JP2771563B2 - Image layout device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image layout apparatus, and more particularly, to a novel image layout that inputs a plurality of original images at once, lays out each original image freely, and outputs a visible image. Related to the device.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, there is a newspaper page layout system, but this system mainly deals with text information, and it can be said that this system maximizes the flexibility of text information. That is, in this type of system, images are pre-arranged by manual intervention, and text information is automatically divided into margins and distributed appropriately.

On the other hand, today, with the development of high-quality image input / output technology for contrasting photographic images and the like, the emergence of a device capable of automatic layout of a photo pasting image such as an album is desired.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the conventional album creation is exclusively performed manually. Further, in a newspaper page layout system mainly using a sentence processing technology, automatic layout of images cannot be easily achieved.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned conventional drawbacks. An object of the present invention is to simplify input operations when rearranging and outputting a plurality of input independent images, and to provide an arbitrary image. An object of the present invention is to provide an image layout device capable of rearranging an input image in accordance with an output layout.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, an image layout device of the present invention includes an image input unit for inputting a plurality of independent images, and detecting an inclination of each of the input images. Detecting means for correcting the inclination of each of the plurality of input images based on the detection of the detecting means, a layout pattern generating means for generating a layout pattern of an output image, and the generated layout. Association means for associating the pattern with the plurality of input images,
Magnifying means for scaling the image in accordance with each of the associated layout patterns, and laying out the output image by the correcting means and the scaling means at a position indicated by the associated layout patterns. Image layout means.

Also preferably, display means for displaying image information, designation means for designating and inputting an arbitrary shape and position of any one of the image information based on the display output of the input image information, The outline is to include a cutout means for cutting out the image information according to a shape and a position.

Preferably, the outline is provided with character input means for inputting a character code and character developing means for developing a character pattern of the input character code at a position designated by a cursor on a layout image.

Preferably, the image input means includes one or both of a means for reading a reflective original and a means for reading a transparent original.

In addition, preferably, an outline is provided with a printing unit for performing full-color printing of the layout image.

Preferably, an outline is provided with an image moving means for moving any one of the layout images in parallel or in rotation.

Preferably, an outline of processing the display of the overlapping portion between the laid-out images in accordance with a predetermined priority is provided.

[Operation] With this configuration, based on the detection by the image input unit that inputs a plurality of independent images, the detection unit that detects the inclination of each of the plurality of input images, and the detection unit,
Correction means for respectively correcting the inclinations of the plurality of input images, layout pattern generation means for generating a layout pattern of the output image, and correspondence means for associating the generated layout patterns with the plurality of input images And magnification means for scaling the image in accordance with each of the associated layout patterns, at a position indicated by the associated layout patterns,
By providing the correction means and the image layout means for laying out the output image by the scaling means, when rearranging and outputting a plurality of input independent images, the input operation can be simplified and optional The input image can be rearranged in accordance with the output layout.

Also preferably, display means for displaying image information, designation means for designating and inputting an arbitrary shape and position of any one of the image information based on the display output of the input image information, A clipping means for clipping the image information according to the shape and position is provided, and a predetermined portion of the image is clipped from a document image (an arbitrary image in the input image information) to be used as a document image.

Also preferably, there is provided a character input unit for inputting a character code, and a character expanding unit for expanding a character pattern of the input character code at a position designated by a cursor of the layout image, and expanding the character to an arbitrary portion of the layout image. I do.

Preferably, the image input means includes one or both of a means for reading a reflective original and a means for reading a transparent original, and faithfully reads an image according to the nature of the original.

Preferably, a printing unit for printing a layout image in full color is provided, and a full-color electronic album is created.

Preferably, an image moving means for moving any one of the layout images in parallel or in rotation is provided to increase flexibility after layout.

Also preferably, by processing the display of the overlapping portion between the laid out images according to a predetermined priority,
The processing of the overlapping portion between the images can be easily performed.

