JP2006217221A - System and program for creating electronic album, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic album creation system capable of shortening processing time for deriving a motion vector for creating a transition image. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic album creation system for displaying a plurality of images on a screen in a prescribed album form comprises a transition setting means 12 for setting transition effect inserted when a first image is changed to a second one, a transition image creation means 14 for generating a group of transition images inserted between the first and second images according to the type of the set transition, a vector deriving means 15 for deriving the motion vector of each transition image according to the type of set transition, and a moving image file creation means 17 for creating a moving image file for transition effect based on at least the first and second images and the motion vector. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic album creating system and a creating program for displaying a plurality of images on a screen in a predetermined album format, and a storage medium storing the same.

  The electronic album is to display a large number of images in a predetermined album format on a computer screen so that pictures can be viewed in the same manner as a normal photo album. Such an electronic album can be viewed on a website on the Internet, for example. In addition, a photo shop is provided as one of the services for customers. That is, in a photo shop, a frame image formed on a developed photographic film is read by a scanner and stored in a storage medium such as a CD-R in the form of digital image data and provided to a customer. In this case, an electronic album creating program is installed in the CD-R so that the image can be viewed as an electronic album rather than simply storing the image data.

  When viewing images with such an electronic album, for example, there is a viewing method in which an image (still image) is displayed and then switched to another image for display. In this case, an image switching method using a transition effect is known instead of simply switching images. By using transitions, it is possible to make the scene change more dramatic.

  When using the transition effect, at least two still images (first image and second image) to be switched are selected, and a predetermined number of transition effect images (transition images) are inserted between these two images. Is done. A moving image file is created from the first image, the second image, and the transition image, thereby making it possible to produce a motion due to the transition effect. Here, when MPEG is selected as the moving image file, the moving image file is created in the following form.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, when the first image 101 and the second image 102 are selected and the type of transition is selected, transition images 103a, 103b,... Inserted between them are generated. Here, the first and second images 101 and 102 can be composed of normal still image files, but the transition image 103 should be defined based on difference data and motion vectors for images located before and after. Can do. This is to reduce the data amount of the moving image file. This point will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, consider the previous image 110 and the current image 111 that move back and forth in time. Assume that the current image 111 is later in time. Here, the motion vector is detected by comparing the image 111 and the image 110. The motion vector is a vector indicating where a portion similar to the image portion in the current image exists in the previous image. When the motion vector is derived, it is possible to predict the image 112 in which motion compensation has been performed on the image 110. Difference data between the predicted image 112 and the current image 111 is extracted as a prediction error 113. This prediction error is encoded and recorded. Thus, since the transition image is recorded based on the motion vector and the difference data, it can contribute to a significant reduction in the data amount (for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Although it is necessary to derive a motion vector as described above, for example, a full search method is generally used. This is a method of searching for the most similar block by dividing the current image into blocks of a predetermined unit and scanning this block image with respect to the previous image over the entire area. However, such a search for a motion vector has a problem that the processing time is long and the efficiency is low.
JP-A-11-168730

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its problem is to provide an electronic album creation system capable of shortening the processing time for deriving a motion vector for creating a transition image. is there.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic album creating system according to the present invention includes:
In an electronic album creation system for displaying multiple images on a screen in a predetermined album format,
Transition setting means for setting a transition effect to be inserted when switching between the first image and the second image;
A transition image creating means for generating a transition image group to be inserted between the first image and the second image according to the type of the set transition;
A vector deriving unit for deriving a motion vector of each transition image according to the set transition type,
At least a first image, a second image, and a moving image file creating means for creating a moving image file for a transition effect based on a motion vector are provided.

