JP4348956B2 - Image layout apparatus, image layout method, and program in image layout apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention orders a plurality of digital images (also simply referred to as “images”) taken by a digital camera or the like based on the degree of attention, and automatically performs a plurality of image layouts (image arrangements). The present invention relates to an image layout apparatus, an image layout method, and a program in the image layout apparatus. Further, the present invention relates to an image editing apparatus capable of calculating the degree of attention of each image for a plurality of images and automatically ordering the images. Is.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, digital cameras have become widespread, and it has become possible to easily capture a digital image taken in a PC (personal computer), edit the digital image on a PC screen, and print it. For example, it has become possible to easily create travel albums by editing digital images taken with a digital camera at a travel destination.
When editing a digital image on the PC screen, there are cases where a plurality of images are laid out into one image as shown in FIG. Conventionally, in such a layout, a mouse is manually manipulated so that an image having an impact (a strong impression) can be obtained as much as possible in consideration of the contents of a region of interest (a conspicuous region) in each image. Etc. were used for layout.
This manual layout is less time-consuming and troublesome when the number of digital images is small, but when editing a large number of digital images as an album, manual layout is a rather cumbersome task. Become.
In addition, with the spread of digital cameras, the range of user groups has expanded, and some users are unfamiliar with PC operation, and it has been desired to provide a device that can more easily layout multiple images. .
[0003]
As a prior art regarding the layout of such a digital image, for example, Patent Document 1 “Image Processing Method, Apparatus, and Storage Medium” is known.
The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 responds to an instruction for a layout name by registering the layout name in association with a plurality of editing information applied to the image or a selection condition for selecting an image. It is possible to reuse such information. Thereby, the operability when the same layout is designated for different images can be improved. In addition, it is possible to improve operability when inputting a selection condition for selecting desired image information from among a plurality of pieces of image information.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-261649 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is based on the principle that an operator manually lays out an image and aims to reuse the layout information. When it is desired to automatically perform a layout considering the appearance, the layout order can be designated in the layout template, but the images to be laid out must be ordered manually.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to specify a layout order in a layout template and calculate an attention area of an image to lay out a plurality of images when laying out a plurality of images. An object is to provide an image layout apparatus, an image layout method, and a program in the image layout apparatus that can automatically order images to be processed.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image editing apparatus that calculates the degree of attention of each image for a plurality of images and automatically orders the images.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an image layout apparatus of the present invention is an image layout apparatus that lays out a plurality of images, and an image storage unit that stores an image to be laid out; An image selection means for selecting a plurality of images to be laid out from the images stored by the image storage means; an image reading means for reading the selected image; an attention area calculation means for calculating the degree of attention of the image; Template storage means for storing a layout template including layout order information, template selection means for selecting a template to be used for layout from the templates stored by the template storage means, and the layout target Images are arranged in the layout order described in the template, and the images Characterized by comprising a layout section for laying in the order of attention.
[0008]
With such a configuration, the image selection means selects a plurality of images to be laid out from the images stored in the image storage means. Then, the image to be laid out is read by the image reading means, and the attention level and the attention level area (attention area) of the image to be laid out are calculated by the attention area calculation means. Further, the template selection means selects a template to be used for the layout from the layout templates (including layout order information) stored in the template storage means. Then, the layout means lays out the image to be laid out according to the layout order described in the template and the order of the attention degree of the image.
As a result, the image to be laid out can be laid out in accordance with the layout order of the template so that an image with a high degree of attention has a higher priority. In other words, since the images are laid out according to the designated layout order from the order of the images that are easily noticeable, it is possible to realize a layout of an image having a higher impact (giving a strong impression).
[0009]
The image layout apparatus of the present invention includes an image evaluation value calculation unit that calculates an image evaluation value based on the attention level obtained by the attention region calculation unit and the area of the attention region, and the image evaluation value based on the image evaluation value. And image order determining means for determining the order of the attention degrees.
With such a configuration, when evaluating an image to be laid out, the image evaluation value calculation unit calculates, for example, the attention level and the area according to the attention level obtained by the attention area calculation unit and the area of the attention area. An image evaluation value is calculated by, for example, multiplying. Then, the image order determining means orders the images to be laid out according to the magnitude of the image evaluation value.
