JPH10293838A - Device and method for image editing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To lay an image out beautifully and easily in a page when the image inputted by an image input means, etc., is laid out in the page. SOLUTION: An initial layout part 113 of an automatic layout part 105 lays images inputted from the image input part 106 out in one page and a layout evaluation part 114 evaluates the layout result. Further, an arbitrary effect is specified among more than one effect previously registered from an operation instruction part 111 and based on the specified effect, the automatic layout part 105 automatically sets layout conditions of the image, which is laid out under the set layout conditions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image editing apparatus and method, such as an electronic album system, for laying out digital images such as photographs, figures, and characters in a desired format and outputting the digital images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, when editing the layout of an image on a computer, an operator first prepares a slot for inserting an image on a page displayed on a screen, and prepares a slot therein. Perform the work of pouring images. When editing the layout of a plurality of images, a mouse or a keyboard is skillfully operated to arrange a plurality of the slots and determine the position and size.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the operator operates the mouse and keyboard so that the images are lined up neatly on the page, and looks at the position and size of the slot. However, there is a problem that complicated operations and skilled techniques are required.

[0004] The present invention has been conceived in order to solve such problems of the above-mentioned conventional technology.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image editing apparatus and a method for laying out an image input by an image input unit or the like, in which an image can be beautifully and easily laid out in a page.

Further, in an image editing apparatus for laying out an image input by an image input means or the like, the image is laid out with good appearance without complicating the operation of the operator and without producing a monotonous layout result. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image editing apparatus capable of performing such operations.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, the present invention relates to an image editing apparatus for laying out an image input by an image inputting means, and a layout for laying out a plurality of images on one page. Means for evaluating a layout result by the layout means.

The present invention also relates to an image editing apparatus for laying out an image input by an image input means, wherein the effect editing means specifies an arbitrary effect from at least one or more effects registered in advance. A condition setting means for automatically setting a layout condition of the image based on an effect specified by the effect specifying means; and a layout means for laying out the image based on the layout condition set by the condition setting means. It is characterized by the following.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As the present embodiment, an apparatus for automatically creating an album using images read from a film will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image layout apparatus according to the first embodiment. Reference numeral 101 denotes an image number selection unit, and an operation instruction input unit 111 determines the number of images to be laid out in one page. Is instructed using an instruction device such as a keyboard or a mouse connected to the.

Reference numeral 102 denotes an image selection unit, which inputs an image for selecting an image to be laid out into the operation instruction input unit 11.
An instruction is given using an instruction device such as a keyboard or a mouse connected to 1. Reference numeral 103 denotes an image rotation instructing unit which rotates a 90-degree unit with respect to an arbitrary image from a plurality of images selected by the image selecting unit 102 such as a keyboard or a mouse connected to the operation instruction input unit 111. An instruction is given using an instruction device.

An image rotation unit 104 rotates an image according to an instruction from the image rotation instruction unit 103. Reference numeral 105 denotes an automatic layout unit, which automatically prints the images selected by the image selection unit 102 after rotation processing by the image rotation unit 104 on the page according to the number designated by the image number selection unit 101. Layout. The automatic layout unit 105 includes an initial layout unit 113, a layout evaluation unit 114, a layout adjustment unit 115, and the like. An image input unit 106 receives an image from an image input device such as a film scanner or a flatbed type scanner.

A control unit 107 controls the overall control including the control of all the components of the embodiment, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. 108 is a printing unit,
The layout result is printed and output on printing paper or photographic film. The printing unit 108 has a function of printing characters and images using a set of points such as a black and white or color inkjet printer, laser printer, or film writer. A storage unit 109 uses a storage device such as a memory for storing data necessary for various processes. Reference numeral 110 denotes an image storage unit for storing the image input by the image input unit 106, and various storage devices such as a hard disk, an MO, a ZIP, and a PD can be used.

Reference numeral 111 denotes an operation instruction input unit for inputting characters and numbers using a keyboard, and for selecting commands and images using a pointing device such as a mouse. Reference numeral 112 denotes a display unit which displays layout assumptions and results on a monitor screen such as a CRT and displays and outputs the information in a real-time recognizable manner.

