JP4375289B2 - Comment layout device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a comment layout device that arranges a comment input area for inputting a comment in a text format in one target image, and an album creating device including the comment layout device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are software, websites, and the like that edit a plurality of images taken with an imaging device such as a digital still camera on a personal computer to produce an album. With such software, the photographed image selected by the user can be arranged in a predetermined layout, and a comment can be attached to each image or a predetermined display can be given. For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a technique for creating an album with image shooting dates, location information, and the like as comments to be displayed for each captured image. According to such an album creation technique, it is said that the user can create an album without taking time and effort.

JP 2003-85265 A

  Even if such an album creation technique is used, a complicated editing operation may be required for the user. For example, in the case of an image of a person, if you want to produce an album by placing a predetermined document or the like as a comment on the image, such as the content of a conversation at the time of shooting or the exchange between multiple people imagined from the image There is. In such a case, a “speech balloon” that makes it appear as if a person in the image is speaking is used, but the arrangement of the “speech balloon” needs to be specified by the user. Such work of determining and adjusting the balloon position has to be performed for each image laid out in the album, which is troublesome for the user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a comment layout device that simplifies the arrangement of comments, and an album creation device that includes the comment layout device, in view of the problem of such complicated work.

In view of the above problems, the comment layout apparatus of the present invention employs the following method. That is, a comment layout device that arranges a comment input area for inputting a comment in a text format in one target image, reads image data of the target image, and stores information in the image from pixel information of the image data Recognizing an image area of a person's face and detecting information on a predetermined reference position in the recognized face image area; and, based on the detected information on the reference position, the comment input area, Comment placement means arranged in association with the face image area; storage means for storing information relating to the arranged comment input area in association with image data of the target image ; If the image area of the face of the person recognized in the image is larger than the predetermined number, the comment input area associated with the image area of the face Instead of the arrangement, for the entire of the image, it is summarized as placing one of the comment input area.

According to the comment layout apparatus of the present invention, the reference position information in the face image area in the target image is detected, and the comment input area is arranged based on the reference position information. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce troublesome work such as the comment input area placement operation and the position adjustment operation, and the comment input area placement work can be facilitated. If a large number of face image areas are recognized and the number is larger than a predetermined number, a single comment input area is arranged. That is, the comment input areas corresponding to the recognized face image areas are not arranged. Therefore, an excessive number of comment input areas can be prevented, and an appropriate number of comment input areas can be arranged.

  The comment layout apparatus of the present invention can also be implemented as a computer program and a medium recording the computer program. As the recording medium, various computer-readable media such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM / RAM, a magneto-optical disk, a memory card, and a hard disk can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Album creation device:
B. Composition of album creation system:
C. Album creation process:
D. Comment layout processing:
E. Variations:

A. Album creation device:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an album creating apparatus including a comment layout apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. The album creating apparatus is an apparatus for creating an album by targeting images taken by an imaging device such as a digital still camera and arranging these images in a predetermined layout. This album creating apparatus includes a comment layout apparatus that automatically executes the arrangement of a predetermined comment attached to one image arranged on the album.

  As shown in the figure, the album creating apparatus 10 mainly includes a photo image database 20 for storing image data, a related information acquisition unit 25 connected to the photo image database 20, a photo selection unit 30 for selecting image data for an album, A face detection unit 40 for detecting the face of a person image in the selected image data, an album layout unit 50 for setting the layout of the selected image data, an album display unit 60 for generating an album preview, and generating data for printing The album printing unit 65 and the like are configured.

  The photographic image database 20 is a database that stores a plurality of image data taken by an imaging device such as a digital still camera. The image data stored in the photographic image database 20 is configured in the Exif format. In addition to the image data itself compressed in the JPEG format, the image data is related to the image, such as the date and time of shooting, location information, or comment information. Information. For example, if the imaging device has a GPS function, location information represented by longitude and latitude is added, and if it is a mobile phone, comment information in a text format such as a place name is added as base station information. Has been. The photographic image database 20 stores not only the image data main body but also such additional related information.

  The related information acquisition unit 25 is connected to the photo image database 20 and acquires related information of the image data stored in the photo image database 20. The acquired related information is used for selection of image data by the photo selection unit 30.

