JP2010085599A - Screen saver generating device and screen saver generating method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve viewing effect by preventing displaying of a screen saver from interfering viewing of another screen when the screen saver acts on part of the screens in multi-screen display displaying a plurality of screens. <P>SOLUTION: When the plurality of screens, such as a TV screen and an Internet screen are displayed, the watched TV screen is displayed with a large size, and the Internet screen with the acting screen saver is displayed with a small size. If there are a plurality of screens with the acting screen savers, the screens of the respective screen savers are made a screen with common points and are made a display screen with harmony as a whole. The screen saver screen with common points and with harmony is made by making moving images on the plurality of screen saver screens an identical form, making the moving direction and moving speed even, and gradually changing the brightness, chromaticity and patterns of adjoining parts of the screen saver screens. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a screen saver generation device and a screen saver generation method, and more particularly to a screen saver generation device and a screen saver generation method that can optimize a screen saver screen when a screen saver screen is displayed in a multi-screen display state.

  Screen savers were originally developed to prevent burn-in of personal computer display devices. The display screen of a personal computer usually continues to display the same surface if there is no operation on the keyboard or mouse of the operator. If the display of a screen that does not change for a long time continues, the display pixels may burn and a permanent shadow may remain. For this reason, when there is no operation on the keyboard or mouse by the operator for a predetermined time, switching to a screen saver screen display that displays a moving image whose color or shape changes so that one pixel does not stay in the same display state for a long time. A screen saver process that prevents pixel burn-in has been developed. Thereafter, in order to reduce the power consumption of the display device, a power-saving screen saver screen that lowers the brightness of the screen saver screen is also used.

Further, when a personal computer displays a plurality of applications on a single display device by so-called multi-window display, when a plurality of screens A and B are displayed as shown in FIG. 18, screen saver processing is performed. When doing this, the inconvenience occurred that the entire screen was switched to the screen saver screen. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, a technique for selectively applying a screen saver screen to the display window B of an application that is unnecessary for the time being enabled (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-316637 A (first page, FIG. 1 etc.)

  However, although the system described in Patent Document 1 discloses a screen saver activation and cancellation mechanism for a plurality of applications, consideration is given to the optimization of the relationship between the plurality of screens and the optimization between screen saver display screens. It has not been.

  In recent years, TVs with a large screen display have become popular for home use, and it has become possible to simultaneously display a plurality of screens such as TV program broadcasts, display of related information related to TV programs, and Internet display screens. It was. Even when TV viewers exchange Internet information, they are often interested in the TV program screen being viewed, and the priority of interest in TV programs and Internet information varies depending on the usage situation. . Therefore, it is desired to appropriately control each display screen, a screen at the time of screen saver display, and the like according to the degree of interest.

  In order to solve the above problems, the screen saver generating apparatus of the present invention has the following means, and the screen saver generating method of the present invention is realized by such a screen saver apparatus.

  (1) screen saver image generation means for receiving a second screen saver information relating to the second image and generating a second screen saver image having a second size smaller than the size of the second image when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen; When one image is accepted and a screen saver screen generation instruction is given, the image size processing means for resizing the first image to the first size and the first image changed to the first size are arranged at the first predetermined position. And an overlay processing unit that arranges or superimposes the second screen saver image at the second predetermined position.

  In this way, the first image that is not a screen saver screen can be enlarged, which is convenient for viewing TV programs, and the state of the second image can be monitored by a small screen saver screen.

  (2) Accepting second screen saver information related to the second image, and when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen, a screen saver image generating means for generating a second screen saver image for the second image, and superimposing the second screen saver image on the second image Or an overlay processing means for selecting a second screen saver image, and a second screen saver image that is superimposed or selected by the first image and the overlay processing means is received, and the first image is resized to the first size. And an image size processing unit that arranges the second screen saver image at a second predetermined position at a second size smaller than the first size.

  In this way, the first image that is not a screen saver screen can be enlarged, which is convenient for viewing TV programs, and the state of the second image can be monitored by a small screen saver screen.

  (3) In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in a predetermined size, the second screen saver information and the third screen saver information relating to the second image and the third image are received, If there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen, a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image corresponding to a predetermined size, and a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image that are related to a screen pattern or a screen change are displayed. A screen saver generating device comprising: a screen saver image generating means for generating; and an overlay processing means for arranging or superimposing the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image at the predetermined positions of the second and third images.

  In this way, the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image are less likely to be distracted by the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image than when the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image are not related or harmonized with each other. Become.

  According to the screen saver generation device and the screen saver generation method of the present invention, it is difficult to be distracted by the screen saver screen, and it is easy to pay attention to the screen to be viewed.

  Embodiments of a screen saver generating apparatus and a screen saver generating method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, when the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol performed in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description may be abbreviate | omitted again.

(Embodiment 1)
An example of the configuration of the screen saver generating apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the screen saver generating apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a first image input unit 11, a second image input unit 12, a third image input unit 13, a first image SS command unit 21, and a second image SS command unit 22. A third image SS command unit 23, an image size processing unit 14, an overlay processing unit 15, a display unit 16, a display position information storage unit 17, an SS image generation unit 18, and an SS image storage unit 19. Each display image of the source, the first image source, the second image source, and the third image source can be displayed on the display unit 16. The first image source includes first image information and first SS information. The second image source includes second image information and second SS information. The third image source includes third image information and third SS information (here, SS means a screen saver, and the same applies to the following SS).

  The first image information of the first image source is supplied to the image size processing unit 14 via the first image input unit 11. The second image information of the second image source is supplied to the image size processing unit 14 via the second image input unit 12. The third image information of the third image source is supplied to the image size processing unit 14 via the third image input unit 13.

  The first SS information of the first image source is supplied to the SS image generation unit 18 and the image size processing unit 14 via the first image SS command unit 21. The second SS information of the second image source is supplied to the SS image generation unit 18 and the image size processing unit 14 via the second image SS command unit 22. The first SS information of the third image source is supplied to the SS image generation unit 18 and the image size processing unit 14 via the third image SS command unit 23.

  When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the first SS information, the image size processing unit 14 changes the image size of the first image in accordance with the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17, and an overlay processing unit 15 is supplied. When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the image size processing unit 14 changes the image size of the second image in accordance with the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17, and an overlay processing unit 15 is supplied. When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the third SS information, the image size processing unit 14 changes the image size of the third image in accordance with the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17, and an overlay processing unit 15 is supplied. The display position information Ps will be described later.

  When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the first SS information, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a first SS image of a predetermined size according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 and sends it to the overlay processing unit 15. Supply. When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image of a predetermined size according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 and sends it to the overlay processing unit 15. Supply. When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the third SS information, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a third SS image of a predetermined size according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 and sends it to the overlay processing unit 15. Supply.

  For generating the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image, a method in which the SS image generation unit 18 selects from a plurality of SS images stored in the SS image storage unit 19 and generates by reading the image, SS image generation A method in which the unit 18 reads out a plurality of SS image generation functions and parameters stored in the SS image storage unit 19 and performs function calculation, image generation calculation based on the parameters, and the like; There is a method of further changing the processed SS image. These change processes will be described later in the embodiment.

  When the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image are supplied from the SS image generation unit 18, the overlay processing unit 15 has the first SS image, the second SS image, the second SS image at a predetermined display position represented by the display position information Ps. 3SS image is overlaid. The overlay process is a process of arranging the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image on the first image, the second image, and the third image, respectively, whose image sizes supplied from the image size processing unit 14 are changed. is there. The overlay process may be performed for all of the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image, but is normally performed for one or both of the second SS image and the third SS image.

  The output image of the overlay processing unit 15 is displayed on the display unit 16. Therefore, on the display unit 16, when the overlay process is performed on any of the first image, the second image, and the third image, the image is not displayed or the display is weakened. A screen saver image is displayed at the position of.

  As a process of arranging the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image, taking the second image as an example, (1) a process of directly arranging the second SS image without arranging the second image (2) Overwriting the second image with the second SS image and completely erasing the second image; (3) Performing a weighted average process on the second image and the second SS image to leave the second image thin. For example, a process of covering with the second SS image can be applied. Hereinafter, (1) is referred to as narrowly-arranged processing, and (2) and (3) are referred to as superimposing processing.

  According to the present embodiment, the following operation can be realized. As shown in (Mα) of FIG. 5, in the simultaneous display of two screens A and B, when the first image A is a TV program image and the second image B is an Internet image, a screen saver is displayed on the second image B. As a result, almost half of the area becomes a screen saver image, and not only the screen usage efficiency is poor, but the screen saver image may become annoying. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (Mβ), the screen saver image is displayed in a small size in the middle right, and the TV program image A is displayed in a greatly enlarged manner.

  In the following description, it is assumed that there is no third image and third SS information.

