Photo creation game machine, photography method, and program

Abstract

To allow a user to concentrate on photographing a moving image.SOLUTION: A photographic control unit photographs a moving image with a camera for photographing a user as a subject in a photographic space and thereby generates a movie image of a predetermined period. A display control unit controls display of a live view image fetched into the camera during the photographing of the moving image, on a monitor. The display control unit also superimposes a guiding image covering an area including at least a user's face on the live view image displayed on the monitor. The technique is applicable to a photographic sticker machine for photographing a moving image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a photo creation game machine, a photography method, and a program, and in particular to a photo creation game machine, a photography method, and a program that enable a user to concentrate on shooting a video. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, photo sticker machines installed in amusement facilities and the like are known. The photo sticker machine takes a photo of a user, edits the captured image in response to the user's operation, and prints the edited captured image on sticker paper.

[0003] Conventionally, photo sticker machines have displayed a moving image captured by a camera as a live view image before the still image is taken, allowing the user to check their position, pose, etc.

[0004] In order to direct the user's gaze toward the camera lens when taking a photo, there are photo sticker machines that display messages such as "Look at the camera" just before the photo is taken, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-21004 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-38341 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, photo sticker machines that can capture video in addition to still images using a camera have become popular. When capturing video, it is conceivable that the user may strike various poses while the video is being captured. Even in such cases, it is necessary to display a live view image so that the user can confirm the pose.

[0007] However, when a live view image is displayed during video recording, the user may be tempted to look at themselves in the live view image rather than at the camera lens, which could prevent them from concentrating on recording the video.

[0008] The present technology has been developed in light of such circumstances, and allows users to concentrate on shooting video. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The photo creation game machine of the present technology is a photo creation game machine that includes a camera for taking pictures of a user as a subject in a shooting space, a shooting control unit that generates a movie image of a predetermined duration by shooting video with the camera, and a display control unit that controls the display on a monitor of a live view image captured by the camera during the video shooting, and the display control unit superimposes a guidance image that covers at least an area including the user's face on the live view image displayed on the monitor.

[0010] The photography method of the present technology is a photography method in which a photo-creation game machine generates a movie image of a predetermined duration by taking video using a camera for photographing a user as a subject in a photography space, controls the display on a monitor of a live view image captured by the camera during the video shooting, and superimposes a guidance image that covers at least an area including the user's face on the live view image displayed on the monitor.

[0011] The program of the present technology is a program that causes a computer to perform a process of generating a movie image of a predetermined duration by taking video using a camera that captures a user as a subject in a shooting space, controlling the display on a monitor of a live view image captured by the camera during the video shooting, and superimposing a guidance image that covers at least an area including the user's face on the live view image displayed on the monitor.

[0012] In this technology, a movie image of a predetermined duration is generated by video recording using a camera for capturing images of a user as a subject in a shooting space, the display on a monitor of a live view image captured by the camera during the video recording is controlled, and a guidance image covering at least an area including the user's face is superimposed on the live view image displayed on the monitor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This technology allows users to concentrate on shooting video. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the exterior of a photo sticker machine according to the present technology; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exterior of the photo sticker machine from another angle. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the configuration of a pre-selection unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the imaging unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an imaging unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a ceiling portion and a background portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a ceiling portion and a background portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an editing unit. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a side panel of an editing unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating ventilation in an editing space. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating ventilation in an editing space. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the photo sticker machine. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control unit. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of providing a photo sticker creation game. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a shooting processing unit and an editing processing unit. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of an upper strobe unit and a fixed light source. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating light emission control of an upper strobe unit and a fixed light source. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of arrangements of fixed light sources. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of arrangements of fixed light sources. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a video shooting process. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a live view display screen. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a live view display screen. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a live view display screen. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a live view display screen. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a sticker image generation process. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sticker layout selection screen. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame image selection screen.

[0015] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present technology (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in the following order.

[0016] 1. Photo sticker machine configuration 2. Photo sticker creation game provision processing 3. Detailed configuration of the shooting processing section and editing processing section 4. Light emission control during shooting 5. Live View display during video recording 6.Generating images for stickers

[0017] <1. Photo sticker machine configuration> (Photo sticker machine exterior) 1 and 2 are perspective views showing an example of the external configuration of the photo sticker machine 1. Also, Fig. 3 is a top view of the inside of the photo sticker 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 by making the images viewable on the user's mobile terminal. The photo sticker machine 1 is installed in amusement facilities such as game arcades and stores.

[0019] The users of the photo sticker machine 1 are mainly young women, including female junior high school and high school students. The photo sticker machine 1 can be enjoyed by groups of two users. Of course, the photo sticker machine 1 can also be enjoyed by one user or by three or more users.

[0020] In the photo sticker machine 1, the user takes a photo of themselves as the subject. The user then edits (also known as doodling) the selected image from the photographed images to combine it with a composite image such as handwritten text or a stamp image. This edits the photographed image into a colorful image. The user then receives a sticker sheet on which the edited image is printed, completing the 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] 1, the photo sticker machine 1 is basically configured by placing a photographing unit 11 and an 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 section 21, a photographing section 22, a ceiling section 23, and a background section 24. The pre-selection section 21 is installed on the side of the photographing section 22. The space in front of the pre-selection section 21 becomes a pre-selection space B1 where the pre-selection processing is carried out. The photographing section 22 and the background section 24 are installed a predetermined distance apart, and their tops are connected to the ceiling section 23. The space surrounded by the photographing section 22, the ceiling section 23, and the background section 24 becomes a photographing space B2 where the photographing processing is carried out.

