Photo sticker creation device, photo sticker creation method, and program

Abstract

To provide a photographic sticker creation device, a photographic sticker creation method, and a program for providing a sticker sheet satisfying a user.SOLUTION: In a photographic sticker machine which photographs a moving image, a control unit for controlling the whole operation of the photographic sticker machine comprises: a photographic control unit which generates a static image by static image photographing with a camera for photographing a user as a subject in a photographic space and generates a moving image of a predetermined period by the moving image photographing with the camera; an input receiving unit which receives a selection to select which of the static image and a frame image constituting a moving image as a print image to print on a sticker sheet; and a printing unit which prints the selected static image or frame image on the sticker sheet as the print image and outputs the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a photo seal creating device, a photo seal creating method, and a program, and more particularly to a photo seal creating device, a photo seal creating method, and a program that can provide a seal sheet that satisfies a user.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, photo seal machines installed in amusement facilities and the like are known. A photo seal machine photographs a user and performs editing on the photographed image according to the user's operation. The photo seal machine prints the edited photographed image on a seal sheet.

[0003] Some photo seal machines generate not only still images but also moving images.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a photo seal creating device that generates a short moving image with a playback time of, for example, 7 seconds, which is composed of each frame image obtained by synthesizing photographed images that are still images.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic photo creating device that generates a composite image in which an additional image such as an animated stamp image is synthesized with a photographed image, and outputs a still image at a predetermined time point (for example, the start point of animation) or a time point determined by the user in the composite image (moving image) as a photo seal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In recent years, in addition to still image shooting by a camera, a photo sticker machine that performs moving image shooting is known. When printing and outputting a still image (frame image) at a predetermined time of a moving image obtained by moving image shooting on a sticker sheet, there is a possibility that the image or expression of the user in the frame image may not necessarily satisfy the user.

[0008] The present technology has been made in view of such a situation, and aims to provide a sticker sheet that satisfies the user.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] The photo sticker creation device of the present technology includes a camera for shooting a user as a subject in a shooting space, a shooting control unit that generates a still image by still image shooting with the camera and generates a moving image of a predetermined time by moving image shooting with the camera, a selection reception unit that receives a selection of whether to use either the still image or a frame image constituting the moving image as a print image to be printed on a sticker sheet, and a print processing unit that prints and outputs the selected still image or frame image on the sticker sheet as the print image.

[0010] The photo sticker creation method of the present technology is a photo sticker creation method in which a photo sticker creation device generates a still image by still image shooting with a camera for shooting a user as a subject in a shooting space, generates a moving image of a predetermined time by moving image shooting with the camera, receives a selection of whether to use either the still image or a frame image constituting the moving image as a print image to be printed on a sticker sheet, and prints and outputs the selected still image or frame image on the sticker sheet as the print image.

[0011] The program of this technology causes a computer to generate a still image by taking a still image with a camera for photographing a user as a subject in a photographing space, and to generate a moving image of a predetermined time by taking a moving image with the camera, and to accept a selection as to whether to use either the still image or a frame image constituting the moving image as a printed image to be printed on a sticker paper, and to execute a process of printing and outputting the selected still image or frame image as the printed image on the sticker paper.

[0012] In this technology, a still image is generated by taking a still image with a camera for photographing a user as a subject in a photographing space, and a moving image of a predetermined time is generated by taking a moving image with the camera, a selection as to whether to use either the still image or a frame image constituting the moving image as a printed image to be printed on a sticker paper is accepted, and the selected still image or frame image is printed and output as the printed image on the sticker paper.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to this technology, it is possible to provide a sticker paper that satisfies the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present technology (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described. The description will be made in the following order.

[0016] 1. Configuration of the photo seal machine 2. Photo seal creation game providing process 3. Detailed configuration of the photographing processing unit and the editing processing unit 4. Light emission control in the photographing process 5. Live view display during video shooting 6. Generation of the seal image

[0017] <1. Configuration of the photo seal machine> (Appearance of the photo seal machine) FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views showing an example of the external configuration of the photo seal machine 1. Further, FIG. 3 is a top view of the inside of the photo seal machine 1 as seen from above.

[0018] The photo sticker machine 1 is a game machine that provides photographed images and edited images. The photo sticker machine 1 provides images to users by printing the images on sticker paper or making the images viewable on the users' mobile terminals. The photo sticker machine 1 is installed in amusement facilities such as game centers and stores.

[0019] The users of the photo sticker machine 1 are mainly young women including junior high school girls and high school girls. In the photo sticker machine 1, mainly two users can enjoy the game per set. Of course, in the photo sticker machine 1, one user or three or more users can also enjoy the game.

[0020] In the photo sticker machine 1, the user takes a photograph with himself / herself as the subject. The user synthesizes a composite image such as handwritten characters or a stamp image with the image selected from the photographed images obtained by the photographing, by an editing operation (also called scribbling). As a result, the photographed image is edited into a colorful image. The user receives the sticker paper on which the edited image, which is the edited photograph, is printed, and ends a series of games.

[0021] The photo sticker machine 1 can be said to be a photo creation game machine that provides a photo sticker creation game.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the photo sticker machine 1 is basically configured by installing the photographing unit 11 and the editing unit 12 in contact with each other. The photographing unit 11 and the editing unit 12 are electrically connected.

[0023] The photographing unit 11 has a box-shaped housing large enough for a person to enter, and is composed of a pre-selection unit 21, a photographing unit 22, a ceiling unit 23, and a background unit 24. The pre-selection unit 21 is installed on the side surface of the photographing unit 22. The space in front of the pre-selection unit 21 becomes a pre-selection space B1 where pre-selection processing is performed. The photographing unit 22 and the background unit 24 are installed at a predetermined distance apart, and their upper parts are connected to the ceiling unit 23. The space surrounded by the photographing unit 22, the ceiling unit 23, and the background unit 24 becomes a photographing space B2 where photographing processing is performed.

[0024] As a pre-selection process, the pre-selection unit 21 provides guidance on the games provided by the photo sticker machine 1 or makes various settings in the photographing process performed in the photographing space B2. The pre-selection unit 21 is provided with a coin insertion slot for the user to insert money, a touch panel monitor used for various operations, and the like. The pre-selection unit 21 guides the user in the pre-selection space B1 to the photographing space B2 according to the availability of the photographing space B2.

[0025] The photographing unit 22 is a device for photographing the user as a subject. The photographing unit 22 is located in front of the user who has entered the photographing space B2. On the front surface of the photographing unit 22 facing the photographing space B2, a camera CAM, a touch panel monitor used for various operations, a strobe unit that emits light according to the photographing timing, and the like are provided.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the surface of the photographing unit 22 facing the photographing space B2 is formed by a semi-cylindrical curved surface C22.

[0027] Assuming that the left side surface is the left side surface and the right side surface is the right side surface as viewed from the user facing the front (camera CAM side) in the photographing space B2, the left side surface of the photographing unit 22 is composed of a side panel 32A, and the right side surface is composed of a side panel 32B. Also, the front surface of the photographing unit 22 is composed of a front panel 31. The above-mentioned pre-selection unit 21 is installed on the side panel 32A. The pre-selection unit 21 may be installed on the side panel 32B.

[0028] The background part 24 is composed of a rear panel 41, a side panel 42A, and a side panel 42B. The rear panel 41 is a plate-like member located on the back side of the user facing the front. The side panel 42A is a plate-like member attached to the left end of the rear panel 41 and thicker than the side panel 32A. The side panel 42B is a plate-like member attached to the right end of the rear panel 41 and thicker than the side panel 32B.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the surface facing the photographing space B2 of the background part 24 is formed by a semi-cylindrical curved surface C24. On the photographing space B2 side of the curved surface C24, a background curtain described later is lowered from a curtain unit provided on the ceiling part 23. The curtain unit is configured such that a white background curtain is wound up and stored, and the background curtain is lowered. By lowering the background curtain inside the curtain unit, in the photographing space B2, the curved surface C24 will be covered with the background curtain.

[0030] The outer surfaces of the side panel 32A and the side panel 42A on the outside of the housing form a substantially flat plane. The upper parts of the side panel 32A and the side panel 42A are connected by the ceiling part 23. Similarly, the outer surfaces of the side panel 32B and the side panel 42B on the outside of the housing form a substantially flat plane. The upper parts of the side panel 32B and the side panel 42B are also connected by the ceiling part 23.

[0031] The side panel 32A and the side panel 42A are members surrounding the left side surface of the photographing space B2, and the side panel 32B and the side panel 42B are members surrounding the right side surface of the photographing space B2.

[0032] The opening formed by being surrounded by the side panel 32A, the ceiling part 23, and the side panel 42A serves as the entrance and exit of the photographing space B2. Also, the opening formed by being surrounded by the side panel 32B, the ceiling part 23, and the side panel 42B serves as the entrance and exit of the photographing space B2.

[0033] On the ceiling part 23 that constitutes the ceiling of the photographing space B2, a ceiling sheet made of a vinyl material or a plate-like member, a strobe light-emitting tube that emits light at the photographing timing, and a ceiling strobe unit that includes a steady light source that emits light constantly are provided.

[0034] The editing unit 12 is a device for performing editing on the photographed image. The editing unit 12 is provided connected to the photographing unit 11 such that one side surface is in contact with the front panel 31 of the photographing unit 22.

[0035] Assuming the configuration of the editing unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 is the front-side configuration, on each of the front side and the rear side of the editing unit 12, a configuration used for the editing operation (scribbling) is provided. With such a configuration, two sets of users can perform the editing operation simultaneously.

[0036] The front side of the editing unit 12 is mainly composed of a vertical surface 51 and an inclined surface 52 formed above the vertical surface 51. On the inclined surface 52, as a configuration used for the editing operation, a tablet-integrated monitor and a touch pen are provided. Above the inclined surface 52, a plate-like part 53 to which a sheet made of, for example, resin with various designs can be attached is provided.

[0037] The rear side of the editing unit 12 is basically configured in the same way as the front side of the editing unit 12.