  For this purpose, in FIG. 1, the first image and the second image are supplied to the image size processing unit 14 as image data of the size shown in the images A and B of (Mα) in FIG. When there is no instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on this, the image size processing unit 14 does not change the size of both the first image and the second image, and the overlay processing unit 15 arranges them as (Mα) in FIG. The display unit 16 displays the screen (Mα) of FIG. On the other hand, when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the image size processing unit 14 enlarges the first image to the size of the image A in (Mβ) in FIG. The processing unit 15 is arranged at the first predetermined position as shown in (Mβ) of FIG. Further, the image size processing unit 14 significantly reduces the second image to the size of the image B in FIG. 5 (Mβ), that is, the second size, and the overlay processing unit 15 in FIG. Thus, it arrange | positions in the 2nd predetermined position. The SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image of the second size (Mβ) in FIG. 5, and the overlay processing unit 15 arranges (overwrites) the second SS image at a second predetermined position. The display unit 16 displays the screen (Mβ) in FIG. Next, when there is no instruction to generate the screen saver screen based on the second SS information and the instruction to stop the generation of the screen saver screen is given, the enlargement arrangement process of the first image and the arrangement process of the second SS image are stopped, and (Mα in FIG. ) That is, the image size processing unit 14 returns the first image to the third size which is the size of the image A in (Mα) of FIG. 5 and arranges the first image at the third predetermined position, and the second image of FIG. It returns to the fourth size which is the size of the image B of Mα) and arranges it at the fourth predetermined position. Also, the arrangement process of the second SS image is stopped.

  In the above description, the second SS image is placed (overwritten) on the second image reduced to the second size so that the reduced second image is not displayed (2). However, if the second image is not displayed at all, the second image reduction process and the arrangement process may be omitted, and only the second SS image may be arranged. In this case, the arrangement process (1) is performed. Note that the superimposing process (3) may be performed.

  When the first image and the second image are supplied to the image size processing unit 14 as image data of the maximum display size in the display unit 16 instead of the image data of the images A and B in (Mα) of FIG. Works as follows. First, when there is no instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the image size processing unit 14 determines from the image data of the maximum display size, the images of the sizes A and B in FIG. The size may be reduced to the fourth size. On the other hand, when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the size of the images A and B in FIG. 5 (Mβ), that is, the first size and the second size may be reduced. Other operations are the same as those described above.

  Note that in order for the overlay processing unit 15 to perform the arrangement of the first image and the second image, the arrangement process of the second SS image, or the superimposition process, information indicating the position of the image is necessary. The image size processing unit 14 and the SS image generation unit 18 may be supplied to the overlay processing unit 15 and stored in the information storage unit 17.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the display position information Ps. {X1Lα, X1Rα, Y1Uα, Y1Dα} represent the X-axis coordinate values at the left and right ends and the Y-axis coordinate values at the upper and lower ends of the first image A in the display mode Mα. The numeral 1 indicates the first image. L indicates the left end of the image, and R indicates the right end of the image. U indicates the upper end of the image, and D indicates the lower end. α indicates a different display mode. The size of the image is the width (X1Rα to X1Lα) and the height (Y1Dα to Y1Uα). {X2Lα, X2Rα, Y2Uα, Y2Dα} represent the X-axis coordinate values of the left and right ends and the Y-axis coordinate values of the upper and lower ends of the second image B in the display mode Mα. {X1Lβ, X1Rβ, Y1Uβ, Y1Dβ} represent the X-axis coordinate values of the left and right ends and the Y-axis coordinate values of the upper and lower ends of the first image A in the display mode Mβ. {X2Lβ, X2Rβ, Y2Uβ, Y2Dβ} represent the X-axis coordinate values at the left and right ends and the Y-axis coordinate values at the upper and lower ends of the second image B in the display mode Mβ. Based on the display position information Ps as described above, the first size of the first image A, the first predetermined position, the third size, the third predetermined position, the second size of the second image B, the second A predetermined position, a fourth size, and a fourth predetermined position are represented.

  Note that the display position information Ps may be expressed in different ways, such as numerical information on the width and height of the image and coordinate value information indicating the position of the center of the image. The numerical value may be represented by a pixel array number of the display unit 16.

  In FIG. 1, the first image input unit 11, the second image input unit 12, and the third image input unit 13 may be anything as long as they receive the first image, the second image, and the third image, respectively. An input terminal, an input buffer circuit, or the like may be used. The first image SS command unit 21, the second image SS command unit 22, and the third image SS command unit 23 may be anything as long as they receive a screen saver screen generation instruction and a screen saver stop instruction signal and information. Further, it may be a remote control device that transmits a screen saver screen generation instruction, a generation stop instruction signal or information.

  The processing of the screen saver generating apparatus of the present invention can be realized by a program processing procedure. FIG. 2 is an example of a process flowchart of the screen saver generation method of the present invention. The screen saver generating apparatus of the present invention is initially in a state of waiting for an instruction to generate a screen saver screen (step S10). In (step S10), it is determined whether or not an instruction to generate a screen saver screen has been received. If there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the determination is Yes (Y), and the process proceeds to (step S11) in synchronization with the image frame period. If there is no instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the determination is no (N), and the determination remains (step S10).

  In (step S11), a first image size changing process is performed. The first image size changing process is a process of changing the size of the first image to the first size. The first size is larger than the third size as shown in FIG. 5 and enlarges the image that the user wants to view, so may be called viewing image enlargement processing. The display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 is used as the first size information.

  Next, proceeding to (Step S12), the second image size changing process is performed. The second image size changing process is a process for changing the size of the second image to the second size. The second size is smaller than the fourth size as shown in FIG. 5 and may be called a pause image reduction process because it is a size change of an image that is not watched for the time being. As the second size information, the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 is used.

  Next, proceeding to (Step S13), screen saver image generation processing is performed. The screen saver image generation process is a process for generating a second SS image of the second size.

  Next, proceeding to (Step S14), screen saver overlay processing is performed. In the screen saver overlay process, the first image changed to the first size is arranged at the first predetermined position according to the display position information Ps, and the second image changed to the second size is set to the second according to the display position information Ps. It is the process which arrange | positions or superimposes in the predetermined position. These arrangement and superimposing processes are usually performed on a frame memory.

  Next, returning to (Step S10), the image generated in (Step S14) is displayed on the display unit 16, and an interrupt generated in synchronization with the next image frame cycle is awaited.

  The processing contents in the operation description of FIG. 1 can be applied to the generation method of the second SS image and the overlay method using the second SS image of the second size. Note that (step S12) is not necessary when the arrangement process (1) is applied.

  On the other hand, the screen saver generating device is in a state of waiting for an instruction to stop the screen saver screen (step S20). If an instruction to stop the screen saver screen is generated, Yes (Y) is set in (Step S20), and the process proceeds to (Step S21) in synchronization with the image frame period. If there is no instruction to stop the screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the answer is No (N) and stays at (step S20). In (Step S21), a first image size restoration process is performed. The first image size restoration process is a process for returning the size of the first image to the third size. For the third size information, the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 is used.

  Next, the process proceeds to (Step S22), and a second image size restoration process is performed. The second image size restoration process is a process of changing the size of the second image to the fourth size. For the fourth size information, the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 is used.

  Next, the process proceeds to (Step S23), and screen saver overlay stop processing is performed. In the screen saver overlay stop process, the generation of the second SS image is stopped, the overlay process is stopped, and the first image of the third size and the second image of the fourth size are converted into (Mα in FIG. 5 according to the display position information Ps. ) In the third predetermined position and the fourth predetermined position, respectively, as in the display mode.

  Next, returning to (Step S20), the image generated in (Step S23) is displayed on the display unit 16, and an interrupt generated in synchronization with the next image frame period is awaited.

  Since (Step S10) and (Step S20) wait for a screen saver generation instruction and a screen saver image stop instruction based on the second SS information, respectively, the processing of (Step S10) to (Step S14) or (Step S20) to (Step S20) Either one of the processes in step S23) is necessarily executed.

  In the above description, the SS image generation unit 18 generates the second SS image of the second size. Even if the second SS image having a size other than the second size is generated in the SS image generation unit 18, the overlay processing in the overlay processing unit 15, that is, the arrangement process (1), (2) or (3) Immediately before executing the superimposition process, it is necessary to make the second SS image of the second size, which is substantially the same as generating the second SS image of the second size.

  In the present embodiment, the overlay processing unit 15 performs the arrangement process (1) and the superposition process (2) or (3) on the second SS image of the second size at the second predetermined position. When the superimposing process (2) or (3) is performed, the second image of the second size is supplied from the image size processing unit 14 to the overlay processing unit 15 and is arranged at the second predetermined position. If the second SS image of the second size is subjected to the superimposing process (2) or (3) at the second predetermined position while the second image is not placed at the second predetermined position, the second size of the second image It is the same as that the 2SS image is arranged at the second predetermined position.

