JP4725351B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the appearance of a printed result in printing to a circular printable area. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor generates image data corresponding to a circular area. The image processor comprises an object area stipulation part for stipulating an object area segmented by two line segments from the circular area, an image acquisition part for acquiring first image data, a feature area information acquisition part, an image arrangement part, and an image generation part. The feature area information acquisition part acquires a feature area information specifying a position and a size in an image at least in the feature area of the first image data. The image arrangement part adjusts the position and size to the object area of the image indicated by the first image data by using the feature area information, and arranges the image indicated by the first image data in the object area so that at least the feature area is included inside the object area. The image generation part generates second image data corresponding to the object area on the basis of the arranged result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to image processing, and more particularly to generation of image data corresponding to a circular region.

  Personal use printing devices such as home-use inkjet printers have become widespread. Some of such printing apparatuses have a function of directly printing on a label surface of a circular electronic recording medium such as a DVD-R and a CD-R. In such label printing, the printable area is circular, whereas image data to be printed, for example, image data generated by a digital camera is often rectangular. For this reason, an image processing technique is known in which image data used for printing is processed with respect to image data used for printing in order to correspond to a circular printable area (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this image processing technique, in order to reduce the image data of the rectangular image so that the entire rectangular image fits in the circular printable area, or to cut out the rectangular image in accordance with the circular printable area, Trimming processing is performed on image data of a rectangular image.

JP 2004-122583 A JP 2002-292939 A

  However, the above-described conventional technology does not consider a characteristic area (for example, an area in which a main subject is captured) of a rectangular image to be printed. For this reason, in the prior art, there is a possibility that the characteristic area becomes too small due to the reduction process, or the characteristic area may be lost due to the trimming process, and the appearance of the print result may be poor.

  Such a problem is not limited to printing on a label surface of a circular electronic recording medium such as a DVD-R or CD-R, but using a rectangular image data for a circular printable area. This is a common problem when performing printing.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the appearance of a print result when printing is performed on a circular printable area.

In order to solve at least a part of the above problem, a first aspect of the present invention provides an image processing apparatus that generates image data corresponding to a circular region having a first circle having a first diameter as an outer shape. . The image processing apparatus according to the first aspect includes a target region defining unit, an image acquisition unit, a face region information acquisition unit, an image placement unit, and an image generation unit. The target area defining unit defines a target area cut out from the circular area by two different line segments respectively connecting a center of the first circle and two points on the circumference of the first circle. The image acquisition unit acquires first image data. The face-area information obtaining unit, the analyzes of the first image data, for specifying the position and size of at least the image relating to a face region including the face of a person in the first image data represents the image face Get region information. The image placement unit adjusts at least one of a position and a size of the image represented by the first image data with respect to the target area using the face area information, and the face area is included in the target area. At the same time, the image represented by the first image data is arranged in the target area so that the area ratio of the face area to the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value . The image generation unit generates second image data corresponding to the target region by processing the first image data based on the arrangement result.

According to the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the image data corresponding to the circular area is generated so that the face area in the image represented by the first image data is included. Accordingly, the face area is not lost in the image (generated image) represented by the image data corresponding to the generated circular area, and the appearance of the print result can be improved.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect, the adjustment of the size of the image represented by the first image data is represented by the first image data within a range in which the feature region is included in the target region. It may include enlarging the image. In this way, the feature area in the generated image does not become too small, and the appearance of the print result can be further improved.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect, the size of the image represented by the first image data is adjusted by the image represented by the first image data so that the feature region is included in the target region. May be included. In this way, the image represented by the first image data can be reduced and the feature region can be reliably included in the target region.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect, the circular region is concentric with the first circle, and has a second circle having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and the first circle. It may be a region defined by

