JP2007004641A - System and computer program for generating photograph album - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve burden on a worker and to reduce a waiting time by achieving efficiency in the lay-out process of a photograph album. <P>SOLUTION: A series of processes in a photograph album editing work using a computer is divided into the processes for performing progress while receiving the input of data by a human and the processes for performing progress by linkage between a database, etc., and an image processing program without requiring the human input of the data. The process requiring the human input of the data is concentrated on an anterior or posterior part, so that the time for requiring the human to be tied down in the work with the computer is shortened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a business photo album creation system and a business photo album creation computer program used by a contractor who creates a photo album such as a bridal album or a graduation album to create data for photo album printing. is there.

Photo album creators can lay out effectively while editing photo data for each page or page spread on a computer based on photo data scanned from a print photo and converted to digital data, or taken from a digital camera. Then, data for printing the photo album is created. Conventionally, in order to efficiently lay out photo data for a photo album, the photo data is laid out using a template. Specifically, for each page or spread, one or more spaces for arranging photos in advance and a plurality of template data in which positions, sizes, and angles are determined are prepared. In this method, a suitable template is selected for each page or spread, and photo data is arranged in the space of the template. Examples of work steps for laying out photo data using a template are described in (1) to (8) below.
(1) A plurality of photo data to be used and a template to be used for arranging the photo data are selected from a photo data file and a template data file stored in advance in the computer, and the image editing tool is used to select the computer. Open the template form and photo image on the screen.
(2) An operator determines which photograph is to be placed in which of a plurality of photograph spaces provided on the template.
(3) A photographic image is arranged in a space on the screen by an operation on the computer.
(4) Since there is a difference in the aspect ratio and aspect ratio between the photographic image and the photographic space, the operator should consider how to trim the photographic image to be effective when it is placed in the space. A photographic image is cropped by operation, and resized based on pixels as a unit of the image as necessary.
(5) The above step (4) is repeated for all the spaces provided on the template.
(6) Perform color correction of photographic images, input of necessary characters, work necessary for management (input of page numbers, etc.), etc. This process can be performed in a separate process, but the overall work efficiency is the same regardless of where it is performed.
(7) Change the name for storage and store in a predetermined storage area. This step can be performed before step (1), but the overall work efficiency does not change either.
(8) Steps (1) to (7) are repeated for the number of pages of the album (one half of the pages when creating in double spread).

  In the conventional work process, work that must be judged by a worker (that is, a human) is incorporated in a part of a series of work. Therefore, time required for completing photo album data (usually 3 to 6 hours) ) During this time, workers are not released from computer work. Since the amount of data handled by image processing on a computer is enormous, in the steps (1), (3), (6), and (7), there is a considerable waiting time for the worker. Since the process that requires the operator's judgment later is refrained, the worker cannot wait for other work and must wait for the processing on the computer to finish until the next process. . This is a major factor that restrains the worker for a long time.

  The inventor of the present application searched for prior art related to photo album editing using the database of the patent electronic library provided on the JPO homepage when applying for this application. Many patent applications related to the creation of photo albums have been found, but almost no literature has been found that discloses means for improving the efficiency of editing album data. Among patent documents related to the creation of photo albums, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-66331 that provides an image management apparatus and management method that enables album-like editing work seems to be somewhat related to the present invention. Differences from the present invention will be described below in advance.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-66331, a photographic image read by a scanner or a digital camera is laid out as if it were pasted on a mount in accordance with a user instruction, and each mount is managed as one album (file). Several types of this mount are prepared as samples, and the data of this sample includes the shape and size of the mount, the number of photos, and the location of the photos. A number is set. That is, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-66331 and the present invention are common in that an original photographic image and a mount sample (corresponding to a template in the present application) are combined to create an album page or spread. In addition, since data is managed for each mount, the layout can be changed, the mount can be deleted or moved, and the background can be set or changed for each mount.

