Abstract:
The present invention teaches a computerized automatic morphing photography booth for generating a synthesized composite or altered image from two or more initial images and a method therefor. The initial images to be converted may be real-time images taken on sight and/or stored images previously programmed into the memory of the computer. The computer maps out the essential characteristics of each image and converts the two images into the composite image by blending, merging and/or superimposing some or all of the characteristics mapped out for each initial image. The invention further teaches stationary or moving cameras which are capable of centering the composite in a picture frame.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/704,902 filed Aug. 30, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,995. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to automatic morphing photograph booths, and more particularly, to an automatic photography booth containing a microprocessor and video camera for converting two or more images into one computer generated synthesized composite or altered image. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are presently known in the art coin or bill operated photo finishing booths which have fixed lens cameras therein and which take a series of photographs of an individual sitting in the booth. Such photographs are developed in the machine and then dispensed to the individual. However, the photographic capabilities of presently available machines is of poor quality, the photographs dispensed are exceptionally small and of poor lighting contrast, and the lens is fixed such that the individual cannot adjust the area to be encompassed in the photograph. 
     Automatic coin or bill operated photostudios, also known as “photographic vending machines,” which are actuable by a user for taking self-portraits are well known in the prior art. Generally, these photostudios include a housing that is divided into a studio compartment where the user sits to be photographed and an adjoining apparatus compartment housing a portrait camera and associated film handling and processing equipment. Upon actuating the photostudio, usually by inserting a coin, bill or token into a receiving mechanism or by other means such as actuating an electrical switch, the camera operates to photograph the user sitting in the studio compartment and then the exposed film unit is automatically processed and delivered to the user, via a delivery chute or slot, in a relatively short period of time. 
     Automatic photostudios which utilize self-developing film units typically use film holding cassettes and a cassette changing apparatus for moving such cassettes into and out of operative relation with the camera. Generally, such cassette changing apparatuses include means for holding a supply of film cassettes and transfer means for moving a cassette from the supply means into a camera cassette receiving receptacle, removing the cassette from the receptacle after the film units therein have been expended, and replacing the removed empty cassette with a full cassette. 
     Self-serve photography booths typically have a still or video camera mounted in a booth wall opposite the user&#39;s seat. In some such systems, the wall with the camera mounted therein also has a video monitor for displaying the camera&#39;s image. The user is typically given a certain amount of time to position himself where desired within the camera&#39;s field of view before the image is captured and printed. Often, the user sits on a bench and if he needs to change the position of his image in the camera&#39;s field of view, he must shift his position up or down or side to side on the bench. Some such booths may have an adjustable height seat that gives the user control over the height of his image in the field of view. 
     In one such system, the platform to which the camera is mounted may be tipped on a horizontal axis by use of a motor-driven camera-mount platform to change the vertical field of view of the camera. This system provides adjustment only in the vertical direction; therefore, it does not allow the user to place his image everywhere within the camera&#39;s field of view. Furthermore, the camera movement is accomplished with a motor and pulley arrangement which is relatively expensive, complex and subject to breakdown and maintenance. 
     Moreover, there would of necessity be some time lag between the operator&#39;s use of the motor control button and the movement of the camera. Accordingly, it is relatively difficult and time consuming for the user to place his image where desired. Since these booths typically have a relatively short time, for example ten seconds, for the user to place himself where desired in the camera&#39;s field of view, this motor driven vertical positioning system will not provide the means by which the user can exactly place his image in the camera&#39;s field of view. This is a severe problem in such photography booths in which the user selects a stored image into which his image is placed digitally to provide a fantasized picture of the subject; in such instances, it is imperative that the subject be placed at exactly the right position and at the right angle, with the correct intensity of lighting and shading, to exactly fit in the stored image so that the resulting picture looks as realistic as possible. 