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect, the adjustment of the position and size of the image represented by the first image data is performed in such a manner that, in the target region, the end of the feature region on the second circle side is The feature region information may be executed so as to be substantially located on a second circle and an end of the feature region on the first circle side substantially located on the first circle. At the same time, it may be executed using the first diameter and the second diameter. By so doing, it is possible to arrange the image represented by the first image data in a good-looking manner in a circular area defined by the first circle and the second circle.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the adjustment of the position of the image represented by the first image data is concentric with the first circle and is larger than the second diameter and smaller than the first diameter. It may be executed with reference to a third circle having a third diameter. In this way, it is possible to arrange the feature region of the image represented by the first image data in a position where the image is represented with respect to the circular region defined by the first circle and the second circle.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect, the image placement unit determines the position and size of the image represented by the first image data when placing the image represented by the first image data in the target region. In addition to at least one, the angle of the image represented by the first image data may be adjusted. In this way, the image represented by the first image data can be arranged with a better appearance in the circular area.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect, the feature region information acquisition unit may acquire the feature region information from the attached information associated with the first image data. In this way, the feature area information can be easily acquired.

  In the image processing device according to the first aspect, the feature region information acquisition unit may acquire the feature region information by analyzing the first image data and detecting the feature region. In this way, the feature area information can be acquired by analyzing the first image data.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the feature region may be a region indicating a predetermined subject, for example, a region indicating a person's face.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the circular area may be an area corresponding to a label surface of a circular recording medium for recording electronic information.

  Note that the present invention can be realized in various modes. For example, an image corresponding to a circular region is added to the image processing apparatus described above and an apparatus invention including an image processing unit such as a printing apparatus. It can be realized as a method invention such as a method of generating data. Alternatively, the present invention can be realized in the form of a computer program for constructing such an apparatus or method, a recording medium storing the computer program, a data signal including the computer program and embodied in a carrier wave, and the like.

A. Example:
・ Configuration of image processing device:
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer that functions as an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing unit of the printer according to the present exemplary embodiment. By using this printer 200, the user can easily print on the label surface of a circular electronic recording medium such as a DVD-R or CD-R using the selected image data. .

  The printer 200 operates a CPU 210, an internal storage device 220 such as a ROM and a RAM, an external storage device 250, a display unit 260 such as a liquid crystal panel, and a panel having an operation button for receiving a request from a user. A printing unit 270 and a printing unit 280.

  The external storage device 250 is a storage device for storing image files, and may be a device using a memory card, a removable recording medium such as a CD-R, or a built-in HDD (hard disk drive). It may be a device. The external storage device 250 stores a plurality of image files 252 stored by the user, for example, a plurality of image files generated using a digital camera. Each image file 252 has, for example, a file structure in accordance with the digital camera image file format standard (Exif), and includes image data representing a rectangular image and attached information associated with the image data. Image data representing a rectangular image is stored in the image file 252 in a storage format such as a JPEG format, a TIFF format, a GIF format, or a BMP format.

  The printing unit 280 is a mechanism portion that actually performs printing. In this embodiment, for example, four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) are used as a printing medium. It is an ink jet type printing unit that forms an image by spraying upward to form a dot pattern. As shown in FIG. 2, the printing unit 280 includes a carriage 10 that is slidably attached to the carriage guide shaft 13. A recording head 11 that discharges ink onto a print medium is mounted on the carriage 10. Although not shown, the printing unit 280 reciprocates the carriage 10 in the axial direction (FIG. 2: X direction) of the carriage guide shaft 13 and the mechanism for driving the recording head 11 to eject ink and forming dots. And a mechanism for transporting the tray T in the Y direction in FIG. The tray T has a rectangular plate shape as shown in FIG. A fitting portion 16, which is a circular convex portion for fitting a circular electronic recording medium 20 such as a DVD-R or a CD-R, is provided at a substantially central portion of the tray T. The printing unit 280 can execute printing in a printable area (described later) on the electronic recording medium 20 by operating the above-described mechanisms in cooperation under the control of the printing control unit 240 described later. .

  The internal storage device 220 (FIG. 1) stores a computer program that functions as the image processing unit 230 and a computer program that functions as the print control unit 240. Note that the functions of the image processing unit 230 and the print control unit 240 are realized by the CPU 210 executing a computer program.

  The image processing unit 230 includes a target region defining unit 231, an image acquisition unit 232, a face region information acquisition unit 233, an image placement unit 234, and an image generation unit 235.

