JP4300449B2 - Image printing apparatus and method, print medium unit, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image printing apparatus and method, a print medium unit, and a program, and more particularly to an image printing apparatus and method that allows a user to play a game without worrying about the print medium when playing a game continuously. , A print medium unit, and a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image printing apparatus (for example, Print Club (trademark)) that captures a user's image and synthesizes it with a frame image prepared in advance and prints it on a sticker sheet or the like is known. Some of these image printing apparatuses allow a user to write (edit) arbitrary characters or figures on a captured image with an attached pen.
[0003]
Further, in order to respond to the user's desire to obtain a sticker sheet on which a larger number of types and a larger number of images are printed, one user can continuously play a game (hereinafter also referred to as continuous play). An image printing apparatus is also known. In such an image printing apparatus, generally, the user waits for printing by providing a discharge port through which the sticker paper is discharged in a space different from the shooting editing space where the user performs shooting and editing. In the meantime, the next user can start the game, and more users can play the game in a short time.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a continuous play of the image printing apparatus, when the user plays the second and subsequent games, the sticker paper created in the previous game is discharged into a space different from the shooting editing space. There is a problem that others around the printing apparatus may be peeped at the printed image, which causes anxiety to the user.
[0005]
As a result, even in the case of continuous play, the user waits without starting the next game until he obtains the sticker paper on which the image is printed. There is a problem that the printing apparatus is occupied and a large number of users cannot play the game in a short time.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and prevents a sticker sheet on which an image is printed from being touched by another person during continuous play.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An image printing apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject, an editing unit that edits an image of the subject in accordance with a user's editing operation,When the editing of the subject image by the editing means is completed,The subject image edited by the editing meansRolled into a rollA printing means for printing on a print medium, a concealing means for concealing a print medium on which an image of a subject is printed by the printing means, a selection receiving means for accepting selection as to whether or not to continuously execute a game, Control means for causing the photographing means to shoot the subject and causing the editing means to edit the image of the subject when the selection accepting means accepts the selection to continuously execute the game;At the timing when the selection accepting unit accepts the selection not to continuously execute the game, the portion of the print medium on which the image of the subject is printed by the printing unit is cut one game at a time from the print medium wound in a roll shape. Cutting means toIf the selection accepting means accepts the selection not to continuously execute the game,Cut by cutting meansProviding means for providing a print medium to a user.
[0008]
  The photographing means is constituted by, for example, a photographing apparatus, the editing means is constituted by, for example, a line drawing touch pen, a stamp touch pen, an eraser touch pen, a confirmation / editing monitor, a touch panel, and a display processor, and the printing means is, for example, Consists of a printer. Further, the concealing means may be constituted by, for example, a shutter so that the print medium cannot be seen from the outside. Further, the selection receiving means is constituted by, for example, a line drawing touch pen, a stamp touch pen, an eraser touch pen, and a touch panel, and the control means is constituted by a CPU, for example.The cutting means is constituted by, for example, a cutter,The providing means is constituted by, for example, a seal outlet.
[0009]
After the shooting and editing of the image, if the user receives a selection to continuously execute the game, the next game is executed with the shutter closed. Then, for example, after a plurality of games are continuously executed, if the user accepts a selection not to continuously execute the game, the shutter is opened, and an image is printed to the user from the sticker outlet. A sticker paper is provided.
[0010]
With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent others from taking out and viewing the print medium on which the image is printed while the user is continuously playing the game. Therefore, the user can perform continuous play without worrying about the image printed on the print medium being taken away or touching the human eye.
[0011]
  As a result, the user who performs continuous play starts the next game for each game without waiting for the image to be printed on the print medium. It becomes possible to execute the game. As a result, the administrator of the image printing apparatus can obtain a larger profit.In addition, when the user performs continuous play, printing of the edited image is executed for each game, so a plurality of images edited by continuous play are printed after all shooting and editing are completed. Compared with the case where it does, it becomes possible to provide a printing medium to a user in a shorter time. Furthermore, a plurality of images edited by continuous play can be sequentially printed on a print medium. Moreover, the print medium cut | disconnected by the predetermined | prescribed magnitude | size can be provided to a user. Further, when the user performs continuous play, the print media on which images corresponding to a plurality of games are printed are connected as one print medium until the end of the continuous play. Therefore, since the print medium on which the image is printed by the continuous play hangs down from the printing means and is not discharged to the sticker outlet, it is possible to prevent the print medium on which the image is printed from touching the eyes of others. Further, since the print medium on which the image is printed by the continuous play is not discharged to the sticker outlet, it is possible to prevent others from taking out the print medium from the outlet of the print medium.
[0012]
Note that the print medium is, for example, a sticker sheet including a predetermined number of stickers. This sticker paper can be a sheet made up of seals of the same size, or can be made up of sheets made up of stickers of various sizes. Of course, it may be one large seal. The print medium is not limited to sticker paper, and may be paper, for example, a card such as a telephone card, a cloth such as a T-shirt, a thermal transfer seal, or a large poster. .
[0045]
  An image printing method of the present invention is an image printing method of an image printing apparatus provided with a concealing means for concealing a print medium on which an image is printed from the outside, a photographing step for photographing an image of a subject, and a user editing operation According to the editing step of editing the subject image,At the timing when the editing of the subject image by the processing of the editing step is completed,The subject image edited by the editing step processRolled into a rollWhen the selection of the step of printing to print on the print medium, the selection receiving step for accepting the selection of whether or not to continuously execute the game, and the selection of the step of receiving the selection are accepted, the shooting is performed. A control step for performing photographing of the subject by the processing of the step and executing editing of the image of the subject by the processing of the editing step;At the timing when selection not to continuously execute the game is accepted by the process of the selection accepting step, the part of the print medium on which the image of the subject is printed by the printing means is printed for one game from the print medium wound in a roll shape. Cutting steps for cutting one by one;If the selection accepting step accepts a selection that does not run the game continuously,Disconnected by cutting step processingProviding a print medium to a user.
[0046]
  The program according to the present invention is directed to a computer that controls an image printing apparatus that includes a concealing unit that conceals a print medium on which an image is printed from the outside, according to a photographing control step for controlling photographing of a subject image and a user editing operation Editing steps to edit the subject image;At the timing when the editing of the subject image by the processing of the editing step is completed,The subject image edited by the editing step processRolled into a rollWhen the selection of the step of printing to print on the print medium, the selection receiving step for accepting the selection of whether or not to continuously execute the game, and the selection of the step of receiving the selection are accepted, the shooting is performed. A control step for executing control of photographing of the subject by the processing of the control step, and executing editing of the image of the subject by the processing of the editing step;At the timing when selection not to continuously execute the game is accepted by the process of the selection accepting step, the part of the print medium on which the image of the subject is printed by the printing means is printed for one game from the print medium wound in a roll shape. A cutting control step for controlling cutting one by one;If the selection accepting step accepts a selection that does not run the game continuously,Disconnected by the cutting control step processAnd a provision control step for controlling provision of the print medium to the user.
[0047]
The program of the present invention is recorded on a predetermined recording medium, read by a drive, for example, and installed in the image printing apparatus. The recording medium is a magnetic disk made of a flexible disk, an optical disk made of a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk), or a magneto-optical made of an MD (Mini-Disk) (trademark). It is composed of a disk or a semiconductor memory.
[0048]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an image printing apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied.
[0049]
A coin slot 12 is provided on the upper left side of the surface 11-1 of the casing 11 of the image printing apparatus 1, and the user inserts a predetermined amount when using the image printing apparatus 1. Speakers 13R and 13L are provided on the upper left and right sides of the surface 11-1. The speakers 13R and 13L output various kinds of voice guidance, etc., and guide the photographing method (sticker progress method) to the user.
[0050]
A confirmation / editing monitor 14 such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is installed at the center of the surface 11-2 which is above the surface 11-1 and is horizontal to the floor. Yes. The confirmation / editing monitor 14 displays a screen for guiding a photographing method, an image of a subject photographed by the photographing device 31, and various images along with an image to be edited (hereinafter referred to as an editing target image as appropriate). Display selection buttons for editing tools. Then, the confirmation / editing monitor 14 displays the edited image generated in response to the input when writing is performed with a touch pen or the like.
[0051]
In addition to the confirmation / editing monitor 14, a line drawing touch pen 15A, a stamp touch pen 15B, and an eraser touch pen 15C are installed on the surface 11-2.
[0052]
A touch panel 113 (see FIG. 5) is stacked on the confirmation / editing monitor 14, and the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15 </ b> A on the image displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14. Thus, it is possible to write (input) an arbitrary line, background, or the like in the image to be edited, and to write (input) any character, figure, or the like in the image to be edited by operating the stamp pen 15B. By operating the eraser touch pen 15C, the editing information written in the image to be edited can be erased with an eraser.
[0053]
Above the surface 11-2, there are provided surfaces 11-3 and 11-4 which are perpendicular to the floor and face slightly in the front direction, and further above the surfaces 11-3 and 11-4. Is provided with a surface 11-5 facing downward by a predetermined angle, and each of the lighting devices 16-1, 16-2, or 16-3 is disposed. The lighting devices 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 have a light emitter (flash) inside, and are instructed by the user to start photographing, and store an image captured by the camera 32 as a still image. When (capture), irradiate the subject according to the timing.
[0054]
A printing lamp 17, a calling lamp 18, and a seal outlet 19 are provided on a surface 11-6 that is the lower left side surface of the housing 11. A shutter 20 that can be opened and closed is attached to the seal outlet 19. The shutter 20 is made of an opaque member such as an iron plate so that the inside of the seal take-out port 19 cannot be seen.
[0055]
The captured image that has been edited by the user is printed on a sticker sheet 61 (see FIG. 4) by a printer 51 (see FIG. 5) installed inside the housing 11. While printing is being performed in the printer 51, the print lamp 17 is turned on to indicate that printing is in progress. Thereby, the user can confirm that printing is being performed in the housing 11.
