JP2007093703A - Photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a photographing device adopting a multiple customer service system, whose work is smoothly finished near operation finishing time. <P>SOLUTION: The photographing device 1 adopting the multiple customer service system, which is equipped with a photographing booth 6 for photographing a user and an editing booth 19 provided at a spot different from the photographing booth 6 by at least one and editing an image taken in the photographing booth 6, is equipped with a utilization restricting means for restricting the utilization of at least either the photographing booth 6 or the editing booth 19. The utilization restricting means restricts the utilization of at least either the photographing booth 6 or the editing booth 19 so as to impose restrictions that a user is restrained from newly starting the utilization of the photographing device 1 and available time set for present utilization is shortened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photography apparatus.

  A subject (user) is automatically photographed in a shooting booth installed in an amusement facility or the like, and this photographed image, characters and figures input by the user with an attached touch pen in the editing booth, and pre-stored It is widely known that there is a photography apparatus that creates an image for printing by synthesizing an edit image composed of a stamp image, a frame image, and a background image, and prints the image for printing on a printing medium such as a sticker. Are known. In such a photography apparatus, the shooting booth and the editing booth are provided at different positions so that different users can simultaneously perform shooting play at the shooting booth and editing play at the editing booth. If there are two, there is something that takes the form called triple customer service.

  In such a photography apparatus, a setting is made to improve a user's rotation rate by providing a predetermined time limit for a photography play relating to photography and an edit play relating to editing. However, when the user is performing an edit play at the editing booth and the shooting play is not being performed at the shooting booth, there is no need to limit the time of the edit play. Since sufficient play time can be provided to the user, only in such cases, the edit play time can be set to unlimited, or the edit play time can be set longer than the normal time limit (extension setting). For example, the service time is added. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that the editable time at the editing booth is changed according to the progress of shooting play. In this way, the editing time is extended as much as possible, so that the user's usage satisfaction can be improved.

  Here, a schematic example of a flow in the case where the time limit for editing play is set to 120 seconds, and a time of 180 seconds is added as an extension time to the time limit will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, at the start of the edit play, a normal time limit of 120 seconds is set as the possible edit play time A. When the edit play is started, it is first monitored whether or not the shooting play is being performed (S201). If it is determined that the play is started (YES in S201), the editable time is set to 120 seconds by the edit play timer. Countdown of editable time A is started (S203). If it is determined in S201 that a shooting play has not been performed (NO in S201), A + 180 seconds is substituted for editable time A (S202), and the process proceeds to S203. This 180 seconds is an extension time added as a service time to the time limit. The case where ∞ seconds are added as the extension time is when an unlimited setting is made as the service time.

  When the countdown is started in S203, it is monitored whether the editable time A has become 0 (S204). Here, when it is determined that A = 0 (YES in S204), the edit play is ended, and when A = 0 is not satisfied (NO in S204), the edit play end button is pressed by the user. Is monitored (S205). If it is determined in S205 that the edit end button has been pressed (YES in S205), the edit play is ended. If it is determined that the edit end button has not been pressed (NO in S205), the process is performed in S204. Return to.

  By performing the processing as described above, the service time can be added to the time limit for the edit play only when the shooting play is not performed.

  On the other hand, in such amusement facilities where such a photography apparatus is installed, the business hours are often set, and before and after the end time of the business, the user uses the photography apparatus or other amusement devices. It is hoped that business will be stopped as soon as possible.

  Under such circumstances, for example, Patent Document 2 has a holding unit that holds a preset lockout time, and when the current time measured by the timer has passed the held lockout time, An arcade game device is disclosed in which an insertion prevention mechanism for preventing the insertion of money or the like is operated, and at that time, if the game is in the middle of play, the game is continued until the game ends, and then the device is terminated. .

According to such a game device, at the lockout time, the user can be prevented from using the game device after the lockout time without forcibly ending the game being played. It can be terminated near the lockout time, and in the facility where the game apparatus is installed, the store can be closed near the lockout time.
Japanese Patent No. 3324038 Japanese Patent No. 3331347

  In the separation-type image print supply device described in Patent Document 1, the editable time is set so as to vary depending on the use situation of the shooting booth, and therefore, for example, the business end time of an amusement facility or the like has elapsed. Even if it is, if another user is not in shooting play at the shooting booth, the editable time remains extended, and the use of the entire device is terminated until the user's use at the editing booth ends. There is a problem that the time to start the store closing work is delayed.

  Further, as described above, many photography apparatuses adopt a double or triple customer service system, and serve only a set of users as described in, for example, Patent Document 2 (hereinafter, referred to as “Patent Document 2”). Unlike game machines, which are described as single-person customers), if the play is finished in both the shooting booth and the editing booth, and if the printing operation is not finished, the entire photography apparatus is operated. Can't finish.

  For example, in the case of the double customer service method, a set of users are performing an edit play at the editing booth in the vicinity of the facility's business end time, with no shooting play being performed. If a new user starts using the photography device, even if the editing play at the editing booth ends, this new user cannot be forcibly terminated. Until the use is completed, the operation of the entire photography apparatus cannot be terminated. In other words, multiple users who visit at random can be served by the multiple customer service method adopted to improve the turnover rate. Therefore, when the operation of the photography apparatus is terminated, it is necessary to wait for the end of the use of all these users. As a result, there is a problem that the time to start the closing operation is delayed. In particular, when the new user shifts to the edit play and the new user starts using the photography apparatus, the time to start the store closing operation will be delayed. In addition, a new user may visit during the added service time, and it becomes increasingly difficult to end the operation of the photography apparatus near the closing time.

