JP6371521B2 - Image processing method, image processing program, image processing apparatus, and industrial product - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing program, an image processing apparatus, and an industrial product.

  Clothes, daily necessities, sundries, and other industrial products are decorated with colorful designs for decoration. Many of the designs have their own new designs proposed by designers with specialized abilities, increasing consumer appetite as well as product functionality. There are many ways to devise designs for products that consumers see, but highly unique designs are created by talented designers. As a design method, there is a method of aesthetically processing an object (object) existing on the earth and using it as a design. In other words, in the design of objects around us, such as living things and landscapes, designs that are deformed and processed beautifully by talented designers are used as decorations for products. There are examples of creatures such as insects that have been successfully deformed and designed, and many of the works with butterflies designed by Hidee Mori are mainly used for women's products, from handkerchiefs to bags and dresses. ing. There are also examples of designs devised from snow micrographs that have become corporate marks. These use a technique that leaves the appearance of the object (image), conveys the image from the design, and makes the beauty stand out more. For example, there are ugly wings in butterflies, but ugly objects are not used in the design of Mr. Hidee Mori. Using beautiful butterflies as a theme, he has succeeded in creating a more beautiful design than the real thing. In this way, by using an object that actually exists as a model and processing it while leaving the image of the object, a unique and beautiful design has been created by a professional designer.

  However, the ability to create unique and beautiful designs for the decoration of articles such as industrial products is almost limited to those with high design ability, such as those who have received specialized education. It is. Therefore, there is a demand for a technique that can easily create a unique and beautiful design even for a design beginner who does not fall under these categories.

  An object of the present invention made in view of the above points is to provide an image processing method, an image processing program, and an image processing method that enable anyone to create a unique and beautiful design image regardless of the high design ability of the individual user. An object is to provide an image processing apparatus and to provide an industrial product in which anyone can easily perform a unique and beautiful design.

The image processing method of the present invention includes:
An image processing method performed using an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data of an object, an input unit, a display unit, and a processing unit,
An image data display step in which the processing unit causes the display unit to display the object as image data;
When a region inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit is selected as a selection region by the operation of the input unit, the processing unit displays an image of the selection region according to a predetermined determination criterion. Element data extraction step for extracting the selected area as element data when it is determined that the image is a feature-separated image.
It is characterized by including.
According to this configuration, the user can easily create a unique and beautiful design image simply by using the element data as it is without performing deformation processing requiring high design ability. In other words, anyone can create a unique design and beautiful design image regardless of the user's individual design ability.

In the image processing method of the present invention, in the element data extraction step, the processing unit is configured such that the image of the selection area is the feature when the outline shape of the selection area is dissimilar to the outline shape of the object. It is preferable to determine that the image is a discarded image.
According to this configuration, element data that makes it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or identify the object can be reliably extracted, so that the user can create a more unique and beautiful design image. Can do.

In the image processing method of the present invention, in the element data extraction step, the processing unit is configured such that a contour shape of the selection region is dissimilar to a contour shape of the object, and an area of the selection region is the object. When the area is 0.001 to 90% of the area, it is preferable to determine that the image of the selected region is the feature-abstracted image.
According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably extract element data that makes it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or specify the object, and to include a sufficient amount of design material in the element data. Therefore, the user can create a unique design and a beautiful design image.

The image processing method of the present invention includes:
Prior to the element data extraction step, a region inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit is divided into a plurality of partial regions based on the three-dimensional shape of the object specified based on the image data. Further comprising a partitioning step,
In the element data extraction step, the processing unit is configured such that the selection area is at least a part of any one of the partial areas, and the outline shape of the selection area is dissimilar to the outline shape of the object. In some cases, it is preferable to determine that the image of the selected region is the feature-rejected image.
According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably extract element data that makes it difficult for a person who viewed a design image to recall or specify an object.

The image processing method of the present invention includes:
Prior to the element data extraction step, a region inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit is divided into a plurality of partial regions based on the three-dimensional shape of the object specified based on the image data. Further comprising a segmentation step,
In the element data extraction step, the processing unit is configured such that the selection area is at least a part of any one of the partial areas, and the outline shape of the selection area is dissimilar to the outline shape of the object, And when the area of the said selection area is 0.001-90% of the area of the said object, it is preferable to judge that the image of the said selection area is the said feature removal image.
According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably extract element data that makes it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or specify the object, and to include a sufficient amount of design material in the element data. Therefore, the user can create a unique design and a beautiful design image.

Other image processing methods of the present invention include:
An image processing method performed using an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data of an object, an input unit, a display unit, and a processing unit,
An image data display step in which the processing unit causes the display unit to display the object as image data;
The processing unit is an area inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit on the display unit, and the processing unit discards the characteristics of the object according to a predetermined criterion A selectable area display step for displaying one or more areas determined to be feature-absent images as selectable areas;
When any one or more of the selectable areas are selected as a selection area by an operation of the input unit, the processing unit extracts an element data extraction step of extracting the selection area as element data;
It is characterized by including.
According to this configuration, the user can easily create a unique and beautiful design image simply by using the element data as it is without performing deformation processing requiring high design ability. In other words, anyone can create a unique design and beautiful design image regardless of the user's individual design ability. Furthermore, the user's operation can be simplified.

