JP2004152315A - Image processing device, image processing method, and computer-readable recording medium with program for computer to execute it recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device and an image processing method allowing even a beginner to easily and efficiently edit and process an image; and to provide a computer readable record medium with a program for a computer to execute the method recorded. <P>SOLUTION: This image processing device is provided with: an editing/processing part 2101 for editing and processing a displayed image; a rectangle calculation part 2102 for calculating a rectangle having the minimum size out of rectangles including the edited and processed image; a contracted image creation part 2103 for creating a contracted image based on the calculated rectangle; and a contracted image display control part 2104 for controlling a display part 308 to display the contracted image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for displaying an image on a display screen and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen, an image processing method, and a computer-readable recording recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method. It is about media.

  As a first related art, conventionally, when changing parameter values of a plurality of parameters such as brightness, saturation, hue, and contrast of an image, a numerical value is appropriately input for each parameter from an input device such as a keyboard, or A parameter value has been changed by adjusting an adjustment knob or an adjustment bar using a GUI (graphic user interface) displayed on the screen using a pointing device such as a mouse. Further, the image itself displayed on the screen changes according to the change of the parameter value.

  In addition, as a second conventional technique, there is a technique of storing an image obtained by editing an original image separately from the original image. For example, there are cases where the original image is stored while being rotated at a predetermined angle, or a part of the original image is cut out and stored in a predetermined shape.

  As a specific example of rotating the original image at a predetermined angle, when the original photo, particularly a face photo, is originally tilted due to the shooting situation, the tilt is used for attaching a photo to an ID card or the like. If the original image is not tilted but is used as a flyer or pamphlet photo, the image is rotated to enhance the design effect if the original image is not tilted. It is also conceivable to save the image in a rotated state.

  Further, as a specific example of cutting out a part of the original image in a predetermined shape, a case where only the face portion is cut out from the whole image which is the original image so as to be pasted on an ID card or the like, or a wedding There is a case where a part of an image is cut out for the purpose of decorating the image, such as cutting out a face photograph in a heart shape for publication in a pamphlet or the like, and the image may be stored in the cut out state.

  Conventionally, a technique for searching for a file of a stored image is to display a plurality of search-reduced reduced images of an original image, so-called thumbnails, on a screen and search for a file of a desired image using the reduced image as a clue. Technology exists.

  Further, when an edited image is stored, it is general to store the image with a rectangular area that includes the image. At that time, the margin was colored with a predetermined color and stored together with the edited image. When synthesizing these stored images, it is necessary to apply transparency processing to the margins, and the transparency processing uses the color of the margins at the time of storage as a clue and the colored parts are transparent. I was going by.

  However, in the first prior art, since the image displayed on the screen changes each time the parameter value is changed, comparison with the image before the change cannot be performed at the same time. I couldn't figure out if the image had changed. Therefore, the image before the change had to be restored many times and compared. There is a problem in that these operations cannot be easily or efficiently performed by a beginner, regardless of a person skilled in image editing.

  Further, in the second conventional technique, since a reduced image for search creates a reduced image based on the size of the original image, even an edited image is reduced at the same reduction ratio as the original image. An image was being created. Therefore, for example, when a rectangular image is rotated, a part of the image protrudes from the frame of the reduced image, the entire rotated image is not displayed, and the state of the rotated image is sufficiently grasped from the reduced image. There was a problem that it was not possible.

  In the second prior art, when a part of an original image is cut out in a predetermined shape, for example, when only a face part is cut out from an image of a whole body photograph, the same as the original image is obtained. Since the image is reduced by the reduction ratio, the size of the clipped image does not change, and the clipped image is displayed small in the reduced image. Depending on the condition of the clipping, the content cannot be sufficiently grasped from the reduced image. There was a point.

  Further, in the second related art, since the color to be subjected to the transparent processing cannot be changed, if there are many colors identical to the color to be subjected to the transparent processing in the image, There has been a problem that not only a blank portion but also a portion of the same color as that color is similarly subjected to the transparent processing.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem of the conventional example by using an image obtained by editing an original image to create a reduced image for search, and by selecting an optimum reduction ratio for each image that has been edited. Easily and by obtaining a reduced image of the above, and by changing the color of the transparent processing when coloring the margins when saving the edited image with the color of the transparent processing, easily and It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method is recorded.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a display unit that displays an image on a display screen, and performs image processing for editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen. In the apparatus, editing processing means for editing and processing an image displayed on the display screen, and rectangle calculation means for calculating a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including the image edited and processed by the editing processing means Controlling the display unit to display a reduced image created by the reduced image creation unit on the display screen by controlling the display unit to create a reduced image based on the rectangle calculated by the rectangle calculation unit. And a reduced image display control means.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a reduced image of an appropriate size is displayed, a desired image data file can be easily and efficiently searched while referring to the reduced image.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the image edited by the editing means is an image obtained by rotating a rectangular image by a predetermined angle. And

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the entire rotated image is a reduced image, the rotation status of the image in the reduced image can also be confirmed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the image edited and processed by the editing means is an image cut out in a shape other than a rectangle.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the image cut out from the reduced image is displayed at the maximum, it is possible to more clearly check the content of the image in the reduced image and also check the cutout state. .

  The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising display means for displaying an image on a display screen, wherein the image processing apparatus edits and processes an image displayed on the display screen. Editing processing means for editing the processed image, rectangle calculation means for calculating a rectangle having the smallest size among rectangles including the image edited and processed by the editing processing means, and a rectangle calculated by the rectangle calculation means Margin extracting means for extracting a margin excluding the edited image, and coloring the margin extracted by the margin extracting means with a predetermined color, and making the part colored with the predetermined color transparent. Margin processing means.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the blank portion is colored and the colored portion is made transparent, the portion to be transparent-processed can be specified by a simple process of coloring, and the image synthesizing process can be easily performed. Can do it.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the margin processing means designates a color for coloring a margin extracted by the margin extraction means; Transparent processing means for making a portion colored with a color designated by the means transparent.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the color to be subjected to the transparent processing in which the blank portion is colored is arbitrarily specified, it is possible to avoid that the part which should not be subjected to the transparent processing is subjected to the transparent processing. In addition, image synthesis processing can be easily performed.

  In the image processing apparatus according to claim 6, in the invention according to claim 4, the margin processing means uses a color for coloring a margin extracted by the margin extraction means in the edited image. Color setting means for setting based on the present color, and transparent processing means for making a portion colored with the color set by the color setting means transparent.

  According to the invention of claim 6, when the color to be subjected to the transparent processing is set, the color used in the image is set based on those colors with reference to the color, so that any color is not specified. In addition, it is possible to avoid that a portion not to be subjected to the transparent processing is subjected to the transparent processing, and it is possible to easily perform the image combining processing.

  Also, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 7, in the invention according to claim 6, the color setting unit is configured to determine, among the plurality of predetermined colors, a color that is not used in the edited image or a color that is least used. The color used is set as a color for coloring a margin portion extracted by the margin extracting means.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the least color used in the image is set as the color to be subjected to the transparency processing, so that the portion not to be subjected to the transparency processing is subjected to the transparency processing. Image synthesis processing can be easily performed while minimizing it.

  The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a display unit that displays an image on a display screen, wherein the image processing apparatus edits and processes an image displayed on the display screen. Editing processing means for editing and processing the edited image, editing processing history storage means for storing an editing processing history of the image edited and processed by the editing processing means, and controlling the display means. Editing processing history display control means for displaying the stored editing processing history together with the image on the display screen.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the editing history of the edited image is displayed, the situation in which the image has been edited can be easily grasped.

  In the image processing apparatus according to a ninth aspect, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, the editing and processing history storage unit stores information on an original image to be edited and processed, and the editing and processing history display control unit Displays information related to the original image that has been subjected to the editing process and stored by the editing process history storage unit.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the information on the original image that has been subjected to the editing process is displayed, so that the original image can be easily specified.

  The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 further includes a display unit that displays an image on a display screen, wherein the image processing apparatus edits and processes an image displayed on the display screen. A first display control means for displaying information of an image file to be edited and processed in a first dedicated display area on the display screen, and controlling the display means so that the first dedicated area Second display control means for displaying, in the second dedicated display area on the display screen, a reduced image of the image of the image file corresponding to the information of the designated image file, among the displayed image file information; Controlling the display means to display, at a predetermined magnification, an image of an image file corresponding to the designated reduced image among the reduced images displayed in the second dedicated area, as a target of editing processing; A third display control means for displaying on the third dedicated display area of the face, and further comprising a.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the first to third dedicated display areas are fixed areas, and the positions and sizes of these areas cannot be changed. Can capture these areas as one screen. Therefore, the operator can use the image processing apparatus intuitively without being confused at the time of operation and without having to learn complicated operation procedures.

  In the image processing apparatus according to an eleventh aspect, in the invention according to the tenth aspect, the first display control means displays only folder information for storing an image file to be edited and processed, and The means displays a reduced image of the image file stored in the designated folder information among the folder information displayed in the first dedicated area.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the operator can quickly and easily select a desired image data file based on the thumbnail image even if the file name is not accurately stored.

  The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the image displayed on the display screen is displayed, and the image displayed on the display screen is edited. An edit processing step of editing the rectangle, a rectangle calculation step of calculating a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including the image edited in the edit processing step, and a rectangle calculated in the rectangle calculation step. And a reduced image display step of displaying the reduced image created in the reduced image creation step on the display screen.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since a reduced image having an appropriate size is displayed, a desired image data file can be easily and efficiently searched while referring to the reduced image.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing method according to the twelfth aspect, the image edited in the editing step is an image obtained by rotating a rectangular image by a predetermined angle. And

  According to the thirteenth aspect, since the entire rotated image is a reduced image, the rotation status of the image in the reduced image can also be confirmed.

  An image processing method according to a fourteenth aspect is characterized in that, in the invention according to the twelfth aspect, the image edited in the editing step is an image cut out in a shape other than a rectangle.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, since the image cut out from the reduced image is displayed at the maximum, it is possible to more clearly check the content of the image in the reduced image and also to check the cutout state. .

  The image processing method according to claim 15, wherein the image displayed on the display screen is displayed, and the image displayed on the display screen is edited. An edit processing step of editing the rectangle, a rectangle calculation step of calculating a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including the image edited by the edit processing step, and a rectangle calculation step of the rectangle calculated by the rectangle calculation step. A margin extraction step of extracting a margin part excluding the edited image, and a margin processing for coloring the margin part extracted in the margin extraction step with a predetermined color and making the part colored with the predetermined color transparent And a step.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, the blank portion is colored and the colored portion is made transparent, so that the portion to be transparent-processed can be specified by a simple process of coloring, and the image synthesizing process can be easily performed. Can do it.

  In the image processing method according to a sixteenth aspect, in the invention according to the fifteenth aspect, the margin processing step includes a color designation step of designating a color for coloring a margin extracted in the margin extraction step; A transparent processing step of making a portion colored by a color designated by the step transparent.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the color to be subjected to the transparent processing in which the blank portion is colored is arbitrarily specified, it is possible to avoid that the part which should not be transparently processed is transparently processed. In addition, image synthesis processing can be easily performed.

  In the image processing method according to the seventeenth aspect, in the invention according to the fifteenth aspect, the margin processing step uses a color for coloring a margin extracted in the margin extraction step in the edited image. A color setting step of setting based on the color being set, and a transparent processing step of making a portion colored with the color set in the color setting step transparent.

  According to the seventeenth aspect, when the color to be subjected to the transparent processing is set based on the color used in the image with reference to the color, the color can be set without specifying any color. In addition, it is possible to avoid that a portion not to be subjected to the transparent processing is subjected to the transparent processing, and it is possible to easily perform the image combining processing.

  The image processing method according to claim 18 is the image processing method according to claim 17, wherein the color setting step is a step of, among the plurality of predetermined colors, a color that is not used in the edited image or a color that is least used. The color used is set as a color for coloring a margin portion extracted in the margin extraction step.

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the least color used in the image is set as the color to be subjected to the transparency processing, so that the portion not to be subjected to the transparency processing is subjected to the transparency processing. Image synthesis processing can be easily performed while minimizing it.