[0056]
In addition, when the printer 51 runs out of ink ribbon used for printing or the printer 51 breaks down and maintenance by the administrator is necessary, the calling lamp 18 is turned on. Accordingly, the administrator can recognize that the image printing apparatus 1 needs maintenance.
[0057]
The sticker paper 61 printed by the printer 51 is discharged to the sticker outlet 19, and the user receives the sticker paper 61 discharged to the sticker outlet 19. Except when the sticker paper is provided to the user, the shutter 20 is closed at the sticker take-out port 19 so that others cannot look into the sticker paper or take it out without permission.
[0058]
Between the surfaces 11-3 and 11-4, a surface 11-7 facing the front direction and perpendicular to the floor is provided, and the surface 11-7 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), Alternatively, an imaging device 31 in which a camera 32 made of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or the like is arranged is installed. A captured image display unit 33 made up of a small LCD or the like is disposed under the photographing device 31. The camera 32 captures an image of the subject, and the image (moving image) is displayed on the captured image display unit 33. Since the captured image display unit 33 is provided in the vicinity of the camera 32, the user captures his / her line of sight toward the camera 32 while checking his / her image displayed on the captured image display unit 33. be able to.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 1, a user edits a photographed editing space in which the user photographs the photographed image and edits the photographed image, that is, the surfaces 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4, 11-5. The space in front of 11-7 and the space where the user waits until the sticker paper 61 on which the image is printed is ejected from the sticker outlet 19 (hereinafter referred to as sticker paper providing space), that is, the face 11-6. By configuring the front space as another space, it is possible for the next user to start the game while waiting for the user to print an image on the sticker sheet 61. As a result, more time is required. The game can be executed a number of times.
[0060]
That is, when the user does not play continuously, the user waits in the sticker paper providing space until an image edited by one play is printed. The game can be started. Therefore, many users can execute the game in a shorter time than when the photographing editing space and the sticker paper providing space are the same space. In addition, even when the user performs continuous play, after all the shooting processing and editing processing by the continuous play are completed, the user can print the image edited by the continuous play on a plurality of sticker sheets 61. Since it waits in the sticker paper providing space until the end, the next user can start the game in the shooting / editing space. Therefore, many users can execute the game in a shorter time than when the photographing editing space and the sticker paper providing space are the same space.
[0061]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the image printing apparatus 1 of FIG.
[0062]
At a position facing the front surface (surfaces 11-1 and 11-7) of the casing 11, a background panel 43 is installed at a predetermined distance, and the user can create a space between the casing 11 and the background panel 43. Take a picture of yourself as a shooting space. A curtain frame 41 is installed horizontally on the top surface of the housing 11, and a curtain 42 is attached to the curtain frame 41 so that the inside of the photographing space cannot be seen from the outside.
[0063]
FIG. 3 shows an example of the arrangement of the printer 51, the seal outlet 19, and the shutter 20 installed in the image printing apparatus 1 when the image printing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 is viewed from the back side of the surface 11-1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a shutter 20 is attached to the seal takeout port 19 formed in the surface 11-6, and the shutter 20 slides up and down by the rotation of the motor 53, and the seal takeout port 19. 19 can be opened and closed.
[0064]
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, a motor 53 is fixedly installed on the surface 11-6 at a predetermined position above the shutter 20, and a gear 54 is attached to the shaft of the motor 53. Yes. Further, teeth 20a are engraved on the shutter 20 so as to correspond to the gear 54, and the rotational driving force of the motor 53 is converted into the vertical slide of the shutter 20 via the teeth 20a.
[0065]
When the motor 53 rotates in the direction A indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, the shutter 20 slides in the direction D indicated by the arrow, that is, upward, and the user puts his / her hand in the seal outlet 19. Put the sticker paper out. When the motor 53 rotates in the direction B indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, the shutter 20 slides in the direction C indicated by the arrow, that is, in the downward direction, and the user places his / her hand on the seal outlet 19. It becomes impossible to enter.
[0066]
The printer 51 discharges the sticker paper 61 having a predetermined length on which the edited image for one play is printed from the sticker paper discharge port 52. The seal paper 61 discharged from the seal discharge port 52 is abutted against and held by an abutting portion 55 provided below the seal paper discharge port 52.
[0067]
A pair of detection sensors 56 are installed at a predetermined height position of the abutting portion 55, and when the sticker paper 61 discharged from the sticker paper discharge port 52 of the printer 51 is abutted against the abutting portion 55, That is, when the sticker paper 61 is between 56a and 56b, the presence of the sticker paper 61 is detected.
[0068]
That is, when the sticker sheet 61 is not present between the detection sensors 56a and 56b, the light emitted from the detection sensor 56a (or the detection sensor 56b) is detected by the detection sensor 56b (or the detection sensor 56a). On the other hand, when the seal paper 61 exists between the detection sensor 56a and the detection sensor 56b, the light emitted from the detection sensor 56a (or the detection sensor 56b) is blocked by the seal paper 61, and the detection sensor 56b (or It is no longer detected by the detection sensor 56a). Thus, the detection sensor 56a (detection sensor 56b) detects the presence or absence of the sticker paper 61 based on whether or not the light emitted from the detection sensor 56b (detection sensor 56a) is detected.
[0069]
In addition, in order to detect the presence or absence of the sticker paper 61, other arbitrary sensors may be used instead of using the detection sensor 56.
[0070]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the printer 51.
[0071]
In FIG. 4, a printer 51 includes a seal paper unit 62 for attaching and detaching a sticker paper 61 on which an image is printed, a color printing unit 63 for printing four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, gold A gold printing unit 64 that prints (gold), a cutter 65 that cuts the printed sticker paper 61 into a predetermined size, and a sticker paper discharge port 52 that discharges the printed sticker paper 61. .
[0072]
The sticker paper 61 is in the form of a continuous roll paper, and is fed to the color printing unit 63 along the transport path 60.
[0073]
A platen roller 72 is opposed to and pressed against the print head 71 of the color printing unit 63 from a position separated from the conveyance path 60. Further, a color ribbon 74 supplied from an unwinding roller 73 is inserted between the print head 71 and the platen roller 72. The print head 71 is constituted by, for example, a sublimation type thermal transfer print head.
[0074]
The color ribbon 74 includes a ribbon sheet in which sublimation thermal transfer layers made of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are sequentially arranged in the extending direction of the ribbon.
[0075]
As a result, the print head 71 can print four colors in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black on the sticker sheet 61 fed along the transport path 60.
[0076]
After four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are printed on the sticker 61 by the print head 71, the color ribbon 74 is taken up by the take-up roller 75. The detection unit 76 detects the winding state of the color ribbon 74 of the winding roller 75. The detection result is supplied to a printer control unit (not shown) in the printer 51, and the rotation of the take-up roller 75 is controlled.
[0077]
The seal paper 61 on which printing of four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is performed by the color printing unit 63 is fed to the gold printing unit 64 along the conveyance path 60.
[0078]
A platen roller 82 is opposed to and pressed against the print head 81 of the gold printing unit 64 from a position separated from the conveyance path 60. A color ribbon 84 supplied from an unwinding roller 83 is inserted between the print head 81 and the platen roller 82. The print head 81 is constituted by, for example, a melt-type thermal transfer print head.
[0079]
The color ribbon 84 is composed of a ribbon sheet of a melt-type thermal transfer layer made of gold.
[0080]
As a result, the print head 81 can perform gold printing on the sticker sheet 61 fed along the transport path 60.
[0081]
After the gold is printed on the sticker 61 by the print head 81, the color ribbon 84 is taken up by the take-up roller 85. The detection unit 86 detects the winding state of the color ribbon 84 of the winding roller 85. The detection result is supplied to a printer control unit (not shown) in the printer 51, and the rotation of the take-up roller 85 is controlled.
[0082]
The seal paper 61 on which gold printing is performed by the gold printing unit 64 is fed along the transport path 10 and cut into a predetermined size by the cutter 65, and then the seal paper discharge port. 52 is discharged.
[0083]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the image printing apparatus 1 of FIG. The description of the parts described in FIGS. 1 to 4 is omitted.
[0084]
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 performs the overall operation of the image printing apparatus 1 according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 or a program loaded from a program storage unit 104 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. Is controlled via the bus 110. The RAM 103 also stores data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute various processes as appropriate.
[0085]
The program storage unit 104 includes a hard disk and its drive, and stores various programs executed by the CPU 101. The drive 105 reads a program stored in a recording medium such as a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, and supplies the program to the program storage unit 104 or the like via the bus 110. For example, a new frame image to be combined with the subject image is supplied from the drive 105.
[0086]
In addition to the camera 32 described above, a camera control unit 106 is disposed inside the photographing apparatus 31. The camera control unit 106 controls the zoom rate of the camera 32, the amount of light to be captured, and the like according to the adjustment request of the camera 32 input by operating the line drawing touch pen 15A, the stamp touch pen 15B, or the eraser touch pen 15C. To do.
[0087]
The keep image storage unit 107 stores a predetermined number of images taken by the user and selected as an image to be edited. For example, the keep image storage unit 107 stores up to two keep images (images to be edited). The keep image storage unit 107 stores the edited image.
[0088]
The coin processing unit 108 counts the coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 12, and notifies the CPU 101 when it determines that a predetermined amount set in advance as an image creation fee has been inserted.
[0089]
The printer 51 is a part for creating an image sticker, and an image (an image determined to be printed, hereinafter referred to as a print image) taken by the camera 32 and subjected to a graffiti process and the like described later is used as a sticker sheet. Printing is performed on a sticker sheet 61 supplied from the unit 62 and output. The printer 51 prints the print image selected by the user on the designated number of sticker sheets 61. Note that the user can select and print several types of print images on a single sticker sheet 61.
