JP4127178B2 - Multiple image layout processing - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing layout processing of a plurality of images.

  An image taken by an image generation device such as a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or a scanner is output (displayed or printed) by various image output devices such as a monitor or a printer. In the case of outputting a plurality of images, a method of assigning a plurality of images to one page and outputting in units of pages is often used like an album containing photographs. In addition, a method is also used in which such image allocation is automatically performed based on a template in which the arrangement of images in a page is determined in advance (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

JP-A-9-214654 JP-A-9-214868 JP-A-5-191725 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-200806

  Here, when an image to be output is simply assigned, an unnatural assignment result may be obtained. Therefore, there was a request to obtain a natural allocation result.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of obtaining a natural allocation result.

In order to achieve at least a part of the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention associates N target image data representing N target images (N is an integer of 2 or more) and each target image data. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing using the generated and recorded information, a mount area for one page, and a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged on the mount area A layout unit that executes a layout process for allocating the N target images on the mount area in a specified order using template data representing a template including the i-th (i is an integer from 2 to N) and generating recording information of the target image data, the difference between the (i-1) -th generation record information of the target image data, the said i-th target image (i-1) th to distinguish between target images Differentiation conditions A determination unit that determines whether or not the determination is satisfied, and the layout unit is the (i−1) -th target image when it is determined that the distinction condition by the determination unit is satisfied. A single image allocation area to which a certain pre-separation target image is assigned is defined as a pre-separation single image allocation area, and a single image allocation area to which the post-separation target image that is the i-th target image is assigned is distinguished as a post-separation single image allocation area. A function of executing a page update process for allocating the post-separation single image allocation area to a single image allocation area of a page next to a page where the single image allocation area before the division is arranged, When the post-separation single image allocation area is allocated to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area, all target images after the post-separation target image, or the previous Any one of the target images from the post-separation target image to the next pre-separation target image can be allocated to the same page based on the number of the plurality of single image regions included in the template. In this case, there is a function of executing page merging processing for correcting the post-separation single image allocation area to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area based on the template .

  In this image processing apparatus, a single image allocation area different from the single image allocation area according to the priority order is used as a post-separation single image allocation area for allocating the post-separation target image determined according to the difference in the generation record information of the target image data. Since it can be selected, a natural allocation result can be obtained.

  The image processing apparatus further includes a generation recording parameter calculation unit that calculates a generation recording parameter value related to the generation recording information of each target image data, and the determination unit generates and records the i th target image data. It is preferable that the parameter value is changed by a predetermined amount or more from the generation / recording parameter value of the (i-1) th target image data as the distinguishing condition.

  According to this configuration, since the target image whose generated recording parameter value has changed by a predetermined amount or more is selected as the target image after separation, an allocation result according to the generated recording parameter value can be obtained.

  In the image processing apparatus, the generation recording parameter value includes a shooting date obtained by using shooting date information added to the target image data when the target image data is generated by shooting with a digital camera, The determination unit preferably has a date determination mode in which the determination is performed according to the shooting date.

  According to this configuration, an appropriate determination can be made according to the shooting date.

  In each of the above image processing apparatuses, the generated recording parameter value includes a shooting date and time obtained using shooting date and time information added to the target image data when the target image data is generated by shooting with a digital camera. The determination unit preferably has a date / time determination mode in which the determination is performed according to the shooting date / time.

  According to this configuration, an appropriate determination can be made according to the shooting date and time.

  In each of the above image processing devices, the generated recording parameter value includes a shooting position obtained by using shooting position information added to the target image data when the target image data is generated by shooting with a digital camera. The determination unit preferably has a position determination mode in which the determination is performed according to the shooting position.

  According to this configuration, an appropriate determination can be made according to the shooting position.

  In each of the above image processing apparatuses, the determination unit is configured to: (a) photographing date / time information added to the target image data when the generation recording parameter calculation unit captures and generates the target image data with a digital camera; A date determination mode in which the determination is performed according to the shooting date calculated as the generated recording parameter value, and (b) when the generated recording parameter calculation unit generates the target image data by shooting with a digital camera. A date / time determination mode in which the determination is performed according to the shooting date / time calculated as the generated recording parameter value using the shooting date / time information added to the target image data; and (c) the generated recording parameter calculation unit includes Using the shooting position information added to the target image data when the target image data is generated by shooting with a digital camera, the generation record parameter is set. And a plurality of execution modes including at least two execution modes among the position determination mode for performing the determination according to the photographing position calculated as a data value, and the image processing apparatus further includes the plurality of execution modes. It is preferable to include a determination mode selection unit that allows the user to select an execution mode to be used by the determination unit from among the modes.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to make a determination according to the user's preference.

  In each of the image processing devices, the layout unit selects a single image allocation area of a page next to a page in which the single image allocation area before division is arranged as the single image allocation area after division in the interval insertion processing. It is preferable to have a function of executing page update processing.

  According to this configuration, since the post-separation target image is allocated to a new page, it is possible to obtain an allocation result that represents a difference in generated record information by a difference in page.

  In each of the image processing devices, the layout unit selects the post-separation when the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area is selected as the post-separation single image allocation area in the page update process. When it is possible to allocate all target images after the target image, or all target images from the post-separation target image to the next pre-separation target image, on the same page, It is preferable to have a function of executing page merging processing for correcting the post-separation single image allocation area to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area.

  According to this configuration, since a plurality of pages can be merged into one, pages can be saved.

In each of the above image processing apparatus, the layout section, the Rutotomoni using the arrangement template as a single image allocation region constitute a plurality of columns along the priority order, the single image allocation region after the delimiter, It is preferable to have a function of executing a column update process for allocating to the single image allocation area in the column next to the column in which the single image allocation area before separation is arranged.

  According to this configuration, since the post-separation target image is allocated to a new column, it is possible to obtain an allocation result that represents a difference in generated record information by a column difference.

In each of the above image processing apparatus, the layout section, in the column updating process, when the assignment of the single image allocated area after separated into a single image allocation region of the same column as the delimiter before the single image allocation region, after the delimiter Any one of the target images after the target image or all the target images from the post-separation target image to the next pre-separation target image is included in the column represented by the template. If it is possible to assign to the same column based on the number of image areas, the single image allocation area in the same column as the single image allocation area before the division is determined based on the template. It is preferable to have a function of executing a column merging process for correcting the region.

  According to this configuration, since a plurality of columns can be merged into one, the columns can be saved.

In each of the above image processing apparatus, the layout section, between the front Stories separated before the target image and the delimiter after the target image, the functions assigned to the single image-allocated area to insert different predetermined image from the target image It is preferable to have.

  According to this configuration, since the predetermined image is allocated before the post-separation target image, it is possible to obtain an allocation result that represents the difference in the generated record information with the predetermined image.

In each of the above image processing apparatus, the layout section, between the front Stories separated before the target image and the delimiter after the target image, the insert blank that does not represent any of the image feature to be assigned to a single image allocation region It is preferable to have.

  According to this configuration, since the blank area is provided before the post-separation target image, it is possible to obtain an allocation result in which the difference in the generated record information is represented by a blank.

