JP2001283322A - Automatic photograph preparation machine and automatic print vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic, photograph preparation machine capable of simply purchasing a required print and improving an operating rate per installation area. SOLUTION: The automatic photograph preparation machine is provided with a server previously storing picture information and a means for extracting picture information stored in the server from the server through communication in accordance with customer's selection and outputting the information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic photographic machine and a print vending machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Due to recent advances in communication or data compression technology (a desired print can be easily purchased), data such as images, documents, and music desired by customers are distributed via a network. Service has been made. However, when an individual intends to use such a service, a burden is imposed on preparing an environment such as a data receiving device, a processing device, a display device, and a printer. In addition, when a device that provides such a service is newly installed on a street or the like, an installation place must be newly secured.

(Improvement of sales per installation area, improvement of occupancy rate) On the other hand, in general, when an ID photo, a portrait, or the like is required, a photographer can easily take an image by himself / herself.
A box-type automatic photo creator (apparatus) that can obtain a photo in minutes is installed indoors or outdoors, such as in a station yard. Face photo information is important information for personal identification, and these box-type automatic photo creators, which take face photos and create face photo information, are very important and have many installations. Is limited to photography and photo print creation, so its operation rate is not high. For this reason, sales per installation area are limited.

[0004]

A conventional automatic photo creator is intended to take a face photo on the spot despite being installed in a large number, and is a single function and provides other services. I couldn't do it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and a first object is to provide an automatic photo-creating machine capable of easily purchasing a desired print. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic photo creator capable of improving the operation rate per installation area.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server which stores image information in advance, and communicates the image information stored in the server in accordance with a customer's selection. And means for taking in and outputting from the server via the server.

Here, "via communication" means via wireless communication (for example, via radio waves, sound, light, etc.) or wired communication (for example, telephone line). Alternatively, wireless communication and wired communication may be combined.

With this configuration, even a customer who does not have communication means can easily obtain image information as needed or desired. (2) The invention according to claim 2 comprises a plurality of printers for printing images, and at least one of the printers transmits image information stored in the server in advance from the server via communication according to a customer's selection. It is characterized by having means for taking in and outputting as a print.

With this configuration, even a customer who does not have communication means can easily obtain a print of an image according to need or preference. (3) The invention according to claim 3 captures the image information stored in advance in the server from the server via communication according to the customer's selection from the preparation of the photographed person to the output of the photographed image information. It is characterized by having means for outputting, which can be used by customers other than the subject.

With this configuration, the subject and a customer other than the subject can use the automatic photo creator at the same time, and the operating rate per installation area can be improved. (4) The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the output is a print.

With this configuration, a print can be obtained from an automatic photo creator. (5) The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that it can be recorded as an output on a removable data storage medium.

Here, the removable data storage medium includes, for example, a PC card, a compact flash, a smart media, an MD disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a CD-R, a DVD-R, and the like. The necessary writing device can be installed according to the recording medium required for the photo creator.

With this configuration, even a customer without communication means can easily obtain a removable data storage medium on which image information is recorded according to need or preference.

(6) The invention according to claim 6 is characterized by having a plurality of printers. Here, when a plurality of printers are provided, it is preferable that at least one of the printers captures information stored in the server in advance from the server, prints the information, and outputs the information.

With this configuration, images can be printed from a plurality of printers. (7) The invention according to claim 7 has a plurality of operation means.

Here, as the operation means used in the present invention, for example, a push button, a jog dial, a voice recognition device and the like are used, and for example, a display and a component such as a display such as a touch panel may also be used.

With this configuration, an operation for outputting an image can be performed from a plurality of operation means. (8) The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that it has a plurality of print outlets.

Here, the plurality of print outlets are:
The prints may be discharged, the prints may be discharged from separate printers, or the prints may be distributed from a common printer.

With this configuration, prints can be taken out from the plurality of print outlets. (9) The invention according to claim 9 has a plurality of print outlets, one of which is provided on an outer wall, and the other at least one is provided on a different wall surface or operation surface from the outer wall. And

According to this structure, the operability can be improved by separating the mechanism for printing the image information stored in the server from the mechanism for printing the face photograph.

