JP2006221494A - Image edition device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image edition device capable of protecting personal security information (privacy information), adding information for an individual, and carrying out display with a layout suitable for each user. <P>SOLUTION: This image edition device laying out a plurality of images for a plurality of pages is provided with a means laying out image data (a static image, an animation, a text, voice, and the like) inside a personal computer over a plurality of pages, a means adding access rights varying among individual users to the laid image data respectively, a means performing user authentication, a means automatically changing a layout for improving appearance of an image according to each of authorized users and displaying the image, and a means displaying attached information for an individual added to the selected image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image editing apparatus such as an electronic album system for laying out digital images such as photographs and characters in a desired format.

  Recently, digital cameras are widely used as image input devices for computers. These digital cameras are expected to further increase their market share and increase their usage rate in ordinary households. As software related to the use of digital cameras at home, it can be inferred that there are the most usages instead of conventional albums in which images taken with digital cameras are viewed on a personal computer. Here, this “system for laying out and browsing image data such as snapshots on a personal computer” is called an electronic album.

  Compared to the conventional general-purpose image database system, the electronic album is different from the conventional paper-based album in that images are pasted (laid out). These electronic albums are expected to be increasingly commercialized by each company. As a system that has already been commercialized, there is a system in which a child's growth record is edited with photographs and voices to make a CD-ROM and viewed on a personal computer. As the hardware advances in the future, the price per photo is expected to become even lower, so the market for these electronic albums is expected to expand further.

  However, most of such conventional electronic albums have been created for arbitrary users, and have not been configured so that a plurality of users can view them simultaneously. In addition, there were few systems that were considered for each user in terms of security.

  Until now, as a method for showing a plurality of users snapshot images taken at weddings, various parties, etc., 1) a method of taking data into a personal computer and attaching it to an e-mail and sending it to each user has been adopted. Also, 2) techniques such as posting photos on the homepage were taken. In addition, 3) I asked a specialist to create an electronic album and recorded it on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM for distribution. Further, in order to protect personal privacy, 4) a technique has been adopted in which mosaic processing is performed on an image that cannot be seen by others and the mosaic is canceled by inputting a password.

JP-A-6-348808

  However, in the above-described system, the method 1) cannot send a large amount of data because of the capacity of image data. In addition, since the method 2) can be viewed by anyone, there is a problem that personal privacy is lost. In addition, the method of requesting a specialized contractor in 3) has the problem that the cost is too high, the problem that it is difficult to create the album as intended, and the problem that additional changes cannot be made. . Further, the method 4) has a problem that it does not support security information for each user.

  The present invention has been conceived to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, can protect personal security information (privacy information), and can add personal information. An object of the present invention is to provide an image editing apparatus capable of layout display adapted to the user.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image editing apparatus according to the present invention is an image editing apparatus that lays out a plurality of images over a plurality of pages, and includes image data (still images, moving images, texts, sounds, etc.) in a personal computer. ) For a plurality of pages, a means for adding different access authority to each laid out image data for each user, a means for user authentication, and an image according to each authenticated user It is characterized in that it has means for automatically changing the layout and displaying it, and means for displaying personal information attached to the selected image.

According to the image editing apparatus of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In this system, only the user who has registered as a user in advance can download the electronic album placed on the server, so that the security of the electronic album can be maintained.
(2) Since the layout is changed at the time of downloading due to the difference in the access rights of the user, the image editing side provides a layout that is specific to the individual viewer without having to edit differently for each user. it can. As a result, there is an effect that the trouble of re-editing for each user or selecting and sending an image can be saved greatly.
(3) Even if a photo that is not desired to be shown to a specific user is excluded from the layout, the layout pattern is automatically changed and displayed again with a layout that does not give a sense of incongruity.
(4) Since the user's favorite photograph or the like can be laid out by a simple method using a layout pattern prepared in advance, the burden on the editing side is reduced.
(5) Since an album can be created by an individual person without requesting an outside contractor, it is possible to obtain handmade fun and there is no cost.
(6) For each user on the browsing side, since only oneself can see a big picture of himself / herself, privacy can be protected.
(7) There are effects such as doubling of joy because voice messages, images, text messages, etc. are attached.
(8) If you want to deliver information only to a specific user, you can attach the address and map of the new house, an invitation to the new house, etc. to the photo of the new house. .
(9) Layout information at the time of downloading and layout change and attached information are added based on the access right, so that dynamic information can be provided. Thereby, the latest album and information can always be provided.
(10) Since the thumbnail image is pasted, the download time and image display time can be shortened, and high-speed processing is possible even when the number of pages increases.