  The photo selection unit 30 is connected to the input device 80 which is an external device and the photo image database 20 via the related information acquisition unit 25, and selects image data used for album creation. The selection of the image data is performed by a user instruction via the input device 80. Specifically, the user selects the image data to be edited as an album, or the photo selection unit 30 specifies the shooting date / time, position information, comment information, etc. as the conditions of the image data to be edited as an album. Selected image data.

  The face detection unit 40 is connected to the photo image database 20 and the photo selection unit 30, acquires the image data selected by the photo selection unit 30 from the photo image database 20, and analyzes it. The face detection unit 40 recognizes an image portion of a human face existing in the acquired image data. When a person is present in the image, position information such as the center of gravity of the image portion of the person's face (coordinate of the center of gravity with respect to the entire image), the area of the image portion of the face, and the like are detected. For the face image recognition, various well-known image processing techniques can be used as will be described later. The face detection unit 40 corresponds to “image information detection means” in the comment layout device of the claims.

  The album layout unit 50 includes a photo layout unit 52 and a comment layout unit 55. The album layout unit 50 is connected to the album display unit 60 and the album printing unit 65 in addition to the photo selection unit 30, the photo image database 20, and the face detection unit 40. The layout of various elements such as image data and comments in creation is determined. The photo layout unit 52 is provided with several types of layout templates representing the image arrangement for the album, acquires the image data selected by the photo selection unit 30, and arranges it in a predetermined layout.

  The comment layout unit 55 inputs information on the presence / absence of a face image in the selected image data from the face detection unit 40, and information on the position information, area, etc., if there is a face image. Using this information, a comment input area for inputting a comment is arranged at a position corresponding to the face image. That is, the arrangement of the comment input area is automatically adjusted according to the contents of the image data. Information on the comment input area thus arranged, for example, the relative position, size, shape, etc. of the comment input area is stored in the photographic image database 20 in association with the image data. The comment layout section 55 corresponds to “comment placement means” in the comment layout apparatus of the claims, and the photo image database 20 corresponds to “storage means”. That is, the comment layout device is formed from the face detection unit 40, the comment layout unit 55, and the photographic image database 20.

  The album layout unit 50 arranges image data, comment input areas, and the like in a predetermined format, and then outputs them to the album display unit 60. The album display unit 60 generates a preview screen in response to the output from the album layout unit 50 and displays it on the display device 90. When the user instructs printing of the album via the input device 80, the album layout unit 50 outputs the album data to the album printing unit 65. The album printing unit 65 receives the output from the album layout unit 50, generates print data, and outputs it to the printer 100. In this way, a desired album is output from the printer 100.

  The album creating apparatus 10 including such a comment layout apparatus can be realized by forming each processing function unit with software and installing it in a general-purpose computer. Hereinafter, embodiments using a personal computer which is a general-purpose computer will be described.

B. Composition of album creation system:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an album creating system 200 as an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this album creating system 200 is a digital still camera 110 that stores images to be processed, and an album creating apparatus 10 that creates a predetermined album by inputting images stored in the digital still camera 110. A personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC 10), a display 90a as one of display devices 90 for displaying images processed by the PC 10, a keyboard 80a or mouse 80b as an input device 80, and an album processed by the PC 10. The printer 100 is configured to output.

  The digital still camera 110 includes a connection port that is connected to the PC 10 with a predetermined cable, and image data stored in the digital still camera 110 is taken into the PC 10 (into a hard disk 74 described later). A predetermined album is created under the user's command. Instead of directly acquiring image data from the digital still camera 110, captured image data such as a memory card 112, a DVD-ROM / RAM 113, a hard disk 114, a digital video camera (not shown) or a mobile phone with a camera is used. The recorded recording medium or imaging device may be connected to the PC 10 to acquire image data from the recording medium.

  The PC 10 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a hard disk 74, an I / F circuit unit 75, and the like, and each device is connected by an internal bus. The I / F circuit unit 75 is connected to the digital still camera 110, the display 90a, the keyboard 80a, the mouse 80b, and the printer 100, and functions as an interface between the external device and the PC 10.

  A predetermined operating system is stored in the ROM 72 and the hard disk 74, and when the PC 10 is turned on, the CPU 71 reads and starts the operating system OS in the ROM 72 and the hard disk 74.

  The hard disk 74 stores image data captured from the digital still camera 110 and is installed with various application programs that operate on the operating system, such as a printing processing program and an album creation processing program to be described later. ing. The CPU 71 receives a user operation instruction via the keyboard 80 a and the mouse 80 b, reads such a program, develops it on the RAM 73, and executes it.

