JP4475107B2 - Layout editing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a layout editing processing apparatus that generates print data for allocating and printing a plurality of images on a single recording medium.

In recent years, with the digitization of photographic prints, a technique has been proposed in which a plurality of frame images can be laid out on a recording medium such as one photographic paper, and layout editing can be arbitrarily set. For example, a plurality of frame image data is stored in a storage medium in association with frame identification information for each frame, and a print with frame identification information added to each frame from the image data is created. Select the frame, create selected frame instruction information consisting of the frame identification information given to the selected frame, and use the frame identification information from the recording medium for the image data of the frame specified by the selected frame instruction information A technique has been proposed in which frame image data obtained by searching is configured as an image having a predetermined layout and recorded as an album print image on an image recording medium.
JP-A-9-214868

  However, in the layout editing of the conventional photo printer described above, when creating a plurality of different layout images using the same set of frame images, the same frame image may be arranged in the same place, Even when the arrangement relationship between the frame images is the same, layout editing must be performed again on all the frame images.

  For example, you can create a class album photo for all students by placing an enlarged photo of the person in the center as shown in Fig. 9, placing the principal and teacher in a specific location, and placing other students around the list in the order of their names. is there. When editing the layout of this class album photo, the operator must manually re-edit the layout for all the frame images, even though only the student placed in the center and other students are replaced. It took time and effort.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a layout editing processing apparatus that can perform various layouts with a simple operation when performing a plurality of different layouts in the same frame image aggregate. The point is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first characteristic configuration of an image layout editing processing apparatus according to the present invention is a layout editing processing apparatus that generates print data for allocating and printing a plurality of images on one recording medium. A target image display means for displaying a plurality of target images, a template display means for displaying a template in which a plurality of image frames in which frame order is set in advance are arranged, and an image for indicating the displayed target images An instruction means, and a priority order is set for the target images instructed by the image instruction means in accordance with the instruction order, and the target image display means for the target images not instructed by the image instruction means Assigning order setting means for setting the assigning order according to the display order, and the frame according to the assigning order set by the assigning order setting means. Position lies in that is constituted by a print data generation means for generating print data with assigned target image.

  According to the configuration described above, the operator can easily set the allocation order for the target image, and the target image is assigned to the frame according to the allocation order set for the target image based on the frame order set for the frame of the template. Since it is automatically laid out by being fitted, layout work can be performed easily and in a short time without trouble.

  In the second feature configuration, as described in claim 2, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the allocation order setting unit is configured such that the target image to which the allocation order is preferentially set is the image instruction unit. When the instruction is issued again, the allocation order is canceled, and the allocation order of the target images for which the priority order is set is updated.

  According to the above-described configuration, since only the minimum necessary allocation order of target images is changed by a single operation, the allocation order can be reliably changed, and image layout editing can be easily performed.

  In the third feature configuration, as described in claim 3, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the allocation order setting unit is configured such that the target image to which the allocation order is preferentially set is the image instruction. When the instruction is given again by the means, the allocation order is canceled, and the assignment order of the lower-order target images for which the assignment order is preferentially updated is updated.

  According to the above-described configuration, the allocation order of the target image and the related target image can be changed with a single operation, so the allocation order of many target images can be changed with a small number of operations, and image layout editing can be performed easily. Is possible.

  In the fourth feature configuration, as described in claim 4, in addition to any of the first to third feature configurations described above, the fourth feature configuration matches the number of target images by the target image display means. A template automatic editing means for increasing / decreasing the image frame of the template is provided.

  According to the above-described configuration, the image frame of the template is adjusted to match the number of target images regardless of increase / decrease in the number of target images generated depending on how the target images are selected, so image layout editing is performed again. This eliminates the need for image layout editing.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a layout editing processing apparatus capable of performing various layouts with a simple operation when performing a plurality of different layouts in the same frame image aggregate. I can do it now.

