JP5556331B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program thereof.

  Conventionally, this type of image processing apparatus detects a face image of a person included in an original image, determines whether the orientation of the face image is in the vertical or horizontal direction of the original image, and determines the area ratio of the face image. It has been proposed to determine whether the photograph is a portrait photograph, a commemorative photograph, or a landscape photograph, and to correct the original image data according to the determination result (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this apparatus, a photographic print reflecting the photographing intention can be obtained based on the original image.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-200068

  By the way, in the above-described apparatus or the like, for example, a character string may be arranged on an image. As described above, when the character string is arranged on the image, the above-described device or the like does not arrange the character string as intended by the user. Then, the user has to create an image in which character strings are arranged while changing the position, size, direction, and the like of the character strings to be arranged, and the operation is complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and has as its main object to provide an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program thereof that can more easily produce an image that meets the user's intention as much as possible. To do.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the main object described above.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention
Image acquisition means for acquiring an original image selected by the user as an image to be decorated;
A character string acquisition means for acquiring a character string to be arranged on the original image;
Area detecting means for analyzing the acquired original image and detecting a face area included on the original image;
Setting means for setting a position and size of a character frame in which the acquired character string is arranged in a direction aligned with a vertical direction of the acquired original image at a position on the original image that does not overlap the detected face area When,
Output means for creating a decorated image that is an image in which the character string is arranged on the original image based on the position and size of the character frame, and outputting the created decorated image;
It is equipped with.

  In this image processing apparatus, an original image selected by a user and a character string to be arranged on the original image are acquired, a face area included in the acquired original image is detected, and an original image that does not overlap the detected face area is detected. The position and size of the character frame in which the acquired character string is arranged are set in the position in a direction that matches the vertical direction of the original image. Then, a decorated image is created by arranging a character string on the original image based on the set character frame, and the created decorated image is output. Thus, since the character strings are arranged in accordance with the vertical direction of the original image, for example, the character strings are less likely to be arranged in the wrong direction with respect to the image. Further, since the character string arranged on the original image does not overlap the face area, a more suitable image can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to more easily produce an image that meets the user's intention as much as possible. At this time, the character string acquisition unit may acquire a character string input by the user, or may read and acquire a character string of a creation date and time included in the original image from the original image.

  In the image processing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the setting unit may include the vertical direction of the face included in the detected face area in the original image when the information about the vertical direction of the original image is not attached to the original image. The vertical direction of the original image is determined based on at least one or more of the information relating to the color of the one or more color regions and the edge information included in the original image, and based on the direction in accordance with the vertical direction of the determination result The character frame may be set, and the output unit may create the decorated image based on the vertical direction. In this way, the vertical direction of the original image can be made more reliable, and an image that meets the user's intention can be produced.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the area detection unit also detects one or more color areas included in the original image, and the setting unit does not overlap the detected face area and the detected 1 The character frame may be set so that the character frame is included in one color region. In this way, since the character string is arranged on one color area, the character string is easier to read, and an image that meets the user's intention can be produced. At this time, the setting means sets the character frame in a plurality of stages based on the width of the color region in which the character frame is arranged, the length of the acquired character string, and the word included in the character string. Also good. In this way, since the character strings are arranged in a plurality of stages on one color region, the character strings are easier to read and an image that meets the user's intention can be produced. Here, “based on words included in the character string” may be the number of words or the number of characters included in the word. The setting unit may set the character frame so that the character strings are arranged so that the number of characters in each step is more uniform when the character frame is set in the plurality of steps.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the setting means may set the character frame so as to have a maximum font size under a predetermined condition including a condition that the face area does not overlap. In this way, since the character size is larger, it is easy to visually recognize and an image that meets the user's intention can be produced. Here, the “predetermined condition” may include, for example, a condition where the original image and the character string are easily visible. In addition, the “maximum font size” may be, for example, the maximum font size in which the original image and the character string are easily visible.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the output unit may output the decorated image to a printing unit that forms an image on a print medium using a colorant.