  The printer 100 is an ink jet printer that can print a color image with four color dots of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). The printer 100 includes a carriage (not shown) on which a plurality of nozzles that eject four colors of ink are mounted, and feeds the paper in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction while reciprocating the carriage (main scanning) ( In the sub-scanning process, ink dots are formed on the paper. Piezoelectric elements, which are piezoelectric elements, are used for ink ejection, and a print image that accurately reproduces the image to be printed is output by controlling the voltage to the piezoelectric element as well as main scanning and sub-scanning. Can do. Of course, various types of printers such as other inkjet printers (for example, Bubble Jet (registered trademark)) and multifunction peripherals may be used.

  In the album creation system 200 having the above hardware configuration, when the user desires to create an album of a predetermined image, the album creation processing program is activated via the keyboard 80a and the mouse 80b.

C. Album creation process:
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the album creation process. When the album creation process is started by a user instruction, the CPU 71 reads a processing program from the hard disk 74, develops it on the RAM 73, and executes various processes.

  When the processing is started, the CPU 71 receives an instruction from the user, selects image data to be used in album creation, and takes in the image data (step S300). Prior to the user's instruction, the CPU 71 displays a screen prompting the user to select an image to be an album target on the display 90a. The user selects an image desired to be edited as an album using the keyboard 80a and the mouse 80b. In response to this, the CPU 71 fetches predetermined image data from the hard disk 74.

  The selection of image data may be a method of selecting an image that matches a predetermined condition. For example, the user designates shooting date / time, position information, comment information, and the like as selection conditions for an image for which an album is to be created using the keyboard 80a or the like. When the photographing date / time is instructed, the CPU 71 selects image data to which the photographing date / time is attached. In this way, desired image data can be easily selected.

  Subsequently, the CPU 71 selects an image layout in which the selected image data is arranged as an album (step S310). Specifically, the CPU 71 displays several types of layout templates indicating the arrangement of image data on one page of the album on the display 90a, and the user selects one template to select an image layout. Yes. Note that a default template may be set in advance, and when there is no instruction from the user, this template may be selected as the image layout.

  The CPU 71 executes the comment layout process after arranging the image data on the image layout thus selected (step S320). In the comment layout process, the presence / absence of a human face image is determined for one piece of image data arranged on the image layout (on the album), and if there is a face image, the position corresponding to the face image is determined. In this process, a “speech balloon” is arranged as a comment input area for inputting a comment. This comment layout process is repeatedly executed for each image data on the album.

  The “speech balloon” is a comment input area in which a comment in a text format (for example, a conversation or a sentence imagined from image data) input by the user via the input device 80 is displayed as if a person in the image has spoken. It is an aspect of the shape.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of “speech balloon” as a comment input area. As shown in the figure, the shape K of the “balloon” has an acute angle from the boundary area Ka (referred to as the comment boundary area Ka) for inputting a comment formed in an elliptical shape centered on the point E and the elliptical area. It has a shape including a protruding lead portion Kb. The lead-out portion Kb is formed so as to expand from a starting point S around the face image toward an elliptical center point E (hereinafter referred to as an end point E). In the comment layout process, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the comment boundary region Ka and the lead-out portion Kb are adjusted according to the position of the person's face in the image P, and automatically set to a predetermined value. A “balloon” shape K having a size is arranged. The comment layout process will be described in detail later.

  Subsequently, the CPU 71 arranges the comment input by the user in the “balloon” and displays the completed album on the display 90a (step S330). In this way, an image with a comment “speech balloon” is placed in a predetermined image layout, and a desired album is completed.

  The CPU 71 displaying the album executes an output process in accordance with a user instruction (step S350), and ends a series of album creation processes. The user who has seen the album displayed on the display 90a instructs various output processes such as an instruction to print it, an instruction to edit it again, or an instruction to save it. For example, when an instruction to print is given, the CPU 71 generates print data and outputs it to the printer 100. Thus, a desired album is printed on the paper. When an instruction to save is given, various data related to the album, such as the selected image data, image layout, arrangement (position and shape) of “speech balloons”, and input comments, are stored in the hard disk 74. To do. By using various stored data, the created album can be displayed on the display 90a at a later date.

