JP7583320B2 - Game consoles - Google Patents

Description

This technology particularly relates to a gaming machine that allows users to take selfies in a space equipped with a monitor that displays the game screen.

Photo sticker creation devices are known in the art. Photo sticker creation devices photograph a user, allow the user to edit the photographed image, and print the edited image on sticker paper for provision. Photo sticker creation devices are installed in amusement facilities, etc.

The flow of one game provided by the photo sticker creation device usually involves taking a photo of the user in the shooting space as the subject, then moving the user to the editing space, editing the image according to operations performed in the editing space, and printing the edited image on sticker paper.

Patent Document 1 discloses a photography and printing device that has mirrors with polished acrylic surfaces on both sides of a camera unit at the front of the photography space. By using the mirrors, users can check their appearance and other aspects while taking photos.

JP 2006-058794 A

Taking selfies, in which you point the camera of a mobile device such as a smartphone at yourself, is becoming popular.

This technology was developed in light of these circumstances, allowing users to take selfies in a space equipped with a monitor displaying a game screen.

A gaming machine according to one aspect of the present technology has a housing equipped with a monitor for displaying a game screen and a mirrored portion, and a curtain having a design including left-right inverted letters on the surface facing the space in front of the monitor is attached facing the mirrored portion in a position that will be behind a user facing the monitor when the user is in the space .

With this technology, users can take selfies in a space equipped with a monitor that displays the game screen.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a photo sticker creation device according to the present technology; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the photo sticker creating device as seen from another angle. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a user. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the configuration of a pre-selection unit; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an imaging unit. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an imaging unit. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of camera angle adjustment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a background part. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an operation unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the front side of an editing unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how curtains are attached. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a design for the back side of a curtain. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating examples of use of a mirror surface portion. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a side surface of an editing unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a layer structure of an edited image. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a photo sticker creating device; 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the photo sticker creating device; 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the imaging processing unit in FIG. 17 . 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the edit processing unit in FIG. 17 . 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the photo sticker creating device. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the photographing process performed in step S2 of FIG. 20. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a live view screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a live view screen at the start of shooting. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a live view screen when shooting is stopped. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the editing process performed in step S3 of FIG. 20. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a guide screen for taking a selfie before graffiti. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the front side of the imaging unit. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper strobe unit. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper strobe unit. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper strobe unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a catch light. 13 is a diagram showing the upper strobe unit and foot strobe unit with the front panel removed. FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating other configuration examples of the front surface of the imaging unit.

<Appearance of the photo sticker creation device>
1 and 2 are perspective views showing an example of the external configuration of a photo sticker creating device 1. FIG.

The photo sticker creation device 1 is a game machine that provides captured images and edited images. The photo sticker creation device 1 provides images to users by printing the images on sticker paper and making the images viewable on the user's mobile terminal. The photo sticker creation device 1 is installed in amusement facilities such as game arcades and in stores.

The users of the photo sticker creation device 1 are mainly high school girls and young women. With the photo sticker creation device 1, multiple users, usually two or three people per group, can enjoy the game. Of course, with the photo sticker creation device 1, a single user can also enjoy the game.

In the photo sticker creation device 1, the user takes a photo of themselves as the subject. Through editing, the user selects an image from the images obtained by shooting and combines it with a composite image such as handwritten characters or a stamp image. In this way, the captured image is edited into a colorful image. The user receives a sticker paper on which the edited image, which is the edited image, is printed, and the series of games is completed.

The photo sticker creation device 1 can be said to be a photo creation game machine that provides a photo creation game.

As shown in FIG. 1, the photo sticker creation device 1 is basically configured by installing 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.

The photographing unit 11 has a box-shaped housing large enough for a person to enter, and is composed of a pre-selection section 20, a photographing section 21, and a background section 22. The pre-selection section 20 is installed on the side of the photographing section 21. The space in front of the pre-selection section 20 becomes the pre-selection space where the pre-selection processing is carried out. The photographing section 21 and the background section 22 are installed a predetermined distance apart. The space formed between the photographing section 21 and the background section 22 becomes the photographing space where the photographing processing is carried out.

As part of the pre-selection process, the pre-selection unit 20 provides guidance to introduce the games provided by the photo sticker creation device 1 and performs various settings for the photography process that takes place in the photography space. The pre-selection unit 20 is provided with a coin slot through which users insert money, a touch panel monitor used for various operations, and the like. The pre-selection unit 20 guides users in the pre-selected space to the photography space depending on the availability of the photography space.

The photographing unit 21 is a device for photographing the user as a subject. The photographing unit 21 is located in front of the user who has entered the photographing space. A camera and a touch panel monitor used for various operations are provided in front of the photographing unit 21 facing the photographing space.

When viewed from a user facing forward in the shooting space, the left side is the left side and the right side is the right side. The left side of the shooting unit 21 is made up of side panel 41A, and the right side is made up of side panel 41B. Furthermore, the front of the shooting unit 21 is made up of front panel 42. The above-mentioned pre-selection unit 20 is installed on side panel 41A. Note that the pre-selection unit 20 may also be installed on side panel 41B.

The background section 22 is composed of a rear panel 51, a side panel 52A, and a side panel. The rear panel 51 is a plate-like member located on the rear side of a user facing forward. The side panel 52A is attached to the left end of the rear panel 51 and is a plate-like member narrower in width than the side panel 41A. The side panel 52B is attached to the right end of the rear panel 51 and is a plate-like member narrower in width than the side panel 41B.

Side panel 41A and side panel 52A are provided on approximately the same plane. The upper parts of side panel 41A and side panel 52A are connected by connecting part 23A, which is a plate-shaped member. The lower parts of side panel 41A and side panel 52A are connected by connecting part 23A', which is, for example, a metal member provided on the floor surface. Side panel 41B and side panel 52B are also provided on approximately the same plane. The upper parts of side panel 41B and side panel 52B are connected by connecting part 23B. The lower parts of side panel 41B and side panel 52B are connected by connecting part 23B'.

Side panel 41A and side panel 52A are components that surround the left side of the shooting space, and side panel 41B and side panel 52B are components that surround the right side of the shooting space.

The floor of the shooting space is covered with floor material 27, which is a plate-shaped member.

The opening formed by being surrounded by side panel 41A, connecting portion 23A, and side panel 52A serves as an entrance/exit to the photography space. The opening formed by being surrounded by side panel 41B, connecting portion 23B, and side panel 52B also serves as an entrance/exit to the photography space.

A ceiling sheet 24 made of vinyl material or a plate-shaped member is installed on part of the ceiling of the photography space.

The editing unit 12 is a device for editing captured images. The editing unit 12 is connected to the photographing unit 11 with one side in contact with the front panel 42 of the photographing section 21.