  Regarding the placement process (1) and the superimposition process (2) or (3), only one of the overlay processing unit 15 is normally executed.

  In addition, when performing any one of the arrangement process (1) and the superimposition process (2) or (3) for each of the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image, an SS image is generated. The unit 18 adds overlay identification information for identifying the arrangement process (1) and the superposition process (2) or (3) to each of the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image, and the overlay processing unit 15 The overlay processing unit 15 selects and performs either the placement process (1) or the superposition process (2) or (3) according to the overlay identification information. As a method for supplying overlay identification information, it is stored in the SS image generation unit 18 or stored in the SS image storage unit 19 and read by the SS image generation unit 18 when generating an SS image, A method of supplying the SS image generation unit 18 together with the 1SS information, the second SS information, and the third SS information can be applied. Further, the display position information storage unit 17 may store overlay identification information in addition to the display position information, and the SS image generation unit 18 may read out and supply it to the overlay processing unit 15 when the screen saver image is generated. . In addition, when the image size processing unit 14 reads the overlay identification information from the display position information storage unit 17 and the overlay identification information is the arrangement processing of (1), the size change processing of the corresponding second image is not performed. May be.

  As described above, the screen saver generation device according to the present embodiment includes a receiving unit that receives a screen saver arrangement or superimposition for each of a plurality of input images, and among the plurality of images, the receiving unit receives a screen saver arrangement or superposition. The image size of the image is reduced and output, and the remaining image is output with the same image size. Among the images output from the image size change unit, the receiving unit arranges or superimposes the screen saver. It is a screen saver generating device comprising overlay processing means for arranging or superposing a screen saver on an accepted image.

  Here, the accepting means corresponds to the first image SS command unit 21, the second image SS command unit 22, and the third image SS command unit 23 of FIG. The overlay processing means corresponds to the overlay processing unit 15 in FIG. The image size changing means corresponds to the image size processing unit 14 and the display position information storage unit 17 in FIG.

  The image size changing means enlarges the image size of an image on which a screen saver is not arranged or superimposed among the plurality of input images.

  Further, the accepting means accepts an instruction to stop the screen saver for each of a plurality of inputted images, and the overlay processing means stops the arrangement or superposition of the screen saver of the image for which the accepting means accepts the instruction to stop the screen saver. Can do.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the screen saver generating apparatus of the present invention in which the order of overlay processing and image size processing is switched. Hereinafter, a description will be given centering on differences from the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, the first image information of the first image source is supplied to the overlay processing unit 15 via the first image input unit 11. The second image information of the second image source is supplied to the overlay processing unit 15 via the second image input unit 12. The third image information of the third image source is supplied to the overlay processing unit 15 via the third image input unit 13. The first SS information of the first image source is supplied to the SS image generation unit 18 and the overlay processing unit 15 via the first image SS command unit 21. The second SS information of the second image source is supplied to the SS image generation unit 18 and the overlay processing unit 15 via the second image SS command unit 22. The third SS information of the third image source is supplied to the SS image generation unit 18 and the overlay processing unit 15 via the third image SS command unit 23.

  When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the first SS information, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a first SS image of a predetermined size according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 and generates an overlay processing unit 15. To supply. When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image of a predetermined size according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 and generates an overlay processing unit 15. To supply. When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the third SS information, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a third SS image of a predetermined size according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 and generates an overlay processing unit 15. To supply.

  When the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image are supplied from the SS image generation unit 18, the overlay processing unit 15 performs overlay processing on the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image. The overlay process is a process of arranging the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image on the first image, the second image, and the third image, respectively. The overlay process may be performed for all of the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image, but is normally performed for one or both of the second SS image and the third SS image.

  As the placement processing performed by the overlay processing unit 15, taking the second image as an example, (1) processing for directly placing only the second SS image without placing the second image, and (2) second image. The process of overwriting the second SS image to erase the second image at all, (3) The process of weighted averaging the second image and the second SS image, and leaving the second image thin and covering with the second SS image Etc. are applicable. (1) is called an arrangement process, and (2) and (3) are called a superposition process. The arrangement process (1) is also a selection process for selecting the latter from the second image and the second SS image.

  When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the first SS information, the image size processing unit 14 supplies the first image supplied from the overlay processing unit 15 according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17. The image in which the first SS image is arranged or superimposed is changed according to the size of the image indicated by the display position information Ps, and is arranged on the frame memory corresponding to the display screen according to the display position information Ps. When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the image size processing unit 14 and the second image supplied from the overlay processing unit 15 according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 The image size of the image on which the 2SS image is arranged or superimposed is changed according to the size of the image indicated by the display position information Ps, and is arranged on the frame memory corresponding to the display screen according to the display position information Ps. When there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the third SS information, the image size processing unit 14 supplies the third image supplied from the overlay processing unit 15 according to the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17. The image on which the third SS image is arranged or superimposed is changed according to the size of the image indicated by the display position information Ps, and is arranged on the frame memory corresponding to the display screen according to the display position information Ps. Therefore, the image size processing unit 14 according to the present embodiment performs processing for changing the size and arranging the image at a predetermined position.

  The output image of the image size processing unit 14 is displayed on the display unit 16. Therefore, on the display unit 16, when the overlay process is performed on any of the first image, the second image, and the third image, the display of the image is not weakened or the screen saver image is mainly displayed at the position of the image. Will be.

  According to the present embodiment, the following operation can be realized. In the simultaneous display of two screens as shown in (Mα) of FIG. 5, when the first image A is a TV program image and the second image B is an Internet image, a screen saver is applied to the second image B. 5 (Mβ), the SS image can be displayed in a small size in the middle right, and the TV program image (first image A) can be displayed in a greatly enlarged manner. In the following description, it is assumed that there is no third image and third SS information.

  For this purpose, in FIG. 3, among the first image and the second image, the first image and the second image are transferred to the overlay processing unit 15 as image data of the size of the images A and B in (Mα) of FIG. When there is no instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the first image and the second image pass through the overlay processing unit 15 as they are, and the image size processing unit 14 While maintaining the above, it is arranged as (Mα) in FIG. The display unit 16 displays the screen (Mα) in FIG. On the other hand, when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image having the same size as or slightly larger than the second image and supplies the second SS image to the overlay processing unit 15. To do. The overlay processing unit 15 performs overlay arrangement processing using the second SS image on the second image. This process is either the arrangement process (1) or the superimposition process (2) or (3). The second SS image may be the same size as the second image or a slightly larger size. At this stage, the reduction process is not performed.

  The image size processing unit 14 enlarges the first image to the size of the image A in (Mβ) in FIG. 5, that is, the first size, and the second SS image to the size of the image B in (Mβ) in FIG. , Greatly reduced to the second size and arranged as (Mβ) in FIG. The display unit 16 displays the screen (Mβ) in FIG.

  Next, when an instruction to stop screen saver screen generation based on the second SS information is given, the screen saver generation device of the present invention stops the first image enlargement arrangement process and the second SS image arrangement process, and the display image is shown in FIG. Return to the image of (Mα) of 5. That is, the overlay processing unit 15 stops the arrangement process (1) and the superimposition process (2) or (3) and supplies the second image to the image size processing unit 14. Further, the image size processing unit 14 returns the first image to the third size which is the size of the image A in (Mα) of FIG. 5, and the second image is the size of the image B in (Mα) of FIG. Return to the fourth size.

  When the first image and the second image are supplied to the image size processing unit 14 as image data of the maximum display size in the display unit 16 instead of the image data of the images A and B in (Mα) of FIG. Performs different operations from the above operations in the following points. First, when there is no instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the image size processing unit 14 determines from the image data of the maximum display size, the images of the sizes A and B in FIG. The size may be reduced to the fourth size. On the other hand, when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image having the same size as the second image, and the image size processing unit 14 displays (Mβ) in FIG. The size of the images A and B, that is, the first size and the second size may be reduced and arranged.

  The image size processing unit 14 needs information representing the size and position of the image in order to change the size and arrangement of the first image and the second image and to change the size and arrangement of the second SS image. The display position information Ps, which is this information, is stored in the display position information storage unit 17 and may be read by the image size processing unit 14. The example of the display position information Ps may be the one described in FIG.

  The screen saver generating apparatus according to the present embodiment receives the second SS information related to the second image, and when there is an instruction to generate the screen saver screen, the SS image generating unit 18 that generates the second SS image for the second image, and the second image The overlay processing unit 15 that superimposes the second SS image or arranges the second SS image, and the first image and the screen saver image based on the second SS information that is superimposed or arranged by the overlay processing unit 15 are received, An image size in which the image is resized to the first size and arranged at the first predetermined position, and the screen saver image based on the second SS information is arranged at the second predetermined position with a second size smaller than the first size. What is necessary is just to comprise the process part 14. FIG.

