JP2007124304A - Image layout device, method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable two or more images to be easily laid out without preparing a template. <P>SOLUTION: A layout unit 30 arranges picture images in the prescribed order, such as in order of photographing date, in a background region where rectangular reference regions are set, making the picture images inscribe the reference regions. When an indication that picture images are enlarged is given, the whole picture images are arranged in the reference regions keeping the prescribed arrangement order while the indicated picture images are enlarged. The picture images that are laid out are displayed on a display unit 18. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image layout apparatus and method for laying out a plurality of images side by side, and a program for causing a computer to execute the image layout method.

  Conventionally, an album print has been created in which a plurality of images are laid out and printed out on a single print. If a plurality of images are laid out on a single print in this way, it is not necessary to attach the print to the mount later, so an album can be created easily.

  However, it is necessary to have specialized knowledge to arrange an image with good appearance, and it takes time and effort to arrange the image.

For this reason, various methods for simply laying out images have been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). The technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique that accepts an instruction of a necessary image and an unnecessary image when an image is presented to a user, and lays out only the necessary image. Also, according to this method, it is possible to easily perform album printing by preparing a template for inserting an image. In addition, the technique described in Patent Document 2 is a technique in which images are arranged based on image shooting times, and images are arranged at positions set in advance according to the size of the image and the printing direction of the image. . Further, the technique described in Patent Document 3 is a technique in which an image is arranged and printed on a sheet of paper with a size that can be fully appreciated.
JP-A-9-214868 JP 2000-299777 A Utility Model Registration No. 3106145

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the user himself to determine the arrangement of images and to prepare a template. In addition, the technique described in Patent Document 2 can use only the layout determined by the combination of image printing directions, and therefore, there are few layout variations. Moreover, since the method described in Patent Document 3 arranges a plurality of images with the same size, it is interesting for the layout.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to easily lay out a plurality of images without preparing a template.

An image layout apparatus according to the present invention is an image layout apparatus that arranges a plurality of images side by side.
A layout means for arranging and arranging the plurality of images in a predetermined order in each reference region in a background region in which a plurality of reference regions are set, and enlarging an image for which an instruction to enlarge is made, Layout means for arranging all the images in the reference area while maintaining a predetermined order;
And display means for displaying a list of the images arranged in the background area.

  In the image layout apparatus according to the present invention, the layout means enlarges the image for which the instruction to enlarge is made up of a plurality of reference areas of the same number in the vertical and horizontal directions including the reference area in which the image for which the instruction is given is arranged. It is good also as a means to arrange | position to an area | region.

  In the image layout apparatus according to the present invention, when the layout unit is instructed to reduce the enlarged image to the original size, the enlarged image is reduced to the original size. In addition, all the images may be arranged in the reference area while maintaining the predetermined order.

  In the image layout apparatus according to the present invention, the layout means deletes an image instructed to be deleted and maintains the predetermined order for images other than the image instructed to be deleted. However, it may be arranged in the reference area.

  Further, in the image layout apparatus according to the present invention, when the layout unit is instructed to reposition the deleted image, the image other than the image instructed to reposition and the image instructed Other images may be arranged in the reference area while maintaining the predetermined order.

In the image layout apparatus according to the present invention, the layout means is means for generating layout information representing a layout of the plurality of images,
Storage means for storing the layout information may be further provided.

  In the image layout apparatus according to the present invention, when the display unit is provided with display direction information indicating a display direction of the image, the layout unit is configured to set the image based on the display direction information as the reference. It is good also as a means to arrange | position to an area | region.

An image layout method according to the present invention is an image layout method in which a plurality of images are arranged side by side.
A layout means for arranging and arranging the plurality of images in a predetermined order in each reference region in a background region in which a plurality of reference regions are set, and enlarging an image for which an instruction to enlarge is made, Placing all the images in the reference area while maintaining a predetermined order;
A list of the images arranged in the background area is displayed.