[0024] As part of the pre-selection process, the pre-selection unit 21 provides guidance introducing the games provided by the photo sticker machine 1 and performs various settings for the photography process performed in the photography space B2. The pre-selection unit 21 is provided with a coin slot through which users insert payment, a touch panel monitor used for various operations, and the like. The pre-selection unit 21 guides users in the pre-selection space B1 to the photography space B2 depending on the availability of the photography 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. In front of the photographing unit 22 facing the photographing space B2, there are provided a camera CAM, a touch panel monitor used for various operations, a strobe unit that emits light in accordance with the photographing timing, and the like.

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

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

[0028] Background section 24 is composed of rear panel 41, side panel 42A, and side panel 42B. Rear panel 41 is a plate-like member located behind a user facing forward. Side panel 42A is attached to the left end of rear panel 41 and is a plate-like member that is thicker than side panel 32A. Side panel 42B is attached to the right end of rear panel 41 and is a plate-like member that is thicker than side panel 32B.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the surface of the background unit 24 facing the photographing space B2 is formed by a semi-cylindrical curved surface C24. A background curtain (described later) is lowered from a curtain unit provided on the ceiling unit 23 on the photographing space B2 side of the curved surface C24. The curtain unit is configured so that a white background curtain is rolled up and stored, and the background curtain is lowered. When the background curtain inside the curtain unit is lowered, the curved surface C24 in the photographing space B2 is covered with the background curtain.

[0030] The outer surfaces of side panel 32A and side panel 42A are generally flush with each other. The tops of side panel 32A and side panel 42A are connected by ceiling portion 23. The outer surfaces of side panel 32B and side panel 42B are also generally flush with each other. The tops of side panel 32B and side panel 42B are also connected by ceiling portion 23.

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

[0032] The opening formed by the side panel 32A, the ceiling 23, and the side panel 42A serves as an entrance to the photography space B2. The opening formed by the side panel 32B, the ceiling 23, and the side panel 42B also serves as an entrance to the photography space B2.

[0033] The ceiling portion 23 that constitutes the ceiling of the photographing space B2 is provided with a ceiling sheet made of a vinyl material or a plate-like member, a strobe light emitting tube that emits a strobe light at the timing of photographing, and a ceiling strobe unit that has inside it a constant light source that emits constant light.

[0034] The editing unit 12 is a device for editing the captured images. The editing unit 12 is connected to the photographing unit 11 so that one side of the editing unit 12 is in contact with the front panel 31 of the photographing section 22.

[0035] 1 is the configuration of the front side of the editing unit 12, components used for editing (scribbling) are provided on both the front and rear sides of the editing unit 12. With this configuration, two groups of users can perform editing work 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. A tablet-integrated monitor and a touch pen are provided on the inclined surface 52 as components used for editing work. A plate-like portion 53 is provided above the inclined surface 52, to which can be attached, for example, a resin sheet with various designs.

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

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

[0040] With this structure, the photo sticker machine 1 is configured to have a housing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

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

[0042] Curtains (not shown) are attached to the curtain frames 61A, 61B to prevent the spaces in front and behind the editing unit 12 from being seen from the outside. The spaces in front and behind the editing unit 12, surrounded by the curtains, the front panel 31 of the imaging unit 22, and the editing unit side panel 13, respectively, become editing spaces B3-1, B3-2 where users can perform editing work.

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

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

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

[0046] A touch panel monitor 71 is provided above the pre-selection unit 21 installed on the side panel 32A. The touch panel monitor 71 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch panel stacked on it. The touch panel monitor 71 has the function of displaying various GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) and accepting selection operations by the user. The touch panel monitor 71 displays a screen used to select the number of users, etc.

[0047] A speaker 72 is provided below the touch panel monitor 71. The speaker 72 outputs voice guidance for the pre-selection process, background music (BGM), sound effects, etc. Next to the speaker 72, a coin slot 73 is provided where users can insert coins.

[0048] Moreover, above the pre-selection section 21 on the side panel 32A, an illumination section 74 made up of fluorescent tubes is provided.

[0049] (Configuration of the shooting unit) Fig. 5 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the imaging unit 22. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the imaging unit 22.

[0050] The photographing section 22 is configured so as 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] Curved panels 81-1, 81-2, and 81-3 that form the curved surface C22 are provided on the front side of the imaging unit 22. The curved panel 81-1 forms the left side of the curved surface C22 when it is vertically divided into three, the curved panel 81-2 forms the center side of the curved surface C22 when it is vertically divided into three, and the curved panel 81-3 forms the right side of the curved surface C22 when it is vertically divided into three.

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

[0053] A camera unit 82 is provided on curved panel 81-2 at a location that is approximately the center of the front side of imaging unit 22. Camera unit 82 is made up of a camera 91, a touch panel monitor 92, and a smartphone holder 93.

[0054] Camera 91 is, for example, a single-lens reflex camera, and is built into camera unit 82 so that the lens is exposed. 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 captures images of users in the shooting space. Moving images (hereinafter also referred to as live view images) captured by camera 91 are displayed in real time on touch panel monitor 92. Still images captured by camera 91 at the timing of shooting, such as when a shooting instruction is issued, are saved as captured images.

[0055] The touch panel monitor 92 is built into the camera unit 82 below the camera 91 so that its display surface is exposed. The touch panel monitor 92 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD and a touch panel laminated on it. The touch panel monitor 92 has a function as a live view monitor that displays moving images captured by the camera 91, and a function that displays various GUIs and accepts user operations. The touch panel monitor 92 displays moving images (live view images) captured by the camera 91 and still images (captured images) as the result of capturing images.

[0056] A smartphone holder 93 for placing a smartphone (portable terminal) is provided on the front surface of camera unit 82 to the right of the lens of camera 91. Smartphone holder 93 is formed to be long enough to place a smartphone in landscape orientation.

[0057] The user places his / her smartphone in the smartphone holder 93 and can have the smartphone take moving or still images of himself / herself playing the game.

