JP2005285107A - Image editing system, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate selection of images to be inserted into the image inserting area of a template for an album when making the album for an event such as a wedding ceremony. <P>SOLUTION: The image editing system, method and program, comprising a step for taking photographs by a professional cameraman accompanying a bridal couple on the day of a wedding ceremony, a step for reading images from a developed film and storing in a file server, a step for displaying a edit display 30 including a list display field 31 for displaying a list of image data and template display field 33 for displaying the template, a step for referring to status designation information consisting of a variety of conditions for designating the status of the images to be inserted regarding all the image inserting areas of the page of the template designated by an operator, and a step for selecting the template conforming image data conforming to the conditions common in the status designation information from the list of image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image editing apparatus and method for selecting an image to be inserted into an image insertion area of a template, and a program for causing a computer to execute the image editing method.

  For example, as described in Patent Document 1, an image is read from a photographed photographic film using a film scanner, the selected image is arbitrarily laid out, and printed out as one photographic print. A method for creating an album has been proposed.

  In addition, only the desired image is printed out as a photo print, and a notch is formed on the mount for composing the album in accordance with the print size of the photo print and the layout of the album. A method of creating an album by inserting a print has also been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

  On the other hand, in order to create a wedding album, a professional photographer is accompanied by the bride and groom on the wedding day, shooting in front of the wedding church or monumental monument, By taking a picture during a wedding reception, a large number of images are taken to create an album on the wedding day. Since such an album tracks the actions of the bride and groom on the wedding day, it becomes a story-like album that can be enjoyed later.

  By the way, as described above, an album is created by a professional photographer or an operator of a photo shop providing an album creation service (hereinafter represented by an operator) storing a plurality of images acquired by photographing in an image server, At the creation workstation, a list of a plurality of images stored in the image server and a template having an image insertion area for creating an album are simultaneously displayed on a display means such as a monitor and inserted into the image insertion area. This is done by selecting an image to be selected from a list of images. At this time, the operator processes the image such as image change processing, image rotation, resizing, trimming, etc. so that the selected image can be inserted in the image insertion area with a good appearance. And image editing processing such as red-eye correction and image restoration processing such as scratch removal.

Then, the edited image is printed out and pasted on the mount to create an album. In addition, as described in Patent Document 1, the edited image and the template are combined and already pasted on the mount so that the edited image is inserted into the image insertion area of the template. An album can be created by printing out the album.
JP-A-9-214868 JP 2003-182260 A

  By the way, when creating an album as described above, images are acquired by shooting hundreds of images for a single event such as a wedding, but a template is created from hundreds of images included in the image list. The operation of selecting an image to be inserted into the image insertion area is very burdensome for the operator. In particular, when shooting, multiple images of the same scene can be obtained considering that there are unnecessary images that have failed to be shot, such as people closing their eyes or people looking sideways. Although such unnecessary images are included in the image list and included in the selection of images to be included in the album, the burden on the operator's work is unnecessarily increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to make it easy to select an image to be inserted into an image insertion area of a template when creating an album for an event such as a wedding mentioned above. To do.

A first image editing apparatus according to the present invention includes display means for performing various displays,
It consists of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area into which the image is inserted, and is provided with state designation information comprising various conditions for designating the state of the image to be inserted into the image insertion area. An input receiving means for receiving an input of a template to be an album mount;
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, and when the determination is affirmative, the plurality of images are referred to with reference to the common condition. Image selecting means for selecting a template-conforming image that conforms to the common condition from:
Display control means for displaying a list of the template and the plurality of images on the display means;
A suitable image selection display means for selecting and displaying the template compatible image in the list of the plurality of images;
Image selection means for receiving selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each of the image insertion areas from the template matching image is provided.

  The “state designation information” includes various conditions that determine the state of the subject included in the image suitable for insertion into the image insertion area and the image quality of the image. Specifically, when a subject is included in a subject, conditions for excluding unnecessary images such as eyes not closed, red eyes, no people facing sideways, no specified number of people included, etc. Can be mentioned. It also contains a specific subject such as a church or sea, two people, a person has a red flower, skin color granularity or subject color information (luminance, brightness, saturation) Etc.) can include the conditions for including necessary images such as satisfying the standard. In addition, a condition for designating a state for a certain part of the image can be included so that only the central portion of the image can select an image satisfying a predetermined condition.

The first image editing apparatus according to the present invention further includes page designation accepting means for accepting designation of a desired page in the template,
The image selection means determines whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the designated page, and if the determination is affirmative, the common condition With reference to the above, as a means for selecting a page matching image that meets the common condition from the plurality of images,
The display control means is means for displaying the designated page on the display means,
The suitable image selection display means is a means for selecting and displaying the page appropriate image,
The image selection unit may be a unit that receives selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the page matching image.

The first image editing apparatus according to the present invention further includes an area designation accepting unit that accepts designation of a desired image insertion area.
The image sorting means is means for sorting area-matching images that match the state designation information from the plurality of images with reference to state designation information about the designated image insertion area,
The suitable image selection display means is a means for selecting and displaying the area compatible image,
The image selection unit may be a unit that receives selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region-adapted image.

A second image editing apparatus according to the present invention comprises display means for performing various displays,
A template which becomes a mount of an album consisting of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area into which images are to be inserted, and has a common image state to be inserted for all the image insertion areas Template state designation information consisting of various conditions to be specified is given, page status designation information consisting of various common conditions for all the image insertion areas included in each of the plurality of pages is given to each page, An input receiving means for receiving an input of a template in which area state designation information including various conditions is assigned to each of the image insertion areas;
A designation accepting unit that accepts designation of the template, designation of a desired page in the designated template, and designation of a desired image insertion area;
When the template is designated, referring to the template state designation information given to the designated template, a template matching image that matches the template state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and is set as desired. When a page is designated, the page state designation information attached to the designated page is referred to, a page matching image that matches the page state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and the desired image is obtained. When an insertion area is designated, an image for selecting an area matching image that matches the area state designation information from the list of the plurality of images with reference to the area state designation information given to the designated image insertion area Sorting means;
Display control means for displaying the designated template and the designated page together with a list of the plurality of images on the display means;
In the list of the plurality of images, suitable image sorting display means for sorting and displaying the template matching image, the page matching image, and the region matching image;
Image selection means for receiving selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image and the page matching image, and selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region matching image It is characterized by comprising.

A third image editing apparatus according to the present invention includes display means for performing various displays,
It is composed of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area for inserting an image, and state designation information including various conditions for designating the state of an image to be inserted is given to each of the image insertion areas. Input accepting means for accepting an input of a template to be an album mount;
With reference to state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, association means for associating all the plurality of images with various conditions of the state designation information;
A result storing means for storing the result of the correspondence;
Designation accepting means for accepting designation of a desired page in the template;
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the designated page. If the determination is affirmative, the common condition and the result of the association are determined. An image selecting means for selecting a page matching image that matches the common condition from the plurality of images;
Display control means for displaying a list of the designated page and the plurality of images on the display means;
Adapted image sorting display means for sorting and displaying the page adapted image in the list of the plurality of images;
Image selection means for receiving selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each of the image insertion areas from the page matching image is provided.

