JP7615566B2 - Photographing device, photographing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a photography device, photography method, and program, and more particularly to photographing commercial products.

There are flea market apps and online auction-style buying and selling services that allow individuals to buy and sell goods. In these services, sellers take photos of the items they want to sell and put them up for sale. Buyers look at the photos and decide whether or not to purchase, so the quality of the photos is a key factor that determines sales. However, in order to take good photos of products, it is necessary to prepare the lighting and background, and to optimally adjust the camera's zoom, focus, aperture, etc., which can be difficult for individuals to do.

Meanwhile, Patent Document 1 discloses a photography box for taking image data of products and the like. The photography box in Patent Document 1 is configured with a digital camera that takes pictures of products placed inside the box, and a PC for processing various data, and according to a photography condition table that is set and stored according to the actual photography operations performed by professional photographers or skilled personnel, the angle of the camera base, the height of the product base, the angle of the photography hood, the photography illuminance of the lighting unit, the zoom, focus, and aperture of the digital camera are all automatically adjusted and set, allowing for good-looking photography.

JP 2000-029099 A

However, for light users who do not list many products, purchasing a dedicated photography box for product photography can be a high hurdle.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a photography device etc. that allows individuals to easily take good photos of commercial materials.

The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a box-shaped photography device that can photograph a subject in a photography room and allows a person to enter the inside of the housing to take pictures, and is equipped with a mode selection means for selecting either an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject or a commercial photo mode in which a commercial material is photographed as the subject while irradiating light from at least one of the lighting units used when photographing a person as the subject in the ID photo mode, a setting means for accepting settings of photography conditions in the commercial material photo mode, a photography means for photographing under the photography conditions set by the setting means, and an output means for outputting an image photographed by the photography means, wherein the photography means controls the angle of a camera that is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around a horizontal axis and whose angle is changeable, and the photography device is provided with a base for placing the subject, which can move up and down along a slide rail arranged in the vertical direction within the housing, and the photography conditions include the position of the subject in the image and the photography angle, as well as the lighting pattern.

According to the first invention, a photography device for photographing a subject in a photography room is provided with a mode selection means for selecting either an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject or a commercial photo mode in which a commercial item is the subject, and accepts settings of the photography conditions in the commercial photo mode, photographs the subject under the set photography conditions, and outputs the photographed image. As a result, in an existing ID photo photography device equipped with photography equipment, by switching to the commercial photo mode, it is possible to easily photograph a product as the subject, and even individuals can obtain good commercial photos. In addition, an operator can set a lighting pattern and photograph the commercial item with a preferred expression.

In the first invention, it is preferable that an operation means for inputting operations to the setting means is provided outside the photography room. Also, in the first invention, it is preferable that a communication means for communicating with an electronic device is provided, and the electronic device connected for communication by the communication means is used as the operation means for inputting operations to the setting means. This allows the operator to perform operations for taking photos without entering the photography room, and prevents the operator from interfering with product photography.

It is also preferable that the output means includes an upload means for uploading the image to a server. This allows the user to obtain data of the image taken by the photography device from the server. Since the image can be obtained as data, it is suitable for listing on a flea market app or online auction, or posting on social networking sites.

It is also desirable to provide a setting information acquisition means for downloading setting information for the setting means from a server connected to the setting means via a network. This allows the user to set the shooting conditions in advance, thereby shortening the usage time of the photography device.

It is also preferable to provide a preview display means for displaying a preview screen according to the set photographing conditions when the photographing conditions are set in the setting means. Since the preview screen is displayed, the setting conditions can be set while checking the image of the product photo.
It is also preferable that an adjustment to the position or size of the subject in the image is accepted on the preview screen, and then the subject is photographed.

It is also preferable to further include an image processing unit for processing the background of the image taken by the photographing unit , so that the background of the product photo can be changed to a desired color or the like .
It is also preferable that the illumination unit has a plurality of light sources disposed at different positions therein, the light sources being individually controllable.