If the configuration of the editing unit 12 shown in FIG. 2 is the configuration on the front side, components used for editing work are provided on both the front side and the back side of the editing unit 12. With this configuration, two groups of users can perform editing work at the same time.

The front side of the editing unit 12 is composed of a vertical surface 61 and a slope 62 formed above the surface 61. A tablet built-in monitor and a touch pen are provided on the slope 62 as components used for editing work. A columnar support 63A that supports one end of the lighting device 64 is provided on the right side of the slope 62. A columnar support 63B that supports the other end of the lighting device 64 is provided on the left side of the slope 62. A support 65 that supports the curtain rail 26 is provided on the upper surface of the support 63A.

A curtain rail 26 is attached above the editing unit 12. The curtain rail 26 is made up of three rails 26A to 26C.

The three rails 26A to 26C are combined so that they form a U-shape when viewed from above. One end of rails 26A and 26B, which are arranged in parallel, is fixed to connecting portion 23A and connecting portion 23B, respectively, and the other ends of rails 26A and 26B are fixed to both ends of rail 26C, respectively.

A curtain is attached to the curtain rail 26 so that the space in front of the front and the space in front of the rear of the editing unit 12 cannot be seen from the outside. The space in front of the front and the space in front of the rear of the editing unit 12, surrounded by the curtains attached to the curtain rail 26, becomes the editing space where the user performs editing work.

The side of the editing unit 12 is provided with an outlet through which the printed sticker paper is discharged. The space in front of the side of the editing unit 12 becomes the print waiting space where the user waits for the printed sticker paper to be discharged.

<About user movement>
Here, the flow of the photo sticker creation game and the accompanying movement of the user will be described.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the photo sticker creation device 1.

The user inserts coins into a coin slot in the pre-selection space A0, which is the space in front of the pre-selection unit 20. Next, the user performs a pre-selection task by following the screen displayed on the touch panel monitor. For example, the user performs a pre-selection task such as selecting a course for photography to be performed in the photography space.

After completing the pre-selection task, the user enters the shooting space A1 formed between the shooting unit 21 and the background unit 22 from the entrance G1 between the side panel 41A and the side panel 52A, as indicated by the outlined arrow #1. The user performs shooting work using the camera and touch panel monitor provided in the shooting unit 21.

When a user has finished taking photos, they can either leave the photo shoot space A1 through the entrance G1 and move to the editing space A2-2, as shown by the white arrow #2, or leave the photo shoot space A1 through the entrance G2 and move to the editing space A2-1, as shown by the white arrow #3.

Editing space A2-1 is the editing space on the front side of the editing unit 12. On the other hand, editing space A2-2 is the editing space on the rear side of the editing unit 12. The user is guided as to whether to move to editing space A2-1 or editing space A2-2 by a screen display on the touch panel monitor of the imaging unit 21, for example. For example, the more empty of the two editing spaces is guided as the destination.

A user who moves to editing space A2-1 or editing space A2-2 begins editing work. A user of editing space A2-1 and a user of editing space A2-2 can perform editing work at the same time. When there is no need to distinguish between editing space A2-1 and editing space A2-2, they will be referred to collectively as editing space A2 as appropriate.

After the editing work is completed, printing of the edited image begins. When a user has finished editing work in editing space A2-1, they move from editing space A2-1 to print waiting space A3, as indicated by outlined arrow #5. When a user has finished editing work in editing space A2-2, they move from editing space A2-2 to print waiting space A3, as indicated by outlined arrow #4.

The user moves to the print waiting area A3 and waits for printing to finish. When printing is finished, the user receives the sticker paper that is ejected from the ejection port on the side of the editing unit 12, completing the photo sticker creation game.

Next, we will explain the configuration of each device.

<Configuration of pre-selection section>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the pre-selection unit 20. As shown in FIG.

A touch panel monitor 71 is provided above the pre-selection unit 20. The touch panel monitor 71 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a touch panel layered 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.

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. A coin insertion/return slot 73 where users insert coins is provided next to the speaker 72.

<Composition of the shooting department>
5 and 6 are perspective views showing examples of the configuration of the imaging unit 21. FIG.

The imaging unit 21 is configured to be surrounded by side panel 41A, side panel 41B, and front panel 42.

A box-shaped camera unit 81 is provided approximately in the center of the front panel 42. A camera 91 and a touch panel monitor 92 are provided in front of the camera unit 81. A smartphone holder 93 is provided to the right of the camera 91.

The camera 91 is, for example, a single-lens reflex camera, and is attached inside the camera unit 81 so that the lens is exposed. The camera 91 has an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The camera 91 functions as an imaging unit that captures images of users in the imaging space A1 as subjects.

The camera 91 also has a vertical swivel function (angle adjustment function).

Figure 7 shows an example of adjusting the angle of the camera 91.

As shown in FIG. 7, the camera 91 can adjust the direction of its optical axis in the vertical direction by changing its position inside the camera unit 81. In FIG. 7, the dashed arrow indicates the direction of the optical axis of the lens.

As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, for example, the angle of the camera 91 can be adjusted within a range from an upper limit of a direction approximately horizontal to the ground surface of the photo sticker creation device 1 to a lower limit of a specific downward angle.

As described below, such adjustment of the angle of the camera 91 is performed electrically in response to the operation of the user taking the picture. The user can adjust the angle of the camera 91 to the angle of their choice and take the picture.

A live view image generated based on the moving image captured by the camera 91 is displayed on the touch panel monitor 92. A still image captured by the camera 91 at a predetermined timing is saved as a captured image.

The touch panel monitor 92 is provided below the camera 91. The touch panel monitor 92 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD and a touch panel stacked on it. The touch panel monitor 92 has a function as a live view monitor that displays a live view image captured by the camera 91, and a function of displaying various GUIs and accepting selection operations by the user.

A smartphone holder 93 is provided to the right of the camera 91, where a smartphone can be placed. The smartphone holder 93 is formed to be long enough to hold a smartphone in landscape orientation.

Users can place their smartphones in the smartphone holder 93 and use the smartphone to take video and still images of themselves playing the game.

The upper strobe unit 82 is installed above the camera unit 81, offset to the left with respect to the position of the camera unit 81 (position of the camera 91). The upper strobe unit 82 is installed so as to cover almost the entire upper part and upper left part of the camera unit 81.

The front of the upper strobe unit 82 is composed of a panel that is tilted forward so that it faces diagonally downward, and another panel that is provided below that and forms a roughly vertical surface. All but a portion of the entire front of the upper strobe unit 82 is composed of a light-emitting surface that uses, for example, a translucent milky white plate-like material. The upper strobe unit 82 emits light in synchronization with photography by the camera 91, and irradiates strobe light from the upper left in front of the user, mainly onto the face and upper body of the user.

