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Claims  |
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What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for making photographs from a video image of a user,
comprising:
video means for creating an analog video image signal of the user
comprising video image data;
computer means for receiving the analog video image signal from the video
means, digitizing the video image signal, converting the digital video
image signal to a second analog signal, the computer means including a
frame buffer means for receiving the digitized video image signal, storing
the digitized video image signal and sending the second analog signal, a
video control for addressing the digitized video signal in the frame
buffer means with address values and means for manipulating the stored
video image data and for producing a distorted image of the user by
manipulating the stored digitized image data in the frame buffer means by
replacing the address values of one half of the data in the frame buffer
means with the other half of the address values of the data in the frame
buffer means in inverse order to produce a mirror image; and photographic
means for receiving the second analog signal from the computer means and
creating a photograph from the second analog signal.
2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the video control includes
the means for manipulating.
3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein the video control includes
an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and wherein further manipulation is
accomplished by the ALU subtracting a quantity q from each video address
value.
4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein the quantity q is known
and remains constant.
5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein the quantity q varies
randomly.
6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein the quantity q varies
according to a known algorithm.
7. An apparatus for making photographs from a video image of a user,
comprising:
video means for creating an analog video signal of the user comprising
video data;
computer means for receiving the analog video signal from the video means,
digitizing the video signal, converting the digital video image signal to
a second analog signal, the computer means including a frame buffer means
for receiving the digitized video signal, storing the digitized video
signal and sending the second analog signal, a video control for
addressing the digitized video signal data in the frame buffer means, the
video control addressing the digitized video signal in the frame buffer
means with 7 horizontal and 9 vertical address lines and wherein a center
line divides each horizontal scan into left and right hand half horizontal
values and as the right hand half horizontal values are read out of the
frame buffer means they are replaced by their inversely corresponding left
hand half horizontal values and means for manipulating the stored video
image data and for producing a distorted image of the user by manipulating
the stored digitized image data in the frame buffer means; and
photographic means for receiving the second analog signal from the computer
means and creating a photograph from the received analog signal.
8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein the computer means
includes a circuit for reading out the right hand half horizontal address
values in reverse order for preserving the symmetry of the video image.
9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the video control includes
an ALU and the stored digitized image data is further manipulated by the
ALU subtracting a quantity q from each horizontal address line.
10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein the quantity q is known
and is constant.
11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein the quantity q is
randomly selected.
12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein the quantity q is
selected by a known algorithm.
13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 or 9, wherein the right hand
values are defined as negative address values and the video control
detects all negative address values and clamps the negative address values
to zero.
14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein the subtraction
operation is repeated for creating successively more distorted
photographs.
15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the video means includes a
video camera for creating the video image signal and a display monitor for
communicating with the user.
16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the video means includes
a beamsplitter means for creating two identical image signals and for
sending one image signals to the computer means for sending the other
image signal to the display monitor for viewing by the user.
17. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein the computer means
includes a system control for writing text on the display monitor, thereby
communicating with the user.
18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein the computer means
includes a video control for sending the stored video image to the display
monitor for viewing by the user.
19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the computer means
includes means for inverting the video image signal.
20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the photographic means
includes an exposure monitor aligned with photo-sensitive paper.
21. An apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein the exposure monitor
comprises a black and white CRT.
22. An apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the photographic means
includes paper feeding means for advancing the photo-sensitive paper for
the next photograph.
23. An apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein the computer means
includes a system control for signaling the paper feeding means and
controlling the timing of the paper advance.
24. An apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the photographic means
includes means for cutting the photo-sensitive paper.
25. An apparatus as set forth in claim 24, wherein the system control
signals the paper cutting means and controls the timing of each paper cut.
26. An apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein the photographic means
includes a thermal processor for making a positive print from a negative.
27. An apparatus as set forth in claim 20, wherein the photographic means
includes means for delivering the photograph to the user.