The second invention is a photographing method in a box-shaped photography device that photographs a subject in a photography room and allows a person to enter the inside of the casing to take photographs , the photographing method including the steps of selecting either an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject or a commercial photo mode in which a commercial product is photographed as the subject while irradiating light from at least one of the lighting units used when photographing a person as the subject in the ID photo mode, accepting settings of the photographing conditions in the commercial photo mode, photographing under the set photographing conditions, and outputting the photographed image, wherein in the photographing step, the angle of a camera that is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around a horizontal axis and whose angle is changeable is controlled, the photography device is provided with a base for placing the subject, which can move up and down along a slide rail arranged in the vertical direction within the casing, and the photographing conditions include the position of the subject in the image and the photographing angle as well as the lighting pattern.
In addition, in the step of taking the photograph, it is preferable that a plurality of light sources provided at different positions inside the illumination unit can be individually controlled according to set photographing conditions.

According to the second invention, in a photography device that photographs a subject in a photography room, either an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject or a commercial photo mode in which a commercial product is the subject is selected, settings of the photography conditions in the commercial photo mode are accepted, photography is performed under the set photography conditions, and the photographed image is output. As a result, in an existing ID photo photography device equipped with photography facilities, by switching to the commercial photo mode, individuals can easily photograph a product as the subject, making it possible to obtain good commercial photos.

The third invention is a program for causing a computer that functions as a control unit of a photography device that photographs a subject in a photography room and is formed in a box shape so that a person can enter the inside of the casing to take pictures, to function as a mode selection means for selecting either an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject or a commercial photo mode in which a commercial product is photographed as the subject while irradiating light from at least one of the lighting units used when photographing a person as the subject in the ID photo mode, a setting means for accepting settings of photography conditions in the commercial photo mode, a photography means that photographs under the photography conditions set by the setting means, and an output means for outputting an image photographed by the photography means, wherein the photography means controls the angle of a camera that is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around a horizontal axis and whose angle is changeable, the photography device is provided with a base for placing the subject on that can move up and down along a slide rail arranged in the vertical direction within the casing, and the photography conditions include the position of the subject in the image and the photography angle as well as the lighting pattern.
In addition, when the photographing means takes a photograph, it is desirable that it is possible to individually control a plurality of light sources provided at different positions inside the illumination unit according to the photographing conditions set by the setting means.

The third invention makes it possible to cause a computer to function as a control unit of the photographic device of the first invention.

The present invention aims to provide a photography device that allows individuals to easily take high-quality photos of commercial products.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of a photographing device 1. A side perspective view of the photographic device 1. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the internal configuration of a photography room of the photography device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the photographing device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining communication of the photographing device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 11 of the photographing device 1. A flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the photographing device 1. FIG. 13 shows an example of a top screen 41 (mode selection screen). Flowchart showing the process flow of product photo mode FIG. 4 shows an example of an image size setting screen 42. FIG. 4 shows an example of a shooting size setting screen 43. FIG. 4 shows an example of a shooting angle setting screen 44. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a lighting pattern setting screen 45. FIG. 4 shows an example of a preview screen 46. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a background color selection screen 47; FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a background transparent image 61; A diagram explaining how to upload captured images FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the photographing device 1 using a smartphone 4. A diagram explaining downloading of configuration information

The following describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The photographic device according to the present invention is suitable for use as a stationary ID photographic device installed in storefronts, train stations, on the street, etc.

First Embodiment
First, a photographing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the photographing device 1, FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the photographing device 1, FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of the front panel 102 inside the photographing room, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the rear panel 103 inside the photographing room. As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing device 1 is formed in a box shape that allows a person to enter the inside of the housing 100 and perform photographing and operation. The photographing device 1 has a function of photographing a person in the photographing room as a subject and printing the image as an ID photo (ID photo mode), a function of printing an image received from the user's smartphone 4, or a function of downloading and printing an image that the user has previously uploaded to the server 3 from the smartphone 4 or PC (image print service). In the present invention, the photographing device 1 has a commercial material photographing mode in which a commercial material (object) is photographed as a subject, and the user can select either the ID photo mode or the commercial material photographing mode.
The product photography mode will be described later.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a camera 30 is provided on the front panel 102 of the photography device 1. The camera 30 is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 26 around an axis 25A. The angle of the camera 30 is changed by the photography angle adjustment unit 25. In addition to the camera 30, the front panel 102 is provided with an illumination unit 20A, a first operation panel 40A, a subject sensor 27, an audio output unit 50, a coin mechanism 60, a code reader 70, etc.