Reference numeral 116 denotes a ROM, and the control unit 10
6 and a control program for the automatic layout unit 105 and the like.

Next, a flow of control in the image layout apparatus of the present embodiment having the above configuration based on the control program stored in the RAM 116 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S201, a template is selected. The template corresponds to the mount of the album. The template is entirely colored and has a background with pictures and patterns. A plurality of templates are prepared in advance, and the operator prepares the prepared templates (sample templates).
Select the desired template inside.

FIG. 3 shows the display unit 112 and the operation instruction input unit 1.
11 shows a screen for selecting a template using No. 11. The operator selects an arbitrary template from a plurality of sample templates 301 shown on the right side of the screen shown in FIG. In the initial setting, the predetermined template is 1
Are selected.

When the template is selected in this way, the number of images to be displayed on one page is selected in step S202. The operator can use Frame / Page shown in FIG.
One of buttons 3, 4, and 5 of button 302 is selected.
In the initial setting, three are selected in advance.

Subsequently, in step S203, an image to be used for layout is selected. However, before proceeding to this step, image input is completed in advance by the image input unit 106 shown in FIG.
0 is stored.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen for selecting an image. In FIG. 4, a window 401 on the right side is called an image list window, and a list of images input in advance to the image storage unit 110 is displayed as images. The window 402 shown on the left is called an image selection window, and displays an image to be laid out from the image list window.

One line of the image selection window corresponds to one page. That is, although five images are arranged in one line of the image selection window in FIG. 4, one page of the template (album) contains five images arranged in one line of the image selection window from the left. Used in order for automatic layout. Similarly, the second row corresponds to the second page. In FIG. 4, since the third line has only two images, only the two images are automatically laid out on the third page.

The operator selects an arbitrary image from the image list window on the right side using a mouse, and drags and drops the image onto the image selection window on the left side (grasping the image and releasing it at a desired place). You can put images in any order on the page.

Next, in step S204, the order of the images arranged in the automatic layout processing described later is exchanged. The operator can move the image to an arbitrary position by performing a drag and drop operation on the image to be moved using the mouse in the image selection window of FIG.

With the above processing, the images to be stored in each page of the template and their order are determined, and in the next step S205, an instruction to rotate the image is input. FIG.
In the images arranged in the image selection window 402, the image photographed in the vertical position and the image photographed in the horizontal position are mixed, so that the image whose orientation is incorrect is 90 degrees in either the left or right direction. Must rotate. As shown in the lower center of FIG. 4, the display unit 112 includes a button 40 for rotating right 90 degrees in accordance with the display control of the control unit 107.
3 and a button 404 for rotating 90 degrees to the left are displayed, and the operator performs a rotation process by clicking an image to be rotated from the images displayed in the image selection window using a mouse. The image to be displayed is selected, and then the displayed image is rotated by selecting the left or right rotation button with the mouse. The result is immediately displayed in the image selection window.

Subsequently, in step S206 of FIG.
The automatic layout unit 105 performs an automatic layout process. Automatic layout is performed on the image displayed in the image selection window 402 in FIG. Step S20
As described in 3, the images arranged on one line of the image selection window are automatically laid out on one page.

Then, in step S207, the layout result is displayed on the display unit 112. FIG. 5 shows an example of displaying the result of the automatic layout. At the bottom of the screen,
Page turn button (NE
XT button) 501 for displaying and confirming an arbitrary page.

With the above, the automatic layout of images in the present embodiment is completed.

The above-described automatic layout processing step S2
Details of step 06 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the automatic layout process, first, in step S501, an initial layout is performed by the initial layout unit 113. A rough arrangement order on a page is prepared in advance, and a rough layout is performed according to the arrangement. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that five images are selected to be laid out on one page. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an arrangement order when five images are laid out on one page. In the initial layout, the images are equally allocated in the order shown in FIG. Images have a plurality of aspect ratios, and some have a vertical position and a horizontal position. Therefore, in this initial layout stage, some images do not overlap as shown in FIG. 7 (b), and others have a large overlap as shown in FIG. 7 (c).

