JP2004056456A - Selection of frame image being compositing object - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for reducing load on user at the time of selecting a frame image. <P>SOLUTION: An image processor processes image data in accordance with an image file containing image data and image processing control information used for processing image data. The image processor is provided with a frame image selection part selecting a part of frame image data among a plurality of frame image data which are previously prepared for compositing them with image data in accordance with image processing control information and a frame image compositing part compositing at least one of selected frame image data with image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image combining technique for combining frame image data with image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Since image data generated by a digital still camera (DSC), a scanner, or another image input device is digital data, it is easy to superimpose and synthesize other images on a personal computer or a digital still camera. For example, a frame image such as an image representing a frame or an image representing an entrance or other event is combined with an image obtained by photographing. Usually, the user can select such a frame image to be synthesized from various frame images according to the image of the synthesis partner.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when selecting a compositing target from a plurality of frame images, the user's burden of selection tends to increase as the number of options increases. On the other hand, the probability that each frame image is selected varies greatly depending on the place and time of shooting. For example, when a photograph is taken at a specific tourist spot, there is a high probability that selection of a frame image related to the tourist spot is desired.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem in the related art, and has as its object to provide a technique for reducing a burden on a user when selecting a frame image.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image processing apparatus configured to convert image data according to an image file including image data and image processing control information used for processing the image data. An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on the image data, and selects, according to the image processing control information, some frame image data among a plurality of frame image data prepared in advance to be combined with the image data. An image selecting unit, and a frame image synthesizing unit that synthesizes at least one of the selected frame image data and the image data are provided.
[0006]
According to the image processing device of the present invention, a part of the plurality of frame image data is selected according to the image processing control information included in the image file. Can be reduced.
[0007]
It is preferable that the image processing apparatus further includes a frame image storage unit that stores the plurality of frame image data.
[0008]
In this case, there is an advantage that the selection processing and the synthesis processing can be performed quickly.
[0009]
In the image processing device, the frame image storage unit can store priority information indicating a priority of selection of the plurality of frame image data for at least a part of the plurality of frame image data. It is preferable that the frame image selecting unit further performs the selection according to the priority information.
[0010]
This makes it possible to finely select a frame image that is more likely to be selected by the user.
[0011]
In the above image processing device, the frame image storage unit has a database file in which attribute information of the plurality of frame image data is stored in a database, and the frame image selection unit searches the database file for the frame file. Preferably, a selection is made.
[0012]
By doing so, the time required for the selection processing of the frame image data can be further reduced.
[0013]
In the image processing device, the image processing control information may include geographic information indicating a geographical position at the time of shooting, and the frame image selecting unit may perform the selection according to at least the geographical information. Good and
The image processing control information may include time information indicating a time at the time of shooting, and the frame image selecting unit may perform the selection at least according to the time information.
[0014]
An image file writing device according to the present invention is a device for writing information to an image file including image data and image processing control information used for processing the image data, and the image file writing device according to any one of the image processing devices, An image file writing unit that writes information for specifying the specified frame image data into the image file as the image processing control information.
[0015]
According to the image file writing device of the present invention, the synthesized image data can be used without excessively increasing the use area of the image data in the recording area while leaving the image data before synthesis. Can be.
[0016]
A frame image providing apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus that provides frame image data to be combined with image data, and includes an image file including the image data and image processing control information used for processing the image data. An image processing control information receiving unit that receives the image processing control information read from the storage unit; and a part of the plurality of frame image data prepared in advance according to the received image processing control information. A frame image selecting unit for selecting data, and a frame image transmitting unit for transmitting at least one of the selected frame image data are provided.
[0017]
The present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, an image file generating apparatus, an image output apparatus, and an image processing method, a computer program for realizing the functions of the method or the apparatus, and a computer therefor The present invention can be realized in the form of a recording medium on which a program is recorded, a data signal including the computer program and embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Configuration of image processing system:
B. Structure of image file:
C. First embodiment:
D. Second embodiment:
E. FIG. Modification:
[0019]
A. Configuration of image processing system:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an image processing system 10 as one embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system 10 includes a digital still camera 12 as an input device that generates original image data, a personal computer PC as an image processing device that performs image processing on the original image data generated by the digital still camera 12, A color printer 20 as an output device for outputting the processed image.