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

  In the present embodiment, a system for allowing a plurality of users to browse an electronic album in which image data is laid out in a desired format on a computer will be described as an example. Hereinafter, a description will be given by defining an album creator on the server as an album creator and a user viewing an created album as a user.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the apparatus configuration of an image editing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a recording unit, which uses a storage device such as a memory for storing data such as programs necessary for various processes. An image storage unit 102 stores image data such as a still image, a moving image, and text, and various storage devices such as a hard disk, MO, ZIP, and PD can be used. Reference numeral 103 denotes a thumbnail accumulation unit, which is a storage device such as a hard disk, MO, ZIP, or PD for storing a reduced image (hereinafter, a thumbnail) obtained by reducing image data at an arbitrary reduction ratio.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an attached information storage unit, which is a storage device such as a hard disk, MO, ZIP, or PD for storing information composed of text, moving images, and still images attached to images. An operation instruction input unit 105 is used to input characters and numbers using a keyboard and to select commands and images using a pointing device such as a mouse.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes a display unit for displaying various windows of a graphical user interface (hereinafter abbreviated as GUI) of this system, an electronic album, and the like, and a monitor screen such as a CRT can be used. Reference numeral 110 denotes a control unit that controls the entire control including the control of all the components of the present embodiment. By reading and executing a processing program stored in advance in the recording unit 101, each process and the entire system as described later is performed. Perform motion control.

  An authentication unit 111 is a mechanism for authenticating the access authority of the user registered in the system. An access right setting unit 112 is a mechanism for setting a user's access right for each image. Reference numeral 113 denotes an access right verification unit, which is a mechanism for reading the access right set in 112. Reference numeral 114 denotes a thumbnail creation unit, which is a mechanism for creating thumbnails of respective images. Reference numeral 115 denotes a mechanism for performing an initial layout, in which a basic album layout before each user browses is created.

  Reference numeral 116 denotes a layout changing unit, which is a mechanism for changing the layout based on each user's access right when browsing. Reference numeral 117 denotes an attached information extraction unit, which is a mechanism for extracting attached information according to the access right when an image on the album is selected by the user. The embodiment of this system is constructed on a network system and basically includes a server and a client.

  In the present embodiment, for example, a thumbnail image is created from an arbitrary image on a server, and the thumbnail image is laid out (pasted) on an album. On the client side, the thumbnail image and attached information, and the layout information thereof are displayed. Assuming that the album is downloaded together with the user management table and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a graphical user interface (hereinafter abbreviated as GUI) for performing album layout editing in the server of the image editing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 201 in FIG. 2 denotes an operation menu portion, which provides buttons for selecting creation of a new album, setting of the number of images to be laid out on one page, printing, and file saving processing. 230 is an album image for laying out thumbnail images, and 202 is a character field for inputting an album name. Reference numeral 203 denotes a toolbar for selecting a page feed or layout template, and 220 is a screen for displaying image data.

Next, in the image editing apparatus of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, first, a processing procedure in which the album creator creates an album on the server side will be described based on the processing flow of FIG.
(Step S3101):
First, in step S3101, a user is registered in the system. The registered user can view the album. User information such as the user ID and password is stored in the user management table shown in FIG.
(Step S3102):
Here, layout editing is performed, and an arbitrary image is laid out on each page. The layout editing procedure will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
(Step S3201):
First, in step S3201, processing for selecting a page to be laid out is performed. This will be described in detail based on the GUI of FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 204 denotes an example of a toolbar for selecting an album page. When an arbitrary page is selected using this toolbar, the arbitrary page is displayed at 202 in FIG.
(Step S3202):
Here, a template used for layout is set. The type of template can be selected using a toolbar indicated by 203 in FIG. The template in this system is for displaying the position and size as a guide when laying out an image and adjusting the position accurately even when the image is arranged in the vicinity of the position. In the tool bar 203, for example, a template for laying out 6 to 1 images per page can be selected. 230 in FIG. 2 shows a state in which a type for laying out six images on one page is selected, and reference numerals 231 to 236 denote areas where images are pasted.
(Step S3203):
Here, an image to be laid out is selected. When “file” is selected from the menu 201 in FIG. 2 and a folder in which an arbitrary image is stored is selected, an image file stored in the folder selected in the area 220 is displayed as an icon. Reference numeral 221 denotes a selected folder, and 222 denotes an image file. Images are selected by clicking these image files with a mouse or the like.
(Step S3204):
Here, a process for laying out an image is performed. First, by dragging and dropping the image file selected in the above step onto the layout area 231 on the album image 230, the image can be pasted to the target area. At this time, the thumbnail creation unit 114 in FIG. 1 creates a thumbnail image of the selected image in accordance with the size of the area. The thumbnail image is an image for laying out on the album image, and is created by reducing the amount of data for quick display.