[Description of Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the image layout apparatus of the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image layout apparatus of the embodiment. Hereinafter, the two configurations will be described in comparison.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input unit which reads various types of image information. The image input unit 1 corresponds to the color scanner 15 in FIG. The color scanner 15 reads a reflective original such as a photographic print, a transparent original such as a film, and a thick reflective original such as a book or a magazine. 2 is a key input unit,
The user inputs character data and various kinds of instruction information. The key input unit 2 corresponds to the keyboard 16 and the digitizer 17 in FIG. Reference numeral 10 denotes an image output unit that outputs an input original image, a layout pattern image being created, an image after layout, an image further edited, and the like. The image output unit 10 corresponds to the color TV monitor 22 shown in FIG. A printing unit 11 prints the same image as that for the image output unit 10. The printing unit 11 corresponds to the color printer 23 in FIG. 2, and is, for example, a color laser beam printer as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a control operation unit which performs an operation process for realizing main control of the apparatus of this embodiment and various function blocks described later. The control operation unit 3 includes a CPU 18 shown in FIG. 2 and a ROM 1 storing various programs (FIGS. 9 and 11) executed by the CPU 18 and the like.
9, a RAM 20 used by the CPU 18 as a work area, and an image memory 21 for storing image data of various stages. Reference numeral 4 denotes a cutout unit that cuts out a partial image having a shape and size intended by the user from an input image or an image after layout. The cutout section 4 is incorporated as a program in the ROM 19 of FIG. Reference numeral 5 denotes a layout pattern creation unit that calculates the total number of input images by using an interactive method.
Further, it cooperates with the enlargement / reduction unit 12, the parallel movement / rotational movement 13, and the display priority setting unit 14 to create layout pattern information for the number of images. The layout pattern creation unit 5 is configured as shown in FIG.
It is incorporated as a program in ROM19. Reference numeral 6 denotes an image transformation unit which transforms an input image according to the size and shape of each layout pattern created by the layout pattern creation unit 5. Reference numeral 26 denotes a layout unit, which is based on the priority of each image deformed by the image deformation unit 6 at each layout pattern position created by the layout pattern creation unit, and in which each input image is raster-scanned on a screen, for example. Layout is performed in association with the order in which the images are scanned when scanning from left to right and from top to bottom. Layout section
26 is incorporated as a program in the ROM 19 of FIG. Reference numeral 7 denotes an input image inclination correction unit that corrects the inclination of each input image. 8 is a display priority changing unit,
The priority set by the display priority setting unit 14 is changed. Reference numeral 9 denotes a character generating unit which converts a character code input from the key input unit 2 into character pattern data and superimposes the character code on a specified position on the layout image. The character generator 9 is the ROM 1 in FIG.
The program and font data are incorporated in 9. Reference numeral 27 denotes a display moving unit which moves the display position of an arbitrary image in the laid-out image according to an instruction. The display moving unit 27 is incorporated as a program in the ROM 19 of FIG.

<Color Scanner> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the color scanner. In the figure, reference numeral 30 denotes a reflection manuscript, and "ABC" is written on its surface. 31 is a platen glass (manuscript table),
The “ABC” of the manuscript 30 is placed on top of it. A rod array lens 32 condenses the reflected light image from the original 30 exposed by the halogen exposure lamp 33 and forms an image on the full-color sensor 34. Reference numeral 36 denotes a document scanning unit, which performs the sub-scanning in the direction of arrow A by integrating the above-described components 32 to 35.