In the third image editing apparatus according to the present invention, the designation receiving means is a means for receiving a designation of a desired image insertion area,
The image sorting means is a means for sorting region-matching images that match the state designation information from the plurality of images with reference to the state designation information about the designated image insertion region and the result of the association,
The suitable image selection display means is a means for selecting and displaying the area compatible image,
The image selection unit may be a unit that receives selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region-adapted image.

The first image editing method according to the present invention comprises a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area for inserting an image, and various conditions for designating a state of an image to be inserted into the image insertion area. Accepts the input of the template that will be the album mount, with the status specification information consisting of
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, and when the determination is affirmative, the plurality of images are referred to with reference to the common condition. A template matching image that matches the common condition is selected from
Displaying a list of the template and the plurality of images;
Selecting and displaying the template matching image in the list of the plurality of images;
Selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image is received.

A second image editing method according to the present invention is a template that becomes a mount of an album, which includes a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion region into which the images are inserted, and all the image insertion regions Page state consisting of various common conditions for all of the image insertion areas included in each of the plurality of pages, with template state designation information common to various conditions for designating the state of an image to be inserted. Designation information is given to each page, and an input of a template in which area state designation information consisting of various conditions is given to each of the image insertion areas is accepted.
Accepting designation of the template, designation of a desired page in the designated template, and designation of a desired image insertion area,
When the template is designated, referring to the template state designation information given to the designated template, a template matching image that matches the template state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and is set as desired. When a page is designated, the page state designation information attached to the designated page is referred to, a page matching image that matches the page state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and the desired image is obtained. When an insertion area is designated, referring to the area state designation information given to the designated image insertion area, a region matching image matching the area state designation information is selected from the list of the plurality of images,
Displaying the designated template and the designated page together with a list of the plurality of images on the display means;
In the list of the plurality of images, the template matching image, the page matching image and the region matching image are selected and displayed,
Receiving selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image and the page matching image, and selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region matching image. It is what.

The third image editing method according to the present invention comprises a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area for inserting the images, and the state of the image to be inserted is designated in each of the image insertion areas. Accept the input of the template that will be the album mount, with the status specification information consisting of various conditions
With reference to state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, all the plurality of images are associated with various conditions of the state designation information,
Save the result of the mapping,
Accepting the specification of the desired page in the template,
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the designated page. If the determination is affirmative, the common condition and the result of the association are determined. Referring to the image, a page matching image that meets the common condition is selected from the plurality of images,
Displaying a list of the designated page and the plurality of images on the display means;
Selecting and displaying the page-conforming image in the list of the plurality of images;
Selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the page matching image is received.

  Note that the first to third image editing methods according to the present invention may be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

  According to the first image editing apparatus and method of the present invention, input of a template is accepted, and it is determined whether or not there is a common condition in the state designation information for all image insertion regions included in the template. If the determination is affirmed, a common condition is referred to, a template compatible image that matches the common condition is selected from a plurality of images, and a template compatible image is selected and displayed in a list of a plurality of images. For this reason, the operator who performs the editing operation can easily select an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the designated template by referring to the template matching image selected and displayed.

  In addition, it accepts designation of a desired page in the template, determines whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all image insertion areas included in the designated page, and if this determination is affirmed The operator who performs the editing operation refers to the screen-adapted image selected and displayed by selecting a page-adapted image that matches the common condition from a plurality of images with reference to the common condition, and selecting and displaying the image. Then, it is possible to easily select an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the designated page.

  Also, it accepts the designation of the desired image insertion area, refers to the state designation information for the designated image insertion area, sorts out the area compatible images that match the state designation information from multiple images, and sorts and displays this Thus, the operator who performs the editing operation can easily select an image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region by referring to the selected region matching image.

  Therefore, according to the first image editing apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator when selecting an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template.

  According to the second image editing apparatus and method of the present invention, when a template designation is accepted, the template status designation information attached to the designated template is referred to, and the template status designation information is adapted from a plurality of images. The template matching image to be selected is selected. Further, when designation of a desired page is received, page state designation information given to the designated page is referred to, and a page matching image matching the page state designation information is selected from a plurality of images. Further, when designation of a desired image insertion area is accepted, the state designation information given to the designated image insertion area is referred to, and an area matching image that matches the state designation information is selected from a plurality of images. . Then, the template matching image, the page matching image, and the region matching image are selected and displayed in a list of a plurality of images. For this reason, the operator who performs the editing work can easily select the image insertion area of the template and the image to be inserted into the designated image insertion area by referring to the template matching image, the page matching image, and the area matching image that are selected and displayed. can do. Therefore, the burden on the operator when selecting an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template can be reduced.

  According to the third image editing apparatus and method of the present invention, input of a template is accepted, state designation information for all image insertion areas included in the template is referred to, and all images have various status designation information. Corresponding to the condition, the result of the association is stored. Then, when designation of a desired page in the template is accepted, it is determined whether or not there is a common condition in the state designation information for all image insertion areas included in the designated page, and this determination is affirmed. Then, by referring to the common condition and the result of the association, the page matching image that matches the common condition is selected from the plurality of images, and the page matching image is selected and displayed in the list of the plurality of images. For this reason, the operator who performs the editing operation can easily select an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the designated page, with reference to the page-matched image selected and displayed.

  Also, it accepts designation of a desired image insertion area, refers to the state designation information about the designated image insertion area and the result of association, and selects an area-conforming image that matches the state designation information from a plurality of images. By selecting and displaying this, the operator who performs the editing operation can easily select an image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region by referring to the selected region-adapted image.

  Therefore, according to the third image editing apparatus and method of the present invention, the burden on the operator when selecting an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template can be reduced. In addition, since all the images are previously associated with the various conditions of the state designation information, the page matching image and the region matching image can be selected at high speed by referring to the matching result. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image editing system provided with an image editing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image editing system according to the first embodiment includes an album editing PC (personal computer) 1 having the functions of the image editing apparatus according to the first embodiment, a developed negative or positive film or print. A plurality (two in this case) of minilab machines 3A and 3B, a scanner 3C, and image data, each of which includes a scanner that reads an image and acquires image data representing the image recorded on the film, and a printer that prints the image data. Are provided with a file server 5 having a large-capacity hard disk and a process management PC 7 for managing the album creation process, which are connected via a network.

  In the present embodiment, a professional photographer accompanies the bride and groom who are requesting the creation of an album with a story about the wedding, and the user is photographed on the wedding day. The case where an album is created using the images obtained in this way will be described, but the event is not limited to a wedding.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the album editing PC 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the album editing PC includes a CPU 11 (image selection means, display control means, compatible image selection display means, association means) that controls the entire album editing PC 1, a file server 5, and image data. Network transmission / reception means 13 (input reception means) for transmitting and receiving various information, display means 15 for displaying various information such as images and templates, and an operator operating the album editing PC 1 input means 17 (page designation) I / O 19 and CPU 11 for reading various information input using a receiving means, an area designation receiving means, an image selecting means) and transmitting the information to the CPU 11 or outputting a display command to the display means 15 based on an instruction from the CPU 11. ROM and CPU 11 in which programs to be operated and various constants are recorded execute processing. Workspace become the recording means is a composed of a RAM memory 21 (result storage unit), a recording means 23 such as a hard disk for recording image data and various information are provided.