  The image layout method according to the present invention may be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute the image layout method.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of images are arranged and arranged in a predetermined order in each reference area of a background area in which a plurality of rectangular reference areas are set, and an image that is instructed to be enlarged is enlarged. In addition, all images are arranged in the reference region while maintaining a predetermined order. Therefore, a desired image can be enlarged and laid out without preparing a template. In addition, since the predetermined order in which the images are arranged is maintained even when the images are enlarged, the images can be laid out while maintaining a desired order such as the order of shooting date and time, the order of the file names of the images, and the like.

  Further, by arranging an image for which enlargement is instructed in an enlargement area composed of a plurality of reference areas of the same length and width including the reference area in which the instructed image is arranged, the image can be magnified with good appearance. .

  In addition, when an instruction to reduce the enlarged image to the original size is given, the enlarged image is reduced and all images are arranged in the reference area while maintaining a predetermined order. The image can be laid out while maintaining a desired order.

  In addition, by deleting an image for which an instruction to delete is made and arranging other images in the reference area while maintaining a predetermined order, the image can be laid out while maintaining a desired order.

  In this case, when an instruction to re-position the deleted image is given, the image that has been instructed to be re-positioned and the other image are placed in the reference region while maintaining a predetermined order, so that The image can be laid out while maintaining the order in which it is performed.

  In addition, by generating layout information representing the layout of a plurality of images, referring to the layout information, the images can be arranged in the layout represented by the layout information. For this reason, if it is necessary to interrupt the layout of the image, it is possible to continue the layout of the image from the state when it was interrupted if the image layout information until the interruption is saved. Become.

  Further, when display direction information indicating the display direction of the image is given to the image, the image is arranged in the reference area based on the display direction information, so that the image can be displayed without performing the operation of rotating the image. Can be laid out.

  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 an image layout apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image layout apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is for laying out an image for printing on a sheet of a predetermined size, and performs various controls such as image data recording control and display control. And a CPU 12 for controlling each part of the apparatus 1, a program for operating the CPU 12, a viewer software for viewing images, a ROM in which various constants are recorded, and a work when the CPU 12 executes processing A system memory 14 composed of a RAM serving as a region, an input unit 16 composed of a keyboard and a mouse for giving various instructions to the apparatus 1, and a display unit 18 composed of a liquid crystal monitor for performing various displays. Prepare.

  The image layout apparatus 1 also includes a card slot 20 for reading image data from the memory card 2 on which image data is recorded, and recording image data on the memory card 2, and a technique represented by JPEG. A compression / decompression unit 22 that compresses or decompresses compressed image data; a hard disk 24 that records image data and various programs executed by the CPU 12; and a memory control that controls the system memory 14, the card slot 20, and the hard disk 24 Unit 26 and a display control unit 28 for controlling the display of the display unit 18. The image classification device 1 also includes a layout unit 30 for laying out images and a printer interface 32 for connecting the printer 3.

  The layout unit 30 is for laying out a plurality of images recorded on the memory card 2 on a sheet of a predetermined size. Here, the number of images that can be arranged on one sheet is predetermined according to the size of the sheet. For example, 12 sheets are set for the 2L size, and 20 sheets are set for the A4 size. If the image does not fit on one page, the image is laid out over a plurality of pages. In this case, the prints cover a plurality of sheets.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the paper size is set to 2L, and two large and small images can be laid out on one page. When only a small image is laid out, one page is laid out. It is assumed that 12 images can be laid out.

  Hereinafter, an image layout process performed by the layout unit 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. A user using the image layout apparatus 1 loads the memory card 2 into the card slot 20 and instructs the layout of the image from the input unit 16, whereby the CPU 12 reads out the image recorded on the memory card 2, and the layout unit 30 displays an image list screen on the display unit 18.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing a list screen of images displayed on the display unit 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the list screen 50 includes a thumbnail image display area 51 for displaying thumbnail images of paper on which images are laid out, a work area 52 for performing image layout work, and a work area 52. A correction instruction area 53 for instructing correction of the selected image and an instruction area 54 for instructing various operations are displayed.