In another image processing method of the present invention, in the selectable region display step, the processing unit has a contour shape of the region that is not similar to a contour shape of the object, and the area of the region is When the area is 0.001 to 90% of the area of the object, it is preferable to determine that the image of the region is the feature image.
According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably extract element data that makes it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or specify the object, and it is possible to include a sufficient amount of design material in the element data. The user can create a design image that is more unique and beautiful.

In the image processing method of the present invention or another image processing method of the present invention, the processing unit further includes an image data creation step of creating other image data using the element data in accordance with an operation of the input unit. Is preferred.
According to this configuration, it is possible to create a design image in which an object is less likely to be recalled or specified by a person who viewed the design image, compared to a case where the element data image is used as it is as a design image.

In the image data creation step in the image processing method of the present invention or another image processing method of the present invention, the processing unit enlarges the image of the selected area extracted as the element data up to 1000 times. It is preferable that the other image data is created using image data reduced or reduced to a range of up to 0.01 times.
According to this configuration, it is possible to create a design image in which an object is less likely to be recalled or specified by a person who viewed the design image, compared to a case where the element data image is used as it is as a design image.

The image processing program of the present invention
An image processing program to be executed by the processing unit in an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data of an object, an input unit, a display unit, and a processing unit,
An image data display step in which the processing unit causes the display unit to display the object as image data;
When a region inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit is selected as a selection region by the operation of the input unit, the processing unit displays an image of the selection region according to a predetermined determination criterion. Element data extraction step for extracting the selected area as element data when it is determined that the image is a feature-separated image.
Is executed by the processing unit.
According to this configuration, the user can easily create a unique and beautiful design image simply by using the element data as it is without performing deformation processing requiring high design ability. In other words, anyone can create a unique design and beautiful design image regardless of the user's individual design ability.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention
A storage unit for storing image data of the object;
An input section;
A display unit;
A processing unit that executes the image processing program;
It is provided with.
According to this configuration, the user can easily create a unique and beautiful design image simply by using the element data as it is without performing deformation processing requiring high design ability. In other words, anyone can create a unique design and beautiful design image regardless of the user's individual design ability.

The industrial product of the present invention has been designed based on the element data extracted using the image processing method or the other image data created using the image processing method. It is characterized by.
According to this configuration, anyone can easily provide an industrial product having a unique and beautiful design.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing method, an image processing program, and an image processing apparatus that enable anyone to create a unique and beautiful design image regardless of a user's individual design ability. In addition, anyone can easily provide an industrial product with a unique and beautiful design.

1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration according to a first embodiment of an image processing apparatus of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on 1st Embodiment of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the display part in execution of the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the display part in execution of the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the display part in execution of the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the display part in execution of the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the display part in execution of the process of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of element data. It is a figure which shows the example of the design image data produced using the element data of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the display part in process of performing FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the display part in process of performing FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of element data. It is a figure which shows the example of the muffler by which the design based on the element data of FIG. 14 is given.

Prior to illustrating embodiments of the present invention by way of example, an outline of the present invention will be described.
In general, an object (object) that can be recognized visually by human eyes is an attribute that clearly indicates that the object is a specific object (hereinafter referred to as a “specific attribute”), and an object that is not explained by an expert. There are hidden attributes (hereinafter referred to as “additional attributes”) that cannot be recognized as object attributes.
There is an appearance shape as an attribute that allows anyone to identify an object when the object is viewed. Alternatively, there may be a case where one object can be specified from a combination of a plurality of shapes. As an example of the former, living things such as animals and plants have appearance features that can be identified as objects. As an example of the latter, a landscape can be recognized as a landscape of a specific area from the characteristics of a plurality of combinations, for example, a combination of a forest and a river. In such an object that can be seen with the eyes, the object can be specified from the attributes that characterize the object, and the object always has at least one attribute or at least one set that can specify the object. This attribute is a “specific attribute”. In the present invention, the “specific attribute” of the object or the object may be referred to as “feature” of the object or the object.
On the other hand, it is an attribute of an object that cannot be specified unless it is an expert, because it is an attribute of the object but does not recognize the object using the attribute on a daily basis. There is. This attribute is an “additional attribute”. For example, an image obtained by extracting a part of the pattern of an insect wing cannot be recognized as a part of the insect image unless it is an expert. Alternatively, an image obtained by extracting the brightness of a splash as a part of the landscape cannot be recognized as a splash image, and an expert may not be able to recognize the landscape of the splash. That is, the “additional attribute” means that a specific object cannot be recalled, but is clearly an attribute of the object.

When creating a design from an image of an object, if the specific attribute of the object is used as it is without being deformed, the person who viewed the design will easily recall or identify the object. I can't make it. Therefore, designers have created unique and beautiful designs by applying deformation and other processes to specific attributes of objects. Since this deformation process often depends on the individual ability of designers, it was impossible for anyone with high design ability to create unique and beautiful designs.