[0038] On the left side surface of the editing unit 12 (the side surface opposite to the front panel 31 of the photographing unit 22), an editing unit side surface panel 13, which is a plate-like member having a rectangular shape, is provided. The editing unit side surface panel 13 is formed in a housing shape having a thickness of about 10 cm, for example.

[0039] The side (edge surface) on the front side of the editing unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 of the side panel 13 of the editing unit is substantially flush with the side panel 32A and the side panel 42A. Also, the side (edge surface) on the rear side of the editing unit 12 shown in FIG. 2 of the side panel 13 of the editing unit is substantially flush with the side panel 32B and the side panel 42B. Furthermore, the upper surface (top surface) of the side panel 13 of the editing unit is substantially flush with the upper surfaces of the photographing unit 22, the ceiling unit 23, and the background unit 24 that constitute the photographing unit 11.

[0040] With such a structure, the photo sticker machine 1 is configured to have a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing as a whole.

[0041] Curtain frames 61A and 61B are provided above the editing unit 12. One ends of the curtain frame 61A and the curtain frame 61B provided parallel to each other are respectively fixed to the upper ends of the side panel 32A and the side panel 32B. The other ends of the curtain frame 61A and the curtain frame 61B are respectively joined to the upper ends of both side surfaces of the side panel 13 of the editing unit.

[0042] Curtains (not shown) are attached to the curtain frames 61A and 61B so that the space in front of and behind the editing unit 12 cannot be seen from the outside. The spaces in front of and behind the editing unit 12 surrounded by the curtain, the front panel 31 of the photographing unit 22, and the side panel 13 of the editing unit respectively become editing spaces B3-1 and B3-2 where the user performs editing work.

[0043] As will be described later, the side panel 13 of the editing unit is provided with a sticker outlet for providing the user with printed sticker paper. The space in front of the side panel 13 of the editing unit becomes a printing waiting space B4 where the user waits for the printed sticker paper to be provided.

[0044] Next, the configuration of each part constituting the photo sticker machine 1 will be described.

[0045] (Configuration of the pre-selection unit) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the pre-selection unit 21.

[0046] On the upper part of the pre-selection unit 21 installed on the side panel 32A, a touch panel monitor 71 is provided. The touch panel monitor 71 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch panel laminated thereon. The touch panel monitor 71 has a function of displaying various GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) and receiving selection operations of the user. On the touch panel monitor 71, a screen used for the user to select the number of people, etc. is displayed.

[0047] Below the touch panel monitor 71, a speaker 72 is provided. The speaker 72 outputs guidance voices for pre-selection processing, BGM (Back Ground Music), sound effects, etc. Next to the speaker 72, a coin insertion slot 73 into which coins are inserted by the user is provided.

[0048] Also, on the side panel 32A, above the pre-selection unit 21, a lighting decoration unit 74 composed of fluorescent tubes is provided.

[0049] (Configuration of the photographing unit) FIG. 5 is a front view showing a configuration example of the photographing unit 22. Also, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the photographing unit 22.

[0050] The photographing unit 22 is configured to be surrounded by a front panel 31 and side panels 32A and 32B provided so as to be in contact with both left and right ends of the front panel 31.

[0051] On the front side of the photographing unit 22, curved surface panels 81-1, 81-2, and 81-3 that constitute the curved surface C22 are provided. The curved surface panel 81-1 constitutes the left side of the curved surface C22 divided vertically into three parts, the curved surface panel 81-2 constitutes the center of the curved surface C22 divided vertically into three parts, and the curved surface panel 81-3 constitutes the right side of the curved surface C22 divided vertically into three parts.

[0052] The curved panels 81-1, 81-2, and 81-3 are formed of an acrylic resin. Specifically, the curved panels 81-1 and 81-3 are formed of an opaque, for example, black acrylic resin, while the curved panel 81-2 is formed of a translucent, for example, black acrylic resin.

[0053] In the curved panel 81-2, a camera unit 82 is provided at a position substantially in the center on the front side of the photographing unit 22. The camera unit 82 is composed of a camera 91, a touch panel monitor 92, and a smartphone holder 93.

[0054] The camera 91 is, for example, a single-lens reflex camera and is built into the camera unit 82 so that the lens is exposed. The camera 91 has an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and photographs a user in the photographing space. The moving image (hereinafter also referred to as a live view image) captured by the camera 91 is displayed on the touch panel monitor 92 in real time. The still image captured by the camera 91 at the shooting timing such as when shooting is instructed is saved as a photographed image.

[0055] The touch panel monitor 92 is built into the camera unit 82 below the camera 91 so that the display surface is exposed. The touch panel monitor 92 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD and a touch panel laminated thereon. The touch panel monitor 92 has a function as a live view monitor for displaying the moving image captured by the camera 91 and a function for displaying various GUIs and accepting user operations. The moving image (live view image) captured by the camera 91 and the still image (photographed image) as the shooting result are displayed on the touch panel monitor 92.

[0056] On the front surface of the camera unit 82, on the right side of the lens of the camera 91, a smartphone holder 93 serving as a placement area for the smartphone (mobile terminal) is provided. The smartphone holder 93 is formed to have a length sufficient for placing the smartphone horizontally.

[0057] The user can place their smartphone in the smartphone holder 93 and have the smartphone capture their own state during the game as a moving image or a still image.

[0058] On the curved surface panel 81-2, above the camera unit 82, an upper strobe unit 83 with an aspherical light emitting surface facing the user is installed. The upper strobe unit 83 irradiates light in a range centered on the user's face from directly above the front of the user. The upper strobe unit 83 incorporates a strobe discharge tube capable of strobe emission and an LED bulb. The upper strobe unit 83 constantly illuminates the shooting space and emits strobe light at the shooting timing to irradiate light on the user who is the subject.

[0059] Above the camera unit 82 and at a position that sandwiches the upper strobe unit 83 from the left and right in a front view, a plurality of constant light sources 84 are provided. The constant light sources 84 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the back side of the curved surface panel 81-2. The constant light sources 84 are composed of, for example, LED bulbs.

[0060] Below the camera unit 82, a box-shaped box-type strobe unit 85 is provided so as to protrude from the curved surface panel 81-2 and is formed to have substantially the same width as the curved surface panel 81-2. The box-type strobe unit 85 mainly irradiates light on the lower body and feet of the user. The box-type strobe unit 85 also incorporates a strobe discharge tube capable of strobe emission and an LED bulb. The box-type strobe unit 85 constantly illuminates the shooting space and emits strobe light at the shooting timing to irradiate light on the user who is the subject.

[0061] Between the box-shaped strobe unit 85 and the side panel 32A, and between the box-shaped strobe unit 85 and the side panel 32B, box-shaped portions 86A and 86B are respectively formed. The front surfaces of the box-shaped portions 86A and 86B are substantially flush with the front surface of the box-shaped strobe unit 85. The top surfaces of the box-shaped portions 86A and 86B are fan-shaped and are used as a luggage placement area for the user performing the photographing operation to place luggage and the like.

[0062] In the curved surface panel 81-1, above the box-shaped portion 86A and at a position substantially the same height as the camera unit 82, a mirror 87 is provided. The mirror 87 is used by the user before starting the photographing operation to check their appearance.

[0063] (Configuration of the ceiling part and the background part) FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are perspective views showing a configuration example of the ceiling part 23 and the background part 24.

[0064] In the ceiling part 23 that constitutes the ceiling of the photographing space B2, a ceiling strobe unit 131 and side strobe units 132A and 132B are provided.

[0065] The ceiling strobe unit 131 irradiates light from substantially directly above the user. The ceiling strobe unit 131 incorporates a strobe light-emitting tube capable of strobe light emission and an LED bulb. The ceiling strobe unit 131 constantly illuminates the inside of the photographing space and emits strobe light at the photographing timing to irradiate the user who is the subject with light.

[0066] The side strobe units 132A and 132B irradiate light from the upper left and upper right of the user. The side strobe units 132A and 132B each incorporate a strobe light-emitting tube capable of strobe light emission. The side strobe units 132A and 132B emit strobe light at the photographing timing to irradiate the user who is the subject with light.

[0067] On the surface of the background unit 24 on the side of the photographing space B2, there are provided curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 that constitute the curved surface C24. The curved panel 141-1 constitutes the left side obtained by vertically dividing the curved surface C24 into three parts, and the curved panel 141-2 constitutes the center obtained by vertically dividing the curved surface C24 into three parts. The curved panel 141-3 constitutes the right side obtained by vertically dividing the curved surface C24 into three parts.

[0068] The curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 are formed of an acrylic resin. Specifically, the curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 are formed of a translucent, for example, white acrylic resin.

[0069] On the back side of each of the curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3, LED fluorescent tubes arranged vertically in the extending direction are arranged side by side. These LED fluorescent tubes arranged on the back side of the curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 constantly illuminate the inside of the photographing space.

[0070] Above the curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3, a curtain unit 142 is installed. The curtain unit 142 is installed parallel to the surface of a back panel 41 (not shown).

[0071] As described above, inside the curtain unit 142, a white background curtain 151 is wound up and stored. The white background curtain 151 is lowered while photographing processing is being performed in the photographing space B2.

[0072] That is, the background unit 24 shown in FIG. 7 is the background unit 24 in a state where the photographing process is not being performed, with the background curtain 151 not lowered and the curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 exposed. On the other hand, the background unit 24 shown in FIG. 8 is the background unit 24 in a state where the photographing process is being performed, with the background curtain 151 lowered.

[0073] (Configuration of the editing unit) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the front side of the editing unit 12 (the editing space B3-1 side in FIG. 3).

[0074] A tablet-built-in monitor 161 is provided substantially at the center of the inclined surface 52. A touch pen 162L is provided on the left side of the tablet-built-in monitor 161. A touch pen 162R is provided on the right side of the tablet-built-in monitor 161.

[0075] For example, an editing screen (also called a scribbling screen) used for editing work is displayed on the tablet-built-in monitor 161. When two users perform editing work (scribbling) simultaneously, the touch pen 162L is used by the user on the left side facing the tablet-built-in monitor 161, and the touch pen 162R is used by the user on the right side facing the tablet-built-in monitor 161.

