JP2007082084A - Composite image creating apparatus, method and program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable to obtain a composite image with unexpectedness in creating the composite image, when a plurality of images are arranged on a predetermined layout. <P>SOLUTION: An arrangement position setting section 30 randomly sets the arrangement position of each of the plurality of images on a background image. A compositing section 32 arranges the images on the set arrangement positions to produce a composite image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a composite image creation apparatus and method for creating a composite image in which a plurality of images are laid out, and a program for causing a computer to execute the composite image creation method.

  A composite image is created by arranging a plurality of images in a predetermined layout. For example, a method has been proposed in which a desired layout file is selected from layout files that define various layouts, and a composite image is created by arranging and processing images based on a processing file that specifies the contents of the layout. (See Patent Document 1). In the method described in Patent Document 1, since a processing file is selected at random, a composite image with a different layout can be obtained each time processing is performed even for the same image.

Also, a method has been proposed in which, when arranging a plurality of images on a background image, an optimum synthesis formula for synthesizing the plurality of images is generated, and the plurality of images are arranged according to the generated synthesis formula (Patent). Reference 2).
JP 2001-283232 A JP 2000-101829 A

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 2, a plurality of images are arranged according to the synthesis formula, and thus the created synthesized image is not surprising and lacks interest. There are many.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a surprisingly interesting composite image when a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged is created.

A composite image creation device according to the present invention is a composite image creation device that creates a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged on a background image.
An arrangement position setting means for randomly setting an arrangement position for arranging the plurality of images on the background image;
The image forming apparatus includes: a combining unit configured to generate the composite image by arranging the plurality of images at the set arrangement position.

In the composite image creating apparatus according to the present invention, display means for displaying the composite image;
An input means for receiving various inputs;
Based on an instruction to recreate the composite image from the input means, the arrangement position is reset, the plurality of images are rearranged at the reset arrangement position, and the composite image is recreated. The arrangement position setting means and a control means for controlling the composition means may be further provided so as to display a composite image on the display means.

  The composite image creation apparatus according to the present invention may further include editing means for editing the composite image in response to an instruction for editing the composite image.

  “Editing” means various processes for performing some processing on each image included in the composite image. Specifically, the position of each image included in the composite image, the change in the size of each image, and the image Various processes such as changing the image located on the uppermost side in the case of overlapping are exemplified.

Further, in the composite image creation device according to the present invention, the arrangement position setting means may arrange the arrangement positions of a plurality of image insertion areas having random aspect ratios and sizes within a predetermined range for inserting the plurality of images, respectively. As a means of setting
The synthesizing unit processes each of the plurality of images so that each of the plurality of images is inserted into each of the image insertion areas, and inserts the plurality of processed images into the image insertion area. Thus, it may be a means for creating the composite image.

In the composite image creation device according to the present invention, the lower limit value of the first ratio, which is the ratio of the area where the background image is covered by the plurality of images to the entire area of the background image, and each of the plurality of images Further comprising setting means for setting a lower limit value of a second ratio that is a ratio at which each of the plurality of images is exposed on the composite image with respect to the entire area of
The arrangement position setting means may be means for setting the arrangement position so that the first and second ratios exceed the lower limit value and enlarging / reducing each of the plurality of images.

  In the composite image creation apparatus according to the present invention, the composition means may be means for creating the composite image so as to include designated text.

A composite image creation method according to the present invention is a composite image creation method for creating a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged on a background image.
An arrangement position for arranging the plurality of images is randomly set on the background image,
The composite image is created by arranging the plurality of images at the set arrangement position.

  In addition, you may provide as a program for making a computer perform the composite image preparation method by this invention.

  According to the composite image creation apparatus and method of the present invention, a placement position for placing a plurality of images is randomly set on the background image, and a plurality of images are placed at the set placement positions to create a composite image. It is what you do. For this reason, in the composite image, each image is arranged at an unexpected position on the background image, whereby an interesting composite image having an unexpected image arrangement can be obtained.