  The target area defining unit 231 detects a printable area to be printed and cuts out the target area from the detected printable area to define the target area. The image acquisition unit 232 acquires original image data used to create printing image data corresponding to the target area. The face area information acquisition unit 233 acquires face area information for specifying a face area corresponding to a human face in an image represented by original image data (hereinafter referred to as an original image). The face area information acquisition unit 233 includes an attached information acquisition unit 2331 and a face area detection unit 2332. The attached information acquisition unit 2331 acquires face area information from the attached information included in the image file 252 described above. The face area detection unit 2332 analyzes the original image data and detects a face area. The image placement unit 234 adjusts the position and size of the original image with respect to the target area, and places the original image on the target area. The adjustment of the position and size of the original image and the arrangement of the original image are executed using the face area information. The image generation unit 235 generates print image data corresponding to the target area by processing the original image data based on the result of the arrangement by the image arrangement unit 234.

  The print control unit 240 controls the above-described printing unit 280 using the printing image data generated by the image generation unit 235 and executes printing on the electronic recording medium 20.

Processing of the image processing unit 230:
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of a series of processes executed by the image processing unit 230. By this processing, the printer 200 functions as an image processing apparatus.

  This process is started when an instruction for printing on the electronic recording medium 20 is received from the user via the operation unit 270. When this process is started, the target area defining unit 231 specifies a printable area on the electronic recording medium 20 (step S102). Specifically, the target area defining unit 231 may specify the type of the electronic recording medium 20 based on an input from the user, and may specify a printable area predetermined for each type of the electronic recording medium 20. Alternatively, the target area defining unit 231 scans the carriage 10 on the electronic recording medium 20 mounted on the tray T, and a sensor (not shown) attached to the carriage 10 for the position and size of the electronic recording medium 20. The printable area may be specified by detecting using.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the printable area and the division of the printable area. In step S102, the target area defining unit 231 specifies, for example, the circular area AR illustrated in FIG. 4A as a printable area. The circular area AR is an area between the first circle CR1 and the second circle CR2. The first circle CR1 is a circle whose radius is the first diameter r1, and the second circle CR2 is a circle whose radius is the second diameter r2, which is smaller than the first diameter r1. The second diameter r2 is about 1/3 to 1/8 of the first diameter r1. The first circle CR1 and the second circle CR2 are concentric circles having the same center C.

  When the printable area is specified, the target area defining unit 231 divides the printable area into a plurality of target areas (step S104). For example, the target area defining unit 231 divides the circular area AR as the printable area into four target areas SA1 to SA4 as shown in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4B, the first target area SA1 includes a line segment L1 connecting the center C of the first circle CR1 and the point P1 on the circumference of the first circle CR1, It can be said that the region is cut out from the circular region AR by the line segment L2 connecting the center C of the circle CR1 and the point P2 on the circumference of the first circle CR1. Similarly, the second target area SA2 is indicated by the line segments L2 and L3, the third target area SA3 is indicated by the line segments L3 and L4, and the fourth target area SA4 is indicated by the line segments L4 and L1, respectively. This is an area cut out from the area AR.

  When a plurality of target areas are defined, the image processing unit 230 sequentially selects one target area as a processing target from among the plurality of target areas (step S106). In this step, the following process will be described on the assumption that the above-described first target area SA1 has been selected. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the first target area SA1. The first target area SA1 is a substantially fan-shaped area with an inner angle of 90 degrees located in the upper right part of the circular area AR.

  Subsequently, the image acquisition unit 232 of the image processing unit 230 acquires the original image data used for generating the print data corresponding to the selected target area together with the attached information associated with the original image data (step S108). . The original image data is image data stored in an image file designated in advance by the user from among a plurality of image files 252 stored in the external storage device 250. The image file 252 stores the attached information as described above together with the image data, and the attached information is acquired together with the original image data. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the original image GA represented by the acquired original image data. The following description will be given by taking as an example the case where the person's face F is represented as the main subject characterizing the image in the approximate center of the original image GA (FIG. 6).