  By the way, the inventor of the present invention has pointed out as a problem in the above-described prior art that when a photographic image is arranged at a photographic arrangement position (corresponding to a space in the present application), it is matched with the arrangement position size. The image must be cropped and resized as needed based on the pixel that is the unit of the image, and there is a considerable waiting time for the worker for each operation, and the efficiency of the entire editing process is increased. It is an obstacle. However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-66331, there is a description (for example, paragraph number 0039) that allows an image to be cut out by image editing. Not disclosed. In that respect, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-66331 does not exceed the level of the prior art described in this specification.

JP-A-11-66331

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the efficiency of the photo album layout process and reduce the burden on the operator and the waiting time.

  The photo album creating system according to the present invention includes photo image data, template data in which a space for arranging one or a plurality of photo images is set for each page or spread of the photo album, and selection / cutout / correction of the image data. A photo album creating system for generating a photo album print data file using image editing processing means for executing image data editing processing, wherein photographic image data used for a photo album is converted into a photographic image Photo data storage means for assigning and storing a photo number to be identified for each data, and template data in which a space for arranging one or a plurality of photo images is set for each page or spread of the photo album is arranged for the photo image Photo layer for text, text layer for placing text, photo layer A template number that identifies each template as a template data consisting of multiple layers including image mask channels that store the position and size and angle of the pixel unit of the photographic image placed in the image file of the channel, and included in the template A template data storage means for assigning and storing an image number for identifying a space to be associated with the template, and a template number, an image number, and a vertical and horizontal pixel size and angle extracted from the template data storage means. Template space size data storage means to be stored in association with the image number, and to allow the user to input a layout for each page or spread of the photo album Layout input screen display means for displaying a screen for inputting a number, and layout setting for storing a photo number in association with a page and a template number in accordance with the order of each page based on input from the layout input screen Trimming work data generation means for generating data for trimming work by combining data held by the layout setting storage means and the template size data storage means in response to input of a crop preparation instruction from the data storage means and the user And trimming work data storage means for storing the trimming work data generated by the trimming work data generating means as photo number, vertical and horizontal sizes and angles, page and template number data associated with the image number; From user In response to the input of the crop start instruction, the record of the corresponding page is extracted from the trimming work data storage means, the image editing processing means is controlled to extract the image of the corresponding photo number from the photo data storage means, and the corresponding image number The image is displayed with a vertical and horizontal size cropping frame, prompts the user to crop, receives the crop designation from the user, and moves to the next page. Crop work execution means for performing image data cropping work, image attachment work data storage means for storing the photo image data after cropping determined by the crop work execution means in association with the photo number, and from the user In response to the input of the layout start instruction, the image editing processing means is controlled, Based on the layout setting data extracted from the out setting data storage means, the corresponding post-crop work photograph extracted from the image pasting work storage means to the corresponding template data extracted from the template data storage means for each page or spread. Photo album print data generation means for automatically generating photo album print data by attaching image data.