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

[0059] Above the camera unit 82, at positions that sandwich the upper strobe unit 83 from the left and right when viewed from the front, multiple ambient light sources 84 are provided. The ambient light sources 84 are arranged in a vertical line on the back side of the curved panel 81-2. The ambient light sources 84 are formed, for example, from LED bulbs.

[0060] A box-shaped strobe unit 85, which is formed with approximately the same width as the curved panel 81-2 and protrudes from the curved panel 81-2, is provided below the camera unit 82. The box-shaped strobe unit 85 mainly emits light onto the lower body and feet of the user. The box-shaped strobe unit 85 also incorporates a strobe light-emitting tube capable of strobe emission and an LED bulb. The box-shaped strobe unit 85 constantly illuminates the shooting space and also emits a strobe light at the timing of shooting, illuminating the user, who is the subject, with light.

[0061] Box-shaped sections 86A and 86B are formed between box-shaped strobe unit 85 and side panel 32A, and between box-shaped strobe unit 85 and side panel 32B, respectively. The front surfaces of box-shaped sections 86A and 86B are substantially flush with the front surface of box-shaped strobe unit 85. The top surfaces of box-shaped sections 86A and 86B are fan-shaped and are used as luggage storage areas for users performing photography work to place their baggage and the like.

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

[0063] (Ceiling and background composition) 7 and 8 are perspective views showing configuration examples of the ceiling portion 23 and the background portion 24. FIG.

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

[0065] The ceiling strobe unit 131 emits light from approximately directly above the user. The ceiling strobe unit 131 has a built-in strobe light emitting tube and LED bulb that can emit strobe light. The ceiling strobe unit 131 constantly illuminates the shooting space and emits a strobe light at the timing of shooting, illuminating the user who is the subject with light.

[0066] The side strobe units 132A and 132B emit light from above, to the left and right of the user. Each of the side strobe units 132A and 132B has a built-in strobe light emitting tube capable of strobe emission. The side strobe units 132A and 132B emit strobe light at the timing of shooting, irradiating the user, who is the subject, with light.

[0067] Curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 that form a curved surface C24 are provided on the surface of background unit 24 facing imaging space B2. Curved panel 141-1 forms the left side of curved surface C24, when the curved surface is vertically divided into three, curved panel 141-2 forms the center side of curved surface C24, and curved panel 141-3 forms the right side of curved surface C24, when the curved surface is vertically divided into three.

[0068] The curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 are made of acrylic resin. Specifically, the curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 are made of semi-transparent, for example, white acrylic resin.

[0069] Vertically extending LED fluorescent tubes are arranged in a row on the rear surface of each of the curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3. These LED fluorescent tubes arranged on the rear surface of the curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 constantly illuminate the inside of the imaging 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 the back panel 41 (not shown).

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

[0072] 7 is background section 24 in a state where background curtain 151 is not lowered, curved panels 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 are exposed, and no photographing process is being performed. On the other hand, background section 24 shown in FIG. 8 is background section 24 in a state where background curtain 151 is lowered and photographing process is being performed.

[0073] (Editing unit composition) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration 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 approximately in the center of the slope 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 doodling screen) used for editing work is displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 161. When two users are simultaneously performing editing work (doodling), the touch pen 162L is used by the user on the left side as viewed from the tablet built-in monitor 161, and the touch pen 162R is used by the user on the right side as viewed from the tablet built-in monitor 161.

[0076] Operations using the touch pen 162L and operations using the touch pen 162R are distinguished from each other. As appropriate, only operations using the touch pen 162L can be accepted for the display on the left side of the tablet built-in monitor 161, and only operations using the touch pen 162R can be accepted for the display on the right side. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the touch pen 162L and the touch pen 162R, they will be collectively referred to as touch pen 162.

[0077] In the plate-like portion 53 provided above the slope 52, a transparent acrylic plate 163 to which, for example, a resin sheet with various designs can be attached 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 way 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. A transparent sheet with a predetermined design is attached to the acrylic plate 163, and the LED fluorescent tube is made to emit light from the rear side of the sheet, thereby making the design on the sheet stand out.

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

[0081] The editing unit side panel 13 has panels 171 to 174 as plate-like members that form the surface on its front side (on the print waiting space B4 side).

[0082] Panel 171 constitutes approximately the upper half of editing unit side panel 13. Panel 172 constitutes just under the central one-third in the left-right direction of approximately the lower half of editing unit side panel 13. Panels 173 and 174 constitute the left and right sides of panel 172 in approximately the lower half of editing unit side panel 13.

[0083] The panel 171 is made of a transparent acrylic plate to which a resin sheet with various designs can be attached. An LED fluorescent tube, for example, is provided on the back side of the panel 171 inside the housing of the editing unit side panel 13. By attaching a transparent sheet with a predetermined design to the panel 171 and illuminating the LED fluorescent tube from the back side, the design on the sheet can be made to stand out.

[0084] The panel 172 is configured as an openable door that covers part of the left side of the editing unit 12. When the panel 172 is open, the opening allows a view into the printer provided on the left side inside the housing of the editing unit 12.

[0085] A sticker outlet 181 that provides the user with the sticker paper that will ultimately be output is provided near the center of the panel 172. A printer provided on the left side inside the housing of the editing unit 12 prints an image of the user of editing space B3-1 or an image of the user of editing space B3-2 in a predetermined layout onto sticker paper, and the printed image is ejected from the sticker outlet 181.

[0086] FIG. 10 also shows a graffiti curtain 191A for blocking the view of the editing space B3-1 from the outside, and a graffiti curtain 191B for blocking the view of the editing space B3-2 from the outside.

[0087] Conventionally, the graffiti curtains 191A and 191B have been attached directly 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 imaging unit 22 and the side panel 13 of the editing unit are sealed off by the graffiti curtains 191A and 191B, respectively.