  When the image data and the attached information are acquired, the face area information acquiring unit 233 of the image processing unit 230 determines whether the acquired attached information includes face area information (step S110). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the face area information includes the coordinates (x1, y1) of the first vertex V1 of the rectangular face area FA and the coordinates (x2) of the second vertex V2 facing the first vertex V1. Y2). The position and size of the face area FA in the original image GA are specified by the coordinates (x1, y1) of V1 and the coordinates (x2, y2) of V2. The face area FA is, for example, a rectangular area in which a person's face F is roughly inscribed.

  If it is determined that the face area information is included in the attached information (step S110: YES), the attached information acquisition unit 2331 of the face area information acquisition unit 233 acquires the face area information from the attached information (step S112). ).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the face area information is not included in the attached information (step S110: NO), the face area detection unit 2332 of the face area information acquisition unit 233 executes a face area detection process (step S114). The face area detection process recognizes the face F of the person in the original image GA by analyzing the original image data, and outputs face area information (for example, the coordinates of V1 and V2 described above) for specifying the face area FA. It is processing. A known image processing technique is used for recognizing the human face F. For example, the face area detection unit 2332 converts image data expressed in RGB into a color space of YCbCr expressed by a luminance component Y, color difference components Cb, and Cr, and detects pixels having color difference components within a predetermined threshold. A skin color area is extracted, and the person's face F is recognized based on the extracted skin color area. Further, the face area detection unit 2332 may recognize the person's face F by matching using a neural network.

  When the face area information is acquired from the attached information or by the face area detection process, the image arrangement unit 234 of the image processing unit 230 executes the image arrangement process (step S116).

  The image arrangement process will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing routine of image arrangement processing. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the initial arrangement. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement adjustment process.

  When the image arrangement process is started, the image arrangement unit 234 initially arranges the original image GA on the target area (step S202). FIG. 8A shows a state in which the original image GA is initially arranged in the first target area SA1. The position of the initial arrangement of the original image GA with respect to the first target area SA1 is such that the lower side of the rectangular original image GA is superimposed on one line segment L1 that forms the outer shape of the first target area SA1. This is a position where the left side is overlapped with another line segment L2 forming the outer shape of the first target area SA1. Further, in the initial arrangement, the size of the original image GA is such that the lengths of the left side and the right side of the original image GA coincide with the lengths of the line segments L1 and L2, that is, the radius r1 of the first circle CR1. Adjusted.

  Subsequently, the image placement unit 234 determines whether or not the face area FA exists in the original image GA (step S204). In step S112 or S114 described above, if face area information is acquired, it is determined that there is a face area FA, and if face area information is not acquired, it is determined that there is no face area FA. If it is determined that there is no face area FA (step S204: NO), the image arrangement unit 234 ends the image arrangement process. That is, when there is no FA, the arrangement of the original image GA with respect to the target area is determined in the initial arrangement state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a face area FA (step S204: YES), the image arrangement unit 234 determines whether the face area FA protrudes from the target area in the initial arrangement state (step S206). . For example, the image placement unit 234 has a distance between the center C of the first circle CR1 and the center C of the first circle CR1 that is the farthest from the four vertices of the rectangular face area FA. Is larger than the radius (first diameter r1), it is determined that the face area FA protrudes from the target area. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8A, since the upper right vertex of the face area FA of the original image GA protrudes from the first target area SA1, it is determined that the face area FA protrudes from the target area. . On the other hand, FIG. 8B shows a state in which the original image GA2, which is an image different from that in FIG. 8A, is initially arranged with respect to the first target area SA1, and in such a case, Since the entire face area FA is completely included in the first target area SA1, it is determined that the face area FA does not protrude from the target area.

  If it is determined that the face area FA protrudes from the target area (step S206: YES), the image arrangement unit 234 proceeds to an arrangement adjustment process (step S210). On the other hand, if it is determined that the face area FA does not protrude from the target area (step S206: NO), the image placement unit 234 determines whether or not the size of the face area FA is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold ( Step S208). The size of the face area FA that is a problem in this step is a relative size with respect to the target area. Therefore, for example, in this step, determination is made based on whether or not the area ratio of the face area FA to the target area in the initial arrangement state (FIG. 8) is a predetermined value or more.

