JP5553423B1 - Calendar, its creation method, and calendar creation system - Google Patents

Abstract

【Task】
Users can specify their favorite calendar type, monthly background image from abundant pre-registered background images, etc., and simply enter the text they want to print as picture text or normal fonts. Can be created.
[Solution]
Reads the background image from the database that stores the specified background image to the work area of the memory, converts the text entered by the user into picture text, combines the picture text with the background image, and calendars a series of print processing jobs The creation system automatically executes and generates user-original calendar printing data with excellent design.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a calendar, a method of creating the calendar, and a calendar creation system, and more particularly, converts a variable text into a picture text or a normal font so as to match a background image registered in advance or a background image taken by a user, and a background image and a picture. The present invention relates to a calendar created by synthesizing text or normal fonts, a creation method thereof, and a calendar creation system.

  Conventional calendars are mainly produced by mass production by printing, and there are few original calendars that respond to each customer's request. However, instead of simply using the calendar for confirming the month and date recently, a calendar that has improved originality using variable printing technology that prints customer-specific information such as the customer's name, birthday, and company name along with the calendar background image. Is provided.

(First prior art)
As a first conventional technique for creating a calendar using such a variable printing technique, there is a calendar creating method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-197291. FIG. 21 is a calendar created by the calendar creation method described in this publication, and corresponds to registration data or schedule data based on customer registration data and / or schedule data for a calendar template image having a date column. A predetermined character image or the like is combined with a date field and / or an area other than the date field of the template image. This provides an original calendar that incorporates an individual's schedule and the like at the date level to enhance entertainment.

(Second prior art)
As a second conventional technique for creating a calendar using a variable printing technique, there is an image / character input printing system described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-225380. FIG. 22 is a system explanatory diagram of the image / character input printing system described in this publication. The sender transmits image data and character data using the transmitting computer 221, and the receiver uses the receiving computer 222. Use it to receive image data and character data, reduce the image data to a predetermined size, and rotate it if necessary, then automatically place the image data and character data at a fixed position in the paper Thus, a printed material 223 in which an image and characters are integrated can be created by a simple operation.

(Third prior art)
As a third conventional technique for creating a calendar using the variable printing technique, there is a calendar system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-192758. FIG. 23 is an application form for creating a calendar described in this publication. The image input is grouped by a plurality of genres (world scenery, four seasons / nature,...) Input by the user, and a plurality of calendar types (wall hanging type, (Desktop type) and one-point images are encoded, and data corresponding to these codes is read from a database and printed by a printer, so that a calendar suitable for the user's preference can be created in a small lot.

(Fourth prior art)
As a fourth conventional technique for creating a calendar using the variable printing technique, there is an image processing apparatus and a print processing system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-104647. FIG. 24A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing system described in this publication, and FIG. 24B is a diagram illustrating a registration example of a replacement table. The search unit 242 constituting the drawing processing device 241 in FIG. 24A extracts a character string included in the electronic document instructed to be printed, and the extracted character string exists in the replacement table shown in FIG. If it exists, drawing data corresponding to the character string is generated as print data by an image drawing command or a graphics drawing command. In this way, handwritten character strings such as line fonts and cursive letters can be printed.

(Fifth prior art)
As a fifth conventional technique for creating a calendar using the variable printing technique, there is a calendar system described in Non-Patent Document 1. Figures 25 (a) and 25 (b) are sample examples published on the homepage of alphapicture, where names and messages are naturally embedded in calendar landscapes and still-life photos of greeting cards. The original image can be created.

(Sixth prior art)
Although it is not a conventional technology that is directly related to a calendar created using variable printing technology, images such as people and images such as frame images, stamp images, and handwritten line images can be quickly integrated with a uniform image. A conventional technique for synthesizing is described in Patent Document 5 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-212362). FIGS. 26A to 26D are explanatory views showing the image composition of the sixth prior art, FIG. 26A is an editing screen of the photo sticker creating apparatus described in this publication, and FIG. FIG. 26C is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of editing in the stamp editing unit, FIG. 26C is an explanatory diagram for explaining the synthesis of the decorative image to the stamp image, and FIG. 26D is a diagram explaining the synthesis result of the stamp image. It is explanatory drawing for doing.

  When the user selects with the touch pen from the reduced images displayed as thumbnails on the editing target display unit 262 on the editing screen 261 of FIG. 26A, the selected reduced image is displayed on the edited image display unit 263 as an edited image. The Next, when the edit button corresponding to the stamp image display unit 264 is selected, the edit image display unit 263 is changed to the stamp edit unit 265 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 26 (b), the user manually inputs characters with the pen tool, and decoration is performed on the characters input in FIG. 26 (c), and the edited image (captured image) and decoration processing are performed in FIG. 26 (d). An image is synthesized with the handwritten character (picture text). By such a procedure, the captured image and the image for synthesis are synthesized in a short time to create a photo sticker or the like.

(Seventh prior art)
As a first prior art relating to a picture text generation method used in the present invention, a brush font generation method is described in Patent Document 6 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-6309). In this publication, a basic brushstroke character image with a smooth outline and a filled interior is generated, a blur outline image is synthesized with this, and further embedded in the character using a “blurred” pattern group. A font having “smear” is generated.

(Eighth prior art)
As a second conventional technique relating to a method for generating a picture text used in the present invention, an apparatus for generating a character with excellent aesthetics is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-31629. In this publication, picture patterns such as various plants and animals registered in a database are selected and synthesized with character data to generate picture text. Thereby, the picture text excellent in aesthetics is generated.

(Ninth prior art)
As a third conventional technique related to a picture text generation method used in the present invention, a method of designing a fluid such as a water drop as a font by performing matrix calculation of a three-dimensional lattice including terms of gravity and surface tension is disclosed in Patent Document 8 ( U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,003).

JP 2001-197291 A

JP 2002-225380 A

JP 11-192758 A

JP 2004-104647 A

JP 2009-211132 A

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-6309

JP 2009-31629 A

US Patent No. 7,921,003

"Sample" [Search January 7, 2013], Internet <URL: http://japan.alphapicture.com/>

  The first prior art calendar creation method described in Patent Document 1 can use a photograph desired by a customer as a background image used for a calendar, and suggest an event in a date column or other area corresponding to the event. Although the images can be combined, there is no description about combining the background image and the picture text to combine the images, and since the existing font is used, the originality of the calendar is reduced. That is, the photograph and the text are completely independent, and the text only conveys information as meaning. In other words, there is a problem that the photograph (image) and the information expressed in the text are not merged at a high level, and the appealing power from an aesthetic point of view is weak to the viewer of the calendar.

  The image / character input printing system according to the second prior art described in Patent Document 2 can use a photograph desired by a customer as a background image used for a calendar, and a sheet on which a photograph and characters are printed. However, there is a problem similar to that of the first prior art described above.

  The calendar system according to the third prior art described in Patent Document 3 can easily print a calendar type, a design image, and a one-point image designated by the user, but is similar to the first prior art described above. There is a problem.

  Further, the image processing apparatus and the print processing system according to the fourth conventional technique described in Patent Document 4 can print a handwritten character string such as a line font or a cursive letter by a replacement process. There is a problem similar to the first prior art.

  That is, when the background image and the picture text are combined, it is essential for the viewer to be able to clearly understand the meaning of the picture text and to have consistency between the picture text and the background image. . However, in the first to fourth prior arts, the text is easy to read by printing the image and the text completely separated, but how to merge the picture text and the background image? There is no description about. Accordingly, it can be said that the first to fourth prior arts are merely examples of application of the conventionally known variable printing technique.

  In the fifth prior art described in Non-Patent Document 1, it is possible to synthesize a picture text or a normal font for an image taken by a user at an additional charge, but it is unclear how to synthesize. That is, a picture is taken so that an image registered in advance as a library can be easily combined with a picture text or a normal font. Specifically, the composition is determined such that a region where the change in luminance and color is gentle occupies a relatively large area. Since this area becomes the background image of the picture text or normal font, there is interference between the picture text or normal font and the background image, the text cannot be recognized, or the design of the background image is destroyed by the picture text or normal font. This solves the problem of On the other hand, an image taken by a general user does not necessarily satisfy such a condition. The correspondence in this case is not disclosed.

  Recently, the number of types of background images has increased rapidly, and the number of text characters has been increasing. In this case, there are a wide variety of combinations of text composed of picture text or normal fonts and background images, and there is a possibility that the design quality of these synthesized images deteriorates. For this reason, before actual printing, the customer confirms directly on the user terminal screen the composite image of the text composed of picture text or normal font and the background image, and the process is performed only when the customer agrees. Although it is important to proceed to the printing process, there is no disclosure or suggestion of such a technical idea in this prior art.

  When picture text such as cloud-shaped picture text or firework-type picture text is selected, only uppercase alphabets can be used. When a character string is arranged using only capital letters, there is a drawback that it is difficult to read the message.