Thereby, when ordering images, it is possible to perform ordering according to the degree of attention of images in a form that matches human visual characteristics.
[0010]
The image layout apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the layout order of the templates is ordered according to the size of the layout frame.
With such a configuration, an image with a high degree of attention (or an image evaluation value) is arranged in a large layout frame.
As a result, it is possible to increase the layout of the image to be noticed.
[0011]
The image layout method of the present invention is an image layout method in an image layout apparatus that lays out a plurality of images, and includes an image storage procedure for storing an image to be laid out, and an image stored by the image storage procedure. An image selection procedure for selecting a plurality of images to be laid out, an image reading procedure for reading the selected image, an attention area calculation procedure for calculating the attention level of the image, and a layout template including layout order information. A template storing procedure for storing, a template selecting procedure for selecting a template to be used for layout from the templates stored by the template storing procedure, and a layout in which the image to be laid out is described in the template According to the order and the order of attention of the images Characterized in that it comprises a layout procedure of layouts.
[0012]
In such a procedure, a plurality of images to be laid out are selected from the images stored by the image storage procedure by the image selection procedure. Then, the image to be laid out is read by the image reading procedure, and the attention level and the attention level region (target region) of the image to be laid out are calculated by the attention region calculation procedure. Further, the template used for the layout is selected from the layout templates (including the layout order information) stored by the template storage procedure by the template selection procedure. Then, according to the layout procedure, the image to be laid out is laid out in accordance with the layout order described in the template and the order of attention of the images.
As a result, the image to be laid out can be laid out in accordance with the layout order of the template so that an image with a high degree of attention has a higher priority. That is, since the images are laid out according to the designated layout order from the order of the images that are easily noticeable, a more impactful image layout can be realized.
[0013]
The computer program in the image layout apparatus of the present invention stores an image storage procedure for storing an image to be laid out in a computer in the image layout apparatus for laying out a plurality of images, and an image stored by the image storage procedure. An image selection procedure for selecting a plurality of images to be laid out, an image reading procedure for reading the selected image, an attention area calculation procedure for calculating the attention level of the image, and a layout template including layout order information. A template storing procedure for storing, a template selecting procedure for selecting a template to be used for layout from the templates stored by the template storing procedure, and a layout in which the image to be laid out is described in the template Order and image attention In the order of a program for executing the layout procedure for layout.
[0014]
An image editing apparatus according to the present invention is an image editing apparatus that orders a plurality of images, and stores an image storage unit that stores images to be ordered, and an image stored by the image storage unit. In accordance with the degree of attention obtained by the image selection means for selecting images to be ordered, the image reading means for reading the selected image, the attention area calculation means for calculating the attention area of the image, and the attention area calculation means, And image order determining means for ordering the images.
[0015]
With such a configuration, the image selection means selects a plurality of images to be laid out from the images stored in the image storage means. Then, the image to be laid out is read by the image reading means, and the attention level and the attention level area (attention area) of the image to be laid out are calculated by the attention area calculation means. Then, the image order determining means orders the images according to the attention degree obtained by the attention area calculating means.
As a result, the images can be ordered according to the degree of attention of the images, and can be used, for example, for registration and search of images using the attention as an index.
[0016]
The image editing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image evaluation value calculating unit that calculates an image evaluation value based on the degree of attention obtained by the attention region calculating unit and the area of the attention region, and an image based on the image evaluation value. And an image order determining means for determining the order of the degree of attention.
With such a configuration, when evaluating an image, the image evaluation value calculation unit multiplies the attention level and the area, for example, according to the attention level obtained by the attention region calculation unit and the area of the attention region. Thus, the image evaluation value is calculated. Then, the image order determining means orders the images according to the magnitude of the image evaluation value.
Thereby, when ordering images, it is possible to perform ordering according to the degree of attention of images in a form that matches human visual characteristics.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of means included in the image layout apparatus 100 of the present invention. Each means provided in the image layout apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 performs the following processing.
(1) The image storage unit 101 is a unit for storing an image to be laid out, such as an image database.
(2) Image selection means 102
The image selection unit 102 is a unit for selecting an image to be laid out from the image storage unit 101 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).
