JPH02143873A - Image layout device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To freely rearrange a plurality of images which are inputted batchwise to output a visible image by a method wherein each original image is rearranged with an arbitrary size and inclination, and an original image corresponding to layout pattern information having a low priority is disposed backward in an image plane. CONSTITUTION:Informations of the coordinate of a upper left-hand corner point, vertical and horizontal distances, inclination angle, and priority of each rectangle are written into a hard disk 25. Pattern information is read from the layout pattern information stored in the hard disk 25 in the order of increasing priority. A magnification of an original image is selected so that the original image is not out of a layout pattern to conduct the enlargement/reduction of the original image. Furthermore, the varied image is rotated according to the rotating angle of the layout pattern information. With respect to a layout pattern, in the presence of an overlapped part, for example, in the case of images E and F, the data of the image with a lower priority in the overlapped part is retracted to the hard disk 25. The display priority is basically determined so as to become higher in the order of plotting the rectangle in a layout pattern generation part.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image layout device, and particularly to a novel image layout that inputs a plurality of original images at once, freely lays out each original image, and outputs a visible image. Regarding equipment.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, there has been a layout system for newspaper pages, but this system mainly deals with text information, and can be said to make maximum use of the flexibility of text information. That is, in this type of system, images are placed in advance through manual intervention, and text information is automatically and appropriately divided and distributed in the margins.

On the other hand, with the development of high-quality image input/output technology for photographic images and the like, it is desired that a device capable of automatic layout of images for pasting photographs into, for example, albums be developed.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, conventional album creation was entirely done manually. Furthermore, automatic layout of images cannot be easily achieved in a newspaper page layout system based mainly on text processing technology.

The present invention eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art described above, and its purpose is to provide an image layout device that freely rearranges a plurality of input images and outputs a visible image. .

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the image layout device of the present invention includes an image input means for inputting a plurality of independent images;
a correction means for correcting the tilt of the input image; a layout information creation means for creating layout information about the output image; and a setting for setting output priority for each piece of layout pattern information in the created layout information. a means for associating the layout pattern information according to the set priority with the inputted image information in a predetermined order, and scaling the image information with the tilt corrected according to the size of each of the associated layout pattern information. The outline thereof is to include a scaling means and an image layout means for laying out the scaled image at the position of each of the associated layout pattern information according to the set priority order.

Preferably, a display means for displaying image information, a designation means for designating and inputting an arbitrary shape and its position for any one of the input image information based on a display output of the input image information; The outline thereof is to include a cutting means for cutting out the image information according to the shape and position.

Preferably, the present invention includes a character input means for inputting a character code, and a character development means for developing a character pattern of the input character code at a position specified by a cursor on a layout image.

Preferably, one aspect of the image input means is that the image input means includes one or both of a means for reading a reflective original and a means for reading a transparent original.

Further, preferably, the outline thereof is to include a printing means for printing the layout image in full color.

Preferably, the image moving device includes image moving means for moving any one of the layout images in parallel or rotation.

Preferably, the outline is to process the display of the overlapping portion between the laid out images according to a predetermined priority.

[Operation] In this configuration, the image input means inputs a plurality of independent images. The correction means corrects the tilt of the input image. On the other hand, the layout information creation means creates layout information regarding the output image. Then, the setting means sets an output priority order for each piece of layout pattern information in the created layout information. The associating means associates the layout pattern information according to the set priority with the input image information in a predetermined order (for example, from the top and left of the plurality of images). The scaling means scales the image information with the tilt corrected according to the size of each of the associated layout pattern information. The image layout means lays out the scaled image at the position of each of the associated layout pattern information according to the set priority order. As a result, each input document image is rearranged with an arbitrary size and tilt, and the document image corresponding to the layout pattern information with low priority is placed behind the screen, and the document image corresponding to the layout pattern information with high priority is rearranged. The corresponding original image appears on the surface of the screen.