[0088] 11 , in a photo sticker machine 1 to which the present technology is applied, ventilation fittings 192A and 192B are joined to 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 edge surfaces of the side panel 32A, the curtain frame 61A, and the editing unit side panel 13. Similarly, the ventilation fitting 192B is joined to the curtain frame 61B so as to protrude from the same plane formed by the edge surfaces of the side panel 32B, the curtain frame 61B, and the editing unit side panel 13.

[0089] 12, graffiti curtains 191A and 191B are attached to ventilation fittings 192A and 192B, respectively, rather than to curtain frames 61A and 61B, respectively. As a result, in editing space B3-1, gaps are provided between graffiti curtain 191A and side panel 32A and between graffiti curtain 191A and the edge surface of editing unit side panel 13. Similarly, in editing space B3-2, gaps are provided between graffiti curtain 191B and side panel 32B and between graffiti curtain 191B and the edge surface of editing unit side panel 13.

[0090] This allows the editing spaces B3-1 and B3-2 to be ventilated to the outside without being sealed.

[0091] (Hardware configuration block of photo sticker machine) Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the photo sticker machine 1. In Fig. 13, the same components as those described above are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0092] 13, the photo sticker 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 inside the housing of the editing unit 12, for example.

[0093] The PC section 301 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 311, a read only memory (ROM) 312, and a random access memory (RAM) 313, which are interconnected by a bus 314.

[0094] The CPU 311 executes a predetermined program and controls the overall operation of the photo sticker 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 flash memory. The storage unit 316 stores various setting information, image data, and the like supplied from the CPU 311. The information and data stored in the storage unit 316 are read out by the CPU 311 as appropriate.

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

[0098] Removable media 319, such as an optical disk or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 318. Programs and data read from the removable media 319 by the drive 318 are supplied to the CPU 311, where they are stored in the storage unit 316 or installed.

[0099] An external input / output interface 303 is connected to the input / output interface 315. The PC unit 301 controls each unit 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 and accepts user operations on the selection screens under the control of the PC unit 301. An input signal representing the content of the user 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 a predetermined amount of coins has been inserted, it outputs a start signal to the PC unit 301 to instruct the start of the game.

[0103] The photographing unit 304 performs photographing processing of a user in the photographing space B2. The photographing 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 takes a photograph in accordance with shutter control by the PC section 301, and outputs the photographed image (image data) obtained by the photographing to the PC section 301.

[0105] The lighting device 331 is a strobe unit and a constant light source within the shooting space B2, and emits light in accordance with a lighting control signal supplied from the PC section 301. The lighting device 331 includes an upper strobe unit 83, a constant light source 84, a box-type strobe unit 85, a ceiling strobe unit 131, and side strobe units 132A and 132B.

[0106] The curtain unit 332 is the curtain unit 142 in the photographing space B2, and raises and lowers the curtain (background curtain 151) in accordance with a lifting and lowering control signal supplied from the PC section 301.

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

[0108] Editing unit 305A performs editing processing for users in editing space B3-1. Editing unit 305A is configured to include tablet built-in monitor 161, touch pens 162L and 162R, and speaker 341. Editing unit 305B performs editing processing for users in editing space B3-2 and has the same configuration as editing unit 305A. Hereinafter, editing units 305A and 305B will be collectively referred to as editing unit 305, as appropriate.

[0109] The tablet built-in monitor 161 displays an editing screen (doodle screen) and accepts user operations on the editing screen under the control of the PC unit 301. An 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 section 306 is configured to include a printer 351. A sticker paper unit 352 is attached to the printer 351.

[0111] Printer 351 drives built-in head 361 and prints an image on rolled sticker paper 363 stored in sticker paper unit 352 based on print data supplied from PC section 301. Printer 351 also cuts sticker paper 363 with the printed image at a predetermined cutting position using cutter 362 and discharges it to sticker outlet 181. As the printing medium, various media other than sticker paper on which photos can be printed can be used.

[0112] (Example of functional configuration of the control unit) 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit that controls the overall operation of the photo sticker machine 1. Each functional block in FIG.

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

[0114] The pre-selection processing unit 401 performs pre-selection processing by controlling the individual units of the pre-selection unit 302. The pre-selection processing unit 401 supplies the shooting processing unit 402 with selection information indicating the content of the user's selection.

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

[0116] The edit processing unit 403 performs edit processing by controlling each unit of the editing unit 305. The edit processing unit 403 generates print data in which the edited image obtained by editing the photographed image is arranged in a predetermined layout, and supplies the print data to the print processing unit 404. The edit processing unit 403 also supplies data of an image selected by the user from the edited images (photographed images) to the transmission processing unit 405.

[0117] The print processing unit 404 performs print processing by controlling each unit of the printing unit 306. The print processing unit 404 inputs print data to the printer 351, thereby printing an edited image on sticker paper 363 and discharging it to the sticker outlet 181.

[0118] The transmission processing unit 405 controls the communication unit 317 to perform a transmission process for transmitting the image selected by the user to the image management server.

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

[0120] In step S1, the pre-selection processing unit 401 determines whether or not a predetermined amount of coins has been inserted based on a start-up signal supplied from the coin processing unit 321, and waits until it determines that coins have been inserted.

[0121] If it is determined in step S1 that a coin has 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 allows the user to select the number of users, the image selection course, etc. Both selections are made using a selection screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 71.

[0122] In step S3, the photography processing unit 402 performs photography processing by controlling the photography unit 304. Specifically, the photography processing unit 402 displays a live view of the moving image of the subject captured by the camera 91 on the touch panel monitor 92, and generates a photographed image by photographing the user in the photography space B2 as the subject.

[0123] In step S4, the edit processing unit 403, print processing unit 404, and transmission processing unit 405 perform edit, print, 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 allows the user to perform editing work on the captured image obtained by the shooting processing, thereby generating an edited image that has been edited.