[0076] Operations using the touch pen 162L and operations using the touch pen 162R are each identified. Appropriately, only operations using the touch pen 162L are acceptable for the display on the left side of the tablet-built-in monitor 161, and only operations using the touch pen 162R are acceptable for the display on the right side. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the touch pen 162L and the touch pen 162R, they are collectively referred to as the touch pen 162.

[0077] In a plate-shaped portion 53 provided above the inclined surface 52, a transparent acrylic plate 163 to which a resin sheet with various designs is attachable is supported by support frames 164A, 164B, and 164C.

[0078] The rear side of the editing unit 12 (the editing space B3-2 side in FIG. 3) is basically configured in the same manner as the front side of the editing unit 12.

[0079] For example, an LED fluorescent tube is provided between the acrylic plate 163 on the front side of the editing unit 12 and the acrylic plate 163 on the rear side of the editing unit 12. By attaching a sheet with a predetermined design and having permeability to the acrylic plate 163 and making the LED fluorescent tube emit light from the back side thereof, the design applied to the sheet can be made prominent.

[0080] (Configuration of the Editing Unit Side Panel) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an editing unit side panel 13 provided on the left side surface of the editing unit 12.

[0081] The editing unit side panel 13 has panels 171 to 174 as plate-like members that constitute the front side (the side of the printing waiting space B4) surface thereof.

[0082] Panel 171 constitutes approximately the upper half of the editing unit side panel 13. Panel 172 constitutes slightly less than one-third of the center in the left-right direction of approximately the lower half of the editing unit side panel 13. Panels 173 and 174 constitute the left and right sides of panel 172, respectively, in approximately the lower half of the editing unit side panel 13.

[0083] Panel 171 is composed of a transparent acrylic plate to which sheets made of resin with various designs can be attached. Inside the housing of the editing unit side panel 13, for example, an LED fluorescent tube is provided on the back side of panel 171. By attaching a sheet with a predetermined design and having permeability to panel 171 and emitting light from the LED fluorescent tube on the back side thereof, the design applied to the sheet can be made prominent.

[0084] Panel 172 is configured as an openable and closable door portion that covers a part of the left side surface of the editing unit 12. Through the opening in the state where panel 172 is open, it is possible to see a printer provided on the left side surface side inside the housing of the editing unit 12.

[0085] Near the center of panel 172, a seal outlet 181 for providing the seal paper finally output to the user is provided. By a printer provided on the left side surface side inside the housing of the editing unit 12, an image of the user in the editing space B3-1 or an image of the user in the editing space B3-2 is printed on the seal paper in a predetermined layout and discharged to the seal outlet 181.

[0086] Further, FIG. 10 shows a scribbling curtain 191A for preventing the editing space B3-1 from being visible from the outside, and a scribbling curtain 191B for preventing the editing space B3-2 from being visible from the outside.

[0087] Conventionally, the scribbling curtains 191A and 191B were directly attached to the curtain frames 61A and 61B provided above the editing unit 12. In this case, for example, the editing spaces B3-1 and B3-2 formed between the front panel 31 of the photographing unit 22 and the side panel 13 of the editing unit are sealed by the scribbling curtains 191A and 191B, respectively.

[0088] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, in the photo sealing machine 1 to which the present technology is applied, ventilation fittings 192A and 192B are joined to the curtain frames 61A and 61B, respectively. The ventilation fitting 192A is joined to the curtain frame 61A so as to protrude from the same plane formed by the side panel 32A, the curtain frame 61A, and the edge surface of the side panel 13 of the editing unit. Similarly, the ventilation fitting 192B is joined to the curtain frame 61B so as to protrude from the same plane formed by the side panel 32B, the curtain frame 61B, and the edge surface of the side panel 13 of the editing unit.

[0089] Then, as shown in FIG. 12, each of the scribbling curtains 191A and 191B is attached not to each of the curtain frames 61A and 61B but to each of the ventilation fittings 192A and 192B. As a result, in the editing space B3-1, gaps are provided between the scribbling curtain 191A and the side panel 32A, and between the scribbling curtain 191A and the edge surface of the side panel 13 of the editing unit. Similarly, in the editing space B3-2, gaps are provided between the scribbling curtain 191B and the side panel 32B, and between the scribbling curtain 191B and the edge surface of the side panel 13 of the editing unit.

[0090] Thereby, the editing spaces B3-1 and B3-2 can be ventilated to the outside without being sealed.

[0091] (Hardware Configuration Block of Photo Seal Machine) FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the photo seal machine 1. In FIG. 13, the same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 13, the photo seal machine 1 is configured by connecting a pre-selection unit 302, a photographing unit 304, editing units 305A and 305B, and a printing unit 306 to a PC (Personal Computer) unit 301 via an external input / output interface 303. The PC unit 301, which is an information processing device, is mounted, for example, inside the housing of the editing unit 12.

[0093] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, ROM (Read Only Memory) 312, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 that constitute the PC unit 301 are interconnected by a bus 314.

[0094] The CPU 311 executes a predetermined program and controls the overall operation of the photo seal machine 1. The ROM 312 stores the programs and data executed by the CPU 311. The RAM 313 temporarily stores the data and programs processed by the CPU 311.

[0095] An input / output interface 315 is further connected to the bus 314. A storage unit 316, a communication unit 317, and a drive 318 are connected to the input / output interface 315.

[0096] The storage unit 316 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The storage unit 316 stores various setting information and image data supplied from the CPU 311. The information and data stored in the storage unit 316 are appropriately read by the CPU 311.

[0097] The communication unit 317 is an interface for networks such as the Internet. The communication unit 317 communicates with external devices according to the control by the CPU 311. The communication unit 317 transmits an image selected by the user to, for example, an image management server managed by the manufacturer of the photo sticker machine 1. The image transmitted from the communication unit 317 is stored in a predetermined storage area in the image management server and is displayed on a mobile terminal that has accessed the image management server or downloaded to the mobile terminal.

[0098] A removable medium 319 such as an optical disk or a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted on the drive 318. Programs and data read from the removable medium 319 by the drive 318 are supplied to the CPU 311 and stored or installed in the storage unit 316.

[0099] An external input / output interface 303 is connected to the input / output interface 315. Control of each unit by the PC unit 301 is performed via the external input / output interface 303.

[0100] The pre-selection unit 302 performs pre-selection processing for users in the pre-selection space B1. The pre-selection unit 302 is configured to include a touch panel monitor 71, a speaker 72, and a coin processing unit 321.

[0101] The touch panel monitor 71 displays various selection screens according to the control by the PC unit 301 and receives operations of the user on the selection screens. An input signal representing the content of the user's operation is supplied to the PC unit 301, and various settings are made.

[0102] The coin processing unit 321 detects the insertion of coins into the coin insertion slot 73. When the coin processing unit 321 detects that coins corresponding to a predetermined amount have been inserted, it outputs a start signal instructing the start of the game to the PC unit 301.

[0103] The imaging unit 304 performs imaging processing on the user in the imaging space B2. The imaging unit 304 is configured to include a camera 91, a touch panel monitor 92, a lighting device 331, a curtain unit 332, and a speaker 333.

[0104] The camera 91 performs imaging according to the shutter control by the PC unit 301, and outputs the captured image (image data) obtained by the imaging to the PC unit 301.

[0105] The lighting device 331 is a strobe unit and a steady light source in the imaging space B2, and emits light according to the lighting control signal supplied from the PC unit 301. The lighting device 331 includes an upper strobe unit 83, a steady light source 84, a box-shaped strobe unit 85, a ceiling strobe unit 131, side strobe units 132A and 132B, etc.

[0106] The curtain unit 332 is the curtain unit 142 in the imaging space B2, and raises and lowers the curtain (background curtain 151) according to the lifting control signal supplied from the PC unit 301.

[0107] The speaker 333 is composed of a speaker provided at a predetermined position in the imaging space B2.

[0108] The editing unit 305A performs editing processing on the user in the editing space B3-1. The editing unit 305A is configured to include a tablet-integrated monitor 161, touch pens 162L and 162R, and a speaker 341. The editing unit 305B performs editing processing on the user in the editing space B3-2 and has the same configuration as the editing unit 305A. Hereinafter, the editing units 305A and 305B are collectively referred to as the editing unit 305 as appropriate.

[0109] The tablet-integrated monitor 161 displays an editing screen (scribbling screen) according to the control by the PC unit 301 and receives the user's operation on the editing screen. The input signal representing the content of the user's operation is supplied to the PC unit 301, and the captured image to be edited is edited.

[0110] The printing unit 306 is configured to include a printer 351. A sticker paper unit 352 is attached to the printer 351.

[0111] The printer 351 drives the built-in head 361 and prints an image on the roll-shaped sticker paper 363 stored in the sticker paper unit 352 based on the print data supplied from the PC unit 301. Further, the printer 351 cuts the sticker paper 363 on which the image has been printed at a predetermined cut position by a cutter 362 and discharges it to the sticker extraction port 181. As the printing medium, various media capable of printing photographs other than sticker paper can be used.

[0112] (Functional configuration example of the control unit) FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a control unit that controls the overall operation of the photo sticker machine 1. Each functional block in FIG. 14 is realized by a CPU 311 executing a predetermined program.

[0113] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, as the control unit 400, a pre-selection processing unit 401, a shooting processing unit 402, an editing processing unit 403, a printing processing unit 404, and a transmission processing unit 405 are realized.

[0114] The pre-selection processing unit 401 performs pre-selection processing by controlling each part of the pre-selection unit 302. The pre-selection processing unit 401 supplies selection information representing the selection content of the user to the shooting processing unit 402.

[0115] The shooting processing unit 402 performs shooting processing by controlling each part of the shooting unit 304 based on the selection information from the pre-selection processing unit 401. The shooting processing unit 402 supplies a plurality of captured images obtained by a plurality of shootings to the editing processing unit 403.

[0116] The editing processing unit 403 performs editing processing by controlling each part of the editing unit 305. The editing processing unit 403 generates print data in which the edited image after the captured image is edited is arranged in a predetermined layout, and supplies it to the printing processing unit 404. Further, the editing processing unit 403 supplies the data of the image selected by the user from the edited image (captured image) to the transmission processing unit 405.