  On the other hand, in order to strictly observe the business closing time, the power can be forcibly turned off even though the photography apparatus is in operation. This is not a preferred method because it cannot be terminated and may cause abnormalities in these computer devices.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to solve such problems and to smoothly end the operation of the apparatus in the vicinity of the business end time in a photographic apparatus that employs a multiple customer service system.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to an image processing booth for photographing a user and an editing process for an image photographed in the photographing booth provided at least one place different from the photographing booth. An editing booth to be performed, and a use restriction unit for restricting use of at least one of the shooting booth and the editing booth.

  According to such a configuration, the use restriction unit operates, and thereafter, the use of at least one of the shooting booth and the editing booth can be restricted, and the user newly starts using the photography apparatus. It is possible to add a restriction such as suppressing this or shortening the available time set for the current use. Therefore, when it is necessary to terminate the operation of the photographic apparatus, for example, at the closing time of the store where the photographic apparatus is installed, the use of the photographic apparatus can be restricted by the use restricting means. Even if the photographing apparatus adopts a so-called multiple customer service system in which the editing booth is separated, the use of the photographing apparatus by the user can be smoothly terminated. Thereby, in the said shop, the shop closing work can be started without delay in the vicinity of the business end time. Moreover, by doing in this way, it is not necessary to forcibly turn off the power of the photographic apparatus and end the operation of the photographic apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the photographic apparatus according to the first aspect, the use restricting means includes a prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of use of the photographing booth.

  According to such a configuration, even if it is a photography apparatus that employs a so-called multiple customer service system in which the photography booth and the editing booth are separated, the photography booth that is used first when using the photography apparatus by the prohibition means By prohibiting the start of use, it is naturally possible to prohibit the use of an editing booth that should be used thereafter. Therefore, by operating the prohibition means, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from using the photography apparatus after that, so photography such as the business end time of the store where the photography apparatus is installed is taken. When it is necessary to end the operation of the apparatus, the operation of the photographic apparatus can be smoothly ended in the vicinity of this business end time.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the photography apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the use restriction means includes a control means for controlling the use time of the editing booth.

  According to such a configuration, for example, even if a time limit is set as an editing booth usage time and a service time is added to this time limit, the business of the store where the photo shooter is installed When it is necessary to end the operation of the photographic apparatus such as the end time, the control means can be controlled so as not to add the service time or to shorten the service time. Therefore, the service time is added as much as possible with respect to the time limit of the editing booth, and the satisfaction of the use for the user is satisfied, and the operation of the photography apparatus is smoothly terminated in the vicinity of this business end time. Can do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the photography apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the use restricting means includes a display means for displaying to the user that the available time of the photographing booth has expired. It is a waste.

  According to such a configuration, the display means displays to the user that the available time of the shooting booth has ended, and thereafter the user starts using the shooting booth, that is, the photographic device. Can be suppressed. Thereby, the operation of the photography apparatus can be smoothly finished.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the photographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the time measuring means for measuring the current time, the setting means for setting the operating time, and the current time measured is the operating time. Determining means for determining whether the time has been exceeded, and when it is determined that the current time counted by the determining means has exceeded the operating time, the use restricting means starts restricting use.

  According to such a configuration, by setting the operating time in advance by the setting means, and when the current time counted exceeds the set operating time, the use restricting means causes at least the shooting booth and the editing booth. Restricted use of one side, i.e., setting the operation to be restricted by preventing the user from newly starting to use the photography device or shortening the available time set for the current use It is possible to prevent the user from newly starting to use the photography apparatus at the time exceeding the time, and the operation of the photography apparatus can be terminated in accordance with the operation time.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the photographic apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising an instruction means for instructing the use restriction means to start the use restriction.

  According to such a configuration, since the instruction means can instruct the use restriction means to start the use restriction, for example, compared to the case where the time for starting the use restriction by the use restriction means is set in advance. Thus, the setting time can be saved, and the manager of the store where the photography apparatus is installed can terminate the operation of the photography apparatus at an arbitrary timing.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the operation of the apparatus can be smoothly terminated in the vicinity of the business end time in the photographic apparatus employing the multiple customer service method.

(Embodiment 1)
A photography apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the external configuration of the photography apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the photography apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the editing-side casing 8 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a photography apparatus 1 is provided with a photographing side housing 3 provided with a camera 2 for photographing a subject and a distance between the photographing side housing 3 and a position facing the camera 2. Is provided in a shooting booth 6 formed by suspending a background unit 4 and a pair of left and right ceiling frames 5 on the housing 3 and the upper part of the background unit 4, thereby assisting the formation of a shooting pose for the user who is the subject A portal ladder 7 and an editing-side housing 8 provided adjacent to the back surface of the photographing-side housing 3.

  On the surface on the side facing the background unit 4 in the photographing side housing 3, in addition to the camera 2, an image currently being photographed by the camera 2 is displayed to the user in real time, and an operation input from the user is received. A touch panel display 9 (see FIG. 3) as a display means for receiving and displaying a demonstration screen and shooting operation procedures to the user, and a plurality of strobes 10 (see FIG. 3) for irradiating the user during shooting, A coin insertion slot for inserting coins, a shooting-side speaker 11 (see FIG. 3) that outputs voice guidance and BGM at the time of shooting operation, and an operation end instruction button 32 (see FIG. 3) as instruction means described later. Is provided.

