JP4390003B2 - Multiple image layout processing - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing layout processing of a plurality of images.

  An image taken by an image generation device such as a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or a scanner is output (displayed or printed) by various image output devices such as a monitor or a printer. In the case of outputting a plurality of images, a method of assigning a plurality of images to one page and outputting in units of pages is often used like an album containing photographs. In addition, a method is also used in which such image allocation is automatically performed based on a template in which the arrangement of images in a page is determined in advance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-299777 A

  The number of images to be output may vary depending on the situation. As a result, when the image allocation is automatically performed, the number of images may be biased depending on the page, for example, the number of images arranged on the last page is extremely small compared to other pages. Further, when the number of images allocated to one page is small, there is a possibility that the images are biased and arranged in some areas such as an upper part and a left part in the page. Such a bias in the arrangement of images is often not preferred by users who observe images. Therefore, there has been a demand for assigning images while minimizing bias in image arrangement.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for allocating images while suppressing an increase in bias of image arrangement.

  In order to achieve at least part of the above object, a first image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing using a plurality of target image data representing a plurality of target images. Using the template data representing a template including a mount area for a page and a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged on the mount area, the plurality of target images are placed on the mount area. A layout unit that executes layout processing to be allocated, and the layout unit is configured to execute the single image allocation when the number of target images allocated to one page is smaller than the number of single image allocation areas included in one page. Among the image allocation areas, blank areas where the target image is not allocated are arranged in the order different from both the priority order and the reverse order of the priority order. With allocated the biasing region, allocating the target image to the rest of the single image allocation region.

  Since the first image processing apparatus allocates the blank area to the single image allocation area in an order different from both the priority order in which the images are allocated and the reverse order of the priority order, it is possible to suppress an increase in the bias in the arrangement of the target images. Thus, the target image can be assigned.

  In the image processing apparatus, the template data further includes image priority order information that defines a plurality of sets of priority orders that are preset according to the number of the target images to be allocated to one page, and the layout unit includes: It is preferable that the target images are allocated according to a priority order selected according to the number of the target images allocated to one page.

  According to this configuration, the layout unit can appropriately allocate the target image according to the number of target images.

  A second image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing using a plurality of target image data representing a plurality of target images, and includes a mount area for one page and the mount area. A layout unit that executes layout processing for allocating the plurality of target images on the mount area, using template data representing a template including a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged; The layout unit assigns the plurality of blank areas to 2 when there are a plurality of blank areas in which the plurality of target images are allocated to a mount area of a plurality of pages and the target image is not allocated in the mount area of the plurality of pages. Allocate to the above pages.

  Since the second image processing apparatus distributes the blank area to two or more pages, the target image can be allocated while suppressing the deviation in the arrangement of the target image.

  In the above image processing device, the layout unit determines that the blank area is the priority order when the number of target images to be allocated to one page is smaller than the number of single image allocation areas included in one page. It is preferable that the single image allocation area is allocated in an order different from the reverse order of the priority order and the target image is allocated to the remaining single image allocation area.

  According to this configuration, since the blank area is allocated to the single image allocation area in an order different from both the priority order in which the images are allocated and the reverse order of the priority order, it is possible to suppress an increase in the bias of the target image in the page. Can do.

  In each of the image processing devices, the layout unit generates layout information representing a correspondence relationship between each of the plurality of target images and the single image allocation region selected for each of the plurality of target images. The image processing device further transmits a layout transmission unit that transmits the layout information, the target image data, and the template data to a predetermined first data processing device that performs a process for outputting the target image. It is preferable to provide.

  According to this configuration, the layout information, the target image data, and the template data can be transmitted to the data processing device. Therefore, even a data processing device that does not include a layout unit can execute processing using the layout information. it can.

  In each of the image processing devices, further, layout image data representing a layout image obtained by allocating each of the plurality of target images according to a layout result of the layout unit, layout result of the layout unit, and target image data And a synthesizing unit that generates using the template data.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to generate the allocated image data in which the target image is appropriately allocated according to the allocation result of the layout unit.

  The image processing apparatus further includes an allocated image data transmission unit that transmits the allocated image data generated by the synthesizing unit to a predetermined second data processing apparatus that performs a process for outputting the target image. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, the allocated image data can be transmitted to the data processing apparatus, so that a process using the allocated image data can be executed even in a data processing apparatus that does not include a layout unit or a synthesis unit.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, an image processing method and an image processing apparatus, a computer program for realizing the function of the method or apparatus, and a recording in which the computer program is recorded. It can be realized in the form of a medium or the like.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order based on examples.
A. Device configuration:
B. First embodiment:
C. Second embodiment:
D. Third embodiment:
E. Fourth embodiment:
F. Variations:

A. Device configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an image output system as an embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a digital camera 100, a computer 200, and a printer 300. The digital camera 100 functions as an image generation device, the computer 200 functions as an image processing device, and the printer 300 functions as an image output device.

