JP2001155175A - Method and device for compositing image, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the expression capability of a template. SOLUTION: The template is prepared with an edition description consisting of a description designating a basic image showing the background of the template, an image insertion instruction for designating an area to which an image is inserted and the image to be inserted and an image processing instruction designating the contents of image processing applied to a composited image and an area to which processing is applied. This image compositing device prepares the composited image on the basis of the edition description of the template.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image synthesizing method and apparatus for synthesizing an image and a template to obtain a synthesized image, a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the image synthesizing method, And a recording medium on which template data representing a template is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a service for creating a postcard for a New Year's card with a picture using a template consisting of characters and illustrations for the New Year's card and a blank area for inserting a picture has been provided for a long time. In such a post card, for example, a user takes an original image recorded on a negative film or the like into a photo shop, converts the original image into digital image data in a photo shop, and arranges the digital image data with the arrangement of characters and a template. The composite image data is obtained by synthesizing the image data with the template data representing the composite image data, and printing the composite image based on the composite image data.

Here, the template is defined as an image of four channels of RGBα, and after inserting and synthesizing its own image into the template to create a composite image, printing is performed. In this case, when the insertion position of the image is specified in the template, the originality of the own image can be added to the advanced image created by the designer only by replacing the image.

[0004] The α channel is a channel that defines the transparency of the pixel in the image, and the composition ratio of the inserted image and the template is changed according to the value of the α channel. Specifically, the smaller the value of the α channel, the more transparent the image of the template becomes. For example, by reducing the value of the α channel near the boundary between the image to be inserted and the template, the image blends into the template. Are synthesized as if
Therefore, when the transparency is defined by the α channel, the user's image can be melted into the template, and the template and the user's image can be synthesized more naturally.

[0005]

However, in the conventional template, since only one α channel can be defined in one template data, an image is inserted into one template, for example, as shown in FIG. In a case where two regions are close to each other, if an image to be inserted into the template is larger than the region, the image protrudes from one region to another as shown in FIG. There's a problem.

Further, in the conventional template, since the user's image is simply inserted into the basic image, the inserted image is reflected so as to be reflected in the basic image or a wave pattern is added. In order to perform image processing such as performing a composite image, it is necessary to perform image processing in another image processing apparatus after the composite image is once created, and thus the processing for creating the composite image becomes complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image synthesizing method and apparatus in which an inserted image does not protrude into another area even when a template includes a plurality of areas. First to offer
It is the purpose of.

[0008] The present invention is not limited to image insertion,
It is a second object of the present invention to provide an image synthesizing method and apparatus capable of easily performing image processing.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which template data representing a template used in the image synthesizing method and apparatus is recorded.

[0010]

A first computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention comprises: an editing description for designating a basic image; a plurality of insertion areas for the basic image; And template data representing a template including an editing description for designating a plurality of inserted images to be inserted into the insertion area.

In the first computer-readable recording medium according to the present invention, the template includes:
It is preferable to further include an editing description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the inserted image.

According to a second computer-readable recording medium of the present invention, there is provided an editing description for designating a basic image, at least one insertion area for the basic image, and insertion for each insertion area in the insertion area. At least one
Wherein template data representing a template including an edit description for designating one insert image and an edit description for designating the basic image and / or image processing content to be applied to the insert image is recorded. .

In the second template, it is sufficient that the number of inserted images is one or more.

Here, the "basic image" is an image serving as the background of the template, and the "edit description for designating the basic image" is a file name indicating image data representing the image serving as the background of the template. This is a description to be specified or a description to specify link information of a storage location of image data. Note that an image that has already been processed based on the edit description may be designated as a “basic image”. In this case, the processed image may be not only an image for which the processing based on the edit description has been completely completed, but also an image for which processing has been completed only up to an intermediate stage.

The "edit description for specifying the insertion area" may be the α channel data itself for specifying the insertion area, and may be the α channel data for specifying the insertion area in the basic image.
Link information for specifying a storage location of data consisting of only a channel may be used.

[0016] Further, "edit description for designating an inserted image"
Is a description for causing the computer to execute a process of prompting a user who operates the computer to specify an image to be inserted by referring to the editing description when the template data is read by the computer. As the “edit description for specifying the inserted image”, which specifies the file name of the inserted image, a file name of a predetermined sample image is specified as an initial value, and the template, the sample image, May be once presented to the user to prompt the user to confirm the contents of the template.