Preferably, a display means for displaying image information, a designation means for designating and inputting an arbitrary shape and its position for any one of the input image information based on a display output of the input image information; A cutting means for cutting out the image information according to the shape and position is provided, and a predetermined portion of the image is cut out from the original image (an arbitrary image in the inputted image information) and used as the original image.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a character input means for inputting a character code, and a character development means for developing a character pattern of the input character code at a position specified by a cursor on a layout image, and the character development means is provided for developing a character pattern in an arbitrary part of the layout image. do.

Preferably, the image input means includes one or both of a means for reading a reflective original and a means for reading a transparent original, and faithfully reads an image according to the nature of the original.

Preferably, a printing device for printing a layout image in full color is provided to create a full color electronic album.

Further, preferably, an image moving means for moving any one of the layout images in parallel or rotation is provided to increase flexibility after layout.

Preferably, the display of the overlapped parts between the laid out images is processed according to a predetermined priority, so that the overlapped parts between the images can be easily processed.

[Description of Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image layout apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram of an image layout apparatus according to an embodiment. The following will explain the image configurations while comparing them.

In FIG. 1, 1 is an image input section which reads various image information. The image input section 1 corresponds to the color scanner 15 shown in FIG. The color scanner 15 reads reflective originals such as photographic prints, transparent originals such as films, and thick reflective originals such as books and magazines. 2 is a key input section through which the user inputs character data and various instruction information. The key input section 2 is the keyboard 16 or digitizer 17 shown in FIG.
corresponds to Reference numeral 10 denotes an image output unit, which outputs the input original image, the layout pattern image being created, the image after layout, the further edited image, and the like. Image output section 10
corresponds to the color TV monitor 22 in FIG. Reference numeral 11 denotes a printing section, which prints the same image as that for the image output section IO. The printing section 11 corresponds to the color printer 23 in FIG. 2, and is, for example, a color laser beam printer as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a control arithmetic unit, which performs arithmetic processing for realizing the main control of the apparatus of this embodiment and various functional blocks to be described later. The control calculation unit 3 includes the CPU 18 shown in FIG.
A ROM 19 stores various programs executed by the CPU 18 (Figs. 9 and 11), a RAM 20 is used as a work area by the CPU 18, and an image memory 21 stores image data at various stages. corresponds to 4
is a cutting section, which cuts out a partial image of the shape and size intended by the user from the input image or the layout image.

The cutout portion 4 is incorporated as a program in the ROM 19 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 5 denotes a layout pattern creation unit, which uses an interactive method to create a layout pattern based on the total number of input images, and works in conjunction with the enlargement/reduction unit 12, the translation/rotation unit 13, and the display priority setting unit 14. Create layout pattern information. The layout pattern creation section 5 is incorporated as a program in the ROM 1e shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 6 denotes an image transformation unit that transforms the input image according to the size and shape of each layout pattern created by the layout pattern creation unit 5. 26 is a layout section;
Each image transformed by the image transformation unit 6 is placed in each layout pattern position created by the layout pattern creation unit based on its priority, and each input image is transformed from left to right and from top to bottom when the screen is raster scanned. They are laid out in correspondence in the order they are encountered when scanning downwards. The layout section 26 is incorporated as a program in the ROM 19 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 7 denotes an input image tilt correction unit, which corrects the tilt of each input image. Reference numeral 8 denotes a display priority changing section, which changes the priority set by the display priority setting section 14. Reference numeral 9 denotes a character generation section which converts the character code inputted from the key input section 2 into character pattern data and superimposes it on a specified position on the layout image. The character generator 9 is incorporated in the ROM 19 shown in FIG. 2 as a program and font data. 27 is a display moving unit;
Move the display position of any image in the laid out images according to the instructions. The display moving unit 27 is incorporated as a program in the ROM 19 shown in FIG.

<Color Scanner> Figure 3 is a diagram showing details of a color scanner. In Figure 0, 30 is a reflective original, and IrA B
It says CJ. Reference numeral 31 denotes a platen glass (original table), on which the original 30 is placed with IrA B C, O facing downward. 32 is a rod array lens;
The reflected light image from the original 30 exposed by the Heroge exposure lamp 33 is focused and imaged on the full color sensor 34.