[0090]
The ID tag reader / writer 109 reads the ID tag 121 attached to the sticker sheet unit 62 and notifies the CPU 101 of it. The CPU 101 checks the ID notified from the ID tag reader / writer 109 with the ID stored in advance in the ROM 102 or the like, so that the sticker paper 61 stored in the sticker paper unit 62 is used by the image printing apparatus 1. It is determined whether or not the sticker paper is suitable as the sticker paper to be used, and the image printing apparatus 1 can be used or disabled.
[0091]
That is, if the ID written in the ID tag 121 matches the ID stored in the ROM 102 or the like in advance, the CPU 101 enables the image printing apparatus 1 to play a game, and conversely, the ID written in the ID tag 121 If the IDs stored in the ROM 102 or the like do not match, the CPU 101 makes the image printing apparatus 1 non-gameable.
[0092]
The sticker unit 62 is detachable from the image printing apparatus 1, the sticker 61 is loaded inside, and an ID tag 121 is attached at a predetermined position where the ID tag reader / writer 109 can read the ID. Has been. In the ID tag 121 attached to the sticker paper unit 62, an ID corresponding to the type of the sticker paper 61 loaded is written.
[0093]
There are special sticker sheets depending on the model of the image printing device. For this reason, conventionally, there has been a mistake that a sticker paper (sticker paper for other models) that is not compatible with the image printing apparatus is loaded into the image printing apparatus. Thus, by providing the identification means for identifying the sticker sheet dedicated to the image printing apparatus 1 as described above, the sticker sheet dedicated to the image printing apparatus 1 can be identified and printed. That is, a sticker mount or a cartridge for storing the mount is provided with a barcode, an ID tag, or the like so that it can be identified whether it is a dedicated one. Thereby, a high-quality seal can be used in a limited manner, and a good print finish can be maintained.
[0094]
The audio output control unit 111 controls the speakers 13R and 13L based on the control from the CPU 101, and outputs various audio guidance for explaining the shooting method and the like, for example, a sound effect such as a shutter sound when capturing a still image To do.
[0095]
The display processor 112 stores the keep image transferred from the keep image storage unit 107 via the bus 110 in the built-in memory 112 </ b> A when the photographing process is finished and the user starts editing. The display processor 112 detects the input position on the editing target image when the editing input is made on the touch panel 113, reflects the input position on the editing target image, and displays it on the confirmation / editing monitor 14. In FIG. 5, the confirmation / editing monitor 14 and the touch panel 113 are shown at different positions, but are actually arranged in a stacked manner.
[0096]
The motor control unit 114 controls the driving of the motor 53 according to a command from the CPU 101 and opens / closes the shutter 20.
[0097]
When the sticker sheet 61 is present in the sticker outlet 19, the detection sensor 56 detects that and notifies the CPU 101.
[0098]
Next, the game processing of the image printing apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Moreover, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 7 as needed.
[0099]
First, in step S <b> 11, the CPU 101 causes the confirmation / editing monitor 14 to display a demonstration screen (hereinafter referred to as a demo screen) stored in the program storage unit 104 such as a shooting progress method. Note that at the time of step S11, the shutter 20 of the sticker outlet 19 is in a closed state.
[0100]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14. In this display example, a message “Place money” is displayed.
[0101]
In step S12 in FIG. 6, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a predetermined price (seal paper creation price) has been inserted into the coin insertion slot 12 by the user based on the output from the coin processing unit 108. Display a demo screen and wait until it is determined that If the CPU 101 determines that the price has been inserted, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S13 and executes a photographing process.
[0102]
The photographing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Moreover, FIG. 9 thru | or FIG. 12 is also referred as needed. In step S <b> 51 of FIG. 8, the CPU 101 displays on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 an explanation screen for explaining various functions and photographing methods. Note that a moving image captured by the camera 32 is displayed on the captured image display unit 33 in accordance with the insertion of coins.
[0103]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an explanation screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14.
[0104]
In FIG. 9, a message “Please press the start button when ready” is displayed at the top of the explanation screen 150, and the captured image display section is displayed at the center of the confirmation / editing monitor 14 below the message. A captured image display unit 151 that displays a moving image captured by the camera 32 is displayed as in the case of 33. A shooting start button 152 that starts shooting when the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A, the stamp touch pen 15B, or the eraser touch pen 15C is displayed at the lower right of the explanation screen 150. In the lower left of the explanation screen 150, a remaining time display unit 153 that indicates the remaining time of the time limit given to a series of operations from shooting to image editing is displayed. In the case of FIG. 9, “119” is displayed, indicating that the remaining time is 119 seconds.
[0105]
Returning to FIG. 8, in step S <b> 52, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the shooting start button 152 operated when starting shooting is operated according to the explanation screen as shown in FIG. 9, and is still operated. If it is determined that it is not, the process returns to step S51, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the shooting start button 152 has been selected, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S53, displays a countdown indicator on the confirmation / editing monitor 14, and is shot by the camera 32 when it is time to shoot. Store the image.
[0106]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 in step S53. As shown in FIG. 10, a captured image in which a moving image captured by the camera 32 is displayed at the center of the captured image 160 displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14, similar to the captured image display unit 33. The display unit 161 is displayed. In addition, a countdown indicator 162 is displayed on the right side of the captured image display unit 161. For example, lighting starts in order from the upper signal, and when the lowermost signal is turned on, the image is taken by the camera 32. The stored image is stored.
[0107]
When it is time to shoot, the CPU 101 controls the lighting devices 16-1, 16-2, and 16-3 to irradiate the subject with a flash, and at the same time, captures an image captured by the camera 32. The image is stored as a still image and stored in the keep image storage unit 107.
[0108]
In step S <b> 54 of FIG. 8, the CPU 101 displays a confirmation screen for the image shot in step S <b> 53 on the shooting monitor 23.
[0109]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image confirmation screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 in step S54. In FIG. 11, a captured image display unit 171 for displaying the image captured in step S53 is provided in the approximate center of the image confirmation screen 170 displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14. A message “Keep this?” Is displayed below the captured image display unit 171.
[0110]
In addition, in the upper right part of the confirmation screen 170, a keep button 172 for keeping the photographed image displayed on the photographed image display unit 171 by a user operation is displayed. Then, below the keep button 172, a replay button 173 for performing photographing again by a user operation is displayed.
[0111]
The user operates the keep button 172 or the redo button 173 to instruct whether to keep the photographed image displayed on the photographed image display unit 171 as the image to be edited.
[0112]
Then, in step S55 in FIG. 8, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is instructed to save the above-described captured image as a keep image, and determines that it has not been instructed (the retouch button 173 has been operated). Then, the process proceeds to step S56, where the image captured in step S55 is erased from the image stored in the keep image storage unit 107. Then, the process returns to step S51, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.
[0113]
If it is determined in step S55 that saving as a keep image has been selected (the keep button 172 has been operated), the CPU 101 proceeds to step S57 and adds the image to the keep image.
[0114]
In step S58, the CPU 101 that has added the captured image to the keep image displays a brightness adjustment screen on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 and adjusts the brightness of the added keep image.
[0115]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the brightness adjustment screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 in step S58. In the example of FIG. 12, the brightness adjustment screen 180 displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 has a captured image display unit 181 on which a captured image stored as a keep image is displayed substantially in the center. Under the photographed image display unit 181, a message “Adjust brightness” is displayed.
[0116]
A brightness meter 182 that displays the brightness level designated by the user is displayed on the right side of the captured image display unit 181. A bright button 183 that brightens the photographed image when operated by the user is provided above the brightness meter 182, and the photographed image is displayed below the brightness meter 182 when operated by the user. A dark button 184 is provided for darkening. When the user designates the bright button 183 by operating the line drawing touch pen 15A, stamp touch pen 15B, or eraser touch pen 15C, the lighting position of the central portion of the brightness meter 182 moves up by one, The captured image displayed on the captured image display unit 181 becomes brighter.
[0117]
Conversely, when the user designates the dark button 184 by operating the line drawing touch pen 15A, stamp touch pen 15B, or eraser touch pen 15C, the lighting position at the center of the brightness meter 182 is one. The captured image displayed on the captured image display unit 181 is darkened. Thereby, the user can adjust the brightness of the captured image.
[0118]
In addition, a determination button 185 for determining the brightness of the captured image by a user operation is displayed on the lower right of the brightness adjustment screen 180. The user adjusts the brightness of the captured image displayed on the captured image display unit 181 in the brightness meter 182, and then operates the determination button 185 to determine the brightness of the captured image. The CPU 101 adjusts the brightness of the keep image according to the input from the touch panel 113, and when the determination button 185 is operated, stores the keep image at the brightness of that level in the keep image storage unit 107, and step S59. Proceed to
[0119]
Returning to FIG. 8, in step S <b> 59, the CPU 101 confirms the number of keep images stored in the keep image storage unit 107, determines whether the remaining number of shootable images is “0”, and performs the remaining shoot. If it is determined that the possible number is not “0”, the process returns to step S51 and the same photographing process is repeatedly executed.
[0120]
If the CPU 101 determines in step S59 that the remaining number of shootable images is “0”, it ends the shooting process and returns to the flowchart of FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG. 6 to execute editing processing. Next, editing processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Further, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16 as necessary.
[0121]
First, in step S81, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to determine whether or not the keep image data has been transferred from the keep image storage unit 107 to the display processor 112 via the bus 110, and determines that the transfer has been performed. Wait until. That is, when the process related to shooting is finished and the process related to editing is started, the CPU 101 transfers the keep image stored in the keep image storage unit 107 to the display processor 112. If it is determined in step S81 that the keep image data has been transferred to the display processor 112, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S82, controls the display processor 112, and stores the keep image data in the memory 112A built in the display processor 112. .