  Furthermore, due to the limitation on the number of characters that can be entered in the text box, a message with complex contents cannot be expressed using picture text or normal font. That is, when the content of the message is more complicated, the number of characters generally increases. However, in such a case, there is a problem that the message must be changed to a simple one when the number of characters is limited. There is also a template in which text boxes are set over multiple lines, but there is a limit to the number of characters that can be entered in each set line, and there is a problem that the preset number of lines cannot be increased. . For this reason, there is a great limitation when trying to express more sophisticated and flexible with messages.

  Moreover, it is necessary to quickly process from the input of a text such as a name to the creation of a calendar in which a background image and a picture text are combined and printed. There is a problem that it takes a long time for the customer to receive the calendar after the customer inputs on the screen.

  Further, the photographic sticker creating apparatus, the photographic sticker creating method, and the program described in Patent Document 5 are for the purpose of creating a photographic sticker, and there is no description about configuring as a calendar. Also, this conventional technique has the same problems as the first conventional technique described above. In other words, although there is a description about image synthesis of a decorated handwritten character and a photographed image, there is any description or suggestion about a method of image composition in which a decorated handwritten character is superimposed on a photographed image. No. For this reason, when the decorated handwritten character and the photographed image are superimposed and synthesized, it is difficult to recognize that the handwritten character cannot be recognized or that the handwritten character is naturally blended into the background image.

  In addition, the seventh conventional technique for generating a brushstroke font described in Patent Document 6 uses a blur outline image and a “blurred” pattern group to embed the characters in the inside of the character, thereby reducing the amount of data and simulating the brushstroke font. Although a method of creating is disclosed, a technique for synthesizing the created brush font with a background image is not described. Therefore, it is considered that the image composition is predicated on the background of a single color with the brush font according to the present invention in front, but when the background has a pattern, the blurred outline or “blurred” portion is the pattern of the background image. There is a risk of becoming unnatural under the influence of. For this reason, even if the cloud-shaped picture text is generated using the brush font creation technique described in this publication, not only the stereoscopic effect that is characteristic of the cloud-shaped picture text can be expressed, but also the cloud that is a part of the background image. There is a problem that it is affected and the overall design is impaired.

  An apparatus for generating characters with excellent aesthetics according to the eighth prior art described in Patent Document 7 selects picture patterns of various plants, animals, etc., and combines them with character data to generate picture text. However, it is a processing device that superimposes a pattern on a stroke that forms a character, and the relationship with the background image is not considered at all. In other words, the use is practically limited when the background image has no pattern.

  Moreover, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING SHALLOW WATER EFFECTS ON ARBITRARY SURFACES according to the ninth prior art described in Patent Document 8 performs a matrix calculation of a three-dimensional lattice including terms of gravity and surface tension, and uses fluids such as water droplets as fonts. Although a design method is disclosed, it is a technique for generating a font specialized for fluids such as water drops, and cannot be applied to creation of fonts other than fluids. In addition, since the matrix calculation of the three-dimensional lattice including the terms of gravity and surface tension is performed accurately, it is possible to accurately simulate the movement of the fluid and reflect it in the font, but the amount of processing required is enormous. Therefore, there is a problem that processing time and processing cost become enormous.

  Further, in the above-described conventional technology, the calendar image designated by the user cannot be confirmed on the user terminal, and the finished product is confirmed by looking at the delivered calendar. For this reason, if Kanji with a large number of strokes is used as the picture text, the user must endure or perform complicated processing such as requesting a return to the calendar manufacturer even if the picture text quality deteriorates and cannot be read. I must.

  In the above prior art, the text box in which the picture text is arranged is set as one object constituting the background image, and the picture text can be arranged for each different object at a distant position. There is a problem that you can not.

  The present invention provides a calendar, a method for creating the calendar, and a calendar creating system that have solved the above-mentioned problems.

  A calendar creation method according to the present invention includes a calendar column including at least one of month, day, and day of the week and a background image, and a picture text or a normal font arranged in a message print area of the background image, In a method for creating a calendar in which a background image is combined with an image and printed on a printing medium, a step of reading the background image specified by the user for each month via a user terminal from a background image file by a data processing unit; Placing a text entered by a user from a user terminal in a message print area set in an image; converting the text into the picture text or normal font; and the background image and the picture text or normal font; The image processing step by the data processing unit, and the image combined data It is configured to have a step of generating a print data by integrating the data and almanac data. In addition, a step in which a data processing unit performs image effect processing such as WAVE processing on the text arranged in the message print area, and the background image and the text subjected to image effect processing are processed by the data processing unit. A step of combining may be provided.

  The data processing unit may be configured to output preview data with a resolution lower than that of the printing data to the user terminal.

  In the calendar creation method according to the present invention, the number of characters of the text is calculated, and the character size of each character initially arranged in the message print area is referred to the number of characters and the shape and size of the message print area. And calculating, when the character size is smaller than a predetermined value, emphasizing the outline of the picture text or the normal font, the picture text or the normal font, or the picture text or the normal font is arranged Adjusting the brightness or contrast of the background image, adjusting the width or / and height of the picture text or the normal font, respectively, enlarging the picture text or the normal font and the background image at the same time, At least the message Processing to enlarge an object in which a print area is set, and / or the object and an object integrally formed with the object, and the message so that the text can be arranged in the message print area Any one of the processing steps of adjusting the size of the print area may be included.

  In addition, the message print area is activated as a standard message print area prepared as a default, and when the number of characters of a message input to the standard message print area exceeds a limit value or by performing a specified process, An overflow message print area in which characters exceeding the limit value can be arranged may be provided, and the overflow message print area from the standard message print area or the overflow message print area The line-of-sight moving object may be provided between the standard message print area or the overflow message print area and another overflow message print area so that the line of sight moves naturally.

  The background image includes a first object and a second object positioned in a depth direction of the first object, and the text composed of the picture text or the normal font is the first object and the second object. When the first object and the picture text or the normal font overlap in a plane, the data processing unit copies the image data of the original first object in the overlapped area. Then, a step of recombining the copied image data with the overlapped area may be included.

  The text arranged in the message print field has at least a first text and a second text, and the data processing unit determines first identification information set in association with the text. Thus, it may be configured to have a step of converting each first character of the first text and the second text to upper case.

  According to the calendar creation method of the present invention, the text to be arranged in the message print field has at least a first text and a second text, and the data processing unit is set in association with the text. By determining the identification information, the first text and the second text may be arranged on different lines.

  Further, the text to be arranged in the message print field has at least a first text and a second text, and the data processing unit determines second identification information set in association with the text. Accordingly, a space may be provided between the first text and the second text, and the first text and the second text may be arranged as one line. good.

  In addition, when the user selects the same background image a plurality of times, or the property set in the background image for the specific month specified by the user does not satisfy the confirmation condition set for the specific month In this case, an alarm may be output to the user when the number of input characters exceeds at least one of the limit values.

  Further, all or a part of the background image is a photographic image taken by the user, the step of dividing the background image into a plurality of blocks, the step of calculating the image change rate of the block, and the image change rate And grouping the blocks that are equal to or smaller than a predetermined value and setting the blocks as the message print area. Further, smoothing processing may be performed on the message print area. Further, the user may select the text font to be arranged in the message print area generated as described above from the text & normal font file.

  A step of displaying the background image for each month ordered by the user; and a step of displaying a plurality of related background images related to the selected background image when one of the background images is selected; When one of the plurality of related background images is selected, the selected background image may be converted into the selected related background image.

  The calendar creation method according to the present invention includes a step of displaying the background image for each month ordered by the user, a step of displaying a theme-specific background image for each theme, and the theme-specific background image. One may be selected and replaced from the background image.

  When the picture font is a cloud-like cloud font, the cloud font has a step of setting a canvas having a predetermined opacity, a step of writing a character on the canvas, and a size smaller than the character on the character. A step of overlapping the shape, a step of cutting the contour of the image generated in the step in a non-uniform manner, and a step of overlapping the shape on the cut region. It is preferable to use white as the color, and it may be configured to make the cloud thickness of this region appear thin by overlapping shapes having opacity lower than the opacity of the cut region.

  The calendar according to the present invention includes a calendar column including at least one of month, day, and day of the week, and a background image, picture text or normal font arranged in a message print area of the background image, and In a calendar in which a background image is combined with an image and printed on a printing medium, a plurality of the background images are read from the stored background image file and displayed on the display device of the user terminal. The individually selected background images are printed on the print medium.

  Further, at least a combined image obtained by combining images may be displayed on the display screen of the user terminal prior to printing, and may be printed after the user checks the combined image and approves printing.

  The background image includes a first object and a second object positioned in a depth direction of the first object, and a part of text between the first object and the second object or When the entire object overlaps the first object in a plan view, the first object in the overlapped area may be displayed in front of the text.