[0117] The printing processing unit 404 performs printing processing by controlling each part of the printing unit 306. The printing processing unit 404 inputs the print data to the printer 351, prints the edited image on the sticker paper 363, and discharges it to the sticker ejection port 181.

[0118] The transmission processing unit 405 performs transmission processing of transmitting the image selected by the user to the image management server by controlling the communication unit 317.

[0119] <2. Photo sticker creation game providing process> Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, the flow of the photo sticker creation game providing process executed by the photo sticker machine 1 will be described.

[0120] In step S1, the pre-selection processing unit 401 determines whether coins for a predetermined amount have been inserted, based on the activation signal supplied from the coin processing unit 321, and waits until it is determined that coins have been inserted.

[0121] In step S1, if it is determined that coins have been inserted, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the pre-selection processing unit 401 performs pre-selection processing by controlling the pre-selection unit 302. Specifically, the pre-selection processing unit 401 causes the user to make selections such as the number of users and the shooting course. Any selection is made using the selection screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 71.

[0122] In step S3, the imaging processing unit 402 performs imaging processing by controlling the imaging unit 304. Specifically, the imaging processing unit 402 causes a live view of the moving image of the subject captured by the camera 91 to be displayed on the touch panel monitor 92, and generates a captured image by capturing the user in the imaging space B2 as the subject.

[0123] In step S4, the editing processing unit 403, the printing processing unit 404, and the transmission processing unit 405 perform editing, printing, and transmission processing.

[0124] That is, the editing processing unit 403 performs editing processing by controlling the editing unit 305. Specifically, the editing processing unit 403 causes the user to perform an editing operation on the captured image obtained by the imaging processing, thereby generating an edited image that has been edited.

[0125] Also, the printing processing unit 404 performs (starts) printing processing by controlling the printer 351. Specifically, the printing processing unit 404 inputs the edited image (printing data) obtained by the editing processing to the printer 351 and causes it to be printed on the sticker paper. When the printing is completed, the printer 351 discharges the sticker paper on which the image has been printed to the sticker ejection port 181.

[0126] On the other hand, the transmission processing unit 405 performs transmission processing by controlling the communication unit 317. Specifically, the transmission processing unit 405 transmits the image selected by the user from among the edited image and the captured image obtained by the editing processing to the image management server.

[0127] The editing processing, the printing processing, and the transmission processing may be performed in parallel, with some or all of each being performed simultaneously.

[0128] <3. Detailed configurations of the imaging processing unit and the editing processing unit> Here, with reference to FIG. 16, the detailed configurations of the imaging processing unit 402 and the editing processing unit 403 for realizing the present technology will be described.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 16, the imaging processing unit 402 is configured to include an imaging control unit 421, a light emission control unit 422, a display control unit 423, and a storage control unit 424.

[0130] The imaging control unit 421 controls the camera 91 for imaging the user as a subject. The camera 91 can perform video shooting for generating a moving image (also referred to as a movie image) in addition to still image shooting for generating a still image (captured image) based on the control of the imaging control unit 421. The generated captured image and movie image are supplied to the editing processing unit 403.

[0131] The light emission control unit 422 controls the light emission of lighting devices 331 such as the upper strobe unit 83 provided in the imaging space B2 and the constant light source 84 composed of LED bulbs.

[0132] The display control unit 423 controls the display of various screens on the touch panel monitor 92. The screens displayed on the touch panel monitor 92 include a screen for executing still image shooting by the camera 91 and a screen for executing video shooting by the camera 91. The live view image captured by the camera 91, the captured image and movie image as shooting results are displayed on these screens for executing shooting.

[0133] The storage control unit 424 stores the captured image and movie image generated by the imaging control unit 421 in the storage unit 316. The captured image and movie image stored in the storage unit 316 are displayed on the touch panel monitor 92 based on the control of the display control unit 423 and finally supplied to the editing processing unit 403.

[0134] The editing processing unit 403 is configured to include a display control unit 431, an input reception unit 432, and an image generation unit 433.

[0135] The display control unit 431 controls the display of various screens on the built-in tablet monitor 161. The screens displayed on the built-in tablet monitor 161 include, in addition to the scribbling screen described above, various selection screens for generating an image (seal image) printed on the sticker paper. As the selection screen, a selection screen for selecting a layout for determining the design of the seal image or for selecting an image arranged in the seal image is displayed.

[0136] The input reception unit 432 receives the user's operation input using the touch pen 162 for the screen displayed on the built-in tablet monitor 161. For example, the input reception unit 432 receives the user's selection for various selection screens.

[0137] The image generation unit 434 generates the seal image finally printed on the sticker paper. Specifically, the image generation unit 434 generates, as the seal image, a composite image in which the images selected by the user are arranged in the layout selected by the user on the selection screen.

[0138] The print data of the seal image generated in this way is supplied to the print processing unit 404. Also, the captured image (still image) from the imaging processing unit 402 is supplied to the transmission processing unit 405 as the transmission image on which scribbling is performed by the user on the scribbling screen and is transmitted to the image management server.

[0139] <4. Light emission control in imaging processing> As described above, various strobe units and constant light sources are provided in the imaging space B2, and in the imaging processing, the light emission of these is controlled by the light emission control unit 422.

[0140] Here, with reference to FIG. 17, the arrangement of the upper strobe unit 83 and the constant light source 84 provided in front of the imaging unit 22 will be described.

[0141] As described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a camera unit 82 including a camera 91, a touch panel monitor 92, and a smartphone holder 93 is provided substantially at the center of a curved surface panel 81-2 that constitutes the front of the photographing unit 22. Further, in the curved surface panel 81-2, an upper strobe unit 83 and a constant light source 84 are provided above the camera unit 82.

[0142] The color of the housing of the camera unit 82 is mainly black. Further, the curved surface panel 81-2 is formed of a semi-transparent black acrylic resin, and the curved surface panels 81-1 and 81-3 (not shown) are formed of an opaque black acrylic resin. That is, the front of the photographing unit 22 is composed of members having a black tone. This makes it possible to make prominent a catch light using the upper strobe unit 83 as a light source, which is reflected in the pupils of the user as a subject.

[0143] The upper strobe unit 83 is installed so as to project from the curved surface panel 81-2 with its aspherical light emitting surface facing the user. The upper strobe unit 83 incorporates a strobe discharge tube that emits strobe light and an LED bulb that emits constant light.

[0144] On the other hand, the constant light source 84 is a constant light emitting LED bulb provided separately from the LED bulb incorporated in the upper strobe unit 83, and is provided on the back side of the black semi-transparent curved surface panel 81-2. In the example of FIG. 17, the constant light sources 84 are arranged in four rows in the vertical direction on the left and right of the upper strobe unit 83 so as to sandwich the upper strobe unit 83 from the left and right in a front view.

[0145] Since the curved surface panel 81-2 is formed of black semi-transparent material, the constant light source 84 can irradiate constant light into the photographing space B2 through the curved surface panel 81-2 even if it is provided on the back side of the curved surface panel 81-2. Further, since the constant light source 84 is arranged in the height direction to be equivalent to that of the upper strobe unit 83 on the left and right of the upper strobe unit 83, the constant light can be irradiated in a range centered on the user's face from directly above the user's front, similar to the upper strobe unit 83.

[0146] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the light emission control of the upper strobe unit 83 and the constant light source 84.

[0147] In the uppermost row of FIG. 18, the flow of a single photo sticker creation game (hereinafter simply referred to as a game) is shown in time series. In the example of FIG. 18, it is assumed that a group of users play the game between time T1 and time T5, and before and after that, no user plays the game.

[0148] The period during which no user plays the game is defined as the eco mode period. During the eco mode period, the operation mode of the photo sticker machine 1 becomes the power saving mode, and various monitors and lighting devices used for the game are basically in the standby state or the OFF state.

[0149] Also, in FIG. 18, below the flow of the game, the operations of the camera 91, the upper strobe unit 83, and the constant light source 84 during the flow of the game are shown.

[0150] During the eco mode period, the lighting device provided in the photographing space B2 is basically turned OFF, but the constant light source 84 is in a state of emitting light constantly (light emission ON).

[0151] When the insertion of a coin by a group of users is detected at time T1, the game is started, and the pre-selection process corresponding to step S2 of the flowchart in FIG. 15 is started. Continuing the eco mode period, the constant light source 84 remains in the light emission ON state even while the pre-selection process is being performed.

[0152] When the pre-selection process ends, the shooting process corresponding to step S3 in the flowchart of FIG. 15 starts. In the example of FIG. 18, the shooting process is divided into three periods: a shooting preparation period, a still image shooting period, and a moving image shooting period. The shooting preparation period is the time when guidance or the like for prompting the preparation of the shooting work is output to the user who has moved to the shooting space B2. The still image shooting period is the time when still image shooting for generating a still image (shot image) is continuously performed a plurality of times (for example, 7 times). The moving image shooting period is the time when moving image shooting for generating a moving image (movie image) for a predetermined time such as 4 seconds is performed.

[0153] While the pre-selection process is being performed, the steady light source 84 also emits light (ON) continuously during the shooting preparation period. By turning on the steady light source 84 during the shooting preparation period, the inside of the shooting space B2 is in a bright state, and the user before starting the shooting work can be made to check their appearance using the mirror 87.

[0154] At time T2, when the shooting preparation period ends and the still image shooting period starts, the steady light source 84 transitions to a state where it does not emit steady light (emission OFF). From time T2 to time T3, that is, during the still image shooting period, the steady light source 84 is turned off. On the other hand, the upper strobe unit 83 emits strobe light at the timing of still image shooting by the camera 91 during the still image shooting period (between times T2 and T3). During the still image shooting period, the strobe light emission of the upper strobe unit 83 is repeated at the timing of still image shooting that is continuously performed a plurality of times.

[0155] At time T3, when the still image shooting period ends and the moving image shooting period starts, the steady light source 84 transitions back to emitting light (ON). From time T3 to time T4, moving image shooting by the camera 91 is performed, and during that moving image shooting period, the steady light source 84 continues to emit steady light.