     More modern conventional photography booths include a video-photo installation that produces a photographic montage using a real time image of a subject-user of the installation and a stored image selected by the subject-user. In such photography booths, a sensor registers the position of the subject-user and adjusts that position as needed. A control enables the installation to be controlled by the subject-user in accordance with instructions provided by the installation. The control may be executed by touch screen and communication with the user may be effected by audio/visual units that have multi-lingual capacity. Cosmetic features or messages may also be added to the image. The stored images may be replaced by reloading of a diskette. The advantage of such a system is that it is user-friendly and can superimpose one image on top of another image. 
     However, such a system does not have the ability to blend two images, and more particularly, to blend certain characteristics from one image and certain characteristics from a second image to create a novel composite third image which is a hybrid of the first two images. Furthermore, there is a need for an improved camera operating system such that the subject-user need not concern himself or herself with posing in a certain position. The present invention teaches a system which includes these features as well as other improvements over the prior art. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,195 to Johnston discloses a method and apparatus for generating a composite of an individual face through the evaluation of a series of computer—generated facial composites. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses an apparatus for and method of converting two or more photographic images into a computer generated synthesized composite or altered image. The apparatus is a microprocessor-aided automatic morphing photography booth which recognizes specific points on a face, maps out the face using a system of vectors and polygons, uses this map to generate a three dimensional image of the face, morphs or forms an altered or composite image, records and then prints out the composite or altered image. The booth includes an automatic photography system which contains a microprocessor interconnected to the following elements: 
     (a) a housing comprising an apparatus compartment and an adjoining studio compartment; the studio compartment has at least one opening for providing ingress and egress therein; 
     (b) a video camera mounted within the housing for receiving at least one real-time facial image of at least one subject-user; the camera has circuitry connected to the microprocessor for operating the photographic functions thereof and for receiving the real-time facial image; the microprocessor contains a memory having a plurality of stored images and a software program which recognizes specific points on a face for mapping out the facial image using a system of vectors and polygons and then generates a three dimensional image of the face using the map; 
     (c) means for automatically positioning the facial image of the subject-user inside a lens of said camera; 
     (d) a video display monitor associated with the camera and interconnected to the microprocessor for visually representing the real-time facial image, the stored image and the mapped image; 
     (e) actuating means positioned in the studio compartment for enabling the subject-user to start operation of the booth; and 
     (f) control means positioned in the studio compartment and operably connected to the microprocessor for enabling the subject-user to control operation thereof; the control means is adapted for actuation by the subject-user to select one or more of the stored images for display on the monitor and to effect operation of the camera to focus upon the subject-user to obtain the real-time facial image; the control means is further adapted upon the command of the subject-user to fix the selected real-time image and to effect operation of the microprocessor to produce the mapped image. 
     Preferably, the booth further includes means for instructing and informing the subject-user how to use the controls, means for recording and printing the composite image, a main control board which coordinates the operation of the booth, and a couple of one way mirrors which are positioned to direct the reflection of the images received to and from the camera, monitor and subject-user. 
     The images which are stored preferably include humans, animals, geographical sights and works of art. Thus, two subject-users can see what their future child could look like or what one of them would look like if he or she blended his or her human characteristics with a selected human or animal. Similarly, one could have a picture showing himself or herself standing in the ruins in Rome, Italy or in some other historical sight or replacing the face of the Mona Lisa or some other great work of art. There are a limitless number of combinations from which to choose. 
     Furthermore, the invention advantageously teaches alternative camera systems which minimize and even eliminate the participation of the subject-user in framing the picture. One preferable system incorporates a moving camera responds to an ultra sonic sensor through a series of signals and cables to move to a position which centers the resulting composite in a picture frame. Alternatively, another preferable system employs a stationary camera which views substantially the entire back wall of the booth and which has a software program that centers the resulting composite in a picture frame. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved automatic photography booth that can produce better pictures. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a computer with a photography booth for improving accuracy and efficiency and for offering more options to the subject-user. 