  Next, a specific method for creating a thumbnail image will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the thumbnail image size is determined from the size of the album image layout area. In FIG. 6, 601 is the x size (= xs) of the album image, and 602 is the y size (= ys). Reference numeral 603 denotes a thumbnail image area (where one side is ls), and reference numeral 604 denotes a gap (= rs) between thumbnail images. In order to obtain the size of the longer side of the thumbnail image from the layout pattern shown in FIG. 6, for example, if xs: 1s: rs = s1: s2: s3 and xs = n (pixels), ls = n * s2 / S1 (pixel).

Furthermore, since the size of one side of the shorter thumbnail image is the same as the aspect ratio of the original image, it can be obtained from this ratio. In accordance with this size, the original image data is reduced to create a thumbnail image. Further, the file name and size of the created thumbnail image file are stored in the layout information table of FIG.
(Step S3205):
Here, the album name is input from the 202 input field of FIG. For example, the user can give a desired name such as “Hanako to 10 years old” or “Marriage”. The input album name is stored in the out information table of FIG.
(Step S3206):
Here, it is checked whether to end the layout. If the layout is to be ended, the process is ended. If not, the process returns to S3201, another page is selected, and a series of processes is repeated.
(Step S3103):
Returning to the processing flow of FIG. 3A, attached information is added to each image laid out in the above steps. For example, when an image is right-clicked, a pull-down menu is displayed. From this menu, a folder storing attached information is opened, and an arbitrary file can be selected for addition. The added file is, for example, a text file or the like, and the file names of these files are stored in the layout information table of FIG. 5, and the files themselves are stored in the attached information storage unit of FIG.
(Step S3104):
Here, the access right is set. The access right is set by adding different access rights for each user to the images laid out in the above steps. A processing procedure for adding an access right will be described in detail based on an access right setting screen as shown in FIG.

  First, when an area where an image to which an access right is to be added is pasted is selected by, for example, double-clicking with a mouse or the like, an access right setting screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in the 220 portion of the GUI in FIG. .

  Reference numeral 701 in FIG. 7 denotes all registered user lists, from which an arbitrary user can be selected. Reference numeral 702 in FIG. 7 is a screen for setting the viewing right of the photo pasted in the selected area. A user having the visible or invisible right can be selected from the list 701 and added or deleted.

Further, reference numeral 703 in FIG. 7 is a screen for setting the viewing right of the attached information, which can be selected from the list 701 and added or deleted in the same manner as the viewing right of the photograph. In the setting of the photo viewing right, the (visible) right is set to be given to all users by default. In addition, in the setting of the viewing right of attached information, the (invisible) right is set by default. In the example of FIG. 7, FFF with user ID = F is set invisible. In addition, user ID = A, B, and C are set to be visible in the setting of attached information. In this way, the access right for each set image (area) is stored in the layout information table of FIG.
(Step S3105):
Here, it is determined whether or not the album creation is to be ended. If not, the process returns to the layout editing of S3102.

  Next, a processing procedure for downloading and browsing an album on the client side will be described based on a processing flowchart of FIG.