  In addition, the composite image is displayed, the arrangement position is reset based on the instruction to re-create the composite image, and a plurality of images are rearranged at the reset arrangement position to re-create the composite image. By displaying, a composite image can be repeatedly created until a composite image having a desired image arrangement is obtained.

  Further, by editing the composite image according to an instruction for editing the composite image, a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged as desired can be obtained.

  Further, the lower limit value of the first ratio, which is the ratio of the area where the background image is covered by the plurality of images to the entire area of the background image, and each of the plurality of images on the composite image for each of the entire areas of the plurality of images In the composite image, a lower limit value of the second ratio that is the exposure ratio is set, the arrangement position is set so that the first and second ratios exceed the lower limit value, and a plurality of images are enlarged or reduced. It can be prevented that the area of the background image becomes too large, or the overlapping ratio of a plurality of images becomes too large.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a composite image creation apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the composite image creation device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention performs various controls such as recording control and display control of image data representing an image, and controls each part constituting the device 1. A CPU 12 that executes the program, a program that operates the CPU 12, such as a program that performs an image composition process, which will be described later, viewer software for viewing images, a ROM that stores various constants, and a work area when the CPU 12 executes the process A system memory 14 including a RAM, an input unit 16 including a keyboard and a mouse for performing various instructions to the apparatus 1, and a display unit 18 including a liquid crystal monitor for performing various displays.

  The composite image creating apparatus 1 is represented by a card slot 20 for reading image data from a memory card 2 on which image data is recorded and recording image data on the memory card 2, and image data is represented by JPEG. A compression / decompression unit 22 that compresses or decompresses compressed image data; a hard disk 24 that records image data used to create a composite image, various programs executed by the CPU 12, the system memory 14, and a card A memory control unit 26 that controls the slot 20 and the hard disk 24 and a display control unit 28 that controls display on the display unit 18 are provided.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the hard disk 24 stores image data of a background image for creating a composite image in addition to image data.

  The composite image creating apparatus 1 also arranges a plurality of images arranged at the set arrangement position by combining the arrangement position setting unit 30 that randomly sets the arrangement position on the background image of the plurality of images arranged in the composite image. And a composition unit 32 for creating an image.

  Hereinafter, functions of the arrangement position setting unit 30 and the combining unit 32 will be described together with processing performed in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the first embodiment. When the user gives an instruction to create a composite image from the input unit 16, the CPU 12 starts processing, and an image selection screen including a list of thumbnail images of images stored on the hard disk 24 and a list of background images is displayed on the display unit 18. (Step ST1). FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image selection screen. As shown in FIG. 3, in the image selection screen 40, a thumbnail image area 40A for displaying a list of thumbnail images of images stored in the hard disk 24, a background image area 40B for displaying a list of background images, and various inputs are performed. The input area 40C is displayed. In the input area 40D, a text input box 40D for inputting characters to be included in the composite image and a confirmation button 40E for confirming the content of the composite image are displayed.

  In this embodiment, since the images are randomly arranged on the background image, the background image to be used does not include the image insertion area, and only the color or pattern is given to the whole. ing. Here, in FIG. 3, different colors or patterns of the background image are shown by different types of hatching.

  On the image selection screen 40, the user can select an image and a background image to be used for the composite image by clicking desired images in the thumbnail image area 40A and the background image area 40B using the input unit 16, respectively. . Here, four images are selected as images to be used for the composite image. In addition, characters to be included in the composite image can be input from the text input box 40D.

  Subsequently, the user clicks the confirmation button 40E to start monitoring whether or not a selection instruction has been made (step ST2). When step ST2 is affirmed, the arrangement position setting unit 30 selects 4 The arrangement positions of the two images are randomly set on the background image (step ST3). Here, the position where the upper left corner of each image is arranged is the arrangement position, but the position where one of the other corners of each image or the center position of each image is arranged may be used as the arrangement position.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining setting of the arrangement position. As shown in FIG. 4, the arrangement position setting unit 30 has four arrangement positions Pi (xi, yi) (i = 1 to 4) for arranging four images (S1 to S4) on the background image B0. ) Is set. Note that the coordinate system of the arrangement position has an origin at the upper left corner of the background image B0.

