JP4504841B2 - Photo vending equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photo vending apparatus capable of notifying an installer of the state of the apparatus.

  In recent years, a photo vending called so-called “Purikura” (registered trademark) that takes pictures, enters characters and figures with the attached touch pen, and makes sticker prints at stores providing games such as game centers. Many devices are installed.

  Such photo vending machines are composed of various devices such as strobes and cameras, and it is common to have test modes for checking the status of these devices and for maintenance. ing. Such a test mode is activated by pressing a test button, and is operated by an employee (hereinafter referred to as an installer) such as a game center in which a photo vending apparatus is installed.

  Furthermore, in such a photo vending apparatus, a plurality of types of settings such as the number of seal sheet divisions and BGM (Back Ground Music) settings are prepared in order to cope with various circumstances for each store.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a strobe life detecting means for detecting the life of a strobe lighting means is provided in a photo sticker vending machine. Specifically, during the player's play, the lifespan is checked by comparing the cumulative number of strobe flashes with the number of strobe lifespans, and processing that prohibits continuation of play when it is determined that the lifespan is reached, or the cumulative strobe flashes There is a description of processing for notifying the replacement warning when the number of flash replacement warnings exceeds the number of flash replacement warnings. With such a configuration, a player who uses the device can confirm an abnormality of the strobe lighting device during play, and can promptly request the installer to replace the strobe.

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a photo sticker vending machine is provided with operation confirmation means for confirming the operation of each component such as illumination means, imaging means, and printing means. Specifically, the operation check program that starts when the main power of the photo sticker vending machine is turned on checks the operation of each component, and if it is not normal, it displays a malfunction on the display. There is a description of the processing. In addition, there is a description of confirming the operation of each component in a maintenance mode that is activated by pressing a maintenance switch provided inside the housing. With such a configuration, the installer can check the malfunction of each component at startup or in the maintenance mode.
JP 2001-338342 A JP 2003-30745 A

  However, as in Patent Document 1, if an error screen is displayed during play, the player (user) needs to interrupt the play and call the staff (installer) bothersomely, There is a problem that it will be fun to play.

  In addition, as shown in Patent Document 2, even if an abnormal state is displayed in the operation check at the time of start-up, the store clerk is busy preparing for opening the store, but the abnormal state is confirmed but left unsupported, and the display is Since it is only once, there is a problem that it may forget that it is abnormal thereafter. Further, when confirming in the maintenance mode, it is necessary to open the door of the locked housing and press the maintenance switch, which is troublesome, and there is a problem that the operation rate is lowered because the operation of the apparatus is stopped.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and is to provide a photo vending apparatus capable of notifying the installer of the state of the apparatus without causing the user to misunderstand or feel uneasy. Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a photo vending apparatus forms a shooting space, a shooting corner that allows a user to enter and exit, a shooting means for shooting a user, and a shooting device that is used during shooting. A fatal error in which the device cannot be used, including lighting means including a strobe for illuminating a person, display means for displaying a standby screen waiting for use by the user, and determination means for determining the state of the apparatus If an error occurs, an error is displayed and the device cannot be used, and there is no problem in using the device. to, by displaying the icon image is an image picture of the state of the device, have rows an indication to that effect, accept the insertion of consideration while displaying the icon image, received consideration situ It is characterized in that to start shooting play.
Preferably, the determination unit determines that the illumination unit is abnormal by determining the state of the illumination unit and displaying an icon image on the standby screen when the determination unit determines that the illumination unit is abnormal. The display is performed.
Preferably, the icon image is an image that expresses in an identifiable manner that the illumination means is abnormal.
Preferably, in the photo vending apparatus, the illumination unit includes a capacitor for charging the strobe, and the determination unit determines the state of the illumination unit based on the charging time of the capacitor.
Preferably, the determination unit determines the state of the apparatus before displaying the standby screen.
A photo vending apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a photographing means for photographing a user, an illumination means including a strobe, a display means for displaying a standby screen waiting for use by the user, and a state of the illumination means. Determining means for determining whether the illuminating means is abnormal when the deciding means determines that the illuminating means is abnormal. .

  The display means includes a liquid crystal or CRT display or a tablet display.