When an image is input from a film, the image has three different aspect ratios: classic, high-definition, and panorama. In the embodiment of the present invention, an optimal image size is determined in advance for each aspect ratio and the number of images laid out per page.

Table 1 shows the relationship between the image aspect ratio and the number of images per page in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]

[Table 1]

Step S50 to cope with the above
At 2, the counter N is set to zero and initialization is performed. The counter N is used to count how many times the adjustment of the overlap amount of images has been performed.

Next, in step S503, the layout adjustment unit 115 performs fine adjustment of the layout. That is, each image is moved and the layout evaluation unit 11
Fine adjustment is performed so that the overlapping area of each image evaluated by 4 becomes small. Fine adjustment is performed as follows.
In the initial layout process, first, as shown in FIG.
The images 2 to 5 are fixed, and the first image is slightly moved in the X and Y directions. This movement amount corresponds to, for example, 1 mm on the print output. Then, when the overlap amount between the moved image and the adjacent image becomes an appropriate value according to the size, direction, number, and the like of the images, the fine adjustment for the first image is completed. On the other hand, when the overlapping amount is not appropriate, the movement of the minute amount with respect to the first image is repeatedly performed until the overlapping amount becomes an appropriate value. If the overlap amount further deviates from the proper value due to the movement, the movement direction of the minute amount is changed.

After the fine adjustment for the first image is completed, the images 1 and 3 to 5 are fixed, and the fine adjustment for the second image is similarly performed. Fine adjustment is similarly performed on the third, fourth, and fifth images. Subsequently, in step S504, it is determined whether the counter N has reached a specified number T. In the embodiment of the present invention, the specified number of times T is determined in advance, for example, T is set to 500 times. If it is T times or less, the process proceeds to step S505, and the amount of overlap is evaluated. When the number of times has reached T, the process for this page is completed, the layout of the page is determined, and the process proceeds to step S507.

If it is determined in step S504 that the number of times is equal to or less than T, the flow advances to step S505 to evaluate the overlapping area of each image in the page. Each overlapping area is determined, and it is determined whether they are larger or smaller than a certain value, and the overlapping area is evaluated. If the overlapping area amount is larger than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S506, and the counter N is incremented. After adding 1 to the counter N, the process proceeds to step S503.

On the other hand, if the evaluation in step S505 is smaller than the predetermined value, the fine adjustment processing of the layout of this page is completed, the layout of the page is determined, and the flow advances to step S507. When the layout is determined, parameters such as the coordinate location and size of each image in the page are temporarily stored in the storage unit 109, and are read out during subsequent display and printing.

In step S507, it is determined whether or not the automatic layout processing for all pages has been completed. If there is a page that has not been subjected to the automatic layout processing, the process proceeds to step S501, and the automatic layout processing is performed for the next unprocessed page.

As described above, the same layout processing is continuously performed on all pages. When the processing on all pages is completed in step S507, the automatic layout is completed.

Thereafter, for example, by printing out each page for which the layout has been completed from the printing unit 108, an image output automatically laid out by a simple operation can be obtained.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, a desired template is selected, an image to be inserted into the template is simply selected from the read image, and the direction of the image is designated, so that it is automatically performed. Since the automatic layout for all pages is completed and the result of the automatic layout can be confirmed on the display screen of the display device 112, the automatic layout can be easily performed without special skill. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first embodiment, an image to be laid out is selected in step S203. However, in some cases, it is conceivable to lay out all input images in the order of input. In such a case, the image selection unit 102 of FIG. 1 and steps S203 and S204 of FIG. 2 are not required. Therefore, FIG.
In the flowchart of step S203, steps S203 and S204 are omitted.

In this case, in the automatic layout in step S206, the input images are sorted in the order of input in step S2.
The layout is automatically laid out for each page by the number designated by 02.

By performing such control, layout can be automatically performed for all of the images by simpler operation than in the first embodiment, and the display output of all the images can be obtained. For example, by printing this out from the printing unit 108, it becomes possible to output an albumed photograph. "Third Embodiment" Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the above-described first embodiment, the number of images to be laid out per page is specified in step S202. However, in some cases, it may be desirable to change the number of images to be laid out for each page. In such a case, the image number selection unit 101 in FIG. 1 and step S202 in FIG. 2 are not required. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG.
Is omitted.