(10) The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that an operating means is provided on the outer wall. Here, in the case of a box-type automatic photo creator, the outer wall indicates a portion surrounding the outer peripheral portion. When the automatic photo creator is installed so close to the wall that no one can enter, it is preferable that the display, print outlet, and operation means installed on the outer wall of the automatic photo creator are not installed near the wall.
In addition, it is preferable that the operation means, one of the display and the print outlet, which is installed on the outer wall, be installed on the same surface of the outer wall of the automatic photo creator for convenience of operation. When the display, the print outlet, the operation means, the recording reading device, the recording writing device, and the like are installed on the outer wall, it is preferable to provide a cover in order to avoid an accident due to rain, rain, or accidental contact.

With this configuration, the size of the apparatus can be reduced by providing the operating means on the outer wall. (11) The invention according to claim 11, wherein at least one
It has two displays.

Here, the display means data stored in a storage device attached to the automatic photo creator, data calculated by an arithmetic unit attached to the automatic photo creator, data transmitted via a network, and the like. The display is performed based on. It is possible to display options of imaging, print size, a sample of an image stored in the server, an operation method, a price, a shortage amount, a change amount, and the like. Examples of the display include a display using CRT, electroluminescence, organic EL, and the like. Preferred is one having a portion using a liquid crystal panel.

According to this structure, a plurality of customers can use the automatic photo creator at the same time, and the sales per installation area can be improved. (12) The twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized by including control means for performing processing relating to the photographing output function in preference to processing of a customer other than the subject.

With this configuration, a plurality of customers can use the automatic photo creator at the same time without prolonging the work time of the subject. (13) The invention according to claim 13 is a value receiving means for receiving coins and / or bills inserted from the insertion slot and outputting a value input signal, and a display means for displaying an image sample and / or an operation method. Operating means for selecting an image by a customer and outputting a signal corresponding to the selected image, and printing for taking in image information stored in the server in advance from the server via communication according to the customer's selection and outputting it as a print A print vending machine comprising a vending mechanism is characterized in that it has a face photographing device for photographing a face photograph and automatically printing the photograph.

According to this structure, the sales efficiency per unit area can be improved by adding a face photographing device to the print vending machine. (14) The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that the automatic print mechanism is incorporated in the face photographing device.

With this configuration, the sales per installation area can be improved by having a thin print vending machine.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention, and shows an automatic photo creator of the present invention. In the figure, (a) shows a print vending machine, and (b) shows a face photographing device. That is, a face photographing device is provided inside the box, and a print vending machine is provided on the wall surface of the box. Reference numeral 10 denotes an outer panel provided on the outer wall of the box, and reference numeral 20 denotes an inner panel provided on the inner wall of the box. A print vending machine is attached to the outer panel 10 and the inner panel 2
0 is equipped with a face photographing machine.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a communication antenna connected to a server (not shown) that stores image information by radio. In the external panel 10, 2 is a customer who performs a printing operation, 11 is a first display for displaying various information, 12 is first operating means for inputting a command or the like for automatic printing, and 13 is a first bill insertion. Mouth, 14 is first
Is a first change refund expenditure, and 16 is a first print take-out port.

In the internal panel 20, reference numeral 3 denotes a subject (customer) who takes a face photograph, 21 denotes a photographing illumination, 22
Is a second display for displaying various information, 23 is a second operating means for inputting commands and the like for automatic printing, 24 is a second bill slot, 25 is a second coin slot, and 26 is a second coin slot. The second change refund outlet 27 is a second print outlet. The operation of the device configured as described above will be described below.

(Print Vending Machine) First, the print vending machine shown in FIG. The customer 2 presses a predetermined button from the operation unit 12. As a result, the device is in the automatic print mode. When the automatic print mode is set, the display 11 displays an index of an image to be printed. Here, the index-displayed image data may be stored in a print vending machine, or when the storage amount becomes enormous, stored in an image storage means (for example, a hard disk device) attached to a server (not shown). It may be stored.

When displaying the index image, if the image is stored in the print vending machine, the image is read out and displayed on the display 11. Any kind of image may be displayed in this manner, and for example, a photograph of a celebrity's face, a photograph of a famous mountain, a photograph of a beautiful flower, or the like is used.
When the image is stored in the image storage unit of the server, the index image is sent from the server via the communication antenna 1 and displayed on the display 11. The customer 2 operates the operation unit 12 as necessary to display a necessary image index.

When the image desired by the customer 2 is displayed,
The customer inputs the desired frame number, image size, number of prints, and the like from the operation unit 12. As a result, control means (not shown) for controlling the overall operation of the print vending machine
Transfers the frame number of the desired image and the photo box number to which the print vending machine is attached via a communication antenna 1 to a server (not shown) having image storage means.