(3) Image reading means 103
The image reading unit 103 is a unit for reading a value (RGB value or the like) for each pixel constituting an image to be laid out.
(4) Attention area calculation means 104
The attention area calculation means 104 is a means for calculating the attention area of the image to be laid out. The image is divided into a plurality of regions, and the degree of attention is divided into two or more levels for each separated region. For the calculation of the attention area, for example, “attraction degree” disclosed in “Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-127070 (attention area extraction apparatus and automatic composition determination apparatus using the same)” can be used. An overview of the degree of attraction will be described in the item “Supplementary explanation about degree of attraction” described later.
Hereinafter, specific examples of the attention area calculated by the attention area calculation unit 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0019]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first image 1 to be laid out, and is an example of an image schematically showing an example of an image in which a person is arranged at the left end. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an attractiveness pattern corresponding to FIG. The degree of attraction is calculated to be highest in the region A, and the regions B and C are calculated to be lower in this order.
[0020]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the second image 2 to be laid out, and is an example of an image schematically showing an example of an image in which flowers are arranged at the right end. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an attractiveness pattern corresponding to FIG. The degree of attractiveness is calculated to be highest in the region A ′, and the region B ′ and the region C ′ are calculated to be lower in this order.
[0021]
For example, in the pattern image of the degree of attraction shown in FIG. 4, the calculated degree of attraction is expressed as f (area A), f (area B), and f (area C), respectively.
In the pattern image of the degree of attraction shown in FIG. 6, the calculated degrees of attraction are represented as f (area A ′), f (area B ′), and f (area C ′), respectively.
The relationship between f (region A) and f (region A ′) is as follows.
f (region A) <f (region A ′)
[0022]
(5) Image evaluation value calculation means 105
An image evaluation value is calculated based on the attention level (attraction level) calculated by the attention area calculation unit 104. As a method for calculating the image evaluation value, for example, the following method can be used.
First image evaluation value calculation method
If the image evaluation value is represented by h (image), the image evaluation value for the image 1 shown in FIG.
h (image 1) = Max (f (region i))
Is calculated as In addition, the relationship between region A, region B, and region C of image 1 is as follows:
f (region A)> f (region B)> f (region C)
Max (f (region i)) is assumed to be f (region A). That is, h (image 1) is
h (image 1) = f (region A).
Similarly,
h (image 2) = f (region A ′).
[0023]
Second image evaluation value calculation method
In the first image evaluation value calculation method, attention is paid only to the case where the f function is maximized in the region A to the region C.
h (image 1) = X × f (region A) + Y × f (region B) + Z × f (region C)
(X, Y, and Z are weighting factors)
As described above, the image evaluation value may be calculated by an arithmetic expression that considers all the regions. Thereby, it becomes an evaluation value which considered all the areas, and the attention degree (attraction degree) of the whole image can be reflected more.
[0024]
Third image evaluation value calculation method
If the area of the region A is k (region A), the attractiveness f ′ is
f ′ (region A) = f (region A) × k (region A)
And the image evaluation value h is calculated as
h (image 1) = f ′ (region A)
As required. In this way, the image evaluation value can also be calculated in consideration of the element of the area of the attention area. In addition, the coefficients (X, Y, Z) in the second image evaluation value calculation method may be used as the area-related coefficients.
[0025]
In this embodiment, when the first image evaluation value calculation method is used,
[H (image 1) = f (region A)] <[h (image 2) = f (region A ′)]
But
When the third image evaluation value calculation method (considering the area of the attention area) is used,
[H (image 1) = f (region A) × k (region A)]
> [H (image 2) = f (region A ′) × k (region A ′)]
Depending on the area of the region of interest, the evaluation value of the image may be opposite.
[0026]
(6) The image order determining unit 106 is a unit for determining the order of attention levels of images based on the image evaluation values obtained by the image evaluation value calculating unit 105.
(7) Template storage means 107
The template storage unit 107 is a unit for storing a template used for layout, and is a template database or the like.
(8) Template selection means 108
One template stored in the template storage means 107 is selected. As a template selection method, the user may specify a template, or may automatically select a template by selecting the template based on the total of the image evaluation values h described above.