  The image processing method according to claim 19, wherein the image displayed on the display screen is displayed, and the image displayed on the display screen is edited. And an edit history display step of displaying an edit history of the image edited in the edit process together with the image on the display screen.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, since the editing history of the edited image is displayed, the situation in which the image has been edited can be easily grasped.

  An image processing method according to a twentieth aspect is characterized in that, in the invention according to the nineteenth aspect, the editing processing history displaying step stores information on an original image that has been subjected to editing processing. I do.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the information on the original image to be edited is displayed, so that the original image can be easily specified.

  The image processing method according to claim 21 is a method for displaying an image on a display screen and editing the image displayed on the display screen. A first display step of displaying information in a first dedicated display area on the display screen; and an image file corresponding to information of a designated image file among information of the image files displayed in the first dedicated area. A second display step of displaying a reduced image of the image in the second dedicated display area on the display screen, and an image corresponding to the designated reduced image among the reduced images displayed in the second dedicated area A third display step of displaying the image of the file in a third dedicated display area at a predetermined magnification as a target of editing and processing.

  According to the twenty-first aspect, the first to third dedicated display areas are fixed areas, and the positions and sizes of these areas cannot be changed. Can capture these areas as one screen. Therefore, the operator can use the image processing apparatus intuitively without being confused at the time of operation and without having to learn complicated operation procedures.

  Further, in the image processing method according to claim 22, in the invention according to claim 21, the first dedicated display area displays only folder information for storing an image file to be edited and processed, and The dedicated area displays a reduced image of the image file stored in the designated folder information among the folder information displayed in the first dedicated area.

  According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the operator can quickly and easily select a desired image data file based on a thumbnail image (reduced image) even if the file name is not accurately stored. .

  Further, a storage medium according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention records a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of the twelfth to twelfth aspects, so that the program becomes machine-readable. The operation of any one of claims 12 to 22 can be realized by a computer.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a reduced image of an appropriate size is displayed, a desired image data file can be easily and efficiently searched while referring to the reduced image. There is an effect that an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently editing an image can be obtained.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the entire rotated image is a reduced image, the rotation state of the image can also be checked in the reduced image, thereby easily and efficiently displaying the image. This provides an effect that an image processing apparatus capable of performing the editing processing of the above is obtained.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the image cut out from the reduced image is displayed at the maximum, it is possible to more clearly check the content of the image in the reduced image and also check the cutout state. This makes it possible to obtain an image processing apparatus capable of easily and efficiently editing an image.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the blank portion is colored and the colored portion is made transparent, the portion to be transparently processed can be specified by a simple process of coloring, and the image synthesizing process can be easily performed. Thus, an effect is obtained that an image processing apparatus capable of easily and efficiently editing an image can be obtained.

  Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the color to be subjected to the transparent processing in which the blank portion is colored is arbitrarily specified, it is possible to avoid that the part which should not be subjected to the transparent processing is subjected to the transparent processing. This makes it possible to easily perform the image synthesizing process, thereby providing an image processing apparatus capable of easily and efficiently editing an image.

  According to the invention of claim 6, when setting the color to be subjected to the transparent processing, the color used in the image is set based on those colors with reference to the color. In addition, it is possible to avoid that a portion that should not be transparently processed is transparently processed, and it is possible to easily perform an image synthesis process, thereby easily and efficiently editing an image. This provides an effect that an image processing apparatus capable of performing the above is obtained.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the least color used in the image is set as the color to be subjected to the transparency processing, a portion not to be subjected to the transparency processing is subjected to the transparency processing. The image composition processing can be easily performed while minimizing the image quality, thereby providing an effect that an image processing apparatus capable of easily and efficiently editing an image can be obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 8, since the editing history of the edited image is displayed, the situation in which the image has been edited can be easily grasped, thereby easily and efficiently. There is an effect that an image processing apparatus capable of editing an image can be obtained.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, information on the original image that has been subjected to the editing process is displayed, so that the original image can be easily specified, thereby easily and efficiently performing the image processing. This provides an effect that an image processing apparatus capable of performing the editing processing of the above is obtained.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the first to third dedicated display areas are fixed areas, and the positions and sizes of these areas cannot be changed. The user can view these areas as one screen. However, the operator can use the image processing apparatus intuitively without being confused at the time of operation and without having to learn complicated operation procedures, thereby easily and efficiently editing and processing images. This provides an effect of obtaining an image processing apparatus capable of performing the following.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the operator can quickly and easily select a desired image data file by using the thumbnail image as a clue even if the file name is not accurately stored. And an image processing apparatus capable of easily and efficiently editing an image.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since a reduced image of an appropriate size is displayed, it is possible to easily and efficiently search for a desired image data file while referring to the reduced image. There is an effect that an image processing method capable of efficiently and efficiently editing an image can be obtained.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the entire rotated image is a reduced image, the state of rotation of the image can also be confirmed in the reduced image, thereby easily and efficiently displaying the image. This provides an effect that an image processing method capable of performing the editing processing of the above is obtained.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, since the image cut out from the reduced image is displayed at the maximum, it is possible to more clearly check the content of the image in the reduced image and also check the cutout state. This makes it possible to obtain an image processing method capable of easily and efficiently editing an image.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the blank portion is colored and the colored portion is made transparent, so that the portion to be transparently processed can be specified by a simple process of coloring, and the image synthesizing process can be easily performed. Thus, there is an effect that an image processing method capable of easily and efficiently editing an image can be obtained.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the color to be subjected to the transparent processing in which the blank portion is colored is arbitrarily specified, it is possible to avoid that the part which should not be subjected to the transparent processing is transparently processed. This makes it possible to easily perform the image synthesizing process, thereby providing an effect that an image processing method capable of easily and efficiently editing an image can be obtained.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, when the color to be subjected to the transparent processing is set, the color is set based on those colors with reference to the colors used in the image. In addition, it is possible to avoid that a portion that should not be transparently processed is transparently processed, and it is possible to easily perform an image synthesis process, thereby easily and efficiently editing an image. This provides an effect that an image processing method capable of performing the above is obtained.

  According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the least color used in the image is set as the color to be subjected to the transparency processing, so that the portion not to be subjected to the transparency processing is subjected to the transparency processing. Is minimized, and the image synthesis processing can be easily performed, thereby providing an effect that an image processing method capable of easily and efficiently editing an image can be obtained.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, since the editing history of the edited image is displayed, the situation in which the image has been edited can be easily grasped, thereby easily and efficiently. There is an effect that an image processing method capable of editing an image can be obtained.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the information on the original image which has been subjected to the editing process is displayed, so that the original image can be easily specified. This provides an effect that an image processing method capable of performing the editing processing of the above is obtained.

  According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the first to third dedicated display areas are fixed areas, and the positions and sizes of these areas cannot be changed. The user can view these areas as one screen. However, the operator can use the image processing apparatus intuitively without being confused at the time of operation and without having to learn complicated operation procedures, thereby easily and efficiently editing and processing images. This provides an effect that an image processing method capable of performing the following is obtained.

  According to the invention of claim 22, the operator can quickly and easily select a desired image data file based on the thumbnail image (reduced image) even if the file name is not accurately stored. This makes it possible to obtain an image processing method capable of easily and efficiently editing an image.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 23, by recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22, the program becomes machine-readable. There is an effect that a recording medium capable of realizing any one of the items 12 to 22 by a computer can be obtained.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer-readable recording medium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
First, a description will be given of the entire configuration of a document-with-image creating system including the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing a configuration of an entire image-attached document creation system including an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown functionally in FIG. 1, this image-attached document creation system includes an image processing apparatus 100 including an input unit 101, a processing unit 102, and an output unit 103, and a host computer system 105. And so on.

  The input unit 101 performs an image capturing process, and includes, for example, a scanner, an IC card, a digital still camera, a photo CD reader, and the like. The input unit 101 captures an image, converts the captured image into a predetermined file format, and transmits the converted file to the processing unit 102.

  The processing unit 102 performs processing such as registration, deletion, and change of an image captured by the input unit 101, and is performed using, for example, a personal computer (PC). The image data storage unit 104 provided in the processing unit 102 or externally attached to the processing unit 102 includes, for example, a hard disk, a floppy (R) disk, a rewritable CD-ROM, It stores image data processed by the processing unit 102, such as an MO and a DVD.

  Further, the processing unit 102 searches for the image data stored in the image data storage unit 104, pastes the searched image data to another document, performs display control to display the document on a display, and performs output control. Or print control to print on

  The output unit 103 prints the image data that is print-controlled by the processing unit 102 and a document including the image data. For example, a laser printer or a digital copier capable of printing in black and white and full color is included. The output unit 103 also includes a printer having a function of printing a business card or printing a card such as an ID card and then laminating the card.

  The host computer system 105 is connected to a PC serving as the processing unit 102 via a network such as a LAN, and includes a host computer 106 and a plurality of terminal devices 107 connected to the host computer 106 via the network. The host computer 106 stores, for example, a personnel information file 108 relating to personnel information in the company, and each terminal device 107 can access the personnel information file 108.

  The processing unit 102 and the personnel information file 108 can link the information to each other. By inputting personnel information such as an employee number from the terminal device 107, the processing unit 102 and the personnel information file 108 can be linked via the personnel information file 108. It is also possible to search for the image data stored in the image data storage unit 104 of FIG.

  Specific application examples of the document creation system with images include, for example, a business card creation system that creates a business card with a face photo, and a postcard creation system that creates a postcard such as a guide letter with a product photo and a staff photo. , An ID card creation system that creates an identification card (ID card) with a photo, a leaflet creation system that creates a leaflet for a plan book, an advertisement flyer, a catalog, etc., a card creation system that creates a card with a photo, etc. Is included.

  In addition, a personnel information system that creates and manages personnel books, addresses, maps, etc. with face photographs such as employee photos, resumes, and self-reports, a used car search system that searches for information with pictures of used cars, and a procurement system A procurement information planning and purchasing system for managing information, a system for the civil engineering and construction industry by combining with process management and a construction ledger, and a construction completion drawing system by combining with a three-dimensional CAD are included.

  Of course, these systems can also be used as color systems for creating and managing color images such as color photographs.

  Next, a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire system, 202 denotes a ROM storing a boot program and the like, 203 denotes a RAM used as a work area of the CPU, and 204 denotes an HD (hard disk) 205 under the control of the CPU 201. And HDD 205 for storing data written under the control of the HDD 204, respectively.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes an FDD (floppy (R) disk drive) that controls reading / writing of data from / to an FD (floppy (R) disk) 207 under the control of the CPU 201, and reference numeral 207 stores data written under the control of the FDD 206. Reference numeral 208 denotes a detachable FD, and 208 denotes a display for displaying a document including characters, images, and the like, function information, and the like.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes an interface (I / F) that is connected to the network NET via the communication line 210 and controls an internal interface with the network NET; and 211 includes keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. A keyboard 212, a mouse for moving a cursor, selecting a range, etc., a scanner 213 for optically reading an image, a printer 214 for printing a document, etc., and a bus 215 for connecting the above-described units. Each is shown.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. 3, the processing unit 102 includes an operation instruction unit 301, an image registration unit 302, an image deletion unit 303, an image change unit 304, an image search unit 305, an image paste unit, in addition to the image data storage unit 104. 306, a display control unit 307, a display unit 308, a print control unit 309, and the like.

  The operation instructing unit 301 controls the image registration unit 302, the image deletion unit 303, the image change unit 304, the image search unit 305, the image paste unit 306, the display control unit 307, and the print control unit 309 according to the display contents of the display unit 308. An instruction for operation is given to each unit. For example, it includes a pointing device such as a keyboard 211 and a mouse 212.

  The image registration unit 302 registers the image data transmitted from the input unit 101 as an image data file by adding predetermined data such as a file name, and stores the image data file in the image data storage unit 104.

  The image deletion unit 303 deletes the image data already stored in the image data storage unit 104 from the image data storage unit 104 according to a deletion instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

  The image change unit 304 changes the image data of the image data file already stored in the image data storage unit 104 in accordance with the change instruction from the operation instruction unit 301, and rewrites the changed image data to the image data storage unit. 104.