According to the present invention, an image of a part (feature-separated image) that includes only an additional attribute of an object and does not include a specific attribute (feature) of the object is extracted as element data of the design from the image of a certain object. . This element data is image data that cannot be easily recalled or specified by those who have viewed it. The user can create a design image that is highly unique and beautiful simply by designing the element data itself without deforming it or by combining a plurality of element data into one design. As described above, the present invention makes it possible for anyone to create a beautiful and unique design image regardless of the high design ability of the individual user.
In the present invention, the “feature-separated image” is an image that does not include the specific attribute (feature) of the object and is configured only with the additional attribute of the object, in other words, an image in which the features of the object are discarded.
In addition, in the present invention, “element data” may mean an image displayed based on element data in addition to the electronic data itself.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
1 to 9 show a first embodiment of the present invention. First, the configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The image processing apparatus 10 can constitute, for example, a PC, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a smartphone, and the like, and includes a storage unit 20, an input unit 21, a display unit 22, and a processing unit 23. The image processing apparatus 10 may be integrally configured to form one unit, and at least one of the storage unit 20, the input unit 21, the display unit 22, and the processing unit 23 may be included in the image processing apparatus 10. It may be configured separately from the other parts and connected to the other parts so that wired communication or wireless communication is possible.

The storage unit 20 includes, for example, one or more of at least one of RAM and ROM, and one or more image data 30 representing an object, and an image processing program to be executed by the processing unit 23. Various information such as 31 is stored.
As will be described later, in the present embodiment, an image of a part composed of only the additional attribute of the object, which does not include the specific attribute of the object, is extracted from the image data 30 as element data, and the element data is not deformed. Design image data will be created.
The image data 30 is, for example, a digital image obtained by photographing an object with a digital camera, or reading an image of an object printed on an analog medium on which the object is photographed, that is, paper, etc. Is used.
Objects such as plants, insects, animals, etc., natural scenery such as mountains, rivers, valleys, etc., artifacts such as buildings, cars, semiconductors, etc. However, it is also possible to use a picture drawn by hand or a picture drawn using software.
It is preferable that a portion (background) other than the object in the image data 30 appears in a single color so that it can be easily distinguished from the object.
Most preferably, the image data 30 includes the entire image of the object, but may include only a part of the object. Specifically, the area of the object portion included in the image data 30 is preferably 1 / 100,000 times to 1 time, and 1/100 times to 1 time the projected area of the entire object. Is more preferable, and it is most preferable that it is 1 time. As the proportion of the object portion included in the image data 30 with respect to the entire object increases, the amount of image information that is a candidate for the design element data increases, so that the degree of freedom of selection for the user can be increased. On the contrary, when the area of the object part included in the image data 30 is less than 1/100000 times the projected area of the entire object, the specific attribute (feature) of the object is included in the image data 30 as much as possible from the beginning. Although it is advantageous in that it can be avoided, since the image data 30 contains only a small amount of image information, there is a risk of reducing the degree of freedom of selection for the user.
In addition, it is preferable from the viewpoint of creating a design image with high uniqueness that an object that does not touch the human eye is used as the object of the image data 30.

  The processing unit 23 includes one or a plurality of central processing units (CPUs) and the like, and executes the image processing program 31 stored in the storage unit 20 to input the input unit 21, the display unit 22, and the storage unit 20. The entire image processing apparatus 10 is controlled.

  The input unit 21 receives input from the user. The input unit 21 may be configured with, for example, a mouse, a keypad, a button, a digital pen, or the like, or may be configured with the display unit 22 as a touch panel.

  The display unit 22 is configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, and displays various types of information such as image data 30 stored in the storage unit 20.

  Next, an example of image processing by the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This image processing is performed by the processing unit 23 executing the image processing program 31. In other words, the image processing program 31 causes the processing unit 23 to execute predetermined steps. Prior to the start of this image processing, one or a plurality of image data 30 representing an object is stored in the storage unit 20 in advance.

After the image processing program 31 is activated, when one of the image data 30 stored in the storage unit 20 is selected by the user's operation of the input unit 21, the processing unit 23 As shown in FIG. 3, the selected image data 30 is displayed on the display unit 22 (step S11).
Note that the image data 30 in FIG. 3 is obtained by placing an insect (Japanese name: Aramemi Drift Tamamushi: scientific name Sternocera pulchra) in boiling water, preparing a sample with a shape, and using this sample as an object 40, AF-S This was taken with a Nikon D3 with VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8G IF-ED. The object 40 of the image data 30 displayed on the display unit 22 is enlarged 100 times the original size using PHOTOSHOP (registered trademark) CS5.1 manufactured by Adobe Systems Inc. In this example, the specific attributes of the object 40 (insect) are the antennae and pedestrians of the insect, and other parts of the insect are additional attributes.

After step S <b> 11, the processing unit 23 specifies the outline 42 of the object 40 that forms the boundary line between the object 40 and the background 41 in the image data 30 displayed on the display unit 22. As shown in FIG. The outline 42 of the object 40 is superimposed on the image data 30 and displayed on the unit 22 (step S12).
Here, the processing unit 23 may automatically specify the contour 42 of the object 40 based on the image data 30 and / or on the image data 30 displayed on the display unit 22 by the user. Alternatively, the input unit 21 may designate the contour 42 of the object 40. As a method for automatically specifying the outline 42 of the object 40 based on the image data 30, for example, a portion of the image data 30 that appears almost in a single color or a portion that is out of focus (not clear) is used as the background. There is a method of specifying the boundary line between the background 41 and the object 40 as the outline 42 of the object 40 by specifying the other part as the object 40 and specifying the other part as the object 40. Is omitted.
In the present invention, the “outline 42 of the object 40” refers to a case where only a part of the object 40 is included in the image data 30, whereby a part of the object 40 is located on the outer edge of the image data 30. The contour of the object 40 appearing in the image data 30 and the portion of the outer edge of the image data 30 that overlaps the object 40 are assumed.