In each of the above image processing apparatus, the layout section includes an execution mode to be assigned to (a) the separator after a single image allocation region, a single image allocation region of the next page of the pages that the delimiter before the single image allocation region is arranged , Rutotomoni, the delimiter after a single image allocation region, said separated before the single-image allocation region using the (b) the single image allocation region is arranged to form a plurality of rows along the priority template ( C ) Insert a predetermined image different from the target image between the execution mode to be allocated to the single image allocation area in the next column of the arranged columns, and ( c ) the target image before and after the target image and execution mode to be assigned to the single image allocation region and, (d) between said delimiter before the target image the delimiter after the target image, the insert blank that does not represent any of the image in the single image allocation region A plurality of execution modes including at least two execution modes to be allocated, and the image processing apparatus further selects an execution mode used by the layout unit from the plurality of execution modes It is preferable to provide an interval insertion mode selection unit that allows the user to do this.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to perform an interval insertion process according to the user's preference.

  Each of the image processing devices further includes a correction generation recording parameter calculation unit that calculates a correction generation recording parameter value related to the generation recording information of each target image data, and the layout unit is determined to be distinguished. A set of a plurality of target images in a specified order that does not include a target image to be established is allocated to a plurality of pages, and a single image allocation area in which no image is allocated to the plurality of pages In the target image set, the change in the generation record parameter value for correction allocates the target image set to the single image allocation area without spacing in the priority order. The number of distributions for correcting the number of target images distributed to each of the plurality of pages so as to be larger than the case of It is preferable to perform the correction process.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to increase the change in the generation record parameter value for correction at the turn of the page, so that an allocation result that represents the difference in the generation record information represented by the generation record parameter value for correction by the difference in page is obtained. Can do.

  Each of the image processing apparatuses further includes an image selection unit that selects the target image from a plurality of image data prepared in advance, and the image selection unit sets a condition for selecting the target image. It is preferable to allow this to the user.

  According to this configuration, the user's favorite image can be used as the target image.

  In each of the above image processing devices, layout information representing the template used for the layout processing, the correspondence between the target image and the single image allocation area in each page, the target image data, It is preferable to include a layout transmission unit that transmits the template data used in the layout process to a predetermined first data processing apparatus that performs a process for outputting the target image.

  According to this configuration, since the layout information, the target image data, and the template data can be transmitted to the data processing apparatus, a data processing apparatus that does not include a layout unit can execute processing using the layout information.

  Each of the image processing apparatuses preferably further includes a combining unit that generates assigned image data that represents an assigned image in which each of the plurality of target images is assigned according to an assignment result of the layout unit.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to generate the allocated image data in which the target image is appropriately allocated according to the allocation result of the layout unit.

  Each of the image processing apparatuses further includes an allocated image data transmitting unit that transmits the allocated image data generated by the synthesizing unit to a predetermined second data processing device that performs processing for outputting the target image. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, the allocated image data can be transmitted to the data processing apparatus, so that even a data processing apparatus that does not include a template selection unit, a layout unit, or a synthesis unit can execute processing using the allocated image data. it can.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, an image processing method and an image processing apparatus, a computer program for realizing the function of the method or apparatus, and a recording in which the computer program is recorded. It can be realized in the form of a medium or the like.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. First embodiment:
B. Second embodiment:
C. Third embodiment:
D. Fourth embodiment:
E. Fifth embodiment:
F. Sixth embodiment:
G. Seventh embodiment:
H. Eighth Example:
I. Ninth embodiment:
J. Variations:

A. First embodiment:
A1. Device configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an image output system as an embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a digital camera 100, a computer 200, and a printer 300. The digital camera 100 functions as an image generation device, the computer 200 functions as an image processing device, and the printer 300 functions as an image output device.

  The computer 200 includes an image selection unit 270, a layout unit 210, a synthesis unit 220, a print data generation unit 230, a data transmission unit 240, a template storage unit 250, a template selection unit 260, and a generation record parameter calculation unit. 280 and a discrimination determination unit 282. The functions of these units will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of template data stored in the template storage unit 250. The template data TD includes a mount area PA for one page and nine single image allocation areas F arranged on the mount area PA. In the present embodiment, the mount area PA represents one page. Further, the single image allocation area F represents an area where one target image can be allocated. In the template data TD, the nine single image allocation areas F are arranged on the mount area PA in accordance with a rule that they are arranged in a horizontal three rows with a certain interval.

  Also, in these single image allocation areas F, an image priority order (represented by numbers in a square) is set. The image priority order indicates the priority order in which the target images are assigned. When assigning target images, the target images are assigned in the order of the image priority order. Further, the template data TD includes decoration image data representing a decoration image DI that decorates the mount area PA. As templates, templates having various designs different from the decorative image pattern, the number of single image allocation areas, and the arrangement rules are prepared in advance, but the illustration is omitted here.

A2. Album creation process:
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of album creation processing by the computer 200 (FIG. 1). In this album creation process, image data representing an image in which the target image is allocated to the mount area is created based on the template.

  In step S100, a template used for the album creation process is selected. The user can specify a template to be used via the template selection unit 260 (FIG. 1). In the next step S110, target image data used for the album creation process is selected. The user can set conditions for selecting target image data to be used via the image selection unit 270.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen for designating a template and target image data. In the image selection condition setting area ICA in this setting screen, conditions for selecting target image data from the image data received from the digital camera 100 (FIG. 1) are shown. In this embodiment, a directory and a shooting date range can be set as image selection conditions. In the computer 200 according to the present embodiment, image data files for storing image data are managed in association with hierarchically constructed directories. The image selection unit 270 (FIG. 1) selects, as target image data, image data satisfying the shooting date among the image data included in the directory set on the setting screen of FIG.

  By the way, in an image generation apparatus (for example, a digital camera), an image data file that stores image data and various information related to the image data (hereinafter referred to as “image data related information”) is generated. There is something. As the image data related information, there is information relating to shooting date (hereinafter referred to as “shooting date information”). The image selection unit 270 can acquire the shooting date when each image data was shot by analyzing such shooting date / time information. In addition, when such shooting date / time information cannot be used, the generation date / time of an image data file storing image data may be used as shooting date / time information. An example of the file format for storing such image data related information is the Exif file format.

  In addition, a list of available templates is displayed in the template setting area TA in the setting screen of FIG. The user can select a template by operating this template setting area TA. In the example of FIG. 4, the selected template is surrounded by a dotted line.

  When the user operates the album generation button ACB, the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) uses the target image data selected by the image selection unit 270 and the template selected by the template selection unit 260 to select a target image. A layout process for allocating on the mount area is executed (step S120 in FIG. 3).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of layout processing. In step S500, the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) selects a post-separation target image that is determined to be distinguished from the previous target image. This determination is performed by the discrimination determination unit 282 based on the generation record information of the target image data (details will be described later). Here, the “generation record information” is information related to generation of target image data, and examples thereof include shooting date information, shooting date information, shooting position information, and the like of the target image.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of layout processing. FIG. 6A shows an example of the target image. The square in the figure represents the target image. The numbers in the squares indicate serial numbers in the order of shooting date and time. In this example, seven target images are captured on July 5, and 14 target images are captured on the sixth day, and six target images are captured on the seventh day.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a discrimination condition for determination by the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) (hereinafter referred to as “discrimination determination”). In the present embodiment, when the following condition a is satisfied, it is determined that the target image is distinguished from the previous target image.

  Condition a: The shooting date of the target image changes between the target image in the time series and the previous target image.

  The layout unit 210 selects a target image that is determined to satisfy the condition a as a post-separation target image. In the example of FIG. 6A, the target images of Nos. 8 and 22 after the shooting date change are selected as the post-separation target images.

  Note that the discrimination determination unit 282 performs determination using the shooting date calculated by the generated recording parameter calculation unit 280 analyzing the shooting date information. That is, the shooting date calculated by the generated recording parameter calculating unit 280 corresponds to the generated recording parameter value in the present invention. The determination process of the distinction determination unit 282 corresponds to the process in the “date determination mode” in the present invention.