     It is still a further object of this invention to provide a computer with a photography booth having a multiplicity of stored images for mapping out characteristics of each image taken or stored and for blending, merging or superimposing two or more such images into a new mapped composite image. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a camera system which is more efficient and easier to use and repair. 
     It is also another object of this invention to provide a camera system which minimizes or eliminates the need for the subject-user to properly position himself in the photography booth. 
     It is yet still another object of this invention to provide an improved photography booth of moderate size and cost that fits easily in retail locations, attracts customers and viewers and directly contributes to profits. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become evident by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a facial picture with recognition points; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the mapping of the picture of FIG. 1 to generate a three dimensional image; 
     FIG. 3 shows a side view of the automatic photography booth taught by this invention; 
     FIG. 4 shows a front view of the front panel of the booth of FIG. 2, which is the panel facing the subject-user after he or she enters the booth and sits down; 
     FIG. 5 shows a front view of the microprocessor of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 shows a front view of the main personal computer control board of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 7 shows a top view of the control panel means of FIG.  3  and FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 8 shows another side view of the booth of FIG. 3 with portions broken away to illustrate the configuration of the apparatus and studio compartments; 
     FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the camera of FIG. 8; and 
     FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8 utilizing a different camera and cable system. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention discloses an unique automatic photography booth that employs a computerized video camera that can map out key characteristics of real-time and stored images and generate a novel composite or altered image that is a hybrid of the real-time and stored images. This computer generated synthesized composite or altered image may be a blend of two real-time images or a blend of one real-time image and a stored image. The subject-user has many choices in creating a composite or altered image. One can, for example, generate a picture of a future child, male or female, of two users, or a half man—half animal in a jungle scene or the head of a user with the body of a bodybuilder. A microprocessor blends, merges, morphs or superimposes the two images to create the composite or altered image. Advanced embodiments would blend a multiplicity of images. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus of the invention takes a picture of the subject-user. A computer scans the picture and using the contrast between dark and light areas, finds the subject-user&#39;s eyes, nose, mouth and individual features. This facial recognition is critical for creating morphosis. 
     As seen in FIG. 2, the computer maps out the face using a system of vectors and polygons and then uses this map to generate a three dimensional image of the face. Using this new three dimensional image the computer can morph the face, or change its expression, or make it look older or younger. 
     Suitable computer hardware which can be used is available from Panasonic Corporation of Japan as DSP Board No. CV-ME V507. Suitable software available from Kyugo Co. Ltd. of Japan as Foto Morphosis MSDOS EXT 1222.5. 
     FIG. 3 shows a side view of the microprocessor—aided automatic photography booth  10 . The booth  10  includes a housing that is preferably integrally divided into an apparatus compartment  17  and an adjoining studio compartment  18 . The studio compartment has at least one opening through which a subject-user may enter or leave the booth  10 . While human beings are the obvious subject-users, it is contemplated that animals and things may also pose as the subject while a human being located nearby would act as the user who selects the game. 
     If privacy is desired, the opening is preferably covered by an opaque covering such as a moveable curtain  15  attached to a curtain rod  14  or some other like covering such as a door. Advantageously, sitting means, such as a seat  12 , bench or other like piece of furniture is placed toward the front end of the studio compartment  18  for use by the subject-user to sit on during operation of the photographic functions. More advantageously, the seat  12  is in the form of a bench that extends transversely substantially along the entire width of the studio compartment  18 . From the vantage point of the seat  12 , the subject-user will directly face the control means  11 , which is advantageously shaped in the form of a panel. Other preferable components depicted in FIG. 1 include a lighted marquee  16  for illumination of the booth and additional video display monitors  13  which are situated on top of or along the outside of the booth housing and are interconnected to a microprocessor  26  for viewing by nonsubject-users. 