  Next, the processing unit 23 displays, for example, a message “Please select a region as a design material” on the display unit 22, while a part of the region is displayed in the image data 30 displayed on the display unit 22. It waits until it is selected by the operation of the input unit 21 by the user (step S13, No). When a part of the area is selected in the image data 30 (step S13, Yes), the processing unit 23 selects the selected area (hereinafter referred to as “first selection area”) as shown in FIG. The outline of A1 is superimposed on the image data 30 and displayed on the display unit 22. Next, when at least a part of the first selection area A1 exists outside the outline 42 of the object 40 (Step S14, No), the processing unit 23 displays, for example, “inside from the object outline on the inside. In such a case, the user is notified of the guidance (step S25), returns to step S13, and waits until a part of the region is selected again. To do.

On the other hand, when all of the first selection area A1 exists inside the outline 42 of the object 40 (step S14, Yes), the processing unit 23 determines the three-dimensional shape of the object 40 specified based on the image data 30. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the first selection area A1 can be divided into a plurality of partial areas (step S15).
Here, “inner side from the contour 42” includes a region inside the contour 42 and the contour 42. Therefore, “when all of the first selection area A1 exists inside the outline 42 of the object 40” means that all of the first selection area A1 is within the area inside the outline 42 of the object 40. It is not limited to the case where it exists, and includes a case where a part of the outline of the first selection area A1 overlaps a part of the outline 42 of the object 40.
The “three-dimensional shape of the object 40 specified based on the image data 30” is, for example, surface roughness that can be grasped by specifying the light and shadow of the object 40 that appears in the image data 30, and the like. Since a specific specifying method is publicly known, detailed description thereof is omitted.
In step S15, specifically, for example, the first selection region A1 is partitioned for each unit area, and the three-dimensional shape (average surface roughness, etc.) of the object 40 in each partitioned region is quantified, When two partitioned areas having a three-dimensional shape difference equal to or greater than a predetermined value are adjacent to each other, it is determined that the partitioned areas can be divided. If the dividing lines for dividing the first selection area A1 can be drawn by connecting the boundary lines between the divided areas determined to be divided in this way, a plurality of the first selection areas A1 are provided. It can be determined that it can be divided into partial areas.
The three-dimensional shape of the object 40 may be specified at an arbitrary timing as long as it is before step S15. For example, after step S12, the entire area inside the outline 42 of the object 40 may be specified. You may perform only about 1st selection area | region A1 after step S14.

  If it is determined in step S15 that segmentation is possible (step S15, Yes), the processing unit 23 draws the segment A1 in the first selection region A1, as shown in FIG. The contours of the partial areas A2 and A3 are divided and displayed on the display unit 22 so as to be superimposed on the image data 30 (step S16).

Thereafter, the processing unit 23 displays, for example, a message “Please select an area as a design material again in the divided area” on the display unit 22, while displaying one of the partial areas A <b> 2 and A <b> 3. It waits until at least a part is selected (step S17, No). When at least a part of any one of the partial areas A2 and A3 is selected (step S17, Yes), as shown in FIG. 7, the selected area (hereinafter referred to as “second selection area”) A4 is selected. The contour is superimposed on the image data 30 and displayed on the display unit 22.
Note that “at least a part of any one of the partial areas A2 and A3” may include the outlines of the partial areas A2 and A3.

  Here, when a plurality of types of three-dimensional shapes of the object 40 are included in the selection area to be extracted as design element data, the object 40 is recalled or specified by a person who views the design image using the element data. It becomes easy to be done. In view of this, in steps S15 to S17, when the first selection area A1 selected first includes a plurality of types of three-dimensional shapes of the object 40, the first selection area A1 is classified for each type of three-dimensional shape. And the user selects the area again in the divided partial area, so that the image of the second selected area A4 selected again becomes the feature image. As a result, since the second selection area A4 includes only one type of three-dimensional shape, element data that makes it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or specify the object 40 is surely included. Can be extracted.