  The computer 200 stores data necessary for image processing such as a CPU 202 that executes image processing to be described later, a RAM 204 that temporarily stores calculation results and image data of the CPU 202, and a program for image processing and image data. A hard disk drive (HDD) 206.

  Image data generated by the digital camera 100 is transferred to the computer 200. The CPU 202 of the computer 200 executes a layout process for allocating an image represented by the received image data to a page, and an allocated image representing an image (hereinafter referred to as an “allocated image”) to which an image is allocated according to the result of the layout process. Generate data. Further, the CPU 202 generates print data according to the allocated image data and sends it to the printer 300. The printer 300 performs printing according to the received print data.

B. First embodiment:
B1. Configuration of image processing device:
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional units for image processing executed by the computer 200. The computer 200 includes a layout unit 210, a composition unit 220, a print data generation unit 230, a print data transmission unit 240, template data 250, and a template selection unit 260. These are configured in software.

  The layout unit 210 executes layout processing for allocating the target image represented by the target image data to the page according to the template data 250. The target image data is image data to be subjected to layout processing, and for example, image data designated by the user can be used. The template data 250 is data for setting a plurality of single image allocation areas to which one target image can be allocated for one page (details will be described later).

  A plurality of types of template data 250 are prepared according to the number of single image allocation areas included in one page, the arrangement of single image allocation areas, and the like. The user can specify the template data 250 to be used via the template selection unit 260.

  The layout unit 210 sets a page to be used for assigning the target image based on the template data 250 specified by the template selection unit 260. When the number of target images is larger than the number of images that can be allocated to one page, a plurality of pages are set so that all target images can be allocated.

  The layout unit 210 selects a single image allocation area to which the target image is allocated from the single image allocation areas included in the set page. When there are a plurality of target images, a single image allocation area is selected for each target image. The layout unit 210 generates layout data representing the correspondence between each target image and the selected single image allocation area, and sends the layout data to the composition unit 220. Details of the assignment of the target image will be described later.

  The composition unit 220 generates layout image data using the layout data received from the layout unit 210, the target image data, and the template data 250. The print data generation unit 230 generates print data according to the allocated image data generated by the synthesis unit 220. In the present embodiment, the print data generation unit 230 executes conversion processing from pixel values of each pixel of the allocated image data to multi-gradation data corresponding to a plurality of ink amounts usable by the printer 300. Print data is generated by performing halftone processing on the multi-tone data. The generated print data is transmitted to the printer 300 by the print data transmission unit 240. As a data transmission method, various methods such as a method via a cable, a method via a network, and a method using wireless communication can be used.

  The printer 300 performs printing according to the received print data. The printer 300 includes various components such as a main scanning drive mechanism, a sub-scanning drive mechanism, a print head, a print head drive circuit, and a control circuit, but the description thereof is omitted here.

  Note that the functions of some or all of the components in the computer 200 as described above are realized by a computer program, for example. These computer programs can be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM. The template data 250 is stored in advance in the HDD 206 (FIG. 1) of the computer 200. The HDD 206 in this embodiment functions as a template data storage unit.

B2. Layout processing:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of template data. The template data TD sets six single image allocation areas F1 to F6 in the mount area PA for one page. In the present embodiment, the mount area PA represents one page. The six single image allocation areas F1 to F6 are arranged so as to be arranged counterclockwise from the upper left to the upper right of the page. In each of the six single image allocation areas F1 to F6, an image priority (upper left numeral) and a blank priority (upper right parenthesis numerals) are set.

  The image priority order indicates the priority order for assigning the target image. In this embodiment, the image priority order is set so that the target images are arranged counterclockwise from the upper left to the upper right of the page. The layout unit 210 allocates the target image to the single image allocation area so that the target images are arranged in order of shooting date and time from the single image allocation area having the higher image priority. Some image generation apparatuses generate an image data file that stores image data and various information related to the image data (hereinafter referred to as “image data related information”). For example, some digital cameras store information relating to shooting date and time (hereinafter referred to as “shooting date and time information”) together with image data in an image data file. The layout unit 210 can obtain the date and time when the target image was shot by analyzing such shooting date and time information. An example of the file format for storing such image data related information is the Exif file format.