For example, as a template selection condition, if the total of image evaluation values “h (image 1) + h (image 2)” is 0.2 or less, template A is selected, and if it is 1.0 or more, template B is selected. A template can be automatically selected based on the sum of image evaluation values.
A specific example of the template will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a template, and is an example in which an image taken with an image having a certain subject (such as a student period, a travel period, a travel location, etc.) is laid out. In the example shown in FIG. 2, two images (photographed and stored copy responsibility) are arranged according to a predetermined template. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the template shown in FIG. 2 is selected. In the template shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the priorities are ordered in the order of the image position {circle around (1)} of the layout frame a and the image position {circle around (2)} of the layout frame b. This priority order may be given in advance by the creator of the template, or priorities may be automatically ordered according to the size of each template image position (area of the layout frame). Assuming that a large area has a high priority, an image with a high degree of attention is laid out in a large size, and a good layout with a higher impact can be automatically realized.
[0028]
(9) Layout means 109
This is a means for executing layout processing in accordance with the priority order of image positions (layout frames) in the template and images ordered by image evaluation values. Now, the relationship between the image evaluation values of the image 1 shown in FIG. 3 and the image 2 shown in FIG.
h (image 1)> h (image 2)
, The image 1 is laid out at the image position {circle around (1)} of the template, and the image 2 is laid out at the image position {circle around (2)}. Note that when the image 1 and the image 2 are fitted in the template, each image may be enlarged or reduced so as to fit within the layout frame. An example of the layout result is shown in FIG.
[0029]
7 is a diagram showing an example in which the image 1 shown in FIG. 3 and the image 2 shown in FIG. 5 are laid out on the template shown in FIG. 2. An image 1 having a high image evaluation value is an image having a large layout frame. It is arranged at position (1). Further, the image 2 having a low image evaluation value is arranged at the image position {circle around (2)} of the layout frame. As described above, the image 1 and the image 2 are arranged according to the image evaluation value, and a layout having a higher impact can be realized.
[0030]
(10) Display means 110
The display unit 110 is a unit for displaying the layout result on the display device.
(11) Printing means 111
The printing unit 111 is a unit for printing the layout result.
[0031]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing procedure in the image layout apparatus of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing a layout procedure using the attention level (attraction level).
(1) Step S1: The image selection means 102 selects an image to be laid out from the image storage means 101.
(2) Step S2: The image reading means 103 reads the image to be laid out, calculates the attention level (attraction level) of the image, and creates, for example, a pattern image of the attention area shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.
(3) Step S3: The image evaluation value calculation means 105 calculates an image evaluation value from the pattern image of the region of interest shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.
(4) Step S4: The template selection unit 108 selects a template from the template storage unit 107.
(5) Step S5: The layout unit 109 executes layout processing according to the layout position order in the template and the image evaluation value.
(6) Step S6: Display or print the layout result.
[0032]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image layout apparatus, and shows only a part directly related to the present invention. In FIG. 9, 100 is an image layout apparatus, 10 is a communication network such as the Internet, 112 is a communication interface for connecting the image layout apparatus and the communication network 10, 113 is a control unit for performing overall control of the image layout apparatus, 114 Is an image database for storing data of images to be laid out, 115 is a template database for storing templates used for layout, and 120 is a processing program section. The image layout apparatus according to the present invention can also be realized using a PC (personal computer).
[0033]
Further, the processing program unit 120 includes the following processing units.
The image selection processing unit 121 is a processing unit for selecting an image to be laid out from the image database 114.
The image reading processing unit 122 is a processing unit for reading out values (RGB values and the like) for each pixel constituting the image.
The attention area calculation processing unit 123 is a processing unit for calculating the attention area. The image is divided into a plurality of regions, and the degree of attention is divided into two or more levels for each separated region. For the calculation of the attention area, for example, “attraction degree” disclosed in “Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-127070 (attention area extraction apparatus and automatic composition determination apparatus using the same)” can be used.
The image evaluation value calculation processing unit 124 is a processing unit for calculating an image evaluation value based on the attention level (attraction level) calculated by the attention area calculation processing unit 123.
The image order determination processing unit 125 is a processing unit for determining the order of attention levels of images based on the image evaluation values obtained by the image evaluation value calculation processing unit 124.
The template selection processing unit 126 is a processing unit for selecting a template describing an image layout from the template database 115.
The layout processing unit 127 is a processing unit for arranging a plurality of images on the template based on the template selected by the template selection processing unit 126 and the image evaluation value.
The display processing unit 128 is a processing unit for displaying the layout result on the display device.
The print processing unit 129 is a processing unit for printing the layout result.
[0034]
The processing program unit 120 may be realized by dedicated hardware, and the processing program unit includes a general-purpose information processing device such as a memory and a CPU (central processing unit). The function may be realized by loading a program (not shown) for realizing the function of the unit into a memory and executing the program. Further, it is assumed that an input device, a display device, a printing device, and the like (all not shown) are connected to the image layout device 100 as peripheral devices. Here, the input device refers to an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display device refers to a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display device, or the like. The printing device refers to a laser printer, an inkjet printer, or the like.
[0035]
[Second Embodiment]
Although the embodiment of the image layout apparatus of the present invention has been described above, the ordering of images based on the degree of attention (attraction) as the technical idea of the present invention can be used for a wider range of applications. For example, images can be ordered in advance according to the degree of attention, or a numerical value of the degree of attention can be assigned and registered in a database, and used for searching for images using the degree of attention of the image as an index.
[0036]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of means included in the image editing apparatus according to the present invention, and is an apparatus for evaluating the attention level (attraction level) of images and ordering images. An image editing apparatus 100 a shown in FIG. 10 includes an image storage unit 101, an image selection unit 102, an image reading unit 103, an attention area calculation unit 104, an image evaluation value calculation unit 105, and an image order determination unit 106. The image storage unit 101, the image selection unit 102, the image reading unit 103, the attention area calculation unit 104, the image evaluation value calculation unit 105, and the image order determination unit 106 are the same as those shown in FIG. Omitted. However, in the image editing apparatus 100 a shown in FIG. 10, the information on the ordered images output from the image order determining unit 106 is stored in the image storage unit 101 as compared with the image layout apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. The point is different.
[0037]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image editing apparatus image according to the present invention. The communication interface 112, the control unit 113, and the image database 114 included in the image editing apparatus 100a are the images illustrated in FIG. This is the same as the layout apparatus 100.
Further, the image selection processing unit 121, the image reading processing unit 122, the attention area calculation processing unit 123, the image evaluation value calculation processing unit 124, and the image order determination processing unit 125 in the processing program unit 120a are also shown in FIG. This is a processing unit for performing evaluation based on the degree of attention of images and ordering of images, as in FIG.
[0038]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the program for realizing the functions of the image layout apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 9 and the image editing apparatus 100a shown in FIG. 11 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The image recording apparatus 100 and the image editing apparatus 100a according to the present invention may perform necessary processes by causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.
Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if the WWW system is used.
The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a general medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system.
Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” dynamically holds a program for a short time like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In this case, it is intended to include those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client in that case (transmission medium or transmission wave).
The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above, and further, a program that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, a so-called difference file (difference). Program).
[0039]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the image layout apparatus and the image editing apparatus of the present invention are not limited to the above illustrated examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, can be added.
[0040]
[Supplementary explanation about degree of attraction]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the “attraction level” is used as the reference for extracting the attention area. An example of a method for calculating the “attraction level” is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-127070 (attention area extraction device). And an automatic composition determination apparatus using the same).
Here, only the outline will be described.
In order to extract a region of interest, the degree of attraction is evaluated according to the physical characteristics of the original image. Here, the degree of attraction means a parameter that matches human subjectivity. In the attention area extraction, the area that stands out from the evaluation result is extracted as the attention area. That is, in the evaluation of the attention area, since the evaluation according to the human subjectivity is performed according to the physical characteristics, it is possible to extract the attention area suitable for the human subjectivity.
For example, when the physical feature includes a degree of color heterogeneity, the degree of attraction can be evaluated based on the difference in color of each region.
In addition to the color heterogeneity, the physical characteristics further include a shape heterogeneity, an area heterogeneity, and a texture (pattern) heterogeneity, and therefore based on at least one of these four heterogeneities. If the degree of attraction is evaluated, the degree of attraction can be accurately evaluated according to the characteristics of the original image.
