JP2015162850A - Image synthesizer, and method thereof, program thereof, and recording medium storing program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image synthesizer, an image synthesis method giving an impression of user preference finish, and to provide a program thereof, and a recording medium storing that program.SOLUTION: Impression of finish of a composite image is specified by a user, and a template image T1, an object image 31, and the like, close to that impression are determined. The object image 31, and the like, are corrected so as to be close to the specified impression, and a sample image indicating finish of a composite image is generated. When the impression of a sample image thus generated is far from the impression specified by the user, the correction parameters are changed and the object image 31, and the like, are corrected. A photo book generated in such a manner has an impression close to the user preference impression.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image composition device, a method thereof, a program thereof, and a recording medium storing the program.

  There has been realized a postcard, an electronic album, a photobook, or the like in which a user pastes a target image on a template and generates a desired composite image of the user. For example, one that adjusts the color of the album mount in accordance with the color of the image to obtain a unified feeling of the color of the image and the album mount (Patent Document 1), or that presents a user's favorite layout (Patent Document 2) ), The design elements of the door are classified into categories, and the influence of the image is obtained for each category (Patent Document 3). Further, in a state where the characteristic variation of the display means is corrected, further correction and instruction are given (Patent Document 4), and a complete expression word is set corresponding to the registered image, and corresponding image processing is performed (Patent Document) 5), and some which apply abstract concepts with different design elements (Patent Documents 6-8).

  Furthermore, the one that adjusts the tone according to the theme (Patent Document 9), the one that adjusts the color of the photograph by the sensitivity word (Patent Document 10), and the one that the additional information by the sensitivity expression is added to the template (Patent Document 11) There is also a photo service that is tailored to the customer's preference (Patent Document 12).

JP 2013-81208 A JP 2013-229006 JP-A-6-103347 Japanese Patent No. 3847480 Japanese Patent No. 4090926 Japanese Patent No. 4980443 Japanese Patent No.4988410 Japanese Patent No. 3972914 Japanese Patent No. 4197313 JP 2005-20344 JP JP 2000-253227 A JP 2002-354185 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is merely a matter of matching the mount to the color of the image, and it cannot be finished to the user's favorite impression. Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, since the user-preferred layout is merely presented, the finish of the entire composite image cannot be made to the user's preference. Furthermore, in the invention described in Patent Document 3, since it is necessary to perform an experiment in advance, a synthesized image using a desired image cannot be set to the user's preference. In the inventions described in Patent Documents 4 to 12, the finished impression cannot be made to the user's preference.

  It is an object of the present invention to make the finished impression match a user's preference when a composite image is generated by pasting a target image on a template image.

  The present invention provides a finished impression receiving means for accepting designation of a finished impression of a synthesized image in an image synthesizing apparatus that generates a synthesized image (postcard, electronic album, photo book, photo goods) by pasting a target image on a template image. , A component image determining means for determining at least one component element of a character used in a template image or a composite image that is associated with the impression received by the finished impression receiving means and that constitutes the composite image, and a target image to be pasted on the template image Is corrected to the impression received by the finished impression receiving means, the target image corrected by the target image correcting means and the component determined by the component determining means (character image only, template image only, character Images and template images, A composite image generation means for generating a composite image using the image), an impression determination means for determining whether the impression of the composite image generated by the composite image generation means matches the impression received by the finished impression reception means, In addition, the composite image generated (including the target image included in the composite image) when the impression determination means determines that the received impression is not matched (including the case where the impression is not matched). ) Is provided with composite image correcting means for correcting the received impression.

  The present invention also provides an image composition method suitable for an image composition apparatus. In other words, this method is an image composition method in which a target image is pasted on a template image to generate a composite image. The finished impression receiving means accepts designation of the finished impression of the composite image, and the constituent element determining means has a finished impression. A template image that is associated with the impression received by the reception unit and that constitutes the composite image or at least one component of characters used in the composite image is determined, and the target image correction unit selects the target image to be pasted on the template image. The impression is received by the finished impression receiving means, and the composite image generating means generates a composite image using the target image corrected by the target image correcting means and the component image determined by the component determining means. , The composite image generated by the composite image generating means It is determined whether the impression matches the impression received by the finished impression receiving means, and the composite image correcting means is generated in response to the impression determining means determining that it does not match the received impression. The combined image corrects the received impression.

  The present invention also provides a computer-readable program for carrying out the image composition method and a recording medium storing the program.

  A frame may be added to the template image, and the target image may be pasted on the frame. In this case, it is preferable to further include layout changing means for changing the frame itself, changing the arrangement (including rotation) of the frame, or changing the size of the target image.

  The impression determination means determines, for example, whether the impression of at least one of the target image or the constituent elements matches the received impression. The target image to be pasted on the template may be determined from those having the impression received by the finished impression receiving means.

  The impression determination means may determine whether or not the impression of at least one image matches the accepted impression based on the color component included in at least one image.