  Furthermore, a print take-out port 12 is provided on one side surface outside the photographing-side housing 3, and the print take-out port 12 prints an image for printing (edited image as a combination of the photographed image and the input image). If there is no input, the photographed image) printed on the print medium 14 (see FIG. 3) such as a seal sheet is discharged by the printer 13 (see FIG. 3) housed in the photographing-side housing 3. The

  A curtain unit 15 including a plurality of types of background curtains 15a serving as a background of the user at the time of shooting is provided on the upper portion of the background unit 4 on the side facing the shooting-side housing 3. Each background curtain 15a is housed in a state of being wound in the curtain unit 15, and the curtain unit 15 converts the background curtain 15a designated by the user through the operation on the touch panel display 9 into the background unit 4. Hang down along the wall.

  On the other hand, the editing-side housing 8 displays an image taken in the shooting booth 6 and receives an editing input from the user with the attached touch pen 16 and editing for outputting voice guidance and BGM during the editing input operation. A side speaker 18 (see FIG. 3) is provided. Although not shown in the figure, a touch pen, a tablet display, and an editing speaker are also provided on the opposite side of the editing-side casing 8, and two different sets of users can respectively The editing process can be performed simultaneously. Further, reference numeral 19 in FIG. 2 denotes an editing booth that is provided at a location different from the shooting booth 6 and allows the user to edit the captured image. Therefore, the photography apparatus 1 of the present embodiment employs a triple customer service system including one photographing booth 6 and two editing booths 19. In addition, surrounding curtains are provided around the shooting booth 6 and the editing booth 19 to prevent other users from seeing the contents of images and the like when the user performs operation processing in each booth. However, the illustration is omitted to avoid complication of the drawing.

  The above-described photography apparatus 1 has various functions such as a voice guidance function and a strobe irradiation light changing function in order to meet the needs of the user. A functional configuration for realizing these various functions will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the photography apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the photo vending apparatus 1 includes a photographing computer device 20a that executes photographing-side processing that is data processing relating to photographing, such as photographing by the camera 2 and transfer of images photographed by the camera 2, and editing. The contents of information input from the user to the tablet display 17 at the time of processing are displayed on the tablet display 17, and processing related to editing such as creation and drawing of an image to be edited and input based on the input information, and printing of the printer 13. An image editing computer device 20b that executes processing, and a control board 21 that receives instructions from the computer devices 20a and 20b in operation and controls various devices connected thereto. The photographing computer device 20a and the image editing computer device 20b are connected to each other and exchange image data and the like on a peer-to-peer basis.

  Since the photographing computer device 20a performs processing related to operations performed in the photographing booth 6, the details will be described later, but a coin control unit 30 (details will be described later) serving as a prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of use of the photographing booth. A function to control, a function to guide and display on the touch panel display 9 as a display means that the available time of the shooting booth has ended for the user, a current time measuring means as a time measuring means for measuring the current time, and an operating time A setting means for setting the time, a determination means for determining whether the measured current time has exceeded the operating time, and a function as a shooting play timer for counting the elapsed time of shooting play, and can execute predetermined data processing .

  In addition, the image editing computer device 20b performs processing related to operations performed in the editing booth 19, so that control means for controlling the usage time of the editing booth 19, an editing play timer for counting the time limit for editing play, and the current time Functions as time measuring means and determination means are provided, and predetermined data processing can be executed.

  The functions as the current time measuring means and the judging means may not be provided in the image editing computer device 20b. In this case, from the photographing computer device 20a to the image editing computer device 20b as needed, What is necessary is just to set so that the information of the determination result by the present | current time, the set working time, and the determination means may be sent. Further, the use restriction means described in the claims means one constituted by any one of the prohibition means, control means, display means, or a combination thereof. That is, the fact that the photographic apparatus 1 includes the use restriction means has a function constituted by any of these prohibition means, control means, display means, or a combination thereof.

  The computer devices 20a and 20b are CPUs (Central Processing Units) 22a and 22b, a program for causing the photography apparatus 1 to execute predetermined processing, graphic data necessary for various processes, audio data, photographed images, and edit inputs. Hard disk drives (HDD) 23a and 23b for storing images and the like, and memories 24a and 24b serving as temporary work areas for programs.

  The photographing computer device 20a executes photographing-side processing at the photographing booth 6. Specifically, the processing program on the photographing side stored in the internal HDD 23a is executed to manage the operation time of the photography apparatus 1, and an instruction based on an input operation received from the user via the touch panel display 9 A control signal is transmitted to the control board 21 according to the signal. In addition, the imaging computer device 20a is electrically connected to and controls the camera 2, the touch panel display 9, and the control board 21. In addition, upon receiving an instruction signal from the operation end instruction button 32 provided on the photographing-side casing 3, the coin block by the coin control unit 30 as the prohibition means, and the control and display of the usage time by the function as the control means Guide display on the touch panel display 9 as means is performed at an arbitrary timing.

  The image editing computer device 20 b executes processing such as editing input at the editing booth 19 and printing processing of the printer 13 housed in the photographing side housing 3. Specifically, the image editing computer device 20 b transmits a control signal to the control board 21 in accordance with input information from the touch pen 16 performed by the user to the tablet display 17. The image editing computer device 20b is electrically connected to and controls the printer 13, the tablet display 17, and the control board 21.