  Furthermore, four images Si are respectively arranged at the four arrangement positions Pi (xi, yi) set by the synthesis unit 32 and the inputted characters are arranged to create a synthesized image (step ST4), and the display unit 18 is arranged. (Step ST5).

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a composite image display screen. As shown in FIG. 5, the composite image display screen 42 displays a composite image area 42A for displaying the composite image G0 and an input area 42B for performing various inputs. In the input area 42B, a re-creation button 42C for re-creating the composite image, a confirmation button 42D for confirming the created composite image, and an edit button 42E for editing the composite image are displayed. . The composite image G0 displayed in the composite image area 42A includes the characters “FUJIFILM” input from the text input box 40D by the user.

  The composite image G0 includes a portion where the images S2 to S4 overlap. In the present embodiment, the image is overwritten in the overlapping portion, and the lower image is not seen through. The overlapping portion may be processed to be translucent so that the lower image can be seen through.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an instruction for re-creating the composite image has been given by clicking the re-create button 42C (step ST6). If step ST6 is affirmed, the process returns to step ST3, and the steps after step ST3 are performed. Repeat the process. Thereby, the random arrangement position is reset, the image is arranged at the reset arrangement position, the composite image is recreated, and is displayed in the composite image area 42A of the composite image display screen 42.

  If step ST6 is negative, the edit button 42E is clicked to determine whether or not an instruction to edit the composite image G0 by manual operation has been made (step ST7). Edit is accepted (step ST8).

  Here, when the edit button 42E is clicked, the images S1 to S4 included in the composite image G0 can be moved by dragging and dropping. In addition, when an image that is partially overlapped is clicked, the entire image can be viewed on the composite image G0. In addition, the position of the characters included in the composite image G0 can be changed. The editing process is executed by the CPU 12 by a program for performing the editing process.

  When step ST7 is denied, and subsequent to step ST8, it is determined whether or not the end of the composite image creation process is instructed by clicking the confirm button 42D (step ST9), and step ST9 is denied. Returning to step ST5, the processes in and after step ST5 are repeated. If step ST9 is affirmed, the image data of the composite image is stored in the hard disk 24 (step ST10), and the process ends.

  The composite image can be printed out by a printer (not shown). In addition, it can be printed out as a photo print at the photo store by being recorded in the memory card 2 and brought into the photo store or transmitted to the photo store via the network. In addition, when the composite image creation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is applied to a print reception terminal installed at the shop front of a photo shop, the composite image can be immediately printed out from the printer of the photo shop.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, an arrangement position for arranging a plurality of images is randomly set on the background image, and a plurality of images are arranged at the set arrangement positions to create a composite image. Therefore, in the composite image, each image is arranged at an unexpected position on the background image, and thereby, an interesting composite image having an unexpected image arrangement can be obtained. .

  In addition, the arrangement position is reset based on an instruction to recreate the composite image, and a plurality of images are rearranged at the reset arrangement position, and the composite image is recreated and displayed. A composite image can be created repeatedly until a composite image having an image layout is obtained.