After step S17, the processing unit 23 determines that the shape of the contour of the second selection region A4 is similar to the shape of the contour 42 of the object 40 (step S18, No), and / or the second selection region A4. If the area of the object exceeds the predetermined range (step S19, No), for example, the display unit 22 “designs again in the segmented region so that the contour shape is not similar to the contour shape of the object. The user is informed of the guidance by displaying a message “Please select a region as a material” or the like (step S20), and returns to step S17 to wait until a part of the region is selected again.
Here, in step S18, specifically, the outline shape of the second selection area A4 is enlarged or reduced, translated, rotated, and / or reversed so as to overlap the shape of the outline 42 of the object 40. If it can be determined, both shapes are judged to be “similar”. Here, even if the two shapes are completely overlapped, it may be determined that the two shapes are “similar” when the deviation between the two shapes is within a predetermined range. If the shape of the outline of the second selection area A4 is similar to the shape of the outline 42 of the object 40, the object is recalled from the outline shape of the second selection area A4 to be extracted as design element data. Since it becomes easy to specify, it is not preferable. By providing step S18 and determining whether or not the image of the second selection area A4 is a feature-rejected image, the object 40 is displayed by the person who has seen the element data or the design image data created using the element data. Since element data that is less likely to be recalled or specified can be reliably extracted, the user can create a unique design and a beautiful design image.
In step S19, the “predetermined range” to be compared with the area of the second selection area A4 is preferably set to a range of 0.001 to 90% of the area of the area inside the outline 42 of the object 40. Here, by setting the “predetermined range” to be 90% or less of the area of the area inside the outline 42 of the object 40, the second selection area A4 to be extracted as design element data is Since the specific attribute of the object 40 can be included little or not at all, the element data can be composed of only the additional attribute of the object. Thereby, element data that makes it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or identify the object 40 can be reliably extracted. Further, by setting the “predetermined range” to 0.001% or more of the area of the area inside the outline 42 of the object 40, a sufficient amount of design material (object additional attribute information) is added to the second selection area A4. ) Can be included. Therefore, by providing step S19 and determining whether or not the image of the second selection area A4 is a feature-removed image, the user can create a design image that is more unique and beautiful. From the same viewpoint, it is more preferable to set the “predetermined range” to a range of 0.1 to 50% of the area of the area inside the outline 42 of the object 40.

  On the other hand, the shape of the contour of the second selection region A4 is dissimilar to the shape of the contour 42 of the object 40 (step S18, Yes), and the area of the second selection region A4 is within the predetermined range. (Step S19, Yes), the processing unit 23 determines that the image of the second selection area A4 is a feature image, and extracts the second selection area A4 as design element data 43 (Step S21). As shown in FIG. 8, only the element data 43 is displayed on the display unit 22.

  On the other hand, when the processing unit 23 determines in step S15 that the first selection area A1 cannot be divided into a plurality of partial areas based on the three-dimensional shape of the object 40 (No in step S15), the first For the selected area A1, the same processing as in steps S18 to S20 is performed (steps S23 to S25), and then the element data 43 is extracted in step S21.

After step S21, the processing unit 23, based on the element data 43 displayed on the display unit 22 according to the operation of the input unit 21 by the user, for example, other image data as shown in FIG. Design image data ") 44 is created (step S22), and the process is terminated. According to step S22, compared with the case where the image of the element data 43 is used as it is as a design image, it is possible to create a design image that makes it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or specify the object 40.
The image data 44 shown in FIG. 9 is obtained by linking twelve element data 43 alternately in the left-right direction and connecting them in the left-right direction.

  The design element data 43 extracted in step S21 and the design image data 44 created in step S22 include, for example, miscellaneous goods such as clothes, umbrellas, glasses, bags, wallets, automobiles, televisions, PCs, lighting hoods, and the like. The industrial product or building can be decorated by printing on any industrial product or building or printing on a decorative sticker or the like attached to the industrial product or building. In this way, anyone can easily provide industrial products and buildings with unique and beautiful designs.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of other element data extracted by the same image processing, and the object is an insect (Japanese name: Diabroctis mimas mimas) different from the above example. FIG. 15 shows a muffler in which an image (design image data image) obtained by enlarging the element data image of FIG. 14 by 100 times without deformation is printed as a design.

  According to the embodiment described above, an image of a part from which an object feature is discarded (feature image) can be extracted as design element data from an image of a certain object. The design data can be easily transformed into a unique and beautiful design image simply by using the image of the element data as a design image, or using other image data created using the element data as a design image. Can be created. In this manner, anyone can create a beautiful design image with high originality regardless of the high design ability of the individual user.

  In step S14 of FIG. 2, when a part of the first selection area A1 exists outside the contour 42 of the object 40 (step S14, No), instead of letting the user select the area again, A portion outside the contour of the object 40 in the one selection region A1 may be removed, and a portion inside the contour of the object 40 may be newly replaced with the first selection region A1. This prevents the user from selecting the area again, and the user's operation is simplified.

  In the image processing of FIG. 2, the processes of steps S15 to S17 that are performed for segmentation of the region, the processes of steps S18 and S23 that are performed for the contour shape of the region, and the processes of steps S19 and S24 that are performed for the area of the region. Any one or two of the two processes may be omitted. Further, instead of or in addition to any one or more of these processes, it is determined whether or not the image of the selected area is a feature-removed image based on other determination criteria (for example, color). May be.

  The determination of the area of the selection region in steps S19 and S24 in FIG. 2 may be performed before the determination of the outline shape of the selection region in steps S18 and S23, respectively. Alternatively, the determination of the upper limit of the area of the first selection area A1 (whether it is equal to or less than a predetermined value) is made after step S14. Only the determination may be made.

  The creation of the design image data 44 in step S22 of FIG. 2 is not limited to the case where the design image data 44 is automatically started after step S21. After step S21, the element data 43 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 20 and input by the user. Step S22 may be started after an instruction to start creating the design image data 44 is input by the operation of the unit 21.