[0122]
In step S 83, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to display an image editing screen on the confirmation / editing monitor 14.
[0123]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image editing screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14. In FIG. 14, an edited image display unit 191 that displays an image to be edited is displayed at the center of the image editing screen 190.
[0124]
On the right side of the edited image display unit 191, a normal pen button 192A for selecting a normal pen function as an input tool (writing tool) when operated by the user, and a trimming pen function as an input tool when operated by the user. A border pen button 192B, a lame pen button 192C that selects a lame pen function as an input tool when operated by the user, a background brush button 192D that selects a background brush function as an input tool when operated by the user, and a user operation As a result, an easy background brush button 192E for selecting the easy background brush function as an input tool is configured.
[0125]
Also, on the left side of the edited image display unit 191, a normal stamp button 193A for selecting a normal stamp function as an input tool when operated by a user, and a roll stamp button for selecting a roll stamp function as an input tool when operated by a user. 193B and a beam stamp button 193C for selecting a beam stamp function as an input tool when operated by the user are provided.
[0126]
Further, a redo button 194A for canceling the previous editing information by the user's operation and a redo button 194B for canceling all the editing information by the user's operation are provided below the edited image display unit 191. ing.
[0127]
Below the beam stamp button 193C, a first image display unit 195A that displays the first image of the keep images, and a second image display unit that displays the second image of the keep images. 195B is configured, and an end button 196 for ending the image editing screen when operated by the user is provided below the easy background brush button 192E.
[0128]
The normal pen button 192A, the trimming pen button 192B, the lame pen button 192C, the background brush button 192D, and the easy background brush button 192E are buttons for the line drawing touch pen 15A. That is, these buttons react only when the user operates and selects the line drawing touch pen 15A, and operate corresponding functions.
[0129]
For example, when the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A and selects the normal pen button 192A, the CPU 101 operates the normal pen function. With the normal pen function, the user can draw a line on the editing target image displayed on the edited image display unit 191 by operating the line drawing touch pen 15A.
[0130]
Similarly, when the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A and selects the trimming pen button 192B, the trimming pen function is operated by the CPU 101, and the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A and edits displayed on the edited image display unit 191. A bordered line can be drawn on the target image. When the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A to select the lame pen button 192C, the CPU 101 allows the user to operate the line drawing touch pen 15A to draw a line with a rim on the editing target image. Activate the function.
[0131]
When the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A and selects the background brush button 192D, the CPU 101 operates the background brush function. With this background brush function, the user can operate the line drawing touch pen 15 </ b> A to paint the editing target image displayed on the editing image display unit 191 with a color like an airbrush.
[0132]
Similarly, when the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A and easily selects the background brush button 192E, the CPU 101 easily operates the background brush function. In the case of the easy background brush function, the user can apply a color only to a portion other than the subject of the image to be edited displayed on the edited image display unit 191 by operating the touch pen 15A for line drawing.
[0133]
Further, the normal stamp button 193A, the roller stamp button 193B, and the beam stamp button 192C are buttons for the stamp touch pen 15B. That is, these buttons react only when the user operates and selects the stamp touch pen 15B to activate the corresponding functions.
[0134]
For example, when the user operates the stamp touch pen 15B and selects the normal stamp button 193A, the CPU 101 operates a normal stamp function for drawing a predetermined character or design designated by the user like a stamp. When the user operates the stamp touch pen 15B and selects the roller stamp button 193B, the CPU 101 operates the roller stamp function that draws a plurality of predetermined characters or designs designated by the user like a stamp. Similarly, when the user operates the stamp touch pen 15B and selects the beam stamp button 193C, the CPU 101 operates a beam stamp function for drawing a stamp with a pattern such as a beam.
[0135]
Note that the user can use the eraser touch pen 15C to erase the editing information performed on the editing target image displayed on the edited image display unit 191 by using the function as described above so that it can be erased with the eraser. Further, when the user operates the eraser touch pen 15C, not only the editing information but also the photographed image may be erased.
[0136]
The redo button 194A and the redo button 194B that are configured below the edited image display unit 191 are buttons for the eraser touch pen 15C. In other words, these buttons react only when the user operates and selects the eraser touch pen 15C to activate the corresponding functions.
[0137]
When the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A, stamp touch pen 15B, or eraser touch pen 15C to select the first image display unit 195A or the second image display unit 195B, the selected image is displayed. It is displayed on the edited image display unit 191. As a result, the user can edit both the first image and the second image stored in the keep image.
[0138]
When the user ends the editing process and ends the image editing screen 190, the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A, the stamp touch pen 15B, or the eraser touch pen 15C to select the end button 196.
[0139]
Using the image editing screen 190 as described above, the user edits the captured image.
[0140]
Returning to FIG. 13, in step S <b> 84, the CPU 101 identifies the touch pen that has touched the touch panel. When the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A, stamp touch pen 15B, or eraser touch pen 15C to perform image editing input or button operation on the image editing screen 190 of FIG. 14, the CPU 101 touches the touch panel. By specifying, the touch pen used for input is specified. Thereby, the CPU 101 can execute processing corresponding to the touch pen used for input.
[0141]
In step S84, the CPU 101 that has identified the touch pen that has touched the touch panel edits an image based on the function corresponding to the identified touch pen in step S85. The CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to identify various instructions input by the user with the touch pen based on the input from the touch panel 113, and edits the editing target image accordingly. The CPU 101 controls the display processor 112, for example, stores an image selected as an image to be edited in two frame buffers, and reflects the input editing on the image of one frame. Then, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112, and when the editing is canceled (when the user operates the eraser touch pen 15C and the eraser processing is input), the image of the frame in which the editing is not reflected ( The data of the corresponding part of the other image) is reflected in the frame of the image reflecting the editing, thereby canceling the editing.
[0142]
In step S <b> 86, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to display an image edited based on the input from the touch panel 113 on the confirmation / editing monitor 14. In other words, the confirmation / editing monitor 14 displays the image stored in the frame buffer reflecting the editing of the two frame buffers described above, and when the user writes, the writing is performed in real time. Reflected and displayed.
[0143]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an edited image displayed on the image editing screen.
[0144]
In the case shown in FIG. 15A, the user operates the eraser touch pen 15 </ b> C to input an edit target image displayed on the edited image display unit 191. The input is moved to the end point 202 while being in contact with the touch panel 113, and the input is ended at the end point 202 away from the touch panel 113. In this case, the CPU 101 erases the editing target image along the locus of the eraser touch pen 15C by the eraser function. As a result, the user can erase the editing target image or editing information so as to erase with the eraser by operating the eraser touch pen 15C.
[0145]
Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, the CPU 101 edits the image to be edited inside the rectangle with the start point 211 and the end point 212 that are in contact with the touch panel 113 by operating the eraser touch pen 15C as a diagonal line, or editing information. May be deleted.
[0146]
In step S87, the CPU 101 determines whether the time limit has elapsed, or whether the end button 196 of the image editing screen 190 has been operated, and the time limit has not elapsed and the end button has been operated. If it is determined that it is not, the process returns to step S84 and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.
[0147]
If it is determined that the time limit has elapsed or the end button has been operated based on the input from the touch panel 113, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S 88 to control the display processor 112 to divide into the confirmation / editing monitor 14. A number selection screen is displayed, and selection of the number of divisions from the user is accepted.
[0148]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the division number selection screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor 14.
[0149]
In the division number selection screen 220 shown in FIG. 16, a message “Determine the arrangement pattern.” Is displayed at the bottom of the screen. In addition, an arrangement pattern display unit 221 indicating a designated image arrangement pattern is provided above the message. On the left side of the arrangement pattern display unit 221, the arrangement number display unit 222 that displays the number of image arrangements that is the number of divisions of the current image arrangement pattern, and the next pattern for selecting the next image arrangement pattern by the user A selection button 223A and a previous pattern selection button 223B for selecting a previous image arrangement pattern by being operated by the user are configured. A determination button 224 for determining the selected image arrangement pattern is displayed at the lower right of the division number selection screen 220.
[0150]
Candidates for image arrangement patterns selected on the division number selection screen 220 are stored in the ROM 102 or the RAM 103 or the like. When the user operates the next pattern selection button 223A by operating the line drawing touch pen 15A, stamp touch pen 15B, or eraser touch pen 15C, the CPU 101 displays the image arrangement pattern displayed on the current arrangement pattern display unit 221. The next candidate is read from the ROM 102 or the RAM 103 and displayed on the arrangement pattern display unit 221. Then, the number of image arrangements of the image arrangement pattern is displayed on the arrangement number display unit 222. Similarly, when the user operates the previous pattern selection button 223B by operating the line drawing touch pen 15A, stamp touch pen 15B, or eraser touch pen 15C, the CPU 101 is displayed on the current arrangement pattern display unit 221. The previous candidates for the image arrangement pattern are read from the ROM 102 or the RAM 103 and displayed on the arrangement pattern display unit 221. Then, the number of image arrangements of the image arrangement pattern is displayed on the arrangement number display unit 222.
[0151]
When the user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A, stamp touch pen 15B, or eraser touch pen 15C and operates the enter button 224, the CPU 101 is selected by the user and displayed on the current arrangement pattern display unit 221. The image arrangement pattern is determined as a printing image arrangement pattern, and a corresponding sticker sheet is selected.
[0152]
After the process of step S88, the editing process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. In step S <b> 15 of FIG. 6, the CPU 101 controls the printer 51 to print the edited image on the selected sticker sheet 61. In step S <b> 16, the printer 51 controls the cutter 65 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 101, and cuts the sticker sheet 61 at the length position where the edited image is printed. The separated sticker paper 61 is discharged from the sticker paper discharge port 52, falls downward, and is abutted against the abutting portion 55. At this point, the sticker paper on which the image is printed, which is separated from the roll paper (sticker paper 61) shown in FIG.