In this case, in the image selection in step S203, an arbitrary number of images can be allocated to one page in the image selection window shown in FIG. Also,
In step S206 of FIG. 2, the image size is automatically enlarged or reduced according to the number of images arranged on one page.

By performing such control, a layout that is more tailored to the operator can be achieved with simpler operations than in the first embodiment, and a display output of all images can be obtained. By printing this out from the printing unit 108, it is possible to output an albumed photograph. Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the above-described first embodiment, the image is rotated in step S205 to adjust the orientation of the image. However, in some cases, there is no need to rotate the images if all images are input in the correct orientation. In such a case, the image rotation instructing unit 103 and the image rotating unit 104 in FIG. 1 and step S205 in the flowchart in FIG. 2 are omitted.

As a result, it is possible to lay out a desired image with a simpler operation than in the first embodiment. For example, by printing this out from the printing unit 108, it is possible to output an albumed photograph. And so on. Fifth Embodiment In the above-described embodiment, input data from a film is used for an input image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and digital cameras, digital VRTs, flatbed scanners, and the like can be used as input devices. , MO, ZIP, PD, floppy disk, laser disk, DVD, network, and any other image input device can be connected. The printing unit 108 in FIG.
BJ printer, LBP printer, color laser copier,
Any image output device such as a film recorder and a video printer can be connected. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a keyboard and a mouse are used for the operation instruction input unit 111 in FIG. 1, but other pointing devices such as a trackball and a touch panel may be used instead of the mouse.

As described above, according to the embodiment,
This has the effect of automatically and easily laying out beautiful images as if laid out by a professional designer.

That is, a beautiful layout result can be obtained by an easy operation by evaluating the overlapping amount of each image in the layout result obtained by the initial layout. "Sixth Embodiment" In the above-described embodiment,
Although the example in which the automatic layout processing in step S206 of FIG. 2 is processed as shown in FIG. 6 has been described, it is more preferable to perform the processing as shown in FIG.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, the overlap amount of each image is used as a layout evaluation parameter. However, in the present embodiment, the layout is comprehensively adjusted by using various parameters related to other layout positions. By performing the evaluation, further optimization is achieved.

In step S801 of FIG.
An initial layout is performed by the initial layout unit 113. In the world of design, when laying out an image, there is a layout pattern for achieving a preferable layout in terms of layout. This has a plurality of layout patterns based on design rules of thumb. FIG. 9 shows a layout pattern used in the present embodiment. Reference numerals 901 to 903 denote patterns for laying out three images on one page. 904 to 905 are images 4 to
This is a pattern when five sheets are laid out on one page. In the initial setting, if there are three images, 901 is
In the case of four or five images, the pattern 904 is automatically selected.

Here, when the operator clicks the auto layout button 502 in FIG. 5 described above, the above layout patterns can be sequentially selected, and the selected layout pattern is used as an initial layout. In the case of three images, a layout pattern is set in the order of 901, 902, 903, 901,... Each time the button is clicked. When there are four or five images, layout patterns are set in the order of 904, 905, 904,...

In this embodiment, it is assumed that five images are laid out on one page. In the initial layout, the center of the image is evenly allocated using the pattern 904. Images have a plurality of aspect ratios, and some have a vertical position and a horizontal position. Therefore,
In this initial layout stage, some images do not overlap each other or some images greatly overlap.

Next, in step S802, the counter N is set to zero and initialization is performed. This counter N
Is for counting how many times the position adjustment of the image has been performed.

Next, in step S803, the layout evaluation unit 114 obtains individual costs of the layout result. The cost means an evaluation place of the result of evaluating the layout result from various aspects. The items to be evaluated include, for example, the following items.

(1) Image overlap amount (2) Image separation amount (3) Image deviation amount deviation (4) Image position deviation amount Here, evaluation of image overlap amount is defined as image to image Means to evaluate the area where. The better the layout, the smaller the overlapping area of the images in the entire layout screen. The overlapping area of each image is obtained, and a value obtained by dividing the overlapping area by the total area of the original image is set as the cost.