  The printer 13 prints a print image obtained by synthesizing the photographed image and the image input by the editing process on the photographed image on a print medium 14 such as a sticker sheet. In this embodiment, the case where the printer 13 prints an image for printing on a sticker sheet will be described. However, the print medium 14 is not limited to a sticker sheet, and may be another print medium.

  The touch panel display 9 provided in the photographing side housing 3 detects contact of a user's finger or the like, and transmits an instruction signal corresponding to the position to the photographing computer device 20a. The touch panel display 9 displays an image transmitted from the photographing computer device 20a, specifically, an image captured by the camera 2, guidance for photographing, options, the end of an available time described later, and the like to the user. To display.

  The tablet display 17 detects the contact of the pen tip with the attached left and right touch pens 16, and transmits an instruction signal corresponding to the position to the image editing computer device 20b. The tablet display 17 displays an image transmitted from the image editing computer device 20b, specifically, an edited image such as a pen image, a stamp image, a frame image, or a background image drawn by the user during the editing process. The image is displayed over the current captured image.

  In addition to the computer devices 20a and 20b, the control board 21 includes a strobe control unit 25, a fluorescent lamp 26 provided in the photographing booth 6 and the editing booth 19, a service panel 27, a printing LED 28, a printing error LED 29, and a coin control unit. 30, is connected to the curtain unit 15 and the sound control unit 31, and controls each according to a predetermined setting.

  The strobe controller 25 is connected to the camera 2 and the strobe 10 and controls the strobe 10 to emit light according to the shutter timing of the camera 2.

  The coin control unit 30 serving as the prohibiting unit detects the validity of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot, and transmits a detection signal indicating that the coin has been inserted into the control board 21. At this time, the control board 21 transmits a control signal to the coin control unit 30 according to a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the imaging computer device 20a or the image editing computer device 20b. When a predetermined number of coins are inserted, the coin control unit 30 blocks the coin insertion slot so that no new coin is inserted according to the control signal, or ejects the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot from the coin return slot. can do. The coin control unit 30 functions as a coin blocker in the former case, and functions as a coin canceller in the latter case. When a predetermined number of coins are inserted, it is possible not to accept the insertion of coins from the user by any of the methods described above.

  The service panel 27 includes a coin counter that counts the number of inserted coins, a print counter that counts the number of printed prints, a volume adjustment knob that adjusts the volume of sound output from the photographing speaker 11 and the editing speaker 18. , A panel including a test button for performing a test mode, which will be described later, a service button for enabling the apparatus to be used without inserting coins, and managing a store or the like in which the photography apparatus 1 is installed Used when a person performs various settings and maintenance operations. When the test button is operated, the service panel 27 transmits a control signal according to the operation to the control board 21.

  The control board 21 transmits a control signal to the service panel 27 in accordance with a control signal (such as an instruction command) received from the imaging computer device 20a or the image editing computer device 20b. The service panel 27 operates a coin counter or a print counter according to this control signal (for example, the counter is incremented by 1).

  The sound control unit 31 is connected to the photographing computer device 20a and the image editing computer device 20b via the control board 21. The photographing speaker 11 is provided in the photographing booth 6 and based on an instruction signal given from the photographing computer device 20a via the control board 21 and the voice control unit 31, guidance on an operation method for photographing, BGM, and the like. Is output. The editing speaker 18 is provided in the editing booth 19 and, based on an instruction signal given from the image editing computer device 20b via the control board 21 and the voice control unit 31, guides such as an operation method for editing and BGM. Etc. are output.

  In the above-described configuration, the user forms a favorite shooting pose in the shooting booth 6 by using a ladder 7 or the like, and when the shooting is finished, the shot image is displayed. The editing booth 19 is moved to and editing processing is performed on the tablet display 17 on which the captured image is displayed, using the touch pen 16. When the editing process ends, the user moves to the print outlet 12 where the image for printing generated by combining the image input at the time of editing and the photographed image is printed on the sticker sheet and discharged, and is output. The sticker sheet is acquired and the use of the photographing apparatus 1 is terminated. Here, the processing on the photographing side and the processing on the editing side will be described in detail.

  First, the processing on the photographing side will be described with reference to FIG. This processing on the photographing side is realized by the CPU 22a in the photographing computer device 20a reading out and executing the operation program stored in the HDD 23a into the memory 24a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, when the photograph photographing apparatus 1 is turned on, the operation programs stored in the HDDs 23 a and 23 b of the photographing computer apparatus 20 a and the image editing computer apparatus 20 b are activated. The CPUs 22a and 22b check whether various devices are normally connected and perform initialization for devices that need to be initialized (S11).

  If the coin control unit 30 is operating to lock the coin insertion slot during the initialization process, the CPU 22a sends an instruction signal to release the lock, and releases the lock. Then, coins can be inserted (S12). If the coin inserted into the coin slot is to be ejected from the coin return slot, the CPU 22a sends an instruction signal for canceling the coin ejection state, thereby enabling coin insertion.

  Next, the CPU 22a displays a title demonstration screen that prompts the user to use the photography apparatus 1 on the touch panel display 9 in the photography booth 6 (S13), and during that time, the coin control unit 30 monitors the insertion of coins as compensation (S14). .

  If no coin is inserted (NO in S14) and the “test button” is pressed (YES in S15), the CPU 22a executes the test mode program (S16).

