JP3913257B2 - Image layout apparatus, image layout method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image layout apparatus such as an electronic album, an image layout method, and a recording medium that lay out and output digital images such as photographs, figures, and characters in a desired format.

  Conventionally, for example, when performing image layout editing on a computer, an operator first prepares a slot for inserting an image on a page displayed on the screen, and performs an operation of pouring the image into the slot. Do. In the case of layout editing of a plurality of images, the mouse and the keyboard are skillfully operated to arrange a plurality of the slots and determine the position and size.

  However, in the conventional example described above, the operator must operate the mouse and keyboard so that the images are arranged neatly on the page, and adjust the position and size of the slot while visually checking. However, there was a problem that complicated operations and skilled techniques were required.

  The present invention has been conceived in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and in an image layout apparatus that lays out an image input by an image input means or the like, an image can be easily operated. The purpose is to allow layout.

  The present invention is an image layout apparatus for laying out an image on an electronic album, wherein a plurality of image selection areas for displaying information of images to be laid out are displayed on one screen, and the plurality of image selections An instruction input means for inputting an instruction to display the image information in which image selection area of the area; an image information display means for displaying the image information in the image selection area instructed by the instruction input means; And layout means for laying out an image corresponding to the information of the image displayed by the image information display means on a predetermined page of the electronic album based on the plurality of image selection areas.

  The present invention is also an image layout method for laying out images on an electronic album, wherein a plurality of image selection areas for displaying information of images to be laid out are displayed in one screen, An instruction input step for inputting an instruction for displaying the image information in which image selection region of the image selection region, and an image information display step for displaying the image information in the image selection region instructed in the instruction input step And a layout step of laying out an image corresponding to the image information displayed in the image information display step on a predetermined page of the electronic album based on the plurality of image selection areas.

  According to the present invention, an image can be laid out with a simple operation in an image layout apparatus that lays out an image input by an image input means or the like.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As this embodiment, an apparatus for automatically creating an album using an image read from a film will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image layout apparatus according to the first embodiment. 101 is an image number selection unit, and the number of images to be laid out in one page is connected to an operation instruction input unit 111. Use a pointing device such as a keyboard or mouse.

  An image selection unit 102 instructs an image for selecting an image to be laid out using an instruction device such as a keyboard or a mouse connected to the operation instruction input unit 111. Reference numeral 103 denotes an image rotation instruction unit, such as a keyboard or mouse connected to the operation instruction input unit 111 for rotating an arbitrary image among a plurality of images selected by the image selection unit 102 in units of 90 degrees. Instruct using the pointing device.

  An image rotation unit 104 rotates the image in accordance with an instruction from the image rotation instruction unit 103. Reference numeral 105 denotes an automatic layout unit, which automatically rotates the image selected by the image selection unit 102 on the page with the number designated by the image number selection unit 101 after rotating the image by the image rotation unit 104. Layout. The automatic layout unit 105 includes an initial layout unit 113, a layout evaluation unit 114, a layout adjustment unit 115, and the like. An image input unit 106 inputs an image from an image input device such as a film scanner or a flat bed type scanner.

  Reference numeral 107 denotes a control unit that performs overall control including control of all components of the present embodiment, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. Reference numeral 108 denotes a printing unit which prints and outputs the layout result on printing paper or photographic film. The printing unit 108 has a function of printing characters and images with a set of points, such as a monochrome or color ink jet printer, laser printer, or film writer. Reference numeral 109 denotes a storage unit, which uses a storage device such as a memory for storing data necessary for various processes. Reference numeral 110 denotes an image storage unit for storing an image input by the image input unit 106, and various storage devices such as a hard disk, MO, ZIP, and PD can be used.

  An operation instruction input unit 111 is used for inputting characters and numbers using a keyboard and for selecting commands and images using a pointing device such as a mouse. Reference numeral 112 denotes a display unit that displays layout assumptions and results on a monitor screen such as a CRT, and displays and outputs them in a recognizable manner in real time.

  Reference numeral 116 denotes a ROM that stores control programs such as the control unit 106 and the automatic layout unit 105.