The evaluation of the amount of image separation means evaluating whether the edges of the images are operating in a straight line. A better layout is obtained when the edges are arranged in a straight line. The interval between the edges of the image is obtained separately in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the obtained interval is divided by a fixed value to obtain the cost.

The evaluation of the deviation of the distance between the images means that the deviation of the distance between the edges of the image when the images do not overlap with each other is evaluated. In the entire layout screen, it is better that the intervals are uniform in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. The interval between the edges of the images is obtained for each of the horizontal and vertical directions, the deviation from the average value is calculated, and that is used as the cost.

The evaluation of the bias of the position of the image means that the image is regarded as an object having mass, the moment is calculated from the horizontal center axis and the vertical center axis of the page, and the balance is evaluated. .

An explanation will be given based on FIG.

For example, it is assumed that there are n images above and below the horizontal center axis. The area of image i is A
i, the distance from the horizontal center axis to the center of the image is di,
The total moment Mt above the horizontal center axis is as follows: Mt = ΣAidi (i = 0 to n−1) (a) The total moment Mb below the horizontal center axis can be expressed as: Mb = ΣAidi (i = 0 to n−1) (b). The cost Ch for the horizontal center axis is as follows: Ch = | Mt−Mb | (c) Since the cost Cv for the vertical center axis is obtained in the same manner, the description is omitted.

When laying out n images, the center coordinates of the n images are represented by (x0, y0),... (Xn−1, yn).
−1), the evaluation functions of the amount of overlap of images, the amount of deviation between images and the deviation thereof, and the amount of deviation of the image position are f1 = a * F_overlap (x0, y0, x1, y1 ... xn- 1, yn-1) ... (1) f2 = b * F_edge (x0, y0, x1, y1 ... xn-1, yn-1) ... (2) f3 = c * F_distribute (x0, y0, x1, y1 ... xn-1, yn-1) (3) f4 = d * F_moment (x0, y0, x1, y1 ... xn-1, yn-1) (4) Here, “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d” are weighting coefficients for the respective evaluation functions, and are coefficients determined in advance by experiments.

The sum of a, b, c, and d is normalized so that a + b + c + d + e = 1.0 (5). Also, the value of each function is normalized so that 0 <= F_overlap (), F_edge (), F_distribute (), F_MOMENT () ≦ 1.0 (6).

Here, the individual evaluation costs f1, f2,.
A smaller value means better layout results.

Next, in step S804, a comprehensive evaluation value, that is, a total cost is obtained. In the case of the present embodiment, the total cost Cost is as follows: Cost = f1 + f2 + f3 + f4 (7) Assuming that there are m evaluation functions, Cost = Σfi (i = 1 to m) (8). Here, the individual evaluation costs f1, f2,.
Smaller values are better layout results. Therefore, a smaller value of the total cost Cost means a better layout.

Next, in step S805, it is determined whether or not the operation of the counter N has reached the specified number T. The prescribed number of times T is determined in advance. In the present embodiment, T is 50
It is set to 0 times. If not more than T times, step S8
Proceed to 06 to evaluate the cost. Then, when the number of times has reached T, the processing is terminated, and the state is determined as an optimal layout.

Next, in step S806, evaluation is made by determining whether Cost obtained in step S804 is larger or smaller than an evaluation reference value C as a predetermined target value. If it is smaller than the predetermined value, the process is terminated because the layout is optimal. If it is larger than the certain value, the process proceeds to step S807.

In step S807, the counter N is incremented. 1 is added to the counter N, and the process proceeds to step S508.

In step S808, the layout adjustment unit 115 adjusts the layout position. Move each image by a small amount. The moving direction is determined by the amount of change in Cost obtained in step S803. That is, when the cost is lower than the previous time, the position is adjusted by continuously moving in the same direction. On the other hand, if the cost is higher than the previous time, it moves in the reverse direction or the right angle direction. Upon completion of the position adjustment, the process returns to S803.

The same processing is continuously performed on all pages, the automatic layout is completed, and the process proceeds to S207.

The upper limit value N of the number of adjustments and the target value C of the total cost can be set by the user through the operation instruction input unit 111.