[0125] Furthermore, the print processing unit 404 performs (starts) the print processing by controlling the printer 351. Specifically, the print processing unit 404 inputs the edited image (print data) obtained by the edit processing into the printer 351 and causes it to print on sticker paper. When printing is complete, the printer 351 ejects the sticker paper on which the image is printed to the sticker outlet 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 edited image obtained by the editing processing and the image selected by the user from the captured images to the image management server.

[0127] The editing process, printing process, and transmission process may be performed in part or in whole in parallel with each other.

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

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

[0130] The photographing control unit 421 controls the camera 91 for photographing the user as a subject. The camera 91 can photograph still images for generating still images (photographed images) and also photograph moving images for generating moving images (also called movie images) based on the control of the photographing control unit 421. The generated photographed images and movie images are supplied to the editing processing unit 403.

[0131] The light emission control unit 422 controls the light emission of the lighting device 331, such as the upper strobe unit 83 and the constant light source 84 configured by an LED bulb, which are provided in the photographing space B2.

[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 capturing still images with the camera 91 and a screen for capturing moving images with the camera 91. These screens for capturing images display live view images captured by the camera 91, and captured images and movie images as the results of the capture.

[0133] The storage control unit 424 stores the photographed images and movie images generated by the photography control unit 421 in the storage unit 316. The photographed images and movie images stored in the storage unit 316 are displayed on the touch panel monitor 92 under the control of the display control unit 423, and are ultimately supplied to the editing processing unit 403.

[0134] The edit processing unit 403 is configured to include a display control unit 431 , an input receiving unit 432 , and an image generating unit 433 .

[0135] The display control unit 431 controls the display of various screens on the tablet built-in monitor 161. Screens displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 161 include the above-mentioned doodle screen as well as various selection screens for generating images to be printed on sticker paper (images for stickers). As selection screens, selection screens for selecting a layout that determines the design of the image for stickers and for selecting images to be arranged in the image for stickers are displayed.

[0136] The input receiving unit 432 receives an operation input by the user using the touch pen 162 on the screen displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 161. For example, the input receiving unit 432 receives a selection by the user on various selection screens.

[0137] The image generation unit 434 generates an image for a sticker that is ultimately printed on a sticker sheet. Specifically, the image generation unit 434 generates, as the image for a sticker, 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 for the sticker image generated in this way is supplied to the print processing unit 404. In addition, the captured image (still image) from the capture processing unit 402 is doodled by the user on the doodle screen, and is supplied to the transmission processing unit 405 as a transmission image to be transmitted to the image management server.

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

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

[0141] 5 and 6, a camera unit 82 made up of a camera 91, a touch panel monitor 92, and a smartphone holder 93 is provided approximately in the center of curved panel 81-2 that forms the front surface of imaging unit 22. In addition, an upper strobe unit 83 and a constant light source 84 are provided above camera unit 82 on curved panel 81-2.

[0142] The color of the housing of the camera unit 82 is mainly black. The curved panel 81-2 is made of translucent black acrylic resin, and the curved panels 81-1 and 81-3 (not shown) are made of opaque black acrylic resin. In other words, the front of the photographing unit 22 is made of a material with a black base. This makes it possible to highlight the catchlight, which is generated by the upper strobe unit 83 as a light source and is reflected in the eyes of the user who is the subject.

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

[0144] On the other hand, the constant light source 84 is an LED bulb that emits constant light and is provided separately from the LED bulb built into the upper strobe unit 83, and is provided on the back side of the black translucent curved panel 81-2. In the example of Fig. 17, the constant light source 84 is arranged four on each side in the vertical direction on either side of the upper strobe unit 83, sandwiching the upper strobe unit 83 from the left and right when viewed from the front.

[0145] Because curved panel 81-2 is formed to be black and translucent, the ambient light source 84 can transmit through curved panel 81-2 and irradiate ambient light into shooting space B2, even if it is provided on the back side of curved panel 81-2. Furthermore, the ambient light source 84 is disposed on the left and right sides of upper strobe unit 83 with the same height as upper strobe unit 83, so that, like upper strobe unit 83, it can irradiate ambient light from above and in front of the user, in an area centered on the user's face.

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

[0147] The flow of one photo sticker creation game (hereinafter simply referred to as the game) is shown in chronological order at the top of Figure 18. In the example of Figure 18, it is assumed that one group of users plays the game from time T1 to time T5, and that neither user plays the game before or after that time.

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

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

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

[0151] At time T1, when it is detected that a group of users have inserted coins, the game starts, and the pre-selection process corresponding to step S2 in the flowchart of Fig. 15 is initiated. During the eco mode period and while the pre-selection process is being performed, the ambient light source 84 remains ON.

[0152] When the pre-selection process is completed, the photographing process corresponding to step S3 in the flowchart of Fig. 15 is started. In the example of Fig. 18, the photographing process is divided into three periods: a photographing preparation period, a still image photographing period, and a video photographing period. The photographing preparation period is a time during which guidance, etc., is output to a user who has moved into the photographing space B2 to encourage the user to prepare for the photographing work. The still image photographing period is a time during which still image photographing is performed multiple times (e.g., seven times) in succession to generate a still image (photographed image). The video photographing period is a time during which video photographing is performed to generate a video image (movie image) of a predetermined duration, e.g., four seconds.

[0153] While the pre-selection process is being performed, the ambient light source 84 continues to emit light during the shooting preparation period. By turning on the ambient light source 84 during the shooting preparation period, the shooting space B2 is bright, allowing the user to use the mirror 87 to check their appearance before starting shooting.