  When the shooting date / time information cannot be used, the layout unit 210 may allow the user to specify the order of the target images, and sets the order based on the file name of the image file storing the image data. May be. When the file name includes numbers, the order of the numbers can be the order of the target images (hereinafter, the order of the target images designated for assigning the target images is referred to as “target image order”). In any case, the layout unit 210 performs the allocation so that the target images are arranged according to the target image order from the single image allocation area having the higher image priority.

  The blank priority order indicates a priority order for assigning a blank area to which a target image is not assigned in the single image assignment area. When the number of target images to be allocated to one page is smaller than the number of single image allocation areas included in one page, single image allocation areas to which target images are not allocated (hereinafter referred to as “blank areas”) Occurs. When such a blank area occurs, the layout unit 210 first assigns a blank area to a single image allocation area having a higher blank priority. Then, the target image is allocated to the remaining single image allocation area according to the image priority order.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the assignment result of the target image. The example shown in FIG. 4 shows a case where four target images are assigned according to the template data TD shown in FIG. In this example, two blank areas are generated. Therefore, the layout unit 210 allocates a blank area to the top two single image allocation areas F6 and F1 in the blank priority order. Next, the target images are allocated to the remaining four single image allocation areas F2 to F5 in the order of image priority.

  Here, the blank priority order is preferably set in an order different from both the image priority order and the reverse order of the image priority order. When allocating blank areas in the reverse order of image priority, that is, when allocating target images according to image priority regardless of the number of target images, the target image is biased to a single image allocation area having a higher image priority. become. Conversely, when assigning blank areas in order of image priority, the target image is biased toward a single image allocation area that is lower in image priority. On the other hand, single image allocation areas are often arranged in a page so as to be continuous in the order of image priority. As a result, if the blank area is assigned according to one of the image priority order and the reverse order of the image priority order, the target image may be biased to a part of the page. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, if four target images are allocated to four single image allocation areas F1 to F4 according to the image priority order regardless of the number of target images, the layout of the target images is the page. It will be greatly biased to the left side.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the blank priority order is set to an order different from both the image priority order and the reverse order of the image priority order. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the blank priority is set so that the blank area is alternately selected from the right side and the left side of the page. As a result, even when the number of target images is small, it is possible to suppress the target images from being greatly biased to the right or left side of the page.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the blank priority order is not necessarily in the above-described order, and may be set in a different order. In any case, the blank priority order is preferably set in an order different from the reverse order of the image priority order, and particularly preferably set in an order different from the image priority order. In this way, even when the number of target images changes, it is possible to suppress an increase in the bias of the target images in the page.

C. Second embodiment:
FIGS. 5A to 5F are explanatory views showing an outline of template data in the second embodiment. The difference from the template data TD shown in FIG. 3 is that image priority is set according to the number of target images. In the present embodiment, the template data TDa sets six single image allocation areas F11 to F16 in the mount area PAa for one page. These single image allocation areas F11 to F16 are arranged in two rows from the top to the bottom of the page. The number on the upper left in the single image allocation area indicates the image priority.

  FIGS. 5A to 5F show image priorities in the case where the number of target images is 6 to 1, respectively. In the figure, the blank area is represented by a dotted line.

  For example, FIG. 5C illustrates the image priority when the number of target images is four. In this example, the number of blank areas is 2, and the two blank areas are allocated to two single image allocation areas F13 and F14 close to the center of the page. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the target image from being biased toward the top or bottom of the page.

  Similarly, when the number of target images is another value, the image priority order is set so that the bias in the layout of the target images does not increase. As described above, the image priority order according to the number of target images is set in advance, and the target images are allocated according to the image priority order according to the number of target images, so that the target images are appropriately set according to the number of target images. It is possible to suppress an increase in the bias of the arrangement.

D. Third embodiment:
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of layout processing in the layout unit 210 (FIG. 2). This flowchart shows a processing procedure when assigning target images to a plurality of pages.

  In step S100, the layout unit 210 calculates the number of pages necessary for the allocation of the target image. In this embodiment, the minimum number of pages in which the total number of single image allocation areas is equal to or greater than the total number of target images is employed as the number of pages.

  FIGS. 7A to 7F are explanatory views showing an example of layout processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 7A shows an outline of template data. In this example, the template data TDb sets six single image allocation areas F21 to F26 in the mount area PAb for one page. In these image areas F21 to F26, an image priority (upper left numeral) and a blank priority (upper right parenthesis numerals) are set.

  FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of conditions for layout processing. In this example, it is assumed that the number of target images is 19. Further, the number of single image allocation areas included in one page is six. As a result, four pages are used for layout processing.

  Next, in step S110 (FIG. 6), the layout unit 210 (FIG. 2) calculates the total number of blank areas. The total number of blank areas is a value obtained by subtracting the total number of target images from the total number of single image allocation areas included in the page set in step S100. In the example of FIG. 7B, the total number of blank areas is 5.

  In step S120, the layout unit 210 sets the number of blank areas allocated to each page. In this embodiment, when the number of pages is 2 or more and the total number of blank areas is 2 or more, the blank areas are assigned to two pages (hereinafter, the number of pages to which the blank areas are assigned is “blank”. Called the number of pages allocated). Note that any page can be adopted as the page to which the blank area is allocated. However, in this embodiment, a part of the pages located at the back of all the pages (in the example of FIG. 7B, 3rd page and 4th page) are adopted.

  The layout unit 210 evenly allocates the total number of blank areas to pages to which the blank areas are allocated. If there is a remainder as a result of the uniform allocation, the remainder is allocated to each part of the page to which the blank area is allocated. In the example of FIG. 7B, the number of uniformly allocated blank areas (hereinafter referred to as “uniform blank number”) is 2, and the number of remaining blank areas (hereinafter referred to as “remaining blank number”). Is 1. Arbitrary pages can be adopted as the pages to which the remainder is allocated, but in this embodiment, some pages located at the rearmost among the pages to which the blank area is allocated (four pages in the example of FIG. 7B). Eye).

  Next, in step S130 (FIG. 6), the layout unit 210 assigns the target image. The layout unit 210 assigns target images in order from the first page based on the template data. At this time, the number of target images to be allocated to each page is set according to the setting result in step S120.

  FIGS. 7C to 7F are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the allocation result when the layout process is performed under the conditions of FIG. 7B. FIGS. 7C to 7F show the allocation results for pages 1 to 4, respectively. The numbers written in the single image allocation area indicate the order in which the target images are allocated. Blank areas are represented by dotted lines. On the first page and the second page, six target images are allocated according to the image priority order. On the third page, two blank areas are allocated according to the blank priority order, and four target images are allocated to the remaining image allocation areas F21 to F24. On the fourth page, three blank areas are allocated according to the blank priority order, and three target images are allocated to the remaining image allocation areas F21 to F23. As a result, the blank area is not concentrated on one page but is distributed between the third page and the fourth page. Therefore, when a plurality of pages are compared, the difference in the number of assigned target images is large. It can be suppressed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when there are a plurality of blank areas, the target image is allocated so that the blank areas are allocated to a plurality of pages. As a result, it is possible to suppress the blank area, that is, the target image from being biased to a specific page. Therefore, even when the user compares a plurality of pages, it is possible to suppress a sense of discomfort that the user learns due to the difference in the number of assigned target images.

  Note that the blank area is not limited to two pages, and may be allocated to more pages. Further, the blank area is not necessarily allocated evenly, and may be allocated so that the number of target images varies depending on the page. In either case, if the blank area is allocated to a plurality of pages, it is possible to suppress an increase in the difference in the number of target images between pages. Further, when there are a plurality of blank areas, it is not always necessary to allocate them to a plurality of pages. For example, a threshold value with respect to the number of blank areas may be set, and when the number of blank areas is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it may be allocated to a plurality of pages. In this case, it is preferable to set the threshold value to a small value. In this way, it is possible to suppress an increase in the difference in the number of target images between pages.

E. Fourth embodiment:
FIGS. 8A to 8E are explanatory diagrams showing another example of the layout process according to the procedure shown in FIG. A difference from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A to 7F is that a blank area is allocated to all pages. The template data used is the same as the template data TDb shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of conditions for layout processing. The number of target images is 19, which is the same as the example shown in FIG. Unlike the example of FIG. 7B, the number of blank allocated pages is set to the total number of pages (4 in this example). As a result, the number of uniform blanks is 1, and the number of remaining blanks is 1.

  FIGS. 8B to 8E are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the allocation result when the layout process is performed under the conditions of FIG. FIGS. 8B to 8E show the allocation results of pages 1 to 4, respectively. One blank area is allocated to each of the first to third pages. On the fourth page, two blank areas are allocated. As a result, since the blank area is distributed over four pages, it is possible to further suppress an increase in the difference in the number of assigned target images compared to the case where the blank area is distributed over two pages.