  Next, the flow of control based on the control program stored in the RAM 116 in the image layout apparatus of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, a template is selected. A template corresponds to an album mount. The template is colored throughout or has a picture or pattern on the background. A plurality of types of templates are prepared in advance, and the operator selects a desired template from the prepared templates (sample templates).

  FIG. 3 shows a screen for selecting a template using the display unit 112 and the operation instruction input unit 111. The operator selects an arbitrary template from among a plurality of sample templates 301 shown on the right side of the screen shown in FIG. In the initial setting, one predetermined template is selected.

  When the template is selected in this manner, the number of images displayed on one page is selected in step S202. The operator selects one of 3, 4 and 5 of the Frame / Page button 302 shown in FIG. In the initial setting, three are selected in advance.

  In step S203, an image to be used for layout is selected. However, before proceeding to this step, it is assumed that the image input unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 has completed the input of an image and a plurality of images are stored in the image storage unit 110 in advance.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen for selecting an image. In FIG. 4, a window 401 shown on the right side is called an image list window, and a list of images input in advance to the image storage unit 110 is displayed as an image. A window 402 shown on the left side is called an image selection window, and displays a screen in which an image to be laid out is selected from the image list window.

  One line of the image selection window corresponds to one page. That is, five images are arranged in one row of the image selection window in FIG. 4, but five images arranged in one row of the image selection window are displayed from the left on one page of the template (album). Used in turn for automatic layout. Similarly, the second line corresponds to the second page. In FIG. 4, since there are only two images in the third row, only two images are automatically laid out on the third page.

  The operator selects an arbitrary image from the image list window on the right side using the mouse, and drags and drops (grabs the image and releases it at the desired location) to the left image selection window. Images can be put in any order.

  In step S204, the order of the images arranged in the automatic layout process described later is changed. The operator can move the image to an arbitrary position by performing a drag-and-drop operation on the image to be moved using the mouse in the image selection window of FIG.

  With the above processing, the images to be stored on each page of the template and their order are determined, and an image rotation instruction is input in the next step S205. In the images arranged in the image selection window 402 in FIG. 4, an image shot in the vertical position and an image shot in the horizontal position are mixed. Must rotate 90 degrees. As shown in the lower center of FIG. 4, the display unit 112 displays a button 403 for rotating 90 degrees to the right and a button 404 for rotating 90 degrees to the left according to the display control of the control unit 107. The operator selects an image to be rotated by clicking the image to be rotated from the images displayed in the image selection window using the mouse, and then rotates the rotation button counterclockwise or clockwise. The display image is rotated by selecting using the mouse. The result is immediately displayed in the image selection window.

  Subsequently, in step S206 of FIG. 2, the automatic layout unit 105 performs automatic layout processing. Automatic layout is performed on the image displayed in the image selection window 402 of FIG. As described in step S203, the images arranged in one line of the image selection window are automatically laid out on one page.

  Thus, the operator can determine the page on which the image is to be arranged at the stage before the layout process by instructing in which area in the image selection area the image to be laid out is displayed.

  In step S207, the layout result is displayed on the display unit 112. FIG. 5 shows an example of displaying the result of automatic layout. A page turning button (NEXT button) 501 for sequentially displaying pages is provided at the bottom of the screen, and an arbitrary page can be displayed and confirmed.

  This completes the automatic image layout in the present embodiment.

  Details of the automatic layout processing step S206 described above will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the automatic layout process, first, in step S501, the initial layout unit 113 performs an initial layout. A rough arrangement order on the page is prepared in advance, and a rough layout is performed according to the arrangement order. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that five images are selected to be laid out on one page. (A) shown in FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an arrangement order when five images are laid out on one page. In the initial layout, images are equally allocated in the order shown in FIG. An image has a plurality of aspect ratios, and some images have a vertical position and a horizontal position. Therefore, in this initial layout stage, there are images that do not overlap as shown in FIG. 7B and those that overlap greatly as shown in FIG.

  When inputting an image from film, there are three different aspect ratio images of classic, high definition, and panorama. In the embodiment of the present invention, an optimal image size is determined in advance for each aspect ratio and the number of images laid out per page.