  Since the first image is not subjected to a screen saver, it may be accepted by the image size processing unit 14 by bypassing the overlay processing unit 15. In addition, when the second screen saver image is superimposed on the second image, it is preferable that the sizes of the two images coincide with each other. Therefore, the size is changed as necessary before the overlay processing unit 15 executes the superimposition processing. Needless to say, it's good. In addition, when both sizes correspond, such a size change is unnecessary. When the size of the screen saver image based on the second SS information subjected to the placement process or the superimposition process by the overlay processing unit 15 is the second size, it may be placed at the second predetermined position as it is. If it is not the second size, it must be resized to the second size and then placed at the second predetermined position. In any case, as described above, the image size processing unit 14 arranges the screen saver image based on the second SS information, which is arranged or superposed by the overlay processing unit 15, at the second predetermined position in the second size. It will be.

  The processing of the screen saver generation device of the present embodiment can be realized by a program processing procedure. FIG. 4 is an example of a processing flowchart of the present embodiment. The screen saver generation device of the present invention is initially in a state of waiting for a screen saver screen generation instruction (step S10a). In (step S10a), it is determined whether an instruction for screen saver screen generation has been accepted. In (Step S10a), when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the determination is Yes (Y), and the process proceeds to (Step S11a) in synchronization with the image frame period. If there is no instruction to generate a screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the determination is no (N), and the determination remains (step S10a).

  In (step S11a), a screen saver image generation process is performed. The screen saver image generation process is a process for generating a second SS image.

  Next, the process proceeds to (Step S12a), and screen saver overlay processing is performed. The screen saver overlay process is a process for arranging the second SS image with respect to the second image. The second SS image is selected in place of the second image (1) placement process, the second image is overwritten with the second SS image (2) superposition process, and the second image and the second SS image are weighted averaged ( The superimposing process of 3) can be applied. An image generated by the superimposing process (2) or the superimposing process (3) will be referred to as a second superimposed SS image.

  Next, proceeding to (Step S13a), the first image size changing process is performed. The first image size changing process is a process of changing the size of the first image to the first size indicated by the display position information Ps and arranging it at the first predetermined position indicated by the display position information Ps. The first size is larger than the third size as shown in FIG. 5 and enlarges the image that the user wants to view, so may be called viewing image enlargement processing. The display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 is used as the first size information.

  Next, the process proceeds to (Step S14a), and the second SS image size changing process is performed. The second SS image size changing process is a process of changing the size of the second SS image or the second superimposed SS image to the second size indicated by the display position information Ps and arranging the second SS image or the second superimposed SS image at the second predetermined position indicated by the display position information Ps. is there. The second size is smaller than the fourth size as shown in FIG. 5 and may be called a pause image reduction process because it is a size change of an image that is not watched for the time being. As the second size information, the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 is used.

  Next, returning to (Step S10a), the image generated in (Step S14a) is displayed on the display unit 16, and the generation of an interrupt synchronized with the next image frame cycle is awaited.

  The already described processing can be applied to the generation method of the second SS image and the overlay method using the second SS image of the second size.

  On the other hand, the screen saver generating device is in a screen saver screen stop waiting state at (step S20a). If an instruction to stop the screen saver screen based on the second SS information is detected in (Step S20a), the determination is Yes (Y), and the process proceeds to (Step S21a) in synchronization with the image frame period. If there is no instruction to stop the screen saver screen based on the second SS information, the determination is no (N), and the process remains at (step S21a). In (step S21a), a screen saver overlay stop process is performed. The screen saver overlay stop process is a process for stopping the generation of the second SS image.

  Next, in (step S22a), a first image size restoration process is performed. The first image size restoration process is a process for returning the size of the first image to the third size indicated by the display position information Ps and arranging it at the third predetermined position indicated by the display position information Ps. For the third size information, the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 is used.

  Next, the process proceeds to (Step S23a), and a second image size restoration process is performed. The second image size restoration process is a process of changing the size of the second image to the fourth size indicated by the display position information Ps and arranging it at a fourth predetermined position indicated by the display position information Ps. For the fourth size information, the display position information Ps stored in the display position information storage unit 17 is used.

  Next, returning to (Step S20a), the first image and the second image generated in (Step S23a) are displayed on the display unit 16, and an interrupt generation synchronized with the next image frame cycle is awaited.

  Since (Step S10a) and (Step S20a) wait for a screen saver generation instruction and a screen saver image stop instruction based on the second SS information, respectively, the processing of (Step S10a) to (Step S14a) or (Step S20a) to (Step S20a) Either one of the processes of S23a) is always executed.

  In the present embodiment, the overlay processing unit 15 normally executes only one of the placement process (1) and the superposition process (2) or (3) for the second SS image.

  In addition, when performing any one of the arrangement process (1) and the superimposition process (2) or (3) for each of the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image, an SS image is generated. The unit 18 adds overlay identification information for identifying the arrangement process (1) and the superposition process (2) or (3) to each of the first SS image, the second SS image, and the third SS image, and the overlay processing unit 15 The overlay processing unit 15 selects and performs either the placement process (1) or the superposition process (2) or (3) according to the overlay identification information. As a method of supplying overlay identification information, it is stored in the SS image generation unit 18 or stored in the SS image storage unit 19 and read by the SS image generation unit 18 when generating a screen saver image, or A method of supplying the SS image generation unit 18 together with the 1SS information, the second SS information, and the third SS information can be applied. Further, the display position information storage unit 17 stores overlay identification information in addition to the display position information Ps, and the SS image generation unit 18 reads out and supplies it to the overlay processing unit 15 when the screen saver image is generated. Good.

  As described above, the screen saver generating device according to the present embodiment can accept and accept a screen saver arrangement or superimposition for each of a plurality of input images and a screen saver for each of the plurality of images. Based on the instruction received by the means, an overlay processing means for outputting a screen saver in a part of the plurality of images with a screen saver arranged or superimposed, and an image outputted from the overlay processing means for outputting the remaining images as they are Among these, a screen saver is provided with a screen saver and an image size changing means for reducing the image size of the image on which the screen saver is arranged or superimposed.

  Here, the receiving unit corresponds to the first image SS command unit 21, the second image SS command unit 22, and the third image SS command unit 23 of FIG. The overlay processing means corresponds to the overlay processing unit 15 in FIG. The image size changing means corresponds to the image size processing unit 14 and the display position information storage unit 17 in FIG.

  The image size changing unit enlarges the image size of an image that is not arranged or superimposed on the image output from the overlay processing unit.

  Further, the accepting means accepts a screen saver stop instruction for each of a plurality of inputted images, and the overlay processing means stops the arrangement or superposition of the screen saver of the image for which the accepting means accepts the screen saver stop instruction.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where there is only one target of the screen saver image as in the second image has been described. In the following embodiment, a case where there are two or three or more screen saver image targets such as the second image and the third image will be described.

  In FIG. 7, the display mode (Ma) displays the first image A, the second image B, and the third image C side by side in the same size. In the display mode (Ma), no screen saver is applied. The display mode (Mb) is a case where the third image SS command unit 23 issues a command for applying a screen saver to the third image C, and the first image A and the second image B are displayed in the same size, The portion of the third image C is a reduced size and the third SS image is displayed at the lower right. In the display mode (Mc), the second image SS command unit 22 issues a command to apply a screen saver to the second image B, and the third image SS command unit 23 issues a command to apply a screen saver to the third image C. In this mode, the first image A is a first size that is enlarged, and the second image B and the third image C are reduced in size, and the second SS image and the third SS image are displayed side by side in the lower right. is there.

  FIG. 8 is an example of display position information Ps indicating each size and display position in the display of the first image, the second image, and the third image in the display modes (Ma), (Mb), and (Mc). The meanings of symbols in {} are the same as those described with reference to FIG.

  As in the present embodiment, in the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are resized to a predetermined size and displayed at predetermined positions in addition to the first image, the configuration of the screen saver generation device of FIG. The SS image generation unit 18 receives the second SS information and the third SS information related to the second image and the third image, generates a second SS image and a third SS image corresponding to a predetermined size, and the overlay processing unit 15 What is necessary is just to arrange | position or superimpose a 2nd SS image and a 3rd SS image in each predetermined position of a 2nd image and a 3rd image.

  Further, in the screen saver generation device of FIG. 3, the SS image generation unit 18 accepts the second SS information related to the second image and the third SS information related to the third image, and the second SS image for the second image and the third SS image for the third image. The 3SS image is generated, and the overlay processing unit 15 performs either (1) arrangement processing or (2) or (3) superimposition processing on the second image and the second SS image, and the third image and the second SS image. The 3SS image is subjected to either (1) arrangement processing, (2) or (3) superimposition processing, and the image size processing unit 14 performs the second SS image or the second superposition SS image, and the third SS image or the third superposition processing. A process of reducing and arranging the three superimposed SS images may be performed.