     FIG. 4 depicts a front panel  32  which runs along the interface between the apparatus compartment  17  and the studio compartment  18  of FIG.  3 . The front panel  32  preferably contains a lighting means  20 , most preferably a fluorescent lighting means, for illumination of the interior of the studio compartment  18 . Approximately in the center of the front panel  32 , and approximately at the eye level of the subject-user, is located a viewing screen or window  31  in which the subject-user may follow the progress of the game and in which instructions may be transmitted and received. Advantageously, the viewing screen  31  is surrounded by a multiplicity of lights  21  to further enhance visibility of the screen  31 . Most preferably, a video display monitor  71  is positioned above an one way mirror  72  that reflects the signals and images toward the viewing screen  31  for viewing by the user. The mirror  72  is normally placed at an angle of 45°. FIG. 8 depicts that embodiment. The viewing screen  31  is preferably surrounded and covered by a transparent window. 
     The control means panel  11  of FIG. 3 is shown again in FIG. 4 as being located directly beneath the viewing screen  31 , which facilitates easy access for the subject-user. Beneath the control means panel  11  are a computer/microprocessor  26 , preferably, a main PC control board  25  which is interconnected to the microprocessor  26  for coordinating control of the operation of the booth  10  and means  22  for recording and printing the captured images. The front panel  32  further includes actuating means, preferably, in the form of an opening, slot or pad, which allow a subject-user to start operation of the booth  10 . Most preferably, the actuating means would include a coin and token meter slot  23 , a bill acceptor  30  and a keypad or a magnetic stripe decoder  33  for entering an alpha-numeric access code that will automatically debit the account in consideration. Other forms which are acceptable include buttons, switches and the like. 
     A general power switch  29  is also located on the front panel  32 . Another power switch may be placed elsewhere inside of the booth  10 . The front panel  32  may include various other keys and switches such as a service meter  24 , a service switch  28  and a self-test switch  27 . Finally, a covering or door is generally provided to cover the microprocessor  26 , the main PC control board  25 , the recording and printing means  22  and the various switches  24 ,  27 ,  28  and  29  to prevent unauthorized access. 
     FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the microprocessor  26  of FIG.  3 . Included on the panel of the microprocessor  26  are a power switch  46  for starting and shutting off the microprocessor  26 , a reset switch  45  which provides a soft reboot of the underlying software programs, a volume knob or switch  44 , a keyboard connector  43 , floppy disk drives  42 , a power source lamp  41  which signals when the power is on and a drive access lamp  40  which signals when the disk drive is being accessed. Other outlets, connectors, readouts, monitors, and the like  47 ,  48  and  49  may be added to the microprocessor  26  as needed. 
     The main PC control board  25  of FIG. 3 is shown in an exploded form in FIG.  6 . Located on the PC board  25  are a left side volume control knob  51 , a right side volume control knob  52 , a first camera adjustment switch  53 , a voltage adjustment switch  54 , a vibration adjustment switch  55 , a second camera adjustment switch  56 , a first camera height test switch  57 , a second camera height test switch  58 , a camera return switch  59  and a series of connector slots  60  such as a 8-pin connector. 
     FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the control means panel  11  of FIG.  3  and FIG.  4 . The panel  11  is located in the studio compartment  18  and is operably connected to the microprocessor  26  so that the subject-user may control operation of the booth  10 . Preferably, the panel  11  consists of at least three button switches—one button  65  labelled “START” for beginning play of a game or an operation of a particular type, a second button  66  labelled “SELECT” for highlighting on the viewing screen  31  an icon of the game the subject-user chooses to play, and a third button  67  labelled “OK” for verifying and finalizing the choice of the subject-user and automatically prompting the next menu of instructions or commands on the viewing screen  31 . The subject-user continues to “SELECT” and “OK” his commands as the microprocessor  26  leads him or her through the game. 
     FIG. 8 shows a cut-out side view of the entire booth  10 . The studio compartment  18  is to the right and contains the seat  12 , the control means panel  11 , the viewing screen  31  and an ultrasonic sensor  70 . The sensor  70  senses and transmits the location of the subject-user to the microprocessor  26 , which initiates automatic adjustment of the position of a moving camera  76  so as to obtain a correct sight of the subject-user. This automatic positioning means enables the resulting composite image to be centered in a picture frame. 