  The impression determining means determines whether the impression of the composite image generated by the composite image generating means matches the impression received by the finished impression receiving means, and the impression of the composite image corrected by the composite image correcting means is It may be determined whether or not it matches the impression received by the finished impression receiving means. In this case, it further includes a repeat control unit that controls the impression determination unit and the composite image correction unit so as to repeat the process by the impression determination unit and the process by the composite image correction unit. The impression determination means determines whether or not the degree of coincidence between the target image and at least one of the constituent elements is low. When the degree of coincidence is determined to be low, the impression received by the finished impression reception means And may be determined as non-matching.

  The composite image correcting unit corrects, for example, at least one of the component or target image determined by the component determining unit to an impression received by the finished impression receiving unit. Correction may be made to change the component or target image so that the impression is close to the impression received by the finished impression receiving means. In the correction by the composite image correcting unit, not only the composite image (target image) corrected by the target image correcting unit but also the target image before correction by the target image correcting unit may be corrected.

  The finished impression accepting unit may accept the finished impression of the composite image by accepting the designation of the template image. In this case, the component determines the received template image as a component.

  The finished impression receiving means receives, for example, an impression designated by the finished impression designating means for designating the finished impression of the composite image, or receives data indicating the finished impression of the synthesized image transmitted from the computer. is there.

  The finished impression receiving means, for example, displays a plurality of impression designation areas indicating a plurality of finished impressions of the composite image, for controlling the display device so that at least two impression designation areas are partially overlapped and displayed on the display screen. Control means may be provided. In this case, by designating the impression designation area, the impression indicated by the designated impression designation area is used as the final impression of the composite image. Thus, the plurality of impressions indicated by the designated plurality of impression areas are received as the finished impression of the composite image.

  You may further provide the printer which prints the synthesized image correct | amended by the synthesized image correction means.

  According to the present invention, the designation of the finished impression of the composite image is accepted. Then, at least one component (one or a plurality of components) of the template image or the character that is associated with the received impression and constitutes the composite image is determined. The target image (which may or may not be an image owned by the user) to be pasted on the template image is corrected to an accepted impression. A composite image is generated using the corrected image and the determined components. If the impression of the generated composite image does not match the received impression, the composite image is corrected to the received impression. The overall finish of the composite image is close to the accepted impression. A composite image having an impression that suits the user's preference is obtained.

It is an outline of a photobook creation system. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a client computer. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an image composition server. It is an example of the page image of a photo book. It is an example of the page image of a photo book. It is an example of a template evaluation value table. It is an example of a character evaluation value table. It is an example of a frame evaluation value table. It is an example of a frame rotation amount evaluation value table. It is an example of an enlargement rate evaluation value table. It is an example of a target image evaluation value table. It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence of a photobook production system. It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence of a photobook production system. It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence of a photobook production system. It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence of a photobook production system. It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence of a photobook production system. It is an example of the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the display screen of a client computer. It is an example of the display screen of a client computer. It is a table which shows the sum total of the evaluation value of a finishing sample image. It is an example of the display screen of a client computer. It is a flowchart which shows a part of process sequence of a photobook production system. It is an example of the display screen of a client computer.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention and shows an outline of a photobook creation system (image composition apparatus).

  In this embodiment, the case where one page constituting a photo book is created will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the case of creating a photo book, and the target image is pasted on a template image such as an electronic album, postcard, or photo goods. Applicable to all systems where images are generated.

  The photobook creation system includes a client computer 1 and an image composition server 20 that can communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet. Connected to the image composition server 20 is a printer 29 for printing a photo book from image data representing the photo book generated in the image composition server 20.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the client computer 1.

  The overall operation of the client computer 1 is controlled by the CPU 7.

  The client computer 1 includes a display device 2 controlled by the display control device 3, a memory 4 for temporarily storing data 4, a compact disk drive 6 for accessing the compact disk 5, and a user connected to the client computer A keyboard 8 and a mouse 9 for giving commands to 1 are included. The client computer 1 also includes a hard disk drive 11 for accessing the hard disk 12 and a communication device 10 for communicating with the image composition server 20 and the like.

  A compact disk 5 in which a program for controlling operations to be described later is stored is loaded in the client computer 1, and the program stored in the compact disk 5 is read by the compact disk drive 6. When the read program is installed in the client computer 1, the client computer 1 performs an operation described later. The program for controlling the client computer 1 may not be read from a recording medium such as the compact disc 5, but may be received from the Internet.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image composition server 20.

  The overall operation of the image composition server 20 is controlled by the CPU 21.

  The image composition server 20 includes a memory 22 for temporarily storing data, a compact disk drive 24 for accessing the compact disk 23, and a printer interface 25 for connecting a printer 29. The image composition server 20 also includes a hard disk 28 and a hard disk drive 27 for accessing the hard disk 28.