  The operation and effect of the electronic album creating system with this configuration will be described. In this electronic album, a plurality of images can be displayed in a predetermined album format. As an example, a transition effect can be inserted when the image is switched from the first image to the second image. A number of techniques are known for transitions, such as scrolling, wiping, and fading. Among various transitions, the type of transition effect to be inserted can be set. A transition image group to be inserted is generated according to the set type of transition. Here, if the type of transition is determined, it is possible to determine in advance how to generate the transition image by changing the first image and the second image. That is, since the change mode such as the movement amount of the first image and the second image is determined in advance, the motion vector can be easily calculated according to the type of transition. For example, in the case of scrolling, since the moving direction of the image is determined in advance, a motion vector can be derived by a simple calculation without using the full search method. In this manner, a motion vector is derived according to the set transition type, and a moving image file having a transition effect can be created based on this and the first and second images. As a result, it is possible to provide an electronic album creation system that can shorten the processing time for deriving a motion vector for creating a transition image.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic album creating program according to the present invention includes:
In an electronic album creation program for displaying multiple images on the screen in a predetermined album format,
When a transition effect to be inserted at the time of switching between the first image and the second image is set, a transition image group to be inserted between the first image and the second image is generated according to the set transition type. Processing to
A process for deriving a motion vector of each transition image according to the set transition type,
At least the first image, the second image, and a process for creating a moving image file for a transition effect based on a motion vector are executed by a computer.

  The operation and effect of such a program is as described above.

  A preferred embodiment of a photo processing system to which an electronic album creating system according to the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a photographic processing system.

  The film scanner 1 reads the frame image formed in the developed system and acquires image data converted into digital data. The image storage unit 2 stores image data acquired by the film scanner 1. The media image acquisition unit 3 acquires image data stored in a storage medium used for a digital camera or the like. The acquired image data is also stored in the image storage unit 2.

  The image processing unit 4 has a function of performing image processing on image data. Examples of the contents of the image processing include color / density correction, backlight correction, red-eye correction, trimming, and image size enlargement / reduction processing. The image transfer unit 5 transfers the image data image-processed by the image processing unit 4 to the photo print creation device 6 and / or the image data writing device 7. The photographic print creating apparatus 6 includes an exposure engine, and prints and exposes an image by performing scanning exposure on the emulsion surface of the photographic photosensitive material. Further, the image data can also be transferred to the image data writing device 7, and the image data can be written to a storage medium such as a CD-R or a DVD-RAM. When the image data is written in the storage medium, the electronic album creation program 8 is also installed in the storage medium. The storage medium is provided to the customer with the electronic album creation program 8 installed.

<Functions of electronic album creation program>
Next, functions of the electronic album creation program will be described. The electronic album provides a pseudo-album on a computer screen so that pictures can be viewed in the same way as a conventional album. A predetermined number (one or a plurality of predetermined images) of images can be displayed on the screen in a predetermined album format.

  For example, when only one image is displayed on the screen, a display mode in which the images are sequentially switched and displayed is known. In this case, a switching method using a transition effect is known instead of simply switching a still image. By using the transition effect, it is possible to make the scene change more dramatic. A specific example of the transition will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the front image G1 and the rear image G2 are selected, a transition image T for realizing a transition effect is inserted between them. Although only three transition images T are shown in FIG. 2, this number can be arbitrarily set. In addition, the switching time from the previous image G1 to the rear image G2 can be arbitrarily set. Thereby, it changes in order of front image G1-> transition image (1) (2) (3)-> back image G2, and can produce a transition effect. In order to produce this transition effect, it is necessary to create a moving image file with the preceding and following images and the transition image inserted between them. MPEG can be used as the moving image file.

  When a moving image file is configured by MPEG, it is necessary to search for a motion vector as already described with reference to FIGS. The basic images G1 and G2 before and after are stored in the still image format, but the transition image to be inserted is stored as a motion vector and difference data in order to compress the data amount. In order to search for a motion vector, the full search method is generally used, and the processing time becomes long. Unlike a general moving image, in the case of a transition, the motion of an image is also determined in advance, and some transitions have only a simple motion. In such a case, it is extremely inefficient to always search for a motion vector using the full search method. Therefore, the present invention is configured to derive the motion vector more easily in accordance with the type of transition.

  In FIG. 3, the image data storage unit 10 stores a large number of image data in a predetermined still image file format. For example, JPEG or GIFF. The transition data storage unit 11 stores a large number of transition data. As transitions, various modes are known, and examples thereof include scroll, wipe, fade, blind, split, and so on.

  The transition setting means 12 can set (select) the type of transition to be used. There may be one transition used in the same moving image file, or a plurality of types. The image data setting means 13 can set the selection of images when producing a transition effect, the order of images to be displayed, and the like. The type of transition can be set for each image. Further, when setting is performed by the transition setting means 12, it is possible to set the time for switching images, the number of transition images, and the like.