  In this test mode, the operation time, that is, the available time of the photography apparatus 1 is set. Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the test mode main menu screen (see FIG. 6) is displayed (S41), and it is determined whether the “return to demo” button has been pressed (S42). If the “return to demo” button is pressed (YES in S42), the process returns to S13 of the photographing side process shown in FIG. 4 to end the test mode, and the “return to demo” button is not pressed. If it has been selected (NO in S42), it is then determined whether “to operation timer setting menu” for setting the operating time has been selected (S43), and if not selected (NO in S43). It is determined whether another menu such as a shooting-related test menu is selected (S44). If it is determined in S44 that no other menu is selected (NO in S44), the process returns to S42. If it is determined in S44 that another menu has been selected (YES in S44), setting / processing corresponding to the selected menu is performed (S45), and the process returns to S41.

  When “To Operation Timer Setting Menu” is selected in S43 (YES in S43), an operation timer setting screen (see FIG. 7) is displayed (S46). Then, by the function as the setting means provided in the CPU 22a, the manager of the store can set the time for operating the photography apparatus 1, that is, from the operation start time to the operation end time, as “from what time to what time” For example, it is set as 9:00 to 23:00. Then, it is determined whether or not the “set operation timer and return to main menu” button has been selected (S47). If not selected (NO in S47), the process of S47 is continued, and if selected (S47). YES), the input operating time is stored (S48), and this time is applied so that it can be reflected in the operation of the photography apparatus 1. Then, the process returns to S41. Incidentally, in FIG. 7, when the “ON” button in the operation timer setting is selected, naturally, the above-described set operating time is applied, and when the “OFF” button is selected, the above-described operation time is applied. Do not apply the set uptime.

  The operation time may be set individually for each day of the week as shown in FIG. In this case, day-of-week holding means linked to the current time counting means is provided, and for example, the operation time on Monday is set for every day of the week, from what time to what time,... By doing in this way, even when the operation time of the photography apparatus 1 varies depending on the day such as weekdays, holidays, closed days, and special days, the operator does not need to change the setting of the operation time, and the operability is improved. improves. Although not shown, each day may be set in units of months as in the calendar.

  Returning to S41, the menu screen is displayed, and when the "return to demo" button is pressed in S42, the process returns to S13 of the photographing side process shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the title demo screen is displayed in S13. If it is determined in S14 that a predetermined number of coins have been inserted by the user (YES in S14), no more coins will be inserted. Then, the coin insertion slot is locked (S17), or the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot is discharged from the coin return slot so as not to accept the coin insertion.

  Then, the CPU 22a starts shooting (S18) and continues shooting until a predetermined number of times of shooting is performed (S19). When the predetermined number of times of shooting is finished (YES in S19), the shot image is converted into the image editing computer device 20b. (S20). At this time, since the shooting play has ended, the user leaves the shooting booth 6 and moves to a predetermined editing booth 19 to perform the next editing play. Therefore, the shooting booth 6 is in a state where there is no user. Although the number of times of shooting is limited here, the shooting time may be limited. Also, if there is still a time limit after shooting a predetermined number of times, or if the previous user is still playing edits at the editing booth 19, the shooting play can be continued until they are finished. Alternatively, it may be guided to wait in the photographing booth 6.

  It is determined whether the operating time is set while transferring the image taken in S20 to the image editing computer device 20b (S21). If the setting has not been made, the process returns to S12 to release the coin lock, the title demo screen is displayed in S13, and a new user is awaited.

  If it is determined in S21 that the operating time has been set (YES in S21), the function of the CPU 22a as the determining means and the current time measuring means exceeds the set operating time. (S22). If it is determined that it has not exceeded, the process returns to S12 to release the coin lock, and the title demo screen is displayed in S13 to wait for the use of a new user.

  If it is determined in S22 that the current time exceeds the set operating time (YES in S22), the CPU 22a tries to use the photographing booth 6 and the photographing device 1 for the touch panel display 9 thereafter. To the new user who says, “Today is already over. See you tomorrow!”, Etc., that the shooting booth 6 and the photography device 1 can no longer be used today, that is, the available time has ended. It is displayed (S23). At this time, since the coin lock state made in S17 is not released, that is, the CPU 22a is in a state of functioning as a prohibition unit, after this, after the set operation time has elapsed, It is possible to reliably prevent the user from newly starting to use the photography apparatus 1. In addition, even if the coin block is not made, it is possible to prevent the user from starting the photographing apparatus 1 by displaying on the touch panel display 9 that the available time has ended. In this way, the reception from the user ends.

  In addition, when the usage acceptance from the user is terminated in this way, the user who has been waiting for the next usage may feel dissatisfied. Therefore, in preparation for such a case, the acceptance end state by the coin block or the like is canceled by a specific operation that only the administrator knows (for example, an operation of successively touching the four corners of the touch panel display 9 twice). Keep it available. Therefore, after the process of S23, it is monitored whether the specific operation has been performed (S24). If it is determined in S24 that a specific operation has been performed (YES in S24), the process returns to S12 to accept the use of the user who has been waiting for the turn so that this user's dissatisfaction can be resolved. The number of uses accepted by the release by this specific operation may be only once or an appropriate number.

  By doing so, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from newly starting the use of the shooting booth 6 and the photo shooting apparatus 1 outside the set operation time. Even in the photographic apparatus 1 that employs the so-called multiple customer service system, the use of the photographic apparatus 1 by the user can be smoothly terminated in accordance with the store closing time. Therefore, in the said store, it can start a store closing work without delay in the vicinity of the business end time. Moreover, by doing in this way, it is not necessary to forcibly turn off the power of the photographic device 1 to end the operation of the photographic device 1.