  The image search unit 305 searches for a desired image data file among the image data files already stored in the image data storage unit 104 according to a search instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

  The image pasting unit 306 pastes image data already stored in the image data storage unit 104 onto a document in accordance with an image pasting instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

  The display control unit 307 displays an image of the image data file stored in the image data storage unit 104 or a reduced image obtained by reducing the image on the display screen of the display unit 308 according to a display instruction from the operation instruction unit 301. It is controlled so as to make it. Details of the control of the display control unit will be described later.

  The print control unit 309 transmits print data such as image data or a document with an image to the output unit 103 according to a print instruction from the operation instruction unit 301. Further, operation control of the output unit, for example, setting of the number of prints, etc., is also performed according to an operation instruction from the operation instruction unit 301.

  The image registration unit 302, the image deletion unit 303, the image change unit 304, the image search unit 305, the image pasting unit 306, the display control unit 307, and the print control unit 309 are respectively a ROM 202, a RAM 203 or a hard disk 205, and a floppy (R) disk 207. The function of each unit is realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing command processing according to commands described in programs such as an OS and an application program recorded on a recording medium such as.

  The display unit 308 displays an image or a document including a character string based on display control by the display control unit 307. For example, the display 208 is a display, and the display 208 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal display, and the like.

  Next, the configuration of the display control unit 307 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the display control unit and its peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit 307 includes a reference image extraction unit 401, a parameter management unit 402, a parameter setting unit 403, a peripheral image creation unit 404, and an image display control unit 405. ing.

  The reference image extraction unit 401 is an extraction unit that extracts an image (reference image) serving as a reference for performing editing and the like. More specifically, an image such as a normal-size image or a reduced image displayed on the display unit 308 is clicked with the mouse 212 or the like in the operation instruction unit 301 to extract the image, or the file name of the image is changed using the mouse. The image can be extracted by specifying the image from the image storage unit 104 by specifying the image from the keyboard 212 or the keyboard 211.

  The parameter management unit 402 is a management unit that manages a plurality of parameters related to the reference image. The parameters include, for example, parameters representing the brightness, saturation, and hue of an image, parameters representing contrast, parameters representing brightness, and three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). And all parameters necessary for composing an image, such as the parameters of the color system.

  The parameter management unit 402 also manages the parameter values of the plurality of parameters described above. That is, the value of each parameter of the reference image is held as the reference parameter value.

  The parameter setting unit 403 selects any two parameters from a plurality of parameters managed by the parameter management unit 402 based on an instruction signal from the operation instruction unit 301. The details of the selection process performed by the operation instruction unit 301 will be described later.

  The parameter setting unit 403 also sets the scale of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis based on the instruction signal from the operation instruction unit 301 for the two selected parameters. For example, the hue parameter is set on the scale on the vertical axis, and the brightness parameter is set on the scale on the horizontal axis. The vertical axis and horizontal axis scale setting processing and the contents of the scale will also be described later.

  The peripheral image creating unit 404 is an image creating unit that creates an image (peripheral image) in which the parameter values of the two parameters selected by the parameter setting unit 403 are changed by a predetermined amount with respect to the reference image. For example, when the hue parameter is set on the vertical axis scale and the saturation parameter is set on the horizontal axis scale, an image is created in which the hue parameter value of the reference image is increased / decreased by a predetermined change amount (for example, 10 levels). I do.

  Similarly, a saturation parameter is created in the same manner. Further, an image in which both parameter values are increased by a predetermined change amount, an image in which both are increased, and an image in which only one of them is increased / decreased are individually created.

  The image display control unit 405 is a control unit that performs display control so that the reference screen is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of the display unit 308. The predetermined position may be a position where the rough reference screen and the peripheral screen can be easily checked, or may be a position specified by the operator on the display screen of the display unit 308 from the operation instruction unit 301.

  Specifically, the center of the display screen is usually desirable, and it is also possible to move by dragging or the like with the mouse 212 or the like to a position where the peripheral image is not hidden.

  Further, the image display control unit 405 sets the peripheral image to correspond to the scale of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis in which the parameter values of the peripheral image are set, and surrounds the reference image around the reference image in n layers around the reference image. The display is controlled so as to be arranged with.

  Specifically, for example, when the parameter related to hue is set on the scale of the vertical axis and the parameter related to lightness is set on the scale of the horizontal axis, the peripheral image in which the parameter value related to the hue of the reference image is increased by a predetermined change amount is The display control is performed so as to be arranged above the reference image, and the peripheral image in which the parameter value relating to the hue is reduced by a predetermined amount of change is controlled to be arranged below the reference image. Similarly, display control is performed such that the peripheral image in which the parameter value relating to the brightness is increased by a predetermined change amount is arranged on the right side of the reference image, and the peripheral image in which the parameter value is decreased is arranged on the left side of the reference image.

  In addition, since the reference image is arranged so as to surround the reference image in the n layers around the reference image, as a result, when the peripheral image is a single layer, nine images (3 × 3 matrix) are formed. (Including the reference image). When the peripheral image has two layers, 25 images are arranged in a 5 × 5 matrix. The same applies hereafter, and the number of these images can be changed according to the resolution of the display screen and according to the content and use of the displayed image. Details of the peripheral image display control will be described later.

  The reference image extraction unit 401, the parameter management unit 402, the parameter setting unit 403, the peripheral image creation unit 404, and the image display control unit 405 are respectively recorded on a recording medium such as the ROM 202, the RAM 203 or the hard disk 205, and the floppy (R) disk 207. The functions of the respective units are realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing the instruction processing according to the instructions described in the programs such as the OS and the application programs.

  Next, the content of the operation of the image processing apparatus and the content of the display screen will be described using a specific display example. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. The display screen shown in FIG. 5 is a basic display screen of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the display screen includes a file name display area 501 occupying substantially the upper left half of the screen and a file name display area. It is composed of three areas: a reduced image display area 502 occupying the lower side of the area 501, and a selected image display area 503 occupying substantially the right half of the screen.

  These areas are not displayed by the multi-window, but are fixed areas, and the positions and sizes of these areas cannot be changed. Therefore, since the screens having the same configuration are always displayed, the operator can view these areas as one screen. Therefore, the operator can use the image processing apparatus intuitively without being confused at the time of operation and without having to learn complicated operation procedures, and can efficiently perform image editing processing. .

  In the file name display area 501, file names stored in the image data storage unit 104, specifically, for example, the hard disk 205 or the floppy (R) disk 207 are displayed in a hierarchical manner. A desired image data file can be selected by looking up the file name of the image data file displayed in the file name display area 501 and searching for and specifying the desired image data file.

  The reduced image display area 502 is composed of a plurality of reduced images. The reduced image is a so-called thumbnail, and is a device for reducing the actual image data at a predetermined magnification, and instantly recognizing which file is the image data file by viewing the reduced image. Below the thumbnail, the file name of the image data file of the thumbnail is also displayed.

  Instead of specifying the file name in the file name display area 501, as shown in FIG. 5, only the folder storing the file is displayed in the file name display area 501, and the specified folder is designated. The thumbnail of the file stored in the folder is displayed in the reduced image display area 502, and the desired image can be selected by clicking the thumbnail screen itself from the displayed thumbnails with the mouse 212 or the like.

  In this case, the operator can quickly and easily select a desired image data file based on the thumbnail image even if the file name is not accurately stored.

  If a predetermined keyword such as "person", "landscape" or "business" or "personal" is added to each image data file and registered, a thumbnail is displayed based on the keyword. The order can be rearranged and displayed. Thus, even if the number of registered image data files increases, it is possible to perform a high-speed search for a desired image data file by rearranging by keyword.

  The number of thumbnails to be displayed is set to 24 in 8 × 3 rows in the display example of FIG. 5, but the display arrangement of the thumbnails depends on the resolution of the display device, the content of the display image, or the difference in the search method. And the number of displayed items can be changed.

  The selected image display area 503 is an area for displaying the image of the image data file selected from the file name in the file name display area 501 or the image of the image data file selected from the thumbnail in the reduced image display area 502. As the display format, a standard display in which the image is displayed in a standard size, an entire display in which the image is enlarged or reduced in order to display the entire image, and a magnification display in which the operator displays the image at a desired magnification can be considered.

  The magnification is designated by inputting the percentage of the magnification, and the magnification becomes equal at 100%. When a numerical value smaller than that is input, the image is reduced, and when a larger numerical value is input, the image is enlarged.

  The selected image display area 503 is designed to hide the file name display area 501 and the reduced image display area 502 on the entire display screen by specifying a command from a predetermined menu or by double-clicking the image itself. The currently displayed image can be displayed on the screen. As a result, the editing work can be performed more efficiently. This is particularly effective for large images.

  When the editing processing is completed, it is possible to return to the original image area by specifying a command from a predetermined menu or by double-clicking the image itself again. At this time, the file name display area 501 and the reduced The image display area 502 is displayed again.

  Next, the content of the color adjustment operation and the content of the display screen will be described. 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams illustrating another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a screen displayed when the color adjustment menu is selected on the basic display screen of FIG.

  In the screen of FIG. 6, the selected image display area 503 is not changed and a color adjustment menu 601 is displayed instead of the file name display area 501 and the reduced image display area 502. The color display menu 601 includes a parameter selection button display area 602 displayed on the upper side and a parameter adjustment bar display area 603 displayed on the lower side.

  The parameter selection button display area 602 includes a “brightness / contrast” button 604, a “color balance” button 605, an “RGB correction” button 606, a “hue / saturation” button 607, and It is configured by an “end adjustment” button 608 for returning to the basic display screen when pressed.

  In the parameter adjustment bar display area 603, a display screen when the “brightness / contrast” button 604 is pressed is displayed, and an adjustment bar 609 relating to brightness and an adjustment bar 610 relating to contrast are displayed. Further, when adjusting parameters, a check box 611 for selecting whether or not to display a catalog screen (Catalog Viewer) for performing an adjustment by displaying a peripheral screen in addition to the reference screen is displayed. . Details of the catalog viewer will be described later.

  Each of the adjustment bars 609 and 610 is provided with a level knob 612. By dragging the level knob 612 with the mouse 212 and moving it to the left or right, the respective parameter values can be changed.

  Next, FIG. 7 shows a display screen when the “RGB correction” button 606 is pressed. In the parameter adjustment bar display area 603, an adjustment bar 701 for red (R), an adjustment bar 702 for green (G), and an adjustment bar 703 for blue (B) are displayed. The configuration of the adjustment bars 701, 702, and 703 is the same as that of the adjustment bar 609, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows a display screen when the “hue / saturation” button 607 is pressed. An adjustment bar 801 related to hue, an adjustment bar 802 related to lightness, and an adjustment bar 803 related to saturation are displayed in the parameter adjustment bar display area 603. The adjustment bars 801, 802, and 803 also have the same configuration as the adjustment bar 609, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the catalog viewer will be described. FIG. 9 is an example of a screen display when a check box 611 for selecting whether or not to display a catalog viewer is checked. In FIG. 9, it can be seen that the catalog viewer 900 is displayed by popping up in a window format.

  The catalog viewer 900 displays nine images in a 3 × 3 matrix. The image displayed so as to be arranged at the center thereof is the reference image 901, and eight peripheral images 902 to 909 are displayed around the reference image 901.

  In the window 900, a horizontal axis parameter frame 910 for setting horizontal axis parameters and a vertical axis parameter frame 911 for setting vertical axis parameters are set. In FIG. 9, the parameter of the saturation is set on the horizontal axis, and the parameter of the hue is set on the vertical axis.

  In accordance with the setting of these parameters, a scale (horizontal scroll bar) 912 related to the saturation parameter value is set on the horizontal (upper side) of the nine images, and the hue of the hue is set on the vertical (left side) of the nine images. A scale (vertical scroll bar) 913 related to the parameter value is set.

  The horizontal scroll bar 912 indicates that the saturation parameter value increases as going to the right, and the saturation parameter value decreases as going to the left. Similarly, the vertical scroll bar means that the parameter value of the hue increases as going upward, and the parameter value decreases as going downward.

  Further, a “close” button 914 for closing the window of the catalog viewer 900 is set in the catalog viewer 900.

  The reference image 901 is a reduced image of the same image as the image displayed in the selected image display area 503. Therefore, the parameter values related to the saturation and the hue of the image are the same as the parameter values of the image displayed in the selected image display area 503.

