Abstract:
A device for producing printed images of a subject is described. The device includes a housing containing an imaging apparatus, and a frame carrying a hood configured to exclude outside light from illuminating a subject. The frame is rotationally spring loaded and counterbalanced on the housing, allowing the frame to be pulled downward without pulling the housing over onto the subject. The hood is configured to indirectly illuminate the subject by reflecting light onto the subject. The imaging apparatus includes a camera configured to take subject image data (i.e., a picture of the subject), a device to provide component-image data (i.e., background, foreground or framing images) to be synthesized with the picture of the subject, a device to synthesize the picture with the component-images, and a printer to print the resulting synthesized images. 
     A cassette unit that contains a plurality of read-only memory chips is removably plugged into the device. The read-only memory contains a large number of component-images for the subject to choose from. The subject selects four different component-images from the read-only memory for synthesizing with the subject&#39;s picture. 
     In order to take the picture of the subject, the camera-eye view of the subject is shown on a screen. The subject is forewarned of the time that the camera will take the picture by both a textual message on the screen and an audio message. Once the picture is taken, it is stored in a first digital memory. A circuit synthesizes each of the four component-images with the subject&#39;s picture, producing four synthesized images that are stored in a second digital memory. Optionally, the circuit can process the four synthesized images to create monochrome pictures. The imaging apparatus then prints a composite image composed of four rows of each of the four synthesized images.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an imaging device with an illuminator for illuminating a subject, and more specifically, to an imaging device comprising a hood for reflecting a light from the illuminator as well as preventing entrance of light from the outside. The present invention further relates to an imaging device including an image synthesis device for synthesizing a subject with synthesization component-images that have been previously prepared, such as background images, foreground images, and frame images, and for outputting the result using a video printer or the like. 
     Generally, an outdoor-type imaging device, such as for taking certification pictures, is known to exclude influences such as incident light by conducting the imaging after a person has entered into an enclosed booth. Imaging devices used as indoor game machines, such as in an arcade, are often configured to image a person while standing next to the machine. To prevent unnecessary background light from entering into the image, or from altering the illuminating effects, the imaging device is provided with a hanging screen that surrounds the upper body of the person to form a booth. 
     The housing of such an imaging device is generally configured in an elongated shape that is taller than a person. The provision of the above-described hanging screen, or of any type of hood over the person, can reduce the stability of such a housing, allowing for the housing to be pulled over. To handle this problem, it is known to use a U-shaped frame having opposite ends that attach to the top of the housing  70 , where the frame includes stress-relaxing portions  72   a  in the form of coil springs, as shown in FIG.  1 ( a ). In this configuration, when the hanging screen  71  is grasped and pulled down, the pulling force is converted into a force acting in an oblique direction with respect to the housing  70  by the bending of the stress-relaxing portions  72   a , and the frame is thereby prevented from being pulled over. 
     An imaging device, including an image synthesizing device, used as a game machine, may contain data in the form of a multitude of synthesization component-images, such as background images, foreground images, and frame images. When a desired component-image is selected, and when a person poses and is imaged, a synthesized image may be formed in which the selected component-image and the image of the subject are synthesized by means of a CCD camera disposed behind a half mirror. This synthesized image is then processed by a built-in video printer unit, and a plurality of synthesized images can be printed out on a sheet. 
     In the above-described imaging device, when the multitude of component-image data is to be changed, the change is implemented by replacing read only memory (ROM) chips. To change a ROM chip that is mounted into a socket of a substrate, a high degree of caution is necessary so as to prevent static electricity, the entry of foreign substances, or the like, from damaging the chip and substrate. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain the integrity of the machine while changing the component-image data. 
     Furthermore, the plurality of synthesized images that are printed out onto a sheet include only a single component-image (e.g., a background image) and a single pose of the subject. The known device does not provide for printing a plurality of varied synthesized images. 
     In addition, during imaging, while a subject is posing in accordance with a chosen component-image, the subject is also required to conduct an operation, such as pushing a button on the operation panel, in order to start the imaging, thereby potentially causing blurs in the resulting image. 