  Further, by editing an image included in the composite image in accordance with an editing instruction, a composite image in which images are arranged as desired by the user can be obtained.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the composite image creation apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here. The composite image creating apparatus 1 ′ according to the second embodiment includes an arrangement position setting unit 30 ′ and a composition unit 32 ′ that perform processing different from the arrangement position setting unit 30 and the composition unit 32 of the first embodiment. Is different from the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the functions of the arrangement position setting unit 30 ′ and the combining unit 32 ′ will be described together with the processing performed in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects four images and creates a composite image as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the second embodiment. When the user gives an instruction to create a composite image from the input unit 16, the CPU 12 starts processing, and an image selection screen including a list of thumbnail images of images stored on the hard disk 24 and a list of background images is displayed on the display unit 18. (Step ST11). Since the image selection screen is the same as the image selection screen of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Subsequently, the user clicks the confirmation button 40E to start monitoring whether or not a selection instruction has been made (step ST12). When step ST12 is affirmed, the arrangement position setting unit 30 ' Similar to the first embodiment, the arrangement positions of the four selected images are randomly set on the background image (step ST13). Further, a rectangular image insertion area for inserting a plurality of images is arranged at the set arrangement position (step ST14).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image insertion area arranged at the arrangement position. Here, a description will be given assuming that four image insertion areas for inserting four images S1 to S4 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 8, four image insertion areas A1 to A4 are arranged at the set arrangement positions P11 to P14. Here, the image insertion areas A1 to A4 have a rectangular shape, and the aspect ratio is set at random, for example, between 5: 3 and 3: 5. For example, the aspect ratio of the image insertion area A1 is 1: 1, the aspect ratio of the image insertion area A2 is 4: 3, the aspect ratio of the image insertion area A3 is 5: 3, and the aspect ratio of the image insertion area A4 is 4: 3. Is set. The sizes of the image insertion areas A1 to A4 are also set at random.

  Further, the images S1 to S4 are processed so as to be appropriately inserted into the set four image insertion areas A1 to A4 (step ST15). The image processing is performed by enlarging / reducing or trimming the images S1 to S4 so that each of the images S1 to S4 matches the aspect ratio of the image insertion areas A1 to A4. Then, the processed four images S1 to S4 are inserted into the four image insertion areas A1 to A4, respectively, and the input characters are arranged to create a composite image (step ST16) and displayed on the display unit 18. (Step ST17). Since the composite image display screen is the same as the image selection screen of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an instruction for re-creating the composite image has been given by clicking the re-create button 42C (step ST18), and if step ST18 is affirmed, the process returns to step ST13, and after step ST13. Repeat the process. As a result, the image insertion areas A1 to A4 having random sizes and aspect ratios are reset, the images S1 to S4 are inserted into the reset image insertion areas A1 to A4, and a composite image is recreated and combined. It is displayed in the composite image area 42A of the image display screen 42.

  If step ST18 is negative, the edit button 42E is clicked to determine whether an instruction to edit the composite image G0 by manual operation has been made (step ST19). If step ST19 is affirmed, the user makes a decision. Edit is accepted (step ST20).

  If step ST19 is negative, and subsequent to step ST20, it is determined whether or not the end of the composite image creation process has been instructed by clicking the confirm button 42D (step ST21), and step ST21 is negative. Returning to step ST17, the processes after step ST17 are repeated. If step ST21 is affirmed, the image data of the composite image is stored in the hard disk 24 (step ST22), and the process is terminated.

  The composite image can be printed out by a printer (not shown). In addition, it can be printed out as a photo print at the photo store by being recorded in the memory card 2 and brought into the photo store or transmitted to the photo store via the network. In addition, when the composite image creating apparatus 1 ′ according to the present embodiment is applied to a print reception terminal installed at a photo shop store, it is possible to immediately print out a composite image from a photo shop printer.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the composite image creation apparatus according to the third embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted here. The composite image creating apparatus 1 ″ according to the third embodiment includes an arrangement position setting unit 30 ″ and a composition unit 32 ″ that perform processing different from the arrangement position setting unit 30 and the composition unit 32 of the first embodiment. Is different from the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the functions of the arrangement position setting unit 30 ″ and the combining unit 32 ″ will be described together with the processing performed in the third embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the third embodiment. When the user gives an instruction to create a composite image from the input unit 16, the CPU 12 starts processing, and an image selection screen including a list of thumbnail images of images stored on the hard disk 24 and a list of background images is displayed on the display unit 18. (Step ST31). FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image selection screen. As shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the image selection screen 40 shown in FIG. 3, the image selection screen 40 ′ has a first ratio p0 that is the ratio of the area where the background image is covered by a plurality of images to the entire area of the background image. , And ratio input boxes 40F and 40G for inputting a lower limit qmin of a second ratio q0, which is a ratio at which each of the plurality of images is exposed on the composite image with respect to the entire area of each of the plurality of images. Is provided.