[0153]
In step S17, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to display on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 a screen that prompts the user to select whether or not to perform continuous play, as shown in FIG. At the same time, the CPU 101 prompts the speaker 13R, 13L to select whether or not to perform continuous play via the audio output control unit 111 (for example, “If you insert additional coins, you can play again!”). ) Is output.
[0154]
On the screen shown in FIG. 17, for example, a message such as “If you insert additional coins, you can play again!” Is displayed. The user pays an additional fee to play the game again. You can know what you can do. Further, an additional play button 241 is displayed on the left side below the confirmation / editing monitor 14, and an end button 242 is displayed on the right side. The user operates the line drawing touch pen 15A, the stamp touch pen 15B, or the eraser touch pen 15C, and touches one of the additional play button 241 and the end button 242 to select the button. be able to. The user can play continuously by selecting the additional play button 241. Further, the user can end the game by selecting the end button 242.
[0155]
In step S18, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the additional play button 241 has been operated. When the additional operation play button 241 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S19.
[0156]
In step S19, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to display on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 a screen that prompts the user to add a charge as shown in FIG. At the same time, the CPU 101 causes the speakers 13R and 13L to output a message prompting the user to insert a charge (for example, “Please insert money!”) Via the audio output control unit 111.
[0157]
In step S <b> 20, the CPU 101 continues to monitor the coin processing unit 108 for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) and continues to determine whether or not an additional price has been inserted. During this time, the CPU 101 continues to display a screen for prompting the user to add a charge on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 and to output a message prompting the user to insert the charge from the speakers 13R and 13L. Then, when the notification of the addition of the additional price is received from the coin processing unit 108 within the predetermined time (within 20 seconds), the CPU 101 determines that the additional price has been paid, returns to step S13, and The processes after step S13 are repeated.
[0158]
In this way, the continuous play is executed, and the sticker paper 61 with the same number of images as the number of times the user has executed the game is abutted against the abutting portion 55 in the sticker outlet 19. Retained. During this period (between step S11 and step S20), the shutter 20 is closed.
[0159]
In step S20, if the CPU 101 does not receive a notification of the addition of an additional price from the coin processing unit 108 within a predetermined time (for example, within 20 seconds), the CPU 101 is not paid for the additional price. The process proceeds to step S21.
[0160]
If the user selects the end button 242 in step S18, the CPU 101 determines that continuous play has not been selected, that is, the end of the game has been selected, and the process proceeds to step S21. Also, the CPU 101 starts measuring time from the time when the confirmation / editing monitor 14 displays the screen as shown in FIG. 17 in step S17, and the additional play button for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). If neither 241 nor the end button 242 is selected, it is determined in step S18 that continuous play has not been selected, and the process proceeds to step S21.
[0161]
In step S <b> 21, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to prompt the confirmation / editing monitor 14 to move to the sticker providing space (for example, “The sticker comes out from this side! Then, please wait! → ”message is displayed. At the same time, the CPU 101 sends a message prompting the speaker 13R, 13L to move to the sticker providing space via the audio output control unit 111 (for example, “The sticker comes out from the left side! Output!). In accordance with this guidance, the user moves from the photographing / editing space to the sticker paper providing space.
[0162]
In step S22, the CPU 101 rotates the motor 53 in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 3 via the motor control unit 114, and slides the shutter 20 upward to a predetermined position. When the shutter 20 slides upward, the sticker outlet 19 is opened, and the user can take out one or more sticker sheets 61 on which images are printed that are stocked in the sticker outlet 19. It becomes.
[0163]
In step S <b> 23, the CPU 101 monitors the detection sensor 56 and determines whether or not the sticker sheet 61 has been taken out from the sticker outlet 19. That is, the detection sensor 56 transmits to the CPU 101 a detection signal indicating that the sticker paper 61 is present in the sticker take-out port 19 from when the sticker paper 61 cut out in step S16 is abutted against the abutting portion 55. Subsequently, when the sticker sheet 61 is taken out from the sticker outlet 19, the detection sensor 56 stops transmitting the detection signal to the CPU 101.
[0164]
Therefore, in step S23, the CPU 101 determines that the sticker paper 61 has not been taken out while receiving a detection signal from the detection sensor 56 that the sticker paper 61 is present in the sticker takeout port 19. Monitoring of the detection sensor 56 is continued until it is determined that the sticker sheet 61 has been taken out. In step S23, when the detection signal indicating that the sticker sheet 61 is present in the sticker take-out port 19 is not received from the detection sensor 56, the CPU 101 determines that the sticker sheet 61 has been taken out, and the process proceeds to step S24. move on.
[0165]
In step S <b> 24, the CPU 101 rotates the motor 53 in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 3 via the motor control unit 114, and slides downward until the shutter 20 hits the lower end of the seal take-out port 19. Let Thereafter, the process returns to step S11, and the processes after step S11 described above are repeated.
[0166]
In the above description, for convenience of explanation, it is described that the processing after step S17 is executed after the processing of step S15 and step S16, but actually the processing of step S15 and step S16 is executed. And the process after step S17 is independently advanced simultaneously. That is, the CPU 101 prompts the user to select continuous play while simultaneously performing the printing and cutting processing of the sticker paper 61. If continuous play is selected, the CPU 101 prompts the user to insert a price, and the price is inserted. If it is, the process after the shooting process is executed.
[0167]
If the CPU 101 determines in step S18 that continuous play has not been selected, the CPU 101 does not proceed from step S21 to step S22 until the processing of step S15 and step S16 is completed, but step S15 and step S16. After the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S22. That is, as described above, the processes in steps S15 and S16 and the processes in and after step S17 are advanced in parallel. Accordingly, when the CPU 101 determines in step S18 that continuous play has not been selected, printing of an image on the sticker sheet 61 has not yet been completed, or separation of the sticker sheet 61 has not been completed. is there. If the shutter 20 is opened at that time, the user may take out only the sticker paper 61 in the sticker take-out port 19 at that time, and forget to return the sticker paper 61 being printed (or being cut out). There is.
[0168]
Accordingly, when the CPU 101 determines in step S18 that continuous play has not been selected, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S22 after the printing process and the cut process are completed, and opens the shutter 20. By doing so, the user waits in the sticker paper providing space until the printing and separation of the last print image are finished. When the user finishes, the shutter 20 is opened, and all sticker papers are opened from the sticker outlet 19. You can get 61 without forgetting it.
[0169]
In addition, after the user is guided to the seal acquisition space in step S21, the image printing apparatus 1 executes the image printing process (step S15), the cutting process (step S16), and the processes after step S22. And the process after step S11 with respect to the next user is started. By doing so, the next user can start the game while printing the image, and therefore, the waiting time of the subsequent user can be reduced by the time required for printing. As a result, the image printing apparatus 1 can execute a larger number of games in a shorter time.
[0170]
As described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the user performs continuous play, the shutter 20 is opened after all play is completed, and the sticker paper 61 is provided to the user. Thus, it becomes possible to prevent the sticker paper 61 on which the image is printed from touching the eyes of others while the user is playing continuously. Therefore, the user can concentrate on the game without worrying about the sticker paper 61 in the sticker outlet 19.
[0171]
As a result, the user starts the next game without waiting until the sticker sheet 61 on which the image is printed is discharged from the sticker take-out port 19, and the number of games per unit time (for example, per day). Can be more. This not only has the effect of reducing the waiting time for the following customers, but also has the effect of obtaining a larger profit for the manager.
[0172]
Note that the device for inputting editing information is not limited to a touch pen, and may be a mouse, a joystick, a trackball, or the like.
[0173]
Further, the editing function supported by the input device is not limited to the above-described function, and any editing function may be used, and any number of input devices may be installed.
[0174]
Further, in the process of step S24 in the above description, when the shutter 20 is closed, a safety device may be provided so that the user's hand or the like is not sandwiched between the shutters 20 being lowered.
[0175]
By the way, in the game process of the image printing apparatus 1 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, even in the case of continuous play, an image print process (step S15) and a cut process on the sticker sheet 61 for each game. (Step S16) is performed, but it is of course possible to print the image on the sticker paper 61 and discharge it after all of the plural shooting processes and editing processes in the continuous play are completed. It is.
[0176]
Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 18, image printing in a case where an image is printed on the sticker sheet 61 and discharged after all of a plurality of shooting processes and editing processes in continuous play are completed. The game process of the device 1 will be described. Note that the processing from step S121 to step S124 is the same as the processing from step S11 to step S14 in FIG.
[0177]
In step S <b> 121, the CPU 101 causes the confirmation / editing monitor 14 to display a demonstration screen stored in the program storage unit 104 such as a shooting progress method. At the time of step S121, the shutter 20 of the sticker outlet 19 is in a closed state.
[0178]
In step S122, based on the output from the coin processing unit 108, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a predetermined price (seal paper creation price) has been inserted into the coin slot 12 by the user, and determines that it has been inserted. Wait until the demo screen is displayed. If the CPU 101 determines that the price has been inserted, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S123 and executes a photographing process. The detailed description of the photographing process is as described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0179]
After the photographing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S124, and the CPU 101 executes an editing process. The detailed description of the editing process is as described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0180]
After the editing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S125. In step S125, the CPU 101 stores the image edited in step S124 in the keep image storage unit 107.
[0181]
In step S126, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to display on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 a screen for prompting selection as to whether or not to perform continuous play, for example, as shown in FIG. At the same time, the CPU 101 prompts the speaker 13R, 13L to select whether or not to perform continuous play via the audio output control unit 111 (for example, “If you insert additional coins, you can play again!”). ) Is output.
[0182]
In step S127, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the additional play button 241 has been operated. When the additional operation play button 241 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S128.
[0183]
In step S128, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to display on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 a screen that prompts the user to add a charge as shown in FIG. At the same time, the CPU 101 causes the speakers 13R and 13L to output a message prompting the user to insert a charge (for example, “Please insert money!”) Via the audio output control unit 111.