[0154] At time T2, when the shooting preparation period ends and the still image shooting period begins, the ambient light source 84 transitions to a state where it does not emit ambient light (light emission OFF). From time T2 to time T3, i.e., during the still image shooting period, the ambient light source 84 is in the light emission OFF state. Meanwhile, during the still image shooting period (between times T2 and T3), the upper strobe unit 83 emits a strobe light in synchronization with the timing of still image shooting by the camera 91. During the still image shooting period, the upper strobe unit 83 repeatedly emits a strobe light in synchronization with the timing of multiple consecutive still image shootings.

[0155] At time T3, the still image capturing period ends and the video capturing period begins, at which point the constant light source 84 switches back to ON. Between time T3 and time T4, video capturing is performed by the camera 91, and the constant light source 84 continues to emit constant light during this video capturing period.

[0156] At time T4, when the shooting process (movie shooting period) ends, the editing, printing, and transmission process starts, which corresponds to step S4 in the flowchart of Fig. 15. The ambient light source 84 remains lit even while the editing, printing, and transmission process is being performed following the moving image shooting period.

[0157] At time T5, when the editing, printing, and sending processes are completed, the series of games ends and the photo sticker machine 1 returns to the eco mode period. As described above, during the eco mode period, the ambient light source 84 is turned on.

[0158] As described above, the upper strobe unit 83 emits a strobe light when the camera 91 takes a still image, while the constant light source 84 emits constant light while the camera 91 is taking a video, but does not emit constant light during the still image taking period when still images are taken continuously.

[0159] Previously, when taking videos using a photo sticker machine, the light from the LED bulb built into the upper strobe unit was not enough, and the user's image in the video was darker than the still image obtained when the strobe was activated.

[0160] Therefore, in the photo sticker machine 1 to which the present technology is applied, a sufficient amount of light can be irradiated onto the user even when shooting video by providing a constant light source 84 in the same position as the upper strobe unit 83. In other words, video shooting can be achieved in a stable optical environment, and the user's appearance in the video can be made to approach the appearance of a still image obtained with the strobe light emitted.

[0161] Furthermore, the constant light source 84, which is made up of an LED bulb, is turned on during the period from the start to the end of the photo sticker creation game excluding the still image shooting period, and also during periods when the photo sticker creation game is not being provided, such as during the eco mode period.

[0162] Normally, LED bulbs need to heat up to a certain extent after being turned on, and it takes a certain amount of time for the brightness to stabilize. Therefore, if the constant light source 84 is turned on only during video recording, the brightness may not stabilize during video recording, and the user may not be able to receive a sufficient amount of light.

[0163] On the other hand, in the photo sticker machine 1 to which the present technology is applied, the constant light source 84 remains ON during periods other than the still image shooting period, and even during the eco mode period. Therefore, even if the light source is turned OFF during the still image shooting period, the temperature of the LED bulb can be maintained to a certain extent, so that the brightness can be stabilized even during the video shooting period, and a sufficient amount of light can be irradiated to the user.

[0164] In the above description, the still image capture period is the time during which still images are captured multiple times in succession. However, the still image capture period may be an extremely short period of time that includes the capture timing of each still image. In this case, the time during which a live view image is displayed, which is provided before each capture timing, may be included in the still image capture period.

[0165] (Example of arrangement of fixed light source) In the above description, the ambient light sources 84 are arranged four by four in a vertical line on either side of the upper strobe unit 83, sandwiching the upper strobe unit 83 from the left and right in a front view. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ambient light sources 84 may be arranged around the upper strobe unit 83 in a front view.

[0166] For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the constant light sources 84 may be arranged in an elliptical shape, for example, so as to surround the periphery of the upper strobe unit 83 when viewed from the front.

[0167] Furthermore, the constant light source 84 may be configured as a lighting fixture other than an LED bulb. For example, as shown in Fig. 20, constant light sources 84' configured as LED straight-tube fluorescent lamps may be arranged on either side of the upper strobe unit 83 so as to sandwich the upper strobe unit 83 from the left and right when viewed from the front.

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

[0169] Even with the above configuration, video shooting can be achieved in a stable optical environment, and the appearance of the user in the video image can be made closer to the appearance of a still image obtained with the strobe light emitted.

[0170] <5. Live View display during video recording> As described above, in the photo sticker creation game provided by the photo sticker machine 1, in addition to taking still images, video images are also taken.

[0171] (Video recording process flow) 21, the flow of the video shooting process by the photo sticker machine 1 will be described. The process of each step in FIG.

[0172] In step S111, the shooting control unit 421 controls the camera 91 to start capturing moving images.

[0173] In step S112, the display control unit 423 displays a live view display screen on the touch panel monitor 92, thereby starting to display the captured moving image as a live view image.

[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 an area including the face of the user, who will be the subject of video shooting, and is an image that guides the user's line of sight to the lens of the camera 91.

[0175] The user can shoot video while checking the live view image on which the guidance image is superimposed.

[0176] In step S114, the shooting control unit 421 generates a movie image from the captured moving images, 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] The generation and storage of movie images in step S114 is repeated until it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. If 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 ends the storage of the movie image in the storage unit 316.

[0180] After that, 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, thereby playing back the movie image.

[0181] The user can check the results of the video shooting by looking at the movie image displayed on the touch panel monitor 92.

[0182] (Example of live view display screen) Here, the live view display screen displayed during the moving image shooting process will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0183] When the camera 91 starts capturing moving images by shooting moving images, a live view display screen 500 such as that shown in FIG.

[0184] 22, a moving image captured by camera 91 is displayed slightly above the center of live view display screen 500 as live view image 510. On both the left and right sides of live view image 510, there are provided areas for displaying sample images that serve as sample poses for shooting moving images.

[0185] A countdown image 511 indicating the time remaining until recording (generation and storage of movie images) begins is superimposed and displayed approximately in 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 begins, and displays the words "until recording." After that, when the countdown begins, the numbers "3," "2," and "1" are displayed in order every second on the countdown image 511, and when it reaches "0," recording begins.