At the time of downloading, the 103 thumbnail storage unit in FIG. 1, the 104 attached information storage unit, the layout change unit 116, the attached information extraction unit 117, and the access right verification unit 113 are downloaded on the client side. A new layout is created on the PC.
(Step S3301):
First, here, a client (hereinafter referred to as a user) inputs his / her ID and password.
(Step S3302):
Here, it is checked whether the ID and password input by the user in the above step are registered in the user management table of FIG. If registered, the process returns to S3301.
(Step S3303):
If the ID and password are confirmed and determined to be correct, an album image is displayed and a page can be turned. Here, the user selects an arbitrary page. The following steps will explain the layout change and display processing procedure for each page selected by the user.
(Step S3304):
Here, the process of checking the viewing right of the photograph pasted for each area of the pattern according to the layout pattern of the page selected by the user is performed in the layout information table of FIG. For example, when there are six layout patterns, areas i (i = 1 to 6) are checked in order.
(Step S3305):
If the access right for the area i is visible, the process proceeds to the next step, and the photo flag for the area i is turned ON. The photo flag is set to OFF by default.
(Step S3306):
Next, it is checked whether the attached information is added to the photo in the area i.
(Step S3307):
If attached information is added, it is checked whether the user has the right to view using the layout information table.
(Step S3308):
If there is a viewing right, the attached information flag for area i is turned ON.
(Step S3309):
Do the same for the next area.
(Step S3310):
When the area i becomes 7 or more, it is considered that all the checks on the area in the same page have been completed, and the process proceeds to the next process. If it is 6 or less, the process returns to S3204, and a series of processing is repeated.
(Step S3311):
Here, the number of areas in which the photo flag is ON in the same page is calculated, and a process of changing the layout is performed. For example, when the number of layout patterns is 6, it can be changed to a pattern of N = 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 depending on the number N of which the photo flag is ON. FIG. 8 shows an example of each layout pattern. If the photo pasted in area 1 is a photo that the user does not have the right to browse, N = 5, and area 1 is erased and changed to a layout as shown in FIG.
(Step S3312):
Here, after changing the layout for each user and for each page in the above step, an area where the attached information flag is ON is extracted for each area of this new layout, and attached to the user at a predetermined position in this area. For example, text such as “Clik Me!” Is displayed so that the user can recognize that there is information. 1001 in FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which additional information that can be browsed by the user is added to area 2 and area 3, and 1002 is an enlarged view of the area 2. FIG.
(Step S3313):
Here, the page of the album whose layout has been changed is displayed on the client PC screen. When the user clicks “Clik Me!” In the area with a mouse or the like, the attached information added to the area is displayed in the sub-window. Reference numeral 1003 in FIG. 10 shows an example in which attached information is displayed.

It is a system configuration diagram of the present invention. It is GUI of this invention. It is a processing flow explaining the process sequence which produces the album of this invention. It is a processing flow explaining the procedure of the layout process of this invention. It is a processing flow explaining the process sequence which browses the album of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the user management table of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the layout information table of this invention. It is a figure explaining the method to produce the thumbnail image of this invention. It is an access right setting screen of the present invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the layout pattern of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which changes the layout of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method and display method of additional information of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Recording part 102 Image storage part 103 Thumbnail storage part 104 Attached information storage part 105 Operation instruction input part 106 Display part 110 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 111 Authentication part 112 Access right setting part 113 Access right verification part 114 Thumbnail creation part 115 Initial layout part 116 Layout change part 117 Attached information extraction part

Claims (10)

  An image editing apparatus that lays out a plurality of images over a plurality of pages, and means for laying out image data (still image, moving image, text, audio, etc.) in a personal computer over a plurality of pages, and the individual images laid out Means for adding different access rights to the data for each user, means for performing user authentication, means for automatically changing the layout of the image in accordance with each authenticated user and displaying it, and selecting the selected image An image editing apparatus comprising: means for displaying attached additional information for an individual.   2. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for laying out the image data creates thumbnails (reduced images) of the data and edits the thumbnails on a plurality of pages with a desired layout.   The image data is data including at least one of a still image, a moving image, text, and sound, and means for creating a reduced image of an image representing the data and data characteristics at an arbitrary reduction ratio The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The means for laying out the image data includes a determining step for determining a thumbnail type and a display position to be laid out on each page according to a user's access authority to each image data set in advance, and the determining step 2. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a layout step of automatically laying out thumbnails on each page in accordance with the determination in step (1).   The means for adding different authority to the image data for each user lays out thumbnail images using a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as GUI) for performing the operation of the present invention, and access authority to the laid out thumbnails. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for assigning each of the users.   2. The access authority includes an image visibility right that permits visible or invisible for each thumbnail image and an attached information visibility right that permits visible or invisible for attached information of these thumbnail images. The image editing apparatus described.   The user authentication means is performed in units of a set of a plurality of pages (hereinafter referred to as an electronic album), and is a means by which an authenticated user can view each page by checking with a pre-registered ID or password. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The means for displaying the attached information includes a determination step of determining the attached information according to the access authority of the user when the user selects an arbitrary image laid out with a mouse or the like, and a determination in the determination step. 2. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attached information is displayed in a subwindow in response.   The display means includes a verification step for verifying access rights of the authenticated individual users, a determination step for determining whether or not thumbnails can be browsed according to the verification in the verification step, and a determination in the determination step, respectively. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thumbnails are changed in layout and displayed.   An image editing apparatus including a server apparatus and a client apparatus, wherein the client apparatus includes means for displaying a document managed by the server apparatus with an icon corresponding to a security level of the client. The image editing apparatus according to 1.

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