  If it is determined that the size of the face area FA is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold (step S208: YES), the image placement unit 234 ends the image placement process. That is, when the face area FA does not protrude from the target area and the size of the face area FA is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, the arrangement of the original image GA with respect to the target area is determined in the initial arrangement state. It will be.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the size of the face area FA is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold value (step S208: NO), the image placement unit 234 is the same as when it is determined that the face area FA protrudes from the target area. Then, the process proceeds to the arrangement adjustment process (step S210).

FIG. 9A shows the positional relationship between the face area FA_adj after the placement adjustment process and the first target area SA1. As shown in FIG. 9A, the center FC of the face area FA_adj after the placement adjustment forms an angle θ with the horizontal line segment L1 that forms the outer shape of the first target area SA1, and the first circle CR1 It lies on a straight line SL passing through the center C. The angle θ is an angle that satisfies the following expression (1).
tan θ = H / W (1)
Here, W is a width in the left-right direction of the face area FA (length of upper and lower sides), and H is a width in the vertical direction of the face area FA (length of left and right sides). The values of H and W can be easily calculated from the face area information (the coordinates of the vertices V1 and V2 of the face area FA described above).

The vertex V1_adj on the first circle CR1 side of the face area FA_adj after the placement adjustment is located on the first circle CR1, and the vertex V2_adj on the second circle CR2 side is on the second circle CR2. Located in. The magnification of the face area FA_adj after the adjustment to the face area FA before the adjustment, that is, the magnification (enlargement or reduction ratio) E of the face area FA by the adjustment is calculated by the following equation (2).
E = (r1-r2) / D
= (R1-r2) / {(x1-x2) ² + (y1-y2) ² } ^1/2 (2)
Here, D represents the length of the diagonal line of the face area FA before adjustment. Further, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) represent the coordinates of two vertices V1 and V2 that face the face area FA before adjustment, respectively.

  As can be understood from the above description, the position and size of the face area FA are adjusted by adjusting the face area information (the coordinates of the vertices V1 and V2 of the face area FA) and the radius (first diameter r1) of the first circle CR1. ) And the radius of the second circle CR2 (second diameter r2).

  The arrangement adjustment process is a process for adjusting the position and size of the entire original image GA with respect to the target area so that the face area FA_adj after the arrangement adjustment is located as described with reference to FIG. (FIG. 9B). As a result, the arrangement of the original image GA with respect to the target area is determined. When the layout adjustment process ends, the image layout unit 234 ends the image layout process.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the description will be continued. When the image arrangement process is completed, the image processing unit 230 determines whether or not the above-described steps S106 to S116 have been completed for all target regions (step S118). In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, in step S104, four target areas SA1 to SA4 are defined. Therefore, in steps S106 to S116 described above, the target areas are sequentially stepped. Repeated four times while selecting in S106.

  If the image processing unit 230 determines that the processing has not been completed for all target regions (step S118: NO), the image processing unit 230 selects a target region that has not yet been selected, and repeats the processing of steps S106 to S116. If the image processing unit 230 determines that the processing has been completed for all target regions (step S118: YES), the image processing unit 230 proceeds to processing for generating image data for printing (step S210).

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing processing for generating printing image data. At the time when the image data for printing is shifted to the generation process, the positional relationship between the four target areas SA1 to SA4 and the four original images GA respectively arranged in the four target areas SA1 to SA4, that is, the original image GA The arrangement results for the target area are respectively defined. The image generation unit 235 generates sub image data corresponding to each target region by processing the original image data representing the original image GA based on the arrangement result defined by the above-described processing. On the upper side of FIG. 10, a trimmed image TGA1 obtained by trimming the original image GA arranged in the first target area SA1 in accordance with the shape of the first target area SA1 is conceptually shown. ing. The image generation unit 235 generates first sub image data representing the trimmed image TGA1. By the same processing, the image placement unit 234 performs the trimming image TGA2 matched with the second target area SA2, the trimmed image TGA3 matched with the third target area SA3, and the trimmed image TGA4 matched with the fourth target area SA4, The second to fourth sub-image data respectively representing the above are generated.

  The image generation unit 235 generates print image data representing the print image PGA (lower side in FIG. 10) in which the four trimmed images TGA1 to TGA4 are combined in the shape of the circular area AR (printable area). The print image data is generated using the first to fourth sub-image data representing the four trimmed images TGA1 to TGA4, respectively. When the printing image data is generated, the image processing (FIG. 3) executed by the image processing unit 230 is terminated.