     Accordingly, the conventional imaging device does not effectively prevent the housing from being pulled over, while allowing for enhanced illumination. Additionally, the conventional imaging device is subject to difficulties in changing component-image data. Furthermore, a wide variety of synthesized images can not be provided. Also, the images are subject to blurring because the start of the imaging operation may have to be manually conducted by the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the present invention provide for an imaging device that is capable of obtaining sufficient illumination using a hood covering the upper part of the body, while effectively preventing the housing from being pulled over. Aspects of the present invention further provide for an imaging device, including an image synthesization device, which can easily allow for a change of component-images, such as background images. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention provide for an imaging device, including an image synthesization device, that is capable of producing a wide variety of synthesized images. Additional aspects of the present invention provide for an imaging device capable of conducting the imaging process without causing blurs in the resulting image due to manipulation. 
     The provision of only a hanging screen leads to difficulties in enhancing the illumination, and in restricting the entrance outside light. If, for an imaging device such as that shown in FIG.  1 ( a ), an upper cover member  73  (i.e., a hood) is attached to the frame  72 , as shown in FIG.  1 ( b ), the torque applied to the frame increases, thereby causing the stress relaxation portions  72   a  to be ineffective in preventing the housing  70  from being pulled over. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, an imaging device comprises a housing containing an imaging means, a frame whose end portions are rotatably attached to an upper end of a front of the housing, a hood that is disposed above the frame and is connected to the frame, and a compressive/extendable support means (i.e., a spring) having one end fixed to the hood and the other end attached to the top of the housing, for supporting the frame and the hood so that they are approximately parallel with each other. Preferably, this first embodiment is provided an illuminating means for illuminating at least one of the side portions and the upper portion of the housing. The support means is a preferably a spring member supporting the frame and the hood so that they are approximately parallel to a portion of the housing, by urging the hood to be adjacent to the top of the housing. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, the imaging device has an image-synthesis device that includes an imaging means for imaging a subject, a connecting means for detachably connecting an external storage unit storing data for a plurality of component-images that are different from each other, an image synthesizing means for synthesizing subject images imaged by the imaging means with component-images, and a supplying means for supplying the image synthesizing means with data for different component-images stored in the external storage unit while connected to the connecting means. 
     According to an adaptation of the second aspect of the present invention, the image synthesizing means includes a first frame memory circuit for storing the subject image data of the imaged subject, an image selecting means for successively selecting a plurality of different component-images from the external storage unit, an image synthesizer for synthesizing the subject image data that is output from the first memory with successive component-image data selected with the image selecting means to successively output synthesized image data, and a second frame memory circuit for storing the plurality of synthesized image data produced from the successive component-image data. The image synthesizing device prints the plurality of synthesized images onto one sheet, using the plurality of synthesized image data stored in the second memory. 
     According to another adaptation of the second aspect of the present invention, the image synthesizing device also includes an image converting means for converting colors of the synthesized image data output from the image synthesizer into monochrome. 
     According to yet another adaptation of the second aspect of the present invention, the image synthesizing device also includes an instruction means through which a user gives instruction to start the imaging by the imaging means, a text display means for displaying text that communicates imaging device timing in response to an operation by the instruction means, and a voice guiding means for outputting audio information in synchronization with the text displayed by the text display means. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image synthesizing device includes an imaging means for imaging a subject, a connecting means for detachably connecting an external storage unit storing a plurality of different component-image data, a selecting means for successively selecting and outputting the different component-image data stored in the external storage unit connected to the connecting means, an image synthesizing means for successively synthesizing the image data of the subject (taken by the imaging means) with each of the different component-image data selected by the selecting means, and a printing means for printing a plurality of different synthesized images on one sheet, based on the different synthesized image data obtained by means of the image synthesizing means. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG.  1 ( a ) is a partial elevational view illustrating a prior art imaging device. 