  In the thumbnail image display area 51, an information area 51A for displaying the total number of pages to be printed and the total number of images, and a thumbnail image 51B for the sheet in which the images are laid out are displayed.

  In the work area 52, a background area 55 representing a sheet on which work is performed, and a next page button 52A and a previous page button 52B for switching pages when the sheet covers a plurality of pages are displayed.

  The correction instruction area 53 includes a left 90 degree button 53A and a right 90 degree button 53B for rotating the image selected in the work area 52 90 degrees to the left and right, and a small size button 53C for changing the size of the selected image. A large size button 53D, an image adjustment button 53E for adjusting the image quality and trimming of the selected image, a release button 53F for removing the selected image from the print, and the removed image. A removed image confirmation button 53G for confirming is displayed.

  In the instruction area 54, an end button 54A for ending the processing, a return button 54B for canceling the performed work, a temporary suspension button 54C for temporarily suspending the work, and a print button 54D for performing printing. And are displayed.

  In the present embodiment, in the initial state, an image is laid out on a sheet with a standard size. Here, since 15 images are recorded on the memory card 2, the sheet extends over 2 pages. Therefore, 12 images are laid out on the first page of paper, and the remaining three images are laid out on the second page of paper.

  In the background area 55, a plurality of square reference areas are set. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the reference area set as the background area 55. As shown in FIG. 3, in the background area 55, a total of 12 reference areas A1 to A12 of 3 vertical and 4 horizontal are set. As shown in FIG. 4, the background area 55 is laid out so that the images T1 to T12 are inscribed in the reference areas A1 to A12 in the initial state. When the image is in landscape orientation, as shown in FIG. 5A, the image is arranged so as to be inscribed in the left and right sides of the reference areas A1 to A12. When the image is in portrait orientation, FIG. As shown in b), the image is laid out so as to be inscribed in the upper and lower sides of the reference areas A1 to A12. At this time, the layout unit 30 automatically rotates the image based on the information on the display direction of the image described in the image tag and arranges the image in the reference region.

  In the present embodiment, since there are 15 images to be laid out, the remaining three images T13 to T15 are laid out in the reference areas A1 to A3 of the background area 55 of the second page. In the work area 52, the page of the background area 55 displayed in the work area 52 can be switched by clicking the next page button 52A and the previous page button 52B. Here, in the present embodiment, the order in which the images are laid out is the oldest shooting date and time, but may be the newest order or the file name order.

  After the list screen 50 is displayed in this way, the user selects a desired image in the background area 55 of the work area 52 and clicks the large size button 53D to enlarge the selected image. The enlargement process will be described below. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the enlargement process.

  When the user clicks the large size button 53D after selecting an image, the layout unit 30 starts processing, and groups four reference areas including the reference area in which the image selected by the user is arranged to expand the enlarged area. Generate (step ST1). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining generation of an enlarged region. In FIG. 7, the images T1 to T12 are omitted. If the user selects the image T1 arranged in the reference area A1 as shown in FIG. 7A, the layout unit 30 groups the reference areas A1, A2, A5, and A6, and FIG. As shown, an enlarged area A101 composed of four reference areas is generated. Then, the layout unit 30 enlarges the image T1 selected by the user so as to be inscribed in the enlargement area A101 (step ST2), and performs a sending process (step ST3).

  Here, since the reference area A2, A5, A6 disappears from the background area 55 by generating the enlarged area A101, the number of images that can be laid out in the background area 55 is 9 including the enlarged image T1 ′. The twelve images T1 to T12 initially displayed cannot be displayed. For this reason, the layout unit 30 deletes the three images T10 to T12 having the latest shooting date from the images T1 to T12 included in the background region 55 from the background region 55 of the first page, and uses the images T2 to T9 as a reference. Layout is made in areas A3, A4, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, and A12. Since the deleted images T10 to T12 are moved to the background area 55 of the next page, this process is referred to as a sending process.