  The generated printing image data is subjected to color conversion processing and halftone processing by the printing control unit 240, converted into raster data including a printing control command, and output to the printing unit 280. The printing unit 280 performs printing on the electronic recording medium 20 according to the raster data.

  According to the printer 200 as the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment described above, the size of the original image GA is reduced as necessary so that the face area FA that characterizes the original image GA is included in the target area. adjust. The adjusted original image GA is arranged in each of the target areas SA1 to SA4 constituting the circular area AR. Then, based on the arrangement result, print image data corresponding to the circular area AR is generated. Therefore, if printing is performed using the generated image data for printing, the face area is not lost in the printed image, and the appearance of the printed image can be improved.

  Further, in the initial arrangement, when the face area FA is smaller than the target area, the original image GA is enlarged and arranged in the target area. As a result, the appearance of the printed image can be further improved.

  Further, when adjusting the position and size of the original image GA with respect to the target area, the vertex V1 of the face area FA is located on the first circle CR1, and the vertex V2 is located on the second circle CR2. Deploy. As a result, the original image GA can be arranged on the target area so that the face area FA has a good position and size.

  The face area information is acquired by acquiring the attached information when the face area information is associated with the original image data as attached information. On the other hand, when the face area information is not associated with the original image data as the attached information, the analysis is performed by analyzing the original image data. Therefore, the image processing unit 230 can acquire the face area information regardless of whether the face area information is associated with the original image data.

B. Variations:
・ First modification:
In the above embodiment, the case where there is one person's face F characterizing the original image GA per original image GA has been described, but the number of person's faces F is not limited to one per original image GA. . FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an original image including a plurality of human faces. The original image GA shown in FIG. 11 includes two human faces F1 and F2 as subjects characterizing the image. In such a case, for example, the minimum rectangular area including the faces F1 and F2 of the two persons can be set as the face area FA (FIG. 11). In this way, the coordinates of the two diagonals V1 and V2 of the face area FA can be used as the face area information as in the above embodiment, and the image placement process is executed by the same method as in the above embodiment. be able to.

・ Second modification:
In the above embodiment, the center of the face area FA_adj after the placement adjustment is formed at an angle θ with a horizontal line segment (for example, line segment L1: FIG. 9) that forms the outer shape of the target area, and the first circle CR1 Although it arrange | positions on the straight line SL which passes along the center C, arrangement | positioning adjustment processing is not restricted to this method. FIG. 12 is a first explanatory diagram illustrating a modification of the arrangement adjustment process. FIG. 12 shows, as an example, the case where the original image GA is arranged in the first target area SA1, as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the lower side of the face area FA_adj after the placement adjustment may be placed on a horizontal line segment L1 that forms the outer shape of the first target area SA1. The vertex V1_adj on the first circle CR1 side of the face area FA_adj after the placement adjustment is located on the first circle CR1, and the vertex V2_adj on the second circle CR2 side is on the second circle CR2. You may arrange | position so that it may be located in. Even in this manner, the person's face F can be arranged at a position and size that can be seen with respect to the target area.

・ Third modification:
In the above embodiment, the circular area AR is divided into the four target areas SA1 to SA4, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 13 is a second explanatory diagram illustrating a modification of the arrangement adjustment process. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the circular area AR is divided into three substantially fan-shaped target areas SA1 to SA3 having an inner angle of 120 degrees by line segments L1 to L3. In this way, the target region is defined by two line segments (for example, FIG. 13: L1 and L2) connecting the center C of the first circle CR1 and the two points on the circumference of the first circle CR1. Any region that is cut out may be used. For example, a substantially fan-shaped region that divides the circular region AR into 5 to 8 parts may be used as the target region.