  An embodiment of a photo print apparatus incorporating a layout editing processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, a photographic printing apparatus includes a photographic image input unit 1 that photoelectrically converts a photographic image formed on a color silver halide photographic film and stores a photographic image as a digital image in a memory, and a photographic image input unit. An image processing unit 2 that performs predetermined image processing on the color photographic image input from 1 to generate an output image, a line buffer 28 as an image output unit that sequentially outputs the generated output images, and a line buffer 28 An image exposure unit 3 having an exposure head 34 for exposing the photographic paper based on the output image from the image, a development processing unit 4 for developing the exposed photographic paper, and cutting the photographic paper after the development processing in frame units The paper discharge unit 5 that discharges the paper and the system control unit 6 that integrates and controls the entire functional blocks described above are configured.

  The photographic image input unit 1 includes, for example, a film conveyance unit 11 that intermittently conveys each frame of a developed 135 color negative film 10 to a reading position, and an image reading unit 12 that reads an image of each frame of the film 10. The film transport unit 11 includes a take-up roller 111, a film transport motor 112 that rotationally drives the take-up roller 111, and a film transport control unit 113 that controls the film transport motor 112. The unit 12 includes a light source 114 disposed below the film 10, a light source control unit 115 that controls the light emission intensity of the light source 114, an image sensor 116 including a one-dimensional CCD, and image reading control by the image sensor 116. A reading control unit 117b to be performed, a lens 117 that forms each frame image of the film 10 on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 116, and a lens An optical filter 118 provided between the lens 10 and the lens 117 for separating the image of the film 10 into three colors of RGB, a filter driving motor 119 for switching the optical filter 118, and a filter switching for controlling the driving of the filter driving motor 119 The control unit 120 includes an image data storage unit 121 that stores an image signal read by the image sensor 116 as digital data. The image data storage unit 121 includes an A / D converter 122 that converts RGB analog image signals read by the image sensor 116 into RGB digital image data at a 16-bit gradation level, and an A / D converter. And an image buffer memory 123 composed of a RAM or the like that stores the digital image data of RGB three colors converted by 122 in association with frame identification information in frame units.

  The image processing unit 2 performs image processing means 21 for performing noise reduction, distortion reduction processing, color correction processing, enlargement / reduction processing, and the like, on the frame-by-frame photographic image stored in the image buffer memory 123, and the image processing A print data generating means 23 for fitting and editing the image processed by the means 21 into a template image, and an image processing memory 25 for storing the final output image are provided. The stored final output image is output to the exposure control unit 36 via the line buffer memory 28 for each line.

  The image exposure unit 3 includes a photographic paper conveyance control unit 38 that conveys the long photographic paper 31 wound around the roll cassette 30 toward the exposure station 33 by a conveyance motor 37 at a predetermined conveyance speed. From the photographic paper transport unit 32, the PLZT type exposure head 34 that performs exposure scanning on the photographic paper 31 transported to the exposure station 33, the exposure head control unit 35 that drives and controls the exposure head 34, and the line buffer memory 28. And an exposure control unit 36 that outputs the image data to the exposure head control unit 35 at a predetermined timing synchronized with the conveyance speed of the photographic paper 31.

  The development processing unit 4 conveys the processing tank 40 filled with a developing processing solution such as a developing solution and the exposed roll photographic paper 31 into the processing tank 40, and performs development, bleaching, and fixing processes. The paper discharge unit 5 includes a transport control unit that transports the roll photographic paper 31 to the paper discharge unit 5. The paper discharge unit 5 cuts the roll photographic paper 31 developed by the development processing unit 4 in the width direction. The cutter 50 is divided into frame units, drive control for the cutter motor 51 that drives the cutter 50, and a paper discharge control unit 52 that controls discharge of the cut photographic paper 31 to the outside of the apparatus.