  Thus, if the number of pages to which the blank area is allocated is increased, it is possible to more effectively suppress the blank area, that is, the target image from being biased to a specific page. However, the arrangement of single image allocation areas set by the template data is generally set on the assumption that the target image is allocated to all single image allocation areas. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the number of pages to which the blank area is allocated because the number of pages assumed by the template data, that is, the pages without the blank area can be increased. However, in this case as well, it is preferable to allocate a blank area to at least two pages from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the image arrangement bias.

F. Variations:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are possible.

F1. Modification 1:
In each of the above-described embodiments, an image or a character may be inserted into the blank area. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which images and characters are inserted into the blank area in the embodiment shown in FIG. Thus, if an image or a character is inserted in the blank area, it is possible to suppress the generation of an empty area in the page even when the number of target images to be allocated to the page is smaller than the number of single image allocation areas. it can. In this case, image data and character data that can be inserted can be prepared in advance, and the layout unit 210 (FIG. 2) can select image data and character data to be allocated to the blank area. Further, the layout unit 210 may allow the user to select an image or character to be inserted, and may further insert an image or character using image data or character data prepared by the user.

F2. Modification 2:
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A to 7F and FIGS. 8A to 8E, in the template data TDb (FIG. 7A), the blank priority is reverse to the image priority. However, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the blank priority order may be set to an order different from both the image priority order and the reverse order of the image priority order. Further, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A to 5F, image priority orders may be set according to the number of target images. By doing so, it is possible to further reduce the bias in the arrangement of the images.

F3. Modification 3:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the template data is image allocation area data for setting the arrangement of the single image allocation area for one page, and further includes a decoration image data representing a decoration image that decorates one page. It is good. In this case, it is preferable that the synthesizing unit 220 (FIG. 2) is configured to generate the allocated image data by synthesizing the decoration image and the target image based on the layout data received from the layout unit 210. In this way, the user can easily obtain an output image decorated with a decoration image.

F4. Modification 4:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the image output apparatus may be configured to execute part or all of the functions of the image processing apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example in which the computer 200a executes layout processing and the printer 300a executes processing for generating assigned image data. The difference between the computer 200a and the computer 200 shown in FIG. 2 is that the composition unit 220 and the print data generation unit 230 are omitted, and a layout transmission unit 240a is provided instead. On the other hand, the printer 300a includes a control unit (not shown) including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and is configured to execute the functions of the synthesis unit and the print data generation unit in software.

  The layout unit 210 executes the layout process described above to generate layout data. The layout transmission unit 240a transmits the target image data, template data, and layout data generated by the layout unit 210 to the printer 300a. Upon receiving these data, the printer 300a generates assigned image data and prints the assigned image. Since the process for generating the allocated image data is executed by reading a plurality of image data, a high calculation processing capacity and a sufficient amount of memory are often required. In the present embodiment, since the printer 300a executes the process of generating the assigned image data, the configuration of the computer 200a can be simplified.

  The image output device can also be used as the image processing device in the above embodiment. For example, it is possible to use a configuration in which a printer as an image output apparatus executes the same function as the computer 200 shown in FIG. Furthermore, if the printer can receive image data directly from the digital camera 100 via a cable, a network, wireless communication, a memory card, or the like, the assigned image can be printed without using a computer. .

F5. Modification 5:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the template data may be provided from the outside similarly to the target image data. In this way, the template data storage unit can be omitted.

F6. Modification 6:
In each of the above-described embodiments, the image generation apparatus may be configured to execute part or all of the functions of the image processing apparatus. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example in which the digital camera 100a as the image generation apparatus executes layout processing. The digital camera 100a includes a control unit (not shown) including a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like, and each functional block included in the digital camera 100a is configured as software.

  Image data generated by imaging is stored in a memory (not shown). The layout unit 110 reads the target image data from the memory, and executes the above-described layout process based on the template data 140 specified by the template selection unit 150. The synthesizing unit 120 generates layout image data using the layout data received from the layout unit 110, the target image data, and the template data 140. The generated allocated image data is transmitted to the printer 300b by the allocated image data transmission unit 130. The printer 300b prints the assigned image based on the assigned image data.

  As described above, when the image generation apparatus is configured to execute the layout process and the process of generating the allocated image data, the allocated image to which the target image is allocated is output without separately preparing a computer for performing the layout process. can do. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which transmits layout data instead of providing the synthetic | combination part 120 similarly to the Example shown in FIG. In this way, the configuration of the image generation apparatus can be simplified. Further, it is also possible to store the allocated image data and layout data in a memory card (not shown) and connect the memory card storing these data to a printer to exchange data.