[0020]
The digital still camera 12, the personal computer PC, and the color printer 20 can be mutually connected by a cable CV. When connected by the cable CV, the digital still camera 12 and the like can transmit and receive image files via the cable CV. Even when not connected by the cable CV, the digital still camera 12 and the like can exchange image files using the memory card MC.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the digital still camera 12 as an input device for generating image data. The digital still camera 12 is a camera that electrically records still images by forming an image on a charge-coupled device (CCD) through an optical lens.
[0022]
The digital still camera 12 includes a circuit group for generating image data, a circuit group for positioning, and a control circuit 124 for controlling these circuits. A circuit group for generating image data includes circuits such as an optical circuit 121, an image acquisition circuit 122, and an image processing circuit 123. The group of circuits for positioning includes a GPS circuit 128, a GPS antenna 129, and a mobile phone interface circuit 125. The digital still camera 12 further includes a selection / decision button 126 as a user interface, and a liquid crystal display 127 used as a preview of a captured image and a user interface.
[0023]
Each circuit for generating image data has the following functions. The optical circuit 121 converts an optical signal into an electric signal using a CCD. The image acquisition circuit 122 acquires an image by controlling the optical circuit 121 and generates image data. The image processing circuit 123 performs processing of the image data generated as described above.
[0024]
Each circuit for positioning has the following functions. A GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) antenna 129 receives radio waves from GPS satellites. The GPS circuit 128 obtains position information indicating the geographical position of the digital still camera 12 by analyzing this radio wave. In recent years, since the capability of the GPS positioning system has been improved, it is possible to acquire position information with an accuracy of several meters, for example, even in a room in the center away from the window of an office building.
[0025]
The mobile phone interface circuit 125 inputs the position information obtained by the mobile phone to the GPS circuit. Acquisition of location information by a mobile phone is performed by using radio waves of a base station, so that location information can be acquired even in a place where reception of GPS radio waves is extremely difficult, such as an underground mall. As such a positioning method, for example, there is a method called gpsOne (trademark) of Qualcomm Corporation.
[0026]
The photographing process (acquisition process of image data) by the digital still camera 12 includes (1) updating of GPS data, (2) setting of a photographing mode by a user, (3) photographing (inputting of image data), and (4) image processing. , (5) recording of image files.
[0027]
The update of the GPS data is performed using a user interface such as the liquid crystal display 127 and the selection / decision button 126. When the user instructs the update, the GPS circuit 128 is activated, and the position information is generated according to the radio wave from the GPS satellite. When the position information is generated, this information is stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory included in the image acquisition circuit 122, and “GPS_OK” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 127.
[0028]
As described above, updating the position information in response to an instruction from the user saves the power consumed for acquiring the position information and reduces the power consumption of the battery included in the digital still camera 12. That's why. However, it is more preferable to provide a mode for constantly updating the position information. This is because such an operation may be desired.
[0029]
When the mobile phone PP is connected to the digital still camera 12, position information is further generated using information from the mobile phone PP. However, when the radio wave from the GPS satellite is not received, the position information is generated using only the information from the mobile phone PP.
[0030]
The imaging is performed by the user pressing the shutter after the acquisition of the position information and the setting of the imaging mode. When the shutter is pressed, the image acquisition circuit 122 generates an original image by controlling the optical circuit 121 to convert the input light into an electric signal. When the original image data is generated, image processing for storage is performed on the image data.
[0031]
This image processing is a pre-processing for storing in the memory card MC. Generally, original image data is converted into a JPEG format suitable for storing a photographic image. After the conversion into the JPEG format, the shooting information PI is added to the converted image data to generate an image file.
[0032]
The shooting information PI is information indicating shooting conditions, and includes position information indicating a shooting position. This position information is information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the image acquisition circuit 122 as described above. The photographing process in the digital still camera 12 is completed by recording the image file on the memory card MC. The configuration of the image file will be described later.
[0033]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a computer PC and a color printer 20 as output devices for outputting image data. The computer PC includes a slot 22 from which an image file can be read from the memory card MC, and a print data generation circuit 23 for generating print data for causing the color printer 20 to perform printing.
[0034]
The print data generation circuit 23 includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) 231 that executes arithmetic processing for generating print data, a hard disk 232 that stores a program executed by the CPU 231, an arithmetic processing result of the CPU 231, and other data. And a random access memory (RAM) 233 for temporarily storing programs and data. The print data generation circuit 23 also has a function of performing image processing performed prior to generation of print data. This image processing includes a process of synthesizing frame image data with image data.