28. An apparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein the system control
signals the delivery means and controls the delivery of the photograph to
the user.
29. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes
administrative means for activating the apparatus.
30. An apparatus as set forth in claim 29, wherein the administrative means
includes a means for accepting coins and for signaling the computer means
of the acceptance of the coins at a predetermined amount.
31. An apparatus as set forth in claim 30, wherein the computer means
includes means for activating the apparatus upon a signal from the coin
acceptance means that sufficient coins have been deposited.
32. An apparatus as set forth in claim 29, wherein the administrative means
includes switch means for selecting a normal mode which produces a
straight photograph or a humorous mode which manipulates the video image
and produces a distorted photograph.
33. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes
sound means for entertaining and signaling the user.
34. An apparatus as set forth in claim 33, wherein the computer means
includes a system control for controlling the operation of the sound
means.
35. An apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein the sound means includes
an amplifier and a speaker.
36. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
contained in a free standing booth.
37. An apparatus as set forth in claim 36, wherein the booth includes
lighting means for setting the proper lighting conditions to maximize the
quality of the video image.
38. An apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein the computer means
includes a system control for controlling the intensity of light from the
lighting means.
39. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the apparatus produces
only black and white photographs.
40. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the computer means
includes:
an ADC for receiving the video image data from the video means and for
digitizing the analog video image signal;
the video control for addressing the video image data stored in the frame
buffer means by assigning address values, for manipulating the values of
the address values, for controlling the video means and for generating
communications with the user on the video means;
a DAC means for converting a digital output signal of the frame buffer
means to the second analog signal and for sending the second analog signal
to the video means and the photographic means;
a system control for controlling the photographic means; and a CPU for
storing an operating program and for temporary data storage for storing
program execution.
41. An apparatus as set forth in claim 40, wherein the frame buffer means
communicates with the CPU for enabling the CPU to evaluate the video image
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Claims |
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Description |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to entertainment devices in the field of video
equipment and more particularly to entertainment devices which employ a
combination of video equipment and computers to create photographs.
PRIOR ART
Since the early days of modern photography, there have been photographic
facilities in public places. Most especially such facilities became
popular in places where people were relaxing or on holiday. In the early
days, individual photographers set up their equipment in amusement
centers, or other places where people were assembled, to create momentos
of the occasion. In many parts of the world, a remnant of this phenomenon
continues with the paparazzo or surprise sidewalk photographer. The
paparazzo takes photographs of vacationers and offers his work to his
patrons. The patrons may purchase the work or the paparazzo can sell the
photographs to others, such as the news media.
In order to take advantage of the public's continuing interest in such
photographs, automated photographic booths have been developed. Such
booths produce small memento photographs. Photo-booths are popular at
amusement parks, carnivals and the like. However, despite technological
advances, the photo-booth has not changed for approximately two
generations.
Although photo-booths, which create instant color photographs, were
attempted, in these photo-booths have largely passed from existence
because the cost is too high.
The current standard photo-booths, where one can enter and take photographs
of oneself, typically, create four, very small photographs of four
different user poses. The film is developed using standard wet chemistry.
It takes at least 21/2 minutes to give the photographs to the user after
all the posing is completed.
In the past there have been attempts at using a video image to create a
photograph by use of a computer. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,349 to
Maloomian is an apparatus which allows a prospective customer of articles
of clothing to "try on" an article of clothing by use of a video tape
recorder in conjunction with a computer. The user does not actually "try
on" the clothing, rather secondary images from the computer memory are
overlayed over the user's own primary image. A full figure electronic
image of the user is produced by a camera. The image is sent through the
computer and then displayed on a video screen. "Articles of clothing" are
then presented to the user by use of the computer's permanent memory. The
user then "trys on" the clothing electronically. The "trying on" of
clothing is accomplished by overlaying secondary images on the video image
in storage. The secondary image is distorted to suit the user. A huge
amount of memory is required to provide the "clothing" from the storage
and it will be noted that Maloomian does not work in real time.