  The standby screen is a screen displayed on each display means when the user is not using the photo vending apparatus. That is, it includes a title demonstration screen displayed on the display or the like before the user uses the photo vending apparatus, and a standby screen displayed on the tablet display when waiting for editing play.

  The “abnormal” state includes a state where it is preferable not to stop the operation of the photo vending apparatus, but when it is not enough to stop the operation of the photo vending apparatus, for example, when the amount of light is lower than a predetermined setting.

  According to such a photo vending machine, the installer can check the abnormality of the illumination means at a glance while traveling in the store. It is possible to respond quickly, such as replacing the flashlight or placing an order even if the strobe is out of stock.

  Further, the state of the illumination means can be confirmed without interrupting the user's play, and it is not necessary to bother to activate the test mode in order to confirm the state of the illumination means.

  In addition, when it is determined that the illumination unit is abnormal, it is preferable that an icon image is displayed on the standby screen to indicate that the illumination unit is abnormal.

  The icon image is an image image obtained by metaphorically abstracting the state of the apparatus, and includes that the icon image is represented metaphorically by a figure, a symbol, a number, an abstract character expression, a color, and a combination thereof.

  According to such a photo vending apparatus, since it is displayed as a metaphor with an icon image instead of a direct expression such as a sentence expression, a sense of anxiety or discomfort to a user who intends to start using it from now on Never give. Further, since it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the device is out of order, it is possible to prevent the use from being avoided.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the icon image is an image that expresses that the illumination unit is abnormal.

  The icon image is an image image obtained by abstracting the state of the apparatus so as to be identifiable, and includes that the icon image is identifiable by a figure, a symbol, a number, an abstract character expression, a color, and a combination thereof.

  According to such a photo vending apparatus, since it is displayed so as to be identifiable with an icon image instead of a direct expression such as a sentence expression, the installer can easily confirm the state of the apparatus at a glance. In addition, it does not give anxiety or incongruity to the user who intends to start using it. Further, since it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the device is out of order, it is possible to prevent the use from being avoided.

  Further, it is preferable that the illumination unit includes a capacitor for charging a strobe, and the determination unit determines a state of the illumination unit based on a charging time of the capacitor.

  According to such a photo vending machine, the installer can check the strobe abnormality before the strobe light is not emitted, so it is possible to replace the strobe or place an order even if the strobe is out of stock. Immediate response is possible.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.
[Appearance configuration]

  First, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, an external configuration of a photo vending apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 1, this photo vending apparatus includes a housing 1, and has a photographing corner 2 for photographing and an editing corner 3 for performing editing called “doodle” or “drawing” on both sides thereof. . The photo vending apparatus further includes an editing device 4 installed on the editing corner 3 side and a background device 5 that hangs a roll curtain 301 as a background at the time of shooting.

  First, the user 6 enters the photographing corner 2 and performs photographing while facing the housing 1 side. After shooting, the user 6 moves to the editing corner 3 and edits the shot image using the editing device 4.

  The photographing corner 2 forms an appropriate photographing space between the housing 1 and the background device 5 so that the user 6 can enter and exit and can secure a necessary distance between the housing 1 and the user 6. is doing. The editing corner 3 is opened so that the user 6 can enter and exit, but a side curtain (not shown) is attached to protect the privacy of the user 6 and to block light from the outside. Yes.

  The photo vending apparatus further includes a ceiling frame 7 extending from the upper surface of the housing 1 to both sides, and the ceiling frame 7 defines a space for the photographing corner 2 and the editing corner 3.

  The background device 5 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed in the upper rear part of the photographing corner 2 and houses a plurality of roll curtains 301 arranged in the photographing direction. When the user selects a favorite roll curtain 301, the selected roll curtain 301 is suspended from the opening of the curtain unit 300. The roll curtain 301 may be moved up and down by a manual operation of the user 6 or may be automatically moved up and down by operating the operation unit 23 or an operation unit dedicated to the roll curtain.

  Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a surface on the photographing corner 2 side of the housing 1 is a front surface, and a surface on the editing corner 3 side is a back surface.