The image processing method of the present invention includes:
(A) obtaining an original image selected by the user as an original image to be decorated;
(B) obtaining a character string to be arranged on the original image;
(C) analyzing the acquired original image to detect a face area included on the original image;
(D) A position and size of a character frame in which the acquired character string is arranged in a direction aligned with a vertical direction of the acquired original image at a position on the original image that does not overlap the detected face area. And steps to
(E) creating a decorated image that is an image in which the character string is arranged on the original image based on the position and size of the character frame, and outputting the created decorated image;
Is included.

  In this image processing method, as in the image processing apparatus described above, the character string is arranged in the vertical direction of the original image, and therefore, for example, the character string is less likely to be arranged in the wrong direction with respect to the image. . Further, since the character string arranged on the original image does not overlap the face area, a more suitable image can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to more easily produce an image that meets the user's intention as much as possible. In this image processing method, various aspects of the above-described image processing apparatus may be adopted, and steps for realizing each function of the above-described image processing apparatus may be added.

  The program of the present invention is for causing one or more computers to realize each step of the above-described image processing method. This program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (for example, hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or from a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). It may be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by a single computer or if each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, each step of the above-described image processing method is executed, so that the same effect as this method can be obtained. Can do.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a printer 20 according to the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image creation processing routine. Explanatory drawing which creates the decorated image 68 from the original image 60. FIG. Explanatory drawing which creates the decorated image 69 from the original image 61. FIG.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a printer 20 according to the present embodiment. The printer 20 of the present embodiment includes a controller 21 that controls the entire printer 20, a printer unit 40 that discharges ink as a colorant onto a recording sheet S as a print medium, and a read document placed on a glass surface. A scanner unit 45 for reading, an operation panel 50 for receiving display of various information and input from a user, and a memory card reader 55 for inputting / outputting data to / from the memory card 56 are provided. The printer 20 includes a printer unit 40 and a scanner unit 45, and is configured as a multifunction printer having a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function. In the printer 20, the main controller 21, the printer unit 40, the scanner unit 45, the operation panel 50, and the memory card reader 55 are electrically connected by a bus 29.

  The controller 21 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 22 and includes a flash ROM 23 that can store various processing programs and can rewrite data, and a RAM 24 that temporarily stores data and stores data. ing. The controller 21 controls the printer unit 40 to execute the printing process and also controls the scanner unit 45 to execute the image reading process. The controller 21 includes, as functional blocks, an original image acquisition unit 31 that acquires image data, a character string acquisition unit 32 that acquires characters to be arranged in the image data, and an area detection unit 34 that detects an area of the image data. A character frame setting unit 35 for setting a character frame to be arranged, and an image output unit 36 for outputting the created image. The original image acquisition unit 31 acquires the image data stored in the memory card 56 and the image data read by the scanner unit 45 as an original image selected by the user as an image to be decorated. The character string acquisition unit 32 acquires a shooting date and time attached to the image data of the memory card 56, a character string input on the operation panel 50, and the like as a character string to be arranged on the original image. The area detection unit 34 detects one or more face areas included in the original image and one or more color areas filled with a predetermined color. The character frame setting unit 35 sets the position and size of the character frame in which the character string is arranged in a direction that matches the vertical direction of the original image at a position that does not overlap the face area. The image output unit 36 creates a decorated image by arranging a character string on the original image based on the character frame, and outputs the created decorated image to the operation panel 50 or the printer unit 40.

  The printer unit 40 is configured as a known inkjet color printer mechanism including a print head 42 that performs printing by ejecting ink onto the recording paper S and a transport mechanism 44 that transports the recording paper S. The print head 42 ejects ink of each color from the nozzles by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. The mechanism for applying pressure to the ink may be based on the generation of bubbles due to the heat of the heater. The transport mechanism 44 includes a paper feed roller disposed on the paper feed position side of the recording paper S, a transport roller disposed on the paper discharge side of the recording paper S, and the like.

  The scanner unit 45 is a flat bed type, and is a known image including a reading sensor 46 that reads a document placed on a document table as image data, and a moving mechanism 48 that moves the reading sensor 46 when reading the document. Configured as a scanner. The reading sensor 46 is a sensor that separates the reflected light after being emitted toward the document into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors to obtain scan data.

  The operation panel 50 includes a display unit 52 and an operation unit 54. The display unit 62 is a liquid crystal display, and displays various operation screens for selecting and setting menus. The operation unit 54 includes a power key for turning on / off the power, a cursor key for moving the cursor up / down / left / right, a cancel key for canceling the input, a determination key for determining the selection, and the like. Can be entered.

  The memory card reader 55 inputs and outputs data with the memory card 56 inserted into the memory card slot. When the memory card 56 is connected, the memory card reader 55 reads a file stored in the memory card 56 and transmits the file to the controller 21 or inputs a command from the controller 21 and based on the command. 56 to write data.

  Next, the operation of the printer 20 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, in particular, an image stored in the memory card 56 is used as an original image, and a decorated image in which a character string input by the user is arranged on the original image is created. The operation when doing this will be described. Here, the case where the shooting date and time stored in the original image data and the character string input by the user are arranged in the original image will be specifically described. First, the user selects image decoration printing on a process selection screen (not shown). This image decoration printing is a process in which a shooting date and an input character string are arranged and printed on a selected image. Then, the CPU 22 reads out the image stored in the memory card 56 and arranges and displays one or more thumbnails on the display unit 52 in a selectable state. Here, when an image is selected, the CPU 22 sets the selected image as an original image and causes the display unit 52 to display a character input screen. The user operates various keys of the operation unit 54 to input characters to be printed, and presses an image creation execution key arranged on a character input screen (not shown). Then, the CPU 22 executes an image creation processing routine stored in the flash ROM 23. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an image creation processing routine executed by the CPU 22 of the controller 21. In this routine, the CPU 22 performs processing for creating and outputting an image using the original image acquisition unit 31, the character string acquisition unit 32, the region detection unit 34, the character frame setting unit 35, and the image output unit 36.

  When this routine is started, the CPU 22 acquires the original image from the memory card 56 via the original image acquisition unit 31 (step S100) and stores the original image data stored in the original image data via the character string acquisition unit 32. The metadata of the original image is acquired (step S110). This metadata includes the shooting date and time, and when the digital camera that has shot has a function, shooting mode information (for example, portrait mode or landscape mode), image vertical direction information, etc. It is included. For example, when the photographed digital camera has a gyro sensor and has a function of storing the upper and lower information of the image, or when it has a function of storing the shooting mode, this information is further stored in the image data. The

  Next, the CPU 22 acquires a character string input on the operation panel 50 to be superimposed on the original image via the character string acquisition unit 32 (step S120). Subsequently, the CPU 22 executes edge detection processing of the acquired original image (step S130). In this edge detection processing, for example, an image is analyzed using an edge detection filter, and processing for detecting an edge region included in the original image is performed. As the edge detection filter, for example, a Sobel filter, a Roberts filter, a Prewitt filter, a Laplacian filter, or the like can be used. In this edge detection process, the top left side of the image data is the starting point, the bottom right side is the end point, and the edge detection filter is applied to the pixel of interest to clarify the relationship with the surroundings. Judgment of whether or not was made.

  Next, the CPU 22 performs face area detection processing using the area detection unit 34 (step S140). This face region is obtained by extracting pixels within a predetermined skin color range from the original image as skin color pixels, and using a predetermined feature (for example, a skin color pixel having a shape corresponding to a face) The area of the skin color pixel having an area) is calculated, and an area having a luminance value lower than the skin color pixel area at the center or slightly above the calculated skin color pixel area is extracted as an eye area. In the area under the eyes, an area having a lower luminance value than the flesh color pixel collection area is extracted as a mouth area, and when the eye or mouth area is extracted, the skin color pixel area is surrounded by a rectangular border. Detected as a face area.

  Next, the CPU 22 executes detection processing for one or more color regions using the region detection unit 34 (step S150). In this process, for each area divided by the edge detected above, it is determined whether or not the area is a so-called solid area formed with substantially one color. Here, an arbitrary plurality of pixels are extracted from one area, and when the pixel value is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the area is a color area. For example, when the difference between the R values of a plurality of pixels is less than 10, the difference between the G values is less than 10, and the difference between the B values is less than 10, the color region is determined. The face area is excluded from this color area.