  The transition image creating means 14 can generate a transition image to be inserted between them based on the set transition type and the selected image. The vector deriving unit 15 has a function of deriving a motion vector based on the set transition type. FIG. 2A shows a case where scrolling is selected. In scrolling, it is known in advance that the image moves sideways. If the time for switching between the previous and next images G1 and G2 and the number of transition images to be inserted are determined, a motion vector is derived according to the setting contents. be able to. Therefore, the process of searching for a motion vector can be omitted. FIG. 2B is a wipe, but since the image itself has no motion, the motion vector is always zero. Therefore, it is not necessary to search for a motion vector. That is, the transition image can be saved with only the difference data. FIG. 2 (c) is a fade, but again there is no motion in the image itself and the motion vector is always zero. Therefore, it is not necessary to search for a motion vector. Thus, the motion vector can be easily derived or the search can be omitted according to the content of the transition. Therefore, the processing time for deriving the motion vector can be greatly shortened.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the difference data calculation means 16 has a function of calculating difference data between a predicted image and an actual image based on a motion vector. A transition image is defined by the difference data and the motion vector. The moving image file creating means 17 creates a moving image file based on the preceding and following still images, the difference data that defines the transition image, and the motion vector. The created moving image file is stored in the moving image file storage unit 18.

  The album display control unit 19 displays an image on the screen of the monitor 20. The album format for image display is set by the album format setting unit 21. By opening a moving image file, it is possible to view an image together with a transition effect in a predetermined album format.

<Another embodiment>
In the present embodiment, it has been described that a moving image file is created based on two images, but the number of images can be set as appropriate. In this case, a basic image (stored in the image data storage unit 10) corresponds to an I picture, and a transition image is a B picture or a P picture. That is, the number of I pictures can be selected as appropriate.

  Although the first image and the second image shown in the present embodiment have been described taking still images as examples, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, even if the target is moving image data that is widely reproduced in an electronic album, the transition from the final image of the moving image data to the first image, or from the second image to the foremost image of the moving image data. This can also be applied to other transitions. Also in this case, as described above, the effect of shortening the derivation of the motion vector in terms of time is increased.

  The electronic album creation program is provided in a form stored in a storage medium provided to a customer at a photo shop, but the type of the storage medium is not limited to a specific type. The transition type may be set in advance by the operator of the photo shop, or the customer who receives the storage medium can arbitrarily set it by using his / her personal computer at home, for example. May be. Of course, the customer may arbitrarily change the settings set at the photo shop.

  The electronic album creation program may be provided on a website on the Internet instead of being provided via a storage medium. For example, an electronic album creation program may be stored on the server so that the customer can browse the electronic album by accessing a website. This program may be configured so that customers can download it to their personal computer.

Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the photo processing system Diagram showing a specific example of a transition Functional block diagram explaining the functions of the electronic album creation program Conceptual diagram showing the relationship between still images and transition images Conceptual diagram showing processing when creating a moving image file in MPEG

Explanation of symbols

8 Electronic Album Creation Program 10 Image Data Storage Unit 11 Transition Data Storage Unit 12 Transition Setting Means ”
13 Image data setting means 14 Transition image creating means 15 Vector deriving means 16 Difference data calculating means 17 Movie file creating means 18 Movie file storage unit

Claims (3)

In an electronic album creation system for displaying multiple images on a screen in a predetermined album format,
Transition setting means for setting a transition effect to be inserted when switching between the first image and the second image;
A transition image creating means for generating a transition image group to be inserted between the first image and the second image according to the type of the set transition;
A vector deriving unit for deriving a motion vector of each transition image according to the set transition type,
An electronic album creating system comprising: a moving image file creating means for creating a moving image file for a transition effect based on at least a first image, a second image, and a motion vector. In an electronic album creation program for displaying multiple images on the screen in a predetermined album format,
When a transition effect to be inserted at the time of switching between the first image and the second image is set, a transition image group to be inserted between the first image and the second image is generated according to the set transition type. Processing to
A process for deriving a motion vector of each transition image according to the set transition type,
An electronic album creating program that causes a computer to execute at least a first image, a second image, and a process for creating a moving image file for a transition effect based on a motion vector. A storage medium storing the electronic album creation program according to claim 2.

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