  Next, in step S510 (FIG. 5), the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) executes a process of allocating the target image to the single image allocation area of the template. Specifically, the layout unit 210 allocates the target image to the single image allocation area so that the target images are arranged in a time-series order according to the image priority order of the single image allocation area (FIG. 2). That is, in this embodiment, the order in which the target images are assigned is specified by the shooting date and time. Further, when the number of target images is larger than the number of images that can be allocated to one page, a plurality of pages are set so that all target images can be allocated. Here, the layout unit 210 modifies the page before the post-separation target image selected in step S500 described above, that is, allocates the post-separation target image to a new page.

  FIG. 6C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the result of the layout process when the target image shown in FIG. 6A and the template data TD (FIG. 2) are used. In the example of FIG. 6C, the page is revised in front of the two post-separation target images (No. 8 and No. 22). As a result, only the target image taken on July 5 is assigned to the first page, and only the target image taken on the sixth day is assigned to the second and third pages. Are assigned only the target images taken on the 7th.

  In this way, by assigning the post-separation target image to a new page, layout processing can be performed in which the page is divided according to the shooting date. The process of allocating the post-separation target image to a new page in the layout unit 210 corresponds to the “page update process” in the present invention.

  When the layout process ends, the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) generates layout data representing the template to be used and the correspondence between each target image and the single image allocation area, and sends the layout data to the composition unit 220.

  Next, in step S130 (FIG. 3), the composition unit 220 generates assigned image data using the layout data received from the layout unit 210, target image data, and template data. The assigned image data is image data representing an image (hereinafter referred to as “assigned image”) to which the target image is assigned according to the result of the layout process.

  FIG. 7 is a screen for confirming an assigned image that the composition unit 220 displays on a monitor (not shown) connected to the computer 200. The user can confirm the generated allocation image via this confirmation screen. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the compositing unit 220 writes the shooting date of the target image of the page at the upper left of each page of the allocated image and the page number at the upper right.

  When the user operates the print button PB, the print data generation unit 230 generates print data according to the allocated image data generated by the synthesis unit 220. In the present embodiment, the print data generation unit 230 executes conversion processing from pixel values of each pixel of the allocated image data to multi-gradation data corresponding to a plurality of ink amounts usable by the printer 300. Print data is generated by performing halftone processing on the multi-tone data. The generated print data is transmitted to the printer 300 by the data transmission unit 240. As a data transmission method, various methods such as a method via a cable, a method via a network, and a method using wireless communication can be used. The printer 300 performs printing according to the received print data.

  Note that the functions of some or all of the components in the computer 200 as described above are realized by a computer program, for example. These computer programs can be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the post-separation target image that is determined to satisfy the distinction condition is the next to the target image in the specified order (hereinafter referred to as “pre-separation target image”). Therefore, the user can obtain a natural layout result. In particular, in this embodiment, the page is revised according to the change of the shooting date, so that it is possible to obtain an allocation result in which the change of the shooting date is easily understood. In this embodiment, since the shooting date is written on each page, the user can easily check the shooting date.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of layout processing in the second embodiment. The difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is that the shooting date and time is used instead of the shooting date as the generated recording parameter value.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a target image. FIG. 8A shows the correspondence between 18 target images and the respective shooting dates and times. The target images from No. 1 to No. 6 are images obtained by shooting consecutive events across the dates from July 5th to July 6th. Furthermore, the target images from No. 7 to No. 11 are images of events on the 7th, and the target images from No. 12 to No. 18 are images of the events of the 8th. Also, in FIG. 8A, the difference in shooting date and time (hereinafter referred to as “time difference ΔT”) between two target images adjacent in order along the time series is indicated by the notation “hour: minute”. ing.

  In the example of FIG. 8A, the shooting date changes between No. 4 and No. 5. However, the time difference ΔT between No. 4 and No. 5 is as large as the time difference ΔT from No. 1 to No. 4. Thus, when the time difference ΔT is small, there is a high possibility that the two target images are taken of the same event even when the shooting dates are different. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) performs discrimination determination according to the time difference ΔT. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing a discrimination condition for discrimination determination. The discrimination determination unit 282 determines that the target image is distinguished from the target image in the previous order when the following condition b is satisfied.

  Condition b: The difference (time difference ΔT) in photographing date and time with respect to the target image one before in the time series is equal to or greater than a predetermined time difference threshold value.

  In FIG. 8A, an example of the post-separation target image is indicated by a double line square. Here, the time difference threshold value of condition b is assumed to be 12 hours. As a result, the 7th and 12th target images are selected as the post-separation target images.

  FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the result of the layout process when the target image shown in FIG. 8A and the template data TD (FIG. 2) are used. The layout unit 210 modifies the page in front of the post-separation target image, as in the example of FIG. In the example of FIG. 8C, the page is revised in front of the two post-separation target images (No. 7 and No. 12). The target images from No. 1 to No. 6 that have taken consecutive events across dates are assigned to the same page.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the page is revised in accordance with the change in the shooting date and time, and therefore it is possible to suppress the page from being revised in the middle of a plurality of target images obtained by shooting consecutive events. As a result, it is possible to obtain an allocation result that makes it easy to understand the transition of events.

  In addition, as a time difference threshold value in the condition b, a value different from 12 hours may be used. If the value is smaller, the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) can detect a finer change in the event, that is, a change in the generated record information. On the other hand, if the value is set to a larger value, it is possible to suppress excessively fine detection of changes in the generated record information. Further, the discrimination determination unit 282 may allow the user to set the time difference threshold value. In this way, layout processing reflecting user preferences can be performed.

  In the second embodiment, the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) makes a determination using the shooting date and time calculated by the generated recording parameter calculation unit 280 analyzing the shooting date and time information. The determination process of the distinction determination unit 282 corresponds to the process in the “date / time determination mode” in the present invention.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of layout processing in the third embodiment. The difference from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 is that the shooting position is used instead of the shooting date and shooting date and time as the generated recording parameter value.

  FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a target image. FIG. 9A shows a map MP, 18 target images arranged in order along the time series, and correspondences between the respective shooting positions. The target images from No. 1 to No. 7 are images taken on a sandy beach. Furthermore, the target images from No. 8 to No. 13 are images taken at the cape, and the target images from No. 14 to No. 18 are images taken at the park. Also, FIG. 9A shows the difference in photographing position (hereinafter referred to as “distance D”) between two adjacent target images in order along the time series in units of km.

  By the way, in an image generation device (for example, a digital camera), a GPS (Global Positioning System) is used to measure a geographical position (shooting position) at the time of shooting, and shooting position information regarding the measured shooting position is obtained. Some are stored in image data files. The generated recording parameter calculation unit 280 (FIG. 1) can calculate the shooting position at which each target image data is shot by analyzing such shooting position information.

  FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram showing the discrimination conditions for discrimination determination by the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1). In the third embodiment, the discrimination determination unit 282 determines to distinguish the target image from the previous target image when the following condition c is satisfied.

  Condition c: The difference (distance D) in the photographing position with respect to the target image that is the previous one in the time series is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance threshold value.

  The discrimination determination unit 282 calculates the distance D using the shooting position calculated by the generated recording parameter calculation unit 280, and executes determination based on the obtained distance D. FIG. 9A shows an example of the post-separation target image. Here, the distance threshold value of condition c is assumed to be 10 km. As a result, the 8th and 14th target images are selected as the post-separation target images.

  FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a result of the layout process when the target image illustrated in FIG. 9A and the template data TD (FIG. 2) are used. The layout unit 210 modifies the page in front of the post-separation target image, as in the example of FIG. In the example of FIG. 9C, the page is revised before the two post-separation target images (No. 8 and No. 14). As a result, the 1st to 7th target images taken on the beach are assigned to the first page, and the 8th to 13th target images taken at the cape are on the 2nd page. Are assigned the target images No. 14 to No. 18 photographed in the park, respectively.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, since the page is revised according to the change in the shooting position, it is possible to obtain an allocation result in which the change in the shooting position is easily understood.

  Note that a value different from 10 km may be used as the distance threshold value in the condition c. If the value is smaller, the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) can detect a finer change in the photographing position, that is, a change in the generated record information. On the other hand, if the value is set to a larger value, it is possible to suppress excessively fine detection of changes in the generated record information. Further, the discrimination determination unit 282 may allow the user to set the distance threshold value. In this way, layout processing reflecting user preferences can be performed.

  Further, the determination processing of the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) in the third embodiment corresponds to the processing in the “position determination mode” in the present invention.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of album creation processing by the computer 200 (FIG. 1) in the fourth embodiment. The difference from the album creation process shown in FIG. 3 is that it has a re-layout process (step S230) in addition to the layout process (step S220).

  Steps S200 and S210 are the same processes as steps S100 and S110 shown in FIG. Through these steps, a template and a target image used for the album creation process are selected.

  The next step S220 is the same process as step S120 shown in FIG. The layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) executes processing for allocating the target image to the single image allocation area according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of layout processing. FIG. 11A shows an example of the target image. In this example, 3 target images are taken on July 5, and 4 target images are taken on 6th, 14th on 12th, and 8 on 13th. ing.

  In this embodiment, the distinction determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) executes the processing in the “date determination mode” as in the example of FIG. As a result, in the example of FIG. 11A, the fourth, eighth, and twenty-second target images are selected as the post-separation target images.

  FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the result of the layout process (FIG. 10: step S220) when the target image shown in FIG. 11A and the template data TD (FIG. 2) are used. . In this embodiment, the layout unit 210 executes “page update processing” as in the example of FIG. As a result, the No. 4, No. 8, and No. 22 target images are allocated to new pages.

  Next, in step S230 (FIG. 10), the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) executes a re-layout process of the target image. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the re-layout process. In this re-layout process, a plurality of continuous pages with a small number of allocated images in the pages set in the layout process (FIG. 10: step S220) are merged into one.

  In step S300 (FIG. 12), the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) initializes the page of interest (hereinafter referred to as “target page P”) to one page.

  In the next step S310, it is determined whether or not the page of interest P is the last page among the pages set in the layout process (FIG. 10: step S220). If it is the last page (step S310: Yes), the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) ends the re-layout process.

  When the page of interest P is not the last page (step S310: No), the layout unit 210 performs two pages, the page of interest P and the next page (hereinafter referred to as “next page of interest”) in step S320. Whether or not can be merged. In this embodiment, when the total number of images allocated to two pages is smaller than the number of images that can be allocated to one page, it is determined that merging is possible.

  FIG. 11C shows an example of the assignment result when the re-layout process is performed on the result of the layout process (FIG. 10: step S220) shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 11B, three target images are allocated on the first page and four target images on the second page, respectively. Since the total number of these target images (7) is smaller than the number of images that can be assigned to one page (9), the layout unit 210 determines that the first page and the second page can be merged. To do.

  When the determination that “merging is possible” is established (FIG. 12: Step S320: Yes), the layout unit 210 merges the two pages of the target page and the next target page. Specifically, the images allocated to two pages are rearranged in the single image allocation area of one page. In the example of FIGS. 11B and 11C, the target images from No. 1 to No. 3 and the target images from No. 4 to No. 7 are rearranged on the first page. That is, the single image allocation area to which the post-separation target image (No. 4 in this example) is allocated is corrected to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation target image (No. 3 in this example).

  Next, in step S340, the layout unit 210 executes a process of incrementing the page numbers of the pages after the next page of interest one by one. In the example of FIGS. 11B and 11C, pages 3 to 5 are moved up to pages 2 to 4.

  When the process of step S340 ends, the layout unit 210 executes step S310 again without changing the page of interest P. If the page of interest P is not the last page (step S310: No), it is further determined whether or not it can be merged (step S320).

  When it is “merge impossible” (step S320: No), in the next step S350, the page of interest P is lowered by one, and the process returns to step S310 again. Thereafter, the above steps are repeated for all pages.

  When the processing of FIG. 12 is completed, the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) generates layout data representing the template to be used and the correspondence between each target image and the single image allocation area, and sends it to the composition unit 220. .

  Next, in step S240 (FIG. 10), the composition unit 220 generates layout image data using the layout data received from the layout unit 210, target image data, and template data.

  In this way, in this embodiment, since a plurality of pages with a small number of allocated images are merged, it is possible to suppress an increase in pages with an excessively small number of images. In addition, since the merging process is performed so that the page is not revised in the middle from the post-separation target image to the next pre-separation target image, it is possible to obtain an allocation result that makes it easy to understand the change in the generated record information.

E. Fifth embodiment:
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the re-layout process (FIG. 10: step S230). In the present embodiment, the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) does not include a target image that is determined to be distinguished, and does not include a target image in the middle. ”) Is assigned to a plurality of pages, a re-layout process for correcting the number of target images distributed to each page is executed.

  FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a result of the layout process (FIG. 10: step S220). In the present embodiment, similarly to the example of FIG. 11, the process of changing the page according to the change of the shooting date is performed. FIG. 13 (a) shows the third and fourth pages of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 (b). The target images from No. 8 to No. 21 are allocated to these pages. No. 8 is the target image after change, and No. 21 is the target image before and after the change in the next order. That is, in the middle of these target images, target images that are determined to be distinguished are not included. In the example of FIG. 13A, these target images all have the same shooting date.

  In the example of FIG. 13A, there are four single image allocation areas (hereinafter referred to as “blank areas”) in which none of the images are allocated on the fourth page (in FIG. 13, a dotted square BA). It is shown). Accordingly, the layout unit 210 can reallocate a part (1 to 4) of the target image of the third page to the fourth page. In other words, the layout unit 210 can change the page in any of the 12th to 17th target images.

  FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between the target images Nos. 12 to 17 and the respective shooting dates and times DT. FIG. 13B also shows the difference (time difference ΔT) between the shooting dates and times DT. The layout unit 210 modifies pages between images having the largest time difference ΔT. In the example of FIG. 13B, the time difference ΔT is the largest between No. 15 and No. 16. Therefore, the layout unit 210 assigns the 16th and subsequent target images to the fourth page. FIG. 13C is an explanatory diagram illustrating the result of the relayout process. As described above, the 16th and subsequent target images are assigned to the fourth page.

  As described above, if the re-layout process is performed to change the page when the change in the shooting date / time is large, an allocation result representing the difference in the shooting date / time by the difference in the page can be obtained. As a result, the allocation result can be made more natural.

  As a result of the re-layout process, there may be a single image allocation area (hereinafter referred to as “no target image area”) in which the target image is not allocated in the middle of the similar target image set. In such a case, it is preferable to assign a predetermined image to the target image non-region. In the example of FIG. 13C, the prepared illustration IL is assigned to the target image non-region NSA on the third page. By doing so, it is possible to obtain an allocation result that makes it easy to understand that the target image is not distinguished at the page transition. When such an illustration is assigned, the layout unit 210 sends the illustration data representing the illustration to the synthesis unit 220 in addition to the layout data.

