JP2003274132A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor which processes images by an easy operation. <P>SOLUTION: An image processor 10 processes a plurality of images and is provided with a template acquisition part 108 for acquiring template information representating the template divided into a plurality of areas including a plurality of shapes, a selection part 110 for selecting one area included in the template, an image deforming part 112 for deforming at least one of a plurality of images into the shape of one area selected by the selection part 110, and a display part 116 for displaying the image deformed in the image deforming part 112. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing device. In particular, the present invention relates to an image processing device that processes a plurality of images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the widespread use of digital cameras and household printers, techniques for handling image data have been remarkably developed. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-298
No. 607 discloses an image synthesizing method in which images are superimposed on the center of the display screen and fitted into a template.

[0003]

However, in the image processing technology that has been conventionally developed, it is difficult for the user to operate, so that the processing desired by the user cannot be performed in some cases.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus which can solve the above problems.
This object is achieved by a combination of features described in independent claims of the invention. The dependent claims define further advantageous specific examples of the present invention.

[0005]

That is, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for processing a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images are divided into a plurality of regions including a plurality of shapes. A template acquisition unit that acquires template information indicating the template, a selection unit that selects one region included in the template, and a shape of the one region selected by the selection unit, and at least one image of the plurality of images The image transformation unit that transforms the image, and the display unit that displays the image transformed by the image transformation unit.

Among the images transformed by the image transforming unit, an input unit for receiving image information indicating an image to be fitted into one area selected by the selecting unit, and an image specified by the image information received by the input unit, The selection unit may further include a fitting unit that fits into the one area selected, and the display unit may display the template into which the image fitting unit has fitted the image.

The image modification unit further includes a thumbnail image acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of images, and the image modification unit modifies at least one thumbnail image of the plurality of thumbnail images acquired by the thumbnail image acquisition unit. Then, the image fitting unit fits the thumbnail image in one area, the display unit displays the template in which the image fitting unit fits the thumbnail image, and replaces the thumbnail image fitted in the template displayed by the display unit with the image. The replacement unit and the printing unit that prints the template in which the thumbnail image is replaced by the image by the replacement unit may be further provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for processing a plurality of images, wherein template information indicating a template obtained by dividing a plurality of images into a plurality of regions including a plurality of shapes is obtained. Then, one region included in the template is selected, at least one of the plurality of images is transformed into the shape of the selected one region, and the transformed image is displayed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program for processing a plurality of images, the template information indicating a template obtained by dividing the plurality of images into a plurality of regions including a plurality of shapes. A template acquisition function to acquire, a selection function to select one area included in the template, an image transformation function to transform at least one image of a plurality of images into the shape of the selected one area, and a transformation function. A computer to realize a display function for displaying an image. Note that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be the invention.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and the features described in the embodiments Not all combinations are essential to the solution of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement of the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment. Image processing device 10
Fits a plurality of images into a template divided into a plurality of regions including a plurality of shapes. The image processing device 10
An image number acquisition unit 100, an image acquisition unit 102, a template creation unit 104, a thumbnail image acquisition unit 106,
A template acquisition unit 108, a selection unit 110, an image transformation unit 112, a fitting unit 114, a display unit 116,
Printing unit 118, input unit 120, and replacement unit 122
And an image storage unit 130.

The image storage section 130 stores images. The image acquisition unit 102 reads an image from the image storage unit 130, and acquires the image number acquisition unit 100 and the thumbnail image acquisition unit 10.
Send to 6. The image number acquisition unit 100 determines the number of images of the images received from the image acquisition unit 102, and sends the determined number of images to the template creation unit 104. The template creation unit 104 creates a template having the same number of regions as the number of images received from the image number acquisition unit 100. Here, the template creation unit 104 creates a template having a plurality of regions having different shapes. Also, the template creation unit 10
4 creates a different template each time using, for example, a random number. Next, the template creation unit 104 sends template information indicating the created template to the template acquisition unit 108. The template acquisition unit 108 sends the received template information to the display unit 116. Further, the template acquisition unit 108 sends the template information received from the template creation unit 104 to the selection unit 110 and the fitting unit 114.

The thumbnail image acquisition unit 106 creates a thumbnail image of the image received from the image acquisition unit 102 and sends the created thumbnail image to the image transformation unit 112 and the display unit 116.

The display unit 116 includes a thumbnail image acquisition unit 1
The thumbnail image received from 06 and the template indicated by the template information received from the template acquisition unit 108 are displayed.