Reference numeral 36 denotes a document scanning unit, which integrates the components 32 to 35 described above and performs sub-scanning in the six directions of arrows.

The color-separated image signals read line by line during exposure scanning are amplified to a predetermined voltage by the sensor output signal amplification circuit 35, and then input to the video signal processing unit 37 via the coaxial cable signal line 501, where they are The signal is processed and sent out via the interface circuit 45. Further, 502 is a signal line that supplies main scanning drive pulses for the full color sensor 34, and all drive pulses required by the full color sensor 34 are generated within the video processing unit 37. A white plate 38 is used for correcting the white level of the image signal. 39 is a black board, which is used for correcting the black level of the image signal. These plates 38.39
is irradiated with a halogen exposure lamp 33 to correct the white level and black level of the video signal so as to obtain respective predetermined density signal levels.

40 is a control unit having a microcomputer, and performs all controls of the color scanner 15.

For example, various information displays and key inputs are controlled on the operation panel 41 via the bus 508, the video processing unit 37 is controlled, and the position of the document scanning unit 36 is detected via the signal line 505 by the position sensors 42 and 43. , the control of the stepping motor drive circuit 6o that pulse-drives the stepping motor 44 to move the document scanning unit 36 in the sub-scanning direction via the signal line 503, and the control of the halogen exposure lamp 33 by the exposure lamp driver 61 via the signal line 504. ON10 FF Performs F control, light amount control, etc.

Illumination Device> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration when an illumination device is mounted on a color scanner. Note that the same components as in FIG. 3 are given the same numbers. In the figure, in the case of a reflective original such as a transmitted light image of a negative film, transmissive originals such as negative film are arranged on the original table 31, the illumination device 50 is installed above the original, and the original scanning unit 36 is moved in the direction of arrow B. Read in the same way. For the lamp 55, a control signal is sent from the I10 port of the microcomputer (not shown) in the controller 40 via the signal line 59 so that the lamp controller 54 can perform ON10FF control and lighting voltage control. Sent. When reading a film original, the user sets the film original on the original platen 31 and presses the negative film key 47 or positive film key 4 (not shown) in the operation section 41 depending on the type of film.
8 and then the start key 46. Further, when reading a reflective original such as a general printed photograph or printed matter, it is sufficient to set the original on the original platen 31 and press the start key 46. The color scanner 15 first performs a pre-scan to detect the rectangular area where the document exists, and then performs a second scan to detect the target rectangular area with 4096 x 4096 pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions, each with 8-bit precision R,
Read as G and B data.

Image memory> The image data read by the color scanner 15 is stored in the CPU 1.
8 to the image memory 21 and simultaneously displayed on the color TV monitor 22.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the image memory 21 and its peripheral configuration. In the figure, 62 to 69 are image memories each having a structure (4096 pixels x 4096 pixels x 8 bits).

The image processor 61 receives instructions from the CPU 18.
When operated, image memories #1 to #8 can be arbitrarily selected via the image memory controller 60 to input and output image data. Furthermore, data transfer between arbitrary image memories and real-time calculations are also possible. 70
is a priority controller, which is a part that gives output priority to image memories #1 to #8 when displaying an image on the color TV monitor 22. For example, if images in image memories #1 and #2 are to be displayed simultaneously, and if image memory #2 has a higher priority, then the area where the images on the screen overlap will be displayed in #2.
The image in image memory #2 is displayed, and the image in image memory #1 is not displayed. The CPU 18 sends a control signal 72 to the priority controller 70 to
~It is possible to change the priority of image memory in #8,
Furthermore, the image after the priority order is changed can be displayed on the color TV monitor 22 via the video interface 71 in real time. In the present embodiment, the priority controller 70 is provided to give priority between original images, backgrounds, text, etc., as well as weights between general original images such as photographs, films, and printed originals.