The color separation image signal read line by line while exposing and scanning is amplified to a predetermined voltage by the sensor output signal amplification circuit 35, and then input to the video signal processing unit 37 via the coaxial cable signal line 501. The signal is processed and sent out through the interface circuit 45. Also 50
Reference numeral 2 denotes a signal line for supplying a main scanning drive pulse of the full-color sensor 34, and all drive pulses required by the full-color sensor 34 are generated in the video processing unit 37. 38
Denotes a white plate, which is used for white level correction of an image signal. Reference numeral 39 denotes a black plate, which is used for correcting a black level of an image signal. Use these plates 38 and 39 as halogen exposure lamps
The white level correction and the black level correction of the video signal are performed so as to obtain a predetermined density signal level by irradiating at 33.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit having a micro computer, which controls all the operations of the color scanner 15. For example, display of various information and control of key input on the operation panel 41 via the bus 508, control of the video processing unit 37, and the original scanning unit 3 by the position sensors 42 and 43.
6 is detected via a signal line 505, and the signal line 503 controls the stepping motor drive circuit 60 which drives the stepping motor 44 in order to move the original scanning unit 36 in the sub-scanning direction. The ON / OFF control and the light amount control of the halogen exposure lamp 33 by the exposure lamp driver 61 through the CPU are performed.

<Illumination Device> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration when an illumination device is mounted on a color scanner. The same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, a transparent original such as a negative film is arranged on an original platen 31, an illuminating device 50 is provided above the original, and the transmitted light image of the negative film is reflected while moving the original scanning unit 36 in the direction of arrow B. Read as above. For the lamp 55, ON / OFF control and lighting voltage control by the lamp controller 54 are performed.
A micro computer (not shown) in the controller 40
A control signal is sent from the I / O port via the signal line 59.
When reading a film original, the user needs to set the platen 31
The film original is set on the upper side, and a negative film key 47 or a positive film key 48 (not shown) in the operation section 41 is pressed according to the type of the film, and then the start key 46 is pressed. When reading a reflection original such as a general print photograph or printed matter, the original may be set on the original platen 31 and the start key 46 may be pressed. Color scanana
In step 15, a prescan is performed to detect a rectangular area where a document is located, and then a second scan is performed to scan the target rectangular area with 4096 × 4096 pixels in vertical and horizontal directions.
Read as GB data.

<Image Memory> Image data read by the color scanner 15 is written to the image memory 21 via the CPU 18 and is also displayed on the color TV monitor 22 at the same time.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the image memory 21 and its peripheral configuration. In the figure, reference numerals 62 to 69 denote image memories each having a structure of (4096 pixels × 4096 pixels × 8 bits). Image processor 6 by command from CPU 18
When 1 operates, image data # 1 to # 8 can be arbitrarily selected via the image memory controller 60 to input / output image data. Furthermore, data transfer between any image memories and real-time operation are also possible. 70 is a priority controller, which is a color TV monitor 22
This is a part for giving an output priority to the image memories # 1 to # 8 when displaying an image. For example # 1
If images of the # 2 image memory are displayed at the same time, if the # 2 image memory has a higher priority, the image of the # 2 image memory is displayed in a portion where the screen images overlap. , # 1 image memory is not displayed. The CPU 18 can change the priority order of the image memories # 1 to # 8 by sending a control signal 72 to the priority controller 70, and can send the priority order to the color TV monitor 22 via the video interface 71 in real time. The changed image can be displayed. This priority controller 70 uses a photograph,
This is to give a priority between the original image and the background, text, etc., in addition to the weight between the general original image such as a film or a printed original.

In this embodiment, in principle, R (red) data read by the color scanner 15 is stored in the # 1 image memory,
The (green) data is stored in the # 2 image memory, and the B (blue) data is stored in the # 3 image memory. Naturally, these three image memories have the same priority.

<Color Printer> FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing a color laser beam printer used in the embodiment. In the figure, the image memory
The video signal 700 sent from the CPU 21 via the CPU 18 is input to the video signal processing unit 701 via the interface 703. The video processing unit 701 performs various processes on the image and generates all necessary drive pulses. Then, the input image signal is sent to the scanner unit 711 via the printer controller 701. This scanner 711 is
It comprises a laser output unit for converting an image signal into an optical signal, a polygon mirror 712 of a polyhedron (for example, octahedron), a motor (not shown) for rotating this mirror, an imaging lens 713, and the like. Further, reference numeral 714 denotes a reflection mirror for changing a laser light path, and 715 denotes a photosensitive drum. With this configuration, the laser light emitted from the laser output unit is
And scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 715 on a line through the imaging lens 713 and the reflection mirror 714 (raster scan)
Then, a latent image corresponding to the document image is formed.