A base 22 for placing a subject and an illumination unit 20B are provided on the rear panel 103 of the photographing device 1. The base 22 is movable up and down along a slide rail 24 arranged in the vertical direction of the rear panel 103. The base 22 is moved by a base position moving unit 23.

A second operation panel 40B is provided on the exterior wall panel 101 of the photography device 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The second operation panel 40B is provided to prevent people from entering the photography room and interfering with photography when photographing commercial materials. A print removal port 81 is also provided on the exterior wall panel 101 of the photography device 1. A curtain 104 is provided to block the inside of the photography device 1 from the outside.

The first operation panel 40A and the second operation panel 40B are operation means of the photographing device 1, and have an operation screen and a preview screen showing operation procedures and guidance, a display showing captured photographs, etc., as well as a touch panel for the user to input operation instructions.
The print outlet 81 is an outlet for taking out prints (such as ID photos).

The photographing device 1 is also provided with a coin mechanism 60 for settling the photographing fee, an audio output unit 50 for outputting audio such as guidance, etc. Inside the housing 100 of the photographing device 1 are provided a main body unit 10, a printer unit 80, a communication unit 90, etc.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the photographing device 1. As shown in FIG.
The photographing device 1 is composed of a main body 10, lighting units 20A, 20B, light sources 21A, 21B, a camera 30, a shooting angle adjustment unit 25, a subject sensor 27, a base position moving unit 23, an audio output unit 50, a first operation panel 40A, a second operation panel 40B, a coin mech 60, a code reader 70, a printer unit 80, and a communication unit 90, etc.

The main body 10 has a control unit 11, an I/O (Input/Output) control 12, an I/F (Interface) 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 15, a storage unit 16, etc.

The main body 10 is connected to the first operation panel 40A, the second operation panel 40B, and the code reader 70 via the I/O control 12. The main body 10 is also connected to the coin mechanism 60, the printer unit 80, and the communication unit 90 via the I/F 13.

The control unit 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that centrally controls each part of the photography device 1. The control unit 11 loads programs stored in the memory unit 16, ROM 14, etc. into a work area on the RAM and executes them. The ROM 14 is a non-volatile memory that permanently stores programs such as the boot program and BIOS, data, etc. The RAM 15 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs and data loaded from the memory unit 16, ROM 14, etc., and also has a work area that the control unit 11 uses to perform various processes.

The storage unit 16 is a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory, etc., and stores the programs executed by the control unit 11 during the processing described below, data necessary for program execution, the OS, etc. These programs and data are read and executed by the control unit 11 as necessary.

The I/O controller 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting various information to and from the first operation panel 40A, the second operation panel 40B, the code reader 70, and the like.
The I/F 13 is an interface for inputting and outputting various types of information between the coin mechanism 60, the printer unit 80, and the communication unit 90.

The lighting units 20A and 20B are surface light sources located in front of and behind the subject, and irradiate light. The lighting units 20A and 20B are connected to light sources (strobes) 21A and 21B, respectively, and the timing and amount of light emitted by the light sources 21A and 21B can be changed according to a control signal input from the control unit 11. The positions of the lighting units 20A and 20B are not limited to the positions shown in Figures 1 to 3, and may be provided at the bottom of the front panel 102 or the rear panel 103, etc. In addition, the light sources 21A and 21B inside each lighting unit 20A and 20B may be provided on the left and right, respectively, as shown in Figure 3 for light sources 21Aa, 21Ab, and light sources 21Ba and 21Bb. By individually controlling the amount of light of each light source 21Aa, 21Ab, 21Ba, and 21Bb on the left and right sides, and on the front and back sides, the position and strength of the shadows can be freely changed. For example, it is desirable to prepare several illumination patterns such as "strong shadow (right)", "weak shadow (right)", "strong shadow (left)", "weak shadow (left)", and "no shadow", and to set in advance in the storage unit 16 the emission timing and emission amount of each of the light sources 21Aa, 21Ab, 21Ba, and 21Bb in each illumination pattern. The control unit 11 controls the emission timing and emission amount of the illumination units 20A and 20B (light sources 21Aa, 21Ab, 21Ba, and 21Bb) according to the illumination pattern previously stored in the storage unit 16 and set by the user.