Below the camera unit 81 is a foot strobe unit 83 that mainly shines strobe light on the lower body and feet of the user.

The foot strobe unit 83 is formed without any gaps between the side panels 41A and 41B so that the entire front surface, which is a horizontally long rectangle when viewed from the front, becomes the light-emitting surface. The top surface of the foot strobe unit 83 is approximately horizontal to the installation surface of the photo sticker creation device 1, and is used as a luggage storage area for users who are taking photographs to place their baggage, etc.

A constantly lit light bulb and a strobe light tube are provided inside the upper strobe unit 82 and the foot strobe unit 83. The upper strobe unit 82 and the foot strobe unit 83 constantly illuminate the shooting space by illuminating the light bulb, and irradiate the user, who is the subject, with strobe light by illuminating the strobe light tube in accordance with the shooting timing.

A speaker is provided near the ceiling of the front panel 42. Voice guidance for the shooting process, background music, sound effects, etc. are output from the speaker. The speaker may also be provided in the background section 22.

Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the background portion 22 on the shooting space A1 side.

A sheet of a specific color, such as green, is attached to the inside of the rear panel 51. Chromakey processing is performed by detecting green areas in the captured image, and the areas of people are detected.

An operation unit 53 is provided on the inside of the side panel 52B, which is attached to the left end of the rear panel 51.

As shown in FIG. 9, the operation unit 53 is composed of an angle adjustment button 53A that is pressed to adjust the orientation of the camera 91 upward or downward, and a shooting stop button 53B that is pressed to stop shooting.

As described below, the camera 91 takes pictures continuously at a predetermined interval, such as every 10 seconds. The stop shooting button 53B is pressed to temporarily stop the continuous shooting. With the continuous shooting temporarily stopped, the user can adjust the angle of the camera 91 by pressing the angle adjustment button 53A.

Since the operation unit 53 is provided on the side panel 52B, the user who is facing the camera 91 unconsciously stands slightly to the right in the shooting space A1. By ensuring a certain distance between the upper strobe unit 82, which is provided on the front left side diagonally opposite the operation unit 53 in the shooting space A1, and the standing position, it becomes possible for the upper strobe unit 82 to illuminate the user with an appropriate amount of light.

The operation unit 53 provided on the side panel 52B also has the function of unconsciously guiding the user's standing position. The operation unit 53 may be provided on the side panel 52A side.

<Editing Unit Composition>
10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the front side (the editing space A2-1 side in FIG. 3) of the editing unit 12. A similar configuration is provided on the rear side (the editing space A2-2 side in FIG. 3).

A tablet-built-in monitor 131 is provided approximately in the center of the inclined surface 62. A touch pen 132A is provided to the left of the tablet-built-in monitor 131. A touch pen 132B is provided to the right of the tablet-built-in monitor 131.

For example, an editing screen used for editing work is displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 131. When two users are performing editing work simultaneously, the touch pen 132A is used by the user on the left side as viewed from the tablet built-in monitor 131, and the touch pen 132B is used by the user on the right side as viewed from the tablet built-in monitor 131.

Note that operations using touch pen 132A and operations using touch pen 132B are distinguished. As appropriate, only operations using touch pen 132A are possible for the display on the left side of tablet built-in monitor 131, and only operations using touch pen 132B are possible for the display on the right side. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between touch pen 132A and touch pen 132B, they will be collectively referred to as touch pen 132.

Below the lighting device 64, between the columnar support parts 63A and 63B that support the lighting device 64, a mirror part 66 made of an acrylic mirror plate or the like is provided. The mirror part 66 forms a substantially vertical surface.

In FIG. 10, the area of the mirror surface 66 that will become the mirror surface is shown in color. The horizontal width of the mirror surface 66 is wider than the horizontal width of the tablet built-in monitor 131. The interior of the editing space A2-1, including the area around the face of the user in the editing space A2-1, is reflected in the mirror surface 66.

Figure 11 shows an example of curtain installation.

As shown in FIG. 11, a curtain is attached to the curtain rail 26 above the editing unit 12 to prevent the editing space A2 from being seen from the outside. In the example of FIG. 11, curtain 111 is attached to rail 26C, and curtain 112 is attached to rail 26B on the front side of the editing unit 12. A curtain similar to curtain 112 is also attached to rail 26A on the rear side of the editing unit 12.

The vinyl curtains 111 and 112 have a predetermined design on the front surface to make the photo sticker creation device 1 stand out. Of the curtains 111 and 112, at least the curtain 112 has a predetermined design on both the front surface and the back surface (the surface facing the editing space A2-1).

Figure 12 shows an example design for the back side of the curtain 112.

As shown in FIG. 12, the back of the curtain 112 is designed by printing characters or letters.

In the example of FIG. 12, the design is made up of an illustration of a bird character and an illustration of a flower. The upper part of the curtain 112 has the word "Happy!" surrounded by flowers printed in a mirrored state. The design of the back side of the curtain 112 is arbitrary, and can be any other illustration or a photograph of a landscape or person.

A user in editing space A2-1 stands with his or her back to the curtain 112, which has a design as shown in FIG. 12. The design of the curtain 112 is reflected in the mirrored surface 66 in front of the user as the user's background.

Figure 13 shows an example of how the mirror surface 66 can be used.

As shown in FIG. 13, a user in editing space A2-1 can point their smartphone at the mirror section 66 and take a picture of themselves reflected in the mirror section 66. In the example of FIG. 13, only one user is shown, but if two people are playing the game, both users can take a picture.

In other words, the mirror surface 66 is provided so that a user in the editing space A2-1 can take a so-called selfie (self-portrait) through the mirror.

Since the back side of the curtain 112 is designed as described above, the user can take a selfie with the design on the curtain 112 as the background. Furthermore, the letters printed on the curtain 112 are printed in a mirrored state, and are reflected in a normal state on the mirror surface 66, as shown in FIG. 13. In the image obtained by taking a selfie, the letters printed on the curtain 112 are reflected in a normal state.

Users can upload selfies taken in editing space A2-1 to their favorite social networking service (SNS) site and share them with friends and others.

In this way, the photo sticker creation device 1 is a device that can take pictures not only in the shooting space A1, but also in the editing space A2. As described below, when editing begins, the user is guided to take a selfie. When a user finishes shooting and moves to the editing space A2, time is ensured for them to take a selfie before editing.

The design of the back side of the curtain 112 attached to the editing space A2-1 side may be different from the design of the back side of the curtain 112 attached to the editing space A2-2 side. The user can enjoy wondering which editing space A2 has the curtain 112 design that they will be guided to.

The design on the back of the curtain 112 may include advertisements for products or services.

Figure 14 shows an example of the configuration of the side of the editing unit 12.