[0017] The "edit description for designating the content of image processing" includes a process of adding a white border to an inserted image, a process of reflecting the inserted image to another area in the basic image, a process of forming a wave pattern, and the like. In addition to describing the contents of the image processing, the processing area for performing the image processing is described. When the template data is read by the computer, this is a description for causing the computer to execute the image processing based on the editing description. .

According to a first image synthesizing method according to the present invention, an edit description for designating a basic image, a plurality of insertion regions for the basic image, and a plurality of insertion regions for each of the insertion regions are inserted into the insertion region. An image synthesizing method for generating a composite image in which the insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data representing a template including an editing description specifying an insertion image, wherein the editing description specifying the plurality of insertion images Based on the specification of the plurality of insertion images, based on the editing description specifying the basic image and the editing description specifying the plurality of insertion regions, the plurality of insertion images in the basic image The composite image is generated by inserting the composite image into an insertion area.

In the first image synthesizing method according to the present invention, the template includes the basic image and / or
Alternatively, the image data further includes an edit description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the inserted image, and the basic image and / or
Alternatively, it is preferable to perform image processing on the insertion image to obtain the composite image.

According to a second image synthesizing method according to the present invention, there is provided an editing description for designating a basic image, at least one insertion region for the basic image, and at least one insertion region for each insertion region. The insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data including a template including an editing description specifying one insertion image and an editing description specifying image processing content to be performed on the basic image and / or the insertion image. An image synthesizing method for generating an inserted composite image, comprising: an edit description for specifying the basic image and an edit for specifying the insert region, based on an edit description for specifying the insert image. Inserting the insertion image into the insertion area of the basic image based on the description, and based on an editing description specifying the image processing content , The basic image and / or by performing image processing on the inserted image, is characterized in that to obtain the composite image.

A first image synthesizing apparatus according to the present invention includes an editing description for designating a basic image, a plurality of insertion regions for the basic image, and a plurality of insertion regions for each of the insertion regions. An image synthesizing apparatus that generates a composite image in which the insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data representing a template including an editing description that specifies an insertion image, wherein the editing description specifies the plurality of insertion images Means for receiving designation of the plurality of inserted images, and the plurality of inserted images in the basic image based on the edit description specifying the basic image and the edit description specifying the plurality of insertion regions. Synthesizing means for generating the synthesized image by inserting the synthesized image into a plurality of insertion areas.

[0022] In the first image synthesizing apparatus according to the present invention, the template includes the basic image and / or the basic image.
Or further including an edit description for specifying image processing content to be performed on the insertion image, wherein the synthesizing unit includes:
Preferably, the means is a means for performing image processing on the basic image and / or the inserted image based on an editing description designating the image processing content to obtain the composite image.

A second image synthesizing apparatus according to the present invention includes an editing description for specifying a basic image, at least one insertion region for the basic image, and at least one insertion region for each insertion region. The insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data including a template including an editing description specifying one insertion image and an editing description specifying image processing content to be performed on the basic image and / or the insertion image. An image synthesizing apparatus that generates an inserted composite image, comprising: a unit that receives designation of the insertion image based on an editing description that designates the insertion image; and an editing description that designates the basic image and the insertion region. Inserting the insertion image into the insertion area of the basic image based on the editing description to be performed and specifying the image processing content Based on the editing description, the basic image and / or by performing image processing on the inserted image, it is characterized in that a synthesizing means for obtaining the composite image.

The image synthesizing method according to the present invention may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium as a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

[0025]

According to the present invention, in a recording medium on which a first template according to the present invention is recorded, the computer reads the template data recorded on the recording medium, thereby causing the computer to execute processing for prompting insertion of a plurality of inserted images. Thus, the user can insert an image into the insertion area in the template according to an instruction from the computer. At this time, since the insertion area is specified for each insertion area, the image inserted in one insertion area does not protrude into another insertion area.

Further, by including the editing description of the image processing content in the template, it is possible to cause the computer to execute the image processing in accordance with the description content, whereby the user merely designates the insertion image, and A composite image subjected to image processing according to the template can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ability to express the composite image using the template.