  The user can select an image and a background image to be used for the composite image by clicking desired images in the thumbnail image area 40A and the background image area 40B using the input unit 16 on the image selection screen 40 ′. it can. Here, four images are selected as images to be used for the composite image. In addition, characters to be included in the composite image can be input from the text input box 40D. Further, the lower limit values pmin and qmin of the first and second ratios can be input to the ratio input boxes 40F and 40G. The lower limit values pmin and qmin may be input as a percentage.

  Subsequently, the user clicks the confirmation button 40E to start monitoring whether or not an instruction for selection has been made (step ST32). When step ST32 is affirmed, the arrangement position setting unit 30 ″ performs the above-described operation. Similar to the first embodiment, the arrangement positions of the four selected images are set randomly on the background image, and the enlargement ratio of the images is also set randomly (step ST33).

  Next, the combining unit 32 processes the four images with the set magnification, and creates a temporary combined image by arranging the processed four images at the set four arrangement positions, respectively (step ST34). ). Then, the first ratio p0 and the second ratio q0 are calculated, and it is determined whether or not p0> pmin and q0> qmin are satisfied (step ST35). If step ST35 is denied, the process returns to step ST33, and the processes after step ST33 are repeated until step ST35 is affirmed.

  When step ST35 is affirmed, the input image is arranged in the temporary composite image to create a composite image (step ST36) and displayed on the display unit 18 (step ST37). Since the composite image display screen is the same as the image selection screen of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an instruction for re-creating the composite image has been given by clicking the re-create button 42C (step ST38). If step ST38 is affirmed, the process returns to step ST33, and the steps after step ST33 are performed. Repeat the process. Thereby, the random arrangement position and the enlargement ratio are reset, the processed image is arranged at the reset arrangement position, and the composite image is recreated and displayed in the composite image area 42A of the composite image display screen 42. Is done.

  If step ST38 is negative, the edit button 42E is clicked to determine whether an instruction to edit the composite image G0 by manual operation has been made (step ST39). If step ST39 is affirmed, the user makes a decision. Edit is accepted (step ST40).

  When step ST39 is denied, and subsequent to step ST40, it is determined whether or not the end of the composite image creation process is instructed by clicking the confirm button 42D (step ST41), and step ST41 is denied. Returning to step ST37, the processes in and after step ST37 are repeated. If step ST41 is affirmed, the image data of the composite image is stored in the hard disk 24 (step ST42), and the process ends.

  The composite image can be printed out by a printer (not shown). In addition, it can be printed out as a photo print at the photo store by being recorded in the memory card 2 and brought into the photo store or transmitted to the photo store via the network. Further, when the composite image creating apparatus 1 ″ according to the present embodiment is applied to a print reception terminal installed at a photo shop, the composite image can be immediately printed out from the photo shop printer.

  In the second embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, it is possible to perform processing in which the first and second ratios are set. Hereinafter, this will be described as a fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the fourth embodiment. When the user gives an instruction to create a composite image from the input unit 16, the CPU 12 starts processing, and an image selection screen including a list of thumbnail images of images stored on the hard disk 24 and a list of background images is displayed on the display unit 18. (Step ST51). Since the image selection screen is the same as the image selection screen of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Subsequently, the user clicks the confirmation button 40E to start monitoring whether or not a selection instruction has been made (step ST52). When step ST52 is affirmed, the arrangement position setting unit 30 ' Similar to the first embodiment, the arrangement positions of the four selected images are randomly set on the background image (step ST53). Further, a rectangular image insertion area for inserting a plurality of images is arranged at the set arrangement position (step ST54). The arrangement of the image insertion area is performed in the same manner as in the third embodiment. That is, the image insertion areas A1 to A4 whose aspect ratio and size are set at random are arranged at the arrangement positions.