A sticker paper outlet 161 is provided on the lower side of the side of the editing unit 12. A printer is provided inside the editing unit 12. The printer prints an image of the user who performed the editing work in the editing space A2-1, or an image of the user who performed the editing work in the editing space A2-2, on sticker paper in a specified layout, and the sticker paper is discharged from the sticker paper outlet 161.

<Layer structure of edited images>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a layer structure of an edited image.

The edited image P1 on the far left is the image generated by editing. Edited image P1 is basically composed of images from the layers of background image P11, person image P12, and foreground image P13. The layers that are the subject of various image processing are also set appropriately.

In the example of FIG. 15, background image P11 is a monochrome image. Foreground image P13 is an image that includes an image of the handwritten characters "Love my friend" and a heart-shaped image. The image of the handwritten characters "Love my friend" is a pen image input by the user using a pen tool. The heart-shaped image is a stamp image input by the user using a stamp tool.

In this way, edited image P1 is generated by overlaying person image P12, which is an image of a person's area extracted from the photographed image by chromakey processing, onto background image P11, and then overlaying foreground image P13 on top of that. It is also possible to input a pen image or stamp image onto background image P11 and have it displayed in the background of the subject. Foreground and background images may be composited into the photographed image, or they may not be composited depending on the user's operation even if the image has been edited.

In the example of FIG. 15, an image showing a large area of the user from approximately the chest up is shown as the person image P12. In the photographing process, a close-up image is taken in which the face is shown large like this. For example, close-up images are taken multiple times. A full-body image showing the user's entire body may also be taken.

<Internal configuration of the photo sticker creation device>
Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the photo sticker creating device 1. In Fig. 16, the same components as those described above are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 16, the photo sticker creation device 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 unit, is mounted, for example, inside the housing of the editing unit 12.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, ROM (Read Only Memory) 312, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 that make up the PC section 301 are interconnected by a bus 314.

The CPU 311 executes a predetermined program and controls the overall operation of the photo sticker creation device 1. The ROM 312 stores the programs and data executed by the CPU 311. The RAM 312 temporarily stores the data and programs processed by the CPU 311.

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

The storage unit 316 is a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The storage unit 316 stores various setting information and the like supplied from the CPU 311. The information stored in the storage unit 316 is read out by the CPU 311 as appropriate.

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 an image selected by a user to, for example, an image management server managed by the manufacturer of the photo sticker creation device 1. The image transmitted from the communication unit 317 is allocated a specified memory area and stored, and is displayed on or downloaded to a mobile terminal that has accessed the image management server.

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

The 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.

The pre-selection unit 302 performs pre-selection processing for users in the pre-selection space A0. The pre-selection unit 302 is composed of a touch panel monitor 71, a speaker 72, and a coin processing unit 321.

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

The coin processing unit 321 detects the insertion of coins into the coin insertion/return 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.

The image capturing unit 304 performs image capturing processing on the user in the image capturing space A1. The image capturing unit 304 is composed of an operation unit 53, a camera 91, a camera driving unit 91A, a touch panel monitor 92, a lighting device 331, and a speaker 332.

The operation unit 53 outputs a signal representing the user's operation to the PC unit 301 in response to the user's operation of the angle adjustment button 53A and the recording stop button 53B.

The camera 91 captures images according to shutter control by the PC unit 301, and outputs the captured image (image data) obtained by the capture to the PC unit 301.

The camera driver 91A adjusts the vertical angle of the camera 91 according to the control of the PC unit 301.

The lighting devices 331 are strobe units within the shooting space A1, and emit light according to a lighting control signal supplied from the PC section 301. The lighting devices 331 include an upper strobe unit 82 and a foot strobe unit 83.

The speaker 332 is composed of speakers installed at various positions in the shooting space A1.

Editing unit 305A performs editing processing for users in editing space A2-1. Editing unit 305A is composed of tablet built-in monitor 131, touch pens 132A and 132B, and speaker 341. Editing unit 305B performs editing processing for users in editing space A2-2, 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.

The tablet built-in monitor 131 displays an editing screen according to the control of the PC unit 301 and accepts operations on the editing screen by the user. 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.

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

The printer 351 drives the built-in head 361 and prints an image on a roll of sticker paper 363 stored in the sticker paper unit 352 based on the print data supplied from the PC section 301. The printer 351 also cuts the sticker paper 363 with the image printed thereon at a predetermined cutting position using a cutter 362, and discharges it to the sticker paper outlet 161.

<Example of functional configuration of photo sticker creation device>
Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the photo sticker creating device 1. At least a part of the functional units shown in Fig. 17 is realized by the CPU 311 executing a predetermined program.

The photo sticker creation device 1 realizes a pre-selection processing unit 401, a photography processing unit 402, an editing processing unit 403, and a printing processing unit 404.

The pre-selection processing unit 401 executes pre-selection processing by controlling each unit of the pre-selection unit 302. The pre-selection processing includes the selection of the number of users. Information indicating the selection made by the user is supplied to the photography processing unit 402.

The shooting processing unit 402 performs shooting processing by controlling each unit of the shooting unit 304. The shooting processing unit 402 outputs data of the shot image obtained by performing the shooting processing to the editing processing unit 403. Data of multiple shot images obtained by performing shooting multiple times is supplied from the shooting processing unit 402 to the editing processing unit 403.

The editing processing unit 403 performs editing processing by controlling each unit of the editing unit 305. The editing processing includes image processing for adjusting the size of the user's eyes shown in the captured image, image processing for editing the captured image, etc.

After editing the captured image, the editing processing unit 403 displays various screens on the tablet built-in monitor 131, such as a screen used to select the number of divisions and a screen used to select the images to send to the image management server. The editing processing unit 403 generates print data by arranging each edited image according to the number of divisions selected by the user, and outputs the print data to the print processing unit 404. The editing processing unit 403 also sends the edited image selected by the user to the image management server.

The print processing unit 404 outputs print data to the printer 351 and prints the edited image.

<Detailed configuration of the imaging processing section>
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image capture processing unit 402.

The shooting processing unit 402 is composed of a shooting control unit 411, an image processing unit 412, a display control unit 413, and an image storage unit 414.

The shooting control unit 411 controls the camera 91 to shoot moving images, and outputs the images obtained by shooting to the image processing unit 412. The moving images output from the shooting control unit 411 are used to generate live view images.

The shooting control unit 411 also shoots still images in sync with the countdown, and outputs the still images obtained by shooting to the image processing unit 412. The still images output from the shooting control unit 411 are used to generate the shot image.

The image processing unit 412 cuts out a rectangular area from each frame of the moving image supplied from the shooting control unit 411 by trimming, and generates a moving image made up of the cut-out images. The moving image generated by the image processing unit 412 is used as a live view image to be displayed on the live view screen.