     FIG.  1 ( b ) is a partial perspective view illustrating a prior art imaging device as it would be if provided with a hood. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an imaging device provided with a hood according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of the imaging device depicted in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a side sectional view illustrating the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the invention, and illustrating an image synthesization device according to a third embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a partial side view illustrating operations of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a partial side view illustrating an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view illustrating the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the invention, further having a weight at a rear end of the hood. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a substrate unit of the image synthesizing device according to the third embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an image synthesizing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  10 ( a ) is a diagram of the state of four synthesized image data in a second frame memory circuit, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  10 ( b ) is a diagram of the layout printed on a video printer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an image synthesizing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  12 ( a ) is a diagram illustrating the state of four synthesized image data in a second frame memory circuit, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  12 ( b ) is a diagram illustrating a color layout printed on a video printer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  12 ( c ) is a diagram illustrating a monochrome layout printed on a video printer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  12 ( d ) is a diagram illustrating a sepia layout printed on a video printer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an imaging device with an imaging window according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     EMBODIMENT 1 
     FIGS. 2-4 depict an imaging device, provided with a hood, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A housing  1  is configured with the dimensions of 62 cm in width, 58 cm in length, and 185 cm in height. An operation panel  2  for operating imaging equipment contained in the housing  1  is provided at the center of a front face of the housing, an imaging window  3  for conducting imaging is provided at an upper portion thereof, and an outlet  4  for taking out a sheet, such as of paper, that an imaged video is printed on is provided below the operation panel  2 . Above the front face of the housing  1 , an approximately U-shaped frame  5 , which is made of steel or the like and which has two ends that are rotatable with a support axis  6  as its center of rotation, is provided as a holding means for holding a hood  8  (i.e., a light reflecting means) and three hanging screens  7 . The hanging screens are attached to the frame  5  such that the front face of the housing  1  is surrounded from three sides. The hood  8  is shaped to cover a region extending from the top of the housing  1  to a portion of the frame  5 . A substrate unit  21  for performing image synthesization processing is contained in the lower part of the housing  1 . An oval-shaped side cover  9  is attached to the side of the housing  1 , and is used as a face plate. 
     As seen in FIG. 4, a coil spring  10  acts as a support means, having one end fixed to the hood  8  and the opposite end attached to a light shielding plate member  11  attached to the top of the housing  1 . The spring urges the hood  8  toward the housing  1  so that the hood  8  becomes approximately parallel with the housing. A CCD camera  12  (for imaging) is disposed at the rear of the housing  1  such that it faces the imaging window  3 , which is disposed at the front face of the housing  1 . A half mirror  13  is disposed in a space between the imaging window  3  and the CCD camera  12 . Constituting a monitoring means, a CRT  14  is disposed with its screen facing toward the top of housing  1  and the half mirror  13 . A video printer unit  15  provides for printing an image and sending it out to the outlet  4 . An illuminator  16 , such as a fluorescent light, is disposed inside the imaging window  3 . Light is provided by an illuminator  17 , such as a fluorescent light, attached to the top of the light shielding plate member  11 , such that the radiated light projects on the inner surface of the hood  8  and is reflected thereby. Preferably, the hood  8  is made of white acrylic to obtain high reflection efficiency for the illuminating light. 
     To operate the above-described imaging device, a person selects a desired background image from among a multitude of background images. The background image is projected from the CRT  14  and displayed on the half mirror  13 . The person is imaged while standing in front of the imaging window  3  by operating the operation panel  2 . Video subject image data of the person (imaged by the CCD camera  12  through the imaging window  3  and the half mirror  13 ) and the component-image data of the selected background image are subjected to image synthesization processing through the substrate unit  21 . During this same time, the upper portion of the imaging window  3  is covered by the hood  8 , and light radiated by the illuminator  17  is reflected by the inner surface of the hood  8  to illuminate the person positioned below, while influences such as outside light are excluded, thereby improving the illumination. The result is printed out on a sheet, such as paper, in the video printer unit  15  and sent out to the outlet  4 . 
     If downward stresses are applied to the hood  8  or the hanging screens  7  (i.e., if they are pulled down), when the stress becomes larger than the force of the coil spring  10 , the frame  5  rotates around the support axis  6 , causing the hood  8  and the hanging screens  7  to be inclined together along with the frame  5 , as shown in FIG.  5 . Frame  5  then functions as a lever operating with the support axis  6  as fulcrum, acting on the top part of the housing through the coil spring. This is entirely different from a conventional structure, as shown in FIGS.  1 ( a ) and  1 ( b ), where the stress, having acted on the stress relaxing portions  72   a , changes its direction to an oblique downward direction and acts on the top of the housing  70  at a portion where the frame  72  is attached. In the structure of the first embodiment, the rotation of the attached parts of the frame  5  with the support axis  6  as its center causes most of the applied stress to act as a force for extending the coil spring  10  (connected to the hood  8 ) upwardly and the stress applied to the housing  1  is relaxed by the extension of the coil spring  10  and thus not directly applied to the housing  1 , thereby reducing the possibility of the housing being pulled over. 