  In the present embodiment, the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) performs determination using the shooting date calculated by the generated recording parameter calculation unit 280, as in the example of FIG. That is, the shooting date corresponds to the generation record parameter value for determination. Further, the layout unit 210 corrects the distribution number of the target image using the shooting date and time calculated by the generated recording parameter calculation unit 280. That is, the shooting date and time corresponds to the correction generation recording parameter value in the present invention, and the generation recording parameter calculation unit 280 also has the function of the correction generation recording parameter calculation unit in the present invention. Instead of this, a correction generation recording parameter calculation unit independent of the generation recording parameter calculation unit 280 may be provided.

  Further, the generation record parameter value for correction is not limited to the shooting date and time, and generally a parameter value related to the generation record information of the target image data can be used. For example, the shooting position may be used as the correction generation recording parameter value as in the embodiment shown in FIG. In this case, the number of distributions is corrected so that the change (distance) of the shooting position at the page change increases. In particular, when the target image is selected according to the shooting position (details will be described later), it is preferable to use the shooting position. Also, the same parameter value as the determination generation recording parameter value may be used as the correction generation recording parameter value.

  In addition, when the similar target image set is allocated to three or more pages, the number of target images allocated to each page so that the sum of changes in the correction generation recording parameter values at the page change is maximized. Should be corrected. Alternatively, the number of distributions may be corrected using only the last two pages among a plurality of pages obtained by allocating the similar target image set without leaving an interval.

F. Sixth embodiment:
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the target image assignment processing (FIG. 5: step S510). The difference from each of the above-described embodiments is that the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) does not perform “page update processing” in which the post-separation target image is allocated to a new page, but between the pre-separation target image and the post-separation target image. A “title image insertion process” for inserting a title image is executed.

  FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a title image. The title image T1 is an image that displays the shooting date and the day of the week. The layout unit 210 generates such a title image according to the shooting date of the target image (details will be described later).

  FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the target image. These target images are the same as in the example of FIG. Further, the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) operates in the “date determination mode”. As a result, the 4th, 8th, and 22nd target images are selected as the post-separation target images.

  The circle shown in FIG. 14B represents the title image. The layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) inserts title images T1 to T4 that display the shooting date of the target image that follows each of the head of the target image in the specified order and before the post-separation target image. To do.

  FIG. 14C illustrates an example of a result of the target image assignment processing (FIG. 5: step S510) when the plurality of images illustrated in FIG. 14B and the template data TD (FIG. 2) are used. FIG. In the present embodiment, the layout unit 210 assigns each of the plurality of images including the title image and the target image to the single image allocation area according to the image priority order of the single image allocation area (FIG. 2).

  FIG. 14D is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an allocated image. In the figure, an example of the layout image of the first page is shown. As described above, in the sixth embodiment, since the title image is inserted at the change of the shooting date, it is possible to obtain an allocation result in which the change of the shooting date is easily understood. In particular, in this embodiment, since the date is displayed in the title image, even when a plurality of target images with different shooting dates are assigned to the same page, it is possible to obtain an assignment result that makes it easy to check the shooting date. it can.

  The title image preferably displays information related to the generated recording information used in the determination process by the discrimination determination unit 282 of the target image following the title image. In this way, it is possible to obtain an easy-to-understand allocation result of generated record information such as a shooting date while suppressing an increase in the burden on the user for layout processing. Further, if the computer 200 includes a place name database that represents the correspondence between the position and the place name in advance, the layout unit 210 obtains the place name corresponding to the shooting position of the target image by referring to the place name database. A title image that displays the name of the place can be generated.

  By the way, instead of the title image, an image prepared in advance or an image prepared by the user may be inserted. Moreover, you may insert a blank instead of an image. A single image allocation area to which a blank is allocated is a blank area. Further, it is preferable that such an image or blank that does not display information related to the generated recording information is not inserted at the top of the target image or the top of each page. Furthermore, the number of images and blanks to be inserted is not limited to one and may be two or more.

  It should be noted that such processing for inserting an image such as a title image corresponds to “image insertion processing” in the present invention, and processing for inserting a blank corresponds to “blank insertion processing”. When inserting an image in this way, the layout unit 210 sends insertion image data representing an image to be inserted to the synthesis unit 220 in addition to the layout data.

G. Seventh embodiment:
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the target image assignment processing (FIG. 5: step S510). The difference from the above-described embodiments is that the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) performs a “column update process” in which the post-separation target image is assigned to a new column instead of the “page update process” and the “title image insertion process”. It is a point to execute.

  FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a target image. These target images are the same as in the example of FIG. In addition, the distinction determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) performs processing in the “date determination mode”. As a result, the 4th, 8th, and 22nd target images are selected as the post-separation target images.

  FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of template data used in the present embodiment. Template data TDa includes one page of dialogue area PAa and 35 single image allocation areas Fa arranged on dialogue area PAa. In the template data TDa, the single image allocation areas Fa are arranged so as to form seven horizontal rows in the priority order.

  FIG. 15C shows an example of the result of the target image assignment process (FIG. 5: step S510) when the target image shown in FIG. 15A and the template data TDa (FIG. 15B) are used. It is explanatory drawing shown. In the present embodiment, the layout unit 210 assigns the post-separation target image to a new column. In the example of FIG. 15C, post-separation target images (No. 4, No. 8, and No. 22) are assigned to new columns.

  In this way, in this embodiment, the post-separation target image is allocated to a new column, so that the user can obtain an allocation result in which the change in the shooting date is easy to understand. In particular, when template data having a large number of single image allocation areas such as template data TDa (FIG. 15B) is used, a blank area is obtained by allocating the post-separation target image to a new column instead of a new page. It is possible to suppress an increase in the number of pages having a large number of pages. Note that such a process of assigning the post-separation target image to a new column corresponds to the “column update process” in the present invention.

  In addition, the configuration of the template is not limited to the single image allocation area along the priority order forming a horizontal column, and the single image allocation area along the priority order generally forms a column. Template can be used. For example, the “column update process” may be executed when a template that configures a vertical column or a template that configures a diagonal column is used.

  Further, when the layout unit executes the “column update process”, the “column merge process” similar to the page merge process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be executed. As the “column merging process”, a process in which “page” is replaced with “column” in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 can be used. Furthermore, a process similar to the “allocation number correction process” shown in FIG. 13 may be executed. As the “distribution number correction process” when the “column update process” is executed, a process in which “page” is replaced with “column” in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 can be used.

H. Eighth Example:
The layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) may execute a combination of the above-described processes. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of layout processing in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the layout unit 210 performs “title image insertion processing” similar to the example of FIG. 14, “page update processing” similar to the example of FIG. 6, and “multiple page merge” similar to the example of FIG. A layout process combined with the “process (relay process)” is executed. These processes are executed according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  In steps S200 and S210, a template used for the album creation process and a target image are selected. FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a target image. Here, the same target image as the example of FIG. 14B is shown. In the following description, it is assumed that the same target image and the same template data TD (FIG. 2) as in the example of FIG. 14 are selected.

  In the next step S220, processing is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. In step S500 of FIG. 5, the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) selects a post-separation target image according to the determination result of the discrimination determination unit 282. In the present embodiment, the discrimination determination unit 282 (FIG. 1) executes processing in the “date determination mode”. As a result, in the example of FIG. 16A, the fourth, eighth, and twenty-second target images whose dates have changed are selected as the post-separation target images.