  Further, the picture text may have a cloud shape, and the flowing direction of the picture text cloud may be substantially aligned in the same background image.

  Photo images taken by the user may be used for all or part of the background image. At this time, the user may select a picture font or a normal font to be printed in the message print area.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that the some text which consists of the said picture text of a different style including a different type or a male style and a female style may each be printed on the said message printing area | region of the same month.

  In addition, in the plurality of message print areas provided for each of the plurality of objects in the background image, related messages created by pairs of lovers, couples, parents and children, friends, and the like are printed. You may do it.

  The calendar creation system according to the present invention includes a calendar column including at least one of month, day, and day of the week and a background image, and a picture text or a normal font arranged in a message print area of the background image, In a calendar creation system in which the background image is combined with an image and printed on a print medium, a background image file storing the background image, a picture text & normal font file storing the picture text or the normal font, and The background image specified by the user every month via the user terminal is read from the background image file, and the text input by the user from the user terminal is placed in the message print area set in the background image, Read the text from the picture text and normal font file The picture text or normal font is converted, the background image and the picture text or normal font are combined by the data processing unit, the image combined data and calendar data are integrated to generate print data, and the user And a data processing unit that outputs preview data having a resolution lower than that of the printing data to the terminal.

  According to the present invention, the user designates a favorite calendar type, a monthly background image from abundant pre-registered background images, etc., and also inputs text to be printed by converting it into picture text etc. Reads out the text information input from the order information file, reads out the background image from the background image file storing the background image specified by the user to the work area of the memory constituting the data processing unit, and the text input by the user The calendar creation system can automatically execute a series of jobs such as conversion from image text to picture text, composition of picture text and background image, and print processing. For this reason, not only can various user preferences be met, but also the creation operation can be performed easily and in a short time, which is suitable for the production of small lots.

  In addition, in the calendar with a uniform theme, there are multiple sets of background images with the theme of the season from January to December, and objects that match each season are arranged in each background image. . Since the picture text is designed to match each object, the user can enjoy a calendar full of seasonal feelings every detail from January to December. In addition, the user can select a favorite background image from a plurality of background images prepared for each month, and can create an original calendar that matches the user's sensibility with a seasonal theme.

  In addition, since the user can confirm in advance a calendar image obtained by combining the background image and the picture text before printing on the screen of the user terminal, for example, when using kanji with a large number of strokes as the picture text, It is possible to avoid problems such as printing, even though the quality deteriorates and cannot be read. Furthermore, even when a calendar image obtained by combining a background image and picture text does not meet the user's preference, a calendar that is sufficiently satisfied by the user can be provided by selecting another calendar type or background image.

  In addition, when a picture text or the like is forwarded and synthesized with a background image, the background image that is originally in front may be hidden behind the picture text or the like. Is copied and the background image copied to the background image hidden by the composition is recombined, so that an unnatural stereoscopic effect due to the composition of the picture text and the background image can be improved.

  In addition, the user's favorite design can be obtained by appropriately selecting an uppercase picture text and a lowercase picture text, such as a message text with uppercase picture text at the beginning of the message and lowercase picture text after the second character. I can do it.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the number of characters of the text composing the message can be greatly relaxed, the user can create a message with a free idea without worrying about the limitation on the number of characters.

  Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the standard type picture text, a variation picture text obtained by transforming the standard type picture text is prepared, and the user selects the variation picture text so that the picture text becomes the background. It is possible to create a calendar that blends naturally with images and that is designed to suit various user preferences.

  In addition, according to the present invention, a message composed of picture texts matching each object can be synthesized for different objects that are separated from each other, thus realizing a highly-scalable calendar having various motifs on one screen. I can do it.

  Further, according to the present invention, not only the background image stored in the database in advance but also the user photo such as the wedding photo taken by the user is sent from the user terminal to the calendar creation system, so that the user can particularly select the background image desired by the user. By synthesizing and printing picture text that matches the background image, it is possible to provide a calendar with a strong feeling for the user.

  Further, according to the present invention, an overflow message print area is provided in addition to the standard message print area as the message print area, and an overflow occurs when the number of characters in the message input to the standard message print area exceeds the limit value. The text that exceeds the character limit is arranged in the message print area. Thereby, the user can create a message with a free idea without worrying about the restriction on the number of characters. In addition, the line of sight moves so that the line of sight naturally moves from the standard message print area or the overflow message print area to the overflow message print area in which the message most relevant to the messages arranged in these print areas is arranged. Objects are constructed, the number of characters is large, and high-level messages can be read in a natural flow.

  In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to display a list of calendar background images previously ordered by the user on the user terminal, and to easily change to a different background image from the previously selected background image every month. This prevents the user from placing a calendar that is similar to the one that was previously ordered, and uses the new background image continuously stored in the background image file to create the user's original calendar with a new feeling. I can do it.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the calendar service system to which the calendar production system 10 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing of the calendar | calender by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a user's process sequence. It is a flowchart which shows the basic creation process of the calendar | calender by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the production method of the picture text which made the cloud-like text picture the example. It is explanatory drawing of the picture text in each process step of the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the method of image-synthesize | combining the background image and the text which the user input by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of the data format used by this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining an example of an effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the image composition method at the time of using a normal font. It is an example of the image in each process step of the flowchart of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the image composition method at the time of using a picture text. It is an example of the image in each process step of the flowchart of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st Example based on 6th Embodiment of the preparation method of the calendar | calender by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of 2nd Example based on 6th Embodiment of the preparation method of the calendar | calender by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of 3rd Example based on 6th Embodiment of the preparation method of the calendar | calender by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 4th Example based on 6th Embodiment of the preparation method of the calendar | calender by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 5th Example based on 6th Embodiment of the preparation method of the calendar | calender by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of 7th Embodiment of the preparation method of the calendar | calender by this invention. It is explanatory drawing of 8th Embodiment of the preparation method of the calendar | calender by this invention. This is a calendar created by the first prior art calendar creation method. It is a system explanatory drawing of the image and character input printing system by the 2nd prior art. It is a calendar creation application used in the calendar system according to the third prior art. FIG. 24A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing apparatus and a print processing system according to a fourth conventional technique, and FIG. 24B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a registration example of a replacement table. FIGS. 25A and 25B are examples of a composite image of a background image and a picture text published on the homepage of the alpha picture company. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the image composition of 6th prior art, Fig.26 (a) is an edit screen of a photograph sticker production apparatus, FIG.26 (b) is for describing the example of edit in a stamp edit part. FIG. 26C is an explanatory diagram for explaining the synthesis of the decorative image to the stamp image, and FIG. 26D is an explanatory diagram for explaining the result of the stamp image synthesis.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a calendar and its creation method and calendar creation system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, “picture text” represents a text (image) having both an attribute as a character and an attribute as a picture that is closely related to the background image, and “normal font” It means general bitmap fonts other than picture text, scalable fonts such as stroke fonts and outline fonts.

<First Embodiment>
[H / W configuration of calendar creation system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a calendar service system to which a calendar creation system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. When the user 13 inputs order information related to a desired calendar to the user terminal 12, the order information is sent to the calendar creation system 10 via the network 11, and a calendar 14 as shown in FIG. 2 is printed by the printer 103. Calendar media is generally used as a printing medium, but is not limited to paper, and any printing medium such as plastic, wood, or metal plate may be used.

  The printed calendar 14 is delivered to the user 13 using a home delivery service or the like. The calendar creation system 10 receives various data such as order information transmitted from the user terminal 12 and outputs the data to the data processing unit 102 and transmits data from the data processing unit 102 to the user terminal 12 via the network 11. Based on the user I / F 101 and the order information, the user's desired background image and picture text and the like are combined and output to the printer 103, and information such as a Web page to be displayed on the user terminal 12 is sent to the user I / F 101. A data processing unit 102 that outputs data and a printer 103 that prints data generated by the data processing unit 102 as a calendar 14 are provided. Here, the data processing unit 102 includes a processor such as a single or a plurality of CPUs, a large-scale memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD, an image processing engine, and the like, and various software groups that mainly run on the processor. The data processing unit 102 also includes a preview processing unit 1021 that generates a preview image to be displayed on the user terminal 12. Note that the preview processing unit 1021 may be provided independently of the data processing unit 102.

  The calendar creation system 10 according to the present invention includes an order information file 104A in which order information is stored, calendar types such as a wall calendar and a desktop calendar, theme types such as calendar size, sports, seasons, and landscapes, and various templates such as a cover. The data processing unit 102 executes the calculation based on the calendar specification file 104B in which information necessary for the user 13 to select a desired calendar, such as a mark template to be printed on a designated date, and the order information is stored. Definition file 104C in which various definition information necessary for the image is stored, background image file 104D in which the background image is stored, picture text and normal font in which picture text and normal font created in association with the background image are stored File 104E.