In the recording medium on which the second template according to the present invention is recorded, by reading the template data recorded on the recording medium by a computer,
Causing the computer to execute a process for prompting insertion of the inserted image,
Thereby, the user can insert an image into the insertion area in the template according to the instruction of the computer. Furthermore, since the template includes the edit description of the image processing content, the computer can execute image processing according to the description content. Therefore, the user can obtain a composite image subjected to image processing according to the template simply by designating the insertion image, and improve the ability to express the composite image using the template.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a system including an image synthesizing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image synthesizing system including the image synthesizing apparatus according to the first embodiment converts a plurality of template data T representing a template including an edit description (hereinafter, the template may be also represented by T). A template storage unit 1 for storing, a basic image storage unit 2 for storing basic image data B representing a basic image described in the template T (hereinafter, the basic image may be represented by B), and a template T Α channel data C for designating an insertion area for inserting the described insertion image
Channel storage means 3 for storing the template T
Before executing the description that specifies the insertion image described in
Based on sample image storage means 4 for storing sample image data P representing a sample image to be inserted into the insertion area (hereinafter, the sample image may be represented by P), and a user Is obtained by synthesizing an image represented by the image data S and a basic image based on the description of the template T to obtain composite image data G representing a composite image (hereinafter, a composite image may be represented by G). The synthesizing unit 5 includes a unit 5, a monitor 6 for displaying the state of synthesis of images, and an input unit 7 including a keyboard, a mouse, and the like for inputting a user's instruction to the synthesizing unit 5. In the present embodiment, the monitor 6 and the input unit 7 are a user terminal 10, and the synthesizing unit 5 is a lab server 11 that performs printing. Then, it is assumed that the user terminal 10 and the lab server 11 are connected via the network 12.

The template storage means 1 stores a plurality of template data T. Further, the template storage means 1 also stores thumbnail data representing a thumbnail image of a template represented by a plurality of template data T stored here. Note that the thumbnail data also includes link information to each template data T. Then, in accordance with an instruction from the user terminal 10, the synthesizing unit 5 reads the thumbnail data from the template storage unit 1 and transfers the thumbnail data to the user terminal 10,
As a result, the thumbnail image of the template is displayed on the monitor 6 of the user terminal 10. A template desired by the user from the thumbnail images displayed on the monitor 6 (hereinafter referred to as a template T1 in the first embodiment)
Is selected, the synthesis of the selected template T1 and the user image is performed by the synthesis means 5.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the edit description contents of the template T1 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the editing description of the template T1 includes a description for specifying a basic image serving as a background of the template T1, an image insertion instruction for specifying an image to be inserted, and the contents of image processing to be performed on a composite image. And three image processing instructions 1 to 3.

The description for designating the basic image is the file name of the basic image data B1 representing the basic image serving as the background of the template T1, and here, the file "Base01.bmp" representing the image as shown in FIG. First name is specified. Then, based on the description of the basic image designation, the basic image data B1 of this file name is stored in the basic image storage unit 2.
And input to the synthesizing means 5.

The description of the image insertion command includes an insertion image for specifying an image to be inserted and a description of an insertion area for specifying an area for inserting the insertion image. Before the user specifies an image, for example, a file name “Sample1.bmp” of sample image data P1 representing a predetermined sample image is specified before the user specifies the image, as shown in FIG. I have. On the other hand, the description of the insertion area specifies the file name of the α-channel data that specifies the area for inserting the insertion image in the basic image. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, “alpha1.bmp”, which is the file name of the α-channel data C1, in which the value of the hatched area is 1 and the value of the other areas is 0, is specified.

The description of the image processing instruction includes a processing content for designating the content of the image processing and a description of a processing area for designating a region to be subjected to the image processing. In the image processing instruction 1, the processing content is described as "white border" for providing a white border around the insertion image. In the description of the processing area, the file name of the α-channel data that specifies the area for performing the image processing specified by the processing content is specified. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, “alpha2.bmp”, which is the file name of the α-channel data C2, in which the value of the area around the inserted image is 1 and the values of the other areas are 0, is specified. .

In the image processing command 2, the processing content is described as "reflection" for creating a reflection image of the insertion image. In the description of the processing area, as shown in FIG. 7, "alpha3.bmp" which is the file name of the alpha channel data C3 in which the value of the area for creating the reflection image is 1 and the value of the other areas is 0 is specified. Have been.