[0156] At time T4, when the shooting process (video shooting period) ends, the editing / printing / sending process corresponding to step S4 in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is started. Even while the editing / printing / sending process is being performed following the video shooting period, the steady light source 84 is turned on for emission.

[0157] At time T5, when the editing / printing / sending process ends, a series of games ends, and the photo sticker machine 1 enters the eco mode period again. As described above, during the eco mode period, the steady light source 84 is turned on for emission.

[0158] As described above, the upper strobe unit 83 emits strobe light at the timing of still image shooting by the camera 91, while the steady light source 84 emits steady light during video shooting by the camera 91 and does not emit steady light during the still image shooting period in which continuous still image shooting is performed.

[0159] Conventionally, when performing video shooting with a photo sticker machine, the amount of light is insufficient with only the light of the LED bulb built in the upper strobe unit, and the image of the user in the moving image becomes darker compared to the image of the still image obtained at the timing of strobe light emission.

[0160] Therefore, in the photo sticker machine 1 to which this technology is applied, by providing the steady light source 84 in the same arrangement as the upper strobe unit 83, it is possible to irradiate the user with light of sufficient light amount even during video shooting. That is, it is possible to realize video shooting in a stable optical environment and to bring the image of the user in the moving image closer to the image of the still image obtained at the timing of strobe light emission.

[0161] In addition, the steady light source 84 composed of an LED bulb is turned on for emission even during a period excluding the still image shooting period from the start to the end of the photo sticker creation game, and further during a period such as the eco mode period when the photo sticker creation game is not provided.

[0162] Generally, for an LED light bulb, a certain degree of temperature rise is required and a certain amount of time is needed for its brightness to stabilize after it is turned on. Therefore, when the steady light source 84 is turned on only during the video shooting period, the brightness may not be stable during the video shooting, and there is a possibility that sufficient light cannot be irradiated to the user.

[0163] On the other hand, in the photo sticker machine 1 to which the present technology is applied, the steady light source 84 is turned on during the period except for the still image shooting period and further during the eco mode period. Therefore, even if it is turned off during the still image shooting period, the temperature of the LED light bulb can be maintained to a certain extent, so that the brightness can be stabilized even during the video shooting period, and it is possible to irradiate sufficient light to the user.

[0164] In the above description, the still image shooting period is defined as the time during which still image shooting is continuously performed multiple times. However, it is not limited to this, and the still image shooting period may be an extremely short time including the shooting timing in each individual still image shooting. In this case, the time during which the live view image is displayed, which is provided before each shooting timing, may be included in the still image shooting period.

[0165] (Example of arrangement of steady light source) In the above, the steady light source 84 is arranged in four rows in the vertical direction on the left and right sides of the upper strobe unit 83 so as to sandwich the upper strobe unit 83 from the left and right in a front view. However, it is not limited to this, and the steady light source 84 may be provided around the upper strobe unit 83 in a front view.

[0166] For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the steady light source 84 may be arranged in an elliptical shape, for example, so as to surround the upper strobe unit 83 in a front view.

[0167] In addition, the steady light source 84 may be composed of a lighting fixture other than an LED bulb. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a steady light source 84' composed of an LED straight tube fluorescent lamp may be arranged on the left and right of the upper strobe unit 83 so as to sandwich the upper strobe unit 83 from the left and right in a front view.

[0168] Of course, as the steady light source 84, instead of an LED bulb or an LED straight tube fluorescent lamp, an incandescent bulb, a halogen lamp, an HID lamp, a hot cathode tube type fluorescent lamp, or the like may be used.

[0169] Even with the above configuration, video shooting in a stable optical environment can be realized, and the image of the user in the moving image can be made closer to the image of the still image obtained at the timing of the strobe light emission.

[0170] <5. Live view display during video shooting> As described above, in the photo sticker creation game provided by the photo sticker machine 1, in addition to still image shooting, video shooting is also performed.

[0171] (Flow of video shooting process) With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21, the flow of the video shooting process by the photo sticker machine 1 will be described. The processing of each step in FIG. 21 is executed by the shooting processing unit 402.

[0172] In step S111, the shooting control unit 421 starts capturing a moving image by controlling the camera 91.

[0173] In step S112, the display control unit 423 starts displaying the captured moving image as a live view image by displaying a live view display screen on the touch panel monitor 92.

[0174] In step S113, the display control unit 423 superimposes a guidance image on the live view image displayed on the live view display screen of the touch panel monitor 92. The guidance image is an image that covers at least the area including the face of the user who is the subject of video shooting, and is an image for guiding the user's line of sight to the lens of the camera 91.

[0175] The user will face video shooting while checking the live view image with the guidance image superimposed thereon.

[0176] In step S114, the shooting control unit 421 generates a movie image from the captured moving image, and the storage control unit 424 stores the generated movie image in the storage unit 316.

[0177] In step S115, the shooting processing unit 402 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the movie image was generated.

[0178] Until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the generation and storage of the movie image in step S114 are repeated. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0179] In step S116, the shooting control unit 421 ends the generation of the movie image, and the storage control unit 424 finishes storing the movie image in the storage unit 316.

[0180] Thereafter, in step S117, the display control unit 423 reads out the movie image stored in the storage unit 316 and displays it on the touch panel monitor 92 to play back the movie image.

[0181] The user can check the result of video shooting based on the movie image displayed on the touch panel monitor 92.

[0182] (Example of live view display screen) Here, with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the live view display screen displayed in the video shooting process will be described.

[0183] When video capture by the camera 91 starts and live image capture begins, a live view display screen 500 as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the touch panel monitor 92.

[0184] In the live view display screen 500 of FIG. 22, a live image captured by the camera 91 is displayed as a live view image 510 slightly above the center thereof. On both the left and right sides of the live view image 510, regions are provided where sample images serving as samples of poses in video shooting are displayed.

[0185] A countdown image 511 indicating the time until recording (generation and storage of movie images) starts is superimposed and displayed approximately at the center of the live view image 510. In the example of FIG. 22, the countdown image 511 is in a state before the countdown starts, and the text "Until Recording" is displayed. Thereafter, when the countdown starts, the numbers "3", "2", "1" are sequentially displayed on the countdown image 511 every second, and recording starts when the timing of "0" is reached.

[0186] Note that one second before recording starts, that is, after the number "1" is displayed on the countdown image 511, an induction image 521 as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the live view image 510 in place of the countdown image 511.

[0187] The induction image 521 is an image that covers a strip-shaped region excluding regions with a predetermined width along the upper and lower ends of the live view image 510, and is a black image having a predetermined transmittance. As shown in FIG. 23, the induction image 521 is superimposed on the live view image 510 so as to cover at least the region including the face of the user reflected in the live view image 510.

[0188] The guidance image 521 includes a statement "Look at the camera" that prompts the user, who is the subject of video shooting, to direct their line of sight towards the lens of the camera 91, and a graphic (triangle) indicating the direction in which the lens of the camera 91 is located.

[0189] The guidance image 521 continues to be displayed on the live view image 510 until the recording ends. In the live view display screen 500, an indicator 530 representing the passage of time until the recording ends is displayed above the live view image 510.

[0190] In video shooting, it is conceivable to have the user take various poses during shooting. Even in such a case, it was necessary to allow the user to confirm poses and the like by displaying the live view image. However, when the live view image was displayed during video shooting, there was a risk that the user would direct their line of sight towards themselves (especially the face) shown in the live view image rather than towards the lens of the camera, and thus would not be able to concentrate on the video shooting.

[0191] Therefore, in the video shooting by the photo sticker machine 1 of the present technology, the guidance image 521 is superimposed on the live view image 510 so as to cover at least the area including the face of the user shown in the live view image 510. As a result, it becomes difficult for the user, who is the subject of the video shooting, to confirm their own face shown in the live view image 510, and thus it is possible to prevent the user from directing their line of sight towards themselves shown in the live view image. As a result, the user can concentrate on the video shooting.

[0192] In particular, since the guidance image 521 includes a statement that prompts the user to direct their line of sight towards the lens of the camera 91 and a graphic indicating the direction in which the lens of the camera 91 is located, it is possible to more surely direct the user's line of sight towards the lens of the camera 91.

[0193] In addition, the guidance image 521 covers not the entire live view image 510 but the area including the face of the user shown in the live view image 510, and is an image having a predetermined transmittance. Therefore, although it is difficult for the user who is the subject of video shooting to confirm his or her own face shown in the live view image 510, the user can start video shooting while confirming the top of the head shown in the live view image 510, the chest area including the arms, and his or her own movements faintly visible through the guidance image 521.

[0194] Note that although the guidance image 521 is assumed to be a black image having a predetermined transmittance, its color may be any color. Also, as shown in FIG. 24, the guidance image 521 may be an image with a predetermined color that does not have a transmittance. In addition, the guidance image 521 may be an image that covers only one of the regions with a predetermined width along the upper and lower ends of the live view image 510.

[0195] Furthermore, the guidance image 521 only needs to make it difficult for the user to confirm his or her own face shown in the live view image 510. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, it may be a colored image having a predetermined transmittance that covers the entire live view image 510.

[0196] Also, the words prompting the user to direct his or her line of sight to the lens of the camera 91 and the graphic indicating the direction in which the lens of the camera 91 is located, which are included in the guidance image 521, are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 25.

[0197] <6. Generation of Seal Image> Here, generation of the seal image finally printed on the seal paper will be described.

[0198] (First Example of Generation of Seal Image) In the photo seal machine 1 to which this technology is applied, instead of the still image (captured image) generated by still image shooting, the frame image selected by the user from among the frame images constituting the moving image (movie image) generated by video shooting is printed on the seal paper.

[0199] With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 26, the flow of the seal image generation process will be described. The process of FIG. 26 is executed in the editing process by the editing unit 403.

[0200] In step S131, the display control unit 431 causes the seal layout selection screen to be displayed on the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0201] The seal layout selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to select the seal layout of the finally output seal paper. The seal layout is, for example, a design image that determines the design and color of the entire seal paper on which three frame images are arranged (arrayed).