[0184]
In step S129, the CPU 101 continues to monitor the coin processing unit 108 for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds), and continues to determine whether or not an additional price has been inserted. During this time, the CPU 101 continues to display a screen for prompting the user to add a charge on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 and to output a message prompting the user to insert the charge from the speakers 13R and 13L. If the CPU 101 receives a notification of the addition of an additional price from the coin processing unit 108 within a predetermined time (within 20 seconds), the CPU 101 determines that the additional price has been paid, returns to step S123, and The processes after step S123 are repeated.
[0185]
In this way, continuous play is executed, but unlike the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the printing process of the sticker paper 61 is not executed for each game. Therefore, of course, at this time, the sticker paper 61 on which an image is printed does not exist in the sticker take-out port 19. Instead, in the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, print image data edited by continuous play is stored in the keep image storage unit 107. For example, when the game is executed three times in the continuous play, the keep image storage unit 107 stores edited print images for three games.
[0186]
In step S129, if the CPU 101 does not receive a notification of input of an additional price from the coin processing unit 108 within a predetermined time (for example, within 20 seconds), the CPU 101 determines that the additional price has not been paid. Then, the process proceeds to step S130.
[0187]
If the user selects the end button 242 in step S127, the CPU 101 determines that continuous play has not been selected, that is, the end of the game has been selected, and the process proceeds to step S130. Further, the CPU 101 starts measuring time from the time when the confirmation / editing monitor 14 displays the screen as shown in FIG. 17 in step S126, and the additional play button for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). If neither 241 nor the end button 242 is selected, it is determined in step S127 that continuous play has not been selected, and the process proceeds to step S130.
[0188]
In step S130, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to prompt the confirmation / editing monitor 14 to move to the sticker providing space (for example, “The sticker comes out from this side! Move next! Then, please wait! → ”message is displayed. At the same time, the CPU 101 sends a message prompting the speaker 13R, 13L to move to the sticker providing space via the audio output control unit 111 (for example, “The sticker comes out from the left side! Output!). In accordance with this guidance, the user moves from the photographing / editing space to the sticker paper providing space.
[0189]
Thereafter, the image printing apparatus 1 executes the processing after step S121 for the next user in parallel with the processing after step S131. By doing so, the next user can start the game while printing the image, and therefore, the waiting time of the subsequent user can be reduced by the time required for printing. Therefore, the image printing apparatus 1 can execute a larger number of games in a shorter time.
[0190]
In step S131, the CPU 101 controls the printer 51 to print the edited image on the selected sticker sheet 61. That is, the CPU 101 reads the edited print image stored in the keep image storage unit 107 for one game and supplies it to the printer 51 by one or more games. The printer 51 prints the supplied print image on the sticker sheet 61 with the number of divisions selected in step S88 of FIG. Note that the print image data read from the keep image storage unit 107 is deleted from the keep image storage unit 107.
[0191]
In step S132, the printer 51 controls the cutter 65 according to a command from the CPU 101, and cuts the sticker paper 61 at the length position where the image is printed in step S131. The separated sticker paper 61 is discharged from the sticker paper discharge port 52, falls downward, and is abutted and held by the abutting portion 55.
[0192]
In step S <b> 133, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an edited print image is still stored in the keep image storage unit 107. If the edited print image is still stored in the keep image storage unit 107. Returning to step S131, the processes in and after step S131 are repeated.
[0193]
In this way, for example, when the game is executed three times by continuous play, the processing from step S131 to step S133 is repeated three times. As a result, the three sheets of sticker paper 61 on which the image is printed are held by the abutting portion 55 in the sticker take-out port 19.
[0194]
In step S133, if the CPU 101 determines that the edited print image is no longer stored in the keep image storage unit 107, the process proceeds to step S134.
[0195]
In step S134, the CPU 101 rotates the motor 53 in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 3 via the motor control unit 114, and slides the shutter 20 upward to a predetermined position. When the shutter 20 slides upward, the sticker outlet 19 is opened, and the user can take out one or more sticker sheets 61 on which images are printed that are stocked in the sticker outlet 19. It becomes.
[0196]
In step S <b> 135, the CPU 101 monitors the detection sensor 56 and determines whether or not the sticker sheet 61 has been taken out from the sticker outlet 19.
[0197]
In step S135, the CPU 101 determines that the sticker paper 61 has not been taken out while receiving a detection signal indicating that the sticker paper 61 is present in the sticker take-out port 19 from the detection sensor 56. Monitoring of the detection sensor 56 is continued until it is determined that 61 has been taken out. In step S135, when the detection signal indicating that the sticker paper 61 is present in the sticker take-out port 19 is not received from the detection sensor 56, the CPU 101 determines that the sticker paper 61 has been taken out, and the process proceeds to step S136. move on.
[0198]
In step S136, the CPU 101 rotates the motor 53 in the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 3 via the motor control unit 114, and slides downward until the shutter 20 hits the lower end of the seal take-out port 19. Let Thereafter, the process returns to step S121, and the processes after step S121 described above are repeated.
[0199]
The description of the game process of the image printing apparatus 1 when the image is printed on the sticker sheet 61 and then discharged after all of the plurality of shooting processes and editing processes are completed.
[0200]
As described above, in the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, the print image is not printed on the sticker paper 61 until all the continuous play is completed. Is never touched. Therefore, the same effect as the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 can be obtained by the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0201]
When the image printing apparatus 1 executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, the print image is printed on the sticker sheet 61 after the shooting process and the edit process by the continuous play are all completed. It has become. Therefore, the sticker sheet 61 on which the print image is printed is not stocked in the sticker take-out port 19 until the photographing process and the editing process are completed. Therefore, even if the shutter 20 is not provided, the sticker paper 61 on which an image is printed does not come into contact with another person's eyes. In this case, the motor 53, the detection sensor 56, and the motor control unit 114 are not necessary. Also, the processing from step S134 to step S136 in FIG. 18 is omitted.
[0202]
Even when the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18 is executed, a safety device may be provided in step S136 so that the user's hand is not caught by the shutter 20 to be lowered. desirable.
[0203]
By the way, in the processing of the flowcharts of FIG. 6 and FIG. 18 described above, when the printing process is finished, the printed sticker sheet 61 is immediately cut out. Immediately, it is possible not to perform the process of cutting the printed sticker paper 61. That is, in continuous play, the print processing of the printed image on the sticker paper 61 can be performed for each game, and the cut processing of the sticker paper 61 can be performed after printing for all the games is completed. It is.
[0204]
Next, in continuous play, the printing process of the printed image on the sticker sheet 61 is performed for each game, and the cutting process of the sticker sheet 61 is performed after the printing for all the games is completed. The internal structure of the sticker paper 61 of the apparatus 1 and the principle of cutting off the sticker paper 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23 are views when the inside of the image printing apparatus 1 is viewed from the same angle as that in FIG. 3. FIGS. 19 to 23 show an example in which two games are played by continuous play.
[0205]
As shown in FIG. 19, the image printing apparatus 1 is not provided with the shutter 20. That is, in the image printing apparatus 1 described above, the shutter 20, the motor 53, and the detection sensor 56 are not provided. In FIG. 19, the printed sticker sheet 301 (the sticker sheet 61 on which an image is printed) discharged from the sticker discharge port 52 of the printer 51 is not cut out by the number of continuous play games, and the guide 302a. And the guide 302b. A pair of unloading rollers 303a and unloading rollers 303b are installed at the lower ends of the guides 302a and 302b.
[0206]
Also, a cutter 304 is provided below the carry-out roller 303a and the carry-out roller 303b for cutting out the printed sticker sheet 301 by a predetermined length. Below the cutter 304, a pair of detection sensors 305a and 305b are installed with an interval of a length set in advance as the length of the sticker sheet for one game. The mechanism for detecting the printed sticker sheet 301 by the detection sensor 305a and the detection sensor 305b is the same as the detection mechanism by the detection sensor 56a and the detection sensor 56b shown in FIG.
[0207]
Further, in FIG. 19, an abutting portion 306 for receiving the printed sticker sheet 301 cut by the cutter 304 is provided below and slightly to the right of the detection sensors 305 a and 305 b, and one sheet cut by the cutter 304 is provided. The above printed sticker sheet 301 is held.
[0208]
In the following description, the guide 302a and the guide 302b are collectively referred to as a guide 302 when it is not necessary to individually distinguish them. Further, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the carry-out roller 303a and the carry-out roller 303b, they are collectively referred to as the carry-out roller 303. Although not shown, a guide is installed from directly below the cutter 304 toward the detection sensor 305, and the printed sticker sheet 301 is guided by the guide and reaches between the detection sensors 305a and 305b.
[0209]
FIG. 19 shows a state of the printed sticker sheet 301 at the time when the printing process in the first game is completed in the continuous play. In FIG. 19, the printed sticker paper 301 hangs downward from the sticker paper discharge port 52 without being cut out by the cutter 65 in the printer 51.
[0210]
Next, in the continuous play, the state of the printed sticker sheet 301 at the time when the printing process in the second game is finished and it is determined that no further continuous play is performed is shown in FIG. In FIG. 20, printed images for two games are printed on the printed sticker sheet 301. When it is decided not to perform further continuous play, the cutter 65 in the printer 51 separates the printed sticker sheet 301 from the roll paper at a predetermined length position where printing of the print image is interrupted. . The end of the printed sticker sheet 301 cut by the cutter 65 on the sticker outlet 19 side (hereinafter, the end on the sticker outlet 19 side is the front end and the end on the printer 51 side is the rear end) is a guide. It is guided by 302a and guide 302b and is held between the carry-out roller 303a and the carry-out roller 303b.