[Calendar configuration]
Next, the calendar 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The calendar 20 has a background image 21 and a calendar column 23, and a message composed of picture text is arranged in the message print area 22 so as to be merged with the background image 21, and is synthesized with the background image 21. The calendar column 23 is arranged in the vertical direction in the order of the month column 231, the day-of-week column 232, and the date column 233. However, the calendar column 23 is not necessarily arranged in this order and may be arranged arbitrarily. Various fonts can be used, and the overall design can be various designs with reference to the background image, picture text, and message contents. The picture text in FIG. 2 is made as if it was actually written on a sandy beach using a stick or the like, and background image data and picture text data are integrally formed. For this reason, the user 13 can purchase and enjoy the calendar 20 according to the present invention as a “calendar with only one name in the world”.

[User processing procedure]
Next, the processing procedure of the user 13 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S <b> 10, when the user 13 accesses the calendar creation system 10 via the user terminal 12 and the network 11, an order screen for ordering a calendar is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 12. In step S11, the user 13 selects a calendar type such as a calendar type such as a wall calendar or desk calendar, a calendar size, a theme type, and the like, and in step S12, selects a calendar start month.

  Next, in step S13, a selection screen for selecting one message or multiple messages is displayed, and the user 13 selects one of them. For example, if the message has multiple names, the first message is entered as “Taro Seidodo” and the second message is entered as “Hanako Seimeido”, the names are printed on the two rings that make up the background image. By doing so, it can be made into a gift with an impact such as a wedding anniversary.

  Next, when the number of messages is selected as one in step S13, one text box is displayed on the order screen of the user terminal 12 in step S15, and the user 13 inputs the text in this text box. On the other hand, when a plurality of messages are selected in step S13, a plurality of text boxes are displayed on the order screen of the user terminal 12 in step S14, and the user 13 inputs text into each of these text boxes. When entering a name, enter the name in the first text box and enter the last name in the second text box, but it goes without saying that generally two texts other than the name may be entered. . Also, multiple text boxes are always displayed, and if the user inputs only one text box, it is processed as one message. If a message is input in multiple text boxes, it is processed as multiple messages. You may comprise so that it may do.

  Next, in step S16, the user 13 inputs a message to be printed on the cover of the calendar, and in step S17, inputs a designated date such as a birthday, a wedding anniversary, a child's entrance ceremony or graduation ceremony, or a lesson presentation. To do. Note that a message on the cover page or specified date input may be an option, and only the user 13 who pays an optional fee may input the message.

  Next, in step S18, a mark to be combined with a date field specified in step S17 such as a heart, cake, or clover or an area other than the date field is selected. The mark selected here is finally printed in the date field of the calendar, etc., and the mark is configured so that the user can clearly see what day the specified date is. There may be a plurality of marks corresponding to a specific designated date.

  Next, in step S19, a selection screen is displayed on the order screen of the user terminal 12 for selecting the background image every set unit month. When the user 13 selects “set unit”, a plurality of sets are selected in step S111. Select one set from the list. In this case, the background image of January to the background image of December is determined as a set in advance, and each background image is stored in the background image file 104D. In this set, background images from January to December may be aligned according to themes such as sports, seasons, animals, and flowers. For example, in a calendar with a unified season theme, multiple sets of background images with the theme of the season from January to December are prepared, and objects that match each season are arranged in each background image. . Since the picture text combined with the object or the text by the normal font is designed to match each object, every time the user turns each calendar from January to December, it feels like a season. You can enjoy the calendar.

  On the other hand, when the user 13 selects “one from the background image files for each month”, the user 13 selects a favorite background image for each month from the thumbnail image list or the like in step S110. The thumbnail image selected by the user is stored in the background image file 104D, read out to the memory of the data processing unit 102, and further displayed on the order screen of the user terminal 12 via the user I / F 101 and the network 11. .

  In step S112, it is checked whether the information input from the order screen by the user 13 violates the specifications stored in the definition file 104C. For example, it is customary to select different images as background images, and an alarm is output when the same background image is selected by mistake in different months. An alarm may be output when the number of characters in the message is very large. Furthermore, it is automatically checked whether or not the background image selected by the user 13 for the specific month matches the specific month. For example, when a background image with the theme of sunflower is selected in December, an alarm for confirming whether or not the user 13 has made an erroneous input may be output. As an example of a specific configuration, an attribute of a month range is assigned to each background image, and an alarm is output when the month specified by the user 13 is out of the range of the month range. For example, when the attributes of July, August, and September are assigned to the background image with the theme of sunflower, and the user 13 selects the background image with the theme of sunflower as the background image of December Since the month specified by the user 13, that is, December is out of the month range from July to September, an alarm is output. Further, in order for the user 13 to confirm the order contents, the order information for each user 13 stored in the order information file 104A is displayed on the corresponding order screen, and whether or not the correction is made is displayed in step S113.

  If the user 13 determines that there is no correction, the ordering process is performed in step S114. If it is determined that there is a correction, the process returns to the processing step to be corrected and the correction is performed. Order processing is performed at The order information thus created is sent from the user terminal 12 of FIG. 1 to the order information file 104A via the network 11 and the user I / F 101, and the data processing unit 102 sends the order information, the calendar specification file 104B, and the definition file 104C. The user-specific original calendar print data is generated using the data stored in the background image file 104D, the picture text & normal font file 104E, and the like. Note that the above procedure is an example, and it is not always necessary to execute the procedure according to the procedure of FIG.

[Basic calendar creation process]
Next, a basic calendar creation process executed by the calendar creation system 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the calendar creation system 10 is activated in step S20, and for each order information stored in the order information file 104A in step S21, a message to be printed on the cover, a start month, a specified date / mark, a calendar type, and all related items. The combined background image, the design information of the calendar related to the layout of the combined background image and the design of the date field, etc. are collectively obtained and stored in a predetermined area of the working memory. Here, the synthesized background image means an image obtained by synthesizing the background image and picture text or text in a normal font, as will be described in detail later, and the processes in FIG. 5 and subsequent processes precede the processing flow in FIG. A synthesized background image is generated in advance according to the flow.

  Next, in step S22, the order number N is set to 1. After step S23, calendar printing data corresponding to the first order number (N = 1) is generated. That is, in step S23, the combined background images from the cover and the start month to the previous month of the next year are sequentially obtained and stored in a predetermined area of the working memory. For example, when the start month is June, the synthesized background image of the cover, the synthesized background image of June, the synthesized background image of July to the synthesized background image of May of the following year are obtained.

  Next, in step S24, after acquiring the design information of the calendar regarding the layout of the synthesized background image and the design of the date field from the cover and the start month to the previous month of the following year in step S24, the date specified on the specified date in step S25 is obtained. Marks such as hearts, cakes, and clovers are placed at the location by a program. As software at this time, FPDF (Free PDF) or TCPDF can be used, but it is not limited to these software. For example, when an image is arranged in FPDF, the following syntax is used as an example.

Image (string file, float x, float y [, float w [, float h [, stringtype [, mixedlink]]]])

  Here, the meaning of each parameter is as follows.

file Image file name
x The x coordinate of the upper left corner
y y coordinate of upper left corner
w Image width
h Image height
type Image format
identifier returned by link URL or AddLink () member function

  Text sentences (messages) can be arranged with the same syntax as shown below.

Text (float x, float y, string txt)

  Next, in step S26 as in step S25, the cover and the synthesized background image from the start month to the previous month of the next year are arranged by the software described above, and then in step S27 the message and year (year) are displayed on the cover. , Japanese calendar), and calendar data of each month is arranged by the program. As described above, the calendar creation system according to the present invention can freely set the contents and arrangement of messages and synthesized background images by a program, so that it can be flexibly adapted to a user's request for a calendar for a small lot. Print data can be generated quickly.

  In step S28, calendar print data corresponding to one order information is generated. That is, the calendar print data corresponding to the order information of the first user is generated as a series of data from the start month to the month before the start month of the next year. Next, in step S29, it is determined whether or not the order information processed up to step S28 is the last order information, and if it is determined that the order information is not the last order information, the process returns to step S22 and steps S23 to S28 are performed. The process is sequentially repeated, and if it is determined in step S29 that it is the last order information, the calendar print data for each order information is sequentially output to the printer in step S210. In the above description, it has been described that, after completing the processing shown in FIG. 4 for all cases (first to N cases), the calendar print data for each order information of all cases is output to the printer. After the first process is completed, the calendar print data for this case is output to the printer. Similarly, as soon as the process for each case in FIG. 4 is completed, the calendar print data for each case is sequentially output to the printer. You may comprise.

[Procedure for creating picture text (cloud font)]
Next, a method for creating a picture text will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 taking a cloud-like picture text as an example. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of creating a picture text, and FIG. 6 shows a picture text in each processing step of the flowchart.