  In the next step S510 (FIG. 5), the layout unit 210 first, like the example of FIG. 14B, the title image T1 that displays the shooting date at the beginning of the target image and before the post-separation target image. The process of inserting ~ T4 is executed (FIG. 16 (a)). Next, a process of correcting the page is executed before the post-separation target image, that is, before the title image. As a result, the allocation result shown in FIG. 16B is obtained. In this way, in the page update process, the title image is treated as an integral part of the subsequent divided target image.

  When these steps S500 and S510 (FIG. 10: step S220) are completed, the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1) executes a re-layout process in the next step S230 (FIG. 10). In the present embodiment, a merge process of a plurality of pages similar to the example of FIGS. 11 and 12 is executed.

  FIG. 16C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the re-layout process. In the example of FIG. 16B, four images (target image and title image) are allocated on the first page and five images on the second page, respectively. The layout unit 210 merges these two pages according to the procedure shown in FIG. As a result, the target image taken on July 5th and 6th is assigned to the first page, and the target image taken on the 12th day is assigned to the second and third pages. Is assigned to each of the target images taken on the 13th.

  In this way, in the seventh embodiment, the page is revised according to the change of the shooting date, so that it is possible to obtain an allocation result that makes it easy to understand the change of the shooting date. Furthermore, since a plurality of pages with a small number of allocated images are merged, an increase in the number of pages with a small number of images can be suppressed. In addition, since the title image is inserted at the change of the shooting date, even when a plurality of target images with different shooting dates are assigned to the same page, it is possible to obtain an assignment result that makes it easy to understand the change of the shooting date. In particular, in this embodiment, since the date corresponding to the shooting date is displayed on the title image, it is possible to obtain an allocation result that allows easy confirmation of the shooting date. Moreover, since all these processes are performed automatically, it can suppress that the user's effort for performing a layout process increases.

  The combination of processes executed by the layout unit 210 is not limited to the combination of “title image insertion process”, “page update process”, and “multiple page merge process (re-layout process)”. Various processes for adjusting the arrangement of these can be executed in combination. For example, a process combining “title image insertion process” and “column update process” may be executed. In this way, the post-separation target image is assigned to a new column, and the title image is inserted before the post-separation target image, so that the user can obtain an allocation result in which the generated record information is easy to understand. Even in the column update process, the title image is treated as an integral part of the succeeding post-separation target image, that is, the layout is made so that the column is not changed between the title image and the subsequent post-separation target image. Processing is performed.

I. Ninth embodiment:
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the computer 200a in this embodiment. There are two differences from the computer 200 shown in FIG. The first point is that each of the discrimination determination unit 282a and the layout unit 210a has a plurality of execution modes. The second point is that a determination mode selection unit 284 and an interval insertion mode selection unit 286 are provided.

  In this embodiment, the distinction determination unit 282a has a plurality of execution modes (hereinafter referred to as “determination mode”) including a “date determination mode”, a “date determination mode”, and a “position determination mode”. . The layout unit 210a has a plurality of execution modes for interval insertion processing (hereinafter referred to as “interval insertion mode”), which are different combinations of processing to be executed.

  The determination mode selection unit 284 allows the user to select a determination mode used by the distinction determination unit 282a. The interval insertion mode selection unit 286 allows the user to select the interval insertion mode used by the layout unit 210a. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen for designating an execution mode to be used for the determination mode selection unit 284 and the interval insertion mode selection unit 286.

  In the determination mode setting area DMA in this setting screen, a list of determination modes that can be used by the discrimination determination unit 282a (FIG. 17) is shown. The user can specify the determination mode used by the distinction determination unit 282a by operating the determination mode setting area DMF. In the example of FIG. 18, “date determination mode” is designated.

  Note that the “no change” determination mode (hereinafter referred to as “no change determination mode”) in the figure is a determination mode in which the determination that the distinction condition is satisfied is not performed regardless of the target image data. According to this non-change mode, page breaks, title images, and the like are not inserted in the middle of the target image, so an allocation result that saves the number of pages can be obtained.

  In the interval insertion mode setting area IMA in the setting screen, a list of processes that can be executed by the layout unit 210a (FIG. 17) is shown. In this example, only one of “page update process” and “column update process” can be selected. The user can designate the interval insertion mode used by the layout unit 210a by operating the interval insertion mode setting area IMA and selecting a process to be executed by the layout unit 210a. In the example of FIG. 18, “page update process”, “page merge process”, and “title image insertion process” are selected. In such setting of FIG. 18, the same layout processing as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is executed.

  Note that such execution mode selection processing is executed before layout processing. For example, the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is executed before step S120, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is executed before step S220. The discrimination determination unit 282a and the layout unit 210a execute processing according to the execution modes specified by the determination mode selection unit 284 and the interval insertion mode selection unit 286, respectively.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the user can specify the determination mode of the distinction determination unit 282a, so that the user can obtain an allocation result based on a favorite determination result. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user can also specify the interval insertion mode of the layout unit 210a, so that the user can obtain an allocation result that reflects the preference of the layout of the post-separation target image.

  In this embodiment, the determination mode and the interval insertion mode can be specified by the user. However, only one of the determination mode and the interval insertion mode may be specified. For example, in the computer 200a (FIG. 17), the interval insertion mode selection unit 286 may be omitted and only the determination mode may be designated.

J. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

J1. Modification 1:
In each of the above embodiments, the execution modes of the discrimination determination units 282 and 282a (FIGS. 1 and 17) are not limited to the execution modes in the respective embodiments, and generally, the generation record information of the target image data It is possible to execute processing in various execution modes for determining whether or not the difference satisfies the distinction condition. For example, if the “date determination mode” shown in FIG. 6 is used, it is possible to obtain an assignment result in which the date change is easily understood. Alternatively, if the “date and time determination mode” shown in FIG. 8 or the “position determination mode” shown in FIG. 9 is used, it is possible to obtain an assignment result that makes it easy to understand the change of events and the change of shooting position. it can.

  Further, as the distinguishing condition, it may be adopted that the operation mode of the image generation apparatus at the time of generating the target image data is different from the operation mode at the time of generating the previous target image data. Some image generation apparatuses (for example, digital cameras) can switch an operation mode (also referred to as a shooting mode) during shooting according to a shooting scene such as a person or a landscape. As the shooting mode, it is possible to select one of a plurality of modes prepared in advance such as a standard mode, a portrait mode (portrait mode), a landscape mode, and the like according to the type of subject. Further, some digital cameras store shooting mode information related to shooting modes at the time of shooting in an image data file. The discrimination determination units 282 and 282a can make a determination using such shooting mode information. As described above, if the determination is made according to the shooting mode, an allocation result according to a change in the shooting scene can be obtained. In this case, the shooting mode information corresponds to “generated record information”.

J2. Modification 2:
In the merging process shown in FIG. 12, it may be determined that merging is impossible when the magnitude of the change in the generated recording parameter value at a page change is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, when performing page update processing according to changes in the shooting date as in the example of FIG. 11, it is possible to use a method of determining that merging is not possible when the shooting date has changed by three days or more. . In this way, it is possible to obtain an assignment result that makes it easy to understand that the generated record information has changed greatly.

  In addition, when a blank area is generated on a page collected by the merging process, a title image or a blank area may be inserted before the post-separation target image. By doing this, it is possible to obtain an allocation result that makes it easy to understand a large change in the generated record information.