[0202] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the seal layout selection screen.

[0203] On the left and right sides of the seal layout selection screen 610 shown in FIG. 27, a seal layout selection area 611 and an OK button 612 are provided.

[0204] The seal layout selection area 611 and the OK button 612 on the left side of the seal layout selection screen 610 are operated by the user on the left side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet. The seal layout selection area 611 and the OK button 612 on the right side of the seal layout selection screen 610 are operated by the user on the right side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0205] In the seal layout selection area 611, selection of a seal layout (design image) is accepted by the user's operation using the touch pen 162. In the seal layout selection area 611, design images with different designs are sequentially displayed according to the user's operation, and icons for selecting the color of the design image are displayed. In any of the design images selected in the seal layout selection area 611, for example, an area (arrangement area) where three frame images are arranged is provided.

[0206] In a state where the design and color of the design image are selected in the seal layout selection area 611, when the OK button 612 is pressed by the operation of the user using the touch pen 162, the design and color of the design image are determined.

[0207] That is, in step S132, the input reception unit 432 receives the selection of the seal layout by the user for the seal layout selection screen 610. When the design and color of the seal layout (design image) are determined on the left and right sides of the seal layout selection screen 610, the process proceeds to step S133.

[0208] In step S133, the display control unit 431 causes the frame image selection screen to be displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 161.

[0209] The frame image selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to select a frame image to be arranged on the design image selected on the seal layout selection screen. As described above, the frame image is a frame image constituting a movie image generated by video shooting by the camera 91.

[0210] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the frame image selection screen.

[0211] On the left and right sides of the frame image selection screen 630 shown in FIG. 28, a frame image selection area 631 and an OK button 632 are provided.

[0212] The frame image selection area 631 and the OK button 632 on the left side of the frame image selection screen 630 are operated by the user on the left side facing the tablet built-in monitor 161. The frame image selection area 631 and the OK button 632 on the right side of the frame image selection screen 630 are operated by the user on the right side facing the tablet built-in monitor 161.

[0213] In the frame image selection area 631, selection of a frame image is accepted by the operation of the user using the touch pen 162. In the frame image selection area 631, a seal layout display area 641 and a frame image display area 642 are provided.

[0214] In the seal layout display area 641, the seal layout (design image) selected in the seal layout selection screen 610 is displayed. In the frame image display area 642, frame images constituting the movie image are displayed for a predetermined number of frames.

[0215] The frame images displayed in the frame image display area 642 do not have to be frame images that are temporally continuous in the movie image. For example, they may be frame images every several frames in the movie image. Even if the frame images are decimated from the movie image in this way, the continuity of the user's actions in the movie image is not impaired as a whole for the frame images displayed in the frame image display area 642.

[0216] The user can select any three frame images from the frame images displayed in the frame image display area 642. The three frame images selected by the user may be before and after each other temporally in the movie image, or the same frame image may be selected repeatedly.

[0217] The three frame images selected in the frame image display area 642 are arranged and displayed on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 641.

[0218] The frame images selected in the frame image display area 642 may be arranged in the arrangement area on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 641 by drag and drop, or may be arranged in the arrangement area previously selected on the design image.

[0219] With three frame images arranged on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 641, when the OK button 632 is pressed by the operation of the user using the touch pen 162, the frame images arranged on the design image are determined.

[0220] That is, in step S134, the input reception unit 432 receives the selection of the user for the frame image selection screen 630. When the frame images arranged on the design image are determined on the left and right of the frame image selection screen 630 respectively, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0221] In step S135, the image generation unit 434 generates, as a seal image, a composite image in which the frame images selected by the user on the frame image selection screen are arranged on the design image selected by the user on the seal layout selection screen.

[0222] In this way, seal images are generated for the users on the left and right sides facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet respectively. The print data of the seal image generated in this way is supplied to the print processing unit 404, and the seal paper on which the seal image is printed is discharged from the seal outlet 181.

[0223] Conventionally, a photo seal machine that aims to obtain a series of shooting-like images by continuously taking still images has been considered. However, since the user has to pose or make facial expressions each time a still image is taken at short time intervals, the continuity of the movement is not maintained, and it has been difficult to obtain a series of shooting-like images.

[0224] On the other hand, in the photo seal machine 1 to which this technology is applied, a seal image in which a predetermined number of frame images selected from the movie images generated by video shooting are arranged is generated and printed on the seal paper. As a result, it becomes possible to provide the user with a seal paper with a series of shooting-like images having unprecedented movement continuity.

[0225] In addition, in the photo sticker machine 1 to which the present technology is applied, a steady light source 84 is provided in the same arrangement as the upper strobe unit 83, making it possible to approximate the image of the user in the movie image to the image of a still image obtained at the timing of strobe light emission. Therefore, the image of the user in the frame image constituting the movie image can also be made equivalent to the image of a still image obtained at the timing of strobe light emission, and as a result, the quality of the sticker paper can be improved.

[0226] In the photo sticker machine 1 to which the present technology is applied, the frame image selected from among the frame images constituting the moving image (movie image) generated by moving image shooting is printed on the sticker paper. On the other hand, the still image (captured image) generated by still image shooting is not printed on the sticker paper, but after scribbling is performed in the editing process, it becomes a candidate for the transmission image to be transmitted to the image management server.

[0227] (Second example of generation of sticker image) In the first example of generation of the sticker image described above, the frame image selected by the user from among the frame images constituting the moving image (movie image) generated by moving image shooting is printed on the sticker paper.

[0228] Since the frame image selected by the user is an image constituting the movie image generated by moving image shooting, there is a possibility that the image of the user and the expression in each of them may not necessarily satisfy the user. As a result, there is a possibility that a sticker paper that satisfies the user cannot be provided as the final output.

[0229] Therefore, in the photo sticker machine 1 which is a photo sticker creation device to which the present technology can be applied, it may be possible to select whether to use the still image (captured image) generated by still image shooting or the frame image constituting the moving image (movie image) generated by moving image shooting as the printed image to be printed on the sticker paper.

[0230] In this example, it is assumed that the shooting control unit 421 generates still images and moving images with different shooting angles (aspect ratios). Specifically, as for the still images, still images with a shooting angle previously selected by the user are generated, and as for the moving images, moving images with a fixed shooting angle regardless of the user's selection are generated.

[0231] The selection of the shooting angle of the still image is performed on the user, for example, in the pre-selection process (step S2 in FIG. 15). As described above, in the pre-selection process, in addition to the selection of the shooting angle of the still image, the selection of the number of users (2-person course / 3-person or more course) is also performed.

[0232] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a shooting angle selection screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 71.

[0233] The shooting angle selection screen 650 shown in FIG. 29 is provided with shooting angle selection buttons 651, 652 and an OK button 653.

[0234] The shooting angle selection button 651 is a button for selecting a landscape shooting angle (aspect ratio) as the shooting angle of the still image. The shooting angle selection button 652 is a button for selecting a portrait shooting angle (aspect ratio) as the shooting angle of the still image. The selected one of the shooting angle selection button 651 and the shooting angle selection button 652 is displayed surrounded by a thick frame. In the example of FIG. 29, the shooting angle selection button 651 is selected and displayed surrounded by a thick frame.

[0235] With either the shooting angle selection button 651 or the shooting angle selection button 652 selected, when the user operates to press the OK button 653, the shooting angle of the still image is determined.

[0236] The selection of the shooting angle of the still image described above is not limited to the pre-selection process, and may be performed, for example, in the shooting process as long as it is before the still image shooting is performed. Also, by trimming the still image so that it has the selected shooting angle, the selection of the shooting angle of the still image may be performed after the still image shooting is performed.

[0237] Note that the picture angle (aspect ratio) of the moving image that is not based on the user's selection is, for example, wider than the horizontal picture angle of the still image, but is not limited to this.

[0238] Now, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 30, the flow of the seal image generation process in this example will be described. The process of FIG. 30 is also executed in the editing process by the editing unit 403.

[0239] In step S151, the display control unit 431 causes the seal design selection screen to be displayed on the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0240] The seal design selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to select whether the still image generated by still image shooting or the frame image constituting the moving image generated by moving image shooting is to be the print image printed on the seal paper.

[0241] When it is selected that the still image is the print image and when it is selected that the frame image is the print image, the design and color of the selectable design images as the seal layout (design image) described later will be different. Therefore, the seal design selection screen can also be said to be a screen for allowing the user to select the overall design (seal design) of the seal paper finally output.

[0242] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the seal design selection screen.

[0243] On the left and right of the seal design selection screen 710 shown in FIG. 31, a continuous shooting style seal selection button 711 and a pre seal selection button 712 are provided.

[0244] The continuous shooting style seal selection button 711 and the pre-seal selection button 712 on the left side of the seal design selection screen 710 are operated by the user on the left side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet. The continuous shooting style seal selection button 711 and the pre-seal selection button 712 on the right side of the seal design selection screen 710 are operated by the user on the right side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0245] The continuous shooting style seal selection button 711 is a button for selecting to use the frame image constituting the moving image generated by video shooting as a printed image (selecting the continuous shooting style seal as the seal design). On the other hand, the pre-seal selection button 712 is a button for selecting to use the still image generated by still image shooting as a printed image (selecting the pre-seal as the seal design).

[0246] On the left and right sides of the seal design selection screen 710, by the user's operation using the touch pen 162, either the continuous shooting style seal selection button 711 or the pre-seal selection button 712 is pressed, thereby selecting whether to use the still image or the frame image as the printed image.

[0247] That is, in step S152, the input reception unit 432 receives the user's selection of the seal design (which of the still image and the frame image is to be used as the printed image) for the seal design selection screen 710. When the seal design is selected on the left and right sides of the seal design selection screen 710 and a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S153.

[0248] Thereafter, processing corresponding to the seal design selected on the left and right sides of the seal design selection screen 710 is performed for the left and right sides of the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0249] That is, in step S153, the input reception unit 432 determines whether the continuous shooting style seal is selected as the seal design for the left and right sides of the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0250] When it is determined that the continuous writing style seal is selected as the seal design, the process proceeds to step S154.