  Next, the peripheral images 902 to 909 will be described. The peripheral images 902 to 909 are the same images as the reference image 901, and are created by changing the parameter values of the saturation and / or the hue of the reference image 901 by a predetermined change amount.

  When the parameter value of the reference image 901 is (0, 0) and the predetermined change amount of the parameter value is plus or minus 10, the parameter value of the peripheral image 902 is (−10, 0), and the parameter of the peripheral image 903 is The value is (0, 10), the parameter value of the peripheral image 904 is (10, 10), the parameter value of the peripheral image 905 is (−10, 0), and the parameter value of the peripheral image 906 is (10, 0). , The parameter value of the peripheral image 907 becomes (−10, −10), the parameter value of the peripheral image 908 becomes (0, −10), and the parameter value of the peripheral image 909 becomes (10, −10).

  Taking the parameter values of the peripheral image 902 as an example, the saturation parameter value on the horizontal axis is -10 as compared with the reference image 901, and the hue parameter value on the vertical axis is compared with the reference image 901. It is +10. Therefore, the peripheral image 902 is arranged on the left side of the reference image 901 with respect to the saturation, and is arranged above the reference image 901 with respect to the hue. As a result, the peripheral image 902 is arranged at the upper left position of the reference image 901.

  Similarly, in the other peripheral images 903 to 909, the peripheral image 903 is on the upper side of the reference image 901, the peripheral image 904 is on the upper right side of the reference image 901, the peripheral image 905 is on the left side of the reference image 901, and the peripheral image 906 is the reference image. On the right side of the image 901, the peripheral image 907 is disposed on the lower left side of the reference image 901, the peripheral image 908 is disposed on the lower side of the reference image 901, and the peripheral image 909 is disposed on the lower right side of the reference image 901.

  Accordingly, the peripheral images 902 to 909 are set such that the parameter values correspond to the horizontal scroll bar 912 which is the scale of the horizontal axis and the vertical scroll bar 913 which is the scale of the vertical axis, and the reference values are set around the reference image 901 around the reference image 901. The image 901 is arranged so as to surround it.

  To change the image, the horizontal scroll bar 912 or the vertical scroll bar 913 is dragged with the mouse 212 or the like. As a result, an image in which the parameter value is changed according to the parameter value corresponding to the scroll bar is displayed.

Next, a procedure of display control processing of the reference image 901 and the peripheral images 902 to 909 performed by the display control unit 307 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the display control process according to the first embodiment.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, it is determined whether or not an instruction to display the catalog viewer 900 has been made, that is, whether or not the check box 611 has been checked (step S1001). Next, it is determined whether or not the parameters of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis have been designated (step S1002).

If a parameter is specified in step S1002 (Yes in step S1002), the specified parameter is set (step S1003).
On the other hand, if no parameter is specified in step S1002 (No in step S1002), the parameter set as the default value is set as the specified parameter (step S1004).

  Next, the parameter values of the reference image 901 for the parameters on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis set in step S1003 or S1004 are acquired from the parameter management unit 402 (step S1005).

  Next, a peripheral image 902, that is, a peripheral image arranged on the upper left side of the reference image 901 is created (step S1006). Specifically, the parameter value of the parameter on the horizontal axis of the reference image is x = 0, and x−10 is the parameter value of the parameter on the horizontal axis of the peripheral image 902. Similarly, regarding the vertical axis, the parameter value of the reference image is set to y = 0, and y + 10 is set to the parameter of the vertical axis. Therefore, the parameter value of the peripheral image 902 is (x−10, y + 10).

  The processing from step S1007 to step S10013 is performed in the same procedure as in step S1006. However, the order of processing from step S1006 to step S1013 is not limited to this order. In each step, the parameter value is calculated based on the parameter value of the reference image. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. You may make it.

  Next, after the creation of all the peripheral images 902 to 909 is completed, the reference image 901 is displayed on the display screen (step S1014), and subsequently, the peripheral images 902 to 909 are also displayed on the display screen (step S1014). S1015).

  Note that the reference image 901 is displayed after all the peripheral images 902 to 909 have been created, but the display time of the reference image 901 may be before the peripheral images 902 to 909 are created. Further, the peripheral images 902 to 909 are also displayed after all the peripheral images have been created. However, the peripheral images may be sequentially displayed from the created peripheral images.

  Next, it is determined whether a parameter for changing the currently set parameter has been re-designated (step S1016). In step S1016, when the parameter is re-designated (Yes in step S1016), the process proceeds to step S1003, and the same process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the parameter has not been specified again in step S1016, it is determined whether or not a “close” button 914 for closing the catalog viewer 900 has been pressed (step S1017).

  If the “close” button 914 is pressed in step S1017 (Yes in step S1017), the catalog viewer 900 is closed (step S9018), and all the processing ends.

  On the other hand, if the “close” button 914 is not pressed in step S1017 (No in step S1017), the process proceeds to step S1016, and the same processing is repeated.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to change the parameter value of the reference image while referring to the peripheral image. In particular, since the peripheral images are arranged in the vicinity of the reference image in accordance with the vertical and horizontal parameters, it is possible to intuitively recognize the amount of change in the parameter value, the degree of the image change, and the balance with other parameters. It is also possible to change the parameter value quickly and efficiently.

(Embodiment 2)
In the above-described first embodiment, the parameter setting unit 403 sets parameters of the vertical and horizontal axes by inputting parameters to the horizontal axis parameter setting frame 911 and the vertical axis parameter setting frame 912. As in the second embodiment described below, parameters may be set by selecting from a plurality of preset parameters.

  The entire document-with-image creating system including the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. The other components of the image processing apparatus 100, except for the display control unit 307, have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the display control unit 307 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of a display control unit and its peripheral parts of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The other units except the parameter setting unit 1101 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The parameter setting unit 1101 prepares parameters that can be set as parameters on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis in advance, displays candidate parameters on the display screen, and based on an instruction signal from the operation instruction unit 301, One parameter is set for each axis from among the parameter candidates.

  At this time, control is performed so that the same parameter as the parameter already set in one axis cannot be set in another axis. It is meaningless to set the same parameter for both axes, and if it is set due to an erroneous operation by the operator, the parameter values conflict between the upper left image and the lower right image of the reference image. This is because a problem such as occurrence of a problem occurs.

  Next, the process of setting the scale of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, parameters relating to the current saturation are set in a horizontal axis parameter setting frame 1201, and parameters relating to hue are set in a vertical axis parameter setting frame 1202.

  By pressing a button 1203 on the right end of the horizontal axis parameter setting frame 1201, selectable parameter candidates are displayed as a bull down menu. It can be seen that hue and brightness are displayed as selectable parameter candidates, including the currently set saturation. Similarly to the horizontal axis parameter setting frame 1201, the vertical axis parameter setting frame 1202 displays the hue, saturation, and brightness as selectable parameter candidates by pressing the right end button 1203.

  In the state of FIG. 12, when an attempt is made to select and set a parameter related to hue in the horizontal axis parameter setting frame 1201, the parameter setting unit 1101 determines that the parameter related to hue has already been set in the vertical axis parameter setting frame 1202. By recognizing and notifying the operator to that effect and disabling the input of the parameters relating to the hue in the horizontal axis parameter setting frame 1201, the setting of the parameters relating to the hue is prohibited.

  In addition, in the same case, the parameter setting unit 1101 notifies the operator to that effect or instead of notifying the operator, instead of allowing the horizontal axis parameter setting unit 1201 to set the parameters related to the hue, and instead, the vertical axis Another parameter that can be selected in place of the hue for the hue parameter already set in the parameter setting unit 1202, in this case, a parameter related to saturation or brightness may be automatically set.

  By doing this, if you want to change only the axis from the vertical axis to the horizontal axis, if you just set the horizontal axis directly, another parameter will be automatically set for the vertical axis. , And the work of setting the horizontal axis can be omitted.

  Next, a procedure of a parameter setting process performed by the parameter setting unit 1101 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a parameter setting process according to the second embodiment.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, the parameter setting unit 1101 sets parameters set as default values in the horizontal axis parameter setting frame 910 and the vertical axis parameter setting frame 911 (step S1301).

  Next, it is determined whether or not any of the parameters of the horizontal axis parameter setting frame 910 or the vertical axis parameter setting frame 911 has been changed (step S1302). If there has been a change (step S1302: YES), It is determined whether the changed parameter is the same as the parameter in the parameter setting frame of the other axis (step S1303).

  If the parameters are not the same in step S1303 (No in step S1303), the process moves to step S1302. On the other hand, if the parameters are the same in step S1303 (Yes in step S1303), it is determined whether notification is set (step S1304).

  If notification is set in step S1304 (Yes in step S1304), this is notified (step S1305). Next, the parameter change in step S1302 is invalidated (step S1306), and thereafter, the notification is canceled (step S1307), and the process proceeds to step S1302.

  On the other hand, if the notification is not set in step S1304 (step S1304 negative affirmation), the parameters of the other parameter setting frame that are not the parameter setting frame in which the parameter has been changed are other than the parameters currently set. (Step S1308). After that, the procedure moves to step S1302, and the same processing is repeated thereafter.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to avoid setting the same parameter on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis at the same time, so that the operator does not set the same parameter by mistake. It can be prevented before it happens.

(Embodiment 3)
According to the present invention, in the first and second embodiments, one peripheral image is designated from among the peripheral images as in the third embodiment described below, and the designated peripheral image is extracted as a reference image. You may apply so that a function may be added. Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. The other components of the image processing apparatus 100, except for the display control unit 307, have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the display control unit 307 will be described. FIG. 14 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of a display control unit and its peripheral parts of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The other units except for the peripheral image designating unit 1401 and the reference image extracting unit 1402 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the peripheral image specifying unit 1401 will be described. The peripheral image specifying unit 1401 is a specifying unit that specifies one peripheral image from the peripheral images displayed on the display screen. Specifically, the peripheral image specifying unit 1401 specifies one peripheral image among the peripheral images based on an instruction signal from the operation instruction unit 301.

  For example, one peripheral image is designated by moving the peripheral image to be designated using the mouse 212 in the area where the peripheral image to be designated is displayed and clicking there. Alternatively, one peripheral image may be designated using the arrow keys of the keyboard 211.

  Further, reference image extracting section 1402 extracts the peripheral image specified by peripheral image specifying section 1401 as a reference image. Therefore, the peripheral image specified by the peripheral image specifying unit 1401 is handled by the reference image extracting unit 1402 as a reference image instead of the image that was the reference image up to then.

  The peripheral image designating unit 1401 and the reference image extracting unit 1402 each execute the CPU 201 according to instructions described in programs such as an OS and an application program recorded on a recording medium such as the ROM 202, the RAM 203 or the hard disk 205 and the floppy (R) disk 207. And the like execute the instruction processing, thereby realizing the function of each unit.

  Hereinafter, the parameter management unit 402, the parameter setting unit 403, the peripheral image creation unit 404, and the image display control unit 405 perform the same processing as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the contents of the peripheral image designation processing and the reference image extraction processing will be described using a specific display screen. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a part of the display screen (catalog viewer 900) displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 15A, a reference image and peripheral images are displayed in a 3 × 3 matrix. Numbers A1 to C3 are added to these images for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the reference image is B1.

  The mouse cursor 1501 moves on the display screen by operating the mouse 212. The mouse cursor 1501 changes its shape depending on the position where it has moved. In FIG. 15A, the peripheral image A3 is located at the position of the peripheral image A3, and the peripheral image A3 moves obliquely leftward and downward when specified, so that the shape of the mouse cursor 1501 is obliquely leftward so as to indicate the moving direction. It has a shape with arrows pointing downward and obliquely upward.

  When the mouse cursor is moved to the position of the peripheral image C1, the mouse cursor has the same shape. Similarly, when the mouse cursor 1501 is moved to the position of the peripheral image B1 or B2, the mouse cursor becomes a mouse cursor having a left-right arrow, and when the mouse cursor 1501 is moved to the position of the peripheral image A2 or C2, a vertical arrow is drawn. When the mouse cursor moves to the position of the peripheral image A1 or C3, the mouse cursor has a shape including arrows in a diagonally lower right direction and a diagonally upper left direction.