In the image processing instruction 3, the processing content is described as "wave" for changing the image into a wave. The description of the processing area is “alpha4.bmp”, which is the file name of the α-channel data C4 such that the value of the hatched area is 1 and the value of the other areas is 0 as shown in FIG.
Is specified.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment. First, when the user uses the user terminal 10,
When the input unit 7 inputs that the template T and the user image are to be combined (step S1), the information is transferred to the lab server 11 via the network 12, whereby the thumbnail data stored in the template storage unit 1 is stored. Is transferred to the user terminal 10, and the thumbnail image represented by the thumbnail data is displayed on the monitor 6 as shown in FIG. 10 (step S2). The thumbnail image displayed on the monitor 6 also includes link information to a plurality of templates T stored in the template storage unit 1. The user selects a desired template T1 from the thumbnail images displayed on the monitor 6 and inputs the selection from the input means 7. This input is performed, for example, by clicking a desired thumbnail image of the template T1 with a mouse. When this selection is made (step S3), template data T1 representing the selected template is read out from the template storage unit 1 and input to the synthesizing unit 5 based on the link information (step S4). In the synthesizing means 5, according to the editing description of the template T1, the sample synthesized image S
G1 is generated (Step S5).

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of the sample composite image generation processing. First, the basic image data B1 representing the basic image shown in FIG. 3 is read from the basic image storage unit 2 based on the description specifying the basic image of the template T1 (step S21). Then, according to the description of the image insertion instruction, sample image data P1 representing a sample image of the insertion image and α for specifying an insertion area.
The channel data C1 is read from the sample image storage unit 4 and the α channel storage unit 3 (Step S).
22). Then, a sample image (see FIG. 4) represented by the sample image data P1 is inserted into an area (see FIG. 5) defined by the α channel data C1 on the basic image (step S23).

Next, the image processing command 1 is executed (step S24). The image processing instruction 1 is a process for providing a white border in a region around the insertion image (see FIG. 6), whereby a white border is provided around the insertion image. Next, the image processing command 2 is executed (step S25). The image processing command 2 is a process for forming a reflection image of the inserted image with a white border in the area shown in FIG.
A reflection image of the inserted image in which a white border is added to the area shown in FIG. 7 is formed. Further, the image processing command 3 is executed (step S26). Image processing instruction 3 is located in the area shown in FIG.
This is a process for forming a wavy pattern.

The sample composite image SG1 shown in FIG. 12 is generated by the above-described sample composite image generation processing, and the sample composite image data representing the sample composite image SG1 is transferred to the user terminal 10 and displayed on the monitor 6 (step S6). ). Then, the user observes the sample composite image SG1 displayed on the monitor 6, and confirms whether or not the template T1 to be used is sufficient. If the template T1 is sufficient, the user inputs that fact through the input means 7 (step S7), and proceeds to the next processing. On the other hand, if the user wants to change the template T1, he or she inputs that fact through the input means 7, and the step S7 is denied.
2 and the processing from step S2 to step S7 is repeated.

If the template T1 to be used is sufficient, an instruction to insert a user image is transferred from the synthesizing means 5 to the user terminal 10, and the monitor 6 displays, for example, "Please select a user image". A command prompting the user to insert a user image is displayed. Then, the user designates a user image to be inserted, and transfers image data S1 (file name “User1.bmp”) representing the user image to the laboratory server 11 (step S8). At this time, an instruction to change the inserted image to “User1.bmp” is also transmitted. When the user image data S1 is stored in the lab server 11, the user can use the user image data S1.
All you have to do is specify the file name. The synthesizing unit 5 receives the input of the user image data S1 and changes the description of the file name of the inserted image of the template T1 from “Sample1.bmp” to “Use
r1.bmp "(step S9). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the template T1 whose editing description has been changed. When the description of the template T1 is changed in this way,
A composite image G1 is generated according to the changed edit description (step S10). Here, the user image data S1
When the user image represented by is the one shown in FIG. 14, the composite image G obtained in the process of step S10
1 is as shown in FIG. When the composite image G1 is generated in this way, the composite image data G1 representing the composite image is output (step S11), and the process ends.

Before outputting the composite image data G1, the composite image data G1 is transferred to the user terminal 10, and
The user may be prompted to confirm the synthesis result.