The image processing unit 412 also generates a captured image with a predetermined angle of view by cropping a rectangular area from the still image supplied from the shooting control unit 411. The captured image generated by the image processing unit 412 is supplied to and stored in the image storage unit 414.

The display control unit 413 controls the display of various screens on the touch panel monitor 92, such as the live view screen.

The image storage unit 414 stores the captured image generated by the image processing unit 412. When the capture process is completed, the captured image stored in the image storage unit 414 is supplied to the editing processing unit 403.

<Detailed configuration of the editing processing section>
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the edit processing unit 403 in FIG.

The editing processing unit 403 is composed of a selection receiving unit 431, a retouching processing unit 432, an editing control unit 433, a display control unit 434, a print data generation unit 435, and a communication control unit 436.

The selection reception unit 431 receives user operations on the screen displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 131. Information representing the content of the user operations received by the selection reception unit 431 is supplied to the editing control unit 433 and the display control unit 434.

The retouching processing unit 432 performs retouching processing on each captured image supplied from the image capture processing unit 402. Retouching processing is image processing for specific parts of the user that appear in the captured image, such as adjusting the size of the eyes or the darkness of the eyes. The captured images that have been retouched are supplied to the editing control unit 433 and the display control unit 434.

Other processes such as adjusting the brightness of the skin may be performed as retouching processes to generate a captured image to be used for editing. Other image processes such as filtering may be performed on the entire image rather than processing specific parts of the body.

The editing control unit 433 edits the captured image supplied from the retouching processing unit 432 based on the information output from the selection receiving unit 431. Editing is an image process in which a compositing image, such as handwritten characters or a stamp image, is combined with the captured image to be edited.

The above-mentioned retouching process is a process in which image processing according to the selection made by the user is applied to each of a number of photographed images at once, whereas editing is a process in which image processing according to the selection made by the user is applied to the single photographed image that is currently being edited. During retouching, it may be possible to select the size of the eyes, etc., for each photographed image.

The editing control unit 433 outputs information representing the editing results to the display control unit 434, and reflects the results in the display on the editing screen.

When editing is completed, the editing control unit 433 outputs the edited image, which is the captured image obtained after editing, to the print data generation unit 435 and the communication control unit 436.

The display control unit 434 displays an operation screen used for operation by the user on the tablet built-in monitor 131, and controls the display of the operation screen in response to the user's operation. The display control unit 434 is supplied with the captured image output from the capture processing unit 402, the captured image that has been retouched and output from the retouch processing unit 432, the edited image output from the edit control unit 433, and the like. The various images supplied to the display control unit 434 are used to display the operation screen.

The print data generation unit 435 generates print data by arranging the edited image supplied from the edit control unit 433 in a predetermined layout. The print data generation unit 435 outputs the print data to the print processing unit 404, which prints the data on the sticker paper 363.

The communication control unit 436 controls the communication unit 317 to transmit the edited image provided by the editing control unit 433 to the image management server.

<Operation of the photo sticker creation device>
Here, the operation of the photo sticker creating device 1 that provides the photo sticker creating game will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 20. The process of Fig. 20 is started, for example, when a predetermined amount of coins is inserted.

In step S1, the pre-selection processing unit 401 performs a pre-selection process by controlling the pre-selection unit 302. The pre-selection process includes, for example, the selection of the number of users and the selection of the photography course. All selections are performed using a selection screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 71.

In step S2, the image capture processing unit 402 performs image capture processing by controlling the image capture unit 304.

For example, the image capture processing unit 402 guides the user to a proper standing position, and then causes the touch panel monitor 92 to display a live view screen based on the moving image captured by the camera 91. After displaying the live view screen, the image capture processing unit 402 captures still images of the user in the image capture space A1 as the subject. Details of the image capture process will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 21.

In step S3, the editing processing unit 403 performs editing processing by controlling the editing unit 305 corresponding to either the editing space A2-1 or the editing space A2-2, whichever is the destination of the user who has completed the shooting process.

For example, the editing processing unit 403 displays an editing screen on the tablet built-in monitor 131, and allows the user to edit the captured image. On the editing screen, along with the captured image to be edited, buttons to be operated when selecting a compositing image to be composited with the captured image are displayed. Details of the editing process will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 25.

In step S4, the print processing unit 404 performs print processing by controlling the printer 351. The print processing unit 404 outputs the print data generated by the edit processing unit 403 to the printer 351 to print it on the sticker paper 363.

When printing is completed, in step S5, the printer 351 discharges the sticker paper 363 cut off by the cutter 362 to the sticker paper outlet 161.

A photo creation game consisting of a series of processes as described above is provided to each group of users of the photo sticker creation device 1. When a user of one group starts using the photo sticker creation device 1 followed by a user of another group, the photo sticker creation game of the user who started using the photo sticker creation device 1 first and the photo sticker creation game of the user who started using the photo sticker creation device 1 later will be played in parallel as appropriate. The photo sticker creation game will also be referred to simply as a game as appropriate.

<Shooting process>
Next, the photographing process performed in step S2 in FIG. 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S11, the camera driving unit 91A automatically corrects the angle of the camera 91. For example, the height of the user is detected, and the vertical angle of the camera 91 is automatically adjusted according to the detected height without any operation by the user.

In step S12, the shooting control unit 411 starts displaying the live view image captured by the camera 91 on the touch panel monitor 92.

Figure 22 shows an example of a live view screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 92.

As shown in FIG. 22, a display area 501, which is a display area for a live view image, is formed in the center of the live view screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 92. The two people in the live view image displayed in the display area 501 in FIG. 22 are the user who is taking the photo. The automatic correction of the angle of the camera 91 in step S11 is performed so that the angle of view is such that the user's head is slightly cut off (the angle of view is outside the angle of view) as shown in FIG. 22.

To the right of display area 501, display area 502 is formed, which is a display area for information regarding an explanation of the shooting method. In the example of FIG. 22, an illustration and a message are displayed indicating that the angle of camera 91 can be changed by using angle adjustment button 53A of operation unit 53, and that shooting can be temporarily stopped by using shooting stop button 53B.

A horizontally long strip-shaped display area 503 is formed below the display area 501. The display area 503 is a display area that presents poses such as "make a peace sign."

Below the display area 503, display areas 504-1 to 504-4 are displayed side by side. The display areas 504-1 to 504-4 are display areas in which images of the shooting results are displayed in the order they were shot. In the example of FIG. 22, since shooting has not been performed, no shot images are displayed yet in the display areas 504-1 to 504-4 of FIG. 22. As shooting progresses, more display areas of the shooting results are displayed.