  In the present embodiment, the third image and the third SS information are added. The operations related to these images and SS information are the same as those in the first embodiment and FIG. 1, and the second embodiment and FIG. Since this is basically the same as the operation related to the second SS information, detailed description thereof will be omitted. The only difference is that the size and display position of the first image A, the second image B, and the third image C are not exactly the same when FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 are compared. These differences are realized by the contents of the display position information Ps shown in FIGS.

  Processing similar to the processing for the second image and the second SS image in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 4 may be added to the third image and the third SS image.

  Further, when the fourth image and the fourth SS information are supplied, the configuration, operation, and processing procedure for the fourth image and the fourth SS image may be added similarly to the third image and the third SS image.

(Embodiment 4)
When the second SS image and the third SS image are displayed side by side as in the third embodiment, if there is too much difference between the colors and movements of the respective screen saver images, the overall harmony of the display screen will be lost. May cause a feeling of fatigue or increased viewing fatigue. Hereinafter, a screen saver image generation method for eliminating such fear will be described. In the screen saver generating apparatus of the present invention, the second SS image and the third SS image that are harmonious with each other are generated.

  The SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image and a third SS image, extracts a second moving image from the second SS image, extracts a third moving image from the third SS image, and extracts the second moving image and the third moving image. A fourth moving image based on one or both of the images is generated and placed on the second SS image and the third SS image, respectively.

  FIG. 9C shows a flowchart of moving image extraction / addition synthesis performed by the SS image generation unit 18. FIG. 13 illustrates examples of the second SS image and the third SS image. In FIG. 9, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image in the second SS image generation process of (Step S31). An image of B in which the moving image b is drawn on the background image B of FIG. 13 is an example of the second SS image. Next, in the third SS image generation process (step S32), a third SS image is generated. An image of C in which the moving image c is drawn on the background image C of FIG. 13 is an example of the third SS image. Next, in the second moving image extraction process (step S33), the moving image b, which is the second moving image, is extracted from the second SS image. Next, in the third moving image extraction process (step S34), a moving image c that is a third moving image is extracted from the third SS image. Next, in the moving image composition process (step S35), a fourth moving image based on one or both of the second moving image and the third moving image is generated, and in the next moving image overlay process (step S36), The fourth moving image is arranged on each of the second SS image and the third SS image. In the example of FIG. 13, the moving image b and the moving image c are arranged as a B second SS image and a C third SS image. The combined moving image of the moving image b and the moving image c becomes the fourth moving image. The movement of the moving image is harmonized in the second SS image and the third SS image.

  When the second moving image is extracted from the second SS image and the third moving image is extracted from the third SS image, the second moving image and the third moving image are erased from the second SS image and the third SS image, respectively. Is preferred.

  When the color of the moving image is different from the surrounding colors or when the boundary between the moving image and the surrounding is clear, the moving image can be easily extracted or deleted. The moving image may be extracted in a slightly wide range including the periphery of the shape that is determined as the moving image. The moving image may be erased by making the luminance and chromaticity in such a slightly wide range small.

  Further, the fourth moving image may be either the second moving image or the third moving image.

  FIG. 9D shows a flowchart of moving image selection extraction / selection deletion performed by the SS image generation unit 18. In FIG. 9, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image in the second SS image generation process (step S41), and generates a third SS image in the next third SS image generation process (step S42). In the next (step S43) second moving image extraction process, the second moving image is extracted from the second SS image, and in the next (step S44) second and third moving image erasing processes, the second moving image is extracted from the second SS image. The second moving image is erased, the third moving image is erased from the third SS image, the arrangement position of the selected second moving image is determined in the second moving image arrangement process of the next (step S45), and the next (step In the moving image overlay process of S46), the selected second moving image is placed on the second SS image from which the second moving image has been deleted and the third SS image from which the third moving image has been deleted. That.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of images before and after execution of the moving image selection extraction / selection erasure process in the present embodiment. Of the moving image b and moving image c, only the moving image b is selected and arranged in both the second SS image from which the moving image b is deleted and the third SS image from which the moving image c is deleted. Thereby, the second SS image and the third SS image are harmonized.

  In the moving image compositing process of (step S35) in FIG. 9, a process of synchronizing the moving image c that is the third moving image with the movement of the moving image b that is the second moving image is performed, and the synchronized third moving image You may make it arrange | position c on a 3rd SS image. In order to synchronize, it is only necessary to detect the movement coordinate value of the moving image b and change the position of the moving image c to a position having a certain positional relationship with the movement coordinate value of the moving image b. Since the position of the moving image c on the third SS image is moved from the original position, it is preferable to delete the moving image c at the original position from the third SS image. If it does in this way, the pattern of a 2nd movement image and a 3rd movement image will respectively remain the same, and a movement pattern will be in harmony with a 2nd SS image and a 3rd SS image.

  Note that the screen saver image generation according to the present embodiment is also applicable to the generation of three or more screen saver images.

(Embodiment 5)
In the fourth embodiment, the moving image is extracted and deleted, but the background image and the moving image may be generated separately.

  FIG. 10E is a flowchart of background image and moving image individual generation / combination performed by the SS image generation unit 18.

  The SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS background image and a third SS background image in (Step S51) and (Step S52), respectively, and in (Step S53) and (Step S54), respectively, In step S55, a fourth moving image is generated based on one or both of the second moving image and the third moving image. In step S56, the fourth moving image is generated. It arrange | positions on the background image of a 2SS image, and the background image of a 3rd SS image.

  With this processing, as shown in the right side of FIG. 13, the fourth moving image obtained by combining the second moving image b and the third moving image c is used as both the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image. The arranged screen saver image can be generated. Further, as shown in the diagram on the right side of FIG. 14, the fourth moving image selected from one of the second moving image b and the third moving image c is used as both the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image. A screen saver image can also be generated. The movement of the moving image is harmonized in the second SS image and the third SS image.

  FIG. 10F is a flowchart of background image individual generation / moving image selection performed by the SS image generation unit 18.

  The SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS background image and a third SS background image in (Step S61) and (Step S62), respectively, and selects one of the second moving image and the third moving image in (Step S63). In step S64, a fourth moving image is generated based on the selection in step S63. In step S65, the fourth moving image is displayed on the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image. To place.

  With this processing, as shown in the right side of FIG. 14, the fourth moving image selected from the second moving image b and the third moving image c is converted into the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image. Screen saver images placed on both can be generated. The movement of the moving image is harmonized in the second SS image and the third SS image.

  Note that the selection process of the second moving image and the third moving image in (Step S63) is omitted, and either the second moving image or the third moving image, or another fourth moving image in (Step S64). You may make it produce | generate.

  In (Step S55) of the flowchart of FIG. 10E, instead of generating the fourth moving image, the third moving image is transformed into a moving image synchronized with the movement of the second moving image (Step S56). ), The third moving image deformed in (step S55) may be arranged on the background image of the third SS image, and the second moving image may be arranged on the background image of the second SS image. In order to synchronize, it is only necessary to detect the movement coordinate value of the second moving image and change the position of the third moving image to a position having a fixed positional relationship with the movement coordinate value of the second moving image. If it does in this way, the pattern of a 2nd movement image and a 3rd movement image will respectively remain the same, and a movement pattern will be in harmony with a 2nd SS image and a 3rd SS image.

  Further, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a second moving image and a third moving image that move in synchronization with each other in the second moving image generation in (Step S53) and the third moving image generation in (Step S54), respectively. The generation of the fourth moving image in (Step S55) is omitted, and in (Step S56), the second moving image is placed on the background image of the second SS image, and the third moving image is placed on the background image of the third SS image. Each may be arranged. Although the shapes of the second moving image and the third moving image are different from each other, the second SS image and the third SS image in which movement movements are synchronized are obtained.

  In addition, in the third moving image generation in (Step S54), the SS image generation unit 18 generates a third moving image that moves in synchronization with the movement of the second moving image, and the fourth moving image in (Step S55). In step S56, the second moving image may be arranged on the background image of the second SS image, and the third moving image may be arranged on the background image of the third SS image.

  Note that the screen saver image generation in this embodiment can also be applied to the generation of three or more screen saver images.

(Embodiment 6)
In the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment, the same moving image is drawn in both the second SS image and the third SS image. However, one moving image is composed of the region of the second SS image and the third SS image. It is also possible to move across regions.

  In the step (S65) of the flowchart of FIG. 10F, the SS image generation unit 18 sets the fourth moving image on the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image by overlay. The four moving images may be arranged so as to move the entire area of the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image. As shown in the diagram on the right side of FIG. 15, one fourth moving image moves in the entire area of the background images B and C. For this purpose, the coordinate values defining the positions of the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image on the background image of the fourth moving image are set to the entire region of the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image. The change function value may be changed as follows.