Next, the input unit 120 receives from the user the region information indicating the shape of one region among the plurality of regions included in the template displayed by the display unit 116. Next, the input unit 120 sends the received area information to the selection unit 110. The selection unit 110 sends the received area information to the fitting unit 114 and the image transformation unit 112.

The image transformation unit 112 selects the thumbnail image received from the thumbnail image acquisition unit 106 from the selection unit 11
0 is transformed into the shape of one area specified by the area information received, and the deformed modified thumbnail image is displayed on the display unit 1.
Send to 16. The display unit 116 displays the modified thumbnail image received from the image modification unit 112.

Next, the input unit 120 receives, from the user, modified thumbnail image information indicating one modified thumbnail image among the modified thumbnail images displayed by the display unit 116. The input unit 120 sends the accepted modified thumbnail image information to the fitting unit 114. The fitting unit 114, in the template received from the template acquisition unit 108, in one area specified by the area information received from the selection unit 110, the modified thumbnail image specified by the modified thumbnail image information received from the input unit 120. Inset. The fitting unit 114 sends the fitting template in which the modified thumbnail image is fitted to the display unit 116. The display unit 116 displays the fitting template.

The embedding unit 114 sends the embedding template to the replacing unit 122. Replacement unit 122
When receiving the inset template, the image storage unit 1
The image is read from 30. The replacement unit 122 replaces the modified thumbnail image fitted in the fitting template with
The image is replaced with the image read from the image storage unit 130. Specifically, the replacement unit 122 transforms the image read from the image storage unit 130 into the same shape as the transformed thumbnail image, and fits it into the template to create a printing template. The replacement unit 122 sends the created printing template to the printing unit 118. The printing unit 118 prints the received printing template.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus 10. First, the image acquisition unit 102 reads an image from the image storage unit 130 (S100). Here, the image acquisition unit 102 may read the input image.

Next, the image number acquiring unit 100 is connected to the image acquiring unit 1.
The number of images read by 02 is acquired (S10).
2). Next, the template creation unit 104 uses the image acquisition unit 1
A template having the same number of areas as the number of images acquired by 02 is created (S104). Here, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a storage unit that stores the template, and the template creation unit 104 may read the template corresponding to the number of images from the storage unit.

Next, the thumbnail image acquisition unit 106 creates a thumbnail image of the image read by the image acquisition unit 102 from the image storage unit 130 (S106). Here, the thumbnail image acquisition unit 106 thins out the images to create thumbnail images. The image storage unit 130 may store the thumbnail image in association with the image, and the thumbnail image acquisition unit 106 may extract the thumbnail image corresponding to the image from the image storage unit 130.

Next, the display unit 116 displays the thumbnail image created by the thumbnail image acquisition unit 106 and the template created by the template creation unit 104 (S10).
8). Next, the input unit 120 receives, from the user, area information indicating the shape of one of the plurality of areas included in the template displayed by the display unit 116. Next, the selection unit 110 selects the received area information as the area in which the thumbnail image should be fitted (S110). Next, the image transformation unit 112 transforms the thumbnail image created by the thumbnail image acquisition unit 106 into the shape of the region selected by the selection unit 110. The display unit 116 displays the transformed thumbnail image transformed by the image transforming unit 112 (S111).

Next, the input unit 120 receives, from the user, modified thumbnail image information indicating one modified thumbnail image among the modified thumbnail images displayed by the display unit 116. Next, the fitting unit 114 fits the modified thumbnail image specified by the modified thumbnail image information received by the input unit 120 into the one area selected by the selection unit 110 in the template. Next, the display unit 116 displays the template in which the modified thumbnail image is embedded (S1).
12).

The image processing apparatus 10 repeats the operations from S110 to S112 until it determines that the modified thumbnail images are fitted in all the areas of the template (S114).

When the image processing apparatus 10 determines that the deformed thumbnail images are fitted in all the areas of the template, the display unit 116 displays the fitted template in which the deformed thumbnail images are fitted (S11).
6).

Next, the replacing section 122 extracts an image corresponding to the thumbnail image fitted in the fitting template from the image storing section 130. Next, the replacement unit 122
Replaces the modified thumbnail image fitted in the fitting template with the image read from the image storage unit 130 (S118).

Next, the printing unit 118 prints the fitting template in which the replacing unit 122 replaces the modified thumbnail image with the image read from the image storing unit 130 (S120).