  Similar to the client computer 1, a program stored in the compact disk 24 by the compact disk drive 24 is loaded with the compact disk 23 storing a program for controlling the operation described later. Is read. When the read program is installed in the image composition server 20, the image composition server 20 performs an operation described later. The program for controlling the image composition server 20 may also be received from the Internet instead of being read from a recording medium such as the compact disk 23.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a page image constituting a photo book created in the photo book creation system.

  The page image P1 constituting the photo book includes a template image T1 (component). Frame images FR1 to FR3 are formed on the template image T1. These frame images FR1 to FR3 may be formed on the template image T1 itself. Further, the template image T1 is a simple mount image on which the frame images FR1 to FR3 are not formed, and the frame images FR1 to FR3 may be added to the mount image. A subject image (target image) 31 appears in the upper right frame image FR1. A subject image 32 appears in the upper left frame image FR2. A subject image 34 appears in the lower right frame image FR2. A subject image 33 appears in the lower left frame image FR3. On the upper part of the page image P1, a character image 30 (component) “one day of a certain day” is displayed.

  The frame image FR1 is rectangular and is considered to give a cool impression to the user. The frame image FR2 has a heart shape and is considered to give a cute impression to the user. The frame image FR3 is a curved frame and is considered to give the user a slightly cute impression. The character image 30 is a rounded character, and is considered to give the user a cute impression as a whole. In addition, the subject images 31 to 34 are also displayed with a pretty subject image (a pretty subject image is a subject image that contains objects that give a cute impression such as flowers, etc., and a subject that has a large proportion of pink overall. It can be determined according to various rules such as images.) For this reason, the page image P1 gives the user an overall pretty impression. In this embodiment, when a photo book is created, a finished impression is designated by the user. A photo book that matches the specified impression is created. The page image P1 in FIG. 4 is designated by the user so as to have a “cute” finished impression.

  FIG. 5 is another example of the page images constituting the photo book.

  In the page image P2 constituting the photobook shown in FIG. 5, the upper left frame image FR2 is rotated about 45 degrees clockwise. Further, the subject image 31A appearing in the upper right frame image FR1 is enlarged compared to the subject image 31 appearing in the frame image FR1 of the page image P1 in FIG. Thus, in this embodiment, the frame can be rotated and the subject image can be enlarged (reduced). The finished impression such as cuteness changes according to the rotation of the frame and the enlargement (reduction) of the subject image, so the photo that matches the impression of the user's finish taking into account the rotation of the frame and the enlargement (reduction) of the subject image. A book is created.

  6 to 11 are examples of the evaluation value table. The evaluation value table is a table that stores evaluation values representing sensibilities (cute, casual, romantic, cool, chic, etc.) such as template images used in photobooks as points corresponding to the sensibilities.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a template evaluation value table.

  Sensitivity evaluation values are stored in the template evaluation value table for each template image (previously stored in the hard disk 28 of the image composition server 20). For example, the template image T1 has low evaluation values for “cute”, “casual” and “romantic” sensibility, but has high evaluation values for “cool” and “chic” sensibilities. The template image T3 has high evaluation values for “cute” and “casual” sensibility, but low evaluation values for “romantic”, “cool”, and “chic” sensibilities. When the user specifies “cute” or “casual” as the finished impression of the photobook, the template image T3 or the like having a high evaluation value is used. When “cool” or “chic” is specified as the finished impression of the photobook by the user, the template image T1 is determined to be used.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a character image evaluation value table.

  Similar to the template image, each character image (data representing the character image is also stored in advance in the hard disk 28 of the composite image server 20. A font (component) may be specified in place of the character image). Are stored in the template evaluation value table. For example, since the evaluation value of “cute” of the character image F1 is high, when the finish impression of the photo book is designated by the user as “cute”, the character image F1 is determined to be used. Even when other finished impressions are designated, it is determined that a character having a high evaluation value of the sensitivity of the designated finished impression is used.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a frame evaluation value table.

  Sensitivity evaluation values are stored in the template evaluation value table for each frame image (the frame image is also stored in the hard disk 28 of the image composition server 20 in advance). As for the frame image, it is determined such that a frame image having a high sensitivity evaluation value close to the finished impression designated by the user is used.

  FIG. 9 is an example of a frame rotation amount evaluation value table.

  The frame can be rotated as described above, and an evaluation value for each sensitivity is determined according to the amount of rotation.

  FIG. 10 is an example of the enlargement rate evaluation value table.

  As described above, the subject image (target image) can be enlarged (may be reduced). An evaluation value for each sensitivity is determined according to the enlargement ratio.

  FIG. 11 is an example of the target image evaluation value table.

  The subject image (target image) to be pasted on the photo book is uploaded to the image composition server 20 in advance by the user and stored in the hard disk 28. As described above, the sensitivity of the subject image can be expressed as an evaluation value, and the sensitivity is converted into an evaluation value for each subject image.

  12 to 16 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the photobook creation system.

  In this embodiment, the finish impression of a photo book is specified by a user in a sensitivity language (cute, casual, romantic, cool, chic, etc.), and the photo book is created so as to have an impression of the specified sensitivity language. is there.