Camera 30 is a digital camera that is composed of an optical lens, an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), and an A/D (Analog/Digital) converter. Camera 30 takes pictures according to a control signal input from control unit 11. Camera 30 photoelectrically converts the subject image input through the optical lens using the imaging element to generate an analog image signal. The A/D converter then converts the analog image signal into digital image data and outputs it to control unit 11. Control unit 11 outputs the digital image data input by camera 30 to first operation panel 40A or second operation panel 40B.

The shooting angle adjustment unit 25 is composed of a support unit that supports the camera 30 rotatably around the axis 25A, a drive motor, etc., and adjusts the angle of the camera 30 according to a control signal from the control unit 11. The control unit 11 transmits a control signal to the shooting angle adjustment unit 25 according to the shooting angle set by the user's operation.

The base position moving unit 23 is composed of a support unit and a drive motor that support the base 22 movably along a slide rail 24 provided on the rear panel 103, and moves the position of the base 22 according to a control signal from the control unit 11. The control unit 11 transmits a control signal to the base position moving unit 23 according to the subject position set by a user operation.

The first operation panel 40A and the second operation panel 40B are configured with a touch panel display such as a liquid crystal display, and perform display processing according to a display signal input from the control unit 11. In addition, they send control signals to the control unit 11 according to touch operations on the touch panel.

The subject sensor 27 is a sensor that detects a subject. When a person approaches the front panel 102 of the photography device 1 or when an object is placed on the base 22, the subject sensor 27 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11. An optical sensor consisting of a light emitter and a light receiver is used as the subject sensor 27.

The audio output unit 50 obtains predetermined audio data from the ROM 14 or the storage unit 16 in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 11, and outputs the data from the speaker. The audio output unit 50 outputs audio data corresponding to the guidance stored in the ROM 14 or the storage unit 16, for example.

The coin mech 60 is a cash register equipped with a deposit port for coins and banknotes, a change refund port, etc. The coin mech 60 outputs information on the amount deposited through the deposit port to the control unit 11, and in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 11, ejects coins and banknotes according to the change amount into the refund port.

The code reader 70 is a device that reads two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark) and barcodes, and transmits the read code information to the control unit 11.

The printer unit 80 prints the image data of the photograph taken on a specified sheet of paper in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 11. The printer unit 80 is a high-resolution color printer, and any type of printer can be used, such as dye-sublimation or melt-type.

The communication unit 90 includes a communication control device and a communication interface that control communication of the photography device 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the communication unit 90 of the photography device 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the photography device 1 is equipped with a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and is communicatively connected to a server 3 via a wide area network 2 such as the Internet. The photography device 1 is also communicatively connected to an electronic device such as a smartphone 4 held by a user via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

The server 3 has a storage unit that accumulates and stores images captured by the photography device 1. A user can download image data of a photograph captured by the photography device 1 from the server 3 to a PC, smartphone 4, etc. via the network 2. In addition, an image uploaded to the server 3 by a user from a PC, smartphone 4, etc. via the network 2 can be downloaded to the photography device 1 and printed.

Next, the functional configuration of the photographic device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The control unit 11 of the photographic device 1 includes a mode selection unit 111, a setting unit 112, an operation unit 113, a preview display unit 114, a photographing unit 115, an image processing unit 116, an output unit 117, etc., as means for realizing the present invention.

The mode selection unit 111 accepts the selection of either an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject, or a commercial product photo mode in which a commercial product is the subject. The control unit 11 displays, for example, the top screen 41 (FIG. 8) on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B, and accepts the selection operation from the user.

The setting unit 112 accepts settings of shooting conditions in the commercial material photo mode. The shooting conditions include at least one of the image size, the position of the subject (commercial material) in the image, the size (enlargement/reduction), the shooting angle, and the lighting pattern.
The operation unit 113 displays an operation screen on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B in each step of the process. The operation unit 113 also inputs to the control unit 11 an operation signal input to the operation screen.

Preview display unit 114 displays a preview according to the shooting conditions set by setting unit 112 on first operation panel 40A or second operation panel 40B before actual shooting.
The photographing section 115 controls the camera 30, the illumination sections 20A and 20B, the base position moving section 23, and the photographing angle adjustment section 25, and photographs the subject according to the set photographing conditions.