  According to the above album creation processing, “speech balloons” are automatically arranged according to the selected image. Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate the creation of an album, especially the setting operation of the “balloon” arrangement for comment input. The comment layout process will be described below.

D. Comment layout processing:
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the comment layout process. This process is configured as a subroutine for the album creation process described above, and is a process for arranging “speech balloons” for one image data selected for album creation.

  When the process is started, the CPU 71 performs a process of detecting the position and area of a human face image (hereinafter referred to as a face image) in the target image data (step S500). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a human face image F1 in the image data P is recognized, and the center of gravity G1 and the area A1 of the face image F1 are detected. The face image F1 is recognized using a known image processing technique. For example, image data expressed in RGB is converted into a YCbCr color space expressed by a luminance component Y and color difference components Cb and Cr, and pixels having color difference components within a predetermined threshold are extracted as skin color regions and extracted. The face image is recognized based on the skin color area. The center of gravity position and area can be calculated for the recognized face image. Further, face recognition or the like may be performed by matching using a neural network.

  Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether or not there is a face image in the target image data (step S510). Specifically, in the process of step S500, if there is no output of the center of gravity G1 and the area A1, it is determined that there is no face image, and if there is an output, it is determined that there is a face image.

  If it is determined in step S510 that there is no face image (No), the process exits END, ends the comment layout process, and returns to step S330 in FIG. For example, if the target image data is a landscape image, the process ends without placing a “speech balloon”.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that there is a face image (Yes), it is determined how many face images are present, and if there are a plurality of face images, face images whose area ratio is equal to or less than a predetermined value are selected from the target. Exclude (step S520). That is, in this step, the main subject (face image) where the “speech balloon” is placed is determined.

  Specifically, the face image having the maximum area is selected from the detected plurality of face images, and the area ratio of each face image is calculated for the face image. When this ratio is smaller than a predetermined threshold (in this embodiment, smaller than 30%), it is not recognized as a face image to be subjected to comment layout processing.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example when a plurality of face images are detected in one image data. As shown in the figure, it is assumed that six face images are detected for the image data P. Among them, the face image F1 having the largest area (center of gravity G1, area A1) is selected, and the area ratio is obtained for all other face images F2, F3,. For example, in the case of the face image F2, the area ratio is A2 / A1 × 100 (%). As shown in this example, face images F2, F3,... Where the calculated face image area ratio is smaller than 30% are excluded from the target. In the example of FIG. 7, only the face image F1 is the target of the comment layout process. By performing such relative area ratio evaluation, for example, a passerby in the background in an image taken in a crowd such as an urban area can be excluded from the target.

  Subsequently, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the number of face images narrowed down as a main subject is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold (step S530). That is, it is determined how many face images are recognized as the target of the comment layout process. Here, the predetermined threshold value is set to four.

  If it is determined in step S530 that the number of face images is four or more (No), a “speech balloon” is placed from the entire image data (step S550), and a series of comment layout processing is completed. Returning to step S330 of FIG. That is, instead of arranging “balloons” corresponding to individual face images, “balloons” corresponding to the entire image data are arranged.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example when a plurality of face images are recognized as main subjects in one image data. As shown in the figure, five face images F1 to F5 are detected in the image data P, and the area ratio of each of the face images F2 to F5 with respect to the face image F1 having the largest area is 30% or more. All of F1 to F5 are recognized as main subjects. In this case, since the number of face images is four or more, one “balloon” shape K is arranged from the entire image data P. That is, if five “speech balloons” are arranged corresponding to each face image, the arrangement becomes complicated and a complicated impression is received as a whole. In such a case, an appropriate comment input area can be secured by arranging a single “balloon”.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a comment boundary area Ka is arranged above the image data P (outside the area of the image data P) and at a position from the right, and above the image data P. In addition, the lead-out portion Kb is formed with the substantially central position in the left-right direction as the starting point S, whereby a predetermined “balloon” shape K is arranged. The shape and arrangement of such “speech balloons” are preset as default values.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S530 that the number of face images is less than 4, that is, 1 to 3 (Yes), “speech balloons” are arranged corresponding to each face image ( Step S540), a series of comment layout processing is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example when a plurality of face images are recognized as main subjects in one image data. As shown in the figure, two face images F1 and F2 are detected in the image data P, and the area ratio of the face image F2 to the face image F1 having the largest area is 30% or more, and the two face images F1 and F2 are detected. Is recognized as the main subject. Here, since the number of face images is less than 4, “speech balloons” are arranged for each of the face images F1 and F2.