[0251] In step S154, the display control unit 431 causes the seal layout selection screen for the continuous writing style seal to be displayed on the corresponding side on the left and right of the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet as the seal layout selection screen.

[0252] In step S155, the input reception unit 432 receives the user's selection of the seal layout (design image) for the continuous writing style seal with respect to the seal layout selection screen. When the design and color of the design image are selected on the seal layout selection screen for the continuous writing style seal, and the OK button is pressed by the user's operation using the touch pen 162, the design and color of the design image for the continuous writing style seal are determined.

[0253] On the other hand, when it is determined that the continuous writing style seal is not selected as the seal design, that is, when the original seal is selected as the seal design, the process proceeds to step S156.

[0254] In step S156, the display control unit 431 causes the seal layout selection screen for the original seal to be displayed on the corresponding side on the left and right of the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet as the seal layout selection screen.

[0255] In step S157, the input reception unit 432 receives the user's selection of the seal layout (design image) for the original seal with respect to the seal layout selection screen. When the design and color of the design image are selected on the seal layout selection screen for the original seal, and the OK button is pressed by the user's operation using the touch pen 162, the design and color of the design image for the original seal are determined.

[0256] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the seal layout selection screen.

[0257] On the left and right sides of the seal layout selection screen 730 shown in FIG. 32, a seal layout selection area 731, a filter selection area 732, and an OK button 733 are provided.

[0258] The seal layout selection area 731, the filter selection area 732, and the OK button 733 on the left side of the seal layout selection screen 730 are operated by the user on the left side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet. The seal layout selection area 731, the filter selection area 732, and the OK button 733 on the right side of the seal layout selection screen 730 are operated by the user on the right side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0259] Here, it will be described as if the continuous shooting style seal is selected as the seal design by the user on the left side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet, and the original seal is selected as the seal design by the user on the right side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0260] In the seal layout selection area 731 on the left side of the seal layout selection screen 730, the selection of the seal layout (design image) for the continuous shooting style seal is accepted by the user's operation using the touch pen 162. In the example of FIG. 32, in the seal layout selection area 731 on the left side, an icon 741 for selecting the design of the design image for the continuous shooting style seal and a design image 742 of a different color with the design selected by the icon 741 are displayed. The design image 742 is provided with an area (arrangement area) where three frame images are arranged.

[0261] In the seal layout selection area 731 on the right side of the seal layout selection screen 730, selection of a seal layout (design image) for the pre-seal is accepted by the operation of the user using the touch pen 162. In the example of FIG. 32, in the seal layout selection area 731 on the right side, two horizontally long design images 751 with different designs and icons 752 for selecting the colors of the corresponding design images 751 are displayed. The design image 751 is provided with an arrangement area in which two vertically long still images of the picture angle are arranged.

[0262] That is, the seal layout selection screen 730 shown in FIG. 32 is a seal layout selection screen when a vertically long picture angle (aspect ratio) is selected as the picture angle of the still image in the pre-selection process.

[0263] As shown in FIG. 32, by operating the display switching area E731 provided above each of the left and right seal layout selection areas 731 of the seal layout selection screen 730, the seal layout selected in the corresponding seal layout selection area 731 may be switched between a seal layout for continuous shooting seals and a seal layout for pre-seals.

[0264] The filter selection area 732 is an area that is operated when a predetermined filter is superimposed on the image arranged in the design image selected in the seal layout selection area 731. The filter selection area 732 becomes active when a design image for continuous shooting seals is selected in the seal layout selection area 731, and becomes inactive when a design image for pre-seals is selected. That is, in the example of FIG. 32, the filter selection area 732 on the left side of the seal layout selection screen 730 becomes active, and the filter selection area 732 on the right side of the seal layout selection screen 730 becomes inactive.

[0265] In a state where the design and color of the design image are selected in the seal layout selection area 731, when the OK button 733 is pressed by the operation of the user using the touch pen 162, the design and color of the design image are determined.

[0266] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a seal layout selection screen when a horizontally long picture angle (aspect ratio) is selected as the picture angle of the still image in the pre-selection process.

[0267] In the example of FIG. 33, in the seal layout selection area 731 on the right side, two vertically long design images 751 with different designs are displayed, and each design image 751 is provided with an arrangement area where two horizontally long still images are arranged.

[0268] Therefore, it can be said that the designs of the pre-seal design images that can be selected on the seal layout selection screen 730 (seal layout selection area 731) differ according to the picture angle of the still image selected in the pre-selection process.

[0269] In addition, the pre-seal design images that can be selected on the seal layout selection screen 730 (seal layout selection area 731) also differ depending on the number of users (2-person course / 3 or more persons course) selected in the pre-selection process.

[0270] Specifically, when a 2-person course is selected in the pre-selection process, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, in the seal layout selection area 731, two design images 751 with different designs are displayed as the pre-seal design images that can be selected. On the other hand, when a 3 or more persons course is selected in the pre-selection process, in the seal layout selection area 731, three design images 751 are displayed as the pre-seal design images that can be selected.

[0271] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a seal layout selection screen when three or more courses are selected and a vertical aspect ratio (aspect ratio) is selected as the angle of view of the still image in the pre-selection process.

[0272] In the example of FIG. 34, in the seal layout selection area 731 on the right side, as the design image 751, in addition to the design image in which two vertical-angle still images are arranged, similar to FIG. 32, a design image in which eight vertical-angle still images are arranged is displayed.

[0273] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a seal layout selection screen when three or more courses are selected and a horizontal aspect ratio (aspect ratio) is selected as the angle of view of the still image in the pre-selection process.

[0274] In the example of FIG. 35, in the seal layout selection area 731 on the right side, as the design image 751, in addition to the design image in which two horizontal-angle still images are arranged, similar to FIG. 33, a design image in which six horizontal-angle still images are arranged is displayed.

[0275] As described above, in the pre-selection process, when three or more courses are selected, as the selectable design image for the pre-seal, a design image in which more still images are arranged than when two courses are selected is added.

[0276] Now, returning to the description of the flowchart in FIG. 30, when the design and color of the design image for the continuous-shot seal or the design image for the pre-seal are determined on each of the left and right sides of the seal layout selection screen, the process proceeds to step S158.

[0277] In step S158, the input reception unit 432 determines whether or not a continuous-shot seal is selected as the seal design for each of the left and right sides of the tablet built-in monitor 161.

[0278] If it is determined that a continuous-shot seal is selected as the seal design, the process proceeds to step S159.

[0279] In step S159, the display control unit 431 causes a frame image selection screen for allowing the user to select a frame image as a print image to be arranged on the design image selected on the seal layout selection screen to be displayed on the corresponding side on the left and right of the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0280] In step S160, the input reception unit 432 receives the user's selection for the frame image selection screen. When the OK button is pressed by the user's operation using the touch pen 162 with the selected frame image arranged on the design image displayed on the frame image selection screen, the frame image to be arranged on the design image is determined.

[0281] On the other hand, when it is determined that the continuous shooting seal is not selected as the seal design, that is, when the pre-seal is selected as the seal design, the process proceeds to step S161.

[0282] In step S161, the display control unit 431 causes a still image selection screen for allowing the user to select a still image as a print image to be arranged on the design image selected on the seal layout selection screen to be displayed on the corresponding side on the left and right of the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0283] In step S162, the input reception unit 432 receives the user's selection for the still image selection screen. When the OK button is pressed by the user's operation using the touch pen 162 with the selected still image arranged on the design image displayed on the still image selection screen, the still image to be arranged on the design image is determined.

[0284] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a print image selection screen that functions as the above-described frame image selection screen and still image selection screen.

[0285] On the left and right sides of the print image selection screen 770 shown in FIG. 36, a print image selection area 771, a filter selection area 772, and an OK button 773 are provided.

[0286] The print image selection area 771, the filter selection area 772, and the OK button 773 on the left side of the print image selection screen 770 are operated by the user on the left side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet. The print image selection area 771, the filter selection area 772, and the OK button 773 on the right side of the print image selection screen 770 are operated by the user on the right side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0287] Note that the filter selection area 772 and the OK button 773 on the print image selection screen 770 have the same functions as the filter selection area 732 and the OK button 733 on the seal layout selection screen 730, respectively.

[0288] Here too, it will be described as if a continuous shooting seal is selected as the seal design by the user on the left side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet, and a pre-printed seal is selected as the seal design by the user on the right side facing the built-in monitor 161 of the tablet.

[0289] In the print image selection area 771 on the left side of the print image selection screen 770, selection of a frame image is accepted by the operation of the user using the touch pen 162. The print image selection area 771 is provided with a seal layout display area 781 and a frame image display area 782.

[0290] The seal layout display area 781 displays the seal layout (design image) selected on the seal layout selection screen 730. The frame image display area 782 displays frame images constituting a moving image (movie image) for a predetermined number of frames.

[0291] As shown in FIG. 36, the frame images displayed in the frame image display area 782 are not limited to only six. By operating the user using the touch pen 162 and pressing the page forward buttons 782p and 782q, the frame images displayed in the frame image display area 782 scroll up and down. As a result, on a limited screen area, as frame images to be printed, for example, many options such as 20 can be presented to the user.

[0292] The frame images displayed in the frame image display area 782 do not have to be frame images that are temporally continuous in the moving image. For example, they may be frame images every few frames in the moving image. Even if they are frame images decimated from the moving image in this way, as the entire frame images displayed in the frame image display area 782, the continuity of the user's operations in the moving image is not impaired.

[0293] The user can select any three frame images from the frame images displayed in the frame image display area 782. The three frame images selected by the user may be before and after in time in the moving image, or the same frame image may be selected repeatedly.

[0294] Also, as shown in FIG. 37, the user may be able to select a plurality of consecutive frame images at once, for example, by performing a drag operation on the range surrounded by the dotted line frame BS in the frame image display area 782. In this case, in particular, three frame images with continuity of operation can be easily selected.

[0295] The three frame images selected in the frame image display area 782 are arranged and displayed on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 781.