     The bottom half of the apparatus compartment  17 , which sits to the left, contains the recording and printing means  22 , the main PC control board  25  and the microprocessor  26 . The top half of the apparatus compartment  17  contains the moving camera  76  and a video display monitor  71  which is associated with the camera  76  and interconnected to the microprocessor  26  for visual representation of all instructions, commands and images and for directing the alignment of the camera  76  in relation to the subject-user. The camera  76  is preferably held in a camera holder  84  which is movably connected to the booth  10  via a support column or rod  85 . The camera  76  is preferably a video camera and generally includes a camera housing, multiple frame photographic film, auto-focus lens means  79 , auto-exposure shutter means, auto-film wind means and circuitry means for operating the camera  76 . Most preferably, the camera  76  includes an electronic eye (not shown) which can measure the distance between the eyes of the subject-user. 
     Further included in the apparatus compartment  17  is an one way mirror  72 , which is preferably located substantially along the entire length of the diagonal running from the top left to the bottom right of the top half of the apparatus compartment  17 . Advantageously, the video monitor  71  is situated at the top of the booth facing down toward the ground so that the signals transmitted by the monitor  71  fall upon the one way mirror  72  at approximately a 45° angle and transmit through to the viewing screen  31  at an optimum angle of 90°. 
     Also included in the apparatus compartment  17  is another, much smaller mirror  77  which is preferably fixedly attached to the camera  76  so as to direct the signals received from the subject-user into the lens  79  of the camera  76 . Preferably, the camera  76  is facing directly upwards towards the video monitor  71  and the small mirror  77  is positioned at approximately a 45° angle to the line of the camera  76 . The camera  76  and small mirror  77  are so oriented for reflecting the user&#39;s image down into the camera lens  79 . Since the camera  76  is positioned behind the large one way mirror  72 , the camera  76  can see the user, but the user cannot see the camera  76 . 
     A preferred camera adjusting means would include the ultrasonic sensor  70  in the studio compartment  18 , and in the apparatus compartment  17 , a robot arm  75 , an actuator board  74 , a step motor  73  and a series of cables  78   a, b, c, d, e, f  and  g  for connecting all of the apparatus parts together. Following FIG. 8 in a counter-clockwise direction starting from the top right, one sees: the cable  78   a  from the ultrasonic sensor  70  to the actuator board  74 ; the cable  78   b  from the video monitor  71  to the main PC control board  25 ; the cable  78   c  from the camera  76  to the main board  25 ; the cable  78   d  from the actuator board  74  to the step motor  73 ; the cable  78   e  from the main board  25  to the microprocessor  26 ; the cable  78   f  from the microprocessor  26  to the recorder and printer means  22 ; and the cable  78   g  from the actuator board  74  to the main board  25 . 
     When the subject-user enters the booth  10  and sits on the seat  12 , it automatically activates the camera adjusting means to obtain a correct sight of the user. The sensor  70 , located directly above the seat  12 , gauges the location of the user&#39;s head and sends a signal to the actuator board  74 . The actuator board  74 , which is interconnected to the microprocessor  26 , then activates a camera pivoting means located on the camera  76  or camera housing which uses an eye reference until the correct sight of the user is obtained. Preferably, the pivoting means consist of the step motor  73  and the robot arm  75 . The robot arm  75  and camera  76  are positioned behind the large one way mirror  72 . The actuator board  74  sends a signal to the step motor  73  which activates the robot arm  75 . The robot arm  75  then moves the camera  76  to the proper height for taking the user&#39;s picture. 
     The camera adjusting means preferably includes a camera mounting and means for pivoting the camera  76  on a vertical axis to provide a horizontal field of view adjustment. More preferably, the pivoting means is also operable on a horizontal axis to provide a vertical field of view adjustment. Advantageously, the camera mounting provides translational camera movement. More advantageously, the camera adjusting means includes a steering mechanism that provides translational and rotational camera movement. The combination of the sensor  70 , moving camera  76  and cables and parts as described above minimizes the need of the subject-user to properly sit in a certain zone and accounts for all different sized users. Once a user sits on the seat  12 , the system will automatically center the picture. 
     FIG. 9 shows a side view of the camera  76  and the small mirror  77  fixedly attached to the camera  76  at an angle of approximately 45°. Situated on the camera are a series of button switches and/or knobs for adjusting the lightness/darkness  80 , the color tint  81 , the small mirror  77 , the autofocus lens  83   a , the zoom telescope lens  83   b , the zoom wide angle lens  83   c , and the camera program control  83   d . A video printer is the preferable choice for the recording and printing means  22 . The video printer  22  should have a paper tray, paper and a film cartridge, all concealed behind a compartment door. 
     FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which a stationary camera  96 , rather than the moving camera  76 , is employed. The stationary camera  96  is equipped with a wide-angled lens  99  mounted thereon which can view substantially the entire width which forms a back wall  101  of the studio compartment  18  and which utilizes a software program to center the composite image in a picture frame. The seat  12  is preferably located toward the front end of and parallel to the back wall  101  of the studio compartment  18 . As with the moving camera  76 , the stationary camera  96  utilizes the smaller one way mirror  77  to direct the signals received from the subject-user into the lens  99  of the stationary camera  96 . The stationary camera  96  is also similarly positioned behind the larger one way mirror  72  running diagonally in the top half of the apparatus compartment  17 . The stationary camera  96  is held in the camera holder  84  which is fixedly attached to the support column or rod  85  situated in the booth  10 . Finally, the stationary camera  96  is connected to the main board through use of the cable  78   c.    
     The automatic positioning means operates as follows. A second software program is kept in the memory of the microprocessor  26 . The back wall  101  of the studio compartment  18  is colored, preferably, in blue or green. When a subject-user enters the booth  10  and initiates the stationary camera  96  system, a picture is taken and the second software program detects where the colored back wall  101  is missing due to the presence of the subject-user. It then subtracts out all of the color emitting from the back wall  101  and determines the exact position of the subject-user. Then, it centers the resulting composite image in a picture frame. Thus, this system eliminates the need of the subject-user to properly sit in a certain zone as well as accounting for all sizes of users. In fact, the user can sit or stand almost anywhere along the back wall  101  and the resulting picture will be centered. 
     Preferably, the second software program uses a substantially symmetrical geometric figure such as a polygon as shown in FIG. 2 to assist it in determining the positioning of the subject-user. Advantageously, a three to eight sided figure is used such as an octagon, septagon, hexagon, pentagon, square or triangle. Most preferably, the hexagon is used. Different sizes are advantageously used to accommodate smaller and larger sized subject-users. 
     The stationary camera and software system views substantially the entire back wall  101  bit by bit, subtracting out the color until a body and a head of the subject-user is outlined. Once the head is outlined in an image, the tip of the hexagon is moved over to touch the tip of the image outline. Then, the hexagon is moved inside of the image until the top point of the hexagon superimposes the top point of the image. Thereafter, the portion beneath the hexagon is subtracted out. The resulting composite image is accurately centered each time in a picture frame. The distance between the top of the composite head and the top of the picture frame is the same for each subject-user no matter where the subject-user sits or stands along the back wall  101  or what option is selected. 
     Most advantageously, the stationary camera  96  takes the picture to form a picture frame for the composite image and transmits this information to the second software program in the microprocessor  26  where the picture is fine-tuned. As seen in FIG. 1, the software program comprises a multiplicity of different points, preferably at least forty-nine (49) different points to reduce the face of the subject-user, which aids in fine-tuning and accurately determining his or her features. First, the software program scans from the top of the picture frame down until it hits the head of the subject-user. Then, it scans from the top of the head until it finds the eyes of the subject-user and centers the eyes inside the picture frame. This insures that every composite image can be properly centered inside the picture frame giving the results consistency and reproducability. Once the eyes are found, the rest of the features of the subject-user are easier to locate, which entails less scanning and makes the entire process more accurate, faster and cheaper. Last, the software program centers the subject-user in the picture frame based on the prior centering of the eyes. 
     This new stationary camera  96  and software system feature eliminates many problems associated with the moving camera  76  and other prior art devices. There is no need for the subject-user to move and sit in the proper spot. There is no adjustable height seat. The stationary camera  96  can accommodate any sized subject-user so long as he or she can fit inside of the studio compartment  18  and in front of part of the back wall  101 . Furthermore, the computer can more quickly and accurately center and focus the subject-user in a picture frame than could previous prior art systems. Moreover, there are less moving parts with which to deal and this results in ease of use, less cost, less repairs and less down time. The moving camera  76  required the sensor  70 , the actuator board  74 , the robot arm  75 , the step motor  73  and all of the cables  78   a ,  78   d  and  78   g  connecting those parts. In addition, the sensor  70  is a delicate instrument which is expensive, is not always accurate, sometimes does not work and is prone to be faulty or broken. The stationary camera  96  eliminates these problems and provides a faster, cheaper and simpler and more encompassing system which is also more reliable and accurate than previous moving camera  76  systems. 