  When two “speech balloons” are required, first, “speech balloons” are arranged for the face image F1 having the largest area. Specifically, the end point E1 is set at a position outside the image data P above the center of gravity G1 of the detected face image F1, and the comment boundary region K1a is arranged with this as the center of the ellipse. Then, a starting point S1 is taken at a position shifted from the center of gravity G1 of the face image F1 in consideration of the area A1 of the face image, and a lead-out portion K1b having a shape expanding from the starting point S1 toward the end point E1 is formed. This completes the arrangement of the “balloon” shape K1. This process is the same as when one face image is recognized as the main subject.

  Subsequently, a “speech balloon” is arranged for another face image F2. Basically, the second “speech balloon” is arranged at a position outside the image data P above the center of gravity G2 of the detected face image F2, similarly to the first “speech balloon”. When the two face images F1, F2 are closer than a predetermined distance in the left-right direction, the two comment boundary regions K1a, K2a overlap each other. In this case, the end point E2 is set at a position away from the end point E1 of the first “balloon” by a predetermined distance, and the comment boundary region K2a is arranged with this as the center of the ellipse. Then, a starting point S2 is taken at a position shifted from the center of gravity G2 of the face image F2 in consideration of the area A2 of the face image, and a lead-out portion K2b having a shape expanding from the starting point S2 toward the end point E2 is formed. This completes the arrangement of the “balloon” shape K2. Even when three “balloons” are required, the same processing is performed. By so doing, it is possible to arrange “balloons” corresponding to the positions of a plurality of face images without overlapping the comment boundary regions.

  The arrangement of “speech balloons” is not limited to the method described above. For example, the end point E may be provided on an axis slightly inclined from the center of gravity G. Further, the “balloon” may be set to be output from any position such as right, left, and bottom of the face image.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of “speech balloons” are required, each comment boundary region is arranged at a position set in advance as a default position, and from the position moved in consideration of the area from the center of gravity of each face image. A drawer portion having a shape that expands may be formed to complete the arrangement of the “balloon”. By fixing the arrangement of the comment boundary areas in advance, a plurality of comment boundary areas can be secured and arranged in a balanced manner.

  According to the above comment layout processing, “speech balloons” can be automatically arranged according to the position of the face image in the captured image data. Therefore, the user can add a comment to the image data without requiring a complicated operation. Also, since “speech balloons” are arranged in association with face images, it is possible to produce an effect so that the subject in the image data speaks.

  When there are a plurality of detected face images, the main subject is determined by determining the area ratio and a “speech balloon” is arranged. When a predetermined number or more of main subjects are detected, the entire image data is Place a "speech balloon". Therefore, “speech balloons” can be appropriately arranged according to the contents of the image data.

  In the present embodiment, “speech balloons” are arranged based on the position and area of the recognized face image. Therefore, the “speech balloon” can be arranged at an appropriate position (for example, a position where the drawer portion does not overlap the face image) with respect to the face image recognized as the main subject. Note that the position of the start point S of the extracted portion with respect to the position of the recognized face image may be set as a default value in advance, and “speech balloons” may be arranged without using the area of the face image. Even with such a technique, it is possible to appropriately arrange “speech balloons” for most snapshots, and to facilitate the placement of “speech balloons”. Further, the position of the face image to be detected is not limited to the center of gravity, and may be a predetermined point in the skin color area.

E. Variations:
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can of course be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. is there. In the present embodiment, the “balloon” is arranged corresponding to the face image in the image by face recognition. May be used.

  In this embodiment, since “balloons” are arranged in the album creation as an example, the comment is arranged outside the image data area on one page (mounting paper) of the album. In this case, comment layout processing can also be used.

  In this case, the position and area of the face image may be detected, and the comment boundary area may be arranged in an area in the image data that does not overlap the face image. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when a face image is detected at the upper left position in the image data, a comment boundary area is arranged at a predetermined position on the upper right, and a drawing portion is formed based on the center of gravity position of the face image. Then, the “speech balloon” (shape K) may be arranged. Of course, the comment boundary region may be arranged in consideration of the presence or absence of other face images. In this way, even when printing on photographic paper or the like, “speech balloons” can be placed at appropriate positions.