  When the client computer 1 logs in to the image composition server 20 and the client computer 1 and the image composition server 20 are connected, a finished impression designation shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 2 of the client computer 1. A window 90 is displayed (step 41).

  Referring to FIG. 17, a finished impression designation window 90 (finished impression receiving means) is displayed over almost the entire display screen 120 of display device 2 of client computer 1. In the finished impression designation window 90, a plurality of closed curves 91 to 95 are displayed. These closed curves 91 to 95 define the finished impression. Below the finished impression designation window 90, there are formed a decision button 123 in which the “decision” character is displayed and a next button 124 in which the “next” character is displayed.

  The closed curves 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95 formed in the finished impression designation window 90 are “cute”, “romantic”, “casual”, “chic” and “cool” as finished impressions, respectively. It specifies the sensitivity language. For example, when the user intends to designate “cute” as the finished impression of the photobook, the user clicks an area (impression designation area) in the closed curve 91 using the mouse 9 (finished impression). Designation: step 42) in FIG. After that, when the decision button 123 and the next button 124 are clicked by the user using the mouse 9, data specifying the impression of the finish is transmitted from the client computer 1 to the image composition server 20 (step 43 in FIG. 12). ),

  Regions 101 to 109 where the regions specified by the closed curves 91 to 95 overlap are regions where a plurality of finished impressions can be specified. For example, since the region 101 is surrounded by a closed curve 91 that specifies a finished impression specified by a sensitivity language of “cute” and a closed curve 93 that specifies a finished impression specified by a sensitivity language of “casual”, the finish is finished. You can specify “cute” and “casual” impressions. Similarly, since the region 102 is surrounded by a closed curve 91 that specifies a finished impression specified by a sensitivity language of “cute” and a closed curve 92 that specifies a finished impression specified by a sensitivity language of “romantic”. You can specify “cute” and “romantic” finish impressions. Further, the area 103 is specified by a closed curve 91 that specifies a finished impression specified by a sensitivity language “cute”, a closed curve 92 that specifies a finished impression specified by a sensitivity language “romantic”, and a sensitivity language “casual”. Since it is surrounded by a closed curve 93 that designates a finished impression, it is possible to designate a “cute” finish as a finished impression, a “casual” finish, and a “romantic” finish. The same applies to the other areas 104 to 109.

  In this way, in the finished impression designation window 90 shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to designate a plurality of types of emotional languages instead of only one type of emotional language, and have a plurality of impressions defined by the plurality of types of emotional languages. You can specify the finished impression so that the photo book is finished.

  Returning to FIG. 12, when data indicating the impression of the finish designated by the user is received by the image composition server 20 (YES in step 71), the data indicating the received impression of the finish is received. The evaluation value of the sensibility of the finished impression specified by the component (the character specified by the template image, the character image, the frame image, and the font) and the target image are high (which will be associated with the received impression) Determined (step 72) (component determining means). When the target image is specified in advance so as to include a specific person, the target image including the person is found, and the target image is determined from the found target images. Needless to say. In the case where it is not necessary to include a specific person, a target image having a high evaluation value of the sensitivity of the finished impression designated by the user is simply determined. When one or more template images are determined in this way, image data representing the determined template image is transmitted from the image composition server 20 to the client computer 1 (step 73).

  When the image data representing the template image is received by the client computer 1 (YES in step 44), the template image represented by the received image data is displayed on the display screen 120 of the display device 2 of the client computer 1 ( Step 45).

  FIG. 18 is an example of a template selection screen.

  A template selection window 121 is formed almost entirely on the display screen 120 of the client computer 1. In the template selection window 121, a template image determined by the image composition server 20 (a template image giving a sensitivity close to a finished impression designated by the user) is displayed. A scroll bar 122 is formed at the right end of the template selection window 121. When the user moves the scroll bar 122 up and down, a template image not displayed in the template selection window 121 appears in the template selection window 121. In the example shown in FIG. 18, template images T3, T6, T7, T9, T12, T14, T20 and T21 are shown. These template images T3, T6, T7, T9, T12, T14, T20, and T21 are close to the sensitivity of the finished impression specified by the user (for example, when the sensitivity of the finished impression of the user is “cute”). And give a “cute” impression).

  The user selects one or a plurality of desired template images from the template selection window 121 (step 46 in FIG. 12). For example, it is selected when the user clicks on a desired template image. When the user clicks on the clicked template image again, the selection is cancelled. When the determination button 123 is clicked by the user and the next button 124 is clicked (YES in step 47 in FIG. 12), data for identifying the selected template image (template image identification data) and a character image request command are displayed. The data is transmitted from the client computer 1 to the image composition server 20 (step 48 in FIG. 12).

  When template image identification data and a character image request command are received at image composition server 20 (YES in step 74 in FIG. 12), as described above (step 72 in FIG. 12), an image representing a character image that has already been determined. Data is transmitted from the image composition server 20 to the client computer 1 (step 75 in FIG. 13).