  Table 1 shows the relationship between the image aspect ratio and the image size on the page of the number of images per page in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In step S502, which is followed to deal with the above, the counter N is set to zero and initialization is performed. This counter N is for counting how many times the image overlap amount adjustment has been performed.

  In step S503, the layout adjustment unit 115 performs fine adjustment of the layout. That is, each image is moved and fine adjustment is performed so that the overlapping area of each image evaluated by the layout evaluation unit 114 is reduced. Fine adjustment is performed as follows.

  In the initial layout process, as shown in FIG. 7, first, images 2 to 5 are fixed, and the first image is slightly moved in the X and Y directions. This movement amount corresponds to, for example, 1 mm on the print output. When the amount of overlap between the image after movement and the adjacent image becomes an appropriate value according to the size, direction, number, etc. of the image, fine adjustment for the first image is finished. On the other hand, if the overlap amount is not appropriate, a small amount of movement is repeatedly performed on the first image until the overlap amount reaches an appropriate value. If the overlap amount further deviates from the appropriate value due to the movement, the movement direction of the minute amount is changed.

  After fine adjustment for the first image is completed in this way, the images 1 and 3 to 5 are fixed and fine adjustment for the second image is performed in the same manner. Similarly, fine adjustment is performed for the fifth image. In step S504, it is determined whether the counter N has reached the specified number T. In the embodiment of the present invention, the prescribed number of times T is determined in advance. For example, T is set to 500 times. If it is T times or less, the process advances to step S505 to evaluate the overlap amount. When it is T times, the process for this page is terminated, the layout of the page is determined, and the process proceeds to step S507.

  If it is T times or less in step S504, the process proceeds to step S505, and the overlapping area of each image in the page is evaluated. Each overlapping area is obtained, and it is judged whether they are larger or smaller than a certain value, and the overlapping area is evaluated. When the overlapping area amount is larger than a certain value, the process proceeds to step S506, and the counter N is incremented. 1 is added to the counter N and the process proceeds to step S503.

  On the other hand, if the evaluation in step S505 is smaller than the predetermined value, the fine adjustment processing of this page layout is ended, the layout of the page is determined, and the process proceeds to step S507. When the layout is determined, parameters such as the coordinate location and size of each image in the page are temporarily stored in the storage unit 109, and are read out during subsequent display or printing.

  In step S507, it is checked whether or not automatic layout processing for all pages has been completed. If there is a page that has not yet undergone automatic layout processing, the process advances to step S501 to perform automatic layout processing for the next unprocessed page.

  In this way, the same layout process is continuously performed for all pages. When the process for all pages is completed in step S507, the automatic layout is terminated.

  Thereafter, for example, by printing out each page for which this layout has been completed from the printing unit 108, an automatically laid out image output can be obtained by a simple operation.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a desired template is selected, an image to be inserted into the template is simply selected from the read image, and the orientation of the image is designated. Since the automatic layout is completed, and the result of the automatic layout can be confirmed on the display screen of the display device 112, it can be easily performed without requiring special skill.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described based on FIG.

  In the first embodiment described above, an image to be laid out is selected in step S203. However, in some cases, it may be possible to lay out all input images in the order of input. In such a case, the image selection unit 102 in FIG. 1 and steps S203 and S204 in FIG. 2 are not necessary. Therefore, step S203 and step S204 are omitted in the flowchart of FIG.

  In that case, in the automatic layout in step S206, the input images are automatically laid out for each page in the order of input in the number specified in step S202.

  By controlling in this way, it is possible to automatically perform layout for all images with a simpler operation compared to the first embodiment, and display output of all images can be obtained. For example, by printing this out from the printing unit 108, it is possible to output albumed photos.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the first embodiment described above, the number of images to be laid out per page is designated in step S202. However, in some cases, it may be possible to change the number of images to be laid out for each page. In such a case, the image number selection unit 101 in FIG. 1 and step S202 in FIG. 2 are not necessary. Therefore, step S202 is omitted in the flowchart of FIG.