  The background area after the enlargement and delivery process is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the background area 55, an image T1 'enlarged in the enlarged area A101 is arranged, and images T2 to T9 are arranged in the reference areas A3, A4, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12, respectively. ing. Although not shown, images T10 to T15 are laid out in six reference areas in the background area 55 of the second page.

  Note that the reference area used when generating the enlarged area is assigned in advance according to the position of the reference area where the image to be enlarged is laid out. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when an image laid out in the reference areas A1, A2, A5 is enlarged, the reference areas A1, A2, A5, A6 are used to generate the enlarged area L1, and the reference areas A6, A9 are used. , A10, the reference areas A5, A6, A9, A10 are used to generate the enlarged area L2, and the images laid out in the reference areas A3, A4, A7 are enlarged. The reference areas A3, A4, A7, A8 are used to generate the enlarged area L3, and when the images laid out in the reference areas A8, A11, A12 are enlarged, the reference areas A7, A8, A11, A12 is used to generate the enlarged region L4.

  The sending process is performed according to the following rules each time the user performs operations such as enlargement, reduction, and deletion once. First, images are arranged in order of shooting date and time, and the size attribute of the image (that is, standard size before enlargement or enlargement size) is checked in that order, and the enlarged image included in the page currently being laid out When the number n reaches the maximum value Emax of the number of enlarged images that can fit on one page (that is, one background area), the standard size images are sequentially laid out in the reference area, and used for the layout of one page. Confirm the image.

  Specifically, the image used for the layout is determined as follows. First, the number of reference areas Scn used by an image included in the page currently being laid out is compared with the number of reference areas Snum included in the background area of one page. Note that Scn = the number of standard size images currently laid out m + n × the number of reference areas Sen constituting the enlarged area Sen. In the case of Scn <Snum, the size attribute of the image next to the image currently laid out, that is, the image with the oldest shooting date and time among the images not laid out is checked and included in the image to be laid out. When Scn = Snum, the image to be used is determined. In the case of Scn> Snum, priority is given to an image having an enlarged size attribute, and the standard size image included in the current layout is deleted in order from the newest file name to determine the image to be used.

  When the image to be used is determined, layout determination processing is performed. The layout determination process is performed by determining the order in which images having an enlarged size attribute and images having a standard size attribute are arranged. When the number of images having an enlargement size attribute included in one background region is En = 1, when images are arranged in order of shooting date and time, the enlarged image corresponds to a reference region where the image should originally be laid out Lay out in the enlarged area. The standard size image is sequentially laid out in the remaining reference area and the layout is determined.

  In the case of En> 1, first, when images are arranged in order of shooting date and time, the enlarged images are laid out in an enlarged region corresponding to a reference region where the image should be laid out originally. If the enlarged areas overlap, the image with the oldest shooting date / time is laid out preferentially, and the image with the new shooting date / time is laid out in the next non-overlapping enlarged area. Here, “next” includes an enlarged area of the next page. Then, when there are no overlapping enlarged areas, the layout of the image having the attribute of the enlarged size is determined, and the standard size image is sequentially laid out in the reference area to determine the layout.

  Various aspects of the sending process when an image is laid out according to the above rules will be described. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining various modes of the sending process. In FIGS. 10 and 11, only numbers are assigned to images. First, in the initial screen, 15 images are laid out over 2 pages. When the image T3 is enlarged in this state, the reference area A3 in which the image T3 is laid out is assigned to the enlargement area L3, so that an enlargement area is generated from the reference areas A3, A4, A7, and A8 on the first page. The image T3 magnified in (3) is laid out. At the same time, three images T10 to T12 with new shooting dates and times on the first page are sent to the second page, and images T4 to T9 are laid out in the reference areas A5, A6, and A9 to A12, respectively.