The image processing unit 116 detects and cuts out the product area from the image captured by the image capturing unit 115, and generates an image in which the background area is processed to a background color selected by the user. Alternatively, the image processing unit 116 may generate a background-transparent image 61 in which the background area is made transparent.

The output unit 117 outputs the image captured by the image capture unit 115 or the image generated by the image processing unit 116. Specifically, the output unit 117 uploads the image captured by the image capture unit 115 or the image generated by the image processing unit 116 to the server 3 and stores it in the image data storage unit 31 (FIG. 16) of the server 3. The output unit 117 also prints out a two-dimensional code that encodes the URL of the image storage destination on paper and provides it to the user. The user can access the image storage destination (server 3) by reading the code with a smartphone 4, PC, etc., and download image data of the product photo captured by the photography device 1.

Next, the flow of processing executed by the photographing device 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of mode selection processing in the photographing device 1.

When the photographing device 1 detects the entry of a user by the subject sensor 27 (step S101; Yes), the control unit 11 displays the top screen 41 on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B (step S102). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the top screen 41. As shown in the figure, the top screen 41 is provided with a button 41a for selecting the ID photo mode and a button 41b for selecting the commercial photo mode.

When the user operates the button 41a (step S103; ID photo mode), the control unit 11 transitions to the ID photo mode process (step S104).
When the user operates the button 41b (step S103; product photo mode), the control unit 11 transitions to processing in the product photo mode (step S105).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the commercial material photo mode.
In the commercial photo mode, the control unit 11 accepts the setting of the shooting conditions. The control unit 11 first displays the image size setting screen 42 on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B and accepts the setting of the image size (step S201). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the image size setting screen 42. The image size setting screen 42 displays a button group 42a indicating the image sizes that can be set. In the example of FIG. 10, image sizes such as "450×450", "450×300", "480×270", "600×600", "600×450", "640×360", "750×750", "800×600", and "800×450" are displayed so as to be selectable.

When the user selects one of the buttons in the button group 42a and sets the image size, the control unit 11 then displays the image capture size setting screen 43 on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B, and accepts settings for the position and size (enlargement/reduction) of the subject within the angle of view (steps S202 and S203).

11 is a diagram showing an example of the shooting size setting screen 43. The shooting size setting screen 43 displays a fixed frame 43a showing the image size set in step S201 and an inner frame 43b showing the position and size of the subject in the image. In addition, a cursor button 43c for moving the position of the base 22 (position of the subject) up, down, left and right, and a button 43d for enlarging and reducing the size of the inner frame 43b (size of the subject) are displayed. When the cursor button 43c is operated upward, the control unit 11 drives the base position moving unit 23 to move the position of the base 22 upward. When the cursor button 43c is operated downward, the control unit 11 drives the base position moving unit 23 to move the position of the base 22 downward. When the cursor button 43c is operated left or right, the control unit 11 moves the display position of the inner frame 43b left or right according to the button operation, and moves the position of the subject in the image.

When the "+" (enlarge) button 43d on the shooting size setting screen 43 is operated, the control unit 11 enlarges the size of the inner frame 43b and increases the zoom (magnification ratio) of the camera 30. When the "-" (reduce) button 43d is operated, the control unit 11 reduces the size of the inner frame 43b and decreases the zoom of the camera 30.

When the user operates the decision button 43e and sets the shooting size and shooting position, the control unit 11 then displays the shooting angle setting screen 44 on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B and accepts the setting of the shooting angle (step S204). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the shooting angle setting screen 44. The shooting angle setting screen 44 displays a button group 44a displaying "0° (front)", "15°", "30°", "45°", etc. as the shooting angles that can be set. "0° (front)" means that the shooting direction of the camera 30 is the front of the camera 30, "15°" means that the angle of the camera 30 is tilted downward by 15°, "30°" means that the angle of the camera 30 is tilted downward by 30°, and "45°" means that the angle of the camera 30 is tilted downward by 45°. Note that the example of the shooting angle in FIG. 12 is an example and is not limited thereto. The adjustment range of the shooting direction differs depending on the relative positions of the camera 30 and the base 22 and the range within which the camera 30 can be rotated, so that an appropriate value can be set according to the structure of the device.

When any button in the button group 44a is operated, the control unit 11 drives the shooting angle adjustment unit 25 to change the angle of the camera 30 to the angle corresponding to the selected button.