  Next, the images S1 to S4 are processed so as to be appropriately inserted into the set four image insertion areas A1 to A4, and the processed four images S1 to S4 are converted into four image insertion areas. A temporary composite image is created by inserting each of A1 to A4 (step ST55). Then, the first ratio p0 and the second ratio q0 are calculated, and it is determined whether or not p0> pmin and q0> qmin are satisfied (step ST56). If step ST56 is negative, the process returns to step ST53, and the processes after step ST53 are repeated until step ST56 is positive.

  If step ST56 is affirmed, the input character is arranged in the temporary composite image to create a composite image (step ST57) and displayed on the display unit 18 (step ST58). Since the composite image display screen is the same as the image selection screen of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an instruction for re-creating the composite image has been given by clicking the re-create button 42C (step ST59). If step ST59 is affirmed, the process returns to step ST53, and the steps after step ST53 Repeat the process. As a result, an image insertion area having a random size and aspect ratio is reset, an image is inserted into the reset image insertion area, a composite image is recreated, and the composite image area 42A of the composite image display screen 42 is displayed. Is displayed.

  If step ST59 is negative, the edit button 42E is clicked to determine whether an instruction to edit the composite image G0 by manual operation is made (step ST60). If step ST60 is positive, the user makes a decision. Edit is accepted (step ST61).

  When step ST60 is denied, and subsequent to step ST61, it is determined whether or not the end of the composite image creation process has been instructed by clicking the confirm button 42D (step ST62), and step ST62 is denied. Returning to step ST58, the processes in and after step ST58 are repeated. If step ST62 is affirmed, the image data of the composite image is stored in the hard disk 24 (step ST63), and the process is terminated.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the composite image creation device is used alone. However, the composite image creation device according to the present embodiment is provided in a mobile phone with a camera and a server that communicates via the Internet. Alternatively, a composite image may be created in the server using an image taken by the user of the mobile phone. Hereinafter, this will be described as a fifth embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a server system to which the composite image creation apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is applied. As shown in FIG. 13, this server system creates a composite image by communicating via the Internet between a camera-equipped mobile phone 50 and a server 52 to which the image composition apparatus of the present invention is applied.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a camera-equipped mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 14, a camera-equipped mobile phone 50 used in the fifth embodiment includes a call unit 56 for making a call, a communication unit 58 for communicating via the Internet, and a liquid crystal monitor for performing various displays. A display unit 60 composed of, etc., an input unit 62 composed of a numeric keypad for performing various inputs, and an arrangement position setting unit 64 having functions similar to those of the arrangement position setting unit 30 and the combining unit 32 in the first embodiment. And a synthesizing unit 66, a camera unit 68 for obtaining an image by photographing, various programs for operating the camera-equipped mobile phone 50, a memory 70 for storing images and various information, and each unit of the camera-equipped cellular phone 50 And a CPU 72 for controlling the above.

  The arrangement position setting unit 64 and the combining unit 66 have the same functions as the arrangement position setting units 30 ′ and 30 ″ and the combining units 32 ′ and 32 ″ in the second and third embodiments. Also good.

  Here, the CPU 72 of the camera-equipped mobile phone 50 has a smaller processing capability than a CPU provided in a server or a personal computer. Further, the user of the camera-equipped mobile phone 50 need only be able to confirm the arrangement of each image included in the composite image with respect to the composite image. For this reason, in the fifth embodiment, the synthesizing unit 66 does not use an actual image but uses it as an image for arranging a rectangular region representing a range in which the image is arranged. Therefore, the synthesized image created by the synthesizing unit 66 has a rectangular area instead of the image.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the server. Note that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components in the server 52 as those in the composite image creating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted here. As shown in FIG. 15, in the server 52 used in the fifth embodiment, the card slot 20 and the arrangement position setting unit 30 in the composite image creating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are omitted, and communication is performed via the Internet. A portion 74 is provided.