F7. Modification 7:
The page to which the target image is assigned may be used so as to form a spread in two sets. In such a case, it is preferable to assign the target images so that the difference in the number of target images in the two pages constituting the spread does not increase. As such an allocation method, for example, when a blank area is allocated to one page constituting a spread, the same number of blank areas can be allocated to the other page.

F8. Modification 8:
In each of the embodiments described above, since the layout image is printed, the user can easily obtain a print page that can be used as an album page. Further, the assigned image data to which the target image is assigned can be used not only for printing but also for various purposes. For example, you may use for the display of the image using image output apparatuses, such as an LCD display and a CRT monitor. Furthermore, if the allocated image is displayed on a monitor or the like before printing, the user can check the contents of the allocated image before printing. Further, an image data file for storing the allocated image data may be generated. If such an image data file is generated and reused, the allocated image data can be used even when a device that cannot execute the layout process or the process of generating the allocated image data is used.

F9. Modification 9:
In this specification, “digital camera” includes both a digital still camera that captures still images and a digital video camera that captures moving images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image output system as an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram explaining the function part for the image processing performed with the computer 200. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of template data. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the allocation result of a target image. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the template data in 2nd Example. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of layout processing in a layout unit 210. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a layout process. Explanatory drawing which shows another example of a layout process. Explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the image and the character were inserted in the blank area | region. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example in which the computer 200a executes layout processing and the printer 300a executes processing for generating assigned image data. The block diagram which shows the structural example in which the digital camera 100a performs a layout process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 100a ... Digital camera 110 ... Layout part 120 ... Composition part 130 ... Allocation image data transmission part 140 ... Template data 150 ... Template selection part 200, 200a ... Computer 210 ... Layout unit 220 ... Composition unit 230 ... Print data generation unit 240 ... Print data transmission unit 240a ... Layout transmission unit 250 ... Template data 260 ... Template selection unit 300, 300a , 300b ... Printer

Claims (6)

A layout process for allocating a target image represented by target image data to the single image allocation area based on a template including a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged on a mount area of one page. An image processing apparatus to execute,
  A function of allocating a blank area to which the target image is not allocated to the single image allocation area in an order different from both the priority order and the reverse order of the priority order, and allocating the target image to the remaining single image allocation area; A layout unit having a function of allocating the blank area to the mount areas of two or more pages when the target image is allocated to the mount areas of a plurality of pages and there are a plurality of blank areas. An image processing apparatus. Before Symbol layout section generates respectively before Symbol Target images, layout information indicating a correspondence relationship between the single image allocation region, each assigned before Symbol Target image,
The image processing apparatus includes :
Characterized in that it comprises said layout information, and the target image data, and a template data representing the template, the layout transmission unit for transmitting a predetermined first data processing apparatus for processing you outputting the target image The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . Claim 1, further comprising a layout image data representing a layout image of the target image that has been allocated by the layout section, and the assignment result of the layout section, and the target image data, a synthesizing unit for generating with said template data Alternatively, the image processing apparatus according to claim 2 . Claims the layout image data produced by the pre-Symbol combining unit, characterized in that it comprises a layout image data transmission unit for transmitting to a predetermined second data processing apparatus for processing you outputting the target image The image processing apparatus according to 3 . A layout step of allocating a target image represented by target image data to the single image allocation area based on a template including a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged on a mount area of one page; An image processing method to be executed,
  Allocating a blank area to which the target image is not allocated to the single image allocation area in an order different from both the priority order and the reverse order of the priority order, and allocating the target image to the remaining single image allocation area; Allocating the blank area to the mount areas of two or more pages when the target image is allocated to the mount areas of a plurality of pages and there are a plurality of blank areas. The image processing method to execute. A layout function for allocating a target image represented by target image data to the single image allocation area based on a template including a plurality of single image allocation areas having a predetermined priority order arranged on a mount area of one page. An image processing program to be realized,
  A function of allocating a blank area to which the target image is not allocated to the single image allocation area in an order different from both the priority order and the reverse order of the priority order, and allocating the target image to the remaining single image allocation area; ,
  An image that causes a computer to realize a function of allocating the blank area to the mount areas of two or more pages when the target image is allocated to the mount areas of a plurality of pages and there are a plurality of blank areas. Processing program.

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