-Fourth modification:
In the arrangement adjustment processing in the above embodiment, the position and size of the original image GA with respect to the target region are adjusted. However, the position and size of the original image GA are changed with the position and size or in place of the position and size. The angle may be adjusted. FIG. 13 shows the original image GA after the arrangement adjustment with respect to the first target area SA1. Thus, the angle of the original image GA is adjusted so that the vertical direction of the original image GA (the Y direction shown in FIG. 13) is parallel to the straight line L_ref that bisects the interior angle of the first target area SA1. May be. By doing so, it is possible to obtain an appearance that is different from the above embodiment in the printed image. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the center FC of the face area FA_adj after the placement adjustment is located at the intersection of the third circle CR_ref having the same center as the first circle CR1 and the straight line L_ref described above. The position of the original image GA with respect to the target area SA1 is adjusted. The radius r_ref of the third circle CR_ref is set smaller than the radius (first diameter r1) of the first circle CR1 and larger than the radius (second diameter r2) of the second circle CR2. For example, the radius r_ref of the third circle CR_ref may be set to a value that divides a line segment connecting the center C of the first circle CR1 and a point on the circumference with the golden division ratio. Specifically, the radius r_ref of the third circle CR_ref may be set using the golden division ratio so that r1: r_ref≈1: 0.618. By doing so, it is possible to obtain an appearance that is different from the above embodiment in the printed image.

-5th modification:
In the fourth modification, the angle of the original image GA is adjusted based on the vertical direction of the original image GA, but may be based on the vertical direction of the person's face F included in the face area FA. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the vertical direction of a person's face. As shown in FIG. 14, the vertical direction VL of the person's face F may be a direction perpendicular to a straight line EL that connects the positions of the two eyes of the person's face F, for example. The vertical direction VL of the person's face F may be determined based on the position of the second eye of the person's face F and the position of the mouth. The position of the second eye of the person's face F and the position of the mouth can be specified by a known image analysis process.

・ Other variations:
In the above embodiment, the face area information is acquired from the attached information or by image analysis, but is not limited thereto. For example, the face area information acquisition unit 233 may acquire the face area information by receiving input of face area information from the user via the operation unit 270. Specifically, the original image GA is displayed on the display unit 260 together with a cursor such as an arrow, and the user operates the cursor using the operation unit 270 to indicate a characteristic area of the original image GA. The face area information acquisition unit 233 can acquire face area information based on the instruction.

  In the above embodiment, the face area FA including the person's face F is used as a characteristic area characterizing the original image GA, but the characteristic area is not limited to this. For example, when the original image GA is an image having a plant such as a flower or an animal such as a dog as a main subject, a region including the plant or animal that is the main subject may be used as the feature region.

  In the above embodiment, the magnification E when adjusting the original image GA is calculated by the equation (2). However, the magnification E may be adjusted according to the user's preference or the like. For example, the magnification E may be adjusted by multiplying the magnification E calculated by Expression (2) by a predetermined coefficient k. The value of the coefficient k may be a value of about 0.8 to 1.1, for example.

  In the above embodiment, the printer 200 includes the image processing unit 230, and image processing and printing processing can be executed in a stand-alone manner. Instead, a personal computer or a digital camera may be used as the image processing apparatus. In such a case, software for realizing the functions of the image processing unit 230 described above is installed in a personal computer or digital camera, and the image processing shown in FIG. 3 is executed in the personal computer or digital camera. In such a case, the printer receives printing data from a personal computer or a digital camera, and executes printing on the electronic recording medium.

  The image data for printing generated in the above embodiment is not limited to being used for direct printing on a circular electronic recording medium, but can be used in various ways such as printing on a sticker for sticking to a circular electronic recording medium. It can be used for printing on print media.

  In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example and the modification, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer that functions as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing unit of the printer according to the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process routine of a series of processes performed by the image process part. Explanatory drawing shown about the division | segmentation of a printable area | region and a printable area | region. Explanatory drawing which shows a 1st object area | region. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the original image which the acquired original image data represents. The flowchart which shows the process routine of an image arrangement | positioning process. An explanatory view showing an example of initial arrangement. Explanatory drawing shown about arrangement | positioning adjustment processing. Explanatory drawing which shows notionally the process which produces | generates the image data for printing. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the original image containing a several person's face. The 1st explanatory view showing the modification of arrangement adjustment processing. The 2nd explanatory view showing the modification of arrangement adjustment processing. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the up-down direction of a person's face.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Carriage 11 ... Recording head 13 ... Carriage guide shaft 16 ... Fitting part 20 ... Electronic recording medium 200 ... Printer 210 ... CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 220 ... Internal storage device 230 ... Image processing part 231 ... Target area prescription | regulation part 232 ... Image acquisition part 233 ... Face area information acquisition part 2331 ... Attached information acquisition part 2332 ... Face area detection part 234 ... Image arrangement | positioning part 235 ... Image generation part 240 ... Print control unit 250 ... External storage device 252 ... Image file 260 ... Display unit 270 ... Operation unit 280 ... Printing unit T ... Tray