  When the image T4 is enlarged in this state, the reference area A5 in which the image T4 is laid out is assigned to the enlargement area L1, so that an enlargement area is generated from the reference areas A1, A2, A5, A6 on the first page, The enlarged image T4 is laid out here. At the same time, three images T7 to T9 with new shooting dates and times on the first page are sent out to the second page, and images T1, T2, T5, and T6 are laid out in the reference areas A9 to A12, respectively.

  In this state, if the image T6 is further enlarged, the reference area A12 in which the image T6 is laid out corresponds to the enlarged area L4 that overlaps the enlarged area L3. Therefore, the image cannot be enlarged any more on the first page. Therefore, the image T6 is moved to the reference area A1 of the second page. Since the reference area A1 is assigned to the enlarged area L1, an enlarged area is generated from the reference areas A1, A2, A5, and A6 of the second page, and an enlarged image T6 is laid out here. At the same time, the image T7 is laid out in the reference area A12 of the first page, and in the second page, the images T8 to T15 are laid out in the reference areas A3, A4, A7, A8, A9 to A12, respectively.

  When the image T11 is enlarged in this state, since the reference area A8 in which the image T11 is laid out is assigned to the enlarged area L4, an enlarged area is generated from the reference areas A7, A8, A11, A12 on the second page, The enlarged image T11 is laid out here. At the same time, three images T13 to T15 with new shooting dates and times on the second page are sent to the third page, and the images T8, T9, T10, and T12 are laid out in the reference areas A3, A4, A9, and A10 of the second page, respectively. Is done.

  When the image T3 is reduced in this state, that is, when the image T3 is selected and the small size button 53C is clicked, the image T4 can be laid out in the original reference area A4, and the reference area A4 is assigned to the enlarged area L3. An enlarged area is generated from the reference areas A3, A4, A7, and A8 of the first page, and the enlarged image T4 is laid out here. In this state, the images T3, T5, and T6 can be laid out in the reference areas A5, A6, and A9, respectively. However, the image T6 is enlarged, and the reference area A9 is assigned to the enlarged area L2. An enlarged region is generated from the regions A5, A6, A9, and A10, and the enlarged image T6 is laid out here. In this state, since the reference areas A1, A2, A11, and A12 are open on the first page, images T1, T2, T3, and T5 are laid out here. Also, the image T7 laid out in the background area 55 of the first page is moved to the second page.

  On the other hand, on the second page, the image T11 can be laid out in the reference area A5, and the reference area A5 is assigned to the enlarged area L1, so that the enlarged area is expanded from the reference areas A1, A2, A5, and A6 on the second page. An image T11 generated and enlarged here is laid out. Images T7 to T11 and T12 to T15 are laid out in the reference areas A3, A4 and A7 to A12, respectively.

  Consider a case where the image T4 and the image T10 are deleted in this state. Note that the image can be deleted by selecting the image to be deleted in the work area 52 and clicking the button 53F to remove it from the print. First, when the image T4 is deleted, the image T6 can be laid out in the reference area A5 on the first page, and the reference area A5 is assigned to the enlarged area L1, so that the reference areas A1, A2, A5, A6 on the first page. An enlarged region is generated from the image, and the enlarged image T6 is laid out here. Next, when the image T10 is deleted, the images T1 to T9, T11 can be laid out in the reference areas A3, A4, A7 to A12, and the reference area A12 is assigned to the enlarged area L4. , A8, A11, A12, an enlarged region is generated, and an enlarged image T11 is laid out here. In this state, since the reference areas A3, A4, A9, and A10 are open on the first page, images T1, T2, T3, and T5 are laid out here. Further, images T7 to T9 and T12 to T15 are laid out in the reference areas A1 to A7 of the second page, respectively.