  The CPU 11 in the album editing PC 1 and each peripheral circuit including the transmission / reception means 13, the I / O 19, the memory 21, the recording means 23, and the like are connected by a bus 25, and the CPU 11 can control each peripheral circuit. It is possible. That is, the CPU 11 controls the transmission / reception means 13, the display means 15, the memory 21 and the recording means 23 to receive information such as image data and template data described later from the file server 5 and record the received image data. A list of image data and a template are displayed on the display unit 15 while being recorded on the unit 23, and an image to be inserted into an image insertion area of the template and generation of image editing information are generated by an instruction from the input unit 17 by the operator. The image editing information can be transmitted to the file server 5.

  Here, when the operator edits the album, the album editing PC 1 accepts input of album editing information including the template type and user ID designated by the user who requested the album creation, and the album editing information is stored in the file. Send to server 5. Then, the template data, the image data, and the guide image data to be inserted into the template image insertion area transmitted by the file server 5 are received. Then, the image data is reduced to generate a list of images represented by the image data, and a guide image represented by the corresponding guide image data is inserted into each of the template image insertion areas represented by the template data. Then, an editing screen including a template in which a guide image is inserted and a list of images is displayed on the display unit 15.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the editing screen. As shown in FIG. 3, the editing screen 30 includes a list display field 31 for displaying a list of images, a template display field 33 for displaying a template in which a guide image is inserted, and a tool box 35.

  A scroll bar 31A is displayed in the list display field 31, and an image that cannot be displayed on one screen can be displayed by moving the scroll bar 31A left and right.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the template T1 displayed in the template display field 33 includes four image insertion areas 1-a, 1-b, 1-c, and 2-a. A guide image is displayed on each of them. The template T1 is composed of 4 pages. The first page is an image insertion area 1-a, 1-b, 1-c, the second page is an image insertion area 2-a, and the third page is an image insertion area 3. It is assumed that the image insertion areas 4-a and 4-b are included in the fourth page.

  The guide image is an image that can notify the operator who performs the album editing operation of what composition image should be inserted in each image insertion area. Here, shooting for creating an album for an event is performed in the same place and in the same situation regardless of the user who requested the album creation. For example, as described above, photography of the bride and groom on the wedding day is done at a fixed place in the hotel, and there are also fixed situations such as a ring exchange scene during a wedding ceremony, a cake cut scene at a reception, etc. Done in

  For this reason, the quality of the completed album can be made constant by setting the images inserted into the image insertion area of the template to have the same composition for all users who have selected the same template. Therefore, as the guide image, an illustration representing a composition to be inserted into the image insertion area, a line image, or a sample image obtained by photographing in an actual place or situation using a model can be used. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a sample image using a model is inserted.

  The template display field 33 displays arrow buttons 33A and 33B for switching the template page displayed in the template display field 33 when the template has a plurality of pages. The operator can switch the page of the template displayed on the editing screen 30 by clicking the arrow buttons 33A and 33B.

  The tool box 35 includes a button for performing processing for changing the image quality such as blurring, sharpening, and brushing on the image data, and a button for performing processing for repairing the image such as red-eye removal and scratching on the image data. A button for performing processing for processing the image such as rotation and size change on the image data and a determination button for ending the processing are displayed.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the template data is provided with state designation information for designating the state of an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template represented by the template data. For example, in the header of the template data representing the template T1 used in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, image insertion areas 1-a, 1-b, 1-c, State designation information 1 to 8 for designating the state of an image to be inserted into 2-a, 3-a, 3-b, 4-a, 4-b is recorded.

  The state designation information includes various conditions that determine the state of an image suitable for insertion into the image insertion area according to the image insertion area. Specifically, when a subject is included in a subject, conditions for excluding unnecessary images such as eyes not closed, red eyes, no people facing sideways, no specified number of people included, etc. Can be used. In addition, it is possible to use conditions including necessary images such as a specific subject such as a church or the sea, two persons, or a person having a red flower. In addition, a condition for designating a state for a certain part of the image can be included so that only the central portion of the image can select an image satisfying a predetermined condition.

  For example, if an image with the two faces of the bride and groom up should be inserted into the image insertion area 1-a in the template T1, the image selected for insertion includes the bride and groom, and the strobe It is necessary that the bride and groom are not facing sideways because they are not red-eyed by the shooting.

  For this reason, the state designation information 1 for the image insertion area 1-a includes, for example, the following conditions a to c.

a. Includes human faces.

b. Not red-eye c. The person is not facing sideways.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the state designation information 1 of the image insertion area 1-a of the template T1 includes conditions a, b, and c, and the state designation information of the image insertion area 1-b. 2 includes conditions a, b, d, and e, state specifying information 3 for the image insertion area 1-c includes conditions a, b, and f, and state specifying information 4 for the image insertion area 2-a includes conditions a, c. , G, h, i, the state designation information 5 of the image insertion area 3-a is composed of conditions a, b, c, and the state designation information 6 of the image insertion area 3-b is composed of conditions a, b. It is assumed that the state designation information 7 of the insertion area 4-a includes conditions a, b, c, and d, and the state designation information 8 of the image insertion area 4-b includes conditions a and d.

  When the album editing PC 1 receives the template data transmitted by the file server 5, the album editing PC 1 determines whether or not there is a common condition for all image insertion areas included in the template represented by the template data. If there is a common condition, the template matching image that matches the common condition is selected from a plurality of images with reference to the common condition, and this is selected in the list of images displayed in the list display field 31. Select and display.

  Specifically, in the list of images displayed in the list display field 31, an image other than the template conforming image is selected in which the frame color of the template conforming image is different from the frame color of the image other than the template conforming image. The template conforming image is selected and displayed by including only the template conforming image in the list.

  In the present embodiment, common to all the image insertion areas 1-a, 1-b, 1-c, 2-a, 3-a, 3-b, 4-a, 4-b included in the template T1. Since the condition is condition a, a suitable image that matches condition a is selected from a plurality of images. Here, since the condition a is a condition of “including a person's face”, the album editing PC 1 extracts a person's face area from images represented by all image data. The face area is extracted by extracting a skin-colored and circular area in the image as a face area. Then, the image from which the face area is extracted is selected as a template matching image that meets the condition a that includes a human face.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen on which template matching images are selected and displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, the editing screen 30 includes all the image insertion areas 1-a, 1-b, 1-c, 2-a included in the template in the list of images displayed in the list display field 31. , 3-a, 3-b, 4-a, 4-b, it is made impossible to select an image other than a template conforming image that conforms to a common condition in the state designation information (indicated by hatching in the figure). A conforming image is selected and displayed. It should be noted that images other than the template compatible image are included in the list as selectable, and when the operator selects an image other than the template compatible image, the operator is requested to change or correct another image. Alternatively, an alarm sound may be output. In this embodiment, the initial screen of the editing screen is a state where the template matching image is selected and displayed.