[0035]
The hard disk 232 of the computer PC stores a plurality of frame image data to be combined with the image data, a database file in which data representing the attributes of each frame image data is stored in a database, and the image data and the selected frame image data. Image processing software that can be combined is stored.
[0036]
The color printer 20 is a printer that can output a color image. The color printer 20 discharges four colors of ink, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) onto a print medium to form a dot pattern, thereby forming a print image. This is an inkjet printer to be formed.
[0037]
B. Image file structure:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the structure of the image file GF in the embodiment of the present invention. The image file GF has a file structure in accordance with the digital still camera image file format standard (Exif). This standard is defined by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA). This standard specifies that a JPEG-Exif file that stores JPEG data of a compression type as image data is included in an Exif file (an Exif standard file).
[0038]
The image file GF includes an SOI marker segment 101 indicating the head of the compressed data, an APP1 marker segment 102 storing Exif attached information, an APP2 marker segment 103 storing Exif extended data, and a DQT marker defining a quantization table. A segment 104, a DHT marker segment 105 that defines a Huffman table, a DRI marker segment 106 that defines an interval for inserting a restart marker, an SOF marker segment 107 indicating various parameters related to a frame, and an SOS marker indicating various parameters related to scanning. It includes a segment 108, an EOI marker segment 109 indicating the end of the compressed data, and an image data storage area 110.
[0039]
The APP1 marker segment 102 stores an APP1 marker 1021, an Exif identification code 1022, a TIFF header and other attached information 1023, and a thumbnail image 1024. The attached information 1023 has a TIFF structure including a file header (TIFF header). In Exif-JPEG, 0th IFD for storing attached information related to compressed image data, and Exif specific information including shooting information PI. It includes an Exif IFD that stores additional information, a GPS Info IFD that stores GPS measurement information, and a first IFD that stores additional information related to thumbnail images. The GPS Info IFD is pointed by an offset from the TIFF header stored in the 0th IFD. In the GPS Info IFD, a tag is used to specify each piece of information, and each piece of information may be referred to by a tag name.
[0040]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the additional information stored in the GPS Info IFD of the image file GF. This additional information includes, in addition to position information (tag numbers: 1 to 4) indicating a geographical position such as latitude and longitude at the time of shooting, speed, shooting direction, and time at the time of shooting (Coordinated Universal Time: Coordinated Universal Time) Can also be included. Recording of the photographing information PI including these additional information is performed at the time of photographing by the digital still camera 12 as described above.
[0041]
C. First embodiment:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing in the computer PC. In step S110, the user starts the image processing software. When the image processing software is started, a start window W1 of the image processing software shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. In this window W1, thumbnail images of each image data stored in the memory card MC inserted in the slot 22 are displayed. The thumbnail image is displayed based on the thumbnail image data 1024 (FIG. 4) read from the image file GF.
[0042]
In step S120, the user selects an image to be processed on the window W1. This selection is made by clicking one of the displayed thumbnail images. When one of the thumbnail images is clicked, image data GD (FIG. 4) and shooting information PI are read from the image file GF of this image (step S130). When the reading is completed, a window W2 (FIG. 8) for displaying an image based on the image data GD appears. When the user selects “frame image composition” from the edit menu on the window W2, a search of the frame image database is performed according to the read shooting information PI (step S140).
[0043]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the frame image database file and the contents of the shooting information PI. FIG. 9A shows the contents of a frame image database file stored on the hard disk 232 of the personal computer PC. FIG. 9B shows the contents of the GPS attribute information included in the shooting information PI read from the selected image file. This database file has, as database items, the content of the image, the storage location of the image, the latitude, and the longitude.
[0044]
In the image content item, text information that easily represents the content of each image is stored for each image, and in the storage location item, the directory and image file name of each image are stored, and in the latitude item, Indicates the minimum and maximum values of latitude and the item of longitude stores the minimum and maximum values of longitude for each frame image.
[0045]
The search of the frame image database is performed as follows according to the GPS attribute information based on this database file. The GPS attribute information is information stored in the GPS Info IFD (FIG. 5). The GPS attribute information is stored in the GPS Info IFD in GPSLatitudeRef (tag number: 1), GPSLatitude (tag number: 2), GPSLongitudeRef (tag number: 3), and GPSLongitude (tag number: 4). .