When the user sets the shooting angle, the control unit 11 then displays the illumination pattern setting screen 45 on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B and accepts the setting of the illumination pattern (step S205). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the illumination pattern setting screen 45. The illumination pattern setting screen 45 displays a button group 45a displaying "strong shadow (left)", "weak shadow (left)", "no shadow", "weak shadow (right)", "strong shadow (right)", etc. as the illumination patterns that can be set. The control parameters of the illumination units 20A, 20B (light sources 21Aa, 21Ab, 21Ba, 21Bb) corresponding to these illumination patterns are stored in the storage unit 16.

When one of the buttons 45a on the lighting pattern setting screen 45 is selected to set the lighting pattern, the control unit 11 adjusts the image size, shooting position, zoom of the camera 30, angle of the camera 30, position of the base 22, amount of light of the lighting units 20A and 20B, etc. according to the shooting conditions (image size, shooting size, position, shooting angle, lighting pattern) set in the processing of steps S201 to S205, and performs a pre-shooting with the camera 30. The control unit 11 displays the image (preview 46b) obtained by the pre-shooting on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B (step S206).

14 is a diagram showing an example of the preview screen 46. As shown in FIG. 14, the preview screen 46 is provided with a preview display field 46a, and displays a preview 46b of a product photo obtained by pre-photography. In addition, the preview screen 46 displays a fixed frame 46c indicating the image size and an inner frame 46d indicating the position and size of the subject in the image, as in FIG. 11, and displays a cursor button 46e for moving the position of the subject in the image up, down, left, and right, and a button 46f for enlarging and reducing the size of the inner frame 46d (the size of the subject), and accepts fine adjustment of the shooting size and position. Note that, when the image size, shooting angle, lighting pattern, etc. are to be corrected, the control unit 11 returns to the processing of steps S202 to S205 by returning to the previous screen. After the fine adjustment, when the decision button 46g is operated, the control unit 11 shoots the subject under the set shooting conditions (step S207).

When the photographing is completed, the control unit 11 then displays the background color selection screen 47 on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B and accepts the selection of the background color (step S208). Fig. 15A is a diagram showing an example of the background color selection screen 47. As shown in the figure,
The background color selection screen 47 displays a captured image 47a and a group of buttons 47b showing selectable background colors. When a user selects one of the buttons 47b, the control unit 11 processes the captured image so that the background color corresponds to the selected button (step S209). In the background processing process in step S209, the control unit 11 detects and cuts out a subject area from the captured image and combines it with a background image of the background color selected in step S209.

In addition, in the background processing of step S209, the control unit 11 may generate a background transparent image 61 in which the background region is made transparent, as shown in FIG. 15(b).

After generating an image with a processed background by the process of step S209, the control unit 11 performs an output process of the generated image data (product photo) (step S210). Since it is expected that the product photo will be mainly used for posting to flea market apps and SNS, the photography device 1 provides the generated product photo image to the user as data.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining uploading of a photographed image. As shown in the figure, the photographing device 1 uploads the image data 62 photographed and generated in the processing of steps S201 to S209 to the storage destination (image data storage unit 31) of the server 3 by the communication unit 90. In addition, the photographing device 1 acquires the storage destination URL of the image data 62 from the server 3, generates a two-dimensional code 73 (QR code (registered trademark) or the like) that encodes the storage destination URL, and provides it to the user. The photographing device 1 prints out the two-dimensional code 73 on paper by the printer unit 80, and provides the storage destination URL to the user on paper media. Alternatively, the two-dimensional code 73 may be displayed on the first operation panel 40A or the second operation panel 40B, and may be read and saved by the user's smartphone 4 or the like. The user can download the image data 62 of the commercial photo photographed by the photographing device 1 from the server 3 by reading the two-dimensional code 73 with the smartphone 4 and accessing the storage destination URL from the smartphone 4.

As described above, the photography device 1 of the first embodiment is equipped with a mode selection unit 111 that selects between an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject and a commercial product photo mode in which a commercial product is the subject. When the commercial product photo mode is selected, the photography device 1 accepts settings for the commercial product photo shooting conditions, takes a photo under the set shooting conditions, and outputs the captured image. As a result, by switching to the commercial product photo mode in an existing ID photo photography device equipped with the necessary photography equipment, a product can be easily photographed as the subject, making it possible for even individuals to obtain good commercial product photos.