  Here, the mouse cursor 1501 is clicked in the display area of the peripheral image A3 arranged on the upper right side of the reference image. The display state of the display screen after clicking is shown in FIG. It can be seen that the peripheral image A3 has moved to the position where the reference image is arranged. With this movement, the reference image B2 has moved to the lower left side. That is, the entire image has moved to the lower left by one image due to the designation of the upper right peripheral image. Thus, the entire image moves so that the designated peripheral image moves to the position of the reference image.

  Further, in accordance with the movement of the peripheral image A3 having the parameter value (10, 10), the image having the parameter value (x + 10, y + 10) is newly created at the position where the peripheral image A3 is originally arranged. Since it is created by the unit 404, the peripheral image of the parameter value of (10 + 10,10 + 10), that is, (20,20) is displayed. In this way, as a result, the parameter values of the two parameters of the selected image can be changed simultaneously.

  Next, a description will be given of a procedure of a peripheral image designation process and a reference image extraction process performed by the peripheral image designation unit 1401 and the reference image extraction unit 1402 in the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the peripheral image designation processing and the reference image extraction processing according to the third embodiment.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, the peripheral image specifying unit 1401 determines whether or not an image has been specified (step S1601). Here, waiting for the designation of an image (Yes at Step S1601), when there is designation, it is determined whether or not the image is a peripheral image (Step S1602).

  If the designated image is a peripheral image in step S1602 (Yes in step S1602), the reference image extracting unit extracts the peripheral image as a reference image and acquires parameter values of the peripheral image (step S1603). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1006 in FIG. 10 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, since the processing procedure is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

  On the other hand, if the specified image is not the peripheral image but the reference image in step S1602 (No in step S1602), it is considered that the change of the parameter value has been completed, and the parameter value is determined by the catalog viewer 900 (step S1604). After closing the catalog viewer 900 (step S1605), all the processes are terminated.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, one peripheral image is designated from a plurality of peripheral images, and the designated peripheral image is extracted as a reference image, so that the operator is displayed. The parameter value of two different parameters can be changed by a simple operation of simply specifying the image of the most desired parameter value from a plurality of peripheral images, and the plurality of parameter values can be visually and intuitively changed. It is possible to change.

(Embodiment 4)
According to the present invention, in the first to third embodiments described above, a function of displaying parameter value information in or near an image displayed as in the fourth embodiment described below is added. May be applied. Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted. The other components of the image processing apparatus 100, except for the display control unit 307, have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the display control unit 307 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of a display control unit and its peripheral parts of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The other units except the parameter display control unit 1701 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the parameter value information display control unit 1701 will be described. The parameter display control unit 1701 controls the parameter image to be displayed at a predetermined position in the reference image and / or the peripheral image displayed on the display screen or at a predetermined position near the reference image and / or the peripheral image. It is.

  The parameter value information display control unit 1701 receives a parameter of each axis of each image from the reference image extraction unit 401 and the peripheral image creation unit 404 according to a display instruction signal from the operation instruction unit 301 indicating that parameter value information should be displayed. , And displays the obtained information at a predetermined position in a predetermined display format (including a display color).

  Further, the parameter value information display control unit 1701 deletes information on the parameter values already displayed from the display screen according to a display instruction signal from the operation instruction unit 301 indicating that the parameter value information should be deleted.

  The parameter value information display control unit 1701 causes the CPU 201 and the like to execute instruction processing according to instructions written in a program such as an OS and an application program recorded on a recording medium such as the ROM 202, the RAM 203 or the hard disk 205, and the floppy (R) disk 207. The functions are realized by executing the functions.

  Further, as described in the first embodiment, the information on the parameter value is such that the parameter value of the reference image is set to 0 and the parameter value of the peripheral image is set to the difference between the parameter values and the reference image. It is.

  In addition, another reference value regarding the parameter value may be provided, the parameter value may be calculated based on the reference value for both the reference image and the peripheral image, and the calculated parameter value may be displayed as information regarding the parameter value. . In short, the information on the parameter values includes all the information on the parameter values of the reference image and the parameter values of the peripheral image as long as the information can be compared.

  Further, as a typical display method of the information regarding the parameter value, a display method using (x, y) is considered as a simple and easily recognizable display method. Here, x indicates the parameter value of the parameter on the horizontal axis, and y indicates the parameter value of the parameter on the vertical axis. The display method is not limited to this method, and includes all display methods that can recognize the parameter value of the parameter on the horizontal axis and the parameter value of the parameter on the vertical axis.

  Next, the content of the display control procedure of the information regarding the parameter value will be described using the display screen. 18 and 19 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a part (catalog viewer 900) of a display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 18 shows information on parameter values displayed in the reference image and the peripheral image. The contents of the display are as described above. In FIG. 18, the information 1801 relating to the parameter value is displayed at the lower right side of the image. However, the present invention is not limited to this position, and the display position may be arbitrarily changed depending on other conditions such as the content of the image. Is also possible. Further, the display position may be changed for each image.

  When displaying information related to the parameter value, a color that can be distinguished from the image color is used so that a color close to the image does not make the display difficult to recognize. In particular, when the state of the image is changed by changing the parameter value, the display color is changed according to the state of the change.

  Furthermore, the image is erased only at the position where the information related to the parameter is displayed in the image, and the information related to the parameter is displayed using the identifiable color in the erased portion, so that the display color is not changed each time. The information about the parameters can be displayed in the image.

  FIG. 19 shows information about parameter values displayed near the reference image and the peripheral image. In FIG. 19, a dedicated area 1901 provided exclusively for displaying information about parameters is arranged below each image, and information about parameter values is displayed in the dedicated area 1901. Thus, the information display can be reliably performed without creating an area where the contents of the image are hidden by the display of the information on the parameter values.

  Next, a procedure of a parameter value information display control process performed by the parameter value information display control unit 1701 in the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of display control processing of information on parameter values according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 20, first, the parameter value information display control unit 1701 determines whether or not there is an instruction to display information on parameter values (step S2001). Here, in step S2001, a display instruction is waited for (step S2001 affirmative), and when the instruction is issued, the parameter value of the image to be displayed is acquired (step S2002).

  Next, the parameter value acquired in step S2002 is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen in a predetermined display format (step S2003). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an instruction to delete the information on the parameter value has been given (step S2004).

In step S2004, an erasure instruction is waited for (step S2004 affirmative). When the erasure instruction is issued, the information on the displayed parameter value is erased.
After that, the processing shifts to step S2001, and the same processing is repeated thereafter.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the information regarding the parameter value is displayed using a numerical value at a predetermined position in or near the reference image and the peripheral image. You can refer to the numerical values.

  In particular, when the parameter value is changed by specifying the peripheral image and changing the peripheral image to the reference image, the amount of the parameter value changed by specifying which peripheral image and how, and the amount of the change. It can be recognized by numerical values. Also, since the first reference image is displayed as (0, 0), it is difficult to determine where the first reference image is just by looking at the image alone, but since it is displayed by numerical values, The first reference image can be found easily and quickly.

(Embodiment 5)
In Embodiment 5 described below, the entire image subjected to the rotation processing is displayed as a reduced image, so that the inclination of the image and the like on the reduced image can be easily grasped.

  The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. The other components of the image processing apparatus 100, except for the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307, have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the configurations of the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 will be described in more detail. FIG. 21 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image changing unit 304, the display control unit 307, and the peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, the image changing unit 304 has a configuration including an edit processing unit 2101, a rectangle calculation unit 2102, and a reduced image creation unit 2103. The display control unit 307 includes a reduced image display control unit 2104. Further, the editing processing unit 2101 includes an image rotation processing unit 2105.

  The edit processing unit 2101 performs an edit process on an image stored in the image data storage unit 104 and displayed on the display unit 308 by the display control unit 307. The editing process includes a process of rotating the displayed image by the image rotation processing unit 2105 by a predetermined angle, a process of inverting the image, a process of changing the number of pixels of the image, a color adjustment process for a color image, and an image combining process This includes all editing and processing related to images, such as processing.

  A known technique is used for the image rotation processing by the image rotation processing unit 2105. Details of the image rotation processing will be described later. Further, the image processed and edited by the editing unit 2101 is given a file name and stored by the image data storage unit 104.

  The rectangle calculation unit 2102 calculates a rectangle having the smallest size among the rectangles that include the rotated image. In the case of a rectangular image rotated by a predetermined angle by the image rotation processing unit 2105, the rectangle having the minimum size is, of course, a rectangle larger than the rotated rectangular image. The method of calculating the rectangle will be described later.

  The reduced image creation unit 2103 is a creation unit that creates a reduced image for search, so-called thumbnail, and creates a reduced image based on the shape (aspect ratio) and size of the rectangle calculated by the rectangle calculation unit 2102.

  The reduced image display control unit 2104 is a control unit that controls the display of the reduced image created by the reduced image creation unit 2103 at a predetermined position on the display screen of the display unit 308. The display position and the display method will be described later.

  The editing processing unit 2101, the rectangle calculation unit 2102, the reduced image creation unit 2103, the reduced image display control unit 2104, and the image rotation processing unit 2105 are respectively recorded on a recording medium such as the ROM 202, the RAM 203 or the hard disk 205 and the floppy (R) disk 207. The functions of each unit are realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing the instruction processing according to the instructions described in the programs such as the OS and the application programs.

  Next, the contents of the image rotation processing will be described. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 22, a selected image 2201 obtained by rotating the image selected in FIG. 5 clockwise by 45 degrees is displayed in the selected image display area 503.

  As a method of instructing the rotation of the figure, for example, by inputting a desired rotation angle and rotation direction from the keyboard 211 or the like, the image is rotated around the center point of the image. Alternatively, the image may be rotated to a desired angle by dragging the image using the mouse 212 or the like. The method for rotating the image is not particularly limited.

  The selected image 2201 has the same size as the image displayed in the selected image display area 503 in FIG. However, by rotating by 45 degrees, it can be seen that the entire image is not displayed in the selected image display area 503.

  Next, a method of calculating a rectangle by the rectangle calculation unit 2102 will be described. FIG. 23 is a simplified explanatory diagram of a rectangle calculation method of the rectangle calculation unit 2102 of the image processing device according to the fifth embodiment.

  In FIG. 23, the rotated rectangular image 2300 has four vertices, a vertex 2301 (x1, y1), a vertex 2302 (x2, y2), a vertex 2303 (x3, y3), and a vertex 2304 (x4, y4). . Among these vertices, those having the largest and smallest coordinate values of x and those having the largest and smallest coordinate values of y are extracted. x4 has the largest coordinate value of x, and x1 has the smallest coordinate value. The largest coordinate value of y is y3, and the smallest coordinate value is y2.

  Next, a rectangle 2305 to be obtained is indicated by a dotted line. By obtaining the two vertices on the diagonal line, it is possible to obtain a rectangle of the minimum size including the image 2300. A vertex 2306 (X1, Y2) and a vertex 2307 (X2, Y2) on the diagonal are X1 = x1, Y1 = y4, X2 = x2, and Y2 = y3, respectively.

  That is, the vertices of the rectangle 2305 to be calculated are the maximum value of the coordinate values in the x direction, the minimum value of the coordinate values in the y direction, and the minimum value of the coordinate values in the x direction among the vertices of the rotated rectangle. And the coordinates of the maximum value of the coordinate values in the y direction. The length of each side of the rectangle 2305 is the difference length obtained by comparing the coordinate values of the two vertices of the rectangle 2305 in the x direction and the coordinate values of the coordinate values in the y direction and subtracting a smaller value from a larger value. It is. Thus, the rectangle 2305 is calculated.

  Next, a reduced image creation process and a reduced image display control process will be described with reference to a display example of a reduced image. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a part of the display screen (reduced image display area 502) displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 24, the number of displayed reduced images is eight, but this is for convenience of explanation. Even if the number of displayed reduced images is 24 as shown in FIG. No change.

  In FIG. 24, four images having the same original image but different rotation angles are displayed as reduced images. The reduced image 2401 has not been subjected to rotation processing, and the rotation angle is 0 degrees. The reduced image 2402 is rotated by 45 degrees clockwise, the reduced image 2403 is rotated by 90 degrees, and the reduced image is rotated by 135 degrees.