After the evaluation by the layout evaluation unit 114, the adjustment is not necessarily performed by the layout adjustment unit 115. For example, the evaluation value is displayed on the display unit 112. This allows the user to manually adjust the image layout as desired.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the overlap amount of each image, the image separation amount, the deviation thereof, the moment, and the like are used as the evaluation parameters of the image layout. By adjusting and evaluating the above, a more beautiful layout result can be obtained. [Seventh Embodiment] In the automatic layout processing in the first to sixth embodiments described above, some methods for further laying out an appearance by reflecting user's preference will be described. For example, it is better to reduce the size of an image to be arranged when an overlap method between images is allowed, or as another example, when there is a background image, compared to when there is no background image. In the present embodiment, an image is laid out with good appearance without complicating the work of the operator and without producing a monotonous layout result.

FIG. 11 shows an overall configuration diagram in the present embodiment.

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1106 denotes an image scanner, from which an original image is input. 1108
Is a hard disk as an external storage device, and temporarily stores an original image input by the image scanner 1106. Reference numeral 1101 denotes a system controller which performs sequence control and operation for editing a layout of an original image on a virtual sheet, and 1103 denotes an RA.
M is used for a work area of the system controller 1101 and the like. A ROM 1102 stores a control program of the system controller 1101, a predetermined template, various parameters, and the like. Also,
Reference numeral 1104 denotes a keyboard, and 1109 denotes a mouse. These are used as means for an operator to input instructions regarding the layout of an image or the like. A CRT 1105 displays an image, a template, a sheet image as an editing result, and the like. A printer 1107 outputs a completed sheet image.

Note that the above configuration can be realized not only by dedicated hardware but also a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

Next, FIG. 12 shows an example of a layout pattern in which each effect is designated using, for example, one image in each of the vertical and horizontal directions in one sheet. In FIG.
Is a layout pattern when no effect is specified. Reference numeral 1202 denotes a layout pattern when an effect with image overlap is designated; 1203, a layout pattern when an effect with drop shadow is designated; 1204, a layout pattern when an effect with background image is designated. Hereinafter, these layout patterns 1201 to 1204 are called layout patterns 1 to 4, respectively, and will be described in detail below.

FIG. 13 is a detailed diagram for explaining a printable area of a print sheet and a layoutable area of an image. In FIG. 13, reference numeral 1301 denotes the outer shape of the paper,
Reference numeral 302 denotes a printable area of the printer, and 1303 denotes an image layable area. The printable area 1302
Coordinates of the diagonal points of P1 and P2 and the layout possible area 13
The coordinates of the 03 diagonal point are L1 and L2.

FIG. 14 shows the case where no effect is specified, that is, the layout pattern 1, and 1401 and 140 in FIG.
2 indicates a standard layout size Rtp. The layout conditions such as the layout size and the layout position are set to predetermined values in advance so as to be arranged on the sheet in a well-balanced manner, and are stored in the ROM 1102.

FIG. 15 shows a case where an effect with image overlap is designated, that is, layout pattern 2 and 1 in FIG.
Reference numerals 501 and 1502 denote layout sizes Rov. Reference numerals 1401 and 1402 denote the standard layout size Rtp described with reference to FIG. 14 and are shown for comparison. As described above, the layout size Rov is larger than the standard layout size Rty, and the images are arranged so that the images partially overlap. Here, the ratio to the standard layout size Rtp, that is, Rov /
Rtp is stored in the ROM 1102 in advance. In the present embodiment, this ratio is set to, for example, 1.2.

FIG. 16 shows the case where the effect with drop shadow is designated, that is, layout pattern 3.
Reference numerals 1601 and 1602 indicate layout sizes Rds, and reference numerals 1603 and 1604 indicate drop shadows. In this manner, the layout size Rds is made one size smaller than the standard layout size Rtp, and the shadow image is pasted on the surplus area, that is, the area of the difference between Rtp and Rds, and the shadow is illuminated by the light source from a predetermined direction and the shadow becomes the background. As a result, the image is projected, and an effect is produced as if the image were floating above the background by a predetermined height.
Here, the ratio of Rds to the standard size, that is, Rds / Rtp
Are stored in the ROM 1102 in advance. In the present embodiment, this ratio is set to, for example, 0.95.