As described above, in the first embodiment,
Since the composite image G1 is created based on the template T1 composed of the edit description, the template T1
1, the user image S1 can be inserted, and image processing can be performed on the composite image G1. Accordingly, the ability to express the composite image using the template T1 can be improved, and the composite image G1 on which the image processing has been performed can be obtained only by the user performing the operation of designating the user image S1.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an edit description of the template T2 used in the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 16, the editing description of the template T2 includes a description for specifying a basic image as a background of the template T2, and two image insertion instructions 1 and 2 for specifying an image to be inserted. Is not included. In the second embodiment, since the configuration of the image composition system is the same as that of the image composition system of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, detailed description is omitted here.

The description for designating the basic image in the template T2 according to the second embodiment is the file name of the basic image data B2 representing the basic image serving as the background of the template T2. "Base02.bmp" is designated.

In the image insertion instruction 1, before the user specifies an image, the description of the inserted image is, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, "Sample5. Sample Data.P5" of sample image data P5 representing a predetermined sample image. The file name "bmp" is specified. On the other hand, in the description of the insertion area, the file name of the α channel data that specifies the area for inserting the insertion image in the basic image is specified. Here, as shown in FIG. "Alpha5.bmp", which is the file name of the alpha channel data C5, is set so that the value of .alpha.

In the image insertion instruction 2, before the user specifies an image, the description of the inserted image is, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, "Sample6. Sample Data P6" representing sample image data P6 representing a predetermined sample image. The file name "bmp" is specified. On the other hand, in the description of the insertion area, the file name of the α-channel data for specifying the area for inserting the insertion image in the basic image is specified. Here, as shown in FIG. "Alpha6.bmp", which is the file name of the alpha channel data C6, in which the value of the .alpha.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing performed in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, steps S31 to S34 are performed.
Since the processing of step S36 and step S37 are the same as the processing of step S1 to step S4 and the processing of step S6 to step S7 in the flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Detailed description is omitted. FIG. 23 illustrates a sample composite image generation process (step S3) according to the second embodiment.
It is a flowchart of 5). First, template T2
The basic image data B2 representing the basic image shown in FIG.
(Step S51). Next, according to the description of the image insertion instruction 1, sample image data P5 representing a sample image of the inserted image and α channel data C5 for specifying an insertion area are read from the sample image storage unit 4 and the α channel storage unit 3.
Then, a sample image (see FIG. 18) represented by the sample image data P5 is inserted into an area (see FIG. 19) defined by the α channel data C5 on the basic image (step S52). Next, image insertion instruction 2
According to the description, the sample image data P6 representing the sample image of the inserted image and the α channel data C6 for designating the insertion area are read from the sample image storage unit 4 and the α channel storage unit 3. And
In an area (see FIG. 21) defined by the α channel data C6 on the basic image, the sample image data P6
Is inserted (see FIG. 20) (step S53).

The sample composite image SG2 is generated by the above-described sample composite image generation process, and the sample composite image data SG2 representing the sample composite image shown in FIG. 24 is transferred to the user terminal 10 and displayed on the monitor 6 (step S36). ). Then, the user observes the sample composite image SG2 displayed on the monitor 6, and confirms whether or not the template T2 to be used is sufficient. If the template T2 is sufficient, the user inputs that fact from the input means 7 (step S37), and proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, if the user wants to change the template T2, inputting the change from the input means 7 results in a negative result in step S37, returns to step S32, and repeats the processing in steps S32 to S37.

When the template T2 to be used is sufficient, an instruction to insert a user image is transferred from the synthesizing means 5 to the user terminal 10, and the monitor 6 displays, for example, "Please select a user image". A command prompting the user to insert a user image is displayed. Then, the user selects an area where the user image is to be inserted on the sample composite image SG2 displayed on the monitor 6. This selection is performed by, for example, clicking the area where the user image is to be inserted with a mouse. Here, assuming that the upper area (A1) in the sample composite image SG2 shown in FIG. 24 is selected, the user further inputs the user image data S2 (file name “User2.bmp”) representing the user image to be inserted into this area A1. )) To the lab server 11 (step S38). At this time, the inserted image of the area A1 is referred to as “User2.bm
An instruction to change to "p" is also transferred. If the user image data S2 is stored in the lab server 11, the user need only specify the file name of the user image data S2. The synthesizing means 5 includes the user image data S2
Is received, the description of the file name of the inserted image in the image insertion instruction 1 of the template T2 is changed from "Sample5.bmp" to "User2.bmp" (step S39). FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a template T2 whose editing description has been changed. Then, when the description of the template T2 is changed in this way, a composite image SG2 'is generated according to the changed edit description (step S40). Here, when the user image represented by the user image data S2 is the one shown in FIG. 26, the composite image SG2 'obtained in the process of step S40 is the area A1 as shown in FIG.
Is replaced with the user image S2. The composite image data representing the composite image SG2 'thus created is transferred to the user terminal 10 again and displayed on the monitor 6 (step S41).