  In the reduced image 2401, the rectangle 2305 having the smallest size among the rectangles including the image is the same size as the image 2401, so that the entire image 2401 is displayed as compared with the vertical and horizontal sizes of the display frame of the reduced image. The original image is reduced by a magnification that becomes the largest possible image, and is displayed in the display frame.

  In the reduced image 2402, the rectangle 2305 is calculated by the above-described method, the rectangle 2305 is compared with the vertical and horizontal sizes of the display frame, and the original image is reduced by a magnification that allows the entire rectangle 2305 to be displayed at the maximum size. Is displayed in the display frame.

  As can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 24, since the rectangle 2305 has a larger size than the original image, the reduction ratio of the original image is higher, and the image itself is smaller than the reduced image 2401. However, the speed and efficiency of retrieving a desired image is greatly improved because the situation of image rotation is clear. The same applies to the reduced images 2403 and 2404.

  Next, a procedure of a series of processing for displaying a reduced image in the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a series of processes for displaying a reduced image of the image processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 25, first, various editing processes are performed on the selected image (step S2501).

  Next, it is determined whether or not rotation processing has been performed on the image that has been edited and processed in step S2501 (step S2502). If it is determined in step S2502 that the rotation process has not been performed (No in step S2502), the process advances to step S2504. On the other hand, if the rotation processing has been performed in step S2502 (Yes in step S2502), the smallest rectangle including the image subjected to the rotation processing is calculated (step S2503).

  Next, in step S2504, a reduced image is created based on the minimum rectangle including the image that has not been rotated or the image that has been rotated. Then, after the reduced image created in step S2504 is displayed at a predetermined position on the display unit 308 (step S2505), all the processing ends.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the entire image subjected to the rotation processing is displayed as a reduced image, so that the inclination of the image on the reduced image can be easily grasped. Thus, the image can be searched at high speed and efficiently.

(Embodiment 6)
In the fifth embodiment described above, the image edited by the editing unit 2101 is an image obtained by rotating a rectangular image by a predetermined angle. However, as in the sixth embodiment described below, the editing unit May be an image cut out in a shape other than a rectangle.

  The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The other components of the image processing apparatus 100, except for the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307, have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 will be described. FIG. 26 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of an image changing unit 304, a display control unit 307, and peripheral components of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 26, the image changing unit 304 has a configuration including an editing processing unit 2601, a rectangle calculation unit 2602, and a reduced image creation unit 2603. The display control unit 307 includes a reduced image display control unit 2604. Further, the editing processing unit 2601 includes an image cutout processing unit 2605.

  The editing unit 2601 performs an editing process on an image stored in the image data storage unit 104 and displayed on the display unit 308 by the display control unit 307. The editing processing includes image inversion processing, image inversion processing, image number change processing, and color adjustment in the case of a color image, including image extraction processing in which an image displayed by the image extraction processing unit 2605 is extracted in a predetermined shape. It includes all editing and processing related to images, such as processing and image synthesis processing.

  A known technique is used for the image cutout processing by the image cutout processing unit 2605. The details of the image cutting process will be described later. Further, the image edited and processed by the editing and processing unit 2601 is given a file name and stored by the image data storage unit 104.

  The rectangle calculation unit 2602 calculates a rectangle having the smallest size among rectangles including an image that has been edited and processed, in particular, an image whose size has been changed by performing the extraction process. Based on the coordinate values of the trajectory of the cut edge of the cut-out image, the maximum value and the minimum value of the coordinate value in the x direction, the maximum value of the coordinate value in the y axis direction, Find the minimum value and calculate the rectangle from that value.

  Further, the reduced image creation unit 2603 and the reduced image display control unit 2604 have the same configuration as the reduced image creation unit 2103 and the reduced image display control unit 2104 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The editing processing unit 2601, the rectangle calculation unit 2602, the reduced image creation unit 2603, the reduced image display control unit 1004, and the image cutout processing unit 2605 are respectively stored in a recording medium such as the ROM 202, the RAM 203 or the hard disk 205, and the floppy (R) disk 207. The function of each unit is realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing the instruction processing according to the instructions described in the recorded programs such as the OS and the application programs.

  The contents of the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment and the contents of the display screen are the same as those described in the first embodiment, in particular, with reference to FIG.

  Next, an image cutting process will be described. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 27, the cutout line 2701 of the image is indicated by the dotted line of the ellipse. In order to perform the extraction processing using an ellipse, first, a type for specifying a range is selected.

  As types for specifying the range, types such as polygons, freehands, and templates are prepared in addition to ellipses. In the case of an ellipse, use the mouse 212 or the like to depress the mouse button or the like at a desired position, and move the mouse 212 or the like to a desired size or shape while keeping the pressed state. When the mouse button or the like is released at this time, an elliptical cutout line 2701 represented by a dotted line is displayed on the screen.

  In the case of a polygon, the position where a single click is made at a predetermined position using the mouse 212 or the like becomes the vertex of the polygon. Finally, by double-clicking, the position returns to the position where the single click was made first, whereby the polygon is completed, and a polygonal polygonal cutout line is displayed on the screen.

  In the case of freehand, when the mouse button or the like is pressed at a desired position using the mouse 212 or the like, a desired shape is drawn freehand while the mouse button is pressed, and when the mouse button or the like is released, the mouse button or the like is released. A closed area is completed by automatically connecting a line from that position to the position that became the first starting point, the closed area is determined as a cutout range, and a cutout line of the cutout range with a dotted line is displayed on the screen Is done.

  Next, the range specification processing using a template will be described. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 28, a plurality of templates (a heart-shaped template 2801, a spade-shaped template 2802, a diamond-shaped template 2803, a clover-shaped template 2804, and a star-shaped template 2805) are displayed. These templates are not limited to the above five, and an arbitrary shape can be created by itself and registered as a template.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 29, an image is cut out using a heart-shaped template 2802, and a heart-shaped cutout line 2901 is displayed on the image. The extraction processing using the template is the same as the ellipse extraction processing, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, a process of creating a reduced image and a process of controlling the display of the created reduced image will be described with reference to a display example of a reduced image. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a part of the display screen (reduced image display area 502) displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 30, as in FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, the number of displayed reduced images is eight, but this is for convenience of explanation, and the number of displayed reduced images is as shown in FIG. There is no change in the content of the processing even if the number is 24.

  In FIG. 30, three images in which the original image is the same and the designated range of the cutting process is different from the original image are displayed as reduced images. The reduced image 3001 is a reduced image of the original image. A reduced image 3002 is a reduced image cut out by an ellipse according to the size of the face, a reduced image 3003 is a reduced image cut out using a heart-shaped template 2801 according to the size of the face, and a reduced image 3004 is the same. This is a reduced image cut out using a star-shaped template 2805.

  In the reduced image 3001, the smallest rectangle among the rectangles including the image is the same size as the image 3001, so that the entire image 3001 can be displayed as compared to the vertical and horizontal sizes of the display frame of the reduced image. Control is performed so that the original image is reduced by a magnification such that the maximum image is obtained and displayed on the display frame.

  In the reduced image 3002, a rectangle having the minimum size including the image cut out into an ellipse is calculated, and the rectangle is compared with the vertical and horizontal sizes of the display frame, so that the entire rectangle can be displayed in the maximum size. Control is performed so that the original image is enlarged by the magnification and displayed in the display frame.

  As can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 30, since the rectangle has a smaller size than the original image, the reduction ratio of the original image is small, and the image itself (face portion) is larger than the reduced image 3001. You can see that. The same applies to the reduced images 3003 and 3004.

  Next, a series of processing procedures for displaying a reduced image in the sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a series of processing for displaying a reduced image of the image processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 31, first, various editing processes are performed on the selected image (step S3101).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the extraction processing has been performed on the image that has been edited and processed in step S3101 (step S3102). If the extraction processing has not been performed in step S3102 (No in step S3102), the process proceeds to step S3104. On the other hand, if the clipping process has been performed in step S3102 (Yes in step S3102), the smallest rectangle including the image subjected to the clipping process is calculated (step S3103).

  Next, in step S3104, a reduced image is created based on the minimum rectangle including the image that has not been subjected to the extraction processing or the image that has been subjected to the extraction rotation processing. Then, after the reduced image created in step S3104 is displayed at a predetermined position on the display unit 308 (step S3105), all processing ends.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the entire image subjected to the cutout processing is displayed as a reduced image, so that the features of the cutout portion on the reduced image can be understood. Since the image is displayed larger than that of the image, it is possible to easily grasp the features and the like of the image, and it is also possible to easily grasp the situation such as the shape and size of the cutout of the image on the reduced image. Thus, an image can be searched efficiently.

(Embodiment 7)
In Embodiment 7 described below, by specifying a color to be transparent, it is possible to arbitrarily select a color to be applied to a portion to be transparent-processed. Transparent processing can be avoided.

  The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing device 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The other components of the image processing apparatus 100, except for the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307, have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the configuration of the image changing unit 304 will be described in more detail. FIG. 32 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image changing unit 304 and its peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 32, the image changing unit 304 includes an editing unit 3201, a rectangle calculating unit 3202, a margin extracting unit 3203, a color specifying unit 3204, and a transparency processing unit 3205. Further, the editing processing unit 3201 includes an image rotation processing unit 3206 and an image cutout processing unit 3207.

  The editing unit 3201 performs an editing process on an image stored in the image data storage unit 104 and displayed on the display unit 308 by the display control unit 307. The editing process includes a process of rotating the displayed image by the image rotation processing unit 3206 by a predetermined angle and a process of cutting out the displayed image by the image cutout processing unit 3207 in a predetermined shape. All kinds of editing processing related to the image, such as inversion processing, processing for changing the number of pixels of an image, color adjustment processing for a color image, and image synthesis processing are included.

  Known techniques are used for the image rotation processing by the image rotation processing unit 3206 and the image extraction processing by the image extraction processing unit 3207. The details of the image rotation process and the image cutout process will be described later. Further, the image processed and edited by the editing and processing unit 3201 is given a file name and stored by the image data storage unit 104.

  The rectangle calculation unit 3202 calculates a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including the edited image. The margin extracting unit 3203 extracts a margin portion excluding the edited image from the rectangle calculated by the rectangle calculating unit 3202. The color designation unit 3204 designates a color for coloring the margin portion extracted by the margin extraction unit 3203.

  Specifically, when the edited image is stored in the image data storage unit 104, a color is designated from a transparent color setting screen described later. Further, the transparency processing unit 3205 makes a portion colored by the color designated by the color designation unit 3204 transparent. Details of the rectangle calculation processing, margin extraction processing, color designation processing, and transparency processing will be described later.

  The editing processing unit 3201, the rectangle calculation unit 3202, the margin extraction unit 3203, the color designation unit 3204, the transparency processing unit 3205, the image rotation processing unit 3206, and the image cutout processing unit 3207 are respectively ROM202, RAM203 or hard disk 205, floppy (R) The function of each unit is realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing a command process in accordance with a command described in a program such as an OS or an application program recorded on a recording medium such as the disk 207.

  Next, the contents of the image rotation processing will be described. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 33, a selected image 3301 obtained by rotating the image selected in FIG. 5 clockwise by 45 degrees is displayed in the selected image display area 503.

  As a method of instructing the rotation of the figure, for example, by inputting a desired rotation angle and rotation direction from the keyboard 211 or the like, the image is rotated around the center point of the image. Alternatively, the image may be rotated to a desired angle by dragging the image using the mouse 212 or the like. The method for rotating the image is not particularly limited.

  The selected image 3301 has the same size as the image displayed in the selected image display area 503 in FIG. However, by rotating by 45 degrees, it can be seen that the entire image is not displayed in the selected image display area 503.

  Next, an image cutting process will be described. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 34, an elliptical dotted line indicates an image cutout line 3401. In order to perform the extraction processing using an ellipse, first, a type for specifying a range is selected. As types for specifying the range, types such as polygons, freehands, and templates are prepared in addition to ellipses.

  In the case of an ellipse, a mouse button or the like is pressed at a desired position using the mouse 212 or the like, and the mouse 212 or the like is moved to a desired size / shape while the mouse button or the like is kept pressed, thereby obtaining a desired size / shape. When the mouse button or the like is released at this time, an elliptical cutout line 3401 represented by a dotted line is displayed on the screen.