  As described above, according to the third to sixth embodiments, it is possible to generate a screen saver image in which the moving images of the second SS image and the third SS image move in harmony with each other. FIG. 16 is a supplemental example of a screen saver image that can be generated by applying the method of the third to sixth embodiments. The upper left of FIG. 16 is a non-harmonious SS image in which the ball moves at different timings. The upper right of FIG. 16 is a screen saver image having a group in which one ball moves across the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image. The lower right of FIG. 16 is a screen saver image having a group in which a plurality of balls move in synchronization across the background image of the second SS image and the background image of the third SS image.

  Note that the screen saver image generation in this embodiment can also be applied to the generation of three or more screen saver images.

(Embodiment 7)
The SS image generation unit 18 may generate the second SS image and the third SS image so as to fuse a predetermined range in the vicinity of one side where the second SS image and the third SS image are arranged adjacent to each other.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the SS image generation unit 18 generates a second SS image in (Step S91), generates a third SS image in (Step S92), and generates a second SS image and a second SS image in (Step S93). Fusion processing is performed on a predetermined range near one side where 3SS images are arranged adjacent to each other. In the adjacent region fusion processing in (Step S93), the SS image generation unit 18 performs weighted averaging processing on one or both of brightness and color in a predetermined neighborhood range where the second SS image and the third SS image are adjacent to each other. Good.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of an image in which the luminance of the area where the second SS image B and the third SS image C are in contact is gradually changed.

  Note that the screen saver image generation in this embodiment can also be applied to the generation of three or more screen saver images.

(Embodiment 8)
In Embodiment 3 to Embodiment 7, when generating the second SS image and the third SS image, they are generated separately, but they may be generated in a lump. FIG. 12H shows a flowchart for this purpose.

  In the present embodiment, the SS image storage unit 19 includes, as the SS image source, an image in which clouds move, an image in which the sea surface changes due to waves, and an image in which a flock of birds moves in the sky. Assume that images of natural scenery are stored. In step S101, the SS image generation unit 18 reads out an SS image source stored in the SS image storage unit 19.

  Next, in (step S101), a predetermined size when the second image and the third image are converted into a screen saver image, that is, information on the size for displaying the second SS image and the size for displaying the third SS image, and a predetermined position That is, the display position information Ps representing the display position of the second SS image and the information of the display position of the third SS image is read from the display position information storage unit 17.

  Next (Step S102), the SS image storage unit 19 is read, and a second SS image and a third SS image corresponding to a predetermined size are generated based on the SS image source. After that, the overlay processing unit 15 arranges the second SS image and the third SS image at predetermined positions. More specifically, in (Step S102), the SS image generation unit 18 cuts out a portion corresponding to a predetermined size from the SS image source stored in the SS image storage unit 19 and obtains the second SS image and the third SS image. Generate. Since images of natural scenery are used as the second SS image and the third SS image, the images are in harmony with each other. The part to be cut out is preferably different between the second SS image and the third SS image. Alternatively, the SS image generation unit 18 may generate a second SS image and a third SS image by cutting out a portion corresponding to a predetermined size and a predetermined position from the SS image source. The second SS image and the third SS image have continuity on the screen and become images in harmony with each other. The second SS image and the third SS image may be a horizontally continuous image or a vertically continuous image in accordance with the second predetermined position and the third predetermined position.

  The SS image source may be an artificial image created by a computer graphics technique or a semi-artificial image created based on a natural image in addition to a natural landscape image. Since it is used for the purpose of a screen saver, an image whose design changes with time is good. The SS image source may be constituted by data of a two-dimensional screen used for display, but may be a function or parameter set for generating a screen. In this case, a screen of a desired portion is generated by applying the size and the display position value of the second SS image and the third SS image of the display position information Ps to the function and parameter.

  A moving image may be further pasted on the second SS image and the third SS image created as described above. FIG. 12K shows a flowchart for this purpose.

  (Step S111), a predetermined size when the second image and the third image are converted into a screen saver image, that is, information on a size for displaying the second SS image and a size for displaying the third SS image, and a predetermined position, The display position information Ps indicating the display position of the second SS image and the information of the display position of the third SS image is read from the display position information storage unit 17.

  Next (Step S112), the SS image source is read from the SS image storage unit 19, and a second SS image and a third SS image corresponding to a predetermined size are generated. For example, in (Step S112), the SS image generation unit 18 cuts out a portion corresponding to a predetermined size from the SS image source stored in the SS image storage unit 19 and generates a second SS image and a third SS image. The second SS image and the third SS image have continuity on the screen and become images in harmony with each other.

  Next, in (Step S113), a moving image is generated, and in (Step S114), the moving image is pasted on the second SS image and the third SS image generated in (Step S112). Thereafter, the overlay processing unit 15 arranges and processes the second SS image and the third SS image with a moving image at a predetermined position in the entire display screen.

  Note that the screen saver image generation in this embodiment can also be applied to the generation of three or more screen saver images.

(Embodiment 9)
In the third to eighth embodiments, the case has been described in which the second SS image and the third SS image include a moving image or includes a changing pattern such as a cloud, a wave, or a bird. In order to bring about the effect of the screen saver image, the screen saver image may be changed periodically. Therefore, there is a method of switching and displaying a plurality of screen saver images. A screen saver generation device according to the present invention in which a plurality of screen saver images are switched and displayed for each of the second SS image and the third SS image will be described.

  The SS image storage unit 19 stores a plurality of sets of second SS images and third SS images, or functions and parameter values for generating the images. The SS image generation unit 18 selects a second SS image, or a function or parameter value for generating the image from a plurality of sets, and generates a second SS image. The selected group is periodically switched, and the switching cycle is a second cycle T2. The SS image generation unit 18 selects a third SS image, or a function or parameter value for generating the image from a plurality of sets, and generates a third SS image. The selected group is periodically switched, and the switching cycle is assumed to be a third cycle T3.

  When the SS image generation unit 18 generates only the second SS image, the second cycle T2 is determined independently of T3. Even when only the third SS image is generated, the third cycle T3 is defined as T2. It is decided independently. When the second SS image and the third SS image are displayed simultaneously, the second cycle T2 and the third cycle T3 are changed to a synchronized cycle Td. That is, the SS image generation unit 18 performs generation in which temporal changes of the second SS image and the third SS image are synchronized with each other. The synchronization is not necessarily the same time, and the phase of switching may be shifted, or the switching frequency may be in a harmonious relationship that forms an integer ratio.

  In the above description, the second SS image and the third SS image are selected and switched from a plurality of sets, respectively, but each of the plurality of sets of images may be gradually and smoothly changed. The second period T2 and the third period T3 are periods of smooth change, and these periods are synchronized with the period Td.

  If the second period T2, the third period T3, the period Td to be synchronized, and the like are stored in the SS image storage unit 19, the SS image generation unit 18 reads them and uses them to generate the second SS image and the third SS image. You can

  Note that image change synchronization as in the present embodiment may be introduced into the background image of the fifth embodiment.

  The method for generating the second SS image and the third SS image according to the third to ninth embodiments can be used in (step S13) of the flowchart of FIG. 2 and (step S11a) of the flowchart of FIG. If necessary, a third image size changing process similar to the second image size changing process in (Step S12) may be added after (Step S12). In the flowchart of FIG. 4, a third SS image size changing process similar to the second SS image size changing process of (Step S14a) is added next to (Step S14a), and the operation described in the third to ninth embodiments. Is realized.

  Note that the screen saver image generation in this embodiment can also be applied to the generation of three or more screen saver images.

(Other embodiments and supplements)
In the overlay processing in the first to ninth embodiments of the present invention, when the second image or the third image to be erased by being overlaid is not arranged, the second SS image or the third SS image is simply set at a predetermined position. As described in the above embodiment, it is a concept including the processing to be arranged in the above.

  In the description of the first to ninth embodiments of the present invention, the SS image storage unit 19 stores the SS image or the function information and parameter information that is the basis of the SS image. Information about a screen saver image or a function or parameter based on which the screen saver image is based may be supplied to the SS image generation unit 18 from either the image source or the third image source. The screen saver image or the function and parameter information that is the basis of the screen saver image is temporarily stored in the SS image storage unit 19. Note that when the screen saver image or the information of the function or parameter that is the basis of the screen saver image is continuously sent, the storage in the SS image storage unit 19 can be omitted.

  Generally, the screen saver screen generation instruction is a PC screen display, and when a keyboard or mouse operation is not performed for a predetermined time such as 5 minutes or 10 minutes, a timer works to generate a screen saver screen generation instruction. Is generated. Alternatively, changes in the first image, the second image, the third image, and the like are monitored, and when there is no image change for a predetermined time, a timer works to generate and generate a screen saver screen generation instruction. Note that the screen saver screen generation instruction is not limited to such a method, and may be supplied to the SS image generation unit 18.