Others have also tried using a video image in the fashion industry. For
example, in Masuda, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,724, an apparatus is
described for styling hair. A face shape is separated from a hair pattern
and substitute hair patterns are formed to fit on the first face shape.
Others such as Menger et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,834, have used a video
camera and monitor and a video recorder to produce photographic stills
from the video signal created by the video camera. And, of course, there
are many camera mechanisms which produce and develop pictures from images.
For example, S. J. Pask, U.S. Pat. No. 1,951,038 and Dart et al, U.S. Pat.
No. 2,473,280 are examples of same.
However, there are no known devices which produce and dispense photographs
and which can produce rapidly either as regular photographs or as humorous
(distorted) images of the user[s face. Indeed known devices for video
applications are intended for the purpose of obtaining self portraits,
either regular or humorous.
Thus, there remained a need for providing a photograph from a video image,
inexpensively. There further remained a need for an apparatus which could
manipulate the video image to give a humorous effect to the user. The
apparatus must involve the user while the photographic process is taking
place by giving feedback to the user. The apparatus must, of course,
attract the user initially.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a main object of this invention to provide an entertainment apparatus
which creates photographs from a video image through the use of a
computer.
It is a general object if this invention to provide an apparatus which is
capable of making both normal and distorted photographs from a video
imagte in a relatively inexpensive manner.
It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus as set forth
above which operates in real time and involves the user with the process
of making a photograph from a video image, and allows the user to view the
pose before creating the photograph of same.
It is a further object of this invention to provide the above apparatus
which enables the user to have instantaneous feedback to facilitate the
user in striking a desirable pose.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus which
inexpensively produces humorous photographs by use of a video camera, a
computer and a photographic system.
In order to produce photographs from a video image in accordance with the
above objects, the following apparatus has been developed, comprising:
video means for creating a video image signal of a user;
computer means for receiving the video image signal from the video means,
digitizing the video image signal, storing the digitized video image,
converting the digital video image signal to an analog signal, and sending
the analog signal; and
photographic means for receiving the analog signal from the computer means
and creating a photograph from the analog signal.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes menas for manipulating
the stored image to produce a distorted photograph. One particular method
employed by a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises mirroring
one half of the video image on the other half of the video image to create
a symmetrical image and photograph.
In another preferred embodiment the manipulating means includes an ALU
(arithmetic logic unit) which subtracts a preselected quantity from each
horizontal address value to yield a further distorted photograph. A
preferred method of manipulating the image to produce the further
distorted photograph includes using the ALU to subtract a known quantity q
from the horizontal address line during each horizontal scan.
In still another preferred embodiment, the apparatus is housed in a booth
having an open section for seating of the user and a closed section for
housing the apparatus. The apparatus may include power supply means in the
closed section.
In still another preferred embodiment, the apparatus is capable of taking a
series of photographs. In a preferred embodiment, the method making a
photograph in accordance with this invention includes the step of pausing
between photographs so the user can readjust his pose. The user can
observe his position, in real time, through a monitor provided by the
video means prior to a photograph being taken. Between photographs, the
user may readjust his pose as desired.
The apparatus and method in accordance with this invention enables the user
to select between a normal mode for producing normal photographs and a
humorous mode for producing photographs which have been distorted.
Using the apparatus and method of this invention, the user has the further
advantage of positioning himself and observing that position prior to
receiving any photographs.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be more
clearly understood with respect to the detailed description of the
invention and with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a free standing booth containing the apparatus for
making a photograph from a video image in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view in partial section, showing the general
operations of the booth and apparatus in accordance with this invention.
FIG. 3 is a system block diagram of the apparatus in accordance with this
invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the frame buffer of the apparatus in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the video control of the apparatus in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the manipulation process in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the video controller in accordance
with this invention.