In step S22 of FIG. 2, the design image data 44 can be created by arranging a plurality of identical or different element data 43 in any combination and method. If the user can select the combination and method by operating the input unit 21, the degree of freedom in design can be increased.
For example, the process of steps S11 to S21 in FIG. 2 is repeatedly performed for image data of a plurality of different objects, and then, in step S22, element data extracted from the image data of each object is combined to form one design image. Data 44 may be created. In this case, the design uniqueness of the design image data 44 can be further enhanced.
In creating the design image data 44, the same or different element data 43 may be arranged in an order according to a mathematical function relationship, or may be arranged in an order having repetitive regularity. However, they may be arranged in a random order.
In creating the design image data 44, the color of the element data 43 may be converted into a complementary color and the converted element data may be used, or the color information of the element data 43 may be used. May be converted into monochrome image data after converting all of them into hues, and the converted element data may be used.
In creating the design image data 44, the element data 43 is enlarged up to 1000 times, more preferably 1.1 to 1000 times, or up to 0.01 times, more preferably 0. Using the image data reduced by 0.01 to 0.99 times can make it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or specify the object.
In addition, when enlarging the element data 43, it is preferable to interpolate pixels by a digital image interpolation technique in order to make the image clearer. As such an interpolation technique, for example, PHOTOSHOP (registered trademark, Adobe Systems Incorporated), which is computer software, or software attached to a digital camera manufactured by Nikon Corporation or Canon Inc. is used, and the pixel of the image is obtained. A method for increasing the number is known.

  It should be noted that making the image data 30 deformable in step S11 of FIG. 2 or allowing the element data 43 to be deformed in step 21 of FIG. 2 by the operation of the input unit 21 by the user is an aesthetic element of the design. This is not preferable because individual differences are greatly reflected.

  In step S22 of FIG. 2, in addition to the element data 43, other image data may be created using any other design material.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. In the above-described first embodiment, after a region to be extracted as design element data is selected by the user, a plurality of types of three-dimensional shapes of objects are included in the selected first selection region. When it becomes clear, the first selection area is divided for each type of three-dimensional shape of the object, and the area is again selected by the user within the divided partial area. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, before letting the user select a region, the inner region from the contour of the object is divided based on the three-dimensional shape of the object, and the user is asked within the divided partial region. The area is selected. This prevents a plurality of types of three-dimensional object shapes from being included in the region selected by the user, thereby preventing the user from reselecting the region and simplifying the user's operation.
The configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

An example of image processing by the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Note that, here, the first embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the image processing described with reference to FIG.
This image processing is performed by the processing unit 23 executing the image processing program 31. Prior to the start of this image processing, one or a plurality of image data 30 representing an object is stored in the storage unit 20 in advance.

  After the image processing program 31 is activated, when one of the image data 30 stored in the storage unit 20 is selected by the user's operation of the input unit 21, the processing unit 23 As shown in FIG. 3, the selected image data 30 is displayed on the display unit 22 (step S41).

  After step S41, the processing unit 23 specifies the outline 42 of the object 40 that forms the boundary line between the object 40 and the background 41 in the image data 30 displayed on the display unit 22, and displays the outline 42 as shown in FIG. The unit 22 displays the outline 42 of the object 40 superimposed on the image data 30 (step S42).

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the processing unit 23 draws a dividing line from the outline 42 of the object 40 to the inner region based on the three-dimensional shape of the object 40 specified based on the image data 30. Then, the inner area from the outline 42 of the object 40 is divided into a plurality of partial areas A11 to A20, and the outlines of the partial areas A11 to A20 are displayed on the display unit 22 so as to be superimposed on the image data 30 ( Step S43).

Thereafter, the processing unit 23 displays at least a part of any one of the partial regions while displaying a message “Please select a region as a design material within the divided region” on the display unit 22, for example. (Step S44, No). When at least a part of any one of the partial areas is selected (step S44, Yes), the outline of the selected area (hereinafter referred to as “selected area”) is superimposed on the image data 30 on the display unit 22. Display together.
The “at least part of any one partial area” may include the outline of the partial area.

  Here, when a plurality of types of three-dimensional shapes of the object 40 are included in the selection area to be extracted as design element data, the object 40 is recalled or specified by a person who views the design image using the element data. It becomes easy to be done. In view of this, in steps S43 to S44, the inner area from the outline 42 of the object 40 is divided into three-dimensional shape types, and the user selects an area within the divided partial area. As a result, the image of the selected region is made to be a feature abstract image. As a result, only one type of three-dimensional shape is included in this selected area, so that element data that makes it difficult for the person who viewed the design image to recall or identify the object 40 is reliably extracted. be able to.

  The processing after step S44 is performed in the same manner as steps S18 to S22 in FIG. 2 (steps S45 to S49).

  According to the present embodiment, before allowing the user to select an area to be extracted as design element data, the inner area from the outline of the object is divided based on the three-dimensional shape of the object. Since the user selects a region within the partial region, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the user from reselecting the region and simplify the user's operation.

  In addition, when at least a part of any one of the partial areas is selected in step S44 of FIG. 10 (step S44, Yes), all of the selected areas must be present inside the outline 42 of the object 40. Therefore, it is not necessary to judge whether or not all of the selected area exists inside the outline 42 of the object 40 as in step S14 of FIG.

  In the image processing of FIG. 10, any one of the three processes of the process of step S <b> 43 performed regarding the segmentation of the area, the process of step S <b> 45 performed regarding the outline shape of the area, and the process of step S <b> 46 performed regarding the area of the area. One or two may be omitted. Further, instead of or in addition to any one or more of these processes, it is determined whether or not the image of the selected area is a feature-removed image based on other determination criteria (for example, color). May be.