  The system control unit 6 includes a control CPU, a ROM storing a control program, a RAM for data processing, and a control signal input / output circuit for each functional block, and each function based on the control program The block is integrated and controlled.

  The system controller 6 is connected to an input device 7e having a keyboard 7c and a mouse 7d for setting and inputting a processing procedure by the photographic image processing device and a console 7 including a monitor 7b, and media information for holding an original photographic image. A print channel is set and inputted as print information including the size information of the photographic paper to be printed based on the output image (film type, etc.) and the image editing process, and the system control unit 6 sets the selected print channel. Each functional block is controlled based on the information obtained.

  The print channel is a channel set by the print information setting unit 7a provided in the console 7 and set in advance according to the print to be created, such as input media, print type, and photographic paper size. 7, a predetermined number of channels can be individually set in order from channel 0. Each channel includes input media information (film type and digital image storage media type), print type information such as normal print (simultaneous print), album print or edit print, and type information (for example, edit print) Postcard, ID photo, business card, composite photo, etc.), photographic paper width and surface quality information, print size information, image automatic correction mode setting information, etc. are set as print information.

  The operator designates an appropriate print channel based on the order information, and attaches a negative mask corresponding to the set input media information to the photographic image input unit 1 or attaches media to the media driver 117a. An image can be input to the image buffer memory 123. In inputting a film image, first, an image for one film is read by a pre-scan operation for reading at high speed at a low resolution, stored in the image buffer memory 123, and a film test process is performed.

  In the film test, a plurality of read frame images are displayed on the monitor 7b, and various images such as color correction for each frame image are performed by the image processing means 21 based on an operator's operation via the input device 7e. Processing is performed, and the processing information is stored in a memory (not shown) provided in the image processing means 21. The same process is performed on the frame image input from the media driver 117a.

  When the album print or the edit print is set, the print data generation unit 23 operates to operate the template image stored in the template image storage unit 232 in the monitor 7b and the image buffer memory 123, as will be described in detail later. The frame images stored in the template image are displayed, and each frame image is inserted into the template image and edited based on the operation of the operator via the input device 7e.

  When the film test is completed, a main scan operation for reading a photographed image from the target film at a high resolution is executed. In the main scan operation, the image processing unit 2 performs necessary image processing including correction processing based on the correction table data on the photographic image read several frames at a time and stored in the image buffer memory 123, and then output. An image is generated.

  In the image exposure unit 3, an appropriate photographic paper 31 is selected based on the print size set in the designated print channel (usually containing a plurality of sizes of photographic paper) and conveyed to the exposure station 33. Then, exposure processing corresponding to the output image is performed by the exposure head 34. In the paper discharge unit 5, the developed roll photographic paper 31 is cut into frames by the cutter 50 based on the same print size.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print data generation means 23 includes a template layout means 231, a template image storage means 232, a template image selection means 233, an assignment order setting means 235, an assigned frame image storage means 236, The layout frame processing unit 237, the ranking function storage unit 238, the fitting editing unit 230, and the print data storage unit 239 are provided. The system control unit 6 and the console 7 constitute the layout editing processing apparatus of the present invention. .

  In the template image storage means 232, a plurality of template images are stored in advance according to uses such as an ID photo or an album edited photo, and the template image selected and displayed based on the operator's operation by the fitting editing means 230 is displayed. A desired image is pasted and an output image (print data) is generated. The template image stored in the template image storage means 232 is a template image stored in advance when the photographic printing apparatus is purchased. A template image created by the purchaser is also stored. When creating a template image on the purchaser side, the template layout means 231 is used.

  The template layout unit 231 edits and generates a template image for printing a plurality of images on one photographic paper as a recording medium as described above, and stores the template image in the template image storage unit 232. The template layout unit 231 has a predetermined size. Recording medium frame storage means 23a storing the recording medium frame, image frame storage means 23b storing the image frame, and recording media stored in the recording medium frame storage means 23a and the image frame storage means 23b. The layout unit 23d arranges image frames on the frame by a drag-and-drop method and the frame order assignment unit 23d for setting the frame order by a double click method.