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 9B, in this example, GPSLattitudeRef and GPSLattitude in the read data are “N” and “12 degrees 50 minutes 21 seconds”, respectively, and GPSLongitudeRef and GPSLongitude are respectively “ E "and" 144 degrees 30 minutes 48 seconds ". The CPU 231 searches the database file for records in which these data are between the minimum and maximum values of latitude and between the minimum and maximum values of longitude. As a result of this search, records with record numbers 1 to 8 are extracted, and the contents of the “storage position item” are output for each record.
[0047]
Using the output storage position information, the CPU 231 reads the frame image data having the smallest record number and the second smallest record number, and displays it on the window W3 (FIG. 10). On the window W3, two frame images FRM1 and FRM2 are displayed. On the window W3, for example, by clicking a tab TAB indicated as "candidate 2", a frame image having the third and fourth smallest record numbers can be displayed. When the user clicks on the tab labeled "Other", a user interface screen (not shown) appears, and another frame image that has not been searched can be selected.
[0048]
When the user selects the frame image FRM2 on the window W3, for example, the image acquired by the photographing and the frame image FRM2 are combined by the CPU 231 and the combined image is displayed on the window W4 (FIG. 11). If the user decides to select a frame image in response to this display, the user selects "Save" from the file menu. In response, the synthesized image is stored at a predetermined location in hard disk 232.
[0049]
As described above, in the first embodiment, a frame image is selected from a plurality of frame images stored in the computer PC according to the GPS attribute information included in each image file. Can be reduced.
[0050]
The CPU 231 functions as a “frame image selecting unit and a frame image combining unit” in the claims. The shooting information PI is information included in the “image processing control information” in the claims. In this embodiment, the GPS attribute information corresponds to “position information” in the claims.
[0051]
D. Second embodiment:
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the frame image database file and the contents of the shooting information PI in the second embodiment. This database file differs from the database file in the second embodiment in that a priority item is added. The priority value stored in the priority item indicates the priority in selecting a frame image. FIG. 9B shows the contents of the GPS attribute information included in the shooting information PI.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 12B, in this example, GPSLattitudeRef and GPSLattitude are “N” and “13 degrees 42 minutes and 35 seconds”, respectively, and GPSLongitudeRef and GPSLongitude are respectively “ E "and" 144 degrees 26 minutes 12 seconds ". The CPU 231 searches for records with record numbers 1 to 6 according to the GPS attribute information in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and also stores information indicating the storage position and priority of each searched record. Output.
[0053]
The output priority is used as shown below. In the first embodiment, since the frame images are selected in ascending order of the record numbers, the frame images having the smallest record number and the second smallest number are displayed on the reading window W3 (FIG. 10). However, in the second embodiment, since the CPU 231 further selects the frame image using the information indicating the priority, the frame images having the record numbers 5 and 6 are first displayed on the window W3 (FIG. 10). Will be displayed. As a result, for a photo taken near “Lover's Point”, which is a sightseeing point in Guam, a frame image related to Lover's Point is selected prior to a frame image of Guam in general.
[0054]
As described above, in the second embodiment, since the frame images are selected using the information indicating the priority order that each frame image has as an attribute, the frame images that are more likely to be selected by the user are finely selected. There is an advantage that it becomes possible.
[0055]
Note that the priority in selecting a frame image may be determined using not only the item described in the item of the priority but also other items. For example, a usage count item that counts the number of times the user has used in the past may be added to the database item, and the priority of a frame image with a high usage count stored in this usage count item may be increased. In this case, the information stored in the item of priority and the number of times of use item corresponds to “priority information” in the claims.
[0056]
In addition, it is preferable that the information stored in the usage count item is uploaded to a server that supports the user, and the information stored in the usage count item stored from the server can be downloaded. This has the advantage that a popular frame image can be preferentially selected.
[0057]
Further, it is preferable that the digital still camera 12, the personal computer PC, and the printer 20 are configured to register a home position. For example, when living near a sightseeing spot, for an image shot near the home, a frame related to a child that is more likely to be shot near the home than a frame image related to the sightseeing spot This is because there is a high possibility that an image is desired.
[0058]
For example, the home position can be registered in the digital still camera 12, and when the image is taken within a predetermined range from the registered geographical position, information indicating that the shooting location is "home" is used as the shooting information PI. You may comprise so that it may be stored in an image file. Further, for example, the digital still camera 12 may be configured not to store the geographic information when the image is captured within a predetermined range.