  When the client computer 1 receives image data representing a character image (YES in step 49 in FIG. 13), the character image is displayed on the display screen 120 of the client computer 1 (step 50 in FIG. 13).

  FIG. 19 is an example of a character selection screen.

  A character selection window 131 is formed over the entire display screen 120 of the client computer 1. In the character selection window 131, a character image determined by the image composition server 20 (a character image, a font image, and a font giving a feeling close to the finished impression specified by the user) is displayed. A scroll bar 132 is also formed at the right end of the character selection window 131. When the user moves the scroll bar 132 up and down, a character image that is not displayed in the character selection window 131 appears in the character selection window 131. In the example shown in FIG. 19, character images F1, F4, F10, F15, F16, F17, F22, and F23 are illustrated (character images are illustrated by symbols such as F1, but a character sample is a character. Needless to say, it is displayed as an image.) These character images F1, F4, F10, F15, F16, F17, F22 and F23 are also close to the sensitivity of the finished impression designated by the user.

  The user selects one or more desired character images from the character selection window 131 (step 51 in FIG. 13). For example, the selection is made when the user clicks on the desired character image. When the user clicks on the clicked character image again, the selection is canceled. When the determination button 123 is clicked by the user and the next button 124 is clicked (YES in step 52 in FIG. 13), data for identifying the selected character image (character image identification data) and a frame request command are transmitted to the client. The data is transmitted from the computer 1 to the image composition server 20 (step 53 in FIG. 13).

  When the image composition server 20 receives the character image identification data and the frame request command (YES in step 76 in FIG. 13), the image data representing the already determined frame image is transferred from the image composition server 20 to the client computer 1. (Step 77 in FIG. 14).

  When the client computer 1 receives image data representing a frame image (YES in step 54 in FIG. 14), the frame image is displayed on the display screen 120 of the client computer 1 (step 55 in FIG. 14).

  FIG. 20 is an example of a frame selection screen.

  A frame selection window 141 is formed over the entire display screen 120 of the client computer 1. In this frame selection window 141, a frame image determined by the image composition server 20 (a frame image giving a sensitivity close to a finished impression designated by the user) is displayed. A scroll bar 142 is also formed at the right end of the frame selection window 141. When the user moves the scroll bar 142 up and down, a frame image that is not displayed in the frame selection window 141 appears in the frame selection window 141. In the example shown in FIG. 20, frame images FR2, FR3, FR7, FR9, FR12, FR13, FR18, and FR20 are illustrated (the frame image is illustrated by a symbol such as FR2, but the sample of the frame is a frame. Is displayed as an image). These frame images FR2, FR3, FR7, FR9, FR12, FR13, FR18, and FR20 are also close to the sensitivity of the finished impression specified by the user.

  The user selects one or more desired frame client images from the frame selection window 141 in the same manner as described above (step 56 in FIG. 14). When the user clicks the OK button 123 and the next button 124 (YES in step 57 in FIG. 14), data for identifying the frame image selected by the user (frame identification data) and the target image request command Is transmitted from the client computer 1 to the image composition server 20 (step 58 in FIG. 14).

  When the image composition server 20 receives the frame image identification data and the target image request command (YES in step 78 in FIG. 14), the image data representing the already determined target image is transferred from the image composition server 20 to the client computer. 1 (step 79 in FIG. 15).

  When image data representing the target image is received at the client computer 1 (YES in step 59 in FIG. 15). The target image is displayed on the display screen of the client computer 1 (step 60 in FIG. 15).

  FIG. 21 is an example of a target image selection screen.

  A target image selection window 151 is formed over the entire display screen 120 of the client computer 1. In the target image selection window 151, a target image determined by the image composition server 20 (a target image that gives a high sensitivity to the finished impression specified by the user) is displayed. A scroll bar 152 is also formed at the right end of the target image selection window 151. As described above, the target image that is not displayed in the target image selection window 151 appears in the target image selection window 151 when the user moves the scroll bar 152 up and down. In the example shown in FIG. 21, target images I1, I5, I6, I8, I10, I12, I19, and I21 are shown (the target image is shown by a symbol such as IR1, but the actual target image is shown in FIG. Needless to say, it is displayed.) These target images I1, I5, I6, I8, I10, I12, I19 and I21 are also close to the sensitivity of the finished impression specified by the user.

  The user selects one or a plurality of desired target images from the target image selection window 151 in the same manner as described above (step 61 in FIG. 15). When the determination button 123 is clicked by the user and the next button 124 is clicked (YES in step 62 in FIG. 15), data for identifying the target image selected by the user (target image identification data) and a finished sample image request A command is transmitted from the client computer 1 to the image composition server 20 (step 63 in FIG. 15).