  Next, processing performed in the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the fifth embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the image data of the image acquired by photographing and the image data of the background image are stored in the memory 70 of the camera-equipped mobile phone 50. When the user gives an instruction to create a composite image from the input unit 62 of the camera-equipped mobile phone 50, the CPU 72 starts processing, and displays a list of thumbnail images and a list of background images of images stored in the memory 70 on the display unit 60. An included image selection screen is displayed (step ST71). FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image selection screen. As shown in FIG. 17, the image selection screen 80 displays a thumbnail image area 80A for displaying a list of thumbnail images of images stored in the memory 70 and a background image area 80B for displaying a list of background images.

  In this embodiment, since the images are randomly arranged on the background image, the background image to be used does not include the image insertion area, and only the color or pattern is given to the whole. ing.

  On the image selection screen 80, the user can select an image to be used for the composite image and a background image by clicking desired images in the thumbnail image area 80A and the background image area 80B using the input unit 62. . Here, it is assumed that four images are selected. Here, in the fifth embodiment, the user selects an image in each of the thumbnail image area 80A and the background image area 80B and presses a predetermined button (for example, the center button of the cross key) on the input unit 62. Thus, the selection instruction is performed.

  Subsequently, monitoring of whether or not a selection instruction has been issued is started (step ST72). When step ST72 is affirmed, the arrangement position setting unit 64 randomly selects the arrangement positions of the four selected images on the background image. (Step ST73). Further, a provisional composite image in which four rectangular areas corresponding to the images are arranged at the four arrangement positions set by the composition unit 32 is created (step ST74) and displayed on the display unit 60 (step ST75).

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a temporary composite image display screen. As shown in FIG. 18, the temporary composite image display screen 82 displays a temporary composite image G2, a re-creation button 82A for re-creating the temporary composite image, and a confirmation button 82B for confirming the created temporary composite image. ing.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an instruction to recreate a temporary composite image has been given by clicking the recreate button 82A (step ST76). If step ST76 is affirmed, the process returns to step ST73, and after step ST73. Repeat the process. Thereby, a random arrangement position is set again, and a temporary composite image is recreated using this, and displayed on the temporary composite image display screen 82.

  If step ST76 is denied, it is determined whether or not the end of the temporary composite image creation process is instructed by clicking the confirm button 82B (step ST77). If step ST77 is denied, the process returns to step ST76. The processes after step ST76 are repeated. If step ST77 is affirmed, the arrangement information indicating the arrangement positions of the plurality of images included in the temporary composite image G2 and the selected image are transmitted to the server 52 (step ST78). The arrangement information includes information indicating the coordinate value of the arrangement position set by the arrangement position setting unit 64.

  The composition unit 32 of the server 52 creates a composite image based on the received image and arrangement information (step ST79), and transmits the created composite image to the camera-equipped mobile phone 50 (step ST80).

  The camera-equipped mobile phone 50 receives the composite image (step ST81) and displays it on the display unit 60 (step ST82). The composite image display screen is obtained by replacing the temporary composite image G2 included in the temporary composite image display screen shown in FIG. 18 with the received composite image. Then, it is determined whether or not an end instruction has been given by clicking the confirm button 82B (step ST83). If step ST83 is negative, the process returns to step ST76, and the processes after step ST76 are repeated. If step ST83 is positive, the image data of the composite image is stored in the memory 70 (step ST84), and the process is terminated.

  In the fifth embodiment, as in the first to fourth embodiments, characters may be input and included in the composite image. In this case, a character input screen may be displayed after selecting an image and a background image on the image selection screen 80 to allow the user to input characters.

  In the fifth embodiment, the composite image and further the temporary composite image may be edited in the same manner as in the first to fourth embodiments.