In the above-described layout patterns 1 to 4, the layout position is set so that the images are aligned along the outer shape of the layout area 1303. FIG. 4, 1701 and 1702 in FIG. 17 indicate the layout size Rbk, and 1703 indicates the background image. Here, the background image 1703 is set in advance and stored in the hard disk 1102. The ratio of Rbk to the standard layout size Rtp, that is, Rbk / Rtp is also stored in the ROM 1102 in advance. In the present embodiment, this ratio is set to, for example, 0.80.

As described above, when there is a background, the middle of the layout area 1303 in the horizontal direction and the image 170
By setting the layout position so that the centers of the image widths of 1, 1702 coincide with each other, the background image can be harmonized without being offset in the sheet.

Next, an operation flowchart when the system controller 1101 according to the present embodiment operates based on the control program stored in the ROM 1102 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, when the present system is started, an original image is read by the image scanner 1106 in step S1801. The read original image is the RAM 1103
And a hard disk 1108 connected to the system controller 1101.

In step S1802, the input original image is displayed on CRT 1105.

In step S1803, the operator sets the CR
The user checks the original image displayed on T1105, and designates the image direction, that is, either vertical or horizontal. As a specification method, any of a method of specifying each original image with keys assigned exclusively to the vertical and horizontal designations on the keyboard 1104 and a method of graphically specifying with a pointing device such as the mouse 1109 may be used. Here, the operator specifies the various effects described above.

Next, in steps S1804 to 1806, the contents of effect designation by the operator are determined, and in steps S1807 to 1810, layout conditions for executing each effect, that is, layout size and layout position are set. If it is determined in step S1804 that there is overlap, the layout size is set to Rov = RTp × 1.2 in step S1807. If it is determined in step S105 that there is a drop shadow, the layout size is set to Rsh = Rtp × 0.95 in step S1808.
If it is determined in step S1806 that there is a background, the layout size is set to RSh = Rtp × 0.80 in step S1809, and step S181 is performed.
At 0, the layout position is designated for centering.
That is, the center of the horizontal layout area 1303 of the image is matched. If no affirmative determination is made in any of steps S1804 to 1806, the layout size is set to a standard value, that is, R in step S1811.
Set to tp.

The parameters such as the layout position and size set in this way are temporarily stored in the RAM 1103,
It is read at the time of subsequent display or printing.

Next, in step S1812, a layout pattern is displayed on the CRT 1805 based on the layout conditions set in the above steps.

Next, in step S1813, the image is laid out according to the layout pattern set as described above, and in step S1814, the CRT is displayed.
1105. However, at this time, step S18
03, according to the vertical and horizontal information of the image input.

Next, in step S1815, the operator looks at the layout displayed on the CRT 1105,
Enter an instruction to confirm or not. If it is not confirmed, the process returns to step S1804, where the instruction is re-input and the layout is redone.

When the confirmation is instructed in step S1815, in step S1816 the RAM 1103
Transmits the layout parameters to the printer 1807, prints the layout image on the print paper, and ends the processing.

If the layout is not determined in step S1815, the keyboard 1104 and the mouse 11
09 or the like so that the layout can be manually adjusted. "Eighth Embodiment" In the above embodiment, the method of sequentially designating the modification effects has been described. However, a template in which a plurality of layout parameters are set in advance,
That is, a configuration is shown in which a plurality of templates are prepared, and a desired one of these templates is selected to execute all effect designations at once.

FIG. 19 is a table showing the contents of the parameters set in each template. These templates 1
4 to 4 correspond to the above-described layout patterns 1 to 4, respectively.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the operation.

Steps S201 to S203 are the same as steps S1801 to 1803 in the seventh embodiment.

In step S2004, the operator selects and instructs a desired template. Step S20
In steps 05 to S2009, layout conditions, that is, layout size and layout position are set according to the table in FIG.

The processing steps after step S210 are the same as those after step S1812 in the seventh embodiment.