In this embodiment, as a general rule, R (red) data read by the color scanner 15 is stored in the #1 image memory, G (green) data is stored in the #2 image memory, and B (blue) data is stored in the #2 image memory.
The data is stored in three image memories, and naturally the priority order is the same among these three image memories.

Color Printer> FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a color laser beam printer used in the example. In the figure, image memory 2
A video signal 700 sent from 1 to the CPU 18 is input to the video signal processing unit 701 via an interface 703. Video processing unit 701 performs various processing on images and also generates all necessary drive pulses. The input image signal is then sent to the scanner unit 711 via the printer controller 701. The scanner unit 711 is composed of a laser output unit that converts an image signal into an optical signal, a polygon mirror 712 that is a polygon (e.g., octahedron), a motor (not shown) that rotates this mirror, an imaging lens 713, and the like. There is. Furthermore, 714
715 is a reflecting mirror that changes the laser optical path. 715 is a photosensitive drum. With this configuration, the laser beam emitted from the laser output section is reflected by the polygon mirror 712, passes through the imaging lens 713 and the reflection mirror 714, and reaches the photosensitive drum 7.
15 is scanned linearly (raster scan) to form a latent image corresponding to the original image.

In addition, 717 is a primary charger, 718 is a full exposure lamp,
723 is a cleaner section that collects residual toner that has not been transferred, and 724 is a pre-transfer charger. 726 is a developing unit that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 715.

Developing sleeves 731Y, 731M, 731C, and 7318 each contact the photosensitive drum 715 to directly perform development. 730Y, 730M, 730G, and 7308 are toner hoppers that hold spare toner, and 732 is a screw conveyor that transports developer material. Each of these members is arranged around the rotation axis P of the developing unit 726. For example, when forming a yellow toner image, yellow toner development is performed using the device shown in the figure, and when forming a magenta toner image, the developing unit 726 is rotated around the rotation axis P in the figure. A developing sleeve 713M in the magenta developing device is placed in contact with the photoreceptor 715.
be arranged.

The same operation applies to cyan and black development. Further, 716 is a transfer drum that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 715 onto paper, and 719 is an actuator plate for detecting the moving position of the transfer drum 716.
720 is a position sensor that detects when the transfer drum 716 has moved to the home position by coming close to the actuator plate 719; 725 is a transfer drum cleaner; 727 is a paper press roller; 728 is a static eliminator; 729
is a transfer charger.

Further, 735 and 736 are paper feed cassettes that store paper (paper sheets) 791. 737.738 is cassette 73
This is a paper feed roller that feeds paper from 5.736. 73
9.740.741 are timing rollers for paper feeding and conveyance, and the paper conveyed via these is passed through the paper guide 7.
49 and wrap around the transfer drum 716, and proceed to the image forming process. Further, 550 is a rotary motor that rotates the photosensitive drum 715 and the transfer drum 716 synchronously. 750
742 is a conveyor belt that conveys the removed paper; 743 is an image fixing unit that fixes the paper conveyed by the conveyor belt 742; It has a pair of heat-pressure Karo-Ruffs 44,745.

Image Layout Processing Procedure> FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the image layout processing procedure of the embodiment. When the image layout device is powered on, it enters this process. In step S1, the image memory etc. are initialized, and in step S2, a program for generating a guide screen is read from the ROM 19 and executed.
A menu screen for determining the album size, etc. is displayed on the CRT 24, and the system waits for the user to input instructions.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen.

The user selects the album size and vertical or horizontal format using the cursor keys (not shown) on the keyboard 16 or the digitizer 17 by viewing the guide screen. Also, if the desired size is not available on the guide screen, select the "Other" block display and set the vertical and horizontal sizes to mm.
The unit is input using numerical keys (not shown) on the keyboard 16.