  When the image composition server 20 receives the target image identification data and the finished sample image request command (YES in step 80 in FIG. 15), the selected target image is corrected so as to match the template image selected by the user. (Step 81 in FIG. 15). For example, the selected target image is corrected using correction parameters that approximate the color, saturation, and brightness of the selected template image. Since the selected template image is close to the sensitivity of the finished impression specified by the user, the selected target image is corrected so that it matches the template image. Correction is performed so as to approach the impression (target image correction means). Correction may be made so that the overall color, saturation, or brightness of the template image is close to the overall color, saturation, or brightness of the target image, or a representative image portion of the template image ( For example, the color, saturation, or lightness of the surrounding image portion) and the color, saturation, or lightness of the representative image portion of the target image (for example, the image portion of the main subject) are close to each other. You may correct to. You may correct | amend so that a color histogram may become close.

  When the target image is corrected, one or more types of photobook sample images (finished sample images, composite images) are generated using the selected template image, character image, frame image, and corrected target image. (Step 82 in FIG. 15) (composite image generating means). For example, a page image P1 constituting a photo book as shown in FIG. 4 is generated. For example, a layout is automatically performed in the image composition server 20 using a template image selected by the user, and a plurality of finished sample images are generated.

  Then, the sum of evaluation values for the generated plurality of finished sample images is calculated by the image composition server 20 (step 83 in FIG. 15).

  FIG. 22 is an example of an evaluation value table showing an example of the evaluation value of the finished sample image (evaluation value based on the sensitivity of the finished impression specified by the user).

  The finished sample image according to this example is generated from the template image Ta, the character image Fb, the frame image FRc, and the target images Id, Ie, If, and Ig. The evaluation values corresponding to the sensitivity of the finished impression specified by the user (for example, “cute”) are a template image a, a character image b, a frame image c, and target images Id, Ie, If, and Ig, d, e, f, g. Therefore, the sum of the evaluation values of the finished sample image according to this example is Σp = a + b + c + d + e + f + g.

  When the sum of the evaluation values is calculated, it is determined whether or not the sum of the evaluation values is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value for each sensitivity (step 84 in FIG. 16). (Determining whether the impression of the finished sample image matches the impression specified by the user. Impression determining means. Also, it is determined whether the degree of coincidence between the target image and at least one of the constituent elements is low. May be determined to match the impression specified by the user.) If the sum of the evaluation values is not equal to or greater than the corresponding sensitivity threshold value (if it is determined that it does not match or does not match) ( In FIG. 16, step 84 is NO), the parameters of the previous correction are changed, and the target images (in this case, target images Id, Ie, If, Ie) included in the finished sample image are corrected (step 85 in FIG. 16). ) [The finished sample image (synthesized image) generated in response to the determination that the image is far from the specified impression is corrected so that the impression specified by the user is obtained. And thus. Composite image correction means]. However, the template image, the shape (font) of the character image, and the target image may be changed to correct the impression specified by the user. Further, instead of correcting the target image corrected in step 81 in FIG. 15, the target image before correction in step 81 in FIG. 15 may be corrected. If correction has not been performed n times (NO in step 86 in FIG. 16), the sum of evaluation values is calculated again, and it is determined whether the calculated sum is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step 84 in FIG. 16) (repeatedly) Control means). If correction has already been performed n times (YES in step 86 in FIG. 16), the recalculation process of the sum of evaluation values is not performed any more. If the sum of the evaluation values is equal to or greater than the corresponding sensitivity threshold (YES in step 84 in FIG. 16), the processing in steps 85 and 86 is skipped.

  A finished sample image in which the corrected target image is pasted is newly generated. Image data representing the generated finished sample image is transmitted from the image composition server 20 to the client computer 1 (step 87 in FIG. 16).

  When the client computer 1 receives the image data representing the finished sample image (step 64 in FIG. 16), the finished sample image represented by the received image data is displayed on the display screen 120 of the display device 1 (FIG. 16). Step 65).

  FIG. 23 is an example of a finished sample selection screen.

  A finished sample image selection window 161 is formed over the entire display screen 120 of the client computer 1. At the lower right of the finished sample image selection window 161, a print button 124 on which “print” is displayed is formed. In the finished sample image selection window 161, the finished sample image generated in the image composition server 20 (finished sample whose total sum of evaluation values is equal to or greater than a threshold value corresponding to the sensitivity specified by the user. Image) is displayed. A scroll bar 162 is also formed at the right end of the finished sample image selection window 161. When the user moves the scroll bar 162 up and down, a finished sample image that is not displayed in the finished sample image selection window 161 rises and appears in the sample image selection window 161. In the example shown in FIG. 23, finished sample images 171 to 178 are shown in the finished sample image selection window 161. These finished sample images 171 to 178 are close to the sensitivity of the finished impression specified by the user because the correction is performed as shown in step 85 of FIG.

  The user selects one or a plurality of desired finished sample images from the finished sample image selection window 161 in the same manner as described above (step 66 in FIG. 16). When the user presses the enter button 122 and clicks the print button 124 (YES in step 67 in FIG. 16), data for identifying the selected finished sample image (finished sample image identification data) and a print command are sent to the client. The data is transmitted from the computer 1 to the image composition server 20 (step 68 in FIG. 16).