  Consider restoring the deleted image T10 in this state. To restore the deleted image, click the removed image confirmation button 53G. As a result, a confirmation screen for the removed image is displayed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a confirmation screen for the removed image. As shown in FIG. 12, an image display area 57A for displaying a thumbnail image of an image that has been removed, that is, a deleted image, and an undo button 57B are displayed on the screen 57 for confirming the removed image. The user can restore the deleted image by selecting the desired image in the image display area 57A and clicking the restore button 57B.

  When the image T10 is restored, the images T1 to T3, T5, and T7 to T10 are laid out in the reference areas A3, A4, A7 to A12 of the first page. The enlarged image T11 is moved to the second page. Since the image T11 can be laid out in the reference area A1 on the second page and the reference area A1 is assigned to the enlargement area L1, an enlargement area is generated from the reference areas A1, A2, A5, and A6 on the second page. The image T11 enlarged in size is laid out. On the second page, the images T12 to T15 are laid out in the reference areas A3, A4, A7, and A8, respectively.

  If an image adjustment button 53E is clicked after selecting an image in the work area 52, the selected image can be adjusted. Specifically, the image can be adjusted by trimming the image, automatic correction of gradation and density, and manual correction of density and CMY colors.

  The work can be ended by clicking the end button 54A during the work. Further, by clicking the return button 54B, the work performed can be canceled and the work can be returned to the previous state. The work can be temporarily suspended by clicking the temporary suspension button 54C. Further, the laid out image can be printed out from the printer 3 by clicking the print button 54D.

  Here, when the temporary interruption button 54 </ b> C is clicked, the layout unit 30 generates layout information representing the layout of the currently working image and stores it in the hard disk 24. FIG. 13 shows the contents of layout information. As shown in FIG. 13, the layout information includes a layout ID, the number of copies to be printed, the current status (processed or unprocessed), print size, layout file name, date designation (whether date is included in the print), and Information on the number of images to be laid out is included.

  Further, for each image, information on file name, rotation angle, trimming position (4 corner positions), presence / absence of automatic correction, correction amount of density (D), correction amount and size (enlarged or standard) for each color of CMY include.

  By storing such layout information, it is possible to continue the image layout work from the state when the work is interrupted by referring to the saved layout information even if the work is interrupted.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an image instructed to be enlarged by arranging a plurality of images in the reference area in a predetermined order on a background area in which a plurality of rectangular reference areas are set. While enlarging and maintaining all images in the reference area while maintaining a predetermined order, a desired image can be enlarged and laid out without preparing a template. In addition, since the predetermined order in which the images are arranged is maintained even when the images are enlarged, the images can be laid out while maintaining a desired order such as the order of shooting date and time, the order of the file names of the images, and the like.

  Further, by arranging an image for which enlargement is instructed in an enlargement area composed of a plurality of reference areas of the same length and width including the reference area in which the instructed image is arranged, the image can be magnified with good appearance. .

  Further, when an instruction to reduce the enlarged image to the original size is given, the enlarged image is reduced, and all the images are arranged while maintaining a predetermined order. The image can be laid out while maintaining the order in which it is performed.

  Further, by deleting an image for which an instruction to delete is deleted and arranging other images while maintaining a predetermined order, the images can be laid out while maintaining a desired order.

  Here, when an instruction to place the deleted image again is given, the desired order can be obtained by placing the image that has been instructed to place again and other images while maintaining a predetermined order. You can maintain and lay out images.

  In the above embodiment, 12 images are laid out in one background area of 2L size. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of images to be arranged can be appropriately set according to the paper size. May be.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, although the equal space | interval is provided between the reference regions, you may make the reference regions contact | adhere.

  In the above embodiment, when an instruction to enlarge is given, the image is enlarged so as to be inscribed in the enlarged area composed of the 2 × 2 reference area. The image may be enlarged so as to be inscribed. Further, after an image is enlarged so as to be inscribed in an enlarged area composed of a 2 × 2 reference area, when an instruction to enlarge the image is given again, the enlarged image is made up of a 3 × 3 reference area. Further enlargement may be performed so as to be inscribed in the enlargement region.