     Thus, in first embodiment, both end portions of the approximately U-shaped frame  5  are attached to the upper end of the front face of the housing  1 , and are rotatable around support axis  6 . The hood  8  is arranged joined to the frame  5  at a position over the frame  5 , one end of the coil spring  10  is attached to the rear end of the hood  8  and the other end thereof is attached to the top of the light shielding plate member  11  at an upper portion of the housing  1  so as to support the frame  5  and the hood  8  so that they become approximately parallel. Therefore, even when stress is applied to the frame  5 , the frame  5  rotates at its attachment portion with the support axis  6  as its center, and most of the applied stresses becomes a force for extending the coil spring  10  attached to the hood  8  upwardly, the stress applied to the housing  1  is relaxed by the extension of the coil spring  10  and not directly applied to the housing  1 , whereby the housing is not likely to be pulled over, thereby resulting in an improvement over the prior art. 
     Furthermore, since the space above the imaging window  3  is covered by the hood  8 , the light radiated by the illuminator  17  toward the inside of the hood  8  is reflected by the inner surface of the hood  8  so as to illuminate a person positioned below. Outside light impinging on the top of the housing  1  is excluded, thereby providing for superior illumination. 
     While in the first embodiment, a coil spring  10  is provided, a plurality of coil springs may equally be employed. The spring constant of the coil spring may be set as required depending on parameters such as the length of the frame  5  and the weight of the hood  8 . As preferred, the spring constant may be selected such that the extension begins when a weight of about 5 kilograms is applied to the front of the frame  5 . 
     Furthermore, while illuminators  16  and  17  are provided at both the sides and top of the front face of the housing, respectively, illuminators may be provided only at either location. 
     EMBODIMENT 2 
     With reference to FIG. 6, in a second embodiment of the invention, stoppers  18  on the hood attach to upper portions of both sides of the housing  1 . A plurality of fitting holes  19  for receiving the stoppers  18  are provided on the sides of the housing  1 . The position of the hood  8 , when supported by the stoppers received in fitting holes, can be changed according to the holes  19  that are used. The stoppers  18  thus determine the hoods position while the hood is supported by the stoppers. 
     By changing the positions of the stoppers  18 , the position of the hood  8  is made adjustable. Therefore, the inclination of the hood  8  can be changed to some extent depending on the conditions. 
     While in the first embodiment, the spring constant(s) and the number of coil springs to be used are adjusted to balance the applied stress, a weight  20  may also be provided by adhering a sheet of a metal having a relatively heavy specific gravity, such as lead, along the inner surface of the rear end of the hood  8 , as shown in FIG.  7 . By adjusting the weight of this weight  20 , a greater stress is required for the hood  8  to start rotation around the support axis  6 . In other words, the same effect can be obtained as in a case where a stronger coil spring is employed in the first embodiment. 
     EMBODIMENT 3 
     With reference to FIG. 8, in a substrate unit  21  contained in the housing  1  of a third embodiment of the invention, a body substrate  81  is configured with a cover  82 . A cassette  83  serves as an external storage unit containing a read only memory (ROM) substrate  84 . A plurality of ROM chips  85  are mounted on the ROM substrate  84 . A connector  811  electrically connects the cassette  83  and the body substrate  81 , and the cassette  83  is thereby mounted onto the body substrate  81  detachably by the connector  811 . The ROM chips carry synthesization component-images, such as background images. 
     To change the synthesization component-images available for imaging, a cassette  83 , having a ROM substrate  85 , and carrying images that are different from that of the cassette currently mounted, is prepared. The cover  82  of the substrate unit  21  is removed to expose the currently mounted cassette  83 , and this currently mounted cassette  83  is removed from the body substrate  81 . Then, the prepared cassette  83  is mounted to the connector  811  and the cover  82  is closed. The ROM chips storing the background images can thus be easily changed by using the cassettes  83 . 
     Further, the number of background images can be increased by increasing the number of ROM chips  84  mounted on the ROM substrate  85 . Thus, the above-described structure enables easily increasing the kinds of background images by simply changing the cassette  83 . 