  In the present embodiment, the comment layout apparatus is described as being included in the album creating apparatus 10; however, the comment layout processing program is installed in various devices such as a personal computer, a printer such as a stand-alone or a multifunction peripheral, or By providing as hardware, a comment layout apparatus may be configured. In this case, the comment layout apparatus acquires predetermined image data, recognizes a face image in the image data, and executes a process of arranging a predetermined “balloon” according to the position of the face.

  For example, when a multifunction printer having a scanner function is used as a comment layout device, a “speech balloon” is placed in predetermined image data, printed out, and then the user writes a comment in the “speech balloon”. You can write in. Furthermore, the printed matter in which the comment is written can be read again by the scanner and used for various processes such as album creation.

  In this embodiment, the comment layout device and the album creating device are configured by installing each processing program in the personal computer. However, the comment layout device and the album creating device are installed on a predetermined server on the network. Can be arranged.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the album creating apparatus 10 and a network connection unit 130 connected to the network 140 are provided on a predetermined server. The personal computer 150 that is a user terminal is configured to be connectable to the network 140. The user accesses a predetermined server via the network 140 to execute album creation processing by the album creating apparatus 10. The created album is output from a printer 155 connected to the personal computer 150, for example. By using such a server, for example, a large amount of image data subject to album editing and the created album itself can be stored on the network.

  In this embodiment, the “balloon” having a typical shape has been described as an example of the comment input area, but the shape of the “balloon” is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the boundary of the comment input area can be formed by various types of “balloons”. By arranging the illustrated “balloon” -shaped comment boundary region Ka and lead-out portion Kb by the method described in the present embodiment, an image with a comment with an effective presentation can be obtained.

It is explanatory drawing of the album production apparatus containing the comment layout apparatus of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the album production system as an Example. It is a flowchart of an album creation process. It is explanatory drawing of the "balloon" as a comment input area. It is a flowchart of comment layout processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a detection of the position and area of a face image. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example when a some face image is detected. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example when a some face image is recognized as a main subject. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example when a some face image is recognized as a main subject. It is explanatory drawing which arrange | positions "speech balloon" in image data. It is a block diagram of the album production apparatus arrange | positioned on the network. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a "balloon" shape.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Album creation apparatus 20 ... Photo image database 25 ... Related information acquisition part 30 ... Photo selection part 40 ... Face detection part 50 ... Album layout part 52 ... Photo layout part 55 ... Comment layout part 60 ... Album display part 65 ... Album printing part 74 ... Hard disk 80 ... Input device 80a ... Keyboard 80b ... Mouse 90 ... Display device 90a. Display 100 ... Printer 110 ... Digital still camera 130 ... Network connection 140 ... Network 150 ... Personal computer 155 ... Printer 200 ... Album creation system F ... Face Image A ... Area G ... Center of Gravity K ... Shape of "Balloon" Ka ... Comment boundary area Kb ... Drawer part OS ... Operating system P ... Image data

Claims (3)

A comment layout device that arranges a comment input area for inputting a text comment in one target image,
An image that reads image data of the target image, recognizes an image area of a person's face in the image from pixel information of the image data, and detects information on a predetermined reference position in the image area of the recognized face Information detection means;
Comment placement means for placing the comment input area in association with the face image area based on the detected reference position information;
Storage means for storing information relating to the arranged comment input area in association with image data of the target image , and
If the image area of the face of the person recognized in the image is larger than a predetermined number of people, the comment arrangement means replaces the arrangement of the comment input area associated with the image area of the face, for the whole, to place one of the comment input area, comments layout apparatus. A computer program for controlling a comment layout device that arranges a comment input area for inputting a comment in a text format in one target image,
A function of reading out image data of the target image, recognizing an image area of a person's face in the image from information of pixels included in the image data, and detecting information on a predetermined reference position in the image area of the recognized face When,
Based on the detected reference position information, the comment input area is arranged in association with the face image area, and the face image area recognized in the image is determined by a predetermined number of people. If there are many, instead of the arrangement of the comment input area associated with the face image area, a function of arranging the one comment input area for the entire image ,
A computer program for causing a computer to realize a function of storing information relating to the arranged comment input area in association with image data of the target image. A recording medium in which the computer program according to claim 2 is recorded in a computer-readable manner.

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