The processing procedure shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and the order in which the shooting conditions are set is not limited to this, and can be any order. The screens shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 are also examples, and can be changed as appropriate. Although the selection of ID photo mode or commercial photo mode is displayed on the operation screen, it is not limited to the screen display, and for example, buttons for each mode may be provided. Operation buttons for manually adjusting the position of the base 22 and the shooting direction (angle of the camera 30) may be provided physically, rather than being displayed on the screen.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the setting operation of the photographing conditions for the photographing device 1 is performed from an electronic device such as a smartphone 4 .
Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the photographing device 1 by the smartphone 4. As shown in Fig. 17, the photographing device 1 communicates with the user's smartphone 4 via WiFi or Bluetooth of the communication unit 90, and causes the user's smartphone 4 to display the operation screens (top screen 41, image size setting screen 42, shooting size setting screen 43, shooting angle setting screen 44, lighting pattern setting screen 45, preview screen 46, background color selection screen 47, etc.) shown in Figs. 8 and 10 to 15.

The user selects a mode, sets shooting conditions, and selects a background color on each operation screen displayed on the smartphone 4. The smartphone 4 transmits the information entered on the operation screen to the photographic device 1. As a result, the photographic device 1 acquires the setting information for the shooting conditions. The photographic device 1 acquires the setting information for the shooting conditions transmitted from the smartphone 4, performs a pre-shoot, and displays a preview screen 46 on the smartphone 4.

According to the photographic device 1 of the second embodiment, operations of the photographic device 1 can be input from a smartphone 4 approaching the photographic device 1. This allows the user to perform operations related to photographing a subject without entering a photography room. In addition, there is no need to provide a second operation panel 40B on the outside of the photographic device 1 as in the first embodiment, which reduces manufacturing costs.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment of the present invention, the photographing device 1 downloads setting information of photographing conditions from the server 3 .
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the photographing conditions using the smartphone 4. The user can perform the processes of steps S201 to S205 and step S208 in FIG. 9 (image size setting, subject position setting, subject size setting, shooting angle setting, lighting pattern setting, background color selection) on the PC or smartphone 4 using a WEB site or a dedicated application. The control unit of the smartphone 4 accesses a WEB site provided by the business operator of the photographing device 1, or selects a commercial photo mode using a dedicated application of the photographing device 1, and displays the operation screens (top screen 41, image size setting screen 42, shooting size setting screen 43, shooting angle setting screen 44, lighting pattern setting screen 45, preview screen 46, background color selection screen 47, etc.) shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 10 to FIG. 15 on the display unit of the smartphone 4.

The user sets the above-mentioned shooting conditions on each operation screen displayed on the smartphone 4. The smartphone 4 sends the information set on each operation screen (hereinafter, setting information) to the server 3. The server 3 assigns identification information to the received setting information, links it to the identification information, and stores it in a specified storage destination (setting information storage unit 32) of the server 3. The server 3 attaches the storage destination URL of the setting information to an email and sends it to the smartphone 4, or encodes it into a two-dimensional code 75 (QR code (registered trademark), etc.) and sends it to the smartphone 4. The user saves the storage destination URL and two-dimensional code 75 sent from the server 3 in the terminal.

When photographing a commercial material with the photography device 1, the user displays the two-dimensional code 75 of the destination URL sent from the server 3 on the display unit of the smartphone 4 and has it read by the code reader 70 of the photography device 1. The photography device 1 accesses the read destination URL and downloads the stored setting information. This allows the photography device 1 to obtain setting information for the photography conditions set in advance by the user from the server 3. Therefore, the photography conditions for the subject can be set without the user having to enter the photography room. Also, since the setting operations for each photography condition can be performed in advance, the photography of the commercial material can be completed in a short time.