Also, 717 is a primary charger, 718 is an overall exposure lamp, 723
Is a cleaner section for collecting residual toner that has not been transferred,
724 is a pre-transfer charger. A developing unit 726 develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 715. Reference numerals 731Y, 731M, 731C, and 731Bk denote developing sleeves that directly contact the photosensitive drum 715 to perform development. 730Y, 730
M, 730C, and 730Bk denote toner hoppers that hold spare toner, and 732 denotes a screw conveyor that transports a developing material. These members are disposed around the rotation axis P of the developing unit 726. For example, when a yellow toner image is formed, yellow toner development is actually performed at the position shown in this figure, and when a magenta toner image is formed, the developing unit 726 is rotated about the rotation axis P in the figure. The developing sleeve 7 in the magenta developing unit
13M is installed. The same operation is performed for cyan and black development. Reference numeral 716 denotes a transfer drum that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 715 to paper, 719 denotes an actuator plate for detecting the moving position of the transfer drum 716, and 720 denotes an actuator plate that is close to the actuator plate 719. A position sensor for detecting that the transfer drum 716 has moved to the home position, a transfer drum cleaner 725, a paper holding roller 727, a static eliminator 728, and a transfer charger 729.

Reference numerals 735 and 736 denote paper cassettes for storing paper (paper sheets) 791. 737 and 738 are paper feed rollers for feeding paper from the cassettes 735 and 736. Reference numerals 739, 740, and 741 denote timing rollers for feeding and transporting the paper. The paper transported via these rollers is guided by a paper guide 749, wraps around the transfer drum 716, and shifts to an image forming process. A rotation motor 550 rotates the photosensitive drum 715 and the transfer drum 716 synchronously. Reference numeral 750 denotes a peeling claw that removes the sheet from the transfer drum 716 after the image forming process is completed, 742 denotes a transport belt that transports the removed sheet, and 743 denotes an image fixing unit that fixes the sheet transported by the transport belt 742. , A pair of hot-pressed rollers 74
4,745.

<Image Layout Processing Procedure> FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the image layout processing procedure of the embodiment. When the power is turned on to the image layout apparatus, input is made to this processing. In step S1, the image memory and the like are initialized. In step S2, a program for generating a guide screen is read from the ROM 19 and executed, and a menu screen for determining an album size or the like is displayed on the CRT 24, and waits for a user's instruction input.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen. The user uses the cursor keys (not shown) of the keyboard 16 or the digitizer 17 to select the album size and the vertical or horizontal type by looking at the guide screen. When there is no desired size on the guide screen, the block display of "others" is selected, and the vertical size and the horizontal size are input by the numerical keys (not shown) of the keyboard 16 in units of mm.

Returning to FIG. 9, in step S3, a message indicating that the image input mode has been entered is displayed on the CRT 24, and the color scanner 15 is displayed.
Wait for input of image data from. In step S4, a plurality of original images are read at once by the color scanner 15 and stored in the image memory 21. In step S5, the read image data is displayed on the color TV monitor 22. The user can check the image reading state by looking at the screen of the color TV monitor 22. In step S6, a message asking whether the image data needs to be reread is sent to the CRT 24.
And wait for the user's selection. If re-input is required, clear the image memory 21 in step S7, and then
Return to If you do not need to re-enter, go to step S8.
The original image is detected.