  Referring to FIG. 2, on the front surface of the housing 1, a camera 21 that captures an image of the user 6 as a subject, and a subject and a background image that are captured by the camera 21 are displayed in real time, and the user 6 can visually check A live monitor 22 for confirming, an operation unit 23 for accepting an operation of the user 6, a display 24 for displaying a demonstration screen, an operation procedure during photographing, and the like, a coin insertion slot 25 for inserting coins as a consideration. And a front door 26 that is opened when maintenance of various control devices accommodated in the housing 1 is performed, and a photographing speaker (reference numeral 28 in FIG. 4) that outputs announcements such as BGM and operation procedures. ing.

  Around the camera 21, a fluorescent lamp (reference numeral 30 in FIG. 4), a strobe (reference numeral 59 in FIG. 4), and the like are incorporated, and an illumination box 27 is provided to illuminate the subject and the surface of the roll curtain 301 as the background. It has been.

  As the camera 21, a digital camera is generally used. Setting, changing, and shutter timing of shooting conditions (for example, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure correction, white balance, etc.) are described later in accordance with an input from the operation unit 23 or preset data (reference numeral 50 in FIG. 4). ).

  The housing 1 includes a fan for releasing internal heat, a LAN (Local Area Network) cable outlet, etc. to enable communication with external devices such as distribution of captured images and remote maintenance. May be provided.

  Referring to FIG. 3, an editing device 4 installed on the rear surface of the housing 1 displays a picture taken by the photographing corner 2 and accepts an image editing operation, and a desired graphic or character. A touch pen 32 for input and an editing speaker (reference numeral 33 in FIG. 4) for outputting announcements such as BGM and operation procedures are provided.

A box-shaped print outlet 8 is provided on the side surface of the housing 1. A printer (reference numeral 52 in FIG. 4) is provided inside the housing 1, and a photograph taken is printed on a sticker sheet by the printer and discharged. A printing LED (Light Emitting Diode) 9 and a printing error LED 10 are provided in the vicinity of the print outlet 8, and these are lit or blinking to notify that printing is in progress or to print paper during printing. Notification that an error such as running out, running out of ink, paper jam, or mechanical error has occurred.
[Function configuration]

  Next, the functional configuration of the above-described photo vending apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 4, this photo vending apparatus is a central part of calculation and control for each function and processing operation, and is a computer device 50a for photographing that executes processing processing of play mainly performed on the photographing side. An editing / printing computer device 50b that executes a play processing operation mainly performed on the editing side (collectively referred to as a computer device 50) and a board, is connected in response to an instruction from the computer device 50. And a control unit 51 for controlling and driving various devices. The photographing computer device 50a and the editing computer device 50b are connected to each other and exchange image data and information data on a peer-to-peer basis. These function as control means of the photo vending apparatus 1.

  Since the photographing computer device 50a and the editing computer device 50b have the same configuration, the description will be given collectively. The computer apparatus 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a storage unit 502, a semiconductor memory 503, and a driver 504. The CPU 501 is an arithmetic device that performs arithmetic processing as a central part of the computer device 50. The storage unit 502 stores a program for operating the apparatus, image data necessary for the operation, sound data, a captured image, an input edited image, and the like. The semiconductor memory 503 serves as a temporary work area for programs. The driver 504 drives peripheral devices such as the camera 21, the tablet display 31, and the printer 52.

  When the apparatus is turned on, the photographing computer device 50 a starts a program and controls the shutter timing of the camera 21, the live monitor 22 and the display 24, and the editing computer device 50 b is connected to the printer 52. The output and the display of the tablet display 31 are controlled.

  The editing computer device 50 b also transmits an instruction signal to the control unit 51 in accordance with the editing operation input from the program and the tablet display 31.

  The printer 52 prints the photographed and edited image on a sticker sheet. Here, a case where a photograph is printed on a sticker sheet will be described as an example. However, instead of the sticker sheet, a photograph may be printed on paper, metal, plastic, or another print medium. The printer 52 notifies the computer device 50 of a state such as out of paper, and the computer device 50 transmits an instruction signal to the control unit 51 in response to the notification. As the printer 52, a printer such as a sublimation type or a thermoautochrome method (a light fixing type direct thermal recording method) is generally used.