  In addition, the determination of the area of the selection region in step S46 of FIG. 10 may be performed before the determination of the outline shape of the selection region in step S45.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. In the first and second embodiments described above, when the user selects an area inside the outline of the object and then determines that the image of the selected area is a feature-separated image, the selected area is It is extracted as element data. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, before the user selects an area, one or more areas that the processing unit determines to be an image of feature separation are displayed on the display unit as selectable areas. Then, the user is allowed to select any one or more selectable areas, and the selected areas are extracted as element data. Thereby, since the user only has to select one or more selectable areas displayed on the display unit, the user's operation is further simplified. In addition, since the image of the area selected by the user is always a feature image, it is reliably prevented that the user reselects the area, and the user's operation can be further simplified.
The configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment is basically the same as that described with reference to FIG. 1 for the first embodiment.

An example of image processing by the image processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. Note that, here, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the image processing described with reference to FIG.
This image processing is performed by the processing unit 23 executing the image processing program 31. Prior to the start of this image processing, one or a plurality of image data 30 representing an object is stored in the storage unit 20 in advance.
Further, before the start of this image processing, setting information on the number and shape of selectable areas to be displayed on the display unit 22 is stored in the storage unit 20 in advance. In this example, as the setting information, it is stored in advance in the storage unit 20 that one selectable area of each of a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, and an octagon is displayed on the display unit 22. This setting information is input by, for example, an operation of the input unit 21 by the user before the start of the image processing.

  After the image processing program 31 is activated, when one of the image data 30 stored in the storage unit 20 is selected by the user's operation of the input unit 21, the processing unit 23 As shown in FIG. 3, the selected image data 30 is displayed on the display unit 22 (step S61).

  After step S61, the processing unit 23 identifies the outline 42 of the object 40 that forms the boundary line between the object 40 and the background 41 in the image data 30 displayed on the display unit 22, and displays the outline 42 as shown in FIG. The unit 42 displays the outline 42 of the object 40 superimposed on the image data 30 (step S62).

  Next, the processing unit 23 divides the inner region from the contour 42 of the object 40 into a plurality of partial regions based on the three-dimensional shape of the object 40 specified based on the image data 30 (step S63). Here, unlike step S <b> 43 of FIG. 10, the processing unit 23 does not display the outlines of the partial areas on the display unit 22 so as to overlap the image data 30.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the processing unit 23 extracts one or more regions that are determined to be feature-removed images from at least one partial region classified in step S <b> 63, and is a feature-removed image. Each of the one or more areas determined to be displayed as selectable areas A31 to A34 is displayed on the display unit 22 (step S64). Note that the selectable areas A31 to A34 in this example have rectangular, triangular, circular, and octagonal outlines based on the setting information stored in the storage unit 20, respectively.
Here, in determining whether or not the image is a feature-absent image, the processing unit determines that the contour shape of a certain region is not similar to the shape of the contour 42 of the object 40, as in steps S18 and S19 of FIG. When the area of the area is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the area is a feature-excluded image. The “predetermined range” to be compared with the area of the area is preferably set to a range of 0.001 to 90% of the area of the area inside the outline 42 of the object 40. More preferably, it is set to a range of 0.1 to 50% of the area of the region.
Note that “within at least one partial region” includes a region inside the contour of the partial region and the contour of the partial region.
Regarding specific positions and sizes of the selectable areas A31 to A34 displayed on the display unit 22, the selectable areas A31 to A34 overlap each other in a range in which the processing unit 23 satisfies the above-described conditions. Decide at random so that there is no.

  After step S64, the processing unit 23 stands by until at least one of the one or more selectable areas A31 to A34 displayed on the display unit 22 is selected by the operation of the input unit 21 by the user ( Step S65, No). When at least one selectable area A31 to A34 is selected (step S65, Yes), the processing unit 23 extracts each selected area (selected area) as element data (step S66). Thereafter, the processing unit 23 creates other image data (design image data) using each element data extracted in step S66 according to the operation of the input unit 21 by the user (step S67), and ends the processing.

  According to this embodiment, before allowing the user to select a region to be extracted as design element data, one or more regions determined to be feature-removed images are displayed on the display unit as selectable regions. The user selects any one or more of the selectable areas displayed on the display unit, and extracts the selected area as element data. Thereby, since the user only has to select one or more selectable areas displayed on the display unit, the user's operation is further simplified. In addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the image of the area selected by the user is surely prevented from causing the user to reselect the area. Can be further simplified.

In step S63 in FIG. 12, the contour of each partial area is not displayed on the display unit 22 so as to overlap the image data 30, so that the user can select the outline of each selectable area A31 to A34. Therefore, the user's operation can be simplified.
However, in step S63 of FIG. 12, the outline of each partial area may be displayed on the display unit 22 so as to be superimposed on the image data 30, as shown in FIG.

  In the image processing of FIG. 12, any one of the processing in step S63 performed regarding the segmentation of the region, the determination performed regarding the outline shape of the selection region in step S64, and the determination performed regarding the area of the selection region in step S64. Or two may be omitted. Further, instead of or in addition to any one or more of these processes or determinations, a determination is made as to whether or not the image in the selected region is a feature cut-out image based on other determination criteria (for example, color). You may do it.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the image processing apparatus 10 determines whether an image to be extracted as design element data is a feature-separated image, but a human performs the same determination. Also good.