  Also, the photo album creating program according to the present invention comprises a photo data storage means for storing photo image data used for a photo album by assigning a photo number for identifying each photo image data, and for each page or spread of the photo album. Template data with a space to place one or more photographic images for each, photographic layer to place photographic images, text layer to place text, photographic image position and pixel unit Image number that identifies each template as a template data consisting of multiple layers including image mask channels that store the size and angle and the image file of the channel, and the space that is included in the template in association with the template Number and Template data storage means for saving and giving template space size data storage means for extracting the template number, the image number, and the vertical and horizontal pixel sizes and angles of the space extracted from the template data storage means in association with the image number And a photo album creation system for generating a photo album print data file having image editing processing means for executing image data editing processing including image data selection, clipping, and correction. Displaying a layout input screen for inputting a page, a template number, and a photo number in order to allow a user to input a layout for each page or spread of a photo album, Based on the input from the I-out input screen, the step of storing the photo number in association with the page and the template number and assigning the rank for each page to the layout setting data storage means, and inputting the crop preparation instruction from the user In response, the record held by the layout setting data storage means and the template size data storage means is combined to generate the trimming work data generation step, and the trimming work data generation step generates the trimming work data generation step. A step of storing the work data in the trimming work data storage means as data of a photo number, vertical and horizontal sizes and angles, a page and a template number associated with the image number, and receiving a crop start instruction from the user ,bird The record of the corresponding page is extracted from the data storage means for the recording work, the image editing processing means is controlled to extract the image of the corresponding photo number from the photo data storage means, and displayed together with the vertical and horizontal cutout frames of the corresponding image number. Prompt the user to crop, repeat the process of receiving the crop designation input from the user and proceeding to processing to the next page from the first page to the last page, and execute the cropping of photo image data. A crop operation execution step, a step of storing the photo image data after the crop operation determined in the crop operation execution step in association with the photo number in the image attachment work data storage means, and an input of a layout start instruction from the user Receive, control the image editing processing means, layout setting On the basis of the layout setting data extracted from the data storage means, the corresponding photographic image after the cropping operation extracted from the image pasting work storage means to the corresponding template data extracted from the template data storage means for each page or spread. A photo album print data generation step of automatically generating photo album print data by attaching the data is performed by a computer.

  According to the photo album creating system or the photo album creating computer program according to the present invention, a series of steps of photo album editing work using a computer is progressed while accepting input of data by a human, a database, etc., and an image. By concatenating with the processing program, it is divided into processes that do not require human data input, and by concentrating processes that require human data input in the first half or the second half, humans are restricted to work by computers. Time can be shortened, so that the efficiency of photo album creation work can be improved 3 to 5 times.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the photo album creation system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a memory 2 that constitutes a main storage device that can be directly accessed by the CPU 1 is connected to a CPU 1 that is a main control unit that performs overall control of the entire system, and an interface circuit (not shown) is connected to the CPU 1. From a pointing device 3 such as a keyboard or mouse for inputting data, a display 4 used for monitoring input data or output data, a printer 5 for outputting photo album data or other processing data, and a photograph from a digital camera 9 A digital camera interface 6 for capturing data is connected to a scanner 7 for reading an image such as a photograph, separating the image data into dots, and digitizing and inputting information on the color and shading of the dots, and an external storage device 8.

  Next, a program and a data file for executing the photo album creation system will be described with reference to FIGS. A control program such as the operating system 11, an image editing program 12, and a photo album creation program 13 that defines a procedure for executing photo album creation are normally stored in the external storage device 8. Control programs such as the operating system 11 are normally loaded from the external storage device 8 into the memory 2 when the computer is turned on. The image editing program 12 and the photo album creation program 13 are loaded from the external storage device 8 to the memory 2 when activation is instructed from the pointing device 3 or the like. In addition, data used for calculation and the like is also loaded into the memory 2 as needed from various data files stored in the external storage device 8.

  The CPU 1 that controls the entire computer and executes arithmetic logic operations and these programs loaded in the memory 2 realize various means for executing photo album creation. That is, the control program such as the operating system 11 provides means for executing management of various connected hardware devices and management of data input / output. The image editing program 12 provides means for executing photo data clipping, image contrast and color tone correction, and image pasting. The image editing program 12 can use various existing image editing tools. The photo album creation program 13 controls input / output / management / storage of data for executing various editing means of the image editing program 12 and execution of various editing means.

  Since the present invention focuses on handling image data, the image files handled in the embodiment of the present application will be described in advance. As essential elements of image data, there are the number of pixels (size) in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the color depth (number of colors, usually 24 bit color). Also, a method of hierarchically configuring image files currently used in almost all image editing software, and a method of using an 8-bit mask image (256-tone black and white image) that stores mask information and the like in addition to the image There is. Based on these assumptions, the minimum unit of a hierarchical image is called a layer, and the mask image is called a channel.

  Next, the external storage device 8 will be described. The external storage device 8 is a storage means such as a hard disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and stores not only the above-described programs but also data files necessary for executing these programs.

  The photo data file 82 is a file for storing photo data used for the photo album. The photograph data is image data captured by scanning a printed photograph with the scanner 7, via the digital camera interface 6 via the digital camera interface 6, or via a recording medium storing the photograph data, and the image size is particularly determined. The color depth is preferably a 24-bit color image. Also, it does not have to be a layer structure. Usually, in order to save the data size on the external storage device 8, it is stored in a lossy compression method (high compression ratio). In order to store the photo data in the photo data file 82, an identification number (hereinafter referred to as “photo number”) is assigned to each photo in advance, and the photo number is stored in the photo data file 82 as a file name.

  The template data file 81 is a file for storing data of a plurality of patterns in which one or a plurality of spaces and positions, vertical and horizontal sizes, and angles in which a photo is arranged in advance for each page or spread of a photo album. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of this template. This template 0102-01 is a template prepared for spread, and three spaces 0102-01-01, 0102-01-02, and 0102-01-03 for arranging photographs are set. The template data is set in advance using the image editing program 12.

  Next, details of the template data file 81 will be described. The template data file 81 is composed of six types of layer image data and two types of mask image data: a background layer, a background layer, a photo layer, a foreground layer, a text layer, a registration mark layer, an image mask channel, and a photomask channel. ing. The layer image data is hierarchically arranged in the order described below with the background layer as the lowest layer.

  Background layer: This is a background layer for preventing a portion other than the background layer from becoming transparent.

  Background layer: image data in which a pattern or an image serving as a background of a photograph is arranged.

  Photo layer: A layer for arranging photo images used in the photo album. In the present invention, the number of images to be arranged is automatically generated.

  Foreground layer: Place what needs to be displayed so as to cover the photo on the design. In many cases, it is often frame-shaped image data that modifies the periphery of a photograph.

  Text layer: A layer that arranges characters to be used in a photo album. This also includes a layer for entering the number of pages and identification number so that it can be easily managed when binding.

  Registration mark layer: This is a layer that displays a registration mark that is used to distinguish between a portion that is cut off from an album and a portion that is not.

  Image mask channel: A channel that stores the position, size, and angle of a photographic image placed in a photographic layer. In other words, in the present embodiment, data constituting the space of the template is held, and as many as the number of images to be used are prepared.

  Photomask channel: This is a channel that saves the displayed / hidden parts in 256 steps when displaying them in a blurred manner so that a part of the pictures is blended into the background without displaying all the arranged pictures. .

  When the image editing program 12 sets a space for attaching photo data within a page or spread frame (that is, saves it as an image mask channel), the space has the number of pixels indicating the vertical and horizontal sizes and the angle. The data is digitized, and an identification number for each template (hereinafter referred to as “template number”. In FIG. 6, 0102-01 is the template number) and an identification number for each space in the template (hereinafter “image number”). In Fig. 6, 0102-01-01, 0102-01-02, and 01002-01-03 are image numbers, and are assigned and combined with a template number and an arrangement order). To do.

  The template space size data table 83 extracts template number, image number, vertical and horizontal size and angle data from the image mask channel data of the template data file 81, and uses the image number as a key for the template number, horizontal size, vertical size. The size and angle data are saved as one record. FIG. 3 shows an example of the template space size table 83. In FIG. 3, for example, the first to third records are stored for the template number 0102-01. As is apparent from the correspondence with FIG. 6, for the template 0102-01, three spaces, that is, 0102-01-01, 0102-01-02, and 01002-01-03 are assigned as image numbers. Each of the horizontal size, vertical size, and angle data is stored.

  The photo data file 82, template data file 81, and template space size table 83 described above are prepared in advance before executing photo album editing using the photo album creation program 13.

  On the other hand, data stored in the layout setting data table 85, the trimming work data table 86, the image attachment work data file 87, and the photo album print data file 88 are respectively stored by means executed by the photo album creation program 13. It will be written. Therefore, the contents of data stored in the layout setting data table 85, the trimming work data table 86, the image pasting work data file 87, and the photo album print data file 88 will be described in the following flow of the photo album creation program. We will explain together in the column.

  Next, the flow of creating a photo album according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. When a user (hereinafter referred to as “user” refers to a person who uses the photo album creation system or the photo album creation program) starts the photo album creation program, the CPU 1 first displays a preference screen. (Step F1). The preference screen is a screen that prompts input of initial setting data such as designation of a storage location and storage destination of data necessary for cropping and layout work, and input of a slip number for each order. The preference screen also displays a main screen button for shifting to a main screen for inputting customer related data. Here, cropping (or cropping) is an operation of selecting (cutting out) a necessary portion from an image and displaying it. The crop also includes resizing based on pixel, which is a unit of an image that is absolutely necessary for work on the computer.

  When the user inputs initial setting data on the preferences screen, the CPU 1 stores the initial setting data in the external storage device 8 in accordance with this input, and the storage location and storage area of the file used to create the photo album and the generated file Is secured (step F2).

  When the initial setting operation by the user in step F2 is completed and the user operates the main screen button, the CPU 1 displays the main screen (step F3). The main screen is a screen that prompts the customer to input data related to the album production. For example, in the case of a wedding album, it is used to enter the name of the bride, bride, wedding date, venue name, delivery date, etc. It is. The main screen also displays a list screen button for shifting to a list screen for setting a layout. In accordance with the user input, the CPU 1 stores customer-related data (step F4), and preparation of data for specifying the album to be created is completed.

  When the user input operation in step F4 is completed and the user operates the list screen button, the CPU 1 displays a list screen (step F5).

  The list screen is a screen for inputting a layout for each page or spread of the album, and inputs a page, a template number, and a photo number. In order to efficiently input on this screen, the album creator (or the template to be used for each page of the album in advance and which photo to which the photo number has been assigned in advance is used) The album production requester) decides, writes it on the layout sheet, and inputs it while viewing the layout sheet. FIG. 10 shows an example of a template and a layout sheet. In FIG. 10, template number 0103-05 is selected for the 02-03 page of the album, and the photo numbers are sequentially placed in the four spaces of the template. 4, 5, 6, and 7 are determined to be arranged.

  In the list screen, as shown in FIG. 8, columns for inputting a page, template number, and photo number are provided. In accordance with the input in this column, the CPU 1 generates the layout setting data table 85 shown in FIG. Save in the storage device 8 (step F6). In the layout setting data table 85, photo numbers are stored in order with the page and template number as keys. That is, in the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the template number 0102-01 provided with three spaces is selected as the first spread (page 00-01) of the album, and the photo numbers are sequentially assigned to the three spaces. 05. jpg, 08. jpg, 11. jpg photo image is set to be pasted, and template number 0301-02 with five spaces is selected as the next spread (page 02-03) of the album, and the five spaces have photo in order. Number 15. jpg, 12. jpg, 11. jpg, 10. jpg, 09. Jpg photo image is set to be pasted, and template number 0101-03 with two spaces is selected as the spread of the subsequent album (page 04-05), and the photo numbers are sequentially assigned to the two spaces. 17. jpg, 14. The setting is such that a jpg photographic image is pasted.

  When the user finishes inputting on the list screen, the user operates the crop preparation button on the list screen. In response to the operation of the crop preparation button, the CPU 1 combines the layout setting data table 85 and the template size data table 83 to generate a trimming work data table 86 (step F7).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the trimming work data table 86. In the field of the trimming work data table 86, the page, template number, image number, and photo number are taken from the layout setting data table 85, and in the field of the trimming work data table 86, the horizontal, vertical, and angle fields are the image numbers. Is taken from the template space size table 83 using as a key. The example of the trimming work data table 86 shown in FIG. 5 is a combination of the example of the layout setting data table 85 shown in FIG. 4 and the example of the template space size data table 83 shown in FIG. By generating the trimming work data table 86, it is possible to extract the photo number, size, and angle of a photographic image to be pasted in the space using the image number as a key.

  Further, the CPU 1 displays the contents of the trimming work data table 86 in a tabular format as a cropper screen (step F7). FIG. 9 shows an example of a cropper screen. The user can confirm whether the input data of the layout setting is correct on the cropper screen.

  When the user confirms the input data of the layout setting on the cropper screen, the user operates the crop start button displayed on the cropper screen. In response to the operation of the crop start button, the CPU 1 activates the image editing program 12 and, according to the data of the first record in the trimming work data table 86, the photo image of the photo number written in the first record. (05 jpg according to the example of FIG. 9) is extracted from the photo data file 82 and opened. Further, based on the horizontal and vertical size of the image number written in the first record, the image editing program is controlled to display a cutout frame according to the horizontal and vertical ratio (step F8). According to the example of FIG. 9, a cutting frame with a ratio of 300: 400 for cutting out to 300 pixels × 400 pixels is displayed.

  The user uses the pointing device 3 to change the cutout frame to a size that the user wants to use in consideration of the contents of the photographic image with respect to the displayed cutout frame. According to the example of FIG. 9, even when the cutout size is actually changed, the ratio of the 300: 400 cutout frame is maintained. When the cropping instruction is given, the CPU 1 changes the displayed photographic image to a display according to the clipping / resizing specified by the user, and stores it in the image pasting work data file 87. That is, according to the example of FIG. 9, the photographic image is resized and saved to the actually required size (300 pixels × 400 pixels).

  Subsequently, the CPU 1 displays a dialog box as to whether or not to continue the work (step F9). In response to the user's operation of the continue button, the CPU 1 opens the photo image of the photo number written in the second record in the same manner, displays a cutout frame, and prompts the user to specify cutout / resize. . In this way, the operation is repeated by the number of photographic images by the user's continuing button operation (step F10).

  When all the photographic images have been cut and resized, the list screen is displayed again (step F11). The photographic image data for which all necessary clipping and resizing have been completed is stored in an image pasting work data file 87.

  When the user operates the layout start button on the list screen, the CPU 1 extracts the template data of the template number written in the first record from the template data file 81 according to the data of the layout setting data table 85 and opens it. Subsequently, the cut and resized photographic image data stored in the image pasting work data file 87 are sequentially opened. Then, the CPU 1 controls the image editing program 12 to attach the opened photographic image data to the designated space of the opened template. When the pasting of the photographic image is completed, the CPU 1 controls the image editing program 12 to close the photographic image, thereby moving the photographic image to a predetermined space on the template. The processed template data is stored in the photo album print data file 88 with the page as the file name (step F12).

  The operation of step F12 will be described with reference to the example of the first record in FIG. 8. The template 0102-01 is opened, and then the image 05.0 is opened. jpg, 08. jpg, 11. jpg is opened sequentially. Then, the image 05. jpg, 08. jpg, 11. jpg is pasted and image 05. jpg, 08. jpg, 11. jpg is closed. Then, the image 05. jpg, 08. jpg, 11. jpg moves to the position of a predetermined space (in this case, since the image has already been resized, it is not necessary to resize).

  This operation is repeated from the second record to the last record, and the processed template data is stored in the photo album print data file 88 (step F13). Here, the contents of the photo album print data file 88 will be described again. The photo album print data file 88 is based on the point plater data selected for the print album extracted from the template data file 81. In the generated image data file, a photographic image, characters, identification symbols, and the like are pasted on a predetermined layer and region in a so-called blank template file by the operations of Step F7 to Step F13.

  When the user operates the layout start button in step F12, all subsequent operations are automatically executed, and the user is released from the album editing operation.

  If the user corrects the color tone of the photographic image when the automatic layout is completed, a high-quality result can be expected and work efficiency is good.