  In step S31, a blue canvas or the like is created as a background as shown in FIG. 6A using image editing software such as Photoshop (registered trademark) or Paint Shop Pro (registered trademark). The color of this canvas does not need to be limited to blue from the viewpoint of image composition processing, but when designing so that cloudy characters are floating in the blue sky, it is easy to design with the image of the blue sky, so as a background Blue is preferred. In step S32, a white character is drawn freehand with a predetermined opacity (a%) as shown in FIG. 6B with a blue canvas as a background. Here, as an opacity (a%), it has been found from experience that about 40% is preferable.

  Subsequently, in step S33, as shown in FIG. 6C, white and semi-transparent shapes are superimposed in a cloud shape along the characters. Here, a large number of shapes are superimposed in the vicinity of a character drawn in a freehand shape using an obtuse angle such as a circle or an ellipse and a shape smaller than the character size. Although this shape is semi-transparent, it is basically white, so it can be designed to reflect white light with a stronger brightness as the shapes overlap. On the other hand, the design is such that the blue sky in the background is more transparent as the shape overlap is smaller, and various cloudy three-dimensional effects can be obtained according to the degree of shape overlap. That is, it can be designed so that the cloud thickness is thick in the region where the shape overlap is large and the cloud thickness is thin in the region where the shape overlap is small.

  Next, in step S34, as shown in FIG. 6D, the contour of the picture text generated in step S33 is shaved unevenly using an eraser tool or the like. Various types of cloud-like picture text are available on the Web, but there are differences in the way they are created. In order to make the cloud-like picture font closer to a more natural cloud-like design, the applicant has to make the blue sky in the background transparent through the clouds as the clouds are blown by the wind and the layers of clouds are thinned. Processing is performed to cut out the outline of the picture text using a deletion tool. At this time, the direction in which the cloud of the picture text flows may be substantially aligned with one type of cloud font. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve a natural landscape design in which clouds fly by winds blowing in a certain direction with each type of cloud font.

  Next, in step S35, as shown in FIG. 6E, another white and translucent shape is superimposed on a part or all of the shaved portion. The process of step S34 alone is unnatural as a cloud design, and the process of step S34 is performed so as to be complemented by step S35. That is, the process of step S34 and the process of step S35 are linked processes. At this time, by reducing the opacity a of the shape to be overlapped in step S35, the cloud thickness of this region is made thinner than the added value (a1 + a2 +... + An) of the opacity of each shape in the area to be scraped. Can do. Therefore, a cloud-like picture text that feels a natural three-dimensional effect can be generated by the processing in steps S34 and S35.

  Subsequent to step S35, the background transparency is set to 100% in step S36. By performing the processing described above, a cloud-like picture text is synthesized on the front layer of a background image such as a blue sky, so that a message composed of the cloud-like picture text is expressed as floating in the blue sky. be able to. Although not described above, a “blurring tool” for partially blurring may be used to process the cloud-like picture text so as to blur the blue sky in the background. Furthermore, the design may be such that clouds are blown off by changing the intensity of blur. At this time, it is configured so that the approximate direction of blur (the approximate direction of the wind) is unified for one type of cloud picture text.

  The method for creating the picture text has been described above by taking the cloud-like picture text as an example, but the above method is basically the same as the method for creating other picture text. That is, picture text written on sand or snow, picture text using flowers as elements, and the like can be created in the same manner. In the case of a sand motif, sand is used as the background image in step S31. In the case of a snow surface motif, the snow surface is used as the background image. In the case of a flower motif, grassland is used as the background image.

[Composition method of background image and text]
Next, a method of synthesizing the background image and the text input by the user in steps S14 to S16 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in step S41, the data processing unit 102 obtains all the order information from the order information file 104A, sets the order number to 1 in step S42, and refers to the order information corresponding to the first order number in step S43. Cover, start month, ... The background image up to the month before the start month of the following year is read.

  In step S44, the data processing unit 102 determines whether the type set for each background image is the first type or the second type. Whether each background image is the first type or the second type is set for each background image, and the data processing unit 102 refers to this set information to determine which type is the type. That is, each background image is provided with a message print area for printing a message input by the user, and the type is set with reference to the size and shape of the message print area. At this time, the background image may be the first type and the second type. If the data processing unit 102 determines in step S44 that the background image is of the first type, the beginning of the text in the first field and the beginning of the text in the second field are capitalized in step S45.

  The data format of the present invention is composed of a plurality of records corresponding to the order number as shown in FIG. 8A, and each record is composed of a plurality of fields of a first field, a second field,. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, for example, the first field is the first name kazuhiko, the second field is the second name isishikawa, and the third field is a user-desired message to be printed on the cover. To do. As another example, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the first field is the first first name and the first second name kazuhiko ishikawa, the second field is the second first name and the second name. The second name is shiro ishikawa and the third field is a user-desired message to be printed on the cover. Here, the csv (Comma-SeparatedValues) format, the TSV (Tab-SeparatedValues) format, the SSV (Space-SeparatedValues) format, etc. can be used as the separator of each field, but it is not particularly limited to these specifications.

  Returning to step S45, the description will be continued. In the case of the example of FIG. 8B, kazuhiko is converted to Kazuhiko and ishikawa is converted to Ishikawa in step S45. On the other hand, if the data processing unit 102 determines in step S44 that the background image is of the second type, a space is provided between the end of the text in the first field and the beginning of the text in the second field in step S46. The message is one line. As an example, in the case of FIG. 8B, the data processing unit 102 processes a single line by providing a space between “KAZUHIKO” and “ISHIKAWA” like the KAZUHIKO space ISHIKAWA. When the background image is the first type and the second type, both the process of step S45 and the process of step S46 are performed. In the case of the above example, process like Kazuhiko Ishikawa. The font used here may be any font such as picture text or a normal font.

  Next, following step S45, in step S47, the data processing unit 102 determines whether or not the text of the first field and the text of the second field are on separate lines. If it is determined that they are on different lines, the text of the first field and the text of the second field are placed on different lines in step S49, and if not, the text of the first field and the second field are determined in step S48. Place text on the same line. As an example in which the data processing unit 102 determines whether or not the text of the first field and the text of the second field are in separate lines, FIG. 8C identifies “&” at the end of the first field. When this identification information exists as information, the text of the first field and the text of the second field are set as separate lines, but not limited to this method, the text of the first field and the text of the second field are set as separate lines. It is only necessary that identification information for determining whether or not to be set in the record.

  Next, in step S410, the printing image number M is set to 1 for the background image of the start month, the background image is read in step S411, and is further arranged in the message print area set in this background image in step S412. Read text. Subsequently, in step S413, effect processing shown as an example in FIGS. 9A to 9C is performed. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9C are examples in which the upper arch effect, the concave lens effect, and the shadow effect processing are performed, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to these effect processing, and text along an arbitrary curve is displayed. Various effect processing such as placement, 3D rotation processing, and glow processing can be performed.

  In step S414, the data processing unit 102 composites the background image and the text subjected to the effect processing, and then automatically adjusts the region where the image is combined in step S415 according to the calendar size. In other words, when the calendar size is small, the image synthesis area is reduced, and conversely, when the calendar size is large, the image synthesis area is enlarged to maintain the balance of the entire calendar. Image editing software such as ImageMagic, XV 3.10, Adobe (registered trademark) Photoshop (registered trademark), Paint Shop Pro (registered trademark) 3.12-32, or the like is used as software for performing the processes of steps S411 to S415. Can be used.

  Next, in step S416, it is determined whether or not the background image processed in step S415 is the last background image, that is, the background image of the previous month of the start month of the next year. If it is determined that the background image is not the last background image, the process proceeds to step S410. Returning to step S415, the process of step S415 is sequentially repeated. When the process of the last background image is completed, it is determined in step S417 whether the process from step S43 to step S416 is the last order number. Then, the series of processing from step S43 to step S416 is sequentially repeated for each order number up to the last order number, and the processing of FIG. 7 is completed in step S418.

  In the example of FIG. 8B, the first field is defined as the first name, the second field is defined as the second name, and the third field is defined as the message desired by the user to be printed on the cover page. However, the definition is not limited to this. . That is, the data type input to the first field, the second field, the third field,... Is defined in advance for each record in the definition file 104C of FIG.

[Synthesis method of background image and text when using existing font]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an image composition method in the case of using a normal font in the image composition method of the background image and the text input by the user described in FIG. 7 will be specifically described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an image composition method, and FIG. 11 shows an example of an image in each processing step of the flowchart.

  In step S51, the text arranged in step S48 or S49 in FIG. 7 is obtained together with the text arrangement information. In step S52, a font is selected, and the selected font is applied to the text as shown in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, in step S53, the text size is automatically adjusted according to the size of the message print area, and the text is converted into image data.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, in step S54, the first effect processing is performed on the text arranged in the message print area. Here, an example in which the shadowing process is performed as the first effect process is shown. However, the other effect process, the arch effect, the concave lens effect, the text arrangement along an arbitrary curve, the 3D rotation process, and the glow process are described. May be. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11D, in step S55, the second effect processing is performed on the text arranged in the text box. Here, an example in which rotation processing is performed as the second effect processing is shown, but rotation processing may be performed first in step S54, and then shadow processing may be performed in step S55. In this processing flow, the case where the first effect processing and the second effect processing are performed twice has been described, but the effect processing may be repeated three times or more.

  Subsequently, in step S56, a background image is read as shown in FIG. 11E, and in step S57, the text processed in step S55 and the background image read in step S56 are combined. As software used in the above processing, image editing software such as Photoshop (registered trademark) or Paint Shop Pro (registered trademark) can be used.

[Composition method of background image and text when using picture text]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, an image composition method in the case of using picture text in the image composition method of the background image and the text input by the user described in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an image composition method, and FIG. 13 shows an example of an image in each processing step of the flowchart.

  In step S61, the text arranged in step S48 or S49 of FIG. 7 is obtained together with the text arrangement information. In step S62, the text is broken down character by character. For example, in the case of NAME PICTURE, it is disassembled as “N” “A” “M” “E” “P” [I] “C” “T” “U” [R] “E”. Subsequently, in step S63, the picture text corresponding to each character described in the specific example with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 is obtained.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13A, in step S64, each character of the text obtained in step S61 is converted into the picture text obtained in step S63, and the entire converted picture text is automatically converted into the size of the text box. adjust. Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, in step S65, an effect process such as a WAVE process for laying out a wavy pattern is performed on the picture text arranged in the message print area.

  In the case of FIG. 13, the design is based on a motif that cloud-like picture text is floating in the blue sky, and the picture text is arranged in a wavy pattern in order to create an atmosphere in which the clouds are swept away by the wind. However, it is not necessarily a landscape-oriented arrangement in which the picture text is integrated with the background image, but may be a message-oriented arrangement such as an arc arrangement. In the case of a motif in which characters are written on a sand beach using a stick or the like, picture text may be arranged in a substantially straight line so that the entire message has a perspective.

  Subsequently, in step S66, the background image is read as shown in FIG. 13C, and in step S67, the picture text subjected to the effect processing in step S65 and the background image read in step S66 are displayed. Is synthesized. At this time, there is a problem in that the character [N] is synthesized before the cherry blossom at the place where the character [N] and the cherry blossom are synthesized. The reason for this will be described below. Originally, the image data of “sakura”, “cloud (picture text)”, and “blue sky” should be arranged in this order from the front to the back, but in the background image (photo), “sakura” and “ Each image data of “blue sky” is on the same plane, and even with normal digital image processing, it cannot be separated into different planes in the depth direction. For this reason, when the image is synthesized with “cloud (picture text)” in front of the blue sky, the “cloud (picture text)” image is synthesized in front of the “sakura” image.

  In order to solve the problem that occurred in step S67, as shown in FIG. 13E, in step S68, the original background image of the area where the picture text and the background image that should be before the picture text overlap is copied. Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (f), in step S69, the image is recombined with a part of the background image copied in step S69 in front of the composite image generated in step S67. By performing the processing of step S68 and step S69, the image data is “cherry blossom”, “cloud (picture text)” from the near side to the depth direction where the character “N” and the cherry blossoms overlap. Since it is reconfigured in the order of “blue sky”, it can be printed as a calendar having a natural landscape design.

  In the above description, the method for synthesizing the cloud image existing between the blue sky and the cherry tree with the background image (photo) in which the cherry tree is reflected in the foreground with the blue sky in the background has been described. In general, the first object The same can be applied to image composition in which a third object (cloud) exists between (blue sky) and the second object (cherry blossom). Further, although it has been described that the text is decomposed into characters one by one in step S62 and converted into picture texts corresponding to the respective characters in step S64, the text is divided into word units that are meaningful minimum units, and is previously divided into word units. You may make it convert into the produced picture word. For example, in the case of Congratulations on your graduation !, by registering “Congratulations” and “graduation” as a group of picture texts, both the visibility and design can be further optimized without delaying between texts. I can do it. By creating picture text in units of words as described above, it is possible to provide a calendar with individuality in cooperation with the meaning of the message and the design of the picture words constituting the message. In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to text composed of normal fonts instead of picture text.

<Second Embodiment>
In the calendar, the creation method thereof, and the calendar creation system according to the present embodiment, as an example, the calendar image of the calendar 14 is displayed on the upper left user terminal 12 in FIG. 1, and the lower left user terminal 12 in FIG. The preview processing unit 1021 displays data with a resolution lower than that of the print data on the display screen of the user terminal 12 via the user I / F 101 and the network 11 so as to display the calendar image shown in FIG. As an example, the final calendar design may be confirmed in the confirmation process of the order contents in step S112 in FIG. Specifically, the preview processing unit 1021 reads the background image for each month designated by the user 13 from the background image file 104D, and combines this data with the text input in step S14 or step S15 in FIG. To do. At this time, the data of the original background image may be down-sampled so that the amount of data as the background image to be combined is less than the data for printing. As a result, the data amount of the preview image data can be reduced, so that the data can be transmitted to the user terminal 12 at high speed. In addition, image quality is not an issue when viewing the downsampled data on the screen, but when this data is printed, the image quality deteriorates significantly compared to when printing data is printed, so it does not go through regular procedures. Can prevent printing. Although the preview processing unit 1021 is described as being configured as a part of the data processing unit 102 in FIG. 1, the preview processing unit 1021 may be provided outside the data processing unit 102. Further, a preview processing step is provided in series with the processing of step S112 in FIG. 3, and the background image selected by the user 13 and the text input by the user 13 are optionally processed when the user 13 executes the preview processing step. The data obtained by combining the images may be transmitted to the user terminal 13. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1, you may comprise so that not only a background image but the calendar column 23 may be displayed on the user terminal 12 simultaneously.

  Here, various image file formats such as jpeg, bmp, and gif can be used as the image data of data equivalent to the print data transmitted to the user terminal 12. With such a configuration, the user can check in advance a calendar image obtained by combining the background image before being printed on the screen of the user terminal and the picture text, so that when the kanji having a large number of strokes is used as the picture text, When the number of characters in the message is large, it is possible to avoid problems such as printing even though the quality of picture text deteriorates and cannot be read. Furthermore, even when a calendar image obtained by combining a background image and picture text does not meet the user's preference, a calendar that satisfies the user can be provided by selecting another calendar type or background image.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the background image stored in the background image file 104D in advance is used. However, in the calendar according to the present embodiment, the creation method thereof, and the calendar creation system, a wedding anniversary photograph taken by the user or the like is used. By sending the user photo as the user background image from the user terminal 12 to the background image file 104D or the like, the user background image desired by the user and the text by the picture text or the normal font that matches the user background image are synthesized. That is, the data processing unit 102 reads the user background image from the background image file 104D and the like, and synthesizes the text with the picture text or the normal font using each process shown in FIG.

  In the background image registered in the background image file 104D in advance, a message print area is provided in a blue sky, a sandy beach, a wall surface, a cake surface, etc., in which the image change is relatively slow, but the user sent from the user 13 The background image has no message print area. In the present embodiment, the entire user background image is divided by a predetermined block size, and the image change rate for each block is calculated for each block. Then, the message print area is set in a single block or a plurality of adjacent blocks in which the image change rate is a predetermined value or less. That is, the user background image is divided into a plurality of blocks B11, B12,... Bm1, Bm2,... Bmn having a predetermined block size, and among these blocks, the image change rate is a predetermined value or less. Is detected. As a result, if one of the blocks having an image change rate equal to or less than a predetermined value is Bij, the image change rate of the block adjacent to the top, bottom, left, and right of the block Bij is checked. Are classified into the same message print area as the block Bij. This procedure is sequentially repeated in the vertical and horizontal directions of the block Bij to calculate a set of blocks whose image change rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value. This block set is set as a message print area. Further, the outer shape of the message print area created in this way may be shaped so that the rectangular area is set as the message print area. As the image change, a change in luminance, a change in R, G, B or a color difference (such as RY), or change information of both luminance and color may be used. Also, for cases such as when there is no block with an image change rate equal to or less than a predetermined value, a message print area is set for a block that has undergone LPF (low-pass filter) computation, that is, averaging processing or blurring processing. May be.

  Since the picture text or normal font is designed with the text as its origin, the rate of change (spatial frequency) of the image is generally higher than that of a natural image. Therefore, when an area with a high change rate of the background image is combined with a picture text or normal font, the spatial frequency ranges overlap each other, the text recognition rate decreases, and the design of the composite image is impaired. . In consideration of such circumstances, the message print area is set to a single block or a plurality of adjacent blocks in which the image change rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value, or averaging processing is performed on one or a plurality of blocks. A message print area is set for the block subjected to the blurring process. At this time, the selection of a plurality of adjacent blocks is determined by referring to the number of characters of the message, but the user may directly specify the message print area to be arranged in the background image.