After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of displaying such a live view screen, in step S13, the shooting control unit 411 controls the camera 91 to start continuous shooting. As described above, continuous shooting is shooting performed continuously at a predetermined interval, such as an interval of 10 seconds. Continuous shooting is performed with the upper limit of the number of shots being, for example, 8.

At this time, a message is temporarily displayed on the live view screen to notify the user that continuous shooting will begin, as shown in FIG. 23. In the example of FIG. 22, a pop-up message saying "Start shooting! Continuous shooting will be performed" is displayed superimposed on the live view image.

In step S14, the shooting control unit 411 determines whether a predetermined time, such as 10 seconds, has elapsed since the previous shooting.

If it is determined in step S14 that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous image capture, the process proceeds to step S15, where the image capture control unit 411 determines whether or not an instruction to stop image capture has been issued.

If it is determined in step S15 that the user has pressed the stop shooting button 53B and thus instructed to stop shooting, the process proceeds to step S16, where the shooting control unit 411 controls the camera 91 to stop continuous shooting.

At this time, a message is temporarily displayed on the live view screen to notify the user that continuous shooting has stopped, as shown in FIG. 24. In the example of FIG. 24, a pop-up message saying "Stop shooting!" and an icon indicating that shooting has stopped are displayed superimposed on the live view image.

While continuous shooting is stopped, the user can use the angle adjustment button 53A to adjust the angle of the camera 91 to the desired angle.

Note that even while continuous shooting is stopped, the live view image captured by the camera 91 continues to be displayed. The user can adjust their standing position or pose while viewing the live view image. In addition, while continuous shooting is stopped, the angle of view can be changed, such as by switching between a close-up image and a full-body image, or the curtains in the background can be changed.

In step S17, the shooting control unit 411 controls the camera driving unit 91A to adjust the angle of the camera 91 in response to the user's operation of the angle adjustment button 53A.

In this way, after continuous shooting has started, the user can stop shooting at any time.

Continuous shooting is released from the pause state, for example, when the shooting stop button 53B is pressed again. Continuous shooting may be automatically resumed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the continuous shooting has been stopped.

Instead of using a physically provided operation unit 53, angle adjustment and stopping/resuming continuous shooting may be performed using buttons displayed on the touch panel monitor 92.

After the angle of the camera 91 is adjusted and continuous shooting is resumed, the process returns to step S14 and the subsequent processes are carried out. Similarly, if it is determined in step S15 that an instruction to stop shooting has not been given, the process returns to step S14 and the subsequent processes are carried out.

If it is determined in step S14 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous image capture, in step S18, the image capture control unit 411 controls the camera 91 to capture an image.

The image obtained by the photographing control unit 411 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 412 to generate a photographed image. The photographed image generated by the image processing unit 412 is supplied to the display control unit 413 and displayed as an image of the photographed result, and is also supplied to the image storage unit 414 and stored therein.

In step S19, the shooting control unit 411 determines whether the maximum number of shots has been reached, and if it determines that the maximum number of shots has not been reached, the process proceeds to step S20, where it determines whether the remaining time has become short. If it is determined in step S20 that the remaining time of the time limit allocated to the shooting process is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and therefore the remaining time has not become short, the process returns to step S14, and continuous shooting is repeated.

If it is determined in step S20 that the remaining time is short, the process proceeds to step S21, where the shooting control unit 411 disables the operation of the shooting stop button 53B. In other words, when the remaining time is short, it is disabled to stop continuous shooting. For example, when the shooting stop button 53B is pressed, a message is displayed notifying that the operation is invalid.

If it were possible to stop continuous shooting and adjust the angle when the remaining time becomes short, it would be necessary to reserve a longer time for shooting. By making it impossible to stop continuous shooting when the remaining time becomes short, it is possible to prevent shooting from continuing for a long period of time.

In step S22, the shooting control unit 411 determines whether the minimum number of shots has been taken. Continuous shooting is performed with a minimum number of shots set to, for example, six.

If it is determined in step S22 that the minimum number of shots has not yet been taken, in step S23, the shooting control unit 411 repeats shooting until the minimum number of shots is reached.

If it is determined in step S22 that the minimum number of shots has already been taken, the process of step S23 is skipped.

When the minimum number of shots has been taken, or when it is determined in step S19 that the maximum number of shots has been reached, the continuous shooting ends. In this example, 6 to 8 images are taken in continuous shooting.

In step S24, the display control unit 413 displays a retouching screen on the touch panel monitor 92. The retouching screen displays buttons and the like used to select the contents of the retouching process, such as the size of the eyes. The user selects the desired eye size, etc.

In step S25, the display control unit 413 provides guidance for moving to the editing space A2. The guidance for moving to the editing space A2 is provided, for example, by displaying a guidance screen on the touch panel monitor 92.

Then, the process returns to step S2 in FIG. 20 and the subsequent processes are carried out.

<Editing process>
Next, the editing process performed in step S3 in FIG. 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In step S41, the display control unit 434 causes a guide screen for taking a selfie before doodling to be displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 131. Doodling here refers to editing of the captured image. Editing is performed by doodling on the captured image using the touch pen 132.

Figure 26 shows an example of the display of the guide screen for taking a selfie before graffiti.

As shown in FIG. 26, an image showing a model person taking a selfie through the mirror section 66 is displayed on the left side of the pre-graffiti selfie guide screen. Sample images of the selfie are displayed on the right side of the guide screen. A message explaining the content of the image is displayed under each image.

By displaying such a guide screen, it is possible to clearly inform the user of the types of selfies that can be taken using the mirror unit 66.

When a user moves to the editing space A2, they follow the instructions on the guide screen, prepare their smartphone, and take a selfie through the mirror section 66.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 25, in step S42, the retouching processing unit 432 performs retouching processing on the captured image supplied from the image capture processing unit 402 to generate a captured image for editing.

The retouching process by the retouching processor 432 is performed according to the content selected using the retouching screen (step S24 in FIG. 21) displayed on the touch panel monitor 92 during the photographing process. For example, the retouching processor 432 detects the eyes of the user appearing in the photographed image, and performs a process of adjusting the size of the detected eyes on each photographed image. The retouching processor 432 performs multiple types of image processing other than eye size adjustment on each photographed image.

In the shooting process, up to eight images are taken. Because there are a large number of images, a certain amount of time is required for the retouching process for each image. The images to be edited are generated in the time reserved for the selfie before editing. The user can wait without getting bored while the images to be edited are generated.

In step S43, the retouching processing unit 432 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and if it determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S41 and the selfie continues.

If it is determined in step S43 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S44. For example, a time longer than the time required to generate the captured image for editing is set as the predetermined time. The captured image after retouching is output from the retouching processing unit 432 to the editing control unit 433 and the display control unit 434 as the captured image for editing.