  In that case, in selecting an image in step S203, an arbitrary number of images can be assigned to one page in the image selection window shown in FIG. In step S206 in FIG. 2, the image size is automatically enlarged or reduced according to the number of images arranged on one page.

  By controlling in this way, compared to the first embodiment, it becomes possible to perform a layout according to the intention of the operator with a simpler operation, and display output of all images can be obtained, for example, printing this By printing out from the unit 108, it is also possible to output albumed photos.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the first embodiment described above, the image is rotated in order to adjust the orientation of the image in step S205. However, in some cases, when all images are input in the correct orientation, there is no need to rotate the images. In such a case, step S205 is omitted in the image rotation instruction unit 103, the image rotation unit 104, and the flowchart of FIG.

  As a result, compared to the first embodiment, it is possible to lay out a desired image with a simpler operation. For example, by printing this out from the printing unit 108, it is also possible to output albumed photos. It becomes.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the input data from the film is used for the input image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as an input device, a digital camera, a digital VRT, a flat bed scanner, MO, ZIP, PD, Any image input device such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a laser disk, a DVD, and a network can be connected. In addition, any image output device such as a BJ printer, an LBP printer, a color laser copier, a film recorder, and a video printer can be connected to the printing unit 108 in FIG. In the above-described embodiment, a keyboard and a mouse are used for the operation instruction input unit 111 of FIG. 1, but other pointing devices such as a trackball and a touch panel can be used instead of the mouse.

  That is, by evaluating the overlap amount of each image in the layout result obtained by the initial layout, a beautiful layout result can be obtained with an easy operation.

[Sixth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the automatic layout process in step S206 of FIG. 2 is processed as shown in FIG. 6 has been described. However, the process shown in FIG.

  That is, in the above-described embodiment, the overlapping amount of each image is used as the layout evaluation parameter, but in this embodiment, the layout is further evaluated comprehensively using various parameters related to other layout positions. Thus, further optimization is intended.

  In step S801 in FIG. 8, the initial layout unit 113 performs an initial layout. In the design world, when an image is laid out, there is a layout pattern for achieving a preferred layout. There are a plurality of layout patterns based on a design rule of thumb.

  FIG. 9 shows a layout pattern used in this embodiment. Reference numerals 901 to 903 denote patterns for laying out three images on one page. Reference numerals 904 to 905 denote patterns for laying out 4 to 5 images on one page. In the initial setting, the pattern 901 is automatically selected for three images, and the pattern 904 is automatically selected for four or five images.

  Here, when the operator clicks the auto layout button 502 in FIG. 5 described above, the above-described layout patterns can be sequentially selected, and the selected layout pattern is used as the initial layout. In the case of three images, the layout pattern is set in the order of 901, 902, 903, 901,. If there are four or five images, layout patterns are set in the order of 904, 905, 904,.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that five images are selected so as to be laid out on one page. In the initial layout, the center of the image is equally allocated with the pattern indicated by 904. An image has a plurality of aspect ratios, and some images have a vertical position and a horizontal position. Therefore, in this initial layout stage, some images do not overlap each other, and some overlap each other.

  In step S802, the counter N is set to zero and initialization is performed. This counter N is for counting how many times the image position adjustment has been performed.

Next, in step S803, the layout evaluation unit 114 calculates individual costs of the layout result. The cost means an evaluation value as a result of evaluating the layout result from various directions. The items to be evaluated include the following items, for example.
(1) Image overlap amount (2) Image separation amount (3) Image separation amount deviation (4) Image position deviation amount

  Here, the evaluation of the overlapping amount of images means that an area where the images overlap is evaluated. A layout having a smaller overlapping area of images in the entire layout screen is a better layout. The overlapping area of each image is obtained, and the value divided by the total area of the original image is taken as the cost.

  Evaluation of the image separation amount means evaluating whether or not the edge portions of the images are arranged on a straight line. A better layout is when the edges are arranged in a straight line. The distance between the edges of the image is obtained separately in the horizontal and vertical directions, and is divided by a fixed value to be the cost.

  The evaluation of the deviation of the image separation amount means evaluating the deviation between the edges of the image when the images do not overlap each other. In the entire layout screen, it is better that the spacing is uniform in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. The distance between the edges of the images is obtained for each horizontal and vertical direction, the deviation from the average value is calculated, and this is used as the cost.