In this way, the image processing apparatus 10 creates a fitting template using the thumbnail image, and after the fitting template is completed, replaces the thumbnail image with the image which is the original image of the thumbnail image and prints it. In this way, the image processing apparatus 10 performs the image processing using the thumbnail image having a smaller data amount than the image, and replaces it with the image having a larger data amount at the printing stage.
The operating capacity of can be made smaller than that when performing image processing using the image itself.

FIG. 3 shows the display unit 1 in S108 of FIG.
16 shows an example of a display screen displayed by 16. Display screen 20
Is a plurality of thumbnail images 202 and template 20
0 and an input field 204. Template 2
00 has the same number of regions as the number of images of the thumbnail image 202 displayed here. Template 200
Has a plurality of regions having shapes different from each other. Here, the image processing apparatus 10 may change the shape of the region by operating the cursor of the user.

The input field 204 includes a brightness setting button 210, a size setting button 212, a density setting button 214, a decision button 206, and a print button 20.
8 and. The brightness setting button 210 receives a brightness setting input of the thumbnail image 202. The size setting button 212 receives a setting input of the image size of the thumbnail image 202. The density setting button 214 receives a setting input of the color density of the thumbnail image 202.

Thus, the user can adjust the brightness, size, and density of the image with a simple operation. The image processing apparatus 10 can also display a template having the number of regions corresponding to the number of images.

FIG. 4 shows the display unit 1 in S111 of FIG.
16 shows an example of a display screen displayed by 16. Input section 120
However, when the area information indicating the one area 220 of the template 200 is received from the user, the image transformation unit 112 causes all the thumbnail images 2 displayed on the display screen 20 to be displayed.
The shape of 02 is transformed into the shape of one region 220.

The user can view the transformed thumbnail image 20.
2 can be browsed and the thumbnail image 202 to be fitted in the one area 220 can be selected. Therefore, the user can select the thumbnail image 20 suitable for the shape of the one area 220.
2 can be selected from all the thumbnail images 202.

The function of the input field 204 is almost the same as the function of the input field 204 in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the display unit 1 in S112 of FIG.
16 shows an example of a display screen displayed by 16. Input section 120
However, when the modified thumbnail image information indicating the one thumbnail image 202 modified into the shape of the one area 220 is received from the user, the fitting unit 114 fits the modified thumbnail image into the one area 220. When the user clicks the OK button 206 here, the thumbnail image 202 corresponding to the modified thumbnail image information input by the user is displayed.
Is deleted from the display screen. The image processing apparatus 10 repeats this operation to fit the modified thumbnail image in all the regions of the template 200.

The function of the input field 204 is almost the same as the function of the input field 204 in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the display unit 1 in S116 of FIG.
16 shows an example of a display screen displayed by 16. As shown in the display screen 20, the image processing apparatus 10 can display a plurality of images in combination with the template 200. Here, when the user clicks the print button 208,
The printing unit 118 prints the template 200. The function of the input field 204 is almost the same as the function of the input field 204 in FIG.

As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 creates a template and fits the image in the created template, so that the user can create a desired fitting template by a simple operation.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 10. The image processing apparatus 10 is C
It includes a PU 700, a ROM 702, a RAM 704, a communication interface 706, a database interface 708, a hard disk drive 710, a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 712, a floppy disk 714, a display section 116, and a printing section 118. . The CPU 700 includes a ROM 702 and a RAM 7
It operates based on the program stored in 04. The communication interface 706 communicates with the authentication device 30, the purchaser terminal 40, and the payment terminal 50 via the network 10. A hard disk drive 710, which is an example of a storage device, stores setting information and a program for operating the CPU 700. The communication interface 706
May communicate with the authentication device 30 via a leased line. The hard disk drive 710 has various databases 72.
By connecting to 0 and transmitting or receiving data, data is written, read, and contents are updated.

The floppy disk drive 712 reads data or programs from the floppy disk 714 and provides them to the CPU 700. The CD-ROM drive 716 reads data or programs from the CD-ROM 718 and provides them to the CPU 700. The communication interface 706 connects to the network 10 to send and receive data. The display unit 116 displays, for example, the display screens shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6. Printing unit 118
Prints a template, for example. The image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has a display unit 116 and a printing unit 118.
However, instead of this, the external display unit 116 and the printing unit 118 may be connected to transmit data.