  If no coin is inserted in S14 (NO in S14) and the “test button” is not pressed in S15 (NO in S15), it is determined whether the operating time is set here (S15). S28). If the setting has not been made (NO in S28), the process returns to S14 to wait for the user's use.

  If it is determined in S28 that the operation time has been set (YES in S28), the function of the CPU 22a as the determination means and the current time counting means exceeds the set operation time. (S29). If it is determined that it has not exceeded, the process returns to S14 to wait for the user's use. If it is determined in S28 that the current time has exceeded the set operating time (YES in S29), the coin is locked (S30), the process proceeds to S23, and the processes after S23 are performed. The operation of the photography apparatus 1 is terminated. Here, it is possible to display only that the available time has ended on the touch panel display 9 without using a coin block.

  By doing in this way, even if the user does not play shooting in the shooting booth 6, that is, even when the shooting booth 6 is empty, the current time is operated by the function of the current time counting means and the determination means provided in the CPU 22a. Therefore, even if the photography apparatus 1 is operating, the operation of the photography apparatus 1 is automatically terminated when the operation time has passed, so the photography apparatus 1 is installed. A manager of a store or the like can immediately start the store closing work in the vicinity of the store closing time.

  Next, processing on the editing side will be described. The user who has finished taking a predetermined number of photographs in the shooting booth 6 next moves to the editing booth 19 on the side where the captured images are displayed, and the edited booth 19 displays the captured images displayed on the tablet display 17. On the other hand, editing processing is performed using the touch pen 16. At this time, the CPU 22b of the image editing computer apparatus 20b reads out and executes the operation program stored in the HDD 23b to the memory 24b, thereby performing the processing on the editing side in the procedure shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 22b displays on the tablet display 17 a standby screen (not shown) that prompts the user to start from shooting play (S51). When the above-described processing on the photographing side is completed, the photographed image data is transferred from the photographing computer device 20a to the image editing computer device 20b, and the CPU 22b in the image editing computer device 20b receives this ( S52). Then, the CPU 22b displays a predetermined editing screen (not shown) (S53), accepts editing processing, that is, starts editing play (S54). In this editing process, processing such as drawing a pen image, a stamp image, and a background image is performed on the photographed image displayed on the touch panel display 17 with the touch pen 16, but this editing process is already known. Detailed description is omitted. During the editing process, that is, during the edit play, counting of the time limit for editing play is started by the function of the edit play timer of the CPU 22b. The processing related to the management of the usage time of the editing booth 19 is performed simultaneously with the editing processing, but these processing will be described individually for convenience of explanation.

  When the editing process is completed, the print image obtained by combining the image input by the editing process and the photographed image is displayed side by side on the tablet display 17 (S55), and the user can display the combined image displayed on the tablet display 17 from the combined image. The image to be printed is selected, and the CPU 22b determines the image to be printed based on the user's selection and prints the printing image on the print medium 14 (S56). Here, the print medium 14 on which the printing image is printed is discharged to the print outlet 12 and provided to the user. Thereby, the user's editing play, that is, the use of the photography apparatus 1 is completely terminated.

  However, when the printing process is being performed in S56, the CPU 22b determines whether or not the current time exceeds the set operation time by the functions of the determination unit and the current time counting unit (S57). If it is determined that it has not exceeded (NO in S57), the process returns to S51 to display a standby screen and wait for the next user to use.

  If it is determined in S57 that the current time exceeds the set operating time (YES in S57), the process waits for the shooting play to end (S58), and when the shooting play ends (YES in S58). ), An indication that the available time has expired is displayed on the tablet display 17 (S59), and the editing process is terminated.

  As described above, when the processing on the editing side is finished and the finished time exceeds the operating time, the tablet display 17 displays that the usable time is over after the photographing play is finished. Thus, the operation of the photography apparatus 1 can be smoothly finished.

  Here, the process regarding the management of the use time of the editing booth 19 mentioned above is demonstrated. In addition, as already described, in the photo shooting device 1, there is a time limit for editing play, and when another user is not shooting, for example, the time limit for editing play is extended by a predetermined amount. The usage time of the editing booth 19 is controlled by adding time or setting an unlimited time for editing play.

  In the following, the usage time of the editing booth 19 is divided into a case where a predetermined extension time is added to the time limit for editing play and a case where an unlimited time is added to the time limit for editing play. A process related to management of the system will be described.

  First, a case where a predetermined extension time is added to the time limit for editing play will be described. In the following, a description will be given of a case where the normal time limit of 120 seconds is preset as the editable time A and the time added as the extension time is 180 seconds.

  As shown in FIG. 10, it waits for an edit screen (not shown) to be displayed on the tablet display 17 (S71). When the edit screen is displayed (YES in S71), a shooting play is performed at the shooting booth 6. It is determined whether there is a user who uses the editing booth next (S72).

  If it is determined in S72 that a shooting play is being performed (YES in S72), it is not preferable to add an extension time to the user's time limit during editing play, so the CPU 22b of the image editing computer device 20b. The countdown starts when the editable time A is 120 seconds (S76).

  If it is determined in S72 that a shooting play has not been performed (NO in S72), it is determined whether an operating time is set (S73). If it is determined that the operating time has not been set (NO in S73), A + 180 seconds is substituted for the original editable time A, that is, the extended time of 180 seconds is added to the time limit of 120 seconds for editing. The possible time A is extended to 300 seconds (S75). By doing in this way, when the imaging | playing play is not performed, the service time for extended time can be provided with respect to the user who performs an edit play.