  Evaluation of the image position bias means that the image is regarded as an object having a mass, moments from the horizontal center axis and the vertical center axis of the page are calculated, and the balance is evaluated.

  An explanation will be given based on FIG.

For example, it is assumed that there are n images on the upper and lower sides around the horizontal central axis. When the area of the image i is Ai and the distance from the horizontal central axis to the center of the image is di, the total moment Mt at the top of the horizontal central axis is
Mt = ΣAidi (i = 0 to n−1) (a)
It becomes. Also, the total moment Mb below the horizontal center axis is
Mb = ΣAidi (i = 0 to n−1) (b)
It can be expressed. The cost Ch for the horizontal central axis is
Ch = | Mt−Mb | (c)
It becomes. The cost Cv with respect to the vertical center axis is obtained in the same manner, and the description is omitted.

When laying out n images, assuming that the center coordinates of the n images are (x0, y0),... (xn-1, yn-1), the overlapping amount of images, the amount of separation between the images, and the deviation thereof, Each evaluation function of image position bias is
f1 = a * F_overlap (x0, y0, x1, y1 ... xn-1, yn-1) (1)
f2 = b * F_edge (x0, y0, x1, y1 ... xn-1, yn-1) (2)
f3 = c * F_distribute (x0, y0, x1, y1 ... xn-1, yn-1) (3)
f4 = d * F_moment (x0, y0, x1, y1 ... xn-1, yn-1) (4)
It is expressed as Here, “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d” are coefficients for weighting each evaluation function, and values determined in advance through experiments are used.

The sum of a, b, c and d is
a + b + c + d + e = 1.0 (5)
Is normalized so that Also, the value of each function is
0 ≦ F_overlap (), F_edge (), F_distribute (), F_MOMENT () ≦ 1.0 (6)
It is normalized so that

  Here, a smaller value of each evaluation cost f1, f2,... Means a better layout result.

Next, in “Step S804”, a comprehensive evaluation value, that is, a total cost is obtained. In the case of this embodiment, the total cost Cost is
Cost = f1 + f2 + f3 + f4 (7)
It becomes. If there are m evaluation functions,
Cost = Σfi (i = 1 to m) (8)
It becomes. Here, each of the evaluation costs f1, f2,. Therefore, a smaller total cost Cost means a better layout.

  Next, in “Step S805”, it is determined whether the counter N has reached the specified number of times T. A predetermined number of times T is determined in advance. In this embodiment, T is set to 500 times. If it is T times or less, the process advances to step S806 to evaluate the cost. Then, when the number of times reaches T, the process is terminated, and the state is determined as the optimum layout.

  Next, in step S806, evaluation is performed by determining whether Cost obtained in step S804 is larger or smaller than the evaluation reference value C as a predetermined target value. If the value is smaller than the certain value, the process is terminated because the layout is optimal. If larger than the certain value, the process proceeds to step S807.

  In step S807, the counter N is incremented. 1 is added to the counter N, and the process proceeds to step S508.

  In step S808, the layout adjustment unit 115 adjusts the layout position. Move each image by a small amount. The moving direction is determined by the amount of cost change obtained in step S803. That is, when the cost is lower than the previous time, the position adjustment is performed by continuously moving in the same direction. On the other hand, if the cost is higher than the previous time, it moves in the reverse direction of the previous time or in the right angle direction. When the position adjustment is completed, the process returns to S803.

  The same processing is continuously performed for all pages to complete automatic layout, and the process proceeds to S207.

  The upper limit value N of the number of adjustments and the target value C of the total cost can be set by the user using the operation instruction input unit 111.