     Looking at the microprocessor  26 , it can be seen from the drawings that it is interconnected to all of the elements of the booth including the circuitry means of the camera  76  or  96 . Thus, the microprocessor  26  controls and operates all of the photographic functions and receives in its memory a real-time image of each subject-user. The memory of the microprocessor  26  also contains a plurality of stored images and at least one software program for converting at least two of the images into a computer synthesized composite or altered image. 
     Advantageously, the stored images held in the memory of the microprocessor  26  consist of geographical sights, animals, humans and works of art. The software program consists of at least three different subprograms. The first subprogram includes means for converting at least two of the real-time images into the composite or altered image. The second subprogram includes means for converting at least one of the real-time images and at least one of the geographical sight images into the composite or altered image. And, the third subprogram includes means for converting at least one of the real-time images and at least one of the animal images, human images or works of art images into the composite or altered image. The microprocessor  26  alters the images so that the composite images of the first and third subprograms consist of a blend of some of the characteristics of each parent image and the composite image of the second subprogram consists of an incorporation of all of the characteristics of each parent image. The composite or altered image may be created from almost a limitless list of humans, animals, sights and things. 
     Now that all of the essential elements of the present invention have been identified, it can be appreciated how the system works. The booth  10  is turned on by a vendor. The subject-user enters the booth  10  and sits on the seat  12 . The user is now facing the viewing screen  31  and control panel  11 . When the machine is started, it automatically enters a DEMO Mode which runs a continuous brief demonstration of the various games or operations offered by the booth  10 . Thus, the user has a chance to learn what the apparatus is capable of doing before selecting a particular game or operation. The demonstrations will alternate with a message to the user to insert money in order to begin play. 
     When the subject-user inserts the money, the “START” button  65  begins to flash. The user presses the “START” button  65  and a Main Menu will appear on the screen. Throughout the entire process, the apparatus gives both audio and visual instructions. All interactions with the microprocessor  26  takes place through the process of making selections from on screen menus. The user chooses the images to be captured on the microprocessor  26  and selects the proper buttons to record and print the computerized altered composite image. 
     There are three available modes in the preferred embodiment. First, there is “The Gene Machine” mode. This mode blends the user&#39;s face with the face of a partner or a video model stored image to create the face of a child. This mode allows a couple to look into the future and see how their child might look like or allows a single-user to choose a mate from a series of stored images and see what such a child would look like. 
     Second, there is the “Travel Fantasy” mode. This mode incorporates the user&#39;s picture into a picture of a famous background. There are a multiplicity of countries to choose from and a multiplicity of backgrounds for each country. 
     Third, there is the “Foto Morphosis” mode. This mode blends the user&#39;s face with an animal or a famous work of art. There are a multiplicity of different categories of animals and a multiplicity of pictures in each category. There are also a multiplicity of different art works to choose from. 
     Although the microprocessor  26  can successfully recognize most user&#39;s facial structures, there is a small percentage of people that it cannot recognize. Therefore, as a safety precaution, if the microprocessor fails to recognize a user three times in a row, the machine will advantageously automatically default to the Travel Fantasy mode. 
     The present invention also teaches a method for generating a computerized altered composite image using a booth as described above. The method steps of capturing the images when playing “The Gene Machine” mode are shown in the following flow chart: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 The Gene Machine Flow Chart 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 (1a, b) 
                 The Gene Machine 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Single Option 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (2) 
               