  The template T1 covers 4 pages, and the template display field 33 displays two pages of the template T1. In the present embodiment, when the operator designates the template page displayed in the template display field 33 by clicking using the input unit 17, the album editing PC 1 performs the operation for all image insertion areas of the designated page. It is determined whether there is a common condition. If there is a common condition, the common condition is referred to and a page matching image that matches the common condition is selected from a plurality of images.

  For example, when the first page is designated, the album editing PC 1 determines whether there is a common condition for all the image insertion areas 1-a, 1-b, 1-c included in the first page of the template T1. Determine whether. If there is a common condition, the common condition is referred to and a page matching image that matches the common condition is selected from a plurality of images.

  Since the conditions common to all the image insertion areas 1-a, 1-b, 1-c included in the first page of the template T1 are the conditions a and b, the matching images that meet the conditions a and b are paged. A plurality of images are selected as matching images. Here, since the condition b is a condition of “not red-eye”, the album editing PC 1 determines the average human eyes and mouth from the face regions extracted in all template matching images that match the already-selected condition a. The eye position is detected based on the positional relationship of the nose. Then, it is determined whether or not the detected eye position includes a white region corresponding to the white eye, and an image including the white region is selected. Further, it is determined whether or not a red region exists within the white region at the detected eye position, and an image that does not have a red region is selected as a page matching image that satisfies the condition b that there is no red eye.

  Then, the album editing PC 1 selects and displays the selected page matching images in the list display field 31.

  In the present embodiment, the template page displayed in the template display field 33 may be switched for editing. In this case, every time a page is designated, the page matching image is selected and displayed. In addition, for a page once designated, which image is selected as the page-adapted image is stored in the memory 21. When the page is designated again, the memory is not performed without performing the sorting process. Referring to FIG. 21, it is preferable to select and display the page matching image for the page in the list display field 31.

  Further, when the operator designates by clicking the image insertion area using the input means 17, the album editing PC 1 is displayed in the list display field 31 with reference to the state designation information of the image insertion area designated by the operator. From the image list, a region matching image that matches the state designation information is selected.

  Here, when the operator designates the image insertion area 1-a, the state designation information of the image insertion area 1-a includes the conditions a, b, and c. Are selected from a plurality of images as region-matching images. Here, since the condition c is a condition that “the person is not facing sideways”, the album editing PC 1 has an eye in the face area in all the page matching images that match the selected conditions a and b. An image that can detect two positions is selected as a region-adapted image that satisfies the condition c that the person is not facing sideways, and the region-adapted image is selected and displayed in the list display field 31.

  In the present embodiment, editing may be performed by switching the designated image insertion area. In this case, each time an image insertion area is designated, the area matching image is selected. For the image insertion area designated once, which image is selected as the area-adapted image is stored in the memory 21, and when the image insertion area is designated again, the selection processing is performed. Instead, it is preferable to refer to the memory 21 and select and display the area matching image for the image insertion area in the list display field 31.

  As the state designation information 2 of the image insertion area 1-b, for example, by including a condition d that includes two persons and a condition e that includes stained glass, an area matching image for the image insertion area 1-b is included. Can be sorted out. In this case, a correlation value between a template having a stained glass shape and an image represented by a plurality of image data is calculated, and an image having a correlation value equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold is adapted to the condition that the stained glass is included. What is necessary is just to select as a suitable image to do.

  In addition, as the state designation information 3 of the image insertion area 1-c, for example, by including the condition f that includes a cross, it is possible to select an area matching image for the image insertion area 1-c. In this case, a correlation value between a template having a cross shape and an image represented by a plurality of image data is calculated, and an image whose correlation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is adapted to the condition that the cross is included. What is necessary is just to select as an image.

  The state specifying information 4 of the image insertion area 2-a includes, for example, a condition g that includes one person, a condition h that the person is in white clothes, and a condition that the person has a red flower at the center. By including i, it is possible to select a region matching image for the image insertion region 2-a. In this case, after extracting a person's face, an image having only one face area, the lower area of the face area being white, and a red area at the center of the image is represented by the state designation information 4. It may be selected as a conforming image that conforms to.

  Note that the state designation information is not limited to the above-described information. For example, when it is desired to select an image representing a group photo, a condition that the number of persons is equal to or more than a predetermined number may be included.

  In addition, when an image insertion area is specified and the condition designation information includes a plurality of conditions, it is not always necessary to satisfy all the conditions. You may make it select as a suitable image. For example, regarding the condition b that the image insertion area 1-a is not a red eye, the red eye can be corrected by image processing. Therefore, if the conditions a and c are satisfied even if the condition b is not satisfied, the image is selected. You may do it. In this case, the red-eye image may be selected as an image to be inserted into the image insertion area. For this reason, when a red-eye image is selected, it is preferable to request the operator to change or correct another image or to output an alarm sound.

  Alternatively, points may be assigned to each of a plurality of conditions, points may be added every time the conditions are satisfied, and the image may be selected when the added points exceed a certain value.

  Note that conditions that can be corrected, such as the condition that the eyes are not red or that the eyes are not closed, may be corrected before the image is selected based on the state designation information.

  In addition, since red eyes and closed eyes can be corrected, red eyes or closed eyes may be corrected and included in the conforming image. . In this case, for the image in which the red eye or the closed eye is corrected, the operator is notified that the image has been corrected by adding a frame or an arrow to the corresponding image in the list display field 31. It is preferable to make it.

  In addition, when selecting images that include major characters, such as the bride and groom, with regard to images that include many other people around the major characters, the eyes of other large numbers of people are closed or red-eyed. Even if it exists, the image may be selected. In this case, since the main person is often included in the center of the image, it is only necessary to select an image by applying the condition that the eyes are not closed and the red eye is not applied only to the person included in the center of the image. .

  Further, the condition designation information may include a condition of the position of the subject in the image, for example, a person in white clothes is in a predetermined area in the image. For example, a condition of the degree of inclination of the subject in the image may be included such that a person in white clothes is inclined 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

  In addition, the condition specifying information may be added with a condition that defines the image quality of the image such that the granularity of the person's skin and the color information (luminance, brightness, saturation, etc.) of the subject to be included in the image satisfy the criteria. For example, regarding the granularity of the skin, it is only necessary to add a condition that the frequency component of the face region is detected and only images whose frequency amplitude indicating the skin granularity is equal to or less than a threshold are selected. In addition, for an image in which the amplitude of the frequency indicating the skin granularity exceeds the threshold value, a process for suppressing the granularity is performed, and the condition is that the amplitude of the frequency indicating the skin granularity is equal to or less than the threshold value. The image may be adapted.