The photo vending machine further includes a power switch 53, a power control unit 54, a UPS (Uninterrupted
Power Supply) 55. The power switch 53 is turned on and off. The power supply control unit 54 controls the power supply system such as the live monitor 22, the photographing speaker 28, the editing speaker 33, the strobe 59, and the fluorescent lamp 30, and stabilizes the power supply voltage supplied to them from the outside. When the program running on the computer device 50 is forcibly terminated due to power-off, the operation of the computer device 50 becomes unstable. Therefore, even if the power is turned off, the UPS 55 backs up the power for a while and transmits a power failure signal to the computer device 50. In the meantime, the computer device 50 executes a program end process and normally ends the program. At this time, the computer apparatus 50 transmits an end signal to the UPS 55.

  The control unit 51 includes an operation unit 23, an imaging speaker 28, an editing speaker 33, a service panel 56, a coin control unit 57, a background device, in addition to the imaging computer device 50a, the editing computer device 50b, and the power supply control unit 54. 5, connected to the printing LED 9, the printing error LED 10, and the strobe controller 58.

  The operation unit 23 receives the operation of the user 6 and transmits an operation signal to the control unit 51. The imaging computer device 50a receives an operation signal from the control unit 51 and executes a process according to the operation content.

  The control unit 51 controls the photographing speaker 28 in accordance with the instruction signal received from the photographing computer device 50a. The control unit 51 controls the editing speaker 33 in accordance with the instruction signal received from the editing computer device 50b. The shooting speaker 28 and the editing speaker 33 output operation guidance and BGM during the game.

  The service panel 56 adjusts the volume of audio output from the coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, the print counter that counts the number of printed prints, the shooting speaker 28, and the editing speaker 33. A volume adjustment knob, a test button for switching the apparatus to a test mode, a service button for enabling the apparatus to be used without inserting coins, and the like are provided. The service panel 56 is used when the installer of this apparatus performs various settings and maintenance. The control unit 51 transmits a control signal to the service panel 56 in accordance with the instruction signal received from the computer device 50. The service panel 56 operates a coin counter and a print counter according to the control signal. The installers here are managers, managers, and employees of stores and the like where the apparatus is installed to conduct business, and are persons who can respond to users during business.

  The coin control unit 57 determines the validity of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 25 and transmits a detection signal indicating the insertion of the coin to the control unit 51. The control unit 51 transmits a control signal to the coin control unit 57 according to the instruction signal received from the imaging computer device 50a, and the coin control unit 57 shields the coin slot 25 according to the control signal. Thereby, for example, coin insertion can be prohibited during a game.

  When the user 6 operates the operation unit 23 to select a desired roll curtain 301, the control unit 51 hangs down the selected roll curtain 301 according to the operation signal received from the operation unit 23. The roll curtain 301 may be automatically selected according to the instruction signal received from the photographing computer device 50a.

  The control unit 51 receives an instruction signal corresponding to the state of the printer 52 from the editing computer device 50b, and controls the printing LED 9 and the printing error LED 10. As a result, the printing LED 9 or the printing error LED 10 is turned on or blinked.

  The photo vending apparatus further includes a strobe 59. The strobe 59 is built in the illumination box 27 shown in FIG. The fluorescent lamp 30 always illuminates the subject, whereas the strobe 59 momentarily illuminates the subject in synchronization with the shutter of the camera 21. The strobe controller 58 is connected to the camera 21 and receives a shutter synchronization signal SS according to the shutter timing of the camera 21. The strobe control unit 58 flashes the strobe 59 in response to the shutter synchronization signal SS.

  The strobe control unit 58 transmits values such as the number of flashes and the charging time of the strobe 59 to the photographing computer device 50 a via the control unit 51 during the strobe check process.

  The strobe control unit 58 may set the flash intensity or the like according to the control signal from the control unit 51. Similarly, the fluorescent lamp 30 may set illuminance or the like according to a control signal from the control unit 51.