  Further, for the picture text or normal font to be printed in the message print area set in this way, the picture text or normal font stored in the picture text & normal font file 104E is processed after the processing of step S110 or step S111 in FIG. The user 13 may make a selection. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide an original calendar with a strong feeling for the user. In the above description, the case where all the background images are user background images has been described. However, a user image such as a person image or a landscape image captured by the user 13 is combined with a part of the background image read from the background image file 104D. You may make it do.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the present embodiment, a different type of picture text or a different style of picture text is printed in the message print area of the same month. For example, in a seaside background image against a blue sky, a picture text with a cloud motif is placed in the blue sky part, and a sand character is written on the sandy beach part using a stick or the like. You may comprise so that the picture text used as the motif may be arrange | positioned. In addition, in the background image of a slope with snow against the blue sky, a picture text with a cloud motif is placed in the blue sky part, and the snow surface is written as a snow character using a stick etc. It may be configured to arrange picture text with the motif.

  Also, when using picture text with the same cloud motif, there are various styles of picture text, such as those that emphasize the kind of clouds, the strength of the wind, the strength, conversely the emphasis on women's tenderness, These different style picture texts may be arranged in the message print area of the same month. With such a configuration, for example, an original calendar with a clearer message property can be provided by arranging picture texts with motifs of clouds of different styles in a blue sky in a plurality of message print areas. For example, a couple's message on the male side uses a picture text with a strong cloud design, and the other woman's message uses a gentle cloud design that expresses femininity. By using, it is possible to strongly reflect the feelings of the couple in the design as well as the content of the message. Different types of picture text or different styles of picture text may be configured to overlap in a planar manner. By overlapping the picture texts, there is an effect that the relevance of messages composed of these picture texts is further emphasized.

<Fifth embodiment>
Next, a calendar having a pair message according to the present embodiment will be described. In the calendar according to the present embodiment, related messages created by pairs of lovers, couples, parents and children, friends, and the like are associated with each other in a plurality of message print areas respectively provided for a plurality of objects in the same background image. Each is printed. As an example, the message “I miss you” is printed on a woman's clothes and accessories that can be seen from the window of the building, or nearby walls, windows, and roofs. “We are connected in” The message “souls” is printed using a cloud-like picture text designed with strength, so that the strong feelings of the couple can be expressed from both the content and design of the message.

<Sixth Embodiment>
The calendar and its creation method and calendar creation system according to the present embodiment can maintain the quality of text printed in the message print area, such as picture text, even when the number of characters printed in the message print area increases.

(First embodiment)
In this embodiment, the character size is automatically adjusted in accordance with the number of characters of picture text or normal font text arranged in the message print area. When the character size becomes smaller than a predetermined value, processing such as sharpening the outline is performed. Further, under the same conditions, the brightness of the text by the picture text or the normal font may be changed for the object on which the background image or the text is arranged. For example, if the background image or the object on which the text is placed is relatively dark, increasing the brightness of the text by the picture text or normal font, or increasing the brightness of the object on which the background image or text is placed, You may make it raise the contrast of the picture text or normal font with respect to the object by which a text is arrange | positioned. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b), FIG. 14 (a) shows a conventional technique in which a message is difficult to read because a large number of characters are input in a message print area provided in the heart mark. Shows an example of printing. As an example, as shown in FIG. 14B, by increasing the brightness of the object of the heart mark, the contrast between the object and the text arranged on the object is increased, and the visibility of the message is improved. . By performing the processing as described above, it is possible to improve the problem that the message is difficult to read even when the number of characters increases.

(Second embodiment)
In this embodiment, in accordance with the message print area, the width and height of the picture text initially set as default in this area or the text by the normal font are adjusted, respectively, and then combined with the background image in step S57 or step S67. I do. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, FIG. 15A shows a total of 8 characters + 8 characters = 16 characters for the message print area set in the heart-shaped object. An example of input in a two-stage configuration is shown. In this case, since the number of characters is small, there is no problem that the font size is increased and the visibility is deteriorated. On the other hand, FIG. 15B shows an example in which a total of 29 characters are input, 13 characters in the upper part of the message print area and 16 characters in the lower part. If the font used in FIG. 15A is applied to FIG. 15B as it is, the font size is reduced as a whole and the visibility is deteriorated. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. The font is changed to a vertically long shape, and the font is not reduced in the vertical direction so that the visibility is not deteriorated. Further, after adjusting the width and height of the text by the picture text or the normal font, the edge emphasis processing (edge processing), the brightness adjustment of the text by the picture text or the normal font, and the contrast adjustment may be performed. . In the above description, the aspect ratio of the font is changed to make the font vertically long. Conversely, when the number of characters is small and the input text is arranged in the entire message print area, the font may be horizontally long.

(Third embodiment)
In this embodiment, when the character size arranged in the message print area becomes smaller than a predetermined size, the message print area and the background image are enlarged simultaneously. At this time, if the outline of the background image exceeds a predetermined size, processing such as cutting out the background image of the portion exceeding the predetermined size is performed. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, FIG. 16A is the same as FIG. 15A, and since the number of characters is small, the font size increases and the visibility deteriorates. There is no problem. On the other hand, FIG. 16 (b) has a total of 29 characters as in FIG. 15 (b), and if 29 characters are entered in the message print area of FIG. . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16B, the entire image is enlarged, and processing is performed so as to cut out an area beyond the frame in the outer area of the enlarged image. Since the character size can be substantially increased by the method described above, the message can be easily visually recognized even when the number of characters increases.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the third embodiment described above, since the entire background image is enlarged and the background image that protrudes outside the frame is cut out, the design of the cut out object may be deteriorated. In this embodiment, the entire background image is not enlarged, but at least the object in which the message print area is set, or the object in which the message print area is set and the object integrally formed with this object are enlarged. Process as follows. Specifically, referring to FIG. 17, a heart-shaped chocolate on which a message is printed and a cake integrally formed with this chocolate are expanded together, and the plate on which the cake is placed is made of chocolate and cake. Regarded as a background image, the original image is not enlarged. By such processing, there is no image that protrudes outside the frame and is cut off. Therefore, even if the number of characters input to the message print area increases, the design of the original image is not impaired.

(5th Example)
In this embodiment, the size of the message print area is automatically adjusted according to the number of characters. That is, when the number of characters increases, the size of the message print area is automatically adjusted so that the character size becomes equal to or larger than the set value. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, FIG. 18A shows an example in which a total of 16 characters are input to the message print area set for the parachute object. In this case, since the number of characters is small, the font size increases, and visibility is not a problem. On the other hand, FIG. 18B shows an example in which a total of 29 characters, 13 characters in the upper part of the message print area and 16 characters in the lower part, are input. The message print area is expanded in the horizontal direction and arranged in this message print area. It is devised so that the visibility of the text does not deteriorate. As described above, even when the number of characters to be input in the message print area increases, the character size does not become the set value or less, so that the visibility of the message is not impaired.

  Note that the first to fourth embodiments described above may be combined. This embodiment solves the conventional problem that the quality of picture text or normal font deteriorates and cannot be read when kanji with a large number of strokes is used as picture text or normal font or when the number of characters in a message is large. be able to. In addition, since the restriction on the number of characters constituting the message can be greatly relaxed, the user can create a message with a free idea without worrying about the restriction on the number of characters.

<Seventh embodiment>
Next, a calendar according to a seventh embodiment, a creation method thereof, and a calendar creation system will be described. In this embodiment, a standard message print area prepared as a default, and an overflow message that arranges an overflow message when the number of characters of a message input to the standard message print area exceeds a limit value One or a plurality of print areas are provided. Normally, the overflow message print area is not displayed, and when the number of characters input to the standard message print area exceeds the limit value, or an operation that activates the display of the overflow message print area, for example, a specific button Displayed by clicking or the like. The line of sight naturally moves from the standard message print area to the overflow message print area, or from the overflow message print area to the overflow message print area where the message most relevant to the message placed in this print area is placed. As described above, a line-of-sight moving object may be provided.

  Specifically, with reference to FIG. 19, 191 is a standard message print area, 192 to 194 are overflow message print areas, 195 to 197 are line-of-sight moving objects, and in the standard message print area 191 If the input is “go”, the number of input characters is limited, and the next message is placed in the overflow message print area 192. Furthermore, when the text input to this overflow message print area 192 overflows, the next overflowed text is placed in the overflow message print area 193, and finally, the message “Grandpa, Grandma, I, praises.” Is placed in the overflow message print area 194.

  In addition, petals are arranged as the line-of-sight moving objects 195, 196, and 197 so as to dance in the wind from the upper left to the lower right. The entire message can be read by moving the line of sight naturally in the order of area 192 → line-of-sight moving object 196 → overflow message printing area 193 → line-of-sight moving object 197 → overflow message printing area 194. In the above description, the line-of-sight moving objects 195 to 197 have been described as petals dancing in the wind. However, any other motif may be used as long as it matches the spring atmosphere with dandelion fluff, musical notes, and the like.