  When the finished sample image identification data and the print command are received in the image composition server 20 (YES in step 88 in FIG. 16), the selected finished sample image is used as a page image constituting the photobook to be finally generated. The image is printed by the printer 29 (step 89 in FIG. 16).

  24 and 25 show a modification.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a part of the processing procedure of the photobook creation system. This processing procedure is to change the layout of the finished sample image selected by the user.

  When a desired finished sample image is selected from the finished sample images displayed as shown in FIG. 23 (step 66), the selected finished sample image is used as a print page image, and the client computer 1 Is displayed on the display screen 120 (step 181).

  FIG. 25 shows a state where the print page image is displayed on the display screen 120.

  On the display screen 120, a print page image display window 126 is formed. In this window 126, the finished sample image selected by the user is displayed as a print page image P1. This print page image P1 is the same as the page image P1 shown in FIG. 4 (it goes without saying that it may be another page image). Below the print page image display window 126, in addition to the enter button 122 and the print button 123, the change button 125 with the word "change" and the enlarge button with the letter "enlarge" 129 is formed. On the right side of the print page image display window 126, a frame window 127 is displayed. A plurality of frame images are displayed in the frame window 127. A scroll bar 128 is formed at the right end of the frame window 127. As the scroll bar 128 is moved up and down, a frame not displayed in the frame window 127 appears in the window 127.

  When the change button 125 is clicked by the user, the frame image FR1 etc. of the page image P1 displayed in the window 126 is changed, the arrangement is changed (including change by rotation of the frame), and the object displayed in the frame The image can be enlarged (reduced).

  When changing the frame itself, for example, the frame to be changed is dragged from the print page display window 126 to the frame window 127. Then, the dragged frame is removed (the target image included in the frame remains on the template image T1 as it is). A desired frame image is selected from the frames 127, and the selected frame image is dragged to the position where the removed frame was. The frame itself will be changed.

  When changing the position of the frame, the user selects a desired frame using the mouse 9 and drags it to the desired position. When rotating the frame, the user rotates the desired frame using the mouse 9. When enlarging the target image, the user selects a desired target image using the mouse 9 and then clicks the enlarge button 129.

  Returning to FIG. 24, the change button 125 is clicked (YES in step 182), and layout change processing is performed (step 183). Needless to say, the layout information changed as described above is temporarily stored in the memory 4 of the client computer 1. When the print button 123 is clicked, the layout information is transmitted from the client computer 1 to the image composition server 20 in addition to the data for identifying the finished sample image selected as the page image for printing and the print command ( Step 68A).

  In the image composition server 20, the finished sample image identification data and the print command are received (YES in step 88), but if the layout information is not received (NO in step 90), the layout has not been changed. The finished sample image specified by the sample image identification data is printed as a page image constituting the photo book (step 89).

  When finished sample image identification data, print command, and layout information are received by image composition server 20 (YES in steps 88 and 90), the finished sample image after the layout change (in this case, the page images constituting the photo book) ) Is calculated as shown in FIG. However, in the case where the layout is changed, when the frame itself is changed, a new evaluation value is used with reference to the frame evaluation value table shown in FIG. 8, and when the frame is rotated, it is shown in FIG. A new evaluation value is used with reference to the frame rotation amount evaluation value table. When the target image is enlarged, the new evaluation value is used using the enlargement rate evaluation value table shown in FIG. Is calculated. If the sum of the calculated evaluation values is not greater than or equal to the threshold (step 85 in FIG. 16), correction is performed (step 85 in FIG. 16).

  Also, in the processing of step 84 in FIG. 16, it is determined whether the sum of the evaluation values is less than the threshold value (whether it is far from the impression specified by the user), but the target image or template image, frame, character image , Whether or not the evaluation value of at least one image of a component such as a character is less than a threshold value (whether it is far from the impression designated by the user) may be determined. In this case, it may be determined whether the evaluation value is less than the threshold value based on the color component of at least one of the constituent elements such as the target image or the template image, the frame, and the character image. For example, the evaluation value is increased for the target image and component having a color close to the color that seems to match the impression specified by the user, and the process of step 84 in FIG. 16 is performed.

  Further, in the process of step 85 in FIG. 16, the previous correction parameter is changed and the target image is corrected. However, the correction is not performed on the target image, but the frame image, character image, etc. other than the target image are configured. The entire element or finished sample image may be corrected so that the impression specified by the user is obtained.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the finished impression is specified by the user using the sensitivity language (step 42 in FIG. 12), but the finished impression may be specified by causing the user to select a template image. . In this case, first, instead of displaying the impression designation window shown in FIG. 17, a template image as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed as a list, and a desired template image is displayed from the displayed template images. Is selected. Based on the evaluation value added to the selected template image, a desired finished impression of the user is determined.