  In the above embodiment, the image layout apparatus of the present invention is provided alone. However, the image layout apparatus of the present invention may be provided in a digital camera so that the image layout can be set in the digital camera. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the image layout apparatus of the present invention may be provided in an order terminal apparatus for placing a print order installed in a photo shop. The order terminal device 60 is provided with a memory card slot 62 for inserting a memory card in which an image is recorded, a touch panel type liquid crystal panel 64 for performing various displays such as a list screen and various inputs, and is installed in a photo shop. It is connected to the printer 70 via a network.

  As described above, by providing the order terminal device 60 with the image layout device of the present invention, a high-quality print can be obtained at a photo shop. When the user performs layout processing using the digital camera 1 and records the layout information on the memory card, the ordering terminal device 60 reads the layout information from the memory card and immediately follows the layout information. Print output can be performed.

  Of course, it is possible to install a program for executing the functions of the image layout apparatus of the present invention in a personal computer, and perform image layout and print output on the personal computer in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an image layout apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure showing the image list screen The figure which shows the example of the reference | standard area | region set to the background area | region The figure for demonstrating the inscribed state of the image to a reference | standard area | region The figure for demonstrating the inscribed state to the reference | standard area | region of the image of landscape orientation and portrait orientation Enlargement process flowchart Diagram for explaining generation of enlarged region The figure which shows the image of the background area after enlarging and sending out processing The figure for demonstrating allocation of the reference | standard area | region which produces | generates an expansion area | region The figure for demonstrating the various aspects of a sending-out process (the 1) The figure for demonstrating the various aspects of a sending-out process (the 2) Figure showing the confirmation screen of the removed image Diagram showing the contents of layout information Diagram for explaining connection between order terminal device and printer

Explanation of symbols

1 Image layout device 2 Memory card 3 Printer 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 layout unit 32 printer interface

Claims (9)

In an image layout apparatus that arranges a plurality of images side by side,
A layout means for arranging and arranging the plurality of images in a predetermined order in each reference region in a background region in which a plurality of reference regions are set, and enlarging an image for which an instruction to enlarge is made, Layout means for arranging all the images in the reference area while maintaining a predetermined order;
An image layout apparatus comprising: display means for displaying a list of the images arranged in the background area.   The layout means is a means for arranging the image instructed to be enlarged in an enlarged area composed of a plurality of reference areas in the same vertical and horizontal directions including the reference area in which the image instructed is arranged. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1.   When an instruction to reduce the enlarged image to the original size is given, the layout unit reduces the enlarged image to the original size and maintains the predetermined order. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image layout apparatus is a means for arranging the image in the reference area.   The layout means is means for deleting an image instructed to be deleted and arranging other images other than the image instructed to be deleted in the reference region while maintaining the predetermined order. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   When the layout unit is instructed to reposition the deleted image, the layout unit arranges the image instructed to reposition and other images other than the instructed image in the predetermined order. 5. The image layout apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image layout apparatus is arranged to be arranged in the reference area while being maintained. The layout means is means for generating layout information representing a layout of the plurality of images;
The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the layout information.   The layout means is means for arranging the image in the reference area based on the display direction information when display direction information indicating the display direction of the image is given to the image. The image layout apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. In an image layout method for arranging a plurality of images side by side,
A layout means for arranging and arranging the plurality of images in a predetermined order in each reference region in a background region in which a plurality of reference regions are set, and enlarging an image for which an instruction to enlarge is made, Placing all the images in the reference area while maintaining a predetermined order;
An image layout method comprising displaying a list of the images arranged in the background area. In a program for causing a computer to execute an image layout method for arranging a plurality of images side by side,
A layout means for arranging and arranging the plurality of images in a predetermined order in each reference region in a background region in which a plurality of reference regions are set, and enlarging an image for which an instruction to enlarge is made, Placing all the images in the reference area while maintaining a predetermined order;
A program for displaying a list of the images arranged in the background area.

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