J3. Variation 3:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the user may specify the order in which the target images are assigned. For example, the image selecting unit 270 (FIGS. 1 and 17) can be configured to allow the user to specify the order of the selected target images. At this time, it is possible to use a configuration in which the image selection unit 270 displays a setting screen that presents a list of selected target images (not shown), and the user operates the setting screen to specify the order of the target images. . Also in this case, the discrimination determination units 282 and 282a (FIGS. 1 and 17) perform determination using the target image and the target image in the designated order one before.

J4. Modification 4:
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a setting screen for selecting target image data and a template. The difference from the example of FIG. 4 is that a range of shooting positions can be specified as a condition for selecting a target image.

  The image selection condition setting area ICAa on the setting screen in FIG. 19 includes a shooting position condition setting area POSA. A map is displayed in the shooting position condition setting area POSA. The user can designate the range of the shooting position by operating the shooting position condition setting area POSA. In the example of FIG. 19, the range of the photographing position is indicated by diagonal lines.

  As described above, when the shooting position information added to the target image data is available, the range of the shooting position is used as the selection condition of the target image, so that the image shot at the user's favorite position can be selected. Can be selected.

  Further, the correction generation recording parameter value used for the process of correcting the distribution of the target image (FIG. 13) may be determined according to the selection condition of the target image. For example, when the target image is selected without imposing conditions on the shooting position, the shooting date and time may be used. In addition, when a target image is selected by imposing a condition on the shooting position, the shooting position may be used. As described above, if the correction generation recording parameter value is determined according to the selection condition of the target image, layout processing corresponding to the generation recording information focused on by the user can be performed.

J5. Modification 5:
The layout units 210 and 210a (FIGS. 1 and 17) may execute processing designated according to template data to be used. For example, the “column update process” is executed when the template data TDa shown in FIG. 15B is used, and the “page update process” is executed when the template data TD shown in FIG. 2 is used. Also good. In this way, layout processing suitable for the template data can be executed. Here, if the template data is configured to include process designation information for designating a process, the layout units 210 and 210a can easily select the process.

J6. Modification 6:
In each of the above-described embodiments, an image generation apparatus (for example, a digital camera) or an image output apparatus (for example, a printer) may be configured to execute part or all of the functions of the image processing apparatus. For example, the printer can be configured to execute the functions of the composition unit 220 (FIG. 1) and the print data generation unit 230. In this case, the data transmission unit 240 of the computer 200 is configured to transmit the target image data, the template data used for the layout process, and the layout data generated by the layout unit 210 to the printer. In this case, the data transmission unit 240 functions as a layout transmission unit in the present invention.

  In this example, the layout data is generated by the layout unit 210 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, another functional unit may generate the layout data. For example, the data transmission unit 240 may generate layout data based on the allocation result of the layout unit 210.

  Further, the image output device may function as the image processing device in each of the above embodiments. For example, a configuration in which a printer as an image output apparatus performs the same function as the computer 200 shown in FIG. 1 can be used. Furthermore, if the printer is configured to receive image data directly from the digital camera 100 via a cable, network, wireless communication, memory card, or the like, the assigned image is printed without using a computer. be able to.

J7. Variation 7:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the data transmission unit 240 may transmit the allocated image data generated by the synthesis unit 220 to another data processing device (for example, an LCD display or a CRT monitor). In this way, it is possible to perform processing using the assigned image data in various data processing devices. In this case, the data transmission unit 240 functions as an allocated image data transmission unit in the present invention.

J8. Modification 8:
In each of the embodiments described above, since the layout image is printed, the user can easily obtain a print page that can be used as an album page. Further, the assigned image data to which the target image is assigned can be used not only for printing but also for various purposes. For example, you may use for the display of the image using image output apparatuses, such as an LCD display and a CRT monitor. Furthermore, if the allocated image is displayed on a monitor or the like before printing, the user can check the contents of the allocated image before printing. Further, an image data file for storing the allocated image data may be generated. If such an image data file is generated and reused, the allocated image data can be used even when a device that cannot execute the layout process or the process of generating the allocated image data is used.

J9. Modification 9:
In this specification, “digital camera” includes both a digital still camera that captures still images and a digital video camera that captures moving images.

J10. Modification 10:
In each of the above embodiments, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software. .

J11. Modification 11:
In the “image insertion process” described above, the size of the image to be inserted may be smaller than the size of the single image allocation area. For example, an image smaller than a normal gap between the pre-separation target image and the post-separation target image may be assigned to the gap.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the image output system as one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the template data stored in the template storage part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the album creation process by the computer 200 (FIG. 1). It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting screen for designating a template and object image data. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a layout process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a layout process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the confirmation screen of an allocation image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the layout process in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the layout process in 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the album creation process by the computer 200 (FIG. 1) in 4th Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a layout process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a re-layout process. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of a re-layout process. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of object image allocation processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of object image allocation processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a layout process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the computer 200a. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting screen for designating the execution mode to be used. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the setting screen which selects object image data and a template.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Digital camera 200, 200a ... Computer 210, 210a ... Layout part 220 ... Composition part 230 ... Print data generation part 240 ... Data transmission part 250 ... Template storage part 260 ... Template selection unit 270 ... Image selection unit 280 ... Generated recording parameter calculation unit 282, 282a ... Discrimination determination unit 284 ... Determination mode selection unit 286 ... Interval insertion mode selection unit 300. .. Printer TD, TDa ... Template data PA, PAa ... Mount area F, Fa ... Single image allocation area DI ... Decoration image

Claims (20)