  With the above-described configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, after arranging image frames 61 of various sizes and shapes on an arbitrary recording medium frame 60, the frame order (numbers in the frames in the figure). A template image can be created by setting (represent). Further, it is possible to form a title space 62 as required.

  The template image created by the template layout unit 231 is stored in the template image storage unit 232, but the template layout unit 231 can edit the stored template image again. It is.

  When a plurality of similar template images that differ only in the number of image frames are created, they can be stored as a group of template images (hereinafter referred to as a similar template group). It is also possible to select a representative template image from a group of similar templates and create a sample template image. The sample template image is representatively displayed on the monitor 7b when the operator selects a template image. In addition, each similar template image is set with the highest frame rank among the respective frame ranks as the respective identification numbers.

  The allocation order setting means 235 stores the order in which the frame images stored in the image buffer memory 123 are stored based on the frame image identification information added when stored in the image buffer memory 123. Is assigned to the assigned frame image storage means 236.

  The assigned frame order editing means 237 edits the assigned order of each frame image stored in the assigned frame image storage means 236. For example, editing such as cancellation of the allocation order set for each frame image or correction of the allocation order is performed. For the modification of the allocation order, various editing modes stored in the ranking function storage means 238 can be used.

  One is a release update mode in which, as shown in FIG. 4A, the assigned frame image allocation order is canceled and the frame image order lower than the frame image allocation order is updated higher. Suitable for omitting unnecessary frame images.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4B, the assigned frame image assignment order is canceled, the frame image assignment order lower than the frame image assignment order is updated higher, and This is a re-lower setting mode in which the frame image allocation order is set to the lowest.

  One is the highest update mode in which the assigned frame image assignment order is updated to the highest level and the other frame image assignment order is lowered, as shown in FIG. 4 (c).

  First, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), the assigned frame image allocation order is updated to the highest level, and the allocation order of the original highest frame image is changed to the specified frame image. This is a replacement mode in which the order of allocation is as follows.

  In addition, there is a simple input mode, and the correct input mode (allocation order of the specified frame image is always in the lower order) in which the order of assignment is set in the specified order or the order of assignment is reversed. There is a reverse input mode in which the order is set (the assigned order of the frame images is always higher). These are used for setting a new allocation order when setting the reassignment order of the frame images that have been deallocated and setting the multi-dimensional allocation order described later.

  The editing / input mode shown here is only an example of various editing / input modes, and is not limited thereto.

  The assignment order can be set by specifying a frame image displayed on the monitor 7b with a pointer operated by the mouse 7d and double-clicking, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The edited frame image set with the allocation order is stored in the allocated frame image storage means 236 again.

  The template image selection unit 233 selects a target template image stored in the template image storage unit 232. When the operator selects a sample template image representing a similar template group, A template image corresponding to the number of frame images to be inserted is selected from the identification number of each template image in the similar template group.

  The insertion editing unit 230 creates print data in which the target frame image is inserted in the frame order of the template in accordance with the frame image allocation order.

  Here, in the above-described editing of the allocation order, the frame image whose allocation order has been released is not inserted into the template image, but is preferably stored in the allocated frame image storage means 236. This is because the assignment order may be set again at the time of re-editing.

  The ranking function storage means 238 can store a multidimensional allocation ranking function for setting an allocation ranking in a multidimensional manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (in the case of three dimensions), the allocation order initially set by the allocation order setting means 235 is secured as it is (the number in the upper part of the frame in the figure), and a plurality of dimensions in a different dimension are secured. The order of allocation is set (numbers in the middle and lower rows in the figure). Moreover, there may not be the allocation order in the said another dimension (* symbol of the middle stage in a figure, and a lower stage). It is also possible to set priorities for each dimension. For example, in the case of FIG. 5, when the lower rank is 1st priority, the middle rank is 2nd, and the upper rank is 3rd, the frame rank indicates the BACEFDG order. Become.