The server receives the photo box number and the frame number of the image sent from the photo box,
It is checked whether the corresponding frame number is stored in the image storage unit (for example, a hard disk device). If the image of the corresponding frame number is not stored in the image storage means, the server returns a signal indicating that there is no corresponding print image to the photo box. On the photo box side, the display 11 displays "No corresponding image" to alert the customer.

On the other hand, when the image of the corresponding frame number is stored in the image storage means, the server reads the corresponding frame image from the image storage means and transfers it to the photo box. At this time, since the photo box to be transferred is known in advance from the sent photo box number, the image data can be transferred to the corresponding photo box.

On the print vending machine side, the transmitted frame image is displayed on the display 11. The customer 2 checks whether the image displayed on the display 11 is a target image. If it is not the desired image,
Start over from the first operation. If the image is a target image, a print start is instructed from the operation unit 12.

At this point, the control means operates the display 11
Displays the amount required for printing and prompts the user to enter the required amount. Here, the customer 2 inserts a predetermined amount from the bill insertion slot 13 and / or the coin insertion slot 14. In addition, the timing of charge input may be performed at any point in a series of sequences. The control unit checks whether a predetermined amount has been paid. If the predetermined amount has not been inserted, the display 11 is further prompted to input the amount. Then, after confirming that the money has been inserted, a printer (not shown) built in the print vending machine is started, and a predetermined number of frame images of a predetermined size are printed. The print of the image is discharged from the print outlet 16. If necessary, the change is returned from the change refund expenditure 15.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, even a customer without communication means can easily obtain image information according to need or preference. (Face Photographing Apparatus) Next, the face photographing apparatus shown in FIG. The face photographing device is a function originally included in the photo box. Customer 3 is operating means 2
Operate 3 to put the device in face photo mode. When the face photographing mode is set, the built-in control means (not shown) turns on the photographing illumination 21. Next, the control means causes the display 22 to display a predetermined menu screen. Customer 3
Operates the operation means 23 according to the instruction on the menu screen. For example, the user inputs the type of the face photograph used.

The types of photos to be input include, for example, those for resumes, licenses, and passports. The customer enters the required type. Here, the control means is the display 2
2. Display the required amount on 2 and prompt the user to enter it. Customer 3
Inputs a money amount from the bill insertion slot 24 and / or the coin insertion slot 25. The control unit checks whether a predetermined amount has been paid. If the predetermined amount has not been inserted, the display 22 is further prompted to input the amount. Then, after confirming the payment, the photographing means (not shown) built in the print vending machine is activated, and a photograph of the face of the customer 3 is photographed. The control unit activates the printer and prints the photographed face photograph information of the customer 3 under predetermined conditions. At this time, the number of prints and the print size are predetermined. A printer (not shown) prints a predetermined number of face images of a predetermined size.
The print size and the number of prints may be arbitrary.
The print of the image is discharged from the print outlet 27. If necessary, the change is returned from the change refund expenditure 26.

Here, there is a priority relationship between the vending machine for printing and the face photographing apparatus. When the customers 2 and 3 operate simultaneously, the face photographing is prioritized. This is because it is not known how long it takes for a print vending machine to reach the final print depending on the customer. In this way, a plurality of customers can use the automatic photographing machine at the same time without prolonging the work time of the subject.

Note that the customer 2 can use the print vending machine during the period from when the customer 3 prepares for photographing to when the customer 3 outputs the photographed image. In this way, the subject and customers other than the subject can use the automatic photo creator at the same time, and the operating rate per installation area can be improved.

Further, the print vending machine and the face photographing device can use a common printer, but they can also use their own printers. As a result, an image can be printed from each printer.

According to this embodiment, since the print vending machine and the face photographing apparatus have separate print outlets, a mechanism for printing image information stored in the server, The operability can be improved by separating the mechanism for printing a photograph.

Further, according to this embodiment, since the operation means 12 for image printing is provided on the outer wall,
The size of the device can be reduced. Also, since the display 11 for image printing is provided on the outer wall, a plurality of customers can use the automatic photo creator at the same time, and the sales per installation area can be improved.