  Subsequently, the CPU 22 determines whether or not the vertical direction information is included in the original image data (step S160). When the original image data does not include information on the vertical direction, the CPU 22 detects the vertical direction of the original image according to one of the vertical direction of the face area, the color information of the color area, and the opening direction of the edge (step). S170). In the vertical direction of the face area, the vertical direction of the original image can be determined based on the vertical direction of the face included in the face area. In the color information of the color area, for example, it can be determined that the side where the blue area (for example, the sky) is present is upward, or that the brighter color is higher. Further, in the opening direction of the edge, it can be determined that the edge is open, such as when a building or a person is photographed close to each other.

  After step S170 or when the original image data includes vertical information in step S160, the CPU 22 executes a character frame setting process using the character frame setting unit 35 (steps S180 to S210). Here, for the shooting date and time, a character frame is set so as to be fixedly arranged at a predetermined position in the lower right. First, the CPU 22 determines whether or not there is a color area larger than a predetermined area (step S180). This “predetermined area” is, for example, a predetermined font size (for example, 16 points) set as large as possible so that characters and images can be easily seen, and a size that can contain character strings of 2-3 words. Can be determined empirically. When there is no color area larger than the predetermined area, the CPU 22 sets a character frame having a position and size that does not overlap the face area in a direction aligned with the vertical direction of the original image (step S190). Here, a one-step character frame with a predetermined font size is set as much as possible in an area below the center of the image.

  On the other hand, if there is a color area larger than the predetermined area in step S180, the number of character frames is set based on the number of words in the input character string, the number of characters, and the size of the color area (step S200). A character frame having a size that fits on the color area in the direction matched with the direction is set (step S210). Here, in accordance with the width of the color area, the character frame is set so as to have a smaller number of steps, and the character frame in which the number of characters in each step is more uniform is set. When there are a plurality of color areas having a predetermined area or more, a rectangular color area having a smaller difference between the short side and the long side is first, a color area having the maximum area is second, and closer to the center. The color area in which the character frame is arranged is set in the priority order in which the color area is third. As described above, since the character frame is set in the color area from which the face area is excluded, the character frame is set so as not to overlap the face area included in the original image.

  After step S210 or after step S190, the CPU 22 uses the image output unit 36 to create a modified image by placing a character string in the character frame set in the original image (step S220), and the created modified image. The image is output to the operation panel 50 and the printer unit 40 (step S230), and this routine ends. The creation of the modified image is performed, for example, by placing a character string input from the user in the set character frame and placing a character string of the shooting date and time stored in the original image data. Thereafter, when the user who has confirmed the modified image displayed on the display unit 52 issues a print instruction, the CPU 22 drives the printer unit 40 to perform the modified image printing process.

  Here, a specific example of the image creation processing will be described using the image creation processing routine of FIG. 2 and FIGS. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for creating a decorated image 68 from the original image 60, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for creating a decorated image 69 from the original image 61. As shown in FIG. 3, when the original image 60 is acquired, metadata of the original image and a character string to be arranged are input, and edge detection processing is performed. Next, face area detection processing is performed to detect a plurality of face areas 62. Next, a color area detection process is executed to detect a plurality of color areas 64 formed of a single color. In the original image 60, there are two persons in the center and there is no very large color area. Subsequently, when there is no information on the vertical direction of the image, the vertical direction of the original image 60 is detected according to the vertical direction of the face in the face region 62. In the original image 60, the right side of the horizontally long image is the upper image. When the vertical direction of the image is detected, there is no sufficiently large color area in which the character string can be arranged. Therefore, in step S190, the CPU 22 sets the character frame 66 so as not to overlap the face area 62 regardless of the color area. To do. Here, a character frame is set in which one character frame is arranged on the lower center side so that a character string is arranged with a predetermined font size. Then, a character string is arranged in the set character frame to create a decorated image 68, and the created decorated image 68 is printed. As shown in FIG. 4, when the original image 61 is acquired, metadata of the original image and a character string to be arranged are input, and edge detection processing is performed. Next, face area detection processing is performed to detect the face area 63. Next, color area detection processing is executed to detect a plurality of color areas 65 formed of a single color. The original image 61 is an image having a plurality of relatively large color regions. Subsequently, when there is no information on the vertical direction of the image, the vertical direction of the original image 61 is detected according to the vertical direction of the face in the face region 63. When the vertical direction of the image is detected, there are a plurality of color regions in which the character string can be arranged. Therefore, in steps S200 and S210, the CPU 22 sets a plurality of character strings so as to be included in the rectangular color area having the maximum area. A character frame 67 is set. Then, a character string is arranged in the set character frame to create a decorated image 69, and the created decorated image 69 is printed.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The CPU 22 and the original image acquisition unit 31 of the present embodiment correspond to the image acquisition unit of the present invention, the character string acquisition unit 32 and the CPU 22 correspond to the character string acquisition unit, and the region detection unit 34 and the CPU 22 correspond to the region detection unit. The character frame setting unit 35 and the CPU 22 correspond to a setting unit, the image output unit 36 and the CPU 22 correspond to an output unit, and the printer unit 40 corresponds to a printing unit. In the present embodiment, an example of the image processing method of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the printer 20.