Then, it is determined whether or not the image replacement has been completed for all the regions (step S42). If the result of step S42 is affirmative, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when step S42 is denied, step S3
8, the processing from step S38 to step S42 is repeated. Here, in the second embodiment, the region A2
Is not completed, the user again selects an area for inserting the user image on the composite image SG2 'displayed on the monitor 6 (step S3).
8). Here, the lower area A2 in the composite image SG2 'shown in FIG. 24 is selected, and the user further sends image data S3 (file name "User3.bmp") representing the user image to be inserted into this area A2 to the lab server 11. Transfer (step S39). At this time, an instruction to change the insertion image in the area A2 to “User3.bmp” is also transmitted. The synthesizing unit 5 receives the input of the user image data S3, and changes the description of the file name of the inserted image in the image insertion instruction 2 of the template T2 from "Sample6.bmp" to "User3.bmp" (step S39). FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the template T2 whose editing description has been changed. Then, when the description of the template T2 is changed in this way, a composite image G2 is generated according to the changed edit description (step S40). Here, when the user image S3 represented by the user image data S3 is the one shown in FIG. 29, the composite image G2 obtained in the process of step S40 is
As shown in FIG. 0, the image of the area A2 in addition to the area A1 is replaced with the user image. The composite image data G2 representing the composite image G2 created in this way is transferred to the user terminal 10 again and displayed on the monitor 6 (step S41).

As a result, the replacement of the images in all the areas is completed, so that the result in step S42 is affirmative, and the processing is completed.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
When inserting multiple user images into the template, the insertion area is specified according to the number of images to be inserted,
An image can be inserted for each insertion area, so that an image inserted in one insertion area does not protrude into another area.

In the second embodiment, the editing description of the template T2 may include an image processing command as in the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the white margin, reflection, and wave are specified as the image processing command. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other image processing is specified. be able to.

Further, in the first embodiment,
Although only one image insertion command is described, a plurality of image insertion commands can be described as in the second embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, the file name of the α channel data stored in the α channel storage means 3 is specified in the description of the insertion area in the image insertion command. T
The α-channel data may be added to the template T itself, and the description of the insertion region may specify the α-channel data added to the template T itself. Further, the description of the insertion area may be such that link information such as an address of a database storing the α channel data is specified.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, in the description for specifying the basic image, the image serving as the background of the template is specified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A composite image processed based on the image may be designated as a basic image. in this case,
If the composite image is obtained based on a plurality of editing descriptions, a composite image that has been processed only up to an intermediate stage may be designated as a basic image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image composition system to which an image composition device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a view showing editing description contents of a template according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic image according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a sample image according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an insertion area according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing area in an image processing instruction 1;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing area in an image processing instruction 2;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing area in an image processing instruction 3;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a thumbnail image displayed on a monitor.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a sample composite image generation process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a sample composite image.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a template whose editing description has been changed;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a user image according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a composite image according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view showing editing description contents of a template in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a basic image according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a sample image according to the second embodiment (part 1).

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an insertion area according to the second embodiment (part 1);

FIG. 20 is a view showing a sample image according to the second embodiment (part 2);

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an insertion region according to the second embodiment (part 2);

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed in the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a sample composite image generation process.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a sample composite image according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a template whose editing description has been changed;

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a user image according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a state where a user image is inserted into an area A1.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a template whose editing description has been changed;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a user image according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state where a user image is inserted in an area A2.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional template.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 template storage means 2 basic image storage means 3 α channel storage means 4 sample image storage means 5 synthesis means 6 monitor 7 input means 10 user terminal 11 lab server 12 network