According to this embodiment, the sales efficiency per unit area can be improved by adding a face photographing device to a print vending machine. In addition, by adopting a structure in which the print vending machine is incorporated in the face photographing device, it is possible to improve the sales per installation area of the thin print vending machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, components related to the print vending machine are denoted by A, and components related to the face photographing device are denoted by B. In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a control unit for controlling the entire operation, for example, a microprocessor. Here, the case where the print vending machine and the face photographing device are controlled by a common control unit is shown,
Each may have its own control unit.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting / receiving data wirelessly via the communication antenna 1 (see FIG. 1);
Is a transmission / reception unit for data transmission / reception provided on the server side, and 33 is a server connected to the transmission / reception unit 32. In the server 33, an image information storage means 34 for storing image information is provided. The image information storage means 3
For example, a hard disk, a DVD-R, or the like is used as 4.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a first display for displaying various information, and reference numeral 35 denotes an image selection unit for selecting an image. As the image selection unit 35, for example, a push button is used so that a desired image of a customer can be selected. 36 is a first price acceptance determination unit. The price acceptance determination unit 36 determines the amount of money to be inserted through the bill insertion slot 13 (see FIG. 1) and the coin insertion slot 14.

Reference numeral 37 denotes a printer and a print outlet 16
A print disbursement section 38 is a first change refund expenditure section for refunding change when there is change. 39
Is a print format selection unit for selecting a print format. The print format indicates, for example, the size of the print or the purpose of use. As the print format selection unit 39,
For example, a touch panel is used.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a second price acceptance judgment unit. The price acceptance determination unit 40 determines the amount of money to be inserted from the bill insertion slot 24 (see FIG. 1) and the coin insertion slot 25.
Reference numeral 41 denotes a second printer including a printer and a print outlet 27.
Reference numeral 42 denotes a second change repayment expenditure unit for refunding change when there is change. Reference numeral 43 denotes a photographing camera for photographing a face, and 21 denotes a photographing illumination, for example, a fluorescent lamp. The operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to the external configuration diagram of FIG. 1 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4.

(Face Photo Print Operation) First, the customer 3 inserts money into the bill insertion slot 24 and / or coin insertion slot 25 (S1). The price acceptance determination unit 40 determines the quality of coins and bills (S2). If the quality is poor, the money is returned (S3), and another money is urged. In step S2, if the quality of the coins and bills is good, it is checked whether the price has reached a fixed amount (S4). If the fixed amount has not been reached, the price acceptance determining unit 40 displays a price addition request display on the display 22 via the control unit 30 (S5).

When the price has reached the fixed amount, the price reception determining section 40 sends a price input signal (S6). Control unit 3
0 receives this signal and continues the subsequent sequence. Next, the control unit 30 sends a priority processing signal to the print vending machine (S7). The print vending machine that has received the priority processing signal stops the operation, and the operation will be described later. Next, the control unit 30 controls the display 22
The print format is displayed (S8). Here, the print format refers to a print size, a purpose of use, and the like, as described above. The customer 3 selects a print format from the touch panel of the operation unit 23 with reference to the displayed print format (S9). Next, the customer 3 selects the ordered number from the touch panel of the operation means 23 (S10).

Next, the control unit 30 checks whether there is another order (S11). If you have other orders,
Returning to step S8, the process is repeated from the print format setting. In some cases, the print amount set in step S1 may be changed by the subsequent print setting. Therefore, when there is no other order, the control unit 30 displays the difference of the price on the display 22 (S12).

Next, the control unit 30 checks whether or not the price is sufficient (S13). If not, the customer 3 is prompted to input the difference, and the customer 3 inputs an additional price (S14). In this way, when the difference is settled, the price acceptance determining unit 40 sends a price input signal (S15), and when the control unit 30 receives this signal, the subsequent processing is continued. That is, the control unit 30 turns on the photographing illumination 21 (S16). Next, the control unit 30 drives the photographing camera 43 to photograph a face photograph of the customer 3 (S1).
7).

The control unit 30 displays the photographed image on the display 22 (S18). For example, when a plurality of images are shot by the shooting camera 43, a plurality of face images are displayed on the display 22. The customer 3 selects a desired image (image to be printed) from the displayed face photograph (S19). Next, the control unit 30 includes a printer (not shown).
Is started and the selected image is printed (S2
0). The printed image is stored in the print outlet 27
(See FIG. 1). Finally, the control unit 30
Stops the priority processing signal. When the priority processing signal is stopped, the print vending machine restarts the sequence that has been stopped.