     According to the third embodiment, ROM chips that store component-images, contained in the easily changeable cassette  83 , are less likely to be subjected to static electricity or other damaging influences as compared with the conventional technology of mounting ROM chips into sockets on a substrate. Thus, background images can be replaced with ease, handling becomes easier, and the maintenance of the device is simplified. 
     EMBODIMENT 4 
     With reference to the block diagram of FIG. 9, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention a substrate unit  21   a  receives the data for the subject image S that is imaged by the CCD camera  12 . A first frame memory circuit  86  is configured to store the subject image S sent from the CCD camera  12 . A synthesization circuit  87  is configured as an image synthesizer for synthesizing the image data from the first memory  86  with image data (i.e., component-image data) sent from a cassette  83 . The background image data is sent from the cassette  83  to the synthesization circuit  87  by an image selector  89  for selecting and transferring one of the background images that are stored in the cassette  83 . A second frame memory circuit  88  is configured for taking in the synthesized image data output from the synthesization circuit  87 , while reducing the size of the synthesized image into one quarter thereof. 
     In operation, the subject image S of a subject (in most cases, a person) is initially imaged by the CCD camera  12 , and is then transferred into the first memory  86 . Then, the subject image is output from the first memory to the synthesization circuit  87 , where it is synthesized with a background image A that is stored in the cassette  83 . The background image A is one of several backgrounds previously selected by the subject, and it is read from the cassette  83  by the image selector  89 . The synthesized image SA, obtained by the synthesization, is stored in a predetermined address in the second memory  88 , with its size reduced to one quarter thereof. 
     Subsequently, the image selector  89  reads out the next selected background image B, and outputs it to the synthesization circuit  87 , where it is synthesized with the subject image S, which is again obtained from the first memory  86 . The resulting synthesized image is sent to the second memory  88 , with its size being reduced, and it is stored therein. Similarly, image S is synthesized with background images C and D, and stored in the second memory, thus forming four synthesized images SA-SD, which are stored in the second memory  88  in a state as shown in FIG.  10 ( a ). The four images, SA-SD in the second memory  88  are then printed out by the video printer  15  so as to obtain a layout as shown in FIG.  10 ( b ). 
     As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the image S of a subject, imaged by the CCD camera  12 , and the plurality of background images A-D, read out from the cassette  83 , are processed by means of the first and second memories  86 ,  88  and the synthesization circuit  87 , whereby a wide variety of synthesized images can be provided. 
     While the fourth embodiment provides for a printed result having a layout of four rows and four columns arranged on a sheet, any numbers of background images and printing sheets may be employed. It is also possible to obtain a printed sheet on which a plurality of synthesized images all have different respective background images. Furthermore, the readout order of the background images A, B, C, and D may be changed. 
     EMBODIMENT 5 
     With reference to FIG. 11, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a substrate unit  21   b  receives the image S, imaged by the CCD camera  12 . The fifth embodiment differs from the substrate unit  21   a  of the fourth embodiment in that an image signal switching circuit  50  is provided at a stage between the synthesization circuit  87  and the video printer  15 . This image signal switching circuit functions as an image converter, converting a data for a synthesized image that is output from the synthesization circuit (which is normally a color image) to monochromatic data by, for example, only outputting brightness signals. Thus, the embodiment is designed to be switched between the color mode and a monochromatic mode. 
     When operating in the monochromatic mode, the synthesized image output from the video printer  15  is monochromatic. However, when designated in the color mode, the synthesized image from the synthesization circuit  87  simply passes through the image signal switching circuit  50  at a following stage to be stored into the second memory  88 . 
     In monochromatic mode, similar to the fourth embodiment, an image S of a subject imaged by the CCD camera  12  is taken into the first memory  86 , and output to the synthesization circuit  87 . Therein, it is synthesized with the background image A which is stored in the cassette  83 . The synthesized image SA is converted from color data to monochromatic data in the image signal switching circuit  50 , and stored in a prescribed address in the second memory  88 , with its size reduced to one fourth thereof. Next, background images B, C, and D, are likewise processed, forming four kinds of monochromatic synthesized images m-SA-m-SD, which are stored in the second memory  88  as shown in FIG.  12 ( a ). 