  In addition, the moving image is not only a horizontal movement in the SS image, but also a vertical movement, a movement in a two-dimensional direction, a movement direction, a shape change, and a color change. Can be used. In addition, when the second moving image or the third moving image is superimposed or arranged on the background image of the second SS image or the background image of the third SS image, either the second moving image or the third moving image is enlarged, Or you may invert up and down. It is also possible to reverse the moving direction left and right or up and down. The superposition and arrangement of the second moving image and the third moving image are concepts including such modifications as enlargement and inversion.

  The display position information Ps may be stored in advance in the display position information storage unit 17, but the first image information, the second image information, the second image information, You may make it supply together with 3rd image information or 1st SS information, 2nd SS information, and 3rd SS information. In that case, the display position information Ps includes the first image input unit 11, the second image input unit 12, the third image input unit 13, or the first image SS command unit 21, the second image SS command unit 22, and the third The image size processing unit 14 or the SS image generation unit 18 may receive the image via the image SS command unit 23 and store it in the display position information storage unit 17. Further, as in the case of the configuration of FIG. 3, the first image input unit 11, the second image input unit 12, the third image input unit 13, or the first image SS command unit 21, the second image SS command unit 22. The third image SS command unit 23 may write the display position information Ps in the display position information storage unit 17.

  Further, when any of the first image, the second image, and the third image supplied from the first image input unit 11, the second image input unit 12, and the third image input unit 13 is the same as the display size, In some cases, the image size processing unit 14 does not need to perform image enlargement or reduction processing.

  In Embodiments 1 to 9 of the present invention, two cases of the first image and the second image, or three cases of the first image, the second image, and the third image source have been described. Even a four-screen display can be realized based on the description in the first to ninth embodiments of the present invention.

  In Embodiments 1 to 9 of the present invention, the case where the screen saver is not applied to the first image has been mainly described. However, the screen saver can be operated so as not to apply the screen saver to other images other than the first image.

  Individual image processing itself such as image enlargement or image reduction, image arrangement, image extraction, overlay processing in overlay processing, etc. mentioned in the first to ninth embodiments of the present invention is a basic technique in image processing such as computer graphics. Therefore, detailed explanation was omitted.

  The image size processing unit 14, the overlay processing unit 15, and the SS image generation unit 18 constituting the screen saver generation device of FIGS. 1 and 3 can be realized by dedicated hardware (dedicated circuit). The display position information storage unit 17 and the SS image storage unit 19 are preferably a non-volatile recording medium such as a rewritable ROM, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium. As another implementation method, since the operation contents of the image size processing unit 14, the overlay processing unit 15, and the SS image generation unit 18 are digital information processing, it can be usually realized by software. The software may be recorded in the ROM and the software may be executed on a common MPU or memory. The ROM is preferably a non-volatile recording medium such as a rewritable ROM, but can also be realized as a volatile recording medium.

  In addition, the flowcharts of the screen saver generation methods in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9 to 12 can be usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a ROM, and the screen saver is generated on a common MPU or memory. The software can be executed. The ROM is preferably a non-volatile recording medium such as a rewritable ROM, but can also be realized as a volatile recording medium.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made to the configuration of the embodiment, the content and expression format of information, and the procedure of the flowchart, and these are also within the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, it is included in.

  The screen saver generation device and the screen saver generation method according to the present invention display a plurality of screens on a display unit in a home, and perform a harmonized display for a viewer when part or all of the screens are switched to a screen saver screen. It is useful as an apparatus and method.

The block diagram of the screen saver production | generation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention The flowchart of the screen saver production | generation method in one Embodiment of this invention The block diagram of the screen saver production | generation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention The flowchart of the screen saver production | generation method in one Embodiment of this invention The figure of an example of the display screen which the screen saver production | generation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention produces | generates The figure of an example of the display position information on the screen saver image in one embodiment of the present invention The figure of an example of the display screen which the screen saver production | generation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention produces | generates The figure of an example of the display position information on the screen saver image in one embodiment of the present invention Image generation flowchart of screen saver generation method in one embodiment of the present invention Image generation flowchart of screen saver generation method in one embodiment of the present invention Image generation flowchart of screen saver generation method in one embodiment of the present invention Image generation flowchart of screen saver generation method in one embodiment of the present invention The figure of an example of the screen saver image in one embodiment of the present invention The figure of an example of the screen saver image in one embodiment of the present invention The figure of an example of the screen saver image in one embodiment of the present invention The figure of an example of the screen saver image in one embodiment of the present invention The figure of an example of the screen saver image in one embodiment of the present invention An example of a conventional screen saver image An example of a conventional screen saver image

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 1st image input part 12 2nd image input part 13 3rd image input part 21 1st image SS command part 22 2nd image SS command part 23 3rd image SS command part 14 Image size process part 15 Overlay process part 16 Display Unit 17 display position information storage unit 18 SS image generation unit 19 SS image storage unit

Claims (42)