(Operation on the side of the print vending machine) The customer 2 inserts money into the bill insertion slot 13 and / or the coin insertion slot 14 (S22). The price acceptance determination unit 36 determines the quality of the inserted coins and bills (S23). If the quality is poor, the price is returned (S24), and a new payment is prompted. The price acceptance determination unit 36 checks whether or not the input price has reached a fixed amount (S25). If the fixed amount has not been reached, a charge addition request is displayed on the display 11 (S26).

As described above, when a predetermined amount of money has been inserted, the price acceptance determining unit 36 sends a price input signal (S27). When receiving this signal, the control unit 30 proceeds to the next sequence.

At this stage, it is checked whether or not a priority processing signal has been received from the face photographing apparatus (S2).
8). If the priority processing signal has been received, the control unit 30 stops the progress of the sequence in this step.

If the priority processing signal has not been received, the control unit 30 displays an image sample on the display 11 (S29). Here, the displayed image includes the sample itself or the name and code of the image.

The customer 2 selects a desired image sample from the image samples displayed on the display 11 with the push button of the operation means 12 (S30). Next, customer 2
Follows the guidance display on the display 11 and selects the number of orders with the push button (S31).

The control unit 30 displays the order code and the number of the ordered image samples on the display 11 (S3).
2). In this case, what is displayed may be the image itself. Next, the control unit 30 checks whether there is another order (S33). If there is, the process returns to step S28 to perform a reorder process.

By the way, there is a case where the price entered in step S22 is changed due to the setting of the number of orders and the like. Then, the control unit 30 displays the difference of the price on 11 (S
34). Next, the price acceptance determination unit 36 determines whether the price is sufficient (S35). If the price is insufficient, the display 11 prompts the user to input the price. In response to this, the customer 2 inputs an additional price (S36).

As described above, when the price has reached the fixed amount, the price acceptance determination unit 36 sends a price input signal (S37). The control unit 30 receiving this signal continues the next sequence. That is, the code of the ordered image sample is transmitted (S38). This image sample code is transmitted from the communication antenna 1 via the transmission / reception unit 31. In the receiving server, the transmitting / receiving unit 32 receives the image sample code. The server 33 searches the image information storage means 34 and reads out desired image data. Then, the read image data is transmitted to the print vending machine side.

The transmitted image data is wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting / receiving section 32. The print vending machine receives the image data transmitted via the communication antenna 1 (S39). The control unit 30 includes a printer (not shown)
Is started to print out the required number of images (S40).

FIG. 5 is an external structural view of a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows an automatic photo creator of the present invention. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the automatic photo creator shown in FIG. 5, the function of capturing image information stored in the server in advance from the server via communication according to the customer's selection and recording the information on a removable data storage medium, and the function brought by the customer It also has a function of reading image information from a removable data storage medium and outputting it as a print.

In the figure, 50 is a floppy disk drive, 51 is a PC card slot, and 52 is a movable cover. The movable cover 52 is provided to protect the floppy disk drive 50 and the PC card slot 51 from the weather. Such a device is often provided outside the room rather than in the room. Therefore, in such a case, it is necessary to protect the device from the weather and operate the data storage medium reliably. In this embodiment, two print outlets 16a and 16b are provided. In this case, the print outlet may be used for each print size.

According to this embodiment, a recording and reading device can be installed in an automatic photo creator to have a function of outputting data brought by a customer. For example, the image information and photographing condition information stored in the digital camera are read by the recording and reading device of the automatic photo creator of the present invention directly from the digital camera or via a removable data storage medium, and the data required by the customer is read. A function of selecting and printing out can be provided. Further, the recording and reading device can also be used as the recording and writing devices 50 and 51.

According to this embodiment, even a customer who does not have communication means can easily obtain a removable data storage medium on which image information is recorded according to need or preference.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, a print vending machine 70 is later attached to a wall surface of a face photographing device 60 which has been conventionally installed. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The print vending machine 70 in which the hatched portions are attached later.
It is. (A) shows a perspective view of the print vending machine 70 and (b) shows a perspective view of the face photographing device 60. The operation of the print vending machine is the same as that described above. However, in this case, the control of the print vending machine and the control of the face photographing device are different.

According to such a configuration, a print vending machine can be attached to a face photographing apparatus currently installed nationwide, and the operating rate per installation area can be improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the main unit and the server side communicate wirelessly has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and wired communication may be used.