Returning to FIG. 9, in step S3, a message indicating that the image input mode has been entered is displayed on the CRT 24, and the system waits for input of image data from the color scanner 15. In step S4, multiple original images are read at once by the color scanner 15 and stored in the image memory 21. In step S5, the read image data is displayed on the color TV monitor 22. The user can check the image reading status by looking at the screen of this color TV monitor 22. In step S6, a message asking whether it is necessary to reread the image data is displayed on the CRT 24, and the user's selection is awaited. If re-input is required, the image memory 21 is cleared in step S7, and then the process returns to step S4. If re-input is not necessary, the process advances to step S8 and the document image is detected.

For example, if the input image is as shown in FIG. be discovered. Next, by tracing the boundary between the document image B and the margin by examining, for example, eight pixels around this point b1, the entire image of the document image B can be detected. In step S9, the tilt of the original image B is detected. When the coordinates of vertices b1 and b2 are (x+3/l) and (X2, y2), respectively, the inclination angle θ is determined by X 2 X 1 .

In step S10, the inclination of the original image B is corrected so that it becomes horizontal. For example, the coordinate values of each pixel of image B are rotated and moved around the position of point b1. As a countermeasure against missing pixels caused by this rotational movement, linear interpolation is performed, for example. The R, G, and B data of the input image are stored in image memories #1 to #3, respectively, and the images whose tilts have been corrected are stored in image memories #5 to #7, respectively.

In step Sll, the image data of the image B whose tilt has been corrected is stored in the hard disk 25 along with the coordinates of its upper left vertex b1 and the coordinates of its lower right vertex b3.

In step SL2, the document image B detected in step S8 is
is deleted from the image memory 21.

That is, the corresponding areas in the image memory #1 to #3 are cleared to zero. In step S13, it is determined whether all document images have been detected, and if there are still undetected images, the process returns to step $8.

As a result of erasing original image B from FIG. 8(A), original image A is detected next. When all the original images have been detected in this way, the necessary tilt corrections have been completed, and they have been registered on the hard disk 25, the flow advances to step S14.
A message is displayed on the CRT 24 informing that the layout pattern creation mode has been entered, a work screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the color TV monitor 22, and a layout pattern is created using this screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a work screen for creating a layout pattern. Reference numeral 90 indicates the screen of the color TV monitor 22, and reference numeral 91 indicates a work area corresponding to one page of an album. 92 is a menu column for selecting various prepared functions. A graphic cursor 93 is displayed on the screen, and the graphic cursor 9 moves in proportion to the distance moved by the operator's touch on the digitizer 17.
3 also moves on the screen. First, select the "Plot" item 94 in the menu field 92 (move the graphic cursor 93 and press the digitizer button), and the work area 91
You will be in a mode where you can draw a rectangle on top. Next, when the graphic cursor 93 is moved to the work area 91 and a button on the digitizer 17 is pressed to move the graphic cursor 93, the position 100 where the button on the digitizer was pressed and the current graphic cursor 93 are position 1
Display a rectangle with 01 as two diagonal points.

When the size and shape of the rectangle are determined, pressing the button on the digitizer 17 fixes the rectangle. Also menu column 92
If you select the "Enlarge/Reduce" item 95, any rectangle in the work area 91 can be enlarged or reduced. If you specify one point within the symmetrical rectangle, you can enlarge or reduce it using the upper left vertex as the reference point. Furthermore, by selecting the "parallel movement" item 96 from the menu field 92, it becomes possible to move any rectangle in parallel. Furthermore, when the "rotational movement" item 97 is selected, by specifying one point within the target rectangle, the rectangle can be freely rotated around the upper left point of the rectangle. Note that in the process of creating a layout pattern using these functions, rectangles may overlap or may overlap intentionally. At this time, the order in which any layout pattern is to be displayed preferentially is set in the "Priority" item 98. Also, “Background” section 10
If you select 2, the screen work area 9 will open as shown by the broken line in the figure.
A rectangle 103 (actually a solid line) is displayed near 1, and the color of the "background" part in the menu trj 192 is inverted. At this time, priority level "0" is set for the image to be the background. Also, if you want to cancel the background mode, click menu field 9 again.
This can be canceled by specifying the "background" in step 2. Furthermore, when the number of rectangular plots as a layout pattern reaches the number of input document images, the "plot" item 94 ceases to function.