Note that until the time required to generate the captured image for editing has elapsed, the selection receiving unit 431 disables operations on the tablet's built-in monitor 131. In other words, while the selfie before editing is being guided, the user cannot operate the display of the tablet's built-in monitor 131, etc.

In step S44, the display control unit 434 causes the tablet built-in monitor 131 to display a selection screen for an image to be kept. When the selection screen for an image to be kept is displayed on the tablet built-in monitor 131 instead of the guide screen of FIG. 26, the user finishes taking the selfie and selects an image to be kept according to the display on the tablet built-in monitor 131.

The kept images are the captured images that are actually edited. The number of captured images that can be selected as kept images is set to, for example, four. The kept image selection screen displays a row of captured images that have been retouched. Selections made using the selection screen are made by selecting four captured images from a maximum of eight captured images.

When a predetermined number of images to be kept, such as four images, are selected, in step S45, the display control unit 434 displays an editing screen on the tablet built-in monitor 131. On the editing screen, along with the captured image to be edited, buttons to be pressed when selecting various editing tools (images to be combined), such as stamp images and pen images, to be used in editing, are displayed.

After the editing screen is displayed, in step S46, the editing control unit 433 performs editing on the captured image to be edited in response to the user's operation. The edited image generated by the editing is supplied to the print data generation unit 435.

When editing is completed by operating the end button, etc., in step S47, the display control unit 434 displays the division number selection screen on the tablet built-in monitor 131.

The division number selection screen is a screen used to select a sticker layout. The sticker layout is a layout (arrangement pattern) that determines the number, position, and size of edited images to be placed on one sticker paper 363. Edited images arranged according to the sticker layout selected by the user are printed on the sticker paper 363.

In step S48, the display control unit 434 displays the send image selection screen on the tablet built-in monitor 131.

To use the image management site, users must register as members, and there are both paid and free members. Paid members can download all images sent to the image management server to their mobile devices, whereas free members can download only one image to their mobile devices. The send image selection screen is a screen used by free members to select images to download to their mobile devices.

In step S49, the editing processing unit 403 displays an email address input screen on the tablet built-in monitor 131.

The email address input screen is a screen used for inputting the user's email address. The email address input screen displays alphabets and symbols that can be used in email addresses, buttons for selecting the mobile phone carrier, and so on.

In step S50, the communication control unit 436 transmits the edited image to the image management server. The photographed image is also transmitted to the image management server as appropriate. In other words, not only the edited image but also the photographed image that was the basis for the edited image is transmitted to the image management server.

In addition, information such as the device ID of the photo sticker creation device 1, the shooting date and time, and which image was selected from the send image selection screen is also sent to the image management server.

In step S51, the print data generation unit 435 generates print data by arranging the edited image in a layout selected by the user. The print data is supplied to the print processing unit 404 and used to print the edited image (step S4 in FIG. 20).

In step S52, the display control unit 434 displays a guide screen on the tablet built-in monitor 131 to guide the user who has finished editing to move to the print waiting space A3. The guide to move to the print waiting space A3 is also given by outputting audio from the speaker 341.

Then, the process returns to step S3 in FIG. 20 and the subsequent processes are carried out.

As described above, in the game using the photo sticker creation device 1, it is possible to take photographs not only in the shooting space A1 but also in the editing space A2. Users can take selfies to record themselves playing the game in the editing space A2.

<Configuration of upper strobe unit>
The following will describe in detail the configuration of the upper strobe unit 82 and the like, which have been described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The upper strobe unit 82 is installed offset to the left with respect to the position of the camera unit 81.

Figure 27 shows an example of the front configuration of the imaging unit 21.

As shown by the dashed dotted center line C in FIG. 27, the center of the upper strobe unit 82 is shifted to the left with respect to the position of the camera 91. Center line C is a vertical line passing through the center of the lens of the camera 91. The position of the lens of the camera 91 is the center position in the width direction (left-right direction) of the imaging unit 21, which is defined as the distance from side panel 41A to side panel 41B, for example.

The right side 82a of the box-shaped upper strobe unit 82 is located in a position that forms a plane that is continuous with the right side of the camera unit 81, and the left side 82b is located in a position that contacts the side panel 41A. A user standing in front of the camera 91 will be illuminated by the strobe light from diagonally above and to the left.

The front of the upper strobe unit 82 is composed of a horizontally long rectangular panel 82-1 and a panel 82-2 that has a shape that widens diagonally downward from approximately the center to the left edge. More specifically, the shape of panel 82-2 is a horizontally long band shape from the right edge to a portion that is approximately the same width as the camera unit 81, and to the left of that, it has a shape that widens diagonally downward. A cover member 82-2A that has an upwardly arc-shaped portion is attached to the bottom edge of panel 82-2.

Figure 28 is an enlarged oblique view of the upper strobe unit 82.

As shown in FIG. 28, panel 82-1 is tilted forward so as to face diagonally downward, and panel 82-2 is arranged to form a substantially vertical surface. The front of the upper strobe unit 82 is located forward of the front of the camera unit 81 (closer to the user).

The panels 82-1 and 82-2 are made of translucent milky white plate-like material. The cover member 82-2A attached to the panel 82-2 is made of a plate-like material in a dark color such as black.

In other words, the light-emitting surface of the upper strobe unit 82 is the entire panel 82-1 and the part of the panel 82-2 excluding the cover member 82-2A, which are shown in color in Figure 29. The part of the cover member 82-2A shown with diagonal lines does not emit light.

The inside of the side panels 41A and 41B, the inside of the front panel 42, and the camera unit 81 are also colored a dark color such as black.

In this way, an upwardly arcuate portion is formed on the lower edge of the light-emitting surface in a shape that corresponds to the shape of the cover member 82-2A. The position of the bottom end 82c of the light-emitting surface is lower than the position of the camera 91. The curvature of the upwardly arcuate portion may be partially different, or may be the same overall.

In this example, the lower edge of the light-emitting surface is composed of a horizontal straight line portion and an upward arc-shaped portion extending from near the center of the width of the imaging unit 21 to the left end, indicated by center line C. The entire lower edge of the light-emitting surface may be formed in an upward arc-shaped portion, as shown in FIG. 30.

Figure 31 shows an example of a catch light.

Figure 31 shows an enlarged view of the user's right eye at the time of photographing. Catchlight #101 above the pupil is a catchlight captured by the light emitted by the upper strobe unit 82. The shape of catchlight #101 corresponds to the shape of the light-emitting surface of the upper strobe unit 82, with a bright area spreading from the top of the pupil to the lower right.

In this way, because an upwardly arc-shaped portion is formed on the lower edge of the light-emitting surface of the upper strobe unit 82, light that curves in an upward arc is reflected in the part of the catch light #101 close to the pupil. This makes it possible to emphasize the three-dimensionality and spherical feel of the eye.