               
                   
                 Couple Option 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Male 
                 Male 
                 Male 
                 Male 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Model 
                 Model 
                 Model 
                 Model 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 (3) 
               
               
                 Female 
                 Female 
                 Female 
                 Female 
               
               
                 Model 
                 Model 
                 Model 
                 Model 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Boy 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 (4a) 
               
               
                   
                 Girl 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Caucasian 
                 Caucasian 
                 Caucasian 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Blond Hair 
                 Brown Hair 
                 Black Hair 
                 (4b) 
               
               
                   
                 African 
                 Hispanic 
                 Asian 
               
               
                   
                 American 
               
               
                   
                 (5) 
                 Take Picture 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Single 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Couple 
                 (6) 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Take Second 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Picture 
                 (7) 
               
               
                   
                 (8) 
                 Printout 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 (1a) pressing the “SELECT” button switch 66 until an icon for the “The Gene Machine” is illuminated;  
               
               
                   
                 (1b) pressing the “OK” button switch 67 to finalize the choice of step (1a);  
               
               
                   
                 (2) choosing a single option or a couple option;  
               
               
                   
                 (3) selecting the stored image from a plurality of human images if the single option in step (2) is chosen;  
               
               
                   
                 (4a, b) choosing desired attributes for the composite image;  
               
               
                   
                 (5) the camera automatically adjusting to the proper height and taking the subject-user&#39;s picture;  
               
               
                   
                 (6) a second subject-user replacing the first subject-user inside of the studio compartment if the couple option is chosen;  
               
               
                   
                 (7) the camera automatically adjusting to the proper height and taking the second subject-user&#39;s picture; and  
               
               
                   
                 (8) recording and printing out the resulting computer synthesized composite or altered image.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The desired attributes to be selected in step (4) preferably include gender, age, hair, eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, lips, ears, cheeks, neck, chin, color and ethnicity. 
     The method steps of capturing the images when playing the “Travel Fantasy” mode are shown in the following flow chart: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Travel Fantasy Flow Chart 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 (1a, b) 
                 Travel Fantasy 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Prehistoric 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 USA 
                 England 
                   
               
               
                   
                 (2) 
                 France 
                 Italy 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Spain 
                 Africa 
               
               
                   
                   
                 China 
                 Japan 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 (3) 
                 Take Picture 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 (4) 
                 Location 
                 Location 
                 Location 
                 Location 
               
               
                   
                 (5) 
                 Printout 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (1a) pressing the “SELECT” button switch 66 until an icon for “Travel Fantasy” is illuminated;  
               
               
                 (1b) pressing the “OK” button switch 67 to finalize the choice of step (1a);  
               
               
                 (2) selecting the stored image from a plurality of geographical sights;  
               
               
                 (3) the camera automatically adjusting to the proper height and taking the subject-user&#39;s picture;  
               
               
                 (4) selecting a background from the geographical sights; and  
               
               
                 (5) recording and printing out the resulting computer synthesized composite or altered image.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Finally, the method steps of capturing the images when playing the “Foto Morphosis” mode are shown in the following flow chart: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Foto Morphosis Flow Chart 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 (1a, b) 
                 Foto Morphosis 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Animals 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (2) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Art Works 
               
               
                 Dogs 
               
               
                 Cats 
                 (3)   
                 Mona Lisa 
                 Scream 
                 King Tut 
                 $20 Bill 
               
               
                   
                   (4) 
               
               
                 Birds 
                   
                 Pharaoh 
                 Lincoln 
                 Dharma 
                 Buddha 
               
               
                 Primates 
               
               
                 Amphibians 
               
               
                 Animal 
                 Animal 
                 Animal 
                 Animal 
                 (5) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Take Picture 
                   
                 (6) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Printout 
                   
                 (7) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (1a) pressing the “SELECT” button switch 66 until an icon for “FOTO MORPHOSIS” is illuminated;  
               
               
                 (1b) pressing the “OK” button switch 67 to finalize the choice of step (1a);  
               
               
                 (2-5) selecting the stored image from a plurality of animals and works of art;  
               
               
                 (6) the camera automatically adjusting to the proper height and taking the subject-user&#39;s picture; and  
               
               
                 (7) recording and printing out the resulting computer synthesized composite or altered image.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     It can therefore be seen that the invention embodies a method of automatically taking, processing and delivering a morphed or altered image to a subject-user in response to the user actuating controls in a photobooth where the user poses. The method includes electronically forming in response to a signal activated by the user a first electronically facial imaging information representative of the user posed in the booth. The first electronically imaging information is then further processed by forming a second electronic image which maps out the facial image by using a system of vectors and polygons. 
     A three dimensional image is generated of the face using the map. The three dimensional image is then electronically morphed or altered to produce a composite image. The composite image is then printed out by a conventional printer. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the broad principles of the invention. For example, in the photography field, this invention can be used as a game or as an informational tool for social or legal matters, legal enforcement or insurance purposes, scientific investigations and the like. Hence, it is intended that the preferred embodiments and all of such variations and modifications be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined by the following claims.