[0059]
On the other hand, the home position can be registered in the personal computer PC or the printer 20, and if the image is taken within a predetermined range from the registered geographical position, it is determined that the shooting place is "home". You may.
[0060]
E. FIG. Modification:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, but can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the invention, and for example, the following modifications are possible.
[0061]
E-1. In each of the above embodiments, geographical information (positional information) representing a geographical position used for selecting a frame image is obtained by using radio waves from GPS satellites operated by the United States and radio waves from mobile phone base stations. Although it is generated, it may be generated using, for example, a GPS system (Galileo) to be developed in Europe. Generally, the geographic information used for selecting a frame image in the present invention may be any information that indicates an absolute position on the earth at the time of shooting.
[0062]
E-2. In each of the above embodiments, the frame image is selected according to the geographical position of the digital still camera itself at the time of shooting. May be. The position of the subject can be calculated, for example, from information indicating the position of the digital still camera and information indicating the direction of the digital still camera.
[0063]
Information indicating the direction of the digital still camera is stored in GPSImgDirectionRef (tag number: 16) and GPSImgDirection (tag number: 17) in the GPS Info IFD (FIG. 5). The “geographical position at the time of photographing” in the claims is a broad concept including not only the position of the digital still camera but also the position of the subject.
[0064]
E-3. In each of the above embodiments, the frame image is selected according to the geographic information. However, the frame image may be selected according to, for example, time information indicating the time at the time of shooting. Specifically, at the end of the year, a frame image related to Christmas or New Year may be selected regardless of the geographic information, or a combination of geographic information and time information at the time of shooting may be selected. May be. Generally, the selection of a frame image performed in the present invention may be performed in accordance with at least one of geographic information and time information.
[0065]
Here, “selecting a part of frame images among a plurality of frame images” is a concept including preventing some frame images of a plurality of frame images from being selected. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a frame image related to Christmas or New Year is not selected except for a certain period at the end of the year.
[0066]
It should be noted that the time information may be information provided from a GPS satellite or other external device of the digital still camera, or may be time measured by a clock built in the digital still camera. However, it is preferable to use the local time at the time of shooting in consideration of the time difference as the time used for selecting the frame image. The local time can be obtained from, for example, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) obtained from a GPS satellite and a time difference. In addition, it is preferable that a clock built in the digital still camera is configured to be corrected according to the local time.
[0067]
E-4. In each of the above embodiments, the frame image is selected according to the geographic information. However, the frame image may be selected using speed information and altitude information. For example, during a flight to the northern United States or Canada, a frame image that includes the phrase “flighting over Alaska” may be selected for an image captured from above Alaska. Further, a frame image including a phrase such as “Dawn of Alaska” may be preferentially selected by combining time information.
[0068]
Note that the speed information and the altitude information can be obtained by reading from GPSSpeedRef (tag number: 12) and GPSSpeed (tag number: 13) in the GPS Info IFD (FIG. 5) of the image file GF.
[0069]
Further, a frame image may be selected in accordance with not only data stored in the GPS Info IFD but also information indicating a shooting mode such as a portrait mode. Generally, the frame image selection unit used in the present invention is configured to select some of the plurality of frame images according to image processing control information used for processing image data. Anything is fine.
[0070]
E-5. In each of the above embodiments, the selection of a frame image is performed using a database file representing the attribute of each frame image. You may make it select. However, the method using the database file has an advantage that the time required for the selection process can be reduced.
[0071]
E-6. In each of the above embodiments, the image data obtained by combining the image data and the frame image data is stored after the user selects the frame image. For example, the image data is selected by the user as image processing control information. The information for specifying the frame image may be stored in the image file. This makes it possible to immediately use the synthesized image data without excessively increasing the use area of the image data in the recording area while leaving the image data before synthesis. The “frame image combining unit” in the claims may be any unit that combines image data and frame image data on a memory in order to confirm a combined image.
[0072]
E-7. In each of the above-described embodiments, the computer PC includes the frame image storage unit that stores a plurality of frame image data. (Not shown), frame image data may be obtained (for example, via the Internet). However, if the computer PC is provided with the frame image storage unit, there is an advantage that selection processing and synthesis processing can be performed quickly.
[0073]
The selection of the frame image may be performed by an external computer. This can be realized by the following processing.