  In the fifth embodiment, the synthesizing unit 66 of the camera-equipped mobile phone 50 creates the temporary synthesized image G2 without using an actual image, but creates a synthesized image using the actual image. You may do it. In this case, it is possible to create a composite image without communicating with the server 52.

  The apparatus according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention has been described above. However, the computer is arranged with the arrangement position setting units 30, 30 ', 30 ", 64 and the combining units 32, 32', 32", A program that functions as means corresponding to 66 and performs processing as shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 10, 12, and 16 is also one embodiment of the present invention. A computer-readable recording medium in which such a program is recorded is also one embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a composite image creation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart which shows the process performed in 1st Embodiment. Figure showing an example of the image selection screen Diagram for explaining setting of placement position Figure showing an example of a composite image display screen The schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the composite image production apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process performed in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the image insertion area arrange | positioned in the arrangement position The schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the composite image production apparatus by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process performed in 3rd Embodiment Figure showing an example of the image selection screen The flowchart which shows the process performed in 4th Embodiment Schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a server system to which a composite image creating apparatus according to a fifth embodiment is applied. Schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a camera-equipped mobile phone Schematic block diagram showing server configuration The flowchart which shows the process performed in 5th Embodiment Figure showing an example of the image selection screen The figure which shows the example of a temporary synthetic image display screen

Explanation of symbols

1,1 ', 1 "Composite Image Creation Device 2 Memory Card 12 CPU
14 system memory 16 input unit 18 display unit 20 card slot 22 compression / decompression unit 24 hard disk 26 memory control unit 28 display control unit 30, 30 ′, 30 ″, 64 arrangement position setting unit 32, 32 ′, 32 ″, 66 synthesis unit 40, 80 Image selection screen 42 Composite image display screen 82 Temporary composite image display screen

Claims (8)

In a composite image creation device that creates a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged on a background image,
An arrangement position setting means for randomly setting an arrangement position for arranging the plurality of images on the background image;
A composite image creating apparatus, comprising: a composing unit that creates the composite image by arranging the plurality of images at the set placement position. Display means for displaying the composite image;
An input means for receiving various inputs;
Based on an instruction to recreate the composite image from the input means, the arrangement position is reset, the plurality of images are rearranged at the reset arrangement position, and the composite image is recreated. 2. The composite image creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that controls the arrangement position setting unit and the synthesis unit so as to display the composite image on the display unit.   The composite image creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an editing unit that edits the composite image in response to an instruction to edit the composite image. The arrangement position setting means is a means for setting the arrangement positions of a plurality of image insertion areas having random aspect ratios and sizes within a predetermined range for inserting the plurality of images, respectively.
The synthesizing unit processes each of the plurality of images so that each of the plurality of images is inserted into each of the image insertion regions, and inserts the plurality of processed images into the image insertion regions. The composite image creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the composite image creation device is a means for creating the composite image. A lower limit value of a first ratio that is a ratio of an area where the background image is covered by the plurality of images to the entire area of the background image, and the plurality of the plurality of images on the composite image for each of the entire areas of the plurality of images. Setting means for setting a lower limit value of a second ratio that is a ratio at which each of the images is exposed;
The arrangement position setting means is a means for setting the arrangement position so that the first and second ratios exceed the lower limit value and enlarging / reducing each of the plurality of images. Item 5. The composite image creation device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   6. The synthesized image creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synthesizing unit is a unit that creates the synthesized image so as to include a designated text. In a composite image creation method for creating a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged on a background image,
An arrangement position for arranging the plurality of images is randomly set on the background image,
A composite image creation method, wherein the composite image is created by arranging the plurality of images at the set placement position. In a program for causing a computer to execute a composite image creation method for creating a composite image in which a plurality of images are arranged on a background image,
A procedure for randomly setting an arrangement position for arranging the plurality of images on the background image;
A program for arranging the plurality of images at the set arrangement position to create the composite image.

Images