FIG. 8(B) is a diagram showing an example of a layout pattern created in this manner. It can be seen that layout patterns A, C, D, and E overlap on large layout pattern B (background), and layout pattern F overlaps on layout pattern E.

Returning to FIG. 7, when the rENDJ item 99 in the menu field 92 is selected, the layout pattern creation mode is ended.

Returning to FIG. 9, in step S15, the coordinates of the upper left point of each rectangle, the vertical and horizontal distances, the angle of inclination of the rectangle, and the priority information are written to the hard disk 25. Step S1
At step 6, pattern information is read out of the layout pattern information stored in the hard disk 25 in descending order of priority.

For example, if a background exists in the layout pattern, the background has the lowest priority "O", so the background layout information is read out first. In step S17, the original image stored in the hard disk 25 in step Sll is read out. Read data. In step S18, the ratio of the vertical and horizontal distances of the document image and the layout pattern is calculated, and the document image is enlarged or reduced by selecting a magnification that does not cause the document image to protrude from the layout pattern. Rotate the doubled image according to the rotation angle of the layout pattern information. Step S19
Then, the image edited in this way is written in the position indicated by the layout pattern information on the image memory 21. In step S20, it is checked whether all original images have been edited and written into the image memory 21. In this way, until the layout of one page of the album is completed, step S16~
The process of S20 is repeated.

Incidentally, the image written into the image memory 21 is displayed on the color TV monitor 22 at the same time as the image is written into the image memory 21. Here, background images are written to image memories #5 to #7, other images are written to image memories #1 to #3,
The display priority is set in the order of (#1 to #3)>(#5 to #7) image memory. Further, if there is an overlapping portion as in images E and F in FIG. 8(B), the image data of the overlapping portion with lower priority is saved to the hard disk 25 with respect to the layout pattern. In addition, the display priority is basically set in the layout pattern creation unit 5 so that the priority increases gradually in the order in which rectangles are plotted (unless it is set using the display priority setting unit 14). .

When the partial image layout is completed in this way, in step S21, the user edits the screen using an interactive method based on the layout image displayed on the color TV monitor 22.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the screen editing processing procedure of the embodiment. The screen editing function is performed by the clipping section 4, character generation section 9, display priority changing section 8, and display moving section 27 shown in FIG. 1, and the functions can be realized by calling the corresponding programs as many times as necessary. For each of these functions, after the above image layout process is completed, an edit menu (not shown) using icons is displayed on the color TV monitor 22 together with the laid out image, and when any icon is selected by the digitizer 17 in step S50. The corresponding function works. "Cutout" is on the menu.

There are five options: "Character input", "Priority change", "Parallel movement/rotation movement", and "End".

When "Cutout" is selected in step S50, the color TV
Each sub-function for clipping and typical clipping shapes are displayed as icons (not shown) as submenus on the menu field on the monitor 22. In step S60, the digitizer 17 specifies an image to be cut out. Step S61
Now select the submenu and specify the cutout shape.

In this embodiment, basic shapes such as rectangles, parallelograms, rhombuses, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, circles, and ellipses are prepared, and continuous straight lines and free curves can be drawn. For example, when a rectangle is selected from the submenu, a graphic cursor (not shown) is displayed on the color TV monitor 22. The operator moves the graphic cursor over one vertex of the desired rectangular trimming area in proportion to the distance traveled by the touch on the digitizer 17, and presses a button (not shown) on the digitizer 17. Next, when the touch is moved on the digitizer 17, a rectangular frame is displayed on the screen of the color TV monitor 22. This display frame is a rectangle in which the previously designated point and the point currently touched and moved are diagonal to each other, and this rectangular frame changes each time the digitizer 17 is moved. Then, by pressing the button on the digitizer 17 at the desired size, the portion to be trimmed is determined.