  In addition, when the skin granularity is obtained, the matching images may be rearranged and included in the list in ascending order of the granularity.

  As for the condition that the person is not facing sideways, priority is given to the image according to the degree to which the person is facing sideways, and the priority order is higher (that is, the degree of facing is less). The matching images may be rearranged in order and included in the list. Here, the degree to which the person faces sideways may be detected by performing template matching using a plurality of templates having different face orientations to obtain the degree of matching with the template. In this case, the orientation of the face included in the image is determined according to the orientation of the face in the template.

  Alternatively, the face and eyes may be detected from the image, and the orientation of the face may be detected from the positions of both eyes, the center position of the line connecting the eyes, the angle of the perpendicular passing through the center position, and the like. In this case, the orientation of the face is determined according to the angle of the perpendicular line.

  Further, the orientation of the face may be detected by using learning results obtained by learning by using a machine learning technique such as boosting or neural network for various face orientations. In this case, it is only necessary to prepare a discriminator that has learned each of a plurality of face orientations, and to detect the face orientation by causing each discriminator to identify the face orientation included in the image. In this case, the face orientation learned by the discriminator having the largest output among the plurality of discriminators becomes the face orientation for the image.

  The operator performs an editing operation by giving an album editing instruction while viewing the template compatible image, the page compatible image, and the region compatible image selected and displayed in the list display field 31. Specifically, an image whose composition matches that of the guide image inserted in the designated image insertion area is selected from the displayed template matching image, page matching image, and region matching image, and the selected image is input to the input means 17. By using and dragging and dropping, the selected image is inserted into the image insertion area. After the insertion, by selecting the image insertion area and clicking the button of the tool box 35, the image inserted in the selected image insertion area can be edited. For example, the image can be rotated 90 degrees clockwise by clicking the rotation button. The image size can be changed by clicking the size change button. You can also change the image quality by clicking the blur, sharp, and brush buttons. In addition, the image can be restored by clicking on the red-eye and erasing buttons.

  In addition, when an image including a person inserted into the image insertion area is specified using the input unit 17 when the image is edited, the skin color is improved, the sharpness is weakened, and the grain is suppressed. The parameters for performing image processing such as the above may be specified at the same time. Further, when a person has a red flower, a parameter for improving the saturation of the red part may be specified at the same time. In this case, a button or the like for specifying parameters may be displayed in the tool box 35.

  If an image that has already been selected to be inserted into the image insertion area is selected as a compatible image that also matches the state designation information of the other image insertion area, the image cannot be selected in the list display field 31. It is preferable to do.

  Then, when selecting an image to be inserted into all the image insertion areas of the template and finishing editing the selected image, the operator clicks the decision button to finish editing the album constituted by the template. When the operator clicks the enter button, the album editing PC 1 associates the file name of the selected image data, each image insertion area of the template, and the file name of the image data inserted into each image insertion area. Information that includes information, information indicating the type of processing to be performed on each image data such as blurring, enlargement / reduction, and red-eye removal, information indicating the range of the trimming area when trimming, information on the enlargement ratio when scaling Edit information is generated and transmitted to the file server 5.

  The image editing information is stored not only immediately after the operator clicks the OK button, but also temporarily stored in the album editing PC 1 in units of orders, and the image editing information is periodically stored in the file server 5 every predetermined period. Information may be transmitted. Further, in one order, every time processing information is generated in the image insertion area, or when a template covers a plurality of pages, image editing information may be generated for each page and transmitted to the file server 5. .

  Further, when the editing operation is temporarily interrupted when selecting the images to be inserted into all the image insertion areas, it may be displayed on the editing screen 30 that the processing is in progress. In order to inform the operator that a plurality of orders are being processed, a list of processing orders and thumbnail images may be displayed on the display unit 15 of the album editing PC 1. When the editing work is interrupted, the place where the work is performed may be stored, and when the editing work is resumed, the place may be displayed on the editing screen 30 first.

  The file server 5 stores image data obtained by reading the image recorded on the developed film in the minilab machines 3A and 3B and the scanner 3C. The image data is stored in a folder created for each user who requested album creation. The file server 5 stores a plurality of template data representing album creation templates. In addition, guide data representing guide images to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template is also stored.

  Then, the file server 5 refers to the album editing information transmitted from the album editing PC 1, template data representing the type of template selected by the user, image data stored in the folder corresponding to the user ID, and the image of the template Guide image data representing the guide image to be inserted into the insertion area is transmitted to the album editing PC 1.

  On the other hand, when the image editing information is transmitted from the album editing PC 1, the file server 5 refers to the file name of the image data representing the selected image included in the image editing information and sets up the selected image data. Processing and editing processing are performed to generate processed image data. Note that the setup process includes at least one of a brightness correction process, a color correction process, and a gradation correction process for the selected image data. In addition, in the editing process, a process for changing the image quality for image data for which blurring, sharpening, brushing, or the like specified by the image editing information is specified, or a trimming for image data for which trimming or scaling processing is specified And processing for processing an image such as enlargement / reduction, and processing for restoring an image with respect to image data for which image processing such as blurring or red-eye reduction is designated.

  Further, the file server 5 generates album layout information from information in which each image insertion area of the template included in the image editing information is associated with the file name of the image data inserted into each image insertion area. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of layout information for the template T1. As shown in FIG. 7, the layout information includes image insertion areas 1-a, 1-b, 1-c, 2-a, 3-a, 3-b, 4-a, 4-b of the template T1 to be used. And file names of image data to be inserted into each image insertion area (DSCF0012.jpg, DSCF0020.jpg, DSCF0023.jpg, DSCF0030.jpg, DSCF0035.jpg, DSCF0040.jpg, DSCF0047.jpg, DSCF0052.jpg) It has been attached. Then, the layout information together with the processed image data is transmitted to one of the minilab machines 3A and 3B.

  The process management PC 7 accepts an input to the effect that processing of each process has been completed by the operator, such as completion of album editing, completion of printing, and completion of album inspection, in order to manage the creation process of one album order by the operator. Eventually, the operator inspects the quality of the completed album, and if the inspection result is acceptable, an input to that effect is accepted and the process management for one album is terminated. If the inspection result is unacceptable, an input of an album creation instruction is accepted for the album creation order.

  Next, processing performed in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing performed in the first embodiment. It is assumed that the file server 5 stores image data obtained by reading an image from a developed film in which the image is recorded by photographing the user on the wedding day. Further, it is assumed that album editing information including information on a user ID and a template type designated by the user, and an event type requested by the user to create an album are input. Here, the template designated by the user is referred to as template T1.

  The processing is started by the operator instructing album editing from the album editing PC 1. First, the album editing PC 1 transmits album editing information including information on the user ID and the template type designated by the user to the file server 5. (Step S1).

  The file server 5 receives the album editing information, and stores image data stored in a folder corresponding to the user ID, template data representing the type of template T1 designated by the user, and guide images to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template T1. The represented guide image data is transmitted to the album editing PC 1 (step S2).

  The album editing PC 1 receives the image data, the template data, and the guide image data, and performs a process for receiving an album editing instruction (step S3).