The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the technical ideas disclosed in this application, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1: Photography device 2: Network 3: Server 4: Smartphone 10: Main body 11: Control unit 12: I/O control 13: I/F
14...ROM
15...RAM
16: Storage unit 20A, 20B: Illumination unit 21A, 21B: Light source 23: Base position moving unit 25: Shooting angle adjustment unit 27: Object sensor 30: Camera 31: Image data storage unit 32: Setting information storage unit 40A: First operation panel 40B: Second operation panel 41: Top screen 42: Image size setting screen 43: Object size setting screen 44: Shooting angle setting screen 45: Illumination pattern setting screen 46: Preview screen 47: Background color selection Screen 50... Audio output section 60... Coin mech 62... Image data 70... Code reader 73, 75... Two-dimensional code 80... Printer section 81... Printed item removal port 90... Communication section 100... Housing 101... Exterior wall panel 102... Front panel 103... Rear panel 104... Curtain 111... Mode selection section 112... Setting section 113... Operation section 114... Preview display section 115... Photography section 116... Image processing section 117... Output section

Claims (13)

A photographing device formed in a box shape that photographs a subject in a photographing room and allows a person to enter inside the housing to take photographs ,
a mode selection means for selecting either an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject, or a commercial item photo mode in which a commercial item is photographed as the subject while irradiating light from at least one of the lighting units used when photographing a person as the subject in the ID photo mode;
A setting means for receiving settings of photographing conditions in the commercial material photograph mode;
an imaging means for performing imaging under the imaging conditions set by the setting means;
an output means for outputting the image captured by the imaging means;
Equipped with
the imaging means is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around a horizontal axis, and controls the angle of a camera whose angle is variable;
the photographing device is provided with a base for placing a subject, the base being movable up and down along a slide rail disposed in a vertical direction within the housing;
11. A photographing device, wherein the photographing conditions include a lighting pattern, a position of a subject in the image, and a photographing angle . The photographing device according to claim 1, characterized in that an operating means for inputting operations to the setting means is provided outside the photographing room. A communication means for communicating with an electronic device is provided,
2. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an electronic device connected for communication by said communication means is used as an operation means for inputting operations to said setting means. 4. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the output means includes upload means for uploading the image to a server. 5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a setting information acquisition unit that downloads setting information for the setting unit from a server connected for communication via a network. 6. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a preview display means for displaying a preview screen corresponding to the photographing conditions set by said setting means when the photographing conditions are set by said setting means. 7. The photographing device according to claim 6, wherein adjustment of a position or a size of the subject in the image is accepted on the preview screen, and then photographing the subject is performed. The photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an image processing means for processing the background of the image photographed by the photographing means. The photographing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of light sources that can be individually controlled are provided at different positions inside the illumination unit. A method for photographing a subject in a photographing room using a photographing device formed in a box shape that allows a person to enter inside the housing and take photographs, comprising :
A step of selecting either an ID photo mode in which a person is the subject, or a commercial item photo mode in which a commercial item is photographed as the subject while irradiating light from at least one of the lighting units used when photographing a person as the subject in the ID photo mode;
A step of accepting settings of photographing conditions in the commercial material photograph mode;
A step of taking an image under the set photographing conditions;
outputting the captured image;
Including,
In the step of taking the photograph, controlling the angle of a camera that is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around a horizontal axis and whose angle is variable;
the photographing device is provided with a base for placing a subject, the base being movable up and down along a slide rail disposed in a vertical direction within the housing;
The photographing method according to claim 1, wherein the photographing conditions include an illumination pattern, a position of a subject in the image, and a photographing angle . In the step of taking an image,
11. The photographing method according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of light sources provided at different positions inside the illumination unit can be individually controlled according to set photographing conditions. A computer that functions as a control unit of a box-shaped photographing device that photographs a subject in a photographing room and allows a person to enter the inside of the box to take photographs,
a mode selection means for selecting either an ID photograph mode in which a person is the subject, or a commercial material photograph mode in which a commercial material is photographed as the subject while irradiating light from at least one of the lighting units used when photographing a person as the subject in the ID photograph mode;
A setting means for receiving settings of photographing conditions in the commercial material photograph mode;
an imaging means for performing imaging under the imaging conditions set by the setting means;
an output means for outputting the image captured by the imaging means;
A program for causing the device to function as a
the imaging means is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around a horizontal axis, and controls the angle of a camera whose angle is variable;
the photographing device is provided with a base for placing a subject, the base being movable up and down along a slide rail disposed in a vertical direction within the housing;
The shooting conditions include a lighting pattern , a position of a subject in the image, and a shooting angle . When the photographing means photographs,
13. The program according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of light sources provided at different positions within the illumination unit can be individually controlled according to the photographing conditions set by the setting means.

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