[0186] One second before recording starts, that is, after the number "1" is displayed on the countdown image 511, a guidance image 521 such as that shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the live view image 510 instead of the countdown image 511.

[0187] The guidance image 521 is an image that covers a strip-shaped area excluding areas of a predetermined width along the top and bottom edges of the live view image 510, and is a black image with a predetermined transmittance. As shown in Fig. 23 , the guidance image 521 is superimposed on the live view image 510 so as to cover at least an area including the user's face displayed in the live view image 510.

[0188] Guidance image 521 includes the words "Look at the camera," which encourage the user who will be the subject of the video recording to look at the lens of camera 91, and a shape (triangle) indicating the direction in which the lens of camera 91 is located.

[0189] The guidance image 521 continues to be displayed on the live view image 510 until the recording ends. Note that on the live view display screen 500, an indicator 530 is displayed above the live view image 510, indicating the time elapsed until the recording ends.

[0190] When shooting video, it is conceivable that the user may strike various poses while shooting, and even in such cases, it was necessary to display a live view image to allow the user to confirm the pose, etc. However, when a live view image is displayed during video shooting, the user may tend to look at themselves (especially their face) in the live view image rather than at the camera lens, which could prevent them from concentrating on shooting the video.

[0191] Therefore, when shooting a video using the photo sticker device 1 of the present technology, a guidance image 521 is superimposed on the live view image 510 so as to cover at least the area including the user's face shown in the live view image 510. This makes it difficult for the user, who is the subject of the video shooting, to check their own face shown in the live view image 510, and prevents the user from accidentally directing their gaze at themselves in the live view image, and as a result, the user can concentrate on shooting the video.

[0192] In particular, the guidance image 521 contains text encouraging the user to direct their gaze toward the lens of the camera 91 and a figure indicating the direction in which the lens of the camera 91 is located, thereby making it possible to more reliably direct the user's gaze toward the lens of the camera 91.

[0193] Furthermore, the guidance image 521 is an image with a predetermined transmittance that does not cover the entire live view image 510, but rather covers an area including the user's face that appears in the live view image 510. Therefore, although it is difficult for the user, who is the subject of video shooting, to see his or her own face in the live view image 510, the user can engage in video shooting while checking the top of his or her head, the chest area including the arms, and his or her own movements that appear faintly through the guidance image 521 that appear in the live view image 510.

[0194] Although the guidance image 521 is a black image having a predetermined transmittance, the color of the guidance image 521 may be any color. Also, as shown in Fig. 24, the guidance image 521 may be an image having a predetermined color and no transmittance. Additionally, the guidance image 521 may be an image that covers only one of the regions of a predetermined width along the top and bottom edges of the live view image 510.

[0195] Furthermore, the guidance image 521 may be any image that makes it difficult to see one's own face reflected in the live view image 510, and may be, for example, a colored image with a predetermined transmittance that covers the entire live view image 510, as shown in FIG.

[0196] Furthermore, the wording included in the guidance image 521 that encourages the user to look at the lens of the camera 91 and the figure indicating the direction in which the lens of the camera 91 is located are not limited to those exemplified in Figures 23 to 25.

[0197] <6. Creating images for stickers> Here, the generation of a sticker image that is ultimately printed on sticker paper will be described.

[0198] In the photo sticker machine 1 to which this technology is applied, a frame image selected by the user from among the frame images that make up a moving image (movie image) generated by shooting a moving image is printed on sticker paper, rather than a still image (photographed image) generated by shooting a still image.

[0199] The flow of the sticker image generation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 26. The process of Fig. 26 is executed by the edit processing unit 403 in the edit process.

[0200] In step S131, the display control unit 431 causes the tablet built-in monitor 161 to display a sticker layout selection screen.

[0201] The sticker layout selection screen allows the user to select the sticker layout of the sticker sheet that will ultimately be output. The sticker layout is a design image that determines the overall design and color of the sticker sheet on which, for example, three frame images are arranged (arranged).

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

[0203] A sticker layout selection area 611 and an OK button 612 are provided on the left and right sides of the sticker layout selection screen 610 shown in FIG.

[0204] The sticker layout selection area 611 and OK button 612 on the left side of the sticker layout selection screen 610 are operated by a user standing on the left side as they face the tablet built-in monitor 161. The sticker layout selection area 611 and OK button 612 on the right side of the sticker layout selection screen 610 are operated by a user standing on the right side as they face the tablet built-in monitor 161.

[0205] In the sticker layout selection area 611, a selection of a sticker layout (design image) is accepted by a user's operation using the touch pen 162. In the sticker layout selection area 611, design images with different designs are displayed in sequence in accordance with the user's operation, and icons for selecting the color of the design image are also displayed. Each design image selected in the sticker layout selection area 611 has an area (placement area) where, for example, three frame images are placed.

[0206] With the design and color of the design image selected in the sticker layout selection area 611, the user operates the touch pen 162 to press the OK button 612, thereby finalizing the design and color of the design image.

[0207] That is, in step S132, input receiving unit 432 receives the user's selection of a sticker layout on sticker layout selection screen 610. Once the design and color of the sticker layout (design image) are confirmed on each of the left and right sides of sticker layout selection screen 610, the process proceeds to step S133.

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

[0209] The frame image selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to select a frame image to be placed on the design image selected on the sticker layout selection screen. As described above, the frame image is a frame image that constitutes a movie image generated by shooting a moving image with the camera 91.

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

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

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

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

[0214] The sticker layout display area 641 displays the sticker layout (design image) selected on the sticker layout selection screen 610. The frame image display area 642 displays a predetermined number of frame images that make up the movie image.

[0215] The frame images displayed in the frame image display area 642 do not need to be temporally consecutive frame images in the movie image, but may be, for example, frame images every few frames in the movie image. Even if the frame images are thinned out from the movie image in this way, the continuity of the user's movements 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 among the frame images displayed in the frame image display area 642. The three frame images selected by the user may be sequential in time in the movie image, or the same frame image may be selected multiple times.