Accepting means for accepting a screen saver arrangement or superimposing instruction for each of a plurality of images;
Among the plurality of images, the image receiving unit has received an instruction to place or superimpose a screen saver, the image size is reduced and output, and the remaining images are output with the same image size; and
An overlay processing unit that arranges or superimposes a screen saver on an image for which the accepting unit accepts a screen saver arrangement or superimposition instruction among images output from the image size changing unit;
A screen saver generating device. The screen saver generation device according to claim 1, wherein the image size changing unit enlarges an image size of an image in which a screen saver is not arranged or superimposed among the plurality of images. Accepting means for accepting a screen saver arrangement or superimposing instruction for each of a plurality of images;
A screen saver can be arranged or superimposed for each of the plurality of images, and a screen saver is arranged or superimposed on some of the plurality of images based on an instruction received by the receiving unit, and the remaining images are output. Is an overlay processing means to output as it is,
Among the images output from the overlay processing means, image size changing means for reducing the image size of the image on which the screen saver is arranged or superimposed;
A screen saver generator. 4. The screen saver generating device according to claim 3, wherein the image size changing unit enlarges an image size of an image output from the overlay processing unit and having no screen saver arranged or superimposed thereon. The accepting means accepts an instruction to stop a screen saver for each of the plurality of images;
3. The screen saver generation device according to claim 1, wherein the overlay processing unit stops the arrangement or superposition of the screen saver of the image for which the reception unit has received an instruction to stop the screen saver. An accepting step for accepting an instruction to place or superimpose a screen saver for each of a plurality of images;
Among the plurality of images, in the receiving step, the image that has received the arrangement or superposition of the screen saver is output by reducing the image size, and the remaining images are output with the same image size; and
Of the images output by the image size changing step, an overlay processing step for arranging or superimposing a screen saver on an image for which an instruction to superimpose or superimpose a screen saver was received in the accepting step;
A screen saver generation method comprising: The screen saver generation method according to claim 6, wherein the image size changing step enlarges an image size of an image on which the screen saver is not arranged or superimposed among the plurality of images. An accepting step for accepting an instruction to place or superimpose a screen saver for each of a plurality of images;
A screen saver can be arranged or superimposed for each of the plurality of images, and based on the instruction received in the receiving step, a screen saver is arranged or superimposed on some of the plurality of images and output, and the remaining images Is the overlay processing step to output as is,
Among the images output in the overlay processing step, an image size changing step for reducing the image size of an image on which a screen saver is arranged or superimposed;
A method for generating a screen saver. The screen saver generation method according to claim 8, wherein the image size changing step enlarges an image size of an image that is not arranged or superimposed on the image output in the overlay processing step. The accepting step accepts an instruction to stop a screen saver for each of the plurality of images,
The screen saver generation method according to claim 1, wherein the overlay processing step stops the arrangement or superposition of the screen saver of the image for which the instruction to stop the screen saver is received in the receiving step. In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in predetermined sizes,
When the second screen saver information and the third screen saver information related to the second image and the third image are accepted, and an instruction to generate a screen saver screen for the second image and the third image is given, it is related to a screen pattern or a screen change. A screen saver image generating unit that generates a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image of the predetermined size,
An overlay processing unit that arranges or superimposes the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image at the predetermined positions of the second image and the third image, respectively.
A screen saver generating apparatus. In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in predetermined sizes,
When the second screen saver information related to the second image and the third screen saver information related to the third image are accepted, and there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen for the second image and the third image, the screen pattern and the screen change A screen saver image generator for generating a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image of the predetermined size related to each other;
One of the second superimposed screen saver image or the second screen saver image obtained by superimposing the second screen saver image on the second image, and the third superimposed screen saver image obtained by superimposing the third screen saver image on the third image, or An overlay processing unit that generates or selects and supplies one of the third screen saver images;
The second superimposed screen saver image or the second screen saver image and the third superimposed screen saver image or the third screen saver image supplied by the overlay processing unit are changed to the predetermined size and arranged at the predetermined positions, respectively. An image size processing unit;
A screen saver generating apparatus. The screen saver image generation unit generates the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, and outputs a second moving image and / or a third moving image from one or both of the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image. 13. A fourth moving image is extracted and generated based on one or both of the extracted second moving image and third moving image, and is arranged on the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, respectively. The screen saver production | generation apparatus in any one of. When extracting the second moving image and / or the third moving image from one or both of the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, one or both of the extracted second moving image and third moving image are used. The screen saver generation device according to claim 13, which is erased. Instead of generating the fourth moving image, the third moving image extracted from the third screen saver image is transformed into a moving image synchronized with the movement of the second moving image extracted from the second screen saver image. The screen saver generation device according to claim 13, wherein the screen saver generation device is arranged on the third screen saver image. The screen saver image generation unit generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates one or both of a second moving image and a third moving image, and the second moving image and the third moving image. The screen saver generation device according to claim 11, wherein a fourth moving image based on one or both of the first moving image and the fourth moving image is arranged or superimposed on the second screen saver background image and the third screen saver background image, respectively. The screen saver image generation unit generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates a fourth moving image, and places the fourth moving image on the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, respectively. The screen saver generating device according to claim 11, wherein the screen saver generating device is arranged or overlapped. The screen saver image generation unit generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates a second moving image and a third moving image, and synchronizes the third moving image with the movement of the second moving image. The screen saver generating device according to claim 11, wherein the screen saver generating device is transformed into a converted moving image and is arranged or superimposed on the second screen saver background image and the third screen saver background image, respectively. The screen saver image generation unit generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates a second moving image and a third moving image that move in synchronization with each other, and converts the second moving image into the second screen saver. The screen saver generating device according to claim 11, wherein the screen saver generating device is arranged or superimposed on a background image, and the third moving image is arranged or superimposed on the third screen saver background image. The screen saver image generation unit generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates a fourth moving image, and converts the fourth moving image to the second screen saver background image and the third screen saver background image. The screen saver generating device according to claim 11, which moves on both of them. 12. The screen saver image generation unit generates a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image, and performs a fusion process on a predetermined range in the vicinity of one side where the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image are arranged adjacent to each other. , 12 A screen saver generating device. The screen saver generation device according to claim 21, wherein the screen saver image generation unit performs a weighted averaging process on one or both of brightness and color in the fusion process of the predetermined neighborhood range. In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in predetermined sizes,
A screen saver image storage unit for storing a screen saver image source;
A display position information storage unit for storing the predetermined size and the display position information representing the predetermined position when the second image and the third image are converted into a screen saver image;
The second screen saver information and the third screen saver information relating to the second image and the third image are accepted, and when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen for each of the second image and the third image, it is stored in the screen saver image storage unit. A screen saver image generation unit that generates a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image corresponding to the predetermined size based on the screen saver image source,
An overlay processing unit that arranges or superimposes the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image at predetermined positions of the second image and the third image, respectively.
A screen saver generating apparatus. The SS image generation unit reads the screen saver image source from the screen saver image storage unit and cuts out a portion corresponding to the predetermined size from the screen saver image source or cuts out a portion corresponding to the predetermined size and the predetermined position. The screen saver generation device according to claim 23, wherein the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image are generated. 25. The screen saver generation device according to claim 23, wherein the SS image generation unit generates a moving image and arranges or superimposes the movement image on the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image. In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in predetermined sizes,
The second screen saver information and the third screen saver information relating to the second image and the third image are accepted, and when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen for each of the second image and the third image, the second time-varying second A screen saver image, a third screen saver image that changes with time, and a screen saver image generator that synchronizes the temporal change of the second screen saver image with the temporal change of the third screen saver image;
An overlay processing unit that arranges or superimposes the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image at the predetermined positions of the second image and the third image, respectively.
A screen saver generating apparatus. In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in predetermined sizes,
When the second screen saver information and the third screen saver information related to the second image and the third image are accepted, and there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen for each of the second image and the third image, the screen pattern and the screen change A screen saver image generation process for generating a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image of the predetermined size related to each other;
Overlay processing for arranging or superimposing the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image at the predetermined positions of the second image and the third image, respectively.
A screen saver generation method comprising: In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in predetermined sizes,
When the second screen saver information related to the second image and the third screen saver information related to the third image are accepted, and there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen for each of the second image and the third image, the screen image and screen Screen saver image generation processing for generating a second screen saver image for the second image and a third screen saver image for the third image, which are related to changes in
One of the second superimposed screen saver image or the second screen saver image obtained by superimposing the second screen saver image on the second image, and the third superimposed screen saver image obtained by superimposing the third screen saver image on the third image, or Overlay processing to generate or select and supply one of the third screen saver images;
The second superimposed screen saver image or the second screen saver image and the third superimposed screen saver image or the third screen saver image supplied by the overlay process are changed to the predetermined size to change the second image and the second screen saver image. Image size processing arranged at the predetermined position for each of the three images;
A screen saver generation method comprising: The screen saver image generation process generates the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, and outputs a second moving image and / or a third moving image from one or both of the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image. 28. A fourth moving image is extracted and generated based on one or both of the extracted second moving image and third moving image, and is arranged on the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, respectively. 28. The screen saver generating method according to any one of 28. One of the second moving image and the third moving image extracted when extracting the second moving image and / or the third moving image from one or both of the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image 30. The screen saver generation method according to claim 29, wherein both are deleted. Instead of generating the fourth moving image, the third moving image extracted from the third screen saver image is transformed into a moving image synchronized with the movement of the second moving image extracted from the second screen saver image. 30. The screen saver generation method according to claim 29, wherein the screen saver is arranged on the third screen saver image. The screen saver image generation process generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates one or both of a second moving image and a third moving image, and the second moving image and the third moving image. The screen saver generation method according to any one of claims 27 and 28, wherein a fourth moving image based on one or both of the first moving image and the fourth moving image is arranged or superimposed on the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, respectively. The screen saver image generation process generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates a fourth moving image, and places the fourth moving image on the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, respectively. 29. The screen saver generation method according to claim 27, wherein the screen saver is arranged or overlapped. The screen saver image generation process generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates a second moving image and a third moving image, and synchronizes the third moving image with the movement of the second moving image. 29. The screen saver generation method according to claim 27, wherein the screen saver is transformed into a moving image and is arranged or superimposed on the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image, respectively. The screen saver image generation process generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates a second moving image and a third moving image that move in synchronization with each other, and converts the second moving image into the second screen saver. 29. The screen saver generation method according to claim 27, wherein the third moving image is arranged or superimposed on a background image, and the third moving image is arranged or superimposed on the third screen saver background image. The screen saver image generation process generates a second screen saver background image and a third screen saver background image, generates a fourth moving image, and converts the fourth moving image into the second screen saver background image and the third screen saver background image. 29. The screen saver generation method according to claim 27, wherein the screen saver is moved on both. 28. The screen saver image generation process generates a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image, and performs a fusion process on a predetermined range near one side where the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image are arranged adjacent to each other. 28. The screen saver generating method according to any one of 28. 38. The screen saver generation method according to claim 37, wherein the screen saver image generation processing performs weighted averaging processing on one or both of brightness and color in the fusion processing of the predetermined neighborhood range. In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in predetermined sizes,
Stores screen saver image source,
Storing the predetermined size and the display position information indicating the predetermined position when the second image and the third image are converted into a screen saver image;
The second screen saver information and the third screen saver information related to the second image and the third image are accepted, and when there is an instruction to generate a screen saver screen for each of the second image and the third image, the stored screen saver image source is displayed. A screen saver image generation process for generating a second screen saver image and a third screen saver image corresponding to the predetermined size,
Overlay processing for arranging or superimposing the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image at the predetermined positions of the second image and the third image, respectively.
A screen saver generation method comprising: In the screen saver image generation processing, a portion corresponding to the predetermined size is cut out from the stored screen saver image source, or a portion corresponding to the predetermined size and the predetermined position is cut out, and the second screen saver image and the third screen saver are extracted. 40. The screen saver generation method according to claim 39, wherein an image is generated. 41. The screen saver generation method according to claim 39, wherein the SS image generation processing generates a moving image and arranges or superimposes the moving image on the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image. In the multi-screen display in which the second image and the third image are converted into screen saver images and displayed at predetermined positions in predetermined sizes,
The second screen saver that changes with time when the second screen saver information and the third screen saver information relating to the second image and the third image are accepted and an instruction to generate a screen saver screen for each of the second image and the third image is given. An image and a third screen saver image that changes with time, and a screen saver image generation process that synchronizes the temporal change of the second screen saver image with the temporal change of the third screen saver image;
Overlay processing for arranging or superimposing the second screen saver image and the third screen saver image at the predetermined positions of the second image and the third image, respectively.
A screen saver generation method comprising:

Images