Other forms for carrying out the invention

  Next, another embodiment relating to a photo album creating system and a creating program according to the present invention will be described. In the best embodiment described above, since the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of normal photo data and photo space is different, the user understands the contents of the photo and performs cropping work in accordance with the photo space. This is performed before (steps F7 to F11 in FIG. 7). However, since a method of performing the cropping operation after image pasting and not reducing the work efficiency so much can be considered, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the flow of another embodiment.

  In FIG. 11, steps S1 to S6 are the same as steps F1 to F6 in FIG. In step S7, the CPU 1 reads the first record of the layout setting data table 85, obtains the size data of the corresponding space from the template space size data table 83, and defines the horizontal size as X2 and the vertical size as Y2. Further, the CPU 1 extracts and opens the corresponding photo data from the photo data file 82 based on the first record of the layout setting data table 85, obtains the photo image size using the image editing processing program 12, and The horizontal size is X1, and the vertical size is Y1 (step S8).

  Next, enlargement (or reduction ratio) of the photographic image is obtained from the following calculation method (step S9).

X2 / X1 = a (round up the second decimal place)
Y1-a = b
Y2-b = c
Y2 / Y1 = d (rounds up the second decimal place)
If c is larger than 1, a is an enlargement factor Z.

If c is smaller than 1, d is an enlargement factor Z.

Next, the photographic image obtained from the photographic data file 82 is enlarged (reduced) by the enlargement ratio Z obtained in step S9, and the image is pasted on the template data (?) (Step S10).

  The operation is repeated by the number of images in accordance with the record of the layout setting data table 85, and finally the photographic image is masked by the image mask channel of the template data file (step S11).

  By such an automatic operation, the data of the photo data file 82 remains as it is, and the user may re-edit the position and size according to the contents of the photo.

  From the viewpoint of work efficiency, the method described in the best embodiment is efficient, and according to the method of the best embodiment, a photo is automatically masked according to a template by a photomask channel. However, according to another embodiment described herein, the pasted image is masked with the image mask channel, and the masking with the photomask channel will be performed later by the operator.

  In the above-described embodiment, a technique for creating data for printing a photo album has been described. However, the technique according to the present invention is not limited to creating a photo album, but also for editing an electronic album viewed on a personal computer. It can also be applied to data editing for creating catalogs, magazines, brochures, manuals, etc. that handle a large number of image data including illustrations and photographs.

It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the photo album creation system of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the program and data file which were memorize | stored in the external storage device. It is a figure which shows the example of a template space size data table. It is a figure which shows the example of a layout setting data table. It is a figure which shows the example of the data table for trimming operations. It is the figure which showed the template typically. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of photo album creation by best embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a list screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a cropper screen. It is the figure which showed typically the relationship between a template and a layout sheet. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of photo album creation by other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU
2 Memory 3 Pointing Device 4 Display 5 Printer 6 Digital Camera Interface 7 Scanner 8 External Storage Device 9 Digital Camera 11 Operating System 12 Image Editing Program 13 Photo Album Creation Program 81 Template Data File 82 Photo Data File 83 Template Space Size Data Table 85 Layout setting data table 86 Trimming data table 87 Image pasting data file 88 Photo album print data file

Claims (2)