  In addition, after the evaluation by the layout evaluation unit 114, the layout adjustment unit 115 does not necessarily make an adjustment. For example, the evaluation value is displayed on the display unit 112. Thereby, the user can be configured to manually adjust the image layout according to preference.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the initial layout is evaluated comprehensively by using the image separation amount and its deviation, moment, etc. in addition to the overlap amount of the images as the evaluation parameters of the image layout. You can obtain more beautiful layout results by adjusting.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the automatic layout processing in the first to sixth embodiments described above, several methods for further reflecting the user's preference and performing a good-looking layout will be described. For example, the method of optimizing the amount of overlap when allowing overlapping of images, and as another example, when there is a background image, it is better to reduce the size of the arranged image than when there is no background image In the present embodiment, the operator's work is not complicated, and the image is laid out with a good appearance without producing a monotonous layout result.

  FIG. 11 shows an overall configuration diagram in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1106 denotes an image scanner, and an original image is input thereby. A hard disk 1108 as an external storage device temporarily stores an original image input by the image scanner 1106. Reference numeral 1101 denotes a system controller that performs sequence control and calculation for layout editing of an original image on a virtual sheet. Reference numeral 1103 denotes a RAM that is used as a work area of the system controller 1101. A ROM 1102 stores a control program for the system controller 1101, predetermined templates, various parameters, and the like. Reference numeral 1104 denotes a keyboard, and 1109 denotes a mouse, which are used as means for an operator to input instructions regarding image layout and the like. Reference numeral 1105 denotes a CRT that displays an image, a template, a sheet image as an editing result, and 1107 denotes a printer that outputs a completed sheet image.

  Note that the above configuration can be realized not only by dedicated hardware, but also by using a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  Next, FIG. 12 shows an example of a layout pattern when each effect is specified using, for example, one image in each sheet in the vertical and horizontal directions. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1201 denotes a layout pattern when no effect is specified. 1202 is a layout pattern when an effect with image overlap is specified, 1203 is a layout pattern when an effect with drop shadow is specified, and 1204 is a layout pattern when an effect with background image is specified. Hereinafter, these layout patterns 1201 to 1204 are referred to as layout patterns 1 to 4, respectively, and will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 13 is a detailed diagram for explaining a printable area of a print sheet and an image layoutable area. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1301 denotes an outer shape of the paper, 1302 denotes a printable area of the printer, and 1303 denotes an image layout possible area. Also, the coordinates of the diagonal points of the printable area 1302 are P1 and P2, and the coordinates of the diagonal points of the layout possible area 1303 are L1 and L2.

  FIG. 14 shows the case where no effect is specified, that is, layout pattern 1. 1401 and 1402 in FIG. 14 indicate standard layout sizes Rtp. The layout conditions such as the layout size and layout position are set to predetermined values in advance so as to be arranged in a balanced manner on the sheet, and are stored in the ROM 1102.

  FIG. 15 shows a case where an effect with image overlap is designated, that is, layout pattern 2. Reference numerals 1501 and 1502 in FIG. 15 denote layout sizes Rov. Reference numerals 1401 and 1402 denote the standard layout size Rtp described with reference to FIG. 14 and are shown for comparison. As described above, the layout size Rov is larger than the standard layout size Rty, and the images are arranged so as to partially overlap each other. Here, the ratio with respect to the standard layout size Rtp, that is, Rov / Rtp is stored in the ROM 1102 in advance so that the overlap amount is appropriate. In the present embodiment, this ratio is set to 1.2, for example.

  FIG. 16 shows a case where an effect with a drop shadow is designated, that is, layout pattern 3. 1601 and 1602 in FIG. 16 indicate a layout size Rds, and 1603 and 1604 indicate a drop shadow. In this way, the layout size Rds is made slightly smaller than the standard layout size Rtp, a shadow image is pasted on the remaining area, that is, the difference area between Rtp and Rds, and the shadow is illuminated by a light source from a predetermined direction. As a result, the image appears as if it is located at a predetermined height from the background. Here, the ratio of Rds to the standard size, that is, Rds / Rtp, is stored in the ROM 1102 in advance. In this embodiment, this ratio is set to 0.95, for example.

  In the layout patterns 1 to 4 described above, the layout position is set so that the images are aligned along the outline of the layout area 1303. FIG. 17 shows the layout pattern 4 when the effect with the background image is designated, that is, the layout pattern 4. , 1701 and 1702 in FIG. 17 indicate the layout size Rbk, and 1703 indicates the background image. Here, the background image 1703 is preset and stored in the hard disk 1102. The ratio of Rbk to the standard layout size Rtp, that is, Rbk / Rtp is also stored in the ROM 1102 in advance. In the present embodiment, this ratio is set to 0.80, for example.