Claims (12)

An image processing device that generates image data corresponding to a circular region having a first circle having a first diameter as an outer shape,
A target area defining unit for defining a target area cut out by two line segments respectively connecting the center of the first circle and two different points on the circumference of the first circle from the circular area;
An image acquisition unit for acquiring first image data;
The first image data by analyzing of the at least the face area information acquires the face area information for specifying the position and size of the image related to a face region including the face of a person in the first image data represents the image An acquisition unit;
Using the face area information, adjust at least one of the position and size of the image represented by the first image data with respect to the target area, and the face area is included in the target area and the face area An image placement unit for placing an image represented by the first image data in the target region such that an area ratio to the target region is equal to or greater than a predetermined value ;
An image generation unit configured to generate second image data corresponding to the target region by processing the first image data based on the arrangement result;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The adjustment of the size of the image represented by the first image data includes enlarging the image represented by the first image data within a range in which the face region is included in the target region. . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The adjustment of the size of the image represented by the first image data includes reducing the image represented by the first image data so that the face region is included in the target region. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The circular area is an area defined by the second circle having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and concentric with the first circle, and the first circle. apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.
The adjustment of the position and size of the image represented by the first image data is performed in such a manner that an end of the face region on the second circle side is substantially located on the second circle in the target region. The image processing apparatus is executed such that an end of the face region on the first circle side is substantially located on the first circle. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.
Adjustment of the position and size of an image represented by the first image data is performed using the first diameter and the second diameter together with the face area information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.
Adjustment of the position of the image represented by the first image data is performed by adjusting a third circle that is concentric with the first circle and has a third diameter that is larger than the second diameter and smaller than the first diameter. An image processing apparatus executed as a reference. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The image placement unit, when placing the image represented by the first image data in the target area, in addition to at least one of the position and size of the image represented by the first image data, An image processing apparatus that adjusts an angle of an image represented by data.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
  The image processing apparatus, wherein the face area includes two human faces. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The circular area is an image processing apparatus corresponding to a label surface of a circular recording medium for recording electronic information. A method of generating image data corresponding to a circular region having a first circle having a first diameter as an outer shape,
Defining a target area to be cut out by two line segments respectively connecting the center of the first circle and two different points on the circumference of the first circle from the circular area;
Obtain first image data,
Analyzing the first image data to obtain face area information specifying at least the position and size in the image related to the face area including the face of a person in the image represented by the first image data;
Using the face area information, adjust at least one of the position and size of the image represented by the first image data with respect to the target area, and the face area is included in the target area and the face area An image represented by the first image data is arranged in the target region so that an area ratio with respect to the target region is a predetermined value or more ,
A method of generating second image data corresponding to the target region by processing the first image data based on the arrangement result. A computer program for causing a computer to generate image data corresponding to a circular region whose outer shape is a first circle having a first diameter,
A function for defining a target region cut out by two line segments respectively connecting the center of the first circle and two different points on the circumference of the first circle from the circular region;
A function of acquiring first image data;
A function of analyzing the first image data and acquiring face area information that specifies at least a position and a size in the image related to a face area including a human face in the image represented by the first image data;
Using the face area information, adjust at least one of the position and size of the image represented by the first image data with respect to the target area, and the face area is included in the target area and the face area A function of arranging an image represented by the first image data in the target region so that an area ratio to the target region is equal to or greater than a predetermined value ;
A function of generating second image data corresponding to the target area by processing the first image data based on the arrangement result;
A computer program for causing the computer to realize the above.

Images