The illustrated form is merely an example of a photo vending apparatus. Therefore, other functions not shown in the figure may be provided, and conversely, not all the functions shown in the figure may be provided. For example, as in the present embodiment, the computer device 50 may be configured as a single unit, or may be configured as three or more units, instead of being used for shooting and editing. The printer 52 may not be provided in the photo vending machine body. In this case, the photo vending apparatus may output the image data to the outside via a telecommunication line such as a LAN, print the photo with an external printer, or store the photo in a mobile phone.
[Operation]

  First, referring to FIG. 5, the operation on the photographing side of the above-described photo vending apparatus will be described. This operation is realized by the CPU 501a reading and executing a program from the storage unit 502a to the memory 503a.

  First, when the power switch 53 is turned on, power is supplied to various devices, and a program stored in the storage unit 502a is activated. The computer device 50 checks whether or not various devices are normally connected, and performs initialization for devices that need to be initialized (S10). Then, a strobe check process (S11) is performed.

  Here, the strobe check process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the strobe check process, it is checked by a predetermined method whether or not the strobe 59 is abnormal (whether or not the life is near).

  In the strobe check process, first, the CPU 501a initializes a strobe abnormality flag (S100). Then, a strobe check is executed (S101), and it is determined whether or not the strobe is abnormal (S102).

  The strobe check method in step S101 will be described. A strobe check method includes a determination method by monitoring a charging time and a determination method by referring to the cumulative number of times of light emission.

  First, a method for determining the abnormality of the strobe by monitoring the charging time of the capacitor of the strobe 59 will be described. The CPU 501a monitors the charging time of the capacitor of the strobe 59. Then, when the charging time is shorter or longer than the standard charging time, it is determined that the charging is abnormal. When it is determined that the charging is abnormal, it is determined that the strobe 59 is abnormal and the life is short.

  Next, a method for referring to the cumulative number of flashes of the strobe 59 will be described. The CPU 501a refers to the cumulative number of times of light emission stored in the IC chip provided in the strobe 59. When the cumulative number of flashes of the strobe 59 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, it is determined that the life of the strobe 59 is near.

  The strobe check method is not limited to the method described above. For example, a method may be adopted in which a light emitting sensor that measures the amount of light of a strobe is provided and the strobe is determined to be abnormal when the amount of light is determined to be equal to or less than a specified value. In the strobe check process, the check may be executed by any one of the above-described check methods, or a plurality of check methods may be executed.

  If the CPU 501a determines that the strobe is abnormal (YES in S102), the CPU 501a turns on the strobe abnormality flag (S103), and proceeds to step S12 of the shooting play process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the strobe is not abnormal (NO in S102), the process proceeds to step S12 of the photographing play process shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the strobe check process is performed every time a set of users 6 finishes playing, but may be performed only when the apparatus is activated. However, the determination of the amount of light by the above-described light emitting sensor cannot be detected unless the strobe 59 is fired, so that the camera 21 is in the shutter operation when the user is shooting and shooting (the strobe 59 emits light at this time). The strobe check process is performed.

  In this embodiment, the strobe abnormality flag is initialized in step S100. However, it is not always necessary to perform initialization. When a strobe abnormality is determined, the strobe abnormality flag is turned ON / OFF. You may make it switch.

  Returning to FIG. 5 again, the shooting play process will be described. When the strobe check process is completed, a title demonstration screen functioning as a standby screen waiting for the use of the apparatus is displayed on the display 24, and at the same time, sound is output from the photographing speaker 28 (S12).

  At this time, the CPU 101a refers to the strobe abnormality flag described above, and displays the icon 103 indicating the strobe state in a predetermined area of the title demo screen based on the strobe abnormality flag (S13).

  7A to 7B are diagrams illustrating specific examples of the title demo screen.

  On the title demonstration screen, a title 101 of the photo vending apparatus, a coin insertion guide 102 “Please insert a coin”, and an icon 103 indicating the state of the strobe are displayed. As shown in FIG. 7A, the icon 103 may be an image in which the strobe is abstracted to indicate an abnormality and a cross mark is added, or only the strobe is abstracted as shown in FIG. 7B. It may be an image that has been converted into a picture. According to the former, it is possible to inform the installer of the state of the device in an easy-to-understand manner, and according to the latter, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uneasy.

  Such an icon 103 is displayed based on the ON / OFF state of the strobe abnormality flag checked and set in the strobe check process described above. The icon 103 is stored in the storage unit 502a as an image corresponding to a strobe abnormality. When the strobe abnormality flag is ON, the CPU 501a reads the image and displays it on the title demo screen. Further, the icon 103 may be displayed when a strobe abnormality or life is detected without setting a strobe abnormality flag.