  9 and 10 are flowcharts showing processing for receiving an album editing instruction. First, the album editing PC 1 acquires the state designation information of all image insertion areas included in the template T1 (step S11), and whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all image insertion areas of the template T1. Is determined (step S12). If step S12 is affirmed, a template matching image that meets common conditions is selected (step S13). Then, the editing screen 30 is displayed on the display means 15 (step S14). A guide image represented by the guide image data is inserted into the template image insertion area displayed in the template display field 33. In the list display field 31, the template matching images are selected and displayed. If step S12 is negative, the process proceeds to step S14 and the editing screen 30 is displayed. In this case, a list of all images is displayed in the list display field 31.

  Then, the album editing PC 1 accepts an album editing instruction by the operator with reference to the template-matched image selected and displayed (step S15). If no template compatible image is selected, an album editing instruction with reference to a list of all images is accepted.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the page of the template T1 is designated by the operator (step S16). If step S16 is affirmed, a condition common to the state designation information for all the image insertion areas of the designated page is set. It is determined whether or not there is (step S17). If step S17 is affirmed, a page matching image that meets the common condition is selected (step S18). Then, the page matching images are selected and displayed in the list display field 31 of the editing screen 30 (step S19), and the process returns to step S15. In addition, also when step S17 is denied, it returns to step S15.

  If step S16 is negative, it is determined whether or not an image insertion region is designated by the operator (step S20). If step S20 is affirmative, region matching that matches the state designation information of the designated image insertion region. The images are selected (step S21), the region-matching images are selected and displayed in the list display field 31 of the editing screen 30 (step S22), and the process returns to step S15. If step S20 is negative, images to be inserted into all image insertion areas are selected, and it is determined whether or not the enter button has been clicked (step S23). If step S23 is negative, the process returns to step S15. When step S23 is affirmed, the process for accepting the album editing instruction is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. 8, the album editing PC 1 generates image editing information and transmits it to the file server 5 (step S4).

  The file server 5 receives the image editing information, refers to the file name of the selected image data included in the image editing information, and performs image editing processing (step S5). Then, the processed image data generated by the image editing process and the layout information generated from the image editing information are output to either of the minilab machines 3A and 3B (step S6), and the process ends.

  Upon receipt of the processed image data and the layout information, the minilab machines 3A and 3B print out the processed image data and generate a print of the processed image data. An operator (or an operator who specializes in album processing) creates an album by referring to the layout information, pasting a print in a print insertion area on a mount corresponding to the template, and further performing bookbinding.

  The created album is inspected by an operator who performs quality control, and is delivered to the user when the inspection passes. If the inspection fails, the process management PC 7 instructs the album creation again for the album creation order.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, a template matching image that conforms to the common condition is selected and displayed. If there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the designated page, the page matching images that meet the common condition are selected and displayed. When the image insertion area is designated, the area matching image that matches the state designation information of the designated image insertion area is selected and displayed, so that the operator can select and display the template matching image and the page matching image. By referring to the region matching image, it is possible to easily select an image to be inserted into the image insertion region. Therefore, the burden on the operator when selecting an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template can be reduced.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, state designation information is given to the image insertion area. In the second embodiment, state designation information is given to each of the template, each page of the template, and the image insertion area. It will be.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an aspect of giving state designation information in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, template state designation information including a condition a which is a common condition for all image insertion regions included in the template T2 is given to the template T2. Further, page state designation information including a condition b which is a common condition for all image insertion areas included in this page is given to the first page of the template T2. In addition, area state designation information including condition c, conditions d, e, and condition f is assigned to the image insertion areas 1-a, 1-b, and 1-c, respectively. Since the second page of template T2 includes only one image insertion area, area state designation information including conditions c, g, h, and i is given only to image insertion area 2-a. . Further, page state designation information including condition b which is a common condition for all image insertion areas included in this page is given to the third page of template T2. Also, region state designation information including the condition c is given to the image insertion region 3-a. Since the image insertion area 3-b only needs to conform to the template T2 and the conditions a and b on the third page, no area state designation information is given. Further, page state designation information including conditions a and d, which are common conditions for all image insertion areas included in this page, is given to the fourth page of the template T2. Further, region state designation information including conditions b and c is given to the image insertion region 4-a. Since the image insertion area 4-b only needs to conform to the template T2 and the conditions a and d on the fourth page, no area state designation information is given.

  Next, processing performed in the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different only in the album editing instruction reception process in the first embodiment, and therefore only the album editing instruction reception process will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing for accepting an album editing instruction in the second embodiment. First, the album editing PC 1 selects a template compatible image that matches the template state designation information given to the template T2 (step S31). Then, the editing screen 30 is displayed on the display means 15 (step S32). A guide image represented by the guide image data is inserted into the template image insertion area displayed in the template display field 33. In the list display field 31, the template matching images are selected and displayed.

  Then, the album editing PC 1 accepts an album editing instruction from the operator with reference to the template-matched image selected and displayed (step S33).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the page of the template T2 has been designated by the operator (step S34). If step S34 is affirmed, a page matching image that matches the page status designation information given to the designated page is selected. (Step S35). Then, the page matching images are selected and displayed in the list display field 31 of the editing screen 30 (step S36), and the process returns to step S33.

  If step S34 is negative, it is determined whether or not an image insertion region is designated by the operator (step S37). If step S37 is affirmative, region matching that matches the state designation information of the designated image insertion region. The images are selected (step S38), the region-matching images are selected and displayed in the list display field 31 of the editing screen 30 (step S39), and the process returns to step S33. If step S37 is negative, images to be inserted into all image insertion areas are selected, and it is determined whether or not the enter button has been clicked (step S40). If step S40 is negative, the process returns to step S33. When step S40 is affirmed, the process for accepting the album editing instruction is terminated.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, a template conforming image that conforms to the template state designation information given to the template is selected and displayed, and if the template page is designated, the template is designated to be given to the designated page. If the image insertion area is designated, the area conforming image conforming to the area state designation information of the designated image insertion area is selected and displayed. As a result, the operator can easily select an image to be inserted into the image insertion area by referring to the conforming image selected and displayed. Therefore, the burden on the operator when selecting an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template can be reduced.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, every time a template, a page, and an image insertion area are specified, a suitable image that matches the conditions included in the state specification information is selected. In the third embodiment, however, By referring to the state designation information for all image insertion areas of the template, all the images are associated with various conditions of the state designation information, and the result of the association is stored in the memory 21 as a table. When the image insertion area is designated, the matching image is selected with reference to the table.

  Next, processing performed in the third embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different only in the album editing instruction reception process in the first embodiment, and therefore only the album editing instruction reception process will be described. Here, it is assumed that the template T1 in which the state designation information is given only to the image insertion area is used.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing processing for accepting an album editing instruction in the third embodiment. First, the album editing PC 1 acquires state designation information for all image insertion areas included in the template T1 (step S51), and refers to the state designation information for all image insertion areas of the template T1 to refer to all the images. The image represented by the data is associated with various conditions included in the state designation information, and an association table representing the association result is generated (step S52). Then, the association table is stored in the memory 21 (step S53).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association table. As shown in FIG. 15, the association table TBL associates all (here, M) images transmitted by the file server 5 with the conditions included in the state designation information. It is given.