  As described above, when there is a background, by setting the layout position so that the horizontal center of the layout area 1303 matches the center of the image width of the images 1701 and 1702, the background image is displayed in the sheet. Harmonize without losing.

  Next, an operation flowchart when the system controller 1101 according to this embodiment operates based on a control program stored in the ROM 1102 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when this system is activated, an original image is read from the image scanner 1106 in step S1801. The read original image is stored in the RAM 1103, the hard disk 1108 connected to the system controller 1101, and the like.

  In step S1802, the input original image is displayed on the CRT 1105.

  In step S1803, the operator confirms the original image displayed on the CRT 1105 and designates the image direction, that is, either vertical or horizontal. As the designation method, any method may be used, such as a method of designating each original image with a key assigned to the keyboard 1104 exclusively for portrait and landscape designation, or a method of graphically designating with a pointing device such as the mouse 1109. Here, the operator designates the various effects described above.

  Next, contents of effect designation by the operator are determined in steps S1804 to 1806, and layout conditions for executing each effect, that is, layout size and layout position are set in steps S1807 to 1810. If it is determined in step S1804 that there is an overlap, the layout size is set to Rov = RTp × 1.2 in step S1807. If it is determined in step S105 that there is a drop shadow, the layout size is set to Rsh = Rtp × 0.95 in step S1808. If it is determined in step S1806 that there is a background, the layout size is set to RSh = Rtp × 0.80 in step S1809, and the layout position is designated as centering in step S1810. That is, the center of the horizontal width layout region 1303 of the image is matched, and if no positive determination is made in any of steps S1804 to 1806, the layout size is set to a standard value, that is, Rtp in step S1811.

  Parameters such as the layout position and size set in this way are temporarily stored in the RAM 1103 and read out during subsequent display or printing.

  In step S1812, a layout pattern is displayed on the CRT 1805 based on the layout condition set in the above step.

  Next, in step S1813, an image is laid out according to the layout pattern set as described above, and is displayed on the CRT 1105 in step S1814. At this time, however, the vertical / horizontal information of the image input in step S1803 is followed.

  Next, in step S1815, the operator views the layout displayed on the CRT 1105 and inputs an instruction as to whether or not to confirm. If it is not confirmed, the process returns to step S1804, and the layout is restarted by inputting the instruction again.

  When the confirmation is instructed in step S1815, the layout parameter is transmitted from the RAM 1103 to the printer 1807 in step S1816, the layout image is printed on the print paper, and the process ends.

  If the layout is not confirmed in step S1815, the layout may be manually adjusted using the keyboard 1104, the mouse 1109, or the like.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the method for designating the modification effect in order has been described. However, a plurality of templates having a plurality of layout parameters set in advance, that is, a plurality of templates are prepared, and a desired one of these templates is prepared. By selecting, all effects are specified at once.

  FIG. 19 shows a table showing the contents of parameters set in each template. These templates 1 to 4 correspond to the layout patterns 1 to 4, respectively.

  FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the operation.

  Steps S201 to S203 are the same as steps S1801 to 1803 in the seventh embodiment.

  In step S2004, the operator selects and instructs a desired template. In steps S2005 to S2009, layout conditions, that is, layout size and layout position are set according to the table of FIG.

  Further, the process after step S210 is the same as that after step S1812 in the seventh embodiment.

  In this way, by preparing a template in which a plurality of parameters are set in advance and selecting a desired one, the labor of the operator can be further simplified.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to automatically and easily obtain a beautiful image layout as if a professional designer had laid out.