FIG. 8 is an electrical schematic of the frame buffer of the apparatus in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a sample output photograph using this invention in the
distorted mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein
like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout
the several views and referring particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown the
invention, a free standing booth for making photographs from a video
image, generally designated by the numeral 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 the booth is of sufficient size to house a user who is the subject
of the photographs. Additionally, the booth 10 is of sufficient size to
store the apparatus for making photographs from the video image. The booth
is self-enclosed and includes an open portion 12 and a closed portion 14.
The open portion includes a seat 16 and a seating cushion 18. The seating
cushion acts to align the user properly with a video system 20.
The closed portion 14 of the booth 10 includes a window 22. The window 22
is mounted on a wall 24 and faces the use. A sheet 26 of clear acrylic is
mounted at a 45.degree. angle behind the window 22 such that when the user
looks through the window 22 he sees the sheet 26. A CRT is mounted in the
closed portion 14 above the sheet 26 and defines a display monitor 28.
Light from display monitor 28 is reflected by on the sheet 26. The sheet
26 functions as a beamsplitter allowing the camera to take a "head-on"
view of the user and also allowing the user to see himself on the CRT
(cathode ray tube). This provides the user with feedback on his posing and
allows him to adjust his pose to that which is most desirable.
The sheet 26 has a first side 30 facing the user and a second side 32 away
from the user. The second side is painted black with the exception of a
small center area 34. A video camera 36 is positioned behind the sheet 26
and in direct alignment with the small clear center area 34.
Thus, the sheet 26 being at approximately 45.degree. angle with the
horizontal and being painted black on the side 32 causes it to act as a
mirror for providing a video image to the user. The sheet 26 could also be
coated with special reflective coating to enhance the mirror effect. For
improved performance, the first side 30 reflects 50% of the light and
transmits 50% of the light. This has the effect, to the user, of seeing
his "reflection" in the mirror. A small area center 34 allows the video
camera 36 to view the user and create a video image therefrom. The camera
36 creates a video image and transfers the image to the computer. The
computer processes the image and sends it back to the display monitor 28.
In reality, the user sees himself on the display monitor 28, only after it
has been processed by a computer system (not shown). Thus, the image on
the display monitor 28 is not a direct reflection. Using this method, the
video image data is stored in the computer, where it may be manipulated
and then returned to the display monitor 28.
The closed portion 14 also includes a coin acceptance device 38 which
accepts coins and when a predetermined amount is reached, it sends a
signal to the computer system which then activates the apparatus.
The closed portion 14 of the booth 10 also provides a switch 40 which, upon
activation of the apparatus, gives the user a choice of creating either
normal or distorted photographs.
The apparatus also provides for interaction with the user to keep the user
involved during the process and to attract his attention, initially. The
closed portion of the booth includes speakers 42 which can both entertain
and communicate with the user.
With particular reference to FIG. 2, there is shown the closed portion 14
of the booth 10 having a black and white photographic system 50 for
producing black and white photographs. The photographic system 50 includes
a second CRT defining an exposure monitor 52, a lens 55 and a photo-paper
system 54. The photographic system 50 is in a light tight container.
Internal walls 51 and 53 shield photo-sensitive paper from the light
internal the booth and from the light produced upon activation of the
exposure monitor 52. The paper system 54 includes a roll of
photo-sensitive paper 56 held in a paper drive mechanism 58 which feeds
the paper 56 through the system 54 upon command by the computer system.
The paper system 54 further includes a paper cutter 60 which cuts the
paper 56 at the appropriate time upon a signal from the computer system.
The photographic system 50 further includes a thermal processor 62 which
develops the photographic paper 56. After developing the cut paper 56, the
photographs may be removed by the user.
With particular reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a system block diagram
for the apparatus in accordance with this invention. The apparatus
includes three major systems and two minor systems. The major systems are
the video system 20, the computer system 140 (designated by the area
within the dotted lines) and the photographic system. The minor systems
are the administrative system which includes both the coin acceptance
subsystem 142 and the switch subsystem 144. The second minor system is the
sound system 145.