In the case of evaluating the three elements of color (hue, saturation and lightness), an area close to a conspicuous color (red) according to human subjectivity can be evaluated as the most prominent area.
Furthermore, if the spatial frequency and the area of each region in the original image are also evaluated, the most prominent region can be judged more accurately.
[0041]
The degree of attraction is evaluated according to the following procedure.
(1) First, the original image is divided into regions. In this case, the original image is divided into a figure area and a picture area. For this region segmentation method, a boundary detection method based on “edge flow” described in “Edge Flow: A Framework of Boundary Detection and Image Segmentation” by WYMa and BSManjunath et al. In 1997 IEEE is applied.
(2) Next, the divided figure area is extracted, and the attractiveness of the area is evaluated.
The degree of attraction is evaluated as follows.
・ First, determine the degree of heterogeneity in each area. In this case, the heterogeneity of the color, the heterogeneity of the texture, the heterogeneity of the shape, and the heterogeneity of the area are obtained, and a weight coefficient is assigned to each to linearly combine to obtain the degree of heterogeneity attraction in each region.
-Next, the degree of feature attraction in each area is obtained. In this case, the attractiveness of the color, the attractiveness of the spatial frequency, and the attractiveness of the area are obtained, and a weighting coefficient is assigned to each to linearly combine to obtain the feature attractiveness of each region.
Next, the heterogeneity attractiveness degree and the feature attractiveness degree of each region are added to obtain a feature amount integrated value, and this feature amount integrated value is evaluated by a predetermined beta function to calculate the attractiveness degree.
(3) Moreover, the pattern figure which evaluated the attractiveness degree from the original image is produced | generated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of means included in an image layout apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a template.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first image 1 to be laid out.
4 is a diagram schematically showing an attractiveness pattern corresponding to FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second image 2 to be laid out.
6 is a diagram schematically showing an attractiveness pattern corresponding to FIG. 5. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which images 1 and 2 are laid out.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing procedure in the image layout apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image layout apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of means included in the image editing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image editing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 image layout device, 101 image storage means, 102 image selection means
103 image reading means, 104 attention area calculation means,
105 image evaluation value calculating means, 106 image order determining means
107 template storage means, 108 template selection means
109 layout means, 110 display means, 111 printing means

Claims (5)

An image layout apparatus for laying out a plurality of images,
Attention area calculation means for calculating the degree of attraction for each image;
Template storage means for storing a template for layout including layout order information;
A template selection unit that selects a template corresponding to the calculated total value of the degree of attraction of the image from the template storage unit;
Layout means for laying out the images by arranging them in a layout frame in the template in the order of the calculated attractiveness according to the layout order described in the selected template. An image layout apparatus. When the attention area calculation means calculates the degree of attraction of the image, it divides the image into a plurality of areas, calculates the degree of attraction for each divided area,
2. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image evaluation value calculating unit that calculates the highest degree of attraction in the area as an image evaluation value of the image used by the layout unit for the degree of attraction. When the attention area calculation means calculates the degree of attraction of the image, it divides the image into a plurality of areas, calculates the degree of attraction for each divided area,
Multiplying the degree of attraction of the area by the area of the area, adding for each image, and comprising image evaluation value calculating means for calculating the image evaluation value of the image used by the layout means for the degree of attraction. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1. An image layout method in an image layout apparatus for laying out a plurality of images,
Attention area calculation means for calculating the attention degree for each image, attention area calculation process,
A template selection step in which a template selection unit selects a template corresponding to the calculated total value of the degree of attraction of each image from a template storage unit that stores a layout template including layout order information;
A layout step of laying out each of the images in a layout frame within the template according to a layout order described in the selected template, and in order of the calculated attractiveness. An image layout method characterized by the above. To the computer in the image layout device that lays out multiple images,
An attention area calculation unit calculates an attention degree for each image, and attention area calculation processing;
A template selection unit that selects a template corresponding to the calculated total value of the degree of attraction of each image from a template storage unit that stores a template for layout including layout order information;
A layout unit executes a layout process for laying out the images by arranging them in a layout frame in the template in the order of the calculated attractiveness according to the layout order described in the selected template. Program to let you.

Images