  The icon 103 indicating strobe abnormality may be an image image that is abstracted so that the state of the device can be identified, or an image image that shows the state of the device in a metaphoric manner. In the present embodiment, it is expressed by a combination of figures, but it may be a combination of characters or the like, a symbol, or a number. Direct display such as “Replace the strobe” or “The strobe is abnormal” will give the user 6 anxiety that the device may not be used. By displaying the image 103 such as an abstract graphic such as an icon 103 so as to be identifiable or metaphorically, the user 6 is not anxious.

  By displaying the icon 103 as described above, the installer can check the strobe abnormality at a glance while traveling around the store. Even if the strobe is out of stock, it can be dealt with quickly, such as placing an order.

  In addition, with the above configuration, the state of the strobe 59 can be confirmed without interrupting the user's play, and it is not necessary to bother to activate the test mode in order to confirm the state of the strobe 59.

  Moreover, since it is displayed not as a direct expression such as a sentence expression but as an icon image by the above configuration, it does not give anxiety or discomfort to the user who intends to start using it. Further, since it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the device is out of order, it is possible to prevent the use from being avoided.

  As described above, even if it is determined that the strobe is abnormal or has a lifetime, the strobe 59 does not emit no light, so that the use of the apparatus is not immediately disturbed. However, since the strobe is in an abnormal state or near the end of its life, it can be said that it is preferable to replace the strobe soon. In this way, the strobe status display indicates that the strobe 59 has no problem with the current use but needs to be alerted (consumables such as the strobe and the seal sheet will soon be consumed. It is effective in the case where

  If a fatal error that prevents the device from being used (strobe non-flash, out of paper, device connection error, etc.) has occurred, the error content and countermeasures are displayed on the display 24, It is preferable to output an error sound or the like from a speaker to notify the installer of the photo vending apparatus so that the apparatus cannot be used.

  The display of the device state by the icon 103 as described above is not a fatal error, so there is no problem in using the device at present, but the device is displayed when a state that needs to be alerted is determined. It is not limited to display regarding abnormalities. Next, another embodiment of the apparatus status display by the icon 103 will be described.

  Since this photo vending apparatus cannot easily check the state of the apparatus from the outside, there is a problem that the setting may be left unintentionally or unintended by the installer. In order to solve the above problems, a setting state when there are a plurality of settings in a certain setting (which type of setting state is present when there are a plurality of BGM types or division types), or a special setting When it is determined that it is set (if it is in a state where special editing images can be used at the time of Christmas or Valentine's event), the icon as described above 103 is displayed on the title demonstration screen to notify the installer.

  The apparatus status check as described above is performed by the CPU 501a reading the setting information from the storage unit 502a and the check program operating to sequentially check each check item.

  Then, the CPU 501a determines whether or not the checked item is in a predetermined state, and when it is determined that the checked item is in the predetermined state, the state flag of the currently checked item is turned ON. . Although predetermined items are set in advance as the check items, the installer may select items to be checked when the test mode is activated. Alternatively, there may be an item performed for each play depending on the type of check item, or an item performed only when the apparatus is activated.

  More specifically, description will be made using the title demo screen shown in FIG.

  The icon 103a illustrated in FIG. 8 indicates the state of the number of divisions, the icon 103b indicates the state of the strobe 59, and the icon 103c indicates the state of editing settings. That is, in this case, the current device state is that the type of the number of divisions of the seal sheet is a predetermined state (a setting different from the general setting), and the strobe 59 is a predetermined state (the replacement time is approaching). Yes, it can be seen at a glance that the editing settings are in a predetermined state (event mode such as Christmas).

  By displaying the setting and status of the device with the icon 103 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the installer can easily check the current status of the device.

  In FIG. 8, the icons 103 indicating the device status are displayed in rows, but may be displayed in columns or other arrangements. It is preferable to display the icon 103 indicating the apparatus state at an inconspicuous position. Furthermore, it may be displayed on the standby screen of the editing-side tablet display 31 as well as on the title demonstration screen of the photographing-side display 31. In addition, a display such as an LCD (liquid crystal monitor) may be provided separately, and the icon 103 may be displayed on the display, or a plurality of display lamps may be provided so that each display lamp corresponds to each device state. May be.