     Printing is carried out so as to obtain a layout as shown in FIG.  12 ( c ), using the four kinds of monochromatic synthesized images m-SA-m-SD stored in the second memory  88 . In a case where printing out in sepia is preferred, it is accomplished by applying image processing to the synthesized image data in monochromatic mode stored in the second memory  88 . By conducting the above-described processing, it is possible to print out sheets which have layouts in color, monochromatic, and sepia as shown in FIGS.  12 ( b ),  12 ( c ), and  12 ( d ), respectively. 
     As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the image S of a subject, imaged by the CCD camera  12 , and the plurality of background images A-D, read out from the cassette  83 , are processed by means of the first and second memories  86 ,  88  and the synthesization circuit  87 , and simultaneously, the resulting synthesized image is converted into monochromatic data by the image signal switching circuit  50 , whereby a wider variety of synthesized images can be provided. 
     EMBODIMENT 6 
     With reference to FIG. 13, according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, a text display window  3   a  is provided in a lower right corner of the imaging window  3 . Text is displayed in the display window  3   a , but is not displayed on the resulting images when printed. A speaker  22  is configured for outputting voices that not only explain the procedure of the imaging, but also guide the subject with regard to the timing of the imaging in synchronization with text in the text display window. 
     While it is known to select a background image or conduct an imaging starting procedure while guided by a voice, the known procedure has a shutter that operates after a predetermined time, or requires an operation such as pushing a button on an operation panel for imaging. Thus, a user&#39;s eyes may be averted from the screen or the user may move, causing a blur. In the sixth embodiment, after pushing an imaging-start button (not shown) as an instruction means provided on the operation panel  2 , the timing of the imaging is guided by text and voice while the preparation for imaging is completed, and subsequently, a countdown for the imaging is conducted by text and voice. 
     As described above for the sixth embodiment, even after it is set to the imaging mode, guidance is provided in the text display window  3   a  and by the speaker  22 , and subjects can keep their eyes on the imaging window  3 , and thus imaging can occur under conditions similar to those found when working with a cameraman. Blurred images are less likely to occur, and a synthesized image of a desired composition can be obtained with ease. 
     While in the above-described embodiments, background images are used as component-images, foreground images or frame images may likewise be used as component-images within the scope of the invention. 
     Thus, a preferred imaging device, according to the present invention, comprises a housing containing an imaging means, a frame whose end portions are rotatably attached to an upper end of a front face of the housing, a hood disposed at above the frame with connected to the frame, a compressive/extendable support means having one end fixed to the hood and the other end attached to the top of the housing for supporting the frame and the hood so that they are approximately parallel with each other. Since most of the stress applied to the frame serves as a force for extending a support means attached to the hood upwardly, the stress applied to the housing is relaxed by the extension of the support means and not directly applied to the housing, whereby the housing is not likely to be pulled over. This results in improved stability over the prior art. 
     Further, the preferred imaging device is provided with an illuminating means for radiating light from at least one of the side portions and the upper portion of the housing, and is configured such that the light impinges on the inside of the hood to reflect and illuminate the person positioned below, while external light from above the housing is excluded, improving the illumination. 
     The imaging device, provided with a hood, includes a spring member used as the support means, whereby the device can be manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, the imaging device includes an image synthesizing device which comprises an imaging means for imaging a subject, a connecting means for detachably connecting an external storage unit storing data for a multitude of different component-images, a supplying means for supplying to the image synthesizing means the different component-images stored in the external storage unit, and the image synthesizing means for synthesizing the subject image data imaged by the imaging means with the component-image data supplied through the supplying means, whereby component-images, such as background images, can be replaced with ease and the imaging device&#39;s maintenance can be simplified. 
     Furthermore, the image synthesizing means comprises a first memory for storing the subject image data, an image selecting means for successively selecting a plurality of component-image data from the data stored in the external storage unit, an image synthesizer for synthesizing the image data of the subject from the first memory with the component-image data selected by the image selecting means, to successively output synthesized image data, and a second memory for storing synthesized image data each for respective component-image, whereby a wide variety of synthesized images can be provided. The imaging device may include an image data converting means for converting a color synthesized image output from the image synthesizer to monochromatic, whereby a wider variety of synthesized images can be provided. 
     Additionally, the image synthesizing device may include an instruction means through which a user gives an instruction to start imaging, and then a text display means communicates shutter timing in response to an operation by the instruction means, and a voice guiding means outputs a voice in synchronization with the text displayed by the text display means, allowing imaging to be carried out without blurring.