  If it is determined in S73 that the operating time is set (YES in S73), it is then determined whether the current time exceeds the operating time (S74), and if it is determined that the operating time has not been exceeded (S74). In NO at S74, the process proceeds to S75, and an extended service time is given to the user who performs the edit play. If it is determined in S74 that the current time exceeds the operating time (YES in S74), the editing play is performed so that the operation of the photography apparatus 1 can be ended in accordance with the set operating time. The process proceeds to S76 without adding an extension time to the user who performs the process. In this case, the user can understand the circumstances by displaying on the voice guidance or editing screen that the extended time cannot be added because the closing time has passed, so that the user understands the situation, and the user is not satisfied. Is preferably not given.

  Then, when the countdown of the editable time is started in S76, it is monitored whether the editable time A has become 0 seconds (S77). When it is determined that A = 0 in S77 (YES in S77), the use time management process is terminated and the edit play is terminated, and when it is determined that A = 0 is not satisfied in S77 (NO in S77). Determines whether the user has pressed the “end” button for instructing the end of the edit play (S78). If it is determined that the user has pressed the button (YES in S78), the usage time management process is ended and the edit play is ended. If it is determined that the button has not been pressed (NO in S78), the process returns to S77. Note that the above-described processing of S77 and S78 may be performed in reverse order.

  As described above, even when the shooting play is not performed, the extended time is not added unconditionally as in the conventional flow shown in FIG. 14, and the current time is set in S74. It is determined whether the time has not been exceeded, and if it has exceeded, it is determined that the extension time is not added to the time limit for editing play and the time has not been exceeded in order to immediately terminate the operation of the photography apparatus 1. Only when the extended time is added to the time limit for editing play, the extended time for editing play can be provided to the user as much as possible, and the current time is set for operation. When the time is exceeded, the operation of the photography apparatus 1 can be promptly terminated. Therefore, in the store where the photography apparatus 1 is installed, it is possible to start the store closing work without delay in the vicinity of the business end time.

  In S75, the case where 180 seconds is added as the extension time has been described. However, when the time added as the extension time is ∞ seconds, the editing play time is unlimited as the service time. This will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, it waits for an edit screen (not shown) to be displayed on the tablet display 17 (S91), and when the edit screen is displayed (YES in S91), a shooting play is performed at the shooting booth 6. It is determined whether or not there is a user who uses the editing booth next (S92).

  If it is determined in S92 that a shooting play is being performed (YES in S92), it is not preferable to limit the user's editable time during the edit play, so the CPU 22b of the image editing computer device 20b does not have to be limited. The countdown starts when the editable time A is 120 seconds by the function of the edit play timer provided (S95).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the “end” button has been pressed (S96). If it is determined that the button has been pressed (YES in S96), the use time management process is ended and the editing play is ended. If it is determined in S96 that the “end” button has not been pressed (NO in S96), it is determined whether the editable time A has become 0 (S97). If it is determined in S97 that A = 0 (YES in S97), the use time management process is terminated and the edit play is terminated. If it is determined in S97 that A = 0 is not satisfied (NO in S97), the process returns to S96. Note that the order of the previous and subsequent steps of S96 and S97 may be reversed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S92 that the photographing play is not being performed (NO in S92), it is determined whether the operating time is set (S93). If it is determined in S93 that the operating time is set (YES in S93), it is determined whether the current time exceeds the set operating time (S94). If it is determined in S94 that the current time has exceeded the set operating time (YES in S94), the editing play is performed so that the operation of the photography apparatus 1 can be ended in accordance with the set operating time. The process proceeds to S95 without adding service time to the user who performs the process.

  In S93, when it is determined that the operating time is not set (NO in S93), or in S94, when it is determined that the current time does not exceed the set operating time (NO in S94). Since there is no problem even if the editable time is unlimited for the user who performs the edit play, A + ∞ seconds are substituted into the original editable time A, that is, the time limit of 120 seconds is unlimited ( S98). Thereby, sufficient editing time can be provided with respect to the user who performs an edit play.

  Next, it is determined whether the operating time is set (S99). If it is determined that the operating time is not set (NO in S99), it is determined whether the user has pressed the “end” button (S102). If it is determined that the button has not been pressed (NO in S102), the process returns to S99 to continue the edit play. If it is determined in S102 that the “end” button has been pressed by the user (YES in S102), the use time management process is terminated and the editing play is terminated.

  on the other hand. If it is determined in S99 that the operating time is set (YES in S99), it is determined whether the current time exceeds the operating time (S100). If it is determined in S100 that the current time does not exceed the operating time (NO in S100), the process proceeds to S102. In S100, if it is determined that the current time has exceeded the operating time (YES in S100), the editable time remains unlimited, and the user continues to play edits indefinitely. Since the operation of the photographic apparatus 1 cannot be terminated, 150 seconds is assigned to the editable time A in order to eliminate this unlimited state by the function as the limiting means provided in the CPU 22b of the image editing computer apparatus 20b. . When the process of S101 is completed, the process proceeds to S95. At this time, the value to be substituted is set to 150 seconds in order to secure 120 seconds as the originally assigned time limit. Also, if the countdown of 120 seconds is suddenly started according to the time limit, an unlimited time is set. This is because the user who expects the service time may be dissatisfied, and such user dissatisfaction does not occur. In the process of S101, the user is allowed to understand the situation by displaying on the voice guidance or the editing screen and informing the user that the unlimited service time will end because the closing time has passed. It is preferable that the user is not dissatisfied.