<Eighth Embodiment>
Next, a calendar, a creation method thereof, and a calendar creation system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As a voice of a repeat user who regularly orders a calendar every year, there is a desire to create a new original calendar using a background image different from the previous one. In this case, the background image of the calendar previously ordered by the user is used as the user terminal 12. Is preferably displayed. Specifically, after step S10 or step S11 of FIG. 3, a menu for selecting whether or not to display a background image of the calendar ordered by the user in the past is displayed on the user terminal 12, and the calendar ordered by the user in the past. When the user selects to display the background image of the calendar, as shown in FIG. 20, the calendar background image previously ordered by the user is displayed as a thumbnail. In FIG. 20, the images are displayed in order from January, but may be displayed in order from the user's birth month.

  More specifically, first, the user selects an order year to be displayed from an order year selection menu 22 for displaying an order year previously ordered. For example, when 2012 is selected, the selected order year (2012) is displayed in the order year display menu 23 and the background image selected by the user is displayed as a thumbnail in the thumbnail display area 21. With this thumbnail display, the user can check the previously selected background image for each month.

(First embodiment)
Next, when a background image of each month, for example, a background image of April, is selected, a related background image 24 related to the selected background image is displayed. Each background image has properties such as “season”, “flower”, “animal”, “building / townscape”, etc. When a specific background image is selected, the related background has the same properties as the selected background image The image 24 is displayed as a thumbnail. For example, the April background image has a “spring” property, and an image related to spring is read from the background image file 104D and displayed as the related background image. In FIG. 20, the related background image is displayed with one property, but there may be a plurality of related background images. For example, related background images having the “chick” property may be displayed in parallel. When the user selects one background image from the related background images displayed as thumbnails, the data processing unit 102 performs processing so that the previously selected background image is replaced with the newly selected background image. In the example of FIG. 20, the background image (s0097) of the foal and the mother horse is selected as a new background image for April. As is clear from the above description, the user can prevent placing a calendar similar to the one that was previously ordered, and uses a new background image that is continuously stored in the background image file. You can create your own calendar.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the properties of the background image are used as link information, and the background images having the same property are grouped and displayed as related background images. In the second embodiment, “season”, A selection menu for each theme such as “flower”, “animal”, “building / townscape” is provided, and when the user selects one of these selection menus, a plurality of background images for each theme are displayed. As in the first embodiment, when the user selects one of the background images, data is selected as the background image of the selected month so that the new background image is replaced with the background image selected when the previous order was placed. Replacement processing is performed by the processing unit 102.

  Note that the processing procedures described in the first to eighth embodiments are examples, and it is not always necessary to execute the processing procedures as described.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Calendar creation system 11 Network 12 User terminal 13 User 104A Order information file 104B Calendar specification file 104C Definition file 104D Background image file 104E Picture text & normal font file 14,20 Calendar 21 Background image 22 Message printing area 23 Calendar column

Claims (17)

A calendar column including at least one of month, day, and day of the week and a background image, and a picture text or normal font arranged in a message print area of the background image and the background image are combined into a print medium. In creating a printed calendar,
Reading the background image designated for each month from a background image file by a data processing unit;
Placing text specified by the user in the message print area set in the background image;
Converting at least a portion of the text into the picture text matching the background image of the message print area ;
Combining the background image and the picture text by the data processing unit;
The background image includes a first object and a second object positioned in a depth direction of the first object, and the text composed of the picture text or the normal font is the first object and the second object. When the first object and the picture text or the normal font overlap in a plane between the objects, the data processing unit copies the original image data of the first object in the overlapped area. Re-synthesize the copied image data into the overlapping area;
And outputting preview data corresponding to a print data to the User chromatography The terminal,
Integrating the image-synthesized data and calendar data into print data; and
To create a calendar with Calculating the number of characters of the text, calculating the character size of each character initially arranged in the message print area with reference to the number of characters and the shape and size of the message print area;
When the character size is smaller than a predetermined value, the step of emphasizing the outline of the picture text or the normal font, the picture text or the normal font, or the background image in which the picture text or the normal font is arranged Adjusting the brightness or contrast, adjusting the width or / and height of the picture text or the normal font, respectively, enlarging the picture text or the normal font and the background image at the same time, at least the message printing area A process for enlarging an object for which the object is set, and / or the object and an object integrally formed with the object, so that the text can be arranged in the message print area. Calendar creation method of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the step of adjusting the size of the message print area, and one of the processing steps, the.   The message print area is activated when a standard message print area prepared as a default and the number of characters of a message input to the standard message print area exceed a limit value or by performing a specified process, 3. The calendar creation method according to claim 1, further comprising an overflow message print area in which characters exceeding a limit value can be arranged.   The standard message print area or the overflow message print area and the other overflow message so that the line of sight naturally moves from the standard message print area or the overflow message print area to the other overflow message print area. The calendar creation method according to claim 1, wherein a line-of-sight moving object is provided between the print areas.   The text arranged in the message print field has at least a first text and a second text, and the data processing unit determines first identification information set in association with the text. 5. The calendar creation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of converting each first character of the first text and the second text into an uppercase letter. 6.   When the user selects the same background image multiple times, or the property set in the background image for the specific month specified by the user did not satisfy the confirmation condition set for the specific month The calendar according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an alarm is output to the user when the number of input characters exceeds at least one of the limit values. How to create All or part of the background image is a photographic image taken by the user,
Dividing the background image into a plurality of blocks;
Calculating an image change rate of the block;
7. The calendar according to claim 1, further comprising: grouping the blocks having the image change rate equal to or less than a predetermined value and setting the blocks as the message print area. How to make. Displaying the background image for each month;
When one of the background images is selected, displaying a plurality of related background images related to the selected background image;
8. When one of the plurality of related background images is selected, the selected background image is converted into the selected related background image. How to create a calendar as described in the section. When the picture font is a cloud-shaped cloud font, the cloud font is
Setting a canvas having a predetermined opacity;
Writing characters on the canvas;
Superimposing a shape smaller than the character on the character;
Non-uniformly cutting the contour of the image generated in the step;
The calendar creation method according to claim 1, wherein the calendar creation method includes: a step of superimposing the shape on the clipped region. A calendar column containing at least one of the month, day, and day of the week;
With a background image,
In the calendar that is arranged in the message print area of the background image, and the picture text or normal font that matches the background image in the message print area and the background image are combined and printed on the print medium,
A plurality of the background images are read from the stored background image file, and the background images individually selected from the background images displayed on the display device of the user terminal are printed on the print medium,
The background image includes a first object and a second object positioned in a depth direction of the first object, and the text composed of the picture text or the normal font is the first object and the second object. located between objects, copy when the first object and the picture text or normal font are overlapped in plan view, the data processing unit, the image data of the original of the overlapping region the first object A calendar in which the copied image data is recombined in the overlapped area.   11. The calendar according to claim 10, wherein the picture text has a cloud shape, and the flowing direction of the picture text cloud is substantially aligned in the same background image.   The calendar according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a photographic image taken by a user is used for all or part of the background image.   13. The plurality of texts made up of the picture texts of different styles including different types, including male style and female style, are respectively printed in the message print area of the same month. The calendar according to any one of the above.   In the plurality of message print areas provided for the plurality of objects in the background image, related messages created by pairs of lovers, couples, parents and children, friends, and the like are printed. The calendar according to any one of claims 10 to 13. All or part of the background image is a photographic image taken by the user,
Dividing the background image into a plurality of blocks to calculate an image change rate of the blocks;
The calendar according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the blocks having the image change rate equal to or less than a predetermined value are grouped and set as the message print area. When the picture font is a cloud-like cloud font,
Overlay a shape smaller than the character drawn on the canvas with a certain opacity,
The outline font of the generated image is cut out non-uniformly, and the cloud font is generated by superimposing the shape on the cut out area. Calendar. A print medium comprising a calendar column including at least one of month, day, and day of the week and a background image, and a picture text or normal font arranged in a message print area of the background image and the background image In the calendar creation system printed on
A background image file storing the background image;
A picture text & normal font file in which the picture text or the normal font is stored;
The background image specified every month is read from the background image file, the text specified by the user is placed in the message print area set in the background image, and at least a part of the text is the picture text & normal Reading from a font file and converting it to the picture text that matches the background image in the message print area, and synthesizing the background image and the picture text, the background image is a first object, and the first object A second object located in the depth direction of the object, and the text of the picture text or the normal font is between the first object and the second object, and the first object and the picture text If or where the normal font are overlapped in a plane , Overlapping copies the image data of the original of the first object region, and recombining the image data this copy to the overlapping area, and outputs the preview data corresponding to the print data to the user terminal A data processing unit that unifies the image synthesized data and calendar data and generates data for printing;
Calendar creation system with