[0211]
The carry-out roller 303a and the carry-out roller 303b rotate so as to sandwich the printed sticker sheet 301 and carry out in the direction of the sticker outlet 19 (hereinafter, this direction is also referred to as a predetermined discharge direction). When the detection sensor 305a and the detection sensor 305b detect the printed sticker sheet 301, the carry-out roller 303a and the carry-out roller 303b stop rotating.
[0212]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state of the printed sticker sheet 301 when the detection sensor 305a and the detection sensor 305b detect the printed sticker sheet 301 and the carry-out roller 303a and the carry-out roller 303b stop rotating. is there. As shown in FIG. 21, the printed sticker sheet 301 is fed by the carry-out roller 303a and the carry-out roller 303b that have stopped rotating at the position where the detection sensor 305a and the detection sensor 305b detect the leading edge of the printed sticker sheet 301. It is pinched.
[0213]
At the position shown in FIG. 21, the printed sticker sheet 301 is cut out by the cutter 304, and the printed sticker sheet 301a on the front end side falls and is held by the abutting portion 306 as shown in FIG.
[0214]
Thereafter, the carry-out roller 303a and the carry-out roller 303b rotate so as to discharge the printed sticker sheet 303b in a predetermined discharge direction, and the printed sticker sheet 303b falls as shown in FIG. Retained. As a result, the printed sticker sheet 301a and the printed sticker sheet 301b are stocked in the abutting portion 306.
[0215]
As described above, after all the printing processes by the continuous play are completed, the printed sticker sheet 301 is cut out, so that printing is performed at the sticker outlet 19 until the continuous play is completed. Since the used sticker sheet 301 is not discharged, it is possible to prevent the printed sticker sheet 301 from being touched by others during continuous play.
[0216]
Next, FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the image printing apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 23. The description of the parts described in FIGS. 19 to 23 is omitted. Further, the same portions as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0217]
24, the motor control unit 114, the motor 53, and the detection sensor 56 in FIG. 5 are deleted, and instead, a roller control unit 351, a carry-out roller 303, a cutter control unit 352, a cutter 304, and a detection sensor 305 are provided. It has been.
[0218]
The roller control unit 351 controls the rotation of the carry-out roller 303 in accordance with a command from the CPU 101. The cutter control unit 352 controls the cutter 304 in accordance with a command from the CPU 101 and cuts the printed sticker sheet 301.
[0219]
Next, the game process of the image printing apparatus 1 in FIG. 24 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Note that the processing in steps S151 to S155 in the flowchart in FIG. 25 is the same as the processing in steps S11 to S15 in the flowchart in FIG.
[0220]
In step S151, the CPU 101 causes the confirmation / editing monitor 14 to display a demonstration screen stored in the program storage unit 104, such as a shooting progress method.
[0221]
In step S152, based on the output from the coin processing unit 108, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a predetermined price (seal paper creation price) has been inserted into the coin slot 12 by the user, and determines that it has been inserted. Wait until the demo screen is displayed. If the CPU 101 determines that the price has been inserted, the CPU 101 proceeds to step S153 and executes the photographing process. The detailed description of the photographing process is as described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the price is inserted, the CPU 101 stores the number of plays = 1 in the RAM 103.
[0222]
After the photographing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S154, and the CPU 101 executes an editing process. The detailed description of the editing process is as described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0223]
After the editing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S155. In step S155, the CPU 101 causes the printer 51 to print the image edited in step S154. FIG. 19 shows an example of the state of the printed sticker sheet 301 after the printer 51 has executed the printing process.
[0224]
In step S156, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to display on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 a screen for prompting selection as to whether or not to perform continuous play, for example, as shown in FIG. At the same time, the CPU 101 prompts the speaker 13R, 13L to select whether or not to perform continuous play via the audio output control unit 111 (for example, “If you insert additional coins, you can play again!”). ) Is output.
[0225]
In step S157, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the additional play button 241 has been operated. If the additional operation play button 241 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S158.
[0226]
In step S158, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to display on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 a screen that prompts the user to add a charge as shown in FIG. At the same time, the CPU 101 causes the speakers 13R and 13L to output a message prompting the user to insert a charge (for example, “Please insert money!”) Via the audio output control unit 111.
[0227]
In step S159, the CPU 101 continues to monitor the coin processing unit 108 for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds), and continues to determine whether or not an additional price has been inserted. During this time, the CPU 101 continues to display a screen for prompting the user to add a charge on the confirmation / editing monitor 14 and to output a message prompting the user to insert the charge from the speakers 13R and 13L. Then, when receiving a notification of the addition of an additional price from the coin processing unit 108 within a predetermined time (within 20 seconds), the CPU 101 determines that the additional price has been paid and stores it in the RAM 103. The number of plays is incremented to (number of plays) +1, and the storage in the RAM 103 is updated. Then, it returns to step S153 and repeats the process after step S153 mentioned above.
[0228]
In this way, continuous play is executed. Unlike the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 and the flowchart of FIG. 18, the printing process of the sticker paper 61 is executed for each game, but the cutting process of the sticker paper 61 (printed sticker paper 301) is not executed. . Therefore, naturally, the printed sticker sheet 301 hangs down from the sticker paper discharge port 52 of the printer 51 at this point, and the sticker paper 61 on which an image is printed does not exist in the sticker take-out port 19. In addition, the total number of plays is stored in the RAM 103 by the processing described above.
[0229]
In the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 25, the printed sticker paper 301 on which the print image is printed by continuous play hangs down from the sticker paper discharge port 52 of the printer 51, as shown in FIG. For example, when a game is executed three times in continuous play, printed sticker paper 301 on which print images for three games are printed hangs down from the sticker paper discharge port 52 of the printer 51.
[0230]
In step S159, if the CPU 101 does not receive a notification of input of an additional price from the coin processing unit 108 within a predetermined time (for example, within 20 seconds), the CPU 101 determines that the additional price has not been paid. Then, the process proceeds to step S160.
[0231]
If the user selects the end button 242 in step S157, the CPU 101 determines that continuous play has not been selected, that is, the end of the game has been selected, and the process proceeds to step S160. Further, the CPU 101 starts measuring time from when the confirmation / editing monitor 14 displays the screen as shown in FIG. 17 in step S156, and adds an additional play button for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). If neither 241 nor the end button 242 is selected, it is determined in step S157 that continuous play has not been selected, and the process proceeds to step S160.
[0232]
In step S160, the CPU 101 controls the display processor 112 to prompt the confirmation / editing monitor 14 to move to the sticker providing space (for example, “The sticker comes out from this side! Then, please wait! → ”message is displayed. At the same time, the CPU 101 sends a message prompting the speaker 13R, 13L to move to the sticker providing space via the audio output control unit 111 (for example, “The sticker comes out from the left side! Output!). In accordance with this guidance, the user moves from the photographing / editing space to the sticker paper providing space.
[0233]
Thereafter, the image printing apparatus 1 executes the processing after step S151 for the next user in parallel with the execution of the processing at step S161. By doing so, the next user can start the game while printing the image, and therefore, the waiting time of the subsequent user can be reduced by the time required for printing. Therefore, the image printing apparatus 1 can execute a larger number of games in a shorter time.
[0234]
In step S <b> 161, the CPU 101 transmits a command to the printer 51, the roller control unit 351, and the cutter control unit 352 to execute the cut processing of the printed sticker sheet 301. A detailed description of the cut processing of the printed sticker sheet 301 will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the process of step S161 is complete | finished, a process returns to step S151 and the process after step S151 mentioned above is repeated.
[0235]
Here, with reference to FIG. 26, the process of step S161 of FIG. 25, that is, the cut process of the printed sticker sheet 301 will be described.
[0236]
In step S <b> 181, the printer 51 separates the printed sticker sheet 301 from the roll-shaped sticker sheet 61 by the cutter 65 in accordance with a command from the CPU 101. FIG. 20 shows a state of the separated sticker sheet 301 that has been printed.
[0237]
In step S182, the CPU 101 obtains the total number of times of play in which the storage in the RAM 103 has been updated every time money is input in steps S152 and S159 of FIG. 25. In step S183, X = (number of times played) − 1 is calculated. The CPU 101 stores the calculated value X in the RAM 103.
[0238]
In step S184, the CPU 101 determines whether X = 0. If X = 0, the process proceeds to step S185.
[0239]
In step S185, the CPU 101 instructs the roller control unit 351 to carry out the printed sticker sheet 301 in a predetermined discharge direction. The roller control unit 351 drives the carry-out roller 303 according to a command from the CPU 101 and carries out the printed sticker sheet 301 in a predetermined discharge direction.
[0240]
In step S186, the CPU 101 monitors the detection sensor 305, determines whether or not the detection sensor 305 has detected the printed sticker sheet 301, and if the detection sensor 305 has not detected the printed sticker sheet 301, step S186 is performed. Returning to S185, the processing from step S185 is repeated.
[0241]
In this way, the printed sticker sheet 301 is gradually carried out in a predetermined discharge direction. However, if the CPU 101 determines in step S186 that the detection sensor 305 has detected the pre-printed sticker sheet 301, the process is performed. The process proceeds to step S187.
[0242]
In step S187, the CPU 101 instructs the roller control unit 351 to stop the rotation of the carry-out roller 303, and stops carrying out the printed sticker sheet 301. FIG. 21 shows the state of the printed sticker sheet 301 at this time. In step S 188, the CPU 101 instructs the cutter control unit 352 to cut the printed sticker sheet 301 using the cutter 304. The printed sticker sheet 301 a cut by the cutter 304 falls and is held by the abutting portion 55. FIG. 22 shows the state of the printed sticker sheet 301 at this time. As shown in FIG. 22, the printed sticker sheet 301 is cut and divided into 301a and 301b.
[0243]
In step S189, the CPU 101 decrements the value X stored in the RAM 103 by 1, and updates the storage of the RAM 103 with the calculated value (X-1) as the new X. Thereafter, the process returns to step S184, and the processes after step S184 are repeated.
[0244]
If the CPU 101 determines in step S184 that X = 0, the process proceeds to step S190, and the CPU 101 instructs the roller control unit 351 to rotate the carry-out roller 303 to print printed sticker paper ( For example, the printed sticker sheet 301b in FIG. 22 is carried out in a predetermined discharge direction. As a result, the printed sticker sheet 303b is held by the abutting portion 55 so as to overlap the preprinted sticker sheet 301a as shown in FIG.
[0245]
As described above, the cut processing of the printed sticker sheet 301 is executed, and the same number of printed sticker sheets 301 as the number of games divided for each game are discharged to the sticker ejection port 19.
[0246]
In the above description with reference to FIGS. 19 to 26, the image printing apparatus 1 has been described as an example in which no shutter is provided. However, the image printing apparatus described above with reference to FIGS. 1 may be provided with a shutter 20 as shown in FIG.
[0247]
Incidentally, the administrator of the image printing apparatus 1 replenishes the sticker paper 61 by replacing it with a new sticker paper unit 62 when the sticker paper 61 loaded in the image printing apparatus 1 is almost gone. When the sticker paper 61 is replenished, the CPU 101 of the image printing apparatus 1 collates the ID tag 121 attached to the sticker paper unit 62 to determine whether or not the refilled sticker paper is suitable for the image printing apparatus 1. Can be determined. Next, the ID detection process of the sticker sheet 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0248]
In step S501, the CPU 101 monitors whether or not the sticker unit 62 is attached at a predetermined position of the image printing apparatus 1. If the sticker unit 62 is attached, the process proceeds to step S502.
[0249]
In step S <b> 502, according to a command from the CPU 101, the ID tag reader / writer 109 reads the ID of the ID tag 121 attached to the sticker sheet unit 62 and transmits it to the CPU 101.
[0250]
In step S503, the CPU 101 collates the ID received from the ID tag reader / writer 109 with the sticker ID stored in advance in the ROM 102 in step S502. If both IDs are the same, the process proceeds to step S504. In response to a command from the CPU 101, the display processor 112 causes the confirmation / editing monitor 14 to display a message indicating that the image printing apparatus 1 is usable (games are possible).
[0251]
In step S505, the CPU 101 returns the image printing apparatus 1 to a normal game-capable state (for example, the state in step S11 in FIG. 6).
[0252]
If the CPU 101 determines in step S503 that the ID received from the ID tag reader / writer 109 does not match the sticker ID stored in advance in the ROM 102, the process advances to step S506, and the display processor 112 is instructed by a command from the CPU 101. Causes the confirmation / editing monitor 14 to display a message indicating that the image printing apparatus 1 cannot be used (game is not possible).
[0253]
In step S507, the CPU 101 sets the image printing apparatus 1 to be unusable (game impossible). As the method, for example, it is possible to lower the shutter to the coin insertion slot 12 so that no coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 12.
[0254]
In the present embodiment, the ID tag 121 is attached to the sticker paper unit 62. However, if the type of the sticker paper 61 loaded in the sticker paper unit 62 can be identified, other ID tags 121 may be used. The sticker paper 61 may be identified by a method.
[0255]
For example, instead of the ID tag 121, the sticker unit 62 may be identified using a method such as a barcode or an IC card. Further, the shape of the mounting portion of the sticker paper unit 62 to the image printing apparatus may be different for each model of the image printing apparatus so that only a suitable sticker paper unit 62 can be attached to the image printing apparatus 1. .
[0256]
Further, the sticker paper 61 and the sticker paper unit 62 can be configured to be separable, or can be configured integrally.
[0257]
In the above description, the image printing apparatus 1 as a photo sticker vending machine has been described as an example. However, the image printing apparatus 1 of the present invention is not limited to a photo sticker vending machine. For example, a home printer or the like may have the above-described function. Further, by connecting a digital camera, a microphone, and a printer, for example, to a general-purpose personal computer and installing a program for executing processing performed by the image printing apparatus 1, the above-described functions of the image printing apparatus 1 are provided. You may do it.
[0258]
When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software executes various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, a general-purpose personal computer is installed from a network or a recording medium.
[0259]
In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.
[0260]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the user can play the game continuously a plurality of times.
[0261]
In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the sticker paper on which the image is printed from being touched by another person while the user is playing continuously, and the sticker on which the image is printed. Taking paper can be prevented. Therefore, the user can concentrate on the game without worrying about the sticker sheet on which the image is printed.
[0262]
As a result, the user starts the next game without waiting until the sticker sheet on which the image is printed is discharged from the sticker take-out port, and the number of games per unit time (for example, per day) is increased. Can do a lot. As a result, the waiting time for subsequent customers can be shortened, and more profits can be obtained for the manager.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of an image printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of the image printing apparatus of FIG.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure of a sticker outlet of the image printing apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a printer installed in the image printing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the image printing apparatus in FIG. 1;
6 is a flowchart illustrating game processing of the image printing apparatus in FIG.
7 is a diagram showing an example of a demonstration screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor in step S1 of FIG. 6; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating in detail the process in step S13 of FIG.
9 is a diagram showing an example of an explanation screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor in step S51 of FIG.
10 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor in step S53 of FIG. 8; FIG.
11 is a diagram showing an example of an image confirmation screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor in step S54 of FIG.
12 is a diagram showing an example of a brightness adjustment screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor in step S58 of FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating details of the editing process executed in step S14 of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an image editing screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor in step S83 of FIG.
15 is a diagram showing a display example of an edited image displayed on the image editing screen of FIG.
16 is a diagram showing an example of a division number selection screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor in step S88 of FIG.
FIG. 17 is an example of a continuous play selection screen displayed on the confirmation / editing monitor in step S17 of FIG. 6;
18 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the game processing of the image printing apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sticker outlet of an image printing apparatus different from the image printing apparatus of FIG.
20 is another view for explaining the structure of the seal outlet of the image printing apparatus different from the image printing apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 21 is still another view illustrating the structure of the seal takeout port of the image printing apparatus different from the image printing apparatus of FIG.
22 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a sticker outlet of an image printing apparatus different from the image printing apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 23 is another view for explaining the structure of a sticker outlet of an image printing apparatus different from the image printing apparatus of FIG. 1;
24 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the image printing apparatus of FIGS. 19 to 23. FIG.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart for describing game processing of the image printing apparatus in FIG. 24;
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating in detail the processing in step S161 in FIG.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating ID detection processing of the image printing apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image printing device
12 Coin slot
14 Monitor for confirmation / editing
15A Line drawing touch pen
15B Touch pen for stamping
15C Eraser Touch Pen
19 Seal outlet
20 Shutter
31 Imaging device
51 printer
52 Seal outlet
53 Motor
54 Gear
56 detection sensors
61 Sticker paper
62 Sticker paper unit
65 cutters
101 CPU
109 ID tag reader / writer
114 Motor controller

Claims (3)

Photographing means for photographing an image of a subject;
Editing means for editing the image of the subject in accordance with a user's editing operation;
Printing means for printing the subject image edited by the editing means on a roll-shaped print medium at a timing when the editing of the subject image by the editing means is completed ;
Concealing means for concealing the print medium on which the image of the subject is printed by the printing means from the outside;
Selection accepting means for accepting selection as to whether or not to continuously execute the game;
Control means for causing the photographing means to perform photographing of the subject and causing the editing means to perform editing of the image of the subject when the selection acceptance means accepts the selection to continuously execute the game;
The part of the print medium on which the image of the subject is printed by the printing unit from the printing medium wound in a roll form at the timing when the selection not accepting the game is continuously received by the selection accepting unit Cutting means for cutting the game one game at a time,
An image printing apparatus comprising: a providing unit that provides the user with the print medium cut by the cutting unit when the selection receiving unit receives a selection not to continuously execute the game. . In an image printing method of an image printing apparatus provided with a concealing means for concealing a print medium on which an image is printed from the outside,
A shooting step for shooting an image of the subject;
An editing step of editing the image of the subject according to a user editing operation;
A printing step of printing the image of the subject edited by the processing of the editing step on a print medium wound in a roll at a timing when the editing of the image of the subject by the processing of the editing step is completed ;
A selection receiving step for receiving selection of whether or not to continuously execute the game;
When selection for continuously executing the game is received by the processing of the selection receiving step, shooting of the subject is executed by the processing of the shooting step, and the image of the subject is edited by the processing of the editing step. Control steps to be executed;
The portion of the image where the image of the subject is printed by the printing unit from the print medium wound in a roll form at the timing when selection not to continuously execute the game is received by the processing of the selection receiving step. A cutting step for cutting the print medium one game at a time;
A step of providing the user with the print medium cut by the process of the cutting step when a selection not to continuously execute the game is received by the process of the selection receiving step. Image printing method. A computer that controls an image printing apparatus including a concealing unit that conceals a print medium on which an image is printed from the outside,
A shooting control step for controlling shooting of a subject image;
An editing step of editing the image of the subject according to a user editing operation;
A printing step of printing the image of the subject edited by the processing of the editing step on a print medium wound in a roll at a timing when the editing of the image of the subject by the processing of the editing step is completed ;
A selection receiving step for receiving selection of whether or not to continuously execute the game;
When selection of executing the game continuously is received by the process of the selection receiving step, the control of shooting of the subject by the process of the shooting control step is executed, and the image of the subject by the process of the editing step is executed. A control step that causes the editing of
The portion of the image where the image of the subject is printed by the printing unit from the print medium wound in a roll form at the timing when selection not to continuously execute the game is received by the processing of the selection receiving step. A cutting control step for controlling the printing medium to cut one game at a time;
A provision control step for controlling the provision of the print medium cut by the process of the cutting control step to the user when a selection not to continuously execute the game is received by the process of the selection receiving step; The program to be executed.

Images