As described above, a template in which a plurality of parameters are set in advance is prepared, and by selecting a desired one, the labor of the operator can be further simplified.

As described above, according to the embodiment,
An image editing apparatus for laying out an image input by an image input means, wherein the effect designating means designates an arbitrary effect from at least one or more effects registered in advance, and an effect designating means designated by the effect designating means. Condition setting means for automatically setting the layout conditions of the image based on the effect, and laying out the image based on the layout conditions set by the condition setting means, without complicating the work of the operator. In addition, it is possible to lay out the image with good appearance without producing a monotonous layout result.

The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and can be applied to a single device (for example, a copier, a facsimile). Device).

An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (CPU or MP) of the system or apparatus.
It goes without saying that U) can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

[0110]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In an image editing apparatus that lays out an image input by an image input unit or the like, it is possible to provide an image editing apparatus and method capable of laying out an image neatly and easily in a page. Further, in an image editing apparatus that lays out an image input by an image input unit or the like, an image can be laid out with good appearance without complicating the operation of an operator and without producing a monotonous layout result. A simple image editing device can be provided.

[0111]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image layout device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of functions of the image layout apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for selecting a template and selecting the number of images per page according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for selecting an image used for a layout according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying a layout result according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the automatic layout processing shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a rough arrangement used in an initial layout used in the automatic layout processing according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of an automatic layout process according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an initial layout pattern.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a moment of an image.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a layout pattern.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating details of print paper.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a layout pattern 1;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a layout pattern 2;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a layout pattern 3;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a layout pattern 4;

FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart of the present system.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a template according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart in the eighth embodiment.

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An image editing apparatus for laying out an image input by image input means, a layout means for laying out a plurality of images in one page, an evaluation means for evaluating a layout result by the layout means, An image editing apparatus comprising: 2. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting a layout result of the image according to an evaluation result by said evaluating means. 3. The image editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates the layout result based on a layout position of each image in the layout result. 4. The image editing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said evaluation means evaluates the layout result based on an amount of overlapping of the images in the layout result. 5. The image editing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates the layout result based on a distance between images in the layout result. 6. The image editing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said evaluation means evaluates the layout result based on a deviation of a distance between images in the layout result. 7. The image editing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates a deviation amount of an image position in the layout result. 8. An image editing method for laying out an input image, comprising: a layout step of laying out a plurality of images in one page; and an evaluation step of evaluating a layout result of the layout step. Characteristic image editing method. 9. The image editing method according to claim 8, wherein the layout result is adjusted according to an evaluation result of the evaluation step. 10. The image editing method according to claim 8, wherein in the evaluation step, the layout result is evaluated based on a layout position of each image in the layout result. 11. The image editing method according to claim 10, wherein in the evaluation step, the layout result is evaluated based on an amount of overlap of the images in the layout result. 12. The image editing method according to claim 10, wherein, in the evaluation step, the layout result is evaluated based on a distance between images in the layout result. 13. The image editing method according to claim 10, wherein in the evaluation step, the layout result is evaluated based on a deviation of an amount of separation between images in the layout result. 14. The image editing method according to claim 10, wherein in the evaluation step, an amount of deviation of an image position in the layout result is evaluated. 15. A storage medium storing a program code for causing a computer to lay out an input image, a layout function for laying out a plurality of images on one page, and an evaluation for evaluating a layout result by the layout function. A storage medium characterized by causing a computer to realize a function. 16. The storage medium according to claim 15, wherein an adjustment function for adjusting the layout result in accordance with an evaluation result of said evaluation step is realized by a computer. 17. The storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the evaluation function evaluates the layout result based on a layout position of each image in the layout result. 18. The storage medium according to claim 17, wherein the evaluation function evaluates the layout result based on an amount of overlap of images in the layout result. 19. The storage medium according to claim 17, wherein the evaluation function evaluates the layout result based on a distance between images in the layout result. 20. The storage medium according to claim 17, wherein the evaluation function evaluates the layout result based on a deviation of an amount of separation between images in the layout result. 21. The storage medium according to claim 17, wherein said evaluation function evaluates a distance between image positions in said layout result.