In addition, the above-mentioned graphic cursor and frame color TV
Display on the monitor 22 is achieved by writing the graphic cursor etc. generated by the CPU 18 into the #4 image memory, and increasing the display priority of the #4 image memory over the image memories #1 to #3. There is. In step S62, the image is trimmed according to the specified shape. Specifically, each pixel data within the specified frame is left as is, and pixel data outside the frame is replaced with "0", and as a result, a trimmed image is displayed on the color TV monitor 22.

Further, when "character input" is selected in step S50, the control mode changes to input from the keyboard 16, and step S5
In step 6, an input character code string from the keyboard 16 is created. By inputting a return key (not shown) after inputting a desired character string, the CPU 8 creates a character pattern string from the character font data in the ROM 19 and stores it in the RAM 20.
write to. Next, the control mode changes to the input mode from the digitizer 17, and in step S57, from the submenu display (not shown), "vertical writing" or "horizontal writing" and r
When the character size, etc., such as character size and color, is selected, the digitizer 17 writes the character string input in step S56 into the #4 image memory, starting from the currently corresponding position. Note that as the touch of the digitizer 17 moves, the character string also moves. When the writing position of the character is determined, 8-bit (256 colors) pseudo color data is created using the data of the color selected in step S59, and is written to a predetermined position in the #8 image memory. In step S66, display priorities are set. The display priority order at this time is #4 (for cursor, work) >#8 (for text) >#1~
#3>#5 to #7 are set in this order.

If "parallel movement/rotation movement" is selected in step S50, the operator is asked to select an image to be moved (rotated) in step S67. Then, the outer frame of the specified image is displayed on the color TV monitor 22, and similarly to the graphic cursor, this outer frame also moves (rotates) in proportion to the moving distance (rotational distance) of the touch of the digitizer 17. When the position of the outer frame reaches the desired position (rotation position), step S68
By pressing a button (not shown) on the digitizer 17, the amount of movement (amount of rotation) is specified. In step S69, CP
U18 performs coordinate transformation on the designated image data and moves (rotates) it to the position of the outer frame. In this embodiment, when an image overlaps with another image during movement or rotation, the image with the lower priority of the overlapped portion is saved to the hard disk 25 and displayed. In addition, the images of the portions that are no longer displayed due to overlapping are read out from the hard disk 25 and restored.

Then, in step S64, the display position and rotation angle of the layout pattern information are changed and written to the hard disk 25.

Also, if there is a menu selection of "Priority change", step S
52, if the operator wants to change the display priority of two overlapping images like images E and F in FIG. 8(B) among the images displayed on the monitor 22, select the desired 2
The user is asked to specify one image using the digitizer 17. In step S53, among the specified images, the display priority is high.
In other words, the data of the overlapping part of the displayed images is saved to the hard disk 25, the image data with lower priority is read from the hard disk 25 (saved at the time of layout), and the image data of #1 to #3 are saved in the image memory. write to the area to be replaced.

Furthermore, in step S64, the priority order of the layout pattern information is changed and written to the hard disk 25.

Note that only the image memories #1 to #3 are accessed, and the background image and characters are not affected.

Furthermore, if "end" is selected in step S50, the above-described image editing can be completed and printing can be performed. Control is the 9th
Returning to step S22 in the figure, one page of the album is printed. That is, the CPU 18 first writes the background images of the image memories #5 to #7 into the areas without images (vacant areas) of the image memories #1 to #3, and then,
#8 Text image in image memory #l in set color
~Write to image memory #3.

Then, the contents of image memory #1 to #3 are stored on signal line 7.
00 to the color printer 23 and printed in the album size input in step S2. In this way, one page of the album is laid out, edited, and printed.

Note that, due to the nature of the present invention, there is no reason why the layout is limited to that shown in FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, the image input unit was a color scanner, but it may be any other image input device, such as a TV camera, as long as it can input multiple document images at once.
The printing section may also be a video printer or the like. Further, the image may be black and white, and the memory configuration may be any as long as it satisfies the scope of the claims. Furthermore, regarding character input, the font data of the characters can be stored in the ROM.
I had it inside, but vector data is also fine.