[0296] The frame image selected in the frame image display area 782 may be placed in the placement area on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 781 by drag-and-drop, or may be placed in the placement area previously selected on the design image. Also, the frame image selected in the frame image display area 782 may be placed at an arbitrary position as long as it is on the area of the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 781. In this case, the degree of freedom in the design of the design image can be increased.

[0297] With three frame images placed on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 781, when the OK button 773 is pressed by the operation of the user using the touch pen 162, the frame images placed on the design image are determined.

[0298] Note that the number of frame images placed on the design image for the continuous-shot seal displayed in the seal layout display area 781 may be other than three. Also, the number of frame images displayed in the frame image display area 782 is also arbitrary (predetermined number). Therefore, the number of frame images placed on the design image for the continuous-shot seal may be the same as or less than the number of frame images displayed in the frame image display area 782.

[0299] On the other hand, in the print image selection area 771 on the right side of the print image selection screen 770, selection of a still image is accepted by the operation of the user using the touch pen 162. The print image selection area 771 is provided with a seal layout display area 791 and a still image display area 792.

[0300] The seal layout display area 791 displays the seal layout (design image) selected in the seal layout selection screen 730. The still image display area 792 displays seven still images generated by taking seven still images. In the example of FIG. 36, seven vertically long still images with a picture angle are displayed in the still image display area 792.

[0301] The user can select any two still images from the still images displayed in the still image display area 792.

[0302] The two still images selected in the still image display area 792 are arranged and displayed on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 791.

[0303] The still image selected in the still image display area 792 may be arranged in the arrangement area on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 791 by drag and drop, or may be arranged in the arrangement area pre-selected on the design image. Also, the still image selected in the still image display area 792 may be arranged at an arbitrary position as long as it is on the area of the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 791.

[0304] With two still images arranged on the design image displayed in the seal layout display area 791, when the OK button 773 is pressed by the user's operation using the touch pen 162, the still images arranged in the design image are determined.

[0305] As described above, on the print image selection screen 770, when a serial shooting-style seal is selected as the seal design, the number of frame images that are options for the print image is larger than the number of still images that are options for the print image when a pre-printed seal is selected as the seal design. Thereby, when a serial shooting-style seal is selected as the seal design, it becomes possible to more surely select a frame image with continuous operation as the print image arranged in the design image.

[0306] Also, since the user's appearance and expression in each of the frame images constituting the moving image are slightly different, by presenting more frame images to the user as options for the print image, it becomes possible to let the user select a frame image with an appearance and expression that the user prefers.

[0307] Now, returning to the description of the flowchart in FIG. 30, when the frame image or still image to be arranged on the design image is determined on each of the left and right sides of the print image selection screen, the process proceeds to step S163.

[0308] In step S163, the image generation unit 434 generates, as a seal image, a composite image in which the print image selected by the user on the print image selection screen is arranged on the design image selected by the user on the seal layout selection screen.

[0309] In this way, seal images are generated for the user on the left side and the user on the right side facing the in-built monitor 161 of the tablet. The print data of the seal image generated in this way is supplied to the print processing unit 404, and the seal paper on which the seal image is printed is discharged from the seal outlet 181.

[0310] According to the above processing, the user can select whether to use, as the print image on the seal paper, either the still image generated by still image shooting or the frame image constituting the moving image generated by moving image shooting. Thus, by selecting the frame image constituting the moving image as the print image, the user can obtain seal paper with a series of images in a continuous shooting style having an unprecedented continuity of movement. On the other hand, if there is a possibility that the user's image or expression in the frame image may not satisfy the user, by selecting the still image as the print image, the user can obtain seal paper with images having a stable image and expression. In this way, it becomes possible to provide seal paper that satisfies the user.

[0311] (Modification example) · Editing of design image In the above example of generating the seal image, it is assumed that the user selects the seal layout (design image) and the print image to be arranged on the design image, and then the seal image is generated.

[0312] Generally, the seal image includes additional information such as a logo representing the model name of the photo seal machine 1, the date of playing the game (play date), and a two-dimensional code for accessing the image management server from the mobile terminal on the design image. For example, on the print image selection screen, these additional information such as the logo, play date, and two-dimensional code in the design image may be moved, enlarged or reduced, and rotated by the user's operation.

[0313] Thereby, the degree of freedom in the design of the design image can be further enhanced.

[0314] Note that different seal layouts (design images) are selected on the seal layout selection screen 730 when the serial shooting style seal is selected as the seal design and when the pre-printed seal is selected as the seal design. On the other hand, on the seal paper, the same additional information including the play date of the game is printed regardless of whether the serial shooting style seal or the pre-printed seal is selected as the seal design, together with the selected layout image.

[0315] The frame image selected when the serial shooting style seal is selected as the seal design is only printed on the seal paper, while the moving image constituting the frame image and the still image selected when the pre-printed seal is selected as the seal design can be displayed on the mobile terminal that has accessed the image management server, together with the play date and access date and time.

[0316] Due to the material of the seal paper or the seal paper including the backing paper being semi-transparent or transparent, the appearance of the image printed on the seal paper and the appearance of the image displayed on the mobile terminal may be significantly different.

[0317] In such a case, when a user has, for example, a sticker sheet with a frame image printed on it, it is not easy to find a moving image or a still image taken on the same day as the frame image printed on the sticker sheet from the images displayed on the mobile terminal because they look different.

[0318] Therefore, whether a continuous shooting style sticker or a pre-sticker is selected as the sticker design, incidental information including the play date of the game is printed in the same way. As a result, based on the play date printed on the sticker sheet, it becomes possible to easily find a moving image or a still image taken on the same day as the frame image also printed on the sticker sheet from the images displayed on the mobile terminal.

[0319] · Editing of moving images In the above, it was assumed that no scribbles (editing processing) are applied to the moving image (movie image), but scribbles may be applied. In this case, the composite images such as handwritten characters and stamp images to be composited into the movie image may be still images or animated images with movement. When an animated image is composited into the movie image, the movement may be linked to the movie image.

[0320] Thus, when an animated image is composited into the movie image, as the frame image to be the printed image, the frame image constituting the movie image before the animated image is composited is selected by the user. That is, on the print image selection screen (frame image) selection screen, a frame image in which the composite image corresponding to the animated image is not composited is displayed.

[0321] However, it is not limited to this, and as the frame image to be the printed image, the frame image constituting the movie image after the animated image is composited may be selected by the user.

[0322] The above series of processes can be executed either by hardware or by software. When the above series of processes are executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed from a network or a recording medium.

[0323] As shown in FIG. 13, for example, this recording medium is constituted by a removable medium 319 such as a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk), an optical disk (including a CD-ROM and a DVD), a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, which is distributed to the administrator of the photo sticker machine 1 separately from the apparatus main body and on which the program is recorded. In addition to these, the recording medium is constituted by a ROM 312 on which a program distributed to the administrator in a state of being pre-installed in the apparatus main body is recorded, a hard disk included in the storage unit 316, and the like.

[0324] Note that in this specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium includes not only the processes performed in time series along the described order, but also the processes that are not necessarily processed in time series and are executed in parallel or individually.

[0325] Also, the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present technology.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0326] 1 Photo sticker machine, 82 Camera unit, 83 Upper strobe unit, 84 Constant light source, 91 Camera, 92 Touch panel monitor, 161 Tablet built-in monitor, 162 Touch pen, 316 Storage unit, 400 Control unit, 401 Pre-selection processing unit, 402 Shooting processing unit, 403 Editing processing unit, 404 Printing processing unit, 405 Transmission processing unit, 421 Shooting control unit, 422 Light emission control unit, 423 Display control unit, 424 Storage control unit, 431 Display control unit, 432 Input reception unit, 433 Image generation unit

Claims

1. A camera for photographing a user as a subject in a photographing space, A photographing control unit that generates a still image by still image photographing with the camera and generates a moving image of a predetermined time by moving image photographing with the camera, A selection reception unit that receives a selection of whether to use either the still image or the frame image constituting the moving image as a printed image to be printed on a sticker, A printing processing unit that prints and outputs the selected still image or frame image on the sticker as the printed image A photo sticker creating device comprising.

2. When it is selected that the frame image is to be the printed image, the selection reception unit receives a selection of a predetermined number of the frame images to be the printed image from among the plurality of the frame images The photo sticker creating device according to claim 1.

3. When it is selected that the still image is to be the printed image, the selection reception unit receives a selection of another predetermined number of the still images to be the printed image from among the plurality of the still images, The number of the frame images as options is larger than the number of the still images as options The photo sticker creating device according to claim 2.

4. The selection reception unit receives a selection of whether to use either the still image or the frame image as the printed image for each of a plurality of users, The printing processing unit prints and outputs the still image or the frame image selected for each user on the sticker as the printed image The photo sticker creating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The photographing control unit generates the still image and the moving image having different aspect ratios The photo sticker creating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The photographing control unit generates the still image having an aspect ratio previously selected by the user and the moving image having a fixed aspect ratio regardless of the user's selection The photo sticker creating device according to claim 5.

7. When it is selected that the still image is to be the printed image and when it is selected that the frame image is to be the printed image, the selection reception unit receives a selection of layout images having different designs as layout images on which the printed image is arranged and synthesized The photo sticker creating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Regardless of whether the selected layout image is used or the still image is selected as the print image, or the frame image is selected as the print image, the printing processing unit prints the same additional information including the game play date on the sticker paper. The photo sticker creating apparatus according to claim 7.

9. A photo sticker creating apparatus generates a still image by still image shooting with a camera for shooting a user as a subject in a shooting space, and generates a moving image of a predetermined time by moving image shooting with the camera. receives a selection of whether to use either the still image or a frame image constituting the moving image as a print image to be printed on a sticker paper. prints and outputs the selected still image or frame image on the sticker paper as the print image. A photo sticker creating method.

10. On a computer generate a still image by still image shooting with a camera for shooting a user as a subject in a shooting space, and generate a moving image of a predetermined time by moving image shooting with the camera. receive a selection of whether to use either the still image or a frame image constituting the moving image as a print image to be printed on a sticker paper. print and output the selected still image or frame image on the sticker paper as the print image. A program for causing the execution of the process.

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