  Hereinafter, a case where a school class album photo is created using the layout editing processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, the school class album photo is created by inserting the photo of the principal, homeroom teacher, and each student into the template image (frame order (number in the frame) is set) represented in FIG. Will be described for the case where an image is placed in an enlarged frame (frame ranking 1) at the center of the template image efficiently for each student. In all the photos, the principal's photo is placed in the frame ranking 2 position, the teacher's photo is placed in the frame ranking 3, and the students who are in the enlarged frame in the center of the class photo in relation to each other's class photo. Except for, the basic arrangement of each student must not be changed. The basic arrangement means that the position of the upper student or the lower student is always specified among the students.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when each frame image consisting of a principal, a teacher, and a student photo is read on the negative film 70 by the image reading unit 12 (S1), it is stored in the image buffer memory 123 (S2). The stored frame images are selected by the allocation order setting means 235 based on the frame image identification information, and each frame image is selected and the allocation order is set in order from the stored frame image (S3). It is stored in the allocated frame image storage means 236 (S4).

  When an album print is instructed by the operator via the input device 7e, the assigned frame order editing means 237 is activated (S5).

  On the monitor 7b, the frame images Pn are displayed in order from the frame images to which the allocation order is set, and the allocation order frame W1n and the allocation order are displayed on each of the frame images Pn. Can be confirmed (FIG. 8A). Here, the allocation order is set in a basic arrangement of 1 for the principal, 2 for the teacher, and 3 to N for the students below.

  Further, the operator selects a sample template image (S6) on another screen of the monitor 7b and confirms the frame order.

  In order to improve the efficiency of the subsequent editing work, the operator sets the allocation order setting to the two-dimensional mode by using the input device 7e, and creates a new dimension allocation order (hereinafter referred to as secondary allocation order). In addition, the priority of the secondary allocation order is set to be higher than the initial allocation order. At this time, the above-described multidimensional allocation ranking function stored in the ranking function storage means 238 is utilized.

  When the multi-dimensional allocation order function is activated, the screen of the monitor 7b is switched, and as shown in FIG. 8B, a secondary allocation order frame W2n is displayed and a display screen on which the secondary assignment order can be set is displayed. To do. In this embodiment, the initial allocation ranking frame W1n is displayed at the lower right of each frame image, and the secondary allocation ranking frame W2n is displayed at the center of each frame image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any display configuration may be used as long as it is easy to use.

  The secondary allocation order is set in order by the operator specifying the frame image with the mouse 7d and double-clicking in the positive input mode described above.

  When student A is displayed in the center frame of the template image, the secondary assignment order may be set to 1 for student A, 2 for the principal, and 3 for the teacher. This is because the other students do not need to set the secondary allocation order and are arranged in the basic array according to the initial allocation order.

  The operator confirms the initial allocation order and the secondary allocation order, and reconfirms the sample template image displayed on the separate screen of the monitor 7b, and if necessary, using the input device 7e, After inputting characters in the title space, the input device 7e is used to instruct inlay editing (S7, 8).

  The edited frame image having the allocation order is stored in the allocated frame image storage means 236 (S9).

  The template image selection unit 233 selects the number of frame images to be inserted into the template image calculated from the allocation number stored in the allocated frame image storage unit 236 and the operator stored in the template image storage unit 232. A target template image is selected based on the above-described identification number of each template image set in the similar template group represented by the sample template image (S10).

  The inlay editing unit 230 converts a frame image having a final allocation order (an initial allocation order, a secondary allocation order, and an allocation order calculated from the priorities) corresponding to the frame order of the similar template image into the similar template image. Is inserted into each frame to create print data (S11).