  According to the printer 20 of the present embodiment described in detail above, the original image selected by the user and the character string arranged on the original image are acquired, the face area included in the acquired original image is detected, and the detected face The position and size of the character frame in which the acquired character string is to be arranged are set at a position on the original image that does not overlap the area in a direction that matches the vertical direction of the original image. Then, a decorated image is created by arranging a character string on the original image based on the set character frame, and the created decorated image is output. Thus, since the character strings are arranged in accordance with the vertical direction of the original image, for example, the character strings are less likely to be arranged in the wrong direction with respect to the image. Further, since the character string arranged on the original image does not overlap the face area, a more suitable image can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to more easily produce an image that meets the user's intention as much as possible.

  In addition, since the vertical direction of the original image is determined based on at least one of the vertical direction of the face included in the face region, the information about the color of the color region, and the edge information, the vertical direction of the original image is made more reliable. The image which responds according to a user's intention can be produced. Further, one or more color regions included in the original image are detected, and the character frame is set so that the character frame is included on one detected color region without overlapping the detected face region. A character string is arranged on the color region, the character string is easier to read, and an image that meets the user's intention can be created. Furthermore, since the character frame is set in multiple stages based on the width of the color area in which the character frame is arranged, the length of the acquired character string, the number of words included in the character string, and the number of characters, the character string is more read. It is easy to produce an image that meets the user's intention. When character frames are set in a plurality of stages, the character frames are set so that the number of characters in each stage is more uniform, so that the character string is easier to read. In addition, since the character frame is set so as to have a predetermined font size, that is, a font size as large as possible without overlapping the face area, an image that is easy to visually recognize and responds to the user's intention can be produced. Furthermore, since the decorated image is output to the printer unit 40 that forms an image on the recording paper S using ink, the created decorated image can be printed.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the color area is detected and the character frame is arranged in the color area. However, this process may be omitted. Even in this case, the character string is arranged in the vertical direction of the original image and the character string is not arranged in the face area, so that an image that meets the user's intention as much as possible can be more easily produced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the character frame is set in a plurality of stages based on the width of the color region, the length of the character string, and the word included in the character string. One or more may be omitted, or other conditions may be added. Alternatively, the process of setting the character frame in a plurality of stages according to the color area may be omitted. In setting the character frame, the font size may be increased or the font size may be decreased according to the number of characters.

  In the embodiment described above, the character string input by the user is arranged on the original image, but this may be omitted and only the shooting date and time may be arranged on the original image. In the above-described embodiment, the character string of the shooting date and time is arranged on the original image. However, this may be omitted and only the character string input by the user may be arranged on the original image. Even in this case, the character string is arranged in the vertical direction of the original image and without overlapping the face area, so that an image that meets the user's intention as much as possible can be more easily produced.

  In the embodiment described above, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the character frame is expressed in white for convenience of drawing for easy viewing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the white space is omitted and the character is arranged on the original image. May be. The character frame may have no border or may have a border. The color of the character to be arranged may be a color selected by the user, or may be a predetermined color. Alternatively, the character string may be formed in a color that is easy to visually recognize according to the color of the original image.