  By doing as described above, in the case where the current time does not exceed the operating time, depending on whether or not the shooting play is started, it is possible to give the service time to the user during the edit play as much as possible, In addition, when the service time is given and the current time exceeds the set operating time, the countdown of the editable time starts to end the service time, so that the user can play edit It can be completed smoothly.

  In the above description, it has been described that the operation end instruction button 32 (see FIG. 3) as an instruction unit is provided on the surface of the photographing side housing 3 facing the background unit 4. For example, even when the current time has not reached the set operating time, the end instruction button 32 is pressed by an administrator of a store or the like where the photography apparatus 1 is installed by pressing the operation end instruction button 32. The use restricting means can be operated at an arbitrary timing. That is, by pressing the operation end instruction button 32, the photographing computer device 20a and the image editing computer device 20b can perform the same processing as when the current time exceeds the operation time. Thus, the photography apparatus 1 can be smoothly terminated. In addition, since the operation of the photography apparatus 1 can be ended by providing such an operation end instruction button 32, it is not necessary to set the operation time in a test mode or the like, and the setting work can be saved. it can.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the user can take a picture in the photographic apparatus 1 that employs the multiple customer service system including the photographic booth 6 and at least one editing booth 19 at a location different from the photographic booth 6. The use of the apparatus 1 can be smoothly terminated. Thereby, in the store etc. in which the photography apparatus 1 is installed, it is possible to start the store closing work without delay in the vicinity of the business end time. Moreover, by doing in this way, it is not necessary to forcibly turn off the power of the photographic device 1 to end the operation of the photographic device 1.

  Further, as described above, in various processes such as shooting play, editing play, etc., it is always monitored whether the current time exceeds the operating time. It is possible to end more near the store closing time, and not to end the use of the entire photography apparatus 1 at the same time, but to end the use sequentially for each shooting play and editing play, For example, it is possible to prevent a new user from starting a shooting play during an edit play. Therefore, the use of the photography apparatus 1 can be smoothly terminated in the vicinity of the store closing time.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the photography apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when setting the operation time, the operation time is set as a time zone from the operation start time to the operation end time. However, in the second embodiment, only the operation end time is set as the operation time. To do. Therefore, since the external configuration and functional configuration of the photography apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment and the photography apparatus described in the second embodiment are the same, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Detailed description is omitted.

  Further, as described above, since the operation start time is not set in the second embodiment, the processing on the photographing side ends in S25 in the flow shown in FIG. 4, and the processing in S26 and S27 is not performed. . Except for this point, processing on the photographing side (see FIG. 4), test mode (see FIG. 5), processing on the editing side (see FIG. 9), and usage time management processing in the photography apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. (Refer to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) is the same as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, detailed description of the various processes described above is also omitted here. However, in the test mode shown in FIG. 5, the operation timer setting screen (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) displayed at S46 is different from that of the first embodiment. However, a case where only the operation end time is set as the operation time will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the operation timer setting screen displayed in S46 in the test mode (see FIG. 5) is as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, in the second embodiment, only the operation end time is set by the function as the setting means provided in the CPU 22a of the imaging computer device 20a. At this time, the range of time that can be set as the operation end time is set to, for example, 12:00 to 29:59 so that it can correspond to a store that operates even if it goes around midnight, such as downtown. It is prepared in. By doing so, for example, in the case of a store whose business hours are until 5 am the next morning, the operation end time can be set to “29:00”, so the business hours with the date change Even in such a case, the operation end time can be easily set.

  As in the first embodiment, the operation time may be set individually for each day of the week as shown in FIG. By doing in this way, even when the operation time of the photography apparatus 1 is different such as a weekday, a holiday, a closed day, a special day, etc., the operator does not need to change the setting of the operation time, and the operability is improved. . Although not shown, each day may be set in units of months as in the calendar.

It is a side view showing a photography device of an embodiment of the invention. It is a perspective view of the edit side housing | casing shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the photography apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process by the imaging | photography side in a photography imaging device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing in a test mode shown in FIG. 4. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the main menu screen at the time of test mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the management timer setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen different from the example of a screen shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the process by the side of the edit in a photography apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the time management process at the time of an edit play when service time is set as unlimited. It is a flowchart explaining the time management process at the time of an edit play when service time is set as addition of extension time. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation timer setting screen in the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen different from the example of a screen shown in FIG. In the prior art, it is a schematic example of the flow in the case where an extension time is added to the time limit.

Explanation of symbols

6 Shooting booth 19 Editing booth

Claims (6)

A shooting booth for shooting a user, an editing booth that is provided in at least one location different from the shooting booth and performs an editing process on an image shot in the shooting booth, and at least one of the shooting booth and the editing booth And a use restricting means for restricting the use of the camera. 2. The photography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use restriction means includes prohibition means for prohibiting the start of use of the photography booth. 3. The photography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use restriction means includes control means for controlling the use time of the editing booth. The photography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage restriction means includes display means for displaying to the user that the available time of the photography booth has expired. A time measuring means for measuring the current time, a setting means for setting the operating time, and a determining means for determining whether the current time measured exceeds the operating time, wherein the current time measured by the determining means is 5. The photography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the operating time has been exceeded, the use restriction unit starts use restriction. The photography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction unit that instructs the use restriction unit to start use restriction.

Images