  Returning to FIG. 5 again, when the test button is pressed during the display of the title demo screen as described above (YES in S14), the apparatus enters a test mode for maintenance (S15). In the test mode, the usage status of the apparatus (for example, the number of coins inserted) can be confirmed, and peripheral devices such as the camera 21 and the printer 52 can be adjusted.

  On the other hand, when the test button is not pressed during the display of the title demo (NO in S14), the insertion of coins is accepted at the coin insertion slot 25, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined price has been received (S16). If the predetermined consideration has not been received (NO in S16), the process returns to step S14. On the other hand, if the coin control unit 57 detects the correctness or number of coins, and if it is determined that the coin has been received normally and a predetermined price has been received (YES in S16), the process proceeds to the next step S17. A play operation is started.

  The play operation starts with shooting play. An image captured by the camera 21 is displayed in real time on the live monitor 22. The user 6 takes a favorite facial expression or pose while viewing the image displayed on the live monitor 22.

  Next, when there are a plurality of modes in the shooting method, the options are displayed on the operation display 24, and the user 6 is made to select a preferred shooting mode with the buttons of the operation unit 23 (S17). Here, the situation of the user 6 such as the number of photographers may be input. Thereby, a series of games can be provided according to a user's situation. Then, shooting is started in the selected shooting mode (S18).

  Here, not only the shooting mode but also a desired roll curtain 301 is selected as a background at the time of shooting. Based on the selection of the user 6, the roll curtain 301 is suspended. The roll curtain 301 may be associated with the shooting mode in advance, and the roll curtain 301 corresponding to the selected shooting mode may be suspended.

  Further, the camera 21 can be moved to a desired position, the camera 21 can be rotated, and the orientation of the camera 21 can be adjusted. These instructions are received by the operation unit 23 or the like. Further, when buttons for instructing the direction of the camera 21, zooming, and the like are provided in the vicinity of the camera 21, etc., instructions for the direction of the camera 21 and zooming are received thereby. Then, shooting is performed in the selected shooting mode or background.

  Photographing is automatically performed by outputting a countdown such as “3, 2, 1” to the display 24 or the photographing speaker 28 as time passes. Alternatively, it may be performed manually by pressing a shooting button (not shown) provided in the vicinity of the camera 21. Shooting is performed when a shooting signal is transmitted from the computer device 50 to the camera 21 and the shutter is released. In step S18, such shooting is repeated a predetermined number of times.

  When shooting is completed, all the shot images are displayed on the display 24, and the user 6 is selected by the operation unit 23 from among the shot images, and is set as a keep image (S19).

  When the keep image is selected, a guidance for urging the user 6 to move to the editing corner 3 is displayed on the display 24, and a transfer process for transferring the image to the editing computer device 50b is performed (S20). . The user 6 moves to the editing corner 3 according to the guidance. Thereafter, the operation of the user 6 is performed at the editing corner 3. Then, the photographing corner 3 returns to step S11 again, performs strobe check processing, and displays a title demo screen.

  Next, the operation on the editing side of the above-described photo vending apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. This operation is realized by the CPU 501b reading and executing a program from the storage unit 502b to the memory 503b.

  First, when the power switch 53 is turned on, power is supplied to various devices, and a program stored in the storage unit 502b is started. The computer device 50 checks whether or not various devices are normally connected, and performs initialization for devices that require initialization (S50).

  When the user 6 is not playing, the CPU 501b displays a standby screen on the tablet display 31 (S51). When data reception such as the keep image selected in step S20 is started (S52), a message such as “Transferring image” indicating that data is being received is displayed on the tablet display 31 (S53). When the data reception is completed (S54), the keep image is displayed on the tablet display 31.

  Next, an editing input with the touch pen 32 is received for the selected photographed image, and the user 6 is made to perform a desired editing (S54). At this time, operability (editing efficiency) can be improved by outputting editing guidance, BGM, sound effects, and the like from the editing speaker 33.