  In the case of a polygon, the position where a single click is made at a predetermined position using the mouse 212 or the like becomes the vertex of the polygon. Finally, by double-clicking, the position returns to the position where the single click was made first, whereby the polygon is completed, and a polygonal polygonal cutout line is displayed on the screen.

  In the case of freehand, a mouse button or the like is pressed at a desired position using the mouse 212 or the like, and a desired shape is drawn freehand while the mouse button or the like is pressed. A closed area is completed by automatically connecting a line from that position to the position that became the first starting point. The closed area is determined as a cutout range, and a cutout line of the cutout range indicated by a dotted line is displayed on the screen.

  Next, the range specification processing using a template will be described. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 35, a plurality of templates (a heart-shaped template 3501, a spade-shaped template 3502, a diamond-shaped template 3503, a clover-shaped template 3504, and a star-shaped template 3505) are displayed. These templates are not limited to the above five, and an arbitrary shape can be created by itself and registered as a template.

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 36, an image is cut out using a heart-shaped template 3501, and a heart-shaped cut-out line 3601 is displayed on the image. The extraction processing using the template is the same as the ellipse extraction processing, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, a calculation process of a rectangle by the rectangle calculation unit 3202 will be described. FIG. 37 is a simplified explanatory diagram of a rectangle calculation process of the rectangle calculation unit 3202 of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 37, the rotated rectangular image 3700 has four vertices, a vertex 3701 (x1, y1), a vertex 3702 (x2, y2), a vertex 3703 (x3, y3), and a vertex 3704 (x4, y4). .

  Among these vertices, those having the largest and smallest coordinate values of x and those having the largest and smallest coordinate values of y are extracted. x4 has the largest coordinate value of x, and x1 has the smallest coordinate value. The largest coordinate value of y is y3, and the smallest coordinate value is y2.

  Next, a rectangle 3705 to be obtained is indicated by a dotted line. By obtaining the two vertices on the diagonal line, it is possible to obtain a rectangle of the minimum size including the image 3700. The vertices 3706 (X1, Y2) and 3707 (X2, Y2) on the diagonal line are X1 = x1, Y1 = y4, X2 = x2, and Y2 = y3, respectively.

  That is, the vertices of the rectangle 3705 to be calculated are the maximum value of the coordinate values in the x direction, the minimum value of the coordinate values in the y direction, and the minimum value of the coordinate values in the x direction among the vertices of the rotated rectangle. And the coordinates of the maximum value of the coordinate values in the y direction. The length of each side of the rectangle 3705 is the difference length obtained by comparing the coordinate values of the two vertices of the rectangle 3705 in the x direction and the coordinate values of the coordinate values in the y direction and subtracting a smaller value from a larger value. It is. Thus, the rectangle 3705 is calculated.

  As a method of calculating a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including an image that has been edited and processed, in particular, an image whose size has been changed by being cut out by the image cutout processing unit 3207, As in the case of the above-described rotated rectangular image, the maximum value and the minimum value of the coordinate values in the x direction and the maximum value of the coordinate values in the y axis direction are based on the coordinate values of the trajectory of the cut edge of the cut image. And a minimum value, and a rectangle is calculated from the value.

  Next, margin extraction processing by the margin extraction unit 3203 will be described. FIG. 38 is a simplified explanatory diagram of the margin extracting process of the margin extracting unit 3203 of the image processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 38 shows an image 3801 subjected to the extraction processing and a rectangle 3802 including the image 3801. The image 3801 and the rectangle 3802 are in contact with each other by contact points a, b, c, d, and e.

  The margin portion is the remaining portion of the rectangle 3802 excluding the portion of the image 3801. The margin portion 3803 is defined by the contacts a and b, the margin portion 3804 is defined by the contacts b and c, and the margin portion 3805 is defined by the contacts c and d. A blank portion 3806 is a region formed by the contacts d and e, and a blank portion 3807 is a region formed by the contacts e and a. These margins 3803 to 3807 can be obtained by calculating a difference based on the coordinates indicating the area of the image 3801, the coordinates indicating the area of the rectangle 3802, and the coordinates of the contact points a to e. In this way, the margin extracting unit 3203 extracts the margin.

  Next, the color designation processing by the color designation unit 3204 will be described. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 39, when “option (O)”-“environment setting”-“transparent color setting” is selected on the menu bar, a transparent color setting screen 3900 is displayed. Eight colors for transparent color selection are prepared on the transparent color setting screen 3900 in advance.

  The eight transparent color selection boxes 3901 to 3908 displayed below “selection of transparent color” include a white selection box 3901, a red selection box 3902, and a green selection box 3903. , A blue selection box 3905, a pink selection box 3905, a light blue selection box 3906, a yellow selection box 3907, and a black selection box 3908. One of the selection boxes 3901 to 3908 is designated by a desired color for coloring the margin.

  As a specification method, a method is generally used in which the mouse cursor is moved to a desired selection box area using the mouse 212 or the like, and the specification is made by clicking a mouse button or the like. When a transparent color is not used, a gray unused box 3909 displayed below “not use a transparent color” is designated in the same manner.

  The color specified by clicking the mouse 212 or the like is displayed in the lower display box 3910 in which "currently selected transparent color" is described. When the unused box 1209 is specified, a gray color is displayed in the display box 3910. When the color specification is confirmed, the user presses an “OK” button 3911 to complete the color specification processing and close the transparent color setting screen 3900. Thus, the color designation processing is completed. When the color is changed, the color can be changed any number of times by repeating the same processing.

  The color is usually specified in white. Therefore, the default value is also white. However, in the case where the image is entirely based on white, for example, in the case of an image of a photograph of a snow scene, etc., when white is specified, not only the margin becomes transparent, but also the white of the image itself is expressed. It becomes transparent up to the part where it is. In such a case, the above problem is avoided by designating another color.

  After performing the color designation process, the image is edited, for example, a portion of the image is cut out, and when the image is stored in the image data storage unit 104, the smallest rectangle including the cut out shape is included. Is colored to the color specified during the color specification processing. If the same processing is performed without performing the color designation processing, white as a default value is colored. Also, if the same cutout processing is performed after designating the unused box 3909, the default value white is also colored in this case as well.

  Next, the transparency processing by the transparency processing unit 3205 will be described. 40 and 41 are explanatory diagrams showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 40 shows the case where the transparency processing is performed when the images are combined, while FIG. 41 shows the case where the transparency processing is not performed.

  The transparency processing by the transparency processing unit 3205 means that, when there is a color to be transparent-processed in an image 4000 to be edited including a blank portion 4001 shown by a dotted line, the image of the color portion is made transparent. This is a process of displaying an image on the lower side of the image so as to be transparent to the image to be edited. In FIG. 40, since the blank portion 4001 is colored with the color to be transparent-processed, the portion is made transparent, and the image on the lower side of the image is transparently displayed.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 41, since the blank portion 4101 is not colored with the color to be transparent-processed, the portion is not transparent-processed and the blank portion is displayed as it is. The case where the blank portion 4101 is not colored with the color to be transparent-processed means that, for example, after the image is saved in the above-described color designation unit 3204, the color to be transparent-processed is different from the color obtained by coloring the blank portion. A case where the color is changed to a color or a case where the color is changed to a color different from the color in which the blank portion is colored after the image is saved can be considered.

  Next, a procedure of a series of processes of the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 in the seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the sequence of a series of processes of the image changing unit and the display control unit according to the seventh embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 42, first, various editing processes are performed on the selected image (step S4201).

  Next, it is determined whether rotation processing has been performed on the image that has been edited and processed in step S4201 (step S4202). In addition, it is determined whether or not the clipping process has been performed on the image that has been edited and processed in step S4201 (step S4203).

  If any of the processing in step S4202 or S4203 has been performed (Yes in step S4202, or No in step S4202, and affirmation in step S4203), the rectangle having the smallest size among the rectangles containing the edited image is selected. It is calculated (step S4204).

  On the other hand, if neither step S4202 nor step S4203 has been performed (No at Step S4202 / No at Step S4203), the process moves to Step S4211. After the rectangle is extracted in step S4204, a blank portion, which is the difference between the rectangle and the image that has been edited and processed, is extracted (step S4205).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a color designation for coloring the margin (step S4206). If a color is specified in step S4206, the margin is colored with the specified color (step S4207). On the other hand, if no color is specified in step S4206, the margin is colored with white, which is the default value (step S4208).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the same color as the transparent setting color exists in the edited image including the blank portion (step S4209). If there is the same color in step S4209 (Yes in step S4209), a transparent process is performed on the color portion (step S4210). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4209 that the same color does not exist (No in step S4209), the process advances to step S4211. Thereafter, the image is displayed (step S4211), and all the processing ends.

  As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the color to be used for the transparent processing can be arbitrarily selected by designating the color to be the transparent color. It is possible to avoid that a part that should not be processed is transparently processed.

(Embodiment 8)
In the seventh embodiment described above, the color to be a transparent color is designated by the color designation unit 3204. However, as in the eighth embodiment described below, the color used in the image is changed to the color used. A color that becomes a transparent color may be set based on the color.

  The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. The other components of the image processing apparatus 100, except for the image changing unit 304, also have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the image changing unit 304 will be described. FIG. 43 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of an image changing unit 304 and its peripheral parts of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 43, the image changing unit 304 includes an editing unit 4301, a rectangle calculating unit 4302, a margin extracting unit 4303, a color setting unit 4304, and a transparency processing unit 4305. Further, the editing processing unit 4301 includes an image rotation processing unit 4306 and an image cutout unit 4307. The components other than the color setting unit 4304 have the same configuration as in the seventh embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

  The edit processing unit 4301, the rectangle calculation unit 4302, the margin extraction unit 4303, the color setting unit 4304, the transparency processing unit 4305, the image rotation processing unit 4306, and the image cutout unit 4307 are respectively a ROM 202, a RAM 203 or a hard disk 205, and a floppy (R). The functions of each unit are realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing the instruction processing according to the instructions described in the programs such as the OS and the application programs recorded on the recording medium such as the disk 207.

  Next, a color setting process performed by the color setting unit 4304 will be described. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the color setting process of the color setting unit according to the eighth embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 44, first, the colors used in the edited image are analyzed (step S4401). As a result of the analysis, it is determined whether or not there is a color that is not used in the edited image among a plurality of predetermined colors, for example, among the eight colors that are candidates for color designation in the seventh embodiment (step). S4402).

  If there is a color that is not used in step S4402, it is determined whether there are a plurality of colors (step S4403). When there are a plurality of colors (Yes at Step S4403), an arbitrary color is extracted from the extracted colors (Step S4404), and the process proceeds to Step S4406. On the other hand, in step S4403, when there is no plurality, that is, when there is only one color (step S4403, No), the process directly proceeds to step S4406.

  If there is no unused color in step S4402 (No in step S4402), one of the plurality of colors that is used least is extracted (step S4405).

  In step S4406, each of the extracted colors is set as a transparent color, and then all processing ends.

  Next, a procedure of a series of processes of the image changing unit 304 and the display control unit 307 in the eighth embodiment will be described. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the sequence of a series of processes of the image changing unit and the display control unit according to the eighth embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 45, steps S4501 to S4507 are the same as steps S4201 to S4207 of FIG. 42 of the seventh embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  If no color is specified in step S4506, a transparent color is set according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 44, and the margin is colored with that color (step S4508). Also. Steps S4509 to S4511 are the same as steps S4209 to S4211 in FIG. 42 of the seventh embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the color that becomes a transparent color is set to the least number of colors used in an image. Can be minimized.

(Embodiment 9)
In the ninth embodiment, since the editing history of the edited image is displayed, the situation in which the image has been edited can be easily grasped, and the image is edited based on the displayed editing history. Can be edited.

  The entire document-with-image creation system including the image processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention and the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, among the processing units 102 of the image processing apparatus 100, other units except the image data storage unit 104, the image change unit 304, and the display control unit 307 have the same configuration as in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted. I do.