(1) An image processing control information transmitting unit (not shown) of the computer PC transmits the image processing control information read from the image file to an external computer.
(2) The external computer selects some of the plurality of frame image data prepared in advance according to the information.
(3) The external computer transmits at least one of the selected frame image data to the computer PC.
[0074]
In this case, in the image processing apparatus, the image processing control information transmitting unit functions as a “frame image selecting unit” in the claims, and in the frame image providing device, the frame image selecting unit It corresponds to the “frame image selecting unit” in the claims.
[0075]
E-8. In the above embodiments, one frame image is combined with each image. However, for example, two or more frame images may be combined in a superimposed manner. In general, the frame image synthesizing unit used in the present invention only needs to be configured to synthesize at least one of the selected frame image data and the image data.
[0076]
E-9. In each of the above embodiments, the personal computer functions as the image processing apparatus. However, for example, a color printer may have the function of the image processing apparatus. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to color printing but also to monochrome printing.
[0077]
When some or all of the functions of the present invention are implemented by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. In the present invention, the "computer-readable recording medium" is not limited to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, but may be an internal storage device in a computer such as various RAMs or ROMs, a hard disk or the like. And an external storage device fixed to the computer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an image processing system as one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a digital still camera as an input device for generating image data.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a computer PC as an output device that outputs image data and a color printer.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of an image file GF in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of additional information stored in an Exif IFD of an image file GF.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image processing in the computer PC.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W1 when the image processing software is activated.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W2 of the image processing software.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a frame image database file and the contents of shooting information PI.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W3 of the image processing software.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a window W4 of the image processing software.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a frame image database file in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Image processing system
12 Digital still camera
20 ... Color printer
22 ... Slot
23 print data generation circuit
110 ... Image data storage area
121 ... Optical circuit
122 ... Image acquisition circuit
123 ... Image processing circuit
124 ... Control circuit
125 ... Mobile phone interface circuit
126 ... OK button
127 ... Liquid crystal display
128 ... GPS circuit
129 ... GPS antenna
231 ... CPU
232 ... Hard disk

Claims (11)

An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on the image data according to an image file including image data and image processing control information used for processing the image data,
In accordance with the image processing control information, a frame image selecting unit that selects a part of frame image data among a plurality of frame image data prepared in advance to synthesize the image data,
A frame image combining unit that combines at least one of the selected frame image data and the image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
An image processing device, comprising: a frame image storage unit that stores the plurality of frame image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The frame image storage unit has a database file in which the attribute information of the plurality of frame image data is stored in a database,
The image processing device, wherein the frame image selection unit performs the selection by searching the database file. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:
The frame image storage unit, it is possible to store priority information indicating the priority of the selection of the plurality of frame image data, for at least a part of the image of the plurality of frame image data,
The image processing device, wherein the frame image selection unit further performs the selection according to the priority information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The image processing control information includes geographic information indicating a geographical position at the time of shooting,
The image processing device, wherein the frame image selection unit performs the selection according to at least the geographic information. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein
The image processing control information includes time information indicating a time at the time of shooting,
The image processing device, wherein the frame image selection unit performs the selection according to at least the time information. An image file writing device that writes information to an image file including image data and image processing control information used for processing the image data,
An image processing device according to claim 1,
An image file writing unit that writes information for specifying the selected frame image data to the image file as the image processing control information,
An image file writing device comprising: A frame image providing apparatus that provides frame image data for combining with image data,
An image processing control information receiving unit that receives image processing control information read from an image file that includes the image data and image processing control information used for processing the image data,
In accordance with the received image processing control information, a frame image selection unit that selects some of the plurality of frame image data prepared in advance, frame image data,
A frame image transmitting unit that transmits at least one of the selected frame image data;
A frame image providing device, comprising: An image processing method for performing image processing on the image data according to an image file including image data and image processing control information used for processing the image data,
(A) selecting a part of frame image data among a plurality of frame image data to be combined with the image data according to the image processing control information;
(B) combining at least one of the selected frame image data and the image data;
An image processing method comprising: A computer program for causing a computer to perform image processing on the image data according to an image file including image data and image processing control information used for processing the image data,
(A) a function of selecting a part of frame image data among a plurality of frame image data to be combined with the image data according to the image processing control information;
(B) a function of combining at least one of the selected frame image data with the image data;
Computer program comprising a program for causing the computer to execute the following. A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to claim 10 is recorded.

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