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An editing description specifying a basic image, and an editing description specifying a plurality of insertion areas in the basic image and specifying a plurality of insertion images to be inserted into the insertion area for each of the insertion areas. A computer-readable recording medium on which template data representing a template is stored. 2. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the template further includes an edit description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the inserted image. 3. An edit description for designating a basic image, an edit description for designating at least one insertion region in the basic image, and designating at least one insertion image to be inserted into the insertion region for each insertion region. And a computer-readable recording medium storing template data representing a template including an editing description for designating image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the inserted image. 4. An editing description specifying a basic image, and an editing description specifying a plurality of insertion areas in the basic image and specifying a plurality of insertion images to be inserted into the insertion area for each of the insertion areas. An image composition method for generating a composite image in which the insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data representing a template including the plurality of insertion images based on an edit description that specifies the plurality of insertion images. Receiving the designation of, and inserting the plurality of insertion images into the plurality of insertion regions in the basic image based on the editing description specifying the basic image and the editing description specifying the plurality of insertion regions, An image synthesizing method characterized by generating an image. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the template further includes an editing description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the insertion image. The image combining method according to claim 4, wherein image processing is performed on the basic image and / or the inserted image to obtain the composite image. 6. An edit description for designating a basic image, an edit description for designating at least one insertion region in the basic image, and designating at least one insertion image to be inserted into the insertion region for each insertion region. Image synthesis for generating a composite image in which the insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data representing a template including an editing description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the insertion image A method, based on an edit description that specifies the insert image, accepts the specification of the insert image, and based on the edit description that specifies the basic image and the edit description that specifies the insert region, Inserting in the insertion area of the basic image, the basic image and / or Serial applies image processing to the insertion image, image synthesizing method characterized by obtaining the composite image. 7. An edit description specifying a basic image, and an edit description specifying a plurality of insertion areas in the basic image and specifying a plurality of insertion images to be inserted into the insertion area for each of the insertion areas. An image synthesizing apparatus that generates a composite image obtained by inserting the insertion image into the basic image based on template data representing a template including the plurality of insertion images based on an editing description that specifies the plurality of insertion images. Means for accepting the designation of, and, based on the edit description specifying the basic image and the edit description specifying the plurality of insertion regions, inserting the plurality of insertion images into the plurality of insertion regions in the basic image, An image synthesizing device, comprising: synthesizing means for generating the synthetic image. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the template further includes an editing description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the inserted image. The image synthesizing device according to claim 7, wherein the image synthesizing device is means for performing image processing on the basic image and / or the inserted image based on the description to obtain the synthesized image. 9. An edit description for designating a basic image, and an edit description for designating at least one insertion region in the basic image and designating at least one insertion image to be inserted into the insertion region for each of the insertion regions. And an image for generating a composite image in which the insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data representing a template including an editing description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the insertion image A synthesizing device, a unit that receives designation of the insertion image based on the editing description that specifies the insertion image, and that based on an editing description that specifies the basic image and the editing description that specifies the insertion region, An insertion image is inserted into the insertion area of the basic image, and the base image is edited based on an edit description that specifies the image processing content. Performs image processing on the image and / or the insertion image, the image synthesizing apparatus characterized by comprising a synthesizing means for obtaining the composite image. 10. An editing description specifying a basic image, and an editing description specifying a plurality of insertion areas in the basic image and specifying a plurality of insertion images to be inserted into the insertion area for each of the insertion areas. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute an image composition method for generating a composite image in which the insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data representing a template including the program. Receiving a designation of the plurality of insertion images based on the editing description designating the plurality of insertion images; and, based on an editing description designating the base image and the editing description designating the plurality of insertion regions. Generating the composite image by inserting the plurality of insertion images into the plurality of insertion regions in the basic image A computer-readable recording medium comprising: 11. The template further includes an editing description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the insertion image, and based on the editing description for specifying the image processing content. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 10, further comprising a step of performing image processing on the basic image and / or the inserted image to obtain the composite image. 12. An edit description for designating a basic image, an edit description for designating at least one insertion region in the basic image, and designating at least one insertion image to be inserted into the insertion region for each insertion region. Image synthesis for generating a composite image in which the insertion image is inserted into the basic image based on template data representing a template including an editing description for specifying image processing content to be applied to the basic image and / or the insertion image A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute the method, wherein the program accepts designation of the insertion image based on an editing description designating the insertion image; Based on the edit description specifying the image and the edit description specifying the insertion area, And performing an image process on the basic image and / or the inserted image based on an editing description specifying the image processing content to obtain the composite image. And a computer-readable recording medium.