  Although not described in the above-described embodiment, after the decorated image is displayed on the display unit 52, the user changes the position of the arranged character string, the font size, the number of steps, and the like by operating the operation unit 54. It may be possible. In this way, it is possible to provide an image that further meets the user's intention.

  In the above-described embodiments, the multifunction printer capable of executing printing, scanning, and copying has been described as the image processing apparatus of the present invention. However, a printer alone, a scanner alone, a FAX, or the like may be used. Alternatively, it is not particularly limited as long as it is an image processing device that arranges a character string of the original image. For example, an information processing device such as a personal computer or a notebook computer, a photographing device such as a digital still camera or a digital video camera, a digital television Video devices such as HDD recorders, portable and home game devices, and communication devices such as mobile phones may be used. In addition, although the printer unit 40 is an inkjet method, it may be an electrophotographic method, a thermal transfer method, or a dot impact method. The scanner unit 45 is a flatbed type that fixes an original and moves the reading sensor 46 to read an image, but may adopt a method in which the reading sensor 46 is fixed and the original is moved and read. Further, although the present invention has been described in the form of the printer 20, it may be in the form of an image processing method or in the form of a program for this method.

20 Printer, 21 Controller, 22 CPU, 23 Flash ROM, 24 RAM, 29 Bus, 31 Original image acquisition unit, 32 Character string acquisition unit, 34 Area detection unit, 35 Character frame setting unit, 36 Image output unit, 40 Printer unit , 42 Print head, 44 Transport mechanism, 45 Scanner section, 46 Reading sensor, 48 Moving mechanism, 50 Operation panel, 52 Display section, 54 Operation section, 55 Memory card reader, 56 Memory card, 60, 61 Original image, 62, 63 face area, 64, 65 color area, 66, 67 character frame, 68, 69 decorated image, S recording paper.

Claims (6)

Image acquisition means for acquiring an original image selected by the user as an image to be decorated;
A character string acquisition means for acquiring a character string to be arranged on the original image;
Area detecting means for analyzing the acquired original image and detecting a face area included on the original image;
Setting means for setting a position and size of a character frame in which the acquired character string is arranged in a direction aligned with a vertical direction of the acquired original image at a position on the original image that does not overlap the detected face area When,
And an output means for outputting the created decoration already images created the decoration-image-is an image obtained by arranging the character string on the original image based on the position and size of the character frame,
The area detecting means also detects one or more color areas included in the original image;
The setting means sets the character frame so that the character frame is not included in the detected face region and is included in the one color region detected;
The setting means sets the character frame in a plurality of stages based on a width of a color region in which the character frame is arranged, a length of the acquired character string, and a word included in the character string.
Image processing device. The setting means, when information relating to the vertical direction of the original image is not attached to the original image, the vertical direction of the face included in the detected face region, the color of one or more color regions included in the original image Determining the vertical direction of the original image based on at least one or more of the information on the edge information included in the original image, and setting the character frame based on the direction according to the vertical direction of the determination result,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit creates the decorated image based on the vertical direction. The setting means, the maximum setting the character frame so that the font size, the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 under a predetermined condition including a condition that does not overlap the face area. And the output means, the outputs of the decoration-image-to the printing means for forming an image on a print medium by using a colorant, an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3. (A) obtaining an original image selected by the user as an original image to be decorated;
(B) obtaining a character string to be arranged on the original image;
(C) analyzing the acquired original image to detect a face area included on the original image;
(D) A position and size of a character frame in which the acquired character string is arranged in a direction aligned with a vertical direction of the acquired original image at a position on the original image that does not overlap the detected face area. And steps to
A step of said string to create a decoration-image-an image placed on an original image and outputs the decoration already created image the on the basis of the position and size of the (e) the character frame, only including,
In the step (c), one or more color regions included in the original image are also detected,
In the step (d), the character frame is set so as not to overlap the detected face region and to be included in the detected one color region,
In the step (d), the character frame is set in a plurality of stages based on the width of the color region in which the character frame is arranged, the length of the acquired character string, and the word included in the character string.
Image processing method. The program which makes one or more computers perform each step of the image processing method of Claim 5 .

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