  During editing input, the tablet display 31 has a button for switching a keep image to be edited and “frame”, “line”, “stamp”, “pen”, and input stamp for selecting an editing function. Displays buttons such as “Kishigomu” for erasing edited images such as images, “Return to one” to return the input operation to the previous state, and “From the beginning” for redoing image input from the beginning. . The user 6 selects a tool to be used by pressing these buttons with the touch pen 32. Furthermore, after selecting a color, a pattern, etc., an edit input is performed on the edit area where the selection screen to be edited is displayed.

  During editing, the captured image and the edited image are developed on different layers, and are displayed on the tablet display 31 in a superimposed manner. Which image is displayed above is set according to the application. For example, when the edited image is used as the foreground of the photographed image, the edited image becomes the upper layer. The edited image may further include a plurality of layers such as a stamp image layer and a frame image layer.

The edit input time is preset. Then, the remaining time is displayed on the tablet display 31 and the countdown is performed. Editing input ends when the remaining time becomes zero. By pressing the “end” button displayed on the screen, the editing input can be forcibly terminated before the remaining time becomes zero.

  Editing can be continued within the editing input time or until the “end” button is pressed (NO in S56). When the editing input is completed (YES in S56), a plurality of predetermined print layouts are displayed on the tablet display 31 according to the number of keep images, and the selection of the user 6 is accepted (S57). Before accepting the selection of the print layout, the edited image may be displayed on the tablet display 31 and the selection of the image to be printed may be accepted. When the selection of the print layout is received, the generated print image data is output to the printer 52 in accordance with the selected print layout. Further, an announcement for guiding the user 6 in front of the printer 52 is output from the editing speaker 33 or the tablet display 31. Then, the printer 52 is instructed to start printing (S58), the process returns to step S51, and the standby screen is displayed again. The printed seal sheet is provided to the user 6 from the print outlet 8.

  The operation when one set of users 6 uses the photo vending apparatus has been described above. However, in this embodiment, the editing corner 3 is installed at a different location from the shooting corner 2, so two sets are used. Can be used simultaneously.

A program for operating the computer device 50 includes a flexible disk and a CD-RO.
M (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital
Versatile Disc Read Only Memory (ROM), hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random
(Access Memory), a memory card or other computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet. The provided program is installed and executed on a hard disk or the like.

  While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented by appropriately modifying the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit thereof.

It is the figure which looked at the photograph vending apparatus from the side. It is the figure which looked at the housing | casing 1 of the photograph vending apparatus from the front. It is the figure which looked at the housing | casing 1 of the photograph vending apparatus from the back. It is a figure which shows the function structure of a photograph vending apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography play process of a photograph vending apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the strobe check process of a photograph vending apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a title demonstration screen. It is a figure which shows the other specific example of a title demonstration screen. It is a flowchart which shows the edit play process of a photograph vending apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 housing, 2 shooting corner, 3 editing corner, camera, 24 display, 50 computer device, 51 control unit, 59 strobe, 101 title, 102 coin insertion guide, 103 icon, 501 CPU, 502 storage unit, 503 memory

Claims (5)

A shooting corner that forms a shooting space and allows users to go in and out,
Photographing means for photographing the user;
Lighting means including a strobe for illuminating the user during shooting;
Display means for displaying a standby screen waiting for use by a user;
Determination means for determining the state of the device,
If a fatal error that prevents the device from being used has occurred, an error is displayed and the device cannot be used.
If there is no problem in using the device at present, but it is necessary to call attention, an icon image that is an image of the device status is displayed on the standby screen to indicate that. There rows an indication, accept the insertion of consideration while displaying the icon image, photo vending apparatus if received consideration, characterized in that to start the shooting play. The determination means determines the state of the illumination means,
When the determination unit determines that the illumination unit is abnormal, a display indicating that the illumination unit is abnormal is performed by displaying an icon image on the standby screen. Item 2. The photo vending apparatus according to item 1.   3. The photo vending apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the icon image is an image that expresses that the illumination means is abnormal.   4. The photo vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the illumination unit includes a capacitor for charging a strobe, and the determination unit determines a state of the illumination unit based on a charging time of the capacitor. .   The photo vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the state of the apparatus before displaying the standby screen.

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