The shape of the light-emitting surface of the upper strobe unit 82 is designed to capture a catch light #101 of this shape.

On the other hand, catchlight #102 below the pupil is a catchlight captured due to the light emitted by the foot strobe unit 83. Because the light-emitting surface of the foot strobe unit 83 is formed over the entire area below the imaging unit 21, catchlight #102 is captured over a wide area below the iris, with part of it falling below the pupil.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 27, by positioning the upper strobe unit 82 in an offset position to the left, a large space with no equipment installed is created to the right of the camera unit 81 and the upper strobe unit 82. Users can place large items on the top surface of the foot strobe unit 83.

The foot strobe unit 83 is installed so that its left end is in contact with the inside of the side panel 41A and its right end is in contact with the inside of the side panel 41B. The range of the light-emitting surface of the foot strobe unit 83 is the entire range in the width direction below the shooting unit 21.

Figure 32 shows the upper strobe unit 82 and foot strobe unit 83 with the front panel removed.

As shown in the upper part of FIG. 32, the strobe light emitting part 601 of the upper strobe unit 82 is provided directly above (vertically above) the lens of the camera 91. The strobe light emitting part 601 is provided with a light emitting tube.

The position vertically above the lens of the camera 91 includes not only the position where the center line C passing through the center of the lens of the camera 91 passes through the center of the strobe light emitter 601 as shown in FIG. 32, but also the position where the center line C overlaps with a part of the strobe light emitter 601. As long as the center line C overlaps with a part of the strobe light emitter 601, the strobe light emitter 601 may be provided at a position to the left or right of the position shown in FIG. 32.

In this way, the position of the strobe light emitter 601 is offset from the center position in the left-right direction of the upper strobe unit 82. Inside the upper strobe unit 82, LED bulbs 602-1 to 602-3 that are constantly lit are provided.

The bottom surface 82d of the upper strobe unit 82 is made of a member such as sheet metal that has a shape that combines horizontal and diagonal straight lines when viewed from the front. Rather than forming an upwardly arcuate portion of the light-emitting surface by covering the member that constitutes the bottom surface 82d with a panel 82-2 and then covering the lower edge of the panel 82-2 with a cover member 82-2A, the upwardly arcuate portion of the light-emitting surface may be formed by curving the member that constitutes the bottom surface 82d itself.

Also, as shown in the lower part of Figure 32, the strobe light emitter 611 of the foot strobe unit 83 is provided directly below (vertically below) the lens of the camera 91.

The position vertically below the lens of the camera 91 includes not only the position where the center line C passing through the center of the lens of the camera 91 passes through the center of the strobe light emitter 611 as shown in FIG. 32, but also the position where the center line C overlaps with a part of the strobe light emitter 611. As long as the center line C overlaps with a part of the strobe light emitter 611, the strobe light emitter 611 may be provided at a position to the left or right of the position shown in FIG. 32.

In this way, the position of the strobe light emitter 611 is the center position in the left-right direction of the foot strobe unit 83. Inside the foot strobe unit 83, LED bulbs 612-1 to 612-3 that are constantly emitting light are provided.

By capturing catchlights #101 and #102 using the upper strobe unit 82 and foot strobe unit 83 configured in this way, it is possible to capture an image that emphasizes the three-dimensional and spherical appearance of the eyes.

<Modification>
Position of the Mirror Surface A mirror surface may be provided in the pre-selection unit 20, and a selfie may be taken in the pre-selection space A0. In this case, a selfie guide screen is displayed on the touch panel monitor 71 provided in the pre-selection unit 20.

The intensity of the lighting in editing space A2 may be adjusted according to the progress of the game, such as the lighting becoming brighter while the selfie is being taken in editing space A2 and returning to normal brightness when the selfie is finished.

Regarding the curtains that serve as the background when taking selfies, curtains with a design as described with reference to FIG. 12 may be sold separately as selfie curtains rather than as parts of the photo sticker creation device 1.

Position of the Upper Strobe Unit 82 FIG. 33 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the front side of the photographing section 21. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 33, the upper strobe unit 82 may be provided offset to the right. By providing the upper strobe unit 82 offset to the right, a large space is created to the left of the camera unit 81 and the upper strobe unit 82 where no equipment is installed.

In this way, by positioning the upper strobe unit 82 in a position offset to the right, it is possible to project catchlights into the user's eyes to emphasize the three-dimensional or spherical appearance.

Regarding angle of view adjustment In the photographing process, the angle of view is adjusted by pressing the angle adjustment button 53A and adjusting the angle of the camera 91, but the angle of view may be adjusted by adjusting the focal length of the camera 91. The angle of view may be adjusted by adjusting the trimming range. The angle of the camera 91 may be adjusted manually, not electrically.

Regarding the program: The above-mentioned series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware, or in a general-purpose personal computer.

The program to be installed is provided by being recorded on removable media 319 shown in FIG. 16, which may be an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.) or a semiconductor memory. It may also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium, such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting. The program can be pre-installed in ROM 312 or storage unit 316.

The program executed by the computer may be a program in which processing is performed chronologically according to the sequence described in this specification, or a program in which processing is performed in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also exist.

The embodiment of this technology is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this technology.

For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices over a network.

In addition, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by a single device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

Furthermore, when a single step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that single step can be executed by a single device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

1 Photo sticker creation device, 66 Mirror surface, 82 Upper strobe unit, 91 Camera, 92 Touch panel monitor, 131 Tablet built-in monitor, 301 PC section, 302 Pre-selection section, 304 Photography section, 305 Editing section, 306 Printing section, 401 Pre-selection processing section, 402 Photography processing section, 403 Editing processing section, 404 Printing processing section, 411 Photography control section, 412 Image processing section, 413 Display control section, 414 Image storage section, 431 Selection reception section, 432 Retouching processing section, 433 Editing control section, 434 Display control section, 435 Print data generation section, 436 Communication control section

Claims (7)

The game device has a housing provided with a monitor for displaying a game screen and a mirror surface,
This game machine has a curtain with a design including left-right reversed characters on the surface facing the space in front of the monitor , which is attached opposite the mirror surface in a position that will be behind the user facing the monitor when the user is in the space . The game machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a display control unit that displays on the monitor a guide screen indicating that a photograph can be taken through the mirror portion using a photographing function of a portable terminal. The gaming machine according to claim 2 , wherein the display control unit displays the guide screen before an editing screen used for editing an image captured in the game. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the mirror surface portion is provided vertically above the monitor. 5. The game machine according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the mirror surface is greater than the width of the monitor. The game machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a light provided on the mirror surface. A plurality of the monitors are provided on different surfaces of the housing,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the curtains provided to surround the space in front of each of the monitors have different designs.

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