Further, in the embodiment, the input document image is treated as a rectangle, but it may have another shape, and equivalent processing can be performed by considering a circumscribed rectangle. Further, regarding the input, it is possible to input both the positive film of the transparent original and the reflective original at the same time. In this case, the lighting device shown in FIG. 4 is used. In this embodiment, a hard disk was used to save image data and layout position data, but any other device that can temporarily store data may be used, such as a floppy disk, optical disk device, etc.
Magnetic tape, etc. may also be used.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, after inputting images, layout patterns are created according to the number of input images, but this order may be reversed, and if the number of layout patterns and the number of input original images are the same, It is possible. Furthermore, if the number of input document images is large, the large number may be ignored, and if the number is small, the pattern with the highest priority among the layout patterns may be ignored.

According to this embodiment, there is no need to worry about the number of photo prints that can fit on one page of an album, etc., and trial and error operations can be omitted.
It has the effect of reducing the time and effort required to create album pages.

Furthermore, by making it possible to move the display position of any laid out image, cut it out, and add text, it has the effect of increasing the originality of the album that is created, and has the effect of enriching creativity.

In addition to conventional photo prints, you can also import general reflective originals and transparent originals such as film into the album.
The degree of freedom has expanded.

Furthermore, since full-color printing is possible, multiple copies can be made at a time, allowing more people to see them in a short period of time.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, - a plurality of images input at once can be freely rearranged and a visible image can be output, making image layout processing much easier.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of the image layout device of the embodiment, Fig. 2 is a block configuration diagram of the image layout device of the embodiment, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing details of the color scanner, and Fig. 4 is the illumination of the color scanner. Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the image memory 21 and its peripheral configuration; Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing the color laser beam printer used in the embodiment; Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a work screen for creating a layout pattern, Figure 8 (A) is a diagram showing the state of an input manuscript image, and Figure 8 (B) is an example of a created layout pattern. 9 is a flowchart of the image layout processing procedure of the embodiment, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the guide screen, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the screen editing processing procedure of the embodiment. In the figure, 1... image input section, 2... key input section, 3...
... Control calculation section, 4... Cutting section, 5... Layout pattern creation section, 6... Image transformation section, 7... Input image tilt correction section, 8... Display priority changing section ,9...
Character generation section, 10... Image output section, 11... Printing section, 12... Enlargement/reduction section, 13... Parallel movement/rotation movement section, 14... Display priority setting section, 15 ...Color scanner, 16...Keyboard, 17...Digitizer, 18...CPU, 19...ROM, 20...
・RAM. 21... Image memory, 22... Color TV monitor, 23... Color printer, 24... CRT, 2
5...Hard disk, 26...Layout section, 2
7...Display moving section. Patent applicant Canon Co., Ltd.

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) Image input means for inputting a plurality of independent images; correction means for correcting the tilt of the input image; layout information creation means for creating layout information about the output image; a setting means for setting an output priority for each piece of layout pattern information; an associating means for associating the layout pattern information according to the set priority with the input image information in a predetermined order; and each of the associated layouts. scaling means for scaling the image information with the tilt corrected according to the size of the pattern information; and laying out the scaled image at the position of each of the associated layout pattern information according to the set priority order. An image layout device comprising an image layout means. (2) display means for displaying image information; designation means for specifying and inputting an arbitrary shape and its position for any piece of image information based on the display output of the input image information; and the specified shape. 2. The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cutting means for cutting out the image information according to the image information and the position. (3) The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a character input means for inputting a character code, and a character development means for developing a character pattern of the input character code at a position specified by a cursor on a layout image. Image layout device. (4) The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image input means includes one or both of a means for reading a reflective original and a means for reading a transparent original. (5) The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising printing means for printing the layout image in full color. (6) The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image moving means for moving any one of the layout images parallelly or rotationally. (7) The image layout apparatus according to claim 1, wherein display of overlapping portions between laid out images is processed according to a predetermined priority.