For example, if the input image is to Atsuta in as FIG. 8 (A), the right image memory 21 from the left, and when going to the horizontally scanned from top to bottom, the point b ₁ of the first original image B Be discovered. Then, for example, it can be detected overall picture of boundary Tado One to go the original image B of the original image B and margin in a way to examine the surrounding 8 pixels in this regard b _1. In step S9, the inclination of the document image B is detected. Let the coordinates of vertices b ₁ and b _{2 be} (x ₁ ,
y ₁ ), (x ₂ , y ₂ ), the inclination angle θ is Is determined by

In step S10, the inclination is corrected so that the original image B is horizontal. For example performed by rotating the moving coordinate value of each pixel of the image B around the position of the point b _1. As a countermeasure against pixel omission caused by the rotational movement, for example, linear interpolation is performed.
The R, G, and B data of the input image are stored in the image memories # 1 to # 3, respectively, and the image whose inclination has been corrected is # 5.
# 7 to the image memory. Step the upper left corner of the image data of the S11 image B obtained by correcting the inclination in b ₁
Stored in the hard disk 25 together with the coordinates and the lower right vertex b ₃ coordinates. In step S12, the document image B detected in step S8 is deleted from the image memory 21. That is, # 1 to #
The corresponding area in the image memory 3 is cleared to zero. In step S13, it is determined whether or not all the original images have been detected.
If there are still undetected ones, the process returns to step S8.

As a result of erasing the original image B from FIG. 8A, the next image to be detected is the original image A. When all original images have been detected in this way and the necessary inclination correction has been completed and registered in the hard disk 25, the flow proceeds to step S14, where the CRT
24, a message indicating that the layout pattern creation mode has been entered is displayed on the color TV monitor 22.
A work screen shown in the figure is displayed, and a layout pattern is created using this screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a work screen for creating a layout pattern. Reference numeral 90 denotes a screen of the color TV monitor 22, and reference numeral 91 denotes a work area corresponding to one page of the album. Reference numeral 92 denotes a menu column for selecting various prepared functions. A graphic cursor 93 is displayed on the screen, and the graphic cursor 93 also moves on the screen in proportion to the moving distance of the touch on the digitizer 17 by the operator. First, when the item 94 of “Plot” in the menu column 92 is selected (the graphic cursor 93 is moved and the digitizer button is pressed), a mode in which a rectangle can be drawn on the work area 91 is set. Next, the graphic cursor 93 is moved to the work area 91 and the button of the digitizer 17 is pressed to move the graphic cursor 93. According to the amount of movement, the position 100 where the digitizer button is pressed and the current graphic A rectangle having the position 101 of the cursor 93 as two diagonal points is displayed. When the size and shape of the rectangle are determined, digitizer 17
Press the button to fix the rectangle. Also, Menu column 92
When the item “enlargement / reduction” 95 is selected, an arbitrary rectangle in the work area 91 can be enlarged or reduced. In this case, when one point in a symmetrical rectangle is designated, enlargement or reduction can be performed using the upper left vertex as a reference point. Further, when the item 96 of “parallel movement” is selected from the menu field 92, an arbitrary rectangular parallel movement becomes possible. When the item “rotational movement” 97 is selected, by specifying one point in the target rectangle, the rectangle can be freely rotated and moved around the upper left point of the rectangle. In the process of creating a layout pattern using these functions, rectangles may overlap or may overlap intentionally. At this time, the order in which any layout pattern is preferentially displayed is set, which is the item 98 of “priority”. When the “background” item 102 is selected, a rectangle 10 near the screen work area 91 is displayed as shown by the broken line in the figure.
3 (actually, a solid line) is displayed, and the “background” portion in the menu section 92 is inverted in color. At this time, the priority “0” is set to the image to be the background. When canceling the background mode, the background mode can be canceled by designating “background” in the menu field 92 again. When the number of rectangular plots as the layout pattern reaches the number of input document images,
Item 94 will no longer work.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of the layout pattern created in this way. Large layout pattern B
Layout patterns A, C, D, and E overlap (background),
And layout pattern F on layout pattern E
You can see how they overlap.

Returning to FIG. 7, when the item 99 of “END” in the menu field 92 is selected, the layout pattern creation mode ends.