  Even if the present invention is applied to a system constituted by a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), it is applied to an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.) comprising a single device. It may be applied.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and store the computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus in the recording medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the programmed program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like is used. be able to.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image layout apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a function of the image layout apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for selecting the template of 1st Embodiment, and selecting the number of images per page. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for selecting the image used for the layout of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which displayed the layout result of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the automatic layout process shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the rough arrangement | sequence used by the initial layout used by the automatic layout process of 1st Embodiment. It is a detailed flowchart of the automatic layout process of 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an initial layout pattern. It is a figure for demonstrating the moment of an image. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure in 7th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of a layout pattern. It is a figure which shows the detail of a printing paper. It is a figure which shows the layout pattern 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the layout pattern 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the layout pattern 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the layout pattern 4. FIG. It is an operation | movement flowchart of this system. It is a figure which shows the template in 8th Embodiment. It is an operation | movement flowchart in 8th Embodiment.

Claims (13)

An image layout device for laying out images on an electronic album,
Selection area display means for displaying a plurality of image selection areas for displaying information of images to be laid out in one screen;
An instruction input means for inputting an instruction to display the image information in which image selection area of the plurality of image selection areas;
Image information display means for displaying information of the image in the image selection area designated by the instruction input means;
Layout means for laying out an image corresponding to image information displayed by the image information display means on a predetermined page of the electronic album based on the plurality of image selection areas;
An image layout apparatus comprising:   2. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising selection means for selecting an image to be laid out by the layout means from images stored in a storage device. List area display means for displaying an image list area for displaying information of images stored in the storage device;
Information selecting means for selecting information on an image to be displayed on the image selection area from information on the image displayed on the image list area;
The image layout apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:   4. The image layout apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the instruction by the instruction input unit is realized by dragging and dropping image information from the image list area to an image selection area. An image layout method for laying out images on an electronic album,
A selection area display step for displaying a plurality of image selection areas for displaying information of images to be laid out in one screen;
An instruction input step for inputting an instruction on which image information is to be displayed in which image selection area of the plurality of image selection areas;
An image information display step of displaying information of the image in the image selection area instructed in the instruction input step;
A layout step of laying out an image corresponding to image information displayed in the image information display step on a predetermined page of the electronic album based on the plurality of image selection areas;
An image layout method comprising:   6. The image layout method according to claim 5, further comprising a selection step of selecting an image to be laid out by the layout step from images stored in a storage device. A list area display step for displaying an image list area for displaying information on images stored in the storage device;
An information selection step for selecting image information to be displayed in the image selection area from information on the image displayed in the image list area;
The image layout method according to claim 6, further comprising:   The image layout method according to claim 7, wherein the instruction in the instruction input step is realized by dragging and dropping image information from the image list area to an image selection area. Computer
Selection area display means for displaying a plurality of image selection areas for displaying information of images to be laid out in one screen;
An instruction input means for inputting an instruction to display the image information in which image selection area of the plurality of image selection areas;
Image information display means for displaying information of the image in the image selection area designated by the instruction input means;
Layout means for laying out an image corresponding to image information displayed by the image information display means on a predetermined page of the electronic album based on the plurality of image selection areas;
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for functioning as an image layout apparatus which lays out an image on an electronic album characterized by having The recording medium according to claim 9, wherein the computer is
A computer-readable recording medium recorded with a program for functioning as an image layout apparatus, comprising selection means for selecting an image to be laid out by the layout means from images stored in a storage device. The recording medium according to claim 10, wherein the computer is
List area display means for displaying an image list area for displaying information of images stored in the storage device;
Information selecting means for selecting information on an image to be displayed on the image selection area from information on the image displayed on the image list area;
The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program for functioning as an image layout apparatus characterized by having. The recording medium according to claim 11, wherein the computer is
The instruction by the instruction input means is realized by dragging and dropping image information from the image list area to an image selection area, and is read by a computer recording a program for functioning as an image layout apparatus Possible recording media. An image layout method for laying out images on an electronic album,
A first display step of causing a display device to display a plurality of image selection areas for displaying information of an image to be laid out in one screen;
A second display step of causing the display device to display the image information in the instructed image selection area in response to an instruction on which image selection area to display the image information in the plurality of image selection areas;
A layout step of laying out an image corresponding to information of the image displayed in the second display step on a predetermined page of the electronic album based on the plurality of image selection regions;
An image layout method comprising:

Images