An image processing apparatus that performs image processing using N target image data representing N target images (N is an integer of 2 or more) and generation record information associated with each target image data. ,
The N target images are designated by using template data representing a template including a mount area for one page and a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged on the mount area. A layout unit for executing layout processing for sequentially allocating on the mount area;
The i-th (i is an integer of 2 to N) and generating record information of the target image data, and (i-1) -th difference between generation record information of the target image data, the i-th target image (i -1) a determination unit that determines whether or not a distinction condition for distinguishing the first target image is satisfied;
With
The layout part is
When it is determined that the distinction condition is satisfied by the determination unit, the single image allocation area to which the pre-separation target image that is the (i-1) th target image is assigned as the pre-separation single image allocation area, Further, the single image allocation area to which the post-separation target image that is the i-th target image is allocated is distinguished as the post-separation single image allocation area,
A function of executing a page update process for allocating the post-separation single image allocation area to a single image allocation area of a page next to a page in which the single image allocation area before the division is arranged;
In the page update process, when the post-separation single image allocation area is allocated to a single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area, all the target images after the post-separation target image, or Any one of the target images from the post-separation target image to the next pre-separation target image can be allocated to the same page based on the number of the plurality of single image regions included in the template. In this case, based on the template, it has a function of executing a page merging process for correcting the post-separation single image allocation area to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area.
Image processing device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
  The layout part is
    A title image representing information related to the generated record information associated with the post-separation target image is inserted between the pre-separation target image and the post-separation target image, and the post-separation single image in the same page is inserted. A function of allocating the title image to the single image allocation area before the image allocation area;
    Performing the page merging process so as not to change the page between the title image and the post-separation target image that follows the title image;
  Image processing device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
  In the page merging process, the layout unit does not allocate a blank that does not represent any image in the single image allocation area at the top of the page, and allocates the pre-separation target image and the post-separation target to be allocated to the same page. The blank is inserted between the images, and the function of allocating the blank to the single image allocation area before the post-separation single image allocation area,
  Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising:
A generation recording parameter calculation unit that calculates a generation recording parameter value related to the generation recording information of each target image data,
The determination unit
Adopting that the generation recording parameter value of the i-th target image data is changed by a predetermined amount or more from the generation recording parameter value of the (i-1) -th target image data, as the discrimination condition;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 ,
The generation recording parameter value includes a shooting date obtained by using shooting date information added to the target image data when the target image data is generated by shooting with a digital camera,
The determination unit has a date determination mode for performing the determination according to the shooting date.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein
The generated recording parameter value includes a shooting date and time obtained using shooting date and time information added to the target image data when the target image data is generated by shooting with a digital camera.
The determination unit has a date determination mode for performing the determination according to the shooting date.
Image processing device. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6 ,
The generation recording parameter value includes a shooting position obtained by using shooting position information added to the target image data when the target image data is generated by shooting with a digital camera.
The determination unit has a position determination mode for performing the determination according to the shooting position.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 ,
The determination unit
(A) Shooting calculated as the generated recording parameter value by using the shooting date and time information added to the target image data when the generated recording parameter calculation unit generates the target image data by shooting with a digital camera. A date determination mode for performing the determination according to the date;
(B) Shooting calculated as the generated recording parameter value by using the shooting date and time information added to the target image data when the generated recording parameter calculation unit generates the target image data by shooting with a digital camera. A date and time determination mode for performing the determination according to the date and time;
(C) Shooting calculated as the generated recording parameter value by using the shooting position information added to the target image data when the generated recording parameter calculation unit generates the target image data by shooting with a digital camera. A position determination mode for performing the determination according to the position;
A plurality of execution modes including at least two execution modes of
The image processing apparatus further includes:
A determination mode selection unit that allows the user to select an execution mode used by the determination unit from the plurality of execution modes;
Image processing device. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The layout part is
The Rutotomoni using the arrangement template as a single image allocation region constitute a plurality of columns along the priority order, the single image allocation region after the delimiter, the delimiter before the single image allocation region is disposed column A column update process for allocating to the single image allocation area of the next column of
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9,
The layout part is
In the sequence update process, when the allocation of the delimiter after a single image-allocated area in the same row single image allocation region of the separator prior single image allocation region, all of the target image of the separated post-target image after or, wherein All of the target images from the post-separation target image to the next pre-separation target image are assigned to the same column based on the number of single image areas included in the column represented by the template. If it is possible, based on the template, a function of executing a column merging process for correcting the post-separation single image allocation area to the single image allocation area in the same column as the pre-separation single image allocation area Have
Image processing device. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The layout part is
Between the front Stories separated before the target image and the delimiter after the target image, a function to be assigned to the single image-allocated area to insert different predetermined image from the target image,
Image processing device. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The layout part is
Between the front Stories separated before the target image the delimiter after the target image, with the insert blank that does not represent any of the image feature to be assigned to a single image allocation region,
Image processing device. An image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The layout section,
(A) the single image allocated area after separated, and the execution mode to be assigned to a single image allocation region of the next page of the pages that the delimiter before the single image allocation region is disposed,
(B) the Rutotomoni using the arrangement template as a single image allocation region constitute a plurality of columns along the priority order, the delimiter after a single image allocation region, said separated before the single-image allocation region located An execution mode for allocating to the single image allocation area in the next column of the generated columns;
( C ) an execution mode in which a predetermined image different from the target image is inserted between the pre-separation target image and the post-separation target image and assigned to the single image allocation area ;
( D ) an execution mode in which a blank that does not represent any image is inserted between the pre-separation target image and the post-separation target image and assigned to the single image allocation area ;
A plurality of execution modes including at least two execution modes of
The image processing apparatus further includes:
An interval insertion mode selection unit that allows a user to select an execution mode used by the layout unit from the plurality of execution modes;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
A correction generation recording parameter calculation unit that calculates a correction generation recording parameter value related to the generation recording information of each target image data;
The layout part is
A set of a plurality of target images that do not include a target image that is determined to be distinguished in the middle and that are consecutive in a specified order are allocated to a plurality of pages, and any image is allocated to the plurality of pages. If there is no single image allocation area,
The change in the generation record parameter value for correction at the turn of the page in the target image set is compared with the case where the target image set is allocated to the single image allocation area without being spaced along the priority order. Executing a distribution number correction process for correcting the number of the target images distributed to each of the plurality of pages so as to increase.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
An image selection unit that selects the target image from a plurality of image data prepared in advance;
The image selection unit allows a user to set a condition for selecting the target image;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising:
Layout information representing a template used for the layout process, a correspondence between the target image and the single image allocation area in each page, the target image data, and the template data used in the layout process; Including a layout transmission unit for transmitting to a predetermined first data processing apparatus that performs processing for outputting the target image.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising:
A synthesis unit that generates allocation image data representing an allocation image in which each of the plurality of target images is allocated according to an allocation result of the layout unit;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising:
An allocated image data transmitting unit that transmits the allocated image data generated by the synthesizing unit to a predetermined second data processing device that performs processing for outputting the target image;
Image processing device. An image processing method for performing image processing using N target image data representing N target images (N is an integer of 2 or more) and generation record information associated with each target image data. ,
(A) Using the template data representing a template including a mount area for one page and a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged on the mount area, the N target images are Comprising a step of executing a layout process for allocating on the mount area in a specified order;
The step (a)
(A1) The difference between the generation / recording information of the i-th target image data (i is an integer from 2 to N) and the generation / recording information of the (i-1) th target image data is different from the i-th target image. (I-1) a step of determining whether or not a distinction condition for distinguishing the first target image is satisfied;
(A2) When it is determined that the distinction condition in the step (a1) is satisfied, the single image allocation area to which the pre-separation target image that is the (i-1) th target image is assigned A single image allocation area to which the post-separation target image that is the i-th target image is assigned as a post-separation single image allocation area, and the post-separation single image allocation area is defined as the pre-separation single image. Including a step of executing a page update process for allocating to a single image allocation area of a page next to a page where the allocation area is arranged,
The page update process
When the post-separation single image allocation area is allocated to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area, all the target images after the post-separation target image, or the next from the post-separation target image If it is possible to allocate any one of all target images up to the target image before the division in the order of the same page based on the number of the plurality of single image regions included in the template, the template A page merging process for correcting the post-separation single image allocation area to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area,
Image processing method. A computer program for performing image processing using N target image data representing N target images (N is an integer of 2 or more) and generation record information associated with each target image data. And
(A) Using the template data representing a template including a mount area for one page and a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged on the mount area, the N target images are A computer program for causing a computer to execute a function of executing layout processing to be allocated on the mount area in a specified order,
The function (a) is:
(A1) The difference between the generation / recording information of the i-th target image data (i is an integer from 2 to N) and the generation / recording information of the (i-1) th target image data is different from the i-th target image. (I-1) a function for determining whether or not a distinction condition for distinguishing from the target image is satisfied;
(A2) When it is determined that the distinction condition by the function (a1) is satisfied, the single image allocation region to which the pre-separation target image that is the (i-1) th target image is assigned A single image allocation area to which the post-separation target image that is the i-th target image is assigned as a post-separation single image allocation area, and the post-separation single image allocation area is defined as the pre-separation single image. Including a function for executing a page update process for allocating to a single image allocation area of a page next to a page where the allocation area is arranged,
The page update process
When the post-separation single image allocation area is allocated to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area, all the target images after the post-separation target image, or the next from the post-separation target image If it is possible to allocate any one of all target images up to the target image before the division in the order of the same page based on the number of the plurality of single image regions included in the template, the template A page merging process for correcting the post-separation single image allocation area to the single image allocation area of the same page as the pre-separation single image allocation area,
Computer program.

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