The software executed by the CPU 700 is
It is stored in a recording medium such as the floppy disk 714 or the CD-ROM 718 and provided to the user. The software stored in the recording medium may be compressed or uncompressed. The software is installed in the hard disk drive 710 from the recording medium, and the RAM 704
Read out and executed by the CPU 700.

The software stored in the recording medium and provided, that is, the software installed in the hard disk drive 710 has, as functional configurations, an image number acquisition module, an image acquisition module, a template creation module, a thumbnail image acquisition module, and a template. It includes an acquisition module, a selection module, an image transformation module, a fitting module, a display module, a replacement module, and an image management module. Each of these modules works on the computer, and the CPU 70
Since the processing to be performed by 0 is the same as the function and operation of the corresponding member in the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

A floppy disk 714 or a CD-ROM 718 as an example of a recording medium shown in FIG. 7 stores some or all functions of the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 in all the embodiments described in the present application. can do.

These programs are read directly from the recording medium.
It may be read out to the AM and executed, or once installed in the hard disk drive and then read out to the RAM and executed. Further, the program may be stored in a single recording medium or a plurality of recording media. Further, the modules stored in the recording medium may provide each function in cooperation with the operating system. For example, the operating system may be requested to perform some or all of the functions, and the functions may be provided based on the response from the operating system.

The programs or modules shown above may be stored in an external recording medium. As a recording medium, in addition to a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a D
An optical recording medium such as VD or PD, a magneto-optical recording medium such as MD, a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory such as an IC card or a miniature card can be used. In addition, a hard disk or R provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet
A storage device such as an AM may be used as a recording medium and the program may be provided to the image processing apparatus 10 via a communication network.

Next, a first modified example according to the present embodiment will be described. The image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment creates a template and then fits the image in the created template. Instead of this, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the first modification has a plurality of fixed shapes. After fitting a plurality of images into the template having the area of, the shape of the images may be deformed.

Next, a second modified example according to the present embodiment will be described. The image transformation unit 112 according to the second modification may extract the face portion in the thumbnail image and transform the thumbnail image so that the face portion is located at the center position of the transformed thumbnail image.

Next, a third modified example according to the present embodiment will be described. Although the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment fits the thumbnail image selected by the user in one area in the template, instead of this, the image processing apparatus 10 according to the third modification automatically The image may be fitted in one area of the template. In this case, the image processing apparatus 10 determines, based on the color, size, shooting date and time of the image,
You may select the area | region which should fit each image.
For example, the image processing apparatus 10 may fit images having similar hues into areas at close positions.

Although the present invention has been described using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. The present invention is directed to an image processing apparatus, but an object thereof is a method in which a user deforms and fits a plurality of images by a simple operation, is an image processing unit, and limits whether or not a printing unit is internally provided. It is not something that
Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the description of the scope of claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0050]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, an image can be processed by a simple operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an image processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image processing apparatus 10.

3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by a display unit 116 in S108 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by a display unit 116 in S111 of FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by a display unit 116 in S112 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by a display unit 116 in S116 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 10.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Image processing device 100 image number acquisition unit 102 Image acquisition unit 104 Template Creation Department 106 thumbnail image acquisition unit 108 Template acquisition unit 110 Selector 112 Image transformation unit 114 Inset 116 display 118 Printing Department 120 input section 122 Replacement unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for processing a plurality of images, comprising: a template acquisition unit that acquires template information indicating a template obtained by dividing the plurality of images into a plurality of regions including a plurality of shapes; A selection unit that selects one region included in the template; an image transformation unit that transforms at least one image of the plurality of images into the shape of the one region selected by the selection unit; and the image transformation An image processing apparatus, comprising: a display unit configured to display the deformed image. 2. An input unit that receives image information indicating an image to be fitted into the one area selected by the selection unit among the images deformed by the image deformation unit; and the image received by the input unit. The image specified by the information, further comprising a fitting portion that fits in the one area selected by the selection portion, the display portion displays the template in which the image fitting portion has fitted the image. Claim 1
The image processing device according to item 1. 3. A thumbnail image acquisition unit for acquiring a plurality of thumbnail images corresponding to the plurality of images, wherein the image transformation unit is at least one of the plurality of thumbnail images acquired by the thumbnail image acquisition unit. One thumbnail image is deformed, the image fitting unit fits the thumbnail image in the one region, the display unit displays the template in which the image fitting unit fits the thumbnail image, the display unit And a printing unit that prints the template in which the thumbnail image is replaced with the image by the replacement unit. Item 2. The image processing device according to item 2.