  In the above-described embodiment, the client computer 1 and the image composition device 20 communicate with each other to create a photo book. However, all processing of the image composition device 20 may be performed by the client computer 1. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the user designates a finished impression on the client computer 1, and data indicating the designated finished impression is received by the communication device 26 of the image composition server 20. In the case where the processing in the image composition device 20 is performed in the client computer 1, the CPU 7 accepts the designation of the finished impression by the mouse 9 as described above.

1 Client computer 3 Display control device (display control means)
9 Mouse (layout change means)
7 CPU (finish impression acceptance means, layout change means)
20 Image composition server
21 CPU (component determination means, target image correction means, composite image generation means, impression determination means, composite image correction means, repetitive control means)
29 Printer

Claims (14)

In an image composition device that generates a composite image by pasting a target image on a template image,
Finished impression acceptance means for accepting designation of the finished impression of the composite image,
A component determination unit that determines at least one component of a character that is associated with the impression received by the finished impression reception unit and that is used for the template image or the composite image that forms the composite image;
Target image correcting means for correcting the target image to be pasted on the template image into the impression received by the finished impression receiving means;
Composite image generation means for generating a composite image using the target image corrected by the target image correction means and the constituent elements determined by the constituent element determination means;
The impression determination means for determining whether the impression of the composite image generated by the composite image generation means matches the impression received by the finished impression reception means, and the impression received by the impression determination means. A composite image correction unit that corrects the generated composite image to an accepted impression in response to the determination of a match;
An image synthesizing apparatus. The template image has a frame attached, and the target image is pasted on the frame.
Layout changing means for changing the frame itself, changing the arrangement of the frame, or changing the size of the target image;
The image composition device according to claim 1, further comprising: The impression judging means
Determining whether the impression of at least one image of the target image or component matches the accepted impression;
The image composition device according to claim 1. The impression judging means
Determining whether the impression of the at least one image matches the accepted impression based on the color components contained in the at least one image;
The image composition device according to claim 3. The impression judging means
It is determined whether the impression of the composite image generated by the composite image generation means matches the impression received by the finished impression reception means, and the impression of the composite image corrected by the composite image correction means is the finish To determine whether it matches the impression received by the impression receiving means,
Repetitive control means for controlling the impression determination means and the composite image correction means so as to repeat the processing by the impression determination means and the processing by the composite image correction means;
The image synthesizing device according to claim 1, further comprising: The impression judging means
It is determined whether or not the degree of coincidence between the target image and at least one of the constituent elements is low. When the degree of coincidence is determined to be low, it is determined that the impression received by the finished impression receiving unit does not match. To do,
The image composition device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The above composite image correcting means is
Correcting at least one of the component or target image determined by the component determination unit to an impression received by the finished impression receiving unit;
The image composition device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The finished impression accepting means accepts the finished impression of the composite image by accepting the designation of the template image.
The above component determines the received template image as a component.
The image composition device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The above finish impression acceptance means
Accept the impression specified by the finished impression specifying means for specifying the finished impression of the composite image, or receive the data indicating the finished impression of the composite image transmitted from the computer.
The image composition device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The above finish impression acceptance means
Display control means for controlling the display device so that a plurality of impression designation areas indicating a plurality of impressions of the finish of the composite image are displayed on the display screen so that a part of at least two impression designation areas overlap.
By designating the impression designation area, the impression indicated by the designated impression designation area is used as the final impression of the composite image.
A plurality of impressions indicated by a plurality of designated impression areas are received as a finished impression of a composite image in response to the designation of an overlapping portion of the impression designation area.
The image composition device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A printer for printing the composite image corrected by the composite image correcting means;
The image synthesizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: In an image composition method for generating a composite image by pasting a target image on a template image,
The finished impression acceptance means accepts designation of the finished impression of the composite image,
The component determining means determines at least one component of the character used in the template image or the composite image that is associated with the impression received by the finished impression receiving means and constitutes the composite image,
The target image correcting means corrects the target image to be pasted on the template image to the impression received by the finished impression receiving means,
A composite image generating unit generates a composite image using the target image corrected by the target image correcting unit and the component determined by the component determining unit;
An impression determining means for determining whether the impression of the composite image generated by the composite image generating means matches the impression received by the finished impression receiving means;
The composite image correcting unit corrects the generated composite image to the received impression in response to the impression determining unit determining that the received impression does not match the received impression.
Image composition method. In a computer-readable program for controlling a computer of an image composition apparatus that generates a composite image by pasting a target image on a template image,
Let us accept the impression of the finish of the composite image,
Determining at least one component of a template image or a character image used in the composite image that is associated with the received impression and constitutes the composite image;
Correct the target image to be pasted on the template image to the accepted impression,
Generating a composite image using the corrected target image and the determined components;
Determine whether the impression of the generated composite image matches the received impression,
A program for controlling the computer of the image composition apparatus so that the generated composite image is corrected to the accepted impression in response to the determination that the received impression is not matched.   14. A recording medium storing the program according to claim 13.

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