space by an illuminating means and picking up an image by the image pickup means to create a picked-up image, and editing the image to be edited created by the image pickup means A photo sticker creating method for permitting an editing process of creating an edited image by editing by means, and outputting the edited image created by the editing means by output means, a reminder means for allowing input by a standby user, To the input
The control means for performing control processing on the basis, on the basis of the inputs to the reminder means by waiting user, when a predetermined limit of time to allow the use to the user by the control means
How to create a photo sticker to set in between . 6. Set the guaranteed period of time to ensure the use of the predetermined time, photo sticker creation method according to claim 5, wherein setting the at the end of the time limit after the warranty period. 7. Based on the input to the prompt means by waiting user, claim 5 also informs the user of the time limit notifying means
Is the method for creating a photo sticker described in 6 . 8. A stand-by device provided with the reminder means outside the imaging space.
Any one of claims 5 to 7 which allows input by a user.
How to make a photo sticker described in one.