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

[0218] The frame image selected in the frame image display area 642 may be placed in a placement area on the design image displayed in the sticker layout display area 641 by drag and drop, or may be placed in a pre-selected placement area on the design image.

[0219] With the three frame images placed on the design image displayed in the sticker layout display area 641, the user operates the touch pen 162 to press the OK button 632, thereby finalizing the frame images to be placed on the design image.

[0220] That is, in step S134, the input receiving unit 432 receives the user's selection on the frame image selection screen 630. When the frame images to be placed on the design image are confirmed on the left and right sides of the frame image selection screen 630, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0221] In step S135, the image generating unit 434 generates a composite image as an image for a sticker, in which the frame image selected by the user on the frame image selection screen is arranged on the design image selected by the user on the sticker layout selection screen.

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

[0223] Conventionally, photo sticker machines have been developed that aim to create images that look like they were taken in rapid succession by continuously taking still images. However, since users often pose or make different facial expressions between each still image taken at short intervals, it is difficult to maintain continuity of movement and create images that look like they were taken in rapid succession.

[0224] On the other hand, in the photo sticker machine 1 to which this technology is applied, a sticker image is generated in which a predetermined number of frame images selected from a movie image generated by shooting a video are arranged, and printed on sticker paper. This makes it possible to provide users with sticker paper with an arrangement of images that look like they were taken in rapid succession, with a continuity of action never before seen.

[0225] Furthermore, in the photo sticker machine 1 to which this technology is applied, a constant light source 84 is provided in the same position as the upper strobe unit 83, making it possible to make the user's appearance in the movie image closer to the appearance of a still image obtained with the strobe light timing. Therefore, the user's appearance in the frame images that make up the movie image can be made equivalent to the appearance of a still image obtained with the strobe light timing, resulting in improved quality of the sticker paper.

[0226] In the photo sticker machine 1 to which the present technology is applied, frame images selected from frame images constituting a moving image (movie image) generated by shooting a moving image are printed on sticker paper. On the other hand, still images (photographed images) generated by shooting a still image are not printed on sticker paper, but are doodled on in the editing process and then become candidates for images to be sent to the image management server.

[0227] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the above-described series of processes is executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed from a network or a recording medium.

[0228] 13, this recording medium is distributed separately from the device main body in order to distribute the program to the administrator of the photo sticker machine 1, and is composed of removable media 319 consisting of 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 on which the program is recorded.In addition to these, the recording medium is also composed of a ROM 312 on which the program that is distributed to the administrator in a pre-installed state in the device main body is recorded, a hard disk included in the storage unit 316, etc.

[0229] In this specification, the steps of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically in the order described, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are performed in parallel or individually.

[0230] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0231] 1 Photo sticker machine, 82 Camera unit, 83 Upper flash unit, 84 Constant light source, 91 Camera, 92 Touch panel monitor, 161 Tablet built-in monitor, 162 Touch pen, 316 Memory unit, 400 Control unit, 401 Pre-selection processing unit, 402 Photography processing unit, 403 Editing processing unit, 404 Print processing unit, 405 Transmission processing unit, 421 Photography control unit, 422 Light emission control unit, 423 Display control unit, 424 Memory 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 photography space; a shooting control unit that generates a movie image for a predetermined period of time by shooting a moving image with the camera; a display control unit that controls display of a live view image captured by the camera on a monitor during the video shooting; Equipped with The display control unit superimposes a countdown image indicating the time until generation of the movie image starts on the live view image displayed on the monitor, and superimposes a guidance image including words urging the user to direct their gaze toward the camera lens in place of the countdown image at a timing when generation of the movie image starts, so as to cover an area including at least the user's face, and continues to display the guidance image until generation of the movie image is completed. Photo creation game machine.

2. The display control unit superimposes the guidance image on the live view image displayed on the monitor, the guidance image covering a strip-shaped area excluding at least one of areas of a predetermined width along an upper end and a lower end of the live view image.

2. The photo-creation game machine of claim 1.

3. The guidance image is a colored image having a predetermined transmittance.

3. The photo creation game machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guidance image includes a graphic indicating the direction in which the camera lens is positioned.

4. A photo creation game machine according to claim 1.

5. a selection receiving unit that receives a selection by the user of a predetermined number of frame images from among the frame images that make up the movie image; an image generating unit that generates a composite image in which the frame images selected by the user are arranged; 5. A photo creation game machine according to claim 1.

6. a print processing unit that prints and outputs the composite image on a sticker sheet; 6. The photo-creation game machine according to claim 5.

7. Photo creation game machine, generating a movie image of a predetermined time by taking a video using a camera for taking a video of the user as a subject in the photography space; Controlling the display of a live view image captured by the camera on a monitor during the video shooting; A countdown image indicating the time until generation of the movie image is started is superimposed on the live view image displayed on the monitor, and at the timing when generation of the movie image is started, a guidance image including words urging the user to direct their gaze toward the camera lens is superimposed in place of the countdown image so as to cover an area including at least the user's face, and the guidance image is continued to be displayed until generation of the movie image is completed. Shooting method.

8. On the computer, generating a movie image of a predetermined time by taking a video using a camera for taking a video of the user as a subject in the photography space; Controlling the display of a live view image captured by the camera on a monitor during the video shooting; A countdown image indicating the time until generation of the movie image is started is superimposed on the live view image displayed on the monitor, and at the timing when generation of the movie image is started, a guidance image including words urging the user to direct their gaze toward the camera lens is superimposed in place of the countdown image so as to cover an area including at least the user's face, and the guidance image is continued to be displayed until generation of the movie image is completed. A program for executing a process.

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