Returning to FIG. 9, in step S15, the coordinates of the upper left point of each rectangle, the vertical and horizontal distances, the angle of inclination of the rectangle, and the priority information are written to the hard disk 25. In step S16, the pattern information is read out from the layout pattern information stored in the hard disk 25 in the order of lower priority. For example, when a background exists in the layout pattern, the background has the lowest priority “0”, and thus the layout information of the background is read first. In step S17, the document image data stored in the hard disk 25 in step S11 is read. In step S18, the original image is enlarged or reduced by selecting a magnification ratio at which the original image does not protrude from the layout pattern by taking the ratio of the original image vertically and horizontally from the vertical and horizontal distances of the original image and the vertical and horizontal distances of the layout pattern. The multiplied image is rotated according to the rotation angle of the layout pattern information. In step S19, the image edited in this way is written in the image memory 21 at the position indicated by the layout pattern information. In step S20, it is confirmed whether or not all the original images have been edited and written in the image memory 21. The processing of steps S16 to S20 is repeated until the layout of one page of the album is completed.

Note that the color TV monitor 22 displays an image written at the same time as writing to the image memory 21. Here, the background image is written to the image memories # 5 to # 7, the other images are written to the image memories # 1 to # 3,
The display priority is set so as to increase in the order of (# 1 to # 3)>(# 5 to # 7) image memories. Also the eighth
In the case where there is an overlapping portion like the images E and F in FIG. 8B, regarding the layout pattern, the lower priority image data of the overlapping portion is evacuated to the hard disk 25. The display priority is determined by the layout pattern creation unit 5.
Basically, the priority is gradually increased in the order in which the rectangles are plotted (unless set using the display priority setting unit 14).

When the image layout for one page is completed in this way, in step S21, the user edits the screen using a conversational method based on the layout image displayed on the color TV monitor 22.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the screen editing processing procedure of the embodiment. The screen editing function is performed by the cutout unit 4, the character generation unit 9, the display priority changing unit 8, and the display moving unit 27 in FIG. 1, and the function can be realized by calling the corresponding program as many times as necessary. After completion of the above-described image layout processing, an editing menu (not shown) using icons, for example, is displayed on the color TV monitor 22 together with the laid out image, and when any one of the icons is selected by the digitizer 17 in step S50. The corresponding function operates. The menu includes “Crop”, “Character input”, “Change priority”,
There are five types, “parallel movement / rotational movement” and “end”.

When "Cut" is selected in step S50, each sub-function for cutting and a typical cut shape are displayed as icons (not shown) on the menu column on the color TV monitor 22 as submenus. In step S60, the image to be clipped is specified by the digitizer 17. In step S61, a submenu is selected and a cutout shape is designated. In this embodiment, a rectangle, a parallelogram, a diamond, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a circle, an ellipse, and the like are prepared as basic shapes, and a continuous straight line and a free curve can be drawn. For example, when a rectangle is selected from the submenu, a graphic cursor (not shown) is displayed on the color TV monitor 22. The operator moves the graphic cursor to one of the desired rectangular trimming areas in proportion to the distance of the touch on the digitizer 17.
Move to the top of the vertex and press the digitizer 17 button (not shown). Next, move the touch on the digitizer 17 and color TV
A rectangular frame is displayed on the screen of the monitor 22. This display frame is a rectangle in which the previously specified point and the point currently touched and moved are diagonal to each other.
Each time is moved, this rectangular frame also changes. Then, by pressing a button of the digitizer 17 at a desired size, the trimming portion is determined.

The graphic cursor and the frame color TV
The display on the monitor 22 is realized by writing the graphic cursor and the like generated by the CPU 18 into the # 4 image memory and raising the display priority of the # 4 image memory over the # 1 to # 3 image memories. I have. Step S6
In step 2, the image is trimmed according to the specified shape. Specifically, each pixel data in the designated frame is left as it is, and pixel data outside the frame is replaced with “0”. As a result, a trimmed image is displayed on the color TV monitor 22.