The video system 20 includes a display monitor 28 and a video camera 36.
The video camera 36 creates a video image of the subject, converts it to
an electronic signal and sends it to the computer system 140. The computer
system 140 processes the video signal and returns it to the display
monitor 28, where the user may view himself in the monitor 28 in real
time.
The computer system 140 includes an ADC 141 for converting the analog
signal to a digital signal. The digital signal is fed through a video data
bus 110 to a frame buffer 120 where it is stored. A video control 80
synchronizes the sending of the digital signal to the frame buffer 120 and
addresses the data for storage in the frame buffer 120.
The video data bus 110 is connected directly to a display DAC 146 for
display of the subject in real time or "live". This line is enabled by the
video control 80 during a time delay between poses. The display DAC 146
converts the digital signal to an analog signal and returns it to the
display monitor 28.
The frame buffer 120 stores the video image as a series of signals. Upon
signal from the video control 80, the frame buffer 120 sends the stored
signals comprising the image to the display DAC 146 and to an exposure DAC
148. As previously stated, the display DAC returns the signal in analog
form to the display monitor 28. The exposure DAC 148 converts the digital
signal to an analog signal and sends the video image to the photographic
system 50 upon an appropriate signal from the video control 80.
The computer system 140 also includes a CPU 150 or central processing unit
which comprises an 8 bit microprocessor, a ROM (read only memory) for
storing the operating program and a RAM (random access memory) for
temporary storage of data during program execution. The CPU 150 also
stores a permanent image of a model subject which is used to attract users
during an attract mode. Further details of the attract mode are described
below.
The computer system 140 also includes a system control which provides the
CPU 150 with the means to control the non-video operating systems such as
the paper feeding and cutting system, the user interface system including
the coin acceptance subsystem 142 and switch subsystem 144 and system
timing. The preferred embodiment of this subsection comprises an 8 bit
output port, an 8 bit input port, and a digital timer IC, which contains
three 16 bit programmable counters.
In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the frame buffer 120
communicates with the CPU 150 through the video control 80. This enables
the CPU 150 to evaluate the video image pixels gray scale values to adjust
and readjust the booth lighting. Thus, if an image is too light and booth
lighting can be turned up based on pre-set values fed into the CPU 150.
Thus, the booth can be customized to suit the skin tone of a user as well
as the particular location and lighting conditions of the booth.
The photographic system 50 includes an exposure monitor 52, a lens 55 and a
photo-paper subsystem 56. The exposure monitor 52 receives the analog
signal of the video image from the exposure DAC 148 of the computer system
140. The exposure monitor 52 is a CRT which is aligned with the lens 55
and the photo-sensitive paper 56 for exposing photo-sensitive paper. The
exposure DAC 52 inverts the image so that the exposure monitor 52, in
fact, creates a negative on the photo-sensitive paper.
The paper-photo subsystem 56 includes photo-sensitive paper, paper drive
mechanism 58, paper cutter 60 and a thermal processor 62, as explainer
earlier reference to FIG. 2.
A system control 152 signals the paper drive mechanism 58 when to move the
paper and additionally signals the paper cutter 60 when to cut the paper.
The thermal processor 62 is also controlled by the system control 152.
As set forth above, the photographic system 50 includes the exposure
monitor 52, the lens 55 and a photo-paper subsystem 54. The exposure
monitor 52 receives the analog signal of the video image from the exposure
DAC of the computer. The exposure monitor 52 is a CRT which is aligned
with the lens 55 and the photo-sensitive paper 56 and exposes the
photo-sensitive paper 56 through the lens 55. The exposure DAC inverts the
image so that the exposure monitor 52, in fact, creates a negative image
on the photo-sensitive paper 56.
Also, as set forth above, the photo subsystem 54 includes the photo
sensitive paper 56, the paper drive mechanism 58, t | | |