Photo image data, template data in which a space for arranging one or a plurality of photo images is set for each page or spread of a photo album, and an image for executing editing processing of image data including selection, cropping, and correction of image data A photo album creation system for generating a photo album print data file using an editing processing means,
Photo data storage means for storing photo image data used for the photo album with a photo number for identifying each photo image data;
Template data with a space for placing one or more photographic images for each page or double-page spread of a photo album, a photo layer for placing photographic images, a text layer for placing characters, or a photo placed on a photo layer As template data consisting of multiple layers including image mask channels that store image position, pixel size and angle, and channel image files, the template number that is identified for each template and the space included in the template A template data storage means for assigning and storing an image number to be identified in association with
Template space size data storage means for storing the template number, the image number, and the vertical and horizontal pixel sizes and angles extracted from the template data storage means in association with the image number;
Layout input screen display means for displaying a screen for inputting a page, a template number, and a photo number in order to allow a user to input a layout for each page or spread of a photo album;
Layout setting data storage means for storing a photo number in association with a page and a template number and assigning a ranking for each page based on an input from a layout input screen;
Trimming work data generating means for receiving trim input from the user and combining records held by the layout setting storage means and the template size data storage means to generate trimming work data;
Trimming work data storage means for storing the trimming work data generated by the trimming work data generating means as data of a photo number, vertical and horizontal size and angle, page, and template number associated with the image number;
In response to an input of a crop start instruction from the user, the record of the corresponding page is extracted from the trimming work data storage means, and the image editing processing means is controlled to extract the image of the corresponding photo number from the photo data storage means. The image number to be displayed is displayed together with the vertical and horizontal size cutout frames to prompt the user to perform the crop operation, and the process of moving to the next page upon receiving the user's crop designation input is sequentially performed from the first page to the last page. A crop work execution means for repeatedly performing crop work of photo image data;
Image attachment work data storage means for storing the photo image data after cropping determined by the crop work execution means in association with the photo number;
In response to the input of the layout start instruction from the user, the image editing processing means is controlled, and based on the layout setting data extracted from the layout setting data storage means, the corresponding data extracted from the template data storage means for each page or spread Photo album print data generation means for automatically generating photo album print data by pasting the corresponding crop image data extracted from the image paste work storage means to the template data to be performed;
Photo album creation system with Photo data storage means for storing photo image data used for the photo album with a photo number for identifying each photo image data;
Template data with a space for placing one or more photographic images for each page or double-page spread of a photo album, a photo layer for placing photographic images, a text layer for placing characters, or a photo placed on a photo layer As template data consisting of multiple layers including image mask channels that store image position, pixel size and angle, and channel image files, the template number that is identified for each template and the space included in the template A template data storage means for assigning and storing an image number to be identified in association with
Template space size data storage means for storing the template number, the image number, and the vertical and horizontal pixel sizes and angles extracted from the template data storage means in association with the image number;
A photo album creating system for generating a photo album print data file having image editing processing means for executing image data editing processing including selection, clipping, and correction of image data. A program,
Displaying a layout input screen for inputting a page, a template number, and a photo number in order to allow a user to input a layout for each page or spread of a photo album;
Based on the input from the layout input screen, the photo number is associated with the page and the template number, the order for each page is attached and stored in the layout setting data storage means,
In response to the input of the crop preparation instruction from the user, the trimming work data generation step for generating the trimming work data by combining the records held by the layout setting data storage means and the template size data storage means;
Storing the trimming work data generated by the trimming work data generating step in the trimming work data storage means as the photo number, vertical and horizontal size and angle, page and template number data associated with the image number;
In response to an input of a crop start instruction from the user, the record of the corresponding page is extracted from the trimming work data storage means, and the image editing processing means is controlled to extract the image of the corresponding photo number from the photo data storage means. The image number to be displayed is displayed together with the vertical and horizontal size cutout frames to prompt the user to perform the crop operation, and the process of moving to the next page upon receiving the user's crop designation input is sequentially performed from the first page to the last page. A crop operation execution step for repeatedly performing the crop operation of the photo image data;
Storing the photographic image data after the crop work determined in the crop work execution step in the image attachment work data storage means in association with the photo number;
In response to the input of the layout start instruction from the user, the image editing processing means is controlled, and based on the layout setting data extracted from the layout setting data storage means, the corresponding data extracted from the template data storage means for each page or spread A photo album print data generation step for automatically generating photo album print data by pasting the corresponding cropped photo image data extracted from the image paste work storage means to the template data to be performed;
A photo album creation program that allows a computer to perform

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