  Then, the album editing PC 1 displays the editing screen 30 on the display means 15 (step S54). A guide image represented by the guide image data is inserted into the template image insertion area displayed in the template display field 33. The list display field 31 displays a list of all images. The album editing PC 1 receives an album editing instruction with reference to the image list by the operator (step S55).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the page of the template T1 is designated by the operator (step S56). If step S56 is affirmed, a condition common to the state designation information for all the image insertion areas of the designated page is set. It is determined whether or not there is (step S57). If step S57 is affirmed, the page matching image that matches the common condition is selected with reference to the common condition and the association table TBL (step S58). Specifically, when the common condition is condition a, an image in which ◯ is given to condition a in the association table TBL is selected as a page matching image. Then, the page matching images are selected and displayed in the list display field 31 of the editing screen 30 (step S59), and the process returns to step S55. In addition, also when step S57 is denied, it returns to step S55.

  If step S56 is negative, it is determined whether or not an image insertion area has been designated by the operator (step S60). If step S60 is affirmative, state designation information and association table TBL for the designated image insertion area are determined. Referring to FIG. 5, the region matching image that matches the state designation information is selected (step S61), the region matching image is selected and displayed in the list display field 31 of the editing screen 30 (step S62), and the process returns to step S55. If step S60 is negative, images to be inserted into all image insertion areas are selected, and it is determined whether or not the enter button has been clicked (step S63). If step S63 is negative, the process returns to step S55. If step S63 is affirmed, the process of accepting the album editing instruction is terminated.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the association table that associates all the images with various conditions included in the state designation information with reference to the state designation information of all the image insertion areas included in the template. When a TBL is generated, a template page is specified, and there is a common condition in the state designation information for all image insertion areas included in the designated page, the common condition and association table are referred to If the image insertion area is designated, the state designation information and the correspondence table TBL are referred to and the state designation information is displayed. Since the matching region matching image is selected and displayed, the operator can refer to the sorted page matching image and the region matching image. An image to be inserted in the image insertion area can be easily selected. Therefore, the burden on the operator when selecting an image to be inserted into the image insertion area of the template can be reduced. In addition, since all the images are previously associated with various conditions of the state designation information, by referring to the association table, it is possible to quickly select the page matching image and the region matching image. .

  In the first to third embodiments, the processed image data of the image data representing the image selected by the operator is printed out by the minilab machines 3A and 3B, and the print is pasted on the mount corresponding to the template. In the file server 5, the processed image data and the template data are synthesized and an image in which the image selected by the operator is inserted in the image insertion area of the template (that is, an album image) is created. Composite image data to be represented may be generated and the composite image data may be output to the minilab machines 3A and 3B.

  As a result, if the composite image data is printed out in the minilab machines 3A and 3B, an album can be created only by binding an album image print and without attaching the print to the mount.

  In the first to third embodiments, an album is created using image data obtained by reading an image recorded on a film. However, an album is created using image data obtained by a digital camera as it is. It is also possible to create. In this case, the file server 5 is provided with a media drive that reads image data from a medium on which image data acquired by photographing such as a memory card is recorded, and image data read from the medium using the media drive is stored in the file server 5. Stored. It is also possible to create an album using image data acquired by a mobile phone with a camera. In this case, the image data transmitted from the camera-equipped cellular phone using the cellular phone communication network is stored in the file server 5.

  In the first to third embodiments, the setup processing is performed only on the image data representing the selected image in the file server 5 after selecting the image used for the album in the album editing PC 1. When image data is transmitted from the minilabs 3A, 3B or the scanner 3C to the file server 5, all the image data may be set up and stored in the file server 5. Further, the album editing PC 1 may perform setup processing on all image data transmitted from the file server 5 or image data selected for use in the album.

  In the first to third embodiments, the album editing PC 1 or the file server 5 generates data (album data) in a state in which the user's image is inserted into the template based on the layout information. May be transmitted to and stored in an accessible server or the like. Thereby, the user can confirm the condition of the album before creating the album. In this case, the user may be allowed to select whether to create an album using the album data or redo editing.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of an image editing system including an image editing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the album editing PC Figure showing an example of the edit screen The figure for explaining the state where state designation information is recorded The figure for demonstrating the state by which state designation | designated information is provided to the image insertion area The figure which shows the example of the edit screen where the template conformity image is selected and displayed Diagram showing an example of layout information The flowchart which shows the process performed in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process which receives the album edit instruction | indication in 1st Embodiment (the 1) Flowchart showing a process of accepting an album editing instruction in the first embodiment (part 2) The figure for demonstrating the state by which the status designation information is provided to the template in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process which receives the album edit instruction | indication in 2nd Embodiment Flowchart showing a process of receiving an album editing instruction in the third embodiment (part 1) The flowchart which shows the process which receives the album edit instruction | indication in 3rd Embodiment (the 2) The figure which shows the example of a matching table

Explanation of symbols

1 Album editing PC
3A, 3B Minilab 3C Scanner 5 File server 7 Process control PC
11 CPU
13 Transmission / Reception Unit 15 Display Unit 17 Input Unit 19 I / O
21 Memory 23 Recording means 25 Bus 30 Edit screen 31 List display field 33 Template display field 35 Tool box

Claims (12)