If "character input" is selected in step S50, the control mode changes to input from the keyboard 16, and in step S56, an input character code string from the keyboard 16 is created. By inputting a return key (not shown) after inputting a desired character string, the CPU 18 creates a character pattern string from character font data in the ROM 19 and writes it to the RAM 20. Next, the control mode changes to the input mode from the digitizer 17, and the
In S57, when the character size such as "vertical writing" or "horizontal writing" and "character size" or "color" is selected from the submenu display (not shown), the digitizer 17 determines the position corresponding to the current position. As a starting point, the character string input in step S56 is written into the # 4 image memory. In addition, the character string moves with the movement of the touch of the digitizer 17. When the character writing position is determined, pseudo color data of 8 bits (256 colors) is created from the data of the color selected in step S59, and is written to a predetermined position of the # 8 image memory. In step S66, the display priority is set.
In this case, the display priority is set in the following order: # 4 (for cursor and work)># 8 (for characters)># 1 to # 3># 5 to # 7.

When "parallel movement / rotational movement" is selected in step S50, the operator selects an image to be moved (rotated) in step S67. Then, the outer frame of the designated image is displayed on the color TV monitor 22, and the outer frame also moves (rotates) in proportion to the moving distance (rotation distance) of the touch of the digitizer 17 like the graphic cursor. . When the position of the outer frame reaches a desired position (rotational position), a moving amount (rotational amount) is designated by pressing a button (not shown) of the digitizer 17 in step S68. In step S69, the CPU 18 performs coordinate transformation of the specified image data and moves (rotates) to the position of the outer frame.
I do. In the present embodiment, if the image overlaps with another image during movement or rotation, the image with the lower priority in the overlapped portion is evacuated to the hard disk 25 and displayed. Further, the image of the portion which is no longer displayed by overlapping is read out from the hard disk 25 and restored.

Then, in step S64, the display position and the rotation angle of the layout pattern information are changed and written to the hard disk 25.

Also, if there is a menu selection of "Change priority",
Proceeding to S52, of the images displayed on the monitor 22 to the operator, the images 2 overlapping as shown in the images E and F in FIG.
When changing the display priority of images, the digitizer 17 specifies two images to be changed. In step S53, the data of the designated image having the higher display priority, that is, the data of the overlapping portion of the displayed image is evacuated to the hard disk 25, and the image data of the lower priority is read out from the hard disk 25 (layout). Is saved at that time), and is written to the exchange target area of the image memories # 1 to # 3. Further, in step S64, the priority of the layout pattern information is changed and written to the hard disk 25.

Note that only the image memories # 1 to # 3 are accessed and do not affect the background images and characters.

When "end" is selected in step S50, printing can be performed after the above-described image editing is completed. Control is ninth
Returning to step S22 in the figure, printing for one page of the album is executed. That is, the CPU 18 first writes the background images of the image memories # 5 to # 7 into the image-free portions (vacant areas) of the image memories # 1 to # 3, and then writes the characters in the # 8 image memory. Images are # 1 to # 3 in the set color
Write to the image memory. Then, the contents of the image memories # 1 to # 3 are transferred to the color printer 23 via the signal line 700, and printed in the album size input in step S2. Thus, one page of the album is laid out, edited, and printed.

Incidentally, there is no reason why the layout is limited to FIG. 8 due to the characteristics of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the image input unit is a color scanner, but any other image input device, such as a TV camera, may be used as long as it can input a plurality of document images collectively.
The printing unit may be a video printer or the like. Further, the image may be black and white, and the configuration of the memory may be any as long as it satisfies the claims. In addition, for character input, the font data of the character is stored in the ROM, but vector data may be used.

Further, in the embodiment, the input document image is treated as a rectangle, but may be of another shape, and equivalent processing is possible by considering a circumscribed rectangle. Further, regarding input, a positive original of a transparent original and a reflective original can be simultaneously inputted simultaneously. In this case, the lighting device shown in FIG. 4 is used. In this embodiment, a hard disk is used for saving image data and storing layout position data. However, as long as data can be temporarily stored, another hard disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk device, a magnetic tape, or the like may be used. Absent.

Further, in the present embodiment, after the image input is performed, the layout pattern is performed according to the number of input images. However, the order may be reversed, and if the number of layout patterns and the number of input original images are the same. It is possible. When the number of input document images is large, it can be considered that a large number is ignored, and when the number is small, the pattern with the highest priority of the layout pattern is ignored.

According to the present embodiment, there is no need to worry about the number of photo prints to be placed on one page of an album or the like, so that trial and error operations can be omitted, and the time and effort required to make one page of an album can be reduced.

In addition, moving the display position of any laid out image,
The ability to cut out and insert characters has the effect of enhancing the originality of the created album, and has the effect of enriching the creativity.

In addition to conventional photographic prints, general reflective originals and transparent originals such as films can be taken into the album, so that the degree of freedom has been widened.

Further, since full-color printing is possible, a plurality of copies can be made at one time, and there is an effect that many people can see in a short time.

According to the present invention, a plurality of independent images are input, the inclination of each of the input images is detected, and the inclination of each of the input images is corrected based on the detection. Since the image is scaled and laid out, precision is not required for the inclination of the input image at the time of image input, and the operation is simplified.

Furthermore, since the image is laid out by correcting the inclination and changing the magnification according to the layout pattern, an image such as an album can be easily obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the image layout apparatus of the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image layout apparatus of the embodiment, FIG. 3 is a view showing details of the color scanner, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an image memory 21 and its peripheral configuration, FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a color laser beam printer used in the embodiment, FIG. The figure shows an example of a work screen for creating a layout pattern. FIG. 8A shows the state of an input document image. FIG. 8B shows an example of the created layout pattern. 9 is a flowchart of an image layout processing procedure of the embodiment, FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a guide screen, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a screen editing processing procedure of the embodiment. In the drawing, 1 ... image input section, 2 ... key input section, 3 ... control operation section, 4 ... cutout section, 5 ... layout pattern creation section, 6 ...
Image deformation unit, 7: Input image inclination correction unit, 8: Display priority change unit, 9: Character generation unit, 10: Image output unit, 11: Printing unit, 12: Enlargement / reduction unit, 13: Parallel movement / Rotary moving part, 14
... Display priority setting section, 15 ... Color scanner, 16 ... Keyboard, 17 ... Digitizer, 18 ... CPU, 19 ... ROM, 20 ... RAM, 2
1 ... image memory, 22 ... color TV monitor, 23 ... color printer, 24 ... CRT, 25 ... hard disk, 26 ... layout section, 27 ... display moving section.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B41J 21/00 B41J 5/30 G06F 15/62 320 G06F 3/12

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] An image input unit that inputs a plurality of independent images; a detection unit that detects a tilt of each of the plurality of input images; and a plurality of the input plurality of images based on the detection of the detection unit. Correcting means for correcting the inclination of the image, layout pattern generating means for generating a layout pattern of the output image, associating means for associating the generated layout pattern with the plurality of input images, Scaling means for scaling the image in accordance with each of the layout patterns provided, and image layout means for laying out the output image by the correcting means and the scaling means at a position indicated by the associated layout pattern. An image layout device comprising: 2. A display means for displaying image information; a designation means for designating and inputting an arbitrary shape and position of any one of the image information based on a display output of the input image information; 2. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cutout unit that cuts out the image information according to the shape and position. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: character input means for inputting a character code; and character expansion means for expanding a character pattern of the input character code at a position designated by a cursor on a layout image. Image layout device. 4. An image layout apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image input means includes one or both of means for reading a reflection original and means for reading a transparent original. 5. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising printing means for printing a layout image in full color. 6. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image moving means for moving any one of the layout images in parallel or in rotation. 7. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display of the overlapping portion between the laid-out images is processed according to a predetermined priority.