  Next, the image data storage unit 104, the image change unit 304, and the display control unit 307 will be described. FIG. 46 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of the image data storage unit 104, the image change unit 304, the display control unit 307, and the peripheral parts of the image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 46, the image data storage unit 104 has a configuration including an edit processing history storage unit 4602. The image changing unit 304 includes an editing and processing unit 4601. The display control unit 307 includes an editing / processing history display control unit 4604.

  The editing unit 4601 edits an image displayed on the display screen. The editing processing includes all kinds of editing processing relating to an image, such as an image cutout processing, an image inversion processing, a processing for changing the number of pixels of an image, a color adjustment processing for a color image, and an image synthesis processing. The image edited and processed by the editing and processing unit 4601 is given a file name and stored by the image data storage unit 104.

  The editing processing history storage unit 4602 stores the editing processing history of the image edited and processed by the editing processing unit 4601. At this time, the image is stored in association with the image processed by the editing processing unit 4601. Further, the editing processing history storage unit 4602 stores information on the original image that has been subjected to editing processing.

  The editing processing history display control unit 4603 displays the editing processing history stored by the editing processing history storage unit 4602 together with an image on a display screen. The editing history display control unit 4603 displays information on the original image that has been edited and stored in the editing history storage unit 4602.

  The editing processing section 4601, the editing processing history storage section 4602, and the editing processing history display control section 4603 are programs such as an OS and application programs recorded on a recording medium such as the ROM 202, the RAM 203 or the hard disk 205, and the floppy (R) disk 207, respectively. The functions of each unit are realized by the CPU 201 or the like executing the instruction processing in accordance with the instructions described in (1).

  Next, the contents of the edit processing history will be described. FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the editing history displayed on the display unit 308 of the image processing device according to the ninth embodiment. With the image displayed on the selected image display area 503 on the display screen of FIG. 5, the cursor is moved to the display area of the image, and the editing processing shown in FIG. A history display screen 4700 is displayed.

  In FIG. 47, the editing process history information includes the file name of the image, the folder in which the file is stored, the original image to be edited, the name of the editing operator, the date and time of the editing process, and the editing process. Is displayed. A path indicating the location is displayed on the original image. Furthermore, the original image can be directly displayed in the selected image display area 503 by clicking a displayed path portion with a mouse or the like by making a hyperlink.

  As the contents of the editing processing, for example, the contents relating to the editing processing such as the level of the hue, lightness, and saturation changed, the level of the RGB correction performed, and the angle when the image is rotated are displayed. You.

  The operator may select only necessary editing processing history information so that only the selected editing processing history is displayed. Alternatively, only the contents that have been edited may be displayed.

  Further, by pressing a "history copy" button 4702, only the displayed history information can be copied, and editing and editing of other images can be automatically performed based on the copied history information. You can also.

  As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, since the editing processing history of the edited image is displayed, the situation in which the image has been edited can be easily grasped, and the displayed editing processing can be performed. It is possible to easily and efficiently edit an image based on the history.

  In addition, since information on the original image that has been edited is displayed, the original image can be easily specified, and thereby the image can be easily and efficiently edited.

  Note that the image processing methods described in the first to ninth embodiments are realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a floppy (R) disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. This program can be distributed via the recording medium via a network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram functionally showing a configuration of an entire image-attached document creation system including an image processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of a display control unit and peripheral components of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a display control process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of a display control unit and a peripheral part of the image processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on a display unit of the image processing device according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a parameter setting process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of a display control unit and a peripheral part of an image processing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a part of a display screen displayed on a display unit of the image processing device according to the third embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a peripheral image designation process and a reference image extraction process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of a display control unit and a peripheral part of an image processing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a part of a display screen displayed on a display unit of the image processing device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a part of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the fourth embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of display control processing of information on parameter values according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram functionally showing the configurations of an image processing unit, a display control unit, and their peripheral parts of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to Embodiment 5. FIG. FIG. 15 is a simplified explanatory diagram of a rectangle calculation method of a rectangle calculation unit of the image processing device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a part (reduced image display area) of a display screen displayed on a display unit of an image processing device according to a fifth embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a series of processes for displaying a reduced image of the image processing device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of an image processing unit, a display control unit, and their peripheral parts of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a part (reduced image display area) of a display screen displayed on a display unit of an image processing device according to a sixth embodiment. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a series of processes for displaying a reduced image of the image processing device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram functionally showing the configuration of an image processing unit of an image processing apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention and peripheral components thereof. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 is a simplified explanatory diagram of a rectangle calculation process of a rectangle calculation unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 15 is a simplified explanatory diagram of margin extraction processing of a margin extraction unit of an image processing device according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the display screen displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the seventh embodiment. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a series of processes of an image changing unit and a display control unit according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 21 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of an image changing unit, a display control unit, and peripheral components of an image processing device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a color setting process of a color setting unit according to the eighth embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a series of processes of an image changing unit and a display control unit according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a block diagram functionally showing a configuration of an image changing unit, a display control unit, and peripheral components of an image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an editing history displayed on the display unit of the image processing device according to the ninth embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 image processing device 101 input unit 102 processing unit 103 output unit 104 image data storage unit 201 CPU
205 HD
207 FD
208 display 211 keyboard 212 mouse 213 scanner 301 operation instruction unit 307 display control unit 308 display unit 401 reference image extraction unit 402 parameter management unit 403 parameter setting unit 404 peripheral image creation unit 405 image display control unit 501 file name display area 502 reduced image Display area 503 Selected image display area 601 Color adjustment menu 611 Check box 900 Catalog viewer 901 Reference image 902-909 Peripheral image 912 Horizontal scroll bar 913 Vertical scroll bar 1101 Parameter setting section 1102 Horizontal parameter setting frame 1202 Vertical axis parameter setting frame 1401 Peripheral image specifying unit 1402 Reference image extracting unit 1501 Mouse cursor 1701 Parameter value information display control unit 2101 Editing processing unit 2102 Rectangle calculation Output unit 2103 Reduced image creation unit 2104 Reduced image display control unit 2105 Image rotation processing units 2401 to 2404 Reduced image 2601 Edit processing unit 2602 Rectangle calculation unit 2603 Reduced image creation unit 2604 Image display control unit 2605 Image cutout processing units 2701, 2901 Cutout lines 2801 to 2805 Templates 3001 to 3004 Reduced image 3201 Edit processing unit 3202 Rectangle calculation unit 3203 Margin extraction unit 3204 Color specification unit 3205 Transparency processing unit 3206 Image rotation processing unit 3207 Image extraction processing unit 3900 Transparent color setting screen 4301 Editing Processing unit 4302 rectangle calculation unit 4303 margin extraction unit 4304 color setting unit 4305 transparency processing unit 4306 image rotation processing unit 4307 image cutout processing unit 4601 editing processing unit 4601 editing processing history storage unit 4603 editing processing history display control 4700 editing and processing history display screen

Claims (23)

An image processing apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an image on a display screen, and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen.
Editing means for editing the image displayed on the display screen,
A rectangle calculation unit that calculates a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including an image edited and edited by the editing processing unit,
Reduced image creating means for creating a reduced image based on the rectangle calculated by the rectangle calculating means,
A reduced image display control unit that controls the display unit and displays the reduced image created by the reduced image creation unit on the display screen;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image edited by the editing means is an image obtained by rotating a rectangular image by a predetermined angle.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image edited by the editing means is an image cut out in a shape other than a rectangle. An image processing apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an image on a display screen, and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen.
Editing means for editing the image displayed on the display screen,
A rectangle calculation unit that calculates a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including an image edited and edited by the editing processing unit,
Margin extracting means for extracting a margin portion excluding the edited image in the rectangle calculated by the rectangle calculating means,
Margin processing means for coloring a margin part extracted by the margin extraction means with a predetermined color, and making the part colored with the predetermined color transparent;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The margin processing means,
Color designating means for designating a color for coloring the margin portion extracted by the margin extracting means,
Transparency processing means for making a portion colored by the color designated by the color designation means transparent,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: The margin processing means,
Color setting means for setting a color for coloring a margin portion extracted by the margin extraction means based on a color used in the edited image;
Transparency processing means for making the part colored by the color set by the color setting means transparent,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:   The color setting unit is configured to color a margin portion extracted by the margin extraction unit with a color that is not used in the edited image or a color that is least used among the plurality of predetermined colors. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the color is set as a color to be processed. An image processing apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an image on a display screen, and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen.
Editing means for editing the image displayed on the display screen,
Editing processing history storage means for storing an editing processing history of an image edited and processed by the editing processing means,
Editing processing history display control means for controlling the display means, displaying the editing processing history stored by the editing processing history storage means together with the image on the display screen,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The editing processing history storage unit stores information on an original image that has been subjected to editing processing,
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the edit processing history display control means displays information on an original image which has been edited and stored by the edit processing history storage means. An image processing apparatus comprising: display means for displaying an image on a display screen, and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen.
First display control means for controlling the display means to display information of an image file to be edited and processed in a first dedicated display area on the display screen;
Controlling the display means to display a reduced image of the image of the image file corresponding to the information of the designated image file among the information of the image file displayed in the first dedicated area; Second display control means for displaying in a dedicated display area of No. 2;
Controlling the display means to display, at a predetermined magnification, an image of an image file corresponding to a designated reduced image among reduced images displayed in the second dedicated area, at a predetermined magnification; Third display control means for displaying on the third dedicated display area above,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The first display control means displays only folder information for storing image files to be edited and processed,
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second display control means displays a reduced image of an image file stored in the designated folder information among the folder information displayed in the first dedicated area. Image processing device. In an image processing method for displaying an image displayed on a display screen and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen,
An editing process of editing an image displayed on the display screen,
A rectangle calculation step of calculating a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including an image edited and edited by the editing processing step,
A reduced image creation step of creating a reduced image based on the rectangle calculated in the rectangle calculation step,
A reduced image display step of displaying the reduced image created by the reduced image creation step on the display screen;
An image processing method comprising:   13. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the image edited in the editing step is an image obtained by rotating a rectangular image by a predetermined angle.   13. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the image edited in the editing step is an image cut out in a shape other than a rectangle. In an image processing method for displaying an image displayed on a display screen and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen,
An editing process of editing an image displayed on the display screen,
A rectangle calculation step of calculating a rectangle having a minimum size among rectangles including an image edited and edited by the editing processing step,
A margin extraction step of extracting a margin portion excluding the edited image in the rectangle calculated in the rectangle calculation step,
A margin processing step of coloring a margin portion extracted in the margin extraction step with a predetermined color, and making the part colored with the predetermined color transparent.
An image processing method comprising: The margin processing step includes:
A color designation step of designating a color for coloring a margin portion extracted in the margin extraction step,
A transparent processing step of making the portion colored by the color specified by the color specifying step transparent,
The image processing method according to claim 15, further comprising: The margin processing step includes:
A color setting step of setting a color for coloring a margin portion extracted in the margin extraction step based on a color used in the edited image;
A transparent processing step of making a portion colored by the color set in the color setting step transparent,
The image processing method according to claim 15, further comprising:   The color setting step is to color a margin part extracted in the margin extraction step with a color not used or a least used color in the edited image among a plurality of predetermined colors. 18. The image processing method according to claim 17, wherein the color is set as a color to be processed. In an image processing method for displaying an image displayed on a display screen and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen,
An editing process of editing an image displayed on the display screen,
An editing history display step of displaying the editing history of the image edited by the editing step together with the image on the display screen;
An image processing method comprising:   20. The image processing method according to claim 19, wherein the editing processing history displaying step stores displaying information on an original image that has been subjected to editing processing. In an image processing method for displaying an image displayed on a display screen and editing and processing the image displayed on the display screen,
A first display step of displaying information of an image file to be edited and processed in a first dedicated display area on the display screen;
Displaying a reduced image of the image of the image file corresponding to the information of the designated image file in the second dedicated display area on the display screen, among the information of the image file displayed in the first dedicated area; Display process,
A third display step of displaying an image of an image file corresponding to the designated reduced image among the reduced images displayed in the second dedicated area at a predetermined magnification in the third dedicated display area as a target of editing processing; When,
An image processing method comprising: The first dedicated display area displays only folder information for storing image files to be edited and processed,
22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the second dedicated area displays a reduced image of an image file stored in the designated folder information among the folder information displayed in the first dedicated area. Image processing method. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22 is recorded.

Images