[0072]

According to the present invention described above, the following effects can be obtained. (1) According to the first aspect of the invention, even a customer who does not have communication means can easily obtain image information according to need or preference.

(2) According to the second aspect of the invention, even a customer who does not have communication means can easily obtain a print of an image according to need or preference. (3) According to the third aspect of the present invention, the subject and a customer other than the subject can use the automatic photo creator at the same time, and the operation rate per installation area can be improved.

(4) According to the fourth aspect of the invention, a print can be obtained from an automatic photo creator. (5) According to the invention described in claim 5, even a customer who does not have a communication means can easily obtain a removable data storage medium on which image information is recorded according to need or preference.

(6) According to the present invention, an image can be printed from a plurality of printers. (7) According to the seventh aspect, an operation for outputting an image can be performed from a plurality of operation means.

(8) According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, prints can be taken out from a plurality of print outlets. (9) According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the operability can be improved by separating the mechanism for printing the image information stored in the server from the mechanism for printing the face photograph.

(10) According to the tenth aspect,
By having the operation means on the outer wall, the size of the device can be reduced. (11) According to the eleventh aspect, a plurality of customers can use the automatic photo creator at the same time, and the sales per installation area can be improved.

(12) According to the twelfth aspect,
A plurality of customers can use the automatic photo creator simultaneously without prolonging the work time of the subject. (13) According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the sales efficiency per unit area by adding a face receiving / photographing device to a print vending machine.

(14) According to the fourteenth aspect,
By having a thin print vending machine, sales per installation area can be improved. in this way,
According to the present invention, firstly, it is possible to provide an automatic photo creator capable of easily purchasing a desired print,
Second, it is possible to provide an automatic photo creator capable of improving the operation rate per installation area.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication antenna 2 Customer 3 Customer 4 Stool 10 External panel 11 Display 12 Operation means 13 Bill insertion slot 14 Coin insertion slot 15 Change refund expenditure 16 Print take-out port 20 Internal panel 21 Lighting for photographing 22 Display 23 Operation means 24 Bill insertion口 25 Coin slot 26 Change refund expenditure 27 Print take-out slot

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Komamura Ryoichi 1 Sakura-cho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsura 1 Sakura-cho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H104 AA16 AA19 BC48 5C054 AA01 CA04 EA03 EA05 EA07 GA05 GB02 GB13 HA00 5C064 BA07 BC10 BC18 BC23 BC25 BD02 BD08

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A server comprising: a server in which image information is stored in advance; and means for taking in and outputting the image information stored in the server from the server via communication according to a selection of a customer. Features an automatic photo creator. 2. A plurality of printers for printing images, at least one of which receives image information stored in advance in a server from the server via communication according to a customer's selection, and outputs it as a print. An automatic photo creator having means. 3. A subject who captures and outputs image information stored in advance in a server from a server via a communication according to a customer's selection during a period from preparation for photographing of the subject to output of photographed image information. An automatic photo creator characterized in that it has means that can be used by other customers. 4. The automatic photo creator according to claim 1, wherein the output is a print. 5. The automatic photo creator according to claim 1, wherein the output can be recorded on a removable data storage medium. 6. The automatic photo creator according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of printers. 7. The automatic photo creator according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of operation means. 8. The automatic photo creator according to claim 1, wherein the automatic photo creator has a plurality of print outlets. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a plurality of print outlets, one of which is provided on an outer wall, and at least one of which is provided on a different wall surface or operation surface from the outer wall. Automatic photo creator. 10. The automatic photo creator according to claim 7, further comprising operating means on the outer wall. 11. The automatic photo creator according to claim 6, wherein the outer wall has at least one display. 12. The automatic photo creator according to claim 1, further comprising control means for performing a process related to the photo shooting output function prior to a process of a customer other than the subject. 13. A value receiving means for receiving coins and / or bills inserted from a slot and outputting a value input signal, a display means for displaying a sample of an image and / or an operation method, and a customer selecting an image. Operating means for outputting a signal corresponding to the selected image, and a print vending mechanism for taking in image information stored in the server in advance from the server via communication according to the customer's selection and outputting it as a print. A vending machine having a face photographing device for photographing a face photograph and automatically printing the photograph. 14. The vending machine according to claim 13, wherein the automatic print mechanism is incorporated in the face photographing device.