Display means for performing various displays;
It consists of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area into which the image is inserted, and is provided with state designation information comprising various conditions for designating the state of the image to be inserted into the image insertion area. An input receiving means for receiving an input of a template to be an album mount;
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, and when the determination is affirmative, the plurality of images are referred to with reference to the common condition. Image selecting means for selecting a template-conforming image that conforms to the common condition from:
Display control means for displaying a list of the template and the plurality of images on the display means;
A suitable image selection display means for selecting and displaying the template compatible image in the list of the plurality of images;
An image editing apparatus comprising: an image selection unit that receives selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image. It further comprises page designation accepting means for accepting designation of a desired page in the template,
The image selection means determines whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the designated page, and if the determination is affirmative, the common condition And means for selecting a page matching image that matches the common condition from the plurality of images,
The display control means is means for displaying the designated page on the display means,
The suitable image sorting display means is means for sorting and displaying the page suitable image,
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image selection unit is a unit that receives selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the page matching image. It further comprises an area designation accepting means for accepting designation of a desired image insertion area,
The image sorting means is means for sorting area-matching images that match the state designation information from the plurality of images with reference to state designation information about the designated image insertion area,
The suitable image sorting display means is means for sorting and displaying the region suitable image,
The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image selection unit is a unit that receives selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region matching image. Display means for performing various displays;
A template which becomes a mount of an album consisting of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area into which images are to be inserted, and has a common image state to be inserted for all the image insertion areas Template state designation information consisting of various conditions to be specified is given, page status designation information consisting of various common conditions for all the image insertion areas included in each of the plurality of pages is given to each page, An input receiving means for receiving an input of a template in which area state designation information including various conditions is assigned to each of the image insertion areas;
A designation accepting unit that accepts designation of the template, designation of a desired page in the designated template, and designation of a desired image insertion area;
When the template is designated, referring to the template state designation information given to the designated template, a template matching image that matches the template state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and is set as desired. When a page is designated, the page state designation information attached to the designated page is referred to, a page matching image that matches the page state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and the desired image is obtained. When an insertion area is designated, an image for selecting an area matching image that matches the area state designation information from the list of the plurality of images with reference to the area state designation information given to the designated image insertion area Sorting means;
Display control means for displaying the designated template and the designated page together with a list of the plurality of images on the display means;
In the list of the plurality of images, suitable image sorting display means for sorting and displaying the template matching image, the page matching image, and the region matching image;
Image selection means for receiving selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image and the page matching image, and selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region matching image And an image editing apparatus. Display means for performing various displays;
It is composed of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area for inserting an image, and state designation information including various conditions for designating the state of an image to be inserted is given to each of the image insertion areas. Input accepting means for accepting an input of a template to be an album mount;
With reference to state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, association means for associating all the plurality of images with various conditions of the state designation information;
A result storing means for storing the result of the correspondence;
Designation accepting means for accepting designation of a desired page included in the template;
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas in the designated page. If the determination is affirmative, refer to the common condition and the result of the association An image selecting means for selecting a page matching image that matches the common condition from the plurality of images;
Display control means for displaying a list of the designated page and the plurality of images on the display means;
Adapted image sorting display means for sorting and displaying the page adapted image in the list of the plurality of images;
An image editing apparatus, comprising: an image selection unit that receives selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the page matching image. The designation receiving means is means for receiving a designation of a desired image insertion area,
The image selecting means is means for selecting a region-matching image that matches the state designation information from the plurality of images with reference to the state designation information about the designated image insertion region and the result of the association. ,
The suitable image sorting display means is means for sorting and displaying the region suitable image,
6. The image editing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image selection unit is a unit that receives selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region matching image. It consists of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area into which the image is inserted, and is provided with state designation information comprising various conditions for designating the state of the image to be inserted into the image insertion area. Accept the input of the template to be the album mount,
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, and when the determination is affirmative, the plurality of images are referred to with reference to the common condition. A template matching image that matches the common condition is selected from
Displaying a list of the template and the plurality of images;
Selecting and displaying the template matching image in the list of the plurality of images;
An image editing method, wherein selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image is received. A template which becomes a mount of an album consisting of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area into which images are to be inserted, and has a common image state to be inserted for all the image insertion areas Template state designation information consisting of various conditions to be specified is given, page status designation information consisting of various common conditions for all the image insertion areas included in each of the plurality of pages is given to each page, Accepts the input of a template in which area state designation information consisting of various conditions is assigned to each of the image insertion areas,
Accepting designation of the template, designation of a desired page in the designated template, and designation of a desired image insertion area,
When the template is designated, referring to the template state designation information given to the designated template, a template matching image that matches the template state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and is set as desired. When a page is designated, the page state designation information attached to the designated page is referred to, a page matching image that matches the page state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and the desired image is obtained. When an insertion area is designated, referring to the area state designation information given to the designated image insertion area, a region matching image matching the area state designation information is selected from the list of the plurality of images,
Displaying the designated template and the designated page together with a list of the plurality of images on the display means;
In the list of the plurality of images, the template matching image, the page matching image and the region matching image are selected and displayed,
Receiving selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image and the page matching image, and selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region matching image. Image editing method. It is composed of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area for inserting an image, and state designation information including various conditions for designating the state of an image to be inserted is given to each of the image insertion areas. Accept the input of the template that will be the mount of the album,
With reference to state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, all the plurality of images are associated with various conditions of the state designation information,
Save the result of the mapping,
Accepting the specification of the desired page in the template,
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the designated page. If the determination is affirmative, the common condition and the result of the association are determined. Referring to the image, a page matching image that meets the common condition is selected from the plurality of images,
Displaying a list of the designated page and the plurality of images on the display means;
Selecting and displaying the page-conforming image in the list of the plurality of images;
An image editing method, wherein selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each of the image insertion regions from the page matching image is received. It consists of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area into which the image is inserted, and is provided with state designation information comprising various conditions for designating the state of the image to be inserted into the image insertion area. A procedure for accepting input of a template that will serve as an album mount;
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, and when the determination is affirmative, the plurality of images are referred to with reference to the common condition. Selecting a template matching image that matches the common condition from:
Displaying a list of the template and the plurality of images;
A procedure for selecting and displaying the template matching image in the list of the plurality of images;
A program for causing a computer to execute an image editing method, comprising: a step of accepting selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image. A template which becomes a mount of an album consisting of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area into which images are to be inserted, and has a common image state to be inserted for all the image insertion areas Template state designation information consisting of various conditions to be specified is given, page status designation information consisting of various common conditions for all the image insertion areas included in each of the plurality of pages is given to each page, A procedure for receiving an input of a template in which area state designation information including various conditions is assigned to each of the image insertion areas,
A procedure for accepting designation of the template, designation of a desired page in the designated template, and designation of a desired image insertion area;
When the template is designated, referring to the template state designation information given to the designated template, a template matching image that matches the template state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and is set as desired. When a page is designated, the page state designation information attached to the designated page is referred to, a page matching image that matches the page state designation information is selected from the plurality of images, and the desired image is obtained. When an insertion area is designated, referring to area state designation information given to the designated image insertion area, a procedure for selecting a region matching image that matches the area state designation information from the list of the plurality of images When,
Displaying the designated template and the designated page on the display means together with a list of the plurality of images;
In the list of the plurality of images, a procedure for selecting and displaying the template matching image, the page matching image, and the region matching image;
A procedure for receiving selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each image insertion region from the template matching image and the page matching image, and selection of an insertion image to be inserted into the designated image insertion region from the region matching image. A program for causing a computer to execute an image editing method characterized by comprising: It is composed of a plurality of images and a plurality of pages including at least one image insertion area for inserting an image, and state designation information including various conditions for designating the state of an image to be inserted is given to each of the image insertion areas. The procedure to accept the input of the template that will be the album mount,
Referring to state designation information for all the image insertion areas included in the template, and associating all the plurality of images with various conditions of the state designation information;
A procedure for storing the result of the correspondence;
A procedure for accepting designation of a desired page included in the template;
It is determined whether there is a common condition in the state designation information for all the image insertion areas in the designated page. If the determination is affirmative, refer to the common condition and the result of the association And selecting a page matching image that matches the common condition from the plurality of images,
Displaying the specified page and a list of the plurality of images on the display means;
A procedure for selecting and displaying the page matching image in the list of the plurality of images;
A program for causing a computer to execute an image editing method, comprising: a step of accepting selection of an insertion image to be inserted into each of the image insertion regions from the page matching image.

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