  The print data that has been subjected to inlay editing is displayed on the monitor 7d, and it is confirmed by the operator whether the frame image has been appropriately inlaid in the template image (S12). If it is appropriate, an instruction to register is given by the input means 7e and stored in the print data storage means 239 (S13).

  Next, the operator resets the frame image allocation order in order to display student B in the center frame of the screen. That is, the operator re-edits the allocation order after the editing (S14).

  In order to place student B in the center frame of the screen, change the placement of the principal and homeroom teacher, and do not change the basic arrangement of the other students, the secondary assignment order set previously is the same as described above. Student B may be specified in the replacement mode. That is, since the secondary allocation order of student B becomes 1, and the secondary allocation order of student A disappears, student B is arranged in the enlarged frame in the center of the screen, and student A is arranged in a basic array together with other students, The placement of the principal and teacher will not change.

  As another function, the student A may be specified in the reverse input mode described above after the student A is specified in the release update mode described above in the previously assigned secondary allocation order. In other words, the secondary allocation order of student A disappears, and once the principal becomes 1 and the homeroom teacher becomes 2, but after that, the student B becomes 1 and the headmaster becomes 2 and the homeroom teacher becomes 3, so that the target arrangement is similarly Can be achieved.

  The arrangement change is not limited to the above, and the target arrangement can be achieved by making full use of the various modes described above.

  The setting can be made in the same manner for the other students, and the operator edits all the students and then outputs the print by instructing the print output by the input device 7e (S15).

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a school class photo is created has been described. However, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image layout editing apparatus is implemented in the photo printing apparatus. However, the image layout editing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to being incorporated in the photo printing apparatus, and is a digital photograph directly operated by a customer. It may be incorporated into an order receiving device or a general-purpose personal computer.

  The layout setting operation procedure and the display screen by the image layout display means described above are merely examples, and are not limited to these, and are appropriately designed as long as the operational effects of the present invention are exhibited.

Block diagram of photographic image processing device Block diagram of layout editing processing device Explanatory drawing with frame order set on template image Explanatory drawing of the ranking function Illustration of multi-dimensional allocation order Flow chart showing the editing procedure for layout editing Illustration of negative film Explanatory drawing of the setting display screen for the assignment order when editing the layout Illustration of target image layout, which is a problem in the prior art

Explanation of symbols

1: Photo image input unit 2: Image processing unit 3: Image exposure unit 4: Development processing unit 5: Paper discharge unit 6: System control unit 7: Console 7a: Print information setting unit 7b: Monitor 7c: Keyboard 7d: Mouse 7e : Input device 23: Print data generation means 230: Insertion editing means 231: Template layout editing means 232: Template image editing means 233: Template image editing means 234: Frame image selection means 235: Assignment order setting means 236: Assignment frame image storage Means 237: Arranged frame order editing means 238: Ranking function storage means 239: Print data storage means

Claims (4)

A layout editing processing device for generating print data for allocating and printing a plurality of images on one recording medium,
A target image display means for displaying a plurality of target images, a template display means for displaying a template in which a plurality of image frames set in advance in a frame order are arranged, and an image instruction means for indicating the displayed target images; The priority order is set in accordance with the instruction order for the target images instructed by the image instruction means, and the target images not instructed by the image instruction means are displayed in the display order by the target image display means. Layout editing comprising layout order setting means for setting layout order, and print data generation means for generating print data in which target images are assigned to the frame order according to the layout order set by the layout order setting means apparatus.   The allocation order setting means cancels the allocation order when the target image for which the priority order is set is instructed again by the image instruction means, and the target image for which the priority order is set. The layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout order is updated.   The assignment order setting means cancels the assignment order when the target image for which the assignment order has been preferentially set is instructed again by the image instruction means, and the subordinate order in which the assignment order is preferentially set. The layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layout order of the target image is updated to a higher rank.   The layout editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a template automatic editing unit that edits an image frame of the template to increase or decrease so as to match the number of target images by the target image display unit.