  The present invention can be applied to any industrial product or building such as clothing, umbrellas, glasses, bags, wallets and other miscellaneous goods, automobiles, televisions, PCs, lighting hoods, and the like, and can be applied to the industrial products and buildings. It can be used when creating a design image applied to a decorative sticker or the like.

10: Image processing device, 20: Storage unit, 21: Input unit, 22: Display unit, 23: Processing unit, 30: Image data, 31: Image processing program, 40: Object, 41: Background, 42: Outline of object 43: Element data 44: Other image data (design image data) A1: First selection area (selection area) A2, A3, A11-A20: Partial area A4: Second selection area (selection) Area), A31 to A34: selectable area

Claims (9)

An image processing method performed using an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data of an object, an input unit, a display unit, and a processing unit,
An image data display step in which the processing unit causes the display unit to display the object as image data;
When a region inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit is selected as a selection region by the operation of the input unit, the processing unit displays an image of the selection region according to a predetermined determination criterion. Element data extraction step for extracting the selected area as element data when it is determined that the image is a feature-separated image.
Prior to the element data extraction step, the processing unit includes a plurality of regions inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit based on the three-dimensional shape of the object specified based on the image data. A step of dividing into subregions of
Including
In the element data extraction step, the processing unit is configured such that the selection area is at least a part of any one of the partial areas, and the outline shape of the selection area is dissimilar to the outline shape of the object. In some cases, it is determined that an image in the selected area is the feature-abstracted image. In the element data extraction step, the processing unit is configured such that the selection area is at least a part of any one of the partial areas, and the outline shape of the selection area is dissimilar to the outline shape of the object, and, when the area of the selected region is 0.001 to 90% of the area of the object, the image of the selected area is determined to be the feature abstracted image, the image processing method according to claim 1. An image processing method performed using an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data of an object, an input unit, a display unit, and a processing unit,
An image data display step in which the processing unit causes the display unit to display the object as image data;
A classification step in which the processing unit divides a region inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit into a plurality of partial regions based on a three-dimensional shape of the object specified based on the image data; ,
The processing unit is an area in at least one of the partial areas on the display unit, and the processing unit is a feature cut-out image in which the image of the area is cut out according to a predetermined criterion. A selectable area display step of displaying the determined one or more areas as selectable areas;
When any one or more of the selectable areas are selected as a selection area by an operation of the input unit, the processing unit includes an element data extraction step of extracting the selection area as element data,
In the selectable area display step, the processing unit determines that the image of the area is the feature-separated image when the outline shape of the area is dissimilar to the outline shape of the object. A characteristic image processing method. In the selectable area display step, the processing unit is configured such that the outline shape of the area is not similar to the outline shape of the object, and the area of the area is 0.001 to 90% of the area of the object. 4. The image processing method according to claim 3 , wherein the image of the region is determined to be the feature image. Wherein the processing unit is, in accordance with the operation of the input unit, by using the element data further includes image data creation step of creating another image data, the image processing method according to any one of claims 1-4. In the image data creation step, the processing unit enlarges the image of the selection area extracted as the element data up to 1000 times or reduces the image up to 0.01 times. The image processing method according to claim 5 , wherein the other image data is created using data. An image processing program to be executed by the processing unit in an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data of an object, an input unit, a display unit, and a processing unit,
An image data display step in which the processing unit causes the display unit to display the object as image data;
When a region inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit is selected as a selection region by the operation of the input unit, the processing unit displays an image of the selection region according to a predetermined determination criterion. Element data extraction step for extracting the selected area as element data when it is determined that the image is a feature-separated image.
Prior to the element data extraction step, the processing unit includes a plurality of regions inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit based on the three-dimensional shape of the object specified based on the image data. A step of dividing into subregions of
Is configured to cause the processing unit to execute,
In the element data extraction step, when the selection area is at least a part of any one of the partial areas, and the outline shape of the selection area is not similar to the outline shape of the object, An image processing program that causes the processing unit to determine that an image in a selected area is the feature-abstracted image. An image processing program to be executed by the processing unit in an image processing apparatus including a storage unit that stores image data of an object, an input unit, a display unit, and a processing unit,
An image data display step in which the processing unit causes the display unit to display the object as image data;
A classification step in which the processing unit divides a region inside the outline of the object displayed on the display unit into a plurality of partial regions based on a three-dimensional shape of the object specified based on the image data; ,
The processing unit is an area in at least one of the partial areas on the display unit, and the processing unit is a feature cut-out image in which the image of the area is cut out according to a predetermined criterion. A selectable area display step of displaying the determined one or more areas as selectable areas;
When any one or more of the selectable areas are selected as a selection area by an operation of the input unit, the processing unit extracts an element data extraction step of extracting the selection area as element data;
Is configured to cause the processing unit to execute,
In the selectable area display step, when the shape of the outline of the area is dissimilar to the shape of the outline of the object, the processing unit is caused to determine that the image of the area is the feature cut-out image. A featured image processing program. A storage unit for storing image data of the object;
An input section;
A display unit;
A processing unit that executes the image processing program according to claim 7 or 8 ,
An image processing apparatus comprising: